Ladies Get Paid

What does it actually take to bet on yourself — in a job search, a career change, or building something of your own from scratch?In this episode, I'm joined by Emily Durham, aka Emily the Recruiter, a recruiter-turned-content creator with over 1.6 million followers and the author of Clock In. We get into everything: what's really tanking your job search right now, how to negotiate even in a tough market, what burnout actually looks like when you love what you do, and the mindset shift she calls "functional delusion" — and why it might be the most underrated career tool you're not using.Whether you're job searching, thinking about leaving corporate, or building a personal brand, this one is for you.In this episode:✅ The biggest job search mistakes people are making right now✅ Why referrals matter more than a perfect resume✅ How Emily built a content business while working full time✅ The framework for knowing when it's time to leave✅ Why self-trust is a skill you can actually buildLinks:📖 Clock In by Emily https://emilydurham.org/clock-in📬 This week's Substack — key insights, quotes & action steps: 📱 Follow Emily on TikTok & Instagram: @emily.the.recruiter🎙️ Emily's podcast Clock In: https://emilydurham.org/podcast

She grew up in a household where money was never discussed — just survived. She became a mom at 19, went through a divorce at 24 with $20,000 in debt, no car, and two kids. Then she built one of the most important financial communities for Black women in the world — and had a $170,000 month.But this episode isn't really about the money. It's about what nobody tells you: that you can be doing everything "right" and still feel broke, stuck, and ashamed — because the system was never designed with you in mind.Dasha Kennedy, founder of The Broke Black Girl and author of Moving Beyond Broke, joins me for one of the most honest conversations I've had on this show. We talk about financial shame, food deserts, nervous system survival mode, why "broke" is a circumstance and not a character flaw — and what momentum over math actually looks like in real life.I also get personal about my own experience going from a seven-figure business to $75,000 in debt and food stamps — and the complicated shame of swiping an EBT card while wearing a Cartier watch.This one will crack something open for you.🎧 Listen now — and grab all the key takeaways in one place at ladiesgetpaid.substack.com📚: Moving Beyond Broke: The Power of Perseverance in Personal Finance by Dasha Kennedy is available at all major booksellers. Follow her on Instagram at @thebrokeblackgirl. 📚: ⁠Ladies Get Paid⁠ by Claire Wasserman is available at all major booksellers. Follow her on Instagram at ⁠@clairegetspaid.

You did the free work. You got the testimonials. So why isn't anyone paying you?This is part two of a real, unedited coaching session with Ellie — a CRM and digital marketing specialist who has done free lead magnet audits for twenty people, gotten genuine feedback, and still hasn't closed a single paid client. She's been pivoting between niches, trying offers that aren't landing, and wondering whether the whole thing is evidence that she's just not cut out for this. It's not. In this session we figure out exactly what's going on — and what to do about it.You'll hear us work through why a struggling business doesn't mean you're bad at your work, why the format of your offer matters as much as the offer itself, why the sale always happens on the phone and never in your email, how to go back to warm leads you already have, why your day job is actually investing in your business, and how to manage shiny object syndrome with a real system instead of willpower.If you have a business that isn't gaining traction, this one is for you.Go deeper on Substack plus a 7-day plan for how to turn these insights into action steps: https://open.substack.com/pub/ladiesgetpaid/p/stop-spinning-start-building?r=1b87me&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=trueLearn more about working with Claire at https://ladiesgetpaid.com/coaching/

If you've ever frozen when an interviewer asks "why do you want to leave your business?" — this one's for you.This is a real, unedited coaching session with Ellie, a CRM and digital marketing specialist who started her own consulting business but hasn't gotten the traction she hoped for. Now she's applying for full-time jobs — and every interview goes sideways the moment her business comes up.What we uncover: she's not telling the wrong story. She just isn't finishing it.You'll learn how to reframe your entrepreneurial background as an asset, how to use AI to dissect any job description and find the real pain points underneath it, how to build a case study document so you never blank in an interview again, and how to answer the question that keeps tripping her up — without undermining yourself.This is part one of two. Part two covers why her business isn't converting and how she's going to fix it.The Substack post for this episode includes a full breakdown of every insight plus a 7-Day Progress Plan: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/Learn more about working with Claire at https://ladiesgetpaid.com/coaching/

In Part 1 of this coaching session, we did the inner work required to maintain confidence during a job search. In Part 2, we build a pipeline to getting paid now.Chloe — a Talent Acquisition professional with 15+ years of experience — had already built the bones of a consultancy after her first layoff. A business plan, an LLC, real work. And then after her second layoff, she quietly put it all down. In this session, we pick it back up together: working through every block, building the offer, and by the end I write her an entire one-page website live in the conversation. We also cover why a side hustle isn't a distraction from a job search — it might be the most strategic thing you can do while you're in one. And why the moment someone pays you, you are in business. Full website framework, AI tutorial, and 7-day practice plan at clairewasserman.substack.com.

