Career Contessa

Shortcut your path to being more successful at work. This show helps you figure out what you truly want, land a job, make more money, advance your career, and improve your work life with actionable insights from experts that boost work performance.

We're covering job searches, job interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, how to get paid and get a salary raise, career growth tips, leadership and management advice, workplace interpersonal skills, wellness strategies, work-life balance, confidence, career transitions, workplace toxicity, and more!

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow @careercontessa on Instagram for daily career tips, and subscribe to our newsletter at www.careercontessa.com/newsletter

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 33 min
Why Some People Build Wealth (and Others Don’t): 5 Habits of Financially Successful People (Listener Favorite)
Why do some people build wealth and financial stability—while others feel stuck or constantly starting over? It’s not just about income—it’s about habits, mindset, and behavior. In this listener-favorite episode, financial expert Jean Chatzky shares what financially successful people do differently, including the key habits, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you can use to build long-term stability and feel more in control of your financial future. Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP HerMoney website: https://hermoney.com/ HerMoney podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hermoney-with-jean-chatzky/id1098802558 Sponsors Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 21 · 40 min
Why Traditional Productivity Advice Isn’t Working—And How to Work With Your Brain Instead (Listener Favorite)
What if the problem isn’t your productivity—but the way you’ve been taught to work? Most of us are still operating with outdated, industrial-era habits… even though today’s work requires focus, creativity, and deep thinking. In this listener-favorite episode, neuroscientist Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient, shares how to work with your brain instead of against it—so you can think more clearly, avoid burnout, and perform at a higher level. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to align your work with your brain’s natural rhythms for better focus and efficiency The “3 gears” of your brain—and how to shift between them depending on the task Simple ways to reduce decision fatigue and create an environment that supports deep work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Guest Resources Dr. Mithu Storoni: https://www.mithustoroni.com/ Hyperefficent Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperefficient-Optimize-Your-Brain-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CDWJR44T Dr. Mithu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithu-storoni/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 14 · 36 min
What’s Your Reputation at Work? How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Noticed (Listener Favorite)
Your reputation isn’t just what you do—it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. And whether you’re intentional about it or not, you already have a personal brand at work. In this listener-favorite episode, branding expert Dorie Clark breaks down how to understand, shape, and strengthen your reputation so it actually supports your career growth. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to identify your current reputation—and whether it’s helping or holding you back Practical ways to shift and communicate your personal brand (without feeling inauthentic) The 3 key strategies to build expertise, credibility, and long-term visibility Show Notes: Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Guest Resources: Dorie Clark website: https://dorieclark.com/ Free Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/join/ Career Contessa Resources: Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors: Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show! Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod Here's what you get when you go to http://bioptimizers.com/contessa and use code CONTESSA: 15% off your entire order and a free travel size bottle of Masszymes - BiOptimizers' best-selling digestive enzyme Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code CONTESSA at http:// cowboycolostrum.com/contessa See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
July 7 · 30 min
Non-Obvious Tips for Standing Out in Today's Job Market
The job market has changed—and standing out requires more than a polished resume. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career expert Sam DeMase from ZipRecruiter to break down what actually helps candidates get noticed right now—from clarifying your value proposition to optimizing the most important part of your resume. You’ll learn: Why the top one-third of your resume matters most—and exactly what should go there How to define and communicate a clear value proposition that makes employers pay attention The biggest mistakes job seekers make today—and how to avoid them in a competitive hiring market Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW 24 Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/ Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template Job Search Academy: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/how-to-land-the-job-by-targeting-your-dream-company1/ Guest Resources: Website: https://www.apowermood.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdemase/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apowermood/?hl=en Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code CONTESSA at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Shopify: The best businesses aren’t built in boardrooms. They’re built by people who just started. Free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 30 · 33 min
The Truth About Executive Presence (and How to Build It Without Faking It)
Executive presence is one of the most talked-about—and least understood—skills in your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach and co-author of The Presence Principle, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, to break down what executive presence actually is, why it matters for promotions, and how to build it in a way that feels authentic—not performative. If you’ve ever been told to “speak up more” or “be more confident” without clear guidance, this conversation gives you a practical, research-backed roadmap to develop presence on your own terms. You’ll learn: A simple 3-step framework to build executive presence in a way that aligns with your strengths The difference between making a strong first impression and building lasting leadership credibility Small but powerful shifts in mindset, voice, and body language—especially in virtual settings—that elevate how you show up at work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Alexa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/ The Presence Principle: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Principle-Embodying-Executive-Impact/dp/1041021968 Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/contessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 23 · 32 min
Your Next Job Is Probably in Your Network—Here’s How to Strengthen It
