Your Career Podcast with Jane Jackson

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Bez Rengifo is a Human Resources / Talent Acquisition leader who, for the past 30 years, has focused on the people who make the fabric of what companies call culture.  

SPECIAL OFFER: We have a special offer for listeners of this episode -  the first 5 people who reach out to Bez will receive a FREE LinkedIn Profile Review. 
connect with him on LinkedIn and ask for the LinkedIn review! 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bezrengifo

Bez was selected for one of the largest non-military staffing projects where he was part of the original team that staffed 429 airports within the U.S. & U.S. Territories. They hired over 45,000 people over a 7-month period for the TSA which is now part of the Department of Homeland Security. 

Finding the right people at the right time and then making sure you have a healthy and inclusive culture is what Bez strives to establish for the benefit of employees and employers.

Outside of work, Bez is an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Braves and LA Lakers.  When he is not rooting for his favorite teams, he is involved in giving back to his local community and being involved in international service projects.

In this interview Jane and Bez discuss his career transitions, how recruitment works, and what it takes to conduct a successful job search.

Key takeaways are:

1. The Importance of Networking and Relationships

• Key Insight: Building strong connections, even "weak ties," can open up unexpected job opportunities. Engaging in meaningful conversations and leveraging existing contacts can lead to referrals and valuable connections in the job market.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should actively network both online and offline. This includes following up with acquaintances, attending networking events, and being open to engaging with new connections on platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning

• Key Insight: Reinventing one's career is possible at any age, as evidenced by Bez's mother’s successful transition into school psychology at age 59. Adapting to change and pursuing new paths can lead to fulfilling career opportunities.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should remain open to continuous learning and development. This might involve taking courses, gaining new certifications, or exploring different career paths that align with their passions and strengths.

3. Utilizing Effective Recruitment Strategies

• Key Insight: The job market has evolved significantly, with a shift towards technology and automated processes. However, personal outreach methods (like phone calls and text messages) still yield higher engagement rates compared to generic online interactions.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should prioritise personal outreach when applying for jobs. This includes customising application materials, following up with phone calls, and using direct messaging to establish genuine connections with recruiters and hiring managers.

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Breaking Through the Shell - What 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 🐓 taught me about Career Transition!  

The dish, Beggars Chicken, is the perfect metaphor for the challenges we face when looking for a job. How so? In episode 263 of YOUR CAREER PODCAST with Jane Jackson, I share with you my story … 

I was inspired to share this episode having recently returned from visiting my childhood home of Hong Kong (the last time I was back was before Covid in 2019). 

I wanted to be in Hong Kong as my Mum would have turned 100 years old on the 20th Sept 2024. I went back to ‘sweep the graves’ of my parents who have been laid to rest at the Hong Kong Cemetery (Dad passed away at the age of 49, when I was 11. Mum was widowed for 35 years before she passed away at the age of 81.)

One evening I caught up with dear old friends for dinner at the Peking Garden Restaurant in Alexandra House. They organised for us to have Beggars Chicken as one of the special dishes to celebrate our reunion and I was tasked with opening this dish.

As I cracked open the thick pastry encasing Beggars Chicken with a golden hammer, to reveal the specialty within, I couldn't help but reflect on how this experience mirrors our own career transitions. How so? Let me explain:

The pastry, beautifully shaped and protective, isn’t meant to be consumed - it serves a purpose. It preserves the chicken within, keeping it tender and moist, but to reach the goodness, you must break through the hard exterior.

Much like that pastry, we often build protective layers - fear, doubt, anxiety - during unsettling times.

I remember my own career transition at 41, navigating a divorce, moving from Singapore to Sydney with teenage children, and needing to reinvent my life and career.

At the time it felt near impossible to break through my own barriers of self-doubt and uncertainty about the future.

As I swung the golden hammer, I was reminded: the shell is temporary, the potential inside is what matters.
 
In 2001 was able to reinvent my life and career despite the challenges and self-limiting beliefs that were hidden behind a façade I’d put up to protect myself and my children.

In career and life transitions, breaking through our protective façades is hard but necessary to uncover the richness of who we truly are.

The path to our next chapter may be challenging, but it's also filled with untapped potential waiting to be revealed.

I wonder … what protective layers are holding YOU back from discovering your hidden potential?

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Redundancy is a challenging experience that many professionals face at some point in their careers. 

With over 24 years supporting professionals in transition after a redundancy, I understand very well the roller coaster of emotions you will experience – especially if the redundancy was sudden and unexpected.  And if you did have notice this might happen to your role, the toll it takes and stress it causes when waiting for the 'axe to fall' affects your confidence and mental health. 

It is so important to remember that redundancies occur often because of broader economic factors and necessary organisational changes. NOT DUE TO YOUR ABILITY as a professional.

If it happens to YOU, it can hit hard.  

Having a coach to guide you through the experience and the rebuilding process helps to make your transition smoother and faster. So in this episode of YOUR CAREER PODCAST, I'm sharing ways that will help you to manage the aftermath of redundancy and get back in control of your life and career. 

