The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

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Unlock the secrets to mastering communication in the post-pandemic workplace with our special guest, Karin Hurt, founder and CEO of Let's Grow Leaders. Karin opens up about a career-defining moment when a team member exposed her lack of vulnerability, leading her to pivot towards authentic leadership. We explore how remote work has fundamentally changed communication dynamics and discuss strategic approaches to bringing employees together, ensuring thoughtful and effective communication during these transitions.

Conflict at work can disrupt harmony, but it doesn't have to. Learn how to distinguish between minor annoyances and significant issues to reduce stress and foster a peaceful environment. We present practical advice and real-life examples on tackling workplace conflicts head-on, demonstrating the benefits of open communication and mutual understanding.

Transitioning relationships in the workplace, whether from colleagues to business partners or even romantic partners, brings its own set of challenges. Karin shares personal anecdotes and key strategies to maintain effective communication and manage conflicts in high-stakes environments. From choosing the right medium for emotionally charged messages to balancing confidence with humility, this episode provides valuable insights. Plus, discover how to build a mid-career GPS for professional growth, with resources and workshops available to guide you on your journey. Don't miss these tips for becoming the leader you've always wanted to be.

Connect with Karin Hurt
Website | LinkedIn 

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Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

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Amazon CEO Andy Jassy released a statement last week notifying all Amazon employees that they will need to be in the office five days per week beginning in January 2025. How many companies will follow Amazon's lead and require their employees to be in the office five days per week? What does this mean for you?

You can read Andy Jassy's statement here.

In this episode, I'll unpack the benefits of increased in-office collaboration while addressing this policy's challenges to work-life balance and overall employee satisfaction. If you're accustomed to a hybrid work environment, this episode is crucial for you. You’ll also gain valuable strategies to navigate job interviews and career moves in light of such sweeping policy changes.

You must know how you work best and your best working situation. Yes, companies are still hiring fully remote employees, but Amazon's move will change things, and you should be prepared. 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
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Typically, there are two big seasons in anyone’s career development. The time from September to November when people are looking for a new job and want to make sure they reach their career goals before the year ends. The next time is from January to March when people are wrapped up in the excitement of the new year and want to start the year off with a great new job and a new beginning. 

But here is what’s holding you back. 

When interviewing for a new job or having internal conversations about a possible promotion, some of you are telling a horrible story about why you are the best person for the job!

In this episode, I’ll share my #1 pet peeve about how you tell your story and give you an immediate action tip to correct it and shift the energy in the room to get more hiring managers interested in who you are and what you do. 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Jemima Atanasio is Senior Director of Development at Fordham College at Rose Hill. Jemima takes us through her transformative journey from the hustle of special events fundraising to the more balanced realm of major gifts work. Discover how pivotal moments in 2016, amidst significant political changes, led her to reassess her career and the value she brings to her role. She shares the importance of cross-collaboration, her love for Pink's music, and the powerful community she has cultivated on LinkedIn.

Learn how Jemima has harnessed the power of LinkedIn to create a vibrant, supportive community, especially in the context of philanthropy and large-donor fundraising. By blending personal interests like music and photography with professional insights, she has engaged her network in authentic, meaningful ways. Jemima emphasizes the crucial role of authenticity and clear intentions in building the know, like, and trust factor that strengthens professional relationships.

Discover practical strategies to incorporate more of your authentic self into your career and online presence to build a successful and engaged network on LinkedIn. Jemima shares actionable tips on how to show up genuinely in your professional life and community-building efforts. Find out how consistent, genuine participation on social media can craft a compelling narrative over time.

Connect with Jemima on LinkedIn.

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Have you ever been on a PIP? 

Have you ever had to manage a PIP?

If you don’t know what a PIP is, that could be considered a good thing. A performance improvement plan (PIP) is a formal document that helps employees struggling to meet job performance expectations. It outlines areas of performance that are falling short, identifies skills or training gaps, and sets specific goals for improvement. 

PIPs are not disciplinary actions, but they can feel like that. They are intended to help employers and managers help employees succeed rather than a punitive measure. 

But they don’t feel like that, and often, it seems that more people are either terminated or leave their position rather than succeed and stay within the organization. 

Drawing from my personal experiences, I'll share actionable strategies to tackle a PIP head-on, emphasizing the importance of clarity, support networks, and ownership. We'll explore the dual outcomes of a PIP and how to steer towards a positive resolution. Learn how to dissect the details of your plan, ensure regular check-ins with your manager, and utilize every resource at your disposal. This episode isn't just about surviving a PIP; it's about converting it into an opportunity for growth and demonstrating your value within the organization. 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Feeling like you're stuck in your career despite being a high performer? Discover the secrets to breaking free from the "value trap" and achieving the promotions you deserve. This episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast offers five actionable strategies to help you recognize and navigate this common professional challenge. Learn how to proactively communicate your career goals, set clear timelines, and delegate responsibilities effectively to prepare for your next role. It's time to take control of your career trajectory and ensure your growth isn't hindered by your current success.

We'll also guide you on how to build your mid-career GPS with practical tips for showing up powerfully in both personal and professional settings. From making meaningful connections on LinkedIn to leveraging social media, you'll find valuable insights to advance your career. Don't miss our discussion on the benefits of participating in workshops and public speaking events to elevate your professional journey. For more resources, visit johnnarrell.com, and remember—how we show up matters!

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Prepare to unlock the secrets of effective leadership development as we sit down with Todd Davis, senior consultant and thought leader at FranklinCovey. Ever wondered why so many professionals find themselves in leadership roles without the proper training? Through Todd's transformative mid-career experience and his unmatched expertise in human resources and talent development, we'll uncover the essential strategies for balancing empathy and courage, all while navigating the complexities of reporting to younger managers and overcoming mindset barriers.

Imagine leveraging your personal strengths to become an exceptional leader. Todd shares insights from his book, "Everyone Deserves a Great Manager," and emphasizes the role of empathy in fostering productive relationships. Discover the impact of Gallup StrengthsFinder in identifying your unique talents and learn how FranklinCovey’s approach to leadership development can facilitate lasting behavior change to achieve your strategic goals. We'll also explore the common challenges mid-career professionals face when transitioning to managerial roles and the importance of understanding others first.

Effective communication is key, and Todd helps us understand why clear and direct conversations about performance issues are crucial. We delve into the pitfalls of the "empathy sandwich" and the significance of building strong, effective relationships at work. Drawing inspiration from Stephen R. Covey's "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People," this episode is packed with actionable advice on leading with both empathy and courage, ensuring you contribute meaningfully to your organization’s success. Join us for this engaging conversation and transform your leadership journey today!

Connect with Todd Davis.
FranklinCovey | LInkedIn

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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Unlock the secrets to turning adversity into opportunity with marketing and communications expert Kate Speer. Discover how Kate transformed an unexpected job loss into a remarkable career pivot by leveraging her marketing skills for self-promotion. Learn actionable strategies for creating a compelling personal landing page and building a powerful LinkedIn network that can lead to new job opportunities, especially for mid-career professionals.

Find out why authenticity is your greatest asset during a job search and how presenting yourself genuinely can make a significant impact. We discuss the parallels between job searching and marketing campaigns, emphasizing the importance of consistent effort and multiple touchpoints. Kate's journey underscores the need for understanding your ideal work environment, maintaining a robust professional network, and staying resilient even in the face of setbacks.

We also dive into common mistakes mid-career professionals make and how to avoid them. Learn the benefits of a personalized landing page, the power of networking, and staying visible on LinkedIn. Kate shares how everyday conversations can be turned into valuable LinkedIn posts and the importance of being social and consistent on the platform. This episode is packed with insights to help you stand out in a competitive job market and build a stronger personal brand. Don’t miss out on these expert tips to navigate your mid-career journey with confidence and strategy.

Connect with Kate Speer
Kate's Landing Page | LinkedIn 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Send us a text

Do you think there are certain times of the year when it's better to find a new job?
Think again! In this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I bust the myth that waiting until a certain time is the best strategy for job seekers.

I share real-life examples to help you discover why taking action now can propel your career forward faster than you ever thought possible and learn why it's OK to start your job search even if everything isn't perfectly in place.

Click here to grab your free copy of my guide, "From Stuck to Success: Five Mid-Career Mistakes to Avoid in Any Job Market."

Building your mid-career GPS doesn't happen overnight, but every small step counts. Join me as I offer practical advice on making each day count in your job search and career journey. Stay tuned for more insights, and don't forget to follow/subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. 

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

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What makes a Navy SEAL commander leave the battlefield to create a multimillion-dollar fitness empire? Join us on the Mid-Career GPS Podcast as we sit down with Alden Mills, a three-time Navy SEAL platoon commander, successful entrepreneur, and Inc. 500 CEO, who takes us through his extraordinary journey. Alden shares his transformation from leading elite military teams to launching Perfect Fitness, and how he later pivoted to become an inspiring speaker, author, and executive coach. His journey offers a treasure trove of insights on professional growth, leadership, and the inner battles faced even amidst business success.

Have you ever wondered how balancing selfishness and selflessness can lead to unparalleled service to others? Alden and I explore this delicate balance by diving into the concept of triangulation from SEAL training. We discuss the power of recognizing and honing your unique strengths to provide the most effective and fulfilling service. Alden's emphasis on focusing on strengths rather than weaknesses boosts self-worth and polishes innate talents, making them shine brighter. This conversation is a powerful reminder for listeners to embrace their gifts and apply them where they can make the most significant impact.

Navigating a mid-career transformation can be challenging, and Alden introduces the concept of the "outcome account" to help visualize future scenarios. We discuss the internal dialogue between the "whiner" and the "winner," particularly during pivotal moments. Highlighting common mistakes new leaders make, Alden underscores the importance of self-leadership and the necessity of listening to understand rather than assuming all the answers. This episode is packed with profound insights emphasizing how effective leadership starts with leading oneself and taking responsibility for one's decisions, setting the stage for an unstoppable career.

Connect with Alden Mills
Website | LinkedIn | Be Unstoppable

Support the show

Thank you for listening to The Mid-Career GPS Podcast.
Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.

Want me to review your LinkedIn profile?
Learn more here.

Visit https://johnneral.com to join The Mid-Career GPS Newsletter, a free, twice-weekly career and leadership resource for mid-career professionals.

Connect with John on LinkedIn here.
Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching.
Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.