Career Contessa

Is "follow your passion" actually bad career advice? Lauren sits down with bestselling author Tom Rath to discuss why passion isn't the key to fulfillment—and how contribution, strengths, and impact can lead to more meaningful work.
You'll learn:
Why "follow your passion" is often misleading—and what to focus on instead when making career decisions.
How shifting your attention from personal fulfillment to contribution can create more meaning and satisfaction at work.
The small, practical questions you can ask yourself to find purpose, strengthen your impact, and build a happier career in the age of AI.

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

Guest Resources:
Tom Rath website: https://tomrath.org/
What’s the Point book: https://tomrath.org/whats-the-point
Strengths Finder Book: https://tomrath.org/book-strengthsfinder

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/

Sponsors:
Get 15% off Branch Basics with the code CONTESSA at https://branchbasics.com/CONTESSA #branchbasicspod
Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [Career] at huel.com/[Career]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
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Uncertainty at work is everywhere—from AI shifts to layoffs to constant change. But how you respond to it can shape your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach Liz Tran to explore AQ (Agility Quotient)—the skill of navigating change with confidence. You’ll learn how to understand your response to uncertainty and build the mindset to adapt.
You’ll learn:
Why AQ matters more than IQ or EQ in today’s workplace
The 4 Agility Archetypes—and what yours says about you
Simple ways to respond (not react) when things feel uncertain

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

Guest Resources:
Quiz: https://liz-tran.com/
Book: https://liz-tran.com/aq-book/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/liztranwrites/

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/

Sponsors:
Start your free trial at shopify.com/careercontessa today.
Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

LinkedIn isn’t just an online résumé anymore—it’s your personal brand, positioning tool, and one of the most powerful ways to attract opportunities in 2026. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career strategist Michelle Perchuk to break down what recruiters actually look for, the biggest profile mistakes holding professionals back, and how to position yourself as the solution companies are actively searching for.
You’ll learn:
How to optimize your LinkedIn profile so recruiters immediately see your value
The biggest mistakes high-achievers make—and how to fix them fast
The one high-impact change you can make in 30 minutes to get better results from your profile

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
LinkedIn Lab: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-linkedin-lab

Guest Resources:
Michelle LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mfuryaka/
Michelle Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michelleperchuk/
Michelle YT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEgXBW9Jfh_0sCwH95_CbIA

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/

Sponsors:
Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod
Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code [CAREER] at huel.com/[CAREER]. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.
Save 20% Off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI can make resume writing faster—but only if you know how to use it strategically. In this listener-favorite episode, learn how to use ChatGPT to write, tailor, and improve your resume so it actually stands out (not sound generic).
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to use ChatGPT to write stronger, more results-driven resume bullet points
How to tailor your resume to a specific job description in minutes
How to create a compelling professional summary and cover letter using AI

Show Notes:
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
24-Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/
ChatGPT Cheat Sheet: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/chatgpt-cheat-sheet

Sponsors:
Head to Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA at checkout for $20 off your membership. Get 100+ biomarkers tested every year, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod
Download Cash App Today: https://click.cash.app/ui6m/f010o9zo #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement, for the Sutton debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-sutton and for the Bancorp debit flex card at cash.app/legal/us/en-us/debit-flex-card-agreement-bancorp. Savings and Offers provided by Cash App, a Block Inc. brand. Offers may not be affiliated with third party merchants. Parents and legal guardians can open a managed account for kids 6-12. Cash App will pass through a portion of the interest paid on your savings balance held in an account for the benefit of Cash App customers at Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., Member FDIC. To earn interest on your Cash App savings balance, you need to have sponsor approval. Exceptions may apply. Savings yield rate is subject to change. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do some people build wealth and financial stability—while others feel stuck or constantly starting over? It’s not just about income—it’s about habits, mindset, and behavior. In this listener-favorite episode, financial expert Jean Chatzky shares what financially successful people do differently, including the key habits, mindset shifts, and practical strategies you can use to build long-term stability and feel more in control of your financial future.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP
HerMoney website: https://hermoney.com/
HerMoney podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hermoney-with-jean-chatzky/id1098802558

Sponsors
Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code CONTESSA at irestore.com/CONTESSA! #irestorepod
Limited Time Offer – Make healthy eating simple. Get Huel today with my exclusive offer of 15% OFF online with my code CAREER at huel.com/CAREER. New Customers Only. Thank you to Huel for partnering and supporting our show!
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.