People in Transition

Hosted by Bob Gerst

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Episodes

158

Latest episode

Nov 2026

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EN-US

About the show

"People in Transition" is your ultimate guide to navigating life's major career changes with confidence and excitement! Whether you're a student landing your first job, a professional between gigs, an aspiring entrepreneur ready to start your own business, or someone preparing for a well-earned retirement, we've got you covered. Each episode offers unique insights and practical tips from people who have successfully walked these paths themselves as well as helped many others in their journey. Join us for an inspiring and entertaining journey through the many transitions of life!

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60 recent

November 11, 2026Episode 15830 min

158. Alicia McLain - Organizational Whisperer, Executive & Leadership Coach: helping leaders build mental fitness

On this episode of People in Transition , host Bob Gerst welcomes Alicia McLain, an executive and leadership coach, organizational transformation specialist, and expert in mental fitness and resilience. Alicia is the Principal of Operational Innovations and a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) who helps leaders develop the mental fitness needed to navigate high-stress environments with clarity, confidence, and resilience. With extensive experience in leadership development, organizational change, and coaching, Alicia understands how our mindset influences the way we respond to life's challenges. Her work focuses on helping people recognize limiting beliefs, build emotional agility, and develop practical strategies to respond more intentionally when faced with pressure. In our conversation, Alicia brought these concepts directly into the world of job seekers, where uncertainty, rejection, and the emotional roller coaster of a job search can take a significant toll. We explored why mental fitness is so important during a career transition and shared some practical techniques that can make a real difference. Some of the Questions We Explored and Insights We Shared: Is Your Mind Mistaking a Job Deadline for a Grizzly Bear? Our minds have two parts: the thriving mind and the survival mind. Sometimes, our survival mind can't distinguish between a grizzly bear and a project deadline. Understanding this response is essential to building mental fitness during a job transition. When Stress Moves from Your Mind into Your Body: What happens when we don't address our mental fitness? We discussed the physical signs of stress, including jaw tightness, shortness of breath, disrupted sleep, and jitteriness. Why You Can't Simply Think Your Way Out of Negative Emotions: We explored why changing your thoughts alone isn't always enough and shared techniques to help release negative emotions from your body. Can Pinching Your Fingers Together Help You Regain Control? Alicia shared how a simple physical action can help interrupt mental chatter and bring you back to a more intentional state of mind. Are You Lifting 5, 25, or 50 Pounds of Problems? When we begin our mental fitness journey, we may only be able to lift "5 pounds of problems." With practice, we might progress to "25 pounds." And if we aren't yet ready to lift "50 pounds," that doesn't mean we've failed. It simply means we need more practice. How Can You Quiet the Mental Chatter? Alicia introduced easily implemented techniques that can be practiced anytime, anywhere, to help quiet the mind and regain focus. This was an informative, interesting, and highly practical conversation with Alicia McLain. The insights and techniques she shared can help job seekers strengthen their mental fitness, manage the emotional roller coaster of a job search, and approach their career transition with greater resilience, confidence, and clarity. Send us Fan Mail

October 11, 2026Episode 15734 min

157. Andrew LaCivita - International Career and Leadership Coach | 📘 Best-Selling Author

Andrew LaCivita knows careers. As the founder of MileWalk Academy, he has helped more than 100,000 people and 350 companies across nearly 200 countries improve their careers, leadership, and communication. He is also the bestselling author of Interview Intervention , The Hiring Prophecies , The Zebra Code , and his newest book, Signal Strength . What makes Andrew especially interesting for “ People in Transition” is his practical approach to navigating careers and finding opportunity. His Tips for Work and Life® platform and weekly Live Office Hours reach professionals around the world, helping them think differently about their careers, communication, and job searches. In our conversation, Andrew and I explored: What is the most important soft skill you need in your job search? What is your “biography history” — and why do candidates spend too much time on it? What does “content and conviction” have to do with communication? What are the essential steps to good communication? Which communication skills matter, even more with AI all around us? Why is “boss hunting” better than simply applying online? What a great discussion with Andrew. To learn more, connect with him on LinkedIn , visit MileWalk Academy , or check out his MileWalk blog . Listen, learn, and share this episode with someone who could benefit from Andrew’s insights! Send us Fan Mail

