What happens when your career doesn't go according to plan? In Part 2 of our conversation, Jui shares her remarkable journey from international student to mental health counselor, offering an honest look at career uncertainty, visa challenges, professional reinvention, and the importance of staying focused on what you can control. After earning her master's degree in psychology and mental health counseling, Jui discovered a passion for helping others through addiction and substance use counseling. Along the way, she navigated the realities of international student life, COVID era career disruptions, workplace uncertainty, and one of the most important questions every young professional faces: How do you move forward when the future feels uncertain? Hosts Jerry and Bill dive deep into the challenges facing international students, the evolving job market, personal branding, networking, mentorship, feedback, AI in healthcare, and why adaptability may be the most valuable career skill of all.

In This Episode:

✅ The realities of building a career as an international student

✅ Visa uncertainty and navigating today's employment landscape

✅ Why relationships and networking matter more than ever

✅ How internships can lead to full-time opportunities

✅ The role of mentorship in career growth

✅ Mental health, counseling, and finding meaningful work

✅ Why career paths are rarely linear

✅ Personal branding and authenticity in the workplace

✅ The value of feedback for professional development

✅ How AI is changing healthcare and counseling

✅ Lessons from athletics, resilience, and adaptability

✅ Practical advice for students and early career professionals

One of the most powerful takeaways from this episode: "Things may not work out exactly as planned. But often what happens instead is what leads you to where you're meant to be."

From National Champion to Therapist: How Sport, Mindset & Mentoring Shape Career Success What does it take to become the #1 squash player in India, earn a spot at Columbia University, navigate the challenges of being an international student, build a career at Korn Ferry, and ultimately pivot into mental health counseling? In this episode of Spilling the MenTea, hosts Bill and Jerry sit down with Jui, former national squash champion, Columbia University graduate, recruiter, and newly trained therapist, to explore the powerful connection between athletics, education, career development, and personal growth. Jui shares her remarkable journey from squash courts in Mumbai to the Ivy League, discussing how sports taught her discipline, resilience, time management, and the ability to reinvent herself throughout different stages of life. The conversation dives into what employers can learn from student athletes, how international students navigate career challenges, the realities of graduating during the COVID job market, and why mental health matters in career success. Whether you're a student, young professional, athlete, parent, mentor, counselor, or career services professional, this episode offers valuable insights on building confidence, managing transitions, and discovering what's next.

In This Episode:

✅ Becoming the #1 squash player in India

✅ Earning admission to Columbia University as a student athlete

✅ Lessons learned from elite athletics

✅ Career exploration and pivots after graduation

✅ Working at Korn Ferry and navigating recruitment

✅ International student career challenges

✅ Psychology, mental health, and counseling careers

✅ Why employers love hiring student athletes

✅ The power of resilience, discipline, and adaptability

✅ Mentoring and lifelong learning

🎧 Subscribe for more conversations on career readiness, mentoring, leadership, networking, and professional growth.

©️ All Rights Reserved. Bill Fisse, Jerry Goldstein, Spilling The Career Tea

#SpillingTheCareerTea #SpillingTheMenTea #CareerDevelopment #CareerSuccess #StudentAthlete #ColumbiaUniversity #Squash #MentalHealth #Therapist #CareerPivot #LeadershipDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #InternationalStudents #Mentoring #CareerReadiness #Networking #PersonalGrowth #SportsLeadership #KornFerry #Psychology #EarlyCareer #YoungProfessionals #Podcast #CareerAdvice #lifeaftercollege

Produced by Broken Planet Media

Edited by Jared Goldstein

Personal Brand, Resilience, and the Career Lessons Nobody Teaches

What do people say about you when you're not in the room?

In Part 2 of our conversation with global business leader Vikram Atal, Bill and Jerry dive deeper into some of the most important, and often overlooked, drivers of long term career success: personal brand, curiosity, resilience, adaptability, and talent development. Drawing on decades of leadership experience at organizations including Citibank, Vik shares candid stories and hard earned wisdom that helped shape his remarkable career journey. Vik discusses why every interaction contributes to your personal brand, why reputation is one of the most valuable assets you'll ever build, and how mentors and trusted advisors can help you understand how others perceive you. He also offers practical advice for early career professionals on standing out in the workplace through energy, curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to continuous growth.

The conversation also explores:

▪️ Why personal branding is more important than ever in a connected world

▪️ The qualities that signal future leadership potential

▪️ Lessons learned from navigating major corporate transformations

▪️ Challenges and opportunities facing international students and professionals

▪️ Why chasing learning and growth may be more important than chasing a first paycheck

▪️ The critical role talent plays in organizational success

▪️ How resilience and adaptability are becoming the defining career skills of the future

Through compelling stories from his own career, including lessons from senior executives, unexpected career pivots, and front row observations of business leadership at the highest levels, Vikram provides a masterclass on building a career that can thrive amid constant change. His final message to listeners is powerful: change is inevitable, but how you respond to it will define your future. Embrace it, develop resilience, and remain curious. Whether you're a student, recent graduate, international professional, or seasoned leader, this episode offers practical wisdom that can help you navigate your next chapter with greater confidence and perspective.

☕ Grab your favorite beverage and join us as we continue to spill the career tea with one of the most thoughtful executive leaders we've had on the podcast.

©️ 2026 Bill Fisse & Jerry Goldstein. All Rights Reserved

Produced by Jared Goldstein, Broken Planet Media

Sponsored by PeopleGrove

Can curiosity, relationships, and your reputation matter more than your GPA? In this episode of Spilling the Career Tea, we sit down with Vik Atal, former CEO of PRA Group, former Citigroup executive, current Goldman Sachs Bank USA board member, and global business leader with more than 30 years of executive experience. Vik shares the lessons that transformed his career, from studying mathematics in India to leading billion dollar businesses and serving in some of the world's most influential boardrooms.

This isn't just a conversation about getting a job. It's about building a career that lasts. In this episode, you'll learn:

▪️Why EQ often matters more than IQ after college

▪️The career advice every student should hear before graduation

▪️Why you should never ask someone for a job—and what to ask instead

▪️How networking really works (and why relationships take time)

▪️The leadership lessons Vik learned from failure, humility, and listening

▪️Why curiosity, authenticity, and reputation become your greatest competitive advantage

▪️How to prepare for opportunities you never see coming

Whether you're a student, recent graduate, young professional, or experienced leader, this conversation is packed with timeless insights on leadership, networking, career growth, and personal branding. If you're looking for practical career advice from someone who's hired, mentored, and led thousands of people, you won't want to miss this episode.

🎙️ Subscribe to Spilling the Career Tea for honest conversations with executives, recruiters, career coaches, and industry leaders who share what it really takes to build a meaningful career. #CareerAdvice #Leadership #Networking #JobSearch #CareerDevelopment #EmotionalIntelligence #PersonalBrand #ProfessionalDevelopment #CollegeStudents #RecentGraduates #ExecutiveLeadership #Mentorship #SpillingTheCareerTea

Produced by Jared Goldstein, Broken Planet Media

©️ 2026 Bill Fisse & Jerry D Goldstein, All Rights Reserved

Sponsored by PeopleGrove

Why Recent Graduates Struggle to Find Jobs (And What Actually Works)

Still searching for your first job after graduation? You're not alone.

In Episode 6 of Spilling The Career Tea, we sit down with recent graduate AnnaClare to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing young professionals today: turning a degree into a career. From networking strategies and resume mistakes to interview preparation and personal branding, we take a real world look at what it's actually like to navigate today's competitive job market. AnnaClare shares her job search journey, recent interviews, frustrations, successes, and the lessons she's learning along the way. Joining hosts Jerry Goldstein and Bill Fisse is special guest Barbara Kurz, a nationally recognized career services leader, who provides practical advice on standing out from the crowd, leveraging transferable skills, writing stronger cover letters, and building confidence throughout the job search process.

In this episode, you'll learn:

✅ How networking can outperform online job applications

✅ The interview preparation strategy most candidates miss

✅ Why your resume should tell a story, not just list experiences

✅ How to highlight transferable skills and passions

✅ The role of confidence, credibility, and personal branding

✅ How recent graduates can stand out in a challenging job market

✅ Why informational interviews can lead to unexpected opportunities

Whether you're a college student, recent graduate, career changer, or young professional looking for your next opportunity, this episode is packed with actionable career advice you can use immediately.

💡 Your dream job may be one conversation away.

📚 Learn more from "Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent, Confidence, and Credibility."

🎙️ Subscribe for weekly career advice, job search tips, networking strategies, resume guidance, interview coaching, and conversations designed to help students and professionals build meaningful careers.

#JobSearch #RecentGraduates #CareerAdvice #InterviewTips #ResumeTips #Networking #CollegeGraduates #CareerCoaching #YoungProfessionals #PersonalBranding #FirstJob #JobHunt #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #SpillingTheCareerTea #careersuccess

©️ 2026 Bill Fisse and Jerry D. Goldstein

Produced by Broken Planet Media

Sponsored by PeopleGrove

What happens when a talented recent graduate can't seem to break through and land that first full time job? In this powerful and practical episode of Spilling The Career Tea, hosts Jerry Goldstein and Bill Fisse take a different approach. With AnnaClare, they roll up their sleeves and coach a real job seeker in real time. Meet AnnaClare, a recent McGill University graduate, writer, editor, former ballet dancer, and aspiring entertainment industry professional. Despite strong internships, leadership experience, and a clear work ethic, she's facing the same challenge thousands of graduates encounter: "How do I get employers to see my value?" Joined by career storytelling expert Barbara Kurz, the conversation becomes a live career strategy session as they:

☕ Uncover AnnaClare's hidden personal brand

☕ Identify transferable skills that employers often overlook

☕ Transform resume bullet points from tasks into impact statements

☕ Explore how passion and life experiences can become professional differentiators

☕ Discuss networking, positioning, and standing out in competitive industries

☕ Reveal why accomplishments, not responsibilities, get interviews

☕ Show how dancers, athletes, artists, and leaders can leverage their unique experiences in the job market

Whether you're a college student, recent graduate, career changer, mentor, parent, or employer, this episode offers an inside look at the coaching process that helps candidates discover what makes them memorable. If you've ever wondered why your resume isn't getting attention, or how to tell your story in a way that opens doors, this episode is for you. Because sometimes the biggest career breakthrough isn't gaining a new skill... It's learning how to communicate the value you already have! Grab your favorite blend of tea and join us for one of our most insightful and relatable coaching conversations yet.

What really happens behind the hiring process? In this episode of Spilling The Career Tea, Bill & Jerry sit down with executive coach and former talent acquisition leader Barbara Kurz to unpack the realities of recruiting, interviewing, personal branding, and career growth.

From recruiter ghosting and AI-driven hiring systems to interview prep, networking, leadership reputation, and the importance of empathy in the workplace, this conversation gives early career professionals a candid look at what recruiters and hiring managers are really thinking.

You’ll hear practical advice on:

• Why recruiters ghost candidates and why it matters

• How to stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS)

• Resume and cover letter strategies that actually work

• The importance of networking, referrals, and recruiter relationships

• What hiring managers notice in interviews

• Common interview mistakes candidates make

• How personal brand, trust, and reputation shape long-term career success

• Why emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills

• The leadership traits that help people rise and the behaviors that derail careers

Whether you’re searching for your first internship, preparing for interviews, or thinking about long-term career growth, this episode delivers actionable insights from both the recruiter and executive coaching perspectives.

Why does today’s job market feel so discouraging, especially for recent college graduates?

In this episode of Spilling The Career Tea, Bill and Jerry are joined by Barbara Kurz, an executive coach and former senior leader in recruiting and talent management, to explore what’s really going on beneath the headlines.

Drawing on decades of experience across financial services, consulting, executive search, and global HR, Barbara helps reframe today’s challenges with honesty, perspective, and practical wisdom.

They discuss:

• Why disappointment after graduation isn’t new and why it still hurts
• The danger of treating college as a pure “return on investment”
• How skills based hiring is changing who gets hired (and how)
• The overlooked value of volunteering, internships, and experiential learning
• Why networking isn’t transactional, it’s relational
• What students and early career professionals can control, even in a tough market

This episode is especially relevant for Gen Z, recent grads, career changers, parents, and educators trying to make sense of a shifting world of work.

Honest. Grounded. Encouraging. This is career advice that meets you where you are.

Season 2 of Spilling The Career Tea – The Podcast continues with Part 2 of Bill’s conversation with Jerry D. Goldstein, diving deeper into the frameworks and ideas behind his new book, Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent & Confidence.

In Part 1, Bill and Jerry explored the “why” behind the book. In this second installment, the conversation shifts to the “how”; how young professionals can actually apply these concepts in real-world situations.

Jerry expands on the practical application of the VICC framework (Value, Intent & Credibility, Confidence) and the SOLVE Method, breaking down how these tools show up in interviews, networking conversations, and early career decision-making. The discussion moves from theory to execution, focusing on how individuals can take control of their career narrative and communicate their value with clarity.

Together, Bill and Jerry explore:

📖 How to articulate your value in interviews and networking conversations

📖 The difference between being qualified and being understood 📖 Why many candidates struggle to communicate clearly, and how to fix it

📖 How to move from overthinking to taking intentional action

This episode goes beyond ideas and into practical strategies, offering listeners a clearer roadmap for navigating the transition from college to career with purpose and confidence.

If Part 1 was about understanding the problem, Part 2 is about learning how to solve it.

☕️ The tea continues.

Season 2 of Spilling The Career Tea; The Podcast kicks off with a special one‑on‑one conversation as Bill turns the microphone on his co‑host, Jerry D. Goldstein, to unpack the story behind his new book, Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent & Confidence.

In this candid and thoughtful episode, Bill and Jerry explore the genesis of the book, born from years of mentoring students and young professionals who felt stuck, uncertain, or underprepared for the realities of the workplace — not because they lacked talent, but because no one ever taught them how to translate college into career.

Jerry breaks down the core frameworks at the heart of the book, including VICC (Value, Intent & Credibility, Confidence) and the SOLVE Method, and explains how these practical tools help individuals communicate more clearly, think more critically, and show up with confidence in an increasingly complex professional world.

Together, Bill and Jerry speak openly about:

• The hidden expectations of the workplace
• Why confidence is built, not assumed
• How young professionals can move from uncertainty to momentum
• And what employers actually want but don’t always articulate

This episode is honest, approachable, and packed with real-world insight for students, recent graduates, mentors, educators, and anyone invested in helping young professionals succeed.

Whether you’re navigating your first job, advising students, or wondering how to prepare for what comes next, this conversation sets the tone for Season 2; practical, human, and focused on building careers with clarity and purpose.

☕️ The tea is real. Season 2 starts here.

Release Date: April 1, 2026