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This week on "People in Transition", I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Spekman, a career strategist, therapist, and founder of Made for More Coach. Rachel brings a rare and powerful blend of experience—having spent years in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work before navigating multiple career transitions of her own into mental health and career strategy. You can learn more about Rachel and her work on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachelspekman. Rachel helps high-performing professionals who feel stuck in high-paid but soul-sucking roles reconnect with their values, strengths, and sense of purpose—without ignoring the realities of money, market demand, and impact. As a trained therapist who deeply understands corporate pressure, burnout, and identity loss during transitions, she fills a critical gap between traditional career coaching and emotional well-being. In our conversation, Rachel and I explored what really shows up during a job or career transition—mentally, emotionally, and physically—and how job seekers can move from being passive candidates to confident experts. This episode is packed with practical insights, mindset shifts, and strategies for anyone navigating change, questioning their next move, or trying to align impact, income, and fulfillment. Some of the Topics We Discussed in This Episode  Somatic symptoms job seekers experience and how to recognize and cope with the physical signals of career stress and misalignment Using your feelings toward community, contribution, and problem-solving as guidance in your job search Impact vs. income: understanding what you can do, what the market needs, and where tension naturally shows up Positioning yourself as the expert, not a passive candidate waiting to be chosen The role of confidence in your job search and practical ways to build and display it What an internal resume audit is and how it improves both job search results and long-term job satisfactionAlso, go to her website, where there is a free training to support your job search - https://www.rachelspekman.com/ Send us a text

Stephanie Cordes knows what it means to chase success—and then intentionally redefine it. After spending more than twenty years building a strong corporate career in healthcare leadership, she made a bold pivot and now helps others take ownership of their careers on their own terms. As a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source, Stephanie creates a safe, no-pressure space for professionals to explore what they truly want next—whether that’s flexibility, control, additional income, or a complete career reinvention. In this episode of “People in Transition”, host Bob Gerst and Stephanie dive into the real emotions and practical realities behind career decisions. They unpack why reassessing your goals is essential, how unmet needs can cloud your ability to identify what you actually want, and why money often represents much more than a paycheck. Stephanie introduces the idea of a personal “North Star”—a clear framework built around income, lifestyle, wealth, and equity—to guide smarter, calmer decision-making. This conversation is grounded, honest, and empowering. Transition doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful—and clarity is often the most powerful first step. If you’re feeling stuck, restless, or quietly questioning what’s next, this episode will help you slow down the noise and move forward with intention. For more information from Stephanie, visit her web site: https://scordes.esourcecoach.com/contact/ Send us a text

My guest today is Merry Korn, author of Fired to Inspired, a powerful teaching memoir that chronicles an extraordinary journey from professional setback to purpose-driven success. Merry’s story begins with being fired—a moment many job seekers fear most—but instead of letting that moment define her, she used it as the starting point for reinvention. What followed was not a polished overnight success, but a real, unvarnished transformation. Through strategic pivots, hard-earned lessons, and persistence, Merry went on to build a social enterprise that now employs more than 1,300 people across 30 states, giving hiring priority to individuals facing the greatest barriers to work. Her journey is a roadmap for anyone who has ever felt defeated by a career setback and wondered whether their lowest moment could become their greatest opportunity. Merry’s perspective is deeply rooted in resilience. Her role model is her mother, a Holocaust survivor, who taught her the meaning of perseverance and never giving up. That lesson shows up throughout Merry’s work and is especially relevant for job seekers who may feel discouraged, fearful, or worn down by a prolonged search. In a time of economic uncertainty and career disruption, her story offers both hope and practical guidance for building something meaningful out of adversity. Key Themes We Explore in This Episode In our conversation, Merry shares insights and tools that are immediately applicable for anyone in transition, including: Turning setbacks into setups for success and reframing career disappointments as opportunities for clarity and growthThe power of informational interviews—what they are, how to use them, and why they are one of the most effective job-search strategiesUsing available resources such as coaches, books, and LinkedIn to build momentum and expand opportunityStaying physically strong during your job search, and how physical health directly impacts emotional resilience and mental well-beingOvercoming fear and uncertainty, with the reminder that this season will endFinding purpose before accepting your next role, and why not jumping at the first offer, can lead to a more fulfilling careerCall to Action If you’re in the middle of a job search—or know one is coming—this episode is for you. Listen with intention, take notes, and choose one idea from this conversation that you can act on this week. Share this episode with someone who needs encouragement, and subscribe to People in Transition for more conversations designed to help you move forward with confidence, clarity, and purpose. This is Bob Gerst, and this episode is about turning transition into transformation. Send us a text

