Episode 241: Stop Perfectionism With This Game-Changing Reframe On Success | I’m The Problem, It’s Me
I’ve always struggled with perfectionism and getting caught up in an endless cycle where no success is ever enough, I’m constantly dissatisfied with my achievements, and always in search of something I can’t grasp because I’m forever moving the benchmark of what success should be.
Today’s adulting confession: I have a toxic relationship with success.
Welcome back to another episode of “I’m the problem, it’s me,” where I call bullshit on myself for the things I’m getting wrong, so we can all learn from the struggle.
I’ve always struggled with perfectionism and getting caught up in an endless cycle where no success is ever enough, I’m constantly dissatisfied with my achievements, and always in search of something I can’t grasp because I’m forever moving the benchmark of what success should be.
I’ve learned that the antidote to this unachievable idea of success is (spoiler alert!) learning to embrace the journey, and find fulfillment in the doing.
Today’s episode dives into the game-changing reframe my amazing career coach gave me to help me redefine success and overcome my limiting beliefs. If you’re feeling stuck, this is a must-listen tool that has stopped everyone I’ve shared it with in their tracks.
Tune in to hear more about:
Perfectionism and defining your self-worth
Feeling dissatisfied with your successes
How my toxic ideas of success have held me back
The a-ha advice that reframed my idea of success
How I now define failure
Overcoming comparison and procrastination
The power of self-accountability for confidence and self-efficacy
You’ve got this!
Our show is produced by:
Gillian Berner, Host, Producer & Editor
Olivia Nashmi, Audio Engineer
Carolyn Schissler, Designer & Web Producer
Sara Valentine, Content Producer
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Episode 154: How To Stand Out In A Job Interview With Two Easy Steps
Almost everyone we know is interviewing for a new job right now. Lay-offs are rampant, job dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, and the application process has gotten OUT OF CONTROL with so many rounds of interviews and case studies. In a sea of applicants, how do you stand apart?
Almost everyone we know is interviewing for a new job right now. Lay-offs are rampant, job dissatisfaction is at an all-time high, and the application process has gotten OUT OF CONTROL with so many rounds of interviews and case studies. In a sea of applicants, how do you stand apart?
How do you show up with confidence, in the driver’s seat, and with experiences you can use to answer ANY question? We’ve done our fair share of job interviews, and wanted to share our most successful tips for standing out in the process.
Join us as we chat about:
How to stay in control of any job interview
The importance of asking about the hiring process
Practicing examples to leverage for any question
Why you should come with a list of questions
The key questions and suggestions to impress your interviewer
We hope this episode helps prepare you to crush your next job interview — you’ve got this!
PS: If you’ve been toying with the idea of launching a podcast but aren’t sure where to start or how to grow, check our consulting services at teachmehowtoadult.ca/howtopodcast!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 137: The Quickie: How to Get the Raise You Deserve
To quote our generation’s thought leader, Britney Spears: “You wanna live fancy? Party in France? You better work.” But also, you better ask for fair compensation. Just thinking about asking for a raise makes us cringe, but no one else is going to do it for us, so tits up: It’s time to start advocating for ourselves.
To quote our generation’s thought leader, Britney Spears: “You wanna live fancy? Party in France? You better work.” But also, you better ask for fair compensation. Just thinking about asking for a raise makes us cringe, but no one else is going to do it for us, so tits up: It’s time to start advocating for ourselves.
The good news is, most managers and companies want to keep their employees happy, so this week we’re spilling the tea on everything you need to set yourself up for success. From shifting our mindset, tracking performance, and the scripts to use for your conversation, this is the official guide to getting a raise!
Join us as we chat about:
Unlearning imposter syndrome
How to tell if you’re being compensated fairly
Tracking your wins and collecting your performance receipts
When to broach the conversation with your boss
Leveraging competitive opportunities
Perfecting your pitch
Making the most of development opportunities
What you can negotiate in addition to your salary
We hope this helps you find the courage to confidently ask for what you deserve!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 131: Asking For A Friend: How Can I Be An Amazing Manager
Being a manager isn’t easy. (Seriously, just ask Mary Fitzgerald.) Leading a whole team of diverse humans with varying needs and goals can feel super overwhelming. So how do you confidently step into a management role and show others that you've got it figured out, even when you’re drowning in impostor syndrome? We got you.
Being a manager isn’t easy. (Seriously, just ask Mary Fitzgerald.) Leading a whole team of diverse humans with varying needs and goals can feel super overwhelming. So how do you confidently step into a management role and show others that you've got it figured out, even when you’re drowning in impostor syndrome? We got you.
This week, Cailyn’s jumping into the hot seat as TMHTA's resident people manager to spill the tea on how to be a killer boss, whether you're a first-timer or leading a brand-new team.
So if you’re looking to avoid an Oppenheim Group situation on your team (just steer clear of brokers opens!), tune in as we chat about:
Dealing with imposter syndrome as a first-time manager
Setting mutual expectations with your team
Why it’s essential to delegate as a manager
The key to helping your team thrive
How to give constructive feedback
Tips for dealing with conflict among employees
Finding a mentor or coach to guide you
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 92: How To Design A Life Of Purpose, Using Ikigai
So you survived the interview process and got the job, but what’s next? In this week’s Asking For a Friend, we’re tackling a question from one of our listeners that’s especially relevant now in the time of the Great Resignation: How do I crush it at a new job? With the added pressure of making a good impression and hitting the ground running, it can be hard to find your bearings and feel comfortable in a new environment. Luckily, Cailyn has been going through this exact experience after recently starting a new job, and she’s ready to spill the tea on how to start with a bang.
Hellooo, 2023! While every day is an opportunity to start fresh, January is the perfect time to set new goals and intentions for the year ahead. But if you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure about what your greater purpose is, this episode is for you!
Two of the concepts we’ve been thinking a lot about while setting our own goals for the year have been living more “purposefully” and “intentionally”. And the secret to doing that is designing your life using Ikigai.
ICYMI, Ikigai is a Japanese philosophy that translates to your “reason for being.” It's the thing that gets you out of bed in the morning. It’s your life's purpose.
Ikigai helps you design a life full of meaning and balance so that you’re not just aimlessly stumbling through each day. Your work life, home life, and hobbies are carefully chosen with intention to create fulfillment. That doesn’t mean you’ll always love every aspect of your job and obligations — it means that you’ll be able to accept the crappier parts because you’re living in alignment with the things you care about and that you’re good at.
So how do you find your ikigai? Tune in as we chat about:
The philosophy of Ikigai
The four pillars behind Ikigai
How living with purpose can change your life
The categories we’re working on this year
Questions to ask yourself to find your Ikigai
PLUS download our free Ikigai discovery sheet that outlines all of the questions to ask yourself to find your Ikigai!
We hope this episode helps you discover Ikigai and start living a life full of joy and meaning. We’re sending you all the good vibes in 2023!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 91: Asking For A Friend: How Do I Crush It At A New Job?
So you survived the interview process and got the job, but what’s next? In this week’s Asking For a Friend, we’re tackling a question from one of our listeners that’s especially relevant now in the time of the Great Resignation: How do I crush it at a new job? With the added pressure of making a good impression and hitting the ground running, it can be hard to find your bearings and feel comfortable in a new environment. Luckily, Cailyn has been going through this exact experience after recently starting a new job, and she’s ready to spill the tea on how to start with a bang.
So you survived the interview process and got the job, but what’s next? In this week’s Asking For a Friend, we’re tackling a question from one of our listeners that’s especially relevant now in the time of the Great Resignation: How do I crush it at a new job?
With the added pressure of making a good impression and hitting the ground running, it can be hard to find your bearings and feel comfortable in a new environment. Luckily, Cailyn has been going through this exact experience after recently starting a new job, and she’s ready to spill the tea on how to start with a bang.
Join us as we chat about:
Our past experience playing small at work
Ways to overcome impostor syndrome in your new role
Tips for your first month on the job (and should you creep colleagues in advance??)
