Designing The Best YOU!

Hosted by Vennessa McConkey, FDNP, FNC

Business Careers Education

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Episodes

100

Latest episode

Jan 2026

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About the show

Welcome back to Designing the Best YOU! a podcast hosted by career strategist and board-certified holistic health practitioner Vennessa McConkey. This podcast is dedicated to helping you uncover hidden obstacles that are holding you back in your career. Whether those be physical conditions and symptoms, emotional blocks such as unresolved trauma, or mental blocks such as confidence and limiting beliefs. With each episode we will be sharing practical strategies, tips, and insights to help you gain clarity, build confidence and advance your career. From job searching and networking to resolving fatigue and burnout, we will help you tackle the toughest challenges in your journey that help you Design the Best YOU!

Listen to episodes

60 recent

January 29, 2026Episode 113 min

Rejection Isn't a Sign You Need Thicker Skin

If you're a mid- to senior-level leader watching rejection stack up (not ghosting because of your experience, not because you're not good enough), but because your strategy isn't aligned with how strategic roles actually get filled...then you need to hear this!! In today's market, companies are not hiring the most qualified person; they're hiring the obvious person. And that means shifting from a volume-based approach to a positioning approach - one that makes you an UNDEDNIABLE match before you even get to the interview. I read the first half of my latest Substack post on this. In the rest of the article, I break down how rejection is actually strategic feedback, and I share the exact shifts senior professionals need to stop being overlooked and start being pursued. Head over to my Substack to read the rest and if you're ready to end the rejection cycle, book a one-hour clarity call with me where we map your strategic positioning in real time. Find me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey/

January 8, 2026Episode 1018 min

Why 'Not the Right Fit' Is Killing Senior-Level Job Searches

"You're a strong candidate, BUT you're just not the right fit." For senior executives, this phrase is one of the most common reasons job offers fall apart—and one of the least understood. In this episode, we break down what "not the right fit" actually means at leadership levels and why it has very little to do with your resume or qualifications. Senior hiring decisions are driven by trust and resonance, not credentials. You'll learn why highly polished, impressive candidates often lose to less-experienced ones, the difference between performance and recognition in interviews, and the three dimensions of resonance that determine who gets hired. If you keep making final rounds but not closing (or feel misaligned in roles that look perfect on paper) this episode will change how you approach your job search. What You'll Learn What "fit" really means in executive hiring Why being qualified isn't enough anymore How resonance influences hiring decisions Why trying to appeal to everyone backfires Resources Book a Private Strategy Call Work directly with me to diagnose what's blocking your job search: Book Here Read more on Substack Takeaway Executives don't get hired by performing. They get hired when the right people can see themselves trusting them.

December 31, 2025Episode 922 min

The 3Rs of Job Searching: Why Senior Executives Aren't Getting Hired (Results, Relevance & Resonance)

If you're a senior professional or executive stuck in a long, frustrating job search, this episode explains exactly why and what to do instead. In today's market, experience alone isn't enough. Even highly qualified leaders are getting ghosted by recruiters, losing final-round interviews, or passed over for candidates with "less impressive" resumes. The problem isn't the economy. It's that most executives are missing one (or more) of the three hiring filters that actually determine who gets hired at senior levels. In this episode, we break down the 3Rs of Job Searching: Results: Why listing responsibilities kills your resume and how to position transformation instead Relevance: How industry, stage, scale, and culture mismatches quietly eliminate candidates Resonance: The hidden decision-maker behind who gets the offer (and why "fit" really matters) You'll learn how hiring managers actually evaluate executive candidates, why being "qualified" is no longer enough, and how to position yourself so decision-makers can clearly see you solving their problems. If your job search has stalled for months (or you keep making final rounds without offers) this episode will change how you approach everything. Episode Highlights Why "great resumes" still get rejected The difference between responsibilities and results How relevance beats experience at senior levels Why culture and leadership style matter more than you think The real meaning of "not the right fit" How resonance determines who gets the offer Ready to get unstuck? If your job search has stalled (or you keep making final rounds without offers), book a paid 1:1 strategy session with me. In this 60-minute private session, we will: Diagnose exactly which of the 3Rs is breaking your search Identify where you're losing relevance or resonance Reposition your experience so decision-makers can clearly see your value Leave you with specific actions to implement immediately Book your 1-hour session here: sign-up

