Career Perspectives

Hosted by Karyn Nesby

Business Careers

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Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

Welcome to the Career Perspectives Podcast, I’m your host Karyn Nesby of KMN Coaching and Consulting. I’m here to help you navigate your tech and design career. I will tap into my network and leverage my 20 years of experience in tech and design across multiple industries and bring my coaching and mentoring to you.

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13 recent

June 4, 2026Episode 58 min

Overthinking to Clear Career Decisions

Overthinking can look like “being responsible,” but it often feels like replaying the same career question for months and getting nowhere. I’m Karyn Nesby of KMN Coaching and Consulting, and I’m breaking down why that loop isn’t a character flaw or proof you’re behind. It’s a signal that you’re missing a process that can carry you from uncertainty to action especially during a tech career transition or design career pivot where the choices feel endless.We start by naming what the overthinking loop actually does: it keeps you gathering opinions, building pros and cons lists, and waiting for a level of certainty that never arrives. Then we move into the coaching questions that cut through the noise, including the “perfect scenario” prompt that reveals the gap between where you are and what truly energizes you. That gap is where clarity begins, and it also exposes the limiting beliefs underneath the spiral like fear of making the wrong move, fear your experience won’t translate, or fear you’ll be judged for changing direction.From there, I share the core elements of a structured career pivot framework: a real self-assessment that separates what you’re good at from what you want to do next, a way to narrow options using alignment and fit, and a decision framework that helps you choose with intention instead of reacting to what’s available. If you’ve been stuck, consider this your reminder: you don’t need more information. You need a pathway. The Career Pivot Pathway is open for enrollment, check the link in the show notes. If this helped, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share it with a friend who’s looping, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

May 28, 2026Episode 411 min

Have You Ever Asked Yourself This Question?

That uneasy moment when your job no longer fits can be confusing, especially when you’ve checked all the boxes and looked “successful” from the outside. I call it the “what’s next” season and it’s not laziness or a lack of ambition. It’s disorientation, and it’s often a signal that you’ve grown and your career needs to catch up with who you’ve become.I walk through the patterns I see in professionals who navigate career transitions well, particularly in tech and design careers where change is constant. We start by swapping “What should I do next?” for better questions that rebuild the skill of knowing what you want. From there, I share why it’s so powerful to ask other people where they see you doing your best work, and how that feedback reveals your edge and your transferable, crossover skills. If you’re struggling to name the destination, I’ll show you how to begin with what you don’t want and use a simple from-to reframe to turn frustration into direction.We also get practical about momentum: you don’t think your way out of uncertainty, you step your way out. I explain how small experiments, targeted conversations, and the learning lens help you evaluate options based on what they’ll teach you, not just title or salary. If you’re ready for a step-by-step process, I also share details about my Career Pivot Pathway course, including the career assessment, edgework, and decision frameworks I teach.Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share this with someone who’s feeling stuck, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

May 21, 2026Episode 38 min

Why Most Career Pivots Fail Before They Even Start

A pivot can feel like you’re walking away from everything you built, but I don’t buy that story. Today I’m getting under the surface of career changes, the part that shows up before you touch your resume. When the word “pivot” carries shame, your decisions shrink. You aim for what looks familiar, you move cautiously, and you quietly treat the transition like a setback.We talk about why this job market is especially brutal and why the “same industry only” mindset can cause hiring teams to miss strong candidates with real aptitude. Then we dig into one of the biggest blockers I see in coaching: attachment to job titles. If your identity is fused to a role, you’ll keep chasing the next version of the same title and call it a pivot. A real career pivot starts when you zoom out and ask what you want to do with what you know, and when you separate your value from what you were labeled.If this hits home, subscribe, share the show with a friend who’s stuck, and leave a review so more people can find it. Join the waitlist on my website via the link in my show notes. Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

May 14, 2026Episode 26 min

Why Working Harder Isn't Fixing Your Career Confusion

You can be a high performer and still feel stuck. When your career momentum fades, the instinct is to push harder: more applications, more networking, more courses, more late nights. I’m challenging that reflex, because effort alone is not a strategy. If you’re doing all the “right” things but you’re still unclear, the missing piece is often direction, not discipline.We talk through what this looks like in real life: applying constantly without landing offers you want, having coffee chats that don’t turn into anything meaningful, and looping through the same few options until you hit analysis paralysis. I share why overthinking isn’t a personality trait, it’s a symptom that you don’t have a decision framework. Clarity doesn’t come from endless input. It comes from a process that helps you evaluate options against criteria that actually matter to you, and from understanding your strengths well enough to speak to them in interviews, conversations, and negotiations.I also unpack the difference between career habits and career strategy. Habits can carry you for years, especially in fast-moving careers, but they often fail right when your role stops fitting or your environment changes. That’s when slowing down becomes a power move: making intentional decisions instead of reactive ones, and building a repeatable way to choose your next step.If this resonates, the wait list is open on my website under the Academy, and I’ll be sharing more soon. Subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, share this with a friend who’s in the “doing more” cycle, and leave a review so more people can find the show.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

