Your Next Success

By Caroline Sangal, PhD, SHRM-CP

Have you ever looked at your life or career and quietly wondered, “Is this it?”
That question isn’t a crisis — it’s a signal. An invitation. A beginning.

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FAQs about Your Next Success:

How many episodes does Your Next Success have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.

Your Next Success episodes:

September 18, 2025From Government Grants to Guiding Researchers: Dr. Julia Barzyk's Career Shift
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What happens when a federal program manager leaves government service and turns her insider knowledge into a business that helps others thrive?
In this episode of Your Next Success, Dr. Julia Barzyk shares her transition from managing a $6M+ geoscience and engineering research portfolio at the U.S. Army Research Office to founding Wise Investigator—a strategic coaching practice for university researchers seeking funding.
You’ll hear about:
The moment Julia realized it was time to make a change
The behind-the-scenes realities of federal research funding
What most scientists misunderstand about proposal strategy
How she built a business around a gap she saw in academia
How career transitions affect identity—and what helped her find peace with leaving a prestigious role
Her perspective on authentic success now, as a business owner and mentor
Julia’s story is a powerful example of how technical expertise, when paired with vision and empathy, can be reshaped into something deeply fulfilling—and wildly impactful.
Links:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julia-barzyk/
https://www.youtube.com/@wiseinvestigator
https://wiseinvestigator.beehiiv.com/

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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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50min
September 11, 2025Let Her Out - Natalie Siston on Clarity, Courage, and Career Change
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What does it really take to let the truest version of you lead?
In this powerful episode of Your Next Success, host Dr. Caroline Sangal sits down with Natalie Siston—keynote speaker, author of Let Her Out, and the Lead Global Presenter at Positive Intelligence®—to explore how to navigate career shifts with clarity, authenticity, and internal permission.
Natalie opens up about her early corporate career, the unexpected transitions that reshaped her path, and how motherhood, creativity, and mental fitness helped her reconnect to what matters most. She shares how she built a speaking and coaching business rooted in deep service—and how the idea for her book Let Her Out came from decades of unspoken insights finally ready to be shared.
This conversation is for anyone wondering what’s next—especially if you’ve been carrying big dreams for a long time and are finally ready to take the next step.
In This Episode:
Natalie’s career journey from corporate leadership to creative entrepreneurship
The story behind Let Her Out—and how journaling became a transformational act
How Positive Intelligence (PQ) helped her reframe her inner critic
Navigating transitions with courage, especially after motherhood
How to define success for yourself—and stay grounded in what matters
Connect with Natalie:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliesiston
Website: https://www.nataliesiston.com
Instagram: @NatalieSiston
Let Her Out: https://letherout.com/
Let Her Out information: You haven’t lost yourself. You’ve just buried HER under everyone else’s expectations. Let Her Out is your invitation to reconnect with the version of yourself you were always meant to be. Through stories, coaching prompts, and real-life insights, this bestselling book will help you reignite your passions, release what no longer serves you, and reclaim your identity with confidence.
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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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42min
August 28, 2025Dr. Lucinda Jackson's Remarkable Next Act: From Global Science Leader to Freedom-Fueled Creator
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What do you do when your career has spanned the globe, your leadership has made a measurable impact, and you still feel called to something more?
In this episode of Your Next Success, Dr. Caroline Sangal talks with Dr. Lucinda Jackson—a global executive, scientist, author, and speaker—about the choices, turning points, and clarity that shaped her remarkable career and powerful next chapter.
Lucinda has worked in more than 30 countries for four Fortune 500 companies, led international environmental and safety teams, and served as General Manager at Chevron. In her next act, she joined the Peace Corps, launched LJ Ventures, and authored two compelling memoirs:
Just a Girl: Growing Up Female and Ambitious
Project Escape: Lessons for an Unscripted Life
This conversation explores what it means to evolve with intention, stay open to reinvention, and create a life of meaning—no matter what stage you're in.
In this episode, we explore:
How Lucinda navigated leadership in industries where few women were present
The mindset that guided her most meaningful transitions
Her experience moving from global executive to author and advisor
How writing helped her reflect, realign, and reimagine what’s possible
Encouragement and clarity for anyone ready to build what comes next
🔗 Resources & Links:
📚 Learn more about Lucinda and her books: www.lucindajackson.com and connect with her on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/lucinda-jackson/
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Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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55min
August 20, 2025How Penda L. James Found Her Calling in Writing - and Helping Others Do the Same
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What if every twist in your path has been preparing you for the exact impact you are meant to make?
In this episode of Your Next Success, I sit down with Penda L. James—author, scribe coach, publisher, and founder of InSCRIBEd Inspiration. Penda has spent her career walking in service: from social work, higher education, and nonprofit leadership, to AmeriCorps and now helping people bring their stories to life through books, journals, plays, and screenplays.
Penda shares her layered journey through seasons of change and service, the early seeds of her calling to write, and the moment she shifted from chasing jobs to creating impact through her gifts. We talk about:
The difference between helping others and being called to serve them
How she supports people through the sacred process of telling their stories
Why she no longer chases money or sacrifices peace
What authentic success looks like when you stop following other people’s rules and trust your own rhythm
This conversation is especially for those who have walked winding paths, carried multiple roles, and still feel that something inside them is asking to be expressed.
Learn more about Penda’s work and her new novel Running Between Dandelions at pendaljames.com
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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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53min
August 05, 2025From Expert to Entrepreneur: Jeff Kiplinger on Building, Selling, and Starting Over
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What becomes possible when you stop trying to prove yourself and start building something that reflects who you truly are?
In this episode, Dr. Caroline Sangal talks with Dr. Jeff Kiplinger, a PhD chemist, bestselling author, and entrepreneur whose career has spanned scientific leadership, business ownership, and incredible growth through real-world experience.
Jeff shares how he navigated the unexpected loss of his job at Pfizer, a role he once believed would define his entire career, and how that turning point led him to build something of his own. He founded Averica Discovery, grew it through the 2008 recession, sold it successfully, and now helps other science-driven companies grow through smart sales and communication strategies. His story is shaped by resilience, reinvention, and a willingness to figure things out as he went.
Inside this conversation:
How Jeff discovered his love for science and earned a PhD
The emotional impact of losing a job and the ripple effects that followed
What scientists often miss when stepping into entrepreneurship
How he learned to lead, sell, and communicate in a whole new way
What success and fulfillment look like now, from rewilding land to singing bluegrass
If you're navigating a career shift or considering a leap into something new, Jeff’s story will help you feel seen, grounded, and inspired to keep moving forward.
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
Jeff’s book: Expert to Entrepreneur on Amazon
Jeff’s business: selling-science.com
Connect with Jeff on LinkedIn
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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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39min
July 17, 2025 Why You're Not Getting Interviews - Six Mistakes Hurting Your Job Search
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Many job seekers are taking action, following advice, and putting in consistent effort. Yet despite that, the interviews still aren’t coming.
In this episode of Your Next Success, Dr. Caroline Sangal shares six common mistakes that quietly disrupt even the most well-intentioned job search. These patterns often go unnoticed, but they can have a big impact on whether someone gains traction or stays stuck.
This episode offers clarity and perspective for job seekers who are ready to take a more intentional and aligned approach.
Get the FREE LinkedIn Profile Checklist: https://nextsuccesscareers.com/linkedin-profile-checklist
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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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30min
July 09, 2025Stop Chasing Control. Get Clear on What’s Next.
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Today we’re diving deep into what it means to reach for control in your life and career and how often that’s actually holding you back from what you truly want.
We explore why questioning your path might be more normal, and more important, than you’ve ever given yourself credit for. We’ll also look at how to begin listening to that quiet voice inside you, your gut, intuition, or maybe God that’s been gently nudging you all along.
In this episode, you’ll hear about:
The illusion of control and why it’s so tempting to chase
How reacting vs. responding changes everything about how you navigate uncertainty
Why feeling restless or questioning your career is often a sign you’re exactly on time for your next evolution
The predictable turning points when most people start asking if they’re still on the right path
How to start noticing what your body and soul are telling you — so you can live more aligned, more alive, and more fully yourself
If you’re feeling an ache for something more, this episode is here to help you slow down, pay attention, and take the next small step toward what truly matters to you.
Want support as you explore what’s next? Visit nextsuccesscareers.com or reach out directly. I’d love to hear your story, your questions, and what you’re dreaming about.
Support the show
Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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29min
July 02, 2025A Life Fully Lived with Dr. Heinz Plaumann: From Global manager to Career Mentor
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What if your career could be both brilliant and balanced?
What if everything you’ve achieved—your wins, your failures, your pivots—was actually preparing you for a life that’s more aligned, more meaningful, more you?
In this episode, Dr. Heinz Plaumann shares what it means to live a life fully lived. From global manager in the chemical industry, with over 35 years of international experience, more than 25 patents, and leadership roles across continents—to now mentoring others through career roadmaps, emotional intelligence, and what he calls your “belly fire.”
But Heinz isn’t just a chemist or inventor. He’s also a jazz musician, a teacher, a coach, and the creator of Flashcard Leadership. His story proves that success isn’t just about what you build—it’s about who you become along the way.
If you’ve ever wondered if it’s too late to align your work with the life you truly want, this episode is your reminder that it’s not. Heinz shows you why.
In This Episode, We Explore:
How Heinz went from science to strategy to coaching
Why your reputation walks into the room before you do
The “career roadmap” approach—and how to adapt it as you grow
The power of emotional intelligence, behavior styles, and being a learn-it-all
Why success without fulfillment is never truly enough
Favorite Quote
“Don’t be a know-it-all—be a learn-it-all. That’s how you build a life fully lived.”
Resources & Links
Connect with Heinz: Heinzsight.org
LinkedIn: Heinz Plaumann
Watch his Flashcard Leadership videos
Support the show
Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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35min
June 25, 2025Living What Matters: Kristin Hiemstra on Alignment, EQ, and Courage
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Have you ever looked around at your life, your job, or your carefully planned-out path and wondered quietly - how did I end up here?
Today’s guest, Kristin Hiemstra, asked herself that same question—and instead of ignoring it, she followed the thread. In this honest and empowering conversation, she shares her journey from burnout to clarity, and from performing success to living in alignment.
Kristin is a TEDx speaker, coach, educator, and founder of The Art of Potential. She’s also an adjunct lecturer at NC State where she teaches emotional intelligence and organizational culture to MBA students. From toxic workplaces and personal reinvention to launching a values-based civic project, Kristin shows us what it looks like to live what matters.
In this episode you’ll learn:
How Kristin navigated career confusion with curiosity and courage
The emotional and physical toll of misalignment—and how she healed from it
Why emotional intelligence is essential in work and leadership
What fulfillment really means when you stop checking boxes and start listening within
How she's creating We the People, a community initiative centered on compassion and agency
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a version of success that doesn’t fit, this conversation will help you reconnect with what matters most and take your next aligned step.
Want more? Watch Kristin's TEDx Talk, Connect with Kristin at www.artofpotential.com, and explore her new initiative at www.wethepeople.community.
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Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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45min
June 18, 2025The Hidden Force Behind Your Next Success: Mental Fitness
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What if the real reason you are stuck is not your resume or strategy but your mind?
In this episode of Your Next Success Dr Caroline Sangal shares the breakthrough that reshaped her coaching method forever The story of one brilliant chemist unlocks the hidden force behind self-sabotage and explains why even the most prepared professionals fall apart under pressure.
You will learn how mental fitness changes everything from how you lead to how you interview to how you show up in life You will also meet the ten saboteurs that hijack your clarity drain your energy and keep you stuck
This episode introduces Positive Intelligence also known as PQ and why it is now a core pillar of the Next Success Method
What You Will Learn
Why high performers still self-sabotage
The real difference between emotional intelligence and mental fitness
How to identify and overcome the ten most common saboteurs
What the Sage brain is and how to access it during pressure moments
How to retrain your mind to respond instead of react
Daily practices to build mental strength in just 15 minutes a day
Why mental fitness became a foundational part of the Next Success Method
Link to Free Assessments
Support the show
Subscribe to Your Next Success so you never miss an episode.

Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NextSuccessMethod/

Learn more about Next Success www.nextsuccesscareers.com
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33min

FAQs about Your Next Success:

How many episodes does Your Next Success have?

The podcast currently has 17 episodes available.