Feeling exhausted by 2 PM? Dreading Sunday nights? You might be operating outside your natural strength zone. Career coach Elissa Shuck reveals the three-step breakthrough method that transforms work stress into career clarity.

In this transformative episode, Elissa breaks down why you're not feeling good at work anymore and provides a clear roadmap to get back to loving your career. Discover how your natural behavioral strengths are the key to unlocking career satisfaction and sustainable success.

What You'll Learn:

• Why traditional career advice focuses on the wrong kind of "strengths"
• The hidden story your work stress is telling you about misalignment
• How to identify your natural behavioral workplace strengths (beyond skills and experience)
• The energy drain connection: why you're physically and mentally exhausted
• Three powerful self-coaching questions to create breakthrough clarity
• How "neutral" becomes your superpower for seeing new possibilities
• The difference between forcing success and natural alignment

Key Takeaways:

✓ Your behavioral strengths are clues to career fulfillment, not limitations

✓ Chronic energy drain often signals you're operating outside your strength zones

✓ Knowing what you DON'T want creates clarity about what you DO want

✓ You don't need to fix yourself to find career satisfaction

✓ Neutral emotional state is where you regain power and see options

Perfect For:

• Early, mid, or late-career professionals feeling stuck
• Anyone experiencing Sunday scaries or work dread
• Leaders wanting to understand team energy and engagement
• Career changers seeking authentic direction
• Professionals feeling successful but unfulfilled

Resources Mentioned:

"The Map of Consciousness Explained" by David R. Hawkins

Bruce Lee quote on knowledge vs. action

Connect with Elissa:

Website: ElissaShuck-CareerCoach.com

LinkedIn: [Follow for career insights]

Free resources and coaching program information available

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Discover how the ancient Law of Circulation can revolutionize your career success. Host Elissa Shuck reveals the universal principle that governs giving and receiving, and how mastering this flow can unlock promotions, recognition, and professional growth. Learn why being a "giver" isn't enough—you must also become a skilled receiver.

Key Topics Covered

• The Law of Circulation Fundamentals:
• Understanding the dynamic exchange between giving and receiving
• Why balance is crucial for career advancement
• How this universal principle spans cultures and time periods

The Science Behind Circulation:

• Quantum field theory and energy exchange
• Quantum entanglement and ripple effects in professional life
• Recent research on quantum vortex dynamics

Practical Career Applications:

• Give Freely: Contribute your time, talent, and energy without attachment to outcomes
• Receive Graciously: Accept compliments and opportunities instead of deflecting them
• Practice Gratitude: Maintain an abundance mindset to keep the cycle active
• Release and Trust: Let go of fear and scarcity thinking that blocks natural flow

Powerful Quotes from This Episode

Historical & Cultural Context

This episode explores how the Law of Circulation appears across multiple traditions:

• Judeo-Christian teachings
• Ancient Egyptian and Greek wisdom
• Taoist philosophy and chi flow
• Buddhist practices on compassion and abundance
• Indigenous teachings on interconnectedness

Action Items for Listeners

• Assess Your Receiving Skills: Notice how you respond to compliments and opportunities
• Practice Abundant Giving: Contribute your talents without expecting immediate returns
• Cultivate Gratitude: Regularly acknowledge what you're receiving in your career
• Release Control: Trust the natural flow instead of forcing outcomes
• Identify Stagnation: Recognize when you're blocking circulation in your professional life

Connect with Elissa

Website: elissasshuck-careercoach.com

LinkedIn: Connect for coaching insights and career tips

LinkedIn Newsletter: Middle Ground Newsletter for leadership content

Episode Summary

In this transformative episode, Elissa challenges the traditional concept of ROI (Return on Investment) by introducing a revolutionary framework: Return on Intention. Drawing from her extensive background in product development and marketing, she reveals why simply investing money in education, courses, or career development isn't enough, and what actually creates lasting career success.

Key Takeaways

The Intention Revolution

Traditional ROI focuses on financial returns, but Return on Intention examines the deeper purpose behind your investments

75% of people don't work in fields related to their college degrees—a clear sign that investment alone isn't the answer

Conscious intention-setting is the missing piece that transforms career investments into meaningful outcomes

The Reactive vs. Intentional Leadership Framework

• You cannot be reactive and intentional simultaneously
• Pausing to choose consciously creates better outcomes than automatic reactions
• Your deeper purpose should filter every professional decision you make

Creating Your Professional Legacy

• Every action you take is creating a legacy, intentional or accidental
• Compromising your inner truth for performance or approval leads to career dissatisfaction
• Intention helps you stay aligned with your highest self and authentic purpose

Featured Insights

"Where attention goes, energy flows" - Elissa explains how intention serves as the precursor to focused attention and energy flow, creating a powerful cycle of aligned action.

The Toxic Workplace Analogy: Just like a neglected aquarium becomes stagnant and toxic, workplace cultures deteriorate without conscious intention and maintenance.

Practical Applications

• Self-Assessment Questions for identifying where you're being reactive vs. intentional
• Purpose Clarification techniques to discover your deeper professional motivations
• Legacy Building strategies to ensure your career choices align with your values
• Conscious Leadership practices for creating positive workplace cultures

Perfect For

Professionals feeling stuck or unfulfilled in their current roles

Leaders looking to create more positive, intentional workplace cultures

Anyone considering educational investments or career changes

Individuals struggling with people-pleasing or approval-seeking behaviors

Career changers seeking alignment between their work and values

Resources Mentioned

Strategic Leadership Lab Comprehensive leadership development program (strategicleadershiplab.com)

Conscious Leadership for Culture Excellence course

Free trial available with access to sample courses

Additional resources at elissashuck-careercoach.com

Connect with Elissa

Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com

LinkedIn: Follow for ongoing career insights and tips

Podcast: Subscribe to Love Your Work Life

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Ready to level up your leadership skills?

1. Develop clear, effective communication strategies to inspire and motivate your team.

2. Master the art of influence and persuasion to drive organizational success.

3. Gain confidence in your decision-making abilities and lead with conviction.

4. Cultivate a positive and productive work environment that fosters innovation.

It all happens inside Strategic Leadership Lab. An exclusive cohort where you get unparalleled support as a middle management leader.

If you've ever wondered why you ever got into management in the first place, Strategic Leadership Lab will help you feel secure, accomplished, and in control.

Click below to get started

https://www.elissashuck-careercoach.com/strategic-leadership-lab

Are you one of the 80% of workers not utilizing their natural strengths at work? In this episode, host Elissa Shuck explores the critical question of whether your career aligns with your innate talents and behavioral strengths. Drawing insights from Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton's research, she provides four key indicators to assess your strength-career alignment and shares eye-opening statistics about workplace satisfaction.

Key Topics Covered

The difference between skills/experience vs. innate talents and strengths

Four ways to determine if your work aligns with your strengths

Understanding flow states in the workplace

Why talent accelerates learning

The energy vs. drain factor in career alignment

Shocking statistics: Only 20% of employees get to do what they do best daily

4 Signs Your Work Is Aligned With Your Strengths

1. You look forward to going to work - No Sunday scaries, genuine anticipation
2. You consistently experience flow - Time flies, deep focus, effortless challenge
3. Learning comes naturally - Skills develop quickly, attracted to growth opportunities
4. Work energizes rather than drains you - Overall energy gain despite challenges

Key Quotes

Resources Mentioned

"Now Discover Your Strengths" by Marcus Buckingham and Donald Clifton

"Go Put Your Strengths to Work" by Marcus Buckingham

StrengthsFinder Assessment

Gallup's State of the American Workforce report

Connect with Elissa

Website: ElissaShuck-CareerCoach.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissashuck/

Remember: Career transitions don't mean starting over. You can leverage your experience while aligning with your strengths.

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Discover how shifting your mindset from viewing work as just a job to treating it as a craft can transform your entire career experience. Host Elissa Shuck explores the profound difference between craft and success, sharing insights on how to find meaning and purpose in your work regardless of your current situation. Learn practical strategies for connecting your natural strengths to your daily tasks and discover how treating your career as something to be honed and nurtured can lead to deeper fulfillment.

• Reframe Your Work Perspective: Learn to view your occupation as a craft to be developed rather than just a means to success
• Find Purpose in Any Role: Discover how to infuse meaning into your work, even in challenging environments
• Connect Strengths to Daily Tasks: Understand how to align your natural talents with what you do every day
• Build Long-term Career Satisfaction: Develop an approach that creates lasting fulfillment beyond temporary achievements

[00:00 - 01:16] Opening: The Craft vs. Mass Production Mindset

• The transformative power of viewing work as craft
• Introduction to the artisan vs. fast food analogy

[01:16 - 03:41] Success Stories and the Power of Intention

• Celebrating client wins and job placements
• The connection between career coaching and life coaching
• Michael Beckwith's concept of "intention deficit"

[03:41 - 06:08] Finding Purpose in Challenging Environments

• How to maintain meaning even in toxic workplaces
• Rob Bell's "How to Be Here" and the craft concept
• The difference between success and fulfillment

[06:08 - 08:30] The Journey is the Craft

• Why satisfaction must come during the journey, not just at the destination
• Examples of craft in everyday professions
• The Four Seasons culture of service excellence

[08:30 - 11:00] Investing in Your Craft

• The importance of continuous learning and growth
• Using strengths assessments to find alignment
• Self-evaluation questions for career reflection

[11:00 - 13:26] Rob Bell's Definition of Craft

• The profound difference between craft and success
• Eight characteristics that define true craft
• Building skills, character, and substance over time

[13:26 - End] Choosing Craft Today

• How to immediately shift your perspective
• The power of gratitude and humility in work
• Transforming regrets into appreciation

• Book: "How to Be Here" by Rob Bell
• Assessment: Strengths Assessment (available through Elissa's coaching programs)
• Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com

• Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com
• LinkedIn: Follow Elissa Shuck
• Coaching: One-on-one transformational career coaching available

1. Reflect: Ask yourself what you actually enjoy about your current work
2. Connect: Identify how your enjoyable tasks align with your natural strengths
3. Invest: Look for opportunities to add knowledge and level up your craft
4. Reframe: Begin viewing your accumulated experience as valuable, leverageable assets
5. Practice Gratitude: Find details in your work that feel meaningful and worth appreciating

Subscribe to the Love Your Work Life podcast for weekly insights on career transformation, leadership development, and life coaching strategies.

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Episode Summary

In this episode, Elissa Shuck shares her expertise on interview preparation, revealing how to transform the stressful experience of interviewing into a strategic communication opportunity. Learn how to guide the narrative during interviews by preparing thoroughly, understanding your unique strengths, and presenting yourself as the solution to the employer's problems. Elissa explains that interview success isn't just about answering questions correctly—it's about implementing a comprehensive communication strategy that aligns you with the role and demonstrates your ability to deliver value.

Key Takeaways

Know Your Strengths: Understanding your natural behavioral workplace strengths is foundational to interview success. Elissa recommends a brief assessment that provides comprehensive insights into your traits and characteristics, which can then be combined with your expertise to create a compelling narrative.

Mindset Preparation: Preparing your mindset before interviews is crucial. By reminding yourself of your strengths, experiences, and accomplishments, you can enter the conversation with confidence and reduce anxiety.

Guide the Narrative: You can guide the narrative in the interviewer's mind by addressing potential concerns proactively and using the "Tell me about yourself" question strategically to create an "aha moment" early in the conversation.

Communication Strategy: Think of your interview as a marketing campaign where you communicate "I understand you and I am your solution" rather than trying to prove yourself.

Chapters

00:00 - Introduction and the importance of behavioral strengths in interviews

00:52 - Why most people find interviewing difficult

03:15 - LinkedIn poll results about interview challenges

05:40 - Viewing interviews as a communication strategy

07:59 - How knowing your strengths builds confidence and creates vivid impressions

10:27 - Preparing through mindset and emotion regulation

12:54 - Guiding the narrative and making the most of "Tell me about yourself"

15:21 - Managing your internal narrative during interviews

17:48 - Conclusion: The interview is about you, but for them

Notable Quote

"When you're able to bring your behavioral strengths, talk about them during an interview, then you're painting a much more vivid picture for the people that you're speaking with so that they can see you and envision you doing your thing in that role."

Resources Mentioned

• Interview Preparation Worksheet
• Your Answers To Common Interview Questions

Website: elissashuck-careercoach.com

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

In this episode, Elissa shares a powerful leadership story about inheriting a struggling retail department with poor morale, messy operations, and a 25% revenue decline. Through her unconventional approach of leading by example and establishing core expectations, she successfully transformed the team culture and turned the business around from a 25% decrease to a 2% increase within just six months - all without replacing a single team member.

Key Takeaways

When taking over a struggling team, sometimes the most powerful first action is to roll up your sleeves and do the unglamorous work that demonstrates commitment

Cultural transformation begins with trust-building and clear, simple expectations

Sustainable results come from believing in your team's potential rather than replacing them

Episode Chapters

The Leadership Challenge (00:00 - 03:55)

The Unconventional Approach (03:55 - 06:19)

The Remarkable Results (06:19 - 08:44)

Three Leadership Principles for Middle Managers (08:44 - 15:48)

The Ripple Effect of Good Leadership (15:48 - end)

Resources Mentioned

Book reference: "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum

Website: strategicleadershiplab.com

Follow Elissa on LinkedIn for more leadership insights

About the Host

Elissa Shuck hosts the Love Your Work Life podcast, offering transformational strength-based coaching for career, leadership, and life.

Ready to level up your leadership skills?

1. Develop clear, effective communication strategies to inspire and motivate your team.

2. Master the art of influence and persuasion to drive organizational success.

3. Gain confidence in your decision-making abilities and lead with conviction.

4. Cultivate a positive and productive work environment that fosters innovation.

It all happens inside Strategic Leadership Lab. An exclusive cohort where you get unparalleled support as a middle management leader.

