Kristian Schwartz spearheads The Montgomery Group, a boutique search firm he established, specializing in senior-level marketing and media placements. He is known throughout the industry for his thank-you notes. 

In this episode, we explored the power of thank-you notes and their impact on your professional brand. Whether digital or handwritten, thank-you notes create lasting impressions and show genuine appreciation. In this episode we discuss

• The benefits of sending thank you notes.
• What happened when a top company didn't receive any thank you notes from their leading candidates
• Should they be digital or handwritten?
• How do different generations feel about thank-you notes?
• How thank you notes contribute to your professional brand
  
  Show guest:
  Kristian Schwartz, a seasoned leader with over 20 years in digital transformation and marketing, transitioned to executive search at Korn Ferry, rising to Senior Partner. His professional journey is a testament to his expertise, with tenure at renowned companies such as Wired Magazine, Razorfish, and Sapient, where he collaborated with influential Fortune 500 brands like Visa, Verizon, Clorox, Unilever, and Hewlett-Packard. Kristian founded  The Montgomery Group, a boutique search firm., specializing in senior marketing and media placements. He holds a B.S. in Microeconomics from the University of Oregon.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

In this episode, I welcome LinkedIn's Top Voice and Recruiter, Sue Gygax, founder of Spectacle Talent Partners, specializing in talent acquisition and career solutions. This episode discusses the evolving trends in job search and recruitment and examines the limitations of current practices. We explore a range of topics, including:

• The inefficiencies in the recruitment process and actionable tips that candidates can use to stand out.
• Why both recruiters and candidates need to master storytelling
• The challenges posed by the rise of 30-minute and asynchronous interviews and how recruiters and candidates can better prepare 
• Why the STAR interviewing method is flawed
• A new and improved framework for hiring managers and candidates

Show Notes:
The Career Refresh Podcast: How to Prepare and Get Ready for the Job Interview

The Career Refresh Podcast:  Check out Susan’s Previous Appearance discussing What Recruiters Are Looking For in Today’s Marketplace HERE

Show Guest:
Susan Gygax, founder of Spectacle Talent Partners, specializes in talent acquisition and career solutions. With 28 years in recruitment and leadership, she helps mission-driven companies and corporate leaders navigate today's volatile job market, offering strategies for inclusive hiring and confident career moves. She's also been nominated for the LinkedIn Top Voice position. You can find her on LinkedIn and her Website.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Navigating the job interview process requires preparation and strategic execution. In this episode, I discuss top tips to ensure you make a memorable impression.  Also in this episode: 

• What you need to do before, during, and after the interview
• An alternative approach to the STAR behavioral-based interview questions 
• How to use your resume and the job description to prepare your professional accomplishments and success examples
• Why you need to evaluate your interview performance 

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Co-dependency is having a moment. You’ve probably heard of co-dependency from social media, or perhaps you’ve heard of support groups that help people with co-dependency. People with codependency at work often form or maintain relationships that are one-sided and emotionally destructive. This behavior is not new. It’s been in the workplace probably as long as we’ve had workplaces and relationships. 

I’ve spent over 25 years working with people and these types of support groups and in this episode I discuss: 

• Understanding the Core of Co-dependency
• Recognizing the Continuum: From Being Nice to Codependency
• The Dance of the Giver and the Taker
• Tips for What to Do if You Find Yourself in These Roles 

Show Notes:
 
Learn more about Codependency: Codependent No More: Melanie Beattie
The Career Refresh Episode 39: People Pleasing and the Misuse of Your Strengths
Codependents Anonymous, CoDA.org
Al-Anon Family Groups

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

• How relying solely on external validation hinders personal growth.
• Why the concepts of clarity of purpose, consistent messaging, and cultivating relationships, are keys to your intentionality. 
• Three steps to build intentionality and your professional brand.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

From childhood measurements to workplace dynamics, comparison infiltrates every aspect of our lives. But how can we stop the endless cycle of comparing ourselves to others? In this podcast, we explore: 

• The psychological impact of comparison
• The difference between healthy competition and comparison
• 4 practical strategies to break free from comparison

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

When embarrassment strikes like a slap in the face, swift recovery is key. In this episode, I share a recent cringe-worthy moment and my foolproof plan for swift recovery. 

Join me as we explore:

• Strategies for navigating embarrassing moments in high-stakes situations.
• Practical tips for managing embarrassment in real-time, ensuring the focus remains on the task at hand.
• The importance of concentration and mindfulness in overcoming awkward situations.
• Insights on training the brain to respond effectively in high-pressure scenarios.
• Engaging with listeners to foster dialogue and gratitude for their ongoing support.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

This episode explores the detrimental impact of an overemphasis on goals and the neglect of essential skills in the workplace.  If your company culture feels weak and your team isn't performing well, this episode is for you. I also discuss: 

• The vital role of essential skills in driving organizational success.
• The adverse outcomes of ignoring essential skills
• How to cultivate a strengths-based culture boosting leadership and team performance.
• How to proactively manage cultural challenges
• The anecdotes and research to illustrate the negative effects on company culture, productivity, and leadership efficacy.

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

Tom Powner, CEO of Career Thinker, an executive resume-writing and boutique recruiting firm, shares his insight on leadership, resume essentials, and navigating the recruiting landscape. In this episode, we discuss: 

• Early leadership mistakes and lessons learned
• Key players in the job search: job seeker, recruiter, company
• Viewing your resume as a Career Marketing campaign
• Common resume mistakes to avoid
• Essential components for different resume sections
• Crafting your value story effectively
• Three-pronged approach to grabbing recruiters' attention
• AI's impact on recruiting: short-term and long-term effects
• Caution against using generative AI for resume writing
• Importance of maintaining a human voice in cover letters

Show Guest:
With a decade of experience in career services and recruiting, Tom Powner transformed his trajectory after 25 years in business development, HR, operations, and sales. As founder of Career Thinker Inc., he's motivated by encountering thousands of poorly made resumes and interviewing over 5,000 candidates. Tom aims to empower individuals through career services, coaching, and motivation, expanding to offer outsourced recruitment for national companies. Tom leads a diverse team at Career Thinker, renowned for innovation in the career consulting section and improving the process to increase results. Since 2011, Tom has presented over 300 career workshops, seminars, and webinars. Book your complimentary resume review session HERE

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical

When you need to lead the team through ambiguity, you need a strategy to navigate the 'hallway' of decision-making; in this episode, we discuss: 

• How do you unlock the power of decisive action amidst uncertainty? 
• Strategies for reframing uncertainty
• Techniques to maintain motivation and support within your team 
• How to navigate personal leadership challenges with purpose

Support the show

Jill Griffin, is a leadership and career strategist, executive coach, and host of The Career Refresh podcast. She works with high achievers to strengthen their leadership, navigate career transitions, build effective teams, and create what’s next.

With 20+ years of experience at companies like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton, and Martha Stewart, Jill brings a practical, real-world lens to leadership, decision-making, and career strategy.

 Visit GriffinMethod.com to learn more about working together:

The Next Era Leader
An 12-week cohort for women leaders ready to expand their capacity and lead through complexity with clarity and intention

Executive Coaching & Leadership Advisory
1:1 strategic partnership for leaders navigating growth, transition, and what’s next

Connect with Jill for Leadership Development for Organizations and Speaking & Workshops

Instagram: @JillGriffinOffical