People in Transition

Andrew LaCivita knows careers. As the founder of MileWalk Academy, he has helped more than 100,000 people and 350 companies across nearly 200 countries improve their careers, leadership, and communication. He is also the bestselling author of Interview Intervention , The Hiring Prophecies , The Zebra Code , and his newest book, Signal Strength . What makes Andrew especially interesting for “ Peopl...

The Informational Interview Today we're talking about one of the most powerful (and most underused) tools in any career transition: the informational interview. Joining me is Merry Korn, an expert in navigating career change and building meaningful professional relationships. Merry is the author of Fired to Inspired , the story of how she turned a humiliating firing into a new sense of purpos...

Today, we’re joined by David Dean, a technology and AI leader with 20 years of experience helping organizations move from ambiguity to execution. David’s career has evolved from hands-on technology and infrastructure into enterprise architecture, intelligent automation, AI strategy, governance, and organizational transformation. He has led AI and automation initiatives in complex, regulated enviro...

Welcome to “ People in Transition ”.  I’m your host, Bob Gerst. Today, we’re talking about career change, uncertainty, and how to navigate that space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. My guest is Geralda Larkins, SPHR , a transformational HR executive and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience across federal and municipal government and other organizations. She has...

For nearly 20 years, Endi has partnered with organisations through significant change and supported executives and professionals during pivotal career moments. She brings a unique perspective on both how organisations make talent decisions and how people can confidently navigate change and shape what comes next. As a coach, she helps executives understand their strengths and the value they bring,...

Whether you're looking for your first job, changing careers, transitioning from the military or government to the private sector, or simply trying to stand out in today's competitive job market, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. Our guest, Nicholette "Nik" Hemingway , is a career coach, interview preparation expert, résumé writer, executive c...

In this episode of " People in Transition" , I welcome Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach, career counselor, trainer, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate change, discover their strengths, and achieve professional success. Through her strengths - based and holistic coaching approach, Marcia helps job seekers and career changers build confidence, identi...

Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition , I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs. After the acquisition of the company where he served on the execut...

This week on “ People in Transition” , I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gates, and what a fascinating conversation it was. John brings a unique perspective to salary negotiation and career transitions. As a former Head of Global Recruiting for multiple Fortune 300 and Fortune 500 organizations, he has spent decades sitting on the hiring side of the table, leading talent acquisition functio...

Dr. Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, author, coach, and storytelling expert who has spent more than three decades helping individuals and organizations communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Often referred to as “Jim Carrey with a Ph. D.,” Danny blends high energy, humor, and practical wisdom to inspire audiences around the world. A former inner-city teacher, uni...

Few conversations leave you inspired to think differently about your career, leadership, and personal purpose. My discussion with Paul Comfort did exactly that. Through his own experiences and insights, Paul shared valuable lessons about discovering purpose, building meaningful relationships, and intentionally shaping a fulfilling career path. Paul Comfort is a nationally recognized transportation...

Welcome to this week’s episode of " People in Transition" . I’m your host, Bob Gerst, and today I’m joined by Gregg Lunceford, PhD, CFP®, a seasoned wealth advisor and thought leader who is redefining how we think about retirement. As a Managing Director at Mesirow and an academic researcher focused on 21st-century retirement transitions, Gregg brings a rare combination of real-world exp...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we’re joined by Steve Turner, co-owner and principal of Solomon Turner PR, an award-winning agency he co-founded more than three decades ago. Steve is an accomplished public relations professional, author, and keynote speaker. Throughout his career, he has assisted organizations ranging from multinational corporations to nonprofit entities in enhancing...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we’re joined by Sue Maitland, an ICF-accredited life and career transitions coach with over 13 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals navigate midlife change and create more meaningful, fulfilling lives. After a successful 20+ year career in IT consulting, Sue reached a point many can relate to - her life looked great on paper, but it...

David Chami, Managing Partner of Consumer Justice Law Firm, joined us on “ People in Transition” to shed light on an issue that quietly impacts millions of job seekers: background checks. With a legal career rooted in consumer protection and years of experience litigating under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, David has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars from companies that reported...

I’m excited to welcome Anthony Sharp to “ People in Transition” . Anthony is a career strategist and job search expert who has helped countless professionals clarify their value, sharpen their messaging, and approach the market with greater confidence and intention. With a practical, no-nonsense style and a deep understanding of how recruiters and hiring managers think, Anthony brings both technic...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we discuss what really happens inside the hiring process — and how understanding it can help you land your next role faster, smarter, and with far more confidence. My guest is Dan Waskow, founder of OnPoint Job Search Solutions. With more than 20 years as a corporate recruiter for organizations like Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, Credit Suisse...

Welcome to another episode of People in Transition . I’m your host, Bob Gerst. Today’s conversation is especially relevant for anyone who appears successful on paper—but feels burned out, unsettled, or quietly questioning what’s next. My guest is Mallory Byers . Mallory spent nearly a decade as a top-performing sales recruiter at Salesforce, where she helped highly driven professionals secure role...

This week on " People in Transition" , I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Spekman , a career strategist, therapist, and founder of Made for More Coach . Rachel brings a rare and powerful blend of experience—having spent years in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work before navigating multiple career transitions of her own into mental health and career strateg...

Stephanie Cordes knows what it means to chase success—and then intentionally redefine it. After spending more than twenty years building a strong corporate career in healthcare leadership, she made a bold pivot and now helps others take ownership of their careers on their own terms. As a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source, Stephanie creates a safe, no-pressure space for professi...

My guest today is Merry Korn , author of Fired to Inspired , a powerful teaching memoir that chronicles an extraordinary journey from professional setback to purpose-driven success. Merry’s story begins with being fired—a moment many job seekers fear most—but instead of letting that moment define her, she used it as the starting point for reinvention. What followed was not a polished overnight suc...

Ever look at your life and think, “How did I end up here… and why doesn’t this feel the way success should?” If that question feels uncomfortably familiar, this episode of “People in Transition” is one you’ll want to hear. My guest, Jake Kennington, knows what it’s like to build a career that looks enviable on paper while feeling disconnected on the inside. As a licensed Structural Engineer, he sp...

Welcome to “ People in Transition” , the podcast that gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate life’s biggest shifts with clarity and confidence. I’m your host, Bob Gerst — the Job Transition Professor — and today’s guest is someone who brings a powerful blend of creativity, wisdom, and lived experience to the world of personal transformation: Susan Hensley . Susan is a transform...

This week on " People in Transition" , our guest is Jack Calhoun—an inspiring guide for anyone exploring what comes after a successful first career. As the founder of Encore Career Lab , Jack helps high-achieving professionals design meaningful “second acts” that blend purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment. His passion comes from experience: after leading Capital Directions, LLC from $50...

Have you ever reached a point in your career where you knew it was time for a change — but taking that leap felt terrifying? This week on People in Transition , we talk with Christine Gullborg , who did exactly that. She made the bold decision to leave the classroom and step into the corporate world — a risky move that ultimately paid off, though not without a few memorable (and now humorous) inte...