

Job Search, Promotion, and Career Clarity: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast
John Neral
Get Clarity. Get Promoted. Get Hired.Are you feeling stuck, undervalued, or underutilized in your current role?Wondering how to position yourself for a promotion, raise, or leadership opportunity?Are you trying to figure out what’s next for your career, but not sure where to start?You're not alone, and you're in the right place.Hosted by executive and career transition coach John Neral, The Mid-Career GPS Podcast is your go-to resource to help you confidently navigate your job search, career advancement, and workplace challenges. Whether you want to find a new job, get promoted, or simply feel more fulfilled at work, this show will help you build the clarity and strategy you need to take your next step.Each episode features actionable advice, insightful interviews, and real-world strategies to help mid-career professionals, typically managers to senior directors, design a career they love or love the career they have.You’ve built a solid career. Now it’s time to build Your Mid-Career GPS to figure out what's next and how to get there.New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe today and let's start figuring out whatever is next for you and your career, together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 20, 2024 • 34min
258: Everyone Deserves a Great Manager with FranklinCovey's Todd Davis
Send us a textPrepare to unlock the secrets of effective leadership development as we sit down with Todd Davis, senior consultant and thought leader at FranklinCovey. Ever wondered why so many professionals find themselves in leadership roles without the proper training? Through Todd's transformative mid-career experience and his unmatched expertise in human resources and talent development, we'll uncover the essential strategies for balancing empathy and courage, all while navigating the complexities of reporting to younger managers and overcoming mindset barriers.Imagine leveraging your personal strengths to become an exceptional leader. Todd shares insights from his book, "Everyone Deserves a Great Manager," and emphasizes the role of empathy in fostering productive relationships. Discover the impact of Gallup StrengthsFinder in identifying your unique talents and learn how FranklinCovey’s approach to leadership development can facilitate lasting behavior change to achieve your strategic goals. We'll also explore the common challenges mid-career professionals face when transitioning to managerial roles and the importance of understanding others first.Effective communication is key, and Todd helps us understand why clear and direct conversations about performance issues are crucial. We delve into the pitfalls of the "empathy sandwich" and the significance of building strong, effective relationships at work. Drawing inspiration from Stephen R. Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," this episode is packed with actionable advice on leading with both empathy and courage, ensuring you contribute meaningfully to your organization’s success. Join us for this engaging conversation and transform your leadership journey today!Connect with Todd Davis.FranklinCovey | 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.

Aug 13, 2024 • 33min
257: Build a Personal Landing Page to Find Your Next Job with Kate Speer
Send us a textUnlock the secrets to turning adversity into opportunity with marketing and communications expert Kate Speer. Discover how Kate transformed an unexpected job loss into a remarkable career pivot by leveraging her marketing skills for self-promotion. Learn actionable strategies for creating a compelling personal landing page and building a powerful LinkedIn network that can lead to new job opportunities, especially for mid-career professionals.Find out why authenticity is your greatest asset during a job search and how presenting yourself genuinely can make a significant impact. We discuss the parallels between job searching and marketing campaigns, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and multiple touchpoints. Kate's journey underscores the need for understanding your ideal work environment, maintaining a robust professional network, and staying resilient even in the face of setbacks.We also dive into common mistakes mid-career professionals make and how to avoid them. Learn the benefits of a personalized landing page, the power of networking, and staying visible on LinkedIn. Kate shares how everyday conversations can be turned into valuable LinkedIn posts and the importance of being social and consistent on the platform. This episode is packed with insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market and build a stronger personal brand. Don’t miss out on these expert tips to navigate your mid-career journey with confidence and strategy.Connect with Kate SpeerKate's Landing Page | 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.

Aug 6, 2024 • 15min
256: Reframe Your Job Search: Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Find Your Next Job
Send us a textDo you think there are certain times of the year when it's better to find a new job? Think again! In this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I bust the myth that waiting until a certain time is the best strategy for job seekers. I share real-life examples to help you discover why taking action now can propel your career forward faster than you ever thought possible and learn why it's OK to start your job search even if everything isn't perfectly in place. Click here to grab your free copy of my guide, "From Stuck to Success: Five Mid-Career Mistakes to Avoid in Any Job Market."Building your mid-career GPS doesn't happen overnight, but every small step counts. Join me as I offer practical advice on making each day count in your job search and career journey. Stay tuned for more insights, and don't forget to follow/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 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.

Jul 30, 2024 • 34min
255: Creating an Unstoppable Career with Former Navy Seal and CEO, Alden Mills
Send us a textWhat makes a Navy SEAL commander leave the battlefield to create a multimillion-dollar fitness empire? Join us on the Mid-Career GPS Podcast as we sit down with Alden Mills, a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, successful entrepreneur, and Inc. 500 CEO, who takes us through his extraordinary journey. Alden shares his transformation from leading elite military teams to launching Perfect Fitness, and how he later pivoted to become an inspiring speaker, author, and executive coach. His journey offers a treasure trove of insights on professional growth, leadership, and the inner battles faced even amidst business success.Have you ever wondered how balancing selfishness and selflessness can lead to unparalleled service to others? Alden and I explore this delicate balance by diving into the concept of triangulation from SEAL training. We discuss the power of recognizing and honing your unique strengths to provide the most effective and fulfilling service. Alden's emphasis on focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses boosts self-worth and polishes innate talents, making them shine brighter. This conversation is a powerful reminder for listeners to embrace their gifts and apply them where they can make the most significant impact.Navigating a mid-career transformation can be challenging, and Alden introduces the concept of the "outcome account" to help visualize future scenarios. We discuss the internal dialogue between the "whiner" and the "winner," particularly during pivotal moments. Highlighting common mistakes new leaders make, Alden underscores the importance of self-leadership and the necessity of listening to understand rather than assuming all the answers. This episode is packed with profound insights emphasizing how effective leadership starts with leading oneself and taking responsibility for one's decisions, setting the stage for an unstoppable career.Connect with Alden MillsWebsite | LinkedIn | Be UnstoppableSupport 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.

Jul 23, 2024 • 29min
254: Owning Your Career While Building a Safety Net with Paula Caligiuri, Ph.D.
Send us a textReady to take full control of your career journey? In this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast, you'll uncover the essential steps to self-direct your professional path confidently and clearly. Join us as I speak with Paula Caligiuri, president of Skiillify and professor at Northwestern University. She shares her transformative experience studying abroad in Italy—a pivotal moment that shaped her passion for cultural agility and career success. Paula also emphasizes the significant role of mentorship in career development, detailing her initiative to honor her mentors through a generous scholarship program. We'll also guide you through the nuances of navigating job satisfaction and growth in today's job market. Whether you feel content in your current role or are seeking a change, this episode offers practical strategies to plan your next career move and build a solid financial safety net. Plus, we delve into the importance of reassessing your personal identity, especially post-pandemic, to ensure your career aligns with your life goals. Connect with Paula CaligiuriWebsite | LinkedIn | Instagram | Email - pcaligiuri@gmail.comSupport 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.

Jul 16, 2024 • 14min
253: Deciding Whether You Should Apply for the Job or Not
Send us a textHave you ever looked at a job posting and talked yourself out of applying for it? Sure you have! When that internal voice creeps in and starts telling you that you aren’t good enough for the position or there are far more people qualified than you to do the job, it’s time to acknowledge it and kick it to the curb. In this episode, I’ll share four powerful tips to help you get out of your way and put yourself front and center in the application pool as you build Your Mid-Career GPS. 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.

Jul 9, 2024 • 40min
252: Surviving Career Uncertainty: Lessons from Broadway with Megan Kingery
Send us a textUnlock the secrets to harnessing creative energy for career success with Megan Kingery, a multifaceted producer who has mastered the art of navigating career uncertainties. Discover how Megan transitioned from being a doer to a leader, leveraging coaching and strategic planning to align her personal vision with how she's perceived professionally. Gain actionable insights on how to utilize storytelling and case studies to showcase your unique problem-solving abilities, preparing for career transitions in an ever-changing landscape.Facing instability in the Broadway and theater industry? You're not alone. Megan and I explore the emotional and financial challenges exacerbated by the pandemic and economic shifts. Learn how creative professionals are finding stability outside the live entertainment sector and why owning and adapting to instability is crucial for growth across all fields. We also delve into practical strategies for managing emotional and financial instability, offering tips on finding opportunities that align with your skills and passions.What does it take to pitch a new show to potential investors with confidence? Through a role-playing scenario, Megan and I demonstrate the importance of a strong team and risk mitigation, making investors feel part of a worthwhile venture. We also touch on mindfulness practices like meditation for maintaining emotional stability during challenging times, sharing personal anecdotes and favorite Broadway shows that bring humor and lightness to our conversation. Don't miss this enriching episode filled with practical advice, personal stories, and a touch of Broadway magic.Connect with Megan KingeryWebsite | LinkedIn | Email - megan@megankingery.comSupport 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.

Jul 2, 2024 • 21min
251: Three Tips to Advocate for Your Leadership & Career Development
Send us a textWhat if you could take 100% responsibility for your career and transform your leadership style in just three days? Join me on this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast as I share my experience at NextUp's Rising Stars Conference, where over 250 mid-level leaders from the U.S., Canada, and the Netherlands embarked on a career development journey. Discover the three transformative takeaways that will revolutionize your approach to leadership: taking complete responsibility for your career, understanding the significance of career clarity, and harnessing the power of self-advocacy. Get valuable insights from sessions and speakers on avoiding burnout and identifying your unique leadership style, and learn why it's imperative to become your best advocate on your career journey.In another segment, we dive into the art of networking with the principle of "give first, ask later." Learn how intuitive listening and offering help before seeking favors can make a difference in building genuine connections. I'll share a personal story about the serendipity of seizing an unexpected opportunity to connect with a busy colleague, emphasizing the importance of curiosity and impeccable timing. We also discuss the critical need for self-care and maintaining boundaries in the post-pandemic world, especially for business owners. Reflect on the importance of providing context when asking for grace, illustrated by a heartfelt story about a colleague's support during a challenging period of insomnia. Tune in for practical advice and inspiration to take your career to the next level, and consider seeking coaching support to define your goals.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.

Jun 25, 2024 • 29min
250: Navigating Today's Job Market with More Confidence and Career Clarity
Send us a textThere are things you should be doing in today's job market that you wouldn't do four years ago. And some things you wouldn't do last year!Join me as we celebrate 250 episodes of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast. I'll explain why you need to be crystal clear about the value you bring to your current and future organizations. I'll also share how to use AI more strategically and some tips to help you build your network more authentically and genuinely. I'll share why you need to be different and how to stand out from the crowd as you search for your next advancement opportunity. Lastly, I'll share one powerful lesson about why you should never solely depend on other people to advocate for your career, growth, and advancement. After 250 episodes, I've learned a lot that I've shared with you and how it impacts the work I do with my private coaching clients. And as we continue to build Your Mid-Career GPS, it's more important than ever to remember how you SHOW UP matters. 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.

Jun 18, 2024 • 32min
249: When to Pursue an Advanced Degree with Dr. Teresa Yankanich
Send us a textImagine balancing a nursing career, raising young children, and pursuing higher education all at once. Meet the incredible Dr. Teresa Yankanich, who accomplished just that and earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice (DNP) at the age of 60. This episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast uncovers Teresa's inspiring journey from a business degree to a thriving career in nursing. Hear about the unwavering support from her employer and family, and the delicate work-life balance she maintained while achieving her advanced degree.Curious about what drives a seasoned nurse to return to school? Teresa opens up about her unexpected educational opportunities, including transitioning from a bridge program to a Master's in Nursing Education and ultimately, her DNP in 2019. She candidly shares her motivations, from reaching the pinnacle of her profession to the practical impacts on her role as a nurse educator. Dive deep into her experiences managing projects and guiding a diverse nursing staff, especially during the tumultuous early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.Nursing professionals face significant challenges today, from burnout to inadequate staffing. Teresa offers her valuable insights on these pressing issues, advocating for fundamental solutions over superficial wellness programs. At 60, she continues to inspire, with plans to keep teaching and personal goals like mastering new software and crafting gifts for her grandson. Join us to learn from Teresa’s story of perseverance, lifelong learning, and her vision for the future of nursing education as you decide whether or not obtaining an advanced degree is right for you and your career development. .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.


