
The Career Change Maker Podcast
Are you ready to take charge of your career and advance with purpose? Welcome to the Career Change Maker Podcast, where we empower ambitious professionals to manage and grow their careers with confidence. Hosted by Janine Esbrand, lawyer turned Career & Leadership Development Specialist, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you navigate career progression, enhance your leadership skills, and make an impact in your current or future roles. Each week, Janine provides career advancement strategies, leadership development tips, and practical advice to help you thrive at work. Drawing from her own experience transitioning from a corporate lawyer to leading her own company, Janine shares the tools and mindset shifts that can propel you forward. Plus, she interviews successful professionals who have navigated their own paths to career growth and fulfilment. Whether you're aiming to elevate your position, step into leadership, or simply unlock more career satisfaction, this podcast is for you. Tune in for candid conversations and expert guidance designed to help you take ownership of your career journey. Ready to become a career change maker?Subscribe now and start advancing your career today!Join our community to continue the conversation www.careerchangemakers.com/careernavigator
Latest episodes

May 22, 2025 • 14min
#285: Unapologetic Leadership: A Season in Review
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this final episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, I reflect on the core theme of unapologetic leadership that’s been woven throughout the season.From redefining success to prioritising wellness and building confidence, this episode is all about pausing to acknowledge how far you’ve come—and encouraging you to keep growing with intention and clarity.Whether you’ve been with me since the first episode or just joined, I hope these reflections leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready for your next bold move.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Confidence is a Skill: It’s not something you're born with—it’s built through consistent action and self-trust.✅ Wellness is Essential for Success: True success includes taking care of your mind, body, and emotional well-being.✅ Your Journey is Valid: Leadership doesn’t look the same for everyone—own your path unapologetically.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on how your definition of success has evolved—and write it down.💡 Take one small, bold action that pushes you outside your comfort zone.💡 Choose one wellness habit to prioritise this week—your health supports your leadership.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

May 15, 2025 • 56min
#284: Building Your Confidence with Lauren Currie
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, I sit down with Lauren Currie—founder of Upfront, a groundbreaking movement dedicated to empowering women through leadership and confidence building.Lauren shares her inspiring journey from art school to service design, and ultimately to entrepreneurship.We dive into the systemic challenges women face in leadership, the misconceptions around confidence, and how the Upfront Bond program is helping women step into their full potential by building skills, community, and courage.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Confidence is a Skill: Why confidence isn’t innate—and how consistent action can help you build it.✅ Community Fuels Growth: How belonging to a strong, supportive network can transform your leadership journey.✅ Changing the System: Why solving leadership gaps requires systemic change, not just individual effort.Action Steps:💡 Practice "action breeds confidence"—take one small action today that challenges you.💡 Identify one limiting belief you can start to unlearn—and replace it with an empowering truth.💡 Join or build a community that supports your personal and professional growth.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube ChannelApple: UPFRONT Moment with Lauren CurrieSpotify: UPFRONT Moment with Lauren CurrieAcast: UPFRONT Moment with Lauren CurrieLauren Currie’s LinkedIn👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

May 8, 2025 • 48min
#283: Intentional Career Management with Olya Yakzhina
🎙️ Episode OverviewHR is evolving — and with it, the roles of managers, employees, and People leaders.In this episode, I sit down with Olya Yakzhina, People Director at Switchee, who shares her unique journey from psychology to leadership in HR.Olya dives deep into how internal mobility, feedback, and community-building are shaping the future of work. We explore how personal growth, even through discomfort, can lead to transformation — and why supporting managers is a non-negotiable for a thriving workplace culture.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Resilience in the HR Journey: How Olya’s career path and love for startups shaped her people-first leadership style.✅ Internal Mobility & Value Exchange: Why empowering employees to grow from within starts with trust, clarity, and mutual value.✅ Supporting Managers to Strengthen Culture: How mentorship, feedback, and community-building help create more engaged, empowered teams.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on how internal mobility and feedback show up in your current role or team.💡 Explore ways to support managers in your organisation — mentorship, training, or community can go a long way.💡 Consider how value exchange applies to your career growth and workplace relationships.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube ChannelOlya Yakzhina’s LinkedInLearn more about the Supercharge Your Career Course (Olya’s LinkedIn Post)Supercharge Your Career (free course)The Modern Employer Podcast👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

