What if belonging wasn't a feeling? What if it was a science—one that you could measure, track, and use as a competitive advantage? In this episode, Melissa Vining sits down with Andrea D. Carter, a world-renowned organizational scientist and creator of the Belonging First Methodology. Andrea shares her data-backed insights on why high performers are burning out, how to distinguish between "fitting in" and "belonging," and the specific indicators you can use to find a company culture that actually fits you.

What You'll Learn:

• The Science of Belonging: Why belonging is 50% environmental and 50% individual, and how to measure it using five key indicators: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and wellbeing.
• Belonging vs. Fitting In: Why "fitting in" requires you to shrink your identity, while true "belonging" allows you to remain respected while being yourself.
• Interviewing for Culture: Specific, high-impact questions you can ask during a job search to reveal if an organization offers real support or just "marketing" values.
• The "Confident Quit": Understanding the new era of high-performer exits and why companies often don't feel the impact of a lost high-performer until six months later.

Guest Bio:

Andrea D. Carter is an organizational scientist who studies a simple question most leaders overlook: what makes people stay, speak up, and do their best work and what makes them quietly disappear. For over two decades, she has been at the intersection of neuroscience and data, helping organizations turn culture from a "vibe" into a measurable competitive advantage.

As the creator of the Belonging First Methodology, Andrea uses five validated indicators—comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and wellbeing—to identify exactly why some workplace cultures thrive while others breed burnout. Having reached 150,000+ employees across eight industries, Andrea consults with global leaders to stop asking people to "fit in" and start building environments where they can truly belong.

Connect with Andrea:

https://www.belongingfirst.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter

https://substack.com/@andreadcarter

Andrea’s free 5-minute self-check, The Belonging Breakdown Assessment, that helps identify where trust, respect, or a relationship is breaking down: https://www.belongingfirst.com/belongingbreakdown

Episode Timestamps:

01:24 – Meet Andrea D. Carter

02:21 – The Belonging First Methodology

03:11 – High performers as "misfits"

04:17 – The trap of being "low maintenance"

07:06 – Belonging vs. fitting in

08:21 – The data behind workplace belonging

10:34 – The 5 indicators of belonging

18:12 – Interview questions that reveal workplace culture

21:11 – Interviewing "green flags"

24:23 – Breaking the "lone wolf" cycle

26:26 – The Belonging Breakdown Assessment

33:04 – The "Confident Quit" era

41:33 – Final advice for misfits

45:20 – Connecting with Andrea

P.S. If you've found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

Let’s be honest: basically no one (except our guest, Sara Kobilka!) enjoys job interviews. When you walk into an interview, it often feels like a high-stakes guessing game where you’re left wondering what the interviewer is actually trying to get at with their questions.

In this episode, Melissa Vining and Sara Kobilka pull back the curtain on all that ambiguity and share some lesser-known interview strategies that will help you turn a stressful interrogation into a meaningful, two-way human connection.

What You’ll Learn:

• The Power of Improv: Why practicing improvisation through gaming or playing with kids can strengthen your ability to handle unexpected interview questions.
• Storytelling Strategies: How to move away from scripted answers and toward a “bullet point” method that uses real-world examples to build human connection.
• Decoding Common Questions: Understanding the “why” behind standard prompts like “Tell me about yourself” and “What is your greatest weakness” to provide more authentic, strategic responses.
• Research Beyond the Job Description: Tips for using social media and organizational mission statements to “speak the employer’s language” and demonstrate cultural fit.
• The Two-Way Interview: How to vet potential employers by asking for specific examples of their values, such as how they define “flexibility.”

Guest Bio:

Sara Kobilka is a multipotentialite and the founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting. Her interests span a wide range of topics, fields, and disciplines, with a focus on community building, communication, STEM learning and engagement, and career coaching. She is dedicated to advancing disability and accessibility awareness. As an educator, scientist, journalist, coach, and entrepreneur, Sara actively cross-pollinates ideas across boundaries. Her career coaching work includes one-on-one sessions, workshops, and LinkedIn sprints. She uplifts people navigating career changes across disciplines, industries, and sectors and those with complex work histories. Sara lives in New York’s mid-Hudson River Valley with her family, where she balances work, parenting, and chasing new sparkly things.

