Career Advancement, Leadership and Promotion: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

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You are not “just” your title. You are far more than that. 

Many mid-career professionals sometimes downplay the importance or significance of the value they provide to their teams, leaders, and organizations.

Today, you will meet Monique Helstrom. She is a recruiter of talented assistants for busy executives. She is also a coach and speaker. You’ll be curious to hear about her former job, which she held for over ten years. She was known as the Chief of Simon Sinek. And you’ll listen to that story and how executives and their assistants can partner to work better and more cohesively, ultimately driving results like never before. 

Monique shares personal anecdotes from her thrilling tenure with Simon Sinek, where the fast-paced environment was a playground for learning and growth. Her insights into the executive-assistant partnership, supported by her two decades of experience in human development and organizational growth, reveal how this dynamic can drive outstanding results. Monique offers practical advice for executives and admins to flourish together, ensuring that their collaborative efforts lead to sustained success.

Connect with Monique Helstrom
Website | LinkedIn

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

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What’s your opinion on office politics? Perhaps you try to avoid them. Maybe you feel confident navigating them, or better yet, you say you can handle them when you have to but would prefer to avoid them altogether. 

In this episode, I’m joined by Niven Postma, an advisor to global executive teams, lecturer, keynote speaker, and author. She’s joining me today to help you reframe your thoughts, opinions, and actions about office politics, why you should pay more attention to office politics, and how you can use them to benefit your teams and your professional advancement. 

From her eye-opening experience of being fired from an executive role, Niven illustrates why political savvy is non-negotiable in today's workplace. Her book, "If You Don't Do Politics, Politics Will Do You," serves as a guide to navigating these often tricky waters with integrity and effectiveness.

This is a conversation you don’t want to miss!

Connect with Niven Postma
Website | LinkedIn | Email Niven - [email protected] 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

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Unlock the secrets to mastering communication in the post-pandemic workplace with our special guest, Karin Hurt, founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders. Karin opens up about a career-defining moment when a team member exposed her lack of vulnerability, leading her to pivot towards authentic leadership. We explore how remote work has fundamentally changed communication dynamics and discuss strategic approaches to bringing employees together, ensuring thoughtful and effective communication during these transitions.

Conflict at work can disrupt harmony, but it doesn't have to. Learn how to distinguish between minor annoyances and significant issues to reduce stress and foster a peaceful environment. We present practical advice and real-life examples on tackling workplace conflicts head-on, demonstrating the benefits of open communication and mutual understanding.

Transitioning relationships in the workplace, whether from colleagues to business partners or even romantic partners, brings its own set of challenges. Karin shares personal anecdotes and key strategies to maintain effective communication and manage conflicts in high-stakes environments. From choosing the right medium for emotionally charged messages to balancing confidence with humility, this episode provides valuable insights. Plus, discover how to build a mid-career GPS for professional growth, with resources and workshops available to guide you on your journey. Don't miss these tips for becoming the leader you've always wanted to be.

Connect with Karin Hurt
Website | LinkedIn 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy released a statement last week notifying all Amazon employees that they will need to be in the office five days per week beginning in January 2025. How many companies will follow Amazon's lead and require their employees to be in the office five days per week? What does this mean for you?

You can read Andy Jassy's statement here.

In this episode, I'll unpack the benefits of increased in-office collaboration while addressing this policy's challenges to work-life balance and overall employee satisfaction. If you're accustomed to a hybrid work environment, this episode is crucial for you. You’ll also gain valuable strategies to navigate job interviews and career moves in light of such sweeping policy changes.

You must know how you work best and your best working situation. Yes, companies are still hiring fully remote employees, but Amazon's move will change things, and you should be prepared. 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Typically, there are two big seasons in anyone’s career development. The time from September to November when people are looking for a new job and want to make sure they reach their career goals before the year ends. The next time is from January to March when people are wrapped up in the excitement of the new year and want to start the year off with a great new job and a new beginning. 

But here is what’s holding you back. 

When interviewing for a new job or having internal conversations about a possible promotion, some of you are telling a horrible story about why you are the best person for the job!

In this episode, I’ll share my #1 pet peeve about how you tell your story and give you an immediate action tip to correct it and shift the energy in the room to get more hiring managers interested in who you are and what you do. 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Jemima Atanasio is Senior Director of Development at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Jemima takes us through her transformative journey from the hustle of special events fundraising to the more balanced realm of major gifts work. Discover how pivotal moments in 2016, amidst significant political changes, led her to reassess her career and the value she brings to her role. She shares the importance of cross-collaboration, her love for Pink's music, and the powerful community she has cultivated on LinkedIn.

Learn how Jemima has harnessed the power of LinkedIn to create a vibrant, supportive community, especially in the context of philanthropy and large-donor fundraising. By blending personal interests like music and photography with professional insights, she has engaged her network in authentic, meaningful ways. Jemima emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity and clear intentions in building the know, like, and trust factor that strengthens professional relationships.

Discover practical strategies to incorporate more of your authentic self into your career and online presence to build a successful and engaged network on LinkedIn. Jemima shares actionable tips on how to show up genuinely in your professional life and community-building efforts. Find out how consistent, genuine participation on social media can craft a compelling narrative over time.

Connect with Jemima on LinkedIn.

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Have you ever been on a PIP? 

Have you ever had to manage a PIP?

If you don’t know what a PIP is, that could be considered a good thing. A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a formal document that helps employees struggling to meet job performance expectations. It outlines areas of performance that are falling short, identifies skills or training gaps, and sets specific goals for improvement. 

PIPs are not disciplinary actions, but they can feel like that. They are intended to help employers and managers help employees succeed rather than a punitive measure. 

But they don’t feel like that, and often, it seems that more people are either terminated or leave their position rather than succeed and stay within the organization. 

Drawing from my personal experiences, I'll share actionable strategies to tackle a PIP head-on, emphasizing the importance of clarity, support networks, and ownership. We'll explore the dual outcomes of a PIP and how to steer towards a positive resolution. Learn how to dissect the details of your plan, ensure regular check-ins with your manager, and utilize every resource at your disposal. This episode isn't just about surviving a PIP; it's about converting it into an opportunity for growth and demonstrating your value within the organization. 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Feeling like you're stuck in your career despite being a high performer? Discover the secrets to breaking free from the "value trap" and achieving the promotions you deserve. This episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers five actionable strategies to help you recognize and navigate this common professional challenge. Learn how to proactively communicate your career goals, set clear timelines, and delegate responsibilities effectively to prepare for your next role. It's time to take control of your career trajectory and ensure your growth isn't hindered by your current success.

We'll also guide you on how to build your mid-career GPS with practical tips for showing up powerfully in both personal and professional settings. From making meaningful connections on LinkedIn to leveraging social media, you'll find valuable insights to advance your career. Don't miss our discussion on the benefits of participating in workshops and public speaking events to elevate your professional journey. For more resources, visit johnnarrell.com, and remember—how we show up matters!

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Prepare to unlock the secrets of effective leadership development as we sit down with Todd Davis, senior consultant and thought leader at FranklinCovey. Ever wondered why so many professionals find themselves in leadership roles without the proper training? Through Todd's transformative mid-career experience and his unmatched expertise in human resources and talent development, we'll uncover the essential strategies for balancing empathy and courage, all while navigating the complexities of reporting to younger managers and overcoming mindset barriers.

Imagine leveraging your personal strengths to become an exceptional leader. Todd shares insights from his book, "Everyone Deserves a Great Manager," and emphasizes the role of empathy in fostering productive relationships. Discover the impact of Gallup StrengthsFinder in identifying your unique talents and learn how FranklinCovey’s approach to leadership development can facilitate lasting behavior change to achieve your strategic goals. We'll also explore the common challenges mid-career professionals face when transitioning to managerial roles and the importance of understanding others first.

Effective communication is key, and Todd helps us understand why clear and direct conversations about performance issues are crucial. We delve into the pitfalls of the "empathy sandwich" and the significance of building strong, effective relationships at work. Drawing inspiration from Stephen R. Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," this episode is packed with actionable advice on leading with both empathy and courage, ensuring you contribute meaningfully to your organization’s success. Join us for this engaging conversation and transform your leadership journey today!

Connect with Todd Davis.
FranklinCovey | LInkedIn

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/

Send us Fan Mail

Unlock the secrets to turning adversity into opportunity with marketing and communications expert Kate Speer. Discover how Kate transformed an unexpected job loss into a remarkable career pivot by leveraging her marketing skills for self-promotion. Learn actionable strategies for creating a compelling personal landing page and building a powerful LinkedIn network that can lead to new job opportunities, especially for mid-career professionals.

Find out why authenticity is your greatest asset during a job search and how presenting yourself genuinely can make a significant impact. We discuss the parallels between job searching and marketing campaigns, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and multiple touchpoints. Kate's journey underscores the need for understanding your ideal work environment, maintaining a robust professional network, and staying resilient even in the face of setbacks.

We also dive into common mistakes mid-career professionals make and how to avoid them. Learn the benefits of a personalized landing page, the power of networking, and staying visible on LinkedIn. Kate shares how everyday conversations can be turned into valuable LinkedIn posts and the importance of being social and consistent on the platform. This episode is packed with insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market and build a stronger personal brand. Don’t miss out on these expert tips to navigate your mid-career journey with confidence and strategy.

Connect with Kate Speer
Kate's Landing Page | LinkedIn 

Support the show

If this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, there are two ways we can work together.

Learn more about my SHOW UP Leadership Lab, my monthly membership program, at https://www.johnneral.com/showup

If you would like to learn more about how I can help you as your leadership and career coach, visit https://www.johnneral.com/workwithme.

Get John's free weekly leadership and career newsletter at https://www.johnneral.com/the-mid-career-gps-newsletter

Other ways we can connect:

• Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
• Get John's books on Amazon here.  
• Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. 
• Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.  

Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

This podcast is listed in Feedspot's Top 90 Best Executive Career Podcasts.

https://podcast.feedspot.com/executive_career_podcasts/