Welcome to the world of portfolio careers—I love this exciting and flexible approach to work. Whether you’re feeling stagnant in your current role, exploring new interests, or seeking more flexibility, a portfolio career allows you to balance multiple roles and income streams, creating a fulfilling and resilient professional life. Join me to explore: What a portfolio career is and how it works. Who benefits most from this dynamic career path. Practical steps to start cultivating your...

What if the toughest moments in your career were the very foundation of your confidence? Today, Jen Pestikas shares her unfiltered story of resilience—how stepping into discomfort shaped her confidence and leadership. She recounts the profound impact of losing a close colleague, an experience that tested her strength and reshaped her approach to leadership and life. Jen doesn’t sugarcoat it—careers are challenging, and real growth demands embracing the messy parts. Real talk highlights: 🌟...

Welcome back! This week, we explore the often-overlooked strategy of the bridge job. Whether you're feeling stuck, burnt out, or considering a career pivot, a bridge job offers financial stability, mental clarity, and skill-building opportunities to help you transition toward your long-term career goals. Bridge Jobs as Stepping Stones: Temporary roles that support career transitions, providing stability and space to plan your next move. Who Benefits: Ideal for career changers, burnt-out...

🎉 It’s the 100th episode of the Flourish Careers Podcast! With 100 complete episodes (not including the trailer and bonus episodes), we’ve covered a lot of ground together. I’m beyond excited to celebrate this milestone with you—right in time for Halloween week, a season filled with enchantment and endless possibilities.  In the spirit of magic, we’re diving into the Spell of the Three C’s—a powerful trio to boost Confidence, gain Clarity, and build Connections. Whether you’re feeling...

🌟 You know that moment when you think you've arrived—landed that secure role, overcome all the challenges, and finally feel confident? Patricia Ortega was there, too. But then she leaped and started her own business, realizing it was an entirely new path. In this episode, Patricia takes us behind the scenes of her heart-based career transition, sharing the highs and lows, the mindset shifts, and the learning curves she faced along the way. It’s a candid and inspiring conversation that feels...

Have you ever started a project that excites you, only to find yourself constantly putting it off? 🙋‍♀️ That was me last year. I dove into a completely new venture, full of enthusiasm, but every time I set a day to begin, life had other plans. Emails, meetings, and smaller tasks conspired against me, pushing my new project to the back burner.Weeks passed, and what started as excitement turned into frustration as I watched my deadlines whizz by, untouched. It wasn't until I reached out for...

💬 Have you ever felt exhausted trying to make everyone happy, only to end up drained and unappreciated? Or maybe you find yourself saying "yes" when you really wanted to say "no?" Today, we're exploring a challenge many heart-based professionals face: the people-pleasing trap. Learn how to stop putting everyone else first and still show up with heart.  This episode is all about letting go of the unnecessary burden of people-pleasing. Being kind to yourself and recognizing your progress will...

As the air turns crisp and leaves fall in Western New York, I'm inspired to let go of what no longer serves me. 🍂 Join me as I kick off a three-part series on letting go, starting with the relentless pursuit of perfection. We will talk about:  The roots of perfectionism and how recognizing it can support you in moving forward I'll share personal stories highlighting perfectionism's drawbacks  Practical guidance, including setting intentions for progress, using drafts to ease the pressure,...

Imagine standing at a career crossroads, your head pulling you in one direction and your heart urging you toward another.  Heather Eck faced this dilemma when two opportunities landed on the same day: a chance to showcase her artwork in a solo exhibition or accept a promotion in her corporate HR career.  Choosing to follow her heart, Heather became a fine artist. Today, she is not only a modern fine artist but also a mystic, author, and spiritual teacher. Heather hosts inspiring workshops and...

Welcome to season 6! Have you ever felt a surge of motivation at the start of something new? That's the fresh start effect at work. In this psychological phenomenon, new beginnings, such as the dawn of a new day, week, month, or significant personal milestones like birthdays (or a new podcast season!), inspire us to pursue goals with renewed energy. These moments provide a clean slate, allowing us to leave behind past setbacks and move forward with renewed behaviors and mindsets. In today's...

Season 5 Finale! 🎉 I'm wrapping up Season 5 with a fun tech hack that will organize and bring joy to your digital life. If your phone is cluttered with apps, this episode is for you! Tune in and learn how to: Leverage Positive Affirmations to bring more joy to your phone Organize Apps into meaningful categories  Assign Affirmations to create a positive digital environment Not only will this hack declutter your phone, but it will also add a touch of positivity to your day.✨ Thank you for...

Hello, and welcome back to the final episode in this three-part series dedicated to my fellow introverts. This episode focuses on how introverts can comfortably promote their work. Join me to learn three practical tips: How to Best Use Written Communication  Make the Most of One-on-One Conversations  Collaborate and Share Credit  Elevate your presence and showcase our unique strengths in a way that works for you.  🎧 Related Episodes: Introvert Career Diaries Part 1: Interview Strategies |...

