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

Send us a textIn this insightful episode, Melissa Mawai shares her inspiring journey from corporate project management to becoming a published children's author and illustrator. After the passing of her father and the global pandemic, Melissa found herself at a crossroads—one that led her to pursue her true passion for storytelling. Now, with five published books under her belt with major publishers like National Geographic Kids and DK, Melissa reflects on the challenges, lessons, and triumphs of her creative career pivot.One of the biggest hurdles she faced? Self-promotion. If you've ever struggled with marketing yourself, you'll appreciate Melissa’s honest take on overcoming the “ick” factor and finding an authentic way to share your work. As a neurodiverse professional, she has also dedicated her work to helping neurodiverse children navigate the world through engaging stories.From navigating the entrepreneurial path to embracing creativity in every professional interaction, Melissa offers invaluable wisdom for anyone looking to align their career with their passions. Plus, she gives us a sneak peek into her upcoming podcast, Kid Lit Deconstruction Zone!What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How Melissa used the COVID-19 pandemic as a turning point in her careerThe impact of personal loss on career clarity and purposeOvercoming the discomfort of self-promotion and marketing yourself authenticallyThe importance of creating stories that support neurodiverse childrenHow coaching helped her refine her career path and build confidenceThe journey to launching her new podcast, Kid Lit Deconstruction ZoneHow to infuse creativity into networking and professional relationshipsMelissa’s future goals, including more school visits and speaking engagementsResources & Links: Connect with Melissa and explore her work:Website: melissamawai.comFollow her on LinkedIn  https://www.linkedin.com/in/mmwai/ – she promises to say hello back!If you’re looking for inspiration to bring more creativSupport 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 textThis episode explores how mid-career professionals unknowingly sabotage their job search by "playing small." With over 172,000 layoffs announced in February 2023—a staggering 245% increase from January—accelerating your job search is more critical than ever.Common pitfalls that hinder success include:Searching for the "perfect" strategy instead of focusing on consistent efforts that yield results.Avoiding assertive outreach for fear of appearing desperate, when true confidence is key.Hesitating to engage your network, mistakenly believing you'll be a burden.Success comes from strategic action: track what works, confidently communicate your value, and proactively connect with those who can help. Ask yourself: How would you show up if you believed your value was non-negotiable?Download the free Mid-Career Job Seeker's Checklist at johnneral.com to get organized and start seeing results in your job search.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 anxious about job security in today’s unpredictable market? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, host John Neral breaks down the most pressing concerns facing mid-career professionals in 2025. Drawing from a recent webinar, John shares expert insights and actionable strategies to help you take charge of your career, stay resilient, and proactively prepare for industry shifts.Discover how to confidently navigate uncertainty, build a strong professional network, and develop a personal brand that keeps you relevant in an evolving job market. Whether facing workplace instability or simply looking to future-proof your career, this episode will equip you with the tools you need to thrive.What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Key job market trends and corporate restructuring insights from a recent webinar✅ How to manage job loss fears and workplace instability without sacrificing well-being✅ Actionable strategies to adapt to change and maintain work-life balance✅ The power of personal branding and how to showcase measurable career results✅ Leveraging emotional intelligence to stay competitive in the job market✅ The value of mentorship and building a personal board of directors for career supportSupport 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 textDo You Love Your Job or Just Like It? Your Career Narrative Shapes Your SatisfactionHave you ever stopped to ask yourself: Do I truly love my job, or do I just like the people I work with? In this insightful episode, we explore what it really means to feel fulfilled in your career—and why the stories you tell yourself about your job matter more than you think.Inspired by a powerful lesson from Simon Sinek, we break down the key differences between loving your work and simply liking it. From job tasks and company culture to compensation and workplace relationships, we uncover the factors contributing to long-term job satisfaction.I’ll also share a personal story about returning to work after cataract surgery, revealing the deep joy I find in coaching mid-career professionals toward meaningful careers. Plus, you’ll gain practical strategies for navigating workplace conversations with intention, ensuring you communicate your job satisfaction (or dissatisfaction) in a way that benefits your career.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ How to assess whether you love your job or just like aspects of it✅ The power of your internal career narrative and how it affects job satisfaction✅ A mindful communication strategy for workplace conversations: “Do you need to be heard, helped, or hugged?”✅ The role of career coaching in finding fulfillment—whether it’s in your current role or a new opportunity✅ Signs it may be time to pivot in your career and how to navigate change proactively.If you’re a mid-career professional looking to gain clarity, fulfillment, and career direction, this episode is a must-listen!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 ready to elevate your leadership skills and navigate mid-career transitions with confidence? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I sit down with leadership and talent expert Jordana Cole to uncover the essential leadership qualities that drive success in 2025 and beyond.Jordana shares her transformational journey—from managing client services teams to leading organizational learning and development—highlighting the power of long-term growth strategies. Whether you’ve recently stepped into a leadership role or are striving to refine your management approach, this episode delivers actionable insights to help you lead with impact.We discuss:✅ Why High Performers Struggle in Leadership Roles – The challenges of transitioning from technical expert to effective leader ✅ Leadership Competencies That Matter – What separates great leaders from the rest (backed by Gallup research) ✅ Creating a Thriving Work Environment – Strategies to engage, motivate, and retain top talent ✅ The Power of Stay Interviews – How to assess employee satisfaction and boost retention ✅ Managing Difficult Conversations – Using empathy and transparency to build trust ✅ Recalibrating Leadership Goals – Shifting from fear-based decisions to growth-driven opportunities.Leadership is more than a title—it’s a mindset. This episode equips mid-career professionals with the tools to foster open dialogue, embrace adaptability, and redefine career success.Gain expert strategies for leading with confidence, crafting a high-performance team, and achieving long-term career fulfillment.Connect with Jordana Cole: Website | LinkedIn 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 ready to tackle the evolving job market of 2025? With economic uncertainty, political shifts, and corporate restructuring, mid-career professionals face unique challenges—especially as the "white-collar recession" unfolds. In this episode, we dive deep into the latest job market trends, the future of DEI initiatives, and essential strategies to help you stay competitive.Key Topics Covered: ✔️ What the "white-collar recession" means for mid-career professionals ✔️ How economic and political changes are reshaping job security ✔️ The decline of DEI initiatives—why it matters and what it means for workplace culture ✔️ The power of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in networking and career growth ✔️ Mastering job market positioning to stand out to employers ✔️ Effective strategies for networking, interviewing, and career resilienceListen now and take control of your career in 2025! Don’t forget to join our growing community of mid-career professionals committed to success.#JobMarket2025 #CareerGrowth #WhiteCollarRecession #Networking #DEI #MidCareerSuccessSupport 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 textHow can shifting your mindset transform your mid-career success? In this episode, talent development specialist and entrepreneur Elena Agaragimova shares how embracing a generalist mindset has been her superpower in navigating diverse industries. We explore the impact of imposter syndrome, the value of practical skills over educational prestige, and strategies for positioning yourself effectively in the workplace.Elena explains the complexities of corporate politics and offers practical advice on fostering collaboration, maintaining resilience, and turning challenges into opportunities. We also discuss managing one's nervous system for better decision-making, the evolving role of AI and no-code platforms, and building meaningful professional relationships.Key Topics:The benefits of being a generalist in today’s job marketOvercoming imposter syndrome and shifting career perspectivesNavigating corporate politics and securing leadership rolesManaging stress and making informed professional decisionsThe Three C’s: Consistency, Courage, and CuriosityHow AI and no-code technology are reshaping career pathsThe power of networking and controlling internal self-talkConnect with Elena AgaragimovaLinkedIn | Podcast - Listen to SHIFT with Elena Agar | 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 textReady to take your career to the next level? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I will guide you through everything you need to know about finding the ideal career or leadership coach to help you thrive professionally. Whether you're stuck in career stagnation, navigating transitions, or striving for that next promotion, this episode is your go-to resource for making informed decisions about your coaching investment.We’ll explore the critical differences between coaching and therapy, helping you understand how coaching empowers you to take charge of your professional journey. Learn how to assess potential coaches based on referrals, testimonials, experience, and their ability to align with your personal and professional goals. Discover why investing in the right coach can yield significant returns, including promotions, salary increases, and clarity in your career path.Key topics include:Coaching vs. therapy: Understanding the distinctionsHow to identify your unique needs and goalsEvaluating coaches based on fit, style, and certificationsThe financial ROI of career coachingBuilding a coaching structure for accountability and successWhy a transformative coach-client relationship mattersAs a certified career coach, I share insights into my tailored coaching services, workshops, and digital resources designed to help you construct your mid-career GPS. Whether you’re seeking one-on-one support or inspiration through my free newsletters and social media content, I’m here to help you chart your course confidently.Ready to get started? Now, let’s explore how the right coach can help you achieve your professional aspirations. Don’t forget to connect with me on LinkedIn and follow John Neral Coaching for ongoing insights and support.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 textPerformance reviews don’t have to be dreaded formalities—they can be golden opportunities for career growth. In this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast, discover how to transform these annual check-ins into powerful tools for advancement. Learn to take control, articulate your ambitions, and steer conversations toward your desired career outcomes.Drawing on years of leadership experience, I offer practical strategies to help you navigate performance reviews effectively. From setting clear goals to maintaining an ongoing dialogue with your management, this episode will equip you with the tools to make performance reviews work for you. Whether you're aiming for a promotion, new projects, or increased visibility, I’ll guide you on prioritizing your goals and securing the support you need.Key takeaways include:Planning and preparing for impactful performance reviewsTaking responsibility for your career trajectoryCategorizing goals into high, medium, and low priorityAsking key questions to prevent stagnationEnhancing communication with supervisorsMoving beyond easy topics to foster meaningful discussionsCreating a focused agenda for performance conversationsDon’t let performance reviews be a missed opportunity. This episode challenges you to rethink traditional approaches and take proactive steps toward career growth. 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 textGet ready to revolutionize your job application strategy with cutting-edge insights from Stephen Greet, CEO of BeamJobs. In this episode, we dive deep into crafting resumes and cover letters that will catch the eye of advanced AI-driven applicant tracking systems and resonate with hiring managers in 2025.Stephen shares his unique entrepreneurial journey—from selling duct tape wallets to leading a company redefining the hiring process. Learn why the old "spray-and-pray" job application tactic is out and how a focused, personalized approach can significantly boost your success rate.Highlights include:Why Networking is Your Secret Weapon: Discover how leveraging your network can lead to those coveted warm referrals.Tailoring Your Application for Success: Practical advice on customizing your resume and cover letter for each job to highlight your skills and stand out from the crowd.The Shift from Quantity to Quality: Understand the importance of targeted, well-crafted applications over mass submissions.Navigating the 2025 Job Market: Get expert predictions on emerging trends and challenges job seekers face.The Power of Personal Touch: Learn how humor and personality can make your application memorable.Whether you’re a job seeker or a hiring manager, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you navigate the evolving job market and enhance your application strategy.Key Takeaways:Master the art of networking for long-term career growth.Develop tailored, impactful resumes and cover letters.Build meaningful relationships before you need them.Stay ahead of the game with insider insights into the future of job hunting.Tune in to gain the tools and confidence you need to land your next big opportunity in 2025!Connect with Stephen GreetLinkedIn | Beamjobs WebsiteSupport 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.