In this episode, I take a closer look at one of the most complex and controversial public figures of our time—Donald Trump. But instead of getting political, I trace the story of his career from his early days in Queens to his rise as a real estate mogul and cultural brand. It’s a journey filled with bold decisions, high-stakes bets, and constant reinvention—and it offers surprising lessons for anyone thinking about personal branding and visibility.

As I unpack Trump’s path, I focus on how he used storytelling and self-promotion to build a persona that could withstand failure. Behind the headlines and bravado is a man whose success was never linear. His life was shaped by competition, risk, and a relentless need to be seen. And while I don’t admire everything he’s done, I think there’s value in examining how he crafted a public identity that has outlived many of the businesses attached to it.

If you’ve ever struggled with visibility or felt unsure about how to bounce back from failure, I hope this episode gives you something to think about. There’s power in rewriting your story—and in this conversation, I explore what it really means to own your narrative, even when things get messy.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

In today’s episode of Resume Assassin’s Career Stories, we’re spotlighting a name that should’ve been in the headlines decades ago—Katherine Johnson. A brilliant mathematician, a Black woman in science long before it was “acceptable,” and the mind behind some of NASA’s most historic missions, Katherine helped shape space exploration as we know it. Her calculations weren’t just impressive—they were the difference between life and death for astronauts on missions like Apollo 11 and Apollo 13.

We take you back to the smoky control rooms of the 1960s, where every number had to be perfect and the stakes were literally out of this world. But while astronauts were being hailed as heroes, Katherine’s name stayed out of the spotlight. She worked in the background, asking the hard questions, pushing into spaces she wasn’t invited, and proving again and again that excellence can’t be ignored forever.

Katherine’s legacy is more than just numbers. It’s a reminder that your impact isn’t always visible right away—and that being behind the scenes doesn’t mean you’re not leading the mission. If you’ve ever felt like the hidden figure in your own story, this episode is for you.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Welcome to my new podcast series, Career Stories, where we talk about the lives and achievements of some huge figures in history and discuss how we can use their example in our own lives!

For our first episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Vera Rubin, a trailblazing astronomer whose groundbreaking work shed light on one of the universe's greatest mysteries: dark matter. Despite facing numerous obstacles, rejections, and hurdles along her path, Vera’s unwavering curiosity and relentless perseverance transformed our understanding of the cosmos. Her story reminds us that some of the most impactful contributions are made quietly, often in unseen moments of dedication and belief.

We explore how Vera’s journey exemplifies the importance of mentorship and meaningful partnerships in empowering the next generation of scientists. Her perseverance underscores a vital lesson: true impact often happens in the subtle, invisible efforts that drive progress forward. The episode highlights that remaining curious and persistent, even when faced with adversity, can lead to discoveries that change the way we see the universe—and ourselves.

Ultimately, Vera Rubin’s legacy teaches us that success is sometimes about leaving a trail for others to follow, and that the universe rewards those who believe in the unseen. Her story inspires us to stay committed to our own journeys, embrace the quiet moments of effort, and remember that even the most invisible work can have profound significance. Tune in to discover how curiosity, resilience, and mentorship continue to shape the future of science—and our understanding of the cosmos.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

In this special Resume Sidekick Podcast episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Resume Sidekick — the game-changing tool designed to transform how you approach your job search. Built for today’s competitive market, Resume Sidekick (resumesidekick.io) helps you craft standout resumes, personalized cover letters, and compelling LinkedIn profiles, all powered by smart, intuitive features. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career pivot, or aiming for that dream promotion, Resume Sidekick is here to give you the edge you need.

I’ll take you behind the scenes on why we built Resume Sidekick, what makes it different, and how it’s designed to support you, not just push out generic templates. We dive into the specific tools — from AI-powered resume optimization to tailored job match insights — and how they help you showcase your strengths in a way that truly resonates with hiring managers. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank resume screen or unsure how to position your experience, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Finally, I’ll share tips on how to make the most of Resume Sidekick, plus a sneak peek at upcoming features we’re excited to roll out. This episode isn’t just about a product; it’s about helping you take control of your career story and step confidently into your next opportunity. Tune in to hear how Resume Sidekick can become your trusted partner on the path to landing your next big role.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

What do poker and recruiting have in common? More than you'd think—just ask Joe Sebok. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of a former pro poker player who turned his ability to read people at the table into a powerhouse career in tech recruiting. From bluffing his way to millions to building teams for some of the most ambitious startups, Joe brings a fresh—and surprisingly transferable—perspective on decision-making, risk, and intuition.

After walking away from a high-stakes poker career in 2010, Joe faced what he calls his biggest gamble yet: starting over. But the same instincts that helped him calculate odds and call bluffs now help him identify the right candidates, predict cultural fit, and make hiring decisions with long-term impact. In this conversation, he breaks down how poker psychology maps perfectly onto the hiring process—and why casinos might actually show more loyalty than startups.

We also dig into the deeper life lessons Joe’s learned from both tables—the felt and the boardroom. He shares the exact moment he knew it was time to fold his poker career, his top strategies for job seekers looking to take control of their path, and the one trait that trumps skills in startup hiring (you might be surprised). Whether you're navigating your own career pivot or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and a healthy dose of real talk.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesebok/

What happens when life takes you way off the path you thought you were on? That’s exactly what we unpack in my latest episode with Cory Blumenfeld — a guy who was supposed to be a doctor… but ended up building a successful startup instead. Spoiler: his story isn’t your typical “left med school, built an app” narrative. It’s a deep dive into growth, identity, and redefining what success really means.

In our conversation, Cory shares the raw, unfiltered lessons he learned from separating his personal identity from his business identity, how letting go of control became his ultimate growth hack, and why cold, hard data should always outrank emotional drama when making big business decisions. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a career pivot-er, or just someone figuring out your next chapter — his insights hit hard.

This episode is full of aha moments, practical mindset shifts, and the kind of candid advice you wish someone told you sooner. One of my favorite takeaways? “Every day is a journey, a story.” You’re gonna want to hear the rest.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Cory: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coryblumenfeld/

Ever feel like you're stuck in a career that looks perfect on paper but feels empty in reality? In this week's episode of Resume Assassin, we dig into the real reason you're miserable at work—and it has nothing to do with your salary, your title, or your LinkedIn profile. You're not failing. You're just running someone else’s race. And no one knows this better than comedian and former physician Ken Jeong, who traded a $200k+ medical career for the unpredictable path of stand-up comedy—while his wife was battling cancer. Why? Because she asked him one simple question: “If not now, when?”

Our guest this week, career strategist Daniel Hartweg, brings the heat with truth bombs that hit home. He breaks down why so many of us are chasing approval instead of purpose, and why we spend more time planning vacations than our own life’s direction. It’s not about blowing up your entire career overnight—but about realigning your path with what actually matters to you. If you've ever felt boxed in, burned out, or just plain bored, this episode is your wake-up call.

Daniel shares practical strategies to get unstuck and reclaim your purpose—starting with one small step today. From Ken Jeong’s leap of faith to the real-world transformations Daniel’s clients have experienced, this episode is packed with inspiring stories and actionable advice. Whether you're dreaming of a new direction or just craving more meaning in your current role, this conversation will help you take that first bold step—on your own terms.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Daniel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-hartweg/

In this episode, I sit down with tech veteran Ron Sharon for a no-fluff conversation about the impact of AI on our careers—and trust me, it’s the wake-up call we all need. Ron doesn’t sugarcoat it: the tools are here, the landscape is shifting, and those who don’t adapt risk getting left behind. His message? Pick your lane and learn the tools, or the tools will pick you out of your lane.

We go beyond the hype and headlines to talk about what’s really happening in the workforce. Ron breaks down why so much “innovation” talk is just smoke and mirrors, how AI is replacing tasks (not always whole jobs), and why creativity is still one of your most powerful assets. We also dive into the dangers of spreading yourself too thin and how being a jack-of-all-trades might cost you in a future where specialization matters more than ever.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by AI or unsure how to stay relevant in a tech-driven world, this conversation is your guide. It’s not about fear—it’s about being intentional. Ron shares actionable insights to help you future-proof your career and make AI your superpower, not your replacement. Tune in now and let’s get ahead of the curve—together.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Ron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-sharon/

What if you stopped trying to convince people to stay in your life — and instead, focused on owning your power? That’s the mic-drop moment Dr. Jasmine Escalera delivers in this week’s episode, and it’s just the beginning. Known for her unapologetic truth-telling and fierce commitment to women’s empowerment, Jasmine joins me for a raw, unfiltered conversation that will challenge how you show up for yourself — and your future.

We dive deep into what it really takes to stop playing small. Jasmine shares her game-changing “Courage Framework,” a simple yet powerful mindset shift that helps you move through fear without needing to be fearless. From rethinking your community to embracing the discomfort of transformation, this episode is packed with insights that will push you to finally take action on that thing you’ve been avoiding.

And if you’ve ever wondered why personal growth feels so hard sometimes? Jasmine breaks it down with compassion and clarity. Plus, you’ll hear the exact moment she decided to stop shrinking herself — and how that decision changed everything. This one’s for anyone ready to be one degree braver. Let’s go there.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Jasmine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasmine-escalera/

If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “I’m not qualified enough” or “They’ll never pick me,” this episode is going to challenge everything you thought you knew about mindset. This week on Resume Assassin presents Recruiting Insider, I sat down with mindset coach Sienna Colonese for a powerful conversation about the inner dialogue holding so many of us back. According to Sienna—and science—those negative thoughts aren’t truth. They’re just outdated programming your brain keeps repeating.

In this honest and deeply inspiring episode, Sienna shares her personal journey from anxiety and self-doubt to clarity and confidence. We explore the neuroscience behind thought patterns, why your brain defaults to fear, and how simple daily practices—like gratitude and visualization—can actually rewire how you show up in your career. She also introduces easy, science-backed exercises to help you build lasting confidence, even in the face of rejection.

If your inner critic has been running the show, this is your chance to take back control. Sienna’s advice is both practical and transformational, and she even walks us through a two-minute routine you can start tomorrow to feel more grounded and capable. Whether you're job searching, interviewing, or just trying to reclaim your sense of worth, this episode is your invitation to shift your mindset—and step into your power.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

1:1 with Mary: www.resumeassassin.com

AI-Enhanced: www.resumesidekick.io

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

Connect with Sienna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sienna-colonese-71a2491a8/