How to show confidence and establish yourself as a leader
Fitting in with the company culture while still being your authentic self
Setting healthy boundaries while proving your commitment and work ethic
We hope this episode helps you slay your first few weeks, and huge congrats to our listener on her new role! If you have any burning questions for us and you want to get us in the hot seat, DM or email us your Qs and we’ll dive into them in an upcoming Asking For A Friend.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 89: How To Bounce Back From A Layoff with CEO and Career Coach, Latesha Byrd
This week, we’re throwing it back to an episode that feels as relevant today as it was when we released it in 2020: navigating a layoff. With a looming recession, the volatile stock market, and sky-high interest rates, it seems like companies everywhere are laying off employees each time we log into LinkedIn — especially in the tech industry.
This week, we’re throwing it back to an episode that feels as relevant today as it was when we released it in 2020: navigating a layoff. With a looming recession, the volatile stock market, and sky-high interest rates, it seems like companies everywhere are laying off employees each time we log into LinkedIn — especially in the tech industry.
Layoffs can happen for a million different reasons, and it’s important to know that company cuts and restructuring has nothing to do with you personally. Still, losing a job impacts your self-esteem, your bank account and your career goals, but our chat with Latesha Byrd is back to help you bounce forward if it happens to you. Latesha is a certified career coach and the CEO of Perfeqta, a talent development consulting agency that helps companies build high-performing teams and put equity back into talent.
Join us as we chat about:
Our personal experience with layoffs
Three things people should do immediately after they’ve been laid off
How to gain confidence again
The importance of a “Career Readiness Toolkit”
How to talk about your layoff in an interview
Key traits top talent have that sets them apart
Important questions to ask in an interview
How to use LinkedIn to build your own personal brand
We hope this episode helps you feel a little less alone and ready to jump into your next big opportunity!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 84: Asking For A Friend…How Do I Get Promoted?
We’ve talked about how to successfully network and interview for jobs, but what comes next when you do get the job, and you’re ready to move up? Climbing the corporate ladder is a whole other beast, but with our own years of experience, and tips from the experts, we have plenty of advice on how to make moves.
We’ve talked about how to successfully network and interview for jobs, but what comes next when you do get the job, and you’re ready to move up? Climbing the corporate ladder is a whole other beast, but with our own years of experience, and tips from the experts, we have plenty of advice on how to make moves.
This week we’re answering a question sent in on how to get promoted from a coordinator to a management position at work, but the advice applies to anyone looking to move up a level in their career. From building solid relationships and mapping out a plan with your boss, to learning how to lead, this is your official guide to getting promoted!
Tune in as we chat about:
How to ask for what you want
Gaining visibility within your company
Exploring lateral moves
Why understanding communication styles is key
Being an adaptable leader
How to find a mentor
When it’s time to jump ship
We hope this episode helps you get the recognition you deserve at work, so you can keep crushing as a corporate baddie!
If you have any burning questions for us and you want to get us in the hot seat, DM or email us your Qs at
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Asking For A Friend: How Do I Pursue A Freelance Career?
Welcome to our first ever Asking For A Friend episode series, where we tackle your biggest questions and deep dive into our own personal experiences and expertise.
We’re kicking it off with a Q&A with Gill, all about how she pursued a career as a freelancer. With The Great Resignation and more demand for flexibility and remote work, working on contract has never been more popular (#youwontbreakmysoul).
Welcome to our first ever Asking For A Friend episode series, where we tackle your biggest questions and deep dive into our own personal experiences and expertise.
We’re kicking it off with a Q&A with Gill, all about how she pursued a career as a freelancer. With The Great Resignation and more demand for flexibility and remote work, working on contract has never been more popular (#youwontbreakmysoul).
A third of Americans are gig workers, and 13% of Canadians are freelancers, but it can be tough knowing how to start, how to pitch your services, and how to price your work.
Whether you want to quit corporate and be your own boss, or start a side hustle to earn some extra cash, this is your guide to networking, building a portfolio, and finding balance amidst the crazy workload.