Ever look at your life and think, “How did I end up here… and why doesn’t this feel the way success should?” If that question feels uncomfortably familiar, this episode of “People in Transition” is one you’ll want to hear. My guest, Jake Kennington, knows what it’s like to build a career that looks enviable on paper while feeling disconnected on the inside. As a licensed Structural Engineer, he spent more than a decade designing $100M buildings, leading high-pressure projects, and stacking up the achievements people associate with success. But privately, his health was slipping, his relationships were stretched thin, and he began questioning whether the life he was building was actually the life he wanted. Becoming a husband and father of four brought that reality into sharper focus—and ultimately pushed him to redefine success, rebuild his habits, and realign his life around what matters most. Today, through his work at Actively Human, Jake helps mid-career professionals do the same: reconnect with who they really are, create space for what they care about, and build lives that feel as fulfilling on the inside as they look on the outside. In our conversation, Jake and I explore: • The moment he asked himself, “Is this it?”—and why that question is worth paying attention to • How identifying who you are not can open the door to who you truly are • Why defining your own meaning of success becomes a powerful compass • Subtle early signs of misalignment—especially in your health and relationships • The value of owning your morning for yourself, not your inbox • Why slowing down (and sometimes even disrupting what you’ve built) can be the path to clarity and joy If you want to learn more about Jake and Actively Human, visit his profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekennington/ Or visit his website at activelyhuman.com  Listen to Jake’s recording here—and take the first step toward a life that finally feels aligned. If you enjoyed this episode and want to go deeper on these topics, grab a free resource called The Own Your Life Playbook here: activelyhuman.com/#playbook Send us a text

Welcome to “People in Transition”, the podcast that gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate life’s biggest shifts with clarity and confidence. I’m your host, Bob Gerst — the Job Transition Professor — and today’s guest is someone who brings a powerful blend of creativity, wisdom, and lived experience to the world of personal transformation: Susan Hensley. Susan is a transformational coach, speaker, and author whose global career has taken her from corporate boardrooms in Hong Kong and London to leadership development spaces across the U.S. Her work helps people meet change with resilience, curiosity, and even joy. One of her most impactful tools is art journaling — a creative practice that blends reflection, mindfulness, and imagination to help people process transition and build emotional strength. In our conversation, Susan and I explore how creativity can quiet the inner critic, steady us in times of uncertainty, and unlock new possibilities during job transitions. We’ll dig into the “messy middle,” examine the six major types of life transitions, and talk about why early reflection and reinvention can completely reshape your job search path. If you’re facing change — or helping others navigate it — you won’t want to miss this episode. Susan brings practical tools, a fresh perspective, and an energizing sense of possibility to anyone standing at a crossroads. For more information about Susan, go to https://susan-hensley.com/ Send us a text

This week on "People in Transition", our guest is Jack Calhoun—an inspiring guide for anyone exploring what comes after a successful first career. As the founder of Encore Career Lab, Jack helps high-achieving professionals design meaningful “second acts” that blend purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment. His passion comes from experience: after leading Capital Directions, LLC from $50 million to over $1.5 billion in assets under management, Jack sold the firm in his early 50s—and quickly discovered how little guidance there was for life after career success. That realization became his mission: to help others bridge the gap between retirement planning and life planning. During our conversation, Jack shared powerful insights and practical guidance for listeners thinking about their next chapter, including: Redefining identity: How to deal with the loss of identity that often comes when stepping away from a long career.Rethinking retirement: Why the traditional idea of “retirement at 65” no longer fits our longer, healthier lives—and what sustainable reinvention really looks like.Evolving goals: How success, satisfaction, and fulfillment shift as we enter the third phase of our lives—and how to measure meaning, not just achievement.Giving back wisely: The role of volunteering in encore careers, and why it won't fill the void where "work" used to be.Real-life transformations: Inspiring stories of people who discovered unexpected “callings” far different from their earlier careers.Sharing hard-earned wisdom: How to recognize and use the insights you wish you’d known 30 years ago to help others—and yourself—today.If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for me?”—this episode is a must-listen. Jack’s perspective will leave you inspired to see the years ahead not as a winding down, but as a powerful new beginning. Tune in to hear how you can transform experience into impact and uncertainty into opportunity. To connect directly with Jack or learn more about Encore Career Lab, visit encorecareerlab.com or email Jack at jack(at)encorecareerlab.com. Send us a text

