In this episode of the Liz Career Coaching Podcast, I share practical tips for tailoring your experiences to align with organizational needs, identifying and articulating your strengths, and leveraging tools like AI for interview prep. I also highlight the importance of professionalism, authentic storytelling, and creating a lasting impression through personality, body language, and tone. Whether you're launching your career or advancing to your next opportunity, I offer insights to help you stand out and land the job you deserve.  This episode was sponsored by Kelley Francis.

Key Takeaways:

1. Tailor Your Experience: Research the organization thoroughly and align your skills to their mission and goals.
2. Know Your Strengths: Reflect on your achievements and bring specific examples that showcase your unique value.
3. Leverage AI Tools: Use tools like LinkedIn’s interview prep and https://yoodli.ai/ to practice and refine your responses.
4. Professionalism Matters: Arrive prepared, dress appropriately, and ensure a distraction-free environment for virtual interviews.
5. Ask Thoughtful Questions: Use the interview as a two-way street to assess if the organization aligns with your career values.
6. Follow Up with Gratitude: Send a personalized thank-you email to reinforce your interest and highlight key points from the interview.

Connect with our Sponsor!
Kelley Francis

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

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Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

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Welcome to the Liz Career Coaching podcast! I’m your host, Liz Herrera, career coach and job search ally. I’ve dedicated my career to empowering individuals to use their strengths to drive their career and find their purpose. Whether you’re launching your career or preparing for your next move, this podcast will empower you with actionable steps to reach your goals.  I interview professionals from diverse backgrounds who are working with purpose and on a mission. They share valuable knowledge and insights into both their personal and professional lives, how they’ve paved their own career paths, and offer advice to help you on your own career journey.

Today's Guest:
Melinda E. Ramírez is a seasoned expert in leadership development, change management, and team effectiveness with over 17 years of experience partnering with Fortune 500 companies, nonprofits, and global organizations. A first-generation Latina college graduate, military spouse, and mother, she brings a distinctive blend of personal resilience, cultural insight, and professional expertise to her work, earning recognition as one of Influence Digest’s Top 15 Nashville Coaches in 2024. With a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a dynamic, creativity-infused approach, Melinda empowers leaders worldwide to build inclusive cultures, unlock their potential, and create lasting success.

Episode Highlights:

• Melinda shares how her passion for ballroom dancing cultivated skills that translated into effective leadership.
• Insights Discovery Tool:
  • Explanation of the four color energies: Fiery Red, Earth Green, Sunshine Yellow, and Cool Blue.
  • How understanding these energies fosters self-awareness and improves communication within teams.
  • How Insights Discovery helps professionals navigate blind spots and unlock their full potential.

Be sure to check out her Free roundtable discussion on 1/17/25 @1pm central time on Dancing Through Life: Mastering Emotional Regulation With Every Step
Click here for details

Connect with Melinda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melindaeramirez/

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

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In this episode, Alex Beard explores how applied improvisation can transform personal and professional growth, fostering confidence, adaptability, and deeper collaboration. He shares his journey of using creativity to empower underserved communities and offers practical tools, like the ‘Yes, And’ technique, to encourage open-minded problem-solving. Listeners will gain insights on creating brave spaces and using storytelling as a powerful tool for self-advocacy and empathy in the workplace.

Key Highlights

• Alex Beard shares how applied improvisation can boost confidence, communication, and adaptability in careers.
• His journey illustrates the power of creativity in public service, especially for empowering underserved communities.
• Alex shares the ‘Yes, And’ technique to foster collaboration and inclusivity 
• Highlights storytelling as a tool for self-advocacy, enhancing empathy and understanding in the workplace.

Connect with Alex
www.beardcollaborative.com

Resources Shared:
Yes, And by Kelly Leonard
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face? by Alan Alda

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
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Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

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In this episode I have the pleasure to welcome an inspirational guest and long time colleague, Dr. Benjamin Ritter.

Dr. Ritter is the founder of LFY Consulting and author of Becoming Fearless. He is an international leadership and career coach, Sr. Talent Management Consultant, Top LinkedIn Voice, global speaker, and host of The Executive, and the Live Fearlessly Podcasts.

Episode Highlights - Dr. Ritter:

• Shares his journey of overcoming fears and becoming a leadership and career coach.
• Discusses how setbacks, such as job losses and failed career attempts, became pivotal lessons in his coaching.
• Highlights the importance of aligning your career with your values,
• Provides actionable strategies from his book "Becoming Fearless” to overcome fear and achieve personal and professional growth.

Connect with Dr. Ritter:

• https://www.liveforyourselfconsulting.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drbenjaminritter-leadershipdevelopment/
• Check out his new book, Becoming Fearless

Connect with our Sponsor!
Kelley Francis

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
100 Best Coaching Podcasts

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show

In this episode, I have a chat with Kelley Francis, Executive Director of the HITEC Foundation and a passionate advocate for increasing educational and professional opportunities for underrepresented groups in engineering, technology, and business. Kelley shares her journey from growing up in the southwest suburbs of Chicago to her work in the nonprofit sector, where she focuses on empowering Hispanic communities and women in tech. Highlights of the episode include:

• Kelley's upbringing and how her family’s emphasis on education shaped her values.
• Her decision to pursue Spanish and Business Administration despite external pressures to follow more lucrative career paths.
• Her transition into the nonprofit industry, where she discovered her passion for serving underrepresented groups, particularly through her internship at the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
• Kelley’s current role as Executive Director of the HITEC Foundation, where she leads efforts to provide scholarships, mentorship, and career development support to Hispanic students pursuing technology-related fields.
• Kelley’s emphasis on the importance of mentorship, overcoming self-doubt, and the value of mindfulness and routines in her professional life.

Listeners will also hear about HITEC’s initiatives, including how career coaches and other professionals can support these efforts through mentorship or sponsorship.

Book Recommendation:

Uwavering: Rejecting Bias, Igniting Change, Celebrating Inclusion by Nellie Borrero 

Connect with Kelley:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelley-sheehan-francis/
• https://www.hitecglobal.org/foundation

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
100 Best Coaching Podcasts

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show

In this insightful episode, Coach Lee shares his transformative journey from struggling to build meaningful relationships to becoming a coach who empowers others to do the same. He candidly discusses how his upbringing in a dysfunctional family, failed relationships, and therapy led him to discover the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in creating connections. Coach Lee also outlines his three-step coaching process that helps clients understand themselves, establish boundaries, and communicate effectively to build and maintain close relationships. He offers practical advice on handling rejection, setting boundaries, and speaking up in professional settings, emphasizing the importance of strategic vulnerability. The episode concludes with Coach Lee sharing upcoming events and resources for those interested in deepening their understanding of meaningful relationships.

Episode Highlights:

• Coach Lee shares his journey as a transgender person, emphasizing how embracing vulnerability and authenticity in relationships became crucial after facing rejection due to his identity.
• He guides us through his three-step process—understanding and accepting oneself, setting boundaries that honor one’s identity, and communicating needs effectively—to build meaningful connections.
• Lee reframes rejection as a way to filter out those who don’t align with your values, turning it into an opportunity for growth and self-affirmation.
• Strategic vulnerability is key, sharing the right amount of personal information with the right people at the right time, especially when one’s identity may not always be accepted.

Connect with Coach Lee!

• https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/
• https://www.patternsofpossibility.com/events
• https://calendly.com/patternsofpossibility/friendly-conversation
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCk_sXvnjqwhFlpI-NYV845g
• https://tiktok.com/@patternsofpossibility
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/coachleehopkins/

Connect with our Sponsor!
Kelley Francis

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
100 Best Coaching Podcasts

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show

In this episode of the Liz Career Coaching podcast, I’m excited to kick off Season 8 with a deep reflection on life's brevity, the importance of living with purpose, and the legacy we leave behind. I share personal stories of loss, including the early passing of my mother and the recent death of my 99-year-old grandmother, to show how these experiences have profoundly shaped my views on life and purpose. I also challenge you to think about your own legacy through a powerful exercise: writing your own obituary to gain clarity on what truly matters.

Key Takeaways:

• Life's brevity reminds us to live with intention and purpose.
• Reflecting on your legacy can help align your daily actions with your long-term goals and values.
• Small, everyday actions can have a lasting impact and define who you are as a person.
• The "Write Your Obituary" exercise is a powerful tool for gaining clarity on your life's purpose.

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerreraLiz27
• Email: [email protected]

40 Best Career Coach Podcasts
100 Best Coaching Podcasts

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

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Today I wanted to have an open dialogue about what it is like to be a first generation college student specifically, the unique challenges faced by first-generation Latino college students. I am always proud to share that I am a first generation college graduate and while there were many challenges that I personally faced, it really shaped my career and the professional that I am today. My experiences and challenges are what fuels my purpose today and why I am passionate about the work that I do as a career coach.

Many Latino students may feel pressure when choosing majors and careers, especially when their families discourage certain paths that are seen as low-paying. I believe it is so important to have open conversations with family about career choices.

So today I have a very special guest that will join me on this discussion of how college students navigate the college process without family support to feeling the weight of financial pressures and the responsibility to provide for their families after graduation.

