Chris Villanueva, CEO & Co-Founder of Let's Eat, Grandma resume service , proudly hosts the Career Warrior Podcast for job seekers of all backgrounds. You will hear job-hunting strategies from industry leaders, resume experts, and top coaches to help guide you through your career. This show retells the stories and struggles of job seekers, industry professionals, and brave startup founders. Hear about their career pitfalls and how they climbed out of them in these episodes. The Career Warrior Podcast covers the best career-related content by discussing all topics relevant to all entry-level applicants, mid-career candidates, and high-level executives - from the ideal resume page formatting to writing a resignation letter. We want you to become the best professional you can be in your career! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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August 17, 202643 min
#402) Personal Branding for People Who Hate Self-Promotion | Vanessa Errecarte
Personal branding, self-promotion, getting noticed. If those phrases make you uncomfortable, you are not alone. Self-promotion is often feels strange, possibly because of others’ perceptions of us, fear of rejection, or fear of failure. I know many of you job seekers know the importance of branding. (LinkedIn, resume, how we show up to interviews). The concept is there, but the execution is difficult. My next guest Vanessa Errecarte tells us that self-promotion doesn’t have to be stressful, time-consuming, or inauthentic. In fact, she teaches one of the nation’s only MBA courses on personal branding and her new book, Valuable & Visible: Redefining Personal Branding by Leading With Impact Over Image , rejects legacy definitions of personal branding focused on self-promotion and instead shows how to build a service-based, credible, and authentic digital reputation that can help you achieve your wildest professional goals. Resources from the show: Order Vanessa's book : https://www.amazon.com/Valuable-Visible-Redefining-Personal-Branding/dp/1394395000?ref Free Resume Critique: https://www.letseatgrandma.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
August 3, 202640 min
#401) ‘Stability’ No Longer Exists | Build a Mission-Driven Career | Arun Gupta
Careers were once built for a stable world, but today’s tech disruption and economic pressures call for a new level of resilience. Job seekers of all levels now seek careers with purpose and impact, no longer defining success around credentials or prestige. Leading tech investor-turned-Georgetown professor Arun Gupta is an expert in emerging technology, venture finance, entrepreneurship, and the future of work. In THE MISSION GENERATION: Rewrite Success, Reclaim Your Purpose, Rebuild Our Future , a USA Today bestseller, he explores a new generation not bound by age or demographics – striving for careers with impact and meaningful change. Arun is CEO of the NobleReach Foundation, which works to recruit young people (like Teach for America) into the public sector and tackle the nation’s challenges. He is a venture capitalist, entrepreneurship professor at Georgetown University, lecturer at Stanford University, and bestselling author. Without further ado, let’s launch into this special episode of the Career Warrior Podcast! Here's what I asked Arun: Resilience and adaptation is needed in our careers more than ever. We’re here in the summer of 2026. Why now? In the past, we were told to pick a career and stick with it. Now we encounter multiple career changes in our lifetime. What is the bright side of this? Can you give an example of how a career can change in a non-linear way? Your advice on career change: How would you tailor that advice differently for someone who is a Gen Xer vs. someone who is just graduating college? What does the word resilience mean to you? Can you tell a personal story? In the book, you talk about Compass Capital . What are they at a high level? Why do you believe that AI won’t threaten long-term success? I love your story on why you wrote the book. Can you share it with listeners? Here are the resources from the show: Check Out Arun's Website: https://www.themissiongeneration.com/ Order The Mission Generation from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Generation-Reclaim-Purpose-Rewrite/dp/139440817X Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 13, 202612 min
#400) The Latest Jobs Report | A LinkedIn Formula That Works
Wanna connect on LinkedIn?: www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw Want a free resume critique?: www.letseatgrandma.com April and May delivered strong hiring numbers, but June brought a noticeable cooldown, with just 57,000 jobs added. Hospitality took a hit, losing 61,000 jobs, while private education and health services gained 69,000 positions. Professional and business services also showed encouraging growth, adding 36,000 jobs. In this episode, Chris breaks down the latest jobs report and explains why, despite concerns around aging demographics, AI disruption, and rising oil prices, the labor market is still holding up better than it was in 2025. Then, Chris shares a practical formula for refreshing your LinkedIn summary: one that goes far beyond simply asking AI to do the work for you. You'll learn: What June's hiring slowdown actually means for job seekers. Which industries are gaining momentum—and which are struggling. Why AI can't replace your unique career story. A simple framework for writing a stronger LinkedIn summary. How to tailor your profile based on your industry and career goals. Whether you're actively job searching or simply preparing for your next opportunity, this episode will help you understand the market and position yourself more effectively. Need more help with your resume, LinkedIn profile, or job search strategy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 22, 202614 min
#399) How to Stand Out on Your Resume (Without Lying)
