The Unstuck Career
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The Unstuck Career episodes

  • Making the Decision Right: Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Your Career

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    This week on Unstuck Career, we tackle the paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” decision—a mindset that leads so many smart professionals into analysis paralysis and a life they never truly chose. I share the all-too-relatable ice cream saga (yes, Chocoholic Chunk is still the star!), showing how second-guessing, detours, and even dead ends aren’t proof that you made a bad choice—they’re just part of the journey.

    You’ll learn why chasing perfect certainty is an illusion, and how treating every choice as “right” can liberate you from the anxiety of predicting the future. We get real about what actually happens when you decide to make a change, whether it’s in your job or your daily routine: when plans go sideways, it isn’t failure—it’s just an opportunity to reroute, learn, and keep moving forward.

    If you’re ready to ditch the overthinking and finally make decisions with confidence, this episode will show you how to adjust on the fly—no matter what life throws your way. Want extra support as you make your next move? Let’s talk! Get all the details and book time with me at kenwilliamscoaching.com, or check the link in the show notes.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    7 min
  • Redefining Possibility: Overcoming Trauma and Building Forward Ep. 269

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    This week, we're joined by Michael, whose journey is a masterclass in perseverance through radical change. From life on submarines and a dream engineering career to surviving a ruptured brain AVM that wiped out most of his memory, Michael’s story will grab you from the first minute. He opens up about what it’s really like to relearn everything—walking, thinking, and even basic daily activities—after a life-changing event, and how he learned to let go of what he lost so he could explore new possibilities instead of settling for less.

    You’ll hear how Michael copes with daily disabilities and reshaped his expectations for himself, from rebuilding his life in California and Arizona to creating custom journals designed to help others face sudden disability and trauma head-on. He shares the honest realities of PTSD, systemic hurdles like ableism, and why he’s determined to give people tools that didn’t exist when he was going through the hardest seasons. Our conversation covers how to start over, set new goals, and stay creative—whether you’re running into life’s big walls or just feeling stuck in your routine.

    If you want to see how optionless moments can birth new hope—and how you can apply this mindset to your own challenges—this episode is for you. Ready to connect or check out Michael’s journals? Visit MFoglietta.com

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    42 min
  • Finding the Courage to Quit: Overcoming Fear and Taking the First Step

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    This week, we’re tackling one of the scariest—yet most liberating—moves you’ll ever make in your career: finding the courage to quit when you know it’s time. Are you living with that nagging voice that says, “Something has got to change”? I open up about my own struggles with the decision to leave a job that no longer fit, sharing what it really felt like to write my resignation, confront my boss, and walk away from a place I’d invested years into.

    We unpack the myth of fear, from “False Evidence Appearing Real” to the hidden origins of most of our anxieties about change and difficult conversations. You’ll hear stories about handling a tough boss, the surprising power of taking that messy first step, and why the dread you feel before a leap is almost never as real as your brain tells you. If quitting, starting fresh, or even having that uncomfortable conversation is on your mind, you’ll find both practical wisdom and a jolt of courage here.

    Ready to cut through the flimsy layer of fear and become truly unstoppable? Listen now, and let’s get you unstuck. Want more hands-on support? Visit kenwilliamscoaching.com to connect!

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    9 min
  • Finding Purpose Beyond the Nine to Five: The Forward Kind Story

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    What if you could keep your 9-to-5 and still build something deeply meaningful on the side? In this episode, I sit down with Mateo Platsidakis, the founder of The Forward Kind, to talk about what it means to chase “more” out of life without blowing up everything you already have. Mateo’s story is one so many of us can relate to—a job he enjoys, but a sense that something important was missing, leading him to launch a brand built on mental health awareness, resilience, and community.

    We dig into the power of side projects to not just fill the gaps in our lives, but to make us better—not only at work, but as people. Mateo’s journey shows how giving ourselves permission to pursue that “something more” can actually help us flourish in unexpected ways. We get real about grief, change, and why kindness (to ourselves and others) is absolutely non-negotiable if you want to keep moving forward through hard times.

    If you’re looking for a reason to bet on your own “what if,” or just need a reminder that you’re not alone when things feel heavy—you don’t want to miss this conversation. Click over to theforwardkind.com or follow @theforwardkind on Instagram to join Mateo’s movement, grab some gear, or just see what real connection can look like.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    45 min
  • Why Playing It Safe at Work Is the Riskiest Career Move

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    This week, we challenge one of the biggest myths out there—the idea that a traditional job is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If I just made more money, then I’d finally feel safe”? I unpack why that sense of security you’re searching for will never come from your job title, paychecks, or even the size of your bank account.

    We’ll explore real stories and insights from a recent coaching call that illustrate how chasing external safety is a moving target—no matter how much you earn or what your circumstances look like, there’s always a new worry waiting around the corner. Instead, the real key is learning to trust yourself. I break down actionable ways you can start building genuine confidence and a sense of safety that comes from within, rather than hinging your peace of mind on an employer or career status.

