How do you react when someone at work is challenging, rejects your ideas, and is even confrontational? Some people leave the situation, while others fight back. Todd Davis, a renowned leadership expert and best-selling author, recommends approaching difficult conversations confidently and empathetically. In this CareerCast episode, Todd provides practical tips and strategies to manage conflicts and foster better outcomes. Whether you're a seasoned leader or early in your career, this episode...

Are you working through a (big or small) decision and have so much information that you are stuck? On top of this, which information is reliable, credible, and useful? Nuala Walsh, award-winning business consultant, behavioral scientist, independent non-executive director, ex-CMO, and author of Tune In: How to make smarter decisions in a noisy world, would tell you to learn how to hear what others don’t and secure an advantage – in your career and life. In this CareerCast, Nuala shares her...

Have you ever noticed that when a challenge, or even crisis, occurs, some people blame, complain, and run away while others lean in and take full responsibility? What is the difference between the two types of individuals? What is innate and what can be learned? Anita Mendiratta, a trusted and respected global strategic advisor, with a professional foundation in companies like IBM, Unilever, and The Coca-Cola Company would say that there is a powerful inner determination that drives leaders...

Many people feel a future normal isn’t going to happen anytime soon. For those who believe that a future normal is possible, their vision is filled with pessimism, darkness, and hopelessness. Henry Coutinho-Mason, one of the world's leading authorities on consumer trends, Managing Director of TrendWatching, and author of The Future Normal, has a different perspective. He believes there are plenty of reasons to be profoundly hopeful about the way the world is changing. In this CareerCast,...

There is so much that goes into having a networking meeting – from finding the right person to connecting with that person to getting a time on the schedule. There is a lot of time, energy, and logistics that go into making it happen. Then the day comes, you have the meeting, and that’s it. It feels like a dud. Yet, it’s not clear what went wrong. Nathan Perez, Principal, of Career Innovation, professional and keynote speaker, and Co- Author of the 20-Minute Networking Meeting,...

Have you been thinking about how AI will impact your life in the years to come? What about your career growth and advancement? Having devoted his career to helping others succeed as lead in education marketing at LinkedIn, heading marketing at Khan Academy, and as a best-selling author, with his latest book Career Coach GPT, Jeremy Schifeling is a guide, expert, and mentor on the subject. In this CareerCast, Jeremy shares how to navigate the ever-changing world of AI and the tools and...

Some people believe that challenging times will stack the odds against you – and there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Polina Marinova Pompliano, founder of The Profile, author and editor of Term Sheet, Fortune’s industry-leading deal-making newsletter, and author of the book, Hidden Genius, would tell you to think differently and find a solution based on courage, determination, and appreciation. She would add that when you do, you will land in a place better than before the...

Would you like to build a career that leverages your strengths, offer opportunities for growth, and where you are appreciated? Clearly, the answer is yes. So how do you do this? According to Dr. David Burkus, a former business school professor, advisor to executive leadership from organizations including PepsiCo, Fidelity, Adobe, and NASA, and bestselling author of several books including, Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams, you need to be part of a team that...

How do you create an authentic story that establishes your credibility, talents, and fit? While there is no easy answer, Kelly Parker, marketing professional trained at global enterprises like Sherwin-Williams and American Greetings, TEDx speaker, and host of “Business Storytelling Made Easy” Podcast, believes that a simple, well-told story can help you pivot your career, receive a promotion, and land funding for you startup. Yet many people create stories that just do not work. In this...

Does it feel harder than it should to find a company where you can thrive? Are you wondering how we could make work, less work? André Martin, operating advisor, board member, ex-Chief Talent Officer for Google/Nike/Target/Mars, and coach to top founders and c-suite executives, would tell you the issue isn’t good or bad culture, but the fit between your ideal way of working day-to-day and that of the companies you join. Finding the right fit, with massive shifts in the workplace, is hard and...

When an entrepreneur makes it big, it can look like it was a smooth ride straight to the top. Of course, this doesn’t happen. There are many twists and turns that can end in a very different place than where things started. Mike Stemple, successful serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and advisor to global corporates and startups, would tell you that successful ventures are a series of experiments and pivots. In this CareerCast, Mike shares how keeping the goals firmly in mind, driving...

How do you build beneficial and enduring relationships? Douglas Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company, New York Times bestselling author, and social media influencer with over 40 years of leadership experience at world-class global companies, would tell you to find the positive value in the other person, which he has done his entire life. In this CareerCast, Doug shared his insights, empowering spirit, and determination to express the value he finds in others that have helped him...

