Career Dreams

Michelle and Chase's AuGUESTravaganza concludes in this episode with the rest of their conversation with Andrew Spirrison, FORUM's Chief Member Experience Officer. Andrew shares the valuable lessons he's learned by growing up in a family-owned business, and how those lessons have shaped his view on careers, relationships, service, and leadership. As always, Andrew was generous with his time and ex...

Michelle and Chase's AuGUESTravaganza continues in this episode with a conversation with Andrew Spirrison, FORUM's Chief Member Experience Officer. Andrew shares the valuable lessons he's learned by growing up in a family-owned business, and how those lessons have shaped his view on careers, relationships, service, and leadership. As always, Andrew was generous with his time and expertise as he sh...

Michelle and Chase have a conversation with Raine, Assistant Branch Manager at FORUM's Lawrence Branch. Raine shares her experience as a relatively new leader and the journey that led her to where she is today. If you're an inspiring leader, an existing leader, or you're looking to make a greater impact as a teammate, you'll gain some valuable insight from this episode.    Got a question? Ask us!...

Michelle had a special guest join her for this episode...her son, Matt Baker. Matt is a senior at IUPUI - Kelley School of Business; he just wrapped up a summer internship with MWI Animal Health, a division of AmerisourceBergen. Matt reflects on the professional and personal lessons he learned throughout his first experience with people leadership. Whether you are early in your career like Matt or...

Michelle and Chase have a conversation about the complex world of trust, specifically extending trust. There is no one size fits all path when it comes to extending, building, and maintaing trust.   They discuss three critical areas intertwined with trust:  Self-Awareness Brené Brown's BRAVING inventory Delegation The cultivation and nurturing of trusting relationships demand dedication and attent...

Michelle puts Chase in the "hot seat" in this special episode of Career Dreams, taking the opportunity to interview him about his career at FORUM and to celebrate his recent two-year work anniversary at the Credit Union. Chase discusses the importance of credible, trustworthy relationships, his partnership with Michelle in reimagining leader development at FORUM, and shares some of his personal an...

Why do people struggle to have "real" conversations, when it's the "unreal" conversations that can be costly? While Chase is taking time off, Michelle reflects on a LinkedIn message she received from a colleague, and calls back to episode 47, "Improving Relationships One Conversation at a Time."   Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can ...

It can be so easy to get comfortable in our routines or leaning on our current level of expertise. But is this risking "resting on our laurels" - and will it set us back as we try to reach our Career Dreams? In this quick solo episode, Michelle looks to the origin of this old expression and shares some inspiration for moving forward each day. Resources: Podcast: Big Improvements Through Small Acti...

Have you ever been asked a question that was phrased in a way that made you feel like the person asking assumed you knew way more about something than you did? How we ask questions, even though it may seem insignificant, can have a significant impact on how a person feels and ultimately responds. In this episode, Chase shares a real-life example of being asked a presumptive question that put him i...

Self-promotion - sound cringy? What if we think about it as self-advocacy and taking ownership of and communicating our accomplishments? In this episode, Michelle and Chase take inspiration from the Independence Holiday in the United States to ask ourselves what we want to be... the firework with an impressive display or one that lingers in the background that goes unnoticed or unrecognized? Resou...

Mistakes....we all make them from time to time, but how you handle and learn from them can set you apart as you pursue your career dreams. In this episode, Michelle and Chase take inspiration from the recent #DearIntern social media thread and discuss strategies for overcoming big and small mistakes. Resources: Podcast: Take Out the Head Trash (Career Dreams) Article: Had a Bad Day? Here's What to...

Michelle and Chase talk through the importance of connecting to create high performing teams.  Relationships with coworkers, including leaders, can have a major impact on our health and well-being. Leveraging a personal connection among teams opens the door to more meaningful work and stronger relationships. Resources: Article: The Most Important Skill Leaders Should Master (NAFCU) Article: Every...

Chase and Michelle are back from their recent travels to San Diego for the 2023 Association for Talent Development International Conference! In this episode, they share key takeaways from their experience, and share insights on networking, professional development, and other tips for maximizing the time and financial investment. Resources: Podcast: Taking the Work out of Networking  (Career Dreams...

