Career Contessa

AI was supposed to make work easier—so why are we busier than ever? Lauren talks with Axios co-founder Roy Schwartz about why simplicity is becoming a career advantage and how to cut through the noise to focus on what actually matters. You’ll learn: How to identify and eliminate “toxic complexity” at work How to use AI without creating more work and noise A simple framework for doing more by doing...

Think you need more discipline to reach your goals? Jia Jiang, bestselling author of Rejection Proof and Easy Discipline , explains why relying on willpower and working harder often backfires—and what to do instead. You’ll learn: Why traditional discipline doesn’t work for most people How enjoyment can make ambitious goals easier to sustain How to redesign your habits so progress requires less wil...

A bad manager can undermine your confidence, hurt your performance, and even derail your career. But what if quitting isn’t an option? Career coach and author Cathy Alfandre shares how to recognize a damaging manager, protect yourself while you stay, and create a strategic exit plan. Plus, learn how to spot red flags during the interview process so you don’t end up with another bad boss. You’ll le...

Why do so many successful women still feel like they're falling behind—even after achieving the career milestones they once dreamed of? Executive coach and former Google leader Brooke Taylor explains the hidden "Success Wound" that keeps high achievers chasing the next accomplishment without ever feeling like it's enough. Learn how to break free from the cycle of burnout, perfectionism, and self-d...

Landing a job in today's market takes more than submitting applications and hoping for the best. Recruiter, career coach, and content creator Emily Durham ("Emily the Recruiter") shares what hiring managers are actually looking for in 2026, the biggest mistakes candidates make, and the practical strategies that lead to more interviews and better offers. If you're job searching, considering a caree...

Feeling the pressure to make a big career move before the year ends? You're not alone. In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Anne Josephson explains why ambitious professionals often mistake burnout for clarity during the "Fall Crunch"—and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, quiet overthinking, and make career decisions with confidence instead of urgency. You'l...

Feel busy all day but still behind? It’s not your time—it’s your mental overload. In this episode, Lauren talks with Liane Davey, author of Thoughtload, about how to reduce overwhelm and work more effectively. You’ll learn: Why being busy doesn’t equal being productive How to protect your focus and reduce distractions One simple shift to get more done this week Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up...

Your 40s are supposed to feel like you’ve “made it.” So why does it often feel like a reset? In this episode, Lauren talks with Stacey Lindsay, author of Being 40, about why midlife can spark a major career shift—and how to navigate it with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: Why your 40s can trigger a career reset How to know when it’s time to pivot What success can look like next Show Notes We...

AI is everywhere right now—and so is the pressure to “figure it out.” If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or behind, you’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Jill Ozovek to unpack what’s really driving AI anxiety—especially for knowledge workers—and why it’s less about technology and more about identity. They break down the biggest misconceptions about “learning AI,” and how to star...

Is "follow your passion" actually bad career advice? Lauren sits down with bestselling author Tom Rath to discuss why passion isn't the key to fulfillment—and how contribution, strengths, and impact can lead to more meaningful work. You'll learn: Why "follow your passion" is often misleading—and what to focus on instead when making career decisions. How shifting your attention from personal fulfil...

Uncertainty at work is everywhere—from AI shifts to layoffs to constant change. But how you respond to it can shape your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach Liz Tran to explore AQ (Agility Quotient) —the skill of navigating change with confidence. You’ll learn how to understand your response to uncertainty and build the mindset to adapt. You’ll learn: Why AQ matters more...

LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé anymore—it’s your personal brand, positioning tool, and one of the most powerful ways to attract opportunities in 2026. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career strategist Michelle Perchuk to break down what recruiters actually look for, the biggest profile mistakes holding professionals back, and how to position yourself as the solution companies are acti...

AI can make resume writing faster—but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this listener-favorite episode, learn how to use ChatGPT to write, tailor, and improve your resume so it actually stands out (not sound generic). In this episode, you’ll learn: How to use ChatGPT to write stronger, more results-driven resume bullet points How to tailor your resume to a specific job description i...

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 s...

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...

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: Ho...

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...

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...

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...

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 b...

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 lea...

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 skil...

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 We...

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...

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 Weekl...