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#27 - 50 Ways to Get a Job with Dev Aujla

Career Therapy Podcast e.27 - 50 Ways to Get a Job, with Author Dev Aujla

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#27), we talk with Dev Aujla, company builder and author of 50 Ways To Get A Job.

We’re crazy excited to share today's episode of the podcast with you all. Dev is the author and creator of 50waystogetajob.com. His career spans everything from non-profits to venture capital. And he is an incredibly interesting thinker and creator. 

Our conversation today dives into Dev’s perspectives on life, focus, the job search, and so much more. The ideas we discussed have been buzzing with us since we spoke, so we can’t wait for you to tune in!

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Dev Aujla

2:00 that nonprofit life

4:30 you can be anything

5:30 how working is tied to living

7:20 how to deal with jealousy

8:10 “wrangling your emotions”

9:18 don’t get robbed of agency

11:30 “more and more” + how to “game the system”

12:50 do the work yourself

13:55 having a deep knowledge

16:40 own the title of whatever it is you want to do

17:20 having a “peer to peer mindset”

18:00 ask a question!

20:20 the company that no one knows about

21:00 why the system is not broken

21:45 a good question has its own momentum

28:35 for the job seeker, time moves more slowly 

32:00 what are you most excited about?

36:00 open up opportunity to learn

41:30 “you have to let go of who you were”

42:44 how we see ourselves MATTERS

45:00 get out of your own limiting thoughts and into a creative space

37:20 take a consultative approach

39:00 Martin’s take on adding value

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#26 - Laid Off Due to COVID, with Cesar Romero

Career Therapy Podcast e.26 - Laid Off In the Travel Industry Due to COVID, with Community Manager Cesar Romero

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#26), we talk with Cesar Romero, a Community Manager & UX Designer who is helping creators design better online communities. He talks with us today about how COVID layoffs hit the travel industry and how he has been approaching his search during the pandemic.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Cesar Romero

1:45 taking people on a journey

3:125 blog post: “what am I doing here?”

4:40 “cultural liaison”

6:30 being relieved but scared

8:10 how do you go through ALL the feeling?

11:10 sacrifices, but also 

12:10 what were people around you saying?

16:00 “create the luck that shows up around them”

19:00 good & bad things

20:20 if this is something you want to pursue, go all in

22:55 what once was making you happy....

24:00 UX Design

26:00 what were some of the emotions after that bank transition?

28:00 transitioning into a new phase of life

29:50 stake a claim, add structure

31:00 being a dad during the COVID-19 era

32:05 adding value to ca company

33: The emotions — hardest thing about transformation

34:45 building a community

37:20 take the consulting approach

39:00 Martin’s take on adding value

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#25 - Setting Boundaries at Work with LCSW Garrett Shotwell

Career Therapy Podcast e.25 - Understanding Your Values & Setting Boundaries at Work, with Garrett Shotwell

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#25), we talk with Garrett Shotwell, LCSW, Owner, and Psychotherapist at Illumination Psychotherapy. Throughout the conversation, which is part of Career Therapy’s ‘Talks With Therapists’ series, we discuss workplace trauma, understanding your values, working remotely, and setting healthy boundaries at work.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Garrett Shotwell

2:50 difference between online and in-person therapy

5:40 virtual interviewing

6:06 mirror neurons and how they work (generally)

7:30 “am I looking at a screen or am I looking at a person?”

8:20 why am I so tired?

10:40 anxiety

14:50 how does the digital noise affect people’s lives?

15:55 our relationship with social media

16:40 “mindful to mindless”

18:00 having power in our career

19:00 imposter syndrome

19:45 selling your goods for a price

23:40 what are their values?

24:20 a quarterly evaluation of your core values

25:00 getting to know your core values

26:50 what’s your ideal day?

29:55 gaslighting

33:20 how milestones in your career impact decision making

34:40 when values are encroached upon

35:25 between stimulus and response, that is where the core values live

38:21 the ability to choose our response

42:00 humans, suffering animals

44:20 a buffer in curiosity

45:50 the emotional ups and downs of the job search

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#24 - Laid Off From My Copywriting Job, with Sarah Brooks

Career Therapy Podcast e.24 - Laid Off From My Copywriting Job & Started My Own Business, with Sarah Brooks

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#24), we chat with copywriter, content marketer / strategist, and creator of The Sounds She Collected newsletter, Sarah Brooks. 

Sarah’s created multichannel content and fostered content strategies across industries like hospitality, fintech, information technology, health and wellness, nonprofit organizations, and higher education, and for companies like Hyatt, Chili’s, Inspirato, O’Keefe Reinhard & Paul, the Illinois Office of Tourism, Columbia College Chicago, and LexisNexis.

In this episode, she shares her story of going through a layoff as a writer and how this experience inspired her to start her own business. We talk music journalism, marketing work for hospitality groups, and why Sarah hates the term personal brand, among many other things. Dive in.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Sarah Brooks

1:32 how did she get into the arts scene?

2:15 watch ‘Almost Famous’ and become a music journalist.

4:40 what were some of the challenges?

6:05 toughest thing is feeling like she has to have a brand

7:15 when does imposter syndrome flare up?

9:35 what does freelance work help with?

12:22 what part of being a writer helps her in the job search?

17:40 artificial intelligence 

18:03 how does she stay motivated?

23:40 making the jump to full-time freelance work

25:15 would she do anything differently?

27:45 personal rebranding as a freelance writer

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 


Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#23 - Laid Off From My HR Job, with HR Specialist Gabrielle Wojtala

Career Therapy Podcast e.23 - Laid Off From My HR Job, with Gabrielle Wojtala

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#23), we chat with Gabrielle Wojtala about her Life After Layoff story. 

Gabrielle is a Human Resource Generalist at Amount, where she leads the onboarding experience, facilitates payroll processing, and advocates for community engagement. In this episode, she shares tips on how to successfully communicate with human resources staff at major companies, and how to navigate the emotional ups and downs of any layoff. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Gabrielle Wojtala

2:20 cooking curry

3:20 the onboarding experience

4:30 what should job seekers pay attention to?

8:40 butting heads with a manager

12:40 what was it she liked about the company in the first place?

14:48 what would she do differently?

18:00 the day after the layoff / emotional eating and cooking

19:00 taking a step back: it wasn’t her

20:10 why you need to get out of your apartment

23:15 having specific questions in networking

26:15 why networks are crucial

28:00 building connections within a company

28:45 diversity and inclusion

31:30 how to talk to HR

34:15 negotiating with employers

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#22 - Laid Off from My Audio Engineer Teaching Job

Career Therapy Podcast e.22 - Laid Off from my Audio Engineer Teaching Job , with Andy Bosnak

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#22), we chat with audio engineer & podcast producer Andy Bosnak. 

Andy joins us on the Life After Layoff series of the Career Therapy Podcast today to discuss his experiences working in the audio engineering podcasting world, and how a toxic environment can grow around you at work. Sometimes, he says, it is a relief to be let go.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Andy Bosnak

3:15 producing music for bands

4:05 teaching at vocational schools

5:05 going to DePaul cinema school

7:55 getting into the sound for film teaching job

11:49 new directors changing the culture

15:00 catching students cheating

15:45 a new management system

17:40 troubleshooting problems

21:35 “predatory sides of the education industry”

23:35 the role changes over time

27:34 gaslighting

33:55 sincere networking post lay-off

35:00 LinkedIn is evolving to a place where people are more personal

37:20 what is Andy most excited about?

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#21 - How Therapy Helps Your Career with Dr. Dan Mortenson PHD

Career Therapy Podcast e.21 - How Therapy Helps You Deal With Uncertainty

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#21), we chat with Dr. Dan Mortenson about how to develop more comfort around uncertainty.

Dr. Mortenson has worked with Chicago Cognitive Behavioral Treatment Center since 2012 and specializes in working with anxiety and other mood disorders in all age ranges. Originally from northeastern New Jersey, he graduated with honors from Brown University with degrees in Psychology and Sociology before beginning his formal training as a psychologist.

Our conversation on the Career Therapy Podcast touches on the intersectionality between anxiety, stress, and the job search. It’s a really good episode, and one sure to help you release any job or career and/or job-oriented stress. Tune in!

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Dr. Dan Mortenson

1:12 who is Dr. Dan?

2:32 grad school in Houston, Texas

4:59 issues for job searchers

9:30 one bad experience can color everything

10:20 imagining advertising like Mad Men

11:25 Egyptology

12:20 why getting a job won’t fix everything

13:55 why stress is okay

16:10 fighting binary thinking / cognitive distortions

19:01 dealing with anxiety

21:50 orchestra analogy

23:15 how we should relate to emotions

25:30 uninvited guest showing up at a birthday party

28:49 what we choose to give attention to

33:10 a “healthy relationship” with anxiety

40:15 how to survive in “the new normal” covid era

41:40 “when this is all over”

45:03 damage control for when you’re “in the red”

49:13 should you see a career coach or a therapist?

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#20 - Laid Off from Brand Manager Job with Meg Murphy

Career Therapy Podcast e.20 - Laid Off from Brand Manager Job, with Meg Murphy

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#20), Meg Murphy talks us through her layoff story as a Brand and Product Manager, and how she leveraged her unique community (Chicago Superstars) to bounce back and land a job during the pandemic.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Meg Murphy

2:32 how’d Meg get into the marketing world?

8:40 “networking in spite of a lay-off”

13:25 the actual lay-off story

17:45 job searching pre COVID pandemic

21:00 loss of identity during a lay-off

22:00 marketing yourself

23:52 exactly what she did to market herself

27:00 separating job from identity

29:30 avoiding downward spirals

32:42 Chicago Superstars Slack group

35:50 “networking through personal branding”

38:14 what advice would Meg give?

44:44 what has Meg learned?

47:40 the most important thing: separating your identity from your job

50:15 ‘it ain’t all sunshine & rainbows’

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#19 - Laid Off From My Sr. VP of Marketing Job, with Shauna Sikorski Griffiths

Career Therapy Podcast e.19 - Laid Off from my Sr. VP of Marketing Job

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#19), Shauna S. Griffiths talks us through her layoff story as a Brand and Product Manager, and how she leveraged her community to bounce back and land a job during the pandemic. During the conversation, we touch on topics like marketing solutions, brand partnerships, executive & leadership Coaching, and remote leadership. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Shauna Griffiths

1:30 SLG Impact company intro

2:25 how’d she get into marketing?

6:11 “banging on doors”

8:00 I won’t get the job, but I will get the connection

11:38 how the athlete’s mindset helps

15:35 the lay-off story

19:00 why job safety doesn’t exist

19:50 personal identity through the job

22:30 work culture in Colorado

23:55 separating identity from a job

26:40 the ebb & flow of personal/career balance

27:20 day of the lay-off

30:30 no more tears

32:20 how to take back control

39:00 “I don’t work for them ... yet.”

40:23 what Shauna’s currently working on

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#18 - Life After Layoff with a Couple in Vegas, Matt & Millie Haase

Career Therapy Podcast e.18 - Life After Layoff with a Couple in Vegas, Matt & Millie Haase

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#18), we chat with Matt & Millie Haase, who share their Life After Layoff stories and also get into some exciting news for their family. In this episode, we touch on topics such as the Las Vegas hospitality industry, transitioning between careers, and the challenges that layoffs pose to a new family. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Matt & Millie Haase

4:30 what’s Vegas about?

5:05 hospitality industry in Vegas

7:57 casinos during COVID

13:28 Matt’s lay-off

18:33 reactions to the layoffs

23:03 getting into healthcare

24:05 having a baby impacting their lives

27:13 finding motivation

28:54 reaching out for help

29:28 long-term effects of networking

31:02 supporting one another

35:00 not being in a rush / thinking critically

37:28 their advice to others

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#17 - Life After Layoff with UX Researcher Wayne Kim

Career Therapy Podcast e.17 - Life After Layoff with UX Researcher Wayne Kim

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#17), we speak with UX researcher Wayne Kim.

During the episode, we talk about Wayne’s career-long journey to better understand the needs of the user, his passions for surfing, cycling, and bagel making, and why it might be better to be a “buoy on the waves.” 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Wayne Kim

2:07 how did he get into UX research?

5:55 empathy in user experience

7:35 looking at the job search as a research project

8:10 Buddhist concept of wise selfishness

10:20 the lay-off itself

14:05 being a better teammate and making bagels

18:30 being deliberate about the information we take in

21:05 pros and cons of startups

31:05 why good questions make you rich

36:21 millennial informal caregiving, student loan debt

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#16 - Life After Layoff with VP of Talent, Nicole Townsend

Career Therapy Podcast e.16 - Life After Layoff with VP of Talent, Nicole Townsend

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#16), we talk with Strategy, Culture and Communication Consultant & Mentor Nicole Townsend.

During the episode, we talk through Nicole’s layoff story, from VP of Talent with Raley’s, and her subsequent journey to found Experience Counts, LLC.

Nicole’s Experience Counts company puts 20 years experience in corporate HR and marketing roles into practice to help make work count for employees. In Nicole’s words, “fulfilled individuals are more energized to serve their customers and more likely to exceed business goals.”

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 Introducing Nicole Townsend

2:10 how did she get into storytelling?

4:20 transition from journalism to media relations

5:38 the lay-off story

10:03 the actual lay-off

13:40 back into the job market

17:56 “a fork in the road:” onwards to HR

21:30 processing a lay-off

27:39 first interview after 15 years

30:26 founding Experience Counts

32:15 when SHE has to fire someone

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#15 - Life After Layoff with Business Recruiter and Career Coach Junette Caloroso

Career Therapy Podcast e.15 - Life After Layoff with Business Recruiter and Career Coach Junette Caloroso

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (#15), we talk with business recruiter and career coach Junette Caloroso.

Following a stint as a senior recruiter at Wish, Junette went on to found her own company, Build With June, where she is now a career strategist and team builder. 

June is passionate about building communities, companies, and individuals by providing the tools they need to show up in confidence through their strengths. Her goal is to help them believe in themselves by having them see what she saw in them all along.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 Introducing Junette ‘June’ Caloroso

3:00 the 5 stages of grief

4:15 pivoting into being a business owner

6:00 investing in a business coach

8:04 the small steps to building a business

11:50 commenter to creator

15:55 the day of her lay-off

18:25 her kid offering to pay bills to help out

23:13 our impressions of layoffs

26:13 the challenges of being a “solo-preneuer”

31:24 the best way to deal with a lay-off

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#14 - Life After Layoff with Creative Career Coach Juliet Barrett

Career Therapy Podcast e.14 - Life After Layoff with Creative Career Coach Juliet Barrett

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.14), we welcome creative career coach Juliet Barrett back for the second time. Juliet is a career coach based in Chicago, and in this conversation she joins us to talk about how her layoff informed her coaching, pushed her to try new things, and challenged her emotionally. 

It’s an inspiring story, and a unique one as well. After all, a career coach coping with uncertainty after a layoff isn’t something we might ordinarily expect. Nevertheless, Juliet’s story, as it’s currently playing out, has a happy ending. These days, she leads the career team at San Francisco-based company Springboard, helping clients get hired for the tech industry’s most in-demand jobs.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Juliet Barrett

1:42 learning as a lifestyle philosophy

7:10 being a ‘Jill of all trades’ in Chicago

12:20 “hey I’m available” conversations

15:05 what she loved about her old job

18:52 “a change occurred”

22:02 the day of the lay-off

34:13 vulnerability in freelancing

37:00 the journey back / the journey forward

38:49 a 2 month hiatus from job searching

41:04 8 months of unemployment

43:20 “code-switching”

44:39 looking for the opportunity

49:00 self-care during the day

52:50 her advice for job seekers

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#13 - Life After Layoff with Production Assistant Veronica Garcia

Career Therapy Podcast e.13 - Life After Layoff with Production Assistant Veronica Garcia

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.13), we welcome production assistant Veronica Garcia. Veronica, a Chicago-based PA, found that getting laid off has given her the ability to pause, reflect, and reimagine her career. These days, she’s interested in social work and non-profit, so if you (or anyone you know) know of any opportunities in those spaces, contact her via her LinkedIn profile.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Veronica Garcia

2:50 lay-off came at a fortunate time

3:19 how she got into film

6:57 “results being in my head”

7:31 comparing ourselves

12:59 filing for unemployment

17:03 the journey forward

18:15 saving money moving home

22:35 an interest in social work

24:35 getting a mentor

26:35 getting inspiration for the job search

29:38 why you should hire yourself

33:25 chunking or batching

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#12 - Life After Layoff with Content Marketer John Thomas Lang

Career Therapy Podcast e.12 - Life After Layoff with Content Marketer John Thomas Lang

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.12), we welcome content marketer John Thomas Lang. This episode is the first dedicated episode in our new Life After Layoff series, where we explore the emotional side of job layoffs.

In our conversation, John shares his experiences going through layoffs while working as a content marketer. John combines a business mind with a creative soul as Head of Marketing at Amount. His passion for brand, content, and funnel optimization has been integral in scaling multiple award-winning tech startups in Chicago. A proud Colorado native, you can find him digging through the crates for vinyl records in his spare time. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing John Thomas Lang

0:53 “tell me about yourself”

1:55 a path from music to marketing

4:00 the lay-off story

6:38 a lay-off done “well?”

10:20 360° feedback

12:35 the day of the lay-off

16:34 experiencing shame after a lay-off

21:45 the best way to network

25:00 the “bounce back” strategy

28:28 how to fortify your identity

33:00 the “practice” mentality

35:50 the touch points that led him to his current job

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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#11 - VP Chats, featuring Global Program Manager Carlos Rebellon

Career Therapy Podcast e.11 - Our First Episode of VP Chats, featuring Global Program Manager Carlos Rebellon

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.11), we chat with Carlos Rebellon, who is the Program Manager for Product Change Management at Northern Trust Corporation.

For a little background, Northern Trust Corporation is a financial services company headquartered in Chicago, Illinois that caters to corporations, institutional investors, and ultra high net worth individuals. It is one of the largest banking institutions in the United States and one of the oldest banks in continuous operation.

Martin worked with Carlos at the credit card brand Discover back in the day, and in this conversation they discuss the best practices for networking, interviewing, and career advancement within a company. Martin looks back on his best day at work (ever) and the formation of Carlos’ Hot Sauce Aficionado club. Later, the two talk about their greatest career achievements. 

This episode is the first in the ‘VP Chats’ series within the Career Therapy Podcast. We hope you enjoy!

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Carlos Rebellon

4:20 an intro to project management

10:24 connecting the dots forward and backward

15:14 monthly dinners at PMI

17:59 hot sauce aficionado club and martin’s best day of work

24:46 fostering connections, and being on the hiring side

26:40 word clouds

27:41 a great interview vs. a terrible one

31:00 how to ace interviews

36:33 how to build these networking skills

40:24 why you need to think about your career path

46:09 why you should keep a log of accomplishments

50:53 how to get a project and/or promotion

53:06 why this paycheck?

57:18 Carlos’ proudest career achievement

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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Podcast Martin McGovern Podcast Martin McGovern

#10 - A Conversation with LPC and Career Fulfillment Strategist Emily Drake

Career Therapy Podcast e.10 - A Conversation with LPC and Career Fulfillment Strategist Emily Drake

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.10), we welcome CEO of The Collective Academy, Emily Drake. Emily leads a team that delivers aspirational leadership and career fulfillment programs, and she believes that individual transformation leads to organizational transformation. At the core of her mission is the idea that in order to transform, leaders at all levels need space to be honest, open, and able to connect with others.

Our conversation touches on the COVID-19 pandemic, how to thrive when experiencing a sense of disconnect, and what it’s like to be a facilitator, therapist, and coach, all at once.

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Emily Drake

3:33 loneliness and isolation

8:17 nourishment vs. just surviving

10:18 guilt and the “should be” phrase

26:40 why it’s okay to be ego focused

29:36 how we can help companies

31:12 hiding the self view on Zoom

33:14 ceding responsibility

34:45 how do people find the right help?

37:50 asking for specific advice from coaches and therapists

41:25 tension brings out our core selves

52:03 why you should be kind to yourself

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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Podcast Martin McGovern Podcast Martin McGovern

#9 - Insights Into An Authentic Job Search, with Lia James

Career Therapy Podcast e.9 - Insights Into An Authentic Job Search, with Workforce Developer, Curriculum Designer, and Storyteller Lia James

On this week's Career Therapy Podcast (e.9), we welcome Lia James. Lia has built her career across workforce development, curriculum design, inclusive hiring, writing, and storytelling, and joins us today to cover a myriad of topics centered around getting the job that’s right for you.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Lia is a “connector with an innate ability for bringing people together.” Her “mind is in a constant daydream of solution-chasing and people-matching as if a large Rolodex of puzzle pieces were magically flipping through [her] head.” 

Our conversation touches on vulnerability, networking tips & tricks, and what actually works in the modern day job search.

If you’d like to connect with Lia, hit her up on LinkedIn and ask her about the art installation she was hired to design for a private client event. She’d be happy to start a conversation. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 introducing Lia James

2:03 what it’s like on the hiring side

2:40 what do job seekers need to hear?

4:23 not taking things personally

6:04 learning to accept rejection

8:10 think about yourself as a contractor

10:14 knowing what value you provide

11:35 interests outside of work

16:19 stop job searching; make friends

18:20 “why do you want to work here?”

22:23 the fear of limiting ourselves

23:15 “great job culture”

27:35 transferable skills

28:20 how to do big things if you’re a dock worker, waiter, warehouse associate, etc.

39:30 walking the un-opinionated middle line

44:38 being laser focused on the things you want in a job

46:57 the spectrum of confidence

51:40 improv [theatre] nerd out / making decisions

53:15 7 key takeaways

Resources & books mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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Podcast Martin McGovern Podcast Martin McGovern

#8 - Why Your Side Hustle Gives You Street Cred, with Tech Biz Gurl Founder Jessica Williams

Career Therapy Podcast e.8 - Why Your Side Hustle Gives You Street Cred, with Tech Biz Gurl Founder Jessica Williams

For Career Therapy Podcast #8, we welcome Jessica Williams to the podcast! She recently monetized her newsletter (#JessPicks) and talks to us about the importance of starting a side hustle no matter where you may be in your career.

Our conversation touches on side hustles, personal branding, and what to do when you get stuck. It includes practical examples on how to take the first steps in creating a side hustle, how to navigate networking during a job search, and how to play up your soft skills via extracurricular work. 

During this Episode, We Discuss: 

0:00 How Newsletters Help Your Job Search

1:22 “tell us about yourself”

4:00 what side hustles bring to our careers

6:55 side hustle emerging from a burnout, like a phoenix rising from ashes

9:10 15 minutes of work

10:48 taking the first steps of a side hustle

14:27 evolution of a business

18:07 imposter syndrome and how to deal with it

21:40 early success in the side hustle

25:46 side business vs. side hustle vs. side project vs. hobbies

27:05 defining our own success

33:32 making self-care a priority

37:45 new ways to network (with an amazing example)

44:10 showcasing soft skills via a side project

47:00 job hopping — good or bad?

51:07 the story of how Career Therapy was born

52:40 practical tips on how to start a side hustle

56:48 Martin’s 6 key takeaways

Resources & pages mentioned in this episode: 

Now Over To You!

If you know anyone who has been hustling, or started a business, during the pandemic, and has an amazing story to share, let us know who they are! Alternately, if you, or someone you know has recently gone through a layoff, or has a layoff, or any other career transition-oriented story to share, reach out. Contact Martin through his personal LinkedIn page to get in touch. We're always on the lookout for amazing guests for the cast.

As always, thanks for listening!

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