
The Uncommon Career Podcast: Transformative Career Coaching & Job Search Strategies
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
Latest episodes

Apr 15, 2025 • 34min
107. High Pressure Work Environments: How to Manage, Diagnose and Respond to Them
In this episode, Julianna and Patricia discuss handling high-pressure work environments. They explore external and internal pressures, offering insights on diagnosing burnout and finding solutions.
Tune in for advice on proactive communication with supervisors to manage expectations and workload redistribution. Highlighting healthy and unhealthy pressure and providing practical tips for maintaining well-being and sustainable work habits.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
01:22 Diagnosing Burnout and Crisis
02:48 External vs. Internal Pressures
05:45 Strategies for Managing High Pressure
13:42 The Importance of Communication and Development
21:17 Recognizing Healthy vs. Unhealthy Pressure
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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Apr 8, 2025 • 17min
106. The Confidence Killer: Why Smart People Freeze in Interviews
In this episode, delve into the psychology of interview anxiety and provide actionable strategies to overcome it. Learn the common pitfalls of 'what if' thinking and how it impacts performance. Learn how to shift your focus from self-doubt to positive action, emphasizing perception, preparation, and brand development.
Discover how to acknowledge, articulate, internalize, and own your value for interview success. Additional tips include grounding techniques to manage in-the-moment nerves. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to job searching, this episode aims to build both your confidence and competence for your next interview.
We'll Talk About:
00:20 Personal Experience with Interview Anxiety
02:43 The Impact of 'What If' Questions & Anxiety Control
06:56 Preparation and Confidence Building
09:58 Perception and Its Influence on Performance
11:46 Developing Your Personal Brand
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Complementary Episodes
Read and Listen to Episode #110 Here
Read and Listen to Episode #114 Here
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Apr 1, 2025 • 32min
105. Making Networking Easy: How to Build Organic Relationships, with Giselle Moratin (1 of 3)
Patricia Ortega welcomes career coach Giselle Moratin to discuss her journey from hospitality to career advising. Giselle shares her passion for helping educators transition to corporate roles and offers valuable networking strategies.
In this episode, learn the importance of starting with familiar contacts, leveraging association board members, and maintaining connections through thank-you notes and resume sharing.
Touch and learn keys to overcoming networking fears, the law of reciprocity, and strategic positioning to uncover hidden job opportunities.
Timestamps
00:37 Guest Introduction: Giselle's Journey to Career Coaching
05:44 The Modern Approach to Networking
10:07 Effective Networking Strategies and Tips
15:52 The Power of Personal Connections
About Giselle
Since 2002, Giselle has been driven by a love of guiding individuals through career transitions. It began with volunteering as a mentor at the Jobs Partnership of Florida, and in 2004, this passion led her to a Career Advisor role at DeVry University.
While working in this capacity, Giselle pursued an MBA and subsequently spent the next two decades teaching career development principles. Now, with extensive experience in career development she helps educators in transitioning to corporate careers.
Connect with Giselle
Connect with Giselle on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/gisellemoratin/
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Connect with me on LinkedIn
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Mar 28, 2025 • 23min
104. You've Applied to 100+ Jobs and... Nothing. Troubleshooting Your Job Search
Explore critical mindset shifts for navigating today’s tough job market. Discover the power of focusing on what you can control, like effective networking and targeted applications. Learn strategies to enhance your resume and LinkedIn profile. Get tips on how to ace interviews by demonstrating your value. Dive into a structured approach that can transform your job search and turn rejection into opportunity.

Mar 18, 2025 • 36min
103. Are You Burning Out? Assess and Prevent Work/Job Search Burnout
In this enlightening episode, delve deep into the complexities of burnout, debunk common myths, and explore its various forms with burnout expert Lydia. Providing a comprehensive overview of burnout's 'big three' symptoms—exhaustion, lack of confidence, and cynicism. Learn the impact of burnout on job searches, the signs of entering crisis mode, and the differences between internal and external causes.
Lydia introduces practical strategies like job crafting and the importance of mental detachment, alongside a holistic approach that emphasizes work-life balance. Tune in to learn how to navigate burnout, reclaim your energy, and enhance your overall well-being.
Timestamps
00:52 Understanding Burnout: The Big Three
02:48 Common Signs and Types of Burnout
09:49 Internal vs. External Factors of Burnout
15:45 Job Crafting: Making Your Current Job Better
20:56 Holistic Approach to Burnout
23:34 Mental Detachment and Work-Life Boundaries
About Lydia
Lydia Johnson, MS, is a dual-certified coach with a master’s degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology—the study of careers and work. An expert in evidence-based tools and psychological research, she helps professionals improve their lives at work with proven strategies.
Lydia’s mission is to support ultra-busy professionals who are tired of constant stress in building fulfilling and sustainable careers. She empowers them to create success on their own terms—leaving space for themselves, their passions, and their families.
Connect with Lydia:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lydiafjohnson/
Website: https://thriveculturecoaching.com/
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Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Mar 7, 2025 • 37min
102. Three Career Essentials You Need to Succeed in Today’s Job Market, with Jamila Brown
Jamila Brown, a former athlete and collegiate coach turned corporate consultant, shares her insights on navigating today's competitive job market. She emphasizes the power of personal branding and the necessity of strategically showcasing one's unique value. The discussion covers crafting standout LinkedIn profiles and resumes, along with tips for effective communication in interviews. Jamila highlights the importance of continual self-investment and confidence in achieving career success, encouraging listeners to take control of their professional narratives.

