

The Uncommon Career Podcast: Transformative Career Coaching & Job Search Strategies
Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
Navigate your career with The Uncommon Career Podcast.
Designed for professionals seeking strategic career moves, this podcast is your compass to success. If you’re a mid-level professional, you’ll have the guidance you need at every phase of your career transition.
Hosted by Patricia Ortega, a master’s educated Career Counselor and Transformational Coach, this podcast equips you with laser-focused strategies for your next move. Gain clarity on your career direction, craft a persuasive and influential brand, and harness a competitive edge that sets professionals apart.
Patricia’s proven expertise in navigating career crossroads ensures you’re armed with the tools you need to thrive, and expert guests bring practical expertise and insider information.
Topics include getting clarity on your career direction; crafting a career story; building career confidence; writing a targeted resume/LinkedIn profile and branding materials; interviewing; and handling negotiations – as well as career growth and advancement strategies.
Tune in to The Uncommon Career Podcast for an exclusive look and expert how-to’s of successful career transition and advancement.
More information at https://theuncommoncareer.com
Designed for professionals seeking strategic career moves, this podcast is your compass to success. If you’re a mid-level professional, you’ll have the guidance you need at every phase of your career transition.
Hosted by Patricia Ortega, a master’s educated Career Counselor and Transformational Coach, this podcast equips you with laser-focused strategies for your next move. Gain clarity on your career direction, craft a persuasive and influential brand, and harness a competitive edge that sets professionals apart.
Patricia’s proven expertise in navigating career crossroads ensures you’re armed with the tools you need to thrive, and expert guests bring practical expertise and insider information.
Topics include getting clarity on your career direction; crafting a career story; building career confidence; writing a targeted resume/LinkedIn profile and branding materials; interviewing; and handling negotiations – as well as career growth and advancement strategies.
Tune in to The Uncommon Career Podcast for an exclusive look and expert how-to’s of successful career transition and advancement.
More information at https://theuncommoncareer.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 5, 2025 • 22min
123. Top Networking Tips from Mac Prichard, Host of Find Your Dream Job Podcast
In this episode, founder and CEO of Mac's List, Mac Prichard, joins the show to discuss the importance of networking for career advancement. He emphasizes that job seekers should always maintain a strong professional network, even while employed, due to the likelihood of changing jobs several times throughout their careers.
Learn about the hidden job market, and how many positions are filled through referrals rather than job boards. Discover key strategies for effective networking, including joining professional associations, attending conferences, volunteering, and engaging on LinkedIn.
Timestamps
00:30 The Importance of Networking
02:03 Understanding the Hidden Job Market
03:25 Networking Strategies and Tips
09:48 The Power of Volunteering
13:21 Attending Conferences for Networking
15:20 Taking Charge of Your Career
About Mac Prichard
Mac is the Founder and CEO of Mac’s List, the Pacific Northwest’s go-to resource for job seekers who want meaningful, well-matched work. He’s dedicated to helping people find rewarding careers through practical advice, local job listings, and expert insights.
Connect with Mac
Mac's List
Connect with Mac on LinkedIn
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Episode Mentioned
FYDJ Podcast | Episode 439 | Why Do You Keep Taking the Wrong Job?

Jul 29, 2025 • 12min
122. Identity and Career: You Are More Than What You Do
Explore the intricate link between work and personal identity in this segment, emphasizing how losing or changing a job can impact one's sense of self. Learn practical activities and reminders to help separate your identity from your job roles, equipping you with the confidence and tools needed to navigate job transitions.
Tune further to learn how to properly reflect on personal growth moments and internal validation, as well as leveraging freedom and agency during career transitions, and taking intentional time for self-reflection and skill development.
We'll Talk About:
01:04 Separating Work from Identity
02:17 Rebuilding and Recognizing Your Value Beyond the Job
03:10 The Toolkit: Taking Your Skills With You
06:27 Strengthening Self-Confidence and Identity
09:30 Learning and Growing During Transitions
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Jul 22, 2025 • 32min
121. Leadership: Balancing Empathy and Authority, w/Julianna Yau Yorgan
Struggling with leading with heart? Explore how leaders can maintain authority while leading with empathy in this episode. Learn the importance of striking a balance between being empathetic and making logical business decisions.
Key topics include understanding the emotional impact of business decisions, the role of trust and transparency, and practical strategies to incorporate empathy without compromising authority. Tune in further for real-life examples and actionable insights to help you navigate complex emotional dynamics in workplace settings as a leader.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
01:07 Defining Authority and Balancing Empathy with Decision Making
04:26 Building Trust and Transparency
07:19 Navigating Emotional Challenges in Leadership
09:03 Practical Examples and Strategies
20:35 Planning for Emotional Impact
Elevated Leadership
Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.
Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/
Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/
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Jul 15, 2025 • 19min
120. Overcoming the Career Comparison Trap
This happens to every professional, but now's the time you can learn to overcome the career comparison trap. In this episode, learn the common pitfalls of comparison during a job search and discover practical advice on how to turn this potentially demoralizing habit into a source of motivation.
Understand here that comparison is a natural brain process, but one that needs to be managed intentionally. Three common scenarios are listed where comparison arise, as well as the importance of seeking knowledge, clarity, and guidance for each scenario. By the end of the episode, leave fully equipped with actionable tips on self-improvement, including utilizing coaches, mentors, or supportive friends, to enhance job search efforts.
We'll Talk About:
01:04 Understanding the Comparison Trap
03:23 Scenario 1: LinkedIn Job Announcements
05:16 Scenario 2: The Dream Job Dilemma
11:05 Scenario 3: Charismatic Interview Responses
15:41 Turning Comparison into Jet Fuel
These Podcasts Are Great Resources to Add to Your List:
Find Your Dream Job Podcast
The Career Change Maker Podcast
Happen to Your Career Podcast
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Jul 8, 2025 • 35min
119. Take a Test to Get Hired? Learn About the Hogan Assessment from Porschia Parker Griffin, PCC
Porschia Parker Griffin, CEO of Fly High Coaching, specializes in guiding professionals toward career fulfillment. She dives into the Hogan Assessment, revealing its role in hiring and development for Fortune 500 companies. Porschia discusses how this tool evaluates personality, values, and growth potential. She shares tips on preparing for the assessment and emphasizes the importance of aligning personal and organizational values. Listeners learn to view assessments as opportunities for self-discovery, enhancing their job search mindset and career trajectory.

