

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

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/
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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 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
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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

Feb 4, 2025 • 17min
97. Fix the Bottleneck in 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

Feb 4, 2025 • 18min
99. Optimizing Your LinkedIn: 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!

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/
_________________________________________________________________
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
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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 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
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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