Should you lie on your resume to get ahead? Spend five minutes on Reddit and you’ll see it everywhere: people asking if they should inflate numbers, fake certifications, stretch job titles, or take credit for work they barely touched. In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris tackles one of the most uncomfortable questions in job search: where’s the line between strategic positioning and straight-up lying? Chris explains why lying on your resume is rarely worth it—you can get caught, damage your credibility, and put yourself in a job you’re not prepared to handle. Worse, once you tell the lie, you have to keep maintaining it. In this episode, you’ll learn: • The most common resume lies job seekers tell • Why exaggerating metrics or certifications can backfire fast • When it’s okay to adjust a job title (and when it’s not) • How to ethically “market yourself” without fabricating experience • Why your resume headline matters more than most people realize • How formatting, ordering, and strong headlines influence recruiter attention • How to use accomplishment-driven language to sound more impressive • What to do if you don’t have perfect metrics or hard numbers Most people undersell themselves—not because they lack qualifications, but because they don’t know how to communicate their value. You don’t need to lie. You need stronger positioning. Learn how to highlight your strengths, downplay weaknesses strategically, and present yourself like someone recruiters can’t ignore. 🎯 Get a free resume critique at Let’s Eat, Grandma —reviewed by real experts, not AI. Subscribe to Career Warrior for weekly resume advice, job search strategies, interview tips, and career growth insights. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
-Should you ever lie on your resume? -Do ATS systems really require you to tailor your resume for every application? -Should you include a headshot, use colors, or list volunteer experience? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast, Chris answers some of the most upvoted resume questions from Reddit's r/Resumes community. You'll learn practical, no-nonsense advice on resume tailoring, AI tools, ATS optimization, volunteer work, leadership experience, and more. In this episode, you'll learn: • Whether it's ever okay to downplay or omit qualifications on your resume • The smartest way to tailor your resume without spending hours on every application • How to professionally describe reviving a struggling club or organization • Whether headshots belong on modern resumes • What to include in your professional summary (and whether you need one at all) • Which resume sections help recruiters—and which may hurt your chances • The best colors for resumes and how much design actually matters • How to showcase volunteer work that builds relevant skills and ATS-friendly keywords Whether you're actively job searching or simply want a stronger resume for future opportunities, this episode will help you make smarter decisions and avoid common resume mistakes. 🎯 Get a free resume critique at Letseatgrandma.com—reviewed by real resume experts, not AI. Subscribe to Career Warrior for weekly job search strategies, resume tips, interview advice, and career growth insights from top experts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 18, 20269 min
#397) 4,000 Cisco Layoffs? Job Market News & How to Adapt Your Resume in 2026
In this episode, we break down the latest job market news shaping the Summer 2026 hiring landscape. Cisco recently announced 4,000 layoffs while shifting toward AI-driven services , highlighting a broader trend of companies restructuring their workforce. But the headlines don’t tell the full story. We’ll cover the bad news, the “meh” news, and the good news for job seekers—including why some economists are already talking about “layoff regret,” what the Employment Trends Index rising to 105.77 suggests about hiring demand, and how you can position yourself to stand out. You’ll also learn practical resume updates and job search strategies to stay competitive in a changing job market. 👉 Get a free resume critique (reviewed by real experts, not AI): Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Critique What We Cover The Cisco layoffs and what they signal about AI-driven restructuring Why layoffs are happening—but may not be permanent The surprising signal from the U.S. Employment Trends Index Why the external job market matters less than you think Resume updates that help you stand out in 2026 Why networking and differentiation matter more than ever Resources Free resume critique: Let’s Eat, Grandma Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 4, 202633 min
#396) From Burnout to Joy at Work: Why Stress Isn’t a Success Strategy (with Amy Leneker)
Burnout is often treated like a badge of honor—but what if constant stress is actually sabotaging your performance? In this episode of the Career Warrior Podcast , Chris Villanueva sits down with leadership advisor and former C-suite executive Amy Leneker , who once experienced over 100 stress-induced panic attacks in just three months while leading at the highest levels of business. Despite advising Fortune 100 companies and building a high-powered career, Amy realized she had mistaken constant stress for a meaningful life . She recently released the book: Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy , which is currently climbing best seller lists. Now a leadership consultant who has helped 100,000+ professionals and executives , Amy shares the science and strategy behind working with less stress and more joy —without sacrificing ambition or results. Together, Chris and Amy explore why high achievers often glorify stress, how burnout sneaks up on even the most successful professionals, and what leaders can do to perform at their best without sacrificing their health or happiness. You’ll also learn Amy’s practical framework for “unstressing” your work life , the surprising research behind why 79% of people perform best when connected to joy , and simple habits you can use immediately to create more clarity, focus, and energy in your career. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why ambitious professionals often confuse stress with purpose The moment Amy realized her “dream job” had become a nightmare A powerful framework for sorting and managing different types of stress The ABC of Joy (Awareness, Breathe, Connection) and how it impacts performance Whether stress is actually necessary for success What to do when you have to work long hours but still want to avoid burnout If you’re a driven professional, leader, or job seeker trying to grow your career without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation will help you rethink how high performance, joy, and ambition can coexist . Resources Mentioned Cheers to Monday: The Surprisingly Simple Method to Lead and Live with Less Stress and More Joy (Wiley // March 24, 2026) Follow Amy on LinkedIn Less Stress, More Joy Podcast Amy’s Instagram Connect with Chris , the host Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 20, 202613 min
#395) Stand Out in a Sea of AI Resumes
