The Dignity of Work

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we hear directly from Cierra Monsees, whose story inspired the entire project. Cierra reflects on the financial challenges and lessons she encountered after landing her first full-time job—including navigating benefits, setting up retirement contributions, building credit, and buying her first home at 23. Listeners will gain insight into the real-life decisions facing young professionals, the importance of mentorship, and the value of long-term thinking when it comes to money.

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we're focusing on demystifying retirement plans and investment options so you can make confident, informed decisions about your financial future. Whether you're just starting out, changing jobs, or reentering the workforce, we unpack the differences between 401(k), 403(b), IRA, and Roth IRA accounts, and explore how tax status, life changes, and long-term goals shape the best strategy for you. You'll also learn how to sidestep common investing myths, adapt your plan over time, and take proactive steps to set your future self up for success.

In this episode of our Beyond the Paycheck series, we're focusing on Building Your Financial Foundation. If you're just starting your career or re-entering the workforce, this conversation is for you. We'll break down how to set short-, medium-, and long-term financial goals, how to balance debt with saving, and why starting now—no matter how small—can make a big difference. You'll learn how to make saving a habit, keep track of your spending, and use tools like compound interest to your advantage. Wherever you are on your journey, this episode will help you take confident steps toward a more secure financial future.

Navigating a new job comes with a maze of important financial decisions that can impact your future for years to come. In this podcast series, we break down the often-overwhelming world of workplace benefits, compensation packages, and financial choices facing newly employed individuals—whether you're starting your first job or returning to the workforce after time away.

Each episode features conversations with industry experts who translate complex topics into clear, actionable advice. From understanding your first paycheck and making smart health insurance selections to maximizing retirement benefits and managing student loans, we provide you with the knowledge to make informed decisions from day one.

Join us as we demystify workplace benefits, unpack financial jargon, and empower you to make confident choices that build a solid foundation for your financial future.

In this final episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about career transitions, diving deep into how organizational exits can be handled with care, dignity, and long-term impact in mind. They explore the natural end of the socialization process—leaving an organization—and examine how both employees and employers can navigate this moment with intention. From thoughtful exit interviews to preparing employees for leadership roles elsewhere, they discuss how transitions offer opportunities for growth, reflection, and even cultural strengthening. Whether you're considering a career pivot, facing a layoff, or leading through a time of change, this conversation offers meaningful insights, practical strategies, and a refreshing human-centered approach to navigating the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

In this episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about building sustainable work practices through effective feedback systems. The panel explores how workplace communication tools, knowledge management practices, and structured feedback processes contribute to creating positive work environments. They discuss strategies for overcoming discomfort with feedback, the importance of approaching feedback as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism, and practical tactics for both giving and receiving feedback effectively. Discover how successful workplace communication requires intentional systems, consistent practices, and a foundation of trust between employees and leaders.

In this third episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) continue their conversation about effective workplace practices, focusing on what happens when employees first enter an organization. They explore how the initial 30-90 days are crucial for forming habits and understanding what success looks like in a particular workplace. Discover practical strategies for creating meaningful onboarding experiences, from sending welcome packages and writing personalized notes to scheduling regular check-ins and creating "manager cheat sheets" that clarify expectations.

In this second episode of the Good at Work series, Cami Eakins (CEO of Career Path Services), Lisa Grund (Organizational Development Partner for Career Path Services), and Dr. Anna Valiavska (organizational researcher and professor) explore how organizations and employees can build a sense of belonging even before the first day of work. The panel discusses the evolution of hiring practices from seeking "cultural fit" to embracing cognitive diversity, the importance of authentic organizational messaging in job postings and interviews, and how both employers and job seekers can evaluate the alignment of values during the hiring process. Through personal experiences and professional insights, the conversation highlights how creating genuine belonging requires consistent organizational practices, transparent communication, and empowerment of both leaders and potential employees to ask meaningful questions during the hiring process.

Tune in to hear from organizational researcher and professor, Anna Valiavska, in the introductory episode of "Good at Work: The Career Playbook for Leaders and Teams." Drawing from Anna's expertise as both a corporate innovation researcher and university professor, this comprehensive guide explores the four crucial phases of organizational socialization - from anticipating your next career move to making a graceful exit. Whether you're a leader shaping workplace culture or an employee navigating career transitions, each episode delivers practical strategies and actionable insights to help you thrive in today's dynamic work environment.