The Flourish Careers Podcast

Hosted by Jennifer Smith

Business Careers EducationInterviews guests

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Episodes

186

Latest episode

Oct 2026

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About the show

How to find a new job? How to make a career change? How to find a job with no experience? How do I get noticed by a new employer? How do I figure out what’s next for my career? And the biggest question of all, can I really find a job I love?! What if I told you that with the right supporting tools and framework, you could learn to dig down to your roots, plant the seeds for the career you desperately desire… and grow the confidence to get there? Welcome to the Flourish Careers podcast. This is a workshop-style career show packed with actionable step-by-step tips that are helping heart-based + career-minded professionals all over the globe navigate the changing world of work and cultivate a happy + healthy career. Former HR leader and recruiter turned career coach, expect to learn and be inspired by Jenn Smith as she shares her best-kept secrets about making heart-based career changes and navigating the ups and downs of job searching in today’s world of work. Because you deserve a long, radiantly happy + healthy career.

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60 recent

October 21, 2026Episode 18334 min

// How to Gain Perspective and Make Better Career Decisions with Julianna Yau Yorgan

Sometimes the career decision that makes the most sense for you won’t be the most obvious one. In this episode, returning guest Julianna Yau Yorgan joins me to talk about making thoughtful decisions when you can’t see the entire path ahead. Julianna shares how choosing what she calls a “career vacation” gave her the space and perspective she needed—and how living in four different countries (!!) changed the way she thinks about work, home, and what matters most. We also explore why it’s so hard to zoom out under stress, and the practices Julianna uses to create clarity, including challenging assumptions, playing out different scenarios, stepping away from constant input, and letting ideas simmer. Join us for a thoughtful conversation about listening to yourself and trusting that an unexpected choice can still move you forward ✨ 🍃 New Quiz: What Career Season Are You In? Discover Your Season 🌟 Stay in touch! Notes from today's episode | Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram 🔗 Connect with Julianna on the web | LinkedIn

October 7, 2026Episode 18222 min

// Feeling Stuck in Your Career? Zoom Out Before You Make a Change

Welcome to season 13! Have you ever noticed how hard it is to see the bigger picture when you’re standing right in the middle of something? In this first episode of Season 13, I’m sharing how one conversation helped me see that the In Season planner wasn’t simply one part of my work... the idea behind it was the work. That realization led to Career Growth in Seasons: a more natural way to understand how our careers move through seasons of growth, reflection, rest, and renewal. We’ll explore the Myth of the Endless Summer, why we don’t need the same things from our careers all the time, and how perspective can help us tell the difference between a difficult week and a bigger pattern. Perspective is In Season ✨ A new rhythm: The Flourish Careers Podcast is shifting to a twice-monthly rhythm, with new episodes releasing on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Some seasons call for a different pace and deeper conversations, and this one feels like an invitation to slow down and listen with more intention. 🍃 Take the Quiz: What Career Season Are You In? Discover Your Season 🌟 Stay in touch! Notes from today's episode | Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

September 16, 2026Episode 18110 min

// Interview Prep: How to Answer “Tell Me About a Time You Made A Mistake” [Listener Favorite]

We made it to the #1 most-loved episode of all time... and by a landslide 🎉 Interview prep: Tell me about a time you made a mistake. Here's the thing: this question is designed to reveal how self-aware you are (it's not meant to trip you up). And when you know how to respond to it, it becomes one of the most powerful moments in your entire interview. I'm sharing the simple framework that's helped thousands of listeners, plus the mindset shift that changes how you walk into every interview from here on out. 🥂 Thank you so much for counting down our top 12 most loved episodes of all time! To celebrate, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

September 9, 2026Episode 18024 min

// How to Make a Fabulous First Impression at Your New Job [Listener Favorite]

We've arrived at Listener Favorite #2 🎉 How to Make a Fabulous First Impression at Your New Job The first 90 days of a new job will set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're walking into a brand new office or logging into your first remote team call, the early days of a new role carry so much weight. This episode is the guide I wish everyone had on their first day. Plus—the story of my own unforgettable first day that involves keys, a car, and a brick. You'll want to hear it 😆 🥂 To celebrate these most loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

