Career Gems For The Journey

Hosted by Leah C. Murphy

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Aug 2026

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About the show

One engineer turned expert career coach, ready to drop gems and share hard-earned wisdom. Leah C. Murphy brings you authentic stories, practical advice, and real talk on everything from negotiating compensation to leveling up your career. Tune in to laugh, learn, and navigate your professional journey with confidence. Subscribe now!

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August 17, 202637 min

The Career Advice No One Is Giving You Featuring Daisy Jones-Brown

Is one paycheck enough anymore? Traditional career advice is changing, and so is the way we think about financial security. As federal careers continue to evolve, the lessons from this conversation extend far beyond government service. Leah C. Murphy welcomes Air Force veteran, retired federal leader, real estate investor, and business strategist Daisy Jones-Brown for a conversation about building multiple income streams, creating ownership, and preparing for what's next. Together, they explore how to recognize your transferable skills, shift your mindset beyond a single paycheck, and build long-term wealth with confidence. Key Gems 💎 Why relying on one paycheck may no longer provide the security it once did. 💎 You're not starting over. Your experience, leadership, and expertise can be translated into new opportunities and additional income streams. 💎 Building wealth starts with recognizing your unique value, creating ownership, and taking action before you feel completely ready. 💎 The right coach should empower you, challenge you, and help you move forward with integrity. Don't be afraid to ask questions and vet the people you're investing in. Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠Career Gems for the Journey AI Workshop⁠⁠⁠ 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest: Daisy Jones-Brown is an Air Force veteran, retired federal leader, licensed professional counselor, real estate investor, and business strategist. She is the founder of Born Beautiful, LLC and creator of the Power Pivot framework and The Wealth Circle, helping federal women leaders and veterans translate their expertise into income, ownership, and wealth. With more than 30 years of leadership experience in government, counseling, and human services, Daisy empowers professionals to build purpose-driven businesses, invest in real estate, and create generational wealth. Her mission is to help high-achieving women confidently transition from successful careers into meaningful entrepreneurship and lasting financial freedom. The Wealth Circle is a curated community designed to help professional women, federal employees, veterans, and aspiring investors build long-term wealth through real estate investing. Members gain access to investor education, live trainings, expert guest speakers, real-world deal discussions, strategic networking, and a supportive community focused on moving from earned income to ownership and intentional wealth creation. Learn more: https://thewealthcircle.lovable.app LinkedIn Facebook Youtube Skool

August 3, 202659 min

What HR Isn't Telling You Featuring Ebony Russ

We've all heard the stories about HR, but how much do you actually know about what happens behind the scenes? In this episode of Career Gems for the Journey , Leah C. Murphy sits down with Author, Speaker and Human Resources Business Partner Ebony Russ for an honest conversation about the realities of HR. Together, they unpack what really happens during performance reviews, promotions, PIPs, compensation decisions, and why building a relationship with HR can be one of the smartest career moves you make. In this episode: 💎 The truth about PIPs, promotions, and performance reviews 💎 How HR influences career growth behind the scenes 💎 What every employee should know to better navigate the workplace Whether you're just starting your career, leading a team, or looking for your next opportunity, this episode is packed with practical insights that will help you better understand the people, processes, and decisions that shape your career. Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop: ⁠⁠⁠Career Gems for the Journey AI Workshop⁠⁠⁠ 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest: Ebony Russ is a Human Resource Business Partner with 20 years of experience in HR and Author of Tea, Tactics, and Tenacity: 10 Tips to Thrive in Corporate America, a guide inspired by the lessons she learned and now shares to empower others. IG: ebony.russ_ Shop Ebony's book: Tea, Tactics, & Tenacity: 10 Tips To Thrive In Corporate America

July 13, 202654 min

AI Fundamentals Without the Hype

Artificial intelligence seems to be everywhere. One day it's being hailed as the future of work. The next day it's being blamed for taking jobs, replacing workers, and changing entire industries overnight. So what should professionals actually believe? In this conversation, Leah C. Murphy and Erica Castro-Morrison cut through the noise and break AI down into practical, real-world terms. From common misconceptions and workplace expectations to prompting, security, and productivity, they explore how professionals can use AI with confidence instead of fear. Key Takeaways 💎 Why AI is becoming an essential workplace skill 💎 How better prompting leads to better AI results 💎 What professionals can do now to confidently use AI in their careers ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop: ⁠⁠Career Gems for the Journey AI Workshop⁠⁠ Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest Erica Castro-Morrison is a cybersecurity professional, AI solutions strategist, and founder of STEM Roots Collective. With a background spanning computer-aided design, computer science, information assurance, and cybersecurity, she brings a practical approach to helping organizations and entrepreneurs leverage technology more effectively. Drawing on her experience supporting government and enterprise environments, Erica specializes in cybersecurity, risk management, process automation, and workforce development. Through STEM Roots Collective, she helps businesses implement AI tools and technology solutions that improve efficiency, streamline operations, and support sustainable growth.

June 22, 202618 min

The Human Skills AI Can't Replace

As AI continues to reshape the workplace, many professionals are wondering what skills will remain valuable. In this episode, Leah C. Murphy explores the human-centered skills that AI cannot replace and why emotional intelligence, leadership, adaptability, and relationship-building remain critical for career success. She also shares encouragement for professionals navigating today's challenging job market and discusses how to balance AI upskilling with continued personal and professional growth. In this episode, Leah talks about: 💎 Why emotional intelligence is still a competitive advantage 💎 The difference between competing with AI and working alongside it 💎 Human skills that organizations continue to value most 💎 How to stay relevant in a changing job market 💎 Why your professional value extends beyond technical skills The future belongs to professionals who combine AI capabilities with strong human skills like leadership, communication, critical thinking, and relationship-building. ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop: ⁠Career Gems for the Journey AI Workshop⁠ Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

June 1, 202629 min

Stop Using AI Like Google: Why You’re Still Overworked

In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast , Leah C. Murphy , CEO of Career Gems for the Journey , breaks down one of the biggest mistakes professionals are making with artificial intelligence… using it like a search engine instead of a strategic tool. Leah dives into the growing pressure around AI adoption, the fear of being left behind, and the risks of blindly trusting every AI trend or headline online. She also shares why professionals still have time to upskill, why companies are still figuring AI out themselves, and how to use AI in a more intentional and secure way both personally and professionally. In this episode, Leah talks about: 💎 Why using AI like Google is limiting your growth 💎 The dangers of sharing sensitive information with AI platforms 💎 Why companies are still figuring out their AI strategies 💎 How AI and human critical thinking will work together in the future workplace Interested in learning how to use AI more strategically in your career and workplace? ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop: Career Gems for the Journey AI Workshop Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

May 18, 202618 min

Avoid Becoming Obsolete By Using AI At Work

In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast , Leah C. Murphy , CEO of Career Gems for the Journey , dives into one of the biggest conversations happening in today’s workplace… artificial intelligence. From fears around job security to questions about productivity and workplace expectations, Leah breaks down what professionals really need to know about AI, workplace evolution, and staying competitive in their careers. Leah shares why AI is changing the way work gets done, how expectations are shifting inside organizations, and why professionals still have time to upskill before companies fully optimize AI integration across the workplace. In this episode, Leah talks about: 💎 Why AI is changing expectations at work, not just jobs 💎 How professionals can stay relevant by strategically upskilling 💎 Why many employees feel AI is increasing workloads instead of reducing them 💎 The importance of combining human expertise with AI tools Interested in learning how to use AI more strategically in your career and workplace? ✨ Get on the list and learn more about the upcoming AI Workshop Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

April 27, 202645 min

How to Fail Forward and Still Win Featuring Priscilla Loomis

Failure is something so many of us try to avoid, hide, or push past quickly—but what if it’s actually the thing that shapes us the most? In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast , Leah C. Murphy CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with Priscilla Loomis , Olympic athlete, entrepreneur, and speaker, to talk about resilience, perseverance, and what it really looks like to fail forward. Priscilla shares her journey of chasing Olympic dreams, facing setbacks, and continuing to show up even when the outcome wasn’t guaranteed. This conversation is a powerful reminder that success is not a straight path and that growth often comes from the moments that challenge us the most. Together, they explore how to reframe failure, build confidence through adversity, and keep moving forward with purpose even when things don’t go as planned. In this episode: 💎 What it really means to “fail forward” in your career and life 💎 How to stay committed to your goals when the path gets hard 💎 The mindset shifts needed to move through setbacks with confidence 💎 Why resilience is one of the most important skills you can build 💎 How to redefine success on your own terms Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest Priscilla Loomis is an Olympian, entrepreneur, media host, and advocate known for blending elite performance with purpose-driven leadership. A 3x Hall of Fame inductee and nationally recognized athlete, she leverages her platform to empower women, support students and families, and amplify untold stories in sports and beyond. Whether on air, on stage, or in the community, Priscilla leads with excellence, impact, and unapologetic confidence. 🎥 Be sure to check out Respect The Audacity —her bold digital streaming series highlighting powerful stories of women who are setting the standard and shifting the culture. Available on Apple TV, Fire TV, Xbox, and Roku Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/priscilla_frederick/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/skylar.e.lee.214/ Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/priscilla-loomis-oly Website: https://priscillaloomis.com/

