Work From The Inside Out

Hosted by Tammy Gooler Loeb

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About the show

Work From The Inside Out is a biweekly podcast focused on helping people to pursue work they will love. Inspiring stories of real people who overcame the barriers and unhappiness that kept them feeling stuck in a career are featured. Practical tips and approaches for moving into more meaningful, satisfying, and fulfilling work are shared by experts in the field. Go to www.tammygoolerloeb.com/podcast to learn more!

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45 min

Be the C.E.O. of Your Career: Discovery in Action with Jason Van Orden

In this episode of the Be the CEO of Your Career summer series, Tammy Gooler Loeb focuses on the second practice in her framework: Discovery . Discovery is about noticing the gaps in what you know, becoming curious about them, and actively gathering the information, experiences, and relationships that can help you determine your next steps. Rather than allowing uncertainty to translate into overwhelm or paralysis, discovery turns uncertainty into an invitation to explore, take charge, and gain new ground. Through her conversation with Jason Van Orden, Tammy brings the practice of discovery to life. Jason's career offers a powerful example of repeated discovery. His early fascination with computers and programming led him to study electrical engineering and software development, but he soon realized that working as an employee wasn't right for him. That discovery led him to experiment with real estate investing, marketing, teaching, and eventually podcasting. His first business podcast became a Top 10 business podcast and continued for a decade. Jason's discovery process continued even after achieving significant success. While living in Paris and running his established business, he realized he was no longer waking up energized by the work. Rather than throwing away everything he had built, he gave himself time and space to experiment and identify which parts of his experience he wanted to carry forward. That process eventually led him toward consulting with coaches and consultants, developing scalable programs, networking, and helping others communicate and grow their businesses. Today, Jason is also exploring artificial intelligence with the same curiosity that once drew him toward podcasting. For him, discovery means remaining open to what is emerging, testing possibilities, and finding ways to integrate new ideas without losing authenticity. His advice for anyone wondering what comes next is simple: follow your curiosity . Curiosity can become a channel to intuition, helping reveal interests and possibilities that might otherwise remain hidden. In This Week's Podcast, Learn More About: What discovery looks like as an ongoing career practice Why curiosity can be more useful than trying to "find your passion" How to turn uncertainty into an invitation to explore Recognizing the breadcrumbs that appear throughout your career Using experimentation to learn what fits Why discovery requires engagement with other people How Jason transitioned from engineering to entrepreneurship The unexpected path from real estate investing to podcasting What Jason learned from leaving a successful business How networking became an important part of his next chapter Using your existing skills in new and unexpected ways Exploring AI while maintaining an authentic voice Why you don't need to have your entire next chapter figured out Learn more: Visit Jason Van Orden’s website at jasonvanorden.com Email Jason Van Orden at Jason@JasonVanOrden.com Sign up for Jason Van Orden’s newsletter Listen to the Impact: How to Grow Your Thought Leadership Brand and Business podcast LinkedIn Your CEO of Your Career Move: Pick one thing you've been wondering about. It could be a different role, a possible career direction, an industry, a business idea, a skill you want to develop, or simply a question about what might be possible. Instead of researching it alone on your laptop, go talk to a person about it. Have one informational conversation. Reach out to someone who has already explored that path. Ask an honest question. Talk to a librarian, colleague, former coworker, mentor, or someone you admire. The goal isn't to make a decision. The goal is to discover something you didn't know before. That's discovery in action. Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Work From The Inside Out Website Read Tammy’s book: Work from the Inside Out Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb Buy Me A Coffee to support the podcast

