

The Uncommon Career Podcast: Job Search & Transformative Career Coaching
Patricia Ortega | Transformational Career Coach | Career Counselor
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search, you need less effort and more strategy.
Join me to catch your career blind spots, make internal shifts, and elevate your job search to make real progress.
🙋🏻♀️ Hey there! I’m Patricia. I help mid-career women get to their ideal next role with more intention and less stress.
On the podcast, you’ll clarify your career direction, understand strategic branding, and experience the same insight-to-action approach I use in my start-to-finish 1:1 career coaching program.
.
This podcast is especially for you if you:
✔︎ are in a job search or about to start one
✔︎ know how to work hard but want a smarter strategy
✔︎ want momentum in the search, knowing you left nothing on the table
.
Here’s what we talk about:
🎙️ Job search strategy for mid-career professionals
🎙️ Career clarity, insights, and decision-making
🎙️ Professional branding (resume, LinkedIn, messaging)
🎙️ Interview preparation and interview strategy
🎙️ The thoughts, patterns and habits that accelerate (or stall) your search
🎙️ What’s working in today’s job market
.
🚫 This is not: a podcast about quick-fixes and career hacks.
🚫 It's also not empty "you can be anything" promises.
It’s instead a practical, insight-driven space where I help you slow down - just a bit - so you can:
✅ position yourself well in today's market
✅ leverage strategic communications to experience momentum, and
✅ feel the relief - and results - of an approach that truly connects
...all using the same approach I coach my 1:1 clients with in our start-to-finish career coaching program.
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search and you're ready to "slow down to speed up", then you’re in the right place!
.
💡 Need a Tour Guide? Start Here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmapDownload the Podcast Roadmap, for our best episodes to help you at every phase of your search.
Happy listening!
~Patricia Ortega, MS 2x Certified Career Coach (BCC/ICF) & Counselor since the 2010 job market downturn.
______________________________
John 5:12 | Love Jesus, love people. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"
Join me to catch your career blind spots, make internal shifts, and elevate your job search to make real progress.
🙋🏻♀️ Hey there! I’m Patricia. I help mid-career women get to their ideal next role with more intention and less stress.
On the podcast, you’ll clarify your career direction, understand strategic branding, and experience the same insight-to-action approach I use in my start-to-finish 1:1 career coaching program.
.
This podcast is especially for you if you:
✔︎ are in a job search or about to start one
✔︎ know how to work hard but want a smarter strategy
✔︎ want momentum in the search, knowing you left nothing on the table
.
Here’s what we talk about:
🎙️ Job search strategy for mid-career professionals
🎙️ Career clarity, insights, and decision-making
🎙️ Professional branding (resume, LinkedIn, messaging)
🎙️ Interview preparation and interview strategy
🎙️ The thoughts, patterns and habits that accelerate (or stall) your search
🎙️ What’s working in today’s job market
.
🚫 This is not: a podcast about quick-fixes and career hacks.
🚫 It's also not empty "you can be anything" promises.
It’s instead a practical, insight-driven space where I help you slow down - just a bit - so you can:
✅ position yourself well in today's market
✅ leverage strategic communications to experience momentum, and
✅ feel the relief - and results - of an approach that truly connects
...all using the same approach I coach my 1:1 clients with in our start-to-finish career coaching program.
If you’re a mid-career woman in the job search and you're ready to "slow down to speed up", then you’re in the right place!
.
💡 Need a Tour Guide? Start Here: https://theuncommoncareer.com/roadmapDownload the Podcast Roadmap, for our best episodes to help you at every phase of your search.
Happy listening!
~Patricia Ortega, MS 2x Certified Career Coach (BCC/ICF) & Counselor since the 2010 job market downturn.
______________________________
John 5:12 | Love Jesus, love people. "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you"
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 31, 2023 • 18min
43. Job Interview Obstacles: Turning Nerves, Anxiety and Mistakes into Success
Patricia Ortega dives into the common barriers that can hinder candidates from acing their interviews and leaving a positive impression on hiring managers. She discusses the fears of failure and the pressure to perform that often lead to overwhelm and blanking out during interviews.
Patricia emphasizes the importance of mindset and perspective, reminding listeners that interviews are conversations, not pass or fail situations. She also shares strategies for handling moments of blanking out or making mistakes, encouraging candidates to own their mistakes and use humor to make the situation more relatable. So, if you want to conquer your interview fears and stand out in a crowded job market, give this episode a listen!
We'll talk about:
Overcoming fear of failure and pressure
Mindset shift: interview as a conversation
Blank out? What do do next
How to come back from mistakes
Shared positive experiences
Your response and emotional intelligence
Topics:
Introduction
Overcoming interview fears
Mindset shift
Not knowing or blanking out
Leveraging Mistakes
Connect with me:
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get started: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Jul 24, 2023 • 36min
42. Communication Insights to Change Your Career and Life, with Nausheen Chen
Nausheen Chen is a master at the art of communication.
She's got a knack for helping others elevate their speaking, and today, Nausheen delivers a simple one-minute tip that could revolutionize your communication skills.
We also explore the critical importance of understanding and honing your skills, rather than settling for easy and average.
You'll hear Nausheen share moving stories of her clients finding their voice and conquering their fears, and we'll get to know Nausheen as a coach and pretty cool human.
Tune in, it's a great conversation!
About Nausheen:
Nausheen comes from the Fortune 50 world, where she managed marketing and training at Procter & Gamble. She took several twists and turns in her career, exploring filmmaking, improv and startup bootstrapping to $1 million in revenue. Now she's found her true purpose in life: sharing her passion for speaking in public and teaching others how to impress and make impact when they speak. Nausheen has helped over 80 leaders in 6 countries speak confidently on stage & on camera.
Topics:
Nausheen journey to become a speaker/coach
Improving Communication Skills for Career Success
How YOU can become a great speaker
Get to Know Nausheen Chen
Links mentioned:
Speak as a Leader Podcast
Nausheen on LinkedIn
Nausheen's post on Ruben Hassid's speaking experience and success (with the help of Nausheen's coaching!):
Connect with me here:
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get started: Download The Career Transition Checklist