April 6, 202645 min

The Truth About AI And Your Career Featuring Farron Rucker

AI is everywhere right now. From workplace conversations to company strategy meetings, it seems like everyone is talking about artificial intelligence. But what does it actually mean for your career? In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast , Leah C. Murphy sits down with Farron Rucker, CTO and co-founder of Syntax Data, to break down the reality of AI in a way that is clear, practical, and approachable. Together, they explore how artificial intelligence really works, why so many people feel anxious about falling behind, and what professionals can do to stay curious instead of overwhelmed. Farron explains the difference between data analytics and AI, shares real examples of how AI already shows up in everyday tools, and offers guidance on how individuals and organizations can begin using these technologies thoughtfully and responsibly. This conversation moves beyond the hype to focus on what truly matters: understanding the role of human decision-making, recognizing the ethical considerations surrounding AI, and learning how to use these tools as a resource rather than something to fear. In this episode: 💎 What artificial intelligence actually is and how it differs from data analytics 💎 Why AI has been around for decades and why it feels new right now 💎 The biggest misconceptions people have about AI in the workplace 💎 How professionals can start experimenting with AI without putting sensitive data at risk 💎 Why curiosity and critical thinking are still essential in an AI-driven world 💎 The ethical considerations and bias challenges that exist within AI systems Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest Farron Rucker is the CTO and Co‑Founder of Syntex [data], an AI enablement company focused on accelerating insights, reducing costs, and driving innovation for healthcare and life sciences organizations. He is a seasoned data engineer and technology leader with more than a decade of experience delivering AI and data solutions across healthcare, life sciences, the Department of Defense, and large enterprises, and is a past recipient of the Black Engineer of the Year Award.

March 16, 202651 min

Mental Health in Workplace Excellence Featuring Tanya Ladipo

Perimenopause is not the only topic we avoid talking about at work. Mental health in the workplace is another conversation that many organizations still struggle to address openly. In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy sits down with Tonya Ladipo , licensed clinical social worker and workplace mental health expert, to talk about what it really takes to create psychologically safe workplaces where people can thrive. This conversation offers practical insight for leaders, teams, and professionals who want to build workplaces where people feel supported, respected, and empowered to bring their full selves to work. In this episode: 💎 What psychological safety actually means in the workplace 💎 How negative thinking patterns can unintentionally harm team dynamics 💎 The role leaders play in shaping emotionally healthy work environments 💎 Why accountability and communication are critical for workplace wellbeing 💎 How organizations can begin building cultures that support both performance and mental health Tonya is also a returning speaker at the 2nd Annual Career and Care Summit , where she will share deeper insights on building mentally healthy workplaces and supporting employee wellbeing. Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 🎟️ Secure your spot at the 2nd Annual Career & Care Summit! ✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Your Ticket Today!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest Tonya Ladipo is the Founder and CEO of The Ladipo Group, a leadership development and organizational consulting firm that helps leaders navigate hard conversations and change with courage, kindness, and clarity. With more than 25 years of experience, she is a nationally sought-after speaker specializing in emotional intelligence, psychological safety, and workplace wellness, known for making complex topics practical and actionable. Her work has been featured in major national outlets, trusted by organizations like Google and the University of Pennsylvania, and recognized with honors including being a two-time Titan 100 awardee.

March 2, 202659 min

You Are Before The World Book Tour Featuring Tara Jaye Frank

What happens when high-performing women wake up and realize that doing everything “right” still doesn’t guarantee the outcome they hoped for? In this special Career & Care Summit preview episode, Leah C. Murphy sits down with leadership strategist, equity advocate, and bestselling author Tara Jaye Frank for an unfiltered conversation about ambition, exhaustion, identity, and what it really means to lead without losing yourself. Together, they explore the tension so many mid-career women feel, especially those navigating caregiving, leadership, and personal reinvention all at once. Tara shares the heart behind her newest book, You Are Before the World , and why redefining success is not a luxury but a necessity in today’s climate. In this conversation, you’ll hear about: 💎 Why hustle culture and “twice as good” conditioning can quietly undo us 💎 The emotional weight of always being the fixer 💎 Why reflection, not just experience, fuels growth 💎 The power of rewriting your narrative in real time 💎 What it means to choose yourself without abandoning your calling Tara opens up about writing You Are Before the World in the wake of the 2024 election, and how the book serves as both a reckoning and a roadmap for high-achieving women who are tired of pouring from an empty cup. This conversation is especially meaningful because Tara Jaye Frank will be joining us live as a featured speaker at the upcoming Career & Care Summit. If this episode resonated with you, imagine what it will be like to experience this dialogue in person. 📚 You Are Before the World is available wherever books are sold. And for those attending the Career & Care Summit, a copy of Tara’s book will be included with your registration, thanks to our generous sponsors. Make Your Journey Work For You! Stay Connected: 🎟️ Secure your spot at the 2nd Annual Career & Care Summit! ✨ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Your Ticket Today!!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth. 💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you! 💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations. 💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems. About Our Guest Tara Jaye Frank is a leadership strategist, equity advocate, and founder and CEO of The Waymakers Change Group, where she advises Fortune 500 companies and senior leaders on human-centered leadership, equity, and belonging. A former executive and Hallmark greeting card writer, she has held senior roles across creative, multicultural strategy, and business innovation, and spent a decade as creative partner to Dr. Maya Angelou. Tara is the award-winning author of The Waymakers, a 2025 LinkedIn Top Voice, and brings soulful clarity to leaders ready to create lasting change without losing themselves.