Welcome back to Part 2 of the Introvert Career Diaries. This week let's tackle the often daunting concept of visibility in the workplace. If the thought of self-promotion and being in the spotlight makes you cringe, this episode is for you! Join me to discuss:  How to be present and involved without being the loudest in the room The power of engaging in thoughtful dialogue and asking insightful questions The impact of sharing suggestions that build on your team's ideas Visibility doesn't mean...

I’m thrilled to kick off a special three-part series: "Introvert Career Diaries." Shout out to Jessica for this brilliant idea! In this first episode, I’m diving into interview tips specifically for introverts. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by interviews, this one's for you. Here’s what you’ll learn: Prepare Your Schedule: Keep your interview day stress-free by minimizing commitments and creating a calm environment. Navigate Small Talk: Tackle those awkward small talk moments with prepared...

Raise your hand if you’ve ever hesitated to take PTO? 🏖️ Today, let's dive into why taking time off isn't just a luxury—it's crucial for mental and professional well-being; join me to discuss: The unexpected benefits of vacation for your brain and creativity. Tips on planning ahead to make your vacations both memorable and rejuvenating. Strategies for a smooth transition back to work that will keep you energized and inspired. It's time to stop feeling guilty about taking a break and start...

Have you ever grappled with the decision to accept a job offer that falls short of our salary expectations?  Picture this: you've aced the interviews and are gearing up for the final round, but then comes the bombshell—the company can't budge on the salary, leaving you with a significant gap between what you want and what they offer. So, what now? First, unpack the entire compensation package. Next, assess your lifestyle values.   Then, get honest about your long-term goals. Of course, you...

Welcome back to '5 Minutes to Flourish', where I share quick, actionable tips to enhance your work and well-being. Today, let's tackle this challenging interview question: "Tell me about a time you made a mistake." Interviewers don't ask this question to catch you off guard; they want to understand how you handle challenges, evaluate your self-awareness, and gauge your capacity to learn and grow. Join me to discuss:- How to choose the right mistake to share- The framework for a compelling...

Today, we're discussing one of the toughest questions many heart-based professionals face at some point: Should I stay or go? Imagine this: you're at a career crossroads. That inner whisper tells you something needs to change, but you’re worried and not sure what to do next.   Join me as we consider three inquiries to support your decision; remember, there's no one-size-fits-all answer. But by exploring these inquiries, you can uncover the next best step forward. So, my friends, let's channel...

Summer is here 😎 and it's the perfect time to cultivate your network. There are countless ways to meet new people through events, workshops, concerts, picnics, and vacations. Attending in-person events holds a unique significance in a digital age dominated by virtual interactions. Approaching in-person events intentionally opens doors to exceptional opportunities for learning, networking, and personal growth. I was recently inspired by community members who leveraged in-person gatherings to...

Imagine walking into your workspace and being instantly welcomed by a splash of colors, vibrant images, and inspiring words perfectly capturing your HEART-based career goals. 🌟 These visual reminders aren't just decorations; they're powerful tools for staying focused, motivated, and grateful throughout your day. When we create visual representations of our goals (I like to call this Heart Art), we engage the conscious and subconscious mind, reinforcing our commitment to achieving them. 🌟 So,...

We're halfway through the year, and it's the perfect time for a mid-year check-in. Instead of skimming through your accomplishments, let's dive into a ritual I call Gratitude for Growth: Flourish: Reflect on what you've achieved and how far you've come; celebrate your wins, big and small.  Cultivate Connections: Consider the mentors, colleagues, and friends who have supported you. Take a moment to send them a note of appreciation. Grow: Consider how you've expanded your skills and knowledge....

Do you often dread the start of another week, knowing that your job is draining your energy? If so, you're not alone. The good news is that we can change this.    Let's shift our mindset—focus on possibilities, not limitations. Set energizing, HEART-based goals that resonate with your values. Instead of running away from what drains us, let's run toward what excites us. Don't underestimate the power of shaking up your routine. While stability is comforting, it doesn't always lead to growth....

Welcome to Season 5 of The Flourish Careers Podcast! I'm excited to share our special summer series, "5 Minutes to Flourish." This series is part of our HEART-based career planning approach, where the "T" stands for "Take Tiny Action." The idea is simple: dedicating just 5 minutes a day to your professional growth can make a big difference in our busy lives. Setting a timer, taking a deep breath, and committing to a tiny action will create momentum and make consistent progress. These actions...

Welcome back! Today, we are wrapping up the Classroom to Career series and closing out season 4 with an episode dedicated to embracing uncertainty. I know how hard it can be to embrace uncertainty, although doing so can lead to personal growth and fresh opportunities. Focus on what excites you and aligns with your values. Notice the subtle hints and signals around you—they can guide you toward aligned opportunities. Stay curious, proactive, and open-minded, and you'll navigate your career...