    If you’re tired of letting your sense of security depend on someone else’s decisions, this episode will give you the mindset shift you need. Let’s dig into why “playing it safe” is actually the riskiest thing you can do—and what to focus on if you want to create a career and life you can truly trust. Want to connect or get personal support? Head to kenwilliamscoaching.com for more info.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    7 min
  • When a Layoff Opens the Door: Making Peace with Change

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    This week, I sit down with Shruti, a fellow coach, to explore what really happens when you're handed an unexpected chance at a fresh start. Shruti opens up about her abrupt transition from IT operations—13 years strong—to making coaching her full-time pursuit after getting laid off. She shares the vulnerable truth about ignoring her mental health for over a decade, the stigma she faced around therapy in the workplace, and the powerful moment she realized being let go might just be the freedom she always wanted.

    We dig into how personal losses, especially the pain of pregnancy loss, shaped Shruti’s calling and led her to build a business focused on supporting bereaved mothers. You'll hear honest discussion about battling “the template life” that society pushes, the unexpected sense of relief from job rejections, and why trusting yourself—rather than the false security of a steady paycheck—is the only real safety net.

    Looking for hope after a layoff, or curious about building a career that actually honors your experiences? Shruti’s story offers both practical steps and inspiration for anyone ready to move beyond burnout and start creating work that matters. Connect with Shruti on TikTok, Instagram, or LinkedIn, and check out her complimentary breakthrough session—she’ll even let you vent, no pressure. 

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    34 min
  • Breaking Free from Career Confusion: Trust Yourself and Move Forward

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    Feeling lost or uncertain in your professional life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Unstuck Career, Ken Williams explores the concept of “career confusion”—that nagging realization that your current path might not be what you truly want. Drawing from his own winding journey through roles in sales, HR, and sixteen years at FedEx, Ken Williams shares personal stories and honest conversations about how easy it is to find your career ladder propped against the wrong wall. If you’re tired of settling and ready to pivot toward a more fulfilling direction, tune in as Ken Williams reveals two practical steps for rediscovering what you really want and building momentum toward the work—and the life—you love.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    8 min
  • Career Reset: Creating Success on Your Own Terms

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    This week, I’m joined once again by Dave, whose leap from a high-powered executive role to founder of his own watch brand is nothing short of inspiring. Ever wonder what it’s like to step away from the “security” of corporate life—migraines and all—to chase a dream you never put on the front burner? Dave takes us inside his journey, from anxiety-ridden 4am wakeups and endless interview loops to the moment he went all in on LT, his creative outlet-turned-full-time business.

    You’ll hear how a string of rejections and a worn-out job market led Dave to embrace the unpredictability (and vulnerability) of entrepreneurship—facing doubts, finding community, and finally putting himself in front of the camera on TikTok. The result? An unexpected surge in both business and joy, not just for Dave but for his whole family. We talk building something you can pass down, reframing failure, and the power of community to lift you out of cynicism and fear.

    If you’re stuck waiting for the “right time” to try something new, this episode is for you. Tune in for a raw, practical look at how one small shift—like showing up online or inviting your kid to help pack orders—can spark the momentum you’ve been craving. Want to see what Dave’s up to? Find him on TikTok at Lotrain Watches or check out his stunning timepieces at https://la-touraine.com/ If you’re ready for your own next step, head to kenwilliamscoaching.com to connect.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    40 min
  • Overcoming the Too Late Myth in Your Career

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    In today’s episode, we’re tackling a question many wrestle with: Is it too late to make a change? After decades in corporate jobs, I faced this same crossroad myself and discovered it’s never too late to pursue work that aligns with your true goals. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, age and shifting economic landscapes don’t have to hold you back. Today, I’ll debunk common myths about timing and opportunity, share stories and actionable steps, and remind you—the best time to start is now. Let’s get to work.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    7 min
  • Turning the Odds Stacked Against You Into Success

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    This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Drew, a hot sauce entrepreneur whose inspiring journey is anything but ordinary. You might have seen him on the Kelly Clarkson Show or blowing up on TikTok, but what you haven’t heard is how a school project and a “bad grade” launched a multi-thousand-bottle business—all started to prove a point, and powered by Drew’s mission to support people with disabilities.

    If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from a so-called “crappy job” or doubted what’s possible for yourself, Drew’s story is going to be a reset. We dig into how he navigated the unique challenges of building his company as a wheelchair user, why he pivoted from his edgy, self-deprecating “Crippling Drew” brand to the more inclusive “Stacked” hot sauce, and what it truly means to chase goals that are more meaningful than financial success. Drew also shares the power of setting realistic, stepping-stone dreams and why he believes in starting your dream—no matter your circumstances or what others think.

    Whether you’re curious about adaptive entrepreneurship, looking for a spark of motivation, or just love a great hot sauce origin story, this episode is for you. For more of Drew’s journey or to support his mission, check out StackSauces.com and TheLimitlessFoundation.org, and follow “Crippling Drew” on all social platforms.

    If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

    35 min

About The Unstuck Career

From the publisher's feed

The Unstuck Career is hosted by Ken Williams, an entrepreneur who made a bold career shift at age 55 after spending 16 years in the same job. Now building his own business, Ken is on a…

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