

Destination: Dream Job
Steph Gillies
Ready to discover your authenticity and land a career that is truly aligned?
Welcome to the Destination Dream Job podcast, where we guide multi-passionate professionals on a journey of self-discovery, career clarity, and personal branding to build their unique career story.
Hosted by career story coach Steph Gillies, this podcast empowers you to embrace your authenticity, combine your passions, and design a fulfilling career that aligns with who you truly are.
Whether you’re navigating career transitions or enhancing your personal brand, each episode offers actionable tips and inspiration to help you gain confidence and take control of your career path.
It’s time to tell your story and step into the career of your dreams!
Next Steps:
Connect with Steph on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies
Visit our Website:
www.destinationdreamjob.com
Welcome to the Destination Dream Job podcast, where we guide multi-passionate professionals on a journey of self-discovery, career clarity, and personal branding to build their unique career story.
Hosted by career story coach Steph Gillies, this podcast empowers you to embrace your authenticity, combine your passions, and design a fulfilling career that aligns with who you truly are.
Whether you’re navigating career transitions or enhancing your personal brand, each episode offers actionable tips and inspiration to help you gain confidence and take control of your career path.
It’s time to tell your story and step into the career of your dreams!
Next Steps:
Connect with Steph on LinkedIn:
www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies
Visit our Website:
www.destinationdreamjob.com
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 9, 2024 • 29min
54 | Mastering the Job Market: Networking, Headhunters, and Finding the Right Fit with Martina Sarro
Have you met a recruiter who prioritizes cultural alignment over qualifications?
In this week’s episode, I was honored to interview Martina Sarro - who does just that!
Her unique approach to prioritizing cultural alignment with candidates has resulted in many successful placements!
In this episode, she shares:
> Building authentic connections that last
> Why transferrable skills matter and how to leverage your non-linear career path
> Understanding the impact of culture on job fit
> Tapping into the hidden job market through effective networking
And much more.
Check out this week’s episode of Destination Dream Job which is packed with tips for job seekers, straight from a headhunter.
Connect with Martina:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/martina-sarro/
Connect with Steph:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/

Oct 2, 2024 • 35min
53 | How to Negotiate your Salary with Keri-Lynne Shaw
Does negotiating your salary sound awkward and intimidating?
I hear you.
In this weeks podcast episode, Keri-Lynne Shaw shares all about salary negotiation.
Salary negotiation is about more than just the money.
She shares a story of an individual who received a 40% salary increase but not in the conventional way. Here is how he did it:
✨ He co-created a bonus program based on his deliverables that they rolled out to the whole organization.
✨ He negotiated a company car, gas and insurance.
✨ The company agreed to pay $4k/month for his family’s healthcare.
✨ He received 15 more days of PTO
Wow, what an accomplishment story.
These stories are more than just numbers and tactics—they're about the courage it takes to know your worth and ask for it. 💪
If you are ready to learn all the ins and outs of salary negotiation, don’t miss this week’s episode: How to Negotiate your Salary with Keri-Lynne Shaw on the Destination: Dream Job podcast.
You don’t want to miss this one! 🗣️
Connect with Keri-Lynne
IG & TikTok: @thesalarybump
LI:www.linkedin.com/in/keri-lynne-shaw

Sep 25, 2024 • 31min
52 | Overcoming Trauma Patterns & Building Personal Resilience in your Career with Patrica Ortega
Have you ever wondered how you end up in similar career situations over and over again?
Did you know our trauma and past experiences can create these patterns that influence our career?
This week’s podcast episode, Overcoming Trauma Patterns & Building Personal Resilience in your Career with Patricia Ortega is a must listen.
We talk about how when we recognize our behaviour patterns, we can start to address the issues that hold us back.
Patricia shares her own story of how her trauma effected her job search and the time she cried in an interview.
We all have past experiences that impact our career – the key is taking the next steps to build that resilience and start our healing.
This episode is a great first step.
Connect with Patricia:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmortega/
https://www.theuncommoncareer.com/podcast
https://www.theuncommoncareer.com/welcome
Connect with Steph:
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Sep 18, 2024 • 35min
51 | Tips from a Recruiter: What Makes a Resume Stand Out with Chris Kapusta
“Why isn’t that recruiter getting back to me?”
Have you found yourself asking that question? If so – this weeks podcast episode is for you!
I chat with Chris Kapusta, an experienced Headhunter and Recruiter.
We talk about the difference between a Headhunter and Recruiter and what their role is in the job search process.
We also dive into personal branding tips directly from a recruiters.
Take a listen and let me know your favourite part below!
Connect with Chris:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-kapusta/
Connect with Steph:
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Sep 4, 2024 • 28min
50 | DEI at Work: What Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Actually Means with Kathleen Johnson
Have you ever truly wondered what DEI means?
Today's conversation with Kathleen Johnson is not only timely but also extremely insightful.
We talk all things Diversity, Equity and Inclusion from what it means to implementing a DEI program in your workplace.
Kathleen shares how DEI initiatives matter at work and how it impacts innovation, employee engagement and overall organizational success.
She also offers practical strategies how organizations and individuals can integrate DEI principles into daily practices.
If DEI has been something that has interested you, take a listen.
Connect with Kathleen:
Book: Thinking Outside the Boardroom
New YouTube: The Kreactivators
Spotify: The Kreactivators
TikTok: @kreativkmj
IG: @the_kreactivator
LinkedIn: Kathleen Johnson
Connect with Steph:
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com
Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Aug 21, 2024 • 26min
49 | Quitting is for Winners: How to Avoid Burnout with Gabriela Flax
Quitting is for winners!
In this podcast episode, Gabriela Flax, a career wellness coach, dives deep into burnout and why quitting can be a smart move for your well-being and success.
Here are 3 steps to helping you get through burnout:
> Embrace Vulnerability
Recognizing burnout is the first step to moving forward.
> Shift your Mindset
Burnout can be one of our greatest lessons and can help us truly align our careers with our passions and values.
> Know when to quit
When done thoughtfully, quitting can open up new opportunities, allow for personal growth and help you re-align with your true goals.
Tune in to Destination Dream Job and hear all of Gabriela’s powerful insights on how to navigate career burnout.
Connect with Gabriela:
IG: @gabrielaflax
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-flax-the-career-wellness-coach
Connect with Steph
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com

