Career Sessions, Career Lessons
JR Lowry, PathWise.io
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Nov 10, 2025 • 48min
SaaS Software, DevOps, Data Science, And AI With Ben Johnson
Software development is undergoing rapid change as AI, DevOps, and data science reshape how teams build and scale products. In this interview, Particle41 CEO and technical co-founder Ben Johnson explains what modern software teams must do to stay competitive. He shares practical insights on boosting developer productivity with AI, building reliable systems through infrastructure-as-code, and adopting modern data architectures that move beyond simple dashboards. Ben also discusses how to lead remote teams effectively and apply OKRs in both work and personal life to stay aligned on what truly matters. If you're involved in building software or leading technical teams, this conversation offers clear, actionable strategies for thriving in the AI-driven era.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/ben-johnson.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Nov 3, 2025 • 46min
The Human Side Of AI-Driven Change, With Monica Marquez
The future of work is here, and it's being shaped by AI-driven change. Dive into a captivating discussion with Monica Marquez, Co-founder of FlipWork, Inc., the enterprise-wide AI workforce transformation system, as she illuminates the evolving landscape of an AI-centric world. Monica shares her unique insights on bridging the gap between AI tool availability and adoption, the imperative for individuals and organizations to disrupt themselves before being disrupted, and the critical role of human expertise in making artificial intelligence truly authentic. She also discusses her impactful work in diversity and inclusion, her valuable board work, and the fascinating, "squiggly" journey of her career, offering advice for those just starting out.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/monica-marquez.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 27, 2025 • 53min
How To Bring A Luxury Mindset To Your Corporate And Personal Brand With Neen James
What if everything you thought about luxury was wrong? Our guest, Leadership Strategist and Keynote Speaker Neen James, proves that true luxury isn't about expense—it's a mindset. Neen's groundbreaking research in her new book, Exceptional Experiences, identifies four luxury mindsets that govern buying behavior. She also unveils a proprietary Experience Elevation Model that helps brands create unshakeable customer devotion. Tune in as Neen reveals how you can apply these high-level corporate strategies to elevate your own personal brand and life. Learn why making people feel seen, heard, and valued is the ultimate luxury, regardless of your budget.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/neen-james.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 20, 2025 • 47min
How To Nail The MBA Admissions Process, With Jessica Shklar
Getting through the MBA admissions process may be a bit tricky, but you can get manage to nail it with the right planning and preparation. J.R. Lowry is joined by Jessica Shklar, Executive Director at mbaMission, who shares how they help candidates achieve admissions success and make their educational dreams a reality. Jessica explains why getting into a business school is definitely a great idea and how an MBA consultant can help you in your journey. She also breaks down the different MBA program types, how business schools screen their candidates, and why there is no one correct way to write your college essay.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/jessica-shklar/.Special discount for Career Sessions, Career Lessons listeners: mbaMission offers onTrack, an innovative, on-demand MBA application experience that delivers a personalized curriculum for you and leverages interactive tools and technology to guide you through the process of creating your best possible applications. For 30% off, use code PATHWISE30.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 14, 2025 • 46min
How To Choose Your Next Role And Make A Strong Start With Shveta Miglani
Ready to navigate your career with confidence and achieve unparalleled success? Join us as we sit down with Shveta Miglani, a luminary in organizational development and talent management, and author of the essential guide Navigate Your Career: Strategies for Success in New Roles and Promotions. In this insightful discussion, Shveta shares her two decades of wisdom from pivotal roles at tech giants like Google and Salesforce, offering actionable strategies for choosing your next role and mastering career transitions—from acing your first 90 days to continuous learning. Whether you're eyeing a promotion or stepping into a new organization, discover how to transform challenges into triumphs and build a career that truly aligns with your aspirations.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/shveta-miglani/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 9, 2025 • 51min
Building The Humane Future Of Work With Khadija Khartit
In an era where the traditional corporate structure is evolving and the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges, the concept of a "humane future of work" has never been more critical. This post delves into a fascinating discussion with Khadija Khartit, founder of Sohaara, a platform dedicated to upskilling, tooling, and networking for individuals across all career stages. Join us as we explore Khadija's vision for a purpose-driven, individual-centric approach to work, the surprising global job trends she anticipates, and her unique journey as a female CEO in Saudi Arabia. Discover how Sohaara is stitching the holes in the current professional landscape and empowering individuals to own their lives and find fulfillment in their careers.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/khadija-khartit/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 6, 2025 • 52min
Lessons In Leadership Enroute To The Boardroom With Kathy Murphy
What does it truly take to ascend to the highest echelons of leadership and influence? Today, we dive into the extraordinary career journey of Kathy Murphy, a financial services executive who masterminded the growth of Fidelity's personal investing arm to over four trillion dollars in assets under management. From her early days navigating law school without a clear path to spearheading digital innovation and zero-fee investing, Kathy's story is a masterclass in adaptability, strategic vision, and the profound impact of empathetic leadership. Join us as she shares invaluable insights on building high-performing teams, embracing disruption, and the crucial transition from executive leadership to impactful board service. Discover the principles that guided her through market crises and technological shifts, and learn what it truly means to lead with both drive and humility.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/kathy-murphy.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Sep 22, 2025 • 45min
Addressing The Epidemic Of Loneliness, With Cindy Jordan
The loneliness epidemic is more than an emotion—it’s a public health crisis with devastating effects on mental and physical well-being. Cindy Jordan, CEO of Pyx Health, shares how her personal tragedy led to founding a company dedicated to tackling loneliness and its companion challenges, from food insecurity to transportation barriers. She reveals how evidence-based screenings, personalized outreach, and a blend of technology and human connection are transforming care for Medicaid, Medicare, and exchange populations, proving that addressing social determinants of health can change lives and communities.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Sep 15, 2025 • 46min
Championing The Small Business Underdogs, With Sri Kaza
Small business strategy is getting a rethink: underdogs can win when they obsess over positioning, proximity, and purpose rather than scale alone. Sri Kaza, author of Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide and longtime small-business advocate, traces his path from McKinsey to Viking and explains the three “Underdog” principles that power niche resilience. He illustrates those ideas with stories like Toshi’s Yakitori, breaks down real-world lessons on customer acquisition costs and product-market fit, and shows how AI and intimacy can democratize entrepreneurship. Practical, candid, and strategic, this conversation offers a playbook for owners, leaders, and emerging founders who want to turn small advantages into lasting 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/sri-kaza.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Sep 8, 2025 • 53min
Radical Candor, Radical Respect And More, With Kim Scott
Best-Selling Author And Former Google And Apple ExecutiveGreat leaders aren’t born—they’re built through candor, respect, and the courage to face hard truths. In this conversation, Kim Scott—author of Radical Candor, Radical Respect, and Just Work—shares her journey from the diamond factories of Moscow to Google’s leadership halls, revealing how feedback and culture can transform organizations. She explains the true meaning of radical candor, why respect is essential in addressing bias and bullying, and how leaders can foster workplaces that thrive on honesty, accountability, and collaboration. With practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom, Kim challenges us to rethink leadership and build teams where everyone’s voice matters.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/kim-scott/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