From handling stress and finances to crafting a winning job search strategy and preparing for interviews, I have you covered.  Grab a pen and paper and take notes as there's a lot to cover!

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Many women worry about their financial future, especially when going through a divorce, recently widowed, and unsure of how to manage their money.  I’m delighted to speak with Retirement Strategist, Christie McCabe, in today’s episode of Your Career Podcast. 

Christie is a dynamic sales, marketing, and business strategist with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering outstanding results worldwide. Having worked with Christie several years ago, she impressed me with her unwavering tenacity, resilience and determination to succeed regardless of inevitable challenges.

With over two decades of experience across diverse industries, Christie has honed her expertise in marketing, communications, and business development, transforming businesses on a global scale.  

Now Christie is a Retirement Strategist at WoW Women International Group, working with Tracey Sofra, recipient of the Women in Financial Services Award “Financial Planner of the Year."  Christie helps to empower women to take charge of their financial futures through education and implementation.

If you're looking for a role model in perseverance and finding your perfect career fit, Christie is the ideal person to speak with. 

She excels at navigating career and skill set transitions, earning her the title of the “Queen of Finding the Ideal Job” and stopping at nothing until she achieves it! 

I am honoured that she says her finely honed skills in seeking the perfect career were sharpened by working with me within my Career Success Program! 

Connect with Christie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiemccabe/ 

Website https://wowwomen.com.au/ Click the button that says, “See how our program works’ to take control of your financial future

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“Magic Mike” is the Chief Marketing Officer at UseVerb, a brilliant new recruitment platform that is revolutionising the way companies recruit and the way candidates submit their job applications.

Mike is also a family man, world traveller and community contributor who has over 20 years experience within the Oil and Gas industry.  Interestingly, after years of pursuing titles and egos, achievements, Michael experienced a profound shift in perspective. He realised that true success lies in IMPACT, purpose, and authenticity.

This epiphany led him to UseVerb, where he found a harmonious alignment of values and vision, a platform emphasising personal interactions like smiles and handshakes, celebrating the human aspect in professional connections.

Today, Michael is a leading figure at UseVerb, championing a people-first approach. UseVerb is not just his workplace; it’s part of a movement towards a more humane, connected professional world.

Mike is also dedicated to the Nations Church Missions Team, where he engages in various initiatives, including Love Community outreach, Sports Chaplaincy, and projects in Cambodia.

"Your word is your word, and your word is your bond." This principle is the cornerstone of Michael's life and leadership, reflecting his commitment to integrity and action.

As Michael embarks on this new chapter with UseVerb, his journey represents not just career progression but personal transformation. It's a story of aligning work with values and serving as a beacon for those aspiring to make a real difference in the world. He is married to Bec for 15 years, sharing life with three children and Coco, the family's beloved dog.

Key quotes from our discussion in episode 260 of YOUR CAREER Podcast:

“PEOPLE COME FIRST, NOT RESUMES”
“LISTEN TO WHO YOU ARE BECOMING”
and this beautiful quote from Michael's mother: “LOVE IS SPELT ‘T.I.M.E.”

 Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Visit UseVerb

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In today’s rapidly changing world of work, interim leadership roles are on the rise.  What are Interim Executives? In episode 258 of YOUR CAREER PODCAST we why interim leadership roles are on the rise and may be an excellent option for the next step in your career.

An interim executive is an experienced, C-Suite level leader recruited to fill a leadership vacancy. Responsibilities and focus vary depending on the position and the current needs of the organisation.

Interim CEO’s, for example, are a smart short-term strategic move while an organisation prepares for a long-term leadership change.

Caroline McAuliffe is a Senior Partner at Watermark Search International who specialises in interim executive search, helping organisations find and deploy senior C-suite executives with deep functional and leadership expertise for short-term projects or roles. 

With over 18 years of experience in interim executive search, Caroline leads the interim executive team in Sydney, serving a diverse range of sectors, including ASX 300, government, for purpose, human services, higher education, infrastructure, transport, energy, utilities, industrials, and manufacturing. 

She is passionate about enabling organisational transformation and performance improvement through interim executive solutions. 

She is also the co-author of The Rise of the Interim Executive, an award-winning book for executives who want to explore and succeed in the interim executive marketplace.

Caroline is a qualified executive coach and a lifelong learner, has completed a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development, and is currently completing a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (Psychology) and is Certified in HR Management. 

Discover why Executive Interim Search may be an excellent option for the next step in your career, and be inspired by Caroline’s fascinating career journey and career insights.

Watermark Search International https://www.watermarksearch.com.au 

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In episode 258 of YOUR CAREER Podcast I speak with Geoff Martin who is an inspirational executive HR Leader,  Executive and Career Transition Coach who can positively turn any downside, whether business, or personal, into blue sky and value.

In this podcast interview we discuss how encephalitis; brain surgery  and Geoff’s near-death experience has strongly influenced how he now approaches his life and work. 

Geoff’s overseas experience and love of all things Japanese (he is fluent in the language) has enabled him to create a career that truly is his Ikigai (his reason for being).

Geoff’s experiences range from HR Director of an ASX listed human services company, and senior HR roles in the insurance and banking industries. 