Michelle and Chase talk through the lessons learned about teamwork from the Indianapolis 500. Take a lap around the Indianapolis Motor Speedway as Michelle and Chase take the green flag, hit the corners, and watch the checkered flag fly. Listen in to hear why it takes a strong team to end up in victory lane, both at the racetrack or at work!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring...

We've discussed the concepts of having a fixed or a growth mindset, but what if there was a way to take growth mindset up a notch? In this episode, Michelle reflects on an article that explored the benefits of having not just a growth mindset, but one of abundance. Resources: Episode 49: A Tale of Two Mindsets (Career Dreams) Episode 60: Bloom Where You Are Planted (Career Dreams) Article: Plenty...

"You're on mute!!" How many times have we heard or said this statement over the past few years? Unfortunately, many of us are still muting ourselves - either literally or figuratively. In this episode, Chase and Michelle discuss reasons why people are staying unnoticed in the background, not being an active participant in conversations or meetings. Resources: Episode 46: SMARTER Goals (Career Drea...

Credibility on the surface might be easy to take for granted, but it turns out credibility is a bit more nuanced and complex. In this episode, Michelle and Chase break down credibility through the lens of personal credibility and professional credibility. The duo explores how this seemingly simple difference is quite significant. Take a listen to hear how you can focus on improving both personal a...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) news is everywhere you look these days, and Chat GPT is really having a moment. In this episode, Chase and Michelle break down the advice Chat GPT gave Michelle when she asked a question about career development. You might be surprised at the answer! Resources: Check out these other Career Dreams episodes, referenced in today's show! Choose Your Own Career Adventure A...

Just like our body needs time to rest and recover, our minds do, too. In this Career Dreams episode, Michelle and Chase talk about the importance of boredom! Okay, not really boredom, but they talk about the importance of doing nothing to serve a purpose. Have you ever wondered why some of your best ideas come in the most interesting, perhaps mindless, moments? This episode explores that idea and...

Just like a plant requires sunlight, nutrients, and attention to grow and thrive, our careers need the same care and nutrition over time. In this episode, Michelle and Chase reflect on the blooming spring season and make comparisons to our career through planting our seeds to grow, nurture and thrive in our careers now and in the future. Resources: Podcast: What's self-awareness got to do with it?...

What if we thought about investing in ourselves, our professional wealth, just as much as we think about investing in other forms of wealth? 401(k), IRA, Compound Interest, Capital Gains... these are words and phrases most of us our familiar with, but what about the return we get when we invest ourselves, in our ongoing professional development? Michelle & Chase take inspiration from Tax Day in th...

Words matter! In this episode, Michelle and Chase talk about the word "just" and how it can minimize impact and diminish communication. The word "just" has a time a place but it also can be overused. Take a listen and challenge yourself to examine the words you say that might discount yourself or your communication.    Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams thro...

Life and work doesn't always go according to plan! In this episode, Michelle shares insights on the importance of developing adaptability skills to navigate the unplanned circumstances and setbacks we all experience. Resources:  Article: Adaptability in the workplace: Defining and improving this key skill (BetterUp) Report: 2023 Employment Outlook Survey (Manpower Group) Podcast: Rise with Resilie...

How can finding joy in everyday moments help you build connections and find fulfillment in your work? In this episode, Michelle reflects on a recent discussion at a virtual networking event where joy was definitely at the forefront.  Resources:  Article:  How to Find Joy in Your Work (Conant Leadership) Podcast: Making Gratitude a Daily Practice  (Career Dreams) Podcast:   Big Improvements Through...

What happens if you give yourself room to grow? In this episode, Chase talks through how change and growth are not mutually exclusive and how we can push ourselves to change by giving space for growth.  Resources:  Article:   Growth Requires Change & Here's Why (John Barrett Leadership) Podcast: Choose Your Own Career Adventure (Career Dreams) Podcast: Big Improvements Through Small Actions (Caree...