I usually talk about careers in the context of landing a great job—but in this episode, we’re expanding the conversation to include building your own business.

My guest this week, Becky McCleery, went from teaching fourth-grade to running a thriving business as a solopreneur strategist and community builder. Her journey from passionate educator to unfulfilled working mom to successful entrepreneur is packed with lessons for anyone considering a career pivot, whether that’s finding a new role or creating one for yourself.

Becky and I talk about:

• How she transitioned from teaching to entrepreneurship while raising a family
• Why starting small beats waiting for perfection
• The 90-day rule every new business owner should follow before making big changes
• Common mistakes new entrepreneurs make—and how to avoid them
• The role of community in sustaining motivation and momentum
• Why an idea that already exists is a sign of market demand, not a reason to quit

This conversation blends inspiration with practical steps so you can explore self-employment with confidence—whether you’re leaving a traditional role, making a midlife career pivot, or building something entirely new.

You can connect with Becky on LinkedIn or at www.beckylytermccleery.com

You can learn more about Becky's free Soloprenuer Sisterhood or her paid Aligned Momentum Mastermind community for new and established business owners. 

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

In this episode, I share the powerful mindset exercise that helped me uncover the real reason I wanted to return to work after a 13-year career break. Learn how the “5 Whys” technique—originally developed at Toyota—can help you gain clarity, build motivation, and reconnect with your purpose during a job search, career pivot, or life transition. Plus, hear my personal story of how my why evolved from “paying off debt” to something much deeper. 

I've put together a curated podcast playlist specifically for job seekers with episodes on resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, networking, mindset management, and real success stories. Grab it using the link below. My fall group coaching program is coming soon—join the waitlist now for early access and bonuses!

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

I recently renewed my SPHR certification—60 hours of continuing education that represent more than just staying current. They reflect a deeper commitment to my growth, my clients, and the message I want to share with you today:

You don’t have to start over. But you do need to start moving.

In this episode, I’m sharing:

• What it looked like to retake the SPHR exam after a 13-year career break
• Why investing in yourself—certification or not—can build real momentum
• Practical ways to show employers (and yourself) that you're serious about your next chapter

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Staying current builds confidence and credibility
• You don’t need a credential to move forward, but small steps matter
• Professional development is a powerful signal—to yourself and future employers

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

Let’s be honest—“self-care” can feel cliché at best and selfish at worst, especially for moms who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. But what if the real problem isn’t the concept, but how we frame it?

In this episode, I share how the phrase Protect the Asset from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism completely shifted the way I think about wellness, motherhood, and energy management. When we see ourselves as the asset, self-care becomes essential maintenance—not indulgence. This mindset shift was game-changing for me.

I share small but meaningful habits I’ve been building—like sleep, mindfulness, movement, and hydration—and why they matter so much in this season of life. Whether you’re deep in motherhood or navigating midlife transitions, this is a chance to reclaim your wellbeing, support your mental health, and show up as your best self.

And if you're ready to make a career comeback or pivot into work that lights you up, my group coaching program returns this September. Get on the waitlist HERE for early access and a sweet discount.

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

Rejection hurts. But what if it’s actually redirecting you toward something better?

In this episode, I share a personal story about the time I lost what I thought was my dream home—and how that painful “no” made space for an even better “yes.” It’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always the end of the road. Sometimes, it’s a protective nudge toward something more aligned.

Whether you're facing job search setbacks, supporting your kids through disappointment, or just feeling the sting of something not going your way, this episode offers a gentle but honest perspective on how to process rejection without getting stuck in it.

We’ll talk about:

• Why “rejection is redirection” has become a guiding mindset for me
• How to honor your feelings while staying open to new possibilities
• What this means for career returners, especially when job applications go silent

If you’re in the messy middle of your next chapter, this conversation will help you reframe rejection as a sacred detour—not a dead end.

Ready to shift your perspective? Hit play—and let’s talk about what might be waiting for you on the other side of that closed door.

(And if you’ve been facing job search rejection and you're ready for support, my Career Comeback Accelerator opens this September. This 8-week group experience is designed to help you relaunch or pivot your career with confidence and clarity. Join the waitlist to get first access and a special discount. 

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

Midyear is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset—especially if those January resolutions have long faded into the background (you're not alone—most don’t make it past February!). In this episode, we explore how July offers a fresh opportunity to check in on your goals in a way that feels aligned with your real life right now.

