Curiosity is something we're all born with as humans. Most of us come into this world with an immense amount of curiosity. If you ever watch young children around a new set of toys, they'll excitedly try them all out. Similarly, during the early stages of our careers, we're thirsty to explore, absorb, and learn as much as we can on the job. However, over time, that curiosity can get dampened and even shut down as a result of work pressures, life realities, or societal expectations around...

Have you ever felt a bit out of place in your current job? Do you ever feel more like an outsider than an insider at your company? Have you ever struggled to fit in at your workplace? In episode 103 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Dorna Lakayan, an architect and designer, describes her international journey to figure out where she belongs, the challenges of penetrating new professional circles, and the emotional dynamics of running your own business I also share some thoughts on fitting...

The start of a new job or chapter in your career can be a sensitive, delicate time. It’s a moment when you’re trying to convince yourself you’ve made the right move. It’s also a moment when you’re trying to convince others you can do something, which may be very different from what you were doing before. Moving onto something new is harder than holding on to what you already have, even if what you have isn’t bringing you joy. In episode 102 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Sandeep Achanta,...

When was the last time you took some time off from work? I often feel this pressure to keep plowing ahead in my career, to not take detours, and to not slow down. However, taking a momentary pause during a job transition is often the only real opportunity you have to slow down, recalibrate, and reconsider where you want to take your career next. HR professional Gisela Prunes Garcia shares her thoughts on the complexities of living and working in different countries, putting yourself out...

Today marks our 100th episode of the Career Relaunch® podcast!. For the past seven years, we’ve shared the personal stories of people around the world who have reinvented their careers, and today, I'm thrilled to have Anne Tumlinson, CEO of ATI Advisory and founder of Daughterhood, join us again on the show. Anne was the very first guest I interviewed for this show over seven years ago before it even launched, and today, we're going to talk about how her career and life have evolved since...

Think for a moment about the original blueprint you once had for your career. What did you want to be when you grew up? How did you envision your life would look? And what has your actual experience been like? If you're like most people I cross paths with, your career trajectory has been very different from what you imagined. Your ability to roll with the punches and absorb the shocks that inevitably come up along the way of any professional journey can make a huge difference to where you...

If you’re like most people I cross paths with out there, talking about your accomplishments or showcasing your achievements may not come that naturally to you. Communicating your successes can feel like you’re bragging or shamelessly self-promoting. Asking for what you want can feel intrusive or presumptuous. And just sharing your own accomplishments with others can feel awkward or forced. At the same time, if you don’t advocate for yourself, you run the risk of disappearing into the...

When you’re not happy with your job, deciding to make a career change may seem more straightforward. However, when things are going well, do you keep riding the wave or make the leap and try something new? In episode 97 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Aisling Drennan, a Riverdance Irish dancer turned artist shares her thoughts on shifting from an international stage to an art studio. We’ll discuss the deeply personal choice of when to walk away from an established career, the inevitable...

Making any major career pivot involves a lot of bravery, risk, and complication. You’re dealing with not only the practicalities of switching career paths but also the insecurities associated with starting over. On Career Relaunch® podcast episode 96, professional ballerina turned Mooch product designer Rina Takikawa describes what triggered her to walk away from a career that was years in the making and the surprising links you can find between two seemingly unrelated careers. This sort of...

Physician turned medical director Ali Jawa describes his evolution from physician to medical director and explains the importance of setting clear boundaries in your career. In the Mental Fuel® segment, I'll talk about the concept of defining clear thresholds that trigger you to take action in your career.

Controlling your own professional narrative is especially important when you’re changing career paths. Proactively taking control of your own narrative helps you ensure that your unique value and aspirations come through clearly and convincingly. On episode 94 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, HR adviser turned executive coach Maura Lightfoot shares her thoughts on finding your voice in an environment where you’re an outlier and the importance of identifying the common thread across all your...

