Why Your Next Career Breakthrough Requires Blank Space with Sabina Nawaz
In this transformative final episode of the season, global CEO coach and author Sabina Nawaz shares her journey from Microsoft software engineer to executive leadership expert, offering practical strategies for career transitions and authentic leadership.Discover the power of "blank space" - intentional quiet time that can unlock career clarity and creative solutions. Sabina reveals how pressure can either corrupt your leadership or fuel innovation, and why many successful women fall into the "sole provider trap" that leads to burnout.Learn actionable techniques for managing workplace pressure, getting honest feedback as a leader, and staying authentic while meeting business needs. Whether you're considering a career pivot, struggling with leadership challenges, or seeking more fulfillment in your professional life, this episode provides concrete tools for transformation.Key topics include executive coaching strategies, women in leadership, career development, workplace authenticity, feedback culture, and finding purpose in your professional journey. Perfect for aspiring leaders, current managers, and anyone navigating career transitions in today's competitive workplace.Guest: Sabina Nawaz, author of "You're the Boss: Become the Manager You Want to Be and Others Need," former Microsoft executive, and faculty member at Northwestern and Drexel universities. https://sabinanawaz.com/Takeaways:Deciding to work at Microsoft was a pivotal moment.Quiet time can lead to significant insights.Pressure can corrupt leadership behavior.Finding joy in work is essential for fulfillment.Authenticity in leadership is multifaceted.Managing pressure is crucial for effective leadership.Successful transitions require self-awareness and assessment.Building a supportive network is vital for women in leadership.Feedback quality is determined by the questions asked.Success is about spending time wisely and fulfilling personal values.Chapters:00:00 The Importance of Blank Space03:43 Facing Fears and Embracing Quiet Time06:23 The Shift from Titles to Fulfillment09:09 Managing Pressure and Power Dynamics11:07 Authenticity in Leadership13:59 Women in Leadership: Balancing Roles and Values18:11 Navigating Authenticity in Leadership19:21 Understanding Productive vs. Harmful Pressure24:43 Career Transitions: Finding Fulfillment28:11 Building Supportive Networks in Leadership32:25 Common Leadership Pitfalls33:59 Defining Personal Success35:12 Transformative Feedback and Growth39:17 Introduction to Transformation and Change40:15 Insights from a Leadership Expert41:32 Anticipating a Powerful Conversation41:53 Introduction to the Influencer's Impact41:54 Exploring the Reach of Articles
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From Content Creator to Corporate_Moving Abroad and Back with Paige Mariah
This week I'm chatting with Paige Mariah about her transformative career journey. Paige shares her experience moving from Chicago to London for grad school, building a successful career as a full-time content creator abroad, and her recent transition back to corporate America working for Kellogg. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome, embracing change despite fear, and finding work-life balance after experiencing the freedom of self-employment. This conversation explores the reality behind social media's highlight reel, the importance of patience during major life transitions, and the empowering message that it's okay to pivot your career at any age. Paige's authentic perspective offers valuable insights on finding your path and honoring what's best for you at different stages of life.Paige's YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@PaigeMariahChapters:00:00 Introduction and Background01:19 Transitioning to Another Country04:41 Returning to the United States06:13 Dealing with Social Perception09:07 The Importance of Patience13:30 Self-Work and Personal Growth19:00 Transitioning to Corporate19:56 Transitioning to a Corporate Job22:05 Dealing with Imposter Syndrome23:22 The Value of Working with a Team25:18 Balancing Work and Life28:53 Talking About Money with Friends32:31 Returning to a 9-to-5 Job After Being Self-Employed33:24 Pivoting and Changing in Your CareerTakeawaysEmbracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.It's important to block out the noise of others' opinions and focus on your own goals and desires.Comparing yourself to others online can be detrimental to your own journey.Patience is crucial when navigating transitions and building a stable foundation.Self-work, such as therapy and journaling, can help in personal growth and adapting to change.Humans are adaptable by nature and can find new solutions and paths in life.Transitioning from a non-traditional career to corporate can be challenging, but with time and adjustment, it can lead to stability and growth. Transitioning to a new job, especially in a different industry, can be challenging and overwhelming, but it's important to remind yourself of your value and the unique perspective you bring.Imposter syndrome is common, but it's crucial to remember that you were chosen for your role for a reason. Show yourself grace and trust in your abilities.Working with a team and having a manager can provide mentorship, support, and opportunities for growth that may not be available when working for yourself.Finding a balance between work and life is essential. Speak up for yourself and set boundaries to prioritize your well-being.Having open conversations about money with friends can provide valuable insights and help you advocate for fair compensation.Returning to a 9-to-5 job after being self-employed is a valid choice. It's important to do what's best for you at any given moment and not be influenced by societal expectations.It's okay to pivot and change in your career, regardless of your age. Your needs and desires may evolve over time, and it's important to prioritize your own growth and happiness.
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29:28
Vanessa Simmons on Wellness, Self-Care, and Businesses Evolution After Pastry
This week I'm chatting with entrepreneur, actress, and wellness advocate Vanessa Simmons. Known for her role on Run's House and co-founding the successful footwear brand Pastry, Vanessa opens up about her entrepreneurial journey, sharing valuable insights on knowing when to pivot in business and the importance of mental health awareness.In this episode, Vanessa discusses her new wellness platform U4IA, an educational hub focused on fact-based beauty tips and mental health resources. She reveals how her father Rev Run's self-care practices influenced her own wellness philosophy, and shares practical advice on breaking the cycle of hustle culture through intentional breathing, journaling, and rest.Discover how motherhood has deepened her self-awareness and shaped her leadership style, while learning actionable strategies for handling rejection and transforming perceived failures into valuable lessons. Whether you're an entrepreneur looking to make your next business move, someone interested in wellness practices, or simply a fan of Vanessa's journey, this conversation offers authentic wisdom on balancing ambition with self-compassion in both business and life. #VanessaSimmons #Entrepreneurship #WellnessJourney #MentalHealthAwareness #BusinessPivot #SelfCareLearn more about U4IA - https://www.instagram.com/u4ianow Watch on YouTube - https://youtu.be/MDX7--NxeDsTakeaways:Pastry was the first business venture for Vanessa and her sister.Deciding to walk away from a business can be difficult but necessary.It's important to take breaks to refresh and gain new perspectives.Vetting new business ideas should be based on passion and impact.Mental health and self-care are crucial in today's world.Breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress.Self-awareness is key in both personal and professional life.Failure should be viewed as a lesson rather than a setback.Motherhood has deepened Vanessa's self-awareness and patience.Leadership involves accountability and original thought.
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Interviewing Oprah Via Bold Pivots - Dominique B. Fluker on Switching Careers, J-School, and Building her brand
In this inspiring conversation, I reconnect with a longtime friend of the podcast, Dominique B. Fluker, whose journey I've witnessed from PR agency copywriter to nationally recognized multimedia journalist and contributing lifestyle editor at Essence Magazine. Dominique shares the pivotal moments that shaped her bold career transitions—from quitting TikTok and moving to LA without a job or graduate school acceptance, to walking red carpets and interviewing celebrities like Oprah. With raw honesty, she discusses overcoming personal tragedy, using intuition to guide professional decisions, and balancing ambition with meaningful relationships. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone considering a career change, building their personal brand, or seeking work-life balance. Dominique's story proves that with tenacity, faith, and strategic networking, you can create the fabulous life you deserve without regrets.Dominique's website - https://dominiquebfluker.com/Takeaways:Dominique emphasizes the importance of stepping up in challenging situations.Her experiences with loss have solidified her confidence and resilience.She created her own opportunities through blogging and networking.Dominique's journey reflects the significance of authenticity in one's career.She believes in the power of intuition when making life decisions.Dominique highlights the importance of cherishing milestones and achievements.She prepares for interviews by researching and connecting emotionally with her subjects.Dominique acknowledges the struggle of balancing ambition with personal fulfillment.She defines success as a combination of personal and professional achievements.Dominique stresses that hard work is essential, regardless of appearances.
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Navigating Your Career Path with Whitney Faires - Authenticity, Leadership, and The Excellence Equation
Chatting with Whitney Faires, an executive coach with over two decades of corporate experience. Tune in to hear invaluable insights on leadership, overcoming self-doubt, and thriving in your professional journey. Whitney shares her journey from corporate sales to executive coaching, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and intentional career moves. She delves into her creation, the Excellence Equation, an eight-step framework designed to help professionals achieve big goals despite uncertainty. Whitney also discusses key tips for finding the right coach, the importance of aligning personal and professional values, and how to take ownership of your career development. 00:00 Welcome to the Switch, Pivot, or Quit Podcast00:36 Introducing Whitney Faires: Executive Coach01:09 Whitney's Journey: From Corporate to Coaching02:09 Navigating Career Pivots and Internal Moves06:21 The Importance of Finding the Right Coach08:17 Overcoming Underestimation and Proving Yourself10:36 Handling Pressure and Trusting the Process13:32 The Excellence Equation: A Framework for Success17:19 Defining Leadership and Core Principles19:40 Defining Leadership Identity20:30 Exploring People Leadership Roles21:34 Navigating Company Culture23:02 Making Career Moves25:18 Developing Your Own Playbook29:13 Embracing Authenticity31:54 Evolving View of Success34:22 Taking Ownership of Your Career35:21 Conclusion and Contact Information
One of the top business podcasts in a Google search. As your host who has been there and done that (P.S. my name is Ahyiana Angel) I'm providing an intimate look at navigating career transitions on your own terms.This pod is for the person seeking encouragement, inspiration + change in a life filled with demands on who you should be. I'm here for you when you're asking yourself, "What's next?!"I speak with experts, professionals, and day-to-day doers who have learned best practices through their journey with personal and professional development work. My journey consists of having successfully switched careers from a sports entertainment publicist to a published author and now I run my own podcast production company (Mayzie Media), and give motivational talks! My goal is and will always be to provide helpful advice when you're deciding if you need to Switch, Pivot, or Quit®. Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ahyiana.angel/
Ireland