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
Jun 16, 2025 • 42min
The Future Of Tech Talent And AI's Impact, With Gino Ferrand
Founder And CEO Of TECLA, A Provider Of Latin American-Based Tech ResourcesLatin America’s hidden gem of tech talent takes a vibrant turn as Junior Lowery sits down with Gino Ferrand, the dynamic founder of TECLA. Gino reveals the secret sauce behind connecting leading companies with a powerful network of over 50,000 engineers across Central and South America. This episode explores TECLA’s evolution over the past decade, diving into the advantages of nearshore talent, the revolutionary impact of AI on the industry, and the future trends that are reshaping remote work and global teams. Discover how to build highly effective remote teams, adapt to the ever-changing business landscape, and achieve extraordinary success in the competitive world of international tech recruitment.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/gino-ferrand.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jun 9, 2025 • 42min
Negotiation, From The Man Who Wrote The Book On It With Chris Voss
What if the most intense, life-or-death negotiations in the world held the key to unlocking your everyday success? This episode, prepare to have your mind blown. We're joined by Chris Voss, the former lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI and author of the groundbreaking book, Never Split the Difference. Chris takes us deep into his extraordinary journey, from his roots in Iowa to the high-stakes world of hostage negotiation, and how he now empowers professionals like you to achieve more. Get ready to transform the way you approach every conversation, because this isn't just about negotiating a deal – it's about mastering human connection.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/chris-voss/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jun 2, 2025 • 46min
SuperShifts That Will Shape The Future With Ja-Naé Duane and Steve Fisher
Are you ready for a seismic shift? Forget everything you thought you knew about the future of work and life, because today, we're tearing down old assumptions with Ja-Naé Duane and Steve Fisher, co-authors of the provocative new book, SuperShifts. They argue that we're leaving behind a 200-year centralized industrial age and hurtling towards a new "Age of Intelligence." Join us as we uncover how their insights will not only redefine the future of the world but fundamentally reshape your career path in ways you might not have imagined.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/ja-nae-duane-and-steve-fisher.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
May 26, 2025 • 40min
Being A More Flexible Leader With Kevin Eikenberry
What does it take to lead with confidence when the ground beneath you keeps shifting?Today, Kevin Eikenberry, a globally recognized leadership expert, bestselling author, and Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, joins us. For over three decades, Kevin has been helping leaders unlock their full potential—and now he’s back with a powerful new book, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence. He dives into what it really means to lead in today’s fast-moving, ever-evolving world. From managing remote and hybrid teams to making decisions in the face of ambiguity, Kevin shares practical frameworks, timeless wisdom, and fresh insights on how to stay grounded while staying flexible. If you’ve ever felt like your leadership playbook is outdated—or you're just searching for a smarter way to lead through complexity—this conversation 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/kevin-eikenberry/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
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/.