Connect with Sara:

https://renwomanconsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kobilka/

https://www.facebook.com/RenWomanConsulting

https://saras-newsletter-74ba26.beehiiv.com/

https://connecting-dots.captivate.fm/listen

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Embracing an Outside-the-Box Mind with Melissa Vining, Boundary Spanner

Selections from Sara’s Career Newsletter, “Take it With You”:

• Acing the Interview Pt. 1
• Acing the Interview Pt. 2
• Learning a New Language
• Time to Translate

Sara’s Free Pre-Recorded Masterclass (VAST Technique ©)

Proxy Podcast with Yowei Shaw (“The LayoffTrilogy”)

Episode Timestamps:

00:34 – Meet Sara Kobilka

04:02 – Sara’s new podcast!

06:34 – Improv for interview preparation

09:52 – Anticipating interview topics

11:06 – The power of storytelling

12:54 – Using social media research

14:02 – Speaking the employer’s language

18:03 – "Tell me about yourself."

22:41 – The danger of too much scripting

25:34 – “Why do you want to work here?”

26:19 – The value of targeting your job search

28:55 – “Why are you leaving your current role?”

31:47 – Reframing a layoff, dismissal, or resume gap

36:45 – “What is your greatest weakness?”

39:43 – “Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge/conflict.”

42:37 – The two-way interview mindset

46:39 – Strategic closing questions

49:21 – The power of the pause

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, Melissa Vining is joined by vocational rehabilitation counselor and workplace neurodiversity consultant Charles Kransberger for a powerful conversation about why traditional hiring methods fail so many brilliant, capable people — especially those who are neurodivergent — and what to do instead.

Together, they explore a better way forward: skills-based hiring. Instead of relying on gut feelings, small talk, or “vibes” in interviews, Charles advocates for giving candidates the opportunity to show their skills through project-based assessments, portfolios, and real-world examples — creating a more inclusive, effective, and practical hiring process for both job seekers and employers.

If the usual interview process has never really worked in your favor, this episode will help you rethink how you show your skills and find spaces where you can truly do your best work.

What You’ll Learn:

• Why traditional interviews often fail qualified candidates
• What skills-based hiring really looks like in practice
• How to build and use a simple interview portfolio
• How to identify green flags for neuroinclusive workplaces
• When (and when not) to disclose neurodivergence at work
• How environment and flexibility impact performance and burnout

Guest Bio:

Charles Kransberger is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and workplace neurodiversity consultant on a mission to create value for organizations and neurodistinct professionals. His career in the disability and neurodiversity space has spanned technology start-ups, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, universities, non-profits, and entrepreneurship. Charles is passionate about helping businesses embrace authentic neuroinclusion by elevating and amplifying neurodistinct perspectives, and by demonstrating the compelling “business case” for cultivating an organizational culture where minds of all kinds belong and contribute to the level of their capabilities. Charles envisions a future of work where scalable, authentic neuroinclusion propagates within company cultures, human capital strategies, and tech-enabled solutions. During his evenings and weekends, Charles helps neurodistinct students and professionals take the next step on their career journey through 1-on-1 career counseling.

Connect with Charles:

http://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-kransberger-ma-crc-1363961a7

https://app.wiztherapy.com/intake/VuuzC8eh6S/

https://www.nitw.org/job-seekers#talent-database

Episode Timestamps:

00:36 – Meet Charles Kransberger

03:43 – “The job wasn’t the right fit” vs. “I’m the problem”

05:23 – The “spiky profile” and a strengths-based lens on neurodivergence

07:00 – Preparing for support needs across environments

08:56 – Self-advocacy without formal accommodations

10:15 – Neurodivergent identity and workplace culture

11:15 – How neurodiversity at work has evolved since 2013

12:25 – Signs of a neuroinclusive organization

14:10 – Why inclusion is better for everyone (system design)

16:11 – Skills-based hiring vs. traditional interviews

17:07 – What project-based hiring looks like in real life

19:13 – Using a portfolio to support interview success

22:23 – Why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution

25:50 – Burnout, remote work, and work environment fit

27:59 – Disclosure: risks, rewards, and personal choice

31:44 – Financial realities vs. ideal conditions

33:16 – A message for managers and leaders

35:08 – Neuroinclusion as a leadership advantage

36:54 – Where the movement stands in 2025

37:22 – Where to find Charles

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

The job search can feel like a black hole, consuming hours without any progress. Do you feel busy but still lost or unsure if you’re really moving toward your goal?

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Demir Bentley, co-founder of Life Hack Method and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Winning the Week.

Demir helps individuals and teams reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and focus on what truly matters. Melissa and Demir apply this philosophy by discussing crucial mindset shifts that help job seekers gain clarity and confidence, while setting themselves up for success both at work and in the job search.

You’ll learn how to:

• Use the time before you leave a job to test boundaries and practice bold behaviors without the fear of consequences
• Maintain a low-level, "never-ending" job search to prevent getting to a place of desperation and build authentic network connections before you need them
• Identify your non-negotiable lifestyle criteria and "pre-negotiate" boundaries during the interview process so they aren't a surprise during your first 90 days on the job
• Reframe perfectionism and procrastination by identifying the hidden fears (like fear of rejection or success) that are trying to protect you

Guest Bio:

Demir is an executive productivity coach, co-founder of Lifehack Method and WSJ Bestselling author of Winning The Week: How To Plan A Successful Week, Every Week.

He teaches hard-hitting efficiency techniques and proven accountability strategies that have helped clients generate millions in revenue while saving thousands of hours.

His team has helped more than 100,000 professionals, including executives from Facebook, Google, Uber and PepsiCo, and teams from Microsoft, Caterpillar, and many more to prevent burnout and create more freedom in their lives. Professionals who want to stop burning out and start hitting their 12-month goals in 3 months can join the Lifehack Tribe community.

Demir’s advice has been highlighted in ABC News, Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Entrepreneur and more.

Connect with Demir:

http://winningtheweek.com/

https://web.facebook.com/demirandcarey/

https://www.instagram.com/lifehackmethod_/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/

http://www.youtube.com/c/LifehackBootcamp

https://lifehackmethod.com/

Resources mentioned in this episode:

The 2-Hour Job Search

The First 90 Days

Episode Timestamps:

00:48 – Meet Demir Bentley and the Life Hack Method

01:39 – Using the time before quitting to address burnout

02:53 – Why the problem might be how you do the job, not the job itself

07:15 – Why testing boundaries might lead you to stay… and even get promoted

09:28 – The "Two Hour Job Search" approach and the low-level, infinite job search

11:16 – Real Life Example: Using informational interviews to get an unlisted job

17:05 – Getting radical clarity on what the right next fit looks like

18:38 – Probing questions to ask in an interview about productivity and lifestyle

19:13 – The importance of claiming your first 90 days in a new role

23:43 – A small mindset shift to increase confidence in an interview

26:53 – Tracking progress and using soft metrics in a slow job search

30:11 – Focusing relentlessly on the things you can control

33:10 – Strategies for staying motivated and getting out of "messy brain"

38:39 – Dealing with perfectionism and procrastination

42:14 – Where to find Demir Bentley and Life Hack Method

44:24 – Final words: It’s not just you; it’s the system

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

We’ve covered clarity, employers, branding, impact, and storytelling. Now, in the final episode of the Job Search Reset series, we’re focusing on something many job seekers avoid: real human interaction.

It’s easier to sit behind a screen and apply online — but the truth is, human connection is what helps you rise above a competitive job market.

You’ll learn how to:

• Reframe "networking" into authentic community building rooted in shared commonalities
• Ask for help in a way that feels natural — and gets results
• Pair online applications with thoughtful human outreach to get eyes on your resume
• Build rapport in interviews by finding personal points of connection

This isn’t about being transactional — it’s about belonging. When people like you, relate to you, and remember you, everything changes.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and series context
01:03 – Why human-to-human interaction is harder (but necessary) in your jobsearch
01:54 – Rethinking “networking” as community and relationship building
04:49 – How shared commonalities create trust and familiarity
06:02 – What to ask for (and what not to ask for) when seeking help
08:25 – Why you should pair human connection with online applications
10:18 – How a personal note can pull your resume out of the stack
11:17 – Human connection in interviews: why likability matters from minute one
14:16 – The KPIs of networking: Kids, Pets, Interests (credit: Emily Worden)
14:43 – Final encouragement for high-performing misfits in a tough job market

What’s next? This wraps up the Job Search Reset series — but I have so much more planned to help you find work that truly fits. If there’s a topic you want me to explore, send me a message on LinkedIn!

P.S. If you’ve found this series helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

At this point in the Job Search Reset series, you’ve clarified what you want, identified your target employers, built your personal brand, and shifted to an impact mindset. Now, it’s time to bring it all together through one of the most powerful—and often uncomfortable—parts of the job search: telling your story.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build human connection through authentic storytelling
• Identify the "who you are" elements that shape your story—your strengths, identity, and motivation
• Share your career journey and "why" in a way that's honest and relatable
• Where to plug your story into your job search

This isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about showing the human side of your career journey. When you tell your story with clarity and vulnerability, you stand out in a way that no resume bullet point ever could.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and series introduction
01:04 – Why human connection matters in today’s job market
02:19 – Getting comfortable with discomfort in your job search
02:43 – The power of authentic storytelling
03:29 – How to define who you are and what matters to you
06:33 – Connecting your identity, strengths, and story
07:27 – Why your “why” makes your story memorable
09:19 – How to integrate your story across platforms
09:58 – Final thoughts and next steps

Tools mentioned in this episode: CliftonStrengths Assessment

Coming up next: How to humanize your job search through community and connection.

