Working Your Way

What does it mean to be a people pleaser? Welcome to the first episode of our new series, "Let's Talk About Labels," where we dive deep into the labels we often use to describe ourselves and others. In this episode, I'm joined by fellow entrepreneur Arden Evenson to unpack the "People Pleaser" label. Together, we’re listening to voice notes from the audience to explore what being a people pleaser means to each of us. We share personal stories, discuss the impact of people-pleasing on our own well-being, and offer practical strategies for setting boundaries while maintaining positive relationships. Join us as we explore the complexities behind being a people pleaser and learn how to navigate this label in a way that honors your own needs.

Resources:

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

Connect with me:

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Starting this month, I’m excited to launch a new series called "Let's Talk About Labels," where we’ll delve into the labels we give ourselves and each other, such as "perfectionist," "people pleaser," or "introvert." These labels can shape our behavior and interactions in surprising ways, sometimes limiting us or helping us find common ground. In this series, co-hosted with fellow entrepreneur Arden Evenson, we'll explore how these labels show up differently for different people and bring in new voices through engaging voice notes from the Working Your Way community. Tune in to discover how we can navigate these labels more mindfully and embrace our authentic selves.

Resources:

• Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts on being an optimist or pessimist, or an introvert or extrovert. Email your voice notes to [email protected] and be part of the conversation!

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

We’re excited to revisit one of our earlier episodes featuring the insightful Antonio Garcia. As the Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at TXI, Antonio's career showcases the power of design and human-centered innovation. Beyond his workplace achievements, he’s also the founder of Dadwell & Company, a podcast that explores the lives of men balancing fatherhood and creativity.

In this episode, Antonio shares his unique career journey, highlighting the importance of self-trust and intuition. He discusses how these guiding forces have helped him navigate decisions, from knowing when to stay and grow within a role to recognizing when it’s time to embark on new ventures. Antonio also emphasizes the value of self-reflection, taking career breaks, and defining one’s core values. Join us as we learn from Antonio’s experiences in building a successful and sustainable career. 

Resources:

• Follow Antonio’s work at amgarcia.com
• Listen to The Dadwell Podcast: dadwell.co
• Connect with Antonio on LinkedIn
• Brené Brown’s Living Into Our Values
• HBR: Use Strategic Thinking to Create the Life You Want
• Year Compass

Related Episodes:

• 11. Should I quit my job? | Career Questions

Connect with me:

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Understanding the dynamics of a multigenerational workplace is crucial for fostering a cohesive and effective team. With five generations currently in the workforce, each shaped by different historical contexts and experiences, it's important to navigate these differences to create an inclusive and productive work environment. This episode explores the challenges and opportunities that come with managing a diverse generational workforce, particularly focusing on the youngest generation entering the workforce—Gen Z.

My guest today is Shereen Sater, founder of The Curve Collective and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. Shereen brings a wealth of expertise in training, workshop facilitation, and consulting, specifically aimed at helping companies support their employees’ early development. Her deep understanding of Gen Z and her experience in bridging generational gaps make her an ideal guide to this topic.

In our conversation, we debunk common stereotypes about Gen Z, discuss the importance of emotional intelligence and transparent communication, and explore strategies for leveraging the strengths of each generation. We offer practical advice on how companies can adapt their work models to better support Gen Z employees, ensuring that all generations can thrive together. Whether you're a manager looking to improve team dynamics or an employee navigating a confusing workplace, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The five generations at work and how historical context shaped them:
• [03:12] The Traditionalists
• [09:22] The Boomers 
• [15:46] Gen X 
• [19:50] Millennials 
• [25:23] Gen Z
• [34:26] The importance of providing context and clear communication for Gen Z employees 
• [42:18] How transparent communication can improve team dynamics and employee satisfaction in a multigenerational workplace
• [51:23] The impact of optionality on Gen Z and the potential for loyalty if they find the right fit
• [1:02:10] Why emotional intelligence is crucial for effective leadership in a multigenerational workplace

Resources:

• Learn more at the-curve.co
• Connect with Shereen on LinkedIn
• Download The Rethinking Gen Z Report from The Curve Collective
• Read: Purdue - Generational Differences In The Workplace
• Read: Sticking Points by Haydn Shaw

Connect with me:

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Ever feel like what you’re doing at work doesn’t matter? Today’s guest, Edina Kalamperovic, SVP at Publicis Groupe, shares her journey from an immigrant childhood to becoming a senior leader who makes a big impact, revealing the pivotal moments and lessons learned along the way.

Edina dives into the challenges of navigating early career hurdles and the importance of having a purpose in your work. We discuss recognizing and overcoming burnout, and how stepping out of your comfort zone can open new doors. Edina’s leadership style emphasizes authenticity, transparency, and earning the trust of those you work with. 

If you're looking to take proactive steps in your career, understand the importance of authentic leadership, or learn strategies to overcome burnout, Edina’s story is sure to resonate. Let’s get into it!

Resources:

• Download the Energy Inventory Worksheet
• Read Edina’s work on Substack: edinakalamperovic.substack.com
• Connect with Edina on LinkedIn
• How to Restore Yourself from Burnout with Dr. Christina Maslach - How to be Awesome at Your Job

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Have you ever wondered how following your curiosity can shape an extraordinary career? In this episode, Jill Lyons, the SVP of Creative Operations at Maximum Effort, opens up about her transition from traditional TV production to directing creative operations in an innovative media firm. 

Jill talks candidly about the factors that influenced her career, including her history in journalism and the variety of positions she has played. We talk about her career as a pyramid, accumulating a wide range of experiences to build the base and then narrowing in on what you love the most. Jill also discusses her difficulties in letting go of predictability and perfectionism at work and surrendering to possibility. Join us for an inspiring conversation full of practical advice to help you explore and embrace your own creative career path.

