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
Feb 10, 2025 • 45min
How Improv Can Help Build Stronger Teams and a Stronger You, with Joel Zeff
Great teams don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, energy, and a little improvisation. J.R. Lowry sits down with Joel Zeff to talk about how improv techniques can fuel collaboration, innovation, and engagement in the workplace. From embracing the ta-da moments to making the right choices, Joel shares how humor and spontaneity can help create stronger teams that thrive under change and disruption. Whether you're a leader, team member, or just looking to bring more fun into your work life, this episode will challenge how you think about success, culture, and communication.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/joel-zeff.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Feb 3, 2025 • 46min
Communicating For Impact And Lasting Change, With Tamsen Webster
Clear and impactful communication is a skill that shapes careers and transforms organizations. J.R. Lowry welcomes Tamsen Webster, a messaging designer and author, who shares her insights on communicating for impact. Together, they discuss how mastering communication can help leaders inspire change, build trust, and create lasting connections. Drawing from her varied career and best-selling books, Tamsen highlights practical strategies for crafting deeply resonating messages that truly matter to the chosen audience. Whether you are leading your own team, pitching an idea, or navigating a crucial change, this episode will equip you with the right tools to make every word count.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/tamsen-webster/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 27, 2025 • 46min
Success as a Digital Entrepreneur, with Tim Fung
Building a successful online platform takes vision, persistence, and the ability to easily adapt to a constantly evolving digital landscape. J.R. Lowry speaks with Tim Fung, founder and CEO of Airtasker, who shares all about his journey as a digital entrepreneur. Tim shares the origins of his outsourcing company which connects people with unique skills to those who need them. He talks about the challenges of scaling a startup across multiple countries, the importance of having a community, and the value of creating opportunities in the gig economy. Whether you are an aspiring entrepreneur or a curious digital explorer, this episode will teach you how to navigate the path of entrepreneurship.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/success-as-a-digital-entrepreneur-with-tim-fung.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 21, 2025 • 44min
Building A Business In Adventure Travel With Matt Butler
Adventure travel is more than just visiting new places; it’s about connecting with cultures, building experiences, and making a positive impact. J.R. Lowry talks with Matt Butler, founder of Basecamp 2XL, about his journey from a rural upbringing in Canada to creating a thriving global adventure travel business. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the rewards of community-focused travel, and how passion fuels purpose. Whether you’re an avid traveler or curious about starting your own venture, this conversation offers insights and inspiration.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/matt-butler.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 16, 2025 • 52min
The Viking Code, With Anders Indset
The Viking Code offers a blueprint for blending tradition with modern success. Anders Indset, author of The Viking Code, joins J.R. Lowry to share his unique journey from athlete and entrepreneur to philosopher. Exploring the core themes of the book, Anders reveals the power of collective values, drawing powerful lessons from Nordic culture and the world of high-performance sports. He delves into the importance of continuous learning, embracing progress, and fostering trust in a rapidly changing world, offering a refreshing perspective on how to live a fulfilling and impactful life. 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/anders-indset.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 6, 2025 • 43min
Bringing America Together Through Localized Civic Service With Garrett Cathcart And Jake Harriman
What happens when a Marine who battled Al-Qaeda in Iraq returns home to find his biggest enemy isn't a foreign power, but the division within his own country? And what if he teams up with an Army Cavalry officer who dodged IEDs in Baghdad to fight that enemy? This isn't a Tom Clancy thriller; this is the real-life story of Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart, the founders of +More Perfect Union. They're on a mission to bridge the political divide tearing America apart, one community at a time. Join us as we delve into their incredible journeys from combat zones to the front lines of a different kind of war – the battle to bring America together.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/garrett-cathcart-and-jake-harriman/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Dec 18, 2024 • 49min
From The US Navy To The Tech Sector To The C-Level, With Randy Wootton
Those who have served in the military develop a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and humility. After Randy Wootton’s service, he made good use of these values he acquired to find success in the tech sector. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, the former Navy pilot and Harvard School graduate talk about his inspiring transition from the military to C-level positions at major tech companies, including Microsoft and Salesforce. He also shares about his current position as the CEO of Maxio and offers valuable insights every CEO should know to make this leadership role an opportunity for continuous learning.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/podcast/randy-woottonBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Dec 9, 2024 • 47min
Burnout And New Beginnings, With Laura Nguyen
Author of Career Break CompassEver feel like you're constantly running on empty, pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion? You might be experiencing burnout, and you're not alone. J.R. Lowry sits down with Laura Nguyen, a marketing executive-turned-burnout coach and author of Career Break Compass. Together, they explore the signs, symptoms, and surprising causes of burnout, which has become an all-too-common phenomenon. Laura reveals how she hit the "invisible wall" and made the difficult decision to take a career break to prioritize her well-being. Laura also breaks down the practical steps she took to create a structured and fulfilling time off, including embracing play, mindfulness, and intentional planning.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/podcast/laura-nguyen.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Dec 2, 2024 • 48min
From Government Intelligence To Private Investigator, With Mario Bekes
Managing Director & Founder Of Insight IntelligenceStepping into the world of intelligence and investigations offers a rare glimpse into the human psyche, and few understand it better than Mario Bekes. Joined by host J.R. Lowry, Mario shares how his career as a private investigator and intelligence expert shaped his understanding of human behavior, fraud, and the challenges organizations face in uncovering the truth. From his beginnings in Croatian intelligence to building a thriving investigative business in Australia, this episode unpacks the lessons he’s learned, the role of technology in modern investigations, and his journey to empowering others through storytelling. Dive into this engaging conversation and discover the evolving world of private investigation and its impact on both individuals and industries.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/podcast/mario-bekesBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Nov 25, 2024 • 51min
Management, Leadership, Innovation And More, With Linda Hill
Most people assume leadership and management are the same thing. Although both roles mean getting top positions, they require vastly different mindsets and perspectives. Joining J.R. Lowry in this conversation is Linda Hill, Wallace Brett Donham Professor at the Harvard Business School. Together, they discuss how leaders should handle their transition to managerial positions smoothly, as well as how to handle the many challenges that come with it. Linda also explains how leaders should cultivate innovation within their teams and how she sees emerging technologies could shape the future of work.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/podcast/linda-hill/Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
