
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 17, 2024 • 40min
Being A Football (Soccer) Agent With John Viola
In this episode, we have an exclusive conversation with John Viola, a renowned football agent and the driving force behind the John Viola Academy. With over 25 years of experience, John has managed high-profile players, negotiated record-breaking transfers, and brought top talent to some of the world’s most prestigious clubs. Transitioning from a career in financial services, John became one of the first FIFA-registered agents in the UK. Today, he collaborates with Phil McTaggart to provide cutting-edge online training for aspiring football agents. Join us as John shares his incredible journey from Glasgow to global success, delves into the evolving landscape of the football agency industry, and reveals the intricate details of representing elite athletes. This is a unique opportunity to learn from a true industry leader. Tune in and gain the knowledge you need to navigate the exciting world of football agents.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/john-viola.

Jun 10, 2024 • 44min
Boosting Your Cultural Intelligence With Loren Rosario-Maldonado
Today on Career Sessions Career Lessons, host J.R. Lowry talks to Loren Rosario-Maldonado, a cultural expert with 25 years of experience. Loren, passionate about helping people connect across cultures, uses her expertise in psychology to explain the importance of cultural intelligence. She shares her journey from leading global HR teams to founding Cultura, a company focused on creating more human-centered workplaces. Through stories and examples, Loren shows how cultural intelligence can improve communication, build stronger teams, and make you a more effective leader. Join the conversation and learn how to navigate different cultures and improve your professional interactions. 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/loren-rosario-maldonado.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Jun 3, 2024 • 39min
Our Increasingly Project-Centric World, With Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez
As today’s business scene becomes a more project-centric world, everyone now have more opportunities to get out of the dull grind and make their work much more interesting. J.R. Lowry sits down with Antonio Nieto-Rodriguez, a global champion of project management, to discuss how to apply project management concepts in building better-performing teams. Antonio explains how this approach can build your team’s confidence, find the right business sponsors, and escape the boring routine that could be messing up your productivity. They also discuss how having a project-centric mindset leads to a more fulfilling career path and why setting smaller-scale goals allows a business to keep a strong momentum.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/antonio-nieto-rodriguezBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

May 27, 2024 • 48min
Disrupting Yourself With Whitney Johnson
Forget the traditional career ladder and embrace the concept of disrupting yourself. In this episode, J.R. Lowry chats with Whitney Johnson, CEO of Disruption Advisors, about her book, Disrupt Yourself. Whitney, leveraging her experience from working at Wall Street to building a firm focused on human potential, unpacks the concept of self-disruption. They delve into the S-Curve, a tool to understand your growth journey and explore how to leverage your strengths to navigate career transitions. This episode is packed with insights for anyone looking to push boundaries and unlock their potential for personal and professional growth.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/whitney-johnsonBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

May 20, 2024 • 46min
The Art Of The Resume, With Steph Cartwright
Struggling with your job search? Land that dream role with expert advice! This episode cracks the code on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and the modern job hunt with Steph Cartwright, the mastermind behind Off the Clock Resumes. Learn how Steph helps Millennials and seasoned professionals alike navigate the ever-changing landscape of finding a job. We also get into resume writing tips, LinkedIn optimization tricks, and strategic networking strategies to get you noticed by the right employers. So, dust off your resume and get ready to take notes – this episode equips you with the tools and knowledge to land that perfect position!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/steph-cartwrightBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

May 13, 2024 • 44min
Developing The Next Generation Of Female Leaders With Dr. Rosina Racioppi
Women continuously strive to break barriers and reach leadership positions, but the journey can be challenging. That’s where developmental relationships come in. It’s a powerful tool to help women navigate their careers and achieve their full potential. Dr. Rosina Racioppi, President and CEO of WOMEN Unlimited, sheds light on the importance of developmental relationships in developing the next generation of female leaders. Today’s conversation acknowledges the existence of unconscious bias and equips women with strategies to overcome the obstacles. Gain practical tips for building strong developmental relationships and creating a more inclusive and empowering work environment for women today. Join Rosina Racioppi now!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/dr-rosina-racioppiBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now

May 6, 2024 • 44min
Finding A Job - And Fulfillment - When You're Mid-Career Or Later With John Tarnoff
Are you a mid-career professional feeling lost or unfulfilled? Do you crave a career with greater meaning and purpose, but the traditional job search methods seem broken? Today, career transition coach John Tarnoff tells us all about his coaching practice that specializes in helping individuals navigate career transitions, whether you're seeking a complete overhaul or recovering from a job loss. Forget outdated resumes and lengthy applications; learn how to leverage your network, tap into the hidden job market, and thrive in the ever-changing world of work. Tune in to discover how you can identify your "superpower," build a powerful LinkedIn profile, and become a thought leader in your field, ultimately attracting opportunities that align with your values and experience. It's time to ditch the traditional job search mentality and focus on building a fulfilling career that reflects your unique strengths and 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 Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Apr 29, 2024 • 41min
Common Mid-Career Challenges, With Heather Wilkerson
Reaching your mid-career is indeed a crucial point in your professional journey. Depending on your choices and how you act on certain opportunities, you may find yourself either winning big or getting stuck. J.R. Lowry talks to Heather Wilkerson, Founder of Heather Wilkerson Coaching, about the most common mid-career challenges. They discuss actionable tips for escaping the dreadful sense of stuck-ness and how to find clarity by leaning into their passions. They also talk about getting back on the right track and the best approaches when dealing with burnout. 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/heather-wilkersonBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Apr 22, 2024 • 47min
Personal Branding, Networking, and Much More, with Dorie Clark
Feeling overwhelmed by the ever-changing job market and the rise of AI? This episode is your roadmap to thriving in the future of work! Consultant, speaker, and branding expert Dorie Clark shares her secrets for building a rock-solid personal brand that sets you apart. Learn how to leverage your expertise, cultivate meaningful connections, and communicate your value with impact. Dorie also dives deep into the power of online communities, mastering the art of networking, and even her surprising side hustle - writing musical theater! Packed with actionable strategies, don't miss out on this masterclass in personal branding, networking, and entrepreneurial thinking. 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/dorie-clark/Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Apr 15, 2024 • 47min
Building A Performance Textile Company, With Seth Casden
Leadership is more than simply inspiring people to perform at their best. It is also an opportunity to provide a safe space where everyone can showcase their authentic selves. In this episode, Seth Casden shares how striking a balance between these two priorities helped him build the performance textile company Hologenix. He joins J.R. Lowry to talk about their flagship product that converts body heat into infrared energy. Seth also explores his servant leadership approach, the secrets to their B2B success, and how he guides his team in taking care of both their personal and professional lives.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/seth-casdenBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now