
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

Feb 4, 2025 • 17min
97. Get Crystal Clear on Your Job Search & Get Hired Faster
In this episode, Patricia provides actionable advice on refining your job search strategy by achieving crystal clear clarity. She emphasizes focusing on a single target role, optimizing your branding, and understanding the importance of effective communication over experience.
Key steps include aligning your materials with your desired role, exploring company culture and industry fit, and leveraging foundational values. Further, it highlights the importance of detailed groundwork to avoid prolonged job search frustrations, inviting listeners to join a masterclass on interview strategies.
Timestamps
00:00 Identifying the Real Bottleneck in Your Job Search
00:48 Getting Crystal Clear on Your Job Search
02:01 Narrowing Down to One Role
09:02 Leveraging Clarity for Compelling Branding
13:04 Trusting the Clarity You Built
16:03 The Importance of Values in Your Job Search
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Connect with me on LinkedIn: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
and
Register to join me for the Interview Masterclass:
February 13, 2025 at 4PM Pacific/6PM Eastern
https://theuncommoncareer.com/interview

Jan 28, 2025 • 38min
96. How to Manage a Micromanager (And How to Spot One in an Interview)
Have you ever felt stifled by a micromanager?
In this engaging episode, Patricia and Julianna dive deep into the nuances of micromanagement versus structured leadership. They explore how micromanagers often act out of fear and insecurity, leading to a lack of trust and autonomy for their team members. Julianna shares practical strategies for navigating these challenging dynamics, emphasizing the importance of proactive communication and understanding your manager's expectations.
By fostering a supportive environment, you can not only ease the tension but also enhance your professional growth. Tune in for valuable insights on managing micromanagers effectively.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Understanding Micromanagement
00:01:48 - Micromanager vs. Highly Structured Leader
00:03:43 - Identifying Micromanagement
00:07:34 - Long-Term Consequences of Micromanagement
00:09:30 - Strategies for Managing a Micromanager
00:19:05 - Maintaining Personal Well-Being
00:22:06 - Filtering Feedback from Micromanagers
00:24:08 - Job Searching for a Better Fit
00:27:01 - Asking the Right Questions in Interviews
00:34:04 - Key Takeaways
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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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

Jan 21, 2025 • 17min
95. It’s time: Signs to Look for a New Job
Are you feeling stuck in your job and wondering if it's time to move on?
In this episode, host Patricia Ortega explores the signs that indicate it might be time for a career change. With nearly half of employees disengaged at work, Patricia discusses internal nudges like feeling undervalued and unproductive, as well as external factors such as toxic work environments and stagnant teams.
She emphasizes the importance of recognizing opportunities for growth and the potential for salary increases when switching jobs. Tune in for actionable insights that can help you take control of your career and find fulfillment in your professional life.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction: Are You Stuck in the Wrong Job?
00:01:18 - Internal Signs: Recognizing When It's Time to Move On
00:06:25 - External Factors: Identifying a Toxic Work Environment
00:08:11 - Stagnation: The Risks of an Unmotivated Team
00:12:43 - Top Signs It's Time to Look for a New Job
00:15:44 - Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Career in 2025
_________________________________________________________________
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

Jan 14, 2025 • 27min
94. The Value Equation: How to Own and Communicate Your Career Confidence, with Jamila Brown
In this episode, career strategist Jamila Brown joins the Patricia Ortega to discuss how to define your value as both a human and a professional. Join in exploring the misconception of separating personal and professional lives, which can lead to burnout, and emphasize understanding one's personal value to exude confidence in the workplace.
Jamila introduces a 'formula for value' involving confidence, belief, and subtraction of fear, and highlights the importance of reflecting on childhood experiences to identify natural strengths. Listen in and discover ways to communicate one's value confidently, including writing down affirmations and embracing personal history for self-awareness.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:28 Understanding Your Value as a Human
02:51 The Formula for Value
06:40 Identifying and Overcoming Fear
09:58 Rediscovering Childhood Passions
11:27 Addressing Pain and Burnout
14:10 Taking Responsibility and Making Changes
22:33 Communicating Your Value Confidently
25:00 Conclusion and Resources
About Jamila Brown
Jamila is a former athlete and collegiate coach turned corporate professional and now coach/consultant, with a mission to empower professionals to take control of their careers. As a servant leader, Jamila is passionate about sharing career hacks that can change the trajectory of careers and compensation, enabling individuals to confidently draft and execute their personal blueprints.
With expertise in leadership development, team building, investment research, content design, and a proven track record as a Regional Director of Operations, Jamila has partnered with some of the world's largest retailers, including Champs Sports, Walmart Inc., Ross Stores Inc., and Dollar General. Additionally, Jamila has consulted with numerous organizations and individuals on branding, content, and leadership development, including through the 5 Minute Career Hack.
Jamila is eager to continue learning from others’ career journeys while sharing the invaluable lessons gathered throughout their personal and professional experiences.
Connect with Jamila
Career Blueprint Ebook:
https://www.5minutecareerhack.com/offers/Dwi33mmd
Connect with Jamila:
LInkedIn: https://bit.ly/jamilabrownlinkedin
X: https://bit.ly/jamilax
Instagram: https://bit.ly/5mchinstagram
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/5MinuteCareerHack
Website: http://5minutecareerhack.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