Tune in as we chat about:
How Gill started her freelance career
The importance of building a strong network
How to price your services and set income goals
Figuring out what marketable skills you can offer
Balancing multiple clients, scarcity mindset and avoiding burnout
The pros and cons for going freelance
Why building routine and consistency are key
DM us if you have any burning questions that you’re Asking For A Friend, and we’ll dive into them in our next Q&A!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 73: Teach Me How Beat Burnout And Find Balance| Summer Rewind
For the rest of the summer, we’re doing a Summer Rewind, re-releasing some of our must-listen episodes as we ramp up to the launch of season two. See you in September friends!
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways, life is picking back up again and there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
For the rest of the summer, we’re doing a Summer Rewind, re-releasing some of our must-listen episodes as we ramp up to the launch of season two. See you in September friends!
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways, life is picking back up again and there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
Listen along as we dive into:
What burnout really means
The signs you might be burnt out
Why we’re all feeling it more than ever
How social media can contribute to burnout
How boundaries can help you take back control of your time, energy & wellbeing
The importance of prioritizing sleep and wellness
Why you need to slow down and ask for help when you need it
Mastering your mindset and re-thinking how you measure success
How to fall in love with your life again and find joy everyday
Incorporating self-care daily, and not just on #selfcaresunday
Knowing when it’s time to say “thank you, next!” to your job
We hope this episode helps you prevent or recover from burnout, because you are more than your job and productivity, and you deserve a balanced life. Sending you all lots of love.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 57: Our Top 8 Tips on Launching a Business
Take it from us: building a successful side hustle or business is time consuming, especially if you’re juggling it between your 9-5 and all of life’s other commitments. But being your own boss definitely has its perks and it seems the entrepreneurial feeling is catching on. Gig workers now represent more than one in 10 Canadian adults, and 20% of millennials – the next could be you!
If you’ve been thinking about giving your own biz a go, this ones for you! We’re all about sharing the wisdom, so in this Quickie we’re passing along the most important lessons we’ve learned starting our own business and how to set yourself up for success.
Take it from us: Building a successful side hustle or business is time-consuming and scary, but being your own boss has some serious perks, and it seems the entrepreneurial feeling is catching on. Gig workers now represent more than 20% of millennials in Canada…you could be next! (And we love that journey for you.)
If you’ve been thinking about giving your own biz idea a go, this quickie is for you! We’re passing along the most important lessons we’ve learned starting our own business—the good, the bad, the hilarious—and how to set yourself up for success.
Tune in as we launch into:
Why you need to stop waiting for the perfect time to start
Defining your mission and value proposition
Understanding your consumer and audience
The importance of setting up your finances and legal structure
Creating killer branding
How to launch with a bang
The metrics that matter for your launch
How to avoid burnout and stay committed
We hope this episode inspires you to take the leap and launch your dream idea! And remember, the key is to just start and keep learning as you go.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 44: How To Network Like A Pro
If you’re on the job hunt, looking to change industries, going freelance, or want to scale your side hustle this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to network effectively, which can be hella intimidating for a lot of people. But according to statistics in the US, 85% of jobs are filled by networking!
We called in the founders of Monday Girl, Rachel and Istiana, to give us the scoop on how we can all network like a pro, nail a cold LinkedIn outreach, how to maintain relationships after an initial networking call, and so much more.
If you’re on the job hunt, looking to change industries, going freelance, or want to scale your side hustle this episode is for you. We’re diving into how to network effectively, which can be hella intimidating for a lot of people. But according to statistics in the US, 85% of jobs are filled by networking!
We called in the founders of Monday Girl, Rachel and Istiana, to give us the scoop on how we can all network like a pro, nail a cold LinkedIn outreach, how to maintain relationships after an initial networking call, and so much more.
Monday Girl provides a safe space for women to explore empowering career opportunities, job resources, and more. Through their network, you’re set up to meet thousands of other like-minded and career-driven women and through their social club membership you can get access to exclusive events, career resources, mentorship opportunities, and curated job postings. They also share a ton of free resources and tips through their instagram account and weekly newsletter.