Jul 17, 2023 • 34min
41 Unlocking Your Full Potential: Insights from Executive Leadership Coach Dale Wilsher
In this episode, executive leadership coach and personal development expert Dale Wilsher shares insights on big career pivots, understanding oneself for career success, dealing with career choices and personal values, finding the ideal job, and the importance of passion, personality, and purpose in career decisions. Dale emphasizes the need for courage and effort in career transitions and highlights the importance of aligning one's personality, passion, and purpose with their career choices. She also discusses the concept of purpose and how it relates to career direction. Listeners are encouraged to understand their core values and advocate for them in the workplace.
We'll talk about:
Big career pivots and courage
Dealing with career choices and personal values
Understanding personality types and self-discovery
Overcoming challenges and finding a new career path
About Dale:
Dale Wilsher is an executive leadership coach and personal development expert. She helps individuals and organizations turn their purpose into full potential. Dale is IFC accredited as a professional certified coach and holds certifications as a certified professional life coach, career services provider, and a Gallup Strengths Finder champion coach. She is also the author of an award-winning personality book and has created online courses. Additionally, Dale serves as a faculty member for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute of Organizational Management. With her expertise, Dale helps people grow into their ideal jobs and reach their full potential.
Topics:
Professional development and growth.
Career journey and self-discovery.
Who am I versus what I'm interested in.
Understanding personality for optimal environments.
Necessity, survival, and purpose.
Big career pivots.
Purpose and its significance.
Determining core values.
Wearing personality masks.
Finding satisfaction in your job.
Links mentioned:
Your Authentic Personality Website/Quiz: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/
Career Pivot: 30 days to your ideal job: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/careerpivot
Elevated Authenticity Membership: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/elevatedauthenticity
Connect with me:
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get started: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Jul 13, 2023 • 31min
40. Step away from the burnout and take a road trip, with Cristina Crouth
Cristina Crouth discusses her experience with taking a year off to road trip across the country, freelancing, and finding a balance between work and personal life. She shares her initial fears and challenges when taking the leap, and the motivation she has to find her own version of success.
Cristina also talks about the financial concerns that come with leaving a job. She emphasizes the importance of having a plan and a foundation before taking the leap. Cristina believes in the healing power of storytelling and wants to pursue writing to help others who may be struggling.
We talk about:
Deciding to take a leap and go on a road trip
Ditching burnout and finding new seasons
Identity and career transition
Road trip experiences and contrast between burnout and freedom
Topics:
Introduction / Taking a leap
Balancing success and true happiness.
Road tripping and self-discovery.
Season of burnout and nature.
Taking calculated risks.
Identity and career transitions.
Accepting vulnerability as a strength.
About Cristina:
Cristina Crouth left her job in search of a great adventure (and less burnout). She's is on a year-long road trip from California to New York, managing to fit everything she owns into a 2018 Subaru named Sylvia. She's worked in mental health and trauma for the past 12 years and believes in the healing power of storytelling, now trying to share that healing spirit with her own stories. She is living the uncommon career for a year, taking freelancing and other non-traditional work along the way.
Follow Cristina's adventures and writing on Instagram @Cristina_Adventures16 or by clicking here: https://instagram.com/cristinas_adventures16
Connect with me:
Follow me on LinkedIn
Get Started: Download the Career Transition Checklist

