Career Contessa

Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title.
You’ll learn:
Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth.
Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum.
The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Carolyn Dewer: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/carolyn-dewar
Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasons

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent.
You’ll learn:
Why emotionally intelligent teams outperform others
How to build trust and psychological safety
Simple steps to boost your team’s emotional IQ

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Guide to working with me: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/communication-guide/

Guest Resources:
Website: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/
Book: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/books

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is transforming the way work gets done—but great leadership still comes down to people. In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, Lauren McGoodwin welcomes back Julie Zhuo, author of The Making of a Manager and co-founder of Sundial, to discuss how managers can lead effectively in the AI era, beyond productivity metrics and tools. You'll learn:
Why AI-driven productivity doesn’t equal team success—and what leaders should focus on instead
The leadership skills that become more valuable (not less) in an AI-powered workplace
How managers can maintain trust, purpose, and meaningful work as AI reshapes roles

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Website: https://www.juliezhuo.com/
Book: https://www.juliezhuo.com/book/manager.html
Substack: https://lg.substack.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-zhuo/
X: https://x.com/joulee

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do we instantly “click” with some coworkers and struggle with others? Journalist and bestselling author Kate Murphy discusses the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony—how our brains, bodies, and behavior subconsciously sync with the people around us.
You’ll learn:
• What interpersonal synchrony is and why it matters for your career
• How technology is changing the way we connect, collaborate, and build trust
• Practical strategies to create stronger relationships and more cohesive teams at work

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Click-Interpersonal-Synchrony/dp/1250352452
Website: https://www.journalistkatemurphy.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor
Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

If you’ve ever started the year with big career goals—only to lose steam by spring—this episode is for you. Career coach Michelle Schafer shares her quarterly career playbook: a simple, structured approach to keep your professional growth on track all year long. Learn how to break your goals into manageable chunks, build momentum each quarter, and stay accountable to your future self.
You’ll learn:
How to create a quarterly framework that keeps your career goals realistic and sustainable
The right way to initiate career development conversations with your manager
Simple ways to stay visible, build new skills, and celebrate progress—without burning out

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Self-marketing episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-techniques-to-master-self-marketing-how-to/id1434354911?i=1000706486616
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/
Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/
Free offer #1: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/
Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here:
https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/
Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/
Email me here: [email protected]
Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.