September 27, 2026Episode 15627 min

156. Merry Korn - Author "Fired to Inspired", Executive Transformation Speaker, Strategic Workshop Facilitator, Career & Business Coach

The Informational Interview Today we're talking about one of the most powerful (and most underused) tools in any career transition: the informational interview. Joining me is Merry Korn, an expert in navigating career change and building meaningful professional relationships. Merry is the author of Fired to Inspired , the story of how she turned a humiliating firing into a new sense of purpose and went on to build a social enterprise that employed more than 1,300 people across 30 states, many of them people facing the greatest barriers to work. Merry has joined us before on “People in Transition”, when we talked about resilience, overcoming fear, and turning setbacks into opportunities. This time, we're focusing on how informational interviews can help you figure out what's next and open doors you didn't know existed. Here are some of the key questions we explored: Who should you talk to? Be intentional. Seek out people who can offer real insight into the kind of work, industry, or business that sparks your curiosity. Where do you start? Begin with your "warm" connections: friends, relatives, former colleagues, and others you already know who will give you honest, helpful perspective. From there, branch out to people you don't know yet who are doing work that intrigues you. When you reach out to someone new, do your homework and craft an opening that shows it. For example: "I just listened to your podcast about how you used AI to build relationships in the healthcare association industry, and I'd love to hear more about how you made that work." How do you make the conversation count? Preparation is everything. Learn as much as you can about the person, their work, and their company. Go beyond the résumé: where they went to school, what they do outside of work, and what you might have in common. Those connections turn a polite chat into a real conversation. How do you keep the momentum going? Before you wrap up, ask one simple question: "Who else should I talk to?" One conversation almost always leads to another. Afterward, send a thank-you, share what you took away from the conversation, and keep them posted on the conversations their introductions led to. People love knowing they made a difference. Whether you're newly fired, quietly planning your exit, or simply wondering what else is out there, this conversation will give you a practical roadmap for turning curiosity into connection, and connection into opportunity. For more information on Merry go to http://www.firedtoinspired.com/ or linkedin.com/in/merrykorn . Send us Fan Mail

September 13, 2026Episode 15530 min

155. David Dean - AI and Data Intelligence Technologist & Author

Today, we’re joined by David Dean, a technology and AI leader with 20 years of experience helping organizations move from ambiguity to execution. David’s career has evolved from hands-on technology and infrastructure into enterprise architecture, intelligent automation, AI strategy, governance, and organizational transformation. He has led AI and automation initiatives in complex, regulated environments, including work that reduced processing times by more than 90%. Today, David advises senior leaders on AI strategy, governance, automation, and responsible AI adoption. He is also an author and speaker whose work explores what AI reveals about how organizations - and the people inside them - actually work. That perspective is especially relevant for people in transition because AI isn't just changing jobs; it’s changing how candidates need to communicate the experience, judgment, accountability, and lessons they bring to their next opportunity. In our conversation, David and I explored what that means for candidates as AI becomes part of both sides of the hiring process: From “what you did” to “how you did it” How will AI change the way candidates demonstrate the value of their experience? Your “how” as your competitive advantage When both companies and candidates use AI, how do you make your lived experience and judgment stand out? Building your “how” inventory – Dictate this to get the real flavor/feeling How can challenges, mistakes, and lessons learned help you uncover and articulate what you actually know how to do? Adversity, failure, and accountability How can overcoming adversity—and learning from failure—become powerful evidence of your value to a hiring manager? AI as a tool for self-realization How can you use AI to test whether your stories answer the “how” completely and compellingly? The new personal brand for candidates As AI makes keywords and polished résumés easier to produce, how will your judgment, accountability, and authentic experience define your next great opportunity? As we close, this is a fascinating time to be watching the recruiting scene. AI will continue to change how companies identify talent and how candidates present themselves. Successful candidates will need to adapt their style, clarify the “how” behind their experience, and define their next great opportunity. For more questions and to learn more about David’s work, visit his LinkedIn profile and personal website davidchristopherdean.com Send us Fan Mail