Tune in as we chat about:
Why you should network within your current company
Crafting an “elevator pitch” for yourself going into networking scenarios
How networking brought Gillian and Cailyn together
How to network effectively online right now (we’re looking at you LinkedIn and IG!)
How to navigate going back to in-person networking post-lockdowns
Networking do’s, don’ts and etiquette
Great questions to ask during a networking chat or informational interview
How to maintain your connection after the initial networking meeting?
What to look for in a good mentor, and how to find one
We hope this episode inspires you to get back out there and grow your network, and remember to pay it forward!
Follow Monday Girl:
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Episode 38: How To Grow a Business Through Community & Collabs
If you have an idea that you can’t stop dreaming about, this week’s episode is the inspo you need. We chat with Ashley Freeborn, the founder and CEO of the renowned fashion brand Smash + Tess, about all things brand building, entrepreneurship, using fear to fuel your fire, and tapping your network to help get your idea off the ground.
You’ve probably seen people rocking Ashley’s rompers on instagram, or heard about her epic collabs with Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Her brand started the #romperrevolution but here’s why we honed in on Smash + Tess for today’s episode: Ashley isn’t a serial entrepreneur or longtime business or fashion mogul, she just had an idea to fill a gap in the market, and made her dream a huge reality. What she created is so much more than a clothing company, it’s a community, a lifestyle and an inclusive brand that empowers women to live their best lives.
This episode is brought to you by Dove
If you have an idea that you can’t stop dreaming about, this week’s episode is the inspo you need. We chat with Ashley Freeborn, the founder and CEO of the renowned fashion brand Smash + Tess, about all things brand building, entrepreneurship, using fear to fuel your fire, and tapping your network to help get your idea off the ground.
You’ve probably seen people rocking Ashley’s rompers on instagram, or heard about her epic collabs with Jillian Harris, Sarah Landry of The Birds Papaya and Hilary Duff, just to name a few. Her brand started the #romperrevolution but here’s why we honed in on Smash + Tess for today’s episode: Ashley isn’t a serial entrepreneur or longtime business or fashion mogul, she just had an idea to fill a gap in the market, and made her dream a huge reality. What she created is so much more than a clothing company, it’s a community, a lifestyle and an inclusive brand that empowers women to live their best lives.
Ashley is a fellow Canadian, who worked as a teacher and then in the finance sector before going all in on her passion project, Smash + Tess. Smash + Tess has since grown from two employees into a team of 40+ in five years, and in 2020, the company achieved 66% YOY growth, surpassing $16.5 million in sales. In 2020, Ashley was named one of Canada’s Top 40 Under 40, led Smash + Tess through their biggest growth year, and was listed in The Globe + Mail’s Top Growth Companies in 2020 – being the #1 woman-led company on the list! She is passionate about creating clothing that celebrates femininity, strength, style, and comfort in women of all shapes and sizes.
Tune in as we chat about:
How Ashley made the leap to quit her 9-5 and go all in on Smash + Tess
The journey of bringing Smash + Tess from an idea to a best-seller
The secret sauce to cultivating a strong community
How to use social media as a listening tool for growth
Tips for entrepreneurs to overcome impostor syndrome and use fear or rejection as fuel
The 3 most important traits to crush it as an entrepreneur
How to know when it’s time to go all in on your side hustle
Why you don’t necessarily need professional background in the industry you’re breaking into
How to avoid burnout as an entrepreneur
How to create successful collabs that move the needle
We hope this episode inspires you to pursue that side hustle and Smash (& Tess) all of your biz ideas and goals!
Follow Ashley:
This episode is brought to you by Dove. Visit teachmehowtoadult.ca/dove for details on how to try a free sample of their Deep Moisture Hand Sanitizer that we can’t stop raving about!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 30: How To Recover From Burnout and Find Balance
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways this past year, there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
One of the things we’ve been hearing most for the last while (outside of “unprecedented times” and “You’re on mute!”) is that our friends and families are feeling hella burnt out right now.
