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 11, 2023 • 50min
The Power Of Deep Observation With Christian Madsbjerg
Social media and the increasing social isolation it fosters overpowered the true meaning of connecting with others. How we connect at home, work, and beyond lies in the power of deep observation. In this episode, Christian Madsbjerg, the Author of Look: How to Pay Attention in a Distracted World, talks about the skills needed to recapture our skill to pay attention. He dives even deeper into his book to capture the essence of harnessing the power of deep observation. He shows how paying attention and understanding brings beauty into human interaction. So, let’s learn to see with more empathy, accuracy, and connection with Christian in this perceptive episode today. 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/christian-madsbjergBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Dec 4, 2023 • 44min
Thinkers50 Conference Download And Campfire Lessons For Leaders, With Tony Martignetti
Around the campfire, people share stories, and behind the shadows of this gathering comes the beauty of sharing lessons from those stories and learning from them. In this episode, let’s gather around the bonfire and listen to Tony Martignetti’s lessons learned in his coaching career. Tony is the author of Climbing the Right Mountain and Campfire Lessons for Leaders. He describes how working with different people allows you to learn something new instead of working with someone who does the same as you do. He also shares his principles and approach to coaching. Warm yourselves from the invaluable lessons Tony Martignetti shares in this episode. 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/tony-martignetti/Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Nov 27, 2023 • 39min
Crucial Conversations, Compassionate Candor, And Coaching Yourself, With Antonia Bowring
Let’s admit it: coaching can be expensive. While its ROI goes beyond the financial, not everyone can pay for it. Executive Coach Antonia Bowring is democratizing coaching so you can Coach Yourself! She is an ICF-certified, New York-based executive coach who works primarily with founders, C-Suite executives, and leadership teams. Bringing insights from her book of the same name, Antonia sits down with J.R. Lowry to tell us all about the idea behind it and how it offers more than getting good resources. She also discusses the importance of having crucial conversations and how to prepare for them. Plus, she touches on the topic of compassionate candor, where delivering feedback is an act of love that a leader provides to their team. For more great wisdom on personal development as well as your growth as a leader, tune in to this conversation with Antonia!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/antonia-bowring Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Nov 20, 2023 • 44min
Software's Move Into The Cloud, With Dai Vu
Google has been building the Cloud Marketplace to become more advantageous through its comprehensive user experience, making software deployment way easier for developers and end users alike. J.R. Lowry talks to the man behind this incredible undertaking: Dai Vu, Managing Director of Google’s Cloud Marketplace. He shares how they handle the rapid growth of Google Cloud, particularly now that it has reached more than 1,000 solution partners and 3,000 solution listings. Dai also talks about his situational and collaborative leadership style, detailing how he sets a vision for his team, focuses on employee wellbeing, and gives importance to taking frequent breaks. 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/dai-vu/
Nov 13, 2023 • 50min
Job Search Tips - From Resumes To Offer Negotiation, With Kolby Goodman
When out on a job search, you must know how to effectively catch employers’ attention and entice them to hire you. This is not just about having the right level of self-confidence, but also the right strategy to position yourself as the best one among the rest. J.R. Lowry sits down with Kolby Goodman, Founder of The Job Huntr, to share his most important job search tips. He talks about building a strong personal branding, writing a resume for both human and AI consumption, and making interviews more about relationship building. Kolby also explains the importance of prioritizing self-health to grow your career and the positive side of losing your job. 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/kolby-goodman.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Nov 6, 2023 • 46min
The Mirrored Door: The Hidden Barrier That Locks Successful Women In Place, With Ellen Taaffe
Courage is the key to success – unlock the 'Mirrored Door' that's holding you back and step into the spotlight of your own career. This episode reveals the secret to women's success with our special guest, Ellen Taaffe, a Clinical Assistant Professor at the Kellogg School of Management. Today, we open the "Mirrored Door" that holds women back from reaching their full career potential. Ellen's groundbreaking book, The Mirrored Door, dives into the hidden obstacles that successful women face, but rarely talk about. She explores how this problem affects not only women but can also resonate with men, including the ever-present Imposter Syndrome. Join us and transform your approach to career success today! 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/ellen-taaffeBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 30, 2023 • 43min
Seeing Others - Recognition As A Foundation For Equity And Inclusion, With Michèle Lamont
Recognition is the currency of belonging. It's not about what you have, but who you are. In this episode, we explore the critical and often overlooked aspect of achieving true equity and inclusion in our society. Our featured guest, Michèle Lamont, sociologist and author of Seeing Others: The Sociological Ethnography of Recognition, guides us through the importance of recognition and how it serves as the bedrock for a more inclusive world. Michèle touches on several issues throughout the episode, such as the American dream, the impact of AI, tribalism, and the role of cultural entrepreneurs. Diving into her extensive interviews and studies, Michèle discusses how individuals and organizations can become catalysts for change by connecting to others and creating a force multiplier effect. Tune in now and discover how recognition can shape a brighter and more inclusive future for all of us. 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/michele-lamont/Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 23, 2023 • 51min
Navigating Organizational Politics, With Niven Postma
Mastering office politics isn't about playing the game; it's about defining the rules. Join us with Niven Postma, author of "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You," in learning how to navigate organizational politics ethically— and yes, it is possible. In this episode, Niven uncovers the hidden dynamics of office politics, the power of leverage, and how to build your career path in this highly political world. Drafting insights from her book, Niven discusses how there are unspoken rules and strategies that shape your workplace, and why ignoring them might be a career-limiting move. On the contrary, learning how the game works and developing “tough empathy” can help you leverage politics and navigate your career. Tune in and learn how to master office politics, achieve professional success, and design a career that reflects your values 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 https://pathwise.io/podcasts/niven-postma/. Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Oct 16, 2023 • 45min
Demystifying Executive Search, With Somer Hackley
Do you feel like you can do more in a higher position job but don’t know how to navigate your way to the top? Here to demystify executive search is Somer Hackley, the founder and CEO of retained executive search firm, Distinguished Search. Somer has been in recruiting for 20 years, including the last 13 years in executive search. In this episode, she cracks open the opaque black box that is the world of executive search. What are some misconceptions people have about recruiters and search firms? What is the relationship between the recruiter and the firm? How do you build that recruiter relationship and nurture it? What should a job searcher do to get themselves off to a great start? Somer answers these questions and more, bringing wisdom from her book, Search in Plain Sight: Demystifying Executive Search. Plus, she takes us behind the scenes of the search process, letting us in on what unfolds between the hiring and search firms. The executive table is no longer just the cool kids’ table that you can’t get in. With these tips and insights, you can put yourself in a position where even jobs come to you versus you having to find them. Join Somer in this 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/somer-hackleyBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
Oct 9, 2023 • 49min
Executive Leadership: Learning Alongside Legends, With Ann Hiatt
Success is not reserved for the chosen few—it's about finding audacity within and humility to learn. Join us as Ann Hiatt dives into the world of executive leadership and what it’s like to learn alongside legends. She shares her incredible career, from her days as the right hand to Jeff Bezos, the founder and CEO of Amazon, to her pivotal role as Chief of Staff to Eric Schmidt, the former CEO and Chair of Google. In a world where career fulfillment can often feel like a distant dream, Ann inspires individuals to find purpose in their work and redefine their paths. Throughout the episode, she emphasizes the dynamic blend of audacity and humility that drives success at the highest levels. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear what it’s like learning alongside legends. Tune in 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/ann-hiattBecome a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now