November 17, 2025Episode 1043 min

How to Manage the Shock of Job Loss and Get Back on Your Feet Again

Losing a job can feel like the rug's been pulled out from under you.... emotionally, financially, and even in your sense of identity. But this moment doesn't have to define you. It can refine you. Join Vennessa McConkey and Mallory Byers, two seasoned career strategists who've helped thousands of professionals rebuild with clarity, confidence, and momentum, for a powerful conversation on how to navigate the shock of job loss and turn it into your greatest comeback story. In this LinkedIn Live, you'll learn: - What really happens in the mind and body after job loss and how to manage it with strength and self-compassion - The first 3 steps to rebuild your confidence and direction (without getting lost in panic or "what-ifs") - How to re-enter the job market with focus, energy, and a message that makes you seen by the right employers - Strategies to regain momentum and rebuild your professional identity, even if you're starting over Whether you were recently laid off, are anticipating a transition, or want to support someone who's struggling, this session will help you regain control and see what's next with purpose. ----- Follow Mallory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachmallorybyers/ Follow Vennessa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey/ #careercoaching #jobloss #grief #jobsearchstrategy #highperformers

November 12, 2025Episode 91 hr 0 min

Fake Jobs, Hacked Profiles, Real Threats (& Stand Out in 2025 Job Market): LinkedIn Live Nov 6, 2025

The 2025 job market is noisier (and riskier) than ever. Fake job postings. Imposter recruiter profiles. Automated "apply-all" scams. AI-generated offers that lead nowhere. It's no wonder so many professionals feel lost, burned out, or invisible. But here's the truth: while the market has changed, human connection still wins. In this LinkedIn Live, we will break down: - How to spot fake postings and protect your personal information - Why so many job seekers are falling for automated "mass apply" traps - The real reason your profile might not be getting traction (and what to fix fast) - How to stand out authentically If you're ready to navigate the noise, rebuild trust, and position yourself as the obvious choice in a skeptical market ...this conversation is for you. ---- Find Jay Jones on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonesdoyoucopy/ https://www.theprofiler.org/ ---- Ready to be truly seen? Let's get you a job! https://calendly.com/vmc-health-career/not-get-ghosted-125 Join Vennessa's From Visible to In-Demand Newsletter: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/vm-newsletter

September 24, 2025Episode 613 min

Adapting to Skills Disruption: How Senior Leaders Stay Relevant in 2025

The skills that built your career won't be enough to carry you into your next role. AI, automation, and digital disruption are changing what companies look for in senior leaders. Credentials and domain expertise? They're no longer the differentiators. What decision-makers want today are leaders who can reframe their experience in the language of 2025, show adaptability, and bridge the gap between digital disruption and human culture. In this episode of Designing the Best YOU, I break down the four ways senior-level professionals can stay relevant and competitive in today's hidden job market. If you've been wondering how to show you're more than just experienced, that you're future-ready and indispensable, this episode will give you the roadmap. Ready to make a strategic shift? Let's get on a call! Not ready quite yet? Get some incredible tips and insight by joining my newsletter

September 17, 2025Episode 517 min

Doing Everything Right And Still No Job? Let's Talk About It

You've updated your resume, applied to all the right roles, optimized your LinkedIn, and even made it to the final interview... So why are you still stuck in job search limbo? In this episode, we're diving into one of the most frustrating phases of the career journey: when you're doing everything right, but still hearing crickets. You'll learn: - Why the traditional job search playbook is broken - What ghosting after interviews really means (and why it's not personal) - Three high-impact shifts that instantly upgrade your job search strategy This is a must-listen if you're tired of waiting and ready to lead your next career move with clarity, confidence, and strategy. BOOK FREE a CALL: https://calendly.com/vmc-health-career/career-level-up ***NEWSLETTER Sign-Up: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/vm-newsletter LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey Discounted nervous system devices to help you manage stress and burnout: Whoop (https://join.whoop.com/73B5B1) - helps optimize your sleep, performance, strain and recovery Apollo (https://share.apolloneuro.com/x/DGTAsx) - wellness device intended to help manage stress, challenging life transitions, and to promote a healthy lifestyle #jobsearch #burnout #burnoutrecovery #careercoach #jobseeker #leadership #careertransition