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or exhausting. In this episode, Lauren sits down with communications leader and author Monique Kelley to break down the do’s and don’ts of relationship-based networking—and how building genuine connections can unlock new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth. You’ll learn: • Why the biggest networking mistake is waiting until you need something • How to identify the value you bring—even early in your career • Simple ways to strengthen existing relationships so opportunities come through connection, not cold outreach Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW The Successful Networker course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networker Guest Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquekelleygigliotti/ Book: https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order! Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 16 · 39 min
Is Your Debt Driving Your Career Decisions? How to Change That
Debt can quietly shape your confidence, boundaries, and career choices. In this episode, Lauren talks with Arden Missal, founder of She’s Financially Free, about how financial pressure keeps many women playing small at work—and how to start making career decisions from confidence instead of fear. You’ll learn: How money stress impacts negotiation, overwork, and risk-taking The difference between being practical and being fear-led Mindset shifts to build financial confidence—even before you’re debt-free Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Debt Payoff Starter Kit: ShesFinanciallyFree.com/StarterKit Includes a Debt Freedom Tracker App, a beginner budgeting sheet, a mini financial literacy course, motivational screensavers, and other great resources- Everything you need to get started in paying off your debt. Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Become a Fora advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code CONTESSA at http:// cowboycolostrum.com/contessa. Go to ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA for 20% off. Shop now at fabletics.com/contessa to get 70 - 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 9 · 29 min
Career Transition 101: Strategy, Mindset, and What to Do First
Thinking about a career change—but not sure where to start? In this episode, career transition expert Cara Bedick breaks down what it really takes to make a successful move—from navigating fear and identity shifts to translating your skills and building a strategy that actually works. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: How to tell if you need a full career pivot—or just a new role, team, or environment The biggest emotional blocks (like fear and self-doubt) that keep people stuck—and how to move through them Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Career Transition Course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-career-transition-road-map/ Guest Resources: Book:https://www.amazon.com/Your-Next-Big-Career-Move/dp/B0FH3WNDKP Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carabedick/?hl=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cara-bedick/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors If you're ready to finally sleep great and feel like yourself again, head to http://www.bioptimizers.com/contessa and use my exclusive code CONTESSA to get 15% off any order. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
June 2 · 34 min
Why Aren’t People Responding to Your Emails? How to Write Messages Busy People Actually Read (Listener Favorite)
Even with social media, text, and DMs, email is still the best way to communicate and contact people who can help your career. Now we just need to make sure those emails are crafted in a way to catch the attention of busy readers! Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer, will tell you a masterclass on: What bad email communication looks like How to assess your own email writing skills Tactics for formatting your email messages The power of responding to every email Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Grammarly Link: https://bit.ly/3PiAtBy Guest Resources: Newsletter: jasonfeifer.com/newsletter Book: jasonfeifer.com/book LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonfeifer/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. That's code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 26 · 39 min
Should You Become a Manager? How to Know If Leadership Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)
The truth is, that not everyone will enjoy managing people. But luckily, you don't have to become a manager to grow in your career. Leadership expert and author of Happy@Work Robyn L Garrett is here to share: How to know if management is right for you Ways to advance your career that aren’t management What makes a good manager How new managers can be successful in their first 90 days Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP The New Manager Manual Course: https://bit.ly/3Ds3jdf Guest Resources: Robyn L Garrett website: https://www.robynlgarrett.com/ TikTok: @courageousleadership Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/realcourageousleadership Book: https://www.robynlgarrett.com/books Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors: Go to http://www.bioptimizers.com/contessa, and use code CONTESSA to get 15% off your entire order and a free bottle of Masszymes—BiOptimizers' best-selling digestive enzyme. Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully Head to Biologica.com/CONTESSA to get started. Take their Quick Hormonal Life Stage Quiz to find the formula that’s right for you. Subscribers can receive up to 32% off their purchase. Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 19 · 34 min
Is This Job the Wrong Fit? How to Know When a Role Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)
How do we make work, less work? Author and organizational psychologist Andrè Martin shares how to find your right-fit career. You’ll learn: What’s the difference between right fit vs. wrong fit careers How to craft your “right fit” career The questions to ask to determine if a company and role are the right fit What to do if you’re in the wrong fit Strategies for building a successful career within your right role Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Guest Resources: Wrong Fit, Right Fit book: https://www.amazon.com/Wrong-Fit-Right-Work-Matters/dp/1950508757/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1675805341&sr=8-1 Website: https://www.wrongfitrightfit.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/docmartinpdx Newsletter: https://mondaymatters.substack.com Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. For a limited time, Honeylove is offering up to 50% off sitewide during their Memorial Day sale at honeylove.com/CONTESSA #honeylovepod Shop now at fabletics.com/contessa to get 70- 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Go to momentumshake.com/careercontessa and simplify your supplement intake. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 12 · 36 min
The Self-Promotion Problem: How to Advocate for Yourself Without Feeling Icky (Listener Favorite)
Nobody cares more about your career than you, so you need to make yourself and your achievements known. Embrace the skill of self-promotion. Career coach Lindsey Lathrop- Ryan is here to offer: Insight into why self-promotion is so uncomfortable The 4-step strategy that makes self-promotion more effective and way less icky Quick self-promotion tactics that take less than 5 minutes Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Guest Resources: Lindsey Lathrop-Ryan website: https://www.lindseylathrop.com/ Lindsey Lathrop-Ryan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindseylathrop/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ Sponsors Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/contessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
May 5 · 38 min
When Work Becomes Your Whole Identity (and How to Take It Back)
