The Potentialist Podcast with Dr. Lee Koles

Most of us spend far too much time waiting: Waiting until we're more confident. Until we know exactly what we're doing. Until we feel ready. The problem? The feeling of readiness usually arrives after we take the first step, not before. In this episode of The Potentialist Podcast, I sit down with Chantée Christian, best-selling author and founder of the Conscious Leadership Summit, to ex...

What if the very thing you've been apologizing for is actually your greatest advantage? Maybe you've changed industries. Switched directions. Collected experiences that don't seem to fit neatly together on a resume. While specialists often have a clear roadmap, many of us have careers that look more like a winding trail with unexpected turns along the way. In this episode of The Pot...

What does it take to step into the unknown, embrace opportunity and discover what you're truly capable of? → Just say, “yes.” In this episode of The Potentialist Podcast, Dr. Lee Koles sits down with Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Alena Olsen to explore the mindset, habits and decisions that helped her reach the highest level of competition. While Alena's story unfolds on the rugby f...

What does it take to live and lead with unshakable confidence? In this episode of The Potentialist Podcast, Dr. Lee Koles is joined by Nayshondra Mercer, best-selling author and leadership coach who specializes in helping others live unapologetically.  Nayshondra shares her roadmap for self-discovery and professional growth, diving  into how she overcame personal challenges to evolve into a magnet...

Work stress is common. Constant anxiety, overwhelm and emotional exhaustion don’t have to be. In this episode of The Potentialist Podcast Dr. Lee Koles breaks down the science behind workplace anxiety and shares practical, research-backed strategies to help you feel calmer, clearer and more in control at work. You'll learn -   • Boundary-setting strategies that protect your energy  • Why supp...

In this FLASHBACK episode I share my favorite life coach strategies to help you make decisions. When you decide to become decisive, you open yourself up to growth, confidence and moving yourself forward so that you can achieve what you want in your career - and life. I discuss the impact of being a good decision maker and share 7 “tricks” - questions you can ask yourself - to help make a decision....

What if slowing down is the fastest way to move forward? In this episode, I sit down with Karianne Michelle to explore the science behind doing less and why it can be the key to unlocking more focus, energy and impact.  Karianne is an Oprah-endorsed expert who has spent two decades working with C-level leaders and their teams at companies including Google, Amazon and Lululemon. She shares simple,...

In Part 3 of the 3-Part Unlock Your Potential series, we go from stuck to unlocked. If you’ve been feeling frozen, overwhelmed or unable to take that next step, this episode will show you exactly why and how to move forward. In this episode, we explore:  • Why feeling stuck isn’t a lack of motivation, it’s your brain trying to protect you  • The hidden forces in your brain that keep you playing sm...

In Part 2 of the Unlock Your Potential series, Dr. Lee Koles dives into the concept of hidden potential and the subtle, science-backed signs that you’re capable of more than you’re currently experiencing. This episode breaks down what hidden potential really is, why it often goes unrecognized, and how it shows up in ways most people overlook. By the end of this episode, you’ll understand: • What “...

You are capable of far more than you realize. In this kickoff episode of the Unlock Your Potential series, Dr. Lee Koles breaks down one of the most misunderstood concepts in leadership development, career growth and personal success: potential . What if everything you’ve been told about potential is incomplete… or flat-out wrong? In this episode, we challenge the hidden beliefs and assumptions th...

After three years away, I’m back behind the mic - and this conversation is different. In this episode, I share what led me to step away so suddenly, what was happening in my life during that time, and what it took to return. This is a personal story about loss, resilience, and finding your way forward when everything feels uncertain. It’s also a turning point. This episode marks the close of Caree...

It’s a lightbulb moment when your ideal career path presents itself (at last!). My former client, Nihal Kattar, shares his career story that began with doubt and worry and ended with a dream job as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at the Promedica Health Care System.  Nihal and I discuss: * The trap of taking the first job that falls into your lap * The secret of Intentionality * How...

In this episode of the CareerSequel podcast, guest Laurie Halter and I get real about the challenges of work-life balance. We discuss: Authenticity as your secret weapon Navigating your career through divorce The gifts of being a single working parent Strategies for managing children during remote work  Confronting your fears Laurie Halter is the founder of the automobile PR firm, Charisma! Commun...

Today’s episode eliminates the stress and mystery from writing a cover letter. I answer the pressing question, “Do I HAVE to write one?” (Spoiler Alert: Yes, you (nearly always) do.) I give you my 3 rules for writing a winning cover letter and walk you through my cover letter recipe. You’ll learn exactly what to say to get yourself noticed and called in for an interview. Now you can exhale. You’ve...

Take a peek into the brain of a hiring manager. In this episode I reveal the 5 interview red flags that will eliminate a job candidate from the running. Get set: they’re not what you think they are. In fact, you’re likely going into an interview stressing about circumstances that don’t even matter! Don’t worry - you’ll learn about the 3 factors that actually AREN’T red flags…so you can confidently...

You've been waiting for this: my #1 episode in my "BEST OF 2022 SERIES" countdown, where I unveil the most downloaded, shared and discussed podcast episodes of the year! In my most listened to episode of 2022, coach Sari Kimbell and I discuss what it means to chase after and find your purpose. Sari has an incredible career story that's going to have you on the edge of your seat...

Join me for the third episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year. This episode is about a very twisty, curvy career path that ends in a dream job. It’s the story of my guest, Enith Williams, with chapters that include moving back and forth between Jamaica and NYC. Working in both the nonprofit sector and on Wall Street. Eni...

Join me for the second episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year. This week you meet Judith Gaton - a stylist, life coach, author and former lawyer. We discuss changing careers to pursue a “big, giant dream”. Judith offers the wisdom gained through her transition from working as a partner in a law firm to becoming a Master...

Welcome to the first episode in my "BEST OF 2022" Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year.  This week I introduce you to the person who personally demonstrated to me that you can step out of the workforce, take time off to stay home with your kids, return to school and build a successful career of your own: My mom! Mom discusses her experi...

Join me in a special episode as I coach my coach! Listen in to my conversation with life and business coach, Dave Moreno. I unveil Dave’s Top 5 CliftonStrengths, shedding light on his unique talents that set him apart from others. Dave and I discuss the power of strengths and how they can be used - strategically - to accomplish career goals.  This episode is a conversation that aired on Dave’s “En...

Want to peek behind the curtain at a real Strengths Coaching session? Join me as I walk life coach Kristi Falany through her CliftonStrengths results. I shed light on Kristi’s unique strengths - what makes her unique and how she can use her talents to maximize success and negotiate challenges.  This episode is a conversation that aired on Kristi’s “Start in the Middle Podcast”. Kristi helps midlif...

In this episode, we’re going to dive into gratitude - talk about the science of it: Why it feels good, the neuroscience behind it, how we can create more of it and how we can use it. I want you to bring gratitude into your life - not only to improve your day and your mood, but also so you can use it strategically to improve your career and let it trickle into all aspects of your life.

Today’s episode is all about the career paths not taken, the decisions you make that steer you from one path to another - and how it all seems to work out. I’m honored to have my mentor, social psychologist Dr. Saul Kassin, join me on the podcast. Dr. Kassin is a Massachusetts Professor Emeritus at Williams College, a distinguished professor at John Jay College of Criminal Justice and the pioneer...

In this episode, I talk with life and business coach Andra Erickson about assessing your career from a strategic vantage point: as the CEO.  Andra shares strategies for adopting a CEO mindset to achieve vision, clarity, decision making skills and leadership practices to achieve the next level of your career. Andra asserts that drive and determination, combined with relentless positive actions, wil...

Burnout plagues personal lives and derails careers. It impacts people at all levels of their career journey, regardless of age or their job tenure.  Guest Pete Beskas, is a certified Life Coach who specializes in helping clients with burnout recovery and prevention. Pete is a writer, speaker and thought leader on all things burnout. He has spent over 20 years analyzing and solving burnout-related...