Have you ever reached a point in your career where you knew it was time for a change — but taking that leap felt terrifying? This week on People in Transition, we talk with Christine Gullborg, who did exactly that. She made the bold decision to leave the classroom and step into the corporate world — a risky move that ultimately paid off, though not without a few memorable (and now humorous) interview missteps along the way. Now a Trainer, Technical Writer, and Career Coach based in New York, Christine is the founder of IntervuPrep and creator of the Interview Training Bootcamp. With a background in education and a passion for helping others succeed, she teaches job seekers how to tell their stories with confidence, navigate the job search with strategy, and ace their interviews with authenticity. In this insightful conversation, Christine shares the mindset shifts and lessons that helped her turn rejection into resilience — and offers practical takeaways anyone in transition can use to land their next opportunity. Highlights from our conversation: Keep moving forward. Having experienced job loss and multiple transitions herself, Christine lives by Eric Thomas’s mantra: “No excuses.” Keep going, no matter what.Consistency counts. Do something every day for your job search — even small steps build momentum.Take care of yourself. Whether it’s a walk, time with family, or a quiet moment, self-care clears your mind and boosts effectiveness.Prepare and promote yourself. Practice your answers, be clear and concise, and don’t be afraid to share your achievements — if you don’t tell the recruiter, who will?Own your story. When asked, “Tell me about yourself,” tie your response to the company’s challenges and how you can solve them.End strong. Always close your interview on a positive note and ask about next steps in the process.Christine’s “homework” for listeners: Read What Color Is Your Parachute? for additional job search guidance. 🎧 Don’t miss this week’s episode of People in Transition — Christine’s story is relatable, insightful, and full of practical wisdom for anyone navigating change. As a special bonus, listeners can enjoy a 20% discount on Christine’s Interview Bootcamp course.  Go to intervuprep.org/challenges to find the programs and use code FALL20 at checkout to get your exclusive 20% off savings and start mastering your next interview today! Send us a text

Why you should listen to this episode: If you’re about to graduate and feeling unsure about what’s next, this episode will help you turn uncertainty into a clear career plan — with someone who has been in your shoes and made bold moves that paid off. About my guest: Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab, a platform helping ambitious grads find clarity after college. Early in her career, she rose from intern to managing editor at Dance Spirit magazine in just a year, then advanced from employee to VP at Kuno Creative, a leading digital marketing agency working with brands like Aramark and BASF. Her success came not from following the rules but from decoding unspoken workplace dynamics and challenging outdated career advice. Named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio (2024) and featured in Forbes, SUCCESS, and Women We Admire, Brianne now helps young women navigate their careers with courage and confidence through The Independence Lab. With nearly 20 years in marketing and operations, she’s led growth, built teams, and mentored countless young professionals—especially women making that tough leap from college to the real world. What you will learn:   Master the parts of your job search that actually move the needle.Stand out by showing you’re always leveling up, especially with AI and new skills.Transform everyday experiences into career stories that get noticed.Discover why emotional intelligence can tip the scales in your favor.Tackle tough interview questions with confidence and insight they won’t see coming.Grow your network through real connections, not generic outreach.Brianne reminds us that confidence and curiosity are your best career tools.  If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start designing your post-college path with purpose, you won’t want to miss this conversation.  Connect with Brianne at LinkedIn or explore her work at theindependencelab.com/subscribe.  Send us a text

🎙️ People in Transition – Featuring Walter Sabrin What do championship athletes and successful job seekers have in common? A short memory, a sharp mindset, and the ability to bounce back fast. That’s just one of the powerful insights you’ll hear in my latest conversation with Walter Sabrin, Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions. Walter has built his career on people-first leadership—scaling talent strategies that fuel growth, innovation, and inclusion. From the tennis court to the boardroom, he’s mastered resilience, focus, and the art of unlocking human potential. In this episode, Walter and I dive into ideas that could transform the way you approach your career and job search, including: ✅ Why both athletes and job seekers need to let go of setbacks quickly. ✅ How your personal brand is defined not by what you think—but by how others perceive you. ✅ Why networking only works when you give before you receive. ✅ The four job skills every effective candidate must build: confidence, curiosity, communication, and empathy. ✅ A surprising story of one candidate who landed a role by stepping way outside their comfort zone. ✅ How AI is already reshaping the job market—and what you should be doing to keep up. Walter’s passion for mentoring, championing neurodiversity, and creating cultures of belonging shines through this conversation. You’ll walk away inspired—and equipped—with strategies to stand out in today’s competitive job market. 🔗 Connect with Walter on LinkedIn: Walter Sabrin (and mention this recording for his special attention). 💡 If you’re in transition and need help navigating your job search, don’t go it alone. Reach out to me directly—I’d love to support you on your journey. 👉 Download the episode today, and discover how to build the confidence, resilience, and strategy to land the career you deserve. Send us a text

