Happen To Your Career - Meaningful Work, Career Change, Career Design, & Job Search

Rachel Cooke, founder of Lead Above Noise and host of the Modern Mentor podcast, delves into crafting a fulfilling career on your own terms. She discusses why traditional employee engagement often misses the mark and introduces the four pillars of employee experience: Deliver, Develop, Connect, and Thrive. Rachel shares practical tips for overcoming workplace obstacles, seeking growth opportunities, fostering connections, and establishing boundaries. She empowers listeners to experiment within their roles before deciding to make a change.

In this engaging conversation, Karen Senger, a seasoned nonprofit marketing and fundraising expert, reveals how being passed over for a job ended up guiding her to her ideal role as a chief philanthropy officer. She discusses the power of honest self-reflection and how knowing her non-negotiables helped clarify her career path. Karen highlights the significance of smaller career shifts and shares valuable insights on leveraging connections to uncover hidden opportunities. Her journey proves that sometimes the most awkward moments can lead to the best outcomes.

In this episode, career-change advocate Melissa Shapiro shares her journey from layoff to fulfilling work. She discusses practical strategies to cope with fear and transform setbacks into opportunities. Melissa reveals why it's important to embrace career evolution rather than feel pressured to choose a single path. She also highlights how to effectively use time after a layoff for skill-building and confidence restoration. Join her as she inspires listeners to see job loss as a stepping stone to a more aligned career.

Glenn Strecker, a seasoned healthcare sales executive, shares his inspiring journey after confronting a health scare at 61. He emphasizes how such crises can shift career perspectives and highlight personal values. Glenn reveals the importance of non-negotiables in finding fulfilling work and discusses overcoming doubt and age bias during transitions. He also illustrates how reinventing oneself is possible at any age, drawing on his transformation into a competitive athlete as a testament to his commitment to health and fitness.

After a painful layoff, Brian learned the power of self-reflection and rebuilt his confidence without rushing into a new job. He discusses how aligning work with personal values can lead to a fulfilling career and shares practical steps to navigate the job search with excitement rather than desperation. The conversation highlights the significance of a supportive professional network and the importance of finding a work culture that nurtures autonomy. With actionable advice and insights, it’s a compelling guide for anyone facing career transitions.

Megan Crawford, a talent acquisition expert with over 13 years of experience, shares invaluable insights from her extensive interview facilitation. She emphasizes that interviews should be authentic conversations, not tests with scripted answers. Candidates should focus on understanding their career stories and avoid common pitfalls. Authenticity and self-awareness are key in crafting a compelling personal narrative. Plus, she highlights the importance of asking thoughtful questions to ensure the role aligns with one’s true desires.

When a high-pressure sales role didn't match Nick's strengths, he embarked on a journey to find a career that truly fit him. Discover how he pivoted into finance without starting from scratch, leveraging transferable skills along the way. The importance of self-reflection, mini-experiments, and building genuine connections in networking is highlighted. This discussion also explores practical steps to rebuild confidence during career transitions and the significance of aligning job roles with personal strengths.

Lisa Vu, a project manager at UCSF focused on improving vaccine rates, shares her transition from a research role due to workplace boredom. She discusses why boredom can be as detrimental as burnout and the importance of recognizing when your role no longer fits. Lisa emphasizes breaking out of comfort zones, seeking support, and reframing networking as a series of experiments. The conversation highlights the value of interpersonal connections at work and encourages listeners to prioritize career fulfillment over stagnation.

The key to transforming your career lies within you, as self-doubt and fear often hold you back. Small, actionable steps can create immense momentum toward fulfillment. Learning from others' experiences reveals that waiting too long to change your path can be more detrimental than you'd think. Authenticity and reframing failure can empower you to make bold decisions. Embracing change—even when uncertain—opens doors to new opportunities and personal growth. Remember, asking for help can break the patterns that keep you stuck.

David Sally, a negotiation expert and author of 'One Step Ahead,' shares invaluable insights on mastering job offer negotiations. He emphasizes the importance of preparation and adapting your style to the company culture. Listeners learn how to be tough yet fair, overcoming common negotiation pitfalls, especially for women facing bias. With practical strategies, Sally teaches how to ask for more without jeopardizing the offer, maintaining relationships while securing the best possible deal. It's an engaging blend of empathy and assertiveness.