The Richard Taliaferro Podcast

There’s a moment in so many careers when you realize: “My skills are bigger than this place.” Maybe you even catch yourself introducing who you are with just your job title — “I’m a manager at X” or “I’m an editor at Y” — and thinking, that’s not the whole story. In this episode, inspired by Adam Savage of Mythbusters, we’ll explore why your real value isn’t your title or company brand — it’s the...

"What's the use of falling in love if you both remain inertly as-you-were?" When Mary McCarthy wrote those words about love, she might have also captured a great metaphor for your career. Just like any relationship, your professional life is a living thing that needs tending, curiosity, and a willingness to evolve.  In this episode, I explore why we put our careers on autopilot in ways we'd n...

What if your layoff could become your breakthrough? Career coach Richard Taliaferro sits down with Steve Jaffe, a seasoned advertising and tech professional who transformed his experience of four layoffs over 22 years into powerful guidance for others. After navigating job losses from San Francisco ad agencies to Silicon Valley tech companies, Steve authored "The Layoff Journey: From Dismissal to...

Every morning, I see an older man in his 70s walking purposefully through the park. He could easily sleep in, but every step he takes is a quiet declaration: "I'm not done yet." Your career works the same way—it's built on the days when you show up regardless of how you feel. In this episode, I share why your "meh" days matter more than you think for your professional growth. You'll discover how s...

Feeling stuck in your career? Richard Taliaferro knows exactly what that's like. In this transformative episode, he shares a powerful story from his newsroom days that changed everything—a simple seven-word piece of advice that shifted his entire perspective on professional growth. Here's what you'll discover: It's not the big, dramatic breakthroughs that create lasting career momentum. It's the t...

Starting a new job or switching industries can feel like moving to a foreign country where everyone speaks a different language. Career coach Richard Taliaferro shares three powerful strategies to help you navigate career transitions with confidence instead of confusion. In this episode, you'll discover how to transform that overwhelming "beginner again" feeling into your secret weapon for growth....

That Sunday night anxiety about Monday morning? It's telling you something important. In this episode, Richard Taliaferro reveals why your career security doesn't depend on your employer—it depends on the professional strength you build yourself. Richard looks at the four walls of professional security that no company can take away: your transferable skills, meaningful relationships, solid reputat...

What happens when your professional calling goes quiet? Career coach Richard Taliaferro addresses one of the most disorienting experiences in professional life: when work that once felt like your mission suddenly feels... ordinary. If you've built your identity around meaningful work, this silence can feel terrifying. But Richard reveals why this moment isn't about losing your purpose—it's about y...

Your career change is gaining steam You're making progress, feeling excited about new possibilities, then suddenly you hit the brakes. Sound familiar? I break down why this happens to so many of us and shares four game-changing strategies to keep moving forward when self-doubt creeps in. This isn't about motivation—it's about understanding the psychology of change and working with your brain inste...

Are you a Gen Xer feeling overlooked in a job market that glorifies “new and next”? This episode is your reminder that experience isn’t a liability—it’s your greatest asset. We unpack how seasoned professionals can reclaim their relevance, reframe their stories, and leverage decades of hard-earned resilience and insight. Discover how icons like Warren Buffett and Toni Morrison didn’t peak early—an...

You thought you'd have it all figured out by now—job, life, purpose. But instead, you’re flailing like an inflatable tube man at a used car lot. Sound familiar? This episode dives deep into that disorienting season of “not-quite-there-yet” —and reveals how it’s often the beginning of meaningful growth. We explore why traditional career timelines fall apart, how to navigate identity shifts, and wha...

What can mountain biking teach us about leadership, resilience, and career reinvention? In this episode, I sit down with Liz Donahey—a competitive endurance racer, digital marketer, founder of “MTB Girls Magazine” and author of “The 23 Principles of Mountain Biking”. We explore the powerful parallels between the trail and the workplace. From strategic risk-taking to navigating setbacks, Liz shares...

When Ken Griffey Jr. captured a viral photo of Rory McIlroy at the Masters, most people were stunned—not just by the image, but by who was behind the lens. In this episode, we explore how Griffey, a baseball icon, reinvented himself later in life—and why his journey holds a mirror up to so many of us stuck in familiar, but unfulfilling roles. From quiet hobbies to new careers, there’s a powerful m...

I’m taking a break for the holiday, and I’ll be back next week. Talk with you then. I’m Richard Taliaferro. I’m a certified career coach, specializing in helping mid-stage professionals find the work that works for them. I'm sharing my thoughts on careers, and more, and how I can help you achieve your goals. Find out more at: https://www.richardtaliaferro.com To get my weekly newsletter with more...

Graduation season isn’t just for students—it might be time you graduated… from your job. In this empowering episode, we explore what it means to outgrow a role and how to recognize the signs that it's time to move on. Whether you’re mid-career or just feeling misaligned with your work, we’ll break down the most common fears around making a career shift—like losing stability or starting over—and ho...

In today’s go-go-go world, it’s easy to feel like slowing down means falling behind. But what if the real key to career fulfillment isn’t doing more, faster—but doing what matters, more intentionally? In this episode, we break down three powerful ways to reset your career pace without losing momentum. From expanding your timeline to reconnecting with meaningful work, and redefining what progress a...

If your job title disappeared tomorrow, who would you be? In this episode, we explore the Gen X career crisis—and why it’s actually your chance to reimagine the next phase of your life. From dealing with layoffs and midlife transitions to uncovering your deep well of skills, you’ll learn why you're more ready for change than you think. We’ll cover how small, intentional actions can help you build...

Feeling stuck in your job search? This episode is your reset. So many professionals find themselves spinning their wheels—overthinking, second-guessing, and settling for roles that don’t truly fit. In this episode, we explore how to break free from that cycle and find career clarity, one honest step at a time. Discover 3 essential mindset shifts that help you stop faking yourself out and start bui...

Getting laid off can feel like freefalling. One day, you’re deep in your work rhythm—the next, everything’s on pause. In this heartfelt and empowering episode, we explore what to do when your career path takes an unexpected turn. If you’re navigating a layoff, a job transition, or a major career reset, this is your reminder that you’re not alone—and that this moment might be the beginning , not th...

We live in a world obsessed with progress. But what if the relentless pursuit of “more” is actually making us less successful? This episode challenges the popular “beat yesterday” mindset. While it promises motivation, it often delivers exhaustion. From marathon training to newsroom chaos, we share powerful insights into why true success is about pacing, not pushing. You’ll learn how to shift from...

Worried your remote job isn’t safe? Feeling pressured to return to the office full-time? We look at the truth behind job security in 2025—and how you can protect your career without compromising your lifestyle. We cover why the traditional 9-to-5 model no longer guarantees stability, how to recognize fear-based management tactics, and what steps to take if your values don’t align with your employe...

Are your career wins building real progress, or are they just giving you a temporary high? In this episode, we’re unpacking how to tell the difference between wins that truly move you forward and those that just look good on the surface. We’ll discuss how to align your efforts with your long-term goals, why the best wins often feel uncomfortable, and a powerful way to track meaningful progress. If...

Are you making a career change? You already have what it takes. Your past experience is an asset, not a limitation. In this episode, we cover how to highlight transferable skills, reframe your career story, and position yourself for success in a new role or industry . Whether you’re switching fields, re-entering the workforce, or leveling up, this episode is packed with practical strategies to hel...

Career chaos is inevitable—layoffs, leadership changes, and workplace shifts can leave you feeling lost. But instead of spiraling, what if you could take control? In this episode, we’re breaking down four powerful strategies to help you stay grounded, confident, and proactive when everything feels uncertain. From reconnecting with your why to building small wins, expanding your vision, and strengt...

A stunning NBA trade sent Luka Dončić to the Lakers, raising big questions about talent, discipline, and growth. With LeBron James as his new teammate—a master of longevity—will Luka rise to the challenge? This episode isn’t just about basketball—it’s about you . The best careers don’t happen by luck. They’re built through strategy, discipline, and intentional choices. We break down four key habit...