A real, unscripted coaching session with a client I'm calling Chloe — a Talent Acquisition professional with 15+ years of experience who was laid off twice in one year and slowly stopped believing she was still an expert at anything. In Part 1, we don't start with strategy. We start with what's actually in the way: a nervous system in chronic threat mode, an unprocessed wound, and the quiet story that rejection had been telling her about herself. If you've been doing everything right in your job search and still feel stuck, this episode will reframe why — and what actually helps. Part 2 drops next: we build the business.Companion post + 7-day practice plan: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/when-confidence-collapses-how-to

What do you actually want? If that question makes you go blank — this episode is for you.In this real, unscripted coaching session, I work with a woman who has spent her entire career in service to others and yet can't answer the most basic question: what do I want? What we uncover together is that she doesn't need more clarity. She needs permission.We cover how to identify your superpower and what's really underneath it, how your core wound connects to your greatest gift, how to build your Thrive List so you stop taking the wrong opportunities, how to stop believing your needs and others' needs are in competition, how to grieve old identities, and how to build a stable base inside yourself that goes wherever you go.The full key takeaways and 7-day progress plan are available in the accompanying Substack post : https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/what-do-you-actually-want-a-real

When the rug keeps getting pulled out — your job, your relationship, your health — it's not a strategy problem. It's a trust problem.In this real coaching session, I work with Rachael, a client who came to me after being made redundant, going through a divorce, managing a chronic illness, and raising two kids alone. She'd spent over two decades being the most capable person in the room and rarely getting credit for it. When she filled out her intake form, she described herself as someone who felt lucky to have been employed.We didn't touch her resume. We built her foundation first.In this episode you'll learn:→ Why you can't think your way out of feeling stuck — and what to do instead→ A simple body-based exercise to find safety and calm any time, anywhere→ How to be with difficult feelings without being overwhelmed by them→ Why pride in your capacity matters more than pride in your performance→ How to stop punishing yourself for past decisions made with incomplete information→ The "add the and" reframe that makes hard stories feel less like a life sentenceThis episode is for anyone who has felt overlooked, burned out, or like they're rebuilding with less runway than they'd like.Full show notes, session breakdown, and the 7-day practice plan here:https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/when-the-rug-keeps-getting-pulled

Rachael came to me after being made redundant, going through a divorce, managing a chronic illness, and raising two kids alone. When she filled out her intake form, she described herself as someone who felt lucky to have been employed.That sentence stopped me.Because Rachael isn't someone who got lucky. She's someone who spent over two decades being the most capable person in the room, rarely getting the credit, and slowly — without realizing it — started to agree with the environments that had failed her.In this episode I skip her resume entirely and start where the real work begins: her foundation. We move through a somatic framework for rebuilding self-trust from the inside out — finding safety in the body, being with hard feelings without being consumed by them, summoning pride in capacity rather than performance, and learning to become your own biggest champion.This episode is for you if you've ever felt overlooked, burned out, or like you're starting over with less runway than you'd like. If you've been waiting to feel ready before you make a move. If the rug has been pulled out enough times that you've stopped trusting the ground.What you'll take away:→ Why clarity about your next move is often a trust problem, not a strategy problem→ How to find a felt sense of safety in your body that you can return to anytime→ How to be with difficult feelings without being swept away by them→ Why pride in your capacity matters more than pride in your performance→ How to stop judging past decisions with information you didn't have yet→ The "add the and" reframe for any story that feels too heavy to be the whole truthThe full Substack post, session breakdown, and 7-day practice plan can be found here: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/when-the-rug-keeps-getting-pulled

You've gotten the advice. You understood it. You agreed with it. And then you didn't do anything.This isn't a motivation problem. It's a resistance problem — and resistance is never random. It's always pointing at something.In this episode, I'm sharing something I've been sitting with. I coached a woman I'm calling Sara — a six-year entrepreneur who built her CPG brand into Nordstrom, Barnes & Noble, and the Ulta Beauty MUSE Accelerator. Her business had stopped generating enough income and she needed a job. She came to me because she couldn't find the words to make people see what she'd built.We recorded the session. The plan was to publish it. And then she reached out and said she wasn't ready.Sitting with her decision got me thinking about the session itself — and I have to be honest: I wasn't satisfied with how I coached her. Not because of the resistance I met. But because I didn't do enough to help her see things differently. And if you can't see things differently, you won't do things differently.So this episode is what I wish I'd given her more of in the room.I break down the 5 patterns of resistance I see most often — in clients, in the women who write to me, and honestly in myself — and what each one is actually trying to tell you.We cover:→ The Deflection: why you name your values instead of what you actually want→ The Blur: why you can't see your own experience clearly even when it's extraordinary→ The Grief Resistance: why you keep returning to the feeling instead of moving toward the solution→ The Identity Resistance: why reframing your story feels like erasing it→ The Core Wound: the question underneath all the other questionsThe companion Substack post goes even deeper — and paid subscribers get a 7-day exercise plan that turns every insight into a daily practice: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/what-your-resistance-is-trying-to