Ever feel like work doesn’t end when you close your laptop? Psychologist and TED speaker Guy Winch joins Lauren to explain why work stress is so hard to switch off—and how to reclaim your mental space without hurting your career, drawing from his book Mind Over Grind. You’ll learn: Why high performers are especially vulnerable to burnout The psychology behind Sunday dread and work rumination Simple boundaries that help you disconnect from work and recover Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Guy Winch: https://www.guywinch.com/ Mind Over Grind: How to Break Free When Work Hijacks Your Life: https://www.guywinch.com/books/mind-over-grind/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors: Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 28 · 37 min
3 Toughest Leadership Problems— Solved
Leadership isn’t just about big wins—it’s about navigating pressure, tough decisions, and influence when things get messy. In this episode, leadership expert Dr. Katie Best shares a practical framework to help you lead with clarity—even when it feels hardest. You’ll learn: How to avoid reactive decision-making by clearly defining the real problem The difference between stress vs. strain—and how to prevent burnout A simple framework to lead with more clarity, confidence, and influence under pressure Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW New Manager Manual: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-new-manager-manual Guest Resources: Book: https://www.katiebest.com/book Newsletter: https://www.katiebest.com/dear-katie Website: https://www.katiebest.com/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA ! #honeylovepod Shop now at fabletics.com/contessa to get 70-80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Go to Biologica.com/CONTESSA and get up to 32% off your first subscription order today! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 21 · 38 min
Why Are We Racing? How to Navigate The Modern Rat Race
Why are we racing—and who decided the pace? In this episode, Lauren sits down with UCLA Anderson career coaches Jenna Migliaccio and Jessica Christopher, co-founders of Glimmers, to unpack the modern rat race and how to build a career rooted in clarity, not comparison. If you’ve felt busy but misaligned, this conversation will help you slow down strategically—without falling behind. You’ll learn: How to tell the difference between healthy ambition and misalignment Why “clarity comes from engagement” (and how to experiment without derailing your career) A simple mindset shift to stop running someone else’s race and start running your own Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Book career coaching w/ Jenna: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Jenna-Migliaccio/71365/ Alan Watts “Life & Music” video: https://youtu.be/eUzgSyfiF2s?si=pATgHCaRd_lI_MT6 Guest Resources: Glimmers Bi-weekly Newsletter: lifeglimmers.com Glimmers instagram: @glimmersbyjessandjenna Jenna LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennamigliaccio/ Jessica LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicachristopher8/ Career Contessa Resources: Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors: Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Open a Found account for FREE at Found dot com. That’s F-O-U-N-D dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 14 · 40 min
How to Design & Run Effective Meetings
Are your meetings driving results—or just draining your calendar? This week, Lauren sits down with organizational scientist and Your Best Meeting Ever author Dr. Rebecca Hinds to rethink how meetings are designed, measured, and led. Learn how to eliminate meeting debt, reclaim your time, and turn collaboration into a competitive advantage. You’ll learn: Why “meeting debt” is costing companies trillions—and how to reset your calendar The simple design shifts (like ROTI and the Rule of Halves) that instantly improve meetings How to run inclusive, energizing hybrid meetings people actually want to attend Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW New Manager course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-new-manager-manual/ Efficient Meetings course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/building-efficient-meetings/ Guest Resources: Rebecca Hinds website: https://www.rebeccahinds.com/ Book: https://www.rebeccahinds.com/book Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Go to momentumshake.com/careercontessa to get a free Welcome Kit and Travel Collection ($70 value) to get you started! Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
April 7 · 33 min
Soft Incompetence: The Subtle Drain on Your Time & Energy
Ever feel like the default project manager at home or work? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Regina Lark to unpack soft incompetence—a subtle dynamic that quietly shifts emotional labor onto one person, often with good intentions. Learn how to spot it, talk about it, and rebalance responsibility without resentment. You’ll learn: How soft incompetence differs from weaponized incompetence. Early signs of emotional labor imbalance. One simple shift to redistribute responsibility more fairly. Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Dr. Regina Lark: https://www.reginalark.com/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month Shopify trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
March 31 · 33 min
5 Communication Shifts That Transform How You Lead, Speak, and Sell
Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of influence, trust, and leadership at work. In this episode, Ravi Rajani, author of Relationship Currency, breaks down the five habits that make communicators truly influential. From reframing the stories you tell yourself to building trust without being the loudest voice in the room, Ravi shares practical, immediately usable shifts that help you communicate with more clarity, credibility, and impact—starting this week. You’ll learn: How to build trust through the Three C’s: connection, character, and competence Why patience (not charisma) is the secret weapon of influential communicators Simple habits introverts can use to speak with confidence and be taken seriously at work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Relationship Currency book: https://www.theravirajani.com/book Ravi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theravirajani/ Ravi website: https://www.theravirajani.com/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
March 24 · 33 min
The New Career Path: Flexible Work, Blended Teams, and What’s Next
The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts. They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work. You’ll learn: Why blended teams are becoming the new standard How flexible work can still support growth and stability What leaders need to rethink in the AI era Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Lions & Tigers website: https://lionsandtigers.com/ Workforce Reimagined Research: https://lionsandtigers.com/why-now/ Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsors Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
March 17 · 32 min
The Leadership Skill Most Likely to Derail Your Career, According to a Harvard Professor
Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailment The hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close it The first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourself Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/ Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/ Book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/book Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Career Contessa

