People in Transition

Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition , I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs. After the acquisition of the company where he served on the execut...

This week on “ People in Transition” , I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gates, and what a fascinating conversation it was. John brings a unique perspective to salary negotiation and career transitions. As a former Head of Global Recruiting for multiple Fortune 300 and Fortune 500 organizations, he has spent decades sitting on the hiring side of the table, leading talent acquisition functio...

Dr. Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, author, coach, and storytelling expert who has spent more than three decades helping individuals and organizations communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Often referred to as “Jim Carrey with a Ph. D.,” Danny blends high energy, humor, and practical wisdom to inspire audiences around the world. A former inner-city teacher, uni...

Few conversations leave you inspired to think differently about your career, leadership, and personal purpose. My discussion with Paul Comfort did exactly that. Through his own experiences and insights, Paul shared valuable lessons about discovering purpose, building meaningful relationships, and intentionally shaping a fulfilling career path. Paul Comfort is a nationally recognized transportation...

Welcome to this week’s episode of " People in Transition" . I’m your host, Bob Gerst, and today I’m joined by Gregg Lunceford, PhD, CFP®, a seasoned wealth advisor and thought leader who is redefining how we think about retirement. As a Managing Director at Mesirow and an academic researcher focused on 21st-century retirement transitions, Gregg brings a rare combination of real-world exp...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we’re joined by Steve Turner, co-owner and principal of Solomon Turner PR, an award-winning agency he co-founded more than three decades ago. Steve is an accomplished public relations professional, author, and keynote speaker. Throughout his career, he has assisted organizations ranging from multinational corporations to nonprofit entities in enhancing...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we’re joined by Sue Maitland, an ICF-accredited life and career transitions coach with over 13 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals navigate midlife change and create more meaningful, fulfilling lives. After a successful 20+ year career in IT consulting, Sue reached a point many can relate to - her life looked great on paper, but it...

David Chami, Managing Partner of Consumer Justice Law Firm, joined us on “ People in Transition” to shed light on an issue that quietly impacts millions of job seekers: background checks. With a legal career rooted in consumer protection and years of experience litigating under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, David has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars from companies that reported...

I’m excited to welcome Anthony Sharp to “ People in Transition” . Anthony is a career strategist and job search expert who has helped countless professionals clarify their value, sharpen their messaging, and approach the market with greater confidence and intention. With a practical, no-nonsense style and a deep understanding of how recruiters and hiring managers think, Anthony brings both technic...

In this episode of “ People in Transition” , we discuss what really happens inside the hiring process — and how understanding it can help you land your next role faster, smarter, and with far more confidence. My guest is Dan Waskow, founder of OnPoint Job Search Solutions. With more than 20 years as a corporate recruiter for organizations like Dell Technologies, Fidelity Investments, Credit Suisse...

Welcome to another episode of People in Transition . I’m your host, Bob Gerst. Today’s conversation is especially relevant for anyone who appears successful on paper—but feels burned out, unsettled, or quietly questioning what’s next. My guest is Mallory Byers . Mallory spent nearly a decade as a top-performing sales recruiter at Salesforce, where she helped highly driven professionals secure role...

This week on " People in Transition" , I had the pleasure of speaking with Rachel Spekman , a career strategist, therapist, and founder of Made for More Coach . Rachel brings a rare and powerful blend of experience—having spent years in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, and nonprofit work before navigating multiple career transitions of her own into mental health and career strateg...

Stephanie Cordes knows what it means to chase success—and then intentionally redefine it. After spending more than twenty years building a strong corporate career in healthcare leadership, she made a bold pivot and now helps others take ownership of their careers on their own terms. As a Career Ownership Coach with The Entrepreneur’s Source, Stephanie creates a safe, no-pressure space for professi...

My guest today is Merry Korn , author of Fired to Inspired , a powerful teaching memoir that chronicles an extraordinary journey from professional setback to purpose-driven success. Merry’s story begins with being fired—a moment many job seekers fear most—but instead of letting that moment define her, she used it as the starting point for reinvention. What followed was not a polished overnight suc...

Ever look at your life and think, “How did I end up here… and why doesn’t this feel the way success should?” If that question feels uncomfortably familiar, this episode of “People in Transition” is one you’ll want to hear. My guest, Jake Kennington, knows what it’s like to build a career that looks enviable on paper while feeling disconnected on the inside. As a licensed Structural Engineer, he sp...

Welcome to “ People in Transition” , the podcast that gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate life’s biggest shifts with clarity and confidence. I’m your host, Bob Gerst — the Job Transition Professor — and today’s guest is someone who brings a powerful blend of creativity, wisdom, and lived experience to the world of personal transformation: Susan Hensley . Susan is a transform...

This week on " People in Transition" , our guest is Jack Calhoun—an inspiring guide for anyone exploring what comes after a successful first career. As the founder of Encore Career Lab , Jack helps high-achieving professionals design meaningful “second acts” that blend purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment. His passion comes from experience: after leading Capital Directions, LLC from $50...

Have you ever reached a point in your career where you knew it was time for a change — but taking that leap felt terrifying? This week on People in Transition , we talk with Christine Gullborg , who did exactly that. She made the bold decision to leave the classroom and step into the corporate world — a risky move that ultimately paid off, though not without a few memorable (and now humorous) inte...

Why you should listen to this episode: If you’re about to graduate and feeling unsure about what’s next, this episode will help you turn uncertainty into a clear career plan — with someone who has been in your shoes and made bold moves that paid off. About my guest: Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab , a platform helping ambitious grads find clarity after college. Early in her car...

🎙️ People in Transition – Featuring Walter Sabrin What do championship athletes and successful job seekers have in common? A short memory, a sharp mindset, and the ability to bounce back fast. That’s just one of the powerful insights you’ll hear in my latest conversation with Walter Sabrin, Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions. Walter has built his career on people-first leadership—s...

This Week on People in Transition We are excited to welcome Amy Adler , a nationally recognized expert in career strategy and executive branding. As President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts , Amy has earned a reputation for guiding professionals through some of the most pivotal moments in their careers. Her expertise in creating powerful résumés and compelling career portfolios has he...

Are you job searching the wrong way? In this episode of People in Transition , we’re thrilled to welcome Carlee Wolfe — a multi-certified HR Talent & Organization Development Executive who has helped organizations like Hyatt hotels, Under Armour, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee thrive. Carlee specializes in designing strategies that close talent gaps, solve organizational chall...

Welcome to this episode of " People in Transition" , the podcast that uncovers the real stories behind career change, reinvention, and personal growth. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Michelle Schafer , a recognized leader in career coaching who knows firsthand that life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities. After experiencing two unexpected job losses, Michelle...

If you're on the job hunt, considering a career change, or simply looking to elevate your professional brand, this is the podcast episode you don’t want to miss! I’m thrilled to welcome Courtney Motyczka , a Certified Career Success Coach and Certified Resume Writer, to the show. With over seven years of experience helping job seekers successfully launch and transition their careers, Courtney...

🌟Ready to flip your job search script? Welcome to the "People in Transition" podcast! Today’s episode is a must-listen as we sit down with the phenomenal Madeline Mann! 🌟 Madeline has completely revolutionized the job search process, helping thousands of professionals land career-defining roles. As the founder of Self Made Millennial and the upcoming author of "Reverse the Search,...