Career Dreams

"Trust is impossible to build in the moment you need it." - Sarah Noll Wilson In this episode, Michelle and Chase reflect on their recent Leader Development Series kickoff, Foundations of Trustworthy Leadership , including insights from leaders who participated in the session.    Resources:  Website: Leading at the Speed of Trust (FranklinCovey) Article: Building Trust in Teams and Organizations (...

What is the biggest factor in achieving your Career Dreams? In this episode, Michelle takes the wheel to answer this question, challenge our thinking, and share insight on how we can take ownership of our goals in pursuit of career satisfaction and success. Resources:  Article: T op Work Ethic Skills (and 4 Tips to Improve Yours) (Indeed)   Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring y...

We often hear the phrase, Leaders aren't born, they're made, but what about learners ? Michelle and Chase break down the idea of learning how to learn in this episode. By organizing your goals, thinking about your thinking, and reflecting on your learning - you can learn how to maximize your learning.   Resources:  Article: Learning Is a Learned Behavior. Here's How to Get Better at It. (Harvard B...

Michelle and Chase share three little words many of us use everyday, but perhaps we should use these three words with caution. In this episode you will hear how you can approach conversations with more intent that ultimately results in deeper conversation and connection. Small talk ... big impact.    Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, p...

Michelle and Chase use Michael Bungay Stanier's book, How to Begin: Start Doing Something That Matters , as a reflection on starting the Career Dreams Podcast as they hit the 50th episode milestone. Michael's book offers a powerful process in nine steps to help people find their Worthy Goal, commit, and cross the threshold to begin. This episode will inspire you to establish and work towards your...

Michelle and Chase talk about how we approach life and work with two different mindsets - either with a fixed or growth mindset. In a Tale of Two Mindsets there are five key areas the duo explores that relate to having a fixed mindset versus a growth mindset. You will hear several benefits of approaching life, challenges, setbacks, and work with a growth mindset and ideas for shifting your thinkin...

Onboarding is a prime opportunity to win the hearts and minds of new employees . In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore the importance of new employee onboarding. There are various stakeholders involved, beyond the new employee, who have an opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute during onboarding. Michelle and Chase share their reflections and provide suggestions to incorporate into onboa...

The conversation IS the relationship. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share takeaways from a resource provided by Fierce, leaning on many principles from the book, Fierce Conversations , by Susan Scott. Regardless of your role, experience level, or Career Dreams, implementing these strategies will strengthen your connections with others and add depth and authenticity to your relationships. Res...

Michelle and Chase are inspired by Michael Hyatt and the Full Focus Company to take goal-setting a step further by creating SMARTER Goals. Many people are familiar with setting SMART Goals. Michelle and Chase take this idea two steps further by reframing SMART Goals with SMARTER Goals to move beyond goal-setting to goal achievement.  Resources: Article: How to Make Your SMART Goals SMARTER (Medium...

Michelle and Chase kick off a new year and season 2 of the podcast by focusing on new year resolutions, goals...and most importantly, intentions. In this episode, you'll learn why most new year resolutions fail, and how we can reframe our aspirations to create actionable, less overwhelming goals to bring our aspirations to life. Resources: Article: Why New Year's Resolutions Fail (NewsDirect) Arti...

While Michelle and Chase take some time off for the holidays, they are taking turns looking back at some of their favorite episodes so far. Chase reflects on Episode 17 - Feeling Overwhelmed, Now What?   A new year can feel overwhelming - resolutions, goal setting, wrapping up the year prior. How do you best combat feeling overwhelmed or when you're managing competing priorities? This episode shar...

While Michelle and Chase take some time off for the holidays, they are taking turns looking back at some of their favorite episodes so far. Today, Michelle reflects on Episode 14 - Choose Your Own Career Adventure . You are the protagonist in your story...how are you being an advocate for your career? Resources: Article: 15 Empowering Ways to Advocate for Yourself at Work (Forbes) Article: Ask an...

