Career Sessions, Career Lessons
Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path. Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts. Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations. He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer. Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.
Latest episodes
May 19, 2025 • 40min
Exploring The Midlife Career Crisis With Scott Doyne
Is your career at a crossroads? Feeling that familiar tug of wanting something more, or navigating an unexpected shift? You're not alone. This week, we speak with Scott Doyne, a career coach, author, and speaker with over fifteen years of experience helping professionals just like you find clarity and confidence during career transitions. Scott's book, Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis, is a go-to resource for anyone feeling stuck or searching for deeper purpose in their work. Join us as we discuss Scott's insights, his coaching work, and his own career journey. Ready to navigate your next chapter? Let's get started.Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/scott-doyne/.
May 12, 2025 • 45min
Flex Staffing And Its Impact On The Future Of Work, With James Terry
Head Of US Revenue At Indeed FlexFlex staffing is rapidly reshaping the employment landscape, offering both companies and workers unprecedented flexibility and dynamic opportunities. In this episode, J.R. Lowry sits down with James Terry, Head of US Revenue for Indeed Flex, a leading tech-driven staffing solutions provider. James unpacks how Indeed Flex is revolutionizing the job market by leveraging technology to connect businesses with qualified, flexible staff, and empower individuals to choose when, where, and how they work. From its innovative origins in the UK to navigating the challenges and shifts of the COVID-19 pandemic, the conversation explores how flex staffing has evolved and its critical role in meeting the changing demands of today's economy. James also delves into the shift in worker expectations, the increasing need for flexibility from employers, and how data-driven models are transforming the traditional hiring process. Join us to discover how flex staffing is not just a trend, but a fundamental shift that's driving the future of work and creating a more agile, responsive, and worker-friendly job market.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/james-terry/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
May 5, 2025 • 47min
Building A Beauty Business, With Natasha Cornstein
Ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of the beauty business? J.R. Lowry's got you covered with an explosive conversation with Natasha Cornstein, the unstoppable CEO of Blushington! This isn't just talk; we're getting a front-row seat to the magic behind Blushington, the ultimate beauty haven where makeup, skincare, hair, and retail dreams come true. Natasha's spilling all the secrets on how Blushington transformed from a simple idea to a franchise powerhouse. Think TikTok trends, the booming mature beauty movement, and the insider scoop on finding the perfect franchisees – we're unpacking it all! Plus, hear Natasha's jaw-dropping journey from the high-pressure Fox Newsroom to the strategic realm of sports management, and how she’s crafted a leadership style that empowers her team to shine. If you're craving real-deal business insights, inspiring stories, and a sneak peek into the future of the dazzling beauty industry, buckle up – this episode is your VIP pass!Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/natasha-cornstein/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Apr 21, 2025 • 39min
Fighting For Parental Leave Rights, With Glen Wood
Author Of Too Big To Care: Adopt Sustainable Business Practices Or Embrace DefeatIn the ongoing fight for parental rights in the workplace, Glen Wood's story stands as a powerful testament to the challenges and triumphs of advocating for work-life balance. In this episode, J.R. Lowry interviews Glen Wood, a Canadian national who spent three decades in Japan and worked as an equity sales manager at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. Glen shares his deeply personal journey of fighting for paternity leave after the birth of his son, the subsequent workplace harassment he allegedly faced, and the legal battle that ensued. Beyond his own experiences, Glen delves into the broader issues of corporate sustainability, the importance of valuing employees as people, and how prioritizing family can ultimately lead to a more successful and profitable company. This episode offers valuable insights into navigating parental leave policies, challenging workplace norms, and understanding the crucial connection between employee well-being and long-term business success.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/glen-wood.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Apr 15, 2025 • 40min
Being A Generous Leader, With Joe Davis
