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
Feb 26, 2024 • 48min
The Six Disciplines Of Strategic Thinking With Michael Watkins
There are The Six Disciplines of Strategic Thinking that business leaders should master. Strategic thinking empowers individuals to become successful in business and life. In this episode, Michael Watkins, the Professor of Leadership and Organizational Change at IMD in Switzerland and the founder of Genesis Advisers, outlines the core disciplines leaders should master for effective strategic thinking. He also touches on his seminal book, The First 90 Days, where he talks about the challenges of taking a new role and navigating through organizational transitions and change. Michael also shares his insights about Artificial Intelligence and what it holds for the future. But why does strategic thinking matter in the ever-changing world? Join Michael in this episode as he unveils the key to 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/podcast/michael-watkinsBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Feb 19, 2024 • 52min
Four L.E.A.F. Growth: Leadership, Engagement, Accountability, And Fulfillment With Mark Mears
In Celtic cultures, the druids associated the number four with powerful forces in nature, believing that a four-leaf clover possessed magical properties to bring good fortune. But today's guest found a fig tree's leaf, leading him to an epiphany, which turned into the Four L.E.A.F. Growth. Mark Mears is the author of The Purposeful Growth Revolution, a book that will help individuals, teams, and organizations find purpose, fulfill their true growth potential, and leave a living legacy. Enhance your personal and professional growth as an individual and as a part of a team or organization. Tune in to discover how you can make a positive and lasting impact on the world! Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Feb 12, 2024 • 40min
Proven Tips For Growing Your Business, With Robin Waite
Embrace fearlessness in business: where challenges become opportunities, and growth knows no bounds. In this episode, we dive deep into the world of business growth with coach, author, and founder of Fearless Business and CourseApp, Robin Waite. Today, he shares proven tips for taking your business to the next level. Robin shares his story: how he went from selling his marketing agency to becoming a successful business coach. With a focus on strategic thinking and scalable solutions, Robin sheds light on the importance of productizing services, building scalable models, and leveraging partnerships to maximize growth potential. Tune in now and discover proven tips for growing your business! 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/robin-waite/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Feb 5, 2024 • 33min
Life As An Engineer In The Oil And Gas Industry, With Michelle Fraser
The energy sector is one of the essential industries in the entire planet. The oil and gas industry keeps the world running, and this is a male-dominated space. Therefore, it is truly remarkable to see women excel and shine here – which is exactly what Michelle Fraser did. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, the oil and gas commercial and engineering expert breaks down how she interacts with her clients on a daily basis, what it is like to work as an independent consultant, and the systems that ensure safety within their projects. Michelle also talks about environmental sustainability and what it takes to build a world run by renewable energies.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/michelle-fraser
Jan 29, 2024 • 49min
The Freelance Mindset, With Joy Batra
Freelancing can be your path to a great adventure, satisfaction, and happiness as you build your life that aligns with your passions and aspirations. That path will challenge your traditional “nine-to-five” mindset, allowing you to embrace the opportunities and benefits freelancing has to offer. In this episode, Joy Batra, the founder of Quartz Consulting, delves into her book, The Freelance Mindset: Unleashing Your Side Hustles for Better Work, Play, and Life. The Freelance Mindset may not be your ultimate freelancing manual, but it’s a treasure trove of insights on how freelancing can revolutionize your approach to work and life. Consider it a mindset shift before you dive into the practicalities. Joy’s tips will guide you into building a fulfilling and meaningful life. Join her in unlocking the secret to turning your inner spark into financial fuel.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/joy-batraBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Jan 22, 2024 • 51min
Leadership In The First 90 Days, And Career Best Practices, With Amy Philbrook
Stepping into a leadership role in a new organization means not only a fresh start for your career journey but also for the organization and the people within. You bring with you your experiences and offer new perspectives on what they need. Amy Philbrook is currently unlocking this career milestone. After spending more than 25 years in a wide variety of roles at Fidelity Investments, Amy is now starting as an Executive Vice President for Service with LPL Financial. In this episode, she shares with us how she is handling this transition period, how she is thinking about the first 90 days, and where she wants to focus her energy. Amy talks about dealing with culture shock and adapting her own leadership style and then offers insights on what people get right and wrong in managing their careers. Tune in now and embark on Amy’s career journey! 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/amy-philbrook.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 15, 2024 • 43min
Being A Leader Of Significance, With Mosongo Moukwa
In today’s world, more and more people are searching for significance in what they do. What our guest realized on his own journey is that work is never about market share or innovation but instead the outcomes were the result of transformational change. This led to the book, Be a Leader of Significance, which Mosongo Moukwa joins us today to tell us more about. Mosongo is the President at Hathaway Advanced Materials and has been identifying leadership gaps and developing the talent and culture necessary for success. In this episode, he enlightens us about what it truly means to be a leader of significance, providing practices that could help in our leadership journey. From fostering psychological safety to fueling curiosity, Mosongo shows us the importance of nourishing not just ourselves but our people as well. Tune in and discover why being a leader of significance is more than just tracking how far we have progressed, but how far we help others progress along the way. 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 [insert URL for the transcript of this episode.]Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Jan 8, 2024 • 41min
Investment Banking, Entrepreneurship, And The Future Of Work, With Greg Martin
Are we heading back into office work, or will businesses continue the road of hybrid and remote work? These are what companies are thinking after COVID. In this episode, J.R. Lowry is joined by the Managing Director at Origin Merchant Partners, Greg Martin. Greg takes us into his entrepreneurial endeavor. Entering the world of work, he provides insights about the future of work after the pandemic. Greg also shares his take on kids entering university. Greg brings a bucket of golden nuggets, so jump into today’s conversation!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/greg-martinBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Jan 1, 2024 • 46min
How To Be An Impact Player, With Liz Wiseman
An ordinary contributor in a team performs well according to the responsibilities given to them. On the other hand, an impact player goes above and beyond, proving to be a true asset, especially during dire times. J.R. Lowry explores how to become the latter with researcher and executive advisor Liz Wiseman of The Wiseman Group. She explains how one can shift their mindset to become an efficient impact player who knows how to quickly address team challenges, fill in the gaps caused by unclear roles, and take advantage of potential opportunities as soon as they arise. 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/liz-wisemanBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Dec 18, 2023 • 49min
Head And Heart Leadership, With Kirstin Ferguson
Are you a leader who leads with head and heart? Are you leaving a positive legacy for those you lead? In this episode, Kirstin Ferguson, the author of Head and Heart Leadership, unravels the art of modern leadership. She reveals what it takes to be a leader the world needs today: one who balances the head and the heart. She explains the value of a growth mindset to creating capabilities as a leader and breaks down the key attributes of a modern leader. Let’s flip through the pages of Kirstin’s book and discover how we can bring out that leadership potential in each of us, creating a bigger impact on the world in the process.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/kirstin-fergusonBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