Did you grow up being told that “practice makes perfect”? While there are definitely benefits to take actions that refine your skills, knowledge, and experience, in today’s world, it is not enough. According to Robert McLean, Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, and author of multiple books including, The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times, there is power in imperfection when you have the courage to...

The world is filled is with challenging people and situations and it’s easy to reach an impasse where forward progress stops. Roger L. Firestien, PhD, Senior Faculty and Associate Professor at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State, President of Innovation Resources, and author of several popular books including Create In A Flash: A Leader's Recipe For Breakthrough Innovation, believes that getting beyond the impasse requires a shift in your mindset, process, and actions. In...

Do you feel that you suffer from imposter syndrome and that it is controlling your success and happiness? While you may currently be experiencing the negative effects of imposter syndrome, it’s time to turn this around. In fact, licensed psychologist, executive coach, organizational consultant, recognized expert, and author of Own Your Greatness and Your Unstoppable Greatness, Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin would say you there is an upside to imposter syndrome. In this CareerCast, Lisa shares her...

Did you know that at will employment is the standard for many geographies? While you may be aware of this, the vast majority of people who are presented with a separation agreement don’t know how to manage their initial reaction and what to do next. Jon Vegosen, founding member of Chicago corporate and litigation law firm Funkhouser Vegosen Liebman and Dunn Ltd. (“FVLD”) and co-managing partner would tell you that there are strategies to be aware of and manage through. In this CareerCast, Jon...

Do you ever wake up in the morning and look around and feel that obstacles squash your energy, determination, and resolve to achieve your goals and dreams? You are certainly not alone. Since being forever stuck is not viable, what is the alternative? Ganel-Lyn Condie, advisor, author, and acclaimed speaker would tell you to become a steward. Here is her perspective: “Stewarding means you are in charge of something, responsible to manage it, or entrusted for watchcare. When you begin to have...

In a world that is strewn with obstacles of every imaginable kind, is it possible to achieve your goals and aspirations? As the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Yugoslavian immigrant father, Elisa Schmitz knows what it means to be an “outsider” learning to use her “differentness” to make a difference and succeed on her own terms as an Entrepreneur. Elisa believes you can do the same. She says, “Become the (Entrepreneurial) Fire” and not allow yourself to be in the fire, and get burned,...

Is it possible to apply the principles of self-care and still have a robust career? While the two may seem like in direct opposition to one another, Minda Zetlin, the author of Career Self-Care, The Geek Gap and highly popular “Laid-Back Leader” column for Inc.com, would say that putting self-care into your career is essential now more than ever. In this CareerCast, Minda shares her research-backed advice and practical strategies to help you get the most out of your career and life – on your...

“Should I stay or should I go?” is a question many people ask themselves, now more than ever. Perhaps this sounds like you: do you stay in a role you know and where you like the team or do you explore a new opportunity? When you contemplate a move: are you seeking to escape a not-so-great situation, or is the new job something you really want? This is a question Pete Devenyi, author of the Decoding Your STEM Career and technical executive leader, faced himself and advised others who were at a...

What is the role of your career story as you look to change careers, get promoted, or gain funding for a project or venture? Esther Choy, President and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, would tell you your story should do the heavy lifting. With the proper story, you can gain credibility, open doors, and increase support for your goals and dreams. Yet, many people miss the mark – but don’t have to. In this CareerCast, Esther shares her strong and powerful perspective, wisdom,...

What are the benefits of working on a hybrid team? Some people believe they could do the work from home and save money on parking, gas, and more. Yet Cali Williams Yost, Founder and CEO of the Flex+Strategy, believes you can create a real and committed community with vision, focus, and an open mind. As author of Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day, and the critically-acclaimed, Work+Life: Finding the Fit That’s Right for You, Cali helps organizations around the world create...

In today’s world, can trust really be created, extended, and received? Stephen M. R. Covey, Global Practice Leader, Global Speed of Trust Practice, former President and CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and bestselling author of The SPEED of Trust—The One Thing That Changes Everything would say, “Absolutely YES”. While it’s not easy, it is essential for greater effectiveness, competitive advantage, and profitability. In this CareerCast, Stephen shares how individuals in organizations – from...

Leadership can be challenging in the best of times, so what about in an age of uncertainty? Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft, believes that this is the moment to lead with hope, empathy, and a positive perspective, vision, and action. In this CareerCast, Jean-Philippe shares his insights, strategies, and empowering spirit from nearly four decades as a leader at Microsoft with a grounding in positive psychology,...