Ever feel like the default project manager at home or work? In this episode, Lauren sits down with Dr. Regina Lark to unpack soft incompetence—a subtle dynamic that quietly shifts emotional labor onto one person, often with good intentions. Learn how to spot it, talk about it, and rebalance responsibility without resentment.

You’ll learn:

1. How soft incompetence differs from weaponized incompetence.
2. Early signs of emotional labor imbalance.
3. One simple shift to redistribute responsibility more fairly.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Dr. Regina Lark: https://www.reginalark.com/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month Shopify trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

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Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of influence, trust, and leadership at work. In this episode, Ravi Rajani, author of Relationship Currency, breaks down the five habits that make communicators truly influential. From reframing the stories you tell yourself to building trust without being the loudest voice in the room, Ravi shares practical, immediately usable shifts that help you communicate with more clarity, credibility, and impact—starting this week.

You’ll learn:

• How to build trust through the Three C’s: connection, character, and competence
• Why patience (not charisma) is the secret weapon of influential communicators
• Simple habits introverts can use to speak with confidence and be taken seriously at work

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Relationship Currency book: https://www.theravirajani.com/book

Ravi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theravirajani/

Ravi website: https://www.theravirajani.com/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts.

They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work.

You’ll learn:

• Why blended teams are becoming the new standard
• How flexible work can still support growth and stability
• What leaders need to rethink in the AI era

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Lions & Tigers website: https://lionsandtigers.com/

Workforce Reimagined Research: https://lionsandtigers.com/why-now/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

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Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn:

• Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailment
• The hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close it
• The first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourself

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/

Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/

Book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/book 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again.

You’ll learn:

• Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually does
• How “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessing
• What modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or control

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656

Guest Resources:

YNAB app: https://www.ynab.com/

YNAB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors

Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.

You’ll learn:

• The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in)
• How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays
• The EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/ 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren turns the mic on co-host Marnie Lemonik to unpack her journey from corporate professional to Career Coach.

Marnie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she “shot her shot” with Career Contessa years before officially joining the team, what pushed her to start coaching and how she financially (and mentally) prepared to bet on herself. If you’ve ever considered starting your own thing, whether as a side hustle or full-time job, this is for you.

You’ll Learn:

• The timing and circumstances that led Marnie to transition from corporate to coaching 
• What it actually looks like to build a side business before leaving your full-time job
• The importance of financial preparation and rejecting the “struggle to hustle” mindset
• The entrepreneurial skill of “figuring it out” (and why self-trust is everything)

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP  

Marnie’s  Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaVZm8QWlC8RWwiajYcs9?si=a2a5187a63674a76 

Marnie’s Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-marnie/id1875804683 

Marnie’s Career Contessa Articles: https://www.careercontessa.com/meet-the-team/Marnie-Lemonik/87101/ 

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ 

Resources 

Marnie’s Resume Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/template-marnies-resume-with-written-examples 

10% Discount Code: CCPOD 

The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

CareerFitter Online Assessment:

https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors

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Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.

Share a little extra love this February in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title.

You’ll learn:

1. Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth.
2. Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum.
3. The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season.

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Carolyn Dewer: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/carolyn-dewar

Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasons 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ 

Sponsor

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent.

You’ll learn:

• Why emotionally intelligent teams outperform others
• How to build trust and psychological safety
• Simple steps to boost your team’s emotional IQ

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guide to working with me: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/communication-guide/

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/

Book: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/books 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ 

Sponsor

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

AI is transforming the way work gets done—but great leadership still comes down to people. In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, Lauren McGoodwin welcomes back Julie Zhuo, author of The Making of a Manager and co-founder of Sundial, to discuss how managers can lead effectively in the AI era, beyond productivity metrics and tools. You'll learn:

• Why AI-driven productivity doesn’t equal team success—and what leaders should focus on instead
• The leadership skills that become more valuable (not less) in an AI-powered workplace
• How managers can maintain trust, purpose, and meaningful work as AI reshapes roles

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.juliezhuo.com/

Book: https://www.juliezhuo.com/book/manager.html

Substack: https://lg.substack.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-zhuo/

X: https://x.com/joulee 

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Why do we instantly “click” with some coworkers and struggle with others? Journalist and bestselling author Kate Murphy discusses the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony—how our brains, bodies, and behavior subconsciously sync with the people around us.

You’ll learn:

• What interpersonal synchrony is and why it matters for your career

• How technology is changing the way we connect, collaborate, and build trust

• Practical strategies to create stronger relationships and more cohesive teams at work

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Book: https://www.amazon.com/Why-We-Click-Interpersonal-Synchrony/dp/1250352452

Website: https://www.journalistkatemurphy.com/

Career Contessa Resources

Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/

Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/

Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor

Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.