Jul 1, 2025 • 21min
118. Rejection and Ghosting: How to Bounce Back in the Job Search
Discover how to turn job rejection and ghosting into opportunities for growth. Learn to view these setbacks as valuable data points and cultivate emotional resilience. Explore strategies like depersonalizing rejection and using the Kubler-Ross grief cycle to navigate feelings. Celebrate micro wins to shift from negative to positive mindsets. The discussion emphasizes maintaining relationships with employers even after rejection, encouraging listeners to stay motivated and engaged in their job search journey.

12 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 39min
117. The Introvert's Career Edge, w/Matthew Pollard
In this engaging discussion, Matthew Pollard, a bestselling author known as the Rapid Growth guy, dives into the unique advantages of introverts in networking. He shares insights on how introverts can leverage their listening skills and empathy to create authentic connections. Matthew also recounts his personal journey and emphasizes the importance of specialization for career growth. He provides practical strategies for introverts to redefine their professional identities and thrive in competitive environments, challenging stereotypes and empowering listeners.

Jun 17, 2025 • 17min
116. Prep for an Interview in 30 Minutes
Unlock the secrets to a successful job interview in just 30 minutes! Master a five-step power prep method that includes crafting a compelling introduction. Learn how to align your strengths with job needs and confidently address any employment gaps. Discover the art of asking insightful questions to make a memorable impact. With strategic tips and additional resources, you'll be fully equipped for your job search and career transitions.

Jun 10, 2025 • 28min
115. When Your Team Shrinks: How to Work and Lead Well with Little Resources
Understand the depth of the challenges and strategies of leading small teams in this episode. Tune in with Patricia and Julianna as they discuss the importance of focusing on quality over quantity, prioritizing tasks, and maintaining morale when resources are limited.
Key topics include the strategic use of AI and outsourcing, renegotiating success criteria with upper management, and fostering a culture of trust, flexibility, and development within smaller teams. Get guidance on how to manage workloads effectively and maintain high team performance.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
01:43 Challenges of Shrinking Teams
02:15 Maintaining Morale and Prioritization
06:23 Effective Communication and Expectation Management
08:45 Delegation and Trust Building
12:33 Adapting Leadership Styles
23:29 Decision Making and Protocols
Elevated Leadership
Elevated Leadership is available on both The Uncommon Career Podcast and The Daring to Succeed Podcast.
Listen to the Daring to Succeed Podcast to get to know Julianna: https://www.jyycoaching.com/podcast/
Connect with Julianna on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliannayauyorgan/
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Jun 3, 2025 • 23min
114. Turn Experience Gaps Into Interview Strengths
Learn how to approach job interviews with confidence despite lacking certain skills or experience in this episode. Including exploring strategies to pivot your mindset from self-doubt to intellectual potential, and discovering practical techniques for answering tough questions and framing your experience creatively.
This guide emphasizes the importance of curiosity, emotional intelligence, and leveraging transferable skills. By focusing on your ability to learn and adapt, rather than perfectionism, you can transform interview challenges into opportunities to showcase your strengths.
Tune in to realign your interview strategies with a confident and resourceful approach.
We'll Talk About:
00:49 Right Mindset: Why You Don't Need to Meet Every Requirement
01:49 Connecting the Dots: Your Skills and Their Needs
02:16 Handling Curveball Questions with Confidence
05:54 Practical Strategies & Breaking Down Complex Tasks
14:53 Leveraging Transferable Skills
18:49 Owning Your Experience and Gaps
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Referenced Materials
Read and Listen to Episode #106 Here
Read and Listen to Episode #110 Here
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From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching