Career Dreams

Are you running toward something or away from something? In this episode, Michelle and Chase share the science behind why successful people set  approach goals instead of avoidance goals . Approach goals focus on growth and opportunity, while avoidance goals can lead to stress, burnout, and anxiety. Michelle and Chase share practical ways to reframe your goals so they inspire progress rather than...

Season 5 is under way and Michelle & Chase kick off the new year with a deep dive into "hurry sickness" - that constant sense of rushing through work and life. They explore why hurry isn't the same as high performance and how chronic impatience, time urgency, and multitasking can erode health, trust, and effectiveness. From the hidden costs of switching tasks and attention residue to the myth that...

Michelle and Chase revisit Episode 153: Leader Development is Crucial for Team Success . In this special highlight episode, they explore why ongoing leader development matters more than ever. Tune in to hear key insights on how continuous growth helps leaders stay relevant, inspire their teams, set the right example, and drive organizational success in an ever-changing workplace.   You can listen...

Michelle and Chase wrap up the year by revisiting some of the most impactful conversations from Season 4 of Career Dreams. In this episode, they highlight their conversation with Adam Bouse, coach, mentor, and founder of Optimistic Coaching. Adam brings a wealth of experience and shares a deeply personal story about a significant loss that shaped how he shows up every day. His insights on grounded...

Dream On! The Career Dreams Podcast Celebrates 200 Episodes & Kicks Off Season 5!   That's right, Career Dreams is celebrating 200 episodes with a special live-recorded episode in front of several loyal listeners! In this milestone episode, Michelle and Chase answer audience questions and share what it means to own your career, the importance of showing up, and lessons learned from four years of C...

In this episode, Adam Weber, founder of Emplify and renowned executive coach, shares his insights on the pivotal role of leadership in driving employee engagement. Adam dives deep into the importance of intrinsic motivation, psychological safety, and collective empathy in the workplace. Discover how managers can influence organizational success, foster a motivating culture, and help employees conn...

In this episode of the, Michelle and Chase dive into the topic of reframing beliefs that hold us back. The conversation explores how limiting beliefs impact our careers and offers practical insights on shifting our mindset for growth and success. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiring stories to help you overcome barriers and unlock your potential. Article: The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Le...

Career Development isn't what it used to be...with the world of work, technology, and skill requirements moving faster than ever before, we need to stay ready, so we aren't playing catch-up when opportunity knocks. In this brief episode, Michelle defines upskilling and reskilling, and offers strategies for making continuous learning an everyday habit. Article: Continuous Learning - Stay Ready so Y...

The future of personal growth and development can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of AI and the rapid pace of change. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share four practical strategies to help you future proof your career by focusing on what you  can control. These everyday strategies will empower you to take charge and become the architect of your career dreams in 2026 and beyond. Ar...

Michelle and Chase wrap up their series on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni with a conversation about the fifth dysfunction: inattention to results . They explore what happens when team members prioritize personal success over collective outcomes and how leaders can refocus teams on shared goals, accountability, and measurable impact. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a questi...

Michelle and Chase continue their series on The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this time diving into the fourth dysfunction: avoidance of accountability . They explore how accountability shows up (or doesn't) on teams, why peer-to-peer accountability matters, and how leaders can foster a culture where commitments are upheld and performance is elevated. Got a question? Ask us! Do...

Michelle and Chase continue their journey through  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this time unpacking the third dysfunction: lack of commitment . They explore how ambiguity and avoidance can stall progress, and why clarity and buy-in are essential for team momentum. If you've ever struggled with getting alignment or follow-through, this episode is for you. Got a question? Ask...

Michelle and Chase continue their series on the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni, this time diving into the second dysfunction: fear of conflict . They explore why healthy conflict is essential for high-performing teams, how to recognize when it's missing, and what leaders can do to create space for honest, productive dialogue. Article: Overcoming Fear of Conflict Got a qu...

In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore the first dysfunction from Patrick Lencioni's  The Five Dysfunctions of a Team : the absence of trust . They talk about what real, vulnerability-based trust looks like on teams and why it's the foundation for everything else.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can  submit  an audio recording...

In this new series, Michelle and Chase dive into the book, The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencion, a timeless leadership classic for teams and leaders still today. Each episode will unpack one of the five core dysfunctions Lencioni outlines, offering practical insights and real-world applications for building stronger, more cohesive teams. Whether you're a seasoned leader or an emergin...

In this episode, Michelle and Chase sit down with Amber Watts to explore a transformative approach to employee development: Everboarding . Amber shares insights from her book From Onboarding to Everboarding: Redefining Employee Development , challenging traditional views of onboarding as a one-time event and reframing it as a strategic, ongoing process that fuels long-term performance, retention,...

Michelle and Chase explore the phrase "the hills we die on" and how rigid beliefs can hinder empathy, trust, and influence. They discuss the importance of recognizing alternative perspectives and moving beyond the mindset that the old way is always the right way. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can  submit  an audio recording of your...

In this heartfelt and thought-provoking episode of  Career Dreams , Adam Bouse, Founder & Coach at Optimistic Coaching, joins Michelle and Chase to share his personal journey. It's a wonderful a conversation about what it means to practice positivity in the face of life's hardest moments. This episode explores how life and work intersect, especially during times of grief, loss, or personal challen...

Michelle and Chase explore the power of curiosity in leadership, teamwork, and navigating change. Change isn't a single moment, it's a constant wave. By leaning into curiosity, we can approach uncertainty with open-mindedness and transform it into possibility. In this episode, you'll hear how curiosity positively impacts our work, strengthens our relationships, and shapes the way we lead. Got a qu...

With more than 40 years of work in the talent development profession, Dr. Beverly Kaye, best-selling author, speaker and internationally recognized expert on career development, career engagement, and retention, joins Career Dreams to share her strategies for owning your growth. Often credited with the concept of stay interviews, Bev's work has influenced many of the conversations we have to this...

Chase talks mindset and the power of doing the hard thing by trying to see it as easy. Hear how a Peloton mantra, a few wise quotes, and some personal reflections might shift your thinking and how you approach the hard things.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can  submit  an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcom...

What do people thank you for? This simple question from Daniel Pink can reveal something powerful. Your greatest strengths. If we truly listen to the gratitude we receive, it can tell us what we're good at. Gratitude is feedback. But are we paying attention? Knowing your strengths leads to more meaningful, fulfilling work. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share practical strategies to embrace g...

In this episode, Michelle surprises Chase with an unexpected article about generational differences. The article might just challenge how you think about age at work. But the real story unfolds as Michelle and Chase dive into what it  actually  takes to thrive on multi-generational teams. Spoiler alert: It's less about the year you were born and more about how well you understand and connect with...

A recent conversation with a colleague inspired Michelle to share her take on balancing personal authenticity with self-awareness, and knowing when to "read the room" and adjust our tone, timing, and delivery to influence others. In this brief episode, learn three simple strategies for maintaining your authentic self while meeting others where they are.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a quest...

Michelle and Chase dive into the dynamic relationship between education and experience, and how to strike the right balance to support your career aspirations. In this episode of  Career Dreams , they explore why being intentional and strategic about learning and doing is key to unlocking growth and staying aligned with your goals and career dreams. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question y...