CareerCast by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business

Considering a career change? Are you in the early, middle, or later stage of your career? Kathleen McDonald Siegmann, found of Career Investments and Jim McKean, head of development and partner of the firm, believe that career change is possible at any age or stage of life. It all depends on your ability to show commitment, vitality, and value. In this Career Cast, Kathleen and Jim share their vast experience, insights, and practical tips on how to succeed in a career change – now or in the future.

Ready for a job search? Want to increase your chances of success? Meet Laura Dodd, career ethnographer, author of Dig This Gig, and earlier with career in television and film production. In the this Career Cast, Laura shares her research, stories from interviews with industry leaders, and practical experience on how to excel in your next job search today, tomorrow, or in the future.

How do you achieve your career goals? How to you articulate your value to those you can help you in the short and long term? According to Craig Wortmann, Clinical Faculty at Chicago Booth, CEO of Experience, and author of "What's Your Story" it all comes down to your story. In the next Career Cast, Craig will share his knowledge, wisdom, and practical experience on how to craft a compelling professional story to help you advance in your career and life.

Do you ever start a conversation with someone new and in the back of your mind think, "What's in it for me?" You are not alone. Yet, Bob Burg, consultant, speaker, and author of "The Go-Giver" would tell you that your approach is backwards. Give first and there will be lots in it for you – now and for years to come. In the next CareerCast, Bob will share how to develop relationships for a lifetime where your giving is the fuel for career advancement, success, and significance.

Why do some people take stumbling blocks and transform them into life-changing breakthroughs? Are they super-human or extraordinary? Michelle Lederman, author of "The 11 Laws of Likability" and founder of Executive Essentials believes that we all have the capacity to turn challenges into significant opportunities. In this CareerCast, Michelle shares her insights, lessons learned and direct experience on how you can turn any career setback to your advantage, too.

Can you imagine what it would like to start at Google in 2000 (it launched in 1998) and be instrumental in the company’s advancement? Kevin Willer can. He worked for Google until 2011 when he became a Partner in New World Ventures and President and CEO of the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center. In the next CareerCast, Kevin, will share his vision, lessons learned, and insights on how identify and enable high potential entrepreneurs to build the next generation of high-growth companies.

Will influence make you a success? “Not alone, but it’s crucial for any leadership role and an enduring career,” says Terry Bacon, PhD, founder Lore International Institute, a widely respected executive development firm recently acquired by the Korn/Ferry Institute, coach, and consultant to global businesses in leadership, management, and interpersonal skills. He is also the author of Elements of Influence, Powerful Proposals, What People Want, and The Elements of Power. In the next CareerCast, Terry will share his lessons learned from more than 30 years of leadership experience, multi-faceted perspective, and insights from across the globe.

Where do entrepreneurship and helping small-scale donors contribute directly to families rebuilding after disaster? Desiree Vargas Wrigley, CEO and Co-Founder of GiveForward, believes that it begins with one person, a strong vision, and strategic action. In the next CareerCast, Desiree will share your experience, knowledge, and insights about grassroots social entrepreneurship from GiveForward and strategic philanthropy and her work funding innovative programs at the Kauffman Foundation.

Vision without action is a daydream. Action with without vision is a nightmare. Japanese Proverb. “This is absolutely true,” says Karim Ismail, serial entrepreneur, philanthropist, and CEO of Avidium Inc., an international management consulting firm. He is also the author of “Keep ANY Promise: a blueprint for designing your future” which expresses his philosophy that “without goals and a solid plan, very little achievement is possible in the long run.” In the next CareerCast, Karim will share his vision, insights, and hard-fought lessons after a near-tragic personal and profession event.

When does a new job actually begin? According to Mary Vonnegut, your new job begins the moment you accept the offer. In the next CareerCast, Mary, Partner of PrimeGenesis and co-author of ONBOARDING: How to Get Your New Employees Up to Speed in Half the Time, will share her insights, proven solutions, and advanced technologies for successfully transitioning into a new role.