Career Edit

In this episode of Career Edit, Vanessa sits down with personal stylist and former attorney Estelle Winsett to talk about how what you wear to work impacts how you show up. From power suits to personal expression, we explore how style can be a tool for confidence, authenticity, and professional branding.

Estelle shares her approach to helping women leaders and executives align their personal brand with their wardrobe, while staying true to who they are.

Whether you love fashion or feel stuck in a workwear rut, this episode is full of insights to help you feel more like you when you walk into a room.

Resources Mentioned:

👉 Estelle’s Free Style Guide
👉 Join Estelle’s Powerhouse Facebook Group for professional women
Follow Estelle on LinkedIn and Instagram

Book time with Estelle HERE

Connect with Vanessa: LinkedIn | Instagram
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In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Duffy, Senior Financial Advisor and Financial Behavioral Specialist, to explore how our money beliefs—often shaped by childhood experiences—quietly influence the career decisions we make as adults.

We discuss the basics of financial psychology, what it really means to have “enough,” and how the meaning we assign to money impacts our sense of security and fulfillment. Kate shares how to identify and reframe our money mindset, build a healthier relationship with money, and start normalizing these conversations within your circle.

If you’ve ever felt torn between what pays the bills and what lights you up, this conversation will help you better understand your money mindset and move toward real financial and career freedom.

Connect with Kate: LinkedIn

Work with Kate: BMT

Vanessa sits down with Shelly Hughes, Founder & CEO of Nolia Roots, a marketing agency helping businesses build purpose-driven brands. Shelly shares her no-BS approach to going after what you want, facing imposter syndrome head-on, and refusing to play victim.

We talk about how to train yourself to do hard things—not just at work, but in everyday life—and the mindset shifts that help you prioritize growth over comfort. Shelly walks us through her personal strategy for making bold business moves: save money, make aggressive decisions, and take control of your thoughts.

We also dive into the power of personal branding in 2025: what it is, why it matters, and how to carve out a strong point of view for your business. Shelly breaks down how to niche your content and why becoming a “broken record” on social media might be exactly what helps you stand out.

This one’s for the dreamers, doers, and anyone ready to take action on their next bold move—with intention and authenticity.

Get more of Shelly!  

LinkedIn | Instagram

Check out Nolia Roots:

LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

In this episode, Vanessa drops the big career update and how she's really been doing over the past 5 years. She talks about how her career journey has taught her so much about transitions and pivots and she is so excited to be sharing this work with people moving forward. It's been a long time coming and she is fired up and ready to take her work with professionals to a much deeper level!

If you're feeling stuck and lack clarity in your own career please take 5 minutes to complete the google form on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) to share your experience within your own career.

I appreciate the feedback!

In this episode, I sit down with James Barry, whose career has taken some unexpected yet deeply aligned turns—from actor to celebrity private chef to founder of Pluck, an organ meat-based seasoning blend. James shares how he navigated career shifts, always staying true to his mission and values. We explore the concept of purpose—how it’s already within us, how to tap into it, and how opportunities naturally unfold when we align with it.

Ready to eat Pluck?!

TRY Pluck | Instagram

Be a part of James Barry's world:

• LinkedIn | Instagram

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We all want to map out the perfect career path, but what if success comes from embracing the unknown instead?

Maggy Wilkinson, CEO of Athena Global Advisors, didn’t have a meticulously planned career. She built her business by staying flexible, starting scrappy, and letting her values guide her.

Maggy’s journey is proof that you don’t need all the answers to build something great. You just need to start.

Learn more about Athena:

• LinkedIn | Website

Follow Maggy Wilkinson:

• LinkedIn

Follow Vanessa:

• LinkedIn | Instagram

In this solo episode, Vanessa reflects on her growth through starting imperfectly, whether it’s podcasting or creating content. She encourages listeners to embrace failure, take action, and let go of perfectionism. Life doesn’t have to be so serious! Small wins and authenticity are key to finding freedom and joy.

Key Takeaways:

• Growth happens when you start, even if it's not perfect.
• Consistency leads to improvement over time.
• Overthinking prevents progress—experience is the best teacher.
• Life doesn’t need to be perfect—embrace imperfection and experimentation.
• Celebrate small wins and be authentic in everything you do.

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn | Instagram

In this episode, I sit down with Alex and Jacob Cohen, thehusband/wife duo behind Kismet Bagels, a Philly-born bagel brand that started as a fun experiment during the early days of the pandemic and has now grown into a household name.

We dive into:

• How a simple idea—baking bagels for fun—turned into a thriving business
• Serendipitous moments, from early customers to big-name partnerships
• The highs, lows, and moments they questioned everything
• Why authenticity, belief in yourself, and having fun are key to success

Starting a business wasn’t in their plans, but Alex andJacob followed what felt right and the rest was pure kismet. Now, they’re about to open their 8th location (!!), proving that passion, persistence, and authenticity always win.

If you're dreaming of doing something more fulfilling in your career, this episode is for you. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.

You can follow along HERE:

• Kismet - Website | Instagram

Follow Vanessa: LinkedIn | Instagram

Struggling with self-doubt or fear of failure? In thisepisode of Career Edit, I sit down with Collin Henderson, a top mindset coach, speaker, and author, who shares how to break free from mental barriers and unlock your highest potential.

Collin opens up about his journey from perfectionism,anxiety, and burnout in sales to becoming a leading mental performance coach for elite athletes, executives, and Fortune 500 companies. He reveals his journey and shares how you too can find a path to freedom and purpose.  

Collin is the founder of Master Your Mindset, LLC,and works with top organizations like Nike, Zillow, Amazon, and UCLA Women’s Basketball, helping leaders, athletes, and professionals unlock mental toughness and resilience.

Connect with Collin:

LinkedIn Master Your Mindset PodcastWebsite

Connect with Vanessa:LinkedIn | Instagram

What happens when you walk away from a 20 year career injournalism to chase something new? In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Mele, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and former 6ABC and FOX national news anchor, who made the bold decision to leave the news industry and carve her own path as an entrepreneur and coach.

Jillian opens up about her journey from journalism toentrepreneurship, sharing the mindset shifts and pivotal moments that helped her embrace change, take risks, and build confidence in her next chapter.

We discuss:

✅ Why she walked away from a successful career in news after 20 years✅ How getting her MBA sparked a career transformation✅ The power of confidence, self-belief, and taking risks✅ Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome when making a career pivot✅ The importance of choosing to evolve vs. repeating the same path✅ Why waiting around for opportunities doesn’t work—and how to take control of your career

If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next careermove, or afraid to take a big leap, this episode is packed with insights to help you redefine success on your terms.

🔗 FOLLOW ALONG:

Learn more about Jillian Mele – Website

Follow Jillian: Instagram| LinkedIn

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