The Potentialist Podcast with Dr. Lee Koles

Work stress is common. Constant anxiety, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion don’t have to be.In this episode of The Potentialist Podcast Dr. Lee Koles breaks down the science behind workplace anxiety and shares practical, research-backed strategies to help you feel calmer, clearer and more in control at work.You'll learn -  • Boundary-setting strategies that protect your energy • Why support systems matter more than most people realize • Four actionable ways to cope with anxiety in high-pressure work environmentsAnd more!Whether you’re feeling emotionally drained, overwhelmed by pressure or simply struggling to quiet your mind after work, this episode offers practical tools to help you reset and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.Take a deep breath. Your brain may be trying to protect you, but you are more capable than your anxiety wants you to believe. 

In this FLASHBACK episode I share my favorite life coach strategies to help you make decisions. When you decide to become decisive, you open yourself up to growth, confidence and moving yourself forward so that you can achieve what you want in your career - and life.I discuss the impact of being a good decision maker and share 7 “tricks” - questions you can ask yourself - to help make a decision. By the end of this episode you’ll have the knowledge and the tools you need to decide on your next move and propel yourself forward towards your goals.  

What if slowing down is the fastest way to move forward?In this episode, I sit down with Karianne Michelle to explore the science behind doing less and why it can be the key to unlocking more focus, energy and impact. Karianne is an Oprah-endorsed expert who has spent two decades working with C-level leaders and their teams at companies including Google, Amazon and Lululemon. She shares simple, research-backed strategies you can use right away to reset, recharge and perform at your best. We explore: Clear ways to set boundaries that protect your time and energy Practical techniques to reset in the middle of a busy dayThe surprising role sound plays in shifting your stateMindfulness practices that actually work, whether you’re just starting out or refining your approach.If you’ve been pushing harder and getting diminishing returns, this conversation will show you a different way forward.

In Part 3 of the 3-Part Unlock Your Potential series, we go from stuck to unlocked. If you’ve been feeling frozen, overwhelmed or unable to take that next step, this episode will show you exactly why and how to move forward.In this episode, we explore: • Why feeling stuck isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s your brain trying to protect you • The hidden forces in your brain that keep you playing small, even when you want more • A simple shift that immediately reduces overwhelm and restores clarity • How one small word can reopen possibility and change how you approach challenges • Why small, intentional actions create real momentum and lasting changeWhether you’re thinking about making a bold career move, starting something new or simply getting unstuck in your daily life, this episode gives you practical, science-backed strategies you can use right away.

In Part 2 of the Unlock Your Potential series, Dr. Lee Koles dives into the concept of hidden potential and the subtle, science-backed signs that you’re capable of more than you’re currently experiencing.This episode breaks down what hidden potential really is, why it often goes unrecognized, and how it shows up in ways most people overlook.By the end of this episode, you’ll understand:• What “hidden potential” actually means and the gap between where you are and what’s possible • Why that persistent inner voice keeps coming back and what it’s trying to tell you • How feelings like boredom, restlessness, frustration or even shame can signal untapped growth • The “plateau effect” and why comfort can quietly stall your progress • How talking about your ideas out loud increases follow-through and momentum • Three clear signs that you’re meant for more and how to start recognizing them in your own lifeIf you’ve been questioning whether you’re playing small, feeling stuck in something that looks “fine” on the surface, or sensing there’s something more for you, this episode will give you the clarity to start paying attention to what’s already there.

You are capable of far more than you realize.In this kickoff episode of the Unlock Your Potential series, Dr. Lee Koles breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership development, career growth and personal success: potential.What if everything you’ve been told about potential is incomplete… or flat-out wrong?In this episode, we challenge the hidden beliefs and assumptions that may be quietly holding you back. We take a closer look at how your definition of potential has shaped your decisions, your confidence and the opportunities you’ve pursued or avoided.This isn’t about motivation. It’s about clarity.Inside this episode: A clear, science-backed definition of potential and where it comes from  The biggest myths about potential that keep people stuck  Why hard work alone isn’t the answer  The role of strengths, talent and energy in unlocking success  Why potential is often hard to recognize and how to start seeing it differently You’ll hear powerful examples and research-backed insights that shift how potential actually works and what it means for your next step.If you’ve been questioning your next move, holding back, or wondering if you’ve missed your window, this episode will reshape how you think about what’s possible.