This Week on People in Transition We are excited to welcome Amy Adler, a nationally recognized expert in career strategy and executive branding. As President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, Amy has earned a reputation for guiding professionals through some of the most pivotal moments in their careers. Her expertise in creating powerful résumés and compelling career portfolios has helped countless clients stand out in highly competitive job markets.  In our conversation, Amy shares practical strategies and real-world insights, including:  A client success story: how she helped someone move from hundreds of unanswered applications to applying to 10 jobs and earning interviews on 50% of his outreach, one of which yielded the right job offer—by focusing on what he really wanted and what he was really good at.Why LinkedIn is more than just a networking site—it’s a powerful research tool if you know how to use it.How being an introvert doesn’t mean being shy, and why clearly communicating your strengths is essential in a job search.The real purpose of informational interviews (and what they are not)—and how internal advocacy in the company you’re targeting is crucial.The importance of identifying exactly where you’re getting stuck in the job search process—rather than trying to “fix everything” (or, worse, the wrong thing). You can connect with Amy Adler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyladler/ Send us a text

Are you job searching the wrong way? In this episode of People in Transition, we’re thrilled to welcome Carlee Wolfe — a multi-certified HR Talent & Organization Development Executive who has helped organizations like Hyatt hotels, Under Armour, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee thrive. Carlee specializes in designing strategies that close talent gaps, solve organizational challenges, and support bold growth plans. If you’ve been applying to job after job on LinkedIn and getting nowhere, this conversation will change the way you think about your job search. Carlee shares powerful insights for job seekers and career-minded professionals, including: ✅ Why over 15% of jobs posted on LinkedIn don’t even exist — and how to use clarity, confidence, and curiosity to focus on real opportunities. ✅ The simple step you must take before applying — defining what you really want so you can be intentional and save time. ✅ How to evaluate company culture before you accept an offer — and avoid joining a team that isn’t the right fit. ✅ What the sports world can teach us about careers — embracing mistakes, making pivots, and always moving the ball forward. ✅ Why curiosity is the key to long-term success — whether you’re job hunting or building your future in your current role. 🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you’re in transition or planning your next big move. 📩 For more information or to connect with Carlee:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleeawolfe Send us a text

Welcome to this episode of "People in Transition", the podcast that uncovers the real stories behind career change, reinvention, and personal growth. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Michelle Schafer, a recognized leader in career coaching who knows firsthand that life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities. After experiencing two unexpected job losses, Michelle didn’t just bounce back—she redefined what success and fulfillment truly meant. Her journey revealed a powerful truth: when you take time to reflect and realign, you can build a career that energizes and sustains you. Now, as one of Ottawa’s top career coaches—earning that distinction in both 2020 and 2024—Michelle brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical strategy to help professionals navigate transitions with confidence. Whether you’re job hunting, changing industries, stepping into leadership, or simply asking “what’s next?”, Michelle’s approach helps people cut through uncertainty and move forward with clarity. In this episode, we explore key insights from her award-winning book, “Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transition with Purpose,” including: Why having a clear career target and strategy is essential—and what happens when you don’t.How to normalize the rollercoaster of emotions during job transition—from excitement to anxiety, and everything in between.The truth about “rage applying”—what it is and why it rarely works.Why networking is your most powerful tool—and how to leverage the hidden connections in your circle.The importance of being “transition-ready” at all times—updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and maintaining your professional network.How to overcome limiting beliefs and stay focused, even when the job search feels long and uncertain.Connect with Michelle Schafer: LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer CoachingWebsite: mschafercoaching.caFree Resources:Download a free chapter from her book: Click hereAccess the Career Focus Framework tool: Download hereOrder her award-winning, #1 best-selling book: Cultivating Career GrowthEmail: [email protected] a complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Schedule hereYour challenge: After listening, put these strategies into action and let us know how they work for you. Remember, being in transition is temporary—clarity and confidence are within reach. And if you need extra support,  Michelle and I are ready to help you navigate the journey. Send us a text