Feeling burnt out, undervalued, and too exhausted to do anything about it? This one's for you.In this live coaching session, I work with Éire, a creative in advertising who's six months into a new job and already running on empty. She's navigating office politics she never got a playbook for, people-pleasing her way through every interaction, and watching the creative part of herself go completely quiet.We cover:— How to stop leaking energy at work (patching the boat)— Navigating office politics without losing your values— The difference between reacting and responding— Why overworking gets you taken for granted, not recognized— How to build a creative life outside of work when you have nothing left— The real reason you can't let yourself restIf any of this sounds like your life right now, this episode is for you.Want to go deeper? The full breakdown — key takeaways and a 7-day Progress Plan — is waiting for you over on Substack: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/when-the-boat-is-leaking-how-to-stop

My client Anna spent four years inside the UN ecosystem managing a U.S. Ambassador's portfolio across 180 countries. Now she's pivoting to the nonprofit sector — and she's struggling to make the case for herself in a way that feels both true and compelling. Sound familiar? In this live coaching session, I give her a full materials makeover and walk through the hardest interview questions she's likely to face.The full resume, cover letter, and interview prep guide are in the companion Substack post: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/complete-makeover-resume-cover-letter

Coaching session with Rae, a product manager laid off 6+ months ago who can't get excited about applying to jobs. We cover how to figure out what you want when nothing sounds appealing, career paths you might not have considered, using AI to explore your options, and how to stop feeling like a cog in the wheel. Full recap and action steps on my Substack:

You've done the informational interviews. You've had the coffee chats. You've made the lists. And somehow, you're more confused than when you started.This episode is for anyone drowning in career options and unable to choose.I'm coaching Amelia, a legal ops professional who'd been exploring a pivot for years—and kept getting more stuck with every conversation. The problem wasn't that she needed more information. She needed a filter.We cover:The 3-question filter to evaluate any opportunityAn exercise to get out of your head and feel your way forwardWhy the opportunity you need might already be in front of youWhat progress actually looks like (spoiler: not certainty)📝 READ THE FULL WRITE-UP Includes the Pain/Budget/Proximity filter breakdown and key frameworks from this session. Find it here: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/overwhelmed-by-information-which💬 BOOK A COACHING SESSION: Get personalized support for your career transition. Start with a 30-minute session: https://calendly.com/claire-wasserman/breakthrough-sessions

Do you keep exploring a career change... only to take the safe job every time?In this coaching session, I work with "Amelia"—a senior legal operations professional with 12+ years of experience who wants to pivot into helping creative entrepreneurs. The problem? Every time she gets close to making the leap, she defaults to the familiar. Three steps forward, one step back.We cover why your to-do list feels exhausting when your North Star is fuzzy, how the language you use might be blocking you, the difference between a "safety net" and "North Star" job search, what it really means when you hit a threshold—and the superpower she almost dismissed entirely.If you're stuck in a career you've outgrown or caught in the cycle of exploring but never committing, this one's for you.Get Amelia's full Pivot Pathfinder (free) and the 7-day Progress Plan here: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/i-keep-taking-the-safe-job?r=1b87meBook a private coaching session here: https://calendly.com/claire-wasserman/breakthrough-sessions

Erin has been job searching for over a year. She's made it to final rounds, gotten painfully close, and walked away with rejection after rejection. The hardest part? She knows she's qualified. On paper, she has everything they're looking for. But the moment she gets on an interview call, something takes over—her chest tightens, her heart races, and a voice kicks in: You're not enough.In this coaching session, we dig into what's really going on. We map the physical sensations that show up under stress and design somatic practices to counter them. We unpack the stories she tells herself and find real evidence to challenge them. And we uncover a core truth: the thing she values most—connection—is exactly what's making rejection feel so devastating.This one's for anyone who's ever thought: I know I can do this, so why do I freeze up when it matters?In this episode:How to identify your body's stress response and create personalized antidotesThe difference between performing and connecting in interviewsWhy your inner critic needs evidence, not affirmationsUsing the "downward arrow" technique to find your core fearBuilding daily rituals that make confidence feel embodied, not forced🔗 Get the full breakdown + 7-day action plan at clairewasserman.substack.com

Ever feel like you should be further along? Like you've been "stuck" for months or years and can't figure out why?This coaching session might change how you see that.Tracy is a corporate executive who spent 5 years in what she called "procrastination." I call it incubation. In this episode, we get into:Why procrastination isn't always resistance—sometimes it's wisdomThe difference between discipline and rigidityWhat "consistency" actually looks like for fast-moving brainsThe practice of self-witnessing (catching yourself in a shame spiral and pausing)Micro-sprints: productivity for people who hate big blocks of timeHow to figure out what season you're really in and honor itIf you've been beating yourself up for not being more disciplined, this one's for you.