Jan 7, 2025 • 33min
93. Your 2025 Career Advancement Plan: Goals, Performance Review, & Leader Buy-in
In this episode, Patricia explores effective strategies for setting actionable goals that align with your organization's objectives, ensuring a win-win scenario.
Discover how to prepare for your performance review by collecting metrics and crafting compelling narratives that highlight your contributions. Furthermore, she discusses the importance of engaging your leadership in career conversations, using open-ended questions to foster collaboration. With practical tips for maintaining accountability and tracking progress, you’ll be equipped to navigate your path to promotion by January 2026.
Tune in and transform your professional journey today.
Timestamps
00:00:00 - Introduction to Career Advancement Goals
00:01:39 - Goal Setting: Creating Your Vision
00:10:04 - Mapping Out Your Career Plan
00:21:31 - Asking for Advancement: The Three-Part Script
00:28:02 - Focusing on Win-Win Scenarios
00:29:40 - Accountability and Follow-Up
00:31:46 - Conclusion: Taking Action for Your Promotion
_________________________________________________________________
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

Dec 31, 2024 • 25min
92. Reach Your Goals in 2025: How to Make Your Goals Stick, With Dale Wilsher (Pt 3 of 3)
In this last of the three-part Annual Planning Series, Patricia and Dale focus on strategies to ensure goals stick throughout 2025. They emphasize the importance of writing down goals, displaying them visibly, and involving accountability partners. They also discuss practical tools like time-blocking and using tech to support goal achievement.
Click here to download a checklist of all the ways you can Make Your 2025 Goals Stick
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction and Recap
00:30 Setting Goals for 2025
01:11 Strategies for Making Goals Stick
04:10 Creating a Supportive Environment
06:44 Overcoming Obstacles and Staying Motivated
11:45 The Power of Accountability
16:57 Using Technology to Stay on Track
23:25 Final Thoughts and Encouragement
About Dale Wilsher
Dale Wilsher is an authenticity advocate and personal development expert whose powerful message as a speaker, coach, and trainer has transformed countless lives. She helps professionals reassess their strengths, clarify their values, and define their meaning, guiding them to reach their full potential.
Her mission is to help others make the most of their time and talent, recognizing their unique strengths and using them to live authentically and purposefully.
Dale is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and serves as faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute of Organizational Management. Her certifications include ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), and Strengths Champion Coach in Gallup Strengths Finder Assessment.
As a Certified Behavioral Consultant in DISC Personality Profile, Dale trains teams to leverage personality differences for creating respectful and successful workplace cultures.
This is part of a special 3-episode Annual Planning series:
84. Reflect on 2024: Annual Review Strategies
88. Plan for 2025: Wheel of Life and Goal Setting
92. Reach Your Goals in 2025: How to Make Your Goals Stick
Connect with Dale
Dale’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalewilsher/
Wheel of Life: Click here to access
Website: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/
________________________________________________________________
Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Dec 24, 2024 • 19min
91. Get Ready For Hiring Season: 15 Tips in 30 Minutes
Get ready for hiring season with insights on self-positioning and maintaining a positive mindset. Learn how to boost your online presence and network effectively. Discover strategies for optimizing your resume and applications, alongside tips for effective company outreach. Master interview preparation, whether in-person or virtual, and evaluate your career history to find the best fit roles. Align your branding with your career goals and leverage alumni networks to enhance your job search.