Whether you’re in the thick of summer with kids at home or preparing to launch a teen to college, this season invites intentionality. We’ll talk about how to make time for memory-making moments, reset career momentum with simple summer actions, and approach health and wellness goals with easy additions—not pressure-filled overhauls.

You’ll walk away with three powerful reflection questions and the reminder that any day—especially today—can be the start of your next chapter.

(And if this episode speaks to you, don’t forget to rate and review the show. Scroll down past the episodes to tap the stars and share a few words if you're on Apple Podcast—it means so much! And subscribe to my newsletter for weekly encouragement straight to your inbox.)

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

Thinking about returning to work or making a career change this fall?

Don’t wait until September to start. In this episode, I share a summer checklist of quick career-boosting tasks you can do in between everything else life throws your way.

Reconnect with your network. Ask for references. Organize your interview outfits. Clarify what you’re looking for. And yes—even get help from your teen with your Zoom setup.

These micro-actions build confidence, clarity, and career momentum—one step at a time.

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

What happens when the community we built through our kids starts to fade? After years of bonding with other parents on sports sidelines, at school events, and in group texts, many women in midlife find themselves navigating a quiet but powerful shift—in friendships, identity, and purpose. 

In this episode, I share how my own shift from new motherhood to empty-nester-in-progress revealed just how temporary some of those connections can be. And how that loss often shows up right when we’re craving more meaning—in our relationships, in our work, and in our identity beyond “Mom.”

That’s why I’m reaching out to you. I’m exploring the idea of creating a space for midlife women navigating this transition—community, career support, personal growth… maybe even a retreat. But before I build it, I want to listen.

If you’re in this season too, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Join me for a 30-minute market research conversation, and receive a free 1:1 coaching session in return.

 Sign up HERE for a Market Research & Free 1:1 Coaching Call. 

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

Summer hits, and suddenly everything is off: school’s out, routines vanish, the weather changes our habits, and even good things—like graduations, college kids moving home, or family vacations—can leave us feeling scattered and unmotivated.

If your energy is low and your to-do list feels overwhelming, this episode is for you.

I’m sharing the truth that helps me every single time I feel stuck:

Motivation doesn’t create action—action creates motivation. 

Whether your goals are personal, household, or career-related, taking even the tiniest action—a 1- to 5-minute task—can shift your energy and create real momentum. In this episode, I walk you through:

• Why micro-actions are so powerful when you feel unmotivated
• How small wins (even unrelated ones) can fuel bigger projects
• Practical examples from home care, self-care, and job search tasks
• Why writing down what you’ve already done can build confidence and forward motion

This isn't about doing everything. It's about starting with one thing. Then another. And watching motivation meet you as you go.

p.s. If you’re planning to return to work after the kids go back to school, there are simple things you can start doing now—yes, even during summer—to set yourself up for success. Book a free coaching call HERE. 

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.

It's the first week of June, and with my college freshman home for the summer, I'm definitely facing the challenge of decluttering! I recently tackled my son Alex's overflowing room after moving him home from the dorm (barely fitting all his stuff in our SUV), a task that immediately brought back memories of my most popular episode with professional organizer Melina Kane.

In this timely replay, originally aired in January 2025, Melina shares invaluable insights and practical tips for organizing your space. While my basement clean-out is still a work in progress (a relatable struggle, I'm sure!), I'm making headway with Alex's room, including letting go of childhood treasures like the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series.

Melina's advice on creating a "joy day" really stands out to me—it's not just about boxing up memories, but about regularly taking out those special items to touch, hold, and enjoy. With my own children's birthdays approaching in July, August, and September, I'm planning to bring out their childhood keepsake boxes to celebrate those mementos.

Tune in for a fun, tactical, and meaningful discussion that I hope will inspire you to tackle your own organizing projects!

Curious about your Organizing Personality Type? Check out the Quiz HERE.

• Want to chat about your career goals? Schedule a free call HERE.
• Send me an email ---> [email protected]

Connect with me on LinkedIn ---> www.linkedin.com/in/kohlchristina

Grab the Free Strengths-First Resume Template - it's perfect for anyone in career transitions, whether with a long career gap, a career pivot, or just ready for a change.