Career Sessions

Hosted by JR Lowry

Business Careers ManagementInterviews guests

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Episodes

206

Latest episode

Jun 2026

Language

EN-US

About the show

Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path. Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io . Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts. Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations. He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer. Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.

Listen to episodes

60 recent

June 15, 2026Episode 20633 min

Why Work Feels Broken (And How to Fix It), With Debbie Lovich

Most people spend a huge portion of their lives at work. So why do so many of us dread it?In this episode, JR speaks with Debbie Lovich, Senior Partner Emerita at Boston Consulting Group and author of Make Work Work, about why employee engagement has remained stubbornly low for decades despite billions spent on leadership training, culture initiatives, and workplace transformation programs.Debbie argues that making work better doesn't require another grand strategy or organizational overhaul. Instead, it comes down to a handful of daily leadership behaviors that create more human, enjoyable, and productive workplaces.Their conversation covers:Why most leadership training fails to change behaviorThe connection between employee joy, performance, and retentionThe five daily practices that help leaders create better workplacesWhy employee experience should be treated like customer experienceHow co-creation can replace traditional change managementThe role of middle managers in shaping workplace cultureWhat leaders get wrong about AI and the future of workHow anyone—not just senior executives—can improve the culture around themIf you're a leader, manager, or employee who wants work to be more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable, this conversation offers practical ideas you can put into action immediately.Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/debbie-lovich-2.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

June 10, 2026Episode 20530 min

From Cleaner To CFO (and Beyond): Lessons On Reinvention And Risk, With Mohamed Isa

Most people see careers as ladders to climb. Mohamed Isa sees them as mountains to explore. In this episode, Mohamed shares his remarkable journey from working as a cleaner in a bank to becoming the youngest CFO of a publicly listed company in Bahrain. Along the way, he learned that success isn't about following a predetermined path—it's about taking calculated risks, continually reinventing yourself, and creating opportunities where others see limitations.JR and Mohamed explore:How a cleaning job became the foundation for an extraordinary careerWhy taking career risks can accelerate growthThe difference between having a large network and having the right networkHow to think about reinvention through seven-year cyclesWhy careers don't need to follow a linear pathWhat "peak leadership" means and how to build a lasting legacyHow mountain climbing became a powerful metaphor for life and workThis conversation is a reminder that where you start doesn't determine where you'll finish. Whether you're feeling stuck, considering a career change, or simply looking for inspiration, Mohammed's story offers a powerful perspective on what's possible when you combine ambition with action.Tune in every week for more episodes like this. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or follow Career Sessions wherever you're listening.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mohamed-isa.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

June 1, 2026Episode 20431 min

How To Escape Overwhelm And Redefine Success, With Corrie LoGiudice

Most people think overwhelm is a productivity problem. Corrie LoGiudice argues it’s something much deeper. In this episode, JR speaks with Corrie LoGiudice, author of The Five Overwhelm Culprits, about why so many high performers feel exhausted, disconnected and stuck — even when their lives look successful on paper. Corrie explains why burnout is often misdiagnosed as a time-management issue, and why the real causes of overwhelm usually stem from deeper problems like misalignment, lack of clarity, weak support systems and chronic self-neglect.Their conversation covers:Why overwhelm is more than “having too much to do”The five root causes behind burnout and chronic stressHow work and personal life pressures compound each otherWhy high performers often confuse exhaustion with successThe difference between burnout and misalignmentHow intuition helps people recognize when something is wrongWhy women experience overwhelm differently than menThe role resilience plays in navigating major life changesHow to recognize overwhelm before reaching a breaking pointWhy meaningful change either happens by choice — or happens to youSubscribe to Career Sessions wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/corrie-logiudice.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

May 26, 2026Episode 20333 min

Why Success Can Destroy A Company, With Eric Ries

Most companies don’t fail because they’re outcompeted. They fail because they succeed. In this episode, JR speaks with Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup and Incorruptible, about why successful organizations so often lose their mission, values and long-term vision. Eric explains how modern corporate systems incentivize short-term extraction over long-term value creation and that the problem isn’t necessarily bad leaders, but structures that slowly corrupt organizations over time.Their conversation covers:Why “shareholder value” became the dominant philosophyHow companies like Costco resisted short-term pressureThe hidden incentives that destroy great businessesAI governance and what OpenAI and Anthropic tell us about the futureHow founders can design companies that survive beyond themWhat employees and consumers can do to help companies stay true to their missionIf you’re interested in the impact of capitalism on leadership and innovation, make sure you tune in.Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/eric-ries.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

May 18, 2026Episode 20231 min

How Successful People Actually Think About Risk, Failure, And Opportunity, With Kyle Austin Young

Most people think success comes down to talent, timing, or even luck. But Kyle Austin Young suggests it could be a numbers game. In this episode, he explains how to think about success through the lens of probability so you can actively improve your odds over time.JR and Kyle explore:Why your goals have hidden probabilities attached to themHow to reduce the likelihood of failureThe power of repeated attemptsWhen to power through to achieve your goals, and when to pauseWhy differentiation is critical in today’s marketThis conversation reframes success as something you can engineer. Whether you’re early in your career or reevaluating your next move, this will help you make smarter decisions and create better outcomes over time.Tune in every week for more episodes like this. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Career Sessions wherever you’re listening to this.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/kyle-austin-young.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

