Think personal branding is only for extroverts? Think again. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Goldie Chan—personal branding strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Personal Branding for Introverts—to unpack how introverts can grow their authentic presence without burning out.

You’ll learn:

• Why personal branding is about clarity and connection, not self-promotion
• The “Five C’s” every introvert should know to build a sustainable brand
• Practical ways to avoid burnout and define success on your own terms

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.goldiechan.com/

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

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

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.

Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity and resilience at work. In this episode, play designer Cas Holman shares how curiosity and playfulness can help teams thrive.

You’ll learn:

• Why adults need play to spark innovation
• How leaders can model play without it feeling forced
• Easy ways to bring more play into your daily work

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Cas Holman: https://casholman.com

Book: https://casholman.com/work-with-cas-copy

Rigamajig: https://casholman.com/design/rigamajig 

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.

Your time isn’t your most valuable resource—it’s your attention. In this episode, Dr. Zelana Montminy (Dr. Z), behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus, joins Lauren to explore why learning to protect your attention is the new workplace superpower. From the myth of multitasking to the everyday “focus thieves” draining your energy, Dr. Z shares practical strategies for reclaiming your focus and thriving at work—without burning out.

You’ll learn:

• Why multitasking sabotages productivity and how your brain really works.
• The most common “focus thieves” and how to spot and stop them.
• Dr. Z’s simple, science-backed tools to reclaim your attention starting today.

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources

Dr. Zelana website: https://drzelana.com/

Finding Focus book: https://drzelana.com/findingfocus

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana 

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

Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at merit beauty.com.

Join thousands of small business owners simplifying their finances—open your FREE Found account now at found.com

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 and career coach Marnie Lemonik tackle one of the most common struggles for all of us —setting boundaries at work. From overcommitting to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they break down why boundaries matter and how to enforce them in a way that feels fair, balanced, and realistic. 

You’ll Learn:

• How to replace “maybe” with clear, confident communication
• How to use tools and systems to make boundaries easier to stick to
• How to anticipate (and handle) pushback when enforcing boundaries

Show Notes

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

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

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

Resources 

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 

Marnie’s Free Resources

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources 

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: 

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 

10% Discount Code: CCPOD 

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/ 

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:

Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first subscription order.

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

Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get started

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

We’ve been told our whole lives that competition makes us better, sharper, and more successful. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, I’m joined by Ruchika Malhotra—founder of Candour and author of UNCOMPETE—to challenge the myth that competition is the key to growth. Instead, she shows us why uncompeting is the real path to abundance, joy, and lasting success.

You’ll learn:

• Why the idea that “competition makes us better” is more harmful than helpful
• How to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundance
• Practical strategies to embrace collaboration without losing ambition

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.ruchika.co/

Book: https://www.ruchika.co/uncompete-book

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

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:

Go to calm.com/contessa for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.

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

Ever worked for a bad boss? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this episode, workplace equity expert and author Mita Mallick unpacks the realities of toxic leadership and how to rise above it. From micromanagers to spotlight-stealers, Mita shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to protect your confidence and career.

You’ll learn:

• The 13 types of bad bosses—and which ones do the most damage.
• How to navigate toxic power dynamics when you’re early in your career.
• A simple shift every leader can make to build trust and lead inclusively.

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Mita Mallick website:https://www.mitamallick.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/

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:

Get up to 35% off plus 2 free gifts when you use code CONTESSA at checkout at shopbeam.com/CONTESSA.

Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get started. 

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

Why do some people seem to instantly earn trust and command a room—without being pushy or fake? In this episode, executive communication coach Dr. Kate Mason shares research-backed strategies from her book Powerfully Likeable to help you show up with warmth, authenticity, and confidence at work.

You’ll learn:

• The difference between being likeable and being a people-pleaser
• Subtle body language shifts that instantly build trust
• How to handle tricky conversations without losing credibility

If you’ve ever struggled to be taken seriously and stay true to yourself, this episode is for you.

Show Notes:

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

Guest Resources:

Kate Mason Website: https://www.katemason.co/

Powerfuly Likeable book: https://www.amazon.com/Powerfully-Likeable-Womans-Effective-Communication-ebook/dp/B0DQNQMHXN

Kate Mason LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katemasonphd/

Substack: https://katemason.substack.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/ 

Sponsors:

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

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

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

Executive coach and author Martin Dubin joins us to unpack the 6 most common leadership blindspots—and why the most successful people are often the most blind to them.

You’ll learn:

• Why your biggest strength might secretly be a liability
• How emotions can quietly hijack your leadership
• The first step to uncovering what’s holding you back

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website: https://www.martindubin.com/ 

Blindspot Test: https://www.blindspotting.com/

Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DRZFK8J6?tag=bk00010a-20&th=1&psc=1&geniuslink=true 

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:

Go to Leesa.com for 25% off mattresses PLUS get an extra $50 off with promo code CONTESSA, exclusive for my listeners.

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 and career coach Marnie Lemonik dive into the art of telling your career story—a skill that matters whether you’re interviewing, networking, or simply introducing yourself in a work environment. Listen to hear about  the three key parts every career story should include and share practical frameworks (plus real examples) to help you create a concise, clear, and authentic narrative.

You’ll Learn:

• How to craft a 1–2 sentence “career thesis statement” that highlights your path and through-line
• How to filter your past roles so your story feels relevant (without rambling)
• How to work through the awkward period of your story feeling “new”

Show Notes

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

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

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

Resources

Career Summary / Thesis Statement Template: 

I’ve spent the majority of my career in [ABC FIELDS] within [XYZ roles]. The through line of my experience has really been [a passion to help XYZ group, a desire to contribute to an XYZ mission, an interest in the XYZ element of your roles].

Marnie’s “Tell Me About Yourself” Example: https://www.instagram.com/p/C70Ht65M4uR/ 

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 

Marnie’s Free Resources

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources 

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: 

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 

10% Discount Code: CCPOD 

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:

Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA to learn more.

Go to shopify.com/careercontessa to upgrade your selling today.

Open a Found account for FREE at found.com/contessa.

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

Ever feel stuck at work but can’t quite put your finger on why? In this episode, executive coach and Leadership Unblocked author Muriel Wilkins explains the invisible blockers that stand between you and your full potential. She shares why a “perception gap” can hold you back even more than a skills gap — and how you can start coaching yourself to break through those hidden barriers.

You’ll learn:

• Why your biggest blocker might be a perception gap, not a skill gap
• How to self-coach when self-doubt creeps in
• The key questions that help you lead from the inside out

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website and book: https://www.murielwilkins.com/

Podcast: https://www.murielwilkins.com/podcast-coaching-real-leaders

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

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmurielwilkins/#

CC podcast on executive presence: https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/executive-presence-what-it-is-and-how-to-get-it-at-work/id1434354911?i=1000577768564 

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

Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

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

Struggle with saying “no” at work? You’re not alone. In this episode, career coach and talent acquisition manager Adeline Callanan joins us to break down what assertive communication really looks like—and how to build the skill without sounding aggressive.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to speak up without being seen as “difficult”

✅ Simple language shifts that boost your confidence

✅ Nonverbal cues that support (or sabotage) your message

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Work with Adeline: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Adeline-(Gheorghita)Callanan/21903/

10% off a session with Adeline with code “Podcast” till 9/25/25

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

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period 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.