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What if the clarity you've been searching for won't come from working harder or pushing through the fog?

In episode 280 of YOUR CAREER PODCAST, I talk about finding career clarity when everything feels uncertain. 

Whether you're feeling stuck, wondering if there's something more fulfilling out there, or trying to figure out your next move, this conversation is for you.

I'm sharing why thoughtful self reflection matters more than rushing into action, and introducing my free workbook "Prepare for the Year Ahead" to help you gain the clarity and career confidence you need.

Key Takeaways

Clarity doesn't come from rushing - When navigating career change, the instinct is to move faster. But like driving in fog, adding speed without visibility creates problems. Creating space for clear thinking moves you forward.

Reflection reveals your resilience - Looking back isn't about dwelling on the past. It's understanding the map you've created through your experiences, recognising your growth, and making informed decisions about sustainable paths forward.

There's no "right time" for career reflection - Clarity doesn't follow a calendar. Whether facing redundancy, organisational change, mid-year scattered energy, or dissatisfaction, reflection responds to your attention whenever you give it.

Reflection is an act of self-respect - Taking time to review your energy, decisions, work, and values isn't wasted time. It's choosing to lead your career rather than react to it.

Resources

Download the free workbook: Prepare for the Year Ahead - Gain structure and freedom to reflect on your career anytime. Notice patterns, reconnect with priorities, and gain clarity to move forward with confidence.

Career coaching support: Ready for personalised guidance? Book a complimentary exploratory chat. 

Whether you're job seeking, considering career change, or building career confidence, I work with professionals in Sydney and across Australia ready to create meaningful change. The link to book is at www.janejacksoncoach.com 

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: Jane Career Coach on YouTube for career clarity insights, coaching tips, and practical strategies.

Next Steps

Subscribe to the podcast so you never miss an episode with practical career advice.

Download the "Prepare for the Year Ahead" workbook at www.janejacksoncoach.com and take that first step towards the clarity you deserve.

Jane Jackson is a career coach based in Sydney, Australia, specialising in helping mid-career professionals navigate career change and build lasting career confidence.

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

As the year draws to a close, many professionals feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and stretched beyond their limits. End-of-year pressure, blurred boundaries, and rising workloads often lead to burnout — quietly and cumulatively.

In this episode, career coach Jane Jackson shares five evidence-based strategies to help you manage end-of-year stress before it impacts your health, confidence, or performance.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognise early signs of burnout and emotional exhaustion
• Why boundaries are essential — not selfish — for sustainable success
• How clear communication with your manager can reduce stress and overload
• Practical ways to break large tasks into manageable steps using proven focus techniques
• Why real breaks and asking for support improve performance, not weaken it

Backed by workplace research and practical experience, this episode offers calm, realistic guidance for professionals who want to finish the year well — without burning out.

Your career is a marathon, not a sprint. One small, intentional change can make a meaningful difference.

Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

In this episode of YOUR CAREER PODCAST, Dr Mark Sherwood — co-founder of the Functional Medical Institute with Dr Michele Sherwood — shares his practical, no-nonsense approach to whole-person health. 

Dr Mark shares his fascinating career journey from pro-baseball player and SWAT officer and what lead him to create the Functional Medical Institute in Tulsa Oklahoma. 

He unpacks the root causes of many common health issues and why quick fixes don’t lead to lasting results.

You’ll hear how the unique approach blends science, spirituality, and personal accountability to help people eliminate unnecessary medications and reverse lifestyle-driven conditions. 

From hormones to food, stress to sleep — this conversation offers a clear and actionable path to genuine wellness.

Whether you're struggling with your energy, confused by conflicting health advice, or ready to break free from outdated beliefs about ageing, this episode will show you what’s truly possible when you take ownership of your health.

🔑 What You’ll Learn:

• Why treating symptoms isn’t the same as healing
• The truth about diet, hormones, and gut health
• How stress and sleep are often the missing pieces
• The difference between traditional and functional medicine
• The mindset shift that makes lasting change possible

Follow Dr Mark Sherwood and Dr Michele Sherwood on  Instagram.

Watch their free health webinar:
https://fmidr.com/webinar/
Drs Mark and Michele Sherwood explain how to create a science-based health plan unique to you for lasting change in your life. 

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

Tom Etherington has spent the last decade helping people use LinkedIn to amplify their networking and build a storytelling and branding strategy that gains credibility, trust, and wins business.

Affectionately known as ‘The LinkedIn Guy,’ Tom presents on leveraging LinkedIn for networking, and is a popular podcast guest and appearances include two episodes with BNI Founder Ivan Misner. Tom's unique ability to tell engaging and authentic stories has made him a sought-after speaker and coach.

In episode 277 of YOUR CAREER Podcast, discover how Tom's fascinating career journey took him from London to Sydney, from the London Evening Standard to EMAP as TV editor to editor at Bauer Media, Pacific Magazines and now as founder of his company, Connect Content.

Connect Content is the go-to agency for online personal and business branding, with LinkedIn strategy, coaching, and content at the heart of each campaign.

Before launching Connect Content, Tom interviewed celebrities for 20 years as an entertainment journalist and editor. 