After three years away, I’m back behind the mic - and this conversation is different.In this episode, I share what led me to step away so suddenly, what was happening in my life during that time, and what it took to return. This is a personal story about loss, resilience, and finding your way forward when everything feels uncertain.It’s also a turning point.This episode marks the close of CareerSequel and the beginning of something new: The Potentialist Podcast. A space for deeper conversations about clarity, confidence, and how to move forward with intention.If you’ve been feeling stuck, off-track, or unsure what’s next, this episode will meet you there—and help you begin again.In this episode, we explore:Why I stepped away from the podcast and what was happening behind the scenesThe impact of loss, grief, and time on perspective and purposeWhat it means to be a “Potentialist” and how that shapes the work aheadWhat you can expect from this new chapter of the podcastHow to start reconnecting with clarity and directionThis is your home for science-backed strategies to unlock your potential. You already have everything you need inside you. I’m just here to help you unlock it.

It’s a lightbulb moment when your ideal career path presents itself (at last!). My former client, Nihal Kattar, shares his career story that began with doubt and worry and ended with a dream job as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at the Promedica Health Care System. Nihal and I discuss:* The trap of taking the first job that falls into your lap* The secret of Intentionality* How identifying your strengths and core values can unveil career options* How to break into the DEI industry* The variety of DEI career opportunities

In this episode of the CareerSequel podcast, guest Laurie Halter and I get real about the challenges of work-life balance. We discuss:Authenticity as your secret weaponNavigating your career through divorceThe gifts of being a single working parentStrategies for managing children during remote work Confronting your fearsLaurie Halter is the founder of the automobile PR firm, Charisma! Communications, and host of the Carearing Podcast.

Today’s episode eliminates the stress and mystery from writing a cover letter. I answer the pressing question, “Do I HAVE to write one?” (Spoiler Alert: Yes, you (nearly always) do.)I give you my 3 rules for writing a winning cover letter and walk you through my cover letter recipe. You’ll learn exactly what to say to get yourself noticed and called in for an interview.Now you can exhale. You’ve got this!

Take a peek into the brain of a hiring manager. In this episode I reveal the 5 interview red flags that will eliminate a job candidate from the running. Get set: they’re not what you think they are. In fact, you’re likely going into an interview stressing about circumstances that don’t even matter! Don’t worry - you’ll learn about the 3 factors that actually AREN’T red flags…so you can confidently ace your interviews.

You've been waiting for this: my #1 episode in my "BEST OF 2022 SERIES" countdown, where I unveil the most downloaded, shared and discussed podcast episodes of the year!In my most listened to episode of 2022, coach Sari Kimbell and I discuss what it means to chase after and find your purpose. Sari has an incredible career story that's going to have you on the edge of your seat wondering, "what is this woman going to do next?" Sari's skills and experiences fell into place and now she has a business helping food entrepreneurs make their delicious dreams a reality.

Join me for the third episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year.This episode is about a very twisty, curvy career path that ends in a dream job. It’s the story of my guest, Enith Williams, with chapters that include moving back and forth between Jamaica and NYC. Working in both the nonprofit sector and on Wall Street. Enith threw a career break into the mix, and finally, a leap from the banking industry to the world of reparative justice. Enith used her financial industry expertise to found the Reparations Finance Lab. The RFL is dedicated to researching innovative solutions to racial disparities that stem from an era of enslavement and continue to this day. It works with financial institutions and city authorities to develop programs to address the needs of communities of color. 

Join me for the second episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year.This week you meet Judith Gaton - a stylist, life coach, author and former lawyer. We discuss changing careers to pursue a “big, giant dream”. Judith offers the wisdom gained through her transition from working as a partner in a law firm to becoming a Master Certified life coach. She dares you identify, acknowledge and embrace your dreams.

