Career Talk With Wes

By wesehnert

Career Talk With Wes

A place where people can talk and listen to others talk about their career experiences, wants, needs, challenges, goals, etc.

Discussion from the perspective that awareness brings... more

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FAQs about Career Talk With Wes:

How many episodes does Career Talk With Wes have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.

Career Talk With Wes episodes:

January 23, 2026 Building Confidence as Conviction vs. the Feeling of Confidence
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the importance of building confidence through personal challenges. He differentiates between feeling confident and knowing confidence, emphasizing that confidence can be a decision rather than just an emotion. Ehnert introduces a simple exercise where individuals identify personal challenges to undertake, which helps in proving to oneself that they can be confident. He also outlines the SMART criteria for setting achievable goals and stresses the importance of celebrating successes, no matter how small, to reinforce confidence.

Keywords
confidence, self-improvement, personal development, challenges, SMART goals, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, public speaking, personal growth, motivation

Takeaways
Building confidence involves both feeling and knowing it.
Confidence can be a decision rather than just an emotion.
Identifying personal challenges is key to building confidence.
Success is defined by the act of doing, not the quality of the outcome.
Setting SMART goals helps in achieving confidence-building tasks.
Challenges should be meaningful and relevant to the individual.
Self-credit and celebration are crucial after achieving a challenge.
Speaking to oneself in the third person can enhance self-objectivity.
Regular practice of challenges builds transferable confidence.
The feeling of confidence develops over time with consistent effort.

Titles
Building Confidence: A Practical Approach
The Dual Nature of Confidence

Sound Bites
"The topic for today is building"
"Success is doing it, not doing it well."
"Speak to yourself in the third person."
Chapters
00:00 Building Confidence: An Overview
00:15 Defining Personal Challenges for Confidence Building
03:15 Setting SMART Goals for Confidence
08:02 Celebrating Achievements and Building Self-Credit
...more
17min
January 01, 2026 The Truth About Decision Making
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert explores the complexities of career decisions, particularly the dilemma of whether to continue on a current path or to pivot towards something new. He emphasizes that there is no universal answer to this question, as it varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and patterns of behavior. The discussion delves into the importance of self-awareness, the role of risk in decision-making, and the necessity of owning one's choices, regardless of the outcome.

Takeaways
The question of whether to stick with a career or pivot is common and complex.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to career decisions.
Self-awareness is crucial in understanding personal decision-making patterns.
Risk is inherent in all decision-making processes.
You must own the decisions you make, regardless of the outcome.
Awareness of your patterns can lead to better decision-making.
Listening to your gut can be unreliable at times.
It's important to weigh the risks and benefits of each choice.
You can always change your mind later if needed.
Making a decision is better than avoiding it altogether.

Titles
Navigating Career Crossroads: To Stay or To Go?
The Art of Decision Making in Your Career

Sound Bites
"Awareness brings change."
"You can't change what you can't see."
"You must own the decision you make."

Chapters
00:00 The Dilemma of Sticking or Moving On
01:56 Understanding Personal Decision-Making Styles
05:48 The Role of Intuition and Gut Feelings
08:05 The Complexity of Decision-Making
10:36 Risk and Ownership in Career Decisions
13:43 Embracing Responsibility for Choices
17:17 Conclusion and Call to Action

Keywords
career decisions, personal growth, risk management, decision making, self-awareness

...more
21min
December 11, 2025 In A World Of Uncertainty, Trust Yourself
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the challenges of navigating change and uncertainty in today's world. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within our control and building resilience through awareness and past experiences. Ehnert highlights the significance of transferable skills and adaptability in overcoming new challenges, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own capabilities and past successes to foster confidence in future endeavors.

Takeaways
Change is unpredictable and requires a new approach.
Awareness of change is crucial for effective strategy.
Reliance on oneself is key in uncertain times.
Past challenges provide valuable data for future performance.
Transferable skills are essential for adapting to new situations.
Confidence stems from recognizing one's own strengths.
Hope is not a strategy; concrete actions are necessary.
Building resilience involves reflecting on past experiences.
Adaptability is a skill that can be developed over time.
Every challenge faced contributes to personal growth.

Titles
Thriving Amidst Uncertainty: Strategies for Change
Harnessing Resilience in Times of Change

Sound Bites
"How do we thrive in times of change?"
"Awareness brings change."
"You can't change what you can't see."