Dec 17, 2024 • 31min
90. Doing More With Less: Energy, Emotion and Time Management (Elevated Leadership)
Patricia and Julianna explore the intersection of emotional intelligence and strategic execution with a focus on time management for busy professionals. They delve into practical techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix for task prioritization, the importance of tracking time with apps like Toggle and OmniFocus, and balancing high-priority tasks with emotional and energy management.
The hosts provide actionable insights for optimizing time, setting clear priorities, and learning how to delegate and say no effectively. Further highlights also include the psychological aspects of time management and the importance of creating a personalized system to manage workload efficiently.
This episode is part of the Elevated Leadership Series, co-hosted by Julianna Yau Yorgan and Patricia Ortega.
Timestamps
00:00 Introduction to Elevated Leadership
00:32 The Importance of Time Management
01:52 Understanding the Eisenhower Matrix
06:33 Delegation and Deletion Strategies
12:31 Managing Open Loops and Mental Clarity
14:28 Energy and Emotion in Time Management
20:12 Practical Tools and Apps for Time Management
28:11 Final Thoughts and Resources
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: <https://tinyurl.com/mr3x5e4a
From Zero Responses to Multiple Offers: Download The 5 Essential Steps Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Dec 10, 2024 • 19min
89. Simple Habits To Prevent Burnout And Wind Down From 2024
Patricia discusses simple habits to prevent burnout and ways to wind down. The episode covers burnout, its causes, and its impacts on productivity and emotional health. Discover key habits to avoid burnout include daily reflections, setting boundaries, taking mindful breaks, practicing gratitude, and doing a digital detox.
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction: Preventing Burnout and Winding Down from 2024
00:28 Understanding Burnout: Causes and Symptoms
03:53 Daily Reflections: A Tool for Emotional and Energy Awareness
07:19 Setting Boundaries: Balancing Work and Personal Life
09:37 Mindful Breaks: Enhancing Productivity and Well-being
11:59 Gratitude: Cultivating a Positive Mindset
14:17 Digital Detox: Reclaiming Your Energy
15:36 Conclusion: Integrating Habits for a Better 2024
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Connect with Me:
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching

Dec 3, 2024 • 26min
88. Plan for 2025: Wheel of Life and Goal Setting, With Dale Wilsher (Part 2 of 3)
In the second part of the annual planning series, Patricia welcomes back life coach Dale Wilshire to discuss the concept of casting a vision using Dale's proprietary Wheel of Life exercise. Explore various life categories, talk about goal setting, and how to prepare for achieving these goals in the upcoming year.
Dale also provides insights into tweaking the Wheel of Life to better fit individual needs, identifying areas for improvement, and offers practical advice on prioritizing goals to make meaningful progress.
We'll Talk About
00:00 Introduction and Series Overview
00:42 Exploring the Wheel of Life
02:49 Customizing Your Wheel of Life
05:15 Assessing Your Current Life Balance
08:58 Reflecting on Your Scores
10:06 Setting Goals and Priorities
20:05 Creating a Plan for the Year
24:15 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
About Dale Wilsher
Dale Wilsher is an authenticity advocate and personal development expert whose powerful message as a speaker, coach, and trainer has transformed countless lives. She helps professionals reassess their strengths, clarify their values, and define their meaning, guiding them to reach their full potential.
Her mission is to help others make the most of their time and talent, recognizing their unique strengths and using them to live authentically and purposefully.
Dale is a member of the Forbes Coaches Council and serves as faculty for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's Institute of Organizational Management. Her certifications include ICF Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Professional Life Coach (CPLC), Certified Career Services Provider (CCSP), and Strengths Champion Coach in Gallup Strengths Finder Assessment.
As a Certified Behavioral Consultant in DISC Personality Profile, Dale trains teams to leverage personality differences for creating respectful and successful workplace cultures.
This is part of a special 3-episode Annual Planning series:
84. Reflect on 2024: Annual Review Strategies
88. Plan for 2025: Wheel of Life and Goal Setting
92. Reach Your Goals in 2025: How to Make Your Goals Stick
Connect with Dale
Dale’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dalewilsher/
Wheel of Life: Click here to access
Website: https://www.yourauthenticpersonality.com/
___________________________________________________________________
Connect with Me
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/pmortega
Get started with your career move: Download The Career Transition Checklist
Click here to learn about coaching