Working Your Way

For years, Aaron Witwer worked in physical therapy, helping patients recover from injuries and chronic conditions. But the more he saw people arriving at treatment after years—sometimes decades—of neglecting their health due to systemic barriers, the more he realized that something had to change. Instead of working at the end of the healthcare journey, he wanted to move upstream, helping people access care before they reached a crisis point. That realization led him to health plan design, where he now works to build equitable, accessible, and preventive health solutions that actually serve employees.

In this episode, Aaron shares his career journey and how each step—whether in sports medicine, wellness coaching, or corporate health—was driven by a deep need for purpose and impact. He reflects on the moments that challenged him to question whether his work was truly meaningful, how he recognized when it was time to pivot, and what it took to align his career with his values. His story is a testament to taking an iterative, values-driven approach to your career and following the pull toward work that energizes and fulfills you.

Resources:

• Learn more at benengage.com
• Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn
• Watch: Atul Gawande: Want to get great at something? Get a coach | TED Talk
• Read Drive: The Surprising Truth about What Motivates Us by Daniel H. Pink
• Read: We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
• Episode 26. Being Flexible and Finding Fulfillment in Your Career with Justin Grant

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

Starting this month, I’m excited to introduce a new series called Tools to Work Your Way, where we’ll explore practical tools for self-discovery and career growth. These tools help you better understand yourself–your strengths, your ideal work style, and your needs–all so that you can work your way. From leadership development tools to more spiritual frameworks, these resources have been instrumental in my own personal growth journey. And I’m confident they’ll empower you to bring more of yourself to your work, too. 

Each episode will also feature a co-host, a friend, or a colleague who shares my passion for the tool. Together, we’ll discuss what these tools can teach you and how to apply them to your own career. Join us on the first Thursday of each month as we explore a new tool to help you work your way!

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

We’re excited to revisit an earlier episode featuring the incredible Jen Casimiro, Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Prophet, a leading growth and transformation consulting firm. With over a decade of experience in leadership development, Jen’s work centers on creating environments where people feel empowered, valued, and included.

In this episode, Jen reflects on her journey of navigating leadership through the lens of identity, shaped by her experiences as a woman of color. She shares candid stories about how her race and gender have informed her perspective, the feedback she’s received throughout her career, and the intentional steps she’s taken to shape her leadership style. Jen’s story is one of resilience, self-discovery, and the power of always moving forward—even in the face of adversity.

Resources:

• Connect with Jen Casimiro on LinkedIn
• HBR: How One Company Worked to Root Out Bias from Performance Reviews

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

Navigating the intersection of creativity and professional ambition can be complex, but Amanda ReCupido has turned challenges into creative opportunities throughout her career. In this episode of Working Your Way, Amanda shares her journey from corporate media to nonprofit arts and eventually to her current leadership role in a communications agency.

Amanda reveals how she integrates her passion for storytelling into everything she does. From writing and producing her own podcast to leading a team, Amanda shows that following your intuition and listening to your inner voice can lead to remarkable outcomes. This episode is a must-listen if you’ve ever struggled to balance your self-expression with your professional life.

Resources:

• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn
• Read The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
• Episode 50. Behind the Scenes of Working Your Way | Celebrating One Year
• Episode 47. Should I take a career break or sabbatical? Part 2 | Career Questions
• Episode 20. How do I find my Enneagram type? | Career Questions
• Episode 21. How can I develop my emotional intelligence with the Enneagram? | Career Questions
• Episode 07. Using Your Values to Guide Your Career with Antonio Garcia

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

We’re excited to revisit our conversation with Cat Coffrin, brand strategist and founder of Captivating Consulting, as part of our Career Questions series. In this episode, we dive deep into the essence of personal branding—not as a tool for crafting a marketable persona, but as a journey toward greater self-awareness and well-being at work.

Together, Cat and I explore why it's so difficult to stay connected to ourselves in today’s workplace. From the pressures that cloud our sense of self to the steps we can take to reconnect with our intrinsic values and talents, this episode is full of strategies and insights to help you align who you are with the work you do.

If you missed this conversation the first time—or if you’re ready for a refresher—you’ll walk away with actionable reflection prompts and a clearer understanding of how to articulate your unique value. Grab your notebook, and let’s dive back in to explore the power of personal branding!

Resources:

• Learn more about Cat’s work at captivatingco.com
• Connect with Cat on LinkedIn
• Read Cat’s Blog
• Listen to the Working Your Way Enneagram series:
• 20. How do I find my Enneagram type? | Career Questions
• 21. How can I develop my emotional intelligence with the Enneagram? | Career Questions
• Reflected Best Self Exercise
• CliftonStrengths Online Talent Assessment

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

Finding your way often means embracing the unexpected. Paul Tadalan, founder of Hiraya Training House, knows this better than most. From his service in the Air Force to careers in journalism, marketing, and now fitness, Paul’s varied career path highlights the power of resilience and the importance of creating spaces where people truly belong.

In our conversation, Paul opens up about the pivotal moments that have shaped him, from processing trauma and finding self-compassion to building a business that reflects his values. We dive into his journey of self-discovery, the lessons he’s learned about resilience and community, and how empathy drives his approach to leadership. If you’ve ever felt the pull to create something meaningful or wondered how to weave your life experiences into your work, this episode will inspire you to look inward and lead with authenticity.

Resources:

• Learn more at hirayatraininghouse.com
• Follow Guest on Instagram: @coach_paul_t
• Episode 12. Using Your Voice and Challenging the Norms with Tiffany Welton

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

What happens when you take a leap of faith, embrace vulnerability, and commit to truly knowing yourself? This week on Working Your Way, I’m back with a solo episode, reflecting on what this journey has taught me—and what’s next.

From the highs of taking a career leap to the challenges of personal transformation, I’m sharing insights into the power of self-discovery, the lessons I’ve learned from my work with teams, and the deeper inner work that’s shaped my understanding of success and authenticity. This year, I’m turning inward and focusing on connecting with my own truth before seeking validation or feedback from others.

Whether you’re navigating your own journey of growth or just curious about what it means to lead with authenticity, this episode offers my personal reflections and some practical takeaways to inspire your next steps.

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

We’re revisiting a conversation with the inspiring Jen Thompson, Chief Brand Officer at Japonesque, whose innovative approach is transforming the beauty and wellness industry. With a career spanning cutting-edge technology and groundbreaking product categories, Jen’s story offers a powerful exploration of what it means to find balance between ambition and authenticity.

In this episode, Jen reflects on her journey from identifying solely as a careerist to reevaluating her priorities and aligning her professional aspirations with her personal values. She shares invaluable lessons on staying true to yourself in high-pressure environments, advocating for what matters most, and mastering the art of impactful communication in leadership.

Join us as we revisit Jen’s transformative story and the profound insights she offers on crafting a career and life that feel true to who you are.

Resources:

• Connect with Jen Thompson on LinkedIn
• Learn more about Japonesque
• Enneagram Resources: Any of these would be a good starting point for self-exploration!
• Self At Work Guide: Discovering Your Enneagram Type
• Book Recommendations: The Essential Enneagram or Discovering Your Personality Type 

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

Do you recharge best in solitude, or does a lively crowd bring you to life? Understanding whether you lean toward introversion or extroversion can shape how you approach work, relationships, and even self-care. In this episode, we’re wrapping up the “Let’s Talk About Labels” series by exploring one of the most talked-about personality labels: Are you an extrovert or an introvert?

Join me and my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, as we unpack what it really means to be an extrovert or introvert in today’s world. We dive into common misconceptions about these labels, examining how each style processes energy and engages in social environments. Together, we discuss our own experiences, share insights from our audience, and reflect on how cultural, environmental, and even personal factors shape our social tendencies.

Through real-life examples and listener voice notes, we consider how workplaces can support both introverts and extroverts, creating environments that value and utilize everyone’s unique strengths. Whether you’re recharging by yourself or thrive in the energy of a crowd, this episode will leave you with a fresh perspective on your own social style and how it shows up in your career and daily life.

Resources:

• Connect with Arden on LinkedIn

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA

Success isn’t always about following the expected path—it’s about finding your people, trusting your journey, and staying true to your values. In this episode, Patricia Alvarez, VP of Sales & Strategy at a cocktail startup company, shares her inspiring career journey, from her roots in a family business to making her mark in corporate spaces and beyond.

We explore how the power of connection has shaped Patricia’s career and helped her navigate challenges like proving her worth as an underdog, redefining success on her own terms, and staying grounded in her values even in high-pressure environments. Patricia opens up about the importance of building authentic connections, challenging norms and expectations, and crafting a path that works for you—not the one others expect you to follow.

Whether you’re looking to strengthen your professional connections, break free from traditional molds, or create a career that aligns with your values, this episode is full of actionable insights and inspiration to help you chart your unique path.

Resources:

• Connect with Patricia on LinkedIn
• Listen: Episode 24. How do I define my personal brand? | Career Questions
• Read: How to Not Die Alone by Logan Ury

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA