Earlier today on January 13, 2026, LinkedIn published an article The 2026 job market: What to know about hiring, confidence and opportunity. 

The data is mixed: U.S. job growth is sluggish and many job seekers are feeling stuck where they are but not prepared for the job hunt. 

Plus, with a bulk of the growth in the economy happening in the AI infrastructure space, a forward-thinking professional can't help but wonder, "Will I be replaced by AI?" 

I'm answering this question head-on in this episode. I talk about what AI is excellent for and what it can't do, and what it means for smart leaders planning ahead. 

What you'll learn: 

00:00 – AI cannot fully replace human coaching and the value of human insight
01:30 – A quick case study on uncovering human blind spots and parlaying them to build generative intelligence
07:30 – The 2026 job market challenges and the push for AI-integrated skills
12:00 – Importance of discerning wisdom and cognitive agility for future career success
16:30 – Doubling down on humanity and bridge-building as a competitive edge
18:30 – Reflective questions for listeners about uncertainty and growth through human conversations

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Are you a high-performance leader feeling "allergic" to the slow, constrained pace of your current office? In this episode, I share the "Ferrari on a Golf Course" metaphor—a perspective shift that has been a game-changer for my 1:1 executive coaching clients. 

As we enter the Year of the Fire Horse in 2026, it’s time to stop trying to "fix" your engine and start finding the right track.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The "Shush" Factor: Why high-achieving women are often told to "tone it down" and how to handle it.
• The Fire Horse Connection: Why 2026 is the year to embrace your capacity, ideas, and intensity rather than apologize for it.
• The Difference Between Identity and Environment: How to stop blaming yourself for the "bumpy ride" caused by a misaligned workplace.
• Real-World Success Stories: How two leaders (one in entrepreneurship and one in a corporate reorg) moved from being undervalued to being fully utilized, promoted and better paid.
• Three Truths for the Misaligned Leader: A framework to help you decide your next "Risky Conversation."

Key Quotes:

• "A Ferrari doesn’t need to be fixed; it needs a track."
• "The bumpy ride isn't your fault; it's the grass."
• "Everything worthwhile is on the other side of a risky conversation."

Resources Mentioned:

• Book a free 1:1 coaching consultation with Jamie HERE

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• Connect with me on LinkedIn
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In this episode, I talk with Neelam Patel, who left a 22-year tech executive career to follow her passions for poetry, dance, and performance. We dive into the risks and rewards of creative self-advocacy, how joy and anger can guide personal transformation, and what it really means to rebuild a life around authenticity. If you’ve ever felt the pull between convention and creativity, this conversation will inspire you to reclaim your own voice.

Featured in this episode:  

• Neelam's Instagram account @dancewithneelam
• Neelam's website: tailoredpoetry.com
• Neelam's book: Burning It Down: Dancing Through the Rubble
• Jamie's 1:1 executive coaching practice: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/apply

Timestamps:

1. [00:00] — Introduction and Neelam’s background: Jamie Lee opens the episode, introduces Neelam Patel, and they discuss Neelam’s journey from tech executive to poet and artist.
2. [04:21] — Tech career and personal transformation: Neelam describes how improv and creative pursuits influenced her growth (and promotions) in the tech world.
3. [10:47] — Risky conversations and work-life negotiation: Neelam shares stories of honest, risky conversations at work, including advocating for her creative needs.
4. [34:36] — Anger as an ally: Neelam and Jamie discuss the power of anger, addressing repression, shame, and channeling anger into advocacy.
5. [48:04] — Life after “burning it down” and current work: Neelam gives an update on her creative career, including her dance residency and ways listeners can connect with her (Instagram, website).

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• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

For many women of color, excellence became a survival strategy long before leadership did. So when a board, team, or decision-maker starts tugging on the rope—questioning, nitpicking, shifting expectations—it feels almost impossible to let go.

In this episode, we explore what happens in your body during these moments, how your nervous system tries to keep you safe by pulling harder, and the subtle art of releasing the tug-of-war without losing your grounding or authority. You’ll learn a simple somatic practice, a decision-making framework, and real-world scripts to help you “drop the rope” with clarity, calm, and confidence.

If you’ve ever felt over-responsible or emotionally hijacked in leadership, this episode is for you.

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

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• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

In this quick episode, I guide you through a 10-minute Boundary Reset designed to help you protect your energy from office drama and difficult coworkers — without shutting down or over-functioning.

As an executive coach for high-achieving women, I know how draining it is to deal with demanding personalities, rapid-fire requests, or sometimes-subtle, sometimes-in-your-face workplace tension. This short, powerful practice helps you stay grounded, calm, and clear so you can show up as the leader you want to be.

The guided portion is 10 minutes long — perfect to use before a meeting, during a stressful workday, or anytime you feel pulled into someone else’s urgency. You’ll learn a simple body-based anchoring technique to return to self-trust and regulate your nervous system in real time.

If you ever struggle with setting boundaries, overthinking, feeling pressured, or absorbing other people’s stress at work, this episode is for you.

Mentioned in the episode: 

• Neuroscience-Based Trance: Three-Brain Alignment for Leaders
• Details on 1:1 Executive Coaching with Jamie Lee

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
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• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
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Jamie Lee is an executive coach who helps women and marginalized leaders get promoted and better paid—without playing politics or throwing anyone under the bus. Risky Conversations is about the messy, brave, and brain-based side of leadership growth.

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In this episode of Risky Conversations, I sit down with Dr. SD Shanti—pediatric dentist, clinical psychologist, and founder of the World Love Forum—to explore how we can prevent violence and promote well-being on a global scale. Dr. Shanti shares her non-linear journey from academia to activism, and together we discuss the power of self-compassion, the importance of empowering women, and innovative ways to create lasting social change.

We discussed:
• The staggering global impact of violence: 1 in 3 women and 1 in 2 children are affected.
• Why Dr. Shanti left a secure career to pursue her mission of preventing suffering.
• The founding and vision of the World Love Forum: launching a global campaign for love and violence prevention.
• How entertainment-education (like soap operas) can reach millions and shift cultural norms.
• The critical role of empowering women as agents of social change.
• Practical self-compassion techniques—both “tender” and “fierce”—to help manage emotions, set boundaries, and prevent burnout.
• The science behind why kindness and compassion are essential for leadership and personal well-being.

Tune in to be inspired by Dr. Shanti’s story and discover actionable tools for creating a more compassionate world—starting with yourself.

Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro
02:40 - Dr. SD Shanti’s Risky Career Pivot
08:37 - The Birth of the World Love Forum
15:22 - Shocking Global Violence Statistics
21:05 - Solutions: The Blueprint for Hope
30:48 - Self-Compassion: Tender & Fierce Techniques
39:56 - The Power of Loving-Kindness Meditation
41:49 - Compassionate Leadership & Workplace Well-being
44:45 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect

Mentioned:
• Dr. SD Shanti LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdshanti/
• Dr. SD Shanti's World Love Forum https://worldloveforum.org/
• Dr. SD Shanti's Brush Your Mind Blog https://brushyourmind.org/

• Jamie’s website:  https://www.jamieleecoach.com/
• Jamie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/
• Jamie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamieleecoach/

Watch this interview with Dr. SD Shanti on YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hS18sggJuAk

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

Jamie Lee is an executive coach who helps women and marginalized leaders get promoted and better paid—without playing politics or throwing anyone under the bus. Risky Conversations is about the messy, brave, and brain-based side of leadership growth.
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In this episode of Risky Conversations, I sit down with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech, to talk about inclusion, neurodiversity, and what it really means to create better workplaces. Tara shares her personal journey, the power of embracing differences, and actionable advice for leaders and professionals alike no matter where you are on the spectrum.

Key takeaways and timestamps:

• 0:00 - Jamie Lee and Tara May Introduction 
• 1:26 – Tara May’s story: Donating a kidney and leading with heart
• 8:19 – What does Aspiritech do? Tech services with a neurodiverse team
• 14:27 – Overcoming challenges: Confidence building and imposter syndrome
• 19:46 – Communication tips for neurodivergent and neurotypical teams
• 22:38 – Addressing autism, vaccines, and debunking myths
• 29:09 – Embracing and celebrating differences in the workplace

If you’re passionate about inclusion, leadership, or just want to hear an inspiring story, this episode is for you! 

Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment with your thoughts.

Mentioned:

• Aspiritech website: https://aspiritech.org/
• Jamie Lee Coach website: https://www.jamieleecoach.com/

Watch this interview with Tara May, CEO of Aspiritech on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwcTta0M6Fc

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

As an executive coach for women working in male-dominated industries, I often coach on the topics of money, wealth, and self-trust. 

In this episode of Risky Conversations, I sit down with Andrea Liebross—results-driven business coach, podcast host, and author of “She Thinks Big.” 

Andrea shares her journey from corporate director to entrepreneur, and together we unpack what it really means to take risks, think big, and create wealth on your own terms. 

If you’re an ambitious woman ready to break out of your box, this conversation is for you!

Mentioned:

• Andrea’s website https://andrealiebross.com/
• Andrea’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-liebross/
• Andrea’s Instagram Andrea Liebross (@andrea.liebross.coaching)
• Jamie’s website Jamie Lee Coach
• Jamie’s LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/leejieunjamie/
• Jamie’s Instagram Jamie Lee (@jamieleecoach)

Key topics and timestamps:

• 0:00 – Why all worthwhile things are on the other side of a risky conversation
• 10:15 – The power of honest conversations and giving yourself permission to grow
• 19:00 – The TRUST framework for big thinking (Thought options, Real problem, Unknown, Securing support, Taking massive action)
• 32:00 – What “massive action” looks like: Real client success stories
• 36:30 – Wealth as choice: Redefining abundance beyond money
• 51:00 – Where to find Andrea’s book, podcast, and the “Silent Saboteur” quiz

Tune in for actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and a fresh perspective on what’s possible when you dare to think big!

Watch this interview with Andrea Liebross, Business Coach on YouTube: https://youtu.be/b0lWo6w94QY?si=KCZDJZW4IVQNX4Ey

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

Glue work is the invisible, unrewarded labor that keeps teams running—but too often holds women and people of color back from promotions and pay raises. 

In this episode, I share the research, the myths that keep us stuck, and a practical framework to say no with clarity, calm, and confidence.

⏱️ Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Why glue work matters (and why saying no feels risky)
• 8:30 – The research on non-promotable tasks and gender bias
• 18:55 – Myths that keep us over-committing (comfort fallacy, tiara syndrome, imposter feelings)
• 26:55 – The RESPOND framework: a step-by-step way to say no with respect
• 34:53 – Neuroscience-backed tools to calm your nervous system in tough moments
• 44:20 – Final thoughts + free resources at JamieLeeCoach.com

Text me your thoughts on this episode!

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• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]

Welcome to Part 6 of The Promotion Playbook Series for Smart Women in Male-Dominated Industries.

In this final episode, I coach a professional navigating one of the most common — and least talked about — challenges in career growth: ageism and making a career pivot later in your journey.

You’ll hear a candid coaching conversation about:

• Why arbitrary “years of experience” requirements may not reflect your true value
• How internalized ageism can limit us more than external bias
• The power of reframing career transitions as opportunities to grow, not “go back”
• Practical ways to leverage your experience, education, and new skills in a pivot
• Why women over 50 are a growing force in the labor market — and how to own it

If you’ve ever felt hemmed in by your role, questioned whether it’s “too late” to pivot, or wondered how to challenge age-based career limits, this episode offers fresh perspective, encouragement, and actionable reframes.

⭐ Tune in now to learn how to move forward in your career with confidence, wisdom, and renewed possibility.

⭐ If this episode helped you, please leave a 5-star review — it helps other women find these free resources on leadership, negotiation, and confidence.

🌐 For free workshops, 100+ podcast episodes, and over 100 articles on leadership, negotiation, and confidence, visit JamieLeeCoach.com
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Text me your thoughts on this episode!

Enjoy the show?

• Don't miss an episode, listen and subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Spotify.
• Leave me a review in Apple Podcasts.

Connect with me

• Book a free hour-long consultation with me. You'll leave with your custom blueprint to confidence, and we'll ensure it's a slam-dunk fit for you before you commit to working with me 1:1.
• Connect with me on LinkedIn
• Email me at [email protected]