Self-doubt isn't the enemy—it's misdirected energy. In this coaching session, we uncover why high-performers who are good at reading the room often struggle the most with confidence, and I teach a 10-second nervous system reset you can do under a conference table.We cover:✅ The trap of building confidence on what you think others are thinking✅ Why people pleasers thrive in client-facing roles but burn out faster✅ The Four S's: A somatic technique to regulate your nervous system in real-time✅ How to transform self-criticism into purposeful momentum✅ The difference between eliminating self-doubt and dialoguing with it differentlyIf you've ever left a meeting replaying everything you said, this one's for you.🎯 For key insights and exercises, check out: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/p/why-eliminating-self-doubt-is-the

Have you ever pulled back after criticism, made yourself smaller to feel safe, or found yourself stuck in the same bad situation over and over again?In this coaching session, I work with Michelle—a mom and grad student in Australia working toward becoming a psychologist. She came in thinking she had a job problem: toxic environments, difficult bosses, and a resume full of short stints she couldn't explain.But what we uncovered was a deeper pattern. Years ago, Michelle took down all her books from Amazon after one negative comment. Within 24 hours. Everything gone. That same cycle—something feels unsafe, retreat, make yourself smaller—was showing up everywhere in her life.This session is about how to break that cycle. How to build safety inside yourself instead of waiting for the world to feel safe. How to stop hiding and start building.We cover:→ Why hiding feels safe but keeps you stuck→ How to create a cooling-off period before reactive decisions→ Building a somatic sense of compassion and courage→ Identifying your north stars (not job titles—what you actually do)→ Using a difficult season to invest in your future→ Why connection is the antidote to almost everythingIf you've ever wondered how to trust yourself when you keep getting it wrong, this episode is for you.📝 Get the full post with key insights and action steps: clairewasserman.substack.com

Estelle knows what she wants: to be an environmental storyteller. She's already doing the work—some paid, some unpaid. But when someone asks "What do you do?" she freezes.In this coaching session, we workshop her introduction over and over again until she lands on language that feels true, invites connection, and positions her for the opportunities she actually wants.You'll learn:How to lead with WHY instead of your job titleHow to reframe unpaid work without apologizingWhy "less is more" creates curiosity and better conversationsHow to connect to ownership in your body, not just your headThe exact formula for crafting context-specific introductionsThe identity you're stepping into? You're already living it. Now it's just about owning it.Get the full 7-day action plan at clairewasserman.substack.comHosted by Claire Wasserman, career coach, author, and founder of Ladies Get Paid.

In this coaching session, I work with Bea who's facing a challenge I hear all the time: "I feel a disconnect between what I want and how to get there, but I don't know how to bridge the gap."Bea experienced professional whiplash—her federal portfolio was decimated overnight, she landed a new job, and 5 months in, her senior director is leaving. Now she has the opportunity to step into leadership, but she feels completely unequipped and overwhelmed.In this episode, we uncover:Why confidence isn't a destination you arrive at (and what to do instead)How to stop trying to "achieve your way" to informationThe morning practice that helps you work WITH your inner criticHow to build allies through a strategic listening tourWhat to do when you ask for a raise and get "we'll take it under consideration"Why viewing colleagues as enemies keeps you stuckIf you've ever felt like you're in a holding pattern in your career, waiting to feel "ready" before taking the next step, or navigating a transition you weren't prepared for—this episode will give you a completely different framework.📧 Check out the accompanying Substack with key insights and action steps from this session: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/

Cecilia has been trying to restart her career for 5 years—children's books, freelancing, illustrations, volunteer work, workshops. She's doing all the right things, but nothing is landing.Sound familiar?In this coaching session, we discover that her problem isn't lack of ideas or talent (her design work is stunning). The problem is simpler and harder: she's spreading herself so thin that nothing has time to work.In this episode, you'll learn:Why "trying everything" is actually trying nothingHow to turn your "failed" projects into proof of expertiseThe exact framework for building a portfolio that gets you hired (even before anyone pays you)How to create work that builds community and belonging, not just portfolio piecesThe 70% Focus Rule: how to commit without abandoning everything else you care aboutI also walk Cecilia through a specific project idea she can use to break into her dream industry—combining design, environmental work, and community impact.If you're a designer, writer, consultant, or anyone building a "portfolio career," this episode will help you stop scattering your energy and start building real momentum.📥 Get the full breakdown, frameworks, and 7-Day Momentum Plan at clairewasserman.substack.comEach day is just 5-20 minutes, and by the end of the week, you'll have:✅ Clarity on your actual focus✅ A project brief you can start working on✅ Real connections with people in your target space✅ A way to measure progress beyond "getting hired"Stop trying everything. Start committing to something.→ clairewasserman.substack.com

Meg thought she had a purpose problem. Turns out, she had a permission problem.After losing a campaign and launching her own consulting firm, she spent a year doing work she was proud of—but couldn't make a website, update LinkedIn, or tell anyone what she'd built. This session reveals the moment everything shifted, plus the 5 tools we used to move from "lemonade stand" to legitimate business.Listen, then get the full breakdown with templates and a 7-day implementation plan at clairewasserman.substack.com

