In this transformative episode Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with licensed social worker, speaker, and author Tashia Martin to discuss what it means to lead, heal, and grow during life’s most challenging transitions.

Tashia brings nearly two decades of experience working across education, government, and nonprofit systems, specializing in healing-centered leadership, trauma-informed care, and building cultures of wellness. She shares her journey of supporting young people and adults navigating hardship and reveals how leaders can create environments rooted in authenticity and collective care.

In this episode, you’ll gain:
💎 Insight into trauma-informed and healing-centeredleadership practices
💎 Practical ways to integrate self-care and emotional wellness into your daily life and workplace
💎 How leaders can support themselves and their teams through personal and professional challenges
💎 A glimpse into Tashia’s New Leaf Journal and how it can guide you—or your whole team—through healing and growth
💎 Strategies to create psychologically safe spaces thatfoster authentic connections and resilience

Stay Connected:

💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

About Our Guest
Tashia Martin, MSW, LSW, is the author of 'New Leaf: Reflecting on Life’s Transitions' a 52-week guided journal rooted in ancestral wisdom, trauma-informed care, and holistic healing. Tashia draws from nearly 20 years of experience in school- and community-based mental health, social-emotional learning, equity-focused leadership, and spiritual practice to support individuals and communities navigating deep change.
You can find her on LinkedIn and IG @restoring_legacy

In this eye-opening episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for theJourney, sits down with Lindsey Schultz—CEO of MRC Recruiting—for a behind-the-scenes look at what really matters in today’s hiring landscape.

Whether you’re a job seeker, a hiring manager, or simply reevaluating your next career move, this episode offers must hear insights to help you make intentional, values-aligned decisions. Lindsey pulls back the curtain on what recruiters actually prioritize, how to position yourself authentically, and why resumes only tell part of the story.

 Listen in to learn:
💎 What recruiters are actually looking for beyond the résumé
💎 How to align your career with your values—and why it matters
💎 Common myths about what makes someone a strong candidate
💎 Practical ways to stand out during your job search
💎 What leaders need to know to build inclusive, high-performing teams

Ready to take your career or hiring strategy to the next level? This conversation is packed with real talk, tactical advice, and fresh perspective.

Stay Connected:

💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

About Our Guest:
Lindsey Schultz is the CEO of MRC Recruiting, a Colorado based executive search firm specializing in the mining and resource sectors. With nearly 20 years of experience, she’s passionate about helping companies build strong, inclusive teams and connecting people with meaningful careers.

When she’s not working, Lindsey enjoys getting outdoors with her husband—a committed DIY’er—and their two adventurous boys. Life is full with hikes, house projects, travel, cooking, and keeping up with their spirited Bernedoodle, Bluey.
🔗 Connect with Lindsey:

Instagram

Facebook⁠⁠

LinkedIn⁠⁠

In this episode ⁠Leah C. Murphy,⁠ CEO of ⁠Career Gems for the Journey⁠, sits down with career counselor and author ⁠Shell Mendelson, MS,⁠ to talk about what it really takes to find your path—especially if you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or navigating your career as a neurodivergent adult.

Shell brings decades of expertise to the conversation and shares how her own late-life ADHD diagnosis deepened her commitment to helping others discover meaningful and realistic career options. Together, Leah and Shell explore what it looks like to move from uncertainty to confidence, and how the right support and strategy can help you unlock the next step in your journey.

Whether you’re in a season of transition, burnout, or exploration, this episode offers powerful insight on how to align your passion, purpose, and profession—without the pressure to do it perfectly.

💎 What makes career clarity harder for neurodivergent individuals?

💎 Why traditional career advice often falls short?

💎 The difference between purpose and passion

💎 Shell’s personal ADHD journey and how it reshaped her career

💎 Tools and next steps for anyone reevaluating their path

Stay Connected:

💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

💎 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

About Our Guest

Shell Mendelson, MS is a seasoned career counselor with over 35 years of experience helping both neurodivergent and neurotypical clients find clarity in their career journey. Trained by What Color Is Your Parachute? author Richard Bolles and holding a Master’s degree in Vocational/Career Counseling, Shell combines deep expertise with a personal understanding of how ADHD can affect career paths—having received her own diagnosis later in life.

She is the author of Unlock Your Career Path: A Course for Neurodivergent Adults and Teens, widely praised as one of the most ADHD-friendly career guides available. Through this book, her coaching, and her Your Next Career Move Masterclass, Shell equips individuals with the tools to move from overwhelm to action using structured, clear, and sustainable steps.

In addition to her counseling work, Shell is also the founder of the international children’s art franchise KidzArt. Her mission is to help people uncover fulfilling, purpose-driven work by simplifying complex decisions and championing their strengths—especially those who feel overlooked or uncertain about their next move.

🎯 Her next masterclass begins July 16

📘 Learn more at ⁠www.unlockyourcareerpath.com⁠

🔗 Connect with Shell:

Instagram: ⁠@shellmendelson⁠

Facebook: ⁠@CareerCoachingwithShell⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠Shell Mendelson⁠

In this powerful episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with award-winning journalist Aundrea Cline-Thomas to talk about her bold decision to leave the anchor desk—and what came next.

Aundrea shares her story of stepping away from the traditional news cycle to answer a deeper calling and focus on storytelling that uplifts and inspires. From the early days of her broadcast career to navigating the unique pressures of being a Black woman in media, Aundrea opens up about identity, legacy, and the cost of staying silent.

💎 What happens when you realize the dream job isn’t your dream anymore?
💎 How do you redefine success after walking away from the spotlight?
💎 What does it look like to answer your calling, even when it doesn’t fit the mold?

This episode is full of insight for anyone navigating a transition, questioning their current path, or seeking more alignment between their work and their values.

Stay Connected:

💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

💎 Visit ⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

About Our Guest
Aundrea Cline-Thomas is a three-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, entrepreneur, and host of The NEXT Best Thing podcast where she guides professionals through career transitions and personal reinvention. Through candid conversations with accomplished guests like Andre Iguodala, Bozoma Saint John, and Aurora James, Aundrea explores how successful professionals reframe challenges and embrace change with purpose.

Drawing from her 15-year career as a television reporter and anchor in markets including Philadelphia and New York City, Aundrea founded strategic storytelling agency Mountain Court Media to help thought leaders craft authentic, impactful narratives.

Aundrea combines journalistic excellence with a passion for helping professionals transform their stories and confidently step into their next chapter.

Where you can find her:

The NEXT Best Thing Community
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aundreact/

IG: @nextbestthingpod

IG: @aundreact

In today’s episode, Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with the dynamic and thoughtful Pam Moyo to explore what it truly means to lead with humanity intoday’s fast-paced, high-pressure professional world.

As a wellness leader, DEI strategist, and founder of Soul Informed, Pam brings a refreshing perspective to leadership. One that centers emotional intelligence, compassion, and holistic wellness. She shares her personal journey of shifting from a hustle-and-burnout mindset to a more intentional, soul aligned way of working. Together, Leah and Pam unpack how to set boundaries, advocate for yourself in the workplace, and reimagine what sustainable success can look like, especially for women of color in leadership.

Highlights

💎 Why emotional wellness should be a leadership priority—not an afterthought
💎 How to lead teams with authenticity and courage
💎 The importance of rest, reflection, and alignment in both life and career
💎 What it takes to sustain a purpose-driven career without sacrificing yourself in the process.

Stay Connected:

💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

💎 Visit ⁠⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

About Our Guest
Pam Moyo has spent over 20 years working in the mining industry as a Professional metallurgical engineer. She graduated from the University of Zimbabwe in 1999. She went on to study her Masters in Mineral Processing at McGill University in Montreal Canada. She has worked in various metallurgical areas including engineering consulting, process operations and research. She has contributed to the mining industry by publishing papers of her work including 1 patent. Her love and passion for empowering people with tools that create results in people’s lives has led her to being certified as DreamBuilder Coach and Life Mastery Consultant. In the ground-breaking DreamBuilder program Pam shares principles that will skyrocket peoples’ success by linking their purpose/vision with their work and all area of their life thereby resulting in better effectiveness professionally and personally.
Visit her at visionsuccessnow.com

In this powerful episode, Leah C. Murphy CEO of Career Gems for the Journey, is joined by Nicole S. Palmer—bestselling author, equity strategist, and public health advocate—for a conversation that pulls no punches on what it takes to survive and thrive in corporate America as a Black woman.

Nicole shares her journey from healthcare communications to the public health frontlines, and how lived experience, chronic pain, and burnout led her to write her transformative book: Playing the Game While Black Womaning in Corporate America.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• 💎 What burnout really looks and feels like—and why it often gets ignored until it’s too late

• 💎 How chronic illness and workplace inequity forced Nicole to step away and rewrite her life

• 💎 Why it’s not “selling out” to protect your peace in the workplace—it’s survival strategy

• 💎 The emotional cost of being mission-driven in organizations that don’t return the same care

• 💎 How to balance purpose and boundaries as a high-achieving woman of color

• 💎 Why Nicole says bringing your whole self to work can be harmful—and what to do instead

  Nicole also breaks down the inspiration and strategy behind her book, which uses chess as a metaphor to reveal how Black women are expected to navigate unwritten rules, coded language, and systemic barriers in corporate culture—while still delivering results.

  This episode is packed with gems that will help you protect your health, reclaim your voice, and thrive without compromise. 💎💎

  
  

   Stay Connected:

  💎 Subscribe to the Career Gems for the Journey podcast for more conversations that empower your personal and professional growth.

  💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for the Journey by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

  💎 Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on ⁠YouTube⁠ for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

  💎 Visit ⁠gemsforthejourney.org⁠ for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

  
  

  About Our Guest

  Nicole S. Palmer is a public health professional, bestselling author, and founding partner of Dell Nick Media. She’s on a mission to make health data and workplace wellness tools accessible to Black women navigating corporate systems. With lived experience in chronic illness, burnout, and inequity, Nicole brings a sharp, unapologetic voice to the conversation—and her book is a must-read for anyone seeking real talk on corporate survival and self-preservation.

  Visit her at nicolespalmer.com and download her free guide, The 7 Unspoken Rules of Corporate America.

  You can also find her on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and beyond @Nicolespalmer.

  
  

In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy CEO or Career Gems for the Journey, sits down with international keynote speaker, author, and leadership consultant Amir Ghannad to explore what it truly means to lead from within. As the founder of the Ghannad Group and author of The Transformative Leader, Amir brings over 30 years of global leadership experience to the conversation, offering powerful insights into self-awareness, culture, and career fulfillment.

In This Episode, You'll Learn:

• Catch Leah LIVE every Tuesday at 12 PM EST on YouTube for fresh insights, real-time discussions, and career-building conversations.

• Visit gemsforthejourney.org for upcoming events, resources, and more leadership gems.

  
  

About Our Guest

Amir Ghannad is an international leadership speaker, author, and founder of the Ghannad Group, a boutique consulting firm specializing in culture transformation and leadership development. He’s also the creator of On The Court Leadership, a digital learning platform that equips individuals and organizations with practical tools to lead with clarity, courage, and connection. His book The Transformative Leader has inspired professionals across the globe to unlock their leadership potential—starting from within.

Learn more about Amir’s work at theghannadgroup.com and onthecourtleadership.com

In this dynamic episode of the Career Gemsfor the Journey podcast,Leah C. Murphy sits down with Courtney Andersen, a powerhouse Supply Chain Executive and co-host of the She Supply Chains podcast.

Courtney shares her inspiring journey of leadership, career transformation, and what it means to navigate corporate spaces with authenticity and boldness.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

💎 Finding Your Career Audacity: How personal challenges like divorce and a failed adoption helped Courtney redefine success and take ownership of her journey.

💎 The Power of Lateral Moves: Why stepping sideways in your career can be the key to long-term leadership and success.

💎 Balancing Boldness and Effectiveness: How to be a strong, outspoken leader while fostering collaboration and driving results.

💎 The Importance of Representation and Mentorship: Why having mentors and advocates in your corner can accelerate your career.

💎 Owning Your Leadership Journey: How to take charge of your career growth while staying true to your values.

MAKE YOUR JOURNEY WORK FOR YOU! 

💎💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for theJourney by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

About Our Guest

Courtney Denise Andersen is a Supply Chain Executive known for transforming global operations, plant management, engineering, and people leadership. With over 20 years of experience, she has successfully led multimillion-dollar initiatives, optimized supply chain strategies, and fueled business performance, innovation, and revenue growth.

Beyond her corporate success, Courtney is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, championing initiatives that empower the next generation of leaders. As a co-host of the She Supply Chains podcast, she amplifies the voices of women in STEM and shares insights on navigating career growth with confidence and authenticity.

🎙 Want to hear more? Leah was also a guest on She Supply Chains! Check out her episode here.

In this episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy, CEO of Career Gems for the Journey and the visionary behind the inaugural Career and Care Summit, offers a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes recap of this transformative in-person event held on March 15, 2025 in Philadelphia.

Leah walks us through what it took to bring the summit to life—from the divine inspiration and months of planning to the unforgettable keynotes, dynamic panels, and breakout sessions. With a focus on career, community, and care, this episode is more than a recap—it’s a testimony of what’s possible when women come together to support each other holistically.

💎 Leah shares her own personal highs and hurdles—from taking a leap of faith to execute the summit with no initial sponsors, to curating a day that addressed the real-life needs of women navigating their second act of life.

💎 She celebrates the incredible partners, speakers, advisors, and vendors who helped make the day unforgettable—and speaks honestly about how fulfilling it was to see women connecting, building community, and leaving empowered.

💎 You’ll also hear how powerful conversations around burnout, ambition, menopause, fertility, and self-care took center stage—led by expert voices who spoke truth with vulnerability, insight, and courage.

💎 Leah reflects on the breakout sessions that allowed women to dig deeper, share experiences, and walk away with actionable tools for both their personal and professional journeys.

This episode is a heartfelt thank you to everyone who believed in the vision of the summit and helped make it a reality. Whether you attended in person or are just tuning in now, you’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of why this experience was more than just a moment—it was the start of something bigger.

MAKE YOUR JOURNEY WORK FOR YOU! 

💎💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for theJourney by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletter and gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

For too long, women’s health—especially topics like perimenopause, hormonal changes, and reproductive health—has been pushed to the background in professional spaces. But the reality is, our health impacts how we show up in our careers, our confidence, and our overall success.

In this powerful and eye-opening episode of the Career Gems for the Journey podcast, Leah C. Murphy sits down with Dr. Sophia Lubin, a board-certified OBGYN, to break the silence on the health challenges that women face—and why it’s time to start having real conversations about them.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

💎 Why women’s health is still a taboo topic in the workplace—and how to change that.

💎 Understanding perimenopause: What it is, how it affects your daily life, and why so many women don’t realize they’re experiencing it.

💎 The real impact of hormonal changes on career women: Brain fog, anxiety, exhaustion—how these symptoms affect leadership, productivity, and career growth.

💎 How to advocate for yourself: At work, at the doctor’s office, and in conversations with family and colleagues.

💎 Why prioritizing your health is an act of self-care and career empowerment.

This conversation is a must-listen for every woman navigating the demands of career growth while managing the realities of their health.

MAKE YOUR JOURNEY WORK FOR YOU! 

🎟️ Want to hear more? Meet Dr. Sophia Lubin in person!

She will be speaking LIVE at the Career and Care Summit on March 15, 2025, in Philadelphia, alongside an incredible lineup of experts covering career growth, wellness, leadership, and more. Don’t miss this chance to gain powerful insights, connect with inspiring speakers, and take charge of your health and career!

💎💎 Stay engaged with Career Gems for theJourney by subscribing to the  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠‘CareerGems for YOUR Journey’⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ newsletterand gain access to exclusive content just for you!  

About Our Guest
Dr. Sophia Lubin is a board-certified OBGYN, passionate advocate for women’s health, and host of the podcast Dr. Sophia, ObGyn - Embrace Your Body. EmbraceYourself. With over 15 years of experience, she provides comprehensive care at Symphony Medical in New York City, offering everything from routine wellness exams to advanced surgical procedures.

Dr. Sophia is dedicated to educating and empowering women about their bodies, helping them navigate everything from reproductive health to perimenopause and beyond. She believes that women’s well-being is just as important as their careers—and that prioritizing health should never come second.

This episode breaks the silence on women’s health—because your well-being is just as important as your career. 💎💎