Job Search, Promotion, and Career Clarity: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

As the job market evolves, mid-career professionals need to adapt with six crucial skills for 2026. Gain AI fluency to navigate technology confidently, and learn strategic storytelling to highlight your accomplishments. Building trust and emotional intelligence is key for strong leadership. Embrace resilience to lead through uncertainty, while understanding cross-functional business acumen to connect your work to business outcomes. Finally, reshape networking into meaningful relationship building for long-term success.

Send us a textFeeling stretched thin by nonstop news and workplace pressure. In this episode, executive and career coach John Neral helps mid-career professionals regain momentum with presence, pace, and practical wins. Learn how to prevent burnout, ask leadership for targeted support, and use small controllables to improve performance. We also cover a data-driven approach to job search and interviews, plus a simple Mid-Career GPS to turn chaos into clarity. Ideal for managers, team leads, and job seekers pursuing career clarity and promotion in a challenging market.Who this is for: Mid-career professionals ages 35 to 55 who want practical strategies to manage stress, stay effective at work, and make measurable progress in a challenging job market.What you’ll learnHow to pause and assess when current events and shutdown stress weigh on your energy and focusWhy presence and pace improve decisions on the road, in meetings, and during interviewsThe manager’s responsibility to check in and support people, and how to ask leadership directly for the help you needHow polarization creeps into daily interactions and how to defuse it at workThe value of “taking a knee” to rest and reset without guiltSmall controllables that compound: food journaling for awareness, quality sleep as performance gear, and 15-minute movement breaks to reset your brainA smarter, data-driven approach to mid-career job search: networking goals, interview preparation, and weekly traction metricsDSD: Do Something Different to get different results, even when you feel stuckHow to build your Mid-Career GPS so you navigate chaos with clarity and intentionPractical takeawaysStart each day with a two-minute check-in: energy, focus, and one priorityDefine three controllables for the week: nutrition awareness, sleep window, and one movement break per work blockSet a weekly networking target with names, messages sent, and outcomes trackedFor interviews, script two results-first stories and practice concise deliveryManagers: schedule a 10-minute pulse check with each direct report and ask, “What support would be mSupport the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Discover the true meaning of executive presence beyond vague buzzwords. Uncover the four C's: Clarity in communication, Credibility through action, authentic Connection with colleagues, and Consistency in leadership behavior. Learn how to transform vague feedback into concrete actions to enhance your leadership reputation. Adaptability in leaders takes center stage, emphasizing impact over mere appearance. Daily behaviors and authentic connections are the keys to crafting a lasting presence.

Send us a textThe line between personal expression and professional consequences has never been more blurred. With recent headlines putting workplace conduct and public statements in the spotlight, many mid-career professionals are asking a tough question: Could what I say cost me my job?In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, we unpack what every professional in today’s job market needs to know about free speech, at-will employment, and safeguarding your career.You’ll learn why your constitutional right to free speech does not necessarily protect your employment and how at-will employment gives employers broad authority to terminate workers. For mid-career professionals navigating leadership roles or job transitions, this conversation is especially relevant.We’ll cover:What at-will employment really means for employees and employersWhy your words and actions outside of work can still impact your professional reputationHow to review your employment agreement for ethics, morals, and behavioral clausesThe importance of managing your online presence during a job searchPractical steps for “digital cleaning” to align your online footprint with career goalsHow leaders can balance employee expression with organizational responsibilityWhen it may be wise to consult an employment attorneyWhether you are actively job searching, worried about your current position, or leading a team through turbulent times, this episode gives you practical strategies to maintain both your career clarity and professional credibility.Why This Matters for Mid-Career ProfessionalsIf you’re between 35 and 55 and working in a leadership or management role, your career is built not only on what you do but also how you show up. Employers and hiring managers pay close attention to digital footprints and personal branding. The stakes are higher than ever—and understanding these dynamics can help you stay employable, promotable, and respected.Resources and Next StepsSubscribe to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast for weekly guidance on career clarity, job search, and leadership growthSupport the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a textAt some point in your career, you will be asked how you’ve used AI. Most candidates will talk about optimizing resumes or practicing interview questions, but what if your answer could be more memorable? In this episode, I share a deeply personal story about saying goodbye to my beloved cat, Amy Farrah Meowler, and how I turned to ChatGPT for guidance during that difficult time. What I learned goes far beyond grief. It demonstrates how authentic personal experiences can showcase your problem-solving skills and set you apart in today’s competitive job market.Whether you’re searching for a new role, pursuing a promotion, or looking to clarify your career direction, you’ll discover how to reframe unique experiences with technology into compelling interview responses that highlight creativity, resilience, and leadership.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why authentic personal stories often make the strongest professional interview answersHow my experience with ChatGPT during a pet’s end-of-life decision highlighted critical problem-solving skillsThe importance of understanding when and how to share personal experiences in a professional contextHow to use personal AI experiences to demonstrate your ability to think strategically and process information under pressureWhy memorable interviews often come from moments of genuine authenticityWho This Episode Is For: If you’re a mid-career professional feeling stuck, undervalued, or uncertain about how to stand out in interviews, this episode will help you think differently about how you showcase your skills and stories.Resources and Next Steps: For more support in your career journey, join my Mid-Career GPS Membership Community, where you’ll find monthly masterclasses, office hours, and ongoing support to help you land a job you love or love the job you have. Learn more at johnneral.com/membership.Support the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Gina Riley, a career transition coach and Forbes Coaches Council member with experience at Intel, shares her expertise in navigating the job market. She highlights the importance of storytelling in job searches, explaining how to craft compelling narratives that showcase personal achievements. Listeners learn about the distinction between mentorship and sponsorship, the concept of a 'career data vault' for tracking accomplishments, and effective interview strategies. Gina also discusses developing a personal brand to stand out to hiring managers and position oneself for success.