Jun 28, 2023 • 36min
38. Balancing Work and Side Ventures: Insights from Christa Hutchins
You're a full-time professional with a desire to pursue a side ventures, but the right balance seems impossible. You've been told to simply work harder and sacrifice more, but that advice hasn't brought you any closer to achieving your goals. As a result, you're feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, and stuck in a cycle of frustration. It's time to break free from this ineffective action and discover a better way to navigate the complexities of balancing work and side ventures. Join us as we reveal the secrets to achieving success without sacrificing your sanity.
We talk about:
Methods for balancing traditional career roles and entrepreneurial goals.
Tangible tactics to set boundaries, and manage time.
Transparency and ethical values in balancing a 9-5 and entrepreneurship.
Self-doubt and technical ability deficit.
The secret to a supportive tribe and sustained entrepreneurial success.
About Christa Hutchins
Christa Hutchins is a powerhouse with a compassionate spirit. With over three decades of experience in the engineering and construction industry, Christa brings a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her role as a project manager paved the way for her journey into women empowerment and supporting budding entrepreneurs. Her passion project revolves around helping Christian women leaders give structure to their big ideas, thereby aiding them to excel in their calling. Apart from professional commitments, you'd often find her making the most out of her cherished time with her family.
"You don't have to strive to quit your job. It's okay to have a side venture that coexists with your career and brings fulfillment and passion into your life."
- Christa Hutchins
Download Christa's guide: How to Pursue Your God-inspired Dream While Working Full-time:
https://doanewthing.com/uncommon
Listen to Christa's Podcast: Do One Simple Thing:
https://doanewthing.com/podcast/
Connect with Christa:
https://www.instagram.com/doanewthing/
https://www.facebook.com/doanewthing/
=======================
Thanks for listening!
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist

Jun 18, 2023 • 24min
37.Pushing Past Self-Doubt: Unlocking Career Potential with Impostor Syndrome Strategies
Have you heard these myths about imposter syndrome?
If I admit I don't know something, everyone will think I'm a fraud.
I have to know everything to be successful.
I'm not as talented as my colleagues.
These beliefs can hold you back from reaching your full potential in your career.
But here's the truth: imposter syndrome is a common experience and doesn't define your worth or abilities. The key is to recognize when it's happening and develop strategies to overcome it.
Today, I share:
How to effectively tackle Imposter Syndrome
The telltale signs of Imposter Syndrome
Unique strategies to transform negative self-talk
The true impact of Imposter Syndrome on career growth
________________________________________________
Thanks for listening!
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist

Jun 8, 2023 • 38min
36. Creating a Presence on LinkedIn for Career Success, with Orlando Hayes
Are you tired of submitting job applications with no response? In this episode of The Uncommon Career Podcast, talent acquisition expert Orlando Hayes shares how to leverage LinkedIn for career growth and build a strong personal brand. But what happens when your dream job is in sight, only to slip away? Tune in to find out.
In this episode, we'll cover:
The power of LinkedIn to boost your career and unlock opportunities.
The secrets to a compelling profile that stands out.
Content creation and its impact on your professional image.
LinkedIn networking and how to engage effectively.
Stepping out of your comfort zone to achieve astonishing career growth.
My special guest is Orlando Hayes
Introducing Orlando Hayes, a thought leader in career development and LinkedIn branding with two decades of experience in talent acquisition. As a podcast host and author, Orlando has made it his mission to empower individuals to establish their personal brand on LinkedIn, helping them reach their career goals. By providing a wealth of practical and valuable advice, Orlando has played a crucial role in the success of many professionals navigating the challenging and competitive world of job-seeking.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:21 - The Evolution of LinkedIn
00:06:07 - Strategies for Building a LinkedIn Presence
00:09:38 - Benefits of Content Creation on LinkedIn
00:14:29 - Networking on LinkedIn
00:18:01 - Leveraging LinkedIn to Stand Out
00:19:55 - The Importance of Strategic Approach
00:23:49 - Building a Personal Brand on LinkedIn
00:28:22 - Immediate Results on LinkedIn
00:29:33 - Commenting and Tagging Companies
00:32:00 - Emotional Component to Content Creation
00:33:38 - Visibility Creates Opportunity
00:35:01 - Final Thoughts and Resources
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Orlando Hayes on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orlandohaynes/
Get the Career Accelerator Planner here: https://careertalkspod.samcart.com/products/career-accelerator-planner
Build a Presence Not a Profile ebook: https://careertalkspod.samcart.com/products/build-a-presence-ebook
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/careertalks/id1567135916
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/orlando-haynes
Listen to the Career Talks Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZUvx3MAUdCcZMMYjGJHsgQ
_________________________________________________
Thanks for listening!
Let's connect:
Connect with me here: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist

Jun 1, 2023 • 35min
35. Create Your Own Career Opportunities with DeeDee Lake
Regardless of technical and mechanical skills, DeeDee Lake's superpower of connecting with anyone, anywhere, and anytime launches her into a career as an Author Relations Coordinator, highlighting the importance of knowing oneself and working in strengths rather than weaknesses.
In this episode, you will be able to:
Recognize your strengths for career triumph
Build connections and seize career opportunities
Realize your strengths are more important than your weaknesses
Focus on staying genuine during your job search
My special guest is DeeDee Lake
Get to know DeeDee Lake, an inspiring individual who has built a successful career on her innate ability to connect with others. DeeDee has experienced a multitude of professional roles, including being a homeschool mom, a connection specialist at a church, and an Author Relations Coordinator at a Christian publishing house. Her passion for communication and relationship-building has remained a constant throughout her varied career. Being a Navy brat and Army wife has given DeeDee a unique perspective on change, adaptability, and the importance of making connections wherever life may lead. Her enthusiasm for helping others find their path in life is infectious, making her the perfect guest to discuss the power of networking and the importance of taking chances when seeking new job opportunities.
The key moments in this episode are:
00:00:00 - Introduction,
00:05:00 - Advocating for Your Strengths,
00:07:12 - Taking Chances to Create Your Own Role,
00:12:24 - Importance of Willingness and Teachability,
00:13:35 - DeeDee's Career Journey,
00:19:11 - Finding Your Red Thread,
00:24:29 - Immerse Yourself in the Industry,
00:26:05 - Flexibility is Key,
00:29:05 - Being Purposeful,
00:30:04 - Building Relationships,
00:31:18 - Rules of Engagement
The resources mentioned in this episode are:
DeeDee Lake's books:
Operation: Christmas Camouflage
Operation: Allegiance
Check out her website here: https://deedeelake.com
and Cross River Media here: https://crossrivermedia.com
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Thanks for Joining!
Start your career move here:
Download The Career Transition Checklist
Connect with me on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/in/pmortega
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May 8, 2023 • 32min
34. Laid off? It’s not your fault. Here are your next steps.
Have you been laid off? Whether your company decided to downsize, restructure, or decided your position was redundant, being laid off is not your fault. Loosing a job can be devastating, and is often a traumatic loss experience for many professionals.
In today's episode, I cover the three phases you need to go through to get back into the market without jumping into a bad-fit position too soon. Learn:
How to navigate and move past the rollercoaster of emotion
What to think and reflect on to avoid bad career decisions
Bite-sized steps to take as you get back into the career search
Before you hop back into resumes, job search, networking conversations and interview prep, let's chat for 30 minutes and get you on the right track.
I created a fillable PDF based on this episode, it's yours to download below:
https://theuncommoncareer.com/layoff-guide
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Get started:
Download the Career Transition Checklist here
Connect with me on LinkedIn!
https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
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The best way to support:
Click here for Apple Podcasts show page and scroll down to rate/review.

May 2, 2023 • 34min
33. Harsh Garg: Unlock an Technical Career - No Experience Needed
Have you ever faced challenges while transitioning to a tech career?
Harsh Garg and I chat about the role of certificates and coaching to making career transition smoother.
"If you spend half an hour every day learning a skill in the next five years, you will become a national expert in that area." - Harsh Garg
Harsh shares:
• How to make a career change into technology
• How outcome-based resumes help you land positions in a skills-based economy
• How to find a good certification course (and which he recommends)
• How coaching helps clarify and accelerate the process
Harsh Garg is a career coach with a mission to help individuals without prior experience break into the tech industry. With over two decades of IT experience, Harsh specializes in software testing and is passionate about driving testing transformation.
Harsh guides aspiring professionals through a personalized 16-week journey to find their desired career path in technology through short-term certificates. His unique approach focuses on understanding the 'why' behind each individual's goals, providing tailored resources and training, and equipping them with the necessary skills and certifications to land their dream job.
Timestamps:
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:12 - How Harsh Became a Career Coach
00:09:06 - The Coaching Process
00:13:03 - Freelance Work and LinkedIn
00:16:44 - Preparing With Certifications
00:19:05 - Skill-building
00:23:30 - Success Stories
00:27:12 - Criteria for Choosing a Career Track
00:31:07 - Harsh's Services
Resources mentioned:
- Udemy
- Google Cloud Certificate
- Microsoft Cloud Certificate
- Scaled Agile Academy
- Scrum Alliance
- DataCamp
- The Mom Project
Connect with Harsh:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/harshgarg78/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harsh.garg.5059 ==============================================
Connect with Patricia:
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/
Get started with your career change:
• Download The Career Transition Checklist
• The 10 Easy Ways to Stand Out in a Crowded Market


