Jazzed About Work

Everybody encounters bad days at work. And sometimes a career stumble can feel like the end of the world. In this episode, guest host Tom Hodson talks with our own Bev Jones, author of the career success book, “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” They explore strategies for moving on after a catastrophe, like finding ways to discuss it, looking at the big picture, and learning from successful people who survive epic flops.

Right after Harvard Business School, DJ DiDonna launched a startup. And then for 7 busy years he traveled the world, supporting small businesses in emerging markets. DJ’s company was successful, but he felt burned out. So he took a break from work, doing things unrelated to his job, like taking a walking pilgrimage in Japan. DJ’s time off was life changing, and he became intrigued by the transformative power of sabbaticals. Now he’s immersed in the Sabbatical Project, researching how long breaks can change lives and improve our work culture

Jaime-Alexis Fowler began her career as an academic, hoping that a university career would allow her to create change in our society. Finding that path to be too slow, she moved on to a series of organizations where she could grow as a social innovator. Today she’s the Founder and Executive Director of Empower Work, a ground-breaking nonprofit that allows workers to connect with a coach when they’re feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. The service allows you to connect anonymously -- by texting or web chat – when you have no place else to turn. Jaime-Alexis describes how their free coaching works, she explains why one-on-one support can be so important, and she talks about building her career as a change agent

As a child, Jessi Roberts lived in a troubled home. But, with the help of friends along the way, she forged her own path to success. And today she’s the CEO of Cheekys, the big fashion and jewelry brand “that loves the country girl.” In this show, Jessi talks about her new book, “Backroads Boss Lady: Happiness Ain’t a Side Hustle… Straight Talk on Creating the Life You Deserve.” It’s an intriguing combination of savvy business advice, particularly aimed at women entrepreneurs, and the true story of Jessi’s life. Visit: https://cheekysboutique.com

If you’re looking for a job, it helps to understand how the hiring process really works. In this show you’ll get an insider view from search firm executive Jackie Ducci, author of “Almost Hired – What’s Really Standing between You and the Job You Want.” She will talk about how recruiters operate and what employers often want. She says that searching for a job is a learned skill, and one you can develop, even if you are just starting out in the job market. She’ll shed light on vital communication skills, hiring criteria and the importance of focusing on the right job targets. Visit: https://ducciassociates.com

Miami PR expert John P. David wrote an important book for professionals and businesses -- “How to Protect … (Or Destroy) … Your Reputation Online.” In this show, he says that some people learn the hard way that every person has an on-line presence, whether they realize it or not. And he illustrates the importance of actively managing your own profile with recent examples of serious social media challenges bringing serious problems for several celebrities. John also discusses broader PR trends, and what they mean for ordinary people. And he offers tips for folks who might be interested in a career in public relations. Visit: http://www.davidpr.com

Hannah Morgan is a nationally recognized author, speaker and teacher on all things job search. She started early, learning from her father, who owned a high-level executive search firm. Today her website CareerSherpa.net is an amazing resource for anyone thinking about a career move. In this show, she talks with host Bev Jones about how technology, strategy and even resume deliverables are evolving, changing the way people find and land jobs. Episode 53. For more tips follow @CareerSherpa

Your career success is influenced by your “brand.” And, as a professional, you do have a personal brand, even if the concept of branding makes you feel uncomfortable. In this episode, Tom Hodson interviews our own Bev Jones, author of the popular guide to career success, “Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO.” They discuss how you can shift your mindset, develop more confidence and better manage your professional reputation. And they talk about what leadership means, and how you can come across as a leader, even if you’re just starting your career.

To attract job opportunities, you have to make sure that you’re searchable. That’s the expert advice of Conrad Woody, who leads the U.S. Corporate and Government Affairs Practice at global talent and leadership firm Odgers Berndtson. In this episode, Conrad says that to be seen as a top candidate, you must show that you always keep learning and working at your full capacity. Even if you’re already thinking about your next career move, potential employers will want to see that you are still deeply engaged in your current job. Conrad also talks about what it takes to become a top lobbyist today.

Do you feel constantly behind and endlessly oppressed by a nagging sense that your “to-do” list is growing by the minute? Bestselling author Laura Vanderkam says you’re not alone. But you don’t have to live this way. Laura has studied the calendars of hundreds of professionals, and found that even extremely busy people have more free time than they recognize. In this episode she explains how to feel like you have all the time in the world. Among Laura’s recent helpful books are “Off the Clock: Feel Less Busy While Getting More Done,” and “Juliet’s School of Possibilities: A Little Story About the Power of Priorities.”