Moving abroad for a job can be tough emotionally and practically. Leaving familiar surroundings and loved ones can lead to homesickness and isolation. Adapting to a new work environment, language, and way of life adds to the pressure. However, it can also be a broadening and enriching experience that expands your world in unexpected ways. Stefania Tosini, a press officer turned talent acquisition specialist is going to talk about what she wrestled with when making her decision to move from...

Pursuing hobbies and interests outside of our daily work can be incredibly beneficial for our personal and professional growth. Hobbies can help us relax and reduce stress, increase creativity and productivity, and even open up new opportunities and networks. However, it can be difficult to make time for hobbies when we are busy with work, family, and other responsibilities. Jenny Goh, a former conference event planner turned IT firm manager discusses the unique role transitional jobs play...

Corporate lawyer turned workplace wellbeing consultant Tom Keya candidly describes his pivot from law into wellness. We discuss the dangerous side of work hustle culture and the hidden costs of relentlessly climbing the corporate ladder. During the Mental Fuel® segment, I describe how to organize your work to ensure you’re honoring your professional priorities in the year ahead.

When does it make sense to let go of stability to boldly pursue the unknown? In this episode of the Career Relaunch® podcast, Samantha Tovera-Agustin, an HR professional turned founder explains why she chose to move her career, family, and life from the Bay Area to the Philippines. We’ll discuss the challenging balance between work and parenthood, signs that suggest you may need a change in your career, and ways you can prevent career regret. I also share some thoughts on the importance of...

Kessler Bickford, a former magazine editor turned anxiety psychotherapist, discusses the challenges of deciding where you take your career when you have multiple interests and the distinction between identifying and actually pursuing your professional interests.

Melody Mack, an neurodiagnostics business owner turned project manager shares her thoughts on jobs feeling a bit like relationships, letting go of a business you created, and taking an honest look at who you are. I also share a few examples from my own career when I dragged some of my own issues around from job to job.

Assistant professor of economics turned data science practice leader candidly describes his pivot from academia into the private sector. We also discuss the unique challenges of academic careers, the importance of being open to new sectors, and why confidence is one of the most important assets to have during career transitions. During the Mental Fuel® segment, I share my thoughts on what's behind The Great Resignation.

Leaving a corporate job behind to start your own business is never as straightforward or simple as it may seem. Norma Kimber, an operational excellence director at an established, global financial services firm who pivoted to become a virtual assistant and business owner, shares her journey of walking away from her stable, senior role in the corporate world to start her own business. In episode 86 of the Career Relaunch® podcast, we also discuss what impact organizational politics can have on...

Making a major geographical move can certainly be exciting but also disruptive, jarring, and disorienting. Becoming a new parent is such a privilege but also life-altering in a way that creates both benefits and challenges. Nicole Webb, a journalist and news reader turned media consultant and author, describes what she experienced when moving from Australia to Hong Kong and eventually China while adjusting to her life as a new mother. She'll discuss how she managed to adapt and thrive in the...

Government defense intelligence officer turned web developer and founder Julia Taylor shares her thoughts on building a helpful community, thinking outside of the box, and creating your first website. I also share some thoughts on the importance of being okay with taking imperfect actions and my own challenges I faced building my first website.

Civil engineer turned software developer explains the importance of feeling like you fit into your workplace and the role culture plays in your day-to-day job satisfaction. I'll also share my own thoughts on how culture has had an impact on me during my own professional pivots.

Beyond the humanitarian crisis resulting from the invasion of Ukraine, the war there has also taken a huge toll on talented Ukrainians who have had their careers and professional lives fall apart too. Roman Havrysh, owner of the Aimbulance marketing agency in Ukraine and lecturer at Kyiv Mohyla Business School, fled Kyiv after the war began. He describes his story of trying to remain afloat both personally and professionally amid the destruction and tragedy there. We'll talk about what's...

Corporate lawyer turned author and founder Eloise Skinner describes her professional awakening catalysed by the pandemic in episode 81 of the Career Relaunch® podcast. We talk through the challenges of balancing multiple career endeavours, the strong link between our professional jobs and personal identities, and the importance of honoring your own values and interests no matter what others think.