My guest today is Dr. Ochoa-Galindo a senior lecturer and the director of internships in applied psychology at UIC. She is an alumnus from UIC and has been working there for 5 years. She has over 15 years of teaching experience both at the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, Dr. Ochoa-Galindo is a licensed mental health clinician with over 18 years of experience providing individual, family, and group counseling to children, adolescents, and adults both in outpatient and inpatient settings. She has experience working with mental illness, behavioral disorders, domestic violence, sexual assault, acculturation stress, and trauma. In her spare time, she enjoys doing yoga, reading, and spending time with her family which includes her husband, 6-year-old twin daughters, 4 dogs, and 2 cats!

Connect with Dr. Ochoa on LinkedIn
In Motion Counseling

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerreraLiz27
• Email: [email protected]

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show

Explore Shara's journey from facing repeated licensure exam failures and personal hardships to becoming a licensed clinical social worker and successful entrepreneur. Gain insights into how she founded "Journey to Licensure," a consulting firm dedicated to guiding others through the licensure process, and learn the crucial roles of mindfulness and self-care in overcoming professional challenges. This episode is a testament to the power of resilience, offering invaluable lessons for anyone navigating their own path to professional licensing and beyond.

Episode Highlights

• Shara's journey from facing personal and professional challenges, including failing her licensing exam multiple times, to becoming a successful entrepreneur and licensed clinical social worker
• Launch of "Journey to Licensure," a consulting firm created to support social workers on their licensure journey, inspired by Shara's own challenges.
• Emphasis on the importance of mindfulness and self-care to enhance effectiveness in helping professions.
• Advocacy for aspiring social workers and therapists to prioritize their own well-being and seek support, highlighting the often-overlooked need for self-care within these professions.

About Shara Ruffin:
Shara is an independently licensed clinical social worker and former psychotherapist from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She holds a Bachelor's degree in social work from Lock Haven University of Pennsylvania and a Master's degree in social work from Howard University School of Social Work. Shara has specializations in grief, personality disorders, family trauma, compassion fatigue, military counseling, mindfulness meditation, ADHD, and anxiety.  Shara is a Board Certified Tele-mental Health Provider. Shara is also a 5x-Amazon Best-Seller of a social work journal called, “90 Days of Prayer”. She is the author of her second best-selling social work journal “90 Days Of Inspiration”, which is a study companion for social workers taking their licensing exam. Currently, Shara is the Founder and CEO of a consulting company called "Journey To Licensure". Her company combines wellness, clinical supervision, and professional development coaching to support social workers through licensure examinations. Shara's company "Journey To Licensure" was featured in Business Insider, USA Today, and Success. Shara is also a LinkedIn Advisor and was most recently awarded "Top 15 LinkedIn Expert in Philadelphia in 2023", and the “LinkedIn Top Voice” award.

Connect with Shara:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shararuffin/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharadruffin/
Podcast: Journey to Licensure Podcast

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerreraLiz27
• Email: [email protected]

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show

In this episode of the Liz Career Coaching Podcast, we delve into the topic of salary negotiation, a key aspect that can significantly impact your career advancement and financial health. Here are the highlights and key takeaways from the episode:

• We explore why salary negotiation is essential for every professional, regardless of their career stage, and how it can influence long-term career satisfaction and financial stability.
• We learn effective negotiation strategies and understanding your market value,  and the importance of timing in negotiation conversations.
• Actionable tips emphasizing the importance of preparation, research, and a clear understanding of one's worth.
• We discuss common mistakes to avoid during salary negotiations and best practices to ensure a positive outcome.
• Emphasis on the role of self-advocacy in closing wage gaps and achieving fair compensation.
• Negotiation success stories.

About Alan Stein:
Alan Stein, Founder, CEO & Chief Accelerator, Kadima Careers

After 25 years in the corporate world, including leading global teams at Google, Meta, Salesforce and Tableau, Alan Stein launched his startup, Kadima Careers, with a mission of accelerating 1 million careers by 2040. Alan has interviewed thousands of candidates as a hiring manager, and also interviewed for thousands of times throughout his career, so he has unique insights that inform Kadima's proprietary Job Acquisition Method. When Alan isn't accelerating careers, he enjoys spending time with his three teenagers, two dogs, and one incredibly supportive wife. Alan is a lifetime New Yorker and has lived in Brooklyn for the last 19 years.

Connect with Alan:

• Website: https://kadimacareers.com/
• Podcast: https://kadimacareers.com/podcast
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/ 

Connect with me!

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lizherrera1/
• Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lizcareercoaching/
• Website:  https://www.lizcareercoaching.net/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/HerreraLiz27
• Email: [email protected]

Music: https://www.purple-planet.com
Sound from Zapsplat.com
Artwork: Joseph Valenzuela Design

Support the show