Navigating the complex world of financial independence can be daunting, but Sarah Charles has found her calling in making it accessible and empowering for others. In this episode, we dive deep into Sarah’s career journey, from her early days in public relations to her transition into wealth management and her decision to launch Sanctuary Financial Planning with her husband.

Sarah candidly shares her personal experiences, including financial missteps and lessons learned through her divorce, and how these challenges shaped her professional purpose. She highlights the importance of transparency, understanding client needs, and making financial planning accessible, especially for women. Sarah’s journey is a testament to how we can turn our experiences–even the difficult ones–into opportunities to create positive change.

Resources:

• Sarah’s website: sanctuaryfinancialplanning.com
• Watch: Sarah K Charles' Fearless Fire Speech
• Watch: The Pursuit Of Belonging - Sandhya Sudhakar's Fearless Fire Speech
• Episode 08. Being Bold & Creating Belonging with Eduardo Placer
• Episode 16. Independent work or self-employment: Is it right for me? | Career Questions
• Episode 26. Being Flexible and Finding Fulfillment in Your Career with Justin Grant
• Episode 42. How does my past affect my work habits? | Career Questions

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Change is inevitable, both in our personal lives and in the workplace. But when change is poorly managed, it can lead to chaos, frustration, and disengagement. In this episode of Working Your Way, Kara Kirby joins me to dive into the complexities of navigating change at work.

Whether it’s a reorganization, leadership shift, or company merger, Kara and I share our insights on the small and big changes that can trip us up and how leaders can better prepare their teams. We also explore strategies for building trust, addressing the underlying fears at play, and finding opportunities for growth during transitions.

Tune in to hear our best advice for handling change in a way that fosters clarity and reduces stress—no matter where you are in your career.

We talk about:

• [02:14] The changes people can expect to go through in their careers
• [11:03] How leaders can guide their teams through times of uncertainty
• [18:17] What happens psychologically when people face change
• [26:04] Common mistakes leaders make during times of change
• [41:45] The importance of transparency from leadership in change

Resources:

• Connect with Kara on LinkedIn
• Read: Managing Transitions by William Bridges with Susan Bridges
• Read: Conversations Worth Having by Jackie Stavros and Cheri Torres
• Read: Four Tendencies by Gretchen Rubin
• Learn more: SCARF Model
• Read: Change by John P. Kotter

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

We’re celebrating a huge milestone today—Working Your Way turns one! In this special episode, the roles are reversed as Hayden Lyon, founder of NOVA (the production company behind the podcast), takes over the mic to interview me. We’re pulling back the curtain to share the journey that brought this podcast to life, with behind-the-scenes stories, lessons learned, and reflections on the show's impact over the past year.

Together, we explore:

• The inspiration and purpose behind Working Your Way
• How I balance sharing guests’ stories with offering my own insights and expertise
• What really goes into producing each episode and keeping it aligned with my mission
• How this podcast has become a tool for both my personal growth and the listeners’

It’s been an incredible year of authenticity, growth, and connection, and I’m excited to share a closer look at what it’s been like to create this show. Tune in for a reflective and celebratory conversation, and reach out to help shape what’s next for Working Your Way!

Resources:

• Email me to share what’s been helpful or what you’d like to hear more about!
• Hear more about my career story: Episode 1. What it Means to Work Your Way

Listen to the Let’s Talk About Labels series:

• Episode 35. Are You a People Pleaser? | Let’s Talk About Labels
• Episode 39. Are You a Perfectionist? | Let’s Talk About Labels
• Episode 44. Are You an Empath? | Let’s Talk About Labels
• Episode 48. Are You an Overthinker? | Let’s Talk About Labels

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

What does it mean to create children's music with purpose and authenticity? Katie Norregaard, also known as Miss Katie Sings, is an Asian American singer, songwriter, and media maker dedicated to crafting music that encourages self-love and emotional awareness in young listeners. In this episode, she shares her journey from teaching music classes to launching an online platform during the pandemic and the process of releasing a studio album.

Katie discusses staying true to her values while navigating the children's music industry, the importance of respecting young audiences, and how she integrates social-emotional learning into her songs. She also opens up about her personal practices for staying grounded, the role of intentionality in her creative process, and the unexpected paths her career has taken. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about authenticity, creativity, and making a positive impact through music.

Resources:

• Learn more at misskatiesings.com
• Follow Katie on Instagram: @misskatiesings
• Connect with Katie on LinkedIn
• YouTube: Miss Katie Sings
• Listen to learn more about career breaks or sabbaticals: 
• Episode 46. Should I take a career break or sabbatical? Part 1 | Career Questions
• Episode 47. Should I take a career break or sabbatical? Part 2 | Career Questions

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Do you constantly replay conversations or overanalyze decisions, often getting stuck in endless loops of thought? In this episode "Let's Talk About Labels," we dive into what it means to identify as an “overthinker” and how this label can affect our personal and professional lives.

Together with my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, we unpack the complexities of overthinking—how it shows up, the challenges it creates, and the ways it can sometimes serve as a strength. We listen to voice notes from our audience, sharing personal stories about how overthinking has impacted their decision-making and mental well-being.

We explore the fine line between thoughtful preparation and counterproductive rumination, offering practical tips on how to manage overthinking, trust your intuition, and break the cycle of analysis paralysis. Tune in as we learn how to turn overthinking into a tool for success without letting it take over your life.

Resources:

• Connect with Arden on LinkedIn

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Taking time away from work can be a transformative experience. In part two of this two-part Career Questions series, we continue the conversation about sabbaticals and career breaks with two incredible guests, Tekisha Harvey and Cat Coffrin.

First up, Tekisha shares her experiences of taking a break to travel the world, which opened her up to new opportunities and perspectives. And later, Cat Coffrin reflects on her sabbatical journey, where she not only reignited her creativity but also processed some deep personal grief by engaging in a personal project.

We dive into the reasons behind their decisions to step away from work, how their time off shaped them personally and professionally, and the unexpected growth they found along the way. If you've ever considered taking a break from your career but wondered what comes next, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Check out Tekisha’s magazine: CannaCurious Magazine
• Follow Tekisha on Instagram: @tekishaharvey
• Connect with Tekisha on LinkedIn
• Listen: Episode 02. From Being the ‘Only’ to Feeling Herself with Tekisha Harvey
• Learn more about Cat’s work at captivatingco.com
• Connect with Cat on LinkedIn
• Read Cat’s Blog
• Listen: Episode 24. How do I define my personal brand? | Career Questions
• Read: The Artist’s Way
• Listen: Episode 42. How does my past affect my work habits? | Career Questions

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Taking a break from traditional work can be one of the hardest—and most transformative—decisions in a career. We’re joined by two guests, Shobha Kansal and Jai Kensey, to explore the different reasons for taking a career break and the lessons learned along the way.

First, Shobha Kansal, a PhD candidate and former corporate leader, shares her journey of leaving the workforce twice—first to pursue a master’s degree and later to commit to her PhD fully. Then, Jai Kensey, CEO of Kensey Consulting, opens up about her decision to take a leave of absence from the corporate world to focus on her mental health, and the impact that choice had on her life and career. Together, they explore the importance of listening to your body, pursuing growth opportunities, and how taking time off can be a vital step in career development.

Join us for part one of this two-part series on career breaks, and be inspired to rethink the role that intentional time off can play in your professional and personal growth.

Resources:

• Read: Millennials Love Sabbaticals--Here's How To Save For Yours
• Read: Sabbatical on a Budget | Full Focus
• Listen: Episode 7. Using Your Values to Guide Your Career with Antonio Garcia
• Listen: Episode 40. From Battling Burnout to Sustainable Self-Care with Andrew Geonetta

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

We’re excited to bring back this powerful episode featuring Dr. Patrice Johnson, President and CEO of Project Scientist, a nonprofit dedicated to transforming the future for underserved girls in STEAM fields. Dr. Johnson's story exemplifies how passion and purpose can break barriers and empower the next generation of female innovators.

In this episode, Dr. Johnson shares her leadership journey and the unique blend of empathy and effectiveness that drives her work. She reveals how she’s not only shaping the future of young leaders in STEAM but also finding balance and practicing self-care along the way.

Join us for this insightful conversation as Patrice discusses how she’s leading change and creating a blueprint for sustainable leadership in the pursuit of a more equitable world.

Resources:

• Learn more at projectscientist.org
• Connect with Patrice on LinkedIn
• Read "Emotional Agility"
• Read "Difficult Conversations: How to Discuss What Matters Most"
• 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 Media

Do you find yourself deeply affected by the emotions of others, often feeling their sadness or joy as if it were your own? Welcome back to "Let's Talk About Labels," a series where we dive into the labels we use to describe ourselves and others. In this episode, we’re exploring what it means to label yourself as an “empath” and how this label can impact our personal and professional lives.

Joining me again is my friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson. Together, we unpack the complexities of being an empath—what it truly means, the challenges it presents, and the unique strengths it can offer. We listen to voice notes from our audience, sharing personal stories about empathy and the impact of being highly sensitive to the emotions of others.

We discuss the difference between being empathetic and identifying as an empath, explore the potential for emotional overwhelm, and provide practical strategies for setting boundaries and managing emotional absorption. Tune in as we navigate the benefits and pitfalls of being an empath and learn how to use this sensitivity as a strength without losing yourself in the process.

Resources:

• Connect with Arden on LinkedIn
• Read: Emotional Agility by Susan David

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

How much does your appearance influence your effectiveness at work? For Amanda Knappman, a seasoned marketing executive in the beauty industry, this question is more than just hypothetical—it's been a significant part of her career journey. In this episode, we dive into Amanda's experiences navigating the demands of maintaining a corporate image while staying true to her authentic self.

Amanda shares her path from working in major beauty corporations to thriving in fast-paced startup environments, exploring the lessons she’s learned about finding the right workplace fit. We discuss the impact of critical feedback early in her career, how working for a Korean skincare brand deepened her understanding of her cultural heritage and the ongoing challenge of balancing personal expression with professional expectations. Amanda’s story offers valuable insights into the importance of self-awareness and adaptability in crafting a career that aligns with both personal values and professional goals.

Resources:

• Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media