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

Most job seekers talk about what they did—but what employers actually care about is the impact those actions made. In this episode of the Job Search Reset series, we focus on shifting from a “duty” mindset to an “impact” mindset, so your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight measurable results that matter to employers.

You’ll learn how to:

• Transform generic job duties into strong, results-focused accomplishments
• Use a simple formula for writing high-impact bullet points that grab attention
• Identify metrics and outcomes that prove your value
• Apply the impact mindset throughout your job search

This shift takes more effort, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to stand out in a competitive job market.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and series introduction
01:09 – What “duty vs. impact” means in your job search
02:23 – Turning duties into accomplishment statements
03:04 – A simple formula for impactful bullet points
04:21 – Why metrics matter (“no metrics = no interviews”)
06:10 – Applying the impact mindset to your resume summary
06:55 – How to communicate impact during your interviews
07:47 – Final thoughts and next steps

Coming up next: How to tell your story authentically—and in a way that makes people want to listen.

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

Once you’ve clarified what you want and identified employers that align, the next step is creating a clear, authentic personal brand. In this episode of the Job Search Reset series, we focus on how to define what you want to be known for—and communicate it in a way that resonates with employers.

You’ll learn how to:

• Identify the intersection of your strengths, interests, and employer needs
• Break your value into 3–5 “Impact Zones” that define your brand
• Craft a simple personal brand statement using the “I help X achieve Y by doing Z” formula

This isn’t about slogans or buzzwords—it’s about clarity and consistency. With a strong personal brand, you’ll show up in your job search with confidence and focus.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and series introduction
01:08 – Why your personal brand matters in the job search
01:59 – What most people get wrong when asked “What makes you unique?”
03:06 – Understanding your audience: what employers care about most
04:44 – Connecting your strengths, interests, and employer needs
05:19 – Defining your 3–5 Impact Zones
06:08 – The personal brand statement formula (“I help X achieve Y by doing Z”)
08:26 – How to use your brand statement across materials and conversations
09:19 – Next steps: shifting from duty to impact

Coming up next: How to switch from a “duty” to an “impact” mindset so you can stand out in a crowded job market.

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

Once you’ve clarified what you want in your next role, the next step is figuring out where to find it. In this episode of the Job Search Reset series, we focus on how to identify and evaluate the employers that align with your goals—so you can stop the endless scrolling and start a more strategic search.

You’ll learn how to:

• Build a targeted list of potential employers based on your priorities and interests
• Use online tools (and AI) to uncover companies you may not know about
• Evaluate organizations beyond job postings to see if they’re a real fit
• Avoid the “reactive job search” trap and get ahead of the competition

This step takes effort, but it sets you apart in a crowded market and saves time in the long run.

Episode Timestamps
00:00 – Welcome and series introduction
01:11 – Why identifying target employers matters
02:02 – How to start your research (and what to look for)
05:50 – Using job boards, AI, and LinkedIn for ideas
07:31 – Getting input from real people and professional circles
09:21 – How to evaluate employers for alignment
10:44 – Why applying early matters (and how target lists help)
11:47 – Final thoughts and next steps

Coming up next: How to develop your core personal brand so you can stand out from the competition and communicate your unique value.

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

September has always felt like a reset—routines return, priorities shift, and it’s the perfect moment to clear out what’s no longer working. In this first part of the Job Search Reset series, we’ll focus on laying the groundwork for a more intentional, more focused job search.

You’ll learn how to:

• Get clear on the work you actually want to do—beyond job titles and buzzwords
• Identify your strengths, what you’re known for, and where you’ve made the biggest impact
• Define what matters most in your next workplace (with more depth than “great culture”)

This isn’t about doing more—it’s about doing what moves you forward. Grab a notebook, pause as needed, and start shaping a plan that reflects your real priorities.

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Welcome and podcast introduction
01:25 – Why “doing hard things” moves your job search forward
05:52 – The first step: Figuring out what you want
06:31 – Exercises to clarify your strengths and achievements
10:08 – How to define what matters most in your next workplace
12:03 – Final thoughts and next steps

Coming up next: How to find employers that have what you want.

P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.