The Career Optimum Podcast: Work to Live

Whether you've already returned to the office after an extended work-from-home stint, about to return in the near future, or have never left, it's important to focus on self-care and to maintain a consistent routine. In this podcast, I offer a few tips to help reach that goal.  This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/09/30/back-in-the-office-6-tips-to-help...

It's World Mental Health Day. So it's only fitting that I talk about meditation and its wide range of benefits. For one thing, it has helped remind me that it's all about the response: the way I respond to situations impacts my well-being and happiness.  This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/10/10/its-all-about-the-response/

It was great to talk with my friend (and fellow introvert) Stephen Beattie, who shared details of his recent job search, the motivation behind it, as well as a few helpful tips for others who are also thinking about making a change. Have a listen!

One of the challenges for introverts is being in the limelight, especially at work. I know it is for me. But this is one of those times when stretching beyond our comfort zone and trying what does not come naturally might just pay dividends. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/04/14/pay-attention-to-the-i-in-introvert/

I had the pleasure of chatting recently with John Sporing, who runs A Life Well Drunk, a global wine tour company. John wasn't always self-employed (in fact, he spent about 25 years working for the federal government), but as we hear in this episode, he always had the entrepreneurial spirit. He shares the process he went through to being his own boss, and offers some advice for others thinking abo...

There is a growing appetite for work flexibility among many workers across many industries. How is this trend affecting employee retention and turnover? And are organizations reacting in a smart way? This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/07/21/how-organizations-can-retain-their-employees-in-the-age-of-covid/

What happens when our personal work values are at odds with our employer's values? If that's the case, we definitely have options, some more viable than others. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/07/08/ride-the-waves-but-dont-roll-over/

My friend and former colleague, Beth Mueller, and I sat down for a conversation to talk about some of today's hot-button issues, including work flexibility and work-life balance. Beth, a Partner and Co-Founder at Socium Fund Services, reflects on the challenges and opportunities during her time working from home due to the pandemic. She also offers some input for organizations looking to craft a h...

For many of us, remote work isn’t just about our near-term desire for scheduling flexibility. For many of us, including me, it's more about it being a bridge to a better quality of life in the longer-term. It means something different to everyone. And what career stage we're in can have an impact as well. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/07/05/what-does-...

I recently had the good fortune to have a conversation with Mackenzie Lowenthal, a friend and fellow career services professional, to reflect on the past fifteen months or so as the world turned upside down as a result of Covid. We share what it's been like, the ups and downs (mostly ups!), and what the world might look like going forward, in terms of work-life balance and flexibility.

From the early months of the pandemic (Spring 2020), I spoke with my friend, Leonid, who I know from DC, and who has since relocated to Sitges, Spain. In this episode, we compare and contrast the pandemic between Spain and the US, and how we've dealt with it, not only on an individual level, but also from a national perspective.

In this episode, we explore the very interesting experiences of two couples who live through and work through the introvert-extrovert dynamic during the early months of the pandemic lockdown. 

A new type of Covid-related job interview question seems to be emerging. Here's my take on it, and how I would respond if asked. This episode is also available as a blog post: http://careeroptimum.com/2021/06/19/so-what-new-skills-have-you-gained-this-pandemic-2/

What is "good enough" in terms of professional development during a pandemic? What does it mean to be "productively unproductive"? I'll explore these questions and more during this episode!

Hello and welcome to my first episode!  Just a quick introduction about how I'm writing my next chapter, and how my work as a career coach might help you in your career journey!