In this episode, Michelle and Chase discuss the importance of empathy. They discuss why empathy is not a nice to have, but a much needed skill to have at work and in our personal lives. Recently, FORUM had special guest, Adam Bouse, join leaders to discuss empathy. Michelle and Chase share some of Adam's takeaways and throw in some Brené Brown for good measure! Resources: Adam Bouse: LinkedIn Prof...

In this very special Career Dreams episode, Michelle and Chase reflect on wrapping up the first year of FORUM's new approach to Leader Development. During a recent Holiday Leader Happy Hour, they brought a few guests to the mic to share their reflections, insights, and moments of gratitude.  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please sha...

In this episode, Michelle & Chase talk about the importance of feedback. They talk through tips to give feedback to others; how to provide feedback to your manager; and how to effectively process feedback you receive. Michelle & Chase dig into the suggestion that feedback is best served like coffee ... it's best served hot and fresh. Listen in to hear how HOT is an easy acronym to help you keep fe...

In this episode, Chase talks about the importance of Self-Awareness and its part in helping us be the best version of ourselves. The phrase, "You'll get the best version of me when" is a powerful tool to uncover what allows us to show up and be our best. Chase talks through how this simple but meaningful phrase can position you for success. Resources: Article:   Unlock Your Organization's Wellness...

In this episode, Michelle expands on her conversation with Chase in episode 36, The Story I'm Telling Myself . In the absence of data, we make up stories....and assumptions. These assumptions can easily break down relationships, productivity, and team camaraderie. Michelle digs into the danger of assuming the worst - negative, or even malicious intentions - and suggest a simple, yet more productiv...

Michelle and Chase talk about FORUM Credit Union's "Day of Discovery". The "Day of Discovery" is an all-employee development day that focuses on re-energizing FORUM's purpose through connection, reconnection, and growth in a creative and fun day. Hear more about this tradition, what it means to FORUM employees, and what it takes to successfully execute such a creative gathering! Like it? Share it!...

Michelle and Chase dive into Brené Brown's work, specifically five simple words that make a big difference in communication, The Story I'm Telling Myself . In the absence of data, we make up stories. Michelle and Chase unpack this and share real examples where these words could have a big impact on preventing miscommunication or misunderstanding. Finding the courage to have tough conversations can...

In this episode, Michelle and Chase sat down with Gary Brackett, former NFL team captain and Super Bowl XLI champion with the Indianapolis Colts. A self-described underdog, Gary shared experiences and stories from his time as a walk-on with the Rutgers University football team, how his dedication and work ethic enabled him to become a team captain and defensive MVP, and ultimately led to a 9-seaso...

In this episode, Michelle and Chase consider this question in a LinkedIn post from service expert and author, Dennis Snow: "What is one improvement I can make in serving my customers (clients, patients, fellow employees, etc), that if I do it consistently and do it very well, will have a positive impact on their experience?" Regardless of our role, we all have opportunities to make a difference th...

If a group of non-managers were asked if they are Leaders, how many of those individuals would say "Yes, I'm a Leader"? We often identify being a Leader with having the title of "Leader or Manager", but being a Leader is about actions, behaviors, and influence. How can you lead without the title?  Michelle and Chase explore the idea of Leaders at all levels and share five actions that demonstrate...

Chase shares three actionable tips, and six questions from Emotional Intelligence expert Justin Bariso, to help you keep sight of your accomplishments even when you do not believe you have accomplished anything! Resources: LinkedIn Post - Rule of Reappraisal   Greater Good Science Center Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share i...

In this episode, Michelle is joined by a guest co-host, FORUM colleague Brandon Whatley, as they interview co-authors of the book, Leaders Assemble! Leadership in the MCU , Dr. Sy Islam and Dr. Gordon Schmidt. Sy and Gordon share insights and leadership lessons from pop culture, specifically through plots and characters in the Marvel comic and film franchise. Whether you're knowledgeable about the...

Demonstrating gratitude is a proven way to build relationships and drive business results. As simple as the concept is, it is an underutilized skill for leaders and colleagues at any level. In today's episode, Michelle shares 3 simple practices that show appreciation and gratitude for others that can be incorporated into our busy lives. Resources: Book:  Leading With Gratitude: Eight Leadership Pr...