August 29, 2026Episode 15433 min

154. Geralda Larkins - Transformational HR Executive

Welcome to “ People in Transition ”. I’m your host, Bob Gerst. Today, we’re talking about career change, uncertainty, and how to navigate that space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. My guest is Geralda Larkins, SPHR , a transformational HR executive and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience across federal and municipal government and other organizations. She has held senior leadership roles with the IRS and the City of North Miami. She has built her career helping leaders and organizations navigate change, accountability, and complex workplace issues. Geralda brings a powerful framework to the transition process: Train, Transform, and Transition. Here’s a quick look at what we discussed: TRAIN · Recognize the skills and experience you already have - you may be more prepared for your next chapter than you think. · If you’re moving from the public sector to the private sector, learn to translate your experience into the language of your new marketplace. TRANSFORM · Embrace the “messy middle” - that uncomfortable space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. · Don’t rush through it. This is where reflection, growth, and change happen. You’re not behind. TRANSITION · Don’t land in panic - land on purpose. · Be intentional about what comes next and choose an opportunity that aligns with your values. I think you’ll find Geralda’s perspective both practical and inspiring. So let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Geralda Larkins. To learn more about Geralda, visit geraldalarkins.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/geraldalarkins . And if you enjoy this episode, please listen, share it, and pass it along to someone who may be navigating a transition of their own. Send us Fan Mail

August 20, 2026Episode 15330 min

153. Endi Frydman - Career Coach ★ Executive Coach ★

For nearly 20 years, Endi has partnered with organisations through significant change and supported executives and professionals during pivotal career moments. She brings a unique perspective on both how organisations make talent decisions and how people can confidently navigate change and shape what comes next. As a coach, she helps executives understand their strengths and the value they bring, explore their options, and develop a practical strategy to achieve their goals. Today, Endi brings that combination of commercial experience, career-management expertise, curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to help people realize their potential to the conversation. And in this episode, we’re going to get practical about something almost everyone in a career transition faces: How do you actually approach the job search process in a way that gives you the best chance of success? Why is taking a breath and preparing strategically a better approach than immediately applying to every job you see? How can free online career tools help you better understand—and sharpen—your personal brand? Why do candidates often undermine their chances of making a strong first impression by not doing the work upfront—and how can you avoid that mistake? Why is it important to remember that networking is really just a conversation with a purpose? What does AIR mean, and how can you use it effectively in informational interviews and other career conversations? What interview formula does Endi recommend for achieving maximum success? Why should you learn from the events in an interview process that you can’t control, put them aside, and focus your energy on what you can control or influence? LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/endifrydman Because a career transition isn’t just about finding your next job. It’s about understanding where you’re going, knowing what you bring to the table, and making sure your next move is the right one. So take a breath, get prepared, and join us for the conversation. Send us Fan Mail

August 3, 2026Episode 15229 min

152. Nik Hemingway - Interview Preparation Expert | Resume Writer | Career Coach | Executive Coach

Whether you're looking for your first job, changing careers, transitioning from the military or government to the private sector, or simply trying to stand out in today's competitive job market, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. Our guest, Nicholette "Nik" Hemingway , is a career coach, interview preparation expert, résumé writer, executive coach, and the owner of Nike H Speaks LLC. A retired military officer with more than 25 years of leadership experience and extensive experience interviewing candidates at the city, county, state, and federal levels, Nik knows exactly what employers are looking for—and the mistakes that keep qualified candidates from getting hired. She is also the author of 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! and has helped countless professionals gain the confidence and skills to land their next opportunity. In this episode, we discuss: The single most important thing every job seeker should be doing today The transferable skills employers value most How to build meaningful professional relationships that open doors Successfully transitioning from government or military service to the private sector The unique challenges facing older job seekers—and strategies to overcome them Two powerful insights from Nik's book, 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! Connect with Nik: Website: www.nikehspeaks.com Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh Email: info@nikehspeaks.com Send us Fan Mail

