After spending over 20 years in prison, Stacy Dismang Wright walked out with more than a second chance—she walked out with purpose.

In this raw and powerful conversation, Stacy shares how her journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery led her to a new calling: helping others break the same destructive cycles she once lived in. Now a peer specialist at Lane Change, a no-cost recovery center in Missouri, Stacy is proof that long-term recovery is possible—and that transformation doesn’t stop with one person.

From panic attacks in the living room to mentoring clients facing their own battles, Stacy’s story is full of grit, grace, and redemption. You’ll hear how the On-the-Job Training program through workforce development played a vital role in her transition, and how her work is now changing lives every single day.

If you’ve ever wondered whether people really change—this episode is your answer.

Links in This Episode:

Work-Based Learning

Lane Change

Ready to switch careers but lack experience? In this episode, Sundi Jo shares a smarter strategy than applying to 100 jobs: building authentic connections through informational interviews.

Learn how to identify target companies, reach out the right way, and land real opportunities—even without a perfect résumé.

Links in Today’s Episode: ⁠

Episode 27: How to Upgrade Your LinkedIn Profile to Get the Job You Want

Hunter.io for email research

Work-Based Learning

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711.

Do we ever ask ourselves this question? “What was I born to do?” We talk about finding our why a lot on this podcast, which fits into the question, “What was I born to do?” In order to answer that question, we need to assess our lives, our careers, etc, a bit deeper. I always love a good assessment. 

In Ken’s new book, Find the Work You're Wired to Do, he helps you get to the heart of who you are and how you’re wired. 

Once you have a clear picture of the type of work you do best, Ken will show you how to use your results to get specific in your job search, grow in your career, and make more money doing work you enjoy.

Sundi Jo took the assessment herself and we’ll dive into it a little bit together in this episode. 

We're excited to have him back on The Workforce Link today, so let’s get to it. Here’s Sundi Jo's interview with Ken Coleman on how to find the work you’re wired to do.

Links in Today’s Episode:

Get Clear Career Assessment
Find the Work You’re Wired to Do Book
Ken Coleman Website
Central Region Job Centers

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711.

A couple of episodes ago, we reviewed an article from Asana on how to overcome imposter syndrome in the workplace. See the link below.

We discussed the characteristics of imposter syndrome, the 5 types, and the 9 ways to overcome it.

In this episode we'll focus on another part of the article - the six ways managers can prevent imposter syndrome.

If you manage a team, you want to support them and reduce the chances of experiencing imposter syndrome. 

How to Overcome Imposter Syndrome on the Job
Imposter Syndrome Asana Article
Central Region Job Centers
5 Ways to Find a Mentor

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711.

In a world full of chaos, it can be really hard to keep a positive mindset in our lives and our jobs. We’re surrounded by constant negativity - when you turn the tv on, the radio, etc. And the habits we create determine our moods, too. 

Have you ever wondered how to truly connect with people from different backgrounds?  What if the key to unlocking greater self-awareness and better relationships lies in understanding the cultures that shape us? 

We’re going to explore the concepts of cultural intelligence with author Loren Rosario-Maldonado. 

In her latest book, Becoming the Change: The Power of Cultural Intelligence, Loren explores how embracing cultural intelligence can lead to self-discovery. Drawing from her multicultural experiences and extensive research, she offers a unique and insightful perspective on how cultural intelligence can unlock personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.

Links in Today’s Episode:

Loren’s Website
Becoming the Change book
Employer Services
Central Region Job Centers

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. 

Imposter Syndrome
State Fair Community College CDL Training
Episode 03: Understanding Soft Skills
Episode 06: Understanding Hard Skills
Episode 46: 5 Ways to Find a Mentor
Central Region Job Centers

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Ell at 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Ell 573-426-6030 ext 2. 

Welcome to a Workforce Link Classics episode, where we talk with Becki Duncan on the importance of leading well vs. managing, why our words matter, and why it's important to have fun on the job, no matter what role you're in. 

Becki has served in higher management in the restaurant industry for over 20 years. She is passionate about ensuring her team members know they matter despite their downfalls. She leads with compassion and a sense of humor, which makes her stand out in the service industry.

Links noted in today’s episode:

Tooty Mae Woolley
How to Find Your Why
Employer Youth Program

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Ell at 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Ell 573-426-6030 ext 2. 

The traditional norms of loyalty in the workplace are rapidly evolving. The uncertainty of job security often leaves us grappling with emotions when faced with unexpected layoffs or job loss. It's a painful experience that can leave us feeling wounded and adrift, prompting two common reactions: anger and resentment towards the company or just allowing ourselves to go numb.

Emotional wounds from job loss demand attention and healing. However, the urgency of our financial responsibilities often pushes us to suppress our pain and quickly seek new opportunities. But how do we navigate this tumultuous period?

In today’s episode, we will explore the emotional landscape of unemployment and strategies for navigating these challenging times. 

Links in Today’s Episode:

Elevating Your Career Through the Power of Networking
Six Resume Mistakes You Must Stop Making Today
Boone Health Training Program
Central Region Job Centers

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Ell at 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Ell 573-426-6030 ext 2. 

Today’s guest, Eugina Jordan, is a trailblazing female executive and immigrant who epitomizes resilience and servant leadership. From starting her telecom career as a secretary to becoming Chief Marketing Officer at Telecom Infra Project (TIP), Eugina's journey is nothing short of inspiring. 

Something that Eugena mentioned several times in our interview was the importance of knowing that we as women, deserve a seat at the table. We got more vulnerable in this conversation than I (Sundi Jo) was expecting, but I loved every minute of it. 

As a single mom determined to carve out the American dream for herself and her son, Eugina's story resonates deeply with those striving to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential. Join us as we explore Eugina's path, her insights into resilient leadership, and her passion for empowering women, immigrants, and underprivileged communities to break barriers and achieve their own American dreams.

Links in Today’s Episode:

Eugina Jordan’s Website
UNLIMITED: The Seventeen Proven Laws for Success in a Workplace Not Designed for You
Multipliers, Revised and Updated: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter
Employer Services
Employer Services
Finding Your Why

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Ell at 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Ell 573-426-6030 ext 2. 

Ah, Fridays—a day that often screams, "Freedom! Time to unwind!" But for many job seekers, it's a constant battle between taking a break and feeling guilty about not hustling for that dream job. Sometimes, we need to take a breather from the relentless job search grind. I want to spend a few minutes in today’s episode dissecting this a little. 

When you’re in the midst of a job search, you can quickly get yourself into a recurring pattern: feeling guilty for not doing enough. And if you dare think about taking a break, that pesky negative self-talk creeps in. “You should be searching. You should be hustling. Don’t even think about having fun.” 

But here’s a question: Wouldn’t you rather go into your job search refreshed and rejuvenated? If you answer yes, I’m officially giving you permission to take Fridays off from job hunting. 

It’s crucial to grant yourself permission to unwind without guilt. That nagging voice? It steals away the joy of relaxation and rejuvenation. It's toxic, my friend, and it needs to go.

So, what's the remedy? Well, instead of poring over job listings or tweaking resumes on Fridays, let's hit the pause button on the job search grind and hit play on life!

Links in Today’s Episode:

Central Region Job Centers

Central Workforce Development Board, Inc. and COPIC are equal-opportunity employers/programs. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Missouri Relay Services at 711. If needed, call M. Korin Ell at 573-426-6030 ext. 2 for assistance in the translation and understanding of the information in the document(s) you have received. Si necesita asistencia para traducir y entender la información contenida en el documento(s) que recibió, llame al M. Korin Ell 573-426-6030 ext 2.