Episodes
-
How the Inspire Careers Grad Program Helps Recent Grads Land Good Jobs
Finding a good job after college can be much harder than it looks—even when you have a master’s degree, a 4.0 GPA, and strong internship experience. In this episode of Inspire Careers Spotlight, I sit down with Trace Lustgarten to share his job search success story and talk about how the Inspire...
-
Job Search Shame: It’s Real, and It’s a Real Problem
Nobody talks enough about the emotional side of job searching, especially the shame that can quietly build when the process takes longer than expected. In this episode, I unpack what job search shame really looks like, why so many people experience it across all age groups and career levels, and...
-
Why Your References Cost You the Last Job (and You Didn’t Know It)
Think your references are just a formality? Think again. In this episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked parts of the job application process - your references and how they can quietly make or break your chances of landing an offer. The “old way” of handling references no longer works in...
-
Financial Strategies for Executives in Career Transition
Are you earning well but still unsure how long you could comfortably survive a sudden job loss? Would your current financial plan support a career pivot without panic, pressure or poor money decisions? Career transitions hit executives differently. The income is higher, the lifestyle is bigger…
more -
Goal Setting Made Simple: Decide Your Vision, Stay Accountable & Actually Achieve Your Goals
If you’ve ever set goals full of motivation… only to lose momentum weeks later, this episode is for you. In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I break down goal setting into a simple, practical system that actually works (no overwhelm, no complicated frameworks, just clarity and...
-
The 7 Lies You Are Telling Yourself That Are Hurting Your Career
Have you ever held yourself back because of a belief that wasn’t even true? Are you letting career “lies” shape your professional future? In this episode, I break down the top seven lies we tell ourselves about our careers and how each one stops us from growing. From age myths to loyalty...
-
How to Compete with AI | Skills You Need to Stay Employable in the AI Era
Big brands are laying off people (take Amazon, for example) and AI seems to be replacing jobs faster than we can update our CVs. So how can we compete with AI? Don’t panic and start looking at it from this angle: AI isn’t taking your job; it’s changing how we all work. Professional development is...
-
Breaking Free from Burnout: Redefining Work and Self-Worth with Ellen Whitlock Baker
Why is burnout so widespread in the US, and why are we blaming the wrong things for it? Executive coach, speaker, and podcast host Ellen Whitlock Baker joins me on the podcast to share her personal story of walking away from burnout and how she’s now helping individuals and workplaces do better....
-
Resume Keywords, LinkedIn Strategy & Job Search Timeline Explained | Job Hunt Q&A
Looking for real answers to your job search and career questions? In this FAQ episode, I break down what job seekers need to know to succeed in today’s job market. Whether you’re starting a new career search, deep in the job hunt, or exploring a career transition, this episode delivers the…
more -
Job Seeker Spotlight: Trace Lustgarten | Business Analyst Graduate
Trace Lustgarten is a master’s student in Business Analytics at UMass Amherst, graduating in April and actively seeking his next big opportunity as a Business Analyst, Financial Analyst, Market Analyst, Product or Sports Analyst, or a role in Consulting. With a strong foundation in Data Science...
-
Job Search Time Wasters - Claim Back Your Time!
If your job search feels like it’s going nowhere, the problem might not be your skills, it might be how you’re spending your time. You’re doing all the right things - at least, it seems like it. You’re applying to jobs, editing your resume, preparing for interviews… but still, nothing’s landing....
-
How the Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program™ Helped Giulia Land an Internship
In this inspiring episode, we hear from Giulia Liberatore, a senior at St. Andrews University in Scotland, originally from Boston, Massachusetts. Giulia shares her powerful transformation from feeling cynical about the job search process to landing a prestigious internship with U.S. News & World...
-
Helping New Grads Land Jobs and Internships - Why Confidence Matters More Than GPA
Graduating college should feel like a milestone, but for many new grads, it brings on a wave of uncertainty, job search stress, and self-doubt. In this episode, I share how the Inspire Careers Grad Program helps college seniors and recent grads build confidence, land internships, and secure their...
-
How to Help Gen Z (and Yourself) Handle Anxiety in a Stressful World with Cynthia Coufal
Why are anxiety levels soaring in teens today, and what can we do about it? Teen Anxiety Coach Cynthia Coufal joins me on the podcast to talk about exactly that. She spent 31 years as a teacher and school counselor in public schools, and during the pandemic, she started a podcast to reach her...
-
Being a Job Hopper Doesn’t Have to Be a Career Stopper
Changing jobs frequently used to be frowned upon. But in today’s fast-moving world of work, job hopping can actually reflect adaptability, ambition, and a drive to grow. In this episode, we’ll explore what job hopping means now - and how to talk about it in a way that positions you as a…
more -
How to Talk About Being Fired - Without Sounding Defensive or Desperate
Being fired can feel like a career setback, but it doesn’t have to define your professional story. The way you talk about it (whether in interviews, networking conversations, or even among colleagues) can shape how potential employers see you. In this episode, I’ll guide you through the best ways...
-
Breaking Free from Procrastination: Time Blocks, Perfectionism & Overcoming Job Search Delays
Ever feel like you're constantly putting things off, even the things you want to do? Whether it’s launching a big project, applying for jobs, or simply tackling your daily to-do list, procrastination sneaks in and derails your progress. In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Molly...
-
Mastering Salary Negotiation & Career Growth with Keri-Lynne Shaw
Are you leaving money on the table when negotiating your salary? Whether you're applying for a new job, negotiating a raise, or planning your exit strategy, this episode is packed with insights from Keri-Lynne Shaw, Founder and CEO of The Salary Bump. With extensive HR experience as a former…
more -
Job Seeker Spotlight: Giulia Liberatore
Looking for your next star employee? Welcome to Job Seeker Spotlight, where I showcase exceptional candidates eager to join your team and create meaningful impact. In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I talk to Giulia Liberatore, an international relations and psychology student at St....
-
Passion and Likeability: The Two Hidden Weapons of a Successful Job Search
What’s the secret to standing out in a competitive job market? Is it the perfect resume, years of experience, or knowing the right people? While those help, two overlooked factors can make all the difference: passion and likeability - what employers look for beyond skills. In this episode, I’ll...
-
Job Seeker Spotlight: Emma Motoyama
Looking for your next star employee? Welcome to Job Seeker Spotlight, where I showcase exceptional candidates eager to join your team and create meaningful impact. In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I talk to Emma Motoyama. She is a mechanical engineering student at UC Davis with a...
-
The Greatest Risk Most Professionals Never Take (But Why You Should)!
Have you ever felt stuck in your career, despite doing everything “right”? Do you wonder why playing it safe hasn’t brought you the satisfaction or success you crave? In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I’m diving into the bold truth: the biggest risk you’ll ever take in your...
-
Job Seeker Spotlight: Sabina Aguirre
Are you looking for your next great hire? Welcome to Job Seeker Spotlight, where I introduce amazing job candidates who are ready to join your team and make an impact. Sabina Aguirre is a graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in Arts Management. She is passionate about non-profit...
-
Starting a Job Search? Forget Resumes & LinkedIn - Do THIS First
Are you ready to kick off your job search in 2025? Think again! Forget starting with your resume or LinkedIn profile, I’ll show you how to prepare smarter and set yourself up for career success like never before. Here’s what you'll learn: Why ditching your resume (for now) will make your job…
more -
Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program Testimonial: Noah James
How do you stand out in a tough job market and land your dream job? In this episode, I talk to Noah James, who has an inspiring story to tell about finding a great job in today’s demanding market. Noah shares his unique journey from the University of Arkansas to CU Boulder and the challenges he...
-
Mastering Your Job Search: Expert Advice from Kelly Cultrara, President of AP Executive Staffing
Ready to take your career to the next level? Join me and my guest, Kelly Cultrara, who tells us the secrets to successful job searching and networking! Kelly is the President of AP Professionals, a leading executive recruitment company. We talk about Kelly's career journey and her passion for...
-
Dress for Success: How Style Impacts Success in the Workplace - Allison Bruhn and Delia Folk
Your wardrobe can be a powerful tool for success! Did you know that? In this episode, I had the pleasure of welcoming a dynamic mother-daughter duo, Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk, co-founders of The Style That Binds Us. As experts in style and image consulting, they shared tips on the importance of...
-
The Road To Success: Building A Life You Love - Dr. Susan Ruckdeschel
Ladies, it's time to follow your dreams! My guest in this episode, Dr. Susan Ruckdeschel, talks about how she transitioned from a traditional career to a life of adventure and creativity. In this episode, we talk about Susan's inspiring career journey from being a teacher to a successful author…
more -
Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program Testimonial: Brian Slaughter
Searching for your first job can feel overwhelming, and the countless job applications and the pressure to stand out, especially for entry-level positions, make it no easy task. So it’s no wonder that many recent graduates struggle to find the right approach. It’s exhausting, and the rejection…
more -
Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program Testimonial: Jake Holtham
In this week’s episode, I introduce Jake Holthem, a recent Rochester Institute of Technology graduate with a Bachelor's in Computing and Information Security. He has just completed the Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program and has landed a fabulous new job. Inspire Careers Student...
-
Storytelling in Career Management with Stan Miller
In this episode of Inspire Careers, I interview Stan Miller, the driving force behind Storicate, discussing the importance of storytelling in career management. Stan's innovative 4P Storytelling Framework has empowered over 3000 professionals to elevate their impact through storytelling. With a...
-
Strong Leaders Need Strong Support: An Interview with CEO Mentor Jada Willis
In this episode of the Inspire Careers Spotlight Series, I interview Jada Willis, a CEO mentor and strategic advisor. Jada shares insights about her career journey, from building a successful HR consulting firm to selling it and starting Jada Willis Consulting. We discuss the importance of…
more -
The Pros and Cons of AI w/ Nadia Carta - Head of Data Management & Analytics at Google
Curious about the future of AI and its pros and cons? Join me in this episode as Nadia and I explore the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on our lives. Nadia Carta, the dynamic Head of Data Management & Analytics at Google, is also an entrepreneur and the visionary behind Spark…
more -
The Real Reasons You’re Stuck in Your Job (And How to Fix It)
Have you ever wondered why you're not getting promoted despite all your hard work? In this episode, I talk about the essential topic of "how to get promoted" and explore why you might not be getting the promotion you deserve. From lack of visibility to poor networking skills, I cover all the…
more -
Spotlight on Careers: Nicholas Pasquinelli
What does it take to be your own boss, or what are the benefits of being an entrepreneur? That's what we talked about with my guest, Nicholas. Nicholas began his career as a ghost tour guide in downtown Charleston, where he discovered his passion for sharing stories about the city. After...
-
Job Seeker Spotlight: Luke James
If you’re looking for talented new employees, this series of the Inspire Careers podcast is for you. In Spotlight on Job Seekers, I talk to job seekers ready to shine in their new roles. Luke James, a recent graduate from the University of Arkansas with a BS in Computer Science joins me today.…
more -
Job Seeker Spotlight: Noah James
Are you in need of exceptionally talented new staff? Spotlight on Job Seekers is a series where I feature in-depth interviews with job seekers who are ready to shine in their new roles. Explore their skills and stories to find your team's next star! Your ideal candidate might just be a play away!...
-
Spotlight on Careers: Heidi Scott Giusto
Want to get better at networking and boost your career? In this video, we talk about networking, business leadership, developing business strategy, we give career advice, and much more. Discover how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of career management and daily life and learn how to...
-
Immediate Steps to Take When You are Laid off or Fired Unexpectedly
Got laid off today or recently and don't know what to do when you get fired from a job? In this video, I'll walk you through how to take care of yourself when you get fired and what steps to take when you are laid off unexpectedly. I'll discuss important topics like how to control emotions during...
-
Gender Disparity in the Workplace
Do you know the challenges women face at work? Many women struggle with gender inequality at work, including pay discrimination in the workplace and career interruptions. As March is Gender Equality Month, this felt like the right time to address this topic - even though we should aim to diminish...
-
Spotlight on Careers: Karen Sharp-Price
Ever wonder how a career coach can boost your career? Career coaches provide personalized advice to help you succeed, from resume revisions to interview preparation. In this video we talk about: - job application tips and tricks, - how do you stand out from other applicants, - career advice for...
-
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
A lot of people struggle in their careers and don’t know how to own and celebrate their success, and Imposter Syndrome may be just the reason why. But there are ways to fight imposter syndrome. So in this episode on Inspire Careers, I will talk about: What is imposter syndrome? How to recognize...
-
Spotlight on Careers: Melanie Denny
In the digital age, personal brand design has emerged as a critical component of professional achievement. Whether you are a seasoned entrepreneur or a recent graduate, creating your personal brand is essential. But how do you navigate this complex landscape? Learn more in today's episode! My...
-
Job Seeker Spotlight: Jake Holtham
Are you looking for skilled staff that you could hire? Spotlight on Job Seekers is a series that gets the candidates to you. Browse through our interviews with active job seekers, and you may find the right candidate for your company! My guest this week is Jake Holtham, Rochester Institute of...
-
The Toxic Lie of Job Search
Are you trapped in the web of job search myths? Or rather toxic lies? In this episode, I debunk common misconceptions and provide actionable insights to elevate your job hunt. Episode highlights: Discover why dedicating focused time and energy to your job search is crucial for success. But can…
more -
Mind Training for Job Success
Ever wondered if you could shape your destiny by simply directing your thoughts toward something? Wondering how to visualize what you want and get it? Join me in this episode as I explore the transformative practice of visualization and the profound impact it can have on your career and life....
-
Why You Don't Need a Linkedin Profile (And Who Does)
Do you really need a LinkedIn profile? In this episode, I explore the reasons why you might not need a LinkedIn account and what opportunities you might be missing out on if you decide to skip it. Here’s what I cover: Who Doesn't Need LinkedIn? - A LinkedIn profile might not be essential for...
-
Breaking the Chains of Self-Sabotage
Are you an overthinker or procrastinator? If you nodded, then this episode on how to stop sabotaging your sucess is for you. I’ll dive deep into self-sabotage, getting to the bottom of how it manifests and providing valuable tools for personal growth. Starting from understanding self-sabotage and...
-
Spotlight on Careers: Nicholle Overkamp
An enlightening episode of Inspire Careers Spotlight on Careers, where we delve into the world of career management and financial planning. My special guest, Nicholle Overkamp, the owner of Wilcox Financial Services and Powherhouse Money Coaching, shares her expert insights on how to navigate...
-
Job Seeker Spotlight: Brian Slaughter
Are you looking for skilled staff that you could hire? Spotlight on Job Seekers is a series that gets the candidates to you. Browse through our interviews with active job seekers, and you may find the right candidate for your company! In this week’s episode, I introduce Brian Slaughter, UC Irvine...