
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

Nov 18, 2024 • 40min
How To Earn Your PMP Certification, And Why It Matters, With Tamara McLemore
Earning a PMP certification can certainly open doors to new career opportunities and elevate your credibility as a project management professional. Experienced project manager Tamara McLemore joins J.R. Lowry to discuss the true value of the PMP certification and why it is more than just a piece of paper. Tamara explains why the PMP is essential for project success in any industry, providing practical advice on preparing for and passing the exam. She emphasizes why PMP is a valuable skill set that brings your career to the next level and vastly improves your project outcomes like never before. Be inspired by Tamara’s insights on agile methodologies, ongoing learning, and how one certification can strongly boost your career.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/tamara-mclemore

Nov 11, 2024 • 41min
Offering The Premier Supercar Driving Experience, With Adam Olalde
CEO And Founder Of Xtreme XperienceJ.R. Lowry sits down with Adam Olalde, founder and CEO of Xtreme Xperience, to explore the thrill and accessibility of the Supercar Experience. Adam shares how he transformed his passion for high-end cars into a unique business that lets anyone step into the driver’s seat of luxury vehicles like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Discover the story behind Xtreme Xperience and how Adam turned a simple idea into a leading “autotainment” venture that brings excitement and unforgettable memories to car enthusiasts across the nation. Tune in for insights on the journey, challenges, and vision behind this ultimate driving adventure. 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/adam-olalde/.

Nov 5, 2024 • 45min
Using Voice Biomarkers And AI To Coach Leaders, With Daniel Tolson
In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, host Junior Lowery welcomes Daniel Tolson, co-founder and CEO of the Tolson Institute, to explore how voice biomarkers and AI technology are transforming leadership development. Daniel shares how a 90-second voice recording can reveal insights into stress levels, personality traits, and even physical health, empowering leaders to build stronger, more effective teams. Discover how cutting-edge technology is making waves in coaching and what it means for future leaders seeking more influence, impact, and income.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Oct 21, 2024 • 48min
Ping Pong Leadership, With Justin Bookey
How can ping pong teach you leadership skills that apply to life and business? In this episode, host J.R. Lowry welcomes Justin Bookey, a top-tier table tennis player, award-winning marketing strategist, and author of Ping Pong Leadership: 18 Principles to Succeed at Any Table in Business, Sports, and Life. Justin shares his journey from discovering ping pong at a young age to competing at the national level and how the principles he learned through the sport translate into success in business and life. From overcoming obstacles to improving self-awareness, Justin reveals how the strategies from ping pong can help you elevate your career, lead effectively, and achieve your goals.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/justin-bookey

Oct 14, 2024 • 48min
Burnout, Recovery, And Resilience, With Kelly Meerbott
Don’t let burnout steal your joy. It’s time to address it before it takes a toll on your health. Join J.R. Lowry as he sits down with Kelly Meerbott, who shares her transformative journey of overcoming burnout and reinventing her career through executive coaching. After a life-altering layoff, Kelly discovered her true passion for executive coaching. Now, she helps others break free from burnout and find their purpose. Learn about the power of relationships, practical strategies for managing stress, and why mental health should be a priority in today’s fast-paced world. Get ready to be inspired by Kelly’s story and discover how you can transform your career and 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/podcast/kelly-meerbott

Oct 7, 2024 • 54min
Innovation, Disruption, Transformation And Leadership, With Scott Anthony
J.R. Lowry sits down with Scott Anthony to dive into the world of managing disruptive innovation. Scott, a professor at Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business and former Managing Partner at Innosight, brings his expertise in navigating the challenges of disruptive change to the discussion. Learn how to turn disruption into opportunity and the strategies that leaders can use to manage innovation in a rapidly changing environment. Whether you're facing digital transformation or organizational shifts, this episode offers valuable insights.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/scott-anthonyBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

Sep 30, 2024 • 48min
Lessons From Three Tech CEO Gigs, With Mike Tuchen
In this episode, J.R. Lowry sits down with former CEO Mike Tuchen, who shares invaluable lessons from tech CEOs. Mike discusses his journey leading tech companies like Rapid7, Talend, and Onfido, reflecting on the leadership challenges and strategies that helped him succeed. With candid insights on building teams, executing strategies, and navigating market trends, this conversation offers a wealth of knowledge for aspiring leaders and tech enthusiasts. Tune in to hear Mike’s experiences and practical advice from his impressive career.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/mike-tuchenBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

Sep 23, 2024 • 44min
The Art Of Storytelling With Annette Simmons
In this episode, Annette Simmons, a renowned expert in social psychology and leadership development, delves into the art of storytelling. Join J.R. Lowry and Annette as they explore how storytelling not only enhances collaboration and communication but also addresses deeper workplace issues like turf wars. Annette shares her journey, insights from her books, and practical advice on how stories can create emotional connections that lead to genuine understanding and problem-solving. Tune in and uncover the transformative power of narrative in leadership and organizational culture.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this https://pathwise.io/podcasts/annette-simmonsBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Sep 10, 2024 • 49min
A Life - And Career - Well Lived, With Jodi Wellman
Junior Lowry talks with Jodi Wellman, a keynote speaker, author, and coach, about how to live life fully by embracing our mortality and using it as a motivator. Jodi, the founder of 4000 Mondays, shares insights on living with intention and urgency, balancing life’s pleasures with deep meaning, and avoiding the regret of a life half-lived. Tune in for a fresh perspective on how to prioritize what matters most and find a deeper sense of purpose. This conversation will inspire you to reflect on your life and make every Monday 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/a-life-and-career-well-lived-with-jodi-wellman/Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Sep 2, 2024 • 46min
Masterful Coaching, With Robert Hargrove
Are you ready to take your leadership journey to the next level? J.R. Lowry delves into a compelling conversation with Robert Hargrove, the acclaimed author of Masterful Coaching and a renowned leadership coach. Known for his transformative approach, he blends integrity, ambition, empathy, and strategic vision to help emerging leaders and CEOs achieve historic change. He targets CEOs and enterprise leaders who are seeking to break through barriers and create a new future for their organizations. Gain valuable insights into the qualities that make effective leaders, the impact of genuine coaching, and how to inspire and mobilize teams to realize ambitious, game-changing goals. 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/masterful-coaching-with-robert-hargrove/