May 11, 2026Episode 20133 min

The Hidden Cost Of Loneliness At Work, With Tracy Brower

We often talk about burnout, quiet quitting and disengagement at work, but underneath these trends is something deeper: loneliness. In this episode of Career Sessions, Tracy Brower joins JR to unpack the growing crisis of disconnection at work and why it’s affecting everything from performance to mental health.They cover:Why loneliness is rising in the age of remote work and social mediaWhy work is still the #1 place people build friendshipsHow leaders can create belongingThe need for both strong ties and weak tiesHow to build a network that actually leads to opportunitiesSimple ways to feel more connected starting todayThis conversation breaks down the science of connection and how it shapes your career, relationships, and sense of purpose.Subscribe and follow Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/tracy-brower.For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

May 4, 2026Episode 20030 min

Why Rest Is the Original Performance Tool, With Nathalie Walton

Most productivity advice skips right past the most obvious lever: sleep. In this episode, JR speaks with Nathalie Walton who leads growth at Better Sleep, the app that's become the go-to sleep tool for 65 million people around the world. Nathalie's path here wasn't linear. It started with her own experience during pregnancy where she came to realize that there was a frustrating gap in support for women's health. That led her to found Expectful, a platform for fertility, pregnancy, and early motherhood, and eventually to Better Sleep, where she's helping scale something that genuinely changes how people feel day to day. JR and Nathalie get into:Why sleep isn't something you can bank or borrow againstHow Better Sleep built real trust with its users in an era when most health apps cut cornersWhy expanding access to care (especially for women and underserved communities) is one of the most important problems anyone in healthcare can be working on right now If you’re interested in health, startups or optimizing your performance at work and in life, you don’t want to skip this episode. Find and follow Career Sessions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/nathalie-walton.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

April 27, 2026Episode 19932 min

How To Explore Careers Without Guesswork, With Gabe DeSanti & Alex Dworsky

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Gabriel DeSanti and Alex Dworsky, co-founders of Staj, a platform built around a simple but powerful idea: What if you could experience a career before committing to it? They explore why traditional career decision-making is often based on limited information and how that leads many people to feel misaligned years into their careers. Drawing on Gabe’s experience trying nearly 200 different jobs and Alex’s background in corporate America, they discuss how career exploration can shift from guesswork to intentional experimentation.They cover:Why most people choose careers without truly understanding themHow short-term “career experiments” can provide clarityPractical ways to explore new industries without prior experienceWhy curiosity and initiative matter more than a perfect resumeHow to build credibility quickly when pivoting careersThe role of networking and real-world exposure in unlocking opportunitiesThey also share insights from building Staj and what they’re learning about how people test and transition into new paths. If you’re early in your career or considering a pivot, this conversation is for you.Follow Career Sessions for weekly insightful episodes just like this.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/gabe-desanti-alex-dworsky/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

April 20, 2026Episode 19830 min

How To Act Like An Owner: Building Engagement, Accountability, And Meaningful Work, With Greg Hawks

In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry sits down with author, speaker, and culture expert Greg Hawks to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today: Why are so many people disengaged at work—and what actually changes that? Greg introduces the concept of the “ownership mindset,” a powerful shift in how individuals approach their work and how leaders build environments where people feel invested, accountable, and motivated. Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations, Greg explains why most employees start with energy and intention—but often lose it over time—and what both individuals and leaders can do to bring it back. They discuss:What it really means to “act like an owner” (and why it has nothing to do with your title)The difference between owners, renters, and vandals in the workplaceWhy engagement breaks down—and how culture often unintentionally discourages initiativeThe five “unlocks” that help individuals and teams build ownership and accountabilityHow leaders can re-engage employees who’ve stopped investing their energyWhy values only matter when they are consistently lived—not just statedHow to think about ownership not just in your role, but across your entire career Greg also shares practical tools—from identifying where you’re placing blame to making small, consistent changes that compound over time—to help you take greater ownership of your work and your future. If you’ve ever felt stuck, disengaged, or frustrated by your work environment, this conversation offers a clear and actionable framework for reclaiming control, finding meaning, and building a more fulfilling career. Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/greg-hawks/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

April 13, 2026Episode 19731 min

What Actually Gets You Hired and Promoted, With Mary Olson Menzel

In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with coach, speaker, and bestselling author Mary Olson Menzel to explore a question many professionals wrestle with: What does it really mean to build a career that lights you up and is it realistic to do so?Mary challenges the conventional wisdom that playing it safe is the responsible path. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, she argues that ignoring what energizes you can come at a much higher cost over time.They discuss:What Mary calls your “light” and why it’s a real competitive advantageWhy employers often choose energy and authenticity over credentialsHow to balance passion with financial responsibility using the concept of IkigaiPractical strategies for navigating job searches in a difficult marketHow to know when it’s time to pivot and how to do it thoughtfullyThe role of storytelling and networking in standing outMary also shares actionable tools from building a targeted job search strategy to tracking your own “light” through daily reflection. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next, this conversation offers a practical and grounded path forward – one that doesn’t force you to choose between purpose and stability.Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mary-olson-menzel/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/