The Unstuck Career

Hosted by Ken Williams

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266

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Unstuck Career is hosted by Ken Williams, an entrepreneur who made a bold career shift at age 55 after spending 16 years in the same job. Now building his own business, Ken is on a mission to help others break free from unfulfilling work and create a better life. This podcast is for burned-out, frustrated professionals who feel stuck in toxic jobs, underpaid roles, or careers that no longer fit, and know they’re meant for something more. Each week, Ken shares powerful conversations with people who have successfully made the leap (or are in the process of doing it) alongside practical Friday Focus episodes packed with mindset shifts and actionable strategies. Listeners will learn how to take control of their careers, build momentum toward change, and create work that aligns with the life they actually want. If you’re ready to stop settling and start moving, this show will help you get there.

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June 15, 2026Episode 26744 min

Finding Purpose Beyond the Nine to Five: The Forward Kind Story

Send us Fan MailWhat if you could keep your 9-to-5 and still build something deeply meaningful on the side? In this episode, I sit down with Mateo Platsidakis, the founder of The Forward Kind, to talk about what it means to chase “more” out of life without blowing up everything you already have. Mateo’s story is one so many of us can relate to—a job he enjoys, but a sense that something important was missing, leading him to launch a brand built on mental health awareness, resilience, and community.We dig into the power of side projects to not just fill the gaps in our lives, but to make us better—not only at work, but as people. Mateo’s journey shows how giving ourselves permission to pursue that “something more” can actually help us flourish in unexpected ways. We get real about grief, change, and why kindness (to ourselves and others) is absolutely non-negotiable if you want to keep moving forward through hard times.If you’re looking for a reason to bet on your own “what if,” or just need a reminder that you’re not alone when things feel heavy—you don’t want to miss this conversation. Click over to theforwardkind.com or follow @theforwardkind on Instagram to join Mateo’s movement, grab some gear, or just see what real connection can look like.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

June 12, 2026Episode 2666 min

Why Playing It Safe at Work Is the Riskiest Career Move

Send us Fan MailThis week, we challenge one of the biggest myths out there—the idea that a traditional job is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If I just made more money, then I’d finally feel safe”? I unpack why that sense of security you’re searching for will never come from your job title, paychecks, or even the size of your bank account.We’ll explore real stories and insights from a recent coaching call that illustrate how chasing external safety is a moving target—no matter how much you earn or what your circumstances look like, there’s always a new worry waiting around the corner. Instead, the real key is learning to trust yourself. I break down actionable ways you can start building genuine confidence and a sense of safety that comes from within, rather than hinging your peace of mind on an employer or career status.If you’re tired of letting your sense of security depend on someone else’s decisions, this episode will give you the mindset shift you need. Let’s dig into why “playing it safe” is actually the riskiest thing you can do—and what to focus on if you want to create a career and life you can truly trust. Want to connect or get personal support? Head to kenwilliamscoaching.com for more info.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

June 8, 2026Episode 26533 min

When a Layoff Opens the Door: Making Peace with Change

Send us Fan MailThis week, I sit down with Shruti, a fellow coach, to explore what really happens when you're handed an unexpected chance at a fresh start. Shruti opens up about her abrupt transition from IT operations—13 years strong—to making coaching her full-time pursuit after getting laid off. She shares the vulnerable truth about ignoring her mental health for over a decade, the stigma she faced around therapy in the workplace, and the powerful moment she realized being let go might just be the freedom she always wanted.We dig into how personal losses, especially the pain of pregnancy loss, shaped Shruti’s calling and led her to build a business focused on supporting bereaved mothers. You'll hear honest discussion about battling “the template life” that society pushes, the unexpected sense of relief from job rejections, and why trusting yourself—rather than the false security of a steady paycheck—is the only real safety net.Looking for hope after a layoff, or curious about building a career that actually honors your experiences? Shruti’s story offers both practical steps and inspiration for anyone ready to move beyond burnout and start creating work that matters. Connect with Shruti on TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and check out her complimentary breakthrough session—she’ll even let you vent, no pressure. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

June 5, 2026Episode 2647 min

Breaking Free from Career Confusion: Trust Yourself and Move Forward

Send us Fan MailFeeling lost or uncertain in your professional life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Unstuck Career, Ken Williams explores the concept of “career confusion”—that nagging realization that your current path might not be what you truly want. Drawing from his own winding journey through roles in sales, HR, and sixteen years at FedEx, Ken Williams shares personal stories and honest conversations about how easy it is to find your career ladder propped against the wrong wall. If you’re tired of settling and ready to pivot toward a more fulfilling direction, tune in as Ken Williams reveals two practical steps for rediscovering what you really want and building momentum toward the work—and the life—you love.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