If you've ever wondered why you ever got into management in the first place, Strategic Leadership Lab will help you feel secure, accomplished, and in control.

Click below to get started

https://www.elissashuck-careercoach.com/strategic-leadership-lab

In this episode, Elissa Shuck explores the concept of "dwelling and thriving below the surface" — finding that deeper place of awareness and resilience beneath life's storms. Learn how career challenges, including job searches and even demotions, can support your awakening to your true capabilities.

Elissa shares her personal experience with demotion and how it ultimately led to positive transformation, encouraging listeners to ask more profound questions when facing difficulties. Discover the Japanese concept of "kensho" (insight followed by integration) and how developing curiosity can transform your perspective on life's challenges.

"Once you see your value, you can't unsee it. And if you try to, you're actually lying to yourself." - Elissa Shuck

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Are you struggling with being labeled as "overqualified" or feeling "underqualified" in your job search? In this episode, career coach Elissa Shuck breaks down how to handle these common challenges and turn them into opportunities.

You'll discover:

• Why being "overqualified" doesn't have to be a deal-breaker and how to address it in interviews
• Strategic ways to present your experience without overwhelming hiring managers
• How to identify and leverage transferable skills when making a career pivot
• Practical tips for early career professionals and recent graduates to showcase their qualifications
• Techniques for connecting your past experience to future roles

Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to make a change or just starting your career journey, this episode provides actionable strategies to position yourself effectively in the job market. Elissa shares insights on everything from handling age-related concerns to marketing yourself for a career transition.

Download our free career strategy workbook at elissashuck-careercoach.com to create your personal roadmap for career success.

Follow Elissa on LinkedIn and visit elissashuck-careercoach.com for more resources on advancing your career and building an awesome team.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and episode overview

03:11 - Addressing age and experience in interviews

05:34 - Career changes and personal values

07:59 - Strategic presentation in interviews

12:48 - Handling underqualification

15:07 - Using job descriptions effectively

17:32 - Tips for recent graduates

22:23 - Closing thoughts and workbook offer

Get the career strategy workbook: https://www.elissashuck-careercoach.com/free-career-reflection-guide

#careers #jobsearch #careeradvice #jobhunting #careercoaching #professionaldevelopment #interviews

Resources:

Don't stay in a job that feels bad. I'll help you see your value, release your doubts and feel confident. It's time to make your move.

When you're ready, I can help you ::

Personalized 1:1 Coaching

• Customized coaching and strategizing to land a rewarding new job
• Leverage your career history and transferable skills in your career pivot
• Mindset and strategy to manage and escape a toxic workplace

Schedule Your Possibility Session™

https://calendly.com/elissa-shuck-career-coach/possibility-session-with-elissa-shuck

Get free resources on my YouTube Channel

Get access to courses and download career helps on my website and follow me on LinkedIn. Don't forget to subscribe!

Are job interviews causing you stress? In this game-changing episode, career coach Elissa Shuck reveals how one simple mindset shift can transform your entire interview experience.

Discover why being invited to an interview is like being asked to join an impromptu meeting at work - and why this parallel can help you approach interviews with confidence and ease.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

00:48 - Setting the Stage for Career Growth in 2025

03:13 - The Meeting Room Analogy

05:31 - Reframing Interview Invitations

07:58 - Common Interview Mistakes

10:24 - Signs Your Interview is Going Sideways

15:11 - How to Talk About Your Strengths

17:33 - Connecting with Interviewers

20:01 - The Consultant Mindset

24:50 - Mastering Your State Before Interviews

27:15 - Closing Thoughts

Key Discussion Points:

• Why most candidates misunderstand what an interview really is

• How to stop trying to "prove yourself" and instead showcase your natural abilities

• The powerful consultant mindset that can make interviews feel effortless

• Common mistakes that make you appear over- or under-qualified

• A pre-interview technique to boost your critical thinking and authenticity

Whether you're actively job hunting or want to be prepared for future opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you show up as your best self in interviews. Learn how to guide the narrative while staying genuine, and discover why the fact that you were invited means more than you might think.

🎯 Key Takeaway: When someone invites you to interview, they already see potential in you. Your job isn't to prove yourself - it's to confirm their positive instincts about you.

Connect with Elissa:

• Follow her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elissashuck/

• Subscribe to Love Your Work Life podcast

[Episode 175 of Love Your Work Life]

#CareerAdvice #JobInterviews #CareerCoaching #JobSearch #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerDevelopment #JobSeeker #InterviewTips