Secrets of the Career Game

• 87. From Customer to CEO: How Natasha Cornstein Transformed Blushington During a Crisis

  Natasha Cornstein didn’t set out to become a CEO—but when opportunity knocked, she was ready with a curious mind, a humble heart, and a killer red lip. In this episode, Kendall Berg sits down with the powerhouse behind Blushington to unpack how Natasha went from skeptic customer to transformational CEO of a brand redefining beauty for all. With zero experience in the beauty industry and no prior CEO role, Natasha reveals how she prepared for leadership by reading voraciously, staying radically open to feedback, and rejecting the idea of transactional networking. Her philosophy? “Your next hello can be your future.” From navigating a pandemic pivot to launching a franchise model centered on inclusivity, Natasha breaks down what bold-yet-introspective leadership looks like—and why most women underestimate the power of franchising. Whether you’re climbing the ladder, switching industries, or building from scratch, Natasha’s story is a reminder that resilience, curiosity, and relationships matter more than a perfect résumé. In this episode, we discuss: How can I transition into a leadership role with no industry experience? What’s the best way to network without feeling fake? How do I know when to pivot my business model? What does servant leadership really look like in practice? How can women get started in franchising? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v  That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind   Learn More About Natasha  https://www.linkedin.com/in/natasha-cornstein-27317628/ 

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• Leadership Isn’t Enough (Secrets of the Career Game #5)

  Here’s the truth: managing and leading are not the same. And if you’re only doing one—you’re not getting promoted. In Secret #5 of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg breaks down the critical difference between management and leadership, and why so many professionals get stuck in middle management because they’ve mastered task execution but never learned how to create vision. Or vice versa. If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not getting tapped for bigger roles, this episode might be the reason. 🎧 Listen to this fifth installment of the 6-part mini-series leading up to the launch of Secrets of the Career Game—dropping May 13. 📘 Pre-order the book and email your receipt to [email protected] to unlock bonus resources, live Q&As, and Slack access. 📌 In this episode, we discuss: What’s the difference between managing and leading? Why do people get stuck in middle management? How do I show leadership if I’m not in a leadership role? What does it take to move from manager to director? Why do some managers never get promoted? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v  That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind  

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• 86. This Is Why You're Burned Out at Work (And What I Did About It)

  Burnout is everywhere—and I get why. We’ve wrapped our entire identity around our job titles, performance reviews, and LinkedIn headlines. I’ve been there. In this episode, I’m breaking down why so many of us are teetering on the edge of burnout and how I’ve learned (the hard way) to separate who I am from what I do. This isn’t your average career pep talk. I’m sharing how hobbies—yes, actual non-monetized hobbies—helped me reclaim my identity, prevent emotional exhaustion, and show up more powerfully at work and in life. From pageantry to paint-by-numbers to running a business on the side, I talk about why your post-5pm life matters just as much as your 9-to-5. Whether you're deep in the "lazy girl job" spiral or wondering how to pivot out of career-induced chaos, this one’s for you. 📚 In this episode, we discuss: What are signs your job has become your entire identity? How do I stop comparing my career to influencers online? Can hobbies actually help you get promoted? Why do high-achievers burn out faster? What are some good hobbies for people with high-stress jobs?

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• Your Opinion Isn’t the Problem (Secrets of the Career Game #4)

  This might be the most misunderstood feedback in the workplace. You’re not too direct. You’re not too opinionated. You’re just communicating disagreement the wrong way. In Secret #4 of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg unpacks the career-limiting communication habits that hold people back from promotions, leadership roles, and real influence. If you’ve ever been told to “work on your tone” or “be more collaborative”—this one’s for you. 🎧 Listen to this fourth episode in our 6-part mini-series leading up to the book launch on May 13. 📘 Pre-order the book now and email your receipt to [email protected] for exclusive access to a private Slack group, bonus tools, and live Q&As.   📌 In this episode, we discuss: Why is how you disagree more important than your opinion? What do people mean by “work on your communication”? How do I give feedback without sounding combative? What’s the best way to disagree with a senior leader? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v  That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind  

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• 85. STOP Applying to Jobs You’re NOT Qualified For | Farah Sharghi

  Kendall Berg sits down with viral career coach and former Google recruiter Farah Sharghi, and the conversation is a corporate culture reality check. From bad résumés to bad advice, Farah calls out what most job seekers are doing wrong—and what actually works if you're trying to stand out in today’s messy job market. With firsthand experience at companies like TikTok, Uber, Lyft, and The New York Times, Farah doesn’t hold back on the pitfalls of “spray-and-pray” job applications, inflated job descriptions, and the jealousy that cost her a corporate gig. She drops hard truths on everything from how AI has wrecked the hiring process to why most people think they’re qualified when they’re not. (Spoiler: if you don’t speak Portuguese, don’t apply for that role that requires it. Looking at you.) The conversation also touches on the real rules of the workplace—why HR isn’t your therapist, why your LinkedIn is your brand, and why networking shouldn’t only happen when you’re jobless. Oh, and there's a very real callout to anyone who thinks being “too honest” at work is a strength. In this episode, we discuss: What are ghost jobs and why do companies post them? How can I tell if I’m actually qualified for a job? What’s the biggest mistake job seekers make with AI-generated résumés? Why doesn’t HR support employees the way we expect? How can I build a personal brand that attracts job offers? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: https://fabulous-butterfly-83716.myflodesk.com/n8yzvrtw9v  That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: @thatcareercoach_ Check out her courses on the website: https://thatcareercoach.net/ Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — Self Driven Mastermind Connect with Farah : Work With Me: https://stan.store/farahsharghi Website: https://www.farahsharghi.com     Podcast Production by Dany Albertina 

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