Quo Vadimus Leadership Podcast - Career Coaching and Leadership Discussion

Jason's Career Journey

Background: Started in staffing and recruiting for 14 years before transitioning to career coaching.
Transition Story: Lost his job, attended state unemployment sessions, and was offered a position as a job coach with the state of Texas. Initially hesitant about the role, wondering if it was "where recruiters go to die, Jason decided to try the job for three months. Ended up working for the state for seven years
Current Role: Career and financial coach at Jewish Family Service (JFS) for almost six years, starting in March 2020 during the pandemic.
Certifications: Certified career coach and certified financial coach
Leadership Philosophy and Style

Lead by Example: Core principle learned early in career as assistant manager at a video store. Actively participates in tasks rather than just managing from behind. Sends job search articles to clients twice weekly (Mondays and Fridays). Attends networking meetups himself, including a weekly gaming meetup
Positive Mindset: Believes success is 80% mindset and 20% reaction to circumstances. Emphasizes making each day a choice between good or bad. Focuses on building clients up rather than pointing out limitations
Humanizing Complex Job Search Journeys

AI-Generated Insight: LinkedIn AI analysis identified this as Jason's superpower
Key Components:
Empathy: Understanding each client's unique situation
Active Listening: Sitting quietly while clients speak, then responding thoughtfullyAvoiding assumptions about problems before fully understanding the situation
Training Approach: Emphasizes to new coaches the importance of listening first, then sharing knowledge
Nonprofit Leadership Experience

Transition Impact: Moving from competitive staffing industry to nonprofit work. More pure intent in helping people. Motivates going above and beyond job requirements
Examples of Extra Effort:Volunteering in food pantry during free time. Researching alternative resources for former clients in need. Taking initiative on additional helpful tasks.
Public Speaking and Communication

Background: Speech and debate experience through high school and college
State Role: Conducted 2-4 presentations weekly for seven years on job search topics
Key Principles:
Authenticity: Be yourself rather than trying to imitate others
Acceptance of Mistakes: Acknowledge errors with humor and move forward
Audience Connection: Focus on genuine interaction rather than perfection
Jason's "Caffeinate Your Career" Podcast

Launch: Started January 2022 as LinkedIn Live stream with two other coaches
Evolution: Originally three coaches discussing multiple job search topics per hour. Transitioned to Jason hosting with senior director Alison as co-host. After Alison's retirement, switched to monthly guest format
Format Changes: Reduced from 60 minutes to 40 minutes based on audience engagement data. Maintains Tuesday 10 AM Central time slot.
Future Plans: Scheduled guest speakers through March, moving to dedicated podcast studio in new office
2025-2026 Career Advice

Primary Recommendation: Learn artificial intelligenceAI is not going away and companies are increasingly using it34% of hiring managers now ask candidates about AI usage. Examples: Interview preparation, content creation, email finding. Can be trained to write in personal voice and style
Leadership Focus for 2026: Increased focus on supporting staff through uncertain times. Active listening and asking questions before implementing performance plans. Open and honest communication about challenges and solutions