The Career Refresh with Jill Griffin: Leadership Strategy for Senior Professionals

In this listener-submitted Q&A, we share strategies and insights on leading in today’s workplace. Get answers on how to: Inspire and engage younger team members in a hybrid setting Keep new employees connected to purpose and growth Avoid getting emotionally hijacked when fairness gets weaponized Support the show Jill Griffin , is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career...

AI isn’t just for tech roles or automation; it’s a powerful tool for anyone looking to grow, pivot, or future-proof their career. In this episode, Jill discusses using AI to enhance strategic thinking, prep for interviews, and strengthen your job search. You’ll learn: How to use AI to identify transferable skills and tailor your resume Why most people write bad prompts, and how to fix that Smart w...

Steven Puri shares his journey from Hollywood exec to tech founder, revealing how failure, focus, and flow states power reinvention. In this episode we discuss:  How transferable skills led him from Die Hard to startups Why failure is a critical part of reinvention How to create intentional, productive workdays The surprising story behind naming his company, Sukha Show Guest Steven Puri is the Fou...

The job market may be sending mixed signals, but one thing’s clear—companies still hire problem-solvers. In this episode, Jill talks with Kristian Schwartz, founder of The Montgomery Group , about navigating today’s complex hiring landscape with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Kristian shares how AI is changing the game, how to use summer wisely, and what top candidates are doing differently ri...

What happens when you make a mistake at work, and everyone knows it? Whether a comment was taken the wrong way, an unfiltered moment in a meeting, or showing up unprepared, reputational hits can feel career-ending. In this episode, we talk about processing, recovering, and cleaning it up, without losing yourself in the fallout. You’ll learn: How to handle the awkward “in-between” after a professio...

In this episode, I explain leadership identity, how it differs from personal brand, and why it’s the key to making confident, aligned decisions, especially in times of change. You’ll learn how to: Clarify your leadership identity using values, strengths, and reflection Turn your identity into a decision-making filter Set better boundaries and lead with consistency Navigate transitions, burnout, or...

In this candid and powerful conversation, Jill Griffin—Career Strategist and Executive Coach—sits down with Vicki Bradley, CEO and Founder of Women in Leadership, to talk about the messy middle of career setbacks and how to come out stronger. They dive into the emotional toll of getting fired, how to reframe workplace trauma, and what it really takes to rebuild career joy and confidence. In this e...

Why do some confident presenters crumble during coffee chats? We unpack the paradox of high-performing speakers with social anxiety and offer practical ways to show up without spiraling. In this episode we cover: The science behind “performance vs. connection” anxiety Why social stakes feel higher than spotlight moments How to manage real-life interactions without shutting down Support the show Ji...

If your thoughts bounce from “she’s rude” to “they’re amazing” in the same breath, you’re not alone. But this pattern messes with your brand—and your ability to trust your own mind. In this episode I discuss: Why constant mental flip-flopping kills your strategic edge The hidden cost of narrating everyone else's behavior How to rewire your brain for clarity, confidence, and leadership presenc...

In this episode of The Career Refresh , I talk with Eric Gillin—an executive who’s held just about every role in media: editor, product lead, head of sales. He calls himself “professional putty,” and he’s not wrong. We cover: How to drive influence without a formal title How to lead teams through turbulence and build trust Why chasing the right problems beats chasing promotions Show Guest For over...

As team leaders, we need to understand what prevents burnout, understand work styles, and build thriving teams by creating environments where everyone can succeed, from the ultra-resilient to the highly sensitive. This episode breaks down the “Dandelion-Orchid Theory” and what it means for your career, leadership style, and how you handle stress. You’ll learn: Why “one-size-fits-all” leadership le...

Feeling awkward about networking? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll show you how to reach out with clarity, confidence, and strategy—without feeling like you’re begging for help. In this episode:  Why networking isn’t about the “perfect ask”—it’s about being a decent human. The secret incentive no one tells you about: referral bonuses. One ask. One click. One shot (but not in the way you thi...

Perfection looks good, but excellence gets results. This episode breaks down:  A recent failure, the mindset behind it, and how to lead with ownership  The hidden cost of cutting corners Why asking for help shows strength, not weakness What excellence actually looks like in action Support the show Jill Griffin , is a leadership strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh . She work...

In an unpredictable world—elections, layoffs, economic swings—our brains scramble for meaning, often defaulting to worst-case scenarios. In this episode, discover how to combat uncertainty—our biggest productivity killer. We also discuss:  Understand how uncertainty triggers your brain's threat response How uncertainty kills creativity and innovation Hear how a horse taught a life-changing le...

Beth Mach, Co-founder and COO of Spacely, shares how her 25+ year career—and 70 global pitches in one year—prepared her for her TEDx talk. She discusses decision-making confidence, leadership resilience, and work-life integration while thriving in high-stakes startup environments. Key Takeaways: Why pitching beats perfect scripting Her go-to-strategy for overwhelm The surprising power of listening...

Work isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a journey. We explore the three stages, Job, Career, and Calling , and how each phase shapes purpose, growth, and reinvention. In this episode, I discuss:  How to move from survival to growth to purpose  Why true callings often come from disruption and reinvention . Three key strategies for fulfillment at each stage of work. Support the show Jill Griffin , is a lead...

We’re often our own toughest critics, but self-doubt doesn’t have to control us. Learn how to shift your mindset, stay neutral, and lead with confidence. In this episode you learn : How to break free from self-criticism and reframe negative thoughts. The power of neutral thinking to reduce stress and improve decision-making. Leadership mindset strategies to stay focused and navigate challenges eff...

Empathy advocate and author of The Empathy Dilemma , Maria Ross discusses how empathy fosters transparency in leadership. Learn practical strategies to build trust, improve communication, and inspire teams by leading with empathy. Explore how transparent leadership creates stronger connections, boosts morale, and drives organizational success. In this episode:  How the definition of empathy has ch...

Your Leadership Classroom is Everywhere. Are You Paying Attention? Leadership isn’t about proving what you know—it’s about staying curious, observing, and learning from unexpected sources. Great leaders embrace a lifelong classroom mindset. In this episode I discuss:  One of my biggest leadership disasters Why you want to rethink your teachers The behaviors that make you a more intentional leader...

In this episode, we dive into what it means to create a win-win workplace where both employees and employers thrive. Dr. Angela Jackson shares how to navigate resistance, foster adaptability, build trust, and empower employees for lasting organizational success. We also explore:  The direct link between employee engagement and company profitability Why a zero-sum workplace erodes morale and perfor...

Is your workplace more manipulative than supportive? Dr. William Diehl exposes corporate narcissism, from love bombing in interviews to toxic leadership. Learn to set boundaries and reclaim workplace balance. In this episode: Spot the Red Flags: Recognize manipulative behaviors like love bombing and boundary violations. Lead with Clarity: How leaders can manage toxic employees while fostering a he...

Success is great—but what if significance is the real game-changer? Early in our careers, we chase success—until we realize significance gives it meaning. In this episode, we dive into: How authentic leadership blends success with lasting impact Building a personal brand that truly matters Key questions to shape your success & significance journey Support the show Jill Griffin , is a leadershi...

Are you stuck in the past without realizing it? In this episode, we uncover how to change your mind and shift from probability to possibility. From there you can create a career and a future that excites you. What you’ll learn: How your past thinking limits your future opportunities Why possibility thinking is the key to real change Practical steps to start living from your future self today Suppo...

Navigating a workplace narcissist can be exhausting. Learn how to set boundaries, protect your confidence, navigate toxic people, and take control of your career.  This episode breaks down: How to identify the 3 different types of office narcissists The hidden damage they cause to your confidence & career Practical strategies to manage and outmaneuver them How to protect your energy and workpl...

A portfolio career isn’t just about juggling multiple gigs—it’s about owning your career narrative, strategically stacking your skills, and positioning yourself for long-term success. And trust me, whether you realize it or not, you probably already have one. Join me as I break down: ✔ What a portfolio career really is (and why it’s more than just side hustles). ✔ How to leverage your strengths to...