May 7, 2026Episode 16 min

How People Are Navigating Their Careers Right Now

Capable, credentialed, well-prepared and still not getting the offer? If that’s been your reality, I want to name what’s actually happening: it’s not automatically a talent problem. It’s a signal from a job market that has shifted fast, leaving even experienced professionals feeling uncertain, tired, and stuck in a cycle of “do more” with little to show for it.I’m back for season two of Career Perspectives after stepping away to do my own deep work: a strengths assessment, upskilling, and a hard look at how I want to serve at a higher level. With that perspective, I’m sharing what I’m seeing across careers right now, from layoffs that won’t slow down to performance review anxiety to AI reshaping roles people assumed were safe. It’s an employer’s market, and the emotional toll is real.Here’s the core shift I want you to take with you: the gap is often clarity and structure, not capability. Sending more applications and attending more events can create motion, but without a career strategy it rarely creates direction. We’ll talk about building a framework for career decisions so you can move with intention, stop the exhaustion loop, and rebuild confidence through action that actually fits where you’re headed.If this resonates, share it with someone who needs it, subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next, and leave a review. Want to be first to know what I’m building? Join the wait list on my website under the Academy and connect with me through the links in the show notes.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

January 20, 2025Episode 738 min

Betsy Book on Embracing Change and Resilience in a Tech Career

Navigating the unpredictable twists of a technology career, Sr. Principal UX researcher Betsy Book joins us to recount her remarkable journey from art history academia to the vanguard of digital media. Her story is a testament to the power of serendipity – from a fortuitous arrival in NYC during the tech boom to her pivotal transition into product management and UX. Betsy's reflections on the nascent days of internet startups and the maturation of user experience as a field provide an insightful backdrop to the conversation, offering a unique perspective on the evolution of a tech career.Our conversation took a heartfelt turn as we delved into the realities of job loss and the resilience needed in the face of economic downturns. Betsy and I shared raw experiences of layoffs and personal challenges, discussing the importance of preparation and versatility in navigating business cycles. The dialogue brought forward the notion that enduring such hardships can refine one's focus, shifting it from the minutiae of daily work life to broader professional and personal aspirations. It's within these stories that we uncover the silver lining – a strengthened resolve and the knowledge to better weather the storms ahead.As we looked ahead, we explored the dynamic future of User Experience Research (UXR), highlighting the expanding career paths and the rapidly changing methodologies shaped by global inclusivity and remote engagement. Betsy's contributions emphasized the importance of adaptation and continuous learning, whether through embracing new research techniques or considering the implications of emerging technologies like AI. Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

March 11, 2024Episode 631 min

Navigating a Career in UX Design: Harnessing Creativity and Adaptability with Brett Fountain

When Brett Fountain first laid hands on a Mac in her high school graphic design class, a world of innovation and creativity opened up before her. Now she joins us to share the serendipitous twists and turns that led her from tinkering with Photoshop to becoming an innovation designer. Brett's tale is not just one of talent and opportunity, but also of the bravery to stride into the unknown and the resilience to embrace the journey's unpredictability. My conversation with her unfolds a story that will embolden anyone standing at the crossroads of a career decision, highlighting the value of experience over the straight and narrow path.Diving into the narrative, we explore the remarkable impact of fusing disciplines in UX design. Brett and I examine how a variety of life experiences can act as an asset in the tech world, bringing fresh perspectives to the reinvention of platforms in sectors like healthcare and insurance. We swap stories about the grind of building portfolios from ground zero, and the relentless pursuit of creating opportunities that carve our place in the UX field. Listeners will be privy to the shared wisdom of mining every chance to expand one's toolkit, understanding that the ultimate design solutions often spring from the most diverse backgrounds.Our dialogue then shifts to the absolute necessity of adaptability in a technology landscape that never stops evolving. We discuss the rhythm of learning and relearning as we transition through roles, from internships at tech giants to innovation design in Fortune 500 companies. Brett's insights into the nexus of problem-solving and staying ahead of the curve are a masterclass for anyone aiming to remain relevant amidst the relentless march of new technologies. For those plotting their career trajectory, this episode is an inspiring reminder that the map to success is drawn with your own hands, often alongside the wisdom of those who have journeyed before you.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

February 26, 2024Episode 536 min

A Deep Dive into Design Operations and Career Strategy with Shayla Hill

Embark on a journey with me as I converse with Shayla Hill, an expert in the realm of tech and design program management, uncovering the career strategies that have propelled her through a vibrant landscape of startups, corporate juggernauts, and creative agencies. We navigate Shayla's unique voyage from the world of business education into the heart of design operations. By dissecting her career progression, listeners gain a treasure map to success in tech and design, learning the value of self-belief, adaptability, and the art of seizing roles —key insights for those charting their own professional courses.The episode peels back the curtain on the contrasting cultures and processes of different work environments—charting a course through the agility of startups, the hierarchy of corporations, and the creative synergy of agencies. You'll discover how these ecosystems shape one's career, with personal tales from Shayla unveiling the challenges and triumphs of pioneering innovative digital strategies. Our discussion serves as a beacon for those eager to understand the operational differences and the roles they may play in your next career move.Wrapping up, we touch on the significance of internal growth and the impact of supportive leadership in molding your career trajectory. This episode isn't just a guide for the aspirants and seasoned pros in the design industry; it's an invitation to a richer, more informed professional life, punctuated by the pleasures that make it all worthwhile. Don't forget to connect with us and let our shared experiences shape your next big leap in tech and design.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

February 12, 2024Episode 453 min

Amber Fields and BlackUXLabs: Shaping an Inclusive Future in Technology

Stepping into the spotlight with her relentless drive and vision, Amber Fields of Black UX Labs joins us to share her story of championing diversity in the tech space. As we unpack the transformative journey of the organization, from a pandemic-born support group to a beacon for Black, Brown, and queer tech professionals, the conversation reveals how strategic preparation and an unwavering commitment to excellence have created pathways to success. Our heartfelt dialogue uncovers the sobering statistics of racial disparity in tech roles and wages, and celebrates the triumph of individuals who've broken through barriers to secure roles at top-tier companies, thanks to Black UX Labs' innovative approach and community support.In our industry, retention and cultural intelligence are more than just buzzwords; they’re the backbone of a thriving workplace. This episode takes you through the nuances of creating genuinely inclusive tech environments, highlighting the importance of aligning one's personal values with their professional setting, and the pivotal role hiring managers play. As I share my own reflections on navigating the tech field's isolation and championing diversity, we broach the delicate relationship between strength and bravery in the workplace, and the emotional odyssey of job loss and professional redefinition.When it feels like the tech world is evolving at breakneck speed, staying a strategic warrior within your team is paramount. My exchange with Amber Fields touches on the critical role of AI and the necessity of skill development to stay indispensable. We also explore the power of job matching over job hunting, emphasizing the need for a clear understanding of one's worth and the desire for a workplace that respects and values individuality. Join us for an enriching conversation, illuminated by personal experiences and the legacy of Black UX Labs, offering encouragement to anyone carving out their tech career path with authenticity and resilience.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!

January 29, 2024Episode 329 min

The Art of Career Pivots in Tech with Healy Dwyer: From Software Engineering to Product Management

Imagine stepping into the shoes of Healy Dwyer, whose career trajectory has been from her first job as a software engineering grad to her current role as a product manager in the cybersecurity sector, Healy's story is a playbook on navigating the tech field with agility and purpose. Our conversation not only spotlights the crucial role having a community of supportive women in tech for aspiring women leaders but also delves into the essence of career pivots that are reshaping how one may think about the workplace. Transitions are never simple, and I'm no stranger to the twists of fate in my own career journey. Swapping the comfort of software development for the challenge of a graduate program in UX research, Healy took the plunge inspired by a GRE score on the brink of expiration. The financial cost eased thanks to a scholarship, but more importantly, it was the fellowship of women in tech—a community of supporters and trailblazers—that became the bedrock of her professional evolution.Finally, we all know that balancing the demands of a high-stakes role like product management with personal well-being is akin to a high-wire act. Healy and I explore how to juggle these responsibilities while keeping your sanity intact. We share tips on carving out focus time and the irreplaceable value of mentorship and collaboration. This episode isn't just a conversation; it's a resource for anyone looking to pivot their career without losing sight of the life they want to lead. So, connect with us, as we discuss how to thrive in the tech and design worlds, and don't forget to tap into the community that can help propel you on your journey.Visit https://www.careerperspectivespod.com/ to learn more and signup for exclusive access to podcast videos! Join the Waitlist: Community, Courses and Coaching- https://www.kmncoachingconsulting.com/the-meeting-before-the-meeting-academyEnrollment is Open: The Career Pivot PathwayGet a Free E-book How to Formally Ask Someone to be a Mentor!