Why Some People Build Wealth (and Others Don’t): 5 Habits of Financially Successful People (Listener Favorite)

Why Traditional Productivity Advice Isn’t Working—And How to Work With Your Brain Instead (Listener Favorite)

What’s Your Reputation at Work? How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Noticed (Listener Favorite)

Non-Obvious Tips for Standing Out in Today's Job Market

The Truth About Executive Presence (and How to Build It Without Faking It)

Your Next Job Is Probably in Your Network—Here’s How to Strengthen It

Is Your Debt Driving Your Career Decisions? How to Change That

Career Transition 101: Strategy, Mindset, and What to Do First

Why Aren’t People Responding to Your Emails? How to Write Messages Busy People Actually Read (Listener Favorite)

Should You Become a Manager? How to Know If Leadership Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)

Is This Job the Wrong Fit? How to Know When a Role Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)

The Self-Promotion Problem: How to Advocate for Yourself Without Feeling Icky (Listener Favorite)

When Work Becomes Your Whole Identity (and How to Take It Back)

3 Toughest Leadership Problems— Solved

Why Are We Racing? How to Navigate The Modern Rat Race

How to Design & Run Effective Meetings

Soft Incompetence: The Subtle Drain on Your Time & Energy

5 Communication Shifts That Transform How You Lead, Speak, and Sell

The New Career Path: Flexible Work, Blended Teams, and What’s Next

The Leadership Skill Most Likely to Derail Your Career, According to a Harvard Professor