Career Contessa

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403

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Shortcut your path to being more successful at work. This show helps you figure out what you truly want, land a job, make more money, advance your career, and improve your work life with actionable insights from experts that boost work performance.We're covering job searches, job interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, how to get paid and get a salary raise, career growth tips, leadership and management advice, workplace interpersonal skills, wellness strategies, work-life balance, confidence, career tra

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August 18, 202631 min

The New Career Skill No One Talks About: Agility (AQ)

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 .

August 11, 202635 min

What a Good LinkedIn Profile Looks Like in 2026

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 .

August 4, 202620 min

Not Sure How to Use ChatGPT for Your Resume? A Smarter Way to Write and Tailor Your Application (Listener Favorite)

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 .

July 28, 202633 min

Why Some People Build Wealth (and Others Don’t): 5 Habits of Financially Successful People (Listener Favorite)

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 .

July 21, 202640 min

Why Traditional Productivity Advice Isn’t Working—And How to Work With Your Brain Instead (Listener Favorite)

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 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 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 .

July 14, 202636 min

What’s Your Reputation at Work? How to Build a Personal Brand That Gets You Noticed (Listener Favorite)

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 Here's what you get when you go to http://bioptimizers.com/contessa and use code CONTESSA: 15% off your entire order and a free travel size bottle of Masszymes - BiOptimizers' best-selling digestive enzyme Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code CONTESSA at http:// cowboycolostrum.com/contessa See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .

July 7, 202630 min

Non-Obvious Tips for Standing Out in Today's Job Market

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 .

June 30, 202633 min

The Truth About Executive Presence (and How to Build It Without Faking It)

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 .

June 23, 202632 min

Your Next Job Is Probably in Your Network—Here’s How to Strengthen It

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 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 .

June 16, 202639 min

Is Your Debt Driving Your Career Decisions? How to Change That

Debt can quietly shape your confidence, boundaries, and career choices. In this episode, Lauren talks with Arden Missal, founder of She’s Financially Free, about how financial pressure keeps many women playing small at work—and how to start making career decisions from confidence instead of fear. You’ll learn: How money stress impacts negotiation, overwork, and risk-taking The difference between being practical and being fear-led Mindset shifts to build financial confidence—even before you’re debt-free Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Debt Payoff Starter Kit: ShesFinanciallyFree.com/StarterKit Includes a Debt Freedom Tracker App, a beginner budgeting sheet, a mini financial literacy course, motivational screensavers, and other great resources- Everything you need to get started in paying off your debt. 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 Become a Fora advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code CONTESSA at http:// cowboycolostrum.com/contessa. Go to ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA for 20% off. Shop now at fabletics.com/contessa to get 70 - 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .