People in Transition

The Informational Interview

Today we're talking about one of the most powerful (and most underused) tools in any career transition: the informational interview.

Joining me is Merry Korn, an expert in navigating career change and building meaningful professional relationships. Merry is the author of Fired to Inspired, the story of how she turned a humiliating firing into a new sense of purpose and went on to build a social enterprise that employed more than 1,300 people across 30 states, many of them people facing the greatest barriers to work.

Merry has joined us before on “People in Transition”, when we talked about resilience, overcoming fear, and turning setbacks into opportunities. This time, we're focusing on how informational interviews can help you figure out what's next and open doors you didn't know existed.

Here are some of the key questions we explored:

• Who should you talk to? Be intentional. Seek out people who can offer real insight into the kind of work, industry, or business that sparks your curiosity.
• Where do you start? Begin with your "warm" connections: friends, relatives, former colleagues, and others you already know who will give you honest, helpful perspective. From there, branch out to people you don't know yet who are doing work that intrigues you. When you reach out to someone new, do your homework and craft an opening that shows it. For example: "I just listened to your podcast about how you used AI to build relationships in the healthcare association industry, and I'd love to hear more about how you made that work."
• How do you make the conversation count? Preparation is everything. Learn as much as you can about the person, their work, and their company. Go beyond the résumé: where they went to school, what they do outside of work, and what you might have in common. Those connections turn a polite chat into a real conversation.
• How do you keep the momentum going? Before you wrap up, ask one simple question: "Who else should I talk to?" One conversation almost always leads to another. Afterward, send a thank-you, share what you took away from the conversation, and keep them posted on the conversations their introductions led to. People love knowing they made a difference.

Whether you're newly fired, quietly planning your exit, or simply wondering what else is out there, this conversation will give you a practical roadmap for turning curiosity into connection, and connection into opportunity.

For more information on Merry go to  http://www.firedtoinspired.com/ or  linkedin.com/in/merrykorn .

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Today, we’re joined by David Dean, a technology and AI leader with 20 years of experience helping organizations move from ambiguity to execution. David’s career has evolved from hands-on technology and infrastructure into enterprise architecture, intelligent automation, AI strategy, governance, and organizational transformation. He has led AI and automation initiatives in complex, regulated environments, including work that reduced processing times by more than 90%.

Today, David advises senior leaders on AI strategy, governance, automation, and responsible AI adoption. He is also an author and speaker whose work explores what AI reveals about how organizations - and the people inside them - actually work. That perspective is especially relevant for people in transition because AI isn't just changing jobs; it’s changing how candidates need to communicate the experience, judgment, accountability, and lessons they bring to their next opportunity.

In our conversation, David and I explored what that means for candidates as AI becomes part of both sides of the hiring process:

• From “what you did” to “how you did it”
  How will AI change the way candidates demonstrate the value of their experience?
• Your “how” as your competitive advantage
  When both companies and candidates use AI, how do you make your lived experience and judgment stand out?
• Building your “how” inventory – Dictate this to get the real flavor/feeling
  How can challenges, mistakes, and lessons learned help you uncover and articulate what you actually know how to do?
• Adversity, failure, and accountability
  How can overcoming adversity—and learning from failure—become powerful evidence of your value to a hiring manager?
• AI as a tool for self-realization
  How can you use AI to test whether your stories answer the “how” completely and compellingly?
• The new personal brand for candidates
  As AI makes keywords and polished résumés easier to produce, how will your judgment, accountability, and authentic experience define your next great opportunity?

As we close, this is a fascinating time to be watching the recruiting scene. AI will continue to change how companies identify talent and how candidates present themselves. Successful candidates will need to adapt their style, clarify the “how” behind their experience, and define their next great opportunity. For more questions and to learn more about David’s work, visit his LinkedIn profile and personal website davidchristopherdean.com 

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Welcome to “People in Transition”.  I’m your host, Bob Gerst.

Today, we’re talking about career change, uncertainty, and how to navigate that space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. My guest is Geralda Larkins, SPHR, a transformational HR executive and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience across federal and municipal government and other organizations. She has held senior leadership roles with the IRS and the City of North Miami. She has built her career helping leaders and organizations navigate change, accountability, and complex workplace issues.

Geralda brings a powerful framework to the transition process: Train, Transform, and Transition. Here’s a quick look at what we discussed:

TRAIN

·        Recognize the skills and experience you already have - you may be more prepared for your next chapter than you think.

