Looped in: Career Conversations

In this episode, we unpack what the “hidden job market” really means for I/O psychologists and why it’s less about secret jobs and more about opportunities that emerge through relationships, networking, local connections, and anticipating future organizational needs. We also discuss how to take calculated career risks, expand your skill set without misrepresenting your experience, and navigate opp...

In this episode, we explore the challenges I/O psychologists face when trying to translate their academic knowledge, research, and all of those I/O terms into some sort of language business leaders and organizations can understand. So, if you've ever wondered how to communicate your value and turn your I/O expertise into meaningful business impact, this episode is for you.  Want to find out more a...

In this episode, Heather, Alex, Jonathan, and Eric talk about the Global Work and Organizational Psychology Career Fair on September 10, 2026, from 12:00 – 8:00 PM UTC (8:00 AM – 4:00 PM ET). We also talk about things like finding your place in I/O psychology and a really important question to ask yourself when it comes to finding your place: " What types of problems do you wanna solve within an o...

Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, whether it’s a literal storm or a challenge we never saw coming. In that same way, teams perform at their best when people feel safe asking questions, admitting mistakes, and challenging ideas without fear of judgment. In this episode, we discuss the research and real-world applications of psychological safety, along with the leadership beh...

Emotional intelligence is often treated as a simple leadership skill, with one or two basic components, but is it really that straightforward? In this episode, we explore what emotional intelligence looks like in practice, discuss common misconceptions, and examine how empathy, self-awareness, communication, conflict, and even neurodiversity shape how we work and connect with others. Want to find...

What drives you? What helps keep you motivated at work? In this episode, stay in the loop on evidence-based motivational theories. Want to find out more about LOOP? You're just one click away: →  League of Organizational Psychologists Reference Imran, U. D., Ghazwan, M. F., & Firmansyah, F. (2025). The effect of recognition and appreciation on employee motivation and performance. Economics and...

Just In! The First Official League of Organizational Psychologists (LOOP) Podcast Launch! Looped In: Career Conversations. In this episode, we discuss organizational development (and what attracts people to this area), careers in I/O psychology, and resume wins and woes.  Want to find out more about the LOOP? Check out our website to stay in the loop: League of Organizational Psychologists

How much can a resume really communicate in just a few seconds? In this episode, Dr. Alex DeChurch and I discuss applicant tracking systems (ATS), networking, resume strategy, and why understanding your unique value matters just as much as optimizing your resume for the hiring process. Need help with your resume? Download the resume resource here: I/O’ify Your Resume Want to stay in the loop about...

In this episode, Heather and Alex DeChurch discuss common resume mistakes and how to make your experience stand out. In addition, they also share ways to tell your story and showcase your accomplishments in a way that gets attention from hiring managers and recruiters.  Need help with your resume? Download the resume resource here: I/O’ify Your Resume Want to stay in the loop about what I'm creati...

In this podcast, Heather introduces the Spheres of Influence framework to help listeners focus their time and energy on what they can actually control in their job search. She shares practical strategies to reduce overwhelm and burnout and use both the Circle of Control and Circle of Influence to make meaningful progress toward career goals. Download the Spheres of Influence Exercise: Spheres of I...

In this episode, Heather talks about the different areas within the field of I/O psychology and how this can lead to confusion and burnout in many new grads and career seekers. She also explains how many I/Os look for certainty before taking action. However, instead of trying to find one perfect "forever" path, work on identifying your strengths, values, and interests.  Ready to explore your own c...

In this episode, Heather talks about how the job search process can be challenging; however, it's important to prioritize your well-being.  She also shares that she's building something new for the I/O community to help students, new grads, and career transitioners gain more career direction and confidence. Want to stay in the loop about what I'm creating for the I/O community? Tap here. Want even...

In this episode, Heather discusses why career readiness in I/O psychology is about more than just resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Using her three-step framework of Know Yourself, Know the Market, and Know Your Path Forward, she explores how new graduates can build clarity and confidence without feeling overwhelmed by all of the possible career directions in the field.  I/O Career Readiness Checklis...