July 20, 2026Episode 15130 min

151. Marcia Wall - Career Success Coach

In this episode of " People in Transition" , I welcome Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach, career counselor, trainer, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate change, discover their strengths, and achieve professional success. Through her strengths - based and holistic coaching approach, Marcia helps job seekers and career changers build confidence, identify opportunities, and move forward with purpose and joy. During our conversation, Marcia shares valuable insights for anyone navigating a career transition, including: Why a growth mindset and hope are essential for making progress during coaching and career transitions. Why your job search is a journey, not a destination , and how embracing the process can reduce frustration and create new opportunities. How to combat imposter syndrome by focusing on the evidence of your accomplishments, strengths, and past successes. How tools like Marcia's Best Self Reflection Exercise , SkillsScan, and Gallup StrengthsFinder can help identify transferable skills and uncover new career possibilities. Why job seekers often make the mistake of focusing only on themselves instead of understanding an employer's needs and challenges. Why you don't have to be perfect to move forward - and why remembering your past successes can help build confidence for what's next. Connect with Marcia Wall: mwall1000@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000 www.careercounselingconnection.com/louisiana/new-orleans/career-counseling/marcia-wall If you're navigating a career change, job search, or professional transition, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence. After listening, please share the episode with your colleagues, friends, and professional network. Your next opportunity - or someone else's - may begin with a single conversation. Send us Fan Mail

July 6, 2026Episode 15030 min

150. Geoff Curtis - Communications Executive | Connector | Founder | Philanthropist | Author

Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition , I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs. After the acquisition of the company where he served on the executive team, Geoff faced a challenge many accomplished professionals experience but rarely discuss: who are you when the title and career that defined you are gone? That experience inspired his book, Embracing Your Own Purgatory , a candid exploration of identity loss, transition, purpose, and reinvention. Rather than offering a neatly packaged success story, Geoff shares lessons learned while navigating the uncertainty between who he was and who he is becoming. His honesty and insights make this conversation especially relevant for anyone facing career disruption, retirement, burnout, or a major life transition. In our conversation, Geoff discusses: Why he chose the word “purgatory” and the value of becoming comfortable being “unfinished” The emotional signs of major transitions and how to recognize them Why constant busyness can mask deeper issues What he means by “You can’t outwork the identity loss problem” How celebrating a quick comeback can sometimes send the wrong message Why “presence” became one of the hidden costs of career success How achievement, self-worth, purpose, and identity become intertwined—and what happens when that connection is disrupted Connect with Geoff Curtis: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreycurtis Email: geoffcurtis1@gmail.com Book: Embracing Your Own Purgatory Thank you for listening to People in Transition . If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with others navigating change. I also welcome your thoughts, reactions, and questions. Your feedback helps continue the conversation and support others facing similar transitions. Send us Fan Mail

June 24, 2026Episode 14931 min

149. John Gates - Corporate Recruiting Executive | Pay Negotiation Coach | Best-Selling Author

This week on “ People in Transition” , I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gates, and what a fascinating conversation it was. John brings a unique perspective to salary negotiation and career transitions. As a former Head of Global Recruiting for multiple Fortune 300 and Fortune 500 organizations, he has spent decades sitting on the hiring side of the table, leading talent acquisition functions for major companies including Marathon Oil, Peabody Energy, ITT, and Asante. Today, he leverages that insider knowledge as a compensation negotiation coach, helping executives and professionals secure stronger compensation packages while preserving positive relationships with employers. He is also the author of the international best-selling book Act Your Wage and founder of Salary Coach Academy, where he teaches practical, low-risk strategies that help candidates confidently navigate compensation discussions. What makes John’s approach so compelling is that it challenges much of the conventional wisdom surrounding salary negotiations. Rather than relying on aggressive tactics or ultimatums, he teaches candidates how to negotiate thoughtfully, strategically, and effectively—often resulting in significantly better outcomes while strengthening their standing with prospective employers. During our conversation, we explored several of the most important - and misunderstood - aspects of compensation negotiations, including: Why do highly accomplished professionals often struggle to negotiate their compensation effectively? The fears that hold candidates back and how those fears can quietly undermine their earning potential. The smartest and safest ways to answer the inevitable question: “What are your salary expectations?” How candidates can use leverage appropriately and professionally throughout the job search process. The concept of memetic desire and how it can influence an employer’s perception of a candidate. Why the popular advice to “know your worth and demand it” can sometimes work against job seekers during negotiations. These topics - and many more - are discussed in this insightful episode with John. Whether you are actively searching for your next opportunity, preparing for a promotion, or simply want to understand how compensation decisions are really made, this conversation offers practical guidance that could have a meaningful impact on your career and lifetime earnings. To learn more about John Gates, visit his LinkedIn profile or explore Salary Coach Academy at salarycoachacademy.com . Send us Fan Mail