51 min

Be the C.E.O. of Your Career: Define Your Why with Rashmir Balasubramaniam

In this first episode of the Be the CEO of Your Career summer series, Tammy Gooler Loeb explores the initial practice in her framework: Define Your Why . At its core, this practice is about identifying the values and priorities that matter most so career decisions can come from clarity rather than expectation, pressure, or simply following the next logical step. To bring the practice to life, Tammy revisits her podcast conversation with Rashmir Balasubramaniam, a transformational leadership coach and consultant whose earliest memories include asking her father, "Why am I here?" That question would consistently surface for Rashmir throughout her career in accounting, investment banking, nonprofit leadership, entrepreneurship, philanthropy, consulting, teaching, and coaching. Again and again, Rashmir learned to recognize when her work was moving closer to, or further away from, the values of learning, growth, purpose, and impact that mattered most to her. Rashmir's journey illustrates how defining your why isn't something that happens once but rather serves as a thread that drives discovery, meaning and fulfillment along the way. It requires listening to the inner and outer signals that emerge throughout a career and reassessing what feels significant as circumstances evolve. Tammy closes the episode, offering a C.E.O. of Your Career Move to help listeners uncover their own why by reflecting on their best career decisions and identifying the threads connecting them. In This Week's Podcast, Learn More About: How Define Your Why sets the stage for the five practices within the Be the CEO of Your Career framework How values and priorities provide a compass for career decisions Understanding the difference between logical choices and an inner sense of knowing Why Rashmir repeatedly chose learning, growth, purpose, and impact Recognizing when a successful career path no longer feels aligned Why letting go can create space to discover what's next How reflection helped Rashmir to navigate multiple career transitions The power of curiosity throughout her professional journey Listening for the inner and outer signals pointing toward what comes next Defining your why matters at every career crossroads, including retirement Learn more: Explore the Be the CEO of Your Career Framework Visit: rashmir.net Follow Rashmir on LinkedIn Your CEO of Your Career Move: Look back at every job, opportunity, or career decision that has ever felt genuinely right . Write down the thread, or perhaps several threads, that appeared across most of those experiences. Was it learning? Creativity? Service? Independence? Impact? Connection? Leadership? That recurring thread is a piece of your why . Pull on it. Consider where it is showing up in your career today and where it may be missing. As Tammy reminds listeners, defining your why isn't only useful when making a career pivot. It can provide clarity at any meaningful crossroads in work and life. Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Work From The Inside Out Website Read Tammy’s book: Work from the Inside Out Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb Buy Me A Coffee to support the podcast

10 min

Your Career, Your Future: Be the CEO of Your Career

This week on Work from the Inside Out , Tammy Gooler Loeb introduces listeners to a special bonus summer series centered around her Be the CEO of Your Career framework. Drawing on years of coaching and career development experience, Tammy explains why meaningful career growth begins with understanding yourself before pursuing external opportunities. She shares the foundational ‘CEO’ mindset: Curiosity, Engagement, and Ownership, which supports every stage of intentional career development. Tammy walks through the framework's five core practices: Define Your Why, Discovery, Synthesize and Focus, Map and Launch Your Career Strategy, and Reflect and Refine . Rather than presenting them as a checklist or succession of steps, she explains how these practices cycle through and evolve as careers and aspirations change. Throughout the summer, each practice will be explored through the story of a previous podcast guest whose journey demonstrates the framework in action. Tammy also previews an exciting new chapter for the podcast. Beginning this fall with Episode 300, Work from the Inside Out will feature a blend of inspiring guest conversations and solo episodes addressing today's evolving workplaces, career uncertainty, leadership challenges, and the future of work. She closes with a simple challenge for listeners: identify which of the five practices deserves the most attention right now and begin leading their careers with greater intention. What to Expect in This Summer Series: Over the next five episodes, Tammy will explore each practice of the Be the CEO of Your Career framework through the stories and experiences of past Work from the Inside Out guests: Define Your Why with Rashmir Balasubramaniam, who shares how a lifelong search for purpose began with a simple childhood question: "Why am I here?" Discovery with Jason Van Orden, whose curiosity-driven career journey demonstrates the power of exploring new possibilities and embracing change. Synthesize and Focus with Mira Brancu, who explains how identifying the intersection of strengths, passions, and impact can bring greater career clarity. Map and Launch Your Career Strategy with Susan Barber, who reveals how difficult feedback became the catalyst for a purposeful career transformation. Reflect and Refine with Scot Safon, whose decades-long career illustrates the value of continually reassessing, learning, and adapting over time. Learn more: Explore the Be the CEO of Your Career Framework Your CEO of Your Career Move: Before the next episode drops, take five minutes and ask yourself: Which of the five practices needs your attention most right now? Is it Define Your Why, Discovery, Synthesize and Focus, Map and Launch Your Career Strategy, or Reflect and Refine? Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

35 min

299: A Work Life Worth Living: Jeff Westphal on Leadership, Purpose, and Meaning

Professional success is often seen as the ultimate measure of a fulfilling career, but what if achievement alone isn't enough? In this episode of Work from the Inside Out , Tammy Gooler Loeb welcomes Jeff Westphal, former CEO of Vertex Inc., entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author of A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career. Jeff shares the personal experiences that shaped his leadership journey and inspired his mission to help others create more meaningful work lives. Jeff reflects on growing up in a family of hardworking entrepreneurs, navigating a complicated relationship with his father, and discovering how learning to truly listen transformed both his leadership and his life. Together, Tammy and Jeff explore the power of workplace culture, personal responsibility, and the importance of understanding what truly brings meaning to work. Whether you're rethinking your career, leading a team, or searching for greater fulfillment in your professional life, this conversation offers thoughtful insights and practical wisdom. Jeff reminds listeners that while organizations can foster supportive environments, each individual has the opportunity to create a work life that is rooted in purpose, connection, and meaning. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How childhood experiences shape leadership Why success alone does not create fulfillment The leadership power of listening first Building a culture where people thrive Taking ownership of your own career satisfaction Finding meaning regardless of your job title The lessons that transformed Jeff's relationship with his father Why meaningful work starts from the inside out Learn more about Jeff: Read: A Work Life Worth Living: Your Guide to Creating a Meaningful Career Visit: meaningsphere.com Visit: jeffwestphal.org Follow Jeff on LinkedIn Follow Jeff on Facebook Follow Jeff on Instagram Additional resources noted during the podcast: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey Tech Humanist: How You Can Make Technology Better for Business and Better for Humans by Kate O’Neill Synchronicity: The Inner Path of Leadership by Joseph Jaworski Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

43 min

298: Male Allyship: Building Inclusive Actions at Work with Shawn Andrews and Michael O'Brien

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Dr. Shawn Andrews and Michael O'Brien, co-authors of The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion . Together, they explore how allyship can help create more inclusive workplace cultures and stronger professional relationships. Drawing on their research and experiences, Shawn and Michael discuss why many men want to be allies but often struggle to know where to begin. They explain the five levels of allyship, the importance of awareness and courage, and how individuals can move from good intentions to meaningful action. The conversation also examines the differences between allies, mentors, and sponsors, the role leaders can play in fostering cultures of inclusion, and the challenges created by workplace dynamics such as "bro culture." Shawn and Michael share practical tools from their book that help individuals assess their allyship and identify potential advocates within their organizations. Listeners will gain valuable insights into how allyship benefits everyone, strengthens workplace culture, and creates opportunities for people to thrive together. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: The definition of allyship and why it matters The five levels of male allyship Why awareness is the foundation of allyship The role of courage in supporting others How allyship differs from mentorship and sponsorship The impact of workplace culture on inclusion Common barriers that prevent men from becoming allies The influence of "bro culture" in organizations Practical tools for identifying and developing allies Why allyship benefits both individuals and organizations Learn more about Michael and Shawn: Read: The 5 Levels of Male Allyship: A Guide to Building Better Teams Through Real Inclusion Take the assessment: 5 Levels of Allyship Assessment Visit drshawnandrews.com/5levelsofallyship Follow Shawn Andrews on LinkedIn Visit michaelobrienshift.com/ Follow Michael O’Brien on Linkedin Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

40 min

297: Be Curious. Ask “What If?” When Luck Shows Up, Be Prepared To Do The Work with Heather Hansen O’Neill