June 1, 2026Episode 26339 min

Career Reset: Creating Success on Your Own Terms

Send us Fan MailThis week, I’m joined once again by Dave, whose leap from a high-powered executive role to founder of his own watch brand is nothing short of inspiring. Ever wonder what it’s like to step away from the “security” of corporate life—migraines and all—to chase a dream you never put on the front burner? Dave takes us inside his journey, from anxiety-ridden 4am wakeups and endless interview loops to the moment he went all in on LT, his creative outlet-turned-full-time business.You’ll hear how a string of rejections and a worn-out job market led Dave to embrace the unpredictability (and vulnerability) of entrepreneurship—facing doubts, finding community, and finally putting himself in front of the camera on TikTok. The result? An unexpected surge in both business and joy, not just for Dave but for his whole family. We talk building something you can pass down, reframing failure, and the power of community to lift you out of cynicism and fear.If you’re stuck waiting for the “right time” to try something new, this episode is for you. Tune in for a raw, practical look at how one small shift—like showing up online or inviting your kid to help pack orders—can spark the momentum you’ve been craving. Want to see what Dave’s up to? Find him on TikTok at Lotrain Watches or check out his stunning timepieces at https://la-touraine.com/ If you’re ready for your own next step, head to kenwilliamscoaching.com to connect.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

May 29, 2026Episode 2626 min

Overcoming the Too Late Myth in Your Career

Send us Fan MailIn today’s episode, we’re tackling a question many wrestle with: Is it too late to make a change? After decades in corporate jobs, I faced this same crossroad myself and discovered it’s never too late to pursue work that aligns with your true goals. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, age and shifting economic landscapes don’t have to hold you back. Today, I’ll debunk common myths about timing and opportunity, share stories and actionable steps, and remind you—the best time to start is now. Let’s get to work.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

May 25, 2026Episode 26134 min

Turning the Odds Stacked Against You Into Success

Send us Fan MailThis week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Drew, a hot sauce entrepreneur whose inspiring journey is anything but ordinary. You might have seen him on the Kelly Clarkson Show or blowing up on TikTok, but what you haven’t heard is how a school project and a “bad grade” launched a multi-thousand-bottle business—all started to prove a point, and powered by Drew’s mission to support people with disabilities.If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from a so-called “crappy job” or doubted what’s possible for yourself, Drew’s story is going to be a reset. We dig into how he navigated the unique challenges of building his company as a wheelchair user, why he pivoted from his edgy, self-deprecating “Crippling Drew” brand to the more inclusive “Stacked” hot sauce, and what it truly means to chase goals that are more meaningful than financial success. Drew also shares the power of setting realistic, stepping-stone dreams and why he believes in starting your dream—no matter your circumstances or what others think.Whether you’re curious about adaptive entrepreneurship, looking for a spark of motivation, or just love a great hot sauce origin story, this episode is for you. For more of Drew’s journey or to support his mission, check out StackSauces.com and TheLimitlessFoundation.org, and follow “Crippling Drew” on all social platforms.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

May 22, 2026Episode 2606 min

Why Playing It Safe May Be the Riskiest Career Move

Send us Fan MailIn today's Friday Focus episode, Ken dives into one of the biggest barriers holding professionals back: the comfort of playing it safe. As the landscape of jobs and industries shifts—thanks to changing economies, new technologies, and unexpected policy changes—the old promise of security from a steady job no longer holds true. Ken shares personal insights and real conversations to highlight that true security doesn’t come from your job, your industry, or even the government—it comes from you. If you’ve ever thought, “Something has got to change,” this episode is for you. Get ready to challenge what you believe about safety, take ownership of your future, and learn why you are the cavalry you’ve been waiting for.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

May 18, 2026Episode 25945 min

Breaking Through Money Ceilings: Transforming Limiting Beliefs for Financial Abundance

Send us Fan MailThis week, we get real about money mindsets with returning guest Karen Thomas, the Surefire Income Guru, whose motto—“a better life is a choice”—guides this candid conversation. We crack open the hidden limiting beliefs around money that so many of us carry without recognizing how they quietly shape our earning, spending, and sense of possibility. Karen shares her personal story of hustling from a young age, and together we dig into how deeply ingrained money stories from childhood—like growing up hearing “we can’t afford that”—can drive our adult financial decisions in ways we don’t even notice.You’ll learn why challenging your automatic assumptions about money (or opportunity, or relationships!) is crucial, and how shifting your focus—even just by changing the questions you ask yourself—can unlock new perspectives and new results. Karen lays out practical tactics to break through your “money ceiling,” those unconscious limits that keep you stuck at a certain income or sabotage your success as soon as things start looking up. From the power of repetition and visualization to tracking your daily “wins,” you’ll walk away with tools to rewire your belief system and start seeking evidence that abundance is actually possible.If you’re tired of feeling stuck—financially or otherwise—and want to put real change into motion, this conversation is a must-listen. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough

May 15, 2026Episode 2588 min

Why Smart People Stay Too Long in Jobs They Hate

Send us Fan MailHave you ever found yourself stuck in a job you know isn’t right, but can’t seem to leave? You’re not alone. In this episode, Ken dives deep into the surprising reasons why smart, capable professionals often stay in roles they dislike. From the traps of overthinking and the drive for safety, to seeking approval or drifting without commitment, we'll unpack some behavioral patterns that keep people stuck—and discuss practical steps for breaking free. If you’re ready to understand what’s holding you back and how to move forward, this episode is for you.If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://kenwilliamscoaching.com/breakthrough