Career Contessa

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...

Dr. Luis Velasquez joins us to unpack one of the most common (and frustrating) pieces of workplace feedback: “You’re not strategic enough.” Whether you’ve heard it during a performance review or you’re trying to grow your leadership skills, this episode offers clear advice, mindset shifts, and actionable steps to help you become more strategic in your day-to-day work—regardless of your role. You’l...

If you’re doing all the “right” things at work but still not getting promoted, this episode is your wake-up call. Former Google exec and Wild Courage author Jenny Wood joins us to unpack the hidden career traps that keep high performers stuck—and how to finally break through. From redefining “selfish” to reclaiming your power assets, Jenny shares the real talk (and practical tools) you need to sto...

Ever feel like work has lost its spark—or wonder if your 9–5 has any meaning at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by award-winning journalist and workplace expert Jennifer Moss, author of Why Are We Here? , to unpack what she calls a collective workplace crisis. We explore why so many people feel hopeless or disengaged at work—and what you can do about it, even if you’re not rea...

In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa Founder Lauren McGoodwin and Career Coach Marnie Lemonik kick off the first-ever summer series of 3 in 30 —focusing on career clarity from the ground up. The hardest part of a career move is getting started, and we’re breaking down exactly how to do that with three simple steps. Packed with practical ideas and personal stories, this episode is your roadmap...

Leadership expert Suzy Welch shares why execution — not ideas or charisma — is the real key to career growth. Learn how to build a reputation for follow-through and become the person every boss wants on their team. You’ll learn: ✅ Why execution drives promotions ✅ Habits that build trust and credibility ✅ How to turn ideas into action Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW...

In a world where AI is transforming the workplace faster than ever, self-leadership has become a must-have skill. But what does it actually mean to lead yourself—and how can you start? In this episode,  Leading Yourself author and leadership consultant Elizabeth Lotardo breaks down four essential practices of self-leaders. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, looking for more meaning in you...

Feeling overworked and undervalued? You might be operating below the resentment line —but you don’t have to stay there. In this episode, Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap , shares four key strategies to help you set boundaries, stay motivated, and reclaim your career satisfaction. You’ll learn: How to recognize when you’re operating below the resentment line and why it happens Practical str...

Struggling with small talk? Dreading awkward silences? According to Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks, there’s a 10-second trick that can instantly make you a better conversationalist—and it’s backed by science. In this episode, host Lauren McGoodwin sits down with Alison to explore why meaningful conversations matter more than ever, and how we can all get better at them with just a...

What sets top performers apart? In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and coach Marnie Lemonik share three key lessons high achievers live by—like embracing self-awareness, mastering adaptability, and owning your time. Packed with practical tips and tools, this episode will help you level up at work and beyond. Listen in to learn: Why adaptability is your most employabl...