He has led national HR teams supporting client groups of over 2000 employees. 

He’s worked with leaders including Board Chairmans, Board Remuneration & Selection Committees, CEOs and C-Suite executives.

Geoff works with his clients to take a holistic approach in how each role aligns to important lifestyle, family, values, and wellbeing goals. 

This is Geoff’s ‘Professional Purpose’ that has developed from his lived experience of surviving his near-death illness and his subsequent career transformation not only in productivity and quality, but importantly in happiness, wellbeing and whole-of-life.   

Join Geoff’s Transforming Self Workshop on 16 & 17 March 2024

Use this coupon code:  IKIGAI  at check-out to get 20% off this valuable workshop!

 Geoff's Website - Think Big Careers

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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).

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HOW TO NAVIGATE A MID-CAREER CRISIS

Are you facing a mid-career crisis? Don’t PANIC! The good news is that there is a FORMULA for career success! In episode 257 of Your Career Podcast we focus on this formula.

Firstly, are you STUCK IN A RUT?
Have you ever felt stuck in your career? Like you’re not making any progress, or you’re not enjoying your work anymore? You are not alone. Many mid-career professionals face a career crisis at some point in their lives.

I frequently come across this CAREER SCENARIO:

You’ve jumped from job-to-job, feeling dissatisfied, always looking for the elusive perfect role. Or you’ve been working in the same company for over 10 years, doing the same kind of work, day in and day out.

You are good at what you do, but you feel frustrated, bored and unfulfilled. And you also feel unappreciated and that affects your self-confidence and job satisfaction. You want to do something more meaningful and challenging, something that aligns with your passion and purpose.  

And of course you need to earn a living too.  But you realise it’s not all about the money, even though your priority is to ensure that you can pay your bills.  But you don’t know what you’re passionate about, let alone the ‘purpose’ that you’re supposed to find. 

There are so many options and possibilities, and you don’t know which one is right for you. You're scared you may make a wrong move, or risk your financial stability.  Perhaps you have people who depend on you and your income too.

You feel trapped in a career that no longer suits you, but how can you make a break for it without risking everything?  And another month goes by, then another and a year later you realise you’re still in the same place, continuing around on that proverbial hamster wheel.

And then redundancy looms … oh no!  You feel anxious and pray that your role won’t be affected.  Then a call from HR for a meeting and your heart sinks.  What you had hoped would never happen, is happening.

Don’t struggle on your own. Invest in your career success with one-on-one bespoke career coaching . I’ve over 70+ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Google reviews from my happy clients.

And what if you want to FAST TRACK YOUR CAREER SUCCESS? To get it all FAST with my no-nonsense approach, FAST-TRACK your job search during my VIP CAREER DAY  where I focus on YOU ALL DAY and your specific career concerns . Check it out here: VIP Career Day link.

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When considering your own career journey, it's inspiring to learn from those who have made successful career transitions and reinvented their career.  In today's episode we are in conversation with Head of Operations and Human Resources at TryPOD Australia and Enigma HR, Trevor Weeding.

In this episode we discuss the challenges candidates experience during job interviews, discuss the worst job interview experiences and also how a badly delivered redundancy notification can affect an employee's emotional wellbeing and mental health.

A little background on Trevor: After a successful 35 year career in the media industry, Trevor “reinvented” himself in 2014 and embarked on a new career path, based in Sydney’s southern suburbs, focussing on connecting local business and their community. 

He spent 10 years as a Board member at ESBEC, Eastern Suburbs Business Enterprise Centre, supporting SME’s with training and skills support. 

Trevor has also been on the boards of community radio 2NBC - FM and The Morris Children’s Fund and is still a keen supporter of St George Medical Research Foundation.

After 3 years in the recruitment and HR industry, Trevor transitioned into entrepreneurship and founded Development Pathways in early 2020, where his passion for assisting small business became his business.   

This led to him being chosen for his new role at Trypod Australia and Enigma HR.

The Law of Reciprocity is a mantra for Trevor and he is a BNI member and member of three local business chambers.

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The future of work and how to land a job in 2024.  In episode 255 of Your Career Podcast, let’s take a look at what’s next when it comes to your career. I cover what you must do for your career success in the next 12 months.

🎁 Firstly, a GIFT FOR YOU: Download my Goals Calendar and SMART Goals sheet to to plan for success: 2024 GOALS CALENDAR

POSITION YOURSELF FOR CAREER SUCCESS IN 2024

Career Reflections

Before deciding on your career moves in the coming year, first gain clarity around your professional journey. Reflect on your achievements and identify what truly motivates you. Download and complete my CAREER REFLECTIONS JOURNAL.

Goal Setting

According to research from Zippia, people who set goals are 10 times more likely to be successful.  Those who write down their goals are 42% more likely to achieve them. We discuss this in detail in this episode.

And I also discuss the importance of these important topics for your career success this year:

Continuous Learning and Skill Development

Generative AI

Future Skills

Thanks for listening and I hope you will take action on what you learn in this episode. 

Change can feel a little daunting, and to help you develop ability to embrace change and challenges, download my Morning Affirmations and start each day with a winning mindset!

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

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