

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

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/

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