Welcome to the first episode in my "BEST OF 2022" Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year. This week I introduce you to the person who personally demonstrated to me that you can step out of the workforce, take time off to stay home with your kids, return to school and build a successful career of your own: My mom!Mom discusses her experience: Leaving a job she loved to stay home with her kidsReturning to school to earn her Ph.D.Using volunteer work to gain experience and unique opportunitiesLearning through failureGrowing a successful business(Dad also makes a surprise appearance!). Enjoy!

Join me in a special episode as I coach my coach! Listen in to my conversation with life and business coach, Dave Moreno. I unveil Dave’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths, shedding light on his unique talents that set him apart from others.Dave and I discuss the power of strengths and how they can be used - strategically - to accomplish career goals. This episode is a conversation that aired on Dave’s “Entrepreneurs Only” podcast. Dave helps entrepreneurs grow their businesses by working smarter, not harder.  

Want to peek behind the curtain at a real Strengths Coaching session? Join me as I walk life coach Kristi Falany through her CliftonStrengths results. I shed light on Kristi’s unique strengths - what makes her unique and how she can use her talents to maximize success and negotiate challenges. This episode is a conversation that aired on Kristi’s “Start in the Middle Podcast”. Kristi helps midlife women connect to the person they want to be for the rest of their life, without apology or guilt.

In this episode, we’re going to dive into gratitude - talk about the science of it: Why it feels good, the neuroscience behind it, how we can create more of it and how we can use it.I want you to bring gratitude into your life - not only to improve your day and your mood, but also so you can use it strategically to improve your career and let it trickle into all aspects of your life.

Today’s episode is all about the career paths not taken, the decisions you make that steer you from one path to another - and how it all seems to work out.I’m honored to have my mentor, social psychologist Dr. Saul Kassin, join me on the podcast. Dr. Kassin is a Massachusetts Professor Emeritus at Williams College, a distinguished professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the pioneer of the scientific study of false confessions. He’s also the reason I became a psychologist.Dr. Kassin and I discuss:* The seemingly accidental decisions that take us one direction or another* The importance of a supportive mentor* The value of a non-linear career pathWe also discuss his bombshell book, “Duped: Why Innocent People Confess and Why We Believe their Confessions” and his upcoming talks in Williamstown, Massachusetts.

In this episode, I talk with life and business coach Andra Erickson about assessing your career from a strategic vantage point: as the CEO. Andra shares strategies for adopting a CEO mindset to achieve vision, clarity, decision making skills and leadership practices to achieve the next level of your career. Andra asserts that drive and determination, combined with relentless positive actions, will help you achieve any goal.

Burnout plagues personal lives and derails careers. It impacts people at all levels of their career journey, regardless of age or their job tenure. Guest Pete Beskas, is a certified Life Coach who specializes in helping clients with burnout recovery and prevention. Pete is a writer, speaker and thought leader on all things burnout. He has spent over 20 years analyzing and solving burnout-related problems with unique, impactful solutions. In this episode, Pete offers strategies to help you conquer “the grind” and find the freedom to make your career exactly what you want. 

This week’s episode offers an insider’s view of a career path that twisted, turned and defied the odds. A former Navy SEAL, JP Bolwahnn, is a certified life and fitness coach who helps his clients unlock the healthiest and most highly effective versions of themselves. JP’s career is built on hard work, discipline, making tough decisions and pushing aside doubts to pursue his goals. JP discusses his outstanding career journey and walks us through his 5 Rules for Overcoming the Odds.

This episode features special guest, Jeremy Schifeling, co-author of the fantastic book, “Linked: Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future.” A former education marketing leader at LinkedIn, Jeremy spills insider secrets to leveraging LinkedIn. We discuss:Why LinkedIn is so important to the modern job searchThe most important things job seekers should do on LinkedIn“Next level” LinkedIn hacks that you’ve never heard of before

Join me for the finale of my 4-Part LinkedIn Profile Workshop. In this episode, I take the mystery out of writing your About Section - the part of your profile that lets your personality shine. I walk you through a framework so you can confidently script an About section that connects you to recruiters and others in your field. By the end of the Workshop, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that helps you achieve what’s next in your career. 