For Joe Davis, a generous leader is someone who selflessly helps others experience profound growth and unleash their fullest potential. They do not prioritize their personal agendas but are dedicated to elevating those around them. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, the award-winning author and speaker shares what it means to bring generosity to leadership, which results in better communication, inclusivity, authenticity, and collaboration within a team. Joe also emphasizes the importance of providing consistent feedback, both positive and constructive, to further guide others in achieving their personal successes.Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/joe-davis.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Mar 31, 2025 • 43min
Mastering The Art Of Asking Questions With Dave Reynolds
What if the secret to unstoppable leadership lies in mastering the art of questions? In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, host JR Lowry sits down with Dave Reynolds, serial entrepreneur, founder of The Rumin8 Group, and author of Radicle Growth: Transform into an Unstoppable Leader Through Mastering the Art of Questions. Dave shares how asking the right questions—rather than giving answers—empowers individuals, strengthens organizations, and drives sustainable growth. From transforming team performance through strategic coaching to navigating the growing demand for fractional leadership, Dave reveals how leaders can cultivate self-awareness, foster accountability, and prepare for the opportunities of tomorrow.If you’re ready to rethink leadership, embrace the power of inquiry, and discover what it truly takes to build a resilient, thriving organization, this conversation is for you. Tune in now and start asking the questions that will shape your future.Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts. Visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dave-reynolds/.
Mar 20, 2025 • 44min
Paying It Forward To Aspiring Women Leaders, With Tracey Newell
Board Member, Former C-Level Executive, And Author Of Hers For The Taking Confidence, leadership, and bold decision-making—these are the keys to success, but many aspiring women leaders hesitate to take the next step. Tracey Newell knows this struggle firsthand and has dedicated her career to breaking barriers for women in business. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, she shares her journey from sales to the boardroom, the power of sponsorship, and why women should give themselves permission to lead. They discuss insights from her new book, Hers for the Taking: Your Path to the C-Suite & Beyond, and the lessons she’s learned about career growth, work-life balance, and making an impact. If you’re ready to take charge of your career and reach new heights, this episode is for you.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/tracey-newell/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Mar 3, 2025 • 51min
Own Your Career, Own Your Life, With Andy Storch
Don't just have a job, OWN your career! Andy Storch, author of Own Your Career Own Your Life, joins J.R. Lowry to share expert advice on personal branding, networking, and continuous learning to achieve career success. Andy discusses the importance of self-reflection, setting a vision for your future, and proactively taking steps to reach your goals. He also provides practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn for networking and building a strong personal brand. Dive into self-reflection, set your vision, and learn how to truly own your professional journey! Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/andy-storch/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Feb 24, 2025 • 39min
A Rebel With A Cause (and a Community), with Greg Larkin
Rebels don’t just break the rules—they redefine them. Greg Larkin, founder of Punks & Pinstripes and author of This Might Get Me Fired: A Manual for Thriving in the Corporate Entrepreneurial Underground, joins J.R. Lowry to explore what it means to be a rebel with a cause in the corporate world. They dive into why true innovators struggle inside big companies, how disruption often leads to transformation, and why some of the most game-changing ideas come from those who refuse to conform. Greg shares his journey from Wall Street to building a movement that empowers leaders to challenge the status quo. Ready to embrace your inner corporate rebel?Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/greg-larkin/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Feb 17, 2025 • 46min
Giving Up The Law And Taking A Bold New Career Direction, With Cynthia Pong
Leaving a stable career to explore a new career direction can be daunting. But sometimes, taking the leap is exactly what you need to thrive. J.R. Lowry chats with Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of Embrace Change, to discuss her bold transition from a public defender to an executive coach and author. They explore the challenges of career shifts, the benefits of taking a sabbatical, how to overcome burnout, and finding purpose in new opportunities. Cynthia also shares insights from her book, Don't Stay in Your Lane, offering practical advice for professionals ready to take control of their own paths. If you're feeling stuck or seeking profound change, this conversation is packed with inspiration and actionable steps. Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/cynthia-pong.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
