Most people dream of leaving their 9-5 to build a thriving business, but few actually take the leap.

In this episode, you'll hear how Andrew Spikes turned his side hustle into one of the fastest-growing companies on the Inc. 500 list. We dive into his journey from corporate life to leading a successful digital marketing agency for faith-driven businesses.

You'll hear about:

• How he built a business while still working full-time (his strategy is a game-changer!)

• The mindset shift that made all the difference

• Key lessons from growing a Christian-led digital marketing agency

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK: https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS

00:45 - Why He Quit His 9-5 to Start a Business

02:03 - The Mindset Shift to Growing a Business

12:06 - Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail at Business

14:09 - His $500 Strategy to Start a Business With No Savings

17:07 - How He Scaled His Side Hustle Without Quitting His Job

26:31 - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

As a Christian entrepreneur, it can feel like a constant struggle to balance honoring God while running a business. You might find yourself asking:

• Am I too focused on money?

• How can I keep God at the center of my business?

• How do I lead my team while honoring Him?

The truth is, it’s not always easy. You want to follow God’s plan, but you also have to make tough decisions about leadership, finances, and growth. It’s completely normal to feel uncertain.

In this episode, Norah Whitten and I talk about the challenges Christian entrepreneurs face and what the Bible says about faith and work. We’ll cover:

✅ How work can be an act of worship

✅ How to build a business that honors God

✅ Leadership tips for hiring

✅ How to stop feeling guilty about making a profit

✅ Simple ways to bring faith into your daily work life

If you’ve ever wondered how to integrate faith into your business, this episode is for you.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK: https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

CONNECT WITH NORAH:

• Website / https://functionalphyziopt.com/
• Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/functional-pelvic-health-podcast/id1617839564
• Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/functionalphyzio/

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:00 – Can Work Really Be Worship?

01:25 – Meet Norah: From Physical Therapist to Business Owner

05:31 – Hiring & Leadership with a Christian Mindset

09:15 – The Illusion of Passive Income & Business Freedom

12:45 – Bringing Faith into the Workplace

15:55 – Bible Study & Discipleship in a Secular Business

18:50 – Overcoming the Fear of Sharing Faith at Work

23:36 – Work as Worship: Finding Purpose in Daily Tasks

Are you wondering if you’re making the right career move or if you should wait on God’s timing?

Making a career move as a Christian isn’t just about finding a new job that only serves your wants and needs, but also aligning your work with God’s purpose and trusting His timing, even when you can’t see the full picture.

But how do you know when to take that leap of faith? How do you navigate career transitions with confidence and clarity?

In this episode, Tim Ahlersmeyer, a NEW key member of our team, shares his inspiring career journey – from corporate finance to sales, marketing, and career coaching. He’s made bold career moves while trusting God’s plan every step of the way, and now he’s here to share how faith, confidence, and networking helped him pivot successfully.

If you’re in a season of career transition or seeking clarity, this conversation is packed with faith-driven insights and practical job search strategies to help you move forward with confidence.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Trusting God in career decisions

• Overcoming fear and uncertainty in job transitions

• How networking and faith open doors in your job search

• Resume and LinkedIn tips to land more interviews

• Why confidence and clarity are key to a successful career pivot

  
  

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK:https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

• Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps →https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

• More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead →https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website /https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram /https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin /https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast /https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast /https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest /https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:00 - Introduction

05:14 - How Resume Writing Became a Calling

08:06 - Trusting God in Career Moves

13:49 - Why Learning & Adding Value Can Elevate Your Career

16:49 - How To Build Meaningful Connections

24:36 - Leadership & Career Growth Tips

28:06 - How to Transform Your Resume for More Job Offers

32:29 - Christian Career Job Search Strategies

Your career advancement ISN’T just about what you know. It’s also highly driven by how you treat others and how you present yourself. This is why I knew I had to have Alison Cheperdak, the founder of Elevate Etiquette to share her experience with you this week. 

Most people think etiquette is just about knowing which fork to use and how to dress fancy, BUT there’s so much more to that. 

The way you present yourself, communicate, and interact with others can open doors – or close them. And as Christians, how we carry ourselves in professional settings is an extension of how we honor God and serve others.

Here’s the thing: most job seekers focus on resumes, LinkedIn, and networking while overlooking the ONE skill that can make or break career opportunities. And it’s not about being stuffy or elitist, it’s about building real relationships with kindness, integrity, and respect.

In this episode, I’m joined by my dear friend Alison Cheperdak, founder of Elevate Etiquette, as we dive into the power of etiquette in job searching, networking, and career growth.

We discuss:

By the end of this episode, you’ll know exactly how to present yourself with confidence, make meaningful connections, and use etiquette as a tool for career success while staying true to your faith.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

CONNECT WITH ALISON:

Website / https://elevateetiquette.com/

Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/elevateetiquette/

LinkedIn / https://www.linkedin.com/in/alison-m-cheperdak-b0215141/

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK: https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Why Etiquette Matters in Your Career & Faith

02:31 Alison’s Unexpected Path: From Ice Skating to Law to Entrepreneurship

06:37 The True Definition of Etiquette

12:28 How Small Social Mistakes Can Make or Break Your Career

18:37 Job-Seeking Etiquette 101: What to Do & What to Avoid

24:35 Building Confidence & Social Skills for Career Success

30:39 The Role of Social Media & Personal Branding in Professional Etiquette

34:25 Alison’s Upcoming Book & Exciting Future Plans

40:30 How to Start Practicing Etiquette Today

“I wish I could spend my days giving people gifts – but is that even a real job?”

“I love organizing data in Excel – what career could that lead to?”

“Curating art and planning events sounds like my dream – can I actually make a living doing it?”

If thoughts like these are holding you back, this episode is exactly what you need.

Here’s the thing: if you followed the steps in last week’s episode, you already have a sense of what excites you – but it might feel too unclear or impractical. Here’s the truth: there’s likely a real job out there for it.

In this episode, we’ll show you how to turn those vague dreams into specific job titles and actionable career steps. Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or already have a few roles in mind, this conversation will bring the clarity you’ve been looking for.

Audrey and I discuss:

- How to research job roles and uncover opportunities you never knew existed.

- Why making a list of likes and concerns is crucial for finding the right fit.

- The power of reaching out to professionals for insights and clarity.

- Turning assumptions about jobs into actionable questions to guide your decision.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clear framework to identify a career that aligns with your skills, passions, and calling. 

BOOK A FREE CALL WITH US THIS WEEK: https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

- Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

- More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Turning Vague Dreams Into Careers

04:12 Step 1: Research Real Job Possibilities

09:55 Step 2: Listing Likes, Concerns, and Questions About The Job

16:58 Step 3: The Power of Informational Interviews

28:46 Step 4: How To Ask The Right Questions

30:49 Testing Your Assumptions

37:09 Dealing With Rejection and Staying Resilient

40:30 Ending the Guesswork and Finding Confidence

41:58 Book a Free Career Strategy Call With Us

Are you stuck in the "what should I do with my life?" loop? 

You’ve been praying, journaling, and asking the Lord for a better job that fits your skills and what you want, but you still can’t seem to figure it out?

Well – you’re not alone. So many people feel confused about what they’re truly called to do. But here’s the good news: in this episode, we’re sharing 8 questions to help you unlock career clarity. 

These questions have helped countless people uncover their purpose and find work that truly lights them up, and we can’t wait for you to try asking yourself these questions, too.

Audrey and I discuss:

- Why your daily tasks are more important than a company’s mission.

Hopefully, by the end of this episode, you’ll feel closer to the clarity you’ve been searching for. And if not, book a call with us – we can figure it out together.

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

Free Training: How to Find and Land a Job You Feel Called to in 8 Straightforward Steps → https://thecalledcareer.com/our-process

More of a reader? ⁠Download the 22 page PDF⁠ version instead → https://thecalledcareer.mykajabi.com/PDF

Schedule a free, 30 min consultation to get our help with your career → https://calendly.com/audrey-tcc/consultation-call?month=2025-01

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:00 Are you stuck in the "what should I do with my life?" loop?

02:19 Question 1

08:45 Question 2

09:55 Question 3

10:06 Question 4

13:26 Question 5

16:56 Question 6

21:51 Question 7

25:16 Question 8

30:05 Your Next Steps to Unlock Career Clarity

Do you ever feel stuck in a job that doesn’t light you up or wonder if you’re making the right career moves? 

In this inspiring episode, Christin Allison, a former planning and logistics engineer, shares how she approached her job search with intentionality and transitioned into a fulfilling role as a senior lean transformation industrial engineer – landing not 1 but 3 job offers along the way.

Together, Christin and Audrey discuss:

If you’re struggling with career decisions, overwhelmed by job options, or simply want encouragement in your job search, this episode is for you. 

Christin’s heartfelt reflections on the importance of trusting God and being willing to say no – even when it’s hard – offer valuable lessons for anyone seeking purpose and peace in their work.

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp and Audrey Bagarus

FREE CAREER COACHING RESOURCES:

FOLLOW US ON OTHER SOCIALS:

🌍  Website / https://thecalledcareer.com/

📸  Instagram / https://www.instagram.com/kelsey_thecalledcareer/

👨‍💻  Linkedin / https://www.linkedin.com/company/thecalledcareer

🎙 Spotify Podcast / https://open.spotify.com/show/5QpGj7lkYYHaZAkLM27R1F

🎙 Apple Podcast / https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/answer-the-call-christian-career-coaching/id1468014993

📱 Pinterest / https://www.pinterest.com/thecalledcareer/

⌚️TIME STAMPS:

00:35 From Planning and Logistics Engineer to Lean Transformation Industrial Engineer

02:32 Why Christin Hired a Career Coach

03:28 Learning the Hard Way: Why the Right Job Matters

08:39 The Clarity Process: Breaking Free from Fear

12:28 Exploring Two Very Different Career Paths

20:56 Intentionality in Job Searching

23:32 Landing 3 Job Offers, Choosing Between Them

26:04 Saying No: Trusting God for Something Greater

39:10 Advice for Job Seekers and Career Clarity

In this episode, I sit down with Jordan Jones, an entrepreneur and mom who found a way to balance both through strategic business systems. Jordan opens up about her transition from hustling in the business world to finding a better balance as an entrepreneur, and she shares about the powerful mindset shift she experienced, realizing that a sustainable business can be built around values that matter most to her, like faith, family, and serving others. Jordan’s journey is a great reminder that with the right systems in place, it's possible to pursue both professional success and personal fulfillment!

In addition to her business, Jordan and her husband also created Daily Kairos, a prayer journal that encourages daily moments of reflection and prayer. As a special offer to Answer the Call listeners, you can use the code "CALLED" at checkout for 15% off your purchase at Daily Kairos.

In this episode, we discuss:

This episode is a perfect listen for anyone looking to create a business that serves both their professional and personal goals, especially for moms navigating entrepreneurship. Whether you're just starting, or looking to pivot into more passive income streams, this conversation will inspire you to build a business that works for your life.

Where to find Jordan: https://jordanjones.co/

Cheering you on,

Kelsey Kemp

Free career coaching resources:

Connect with us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecalledcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kelsey_thecalledcareer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Called Career⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Happy New Year's Eve! We're so honored to be rounding out the year with all of you.

As the clock ticks closer to 2025, we’re celebrating a huge milestone: our 200th episode! 

And we wanted to take this opportunity to reflect on 2024 and everything the year had to offer - trust us, it's been an interesting one!  This is more than a recap; it’s a celebration of growth, community, and everything you the Lord has made possible for The Called Career. 

Thank you for laughing with us, learning with us, and being part of these conversations! It’s been an honor to have you in our corner, and we’re so excited to continue this journey together into the new year. Cheers to all the exciting moments still to come!

Here’s what we’re spilling the tea on in this episode:

Every download, share, comment, and message has meant the world to us. You’ve been with us through the highs, the challenges, and everything in between, and we’re so grateful for your continued support, encouragement, and energy.

With gratitude,

Kelsey Kemp & Audrey Bagarus

Free career coaching resources:

Connect with us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecalledcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kelsey_thecalledcareer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Called Career⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, we’re diving into Catherine’s story as a successful entrepreneur in the arts who has built her business with faith at the center. Catherine shares how she took the leap into entrepreneurship, embraced imperfection, and found joy in "building the plane while flying."

We explore her approach to building genuine connections with clients, the role of faith in bridging the gap between where we are and where we want to be, and the surprising ways God collapses timelines to fulfill our dreams. Catherine's story reminds us that stepping out in faith opens the door for incredible growth, community, and opportunities beyond what we can imagine.

Catherine shares how she:

Whether you’re building a business, considering a big career move, or simply needing a reminder of God’s faithfulness, this conversation is packed with practical advice and will leave you inspired and equipped to trust the process and keep moving forward.

Cheering you on,

Where to find Catherine:

Website: cdartsmanagement.com

Instagram: @catherinedolaher

Free career coaching resources:

Connect with us:

Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecalledcareer.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@kelsey_thecalledcareer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Called Career⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