May 1, 2025 • 10min
#282 - Your Growth Journey - 3 Ways to Partner with Me
🎙️ Episode OverviewRecovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon is reshaping my focus — both personally and professionally.This healing journey has deepened my commitment to serving others in achieving more clarity, growth, and impact in their careers. In this episode, I share the ways in which I partner with individuals and organisations to achieve their next level career goals.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Resilience in Recovery: How this experience has influenced my coaching and leadership approach.✅ Clarity for Career Growth: Why seeking clarity and focusing on what you can control is crucial in this period of economic and political instability. ✅ Support That Moves You Forward: How my signature self study program, executive coaching, and leadership development programs have been supporting others in this season. Action Steps:💡 Reflect on what clarity looks like for you right now.💡 Explore coaching or support that aligns with your next career move.💡 Lean into your community—support matters in both healing and growth.Resources:Career Clarity Accelerator Book a fitting call with with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Apr 24, 2025 • 36min
#281 - Creating Unconventional Success with Kofi Bempah
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, I sit down with Kofi Owusu-Bempa—entrepreneur, impact investor, and founder in the renewable energy space.Kofi shares his transformative journey from corporate law to building businesses that create social and environmental impact. We explore the power of transferable skills, the nuances of leadership in emerging markets, and how betting on yourself can lead to incredible opportunities.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Career Reinvention: How Kofi leveraged his legal background to lead in the renewable energy sector.✅ Relationships as Currency: Why building and nurturing strong business relationships is key to long-term success.✅ Impact with Intention: How aligning your work with purpose can drive both personal fulfillment and global change.Action Steps:💡 Identify one transferable skill from your current role that could serve you in a different industry.💡 Reach out to someone in your network to deepen a professional relationship—intentionally.💡 Reflect on how you define "impact" in your career—and what opportunities excite you beyond your current path.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube ChannelConnect with Kofi:PASH Global websiteFollow Kofi on LinkedIn👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Apr 17, 2025 • 53min
#280: Your Wellness Matters with Ariel Belgrave
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, I sit down with Ariel Belgrave—health and fitness coach, entrepreneur, and founder of Gym Hooky.Ariel shares her inspiring journey from investment banking to wellness entrepreneurship, highlighting the importance of self-care, setting boundaries, and building a career that supports both your ambition and wellbeing.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Intentional Career Transitions: How Ariel left the corporate world to create a purpose-driven wellness brand.✅ Sustainable Self-Care: Why small, consistent habits matter more than perfection when it comes to health and energy.✅ Empowered Wellness: The importance of setting boundaries and using your time intentionally—both personally and professionally.Action Steps:💡 Set one clear boundary this week to protect your time or energy.💡 Choose one simple wellness habit (like walking, journalling, or stretching) to incorporate into your daily routine.💡 Reflect on what success looks like for you—beyond titles and achievements.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Apr 10, 2025 • 16min
#279: Why Self Leadership is the most important form of Leadership
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Career Change Makers Podcast, I’m diving into the powerful concept of self-leadership and why it’s such a game-changer for new and emerging leaders.I’ll talk about the importance of having clarity in your vision, embracing your autonomy, and carving out time to reflect. Plus, I’ll share how leading by example and staying true to yourself can take your leadership to the next level, and I’m excited to announce a new program designed specifically for female leaders.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Self-Leadership as a Foundation: Why self-leadership is key for growth and often overlooked in leadership development.✅ Clarity in Vision: How having a clear vision can guide your decisions and actions.✅ Embracing Autonomy: Navigating the excitement and overwhelm that come with autonomy.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on your self-leadership and how aligned it is with your goals.💡 Prioritise clarity in your vision to make intentional decisions.💡 Embrace your autonomy while taking time to reflect.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Apr 3, 2025 • 59min
#278: Redefining Success on Your Terms with Jereshia Hawk
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, Jereshia Hawk and I explore leadership, personal growth, vulnerability, and the redefinition of success.Jereshia shares her journey from survival-driven leadership to leadership rooted in joy, self-worth, and authenticity. She talks about the power of the pause, and how her year long sabbatical lead to a reset of her life and business. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Leadership Evolution: How and why leadership styles evolve in different seasons of life. ✅ Redefining Success: True success goes beyond milestones and achievements when you focus on alignment with who you are and what is important to you. ✅ The Importance of Vulnerability: Vulnerability in relationships fosters deeper connections and more authentic interactions.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on whether your leadership style comes from a place of survival or authenticity.💡 Start separating your self-worth from external achievements and redefine what success means to you.💡 Explore areas of your life where you can embrace vulnerability and create more authentic connections.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine's YouTube ChannelWork with Jereshia Listen to Jereshia's podcast👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Mar 27, 2025 • 18min
#277: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome as a New Leader
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode, I dive into the impact of imposter syndrome, especially for new managers and emerging leaders.I’ll share ways to turn imposter syndrome into a powerful tool, reframe those self-doubts, and build the confidence to thrive.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Imposter Syndrome is Normal: 75% of people experience it, especially when stepping into leadership roles. Acknowledging it is the first step to overcoming it.✅ Focus on Achievements: Use past successes to validate your potential and build confidence.✅ Leadership Requires an Identity Shift: Transitioning to leadership often involves reshaping your mindset and embracing growth.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on your achievements and track wins to reinforce your capabilities.💡 Reframe negative beliefs as opportunities for growth.💡 Engage in continuous learning and build a support system to close skills gaps.Resources:Work with JanineCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube Channel👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text

Mar 20, 2025 • 47min
#276: The Secret To Getting Promoted and Earning More Money with Christy Rutherford
🎙️ Episode OverviewIn this episode of the Career Change Makers Podcast, Christy Rutherford and I dive deep into the importance of internal work, overcoming burnout, and navigating the path to leadership.Christy shares her personal journey of healing from burnout, managing stress, and aligning with authenticity to achieve not only professional success but also well-being.Together, we explore the critical role of self-awareness, trauma understanding, and mental clarity in empowering high-achieving women to thrive in leadership roles.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Internal Work is Fundamental: Personal and professional growth hinges on dedicated internal exploration and development.✅ Trauma's Impact on Leadership: Past trauma, including perfectionism, significantly influences leadership and decision-making processes.✅ Stress Response Awareness: Recognizing and understanding your default stress responses is crucial for personal transformation.Action Steps:💡 Reflect on your default response to stress—how does it show up in your personal and professional life?💡 Start a simple self-care routine: meditation for 5 minutes, three times a week, to clear mental clutter.💡 Lean into your authentic self and align your actions with your true values and goals.Resources:Book a 1:1 Strategy SessionCareer Change Maker WebsiteJoin the Career Navigator weekly email seriesFollow Janine Esbrand on InstagramConnect with Janine Esbrand on LinkedInSubscribe to Janine Esbrand's YouTube ChannelChristy's Resources:WorkbookChristy's YouTube ChannelChristy LinkedIn Christy's Instagram 👉 Subscribe, Share, and Leave a ReviewIf you’re on a journey to elevate your leadership and make a greater impact, hit subscribe to the Career Change Maker Podcast. Share this episode with your network, and leave a review to help more professionals discover the show and achieve their leadership goals.Send us a textSend us a text