Join me for Part III of my 4-Part LinkedIn Profile Workshop. In this episode, I tell you everything you need to know to create a powerful Experience Section. I break down the process into simple, bite-sized steps that take the stress out of optimizing your LinkedIn profile. You’ll learn time-saving shortcuts, as well as secrets to make your Experience section logarithm-friendly.By the end of the Workshop, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that helps you achieve what’s next in your career.

Join me for Part II of my 4-Part LinkedIn Profile Workshop. In this episode, I tell you everything you need to know to optimize your LinkedIn Headline. I break down the process into bite-sized, manageable steps so you can take action to make your profile logarithm-friendly.By the end of the Workshop, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that helps you achieve what’s next in your career. 

One of the greatest tools to develop your career is LinkedIn. As of today, LinkedIn has over 830 million users worldwide. It’s the ideal platform for sharing insight, connecting with recruiters and becoming a thought leader in your industry. I want to help you get in the game!This episode is Part 1 of my 4-part LinkedIn Profile Workshop. I break down the LinkedIn profile optimization process into bite-sized, manageable pieces so that you can take action each week and accomplish part of the process. Today you'll learn what goes into the perfect profile photo.By the end of the workshop, you’ll have a LinkedIn profile that will help you achieve what’s next in your career. 

According to Mental Health America’s 2021 Mind the Workplace report, almost 83% of respondents felt emotionally drained from their work. 85% said that their job stress affected their mental health. Today’s episode addresses workplace stress and anxiety. We discuss: The symptoms of stressAnxiety triggers in the workplaceStrategies for coping with anxiety at work.By the end of this episode, my hope is that you come away calmer - more in control of your mind, your anxiety - and your career. 

Today’s episode answers the often-asked question:  “What is the very best way to advance my career?”So I’ve challenged myself with distilling down my strategic career advice. In this episode, I share the 4 secrets of career success. I’m keeping this concise - concentrated and bite-sized - so you can take these strategies and begin using them TODAY. By the end of this episode I want you to feel like the future of your career is within your control. That you have the power to make your career something fulfilling and meaningful - something that you can grow. You’ll know what you need to do to advance yourself and become more successful.

This episode examines our career in the context of relationships. Life coach and “relationship guru” Melissa Caveney joins us to discuss:How our brain interprets emotionsHow our emotions impact relationships at workThe impact of remote work on our relationshipsFostering connections with our coworkersStrategies to diffuse conflict at work

In this episode you’ll learn about what it means to find your purpose and how this fits into your career trajectory. Best of all, meet Sari Kimbell - she’s a Coach, the Founder of Sari Kimbell Coaching and the Creator of Food Business Success®Sari understands what it’s like to chase after and find your purpose. She has an incredible career story that’s going to have you on the edge of your seat wondering, “what is this woman going to do next?” All the pieces of Sari’s various careers fell into place and now she has a business helping food entrepreneurs make their delicious dreams a reality. 

This episode is about a very twisty, curvy career path that ends in a dream job. It’s the story of my guest, Enith Williams, with chapters that include moving back and forth between Jamaica and NYC. Working in both the nonprofit sector and on Wall Street. Enith threw a career break into the mix, and finally, a leap from the banking industry to the world of reparative justice. Enith used her financial industry expertise to found the Reparations Finance Lab. The RFL is dedicated to researching innovative solutions to racial disparities that stem from an era of enslavement and continue to this day. It works with financial institutions and city authorities to develop programs to address the needs of communities of color. 

There’s nothing like guilt to zap the thrill that should accompany your next career move.After searching and strategizing, you landed a job that will take you to the next level of your career. You’re elated! …for a while. Then the guilt begins to seeps in, clouding your once-excited mind with questions:Is my career move selfish?Will my manager be angry? Will my coworkers feel blindsided?How will my company get by without me?This episode reveals 4 ways to work through that guilt so you can be happy and enjoy the anticipation of beginning your next job.By the end of this podcast, your guilt should be drained away. Everyone should be able to celebrate when beginning a new career journey.