Chapters
00:00 Thriving in Times of Change
04:42 Building Self-Reliance for Success
10:26 Identifying Transferable Skills

Keywords
change, uncertainty, resilience, adaptability, transferable skills, personal growth, strategy, performance, challenges, self-awareness

...more
14min
December 08, 2025 Regular Career Check-ups For a Healthy Career!
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups and parallels this with the need for annual career assessments. He discusses how individuals can evaluate their career progress, set SMART goals, and prepare for unexpected disruptions in their professional lives. The conversation encourages proactive management of one's career to ensure alignment with personal and professional aspirations.

Takeaways
Get your annual physical to check your health.
Conduct a yearly career assessment to evaluate progress.
Review your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly.
Seek feedback from colleagues about your professional brand.
Set specific short-term, mid-range, and long-term career goals.
Use the SMART criteria to define your career objectives.
Be proactive in managing your career to avoid surprises.
Anticipate potential disruptions in your career path.
Regularly update your professional materials to stay prepared.
Take control of your career direction intentionally.

Titles
Annual Check-Ups: Health and Career
The Value of Self-Assessment in Careers

Sound Bites
"Take a look at my resume."
"What is my current brand?"
"I wish you a great day!"

Chapters
00:00 The Importance of Annual Career Checkups
01:41 Assessing Your Career Brand and Goals
04:03 The Role of Awareness in Career Management
06:21 Proactive Career Planning and Contingency Strategies
09:23 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage

Keywords
annual physical, career assessment, SMART goals, personal branding, proactive career management

...more
13min
November 08, 2025 You Don't Have To Sell Yourself To Your Audience, Just Know WIIFT!
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the concept of 'What's In It For Them' (WIFT) as a crucial element in communication, particularly in sales, interviews, and presentations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's perspective and connecting with their needs to effectively convey messages. Ehnert also highlights the universal human desires for safety and connection, and how these can be leveraged to create impactful interactions. Finally, he introduces the idea of delivering a 'secret sauce'—a unique value proposition that sets one apart from others in competitive situations.

Keywords
WIFT, sales techniques, audience perspective, communication, connection, human needs, job interviews, presentations, secret sauce

Takeaways
WIFT stands for 'What's In It For Them'.
Understanding the audience's perspective is crucial.
It's easy to lose sight of the audience's needs.
No one will buy into your ideas unless they see value.
Everyone wants to feel safe in their choices.
Connection is a fundamental human need.
People prefer to save resources, including money.
Research is key to understanding what the audience values.
Empathy helps in seeing things from the audience's perspective.
Delivering a unique value proposition can set you apart.

Titles
Unlocking the Power of WIFT
The Art of Audience Engagement

Sound Bites
"What's in it for them?"
"People want to save money."
"Develop your secret sauce."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Career Talk
00:08 Understanding 'What's In It For Them' (WIFT)
05:32 Applying WIFT in Career Contexts
12:08 Connecting with Your Audience
17:24 The Secret Sauce in Communication

...more
23min
October 22, 2025 The Right Amount Of Anxiety = Interviewing At Peak Performance!
Keywords
interview anxiety, performance, Yerkes-Dodson law, career growth, stress management

Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the relationship between anxiety and performance, particularly in the context of job interviews. He explains how anxiety can be both a hindrance and a motivator, emphasizing the importance of finding the right balance for optimal performance. The discussion also extends to career growth, exploring how stress and challenges can impact overall job satisfaction and performance. Ehnert encourages listeners to assess their own career trajectories and the levels of challenge they face.

Takeaways
The topic is anxiety versus performance in interviews.
Anxiety can manifest physically and mentally.
The Yerkes-Dodson law illustrates the relationship between anxiety and performance.
Interviews are a performance where one is judged in the moment.
Finding the optimal level of anxiety can enhance performance.
Career growth often involves healthy levels of stress and challenge.
Being under-challenged can lead to lower performance.
Recognizing when stress becomes overwhelming is crucial.
Burnout is often a result of excessive stress and low performance.
Self-assessment of career trajectory is important for growth.

Titles
Mastering Interview Anxiety: Performance Insights
The Science Behind Anxiety and Performance

Sound Bites
"An interview is a performance."
"Where am I on that bell curve?"
"I wish you a great day!"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Career Talk
00:03 Understanding Interview Anxiety
06:37 The Science of Performance and Anxiety
12:53 Career Growth and Challenges

...more
19min
October 03, 2025 Career Choices: What You Want To Do, What You Can Do, And The "S" Word
Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert delves into the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly focusing on the questions we ask ourselves about our desires and career paths. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's core values, distinguishing between what we want to do, what we can do, and what we feel we should do. By encouraging listeners to explore their true desires without the influence of external voices, Wes aims to guide them towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

Takeaways
What do you want to be when you grow up?
Shift the question to what do I want to do?
Words matter; they represent our truths.
Understanding core values is crucial for decision-making.
Core values can compete with each other.
What I can do may not align with what I want to do.
The 'should' word often reflects external pressures.
Self-reflection is key to discovering true desires.
Banish external voices when contemplating your path.
Exploration is essential for personal growth.