He comes from a talented family and is the son of comedy scriptwriter, Jan Etherington, who writes for Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam for the Radio 4 program "Conversations from a Long Marriage". Without doubt, Tom enjoys an interesting life and career. 

His experiences have honed his passion for storytelling and equipped him with the skills to uncover and present compelling narratives for individuals and organisations.

Fun Fact: Tom’s parents wrote a UK sitcom called Second Thoughts in the 1990s, which was based on his family life - his father was played by James Bolam and mother by Linda Bellingham. Watched by millions, everyone in the show was a household name… except the actor who played Tom. It was his first and last role. Tom's story is fascinating … listen and enjoy!

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Find Tom at Connect Content https://connectcontent.com.au/

Connect with Tom on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-etherington/ 

For career transition support and more career inspiration, book an exploratory chat with host of Your Career Podcast, Jane Jackson https://www.janejacksoncoach.com

Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place - Age Discrimination in Australia

New research from the Australian Human Rights Commission reveals a shocking truth: employers are crying out for workers while systematically excluding them based on age. 

Key findings show only 56% of employers will hire 50-64 year olds, dropping to 28% for those 65+, while just 41% are open to hiring 15-24 year olds. 

Even more concerning - 24% of HR professionals now classify workers over 50 as "older," up 10% from 2023!

Jane explores why this research is important to mid-career professionals, and shares strategies mature Australian workers can use to navigate this challenging landscape with confidence.

For help to navigate these challenges, join Jane’s CAREER SUCCESS PROGRAM at https://www.thecareersacademy.online 

Book one-on-one coaching support with Jane at https://www.janejacksoncoach.com 

Read the full article with links to research findings here:  https://janejacksoncoach.com/age-discrimination-australian-workers/ 

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

Welcome to episode 275 of YOUR CAREER Podcast and enjoy this insightful interview with Lynnaire Johnston, LinkedIn Strategist, Trainer and Marketer.

Lynnaire is top-ranked international LinkedIn specialist and author dedicated to empowering professionals worldwide. 

She brings a wealth of experience, drawn from a diverse background in journalism, broadcasting, and copywriting, to her work helping individuals and companies leverage LinkedIn for career and professional success.

Our conversation takes us from her early career aspirations to her fascinating broadcasting and journalism career, and how she navigated her career to find the formula for longevity in business and career, and enjoyment in life.

This lovely lady shares her wisdom generously, has a wonderful sense of humour and a deep understanding of LinkedIn. 

A lady of many talents, she is also an amazing gardener – often sharing her LinkedIn insights in reels from her stunning New Zealand garden!

Recognised globally for her expertise, ranked No. 1 in New Zealand and among the top LinkedIn experts worldwide, Lynnaire is also the bestselling author of two influential LinkedIn books, "Link∙Ability" and "Business Gold." 

As founder of the Link∙Ability membership site, she provides practical, actionable strategies through LinkedIn makeovers, personalised coaching, and content creation that transforms professional profiles and opens doors to new opportunities.

If you're looking to elevate your professional brand on LinkedIn, this conversation with Lynnaire Johnston promises to inspire, guide, and equip you with powerful insights to maximise your LinkedIn success. 

Connect with Lynnaire on LinkedIn  www.linkedin.com/in/lynnairejohnston/

Connect with Jane on LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/janejackson/

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

Picture this: A poster of me, at the age of 16, modelling sunglasses in Hong Kong, looking glamorous with them perched stylishly on top of my head. Not protecting my eyes, just making a fashion statement. [Click this link to view my 1975 poster]

Fast forward 50 years to last Wednesday, and I'm recovering from painful pterygium surgery with my bandaged eye, staring at that very poster on my wall. The irony? I spent decades with the solution literally on my head, just a few inches too high to do any good.

What has this to do with Career Success? Listen to this compelling episode which will make you reflect on the choices we make early on in our lives and careers, and the consequences of bad choices (or avoiding what we must do for future success).

Key takeaways from episode 274 of Your Career Podcast:

1. Prevention is Always Better than the Cure

The most striking lesson is how much easier, and less painful, it is to protect yourself proactively rather than fix problems later. 

My 1975 sunglasses story perfectly illustrates this: a simple daily habit of wearing eye protection could have prevented surgery, seven weeks of recovery, multiple medications, and significant pain. 

This applies to every area of life: career, health, relationships. 

2. Physical Health and Career Success Are Inseparable

You can't compartmentalise your wellbeing. When you're running on empty physically, you can't show up fully in your career. 

Job searching requires stamina, resilience, and clarity of mind. Career transitions demand energy for networking, interviewing, and decision-making. 

If you haven't been taking care of your foundation, sleep, nutrition, exercise, boundaries, you're essentially trying to climb Mount Everest with a broken ankle.

3. Self-Care Is Strategic, Not Selfish

The biggest mindset shift is viewing self-care as protection rather than decoration. Just like networking shouldn't be something you only do when you need a job, taking care of yourself shouldn't be something you postpone until "things calm down." 

Your future self is counting on the choices you make today, and time moves faster than we think. What feels like a distant future becomes today in the blink of an eye - sometimes literally.