This episode details the inspirational story of my former client, Norma Mendelson. After over a decade of practicing law, Norma took a 20+ year career break that left her feeling professionally rudderless and unfulfilled. Norma’s career story took a turn as she reclaimed her talents and learned that her volunteer accomplishments and unpaid work “counted”. She now has a writing consulting business specializing in online and eCommerce copywriting in the food, wellness and coaching industries. Norma loves helping her clients develop their written word in a way they’ve never heard it before.

Are you feeling unfulfilled in your career? Sometimes it’s difficult to discern whether you’re merely experiencing career “growing pains” or if it’s time to make a change. Today’s episode brings clarity to this issue. I review the 5 subtle signs that it’s time to consider a career change. Listen and decide if you check any of these boxes. By the end of our time together you’ll know whether or not your current career is right for you. 

Welcome to Part III of my “BEST OF” SERIES! For three weeks in a row I’m bringing back the most downloaded, shared and foundational podcast episodes. I hand-picked each one just for you. They’re episodes that are packed with so much value, you’re going to want to listen to them over and over again (you may even want to get out a notepad!). Today is the grand finale of my BEST OF Series. It’s the episode that is going to help you take your professional persona to the next level. I’m talking about Episode 6: How to Change Your Life with LinkedIn. If you’re not on LinkedIn - I’m actually excited for you because this episode will be key in introducing you to the next phase of your professional development. If you’re on LinkedIn, this episode gives you strategies to take what you’re doing to the next level. Sit back and enjoy!

Welcome to Part II of my “BEST OF” SERIES! For three weeks in a row I’m bringing back the most downloaded, shared and foundational podcast episodes. I hand-picked each one just for you. They’re episodes that are packed with so much value, you’re going to want to listen to them over and over again (you may even want to get out a notepad!). Part II of the BEST OF Series is THE MOST downloaded of all my episodes. I’m talking about Episode 9: Why You Can’t Stand Networking. People tell me that what they learn in this episode switches the lightbulb on in their brain. Not only that, but it completely changes the way they feel about networking and the way they approach it. Please sit back and enjoy! 

Welcome to Part 1 of my “BEST OF” SERIES! For the next three weeks I will share three of the most downloaded, shared and foundational podcast episodes. I hand-picked each one just for you. They’re episodes that are packed with so much value, you’re going to want to listen to them over and over again (you may even want to get out a notepad!). To kick off the Series, we’ll begin with an episode on my favorite topic: Strengths. Knowing your strengths is the key to understanding what sets you apart from the rest. It serves as a baseline to build your confidence. In this episode you’ll learn how to identify your strengths and leverage them to uplevel your career.

Today’s episode is all about money: how it impacts your job search, your return-to-work decisions and your career trajectory. \Joining me today is my favorite money expert, Jill Wright, aka “Jill the Money Coach”. Jill is a best-selling author, a certified life coach and…a money coach. Jill is THE expert on money mindset. Her specialty is exposing money lies - the myths people believe about themselves and about money that limit their success. Jill’s coaching empowers people to make financial decisions with ease and confidence.

This value-packed episode features guest Kristin Graham, founder of Unlock, and an expert on optimizing productivity and performance. Kristin spent 20 years leading culture and communications at global companies (most recently at Amazon). She is a global speaker and strategist, as well as host of the “Fewer Things Better” podcast.In our conversation, Kristin and I discuss:How to propel your career forward by taking chancesStrategies to help you make your next career moveHow to know when it’s time to change jobsCurating your personal brandConnecting with your ideal organization

So often when we’re looking for a job or beginning our next chapter, we put ourselves under the microscope and judge ourselves. We wonder who will hire us. We hope we’re talented enough; worthy enough. In this episode we flip the narrative and put you in the driver’s seat. I grant you permission to be selfish and strategic in your job search - enough to determine if a company is the right fit. You come away with actionable strategies to assess if that organization you’re considering is worthy of you. 

In this episode, Jill Griffin - fellow career strategist, executive coach and Gallup Certified Strengths Coach - and I discuss the top career trends of 2022. Jill brings a unique perspective and insight; her coaching, strategy and innovation has generated multi-millions in revenue for the world’s largest agencies, start-ups and well-known brands. Jill has sat on all sides of the table, helping people feel understood while up-leveling their performance regardless of the environment. She is host of the Career Refresh Podcast. Sit back and take it all in: Two career strategists coming in hot!

Imposter syndrome is the feeling that we haven’t earned our accomplishments or that our ideas and skills aren’t worthy of other’s attention. It comes with an unwarranted sense of insecurity and the feeling that you’re a fraud when - and here’s the key: when all evidence points to the opposite. Imposter syndrome can keep us from growing, learning, achieving; it can keep us from living our life and enjoying our accomplishments. It affects our careers and so much more.The problem with imposter syndrome is so often we don’t know that we have it. We just think that the limiting thoughts we believe about ourselves are true.This episode is going to shed light on imposter syndrome: What it is, how you get it, what happens when you have it. I share 6 steps to breaking away from imposter syndrome so you can stop doubting your strengths, skills, and accomplishments and step into your career potential.

In this episode, I take you on a Mythbuster Mission! We debunk the top 5 return to work myths that paralyze job seekers, preventing them from building confidence and moving their job search forward. You’re going to be shocked to learn that many of the things you’ve been telling yourself about your job search are simply untrue. Exposing these limiting thoughts as myths will give you the boost you need to make decisions and take control of your career and your future. 

This week I introduce you to the person who personally demonstrated to me that you can step out of the workforce, take time off to stay home with your kids, return to school and build a successful career of your own: My mom!Mom discusses her experience: Leaving a job she loved to stay home with her kidsReturning to school to earn her Ph.D.Using volunteer work to gain experience and unique opportunitiesLearning through failureGrowing a successful business(Dad also makes a surprise appearance!). Enjoy!

In this episode I share my favorite life coach strategies to help you make decisions. When you decide to become decisive, you open yourself up to growth, confidence and moving yourself forward so that you can achieve what you want in your career - and life.I discuss the impact of being a good decision maker and share 7 “tricks” - questions you can ask yourself - to help make a decision. By the end of this episode you’ll have the knowledge and the tools you need to decide on your next move and propel yourself forward towards your goals.  

Judith Gaton is a stylist, life coach, author and former lawyer. Through her signature course, Style Masterclass, Judith teaches her clients that thought work is the key to a lasting makeover. She helps women see that when style and confidence are dialed in, they can do the work they were created to do in the world. Judith’s ultimate philosophy: Confident women build legacies.In this episode, Judith and I discuss changing careers to pursue a “big, giant dream”. Judith offers the wisdom gained through her transition from working as a partner in a law firm to becoming a Master Certified life coach. She dares you identify, acknowledge and embrace your dreams.

This episode is all about getting through the most hated part of the job search: Finding out that we didn’t land the job - that it was offered to someone else. I take you through the 6 steps to take immediately after a rejection. These steps will help build yourself back to make you a stronger job candidate for the next position that comes around. 

Informational interviews are game changing in the job search process - so why isn’t everyone doing them? In this episode I demystify informational interviews and describe how you can use them at various stages of your job search process. You learn my 6-step process for designing and carrying out the interview and I give you a list of questions you can use to gather a variety of information. The final result: Clarity and direction as you embark on your new career path.

This episode is all about something that flares up at nearly every phase of the job search process: Doubt. If you’ve taken a career break and are thinking of going back to work, doubt can stop you in your tracks. You wonder, “How am I going to go back to work?” “Who’s going to hire me?” “What do I have to offer?”The same is true if you want to leave your job for something new: “Is this the right time to change my job?” “Is it smart to do something different?” “What if it doesn’t work out?”You want your doubts to go away, so I’m going to help you do just that. First, you must understand them. Once you know WHY you’re doubting yourself, you can face them head-on and watch them crumble.In this episode I discuss 4 reasons you’re doubting yourself. You’ll learn where the doubt comes from, why it‘s there and how to kiss it good-bye.