Unspoken Career Truths

Giving feedback is tricky—done wrong, it stings; done right, it sparks growth.n this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert break down how to move past vague notes and ego-driven critiques to deliver feedback that empowers. From practical tactics (mirror, don’t weaponize) to a simple framework—Context, Observations, Results, Expectations—they’ll show you how to...

Getting feedback can feel personal — but it’s actually one of the fastest ways to grow. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert unpack how to stay grounded when feedback stings, what to do in the moment, and how to turn critique into clarity.

Does measuring something really guarantee better results? In this Wisdom Under Fire episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert unpack the famous phrase “what gets measured gets managed.” They explore where it came from, why it matters, and how to apply it in today’s workplace. From defining success early to quantifying the unquantifiable and tracking your own wins,...

Layoffs happen. And they impact the entire organization. Whether you’ve been laid off, left behind or you’ve been the one to wield the axe, there are tactics to employ and feelings to feel. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert discuss our experience in these positions and actionable things to do depending on how you are impacted.

Stress is part of life but how you manage it makes all the difference. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert explore the difference between healthy stress and harmful stress, share personal strategies to reduce overwhelm, and reveal simple practices like movement, creativity, and self-check-ins that can help you reset. Whether you’re navigating workpla...

Influence matters more than job titles sometimes. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert break down what true influence looks like and what it doesn’t. Learn how to build credibility, practice empathy, communicate with clarity, and use storytelling to get buy-in without manipulation. Whether you’re early in your career or leading a team, this episode wi...

Is hustle culture driving your success or your burnout? In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert debate the hustle culture mentality. From burnout and decision fatigue to redefining productivity and setting boundaries, they explore how to work hard without losing balance. Tune in for practical strategies to build a sustainable career that prioritizes both...

Ever feel like you’re trying to “have it all” but still running on empty? In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert explore the concept of “buckets” the areas of life that fuel your energy, identity, and fulfillment. From career and relationships to health, creativity, and purpose, learn how to define your own buckets, keep them balanced, and give yourself...

Business lunches aren’t just about food they’re about first impressions, relationships, and professional etiquette. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert share the do’s and don’ts of dining in a professional setting. From menu prep to table manners, phone etiquette, and whether to order that glass of wine, you’ll learn the unspoken rules that can make...

Forget the buzzwords—soft skills aren’t just nice to have. They’re the superpowers that shape careers. In this episode, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert dig into why adaptability, problem-solving, and EQ matter more than you think and how growth mindset research proves these skills are learnable. From interviews to everyday teamwork, learn how to identify your strengths, steal tricks from...

It's time for another debate! Is "dress for the job you want" good advice or does it add fuel to an already image-obsessed culture? In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert put this "Wisdom Under Fire" and take different sides of the arguement.

Think success means climbing a straight ladder? Think again. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert share why careers are more like jungle gyms; zigzags, swings, and unexpected turns included. From owning non-traditional paths to letting go of “shoulds,” you’ll hear practical advice on finding fulfillment, defining success on your own terms, and embraci...

Ever accidentally eavesdrop on someone’s HR call? We did. Hosts Lauren Livak Gilbert and Cara Wood break down a real-life, emotionally charged conversation between a new restaurant employee (let’s call her Sarah) and HR—no real names, just vibes. This episode dives into the messy gray area of workplace relationships, trust, and communication. If you’ve ever been a new hire, had to discuss a compla...

Calling all control freaks - this episode is for you. Hosts Lauren Livak Gilbert and Cara Wood discuss how mapping out where you can have influence can help save your sanity in a stressful work environment and direct your energy towards the things that you can in fact change.

Let's debate a phrase you might hear everywhere: Can you really fake it til you make it? This is the first in our "Wisdom Under Fire" series where we take sides and debate whether common advice is helpful, hurtful, or something in between.

There's a secret to becoming an amazing negotiator and it's not about undermining or outwitting everyone around you. In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert, discuss the insights you need to understand your own emotional responses to difficult conversations in order to stay calm and get what you want.

We all get the same 24 hours —but why does it feel like some people are getting so much more done? In this episode of Unspoken Career Truths, hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert break down what real time management looks like at work—no 5 a.m. miracle routines, no color-coded calendars required. Learn how to take control of your day with time audits, focus rituals, and realistic prioritizatio...

Welcome to the first episode of Unspoken Career Truths! We are your hosts Cara Wood and Lauren Livak Gilbert and we are here to be your trusted co-workers as you navigate your career.