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

Send us a textEver found yourself in the hot seat, fielding uncomfortable questions during a job interview and wondering how best to respond? We've all been there, and our distinguished guest, career strategist and well-being expert Anna Gaynor, is here to guide us through those tricky situations. An inspiring figure who’s been featured in Time Magazine and Fast Company, Anna shares her personal journey of overcoming a health crisis and finding her way to career well-being.Join us as we unpack the concept of career well-being, defined as intentionally caring for one's health and well-being as much as career goals. We dive into the complex terrain of illegal interview questions, with Anna bringing her wealth of HR expertise to bear on the topic. This isn’t just theoretical, we're sharing practical advice, real-life scenarios, and personal anecdotes on how to handle these questions professionally, putting you back in control during job interviews. This episode isn’t just about interviews, though. From discussing the importance of disconnecting from work to reconnect with oneself and loved ones, to focusing on skills and qualifications during interviews, we've got you covered. Anna's insights on standing out in the interview process and her emphasis on job satisfaction are gems not to be missed. So, grab your notepad and tune in for an enlightening conversation on career well-being and mastering job interviews. Remember, your well-being matters as much as your career goals, and we're here to help you strike that balance.Connect with Ana GoehnerWebsite | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTubeSupport 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 textEver wondered who's behind the voice guiding your mid-career journey? Well, this episode takes a delightful detour as I, John Neral, open the curtains to reveal some personal truths. I paint a colorful picture of my life by sharing ten lesser-known facts about myself - from my fiery driving language to a short-lived adventure at a party rental company. With a childhood dream of becoming a meteorologist and a fulfilling 25-year tenure in education, my life journey has been a fascinating ride.The intrigue doesn't end there; take a walk with me as I share seven more intriguing facets of my life. I open up about my unwavering passion for teaching, and I express my conscious decision to go childless. Relive the electrifying thrill I felt singing the national anthem to a sea of faces and clinching victory at a bowling tournament. And did you know? My life has been colored by a rich musical background that still vibrates through me.We wrap up this episode with yet another set of ten fascinating facts about my life. From my fervor for bowling, my cameo on the TV show "Make My Day," to being a proud cat parent to our hefty rescue cat, Amy - I bare it all. We also tackle the prickly issue of perfectionism, a struggle I've battled and lessons learned from it. We cap it off with a reaffirmation that our careers thrive when we show up, listen, give and receive feedback, and maintain an upbeat mindset. So, join us on this surprising journey, and remember to connect with me, John Narrow, on LinkedIn and social media.Watch John on Make My Day here. (Jump to the 9:00 mark.)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 textImagine regaining control of your time, finding the equilibrium between work and life simultaneously without the hassle. I guarantee that by the end of this episode, you'll have the tools to achieve just that! You'll learn how to safeguard your precious time during the festive whirlwind and carry that expertise into the year ahead. I'll share my personal journey and how I discovered the often-overlooked importance of playtime and rest, which, spoiler alert, isn't just for kids. Trust me, calendar blocking isn't as tedious as it sounds, but rather a lifesaver for scheduling tasks, meetings, and even some time off for yourself.Ever felt swamped on a Friday afternoon with meetings that could have been emails? We've all been there. I'll let you in on why you should steer clear of Friday meetings and how to reserve half an hour on your calendar for strategic thinking. Remember, your time is a fortress that needs to be defended relentlessly. It's the cornerstone for your creativity, effectiveness, and strategic thought process. Let me remind you, how we show up alters the course of our journey, and building your mid-career GPS is an ongoing adventure. So, let's start taking command of our time, together!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 textEver feel like you're stuck in a hamster wheel with your career? It's time to break free! I'm John Neral, your guide, sharing my personal journey of leaving a traditional job to build my own coaching practice. It's a story of growth, challenge, and transformation. As we look back, we can learn a lot about the power of passion and the courage it takes to find a job you truly love. But embarking on a new career path is not just about making a decision; it requires careful strategizing. Drawing from my own experience, we delve into the importance of a well-crafted exit strategy, from organizing your professional responsibilities to fostering a positive reputation. We also look at the power of presence in our careers - how our actions and attitudes can shape our professional journey. I'll share practical tips on networking, public speaking, and personal branding, all aimed at taking control of your career GPS. Remember, it's your journey - let's make every step count!Click here to get your free Mid-Career Job Seekers Checklist. 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 textWho says you can't teach an established professional new tricks? Brace yourself for an enlightening journey with our distinguished guest, Bill G Williams, as we venture into the world of mid-career leadership and professional branding. Bill, a leader in his own right, shares his wealth of insights on the art of climbing the career ladder and securing that highly sought-after leadership role. We discuss the power of a cunningly crafted leadership brand statement and its effect on your career trajectory. Plus, you get to hear a personal, career-defining moment from Bill himself that shaped his illustrious career in leadership development.Our conversation dives deeper into the intricacies of mid-career leadership, underscoring self-awareness and the potent potential of a career shock in refining leadership skills. We emphasize the significance of understanding where you currently stand and where you aspire to be as a leader. And not to forget, we throw light upon the indispensable role of trusted advisors, the importance of nurturing authentic relationships, and the merit of treating your team with respect. We further examine the virtues of continuous improvement and authenticity in leadership.Learning from mistakes, focusing on personal growth, leveraging strengths—sounds like a mantra for success, doesn't it? We further dissect these aspects, along with the importance of fostering diversity in your team and effectively navigating the maze of organizational politics. We highlight strategies for assembling your personal board of directors and trusted advisors, and introduce the concept of PI - Performance, Image, and Exposure - as foundational pillars in constructing a leadership brand. Remember, leadership isn't just a role; it's a choice, and how you choose to show up can make or break your career. So, join us, along with Bill G Williams, on this intriguing journey to uncover the secrets of effective leadership.Connect with Bill G. WilliamsLinkedIn | Website | B4Group | 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 textFeeling the holiday stress creeping in? We get it. The jingle bells, the mistletoe, the office parties - all while managing your work commitments and personal life. This is where we come in! This week, we take on the tricky task of balancing holiday cheer and work duties. We'll provide handy tips on setting boundaries for holiday events, juggling work and family commitments, and supporting junior colleagues who might be feeling overwhelmed by it all.But that's not all. If you're dreading the office party or feeling the pressure to attend all the holiday events, we've got you covered. We dissect whether this pressure is self-imposed or from the higher-ups, provide strategies for attending these parties with a game plan, and discuss how to bow out gracefully if you need to. And for our virtual folks, we offer suggestions on inclusive activities and designing that perfect exit strategy. We wrap up with a thank you, reminding our listeners to engage with us on social media, leave your reviews, and tune in next week for more insights. And remember, our special digital course for mid-career professionals is always there to help you redefine your career path and worth. So join us, and let's navigate the holiday season stress-free, together!Enrollment is open for John's new digital course, "From Career Crossroads to Career Clarity: A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Your Sweet Spot at Mid-Career."Click here to join the course. Enrollment is open until November 30, 2023 at 3:00 p..m. Eastern. 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 textWhat if the holiday season was actually the best time to seek new career opportunities? Let's shatter this myth together as we explore the December advantage, an overlooked opportunity to reflect on your accomplishments, identify areas for growth, and strategize your next career move. I, John Nerrell, will be your guide through this episode, sharing personal experiences and valuable insights to inspire you to make the most of this season.As we approach the end of the year, many mid-career professionals face common career roadblocks, from procrastination to fear of change and perfectionism. But fear not; we'll face this head-on and arm you with five strategic tips to level up your career. We'll also discuss the importance of recognizing and reinforcing the value you bring to your organization daily because you're worth it. Whether you're hoping to fall back in love with your current job or eyeing a brand new one, this episode pledges to help you navigate your mid-career GPS more effectively. Tune in, and let's transform your career journey together.Click here to join John's digital course, "From Career Crossroads to Career Clarity: A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Your Sweet Spot at Mid-Career."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 textStruggling to maintain that human connection in the digital workspace? Imagine being able to express your gratitude to colleagues and leadership in a way that makes them feel seen, valued, and appreciated. This episode is packed with practical tips on how to do just that, from acknowledging contributions no matter how small, to signing off your emails with intention. I'll also introduce you to my new digital course, "From Career Crossroads to Career Clarity," a roadmap designed to help you find your sweet spot at mid-career.But wait, there's more! We're not just focusing on gratitude, we're also looking at how to build your mid-career GPS with strategy. We discuss the importance of staying connected with your colleagues even when working remotely, and building solid relationships that will help you navigate your mid-career journey with clarity and purpose. It's all about recognizing the work of others and understanding the value of those contributions in order to boost workplace morale. So buckle up and get ready for a comprehensive guide to expressing appreciation in the workplace and shaping your mid-career journey like a pro!Enroll in John's brand-new digital course "From Career Crossroads to Career Clarity: A Step-By-Step Guide to Finding Your Sweet Spot at Mid-Career." Get full access to the course starting on December 1st. Learn more 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 feeling stuck in your career? What if you could break through the barriers that are holding you back? Join me as I sit down with Ellen Taaffe, acclaimed author of The Mirror Door Break Through the Hidden Barrier That Locks Successful Women in Place, to explore insightful strategies for self-promotion and career advancement.Ellen, a career switcher herself who transitioned from PepsiCo to Royal Caribbean, provides valuable insights about overcoming self-doubt, promoting career growth, and making successful pivots. We unpack the concept of FOMO in a career context - the fear of missing out versus FOMU, the fear of messing up, and how these can impact your career decisions. Always remember, job postings are more wishlists than stringent checklists. Ellen offers practical advice on how to shatter mental barriers and embrace the fear of messing up.In our enlightening conversation, we explore five strategies for mid-career success. Are you tirelessly working to get things done or patiently waiting to be noticed? Do you prepare for perfection or are you eager to please? Ellen's insights on these strategies and on how to set boundaries, address conflict, and manage different parts of your identity in the workplace are game-changers. If you're in the midst of a career transition, you'll particularly appreciate her advice on having courage before confidence. Join us for this empowering discussion that could be the catalyst you need for your career breakthrough.Connect with Ellen TaaffeWebsite | Book | LinkedIn Click here to sign up for this month's webinar, "A Painless 3-Step Plan to Figure Out What's Next for You and Your Career in 2024," or visit https://johnneral.com/webinar.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 textEver wonder who's in your corner as you climb the career ladder? Let's uncover the answer to this question together as we talk about building your personal board of directors, an essential tool for your career progression. Through my experiences at the NextUp Rising Stars Conference, I'll guide you on how to carefully select these individuals who will play a fundamental role in sculpting your professional legacy and help you attain your ambitions.Let's delve deeper into the criteria for picking members for your personal board. Trust and sound judgment are paramount in these relationships and I'll discuss why family members may not be the ideal choice. You'll get a glimpse into my personal board of directors and their invaluable support in my professional journey. And a special heads up - we have an upcoming webinar, "A Painless Three-Step Guide to Figure Out What's Next for You and Your Career in 2024." Be sure to join in and gain insight into effective strategies for managing your career trajectory.To register for this month's webinar, visit https://johnneral.com/webinar. 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.