Career Contessa

The conversations you avoid at work could be holding your career back. Harvard Business School faculty member and Unspeakable author Christina Wing shares how to navigate seven of the toughest workplace conversations—from asking for more to owning mistakes and talking about money.

You’ll learn:

• How to ask for a raise, promotion, or more responsibility with confidence
• What to say when discussing mistakes, job security, and personal challenges at work
• Simple scripts to make difficult conversations less awkward and more productive

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Book: https://www.christinawing.com/book/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christina-r-wing/

Website: https://www.christinawing.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA for 20% off your Shower Head Starter Kit. That's code CONTESSA for 20% off at vitaclean.co.

Head to https://cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for 35% off home and sleepwear through December 3rd.

If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to shopify.com/careercontessa to start your free trial.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI was supposed to make work easier—so why are we busier than ever? Lauren talks with Axios co-founder Roy Schwartz about why simplicity is becoming a career advantage and how to cut through the noise to focus on what actually matters.

You’ll learn:

• How to identify and eliminate “toxic complexity” at work
• How to use AI without creating more work and noise
• A simple framework for doing more by doing less

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/royschwartz/

Book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/813390/simplify-by-jim-vandehei-mike-allen-and-roy-schwartz/

Website: https://smartbrevity.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Use code CONTESSA at https://www.jonesroadbeauty.com/ to get a Free Gift with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad

Timeline is offering a 15-day trial of the Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator for just $22. Give it 15 days and see how your skin looks and feels. Go to Timeline.com/CONTESSA to try it for $22.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think you need more discipline to reach your goals? Jia Jiang, bestselling author of Rejection Proof and Easy Discipline, explains why relying on willpower and working harder often backfires—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• Why traditional discipline doesn’t work for most people
• How enjoyment can make ambitious goals easier to sustain
• How to redesign your habits so progress requires less willpower

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Newsletter: https://blog.jiajiang.com/

Website: https://www.jiajiang.com/

Book: https://www.jiajiang.com/easydiscipline

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at http://irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod

Shop now at Fabletics.com/CONTESSA to get 70–80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP.

Nuuly is a great value at $98 a month, but right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up with code CONTESSA.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A bad manager can undermine your confidence, hurt your performance, and even derail your career. But what if quitting isn’t an option? Career coach and author Cathy Alfandre shares how to recognize a damaging manager, protect yourself while you stay, and create a strategic exit plan. Plus, learn how to spot red flags during the interview process so you don’t end up with another bad boss.

You’ll learn:

• How to tell the difference between a demanding manager and a damaging one
• How to protect your confidence and career when you can’t quit
• How to spot manager red flags before accepting your next job

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Website: https://cathyalfandre.com/

Book: https://cathyalfandre.com/my-book/

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/cathyalfandre

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

You can try Granola totally free—head to granola.ai/CONTESSA.

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod

Open a Found account at found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Found does not provide legal or tax advice.

If you’re ready to launch your business before Black Friday, go to SHOPIFY.COM/careercontessa to start your free trial.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do so many successful women still feel like they're falling behind—even after achieving the career milestones they once dreamed of? Executive coach and former Google leader Brooke Taylor explains the hidden "Success Wound" that keeps high achievers chasing the next accomplishment without ever feeling like it's enough. Learn how to break free from the cycle of burnout, perfectionism, and self-doubt while pursuing ambition that actually feels fulfilling.

You'll learn:

• Why burnout, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome may be symptoms—not the real problem.
• The five types of "Unfulfilled Achievers" and how to identify your own patterns.
• How to cultivate "aligned ambition" so you can pursue big goals without tying your self-worth to your achievements.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Brooke Taylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooketaylor-coach/

Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brooke-taylor/healing-the-success-wound/9780306836107/?lens=balance

Website: https://brooketaylorcoaching.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Reset your kitchen on a budget. Bundle and save up to $230 on the 12 piece cookware set vs buying the products individually. Explore more set savings on bakeware, food storage, accessories and more. Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase. This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA or use code CONTESSA at checkout.

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod

Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants.

Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12.

Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Landing a job in today's market takes more than submitting applications and hoping for the best. Recruiter, career coach, and content creator Emily Durham ("Emily the Recruiter") shares what hiring managers are actually looking for in 2026, the biggest mistakes candidates make, and the practical strategies that lead to more interviews and better offers. If you're job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply want to stay competitive, this episode is packed with actionable advice.

You'll learn:

• What recruiters actually look for first on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and application.
• How to network, interview, and negotiate salary with confidence in today's hiring market.
• The three actions to take this week if you want to land a new job within the next 90 days.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.the.recruiter/?hl=en

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.the.recruiter

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQTM8RQR?lv=shuf&redirect=true&tag=randohouseinc47720-20&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback

Podcast: https://pod.link/1505520809

Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d58604ea1659/newsletter

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Granola is an AI-powered notepad that makes your meeting notes useful. You can try it totally free—head to granola.ai/CONTESSA.

Nuuly is a subscription clothing rental service that lets you pick 6 styles for just $98/month. Right now you can get $28 off your first month when you sign up with code CONTESSA.

Shopify handles all facets of business so that you don’t have to use 10 different systems. Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling the pressure to make a big career move before the year ends? You're not alone. In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Anne Josephson explains why ambitious professionals often mistake burnout for clarity during the "Fall Crunch"—and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, quiet overthinking, and make career decisions with confidence instead of urgency.

You'll learn:

• How to tell the difference between burnout-driven impulsivity and a genuine desire for career change.
• Why tying your self-worth to productivity fuels anxiety—and how to break the cycle.
• Practical CBT and DBT techniques to reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and feel more grounded during high-pressure seasons.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

https://uptownpsychologyny.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at https://www.tumbleliving.com//CONTESSA #Tumble #ad

Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA or use code CONTESSA at checkout.

Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel busy all day but still behind? It’s not your time—it’s your mental overload.

In this episode, Lauren talks with Liane Davey, author of Thoughtload, about how to reduce overwhelm and work more effectively.

You’ll learn:

• Why being busy doesn’t equal being productive
• How to protect your focus and reduce distractions
• One simple shift to get more done this week

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

https://lianedavey.com/books/thoughtload/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Go to granola.ai/CONTESSA and try Granola on your next call.

Ready to make it part of your routine? Go to Timeline.com/CONTESSA20 to shop the full-size Timeline Mitopure Resurfacing Exfoliator and save up to 20%

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to http://ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury. Or visit Sephora.com, search Ogee, and shop the Crystal Contour Collection today.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your 40s are supposed to feel like you’ve “made it.” So why does it often feel like a reset?

In this episode, Lauren talks with Stacey Lindsay, author of Being 40, about why midlife can spark a major career shift—and how to navigate it with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn:

• Why your 40s can trigger a career reset
• How to know when it’s time to pivot
• What success can look like next

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

https://www.amazon.com/Being-40-Letting-Go-Embracing/dp/0593831195

https://www.staceylindsay.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Head to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA at checkout for $20 off your membership. Get 100+ biomarkers tested every year, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod

Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod

Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is everywhere right now—and so is the pressure to “figure it out.” If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed or behind, you’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Jill Ozovek to unpack what’s really driving AI anxiety—especially for knowledge workers—and why it’s less about technology and more about identity. They break down the biggest misconceptions about “learning AI,” and how to start experimenting in a way that actually feels manageable.

You’ll learn:

• Why AI anxiety is really about identity—not just new technology
• The difference between using AI vs. building AI (and why it matters)
• Simple, realistic ways to start using AI without feeling overwhelmed

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Website: http://www.mvpclub.ai/

Join the community: https://mvp-club.mn.co/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Use code CONTESSA athttps://oakessentials.com/ to get 15% off your first purchase! #OakEssentials #ad

Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Is "follow your passion" actually bad career advice? Lauren sits down with bestselling author Tom Rath to discuss why passion isn't the key to fulfillment—and how contribution, strengths, and impact can lead to more meaningful work.

You'll learn:

• Why "follow your passion" is often misleading—and what to focus on instead when making career decisions.
• How shifting your attention from personal fulfillment to contribution can create more meaning and satisfaction at work.
• The small, practical questions you can ask yourself to find purpose, strengthen your impact, and build a happier career in the age of AI.

Show Notes:

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Tom Rath website: https://tomrath.org/

What’s the Point book: https://tomrath.org/whats-the-point

Strengths Finder Book: https://tomrath.org/book-strengthsfinder

Career Contessa Resources:

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code CONTESSA at https://branchbasics.com/CONTESSA #branchbasicspod

Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [Career] at huel.com/[Career]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to http://ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Uncertainty at work is everywhere—from AI shifts to layoffs to constant change. But how you respond to it can shape your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach Liz Tran to explore AQ (Agility Quotient)—the skill of navigating change with confidence. You’ll learn how to understand your response to uncertainty and build the mindset to adapt.

You’ll learn:

• Why AQ matters more than IQ or EQ in today’s workplace
• The 4 Agility Archetypes—and what yours says about you
• Simple ways to respond (not react) when things feel uncertain

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Quiz: https://liz-tran.com/

Book: https://liz-tran.com/aq-book/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztranwrites/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa today.

Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé anymore—it’s your personal brand, positioning tool, and one of the most powerful ways to attract opportunities in 2026. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career strategist Michelle Perchuk to break down what recruiters actually look for, the biggest profile mistakes holding professionals back, and how to position yourself as the solution companies are actively searching for.

You’ll learn:

• How to optimize your LinkedIn profile so recruiters immediately see your value
• The biggest mistakes high-achievers make—and how to fix them fast
• The one high-impact change you can make in 30 minutes to get better results from your profile

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

LinkedIn Lab: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-linkedin-lab

Guest Resources:

Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfuryaka/

Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleperchuk/

Michelle YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgXBW9Jfh_0sCwH95_CbIA

Career Contessa Resources:

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:

Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod

Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [CAREER] at huel.com/[CAREER]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI can make resume writing faster—but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this listener-favorite episode, learn how to use ChatGPT to write, tailor, and improve your resume so it actually stands out (not sound generic).

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to use ChatGPT to write stronger, more results-driven resume bullet points
• How to tailor your resume to a specific job description in minutes
• How to create a compelling professional summary and cover letter using AI

Show Notes:

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up:http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

24-Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/

ChatGPT Cheat Sheet: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/chatgpt-cheat-sheet

Sponsors:

Head to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA at checkout for $20 off your membership. Get 100+ biomarkers tested every year, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code CONTESSA at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do some people build wealth and financial stability—while others feel stuck or constantly starting over? It’s not just about income—it’s about habits, mindset, and behavior. In this listener-favorite episode, financial expert Jean Chatzky shares what financially successful people do differently, including the key habits, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you can use to build long-term stability and feel more in control of your financial future.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up:http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Career Contessa:http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

HerMoney website: https://hermoney.com/

HerMoney podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hermoney-with-jean-chatzky/id1098802558

Sponsors

Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod

Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What if the problem isn’t your productivity—but the way you’ve been taught to work?

Most of us are still operating with outdated, industrial-era habits… even though today’s work requires focus, creativity, and deep thinking.

In this listener-favorite episode, neuroscientist Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient, shares how to work with your brain instead of against it—so you can think more clearly, avoid burnout, and perform at a higher level.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to align your work with your brain’s natural rhythms for better focus and efficiency
• The “3 gears” of your brain—and how to shift between them depending on the task
• Simple ways to reduce decision fatigue and create an environment that supports deep work

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

Guest Resources

Dr. Mithu Storoni: https://www.mithustoroni.com/

Hyperefficent Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperefficient-Optimize-Your-Brain-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CDWJR44T

Dr. Mithu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithu-storoni/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors

Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Savings provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off.

Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit https://myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order! #AgeGracefully

Thanks to today’s sponsor, Ogee: A higher standard for beauty. Go to http://ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA to get 20% off certified organic makeup that performs like luxury.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Your reputation isn’t just what you do—it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. And whether you’re intentional about it or not, you already have a personal brand at work.

In this listener-favorite episode, branding expert Dorie Clark breaks down how to understand, shape, and strengthen your reputation so it actually supports your career growth.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to identify your current reputation—and whether it’s helping or holding you back
• Practical ways to shift and communicate your personal brand (without feeling inauthentic)
• The 3 key strategies to build expertise, credibility, and long-term visibility

Show Notes:

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Guest Resources:

Dorie Clark website: https://dorieclark.com/

Free Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/join/

Career Contessa Resources:

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors:

Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!

Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod

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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The job market has changed—and standing out requires more than a polished resume. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career expert Sam DeMase from ZipRecruiter to break down what actually helps candidates get noticed right now—from clarifying your value proposition to optimizing the most important part of your resume. You’ll learn:

• Why the top one-third of your resume matters most—and exactly what should go there
• How to define and communicate a clear value proposition that makes employers pay attention
• The biggest mistakes job seekers make today—and how to avoid them in a competitive hiring market

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

24 Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/

Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template

Job Search Academy: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/how-to-land-the-job-by-targeting-your-dream-company1/

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.apowermood.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdemase/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apowermood/?hl=en

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code CONTESSA at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.

Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off.

Shopify: The best businesses aren’t built in boardrooms. They’re built by people who just started. Free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Executive presence is one of the most talked-about—and least understood—skills in your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach and co-author of The Presence Principle, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, to break down what executive presence actually is, why it matters for promotions, and how to build it in a way that feels authentic—not performative.

If you’ve ever been told to “speak up more” or “be more confident” without clear guidance, this conversation gives you a practical, research-backed roadmap to develop presence on your own terms.

You’ll learn:

• A simple 3-step framework to build executive presence in a way that aligns with your strengths
• The difference between making a strong first impression and building lasting leadership credibility
• Small but powerful shifts in mindset, voice, and body language—especially in virtual settings—that elevate how you show up at work

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Alexa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/

The Presence Principle: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Principle-Embodying-Executive-Impact/dp/1041021968

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor

Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/contessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or exhausting. In this episode, Lauren sits down with communications leader and author Monique Kelley to break down the do’s and don’ts of relationship-based networking—and how building genuine connections can unlock new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth. You’ll learn:

• Why the biggest networking mistake is waiting until you need something

• How to identify the value you bring—even early in your career

• Simple ways to strengthen existing relationships so opportunities come through connection, not cold outreach

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

The Successful Networker course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networker

Guest Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquekelleygigliotti/

Book: https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod

Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit https://myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order!

Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.