Listen to my personal story which we all can relate to, especially those considering a career change when unprepared.  

What will YOU do to ensure you don’t leave your metaphorical sunglasses on top of your head instead of what they were designed to do?

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

In episode 273 I welcome Jane Anderson, a globally recognised strategic communications expert, to Your Career Podcast, nine years after our first interview (ep77)!

Jane shares her journey of professional growth and personal transformation, offering valuable insights for female consultants growing their businesses.

With 20+ years of experience, Jane has worked with over 180,000 people to build trust and influence in their businesses and brands. Her achievements include:

• Top 3 branding guru globally
• 50+ industry awards
• Featured in Business Insider, Sydney Morning Herald, Forbes
• Author of 13 books
• Host of "The Jane Anderson Show" podcast
• Clients: Virgin Australia, Lego, Ikea, Rio Tinto

Jane's Journey

Jane reflects on her evolution since 2016, including winning the Australian Small Business Champion Award this year. She's successfully created a balanced business model aligned with her values, and thrives on supporting consultants to create businesses that align with their values and career aspirations.

Our conversation covers valuable insights for all consultants.

Female Business Community

Jane has created a supportive community for Australia's leading female B2B consultants, addressing isolation challenges:

"Building genuine connections and having a supportive network is essential for overcoming business growth challenges."

Mentorship Impact

"Female leaders pushed me to take on tasks beyond my capabilities. They saw potential I couldn't yet see in myself."

These experiences taught her to step outside her comfort zone to achieve growth.

AI for Small Business

Jane's practical insights for leveraging AI:

• Empower virtual assistants with AI tools
• Use CopyAI to repurpose content
• Maintain original thought leadership
• Implement effective prompt engineering

Growth Challenges

Common pitfalls:

1. Unclear messaging and positioning
2. Insufficient infrastructure
3. Underpricing services
4. Resistance to technological adaptation

Upcoming Events

• Content Creation Boot Camp: Bali (25-26 June 2025)
• Content Creation Boot Camp: Kingscliff, NSW (20-21 September 2025)

These two-day workshops help create a year's worth of content for multiple platforms.

This reunion episode highlights persistence, adaptation, and community in career building. Jane's journey shows how embracing change and continuous development leads to extraordinary growth.

Jane Anderson, Strategic Communication Expert

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

A chance encounter while walking along Manly Beach recently stopped me in my tracks – a man wearing a t-shirt that read: "My beautiful wife has dementia, please say 'HELLO' to her." 

In this heartfelt episode, I share how this simple act of love reveals powerful lessons about compassionate leadership that no corporate training seminar could teach.

What does it mean to truly see others beyond their job titles and functions? 

I explore how authentic leadership often appears in unexpected places and offer practical insights into creating meaningful connections in both personal and professional settings. 

Drawing wisdom from Brené Brown, Simon Sinek and others, I challenge you to consider the invisible struggles our colleagues may be facing.

Join me as I reveal why "leadership is love in action" and offers a compelling challenge that could transform your approach to leadership, regardless of your title or position. 

Learn how building bridges of human connection might be the most important leadership skill we can develop in today's workplace. For more inspiration visit www.janejacksoncoach.com

Listen now and discover how a simple t-shirt message contains more wisdom about leadership than many executive training programs.

Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.

Love Your Career Podcast? Let us know!

Steve Budgen is a trusted global Security advisor and leader.

With over 30 years of experience spanning elite policing units, international security operations, and crisis management, this interview on YOUR CAREER podcast is a story of courage, determination and exceptional leadership.

Steve Budgen has led high-stakes security projects across Iraq, the UAE, Papua New Guinea, and beyond. 

As the founder of Batavi Special Projects, Steve specialises in physical security, risk management, and leadership development, offering strategic guidance to companies navigating complex challenges.

A former AFP Tactical Operations leader, Steve ran complex special operations overseas before stepping out of his comfort zone to pursue a successful career in the commercial world. 

His consulting work has supported large organisations in the maritime, transport, mining, and oil and gas sectors, delivering bespoke solutions to contemporary challenges.

Steve also served as a Director with the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA), where he drove cultural reform before returning to consulting, bringing his leadership expertise to help organisations strengthen their resilience and operational excellence.

Steve’s story is one of resilience and transformation, shaped by a rough and troubled childhood that taught him the importance of self-belief, perseverance, and the power of knowing when to walk away versus when to push through. 

His passion lies in helping others leverage their strengths, passions, and life experiences to create valuable, marketable tools for success.

A strong advocate for continuous growth, Steve holds certifications in security and risk management and is focused on further enhancing his expertise in change management and governance. 

His career journey embodies the balance between mental and physical fitness, embracing challenges, and driving meaningful change.

Follow Steve on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/stevebudgen

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Welcome to Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson where I help mid career professionals overcome self doubt and gain career clarity and the confidence to create the life and career they desire. 

Book a Zoom chat with me at janejacksoncoach.com - I’d love to meet you and discover what’s happening in your career!

Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes) https://careersuccess.scoreapp.com/
Get your results, analysis and recommendations immediately.