·        If you’re moving from the public sector to the private sector, learn to translate your experience into the language of your new marketplace.

TRANSFORM

·        Embrace the “messy middle” -  that uncomfortable space between where you’ve been and where you’re going.

·        Don’t rush through it. This is where reflection, growth, and change happen. You’re not behind.

TRANSITION

·        Don’t land in panic - land on purpose.

·        Be intentional about what comes next and choose an opportunity that aligns with your values.

 I think you’ll find Geralda’s perspective both practical and inspiring.

 So let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Geralda Larkins.

To learn more about Geralda, visit geraldalarkins.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/geraldalarkins.

And if you enjoy this episode, please listen, share it, and pass it along to someone who may be navigating a transition of their own. 

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For nearly 20 years, Endi has partnered with organisations through significant change and supported executives and professionals during pivotal career moments. She brings a unique perspective on both how organisations make talent decisions and how people can confidently navigate change and shape what comes next.

As a coach, she helps executives understand their strengths and the value they bring, explore their options, and develop a practical strategy to achieve their goals.

Today, Endi brings that combination of commercial experience, career-management expertise, curiosity, empathy, and a genuine desire to help people realize their potential to the conversation.

And in this episode, we’re going to get practical about something almost everyone in a career transition faces: How do you actually approach the job search process in a way that gives you the best chance of success?

• Why is taking a breath and preparing strategically a better approach than immediately applying to every job you see?
• How can free online career tools help you better understand—and sharpen—your personal brand?
• Why do candidates often undermine their chances of making a strong first impression by not doing the work upfront—and how can you avoid that mistake?
• Why is it important to remember that networking is really just a conversation with a purpose?
• What does AIR mean, and how can you use it effectively in informational interviews and other career conversations?
• What interview formula does Endi recommend for achieving maximum success?
• Why should you learn from the events in an interview process that you can’t control, put them aside, and focus your energy on what you can control or influence?

 LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/endifrydman

Because a career transition isn’t just about finding your next job. It’s about understanding where you’re going, knowing what you bring to the table, and making sure your next move is the right one. So take a breath, get prepared, and join us for the conversation.

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Whether you're looking for your first job, changing careers, transitioning from the military or government to the private sector, or simply trying to stand out in today's competitive job market, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately.

Our guest, Nicholette "Nik" Hemingway, is a career coach, interview preparation expert, résumé writer, executive coach, and the owner of Nike H Speaks LLC. A retired military officer with more than 25 years of leadership experience and extensive experience interviewing candidates at the city, county, state, and federal levels, Nik knows exactly what employers are looking for—and the mistakes that keep qualified candidates from getting hired. She is also the author of 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! and has helped countless professionals gain the confidence and skills to land their next opportunity.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The single most important thing every job seeker should be doing today
• The transferable skills employers value most
• How to build meaningful professional relationships that open doors
• Successfully transitioning from government or military service to the private sector
• The unique challenges facing older job seekers—and strategies to overcome them
• Two powerful insights from Nik's book, 5 Secrets to Nail That Job!

Connect with Nik:

• Website: www.nikehspeaks.com
• Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway
• LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh
• Email: [email protected]

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In this episode of "People in Transition", I welcome Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach, career counselor, trainer, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate change, discover their strengths, and achieve professional success. Through her strengths - based and holistic coaching approach, Marcia helps job seekers and career changers build confidence, identify opportunities, and move forward with purpose and joy.

During our conversation, Marcia shares valuable insights for anyone navigating a career transition, including:

• Why a growth mindset and hope are essential for making progress during coaching and career transitions.
• Why your job search is a journey, not a destination, and how embracing the process can reduce frustration and create new opportunities.
• How to combat imposter syndrome by focusing on the evidence of your accomplishments, strengths, and past successes.
• How tools like Marcia's Best Self Reflection Exercise, SkillsScan, and Gallup StrengthsFinder can help identify transferable skills and uncover new career possibilities.
• Why job seekers often make the mistake of focusing only on themselves instead of understanding an employer's needs and challenges.
• Why you don't have to be perfect to move forward - and why remembering your past successes can help build confidence for what's next.

 Connect with Marcia Wall:

 [email protected]

 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000

www.careercounselingconnection.com/louisiana/new-orleans/career-counseling/marcia-wall

 If you're navigating a career change, job search, or professional transition, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence.

After listening, please share the episode with your colleagues, friends, and professional network. Your next opportunity - or someone else's - may begin with a single conversation. 

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Few people talk openly about what happens when a successful career ends and the identity built around it suddenly disappears. In this episode of People in Transition, I sit down with Geoff Curtis, a former Chief Communications Officer with nearly three decades of leadership experience in healthcare, biotech, and corporate affairs.

After the acquisition of the company where he served on the executive team, Geoff faced a challenge many accomplished professionals experience but rarely discuss: who are you when the title and career that defined you are gone?

That experience inspired his book, Embracing Your Own Purgatory, a candid exploration of identity loss, transition, purpose, and reinvention. Rather than offering a neatly packaged success story, Geoff shares lessons learned while navigating the uncertainty between who he was and who he is becoming. His honesty and insights make this conversation especially relevant for anyone facing career disruption, retirement, burnout, or a major life transition.

In our conversation, Geoff discusses:

• Why he chose the word “purgatory” and the value of becoming comfortable being “unfinished”
• The emotional signs of major transitions and how to recognize them
• Why constant busyness can mask deeper issues
• What he means by “You can’t outwork the identity loss problem”
• How celebrating a quick comeback can sometimes send the wrong message
• Why “presence” became one of the hidden costs of career success
• How achievement, self-worth, purpose, and identity become intertwined—and what happens when that connection is disrupted

 Connect with Geoff Curtis:

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/geoffreycurtis
Email: [email protected]
Book: Embracing Your Own Purgatory

Thank you for listening to People in Transition. If this conversation resonates with you, please share it with others navigating change. I also welcome your thoughts, reactions, and questions. Your feedback helps continue the conversation and support others facing similar transitions.

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This week on “People in Transition”, I had the pleasure of speaking with John Gates, and what a fascinating conversation it was.

John brings a unique perspective to salary negotiation and career transitions. As a former Head of Global Recruiting for multiple Fortune 300 and Fortune 500 organizations, he has spent decades sitting on the hiring side of the table, leading talent acquisition functions for major companies including Marathon Oil, Peabody Energy, ITT, and Asante. Today, he leverages that insider knowledge as a compensation negotiation coach, helping executives and professionals secure stronger compensation packages while preserving positive relationships with employers. He is also the author of the international best-selling book Act Your Wage and founder of Salary Coach Academy, where he teaches practical, low-risk strategies that help candidates confidently navigate compensation discussions.

What makes John’s approach so compelling is that it challenges much of the conventional wisdom surrounding salary negotiations. Rather than relying on aggressive tactics or ultimatums, he teaches candidates how to negotiate thoughtfully, strategically, and effectively—often resulting in significantly better outcomes while strengthening their standing with prospective employers.

During our conversation, we explored several of the most important - and misunderstood - aspects of compensation negotiations, including:

• Why do highly accomplished professionals often struggle to negotiate their compensation effectively?
• The fears that hold candidates back and how those fears can quietly undermine their earning potential.
• The smartest and safest ways to answer the inevitable question: “What are your salary expectations?”
• How candidates can use leverage appropriately and professionally throughout the job search process.
• The concept of memetic desire and how it can influence an employer’s perception of a candidate.
• Why the popular advice to “know your worth and demand it” can sometimes work against job seekers during negotiations.

These topics - and many more - are discussed in this insightful episode with John. Whether you are actively searching for your next opportunity, preparing for a promotion, or simply want to understand how compensation decisions are really made, this conversation offers practical guidance that could have a meaningful impact on your career and lifetime earnings.

To learn more about John Gates, visit his LinkedIn profile or explore Salary Coach Academy at salarycoachacademy.com.

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Dr. Danny Brassell is a globally recognized speaker, author, coach, and storytelling expert who has spent more than three decades helping individuals and organizations communicate with greater clarity, confidence, and impact. Often referred to as “Jim Carrey with a Ph.D.,” Danny blends high energy, humor, and practical wisdom to inspire audiences around the world. A former inner-city teacher, university professor, and distinguished visiting professor at The American University in Cairo, Danny has delivered more than 3,500 presentations across four continents and authored more than 20 books focused on leadership, literacy, motivation, and communication. Today, as co-founder of WellCrafted Story, he helps entrepreneurs, executives, and business owners craft stories and presentations that convert audiences into clients and inspire meaningful action.

Throughout his career, Danny has remained passionate about one central mission: helping people unlock the power of their own stories. From teaching bilingual students in South Central Los Angeles to coaching leaders and business owners on stages worldwide, Danny believes the right story told at the right time can transform lives, businesses, and communities. 

Some of the powerful ideas Danny and I explored during our conversation included:

• What if becoming an expert starts with embracing being an amateur first? Danny discussed the importance of “the power of the pause” and why transitions become easier when you stop expecting yourself to have all the answers immediately. Protecting your confidence and identity during periods of change is critical to long-term success.
• How do you overcome imposter syndrome without overwhelming yourself? Danny emphasized starting with the “low-hanging fruit” — focusing first on smaller groups, familiar environments, and manageable opportunities before accelerating into larger projects and bigger stages.
• Why can’t you outsource your growth? As Danny said, “You can’t pay others to do your push-ups.” Success requires repetition, discipline, and putting in the reps yourself. There are no shortcuts to building confidence, competence, and credibility.
• What role do emotions and grief play during transition? Danny reminded us that all emotions experienced during major life or career changes are normal. Eventually, you arrive at a place of indifference — and often, that is where you can operate most effectively and make the clearest strategic decisions.
• Can you become a great leader without being a reader? Danny shared his belief that while not every avid reader becomes a great leader, it is difficult to think of a truly effective leader who is not a committed reader and continuous learner. Lifelong learning is not optional for sustained growth.
• Why is execution more valuable than education alone? One of Danny’s most impactful insights was: “Education is valuable, but execution is priceless. Knowledge is not power; only applied knowledge is power. Knowing the right thing to do and doing the right thing are two very different things.” The challenge for all of us is to move from learning into action.

As a special gift to listeners of the podcast, Dr. Danny Brassell is offering a free 30-minute phone call to help you create your own story and system that converts conversations into clients. Learn more at freestorymap.com.

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Few conversations leave you inspired to think differently about your career, leadership, and personal purpose. My discussion with Paul Comfort did exactly that. Through his own experiences and insights, Paul shared valuable lessons about discovering purpose, building meaningful relationships, and intentionally shaping a fulfilling career path.

Paul Comfort is a nationally recognized transportation executive, bestselling author, keynote speaker, educator, and thought leader in public mobility and leadership development.  He is also the creator and host of the widely followed Transit Unplugged podcast and video series.  His upcoming book, Find Your X Factor: Follow Your Personal Treasure Map to Purpose, reflects many of the themes we discussed — discovering the intersection between your passions, abilities, and purpose.

Throughout our discussion, several powerful ideas emerged:

• How much does your very first job shape the trajectory of your career — even if you ultimately end up somewhere completely different? Paul emphasized that while your starting point may not define your destination, it often establishes the habits, skills, and mindset that influence every opportunity that follows.

• What happens when your interests, passions, and natural abilities finally intersect? According to Paul, this intersection is the “sweet spot” of your best self — the place where purpose, fulfillment, and impact align. Finding that intersection is not just a career strategy; it is often the clearest path toward discovering your purpose in life.

• What if your current role does not fully align with both your passions and strengths? Paul encouraged the idea that even if you cannot immediately find the perfect combination, having at least one — either meaningful interests or strong abilities — present in your work can provide fulfillment and motivation while you continue building toward something greater.

• How do you actually discover who you are and what you want? Paul spoke about the importance of reflection: taking time to evaluate your experiences, recognize what you have consistently been good at, and identify the moments that energized you most. Once that intersection becomes clear, intentional action becomes the bridge between where you are and where you want to go.

• Why is follow-up one of the most overlooked keys to successful networking? As Paul explained, meaningful relationships are rarely built in a single meeting. The real value of “I met a man” moments comes from intentional follow-up, continued engagement, and the creation of authentic connections over time.

• And what if communication does not come naturally to you? Paul offered practical encouragement: communication is a skill that can be developed. Whether through programs like Dale Carnegie speaking courses or by intentionally studying effective communicators as role models, growth in communication and public speaking can dramatically improve leadership presence and confidence.

Our conversation was a reminder that successful careers are rarely accidental. They are built through reflection, intentionality, relationships, continuous learning, and the courage to align your work with who you truly are. Paul Comfort’s insights challenge us not simply to pursue careers, but to pursue purpose.  For more information about Paul and his resources, go to https://findyourxfactor.ai/.

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