Titles
What Do You Really Want to Do?
Navigating Your Core Values

Sound Bites
"Words matter, by the way."
"Who’s saying it to who?"
"What do I want to do?"

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Career Talk
00:46 Exploring What You Want to Do
05:34 Understanding Your Capabilities
09:48 The Dangers of 'Should' in Career Choices
14:00 Encouragement to Explore Your Desires

Keywords
self-discovery, core values, career choices, personal growth, life goals, what do I want, self-reflection, decision making, personal development, finding purpose

...more
18min
July 30, 2025 Be the Writer and Director of Your Job Search Experience - Control the Narrative!
Title: Be the Writer and Director of Your Job Search Experience - Control the Narrative!
Description: In this empowering episode of "Career Talk with Wes," Wes Ehnert encourages you to take charge of your job search by crafting your own narrative. Learn how to become the writer and director of your career journey, focusing on the elements you can control. Wes shares insights on maintaining confidence, leveraging your skills, and creating a strategic plan that propels you forward, even in a challenging job market.
Key Takeaways:
Embrace your role as the storyteller of your job search; your narrative shapes your experience. Focus on what you can control: your skills, confidence, and strategic approach. Transform negative emotions into positive actions by reframing your job search journey. Practical tips for staying motivated and resilient in the face of job market challenges.
Hashtags: #CareerTalk #JobSearch #ControlYourNarrative
Check out additional episodes of Career Talk With Wes for more game-changing career insights, and be sure to tell a friend about this podcast! Reach out for a free consultation to explore personalized career coaching with Wes.
...more
24min
July 26, 2025 Keyword Strategy for Resumes & Interviews
Title: Career Talk with Wes: Mastering Keywords for Career Success
Episode Summary: Join Wes Ehnert in this insightful episode of "Career Talk with Wes," where he delves into the critical role of keywords in navigating the modern career landscape. Discover how to effectively use keywords to enhance your resume and increase your chances of getting noticed by potential employers.
Key Takeaways:
The importance of keywords in today's AI-driven job market. Strategies for identifying and incorporating the right keywords into your resume. How to balance keyword usage to appeal to both AI systems and human recruiters. The significance of aligning your resume with company values and mission statements.
Call to Action: Tune in to Career Talk With Wes for more career insights and strategies. Connect with Wes for personalized career coaching and a free consultation.
Hashtags: #CareerTalk #Keywords #JobSearch #ResumeTips
Contact Information: For more information or to schedule a consultation, reach out to Wes Ehnert through LinkedIn or Facebook.
...more
29min
June 29, 2025 Attending A Career Networking Event? Have A Plan!
Keywords
networking, communication, strategies, exit strategies, assertiveness, professional connections, networking events, relationship building, career development, personal growth

Summary
In this conversation, Wes Ehnert shares effective strategies for networking, emphasizing the importance of preparation, communication, and assertiveness. He outlines a structured approach to networking events, including choosing the right people to connect with, initiating conversations, and having a clear exit strategy. The discussion highlights the significance of being curious and assertive in building professional relationships, ultimately aiming to enhance the networking experience and achieve personal and career growth.

Takeaways
Have a clear plan for networking events.
Choose specific people to connect with.
Start conversations with relatable topics.
Be curious and ask questions.
Prepare a brief introduction about yourself.
Know what it means to connect with others.
Always ask for contact information.
Have an exit strategy for the event.
Practice polite ways to exit conversations.
Assertiveness is key to effective networking.

Titles
Unlocking Networking Success: Strategies for Professionals
The Art of Networking: Building Meaningful Connections

Sound Bites
"It's a good idea to have some type of (strategic) outline (for networking at the event)."
"Be curious"
"Have an exit strategy for (certain conversations, and) the whole event."

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Career Talk with Wes
00:00 The Importance of Networking
02:05 Preparing for Networking Events
07:25 Effective Networking Strategies
12:49 Exit Strategies in Networking

...more
16min

FAQs about Career Talk With Wes:

How many episodes does Career Talk With Wes have?

The podcast currently has 20 episodes available.