Aug 7, 2024 • 27min
48 | Should I Start a Business? with Erin Patchell
Have you ever thought of starting a business?
If so - this episode is for you!
In this episode, I welcome Erin Patchell a seasoned business strategist, podcast host, and founder of Positivist Group and Train to Help Project.
We talk about:
> How to identify if entrepreneurship is right for you.
> The key differences between being a solopreneur, business owner and entrepreneur.
> Practical advice for starting and building a successful business.
Whether you are contemplating a side hustle or want to be full-time in your own business, Erin’s experiences and advice will inspire and guide you through your entrepreneurial journey.
Tune into the full episode to hear all her great advice!
Connect with Erin:
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/erin-patchell
Website: positivist.ca & trainedtohelp.com
Connect with Steph: &
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com

Jul 24, 2024 • 29min
47 | Shy by Design: Overcoming Shyness & Standing out Quietly with Michael Thompson
Have you ever wondered how to overcome shyness and stand out?
In this weeks podcast episode, Michael Thompson shares his own story of how he overcame stuttering and is now a lecturer, career coach and author.
He wrote the book Shy by Design: 12 Timeless Principles to Quietly Stand out.
We discussed practical tips that introverts and shy individuals can leverage to thrive in their careers.
Here are my top 3 takeaways:
► Focus on comfort over confidence
► Embrace small wins
► Express yourself in your own way
If you want to hear more tips from Michael, check out the episode. It’s a good one!
Connect with Michael:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikethompsonblog/
Website: https://michaelthompson.art/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelthompsonwriter/
Connect with Steph:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies
Website: www.destinationdreamjob.com

Jul 10, 2024 • 22min
46 | Designing Your Ideal Life Beyond Career with Tara Paton
Replace “What do I want to do with my life?” with “What kind of life do I want to live?”
In this weeks episode of Destination: Dream Job, we welcome Tara Patton, the President and Founder of Red Blaze Solutions. Tara shares her unique career journey from an English Literature graduate to an engineer, and now a successful coach. Tara provides valuable insights on improving mental health during job searches, building resilience, and understanding your true desires to create a fulfilling life and career.
Here are her top 3 tips for improving your life while navigating the job search:
Journaling for Self-Discovery and Mental Clarity:
Utilize tools like habit trackers and morning pages to understand your energy cycles, identify what activities boost your mood, and clarify your desires.
Building a Supportive Community:
Engage in networking events, connect with friends and family, and seek support from those who understand your experience.
Resilience and Positive Mindset:
Focus on small wins and create a wins journal to train your brain to recognize positive outcomes and build confidence.
Join us for an enlightening discussion that will inspire you to reflect on your life goals and take actionable steps toward a fulfilling career and personal life.
Connect with Tara:
Website: https://redblazesolutions.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taralpaton/
Connect with Steph:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies

Jun 26, 2024 • 21min
45 | Breaking the Neurodivergent Burnout Cycle with Veronica Yao
What does it look like to have a sustainable work-life balance as a neurodivergent professionals?
On this week’s episode of the Destination: Dream Job podcast, I had a great conversation with Veronica Yao, a career coach specializing in supporting neurodivergent professionals to build sustainable work lives and break the burnout cycle.
Here are my top 2 takeaways:
> How Burnout effects Neurodivergent professionals
Veronica shares how neurodivergent individuals face higher risk of burnout due to structures that are not designed for their unique needs.
> Asking for Accommodations and Why it Should be Normalized
We talk about the importance of normalizing accommodations and how to reduce the stigma around asking for what you need at work.
This is a great episode if you are looking for ways to avoid burnout and improve your work life!
Connect with Veronica:
Social Media: @atypicalcareers
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/LBT97J6FYcnBVfdj/?mibextid=K35XfP
Connect with Steph:
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies