How do you actually stand out in today’s hiring landscape? Learn why visibility, ethics, and strategy matter more than ever.

In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, I’m joined by Teegan Bartos, Founder & CEO of Jolt Your Career and creator of "Thought Leadership for Corporate Types." Teegan brings her signature no-nonsense Chicago style to unpack what really works in modern job searches.

We explore her journey from workforce development to launching her own business, why she walked away from traditional recruiting, and how she’s redefining ethical hiring practices. Teegan and I also dive into resume scanning tools like Jobscan and Teal, automated job applications (spoiler alert: ick), navigating board interviews, and the truth about what hiring managers actually care about.

If you’re tired of job search advice that feels outdated or impersonal, this is the episode for you.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:26 Meet Teegan Bartos 02:07 From workforce development to ethical recruiting 04:39 The 3 verticals of Jolt Your Career 08:02 Why working with hiring managers matters 13:37 The truth about resume scanning tools 18:36 Should you use auto-apply tech? 21:51 How recruiters and hiring systems really work 26:54 Board interviews and strategic storytelling 30:36 Aligning values with hiring decisions

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Teegan Bartos 🌐 Jolt Your Career → https://www.joltyourcareer.today/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/teeganbartos/ 📺 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/c/joltyourcareerwithteeganbartos 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/joltyourcareer/ 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/joltyourcareerwithteeganbartos/ 💼 Work with Teegan → https://www.joltyourcareer.today/work-with-me

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

From new manager pitfalls to mastering people skills, this episode is packed with truth and tools for leadership success.

Are we setting new managers up to fail? In this conversation with Eric Girard, Principal Learning Consultant and CEO of Girard Training Solutions, we dig into why so many companies promote people based on technical skills—then leave them stranded with no real leadership training. Eric shares stories from his own rocky leadership start, insights from his book Lead Like a Pro, and actionable strategies to help both new and seasoned managers thrive.

We explore the nuances of coaching, coalition building vs. consensus building, and how asking good questions (not showing flashy slides) is key to landing clients and building trust. If you’re in leadership, want to be, or are coaching others who are, this is a must-watch.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:21 Why woo-woo leadership training gave Eric the willies 04:00 What UN peacemaking taught him about managing conflict 06:50 Consensus vs. coalition building in corporate life 10:06 How Eric handled a high-stakes client pitch without a slide deck 13:00 The wrong (and right) way to promote new managers 16:20 What makes someone truly ready for leadership 20:30 Eric’s personal leadership failure—and how he recovered 24:00 Signs it’s time to walk away from a toxic job 27:40 The power of coaching for new managers 30:10 Why customizing leadership training should never be free

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Eric Girard 🌐 Girard Training Solutions → http://www.girardtrainingsolutions.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericpgirard/ 📲 Follow Eric on Social Media: YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@GTS_Seattle Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/people/Girard-Training-Solutions/61555550008035/ Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/eric.p.girard/?hl=en

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Ditch the forms. Embrace your story. Learn why your career narrative matters more than ever.

What separates a good resume from a great one? In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana sits down with Virginia Franco, founder of Virginia Franco Resumes and a leader in the resume writing world, to unpack what makes compelling career collateral and why storytelling is the real game-changer.

Virginia shares how her unique background in journalism and social work helps her extract powerful stories from clients, why she refuses to use forms, and the real difference between a $250 resume and a $2,000 one. You'll also hear how she built a thriving business that supports her lifestyle — including how she took six weeks off each summer and still stayed booked out.

If you're thinking about a career pivot, launching your own service-based business, or just want to better understand how to market yourself, this episode is packed with gold.

⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Meet Virginia Franco 02:45 How journalism and social work shaped her resume writing superpowers 04:08 Why Virginia never uses intake forms 06:04 The origin of her resume writing business 09:07 Pricing her first clients — and how that evolved 13:48 Building a business around her lifestyle (and taking summers off!) 18:04 What sets premium resume services apart from low-cost options 23:03 Career storytelling and strategic pivots 24:27 How people read resumes — and why that matters

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Virginia Franco 🌐 Virginia Franco Resumes → https://www.virginiafrancoresumes.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/virginiafrancoresumewriter/ 📲 Follow Virginia on Social Media: YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@resumestoryteller Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/VirginiaFrancoResume/ X (Twitter) → https://x.com/VAFrancoResumesInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/vafrancoresumes/

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

In this candid and empowering episode of Work Should Feel Good, I’m joined by Liz Wilcox, keynote speaker and queen of email marketing, to talk about building a business that genuinely works for your life—even when the path looks unconventional. Liz shares her deeply personal journey from teacher to RV blogger to email marketing powerhouse, all through the lens of doing what feels right, not what’s expected.

We talk about radical self-love (like giving yourself permission to pee), her $9/month email membership that changed the game, and how identifying what lights you up can pave the way for purpose-filled work. Liz’s approach to business is refreshingly authentic, strategic, and sustainable—and she’ll inspire you to find and follow your own version of "work that feels good."

⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Liz’s journey from teacher to entrepreneur 03:30 Letting go of the parts that no longer feel good 06:10 Why email marketing clicked—and how she went all in 08:35 Saying YES to yourself (even when it’s just going to pee!) 13:00 Creating boundaries with intention 16:00 The genius of blending short + deep content 18:00 Building her $9 membership model 21:40 The confidence it takes to go your own way 23:30 Work that feels good = confidence + effort 25:00 Why gratitude amplifies hope

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Liz Wilcox 🌐 Website → http://lizwilcox.com🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-wilcox-58740b1b0/ 🎥 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@thelizwilcox 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/groups/emailmarketingwithliz 🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/thelizwilcox88?lang=en 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thelizwilcox/ 💌 Email Marketing Membership → https://lizwilcox.thrivecart.com/email-marketing-membership

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Burned out by your career path? Stuck in survival mode? You can reinvent yourself and this episode shows you how.

Kelly Greene shares her incredible journey from attorney to psychotherapist and holistic health coach, opening up about resilience, burnout, autoimmune illness, and what it really means to heal from the inside out.

In this inspiring conversation, Kelly and I talk about the turning points in her life that led her to walk away from a career in law, how her personal health challenges sparked a radical transformation, and the power of listening to your body and rewriting your identity. We also dive into her time at Harvard, her views on trauma-informed healing, and her practical tips for cultivating resilience, without burning yourself out in the process.

Whether you're navigating a career change, dealing with chronic stress, or searching for deeper purpose in your work, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:04 Meet Kelly Greene – from attorney to resilience coach 04:48 Therapy licensure vs. law licensure – what’s harder? 06:31 Career pivots: makeup artistry, law, psychology 10:01 Burning it down – letting go of what no longer fits 13:57 Healing the body by healing the mind 17:55 Living in alignment & tracking emotional signals 20:01 Kelly’s path to Harvard & why it mattered 24:19 What holistic resilience really means 27:05 On motherhood, trauma recovery & purpose 30:42 Final thoughts on work, identity & reinvention

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Kelly Greene 🌐 Center for Holistic Resilience → http://www.holisticresilience.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kellygreene-holisticresilience/ 📺 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLtyWqV8l07zvjpU08sDWuBFMNl40yVamV 📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/kellygreene.holisticresilience 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/kellygreene.me/

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

What happens when a tech-savvy history buff turns his curiosity into a thriving data consultancy? Find out in this energizing episode!

Matthew Copple, CEO of Grand River Analytics, joins Diana Alt to share his winding journey from military service to tech leadership, exploring how curiosity, history, and data all converge in meaningful, human ways. In this deep dive, you'll hear how Matt evolved from sorting mail in the Army to building a mission-driven data consultancy and what he sees coming next for software engineers in an AI-infused world.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to build a values-driven business, overcome fear of math, or pivot careers without a linear path, this episode is for you.

⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:15 From childhood curiosity to Civil War obsession 06:30 How history ties into working with data 10:00 Matt’s military experience and what he learned 14:20 From Lotus macros to Y2K rejections 19:30 Getting into software without a computer science degree 22:50 Using AI tools like GitHub Copilot as a developer 25:45 How AI is reshaping engineering work 27:15 What it means for junior developers in a changing tech world 30:40 The importance of curiosity and self-teaching in tech careers

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Matthew Copple 🌐 Grand River Analytics → https://grandriveranalytics.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcopple 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/matthewcopple?lang=en

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Discover how ADHD can become your superpower in the job search and career growth journey.

What happens when a mid-career professional learns he has ADHD at 52 and realizes it's been his brilliance all along? In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana Alt is joined by David Hannan of Pathfinder Coaching for a deeply personal and eye-opening conversation about navigating the job market with ADHD.

David shares his journey from the Royal Air Force to recruiting and eventually coaching, all while uncovering how undiagnosed ADHD shaped his path. You'll hear about his late diagnosis, how ADHD affects job search motivation, the unique challenges neurodivergent professionals face, and how David now uses his insights to coach others in a way that works with their brains, not against them.

Whether you're neurodivergent yourself, work with someone who is, or simply want to approach career growth with more compassion and strategy, this episode is packed with takeaways.

⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 David's ADHD journey and Royal Air Force experience 07:34 Pivoting into coaching after burnout 10:30 The ADHD assessment process 17:52 How ADHD shows up as a superpower in recruiting 24:00 Job search strategies that work for neurodivergent brains 29:48 Understanding dopamine, motivation, and task management 35:12 Tips for coaches and managers working with ADHD clients or teams

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with David Hannan 🌐 Pathfinder Coaching → https://www.pathfinder.coach/🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkhannan/

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Navigating government job changes? This episode is packed with insights to help federal employees (and beyond) make smooth, empowered transitions in uncertain times.

In this conversation, Michael Greco, project manager by day, career coach by night, joins Diana to discuss how his own pivots between industries (edtech, healthcare, federal contracting) prepared him to help others take control of their career journeys. From election judging to musical theater, Michael shares how real-world experiences inform his client coaching. You'll hear about his decision to go full-time with a consulting firm supporting the VA, how a sweeping contract cut left hundreds jobless overnight, and the critical mindset and tools needed to recover with confidence.

Whether you're a federal employee caught in restructuring or a professional contemplating your next step, this episode offers both perspective and actionable strategy.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:25 Michael’s background in musical theater and public service 06:20 Working as an election judge: what he learned 10:45 Scariest pivot: moving from edtech to federal consulting 14:00 Navigating full-time vs. contractor roles 20:55 Getting laid off overnight: the VA contract cuts 25:15 Emotional fallout, COBRA stress, and quick recovery 28:10 Michael’s client-first mindset during chaos 30:00 Tips for federal employees planning their next career move

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Michael Greco 🌐 Greco Career Consulting → https://www.grecocareerconsulting.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelvgreco 📲 Follow Michael on Social Media: Facebook → http://facebook.com/p/Greco-Career-Consulting-LLC-61550242446152/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@michaelgreco?_t=8jtuzxl1zy3&_r=1 Instagram (personal) → https://www.instagram.com/michaelgreco1995/ Instagram (business) → https://www.instagram.com/greco_career_consulting/

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Feeling stuck in your career? Learn how to use design thinking to unlock your next move!

Ever wonder how some people seem to navigate career transitions with clarity while others feel lost in a fog of indecision? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Oishi, Ph.D., Senior Product Manager at Indeed and design thinking educator, to explore how to apply the principles of design thinking to your own life and work.

We unpack why so many people lack intentionality in their careers, how fear holds us back from making change, and the difference between drifting and making empowered decisions. Lindsay shares stories from her time at Stanford, how her research influenced the best-selling book Designing Your Life, and why reframing your problems can lead to unexpected solutions.

Whether you’re craving more autonomy, looking for clarity in the chaos, or just tired of feeling like your job is happening to you, this conversation is your next right step.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:00 Meet Lindsay Oishi 02:15 Why people aren’t intentional about their careers 06:05 Intentional vs. accidental career moves 13:09 How fear and drifting affect decision-making 16:10 What is design thinking (and why it matters)? 22:12 Applying design thinking to your career 25:50 Lindsay’s research on the “Designing Your Life” course 29:30 Building emotional resilience and career agency 34:00 Toolkit mindset: design thinking and beyond 38:15 How Diana and Lindsay use their strengths in coaching

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Lindsay Oishi 🌐 Lindsay’s Website → https://www.lindsayoishi.com🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsayoishi 📲 Follow Lindsay on Social Media: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/secretservicecat/?hl=en

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

From marketing director to hometown business owner, how one bold pivot created purpose, connection, and community.

After 13 years in digital marketing, Matt Griffin made a massive life change. In this episode, he shares how he left agency life behind to co-found Hometown Sports Gear, a locally owned sporting goods store in Gardner, Kansas, with his wife and father-in-law. Learn how he navigated burnout, found clarity during a Jeep ride in Colorado, and built a business rooted in community and passion. Matt opens up about the emotional turning point that sparked his career pivot, what it’s really like working with family, and why "small but mighty" is more than just a motto.

Whether you're facing your own crossroads or curious about entrepreneurship outside of the corporate mold, this episode offers inspiration and insights for taking meaningful action.

⏳ Timestamps: 01:03 Why sporting goods? The origin story of Hometown Sports Gear 02:33 The beer spa brainstorm and community need discovery 04:46 Realizing the need for a career pivot 05:23 When stress started spilling into home life 07:21 From agency burnout to family business inspiration 08:09 Why Matt took action quickly instead of waiting 09:18 Building the business with complementary family skills 10:39 Leveraging experience from Kmart, Kroger, and the library 11:29 Engaging their teenage sons in the business 12:42 Learning to “stay in your lane” with family partners 14:06 What Matt does (and doesn’t) miss about agency life 15:25 Delivering a personal touch (like hand-delivering a soccer ball!) 16:21 When “we’re like family” actually works in business 17:24 Team size, hiring dreams, and support from the community 18:53 Partnering with local creatives and contractors 20:35 Diana’s own branding story with a student designer

💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com 💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Matt Griffin 🌐 Hometown Sports Gear → https://www.hometownsportsgear.com/ 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcgriffin 📲 Follow Matt on Social Media: Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/hometownsportsgear Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/hometownsportsgear/

📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt