Secrets of the Career Game

True "job security" as guaranteed lifetime employment was never a reality, though the perception of it was stronger in previous generations. In this episode, Kendall Berg sits down with career strategist Renata Bernarde to talk about what it really takes to stay relevant when the rules of work keep changing. From quiet layoffs to invisible promotion ceilings, they dig into why waiting to be "discovered" is no longer a strategy but a trap. Renata shares how thinking like the CEO of your own career changes everything: the way you network, the way you show up online, and the way you plan for the future version of you. Together, she and Kendall dive into the power of self-agency, the networking realities behind senior-level hiring, and how to plan your career with your 70-year-old self in mind. Whether you're feeling stuck, restless, or ready to pivot, this conversation will help you build the kind of career that lasts no matter what the market does next. What's one "corporate game" rule you've learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach/p/get-started-with-my-play-the-corporate-game-course About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let's talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Book your Coffee Chat → https://calendly.com/thatcareercoach/15-min-follow-up Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind About Renata Bernarde Renata Bernarde is a career coach and job-hunting expert who helps experienced and senior professionals design successful career strategies, secure new roles, and navigate career transitions with confidence. She is the host of The Job Hunting Podcast and the founder of a coaching practice supporting corporate, nonprofit, and government professionals worldwide. She also lectures on career planning and design at Monash University and is an Enterprise Fellow at the University of Melbourne. With a background as a former CEO and executive leader, Renata brings practical insight, empathy, and strategic thinking to job search and career planning for experienced professionals. https://www.renatabernarde.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/renatabernarde/ https://www.youtube.com/@renatabernarde https://open.spotify.com/show/7kmWFQN3y8WyEqsm99UKlk https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/the-job-hunting-podcast/id1481423500 https://www.instagram.com/stories/renatabernarde.co/

Kendall Berg reveals the truth about how to emotionally detach from work—without losing your ambition. Most professionals don't burn out from overworking; they burn out from over-caring. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall breaks down why emotional detachment is the real power skill behind sustainable success. You'll learn how to stop tying your self-worth to work performance, focus your energy where it actually drives results, and let go of the constant need to fix everyone else's problems. Kendall also shares her personal "Future Self Cheat Sheet," a simple framework to help you build identity, structure, and joy outside of work—so your career doesn't consume your entire sense of self. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: How to emotionally detach from work without feeling lazy or disengaged What daily habits prevent burnout and build long-term success Why "swooping and saving" your team only fuels exhaustion How to create your own "Future Self Cheat Sheet" What emotional detachment really looks like for high performers 👉 Improve your self advocacy: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach/p/get-my-promotion-guide-now ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/

Kendall Berg and Sara Anderson go deep into why authentic confidence isn't about "faking it until you make it"—it's about rewiring your nervous system so your leadership presence becomes undeniable. From grounding exercises that calm anxiety before high-stakes meetings to mindset shifts that make you more memorable in the boardroom, this episode unpacks the hidden mechanics of influence that no one teaches you in corporate training. Sara explains how nervous system regulation directly impacts clarity, vocal control, and body language. She shares a client story of a senior leader who broke through a years-long ceiling after mastering these techniques, proving that leadership isn't about credentials alone—it's about resonance. Together, Kendall and Sara reveal how trust, likability, and authentic connection matter far more than polished perfection when it comes to career growth. In this episode, we discuss: How can nervous system regulation improve leadership confidence? Why does likability matter more than technical skills for career growth? What visualization exercises actually reduce anxiety before big meetings? How do gender dynamics and bias impact visibility at work? What mindset shifts help leaders move from polished to truly authentic? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://stan.store/thatcareercoach 💡 About Sara Anderson Sara Anderson is the founder of Lead Out Loud and the creator of The Resonance Method™, a science-backed leadership framework that helps high-performing women master the unspoken dynamics of corporate influence. Her unique approach teaches the invisible forces that separate leaders who struggle from those who seem to effortlessly command rooms and get results. Sara has coached executives at companies like Adobe, Workday, and Cerity Partners, helping them decode the hidden rules of corporate power and influence with authenticity. She specializes in helping ambitious professionals move beyond traditional "executive presence" training to master the psychology and strategy behind magnetic leadership—perfect for anyone ready to play the career game at a higher level. Website Instagram LinkedIn Profile

Kendall Berg doesn't sugarcoat it: if you refuse to engage in corporate politics, your career will stall. Hard work alone gets you to middle management at best, while those who master influence, relationships, and reputation move into senior leadership. Politics isn't about gossip—it's about power dynamics, alliances, and timing. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall breaks down how to navigate the politics of influence without losing yourself. She shares tactical strategies for identifying power centers, mapping allies and rivals, managing conflict with integrity, and building trust that lasts. Whether you're aiming for Director, VP, or C-suite, this episode is your roadmap for turning politics from a career roadblock into a career advantage. 👉 In this episode, we discuss: How do you know if avoiding politics is holding back your career? What are the three pillars of corporate politics everyone should master? How do you identify the true power players in your company? What's the best way to handle rivals and protect your reputation? How can leaders build trust and advocate for their teams effectively?

Networking isn't just for job hunting — it's the long-term career insurance policy that carries you through promotions, layoffs, and everything in between. And in a world of AI, real career decisions still rely on real people. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg sits down with Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn's career expert and author of the Career Companion newsletter, to unpack how authentic networking really works in 2025. Catherine shares why 75% of professionals still trust human insight over AI tools, why 63% turn to their colleagues and peers when making big decisions, and how to build relationships that last. We also dive into the realities that make networking challenging: 46% of professionals say networking makes them anxious, 46% admit they don't know what to say when reaching out, and 45% only connect with their network when they need something. Catherine offers practical, low-stress strategies to change that — from keeping your network warm with simple gestures to approaching executives without wasting their time. From Gen Z's mini-resumes to the do's and don'ts of authentic outreach, this conversation will change how you think about building relationships and remind you why human connection still matters most. In this episode, we discuss: What role does networking have to play in the full picture of our careers? Why is networking more important than ever today? How are traditional networking practices changing with technology and culture? What's driving the latest networking trends? How is Gen Z rewriting the rules of networking? What are the basic do's and don'ts of networking today? How can you make your networking relationships mutually beneficial and take them to the next level? ⭐️ Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ About Catherine Fisher Catherine Fisher is LinkedIn's career expert and the author of the Career Companion newsletter, where she shares practical advice on job interviews, navigating a competitive market, workplace burnout, and building authentic professional relationships. She currently serves as Vice President of Global Consumer Communications at LinkedIn and has over 30 years of experience leading marketing and communications for some of the world's most recognized brands, including Netflix, eBay, and One Kings Lane. Catherine's work blends insider career insights with a passion for helping professionals grow and thrive. She studied Art History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and continues to inspire audiences with her fresh perspective on career development, networking, and modern workplace culture. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinefisherlinkedin/ Career Companion https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/career-companion-6994037905178398720/

Corporate careers don't offer the same safety net they once did. Pensions are gone, promotions are slow, and many roles feel like dead ends. That's why more professionals are turning to side hustles—and Kendall Berg is one of them. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall shares how she built a career coaching business while still working a demanding corporate job. She breaks down what it really takes to launch without waiting for the "perfect plan," how one TikTok video changed everything, and the pricing mistakes that nearly burned her out. With candor and a bit of irony about corporate culture, Kendall shows why messy action, social media, and smart pricing are the real game-changers. In this episode, we discuss: Why are so many professionals starting side hustles in 2025? How can you balance a corporate job and a growing business? What's the real secret behind going viral and turning followers into clients? How do you know if you're charging enough for your services? What systems make scaling a side hustle actually possible? 📄 Get the Resume Guide to master the ATS and land more interviews: https://thatcareercoach.myflodesk.com/resume-guide/checkout ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Kendall Berg sits down with Kelly Poquiz Burke, a former Doritos brand manager who walked away from Super Bowl campaigns, corporate titles, and nonstop promotions to build a life that actually aligned with her values. Kelly's story begins at the peak of success—meeting celebrities, managing billion-dollar brands, and collecting promotions—but underneath, she was burning out while holding it all together as a new mom and cancer survivor. In this conversation, Kelly explains why passion isn't enough for lasting fulfillment, how over-identifying with your career keeps you stuck, and why she believes Life-Work Alignment is a more sustainable framework than the outdated idea of balance. She shares the moment her three-year-old daughter asked her not to leave again, the Apple Watch notification that confirmed her stress levels, and the four pillars that now guide her work and life. If you've ever wondered whether your career is defining too much of who you are, this episode will shift your perspective. In this episode, we discuss: How do you know when it's time to walk away from a dream job? Why is purpose more sustainable than passion in your career? What are the early signs of burnout most people ignore? How does Life-Work Alignment work in practice? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind About Kelly Poquiz Burke Kelly Poquiz Burke is an Executive Coach, Keynote Speaker, Podcast Host, and the Founder & CEO of Career Slay®. After beating breast cancer while pregnant during the pandemic, she found purpose in helping high performers develop their careers with courage and authenticity. Before launching Career Slay, Kelly spent over a decade in marketing, leading Super Bowl campaigns for brands like Doritos, Avocados From Mexico, Nestlé, and GameStop. She holds an MBA from the University of Texas at Austin, a BBA from the University of Notre Dame, and is an ICF Level 1 Certified Coac

Most of us give our boss way too much credit — for the raise we didn't get, the promotion we hoped for, or the recognition we thought was overdue. Kendall Berg pulls back the curtain to reveal the truth: your career outcomes are rarely decided by one person. Promotions, raises, and opportunities happen by committee, and your boss can't advocate for you if they don't even know what you're doing. This episode digs into the four pillars of career growth: education, self-advocacy, networking, and communication. Kendall explains why reframing self-advocacy as "educating leadership" changes everything, how high performers accidentally sabotage themselves by saying yes to everything, and why building relationships with directors and VPs is just as critical as doing the work itself. With sharp insights and practical stories (including her own three-year promotion delay), Kendall shows how to communicate impact, manage expectations, and protect your career trajectory. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, we discuss: How do you educate your boss and leadership team about your impact without sounding pushy? Why do high performers often burn out before reaching senior leadership? What's the role of networking with directors and VPs in career advancement? How do you communicate trade-offs and risks in a positive, strategic way? Why can't you rely on your boss alone for promotions and raises? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

Your calendar doesn't cause burnout. It's caused by your nervous system. After building multiple seven-figure businesses in her twenties, Dr. Nona Djavid found herself sobbing on the closet floor—exhausted, overwhelmed, and completely burned out. That breakdown became a breakthrough. She didn't just change her habits—she rewired her subconscious and trained her nervous system to feel safe with rest, freedom, and abundance. Now, she helps high-achieving professionals do the same without quitting their jobs or blowing up their lives. In this episode, Kendall and Nona unpack the invisible addiction to stress, how subconscious safety patterns sabotage growth, and why visualizing your future isn't just spiritual fluff—it's brain science. Nona also breaks down her One Week/Month Lifestyle and how anyone—from entrepreneurs to corporate leaders—can adopt it in a way that works for them. Dr. Nona Djavid is the founder of eLIVate Club and creator of the One Week/Month Lifestyle. Her work helps high performers rewire the subconscious patterns keeping them stuck in cycles of burnout, stress, and overachieving. Want more from Nona? DM her @nonadjavid on Instagram and mention this episode to access her free 90-minute training: Four Steps to Quantum Leaps In this episode, we discuss: What is nervous system dysregulation and how does it show up at work? How do I know if I'm addicted to stress without realizing it? Can visualization rewire the brain for success? Why does my nervous system sabotage my goals? How can I create more time freedom without quitting my job? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind

"Just work hard and you'll get promoted." If you've heard this before and it still hasn't worked out… Kendall's here to tell you why. In this 100th episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall calls BS on the most common career clichés that keep high-performers stuck and overlooked. From toxic loyalty traps to the myth of passion-driven success, this episode breaks down the 8 most mediocre pieces of advice—and replaces them with strategies that actually get you promoted, noticed, and respected. This is not a motivational pep talk. It's your playbook for making smarter, more strategic moves inside corporate systems that were never built to reward quiet hard work. Plus: Kendall launches a Name Our Listeners contest and issues a two-week networking challenge that could literally change your career trajectory. Let's celebrate 100 episodes by rewriting the rules. In this episode, we discuss: What's the worst career advice you've ever received? Why doesn't hard work alone get you promoted? How do you build influence without playing dirty office politics? Who should you really be networking with? When does "loyalty" become career sabotage? Don't wait to get noticed—use this guide to make your next promotion a planned event, not a lucky break. https://thatcareercoach.myflodesk.com/promotion-guide/checkout