In this episode, Heather talks about how early-career and aspiring I/O psychologists can build credible portfolios even before working with a single client. She discusses how your coursework, internships, research, LinkedIn content, and side projects can all become valuable portfolio pieces when positioned strategically.  Want more career clarity? My Website and LinkedIn Book a Clarity Session Off...

In this episode, Heather shares top takeaways from last week’s annual SIOP conference and how it’s shaping her thinking on AI, teaching, and career development. She also announces the launch of her newest I/O Psychology Career Accelerator Workbook. To get even more support, she introduces her new Office Hours offering for quick, focused career support. Want more career clarity? My Website and Link...

This week, I'm resharing one of my most popular episodes: Why Your I/O Career is Unclear Right Now. This past week, I had the pleasure of traveling to D.C. to talk to I/O graduates at the University of Maryland about how to find your place in the field of I/O. Can you finish this sentence? "I want to help _____ solve _____ using _____." If you can't, chances are it's time to reflect on your intere...

In this episode, Heather explores how overthinking and analysis paralysis can keep you stuck in your career and delay meaningful progress. She also shares how to shift from passive learning to intentional action so you can start building clarity through small, consistent habits. Want more career clarity? My Website! Book a Clarity Session Career Clarity Workbook I/O Psychology Career Accelerator W...

In this episode, Heather breaks down the difference between being busy and building your I/O career. She introduces an exercise you can begin using today: A skills gap analysis, along with a helpful tip to communicate your experience to hiring managers. Career Accelerator Workshop Sign Up Here Want more career clarity? My Website! Book a Clarity Session FREE Clarity Workshop Career Clarity Workboo...

In this episode, Heather shares a simple framework to help you start exploring your I/O niche. By using your skills, energy, and the job market, you can start gaining clarity and direction in your career path. FREE Career Acceleration Workshop Register Here Want more career clarity? My Website! Book a Clarity Session Career Clarity Workbook Let's Connect on Substack & LinkedIn

In this episode, Heather talks about why your career may be unclear right now. (And no, it's not because you're unqualified...) After this quick episode, you’ll walk away with practical questions to help you start identifying your path within the field. FREE Career Acceleration Workshop Register here ! Want more career clarity? My Website and LinkedIn Book a Clarity Session FREE Clarity Workshop C...

In this episode, Heather shares two books that impacted how she approaches work today: Four Thousand Weeks and The 12 Week Year. She talks about the concepts of finitude and how 12-week planning can transform the way you think about productivity and goals. She also shares how letting go of what doesn’t matter and focusing on a few priorities can help you move forward with clarity and purpose. Want...

In this episode, Heather continues the conversation from "Ep. 16 Deconstructing the 9-to-5" by exploring why the traditional 40-hour workweek may no longer work for everyone. She examines how ideas like the Pareto Principle, Parkinson’s Law, and output-based productivity challenge the outdated assumption that time spent working equals value created. Heather also shares practical strategies for ret...

In this episode, Heather shares how she went from burnout and rigid expectations to discovering a more flexible, values-aligned way of working. She opens up about breaking free from the traditional 9-to-5 narrative and finding clarity through freelance writing and redefining success on her own terms. She also breaks down the pressures of the linear career path and opens the door to creative, flexi...

In this episode, Heather explains how understanding what motivates you can help transform your decisions, improve career clarity, and increase your overall fulfillment. She also shares her own VIA results to show how strengths and values work together in real life. Discover how to uncover your true core values using Heather’s step-by-step Value Sort Exercise and the VIA Character Strengths assessm...

In this episode, Heather explores how cognitive biases like the ambiguity effect and the sunk cost fallacy quietly influence your career decisions. She breaks down why uncertainty often scares us away from opportunities and how past investments can keep us stuck in unfulfilling paths. Your goals: Slow down, question assumptions, and make clearer, more confident choices. Want more career clarity? M...