This podcast is for moms with an empty nest on the horizon who are reclaiming & redefining their identity outside of motherhood, which might include a job search. On this show we’ll have raw conversations about our ever-changing roles as moms, hear from women who restarted their careers, and share tactical tips for a successful job search after a career break.
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Christina Kohl Podcasts

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93. The 5 Whys Technique (And Why You Should Try It Today)
10:09
10:09
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10:09In this episode, I share the powerful mindset exercise that helped me uncover the real reason I wanted to return to work after a 13-year career break. Learn how the “5 Whys” technique—originally developed at Toyota—can help you gain clarity, build motivation, and reconnect with your purpose during a job search, career pivot, or life transition. Plu…
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I recently renewed my SPHR certification—60 hours of continuing education that represent more than just staying current. They reflect a deeper commitment to my growth, my clients, and the message I want to share with you today: You don’t have to start over. But you do need to start moving. In this episode, I’m sharing: What it looked like to retake…
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91. Protect the Asset: My Biggest Takeaway from the book Essentialism, by Greg McKeown
14:56
14:56
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14:56Let’s be honest—“self-care” can feel cliché at best and selfish at worst, especially for moms who’ve spent years putting everyone else first. But what if the real problem isn’t the concept, but how we frame it? In this episode, I share how the phrase Protect the Asset from Greg McKeown’s book Essentialism completely shifted the way I think about we…
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90. Rejection (job search or otherwise) reframed as redirection
13:10
13:10
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13:10Rejection hurts. But what if it’s actually redirecting you toward something better? In this episode, I share a personal story about the time I lost what I thought was my dream home—and how that painful “no” made space for an even better “yes.” It’s a reminder that rejection isn’t always the end of the road. Sometimes, it’s a protective nudge toward…
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Midyear is the perfect time to pause, reflect, and reset—especially if those January resolutions have long faded into the background (you're not alone—most don’t make it past February!). In this episode, we explore how July offers a fresh opportunity to check in on your goals in a way that feels aligned with your real life right now. Whether you’re…
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88. Don’t Wait for September: Build Job Search Momentum This Summer
11:29
11:29
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11:29Thinking about returning to work or making a career change this fall? Don’t wait until September to start. In this episode, I share a summer checklist of quick career-boosting tasks you can do in between everything else life throws your way. Reconnect with your network. Ask for references. Organize your interview outfits. Clarify what you’re lookin…
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87. From Empty Nest to What’s Next: Rebuilding Community and Identity
10:52
10:52
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10:52What happens when the community we built through our kids starts to fade? After years of bonding with other parents on sports sidelines, at school events, and in group texts, many women in midlife find themselves navigating a quiet but powerful shift—in friendships, identity, and purpose. In this episode, I share how my own shift from new motherhoo…
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86. When Summer Shakes Up Your Routine, Reset with This Simple Micro-Step Strategy
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15:34
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15:34Summer hits, and suddenly everything is off: school’s out, routines vanish, the weather changes our habits, and even good things—like graduations, college kids moving home, or family vacations—can leave us feeling scattered and unmotivated. If your energy is low and your to-do list feels overwhelming, this episode is for you. I’m sharing the truth …
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85. Summer Refresh: Declutter with Guest Melina Kane (Replay)
43:40
43:40
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43:40It's the first week of June, and with my college freshman home for the summer, I'm definitely facing the challenge of decluttering! I recently tackled my son Alex's overflowing room after moving him home from the dorm (barely fitting all his stuff in our SUV), a task that immediately brought back memories of my most popular episode with professiona…
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84. Mental Health Awareness for Moms: Barefoot in the Grass: A Burnout Recovery Story
41:05
41:05
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41:05My guest, entrepreneurial mom Gabs Hayes, reveals how building a seven-figure business the hard way taught her that success shouldn't cost families their well-being. After a transformative journey through career pivots, mental health struggles, and a fundamental shift in priorities, she shares powerful insights on redefining success on your own ter…
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83. When College Kids Come Home: Navigating the Summer Transition
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10:41
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10:41Navigating the transition when college students return home for summer break presents both joys and challenges for the entire family. Christina is bringing her son Alex, a freshman at CSU, home for the summer after his first year of college. This episode explores how to adjust expectations and build new relationships with your young adults who have…
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82. When They Graduate, So Do You: Navigating the Space Between Pride and Nostalgia
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10:46
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10:46Graduation season brings a complex mix of emotions as we celebrate our children's achievements while also grieving the end of a significant chapter in our lives as mothers. This bittersweet transition marks not only our children's growth but also our own evolution from full-time caregivers to witnesses of their adult lives, prompting us to consider…
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81. The 1-10 Scale Every Family Should Know About
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18:39
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18:39Have you ever wished for an easier way to check in on your loved ones' mental health without awkwardness or fear? Today's powerful episode introduces a life-saving communication shorthand that could transform how your family discusses emotional wellbeing. Born from personal experience, this simple numbered scale system creates a gateway to discuss …
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80. Job Searching and Mental Health: A Survival Guide during Mental Health Awareness Month
23:02
23:02
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23:02Job searching can take a toll on your mental health. In this episode, I share practical strategies and my GRACE framework to help you stay grounded and resilient. If you’ve ever felt like job searching is messing with your head… you’re not wrong. Behind every resume you send and interview you prep for is a whole swirl of emotions: hope, rejection, …
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79. Two Moms. Two Seasons. One Honest Conversation, with Guest Susan Lee
38:23
38:23
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38:23What do a toddler mom and an almost-empty nester have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode, Christina (navigating the early stages of an empty nest) and Susan Lee (mom to a 15-month-old) sit down for a raw, honest conversation about the identity shifts that unfold across every stage of motherhood. Together, they explore how to preserve…
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78. Rest Isn’t Lazy - It’s Strategy. Part 2 with Guest Alexandra Clifton
20:31
20:31
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20:31We explore the distinction between sleep and rest with wellness coach Alexandra Clifton, diving into practical techniques for calming your nervous system and protecting your energy during major life transitions. • Vagus nerve calming techniques including intentional yawning to increase oxygen flow and mental clarity • "Shalom My Body" exercises tha…
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77. Emotional Resilience Isn’t a Myth (It’s Neuroscience) with Guest Alexandra Clifton
32:25
32:25
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32:25Christina welcomes holistic wellness coach Alexandra Clifton to explore how busy individuals can break free from chronic stress and overwhelm with simple, sustainable lifestyle changes. Alexandra shares her journey from psychology studies to founding To Breathe Again, where she empowers people to cultivate lasting peace through neuroscience-based w…
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76. My Favorite April Fools Story: A Disrupted Day with a Perfect Ending
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11:20
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11:20A chance encounter on the ski slopes of Winter Park on April Fool's Day 1995 led to meeting my husband in the most unexpected way possible. • Brief encounter with a skilled skier who complimented my skiing ability by calling me "Susie Chapstick" • Had my skis stolen after lunch, causing a frustrating afternoon of riding ski lifts down, filing repor…
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75. Unlock Financial Freedom: Change Your Mindset... with Guest Christiane David
33:46
33:46
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33:46Christiane David, personal finance coach and co-founder of Green Wealth Legacy, shares how changing your money mindset can transform your financial reality and create genuine financial intimacy. • Financial coaching differs from financial advising by focusing on day-to-day money management and emotional relationships with finances • The Mindset Mon…
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74. Podcasthon: Empowering Women, One Outfit at a Time. Guest Jennifer Waines, Dress for Success
23:47
23:47
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23:47This special episode features Jennifer Waines, Operations Manager at Dress for Success Denver, as part of the global Podcasthon movement highlighting nonprofits worldwide during the third week of March. Dress for Success began in New York in 1996 has grown to over 100 affiliates across multiple countries, with the Denver location serving 22,000+ wo…
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73. "If I knew then what I know now" - ChatGPT interviews me about career advice
28:24
28:24
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28:24This week, I’m doing something a little different—I let ChatGPT interview me! The topic: “If I Knew Then What I Know Now”—advice career returners and career changers wish they had known earlier. In this unique episode, I hand the “mic” to ChatGPT (yes, really!) to ask me the big questions about my 13-year journey from stay-at-home mom back to HR pr…
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72. 2 Years Out: What I Thought, What Really Happened, and What I’ve Learned
19:22
19:22
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19:22Big life changes always come with their fair share of surprises, and my leap from corporate to full-time coaching was no exception. As I hit the two-year mark, I’m taking a look back at what I thought would happen, what actually happened, and everything I’ve learned along the way. Spoiler: it hasn’t been a straight path! In this episode, I’m sharin…
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71. Rediscovering Your Career: Women, Midlife, & Meaningful Work With Guest Jackie Brown
35:49
35:49
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35:49Have you ever felt like your career path is leading you away from success and into confusion? In today’s episode, we dive deep into the transformative journey many women experience as they navigate the complexities of midlife career changes. Joining us is Jackie Brown, a career and leadership coach who specializes in helping individuals reclaim the…
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70. From Burnout to Breakthrough: Cathleen Mohr’s Journey to Healing and Self-Discovery
35:28
35:28
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35:28Embracing life after motherhood can lead to profound self-discovery and personal transformation. Guest Cathleen Mohr shares her journey from a high-stress corporate career to becoming a family constellations facilitator, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and presence in nurturing relationships. • Introduction of Cathleen Mohr and her wor…
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69. Returning to Work? These Women Did It - And So Can You!
18:12
18:12
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18:12Self-belief is essential for successfully re-entering the workforce after a career break. Christina shares inspiring stories of women who overcame self-doubt and found fulfillment, emphasizing that with small steps and the right support, anyone can achieve their professional goals. • Sharing Ann's journey back to work • Highlighting Fay’s proactive…
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68. Empowering Midlife Transformation: Carin Luna-Ostaseski’s Journey from Entrepreneur to Menopause Advocate
33:05
33:05
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33:05Carin Luna Osseski joins us to share her transformative journey from founding a Scotch whiskey brand to creating "Hot or Just Me", a resource dedicated to supporting women through perimenopause. This episode emphasizes the importance of advocacy, understanding common symptoms, and fostering open conversations about the often-taboo topics surroundin…
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67. Career Pivots & Entrepreneurship: Guest Lisa Klein’s Career Reinvention
23:37
23:37
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23:37Listeners are treated to an authentic conversation with Lisa Klein, who reflects on her diverse career journey following a pause for motherhood. The episode delves into her profession in accounting, unexpected career transitions, and her evolution into health and business coaching as she encourages other moms to embrace their entrepreneurial potent…
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66. Navigating Midlife Career Transitions with Confidence, featuring Guest Kathryn Sandford
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44:42
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44:42Ready to embrace career transitions with confidence and clarity? Discover how Kathryn Sandford, a career brand leadership coach from New Zealand, transformed her career path from teaching to empowering midlife women to redefine their professional identities. Hear Kathryn's compelling story of a pivotal moment in a school staff room that set her on …
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65. The Power of Coaching, with Guest Shari Biery
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15:31This episode explores the transformative power of coaching and empowerment for mothers transitioning into a new phase of life. With insights from Shari Biery, listeners learn about the importance of investing in their own growth and redefining their identities beyond motherhood. • Shari shares insights on coaching and identity • Discussion on the c…
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64. January Declutter: Transform Your Space and Mindset with Guest Melina Kane
40:03
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40:03If getting organized and decluttering is one of your New Year's resolutions for 2025, this episode is for you! Christina and guest Melina Kane, a professional organizer, discuss practical strategies for decluttering, the importance of aligning possessions with values and engaging children in the organizing process. In this episode we discuss: • Mel…
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63. Why 'Awaken' Is My Word for 2025 (And How to Pick Yours)
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23:03Welcome to 2025! Picking a word of the year can bring clarity and focus to who we want to become and what we want to accomplish in life. A carefully chosen word is a type of mental mentor — something to help us stay motivated as we move toward our goals. This year, I enlisted ChatGPT as a tool to find my guiding word, "awaken," which aligns perfect…
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62. Embracing Change and Confidence in Mid Life with Guest Shari Biery, Author of "It's Your Turn".
43:36
43:36
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43:36Picture this: standing at your spouse's military retirement ceremony, you're suddenly hit by a wave of burnout and realize the urgent need to reclaim your own identity. This was the pivotal moment for our remarkable guest, Shari Biery, author of "It's Your Turn" and founder of Alive With Purpose Coaching. Join us as Shari shares her transformative …
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61. This Holiday Secret Can Open Career Doors
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18:27
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18:27Can holiday gatherings be the key to your career comeback? Join me as I share how the festive season can be a golden opportunity for networking, especially for moms eyeing a return to the professional world. Networking doesn't have to be awkward or icky. Through personal stories and practical insights, I'll share how to weave your job search into c…
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60. The Magic of Now: Finding Luxury in Daily Life
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14:56Did you ever think that a missing crystal glass could lead to a revelation about finding joy in everyday moments? This week, we reflect on how something as simple as using our best glassware for daily routines can add a touch of magic to our lives. Inspired by setting the Thanksgiving and being short 1 crystal glass, (because the glass has been ass…
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59. Deep Gratitude: What the Garden Teaches About Thanksgiving
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9:48
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9:48Gratitude isn't just a Thanksgiving ritual; it's a transformative power that enriches our lives every day. Imagine if we truly recognized the effort behind every bite on our Thanksgiving table. From my personal journey as a gardener, I've learned to appreciate the labor behind even a single tomato. This episode invites you to join me in exploring h…
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Rediscover your career confidence and transform your perspective with our latest episode, where personal growth meets professional development. We'll equip you with essential strategies to tackle career gaps, unlock the mysteries of the Applicant Tracking System, and craft a resume that leaves a lasting impression. Join us as we prepare for the Com…
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57. Embracing Change, One Season at a Time
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12:11In this episode, we dive into the beauty and challenges of life’s changing seasons, from weather to family transitions. Inspired by the first snowstorm of the year, I reflect on how each season brings something new and often unexpected. Just as we experience excitement with the first snowfall—only to be met with more storms and extra work—family li…
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56. Two Dogs, One Bathrobe, and a Lesson in Showing Up
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14:04In this episode, we dive into a story about an unexpected act of help that led to a happy ending, highlighting how our perceived limitations can actually make us uniquely capable of making a difference. I share a personal experience involving my dog, Nelly, and a neighbor in need, illustrating the importance of stepping up even when we don’t feel p…
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55. Celebrating a Year of Podcasting: Overcoming Fears and Pursuing Dreams
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15:31Launching a podcast was a dream I wasn't sure I’d ever actually pursue. As I transitioned from a corporate career into the world of podcasting and coaching, I found myself taking a leap into the unknown. On this special anniversary episode of Her Next Chapter, we celebrate an incredible year of growth and transformation. Reflecting on the journey f…
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54. LinkedIn Basics for Job Seekers: Profile Tips and Networking Strategies
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20:29In this episode, I explain why LinkedIn is one of the most powerful tools for networking and job searching, whether you’re a stay-at-home mom or a mid-career professional who hasn’t actively networked in years. If you didn’t start networking years ago, the second-best time to begin is today! I share examples of how LinkedIn helped me find opportuni…
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53. "ADHD is Awesome" Book: Surprising Insights
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16:55In honor of ADHD Awareness Month in October, I took the time to listen to "ADHD is Awesome" by Penn and Kim Holderness. One of my kids was diagnosed not too long ago, and being a fan of the Holderness Family, I knew their book would be both entertaining and useful. I wasn't disappointed. I was surprised however by how much I personally identified w…
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Have you ever considered abandoning traditional New Year's resolutions and crafting a "to-don't" list instead? As we approach the final stretch of 2024, this episode of Her Next Chapter invites you to explore alternative ways to spark personal and professional growth. Dive into the concept of choosing a guiding word for the year—like my 2024 word, …
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51. Navigating Career and Life Transitions: Reinventing Your Identity with Gabrielle Ferguson Part 2
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41:52What are the internal shifts needed for navigating major life transitions like returning to the workforce or adjusting to an empty nest? Listen in to part 2 of my conversation with Gabrielle Ferguson, a goal strategist specializing in identity and transitions, as we tackle these complex questions. Gabrielle sheds light on the insidious impact of th…
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50. Navigating Career and Life Transitions: Reinventing Your Identity with Gabrielle Ferguson Part 1
31:54
31:54
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31:54Ready to transform your life during key transitions? In our 50th (!!) episode of the Her Next Chapter podcast, we promise to offer you profound insights on navigating identity shifts, especially for moms re-entering the workforce or facing an empty nest. Our wonderful guest, Gabrielle Ferguson, an expert consultant and leadership strategist, joins …
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49. Rediscover Your Career Confidence: Tips for Stay-at-Home Moms Returning to Work
21:37
21:37
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21:37Can a career break actually be an asset? Join me as I share lessons from my journey of reentering the workforce after 13 years at home. This episode is packed with real-life insights and actionable advice. We'll tackle the often daunting task of reframing career breaks into compelling narratives that highlight your unique strengths. Listen in as I …
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48. The Power of Strengths Insights in Career Transitions, with guest Chani Kohn
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36:59Unlock the secret to a smoother career transition with insights from Clifton Strengths Finders expert Chani Kohn on this episode of Her Next Chapters. Discover how understanding and leveraging your unique strengths can help combat imposter syndrome and make your re-entry into the workforce a more confident and fulfilling experience. Chani breaks do…
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47. Secrets to Landing Your Dream Job (even after a career break)
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24:13Can a career break really transform into your greatest asset? Join me as we uncover the secrets to landing your dream job, even after years away from the workforce. Through our three-day "Job Search Challenge," you'll learn how to stand out to recruiters, uncover hidden job opportunities, and navigate the tricky subject of career gaps. Rediscover y…
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46. Strengths-Based Parenting: Easing Transitions and Building Strong Family Bonds
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35:58Unlock the secrets to enhancing your parenting skills through the unique lens of StrengthsFinder, as we welcome back the insightful Chani Kohn. You'll discover practical ways to identify and harness your strengths within the four key domains: executing, influencing, relationship building, and strategic thinking. Reflect on the pivotal role of stren…
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45. Embracing the Empty Nest: A Journey Through College Drop-Off
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16:14This week's episode dives into my personal journey of preparing to take my youngest child to college, where excitement intertwines with sadness. From sorting through school supplies to packing those iconic Ikea bags, I share the highs and lows, the practical tasks, and the poignant moments that make this transition so significant. Tune in for a hea…
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44. Birthday Musings: Time Travel Edition
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20:08I'm celebrating a birthday this week and am using it as a time to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the future. With the word "light" being my guiding theme for 2024, I recount the emotional transition of stepping out from a corporate career to embrace my true purpose of using my experience, natural talents to help people find jobs …
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