August 6, 2025Episode 411 min

Designing Your Career in a Shifting Market: How to Win in 2025

The job market in mid-2025 isn't broken; it's evolving. In this episode of Designing the Best You, Vennessa breaks down the real changes shaping today's hiring landscape and shares what job seekers must do to stay competitive and confident. From experience inflation and AI-driven shifts to new high-growth roles and smarter job search strategies, this episode is your guide to navigating the modern career landscape with intention. You'll learn: Why traditional job titles may no longer align with real hiring trends What "experience inflation" is and how to rise above it The 4 tools every job seeker needs to succeed in 2025 How to align your skills and story to the roles that are actually growing Whether you're job hunting, pivoting careers, or simply looking to future-proof your professional brand, this episode gives you the insight and action steps to design your next move — strategically. Resources Mentioned: BOOK FREE a CALL: https://calendly.com/vmc-health-career/career-level-up NEWSLETTER Sign-Up: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/vm-newsletter Job search got you down? Here are some tips: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/jobsearchtips2025 LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX7uzqjys9TWdsskiAI_0Kw Discounted nervous system devices to help you manage stress and burnout Whoop (https://join.whoop.com/73B5B1) - helps optimize your sleep, performance, strain and recovery Apollo (https://share.apolloneuro.com/x/DGTAsx) - wellness device intended to help manage stress, challenging life transitions, and to promote a healthy lifestyle Subscribe and follow for more insights to help you design the best version of your career and yourself.

July 23, 2025Episode 318 min

Why Job Boards Are Keeping You Stuck (and What to Do Instead)

Welcome back to Designing the Best YOU! In today's episode you will hear about: What is the job board trap? How to start chasing and start owning your search How to tap into the hidden market …and more! Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you ready to figure out the HIDDEN blocks keeping you STUCK in your career so you can advance and be all you were designed to be? JOB SEARCH MINI-SERIES VIDEOS: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/jobsearchtips2025 ***NEWSLETTER Sign-Up: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/vm-newsletter *** LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX7uzqjys9TWdsskiAI_0Kw Discounted nervous system devices to help you manage stress and burnout: Whoop (https://join.whoop.com/73B5B1) - helps optimize your sleep, performance, strain and recovery Apollo (https://share.apolloneuro.com/x/DGTAsx) - wellness device intended to help manage stress, challenging life transitions, and to promote a healthy lifestyle #jobsearch #burnout #jobboards #careercoach #jobseeker #leadership #careertransition

July 2, 2025Episode 214 min

Executive Presence: How Senior Leaders Win Interviews

Welcome back to Designing the Best YOU! In today's episode you will hear about: How to lead with clarity, not your title How to tell stories and own the room, using a very specific method What your presence SHOULD look like if you want to win …and more! Are you sick and tired of being sick and tired? Are you ready to figure out the HIDDEN blocks keeping you STUCK in your career so you can advance and be all you were designed to be? BOOK FREE a CALL: https://calendly.com/vmc-health-career ***NEWSLETTER Sign-Up: https://www.vennessamcconkey.com/vm-newsletter *** LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/vennessa-mcconkey YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX7uzqjys9TWdsskiAI_0Kw Discounted nervous system devices to help you manage stress and burnout: Whoop (https://join.whoop.com/73B5B1) - helps optimize your sleep, performance, strain and recovery Apollo (https://share.apolloneuro.com/x/DGTAsx) - wellness device intended to help manage stress, challenging life transitions, and to promote a healthy lifestyle #jobsearch #burnout #burnoutrecovery #careercoach #jobseeker #leadership #careertransition