September 2, 2026Episode 17927 min

// How to Refresh + Realign Your Energy at Work [Listener Favorite]

We made it to the Top 3 🎉 At #3 on our listener fave countdown is How to Refresh + Realign Your Energy at Work. Have you ever considered an energy strategy at work? We were never meant to operate at the same intensity year-round. Our work moves in seasons, and our energy does too. The more we honor that, the more sustainable and more enjoyable our careers become. Today, we're revisiting the five dimensions of energy, what throws them off, and how to come back into alignment when work has pulled you out of it. Autumn Inspirations playlist 🥂 To celebrate these most loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

August 26, 2026Episode 17824 min

// How To Discuss Time Off In Job Interviews [Listener Favorite]

Coming in at #4 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is How to Discuss Time Off in Job Interviews, and this proves just how much the landscape has shifted. If asking about time off in an interview has ever made your palms sweat, consider this your reset. Time off conversations are about figuring out whether this company actually supports the life you want to live. 🥂 To celebrate these most-loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

August 19, 2026Episode 17746 min

// Smart Salary Negotiation Strategies with Sabine Gedeon [Listener Favorite]

Coming in at #5 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is the episode you will bookmark for the moment you need it most. Whether you're stepping into a new role, gearing up for a raise, or just trying to have the money conversation without your stomach in knots—Sabine Gedeon and I are pulling back the curtain on what actually works. We're talking about insider strategies from our years in HR. The exact language that opens doors. And the mindset shift that changes the entire dynamic. Here's a hint: the best negotiations come from a place of collaboration + preparation. 🥂 To celebrate these most loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

August 12, 2026Episode 17623 min

// How To Modernize Your Cover Letter [Listener Favorite]

Coming in at #6 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is the episode I get asked about more than almost any other. Do you even need a cover letter anymore? And if you do, what on earth do you say? Here's the truth: the stuffy, formal cover letter has had its day. But the job seekers who stand out are not the ones with the most polished AI-generated templates. I'll show you what's working now, the right way to use AI (hint: not as a ghostwriter), and a voice-to-text trick that makes drafting feel effortless. Free Gift: Cover Letter Checklist 🥂 To celebrate these most-loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

August 5, 2026Episode 17523 min

// How To Craft Your Professional Brand [Listener Favorite]

Coming in at #7 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is the episode that feels even more relevant now than the day it aired: How To Craft Your Professional Brand. In the age of AI, your voice and your story are your edge. When applications can be generated in seconds and resumes start to sound the same, your differentiation comes down to you—your voice, your perspective, and how clearly you show up. Every interaction shapes your brand—whether you're intentional about it or not. 🥂 To celebrate these most-loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram

July 29, 2026Episode 17436 min

// Should You Discuss Your Salary At Work with Yolanda Owens [Listener Favorite]

This season of The Flourish Careers Podcast is part celebration and part reset. We're revisiting your top 12 most-loved episodes! Coming in at #8 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is my conversation with career coach Yolanda Owens—an episode that keeps finding new listeners because the discomfort around money talk hasn't gone away. It's just evolved. ✨ Salary transparency is still one of the most emotionally charged topics in the workplace. Yolanda and I dig into why talking about money at work feels so taboo, how to approach salary conversations with confidence and curiosity (rather than comparison or conflict), and what real transparency looks like—for employees and employers. 🥂 To celebrate these most loved episodes, I'm giving away a complimentary In Season planner! Here's how to join the giveaway: → Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts about your favorite episode → Screenshot it and send it to jennifer.smith@flourish.careers, or tag me on social → I'll send you the link to grab your planner—just cover shipping P.S. This is for US-based listeners only (I learned a lesson the hard way that shipping internationally doesn't work 🫠). Also, this giveaway is for 2026 only (in case you're listening in the future). Here’s to your next best season 🌿 🖋️ For detailed show notes, visit the Flourish Careers Blog 🌟 Stay in touch! Newsletter | LinkedIn | Instagram