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Heather Hansen O'Neill, a keynote speaker, coach, leadership expert, author, and former professional dancer whose career journey has been defined by reinvention, resilience, and curiosity. Heather shares how dance became her safe place from a young age, leading her to a professional performing career before a devastating injury abruptly changed her path forever. Heather reflects on the difficult transition that followed losing the career she loved, the years she spent searching for direction, and the powerful “what if?” question that ultimately helped her rediscover joy and purpose. She discusses how her experiences shaped her work helping leaders and organizations create more human-centered cultures, build meaningful connections, and rethink the way they approach sales, leadership, and career fulfillment. Tammy and Heather also explore the importance of listening to your inner voice amid life’s noise, embracing reinvention at every stage of life, and staying resilient through rejection and uncertainty. Heather shares lessons from the dance world that continue to guide her today, including why sometimes not getting the role you wanted may lead you to the one that truly fits. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How Heather’s professional dance career shaped her identity and leadership style What happened after a career-ending injury changed the direction of her life Why curiosity and asking “what if?” can open new possibilities How human connection transforms leadership, sales, and workplace culture The importance of listening to your inner voice amid external noise Why many professionals feel disconnected from their work—and how to reconnect How Heather transitioned from sales into coaching, speaking, and authorship Lessons about resilience, rejection, and persistence from the dance world Why reinvention often begins with letting go of old expectations How setbacks can ultimately lead to more meaningful opportunities Learn more about Heather: Visit: heatherhansenoneill.com Follow Heather on LinkedIn Listen: From Fear to Fire Podcast Read: Teams on Fire! Transforming your group into a more productive, profitable and motivated team Read: Find Your Fire at Forty: Creating a Joyful Life During the Age of Discontent Read: Where's the Office?: Moving Today's Leaders from What IS to What CAN BE Read: Finding Humanity: The Evolution of Sales Watch: Become Conscious -You Must & Can Change the World Watch: Let go and let fly! Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

37 min

296. The Power of Authenticity, Networking, and Persistence with Deborah Farone

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Deborah Farone, consultant, speaker, former chief marketing officer at two international law firms, and author of Best Practices in Law Firm Business Development and Marketing and Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Partners Build Thriving Practices . Deborah shares how her fascination with marketing began in childhood and evolved into a remarkable career helping professional service firms strengthen relationships, build trust, and grow thriving businesses. Deborah reflects on the early experiences that shaped her career path, from creating handwritten job-tracking systems while applying to public relations agencies to persistently pursuing opportunities that aligned with her interests. She discusses how curiosity, authenticity, and a willingness to learn helped her move from public relations into leadership roles at prestigious firms including Debevoise & Plimpton and Cravath, Swaine & Moore. Along the way, she credits strong mentors, meaningful networking, and continuous learning as essential ingredients in her professional growth. Tammy and Deborah also explore the importance of creating a career rooted in genuine interests and strengths. Deborah shares insights from her consulting work and books, including how professionals can identify the kinds of work that energizes them most, develop authentic client relationships, and navigate career transitions with intention and resilience. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: Why persistence and creativity helped Deborah land her first job in public relations How curiosity has been a driving force throughout her career The importance of authenticity in leadership and business development What Deborah learned from working inside elite professional service firms Why strong writing skills can transform a career in communications How networking and relationship-building create long-term opportunities Why career transitions require both resilience and intentionality How professionals can identify the kinds of work that truly energizes them Why building trust is essential for sustainable business development How Deborah’s consulting and writing career evolved after leaving corporate leadership Learn more about Deborah: Follow Deborah on LinkedIn Instagram: @deborahfaronebestpractices Learn more deborahfarone.com Read: Best Practices in Law Firm Business Development and Marketing Read: Breaking Ground: How Successful Women Lawyers Build Thriving Practices Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

39 min

295: Lead with Intention Through CORE Leadership with Miki Feldman Simon

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out , Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Miki Feldman Simon, an executive coach, global business leader, and author of Core Leadership: A Four-Step Framework to Lead Yourself, Grow Your Influence, and Amplify Your Impact . Miki shares her journey across continents, industries, and roles, from growing up in Israel and Australia to stepping into leadership positions in HR, operations, and marketing, and ultimately establishing her path in executive coaching. Along the way, she reflects on the value of experimentation and how unexpected turns can become meaningful learning experiences. Miki introduces her CORE Leadership framework, a four-step model designed to help individuals lead themselves first in order to expand their impact. She explains the importance of clarifying values and priorities, translating intentions into consistent action, reflecting on internal patterns and limiting beliefs, and evaluating how one’s behavior is experienced by others. Throughout the conversation, she emphasizes that leadership is not only about what we do, but also about who we choose to be in each moment. This conversation is especially relevant for anyone at a career crossroads or seeking greater fulfillment in their work. Miki shares how clarity around values, strengths, and definitions of success can build confidence and open new possibilities. Her insights offer both a mindset shift and practical tools to help listeners move forward with intention and create a more meaningful path from the inside out. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How early career experiments can shape long term success Why leadership begins with leading yourself first The CORE framework, clarify, operationalize, reflect, and evaluate The difference between intentions and actual impact on others How breaking down strengths into skills opens new career possibilities Why clarity builds confidence during career transitions The importance of pausing before deciding what comes next How small consistent habits create lasting change Learn more about Miki: Visit mikifeldmansimon.com/ Follow Miki on LinkedIn Read: Core Leadership: A Four-Step Framework to Lead Yourself, Grow Your Influence, and Amplify Your Impact Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

