Career Contessa

Before you set another career goal, hit pause — it’s time for a career audit. Career coach and product marketing pro Saniya Waghray Tyagi shares how to reflect on the past year, clarify what’s working (and what’s not), and set intentional goals that align your energy, environment, and ambitions for 2026. You’ll learn: The five key areas to evaluate in your career audit — and how to spot when you’r...

In this episode, Lauren and Marnie break down three major workplace predictions for 2026, drawing from leading reports by Indeed, Forbes, and McKinsey.  After a quick lookback on 2025, Lauren and Marnie dive deep into what’s ahead for the new year as it relates to job searching and larger workplace cultural shifts.  You’ll Learn: Why the 2026 job market may feel familiar and how to job s...

We’re replaying one of our most popular episodes with courage coach and bestselling author Dr. Margie Warrell. If fear or self-doubt has ever held you back from making a career move or life change, this episode will help you take that next step with confidence. You’ll learn: Why fear and overthinking keep us stuck in inaction Dr. Margie’s 5-step process for building courage and momentum How to ref...

In this solo 3 in 30 episode, career coach Marnie Lemonik answers listener questions across leadership, job searching, and workplace growth. From stepping into people management for the first time to navigating stagnation, hypothetical interview questions, and asking for more feedback, Marnie breaks down the mindsets and tactical approaches that will help you move forward with confidence.  Yo...

This holiday season, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring communication expert Matt Abrahams. Learn how to stay calm, concise, and confident in spontaneous conversations — from job interviews to everyday workplace interactions. You’ll learn: How to manage anxiety in high-stakes communication moments Simple structures (like “What? So what? Now what?”) to keep your responses c...

We’re replaying one of our most-loved episodes to close out the year. Career coach Kristin Evanson joins me to share how neuroscience can help you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset — so you can approach challenges with confidence and creativity. You’ll learn: The difference between fixed and growth mindsets (and how to spot your own tendencies) Four actionable steps to reframe limitin...

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik are in full holiday prep mode—tackling the stress that often comes with taking paid time off.  From the anxiety of unplugging to the chaos of catching up, they share practical strategies to make your vacations more restorative and less overwhelming.  You’ll Learn: How to use AI tools to streamline your post-vacation “catch up” proce...

Fear shows up in every career — whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, going for a stretch role, or asking for a raise. But courage isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about acting with it. In this episode, Harvard Business School professor and author Ranjay Gulati shares the science of everyday courage and practical strategies to help you move forward boldly in your career. You’ll learn: The “fear...

Think personal branding is only for extroverts? Think again. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Goldie Chan—personal branding strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Personal Branding for Introverts —to unpack how introverts can grow their authentic presence without burning out. You’ll learn: Why personal branding is about clarity and connection, not self-promotion The “Five C’s” every intr...

Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity and resilience at work. In this episode, play designer Cas Holman shares how curiosity and playfulness can help teams thrive. You’ll learn: Why adults need play to spark innovation How leaders can model play without it feeling forced Easy ways to bring more play into your daily work Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37h...

Your time isn’t your most valuable resource—it’s your attention. In this episode, Dr. Zelana Montminy (Dr. Z), behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus , joins Lauren to explore why learning to protect your attention is the new workplace superpower. From the myth of multitasking to the everyday “focus thieves” draining your energy, Dr. Z shares practical strategies for reclaiming your focu...

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik tackle one of the most common struggles for all of us —setting boundaries at work. From overcommitting to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they break down why boundaries matter and how to enforce them in a way that feels fair, balanced, and realistic.  You’ll Learn: How to replace “maybe” with clear, confident communication How to u...

We’ve been told our whole lives that competition makes us better, sharper, and more successful. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast , I’m joined by Ruchika Malhotra—founder of Candour and author of UNCOMPETE —to challenge the myth that competition is the key to growth. Instead, she shows us why uncompeting is the real path to abundance, joy, a...

Ever worked for a bad boss? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this episode, workplace equity expert and author Mita Mallick unpacks the realities of toxic leadership and how to rise above it. From micromanagers to spotlight-stealers, Mita shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to protect your confidence and career. You’ll learn: The 13 types of bad bosses—and which ones do th...

Why do some people seem to instantly earn trust and command a room—without being pushy or fake? In this episode, executive communication coach Dr. Kate Mason shares research-backed strategies from her book Powerfully Likeable to help you show up with warmth, authenticity, and confidence at work. You’ll learn: The difference between being likeable and being a people-pleaser Subtle body language shi...

Executive coach and author Martin Dubin joins us to unpack the 6 most common leadership blindspots—and why the most successful people are often the most blind to them. You’ll learn: Why your biggest strength might secretly be a liability How emotions can quietly hijack your leadership The first step to uncovering what’s holding you back Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW G...

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik dive into the art of telling your career story—a skill that matters whether you’re interviewing, networking, or simply introducing yourself in a work environment. Listen to hear about  the three key parts every career story should include and share practical frameworks (plus real examples) to help you create a concise, clear, and authent...

Ever feel stuck at work but can’t quite put your finger on why? In this episode, executive coach and Leadership Unblocked author Muriel Wilkins explains the invisible blockers that stand between you and your full potential. She shares why a “perception gap” can hold you back even more than a skills gap — and how you can start coaching yourself to break through those hidden barriers. You’ll learn:...

Struggle with saying “no” at work? You’re not alone. In this episode, career coach and talent acquisition manager Adeline Callanan joins us to break down what assertive communication really looks like—and how to build the skill without sounding aggressive. You’ll learn: ✅ How to speak up without being seen as “difficult” ✅ Simple language shifts that boost your confidence ✅ Nonverbal cues that...

Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik close out their 3-part summer series on Career Clarity with an honest conversation about “waiting seasons” in your career—the in-between times when you’re not quite where you want to be yet. If you’ve ever felt stuck or restless while waiting for the next step to unfold, this episode will help you see that season with fresh perspective and practical tools. Tu...

Have you ever made a big work decision—only to second-guess it immediately? Or felt like you’re constantly pushing against a career path that’s supposed to feel “right”? According to Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones, the issue might not be your ambition—it might be your alignment. In this episode, Erin joins us to talk about her new book, How Do You Choose? , and how Human Design can offer a...

Feel like you’re doing everything right but still not getting the recognition you deserve? In this episode, LinkedIn Top Voice Lorraine K. Lee shares actionable ways to raise your visibility at work—without burning out, bragging, or pretending to be someone you’re not. You’ll learn: Why visibility is essential for real career growth—and how to stand out subtly but powerfully Smart ways to build yo...

Author Brad Englert shares how to build lasting influence through trust, visibility, and real relationships. Learn how to strengthen your internal and external networks and why influence is a must-have leadership skill—not just a nice-to-have. You’ll Learn: Why influence is a hard skill every modern leader needs How to strengthen relationships inside and outside your organization Practical habits...

So you finally have a sense of your next career move—now what? In this 3 in 30 episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik share three practical steps to help you turn that newfound clarity into real progress. If you’re feeling stuck between knowing what you want and actually going for it, this episode is your roadmap to get moving. Tune in to learn: How to move forward without obsessing over...

What’s your reputation when you’re not in the room? Career and leadership expert Kimberly Brown joins us to share how to take control of your professional narrative—before someone else does. You’ll learn: How to assess and reshape the story others tell about you Practical ways to boost your visibility without “self-promoting” The difference between building a career and building a lasting legacy S...