And even though our lives have slowed down and become more minimal in some ways this past year, there’s a lot more stress, expectation and pressure overall.
95% of you that responded to our recent Instagram poll said that you’ve experienced burnout in the last few months, and 89% said you’re feeling more burnout now than you were pre-pandemic. Those are pretty startling stats, and as two people who have experienced burnout, we really want to help ya’ll identify if you’re going through it and how you can recover.
Listen along as we dive into:
What burnout really means
The signs you might be burnt out
Why we’re all feeling it more than ever
How social media can contribute to burnout
How boundaries can help you take back control of your time, energy & wellbeing
The importance of prioritizing sleep and wellness
Why you need to slow down and ask for help when you need it
Mastering your mindset and re-thinking how you measure success
How to fall in love with your life again and find joy everyday
Incorporating self-care daily, and not just on #selfcaresunday
Knowing when it’s time to say “thank you, next!” to your job
How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation Article
We hope this episode helps you prevent or recover from burnout, because you are more than your job and productivity, and you deserve a balanced life. Sending you all lots of love.
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
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Episode 19: How To Bounce Back From A Layoff
Businesses of all sizes have taken a ROUGH hit in 2020, and unstable employment is a stressor for everyone right now. So today we’re talking about how to bounce back from a layoff and what to do if it happens to you, with the help of Latesha Byrd, a certified career coach, talent development consultant, Google Digital Coach, and CEO of Byrd Career Consulting.
Businesses of all sizes have taken a ROUGH hit in 2020, and unstable employment is a stressor for everyone right now. So today we’re talking about how to bounce back from a layoff and what to do if it happens to you, with the help of Latesha Byrd, a certified career coach, talent development consultant, Google Digital Coach, and CEO of Byrd Career Consulting.
Whether you’ve been laid off due to COVID, industry shifts, or company restructuring, remember that you are not to blame, and you’re so much more than what you do from 9-5. The best way to bounce back is with a solid strategy: You can start by identifying your purpose, getting intentional about job applications, and as Latesha says, “staying ready so you don’t have to get ready.”
Listen to our chat with Latesha to learn more about:
👯♀️ Our experience with how to handle a layoff: 2:40
👩🏾💻 Latesha’s journey to Byrd Career Consulting: 17:27
🔑 3 key things to do after you’ve been laid off: 19:00
🙌 How to mentally bounce back from job loss: 21:59
💃🏽 How to gain your confidence back: 24:18
💼 Why you need a “Career Readiness Toolkit”: 26:36
💻 How to grow your network: 28:44
😬 How to address your layoff in an interview: 32:01
✅ 3 important traits that all top talent have: 34:37
🤔 Important questions to ask in an interview: 37:18
🤝 How to ask companies about their diversity & inclusivity policies: 40:14
🗣 Using LinkedIn to build your personal brand: 41:11
We hope that this episode motivates you to bounce back and find your next dream career!
If you have a topic you’d like us to cover or a guest you want us to interview, comment or DM us on Instagram:
Follow Latesha:
Latesha’s Career Chasers Membership Club
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Episode 17: How To Pursue A Career You Love
This week we’re mixing things up with a solo deep dive into some career #RealTalk! Some of you have asked us how we got our start in the Media and Entertainment industry, so we’re bringing you the good, the bad and the ugly of how we got to where we are today, and our biggest tactical career takeaways.
This week we’re diving into some serious career #RealTalk! Some of you have asked us how we got our start in the Media and Entertainment industry, so we’re bringing you the good, the bad and the ugly of how we got to where we are today, and our biggest career takeaways.
We know it’s a really tough time in the job market right now, and these days, just having a secure job is a blessing. But we hope this happy hour chat helps inspire you to always keep working towards what you’re passionate about, even if that just means networking more, listening to career advice podcasts, or starting to build up your side hustle.
Gillian’s biggest lessons:
Never play small and always be yourself. Being unapologetically yourself in a role will allow you to grow and make a huge impact at a company.