Mar 4, 2025 • 21min
101. Office Politics: When You're Close to the Boss's Boss
Julianna and Patricia dive into managing complex relationships within workplace hierarchies. They discuss the delicate dynamics of having a strong connection with a boss's boss while maintaining trust and communication with your direct manager.
Tips include setting boundaries on how publicly the relationship is displayed, being mindful of assumptions, and strategies for fostering open communication. Learn how to assess workplace culture and motives to ensure ethical behavior as well as to cover steps to take if the situation escalates into conflict.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
We'll talk about:
00:39 Navigating Relationships with Your Boss's Boss
02:53 Understanding Your Boss's Perspective
03:56 Effective Communication Strategies
06:46 Balancing Relationships and Avoiding Favoritism
13:33 Handling Escalating Situations
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/
__________________________________________
Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Feb 25, 2025 • 42min
100. Ten Resume Success Markers Hiring Managers Look For
Explore key strategies to boost your resume and LinkedIn presence! Discover how to replace vague language with concrete accomplishments that grab attention. Learn the importance of prioritizing impactful content over templates and how to create breathing room for easy readability. Understand the significance of tailoring your resume to the target role and optimizing your LinkedIn profile. Gain insights into common pitfalls to avoid and actionable tips to stand out in a competitive job market!

Feb 18, 2025 • 18min
99. LinkedIn is The New Resume: Hook the Employer with Your LinkedIn Profile
Are you lost in the job application jungle? Discover how to transform your LinkedIn profile into a powerful magnet for recruiters. Learn the art of crafting a captivating headline and creating an impactful banner image. Dive into the essentials of highlighting your unique accomplishments to showcase your value. Tips for nailing that professional headshot and building a cohesive personal brand are also covered. Elevate your online presence and increase your chances of landing your dream job!

Feb 11, 2025 • 34min
98. How to Have a Faith-Centered Work Life w/ Darren Shearer
Darren Shearer discusses how to live a Christ-centered work life in secular settings. He explores the influence each employee has on organizational culture and emphasizes the importance of making disciples through one's professional conduct. Shearer introduces concepts from his book 'The Christ Centered Company', highlighting the significance of embedding Christ's mission in everyday work activities.
Practical tips include treating every interaction as if Jesus is the recipient, maintaining a habit of recognizing spiritual accountability at work, and ensuring trust and emotional and spiritual care for team members.
The episode concludes with advice on practicing mindfulness and resting, all while striving for excellence in one's professional life.
Timestamps
00:19 Living a Christ-Centered Work Life
02:05 Mission and Identity in the Workplace
04:54 Practical Habits for a Christ-Centered Work Life
13:48 Trust and Delegation in Leadership
20:21 Balancing Rest and High Performance
25:09 Providing Emotional and Spiritual Care
28:55 Speed Round: Key Takeaways
About Darren
Darren Shearer is the founder and director of the Theology of Business Institute, which helps marketplace Christians explore and apply God’s will for business. He has authored three books for marketplace Christians and is the founder and CEO of High Bridge Books & Media, which helps fellow Christ-centered authors and organizations craft, publish, and market messages and stories that glorify God in all spheres of culture. Its imprint, High Bridge Books, has published 190+ books since 2013.
A former Captain in the United States Air Force, Darren earned the United States Air Force Commendation Medal for his meritorious service in Kuwait during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He holds a M.A. in Practical Theology, an Advanced Graduate Certificate in Management, and a B.A. in English. Darren and his wife, Marie, reside in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina (Waynesville, NC) with their three young boys.
Connect with Darren
Take the Theology of Business Institute Assessments: https://www.theologyofbusiness.com/assessments/
Darren’s books are available at: https://www.theologyofbusiness.com/shop/
High Bridge Books: www.HighBridgeBooks.com
Theology of Business: www.TheologyofBusiness.com
_________________________________________________________________
Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching