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Why are we racing—and who decided the pace? In this episode, Lauren sits down with UCLA Anderson career coaches Jenna Migliaccio and Jessica Christopher, co-founders of Glimmers, to unpack the modern rat race and how to build a career rooted in clarity, not comparison. If you’ve felt busy but misaligned, this conversation will help you slow down strategically—without falling behind. You’ll learn: How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and misalignmentWhy “clarity comes from engagement” (and how to experiment without derailing your career)A simple mindset shift to stop running someone else’s race and start running your own Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Book career coaching w/ Jenna: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Jenna-Migliaccio/71365/  Alan Watts “Life & Music” video: https://youtu.be/eUzgSyfiF2s?si=pATgHCaRd_lI_MT6 Guest Resources: Glimmers Bi-weekly Newsletter: lifeglimmers.com Glimmers instagram: @glimmersbyjessandjenna Jenna LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennamigliaccio/ Jessica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicachristopher8/ Career Contessa Resources: Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/  Sponsors: Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Open a Found account for FREE at Found dot com. That’s F-O-U-N-D dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are your meetings driving results—or just draining your calendar? This week, Lauren sits down with organizational scientist and Your Best Meeting Ever author Dr. Rebecca Hinds to rethink how meetings are designed, measured, and led. Learn how to eliminate meeting debt, reclaim your time, and turn collaboration into a competitive advantage. You’ll learn: Why “meeting debt” is costing companies trillions—and how to reset your calendarThe simple design shifts (like ROTI and the Rule of Halves) that instantly improve meetingsHow to run inclusive, energizing hybrid meetings people actually want to attend Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW New Manager course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-new-manager-manual/ Efficient Meetings course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/building-efficient-meetings/ Guest Resources: Rebecca Hinds website: https://www.rebeccahinds.com/ Book: https://www.rebeccahinds.com/book Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Go to momentumshake.com/careercontessa to get a free Welcome Kit and Travel Collection ($70 value) to get you started! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ever feel like the default project manager at home or work? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Regina Lark to unpack soft incompetence—a subtle dynamic that quietly shifts emotional labor onto one person, often with good intentions. Learn how to spot it, talk about it, and rebalance responsibility without resentment. You’ll learn: How soft incompetence differs from weaponized incompetence.Early signs of emotional labor imbalance.One simple shift to redistribute responsibility more fairly. Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Dr. Regina Lark: https://www.reginalark.com/  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month Shopify trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of influence, trust, and leadership at work. In this episode, Ravi Rajani, author of Relationship Currency, breaks down the five habits that make communicators truly influential. From reframing the stories you tell yourself to building trust without being the loudest voice in the room, Ravi shares practical, immediately usable shifts that help you communicate with more clarity, credibility, and impact—starting this week. You’ll learn: How to build trust through the Three C’s: connection, character, and competenceWhy patience (not charisma) is the secret weapon of influential communicatorsSimple habits introverts can use to speak with confidence and be taken seriously at work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Relationship Currency book: https://www.theravirajani.com/book Ravi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theravirajani/ Ravi website: https://www.theravirajani.com/  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts. They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work. You’ll learn: Why blended teams are becoming the new standardHow flexible work can still support growth and stabilityWhat leaders need to rethink in the AI era Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Lions & Tigers website: https://lionsandtigers.com/ Workforce Reimagined Research: https://lionsandtigers.com/why-now/  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailmentThe hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close itThe first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourself Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/ Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/ Book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/book  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again. You’ll learn: Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually doesHow “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessingWhat modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or control Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656 Guest Resources: YNAB app: https://www.ynab.com/ YNAB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in)How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delaysThe EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren turns the mic on co-host Marnie Lemonik to unpack her journey from corporate professional to Career Coach. Marnie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she “shot her shot” with Career Contessa years before officially joining the team, what pushed her to start coaching and how she financially (and mentally) prepared to bet on herself. If you’ve ever considered starting your own thing, whether as a side hustle or full-time job, this is for you. You’ll Learn: The timing and circumstances that led Marnie to transition from corporate to coaching What it actually looks like to build a side business before leaving your full-time jobThe importance of financial preparation and rejecting the “struggle to hustle” mindsetThe entrepreneurial skill of “figuring it out” (and why self-trust is everything) Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP   Marnie’s  Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaVZm8QWlC8RWwiajYcs9?si=a2a5187a63674a76  Marnie’s Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-marnie/id1875804683  Marnie’s Career Contessa Articles: https://www.careercontessa.com/meet-the-team/Marnie-Lemonik/87101/  Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/  Resources  Marnie’s Resume Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/template-marnies-resume-with-written-examples  10% Discount Code: CCPOD  The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Share a little extra love this February in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title. You’ll learn: Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth.Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum.The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season. Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Carolyn Dewer: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/carolyn-dewar Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasons  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/  Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent. You’ll learn: Why emotionally intelligent teams outperform othersHow to build trust and psychological safetySimple steps to boost your team’s emotional IQ Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guide to working with me: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/communication-guide/ Guest Resources: Website: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/ Book: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/books  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/  Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is transforming the way work gets done—but great leadership still comes down to people. In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, Lauren McGoodwin welcomes back Julie Zhuo, author of The Making of a Manager and co-founder of Sundial, to discuss how managers can lead effectively in the AI era, beyond productivity metrics and tools. You'll learn: Why AI-driven productivity doesn’t equal team success—and what leaders should focus on insteadThe leadership skills that become more valuable (not less) in an AI-powered workplaceHow managers can maintain trust, purpose, and meaningful work as AI reshapes roles Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Website: https://www.juliezhuo.com/ Book: https://www.juliezhuo.com/book/manager.html Substack: https://lg.substack.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-zhuo/ X: https://x.com/joulee  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do we instantly “click” with some coworkers and struggle with others? Journalist and bestselling author Kate Murphy discusses the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony—how our brains, bodies, and behavior subconsciously sync with the people around us. You’ll learn: • What interpersonal synchrony is and why it matters for your career • How technology is changing the way we connect, collaborate, and build trust • Practical strategies to create stronger relationships and more cohesive teams at work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Click-Interpersonal-Synchrony/dp/1250352452 Website: https://www.journalistkatemurphy.com/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever started the year with big career goals—only to lose steam by spring—this episode is for you. Career coach Michelle Schafer shares her quarterly career playbook: a simple, structured approach to keep your professional growth on track all year long. Learn how to break your goals into manageable chunks, build momentum each quarter, and stay accountable to your future self. You’ll learn: How to create a quarterly framework that keeps your career goals realistic and sustainableThe right way to initiate career development conversations with your managerSimple ways to stay visible, build new skills, and celebrate progress—without burning out Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Self-marketing episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-techniques-to-master-self-marketing-how-to/id1434354911?i=1000706486616  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/  Website:  https://mschafercoaching.ca/  Free offer #1: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here:  https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/  Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/  Email me here: [email protected] Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here:  https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Before you set another career goal, hit pause — it’s time for a career audit. Career coach and product marketing pro Saniya Waghray Tyagi shares how to reflect on the past year, clarify what’s working (and what’s not), and set intentional goals that align your energy, environment, and ambitions for 2026. You’ll learn: The five key areas to evaluate in your career audit — and how to spot when you’re overdue for one.How to turn reflection into action using Saniya’s “power of three” goal-setting method.Simple tools to make your audit feel doable — including the “Skill-Based Smile File.” Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Work 1:1 with Saniya: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Saniya-WaghrayTyagi/32470/  Amanda Goetz - ‘Life’s a Game’ bloghttps://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts/life-s-a-game-your-2024-game-plan?ref=life-creators.club And how to evolve at the 6-month mark: https://x.com/AmandaMGoetz/status/1774770294810452031 Expect to Win by Carla Harris: https://www.amazon.com/Expect-Win-Strategies-Thriving-Workplace/dp/0452295904/ ‘The First 90 Days’ - Michael D Watkins: https://www.amazon.com/First-90-Days-Strategies-Expanded/dp/1422188612/  Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/  Sponsor Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.