AI resume builders are everywhere. And while they promise the “perfect resume in 2 minutes,” something interesting is happening in the job market: resumes are starting to look exactly the same. In this episode, Chris Villanueva, Founder and CEO of Let’s Eat, Grandma , breaks down what recruiters are actually seeing right now—and why the rise of AI-generated resumes is creating a huge opportunity for job seekers who know how to stand out. Chris shares his firsthand observations from reviewing resumes and testing popular AI resume tools. While many of these platforms offer slick interfaces and impressive keyword optimization, they often produce documents that feel generic, keyword-heavy, and lacking the one thing that actually gets interviews: a compelling human story. You’ll learn why relying too heavily on AI can hurt your chances, what mistakes many AI-generated resumes make, and how to craft a resume that cuts through the noise. If you’re serious about landing interviews in today’s competitive market, this episode will show you how to do the opposite of what everyone else is doing. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why many AI-generated resumes are starting to look identical The biggest weaknesses of AI resume builders Why keyword optimization alone isn’t enough The difference between responsibilities and real accomplishments How recruiters spot generic resumes immediately Why your story and context matter more than ever Practical ways to make your resume uniquely yours Key Takeaway: AI can help with editing and formatting, but it can’t replace your personal story, context, and achievements. The only way to beat the competition is to stand out—and that means going deeper than keywords and templates. Free Resume Critique: I f you want expert eyes on your resume, head over to letseatgrandma.com and request your free resume critique . Unlike many tools out there, our critiques are done by real experts—not AI . You’ll also get subscribed to our newsletter for practical job search insights and updates on how hiring technology is changing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 30, 202632 min
#394) Your Job Search: Effort Doesn’t Guarantee Results | Fix Your Mentality First | Diana Pagano
Your Job Search: Effort Doesn’t Guarantee Results | Fix Your Mentality First When ambitious professionals hit a plateau, the instinct is simple: work harder. Add more hours. Push through. But according to my next guest, Diana Pagano, that reflex often backfires. She argues that “work harder” is often a learned pattern that keeps people busy, burned out, and stuck. In today’s careers, knowing when to stop or pull back is a competitive advantage—not a weakness. Diana is the author of The More Mindset . A first-generation Mexican American and former single mother, she spent years working seven days a week to survive—before realizing those same patterns were limiting her growth. After rewiring them, she became an international speaker and executive leader driving 500% revenue growth. Today, she coaches executives and founders on the cognitive habits that shape career growth—and why effort alone eventually stops working. Setting the Stage People want more—especially listeners of this show (myself included). But when does that drive start working against you? Chris shares how it’s often harder to stop than to start, especially for Career Warriors—constantly adding more, rarely pulling back. Diana, you’ve lived this—working nonstop before realizing it was holding you back. What were those patterns, and how did you rewire them? What We’ll Cover Why knowing when to stop is a competitive advantage—not a weakness How to recognize when it’s time to stop pushing and recalibrate Advice for job seekers: when to persist vs. when to pivot The difference between unhealthy career spiraling and productive reflection ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts): what they are and how they fuel career spiraling—and the antidote How to hit goals (even in sales-driven roles) without simply working harder What AI can never replicate in your career Resources & Links Order Diana’s book, The More Mindset : https://www.amazon.com/More-Mindset-Mental-Extraordinary-Results/dp/1394388683/ Connect with Diana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diana-pagano/ Connect with Chris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-villanueva-cprw/ Let’s Eat, Grandma — Resume writing services to help you stand out with clarity and confidence Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 16, 202641 min
#393) Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office | An Interview with Dr. Lois Frankel
This episode is for our Career Warrior Women. Since 2004, Dr. Lois P. Frankel’s New York Times bestseller has been an essential resource for women seeking advice and empowerment to stop sabotaging their careers and get ahead in the workplace. This completely updated and revised vital new 3rd edition is everything a modern working girl needs to get what she wants. Though the workplace looks different than it did twenty years ago, women still face considerable challenges that men do not. In today’s episode, we discuss talking points from the 3rd edition of Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office , Dr. Lois P. Frankel teaches you how to reject the “nice girl” mentality, which manifests as a distinctive set of behaviors learned in girlhood that ultimately sabotage you as an adult, and still exists in today’s modern workplace. We’ll bring unconscious mistakes that could be holding you back in your career. Mistakes such as: Mistake #4: Believing Negative Self-Talk . Counter negative messages with positive ones. Mistake #26: Fear of Coming Across too Strong . Don’t dumb down, shut down, or tone down–be assertive! Mistake #32: Not Calling Attention to Wins. You did the work, now let the people know. Mistake #55: Poor Boundaries. If you’re going to work from home, set boundaries. Mistake #85: Doing Instead of Leading. Picking up others’ slack becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. Mistake #70: Allowing “Bropriation.” Never allow someone to claim your idea as their own. You have the power to take control of your career without being controlling, to speak your mind while still being respected, and to chase your ambitions without fear or shame. Get the book: https://www.amazon.com/Nice-Girls-Dont-Corner-Office/dp/1455546046 Connect with Dr. Lois Frankel on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drloisfrankel Thanks for tuning in! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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