Stuck in your career? Feeling behind? Wondering if the thing you love could actually be your next step?Today’s session is with Ali, a 28-year-old content writer who’s spent six years in the same lane and feels ready for a new adventure—but unsure how to find it. What we uncover together is powerful: her competitive edge has been hiding in her side hustle this whole time.Ali runs a food Substack, wrote a cookbook with her dad, and is completely lit up by culinary storytelling—but she never saw it as part of her “real career.” Until now.In this episode, we explore:• How to pivot careers in 2025 without traditional experience• Why applying to random jobs isn’t working—and what to do instead• How to pitch yourself to the brands and industries you genuinely care about• How to identify (and monetize) your competitive edge• Why nervousness is often a sign you're on the right path• How to combine content, storytelling, and community into a meaningful careerIf you’re in your late 20s or early 30s wondering what’s “next,” this episode will help you see your path differently.Want the full written breakdown + a 7-day Progress Plan?I created an in-depth analysis of Ali’s session with daily exercises (5–20 minutes each) to help you apply these insights in your own life.→ clairewasserman.substack.com

Getting interviews but not offers? This real coaching session reveals the strategic mindset shifts that separate candidates who get hired from those who get forgotten.Career coach Claire Wasserman coaches someone who was laid off 4 months ago and is now navigating interviews in a tough job market. You'll learn: ✅ How to analyze the job description ✅ How to position transferable skills✅ What to do when you're missing required experience✅ How to leave a lasting impression.Key takeaway 👉 "I'd rather you be memorable and not get the job because you weren't the right fit, than be forgettable and not get the job because they can't remember why they should hire you."

Stuck between a soul-sucking 9-to-5 and creative dreams you keep dropping? This coaching session reveals how to:✅ Monetize what you're already doing✅ Build sustainable creative consistency✅ Manage your energy at draining jobs✅ Overcome impostor syndrome through self-pride✅ Separate success from external validationPerfect for creatives in corporate jobs struggling with consistency and wondering how to bridge the gap between paying bills and feeding your soul.SUBSCRIBE TO OUR SUBSTACK FOR KEY INSIGHTS + ACTION STEPS: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/subscribe?utm_source=subscribe_content_block&next=https%3A%2F%2Fclairewasserman.substack.com%2F#CareerAdvice #CreativeCareer #ImpostorSyndrome #SideHustle

How do you walk into an interview and explain a 3-year employment gap without it becoming a therapy session?In this real coaching session, I work with someone navigating exactly that challenge—and we transform her story from something she's apologizing for into her greatest competitive advantage.YOU'LL LEARN:✅ The exact 30-second framework for explaining any career gap✅ Why "I gained resilience" isn't enough—and what to say instead✅ How to translate personal challenges into professional skills✅ The confidence work you need to do BEFORE landing the job✅ How to make a career transition when you don't check all the boxes✅ Strategies for managing overthinking and self-judgmentEven if your gap is shorter or your circumstances are different, the strategies we cover apply to anyone who's ever felt like they're starting over, worried about resume complications, or wondered "who's going to want to hire me after all this?"Content note: This episode includes discussion of health issues and loss.FOR MORE RESOURCES:Claire Wasserman: www.coachmeclaire.comLadies Get Paid: https://pages.ladiesgetpaid.com/subscribe#CareerAdvice #JobSearch #InterviewTips #CareerGap #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerCoaching #CareerChange #ReturningToWork #JobInterview #CareerTransition

Should you make a major career pivot after a life-changing experience? In this episode, I sit down with a marketing professional and new mother who nearly lost her life during childbirth. The experience left her questioning everything about her career path—should she stay in marketing, transition into nursing, or find something in between?We explore:✨ How trauma can be a catalyst for career reevaluation✨ The difference between what looks good on paper vs. day-to-day reality✨ Why "connection with others" became her non-negotiable value✨ Strategic ways to explore a new industry without starting over✨ How to bring more meaning into your current role while figuring out your next move✨ Why marketing in healthcare might be the perfect middle groundThis conversation is for anyone feeling stuck between staying safe and taking a leap—and how to start exploring new paths without blowing up your life.For insights and action steps related to this session, check out https://clairewasserman.substack.com/#CareerChange #CareerTransition #Marketing #Healthcare #WorkingMom #Motherhood #CareerAdvice #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerPivot #FindingPurpose

What if the diagnoses you've been hiding in job interviews are actually your greatest professional assets?This coaching session features a 52-year-old woman diagnosed at 48 with autism, ADHD, dyscalculia, anxiety, depression, and PTSD—currently living in a women's shelter and navigating final-round job interviews. Instead of teaching her to mask better, we identify the concrete superpowers embedded in each diagnosis: pattern recognition, emotional intelligence, advanced systems thinking, and the ability to manage up because she's had to manage herself her entire life.We discuss using AI tools like Claude and ChatGPT to translate neurodivergent traits into employer benefits without forced disclosure, why a "pride check-in" matters more than interview prep, how to mine current hardships (homelessness, job loss, health struggles) for creative purpose, and why detaching from desperate outcomes is the only way to show up powerfully in interviews.

Publishing professional "Amy" has spent 17 years being everyone's cheerleader while her own creative dreams died. Sound familiar?In this raw coaching session, we tackle:Why success can still feel like failureThe real reason you're exhausted (hint: it's not time)How to reclaim creative dreams you thought were "too late"Energy protection for professional empathsBreaking free from the "too valuable to promote" trapWhether you're in publishing, tech, teaching, or any field where you pour yourself out—this conversation will shift everything.Key moment: "I thought I'd be a writer." After 17 years in publishing, she forgot she could still become one.📝 Full transcript & 7-Day Progress Plan available on Substack: https://clairewasserman.substack.com/Perfect for: Career changers, creative professionals, anyone who feels behind, women over 40 questioning everything#Career #Coaching #Burnout #CreativeRecovery #WomensCareer #MidlifeChange #PersonalDevelopment

From cancer survivor to career transformer: Shea shares her raw journey through 4 years of job searching, workplace trauma, and discovering how generational patterns sabotage our careers.In this breakthrough session, career coach Claire Wasserman introduces revolutionary techniques combining somatic healing with practical job search strategies. Learn why traditional career advice fails when you're dealing with executive dysfunction, ADHD, or workplace PTSD.Discover:The "mind trash to gold" transformation techniqueWhy you keep attracting the same toxic bossesHow to protect 3 hours daily for your job searchBreaking the "I'm not good enough" patternSomatic exercises for career confidenceThe Well Ancestor technique for generational healingPerfect for job seekers dealing with overwhelm, career changers processing workplace trauma, or anyone whose mental health is blocking their career progress.

Are you struggling to be taken seriously at work? In this career coaching session, we tackle the common challenge of being perceived as "too young" in professional settings.Learn powerful strategies to command respect regardless of your age, including:Reframing interactions as strategic opportunities rather than challengesConverting apparent disadvantages into unique advantagesBalancing authenticity with adaptation in different professional contextsThis session features insights from a 25-year-old executive recruiter navigating relationships with senior professionals, but the lessons apply to anyone facing workplace bias or struggling to be seen as a respected colleague.#CareerAdvice #WorkplaceStrategies #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessionals #CareerCoaching #WorkplaceTips #CommandRespect

In this intimate conversation, Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, sits down with holistic executive coach and author Amina Altai to discuss her new book "The Ambition Trap: How to Stop Chasing and Start Living."This powerful dialogue explores:✅ Amina's personal wake-up call that led to developing two autoimmune diseases from overworking✅ The five core wounds that drive painful ambition (rejection, abandonment, humiliation, betrayal, and injustice)✅ How to identify your "zone of genius" and create more flow in your work✅ The shift from discipline to devotion in our approach to ambition✅ Practical strategies for workplace contentment and living above the "resentment line"Whether you're feeling burnt out, questioning your career path, or wondering if success without self-sacrifice is possible, this conversation offers both wisdom and actionable insights to help you redefine ambition as natural unfolding rather than painful pushing.Join us as we explore a new vision of ambition that aligns with who you truly are.

In this episode, Claire Wasserman interviews Shriya, a tech community-builder who created a newsletter documenting her entire job search journey—rejections and all. Shriya shares her innovative approach to networking and demonstrates how vulnerability can be a strategic advantage in your career journey. Key takeaways include how to:✅ Craft compelling emails that activate your network✅ Make strategic career pivots, network authentically✅ Negotiate effectively when you're overqualified✅ Leverage AI tools to strengthen your job search materials.

Welcome to today's episode where we're diving into a challenge many professionals face: navigating workplace disorganization while trying to advance your career.My client Rachel finds herself in a familiar but difficult situation - she's up for promotion from senior manager to director, but she's already doing both roles without the support she needs. She's dealing with a chaotically structured organization, miscommunication across departments, and the feeling of constantly putting out fires that aren't of her making.In our coaching session, we explore practical strategies for protecting your energy, creating efficient systems, and maintaining boundaries in a disorganized workplace. We'll also discuss the importance of reconnecting with parts of yourself outside of work to prevent burnout, especially when leaving your current position isn't an option.Whether you're dealing with similar challenges or just want to be prepared for future workplace chaos, this episode offers actionable advice on thriving professionally while preserving your wellbeing.Key Takeaways include:1. Separate your identity from your work role. Remember "it's just a job" - creating emotional distance helps prevent burnout when dealing with workplace chaos.2. Create efficient systems for repetitive problems. When faced with recurring issues (like repeatedly justifying budgets), develop streamlined processes to reduce your workload and frustration.3. Protect your energy with visualization techniques. Mental exercises like imagining a protective golden shield or washing away negative experiences can create psychological boundaries.4. Reconnect with creative outlets outside of work. Consistently engage with non-work activities that energize you, even just for short periods daily. Frequency matters more than duration.5. Seek community with peers in similar positions. Connect with others facing similar challenges for support, validation, and practical strategies.6. Frame improvements as benefiting the company. When proposing solutions to inefficiencies, demonstrate how they save the organization time and money.7. Maintain visibility with leadership. Ensure your contributions are recognized by multiple stakeholders so when others' mistakes impact your work, your reputation is protected.8. Involve your team in problem-solving. You don't have to shoulder all challenges alone - collaborative solutions often work better and reduce your mental load.

In this episode, we break down exactly how to transform your expertise into a thriving business. Perfect for workplace coaches, consultants, and service providers who feel uncomfortable "selling" themselves. Learn practical frameworks for:✅ Finding your perfect niche (w/out limiting future growth)✅ Creating 52 weeks of compelling content✅ Building lead magnets that actually convert✅ Developing a relationship-based marketing pipeline✅ Overcoming the mindset blocks around self-promotion💡 RESOURCES MENTIONED:Melody Wilding: melodywilding.com/Level Up Creators: welevelupcreators.comCreator Science: creatorscience.com

In this eye-opening coaching session, we follow Shaye's journey to launch an outdoor adventure blog for families while navigating the challenges of ADHD and parenting young children. Discover practical strategies anyone can use to turn their passion project into reality, even with limited time and focus.You'll learn:How to create content when you "hate writing" using simple voice-to-text methodsTime management techniques that actually work for busy schedulesA step-by-step approach to launching with minimal content (and why perfectionism kills progress)Ways to grow your audience without social mediaHow to develop sustainable systems that accommodate your unique challengesWhether you're struggling with procrastination, overthinking, or simply finding time for your side hustle, this episode delivers actionable advice to help you move from idea to implementation. Perfect for parents, aspiring content creators, and anyone who's ever said "I'll start tomorrow."Subscribe for more breakthrough coaching sessions that provide real solutions to your career and creative challenges!

Today's client is facing a challenging decision between two job offers after a recent layoff - one with a major corporation requiring travel to Seattle, and another with a mission-driven organization that pays significantly less. With a new home in California and family responsibilities to consider, she opens up about the struggle between financial stability and personal fulfillment. Join us as we explore the nuances of this decision, discussing strategies for preventing burnout, setting boundaries, and finding balance between professional growth and personal well-being in today's complex job market.

Life keeps throwing curveballs, but what if every crisis was actually an opportunity?  From surviving a lawsuit to navigating my son's heart surgeries, I've developed a proven 6-phase process (plus 3 critical questions) to transform life's challenges into catalysts for growth. In this session, learn how to feel your emotions fully, quiet the negative self-talk, and strategically leverage setbacks for success. Whether you're dealing with career shifts, relationship changes, or personal struggles, discover how to make your obstacles work FOR you. Join the 50k+ who receive my free weekly newsletter on how to improve your work-life: https://pages.ladiesgetpaid.com/subscribe

In this live recording of one of our Sunday Sessions, Claire Wasserman, the founder of Ladies Get Paid, delves into the critical topic of protecting your energy. Claire shares practical tips and advice on how to maintain and safeguard your energy throughout a typical day. She highlights the importance of addressing common energy leeches such as judgment, lack of presence, and overcommitment. With insights from her experience in professional development and personal stories, Claire offers actionable steps to cultivate and sustain good energy, making ambition easier and ensuring success without self-sacrifice. 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 00:12 The Importance of Protecting Our Energy 00:40 About Ladies Get Paid and My Background 02:38 Defining Success and Ambition 03:07 Overview of the Sunday Sessions 04:44 Understanding and Protecting Your Energy 08:37 Identifying Energy Leeches 14:21 Common Themes and Energy Red Flags 17:41 Strategies to Protect and Recover Energy 28:23 Self-Reflection and Cultural Influences 29:07 Safeguarding Against Energy Leeches 32:29 Setting Boundaries and Saying No 35:21 Handling Unexpected Challenges 35:54 Dealing with Guilt and External Pressures 38:59 Practical Tips for Energy Management 45:05 Final Thoughts and Personal Stories 48:54 Interactive Breakout Session

This recording is part of a four-part live series on making ambition easier and redefining success. Whether you're dealing with perfectionism, procrastination, or impostor syndrome, you'll learn actionable techniques to transform your relationship with yourself and achieve your goals with less struggle. Led by Claire Wasserman, founder of Ladies Get Paid, guides you through five practical strategies - plus exercises to practice them - for getting out of your own way and building a healthier relationship with yourself. 🌟 Cultivate Compassion: Understand and work with rather than against challenging parts of yourself 🧘‍♀️ Practice Presence: Learn techniques to stay grounded when overwhelmed 💪 Carry it Lighter: Develop practical tools to handle difficult moments 🔥 Energize from Within: Balance self-improvement with self-appreciation 🤝 Strengthen Connection: Build meaningful relationships that support growth

This is a special episode of a live event Claire led on how to set yourself up for goal success. Key takeaways include: D.I.M.E. Goals > S.M.A.R.T. Goals Focus on desired feelings rather than just achievements Start with 90-day goals instead of annual Pick 1-2 areas maximum for initial focus Consider both one-time actions and habits Build a "sustainability muscle" by doing less but consistently Focus on what you can control/influence

In this powerful coaching session, watch how a recent masters graduate navigates the emotional and practical challenges of moving back home in her 30s while building career momentum. Perfect for anyone facing a life transition and wrestling with societal expectations versus personal values. Key Moments: 🎯 Reframe moving home from "setback" to strategic choice 💪 Build career momentum while honoring a "slow season" 🌟 Transform a graduate thesis into valuable content 🤝 Create meaningful professional connections across time zones  ⚖️ Set boundaries while living with family Watch as career coach Claire guides her client through practical strategies for: ✅ Convert academic work into LinkedIn content that attracts opportunities ✅ Maintain professional relationships across distance ✅ Build momentum without burnout ✅ Create a structure that allows for both career growth and family time ✅ Move from "self-promotion" to "service promotion" Whether you're considering moving home, navigating a career transition, or trying to balance personal values with professional growth, this session offers a refreshing perspective on creating success on your own terms. #CareerTransition #WorkLifeBalance #GradLife #PersonalDevelopment #CareerCoaching #MoveHome #ProfessionalGrowth

E came to me with a lot on her plate. She has a full-time job plus a side business; she’s also living at home with her parents, where she is responsible for most of the household chores; due to some mental health issues that her sister is struggling with, she also has assumed care for her baby nephew.  In short: the situation as is, is not tenable. E needed my guidance on how to approach her parents with a division of labor that would free her up to focus more on her side business so she can save up money to get her own place.  This short but impactful coaching session is helpful for anyone who struggles to set boundaries, presenting them in a diplomatic way that establishes common ground, offers solutions to choose from, and accept that when you compromise, not everyone will be happy.

Mandy loves movies with a passion. For the last decade, she’s been a writer and editor in entertainment journalism and thrived. But the past few years have been rocky as the industry has downsized and..so has Mandy’s career. She came to me wondering if she should get creative and stick it out, or pivot entirely. With her heart and her bank account at odds, Mandy needed an outside perspective ASAP.

Janine came to me suffering from what’s called “baby bear syndrome.” It’s when you get hired in a junior position or supporting role, are really good at it, and then can never seem to break out of it. As Janine describes it, she gets pigeonholed and not given new opportunities because she’s so good at the thing they hired her to do! The other issue she’s running into is job descriptions that require team management. As an executive assistant, she’s constantly managing everyone and everything, just not in a formal capacity. So how can she convince people that she has the skills, if not the title?

Deidre came to me feeling unmotivated about her business. She’d been successful for the last five years, business just falling into her lap without any marketing. But now things have dried up and Deidre is at a crossroads. She hates marketing and sales with a passion and given the lack of new clients, her self-esteem has taken a hit. She’s wondering if she should just give it up to become a W2 employee again. But in her heart, she knows that’s not what she wants.  Well, what DOES Deidre want? And how can she get it? Take a listen as we work through it - together. 

Sarah was feeling defeated and for good reason. She’d been let go, rehired, and then let go AGAIN. Went through seven rounds of interviews over two months…and didn’t get it. In her last interview, they told her she didn’t have an executive presence. The first thing I told her was to look at this interview process like a bootcamp - albeit high stakes - where her job is to learn as much as possible. Every interview is practicing for the next one. (It’s also an opportunity to network!) But as you know, I’m not into toxic positivity or silver-lining BS. Sarah needed real tactics to make tangible progress in a frustrating job search. Since she was landing a fair number of interviews and getting pretty far in the process, we focused our coaching session on how to up her interview game and finally get a yes. We also talked about how to make each interview something she could be proud of, regardless of whether she gets the offer. Because there’s only so much we can control, in fact, I think the entire job search process is an exercise in pushing forward and letting go. Which is very very hard. So kudos to Sarah for putting in the work - I’m proud of her and I’m proud of you. You’re here, and that counts.

Feretesh came to me looking for job search strategies. But what she was really looking for, was herself. I could tell by the way she wrote in her podcast submission, there were clues that whatever I might tell her, she would have trouble following through. Why? She was disconnected from herself.  Because here's the thing: to know what you want to do, you have to know who you want to be.  Now of course lots of things get in our way: various wounds and traumas and toxic situations we’ve experienced but as you’ll see in my session with Feretesh, I have a theory on how you can actually find your superpowers amidst these traumas. Superpowers that when you tap into them, motivate you to take action, more than any kind of attempt at willpower or accountability. I invite you, as I did Feretesh, to scour your past like a detective, searching for clues that will propel you into the future. Because everything is there for you to learn from and once you open your mind, you’ll see that it can open your world.

​Coaching thousands of women to negotiate millions of dollars, Ladies Get Paid founder & author Claire Wasserman has seen her fair share of misconceptions and mistakes. ​Here’s the truth: HR makes getting a raise purposefully hard. Here’s another truth: Don’t wait till you need to negotiate to learn how to do it. This episode is a recording of an earlier presentation of 12 common misnomers people have about negotiating their salary and what to do instead.