Send us a textIf you’re in the middle of a job search and feeling frustrated by the lack of responses, this episode is a must-listen. Today, I’m joined by Chris Bond, who candidly shares the data from his six-month job search in 2025. His story sheds light on what’s working, and what’s not, in today’s competitive mid-career job market.Chris applied for 125 positions and achieved a 50% personalized response rate and a 10% interview rate. These are numbers that far exceed typical job search expectations!In our conversation, he explains the strategies behind these results, including:Why tailoring your applications to targeted roles is more effective than applying everywhereHow he optimized his resume to pass AI screening tools and land more interviewsThe importance of following up (and how to do it without feeling pushy)Why in-person job opportunities turned out to be more successful than remote rolesHow powerful “I help” statements transformed his interview performance.Chris also emphasizes the importance of being clear about your non-negotiables and how to confidently communicate your value in interviews. His story is a roadmap for mid-career professionals who are tired of spinning their wheels and ready to take a more strategic approach.Whether you’re actively searching for a new role or simply considering your next move, this episode will help you navigate the complexities of today’s job market with clarity, persistence, and confidence.Connect with Chris Bond on LinkedIn by clicking here. Support the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a textAre you tired of sending out job applications and hearing nothing back? Wondering if you’re overqualified or not qualified enough? If you’re a mid-career professional struggling in today’s competitive and employer-driven job market, this episode is for you.In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I’m answering some of the most common and most frustrating questions I hear from clients in their 30s, 40s, and 50s navigating a job search or career transition.You’ll learn how to position yourself for roles you may not meet every qualification for, how to communicate leadership even if you don’t have a management title, and how to know when it’s really time to leave a job that’s no longer working. We’ll also talk about the emotional toll of job searching and how to maintain confidence, even when the rejections pile up.If you’re ready to make a strategic shift and get results in your job search, this episode offers practical, proven advice to help you regain control and take your next best step forward.Key Topics Covered:✅ How to stand out in a competitive job market by communicating your value and overcoming common hiring objections✅ Why you don’t need to meet 100% of job qualifications and how to know which jobs are worth applying for✅ Practical strategies for showcasing leadership when you’re not in a formal leadership role✅ The right time to leave a job and how to evaluate the risks and rewards✅ Tools to manage rejection, track your progress, and stay confident during your search✅ How to pivot industries at mid-career by telling a compelling, transferable career storyResources Mentioned:Free Download Why Your Mid-Career Job Search Isn’t Working and What to Do About ItThis free guide will help you rethink your job search strategy, boost your confidence, and start getting better results faster. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to download it.Next Week’s Episode Preview: Don’t miss a special episode where a former client shares their inspiring job search success story, iSupport the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a textIn 2025’s rapidly shifting workplace, women leaders face a unique set of challenges: staff cutbacks, fewer advancement opportunities, and the persistent shadow of imposter syndrome. For mid-career professionals, the pressure to remain visible, relevant, and confident has never been higher.In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, John Neral sits down with Michelle Myers, a veteran leader at Women’s Leadership Today with over 20 years of experience developing women leaders, to explore how authenticity, adaptability, and strategic personal branding can fuel career growth at any stage.Michelle demonstrates how continuous learning and mutual adaptation between leader and organization can lead to long-term career success.Whether you’re navigating leadership visibility in a hybrid workplace, refining your professional brand, or battling the quiet creep of invisibility in your career, Michelle offers practical, actionable strategies to help you shine.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The new leadership reality for women in 2025 and how to adapt to fewer opportunities and shifting workplace dynamicsWhy personal branding matters and how to make it about authenticity and clarity, not egoHow to conquer imposter syndrome so you can confidently articulate your valueVisibility tactics that work from optimizing your LinkedIn headline to volunteering for high-profile projectsConducting a skills gap analysis to identify the competencies you need for your next roleThe power of feedback and vulnerability in building trust and uncovering blind spotsHow male allies can support women leaders by amplifying their visibility and listening with authenticityThe ABCV Framework: Authenticity, Brand, Clarity, and Value, the roadmap for sustaining leadership successResources & Links:Click here to learn more about Michelle’s work at Women's Leadership TodayConnect with Michelle Myers, MBA, on LinkedInSupport the showReady to give your career the jumpstart it needs to whatever is next? Schedule a $197 Career/Leadership Strategy Session. Click here to learn more about how this transformative strategy session will help you. Visit https://johnneral.com/resources to: Subscribe to my free leadership and career newsletter Get The Mid-Career Promotion Blueprint to help you figure out whatever is next for you and your career Join The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here. Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Feeling stuck in your career? Networking doesn't have to be awkward or transactional. Learn to cultivate authentic relationships that empower your professional journey. Discover how to create a compelling value statement and leverage your existing connections effectively. Master the art of informational interviews and find out why giving before you ask can change the game. Plus, understand how to engage with LinkedIn meaningfully to stand out without constant posting—all while making networking feel natural and enjoyable!