If you're on the job hunt, considering a career change, or simply looking to elevate your professional brand, this is the podcast episode you don’t want to miss! I’m thrilled to welcome Courtney Motyczka, a Certified Career Success Coach and Certified Resume Writer, to the show. With over seven years of experience helping job seekers successfully launch and transition their careers, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and motivational insights to the table. Her passion for career development is contagious, and she’s dedicated to helping people find fulfillment and confidence in their professional journeys. With a background in higher education and technical training, Courtney has worked with thousands of individuals—coaching them through resume writing, job searches, interviews, and career transitions. She also holds a degree in Communication and Conflict, giving her a unique edge in helping job seekers refine their messaging, navigate tough conversations, and advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence. In this must-listen episode, we dive into game-changing career strategies, including:  Why job searching isn’t a solo journey—don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Lean on your network, seek mentorship, and open yourself up to opportunities through connection. The power of networking—understanding the key differences between in-person networking and LinkedIn networking and why both are critical for career growth. How to craft a standout resume—it’s not just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about showing how you did it and the impact you made. Mastering interviews with confidence—why it’s okay to pause before answering, gather your thoughts, and communicate your value effectively. Overcoming self-doubt—there’s a job out there for you. The key is believing in yourself and staying persistent in your search. The importance of communication—how to own your professional story, articulate your value, and leave a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers. This episode is jam-packed with actionable insights and career-boosting tips that will help you navigate your job search with confidence. Whether you're polishing your resume, preparing for interviews, or expanding your network, Courtney’s expert advice will help you get one step closer to landing your next great opportunity.  Tune in now!  Remember to have a pen and paper ready—you’ll want to take notes on these invaluable knowledge nuggets! If you’d like to connect with Courtney, be sure to reach out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoty/.  Your dream job is out there—go after it with confidence!  Send us a text

🌟Ready to flip your job search script? Welcome to the "People in Transition" podcast! Today’s episode is a must-listen as we sit down with the phenomenal Madeline Mann! 🌟 Madeline has completely revolutionized the job search process, helping thousands of professionals land career-defining roles. As the founder of Self Made Millennial and the upcoming author of "Reverse the Search," she has built an award-winning career coaching empire. Her unique approach empowers job seekers to break into competitive industries and land the right job—not just any job. Feeling frustrated with countless applications leading nowhere?  Have dream roles slipped away before they even hit the job boards? Enter Madeline Mann! She teaches professionals how to become "Job Shoppers," utilizing a proactive strategy that gets them noticed by top employers before the competition even begins. Her methods have secured high-paying roles at Fortune 500 companies and earned her features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC News, and a LinkedIn Top Voice distinction. Madeline shares her insider strategies, the power of effective networking, and how you can attract career opportunities—sometimes even while you sleep. Here are a few key points we discussed: - Aim higher: Applying for lower-level positions or jobs below your skill set can hinder your job search. Companies worry you will be bored and leave prematurely. - Quality Over Quantity: Candidates should always think about the quality, not quantity, of applications. - Intentional Career Choices: Your career direction is critical. Madeline outlines a method for making more intentional career decisions. - Leverage LinkedIn: Ensure your LinkedIn profile communicates your brand effectively so that recruiters can find you. - Engage on LinkedIn: You don’t have to be an original content creator, but commenting on others’ posts lets you "borrow" their audience and expand your reach. - Consultative Approach: In interviews, use a consultative approach to gather information about the company, team, and role—not just answer their questions. - Myth: Job security is a myth. Always network, keep your skills sharp, and be ready for any changes in your work status. Join us for an informative and fun discussion with Madeline Mann. She has the answers you need to transform your job search and land the role you deserve. 🚀 Don't miss out on this game-changing episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward your dream career! 🎧  To reach Madeline, go to:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann/ Send us a text

Job searching? Career pivoting? Wondering how to stand out in today's market? You won’t want to miss this episode! I had the pleasure of speaking with Angie Callen, a powerhouse in career strategy, personal branding, and professional growth. As the founder of Career Benders, she’s on a mission to help people break free from mediocrity and build careers they genuinely love. Angie has a unique ability to blend business sense, marketing strategy, and career coaching into real, actionable advice. She’s helped countless professionals regain confidence, land leadership roles, and even take the leap into entrepreneurship. In a world where so many settle for "good enough," she challenges people to aim higher. In our conversation, she shared game-changing insights:  Be the solution, not just a list of skills—companies hire problem solvers.  You don’t need 100% of the qualifications—if you match 70% and align culturally, go for it.  AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI will.  LinkedIn is non-negotiable in today’s job search—if you're not leveraging it, you're missing out.  Interview tip: Answer “Tell me about yourself” with where you’ve been, where you’re going, and why this job fits. More than anything, Angie believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their careers. She’s dedicated to helping people see their worth—personally and professionally. Her perspective is a must-hear for anyone looking to level up and take control of their future. Listen and walk away with powerful strategies to build the career you want. Angie can be found at: LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecallen/ Web page - https://careerbenders.com/ Send us a text