Always leave a company with grace and on a good note. You never know where you’ll end up or who you might need to call up for a job. The best thing you can do is leave with dignity, hard work, and solid relationships, because it will open up networking opportunities for the rest of your career.
Pursue your hobbies even if they aren’t directly related to your career. Passions create balance and help to make you a happier, more fulfilled person. Plus, all of those skills and qualities you learn from your hobbies will end up helping you in ways you never expected in your day job!
Learn when to say yes and when to say no. It’s okay to say yes to opportunities that aren’t your dream job if they will align you with the future that you want (Think: networking opportunities & new skills!). And on the flipside, saying no to the wrong opportunities (especially any soul-sucking bad fit offers) frees up space to say yes to the right ones when they come along.
Don’t take advice from people who haven’t been there. Everybody and their Aunt Sue will have opinions on your career, but if they’re not aligned with where you’re heading and what you’re trying to do, then they are in *no* position to weigh in. If you’re going to seek advice, pick credible, supportive sources who are in your industry and can help you along your path.
Work towards finding your purpose. The world and workforce is changing at an unprecedented rate, and that “dream job” you’re chasing may not exist by the time you get to it. Pursuing a purpose or a vocation instead of a “dream job” allows you to find the WHY that’s behind that “dream job”. Ask yourself what it is that you truly value about the position you are striving for. For example, if you want to be the Editor-in-Chief of a magazine, is it telling incredible stories that fuels you the most? If so, find ways to pursue storytelling opportunities in any industry you enter. This small yet impactful mindset shift will keep you resilient, nimble, adaptable, and always working towards your underlying WHY.
Cailyn’s biggest lessons:
You’ll never feel qualified for your next role or promotion but trust us, you are. It is totally normal to feel uncertain when starting a new role or taking on a new project, but remember that you were hired for a reason! So kiss that Impostor Syndrome goodbye and step into your new position with confidence!
Don’t let work become your life. No matter how much you think that promotion, title, or company will give you the validation you are looking for, it is likely going to be short lived and never worth your whole life. We’re both guilty of putting way too much importance on our career as the main source of our happiness and identity. But we now realize that true validation and happiness comes from yourself and all the stuff that happens outside of your job. Besides, what’s the point of working 24/7 when you can’t enjoy the life you’re working for?
People are everything. People are crucial to an organization and the more you empower your peers and team to thrive both at work and in their personal lives, the better results you are going to see for your business. It is also VERY important to treat everyone with respect, no matter what title they have, because you never know where people will end up and who you might need a favour one day.
Negotiate! Negotiate! Negotiate! You have to negotiate your salary and prove your worth when you are first coming into an organization, because it is so much harder to ask for more money once you’re in. We’ll be releasing an episode on negotiation in the future, but in the meantime, DO NOT LEAVE MONEY ON THE TABLE! And remember that you can negotiate more than just your salary: If they won’t budge on your pay, negotiate more vacation, additional benefits, or a signing bonus. Fight for what you deserve.
The best career advice Gillian ever received:
Therapy helped Gillian learn to prioritize herself and never allow her identity and worth to be completely tied to a job. She was so passionate about previous jobs, that she put them before her own life and health and had no balance. So when she was laid off, her identity crumbled because she hadn’t focused on who she was without her career. Finally putting herself first allowed her to find her purpose and have the conviction to leave positions when she was in an environment that wasn’t a good fit for her.
The best career advice Cailyn ever received:
Cailyn’s career coach, Trevor Timbeck, gave her this advice when she was hesitant to go from being a people manager to an individual contributor in a new role: You don’t have to be a VP or manage a team to be a leader. Every day is an opportunity for you to show up as a leader whether you are managing a project, a campaign, an area of the business, or just a task for your boss. Take it as your opportunity to show what you can bring to the table. It’s like that Rachel Hollis quote, “Don’t compare your beginning to someone else's middle”. Shine in your own lane.
We hope you liked this solo episode and that it inspires you to keep pushing yourself to find the purpose behind your career journey!