Resources:

• Learn more about Jill at jilllyons.com
• Connect with Jill on LinkedIn
• Read Find Your Zone of Genius by Laura Garnett
• Read Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
• Reflected Best Self Exercise™
• Listen to 24. How do I define my personal brand? | Career Questions

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Taking charge of your career path can often feel overwhelming, especially when you're unsure of the direction you want to head in or feel stuck in your current role. In this episode, we explore how to intentionally design a career that aligns with your passions and strengths, offering practical advice on navigating internal career moves and leveraging your current position for growth and fulfillment.

My guest today is Mollie Amkraut Mueller, the founder and CEO of Crew, a company dedicated to helping individuals craft more fulfilling careers. Her innovative approach combines coaching, design thinking, and peer groups to provide a structured process that empowers individuals to take control of their career trajectories.

In our conversation, we dive into the importance of self-reflection, the concept of prototyping career changes, and the power of storytelling in career development. Whether you're looking to make a significant change or simply want to enhance your current role, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you design a career that truly resonates with who you are.

In this episode, we talk about:

• [02:38] Mollie’s career journey and how she founded Crew
• [14:11] Doing “me-search” to find your interests and uncover potential career paths
• [22:26] What design thinking is and how it can help with career development
• [29:34] How experimenting in your current role actually benefits your company
• [35:37] Common pitfalls of self-exploration and how to avoid them
• [40:48] Small ways to get started with career development
• [51:55] Tips to empower yourself in your career

Resources:

• Learn more about Crew at joinacrew.com
• Connect with Mollie on LinkedIn
• Book: Working Identity by Hermania Ibarra
• Crew Blog/Resources: joinacrew.com/blog
• Crew Career Design Model

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Doing something new can be as daunting as it is exciting. Angela Damiani, CEO and co-founder of NEWaukee, reveals her journey over the past 15 years, growing and evolving a client services company while staying true to the core value of constant innovation. We delve into NEWaukee’s motto, “change always in all ways,” and how it shapes their approach to projects and client relationships. 

In this episode, Angela shares her growth as a leader, her unique leadership style, and the challenges of managing a small, dynamic team. Join us as we explore Angela’s love for entrepreneurship, her innovative business strategies, and her commitment to leading authentically and intentionally. This episode is filled with insights and inspiration for anyone looking to navigate change, lead with empathy, and create a balanced, fulfilling career.

Resources:

• Angela’s personal website: angeladamiani.com
• Learn more about NEWaukee at newaukee.com
• Learn more about Newance at newance.co
• Connect with Angela on LinkedIn
• Read Managing Transitions: Making the Most of Change by William Bridges
• The Nap Ministry's Rest Deck: 50 Practices to Resist Grind Culture by Tricia Hersey

Previous episodes mentioned:

• Setting intentions for the year: 07. Using Your Values to Guide Your Career with Antonio Garcia
• Building a different kind of business model: 12. Using Your Voice and Challenging the Norms with Tiffany Welton

Connect with me:

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• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

It’s undeniable that music plays a critical role in our emotional lives. Today’s guest is Sam Parvin, who went from managing music for Coca-Cola's global marketing team to creating her own successful music strategy agency, Parvin Music. In this episode, she reveals the secrets behind her career journey and how she aligns her work with her values and passions. We dive into how Sam's career journey is deeply intertwined with her love for music and her commitment to authenticity. 

We'll explore the pivotal moments that shaped her career, the challenges she faced in the corporate world, and how she found her true calling as an entrepreneur. Sam shares insightful strategies on managing energy and productivity, the importance of feeling a sense of belonging at work, and how she leverages music to create powerful brand identities. You’ll leave this episode with practical tips on aligning your work to when and how you can add the most value, and learn how to set yourself up for success in your work by knowing your non-negotiables.

Resources:

• Learn more about Parvin Music
• Follow Sam on Instagram: @samparvin
• Connect with Sam Parvin on LinkedIn
• Working with your female cycle: 
• Article: Why Syncing Your Business To Your Menstrual Cycle Is Key In 2021 from Forbes
• Podcast: Hormone Expert, Alisa Vitti, Shares How to Biohack Your Hormones and Cycle Sync Your Life For Optimal Wellness
• Book: The Optimized Woman: Using Your Menstrual Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment by Miranda Gray 
• Scheduling your day using Ayurveda: 
• Podcast: 051: Why Changing Your Schedule Will Change Your Life with Ayurveda Dr Suhas Kshirsagar
• Book: Change Your Schedule, Change Your Life by Dr. Suhas Kshirsagar

Previous Episodes Mentioned:

• Crafting your job to fit you better: 
• 14. Moving Towards Your Soul’s Purpose with Priya Shah
• 18. Finding a Way to Do The Work You Love with Michael Ulloa
• Understanding yourself using Enneagram: 
• 20. How do I find my Enneagram type? | Career Questions 
• 21. How can I develop my emotional intelligence with the Enneagram? | Career Questions

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media

Where has your journey toward authenticity in your career taken you? Justin Grant’s career path has taken him from corporate leadership in retail and merchandising to entrepreneurial success and back again. In this episode, he shares how he balances creativity and data while staying true to himself in the fast-paced fashion merchandising industry. 

Our conversation explores how Justin navigated transitions between companies and going back into corporate life after starting his own company. We dive into how he views career fulfillment today and how that’s changed over time.  Join me as we uncover Justin's insights and how being flexible can help you build a dynamic career.

Resources:

• Connect with Justin on LinkedIn
• Psychology Today: Job, Career, Calling: Key to Happiness and Meaning at Work?
• DisruptHR: Stop Taking Work Personally | Sandhya Sudhakar

Connect with me:

• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube
• selfatwork.com

Produced by NOVA Media