In this episode, Tim and Kristina Madden break down a common mistake even high-level professionals make during a job search: looking desperate online. Whether it’s posting too often about needing a job, sharing inconsistent messaging, or reaching out to hiring managers in ways that feel frantic rather than confident, these signals can quietly push opportunities away even when you’re highly qualified.

Tim and Kristina explain what desperation looks like from a recruiter’s or executive’s perspective, how it impacts your brand, and why maintaining a strong, composed online presence is essential for Director, VP, and Executive-level searches. They also share practical tips for staying visible, strategic, and credible without crossing into “I need a job right now” territory.

If you want your online presence to open doors instead of close them, this conversation will show you how to communicate your value with confidence and impact.

In this episode of The Career Report, Kristina Madden digs into how an identity shift can be the key to finally getting unstuck. She breaks down why so many people feel anxious heading into a new week especially on Sundays, and how that stress often comes from holding onto an old version of yourself. Kristina shares practical ways to redefine who you see yourself as, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and step into a mindset that supports your goals instead of limiting them. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or dreading the week before it even starts, this conversation will help you create the shift you need to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden dive into what they call “The Great Leadership Reset”. A shift happening across teams, industries, and the job market as expectations for leaders rise and the tolerance for being merely “average” disappears. They break down what it actually means to outperform the norm, why so many leaders get stuck in outdated habits, and how to reset your mindset so you can lead with intention, ownership, and real influence. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to elevate your performance or redefine how you show up at work, this conversation will help you see what “beating average” truly looks like in today’s world.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden dive into what they call “The Great Leadership Reset”. A shift happening across teams, industries, and the job market as expectations for leaders rise and the tolerance for being merely “average” disappears. They break down what it actually means to outperform the norm, why so many leaders get stuck in outdated habits, and how to reset your mindset so you can lead with intention, ownership, and real influence. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to elevate your performance or redefine how you show up at work, this conversation will help you see what “beating average” truly looks like in today’s world.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim walks through the essential groundwork executives need to complete before they start a job search. Most people jump straight into applications and miss the foundational steps that actually determine whether they’ll get interviews, stand out to decision-makers, and negotiate strong offers. Tim breaks down what to focus on first, how to get clear on your direction, and why preparation matters more than ever in today’s market. If you want your next search to be intentional (and not another stressful grind) this episode will point you in the right direction.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina dive into what it really looks like to embrace your challenges especially during a hectic holiday season. They talk about staying present, appreciating what you have, and shifting your mindset when life feels overwhelming or uncertain. They also open the floor to the audience and answer questions on career, leadership, and personal growth. If you’re navigating a tough season or trying to refocus before the new year, this conversation will give you clarity, perspective, and a sense of momentum moving forward.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim & Kristina Madden explain why waiting until January 1st to set career goals puts you behind before the new year even begins. They break down how top performers use December to get clear on what they want, sharpen their strategy, and position themselves for a strong start long before everyone else begins their “new year, new me” reset.

You’ll learn why goal-setting during the holiday season creates momentum, how early planning impacts job search success, and what small steps you can take right now to make January a launchpad instead of a starting line.

If you’re serious about landing a new role or leveling up your career in 2026, this episode will help you use December intentionally and get ahead of the crowd.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden shares a perspective most people overlook during Black Friday: the best investment you can make isn’t in a TV, gadget, or holiday sale — it’s in your career. While millions of people rush to buy things that lose value by next year, Tim explains why investing in your skills, your growth, and your earning potential delivers a return no discount can match.

He breaks down the simple math behind career ROI, why leveling up your brand or interview strategy can lead to life-changing opportunities, and how small decisions made during the holiday season can shape your career trajectory going into 2026.

If you want a reminder to focus on what actually pays you back, this short episode will give you the clarity and motivation to invest in yourself.

The holidays might feel like downtime, but here's what's really happening: companies are finalizing 2025 budgets, approving new headcount, and identifying who they want to bring on board when January hits. While everyone else is checking out early and promising to "restart in the new year," decision-makers are still working, still networking, and still having conversations about who should fill critical roles. If you disappear now, you're invisible when it matters mos.

But if you stay engaged, send thoughtful messages, keep your LinkedIn active, and maintain your outreach, you'll be the name that comes up first when hiring kicks into full gear in Q1. The executives who land offers in January didn't start their search in January. They stayed visible in December while everyone else went quiet.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden breaks down a hiring trend most job seekers don’t realize is happening right now. As teams prepare for Thanksgiving and the end-of-year slowdown, many hiring managers are pushing to fill open roles before the holiday so they can head into the break with their team locked in and their budgets aligned.

Tim explains why this pre-Thanksgiving window creates a burst of momentum for candidates who take action, how decision-makers think during this time, and what you can do in the next few days to get on a hiring manager’s calendar before everyone disappears for family time.

If you’re in the middle of a search, this episode shows you why now is one of the best moments to make your move, and how to take advantage of it.