52 min

294: Career Fulfillment at the Intersection of People, Technology and Information with David Charles

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Dr. David Charles, educator, executive coach, and former industry leader whose career spans consulting, analytics, innovation, and academia. David shares how early influences in science and engineering led him into technology, and how a series of unexpected pivots shaped a career grounded in curiosity, learning, and growth. David reflects on key transitions, from consulting to corporate leadership roles at organizations like CVS Health and John Deere, and eventually into academia. Along the way, he explores how networking, continuous learning, and a willingness to step into the unknown opened doors he never anticipated. He also discusses the importance of understanding what you enjoy in your work, especially the value of seeing the real-world impact of your contributions. Today, as a faculty member and coach, David helps others navigate their own career journeys. He emphasizes the importance of staying curious, building meaningful connections, and being open to opportunities that may not initially seem like the obvious next step. His story is a powerful reminder that careers are rarely linear and that growth often comes from embracing what you do not yet know. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How early career decisions do not have to define your long-term path Why curiosity is one of the most valuable career skills you can develop The role of networking in uncovering unexpected opportunities How to evaluate whether you enjoy the work or just the subject matter The difference between learning in theory and seeing real-world impact What it takes to transition across industries successfully Lessons from moving between large organizations and startup environments The importance of understanding what you do not know yet How coaching can expand your perspective on business and leadership Why building relationships is more powerful than having the perfect pitch Learn more about David: Follow David on LinkedIn Visit drdavidscharles.com Subscribe and read Substack Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb

45 min

293: Redefining Potential: From Performance to Purpose with Kate Kayaian

In this episode of Work from the Inside Out, Tammy Gooler Loeb speaks with Kate Kayaian, a former professional cellist turned career strategist, author, and coach. Kate shares her journey from performing on world-class stages to making the bold decision to step away from a successful music career in her forties. What makes her story especially powerful is that nothing was “wrong” on the outside. She had built a life many would aspire to, yet something no longer fit. Kate opens up about the internal shift that led her to question her path, including the realization that success as she had defined it no longer aligned with the life she wanted to live. Through the unexpected pause of the pandemic, she began experimenting with new ways of working, which led to coaching, creating programs, and ultimately discovering work that felt more meaningful and aligned. Her story challenges the belief that we must stay on a path simply because it has been successful. Together, Tammy and Kate explore what it means to redefine potential on your own terms, how to move past the stories that keep you stuck, and why it is never too late to pivot. Kate also shares a simple yet powerful mindset shift that can help you move from feeling blocked to seeing new possibilities. This conversation is an invitation to rethink what is possible for your next chapter. In this week’s Work from the Inside Out podcast, learn more about: How to recognize when a successful career no longer aligns with your values Why external success does not always translate to internal fulfillment The role of identity in keeping you stuck in a path that no longer fits How the pandemic created unexpected opportunities for reinvention The difference between ego-driven success and purpose-driven work Why you do not need a crisis to justify making a change How to translate existing skills into a completely new career direction The power of questioning the stories you tell yourself about your past, present, and future A practical mindset shift from “no, because” to “yes, if” How to begin redefining your potential on your own terms Learn more about Kate: Read: Beyond Potential: A Guide for Creatives Who Want to Re-Assess, Re-Define, and Re-Ignite Their Careers Listen: Tales from the Lane podcast Visit: katekayaian.com Follow Kate on Instagram: @kkayaian Get on the Wait List: Creatives Leadership Academy Stay Connected: Connect with Tammy on LinkedIn Buy Me A Coffee Work From The Inside Out Website Subscribe to the newsletter Subscribe to YouTube: @tammygoolerloeb