How will you figure out what is next for you and your career? Building a Mid-Career GPS to create that next promotion, finding a new job, building your network, and crushing your next interview are just some topics we cover on The Mid-Career GPS Podcast. John Neral had a mid-career moment that changed his path and direction. Building a Mid-Career GPS helped guide him to create what was next for his career. Now, he’s here to help you do the same. Join him and his guests as they share their st ...
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We find experts in future-building and kindness to mine their expertise on how we can all participate in building the future we want to live in, one kind act at a time. Along with great conversations, we also include kindness challenges each week, and current positive depictions of the future of humanity in art, literature, film, and media.
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Short Story Long, hosted by leadership and business coach Beki Fraser. Through personal narratives and interviews, Beki explores pivotal life moments and the decisions that shape careers and leadership. Each episode delves into the internal and external challenges of navigating significant changes, offering insights into authentic leadership grounded in core values. The podcast features stories from professionals who’ve embraced transformation, providing listeners with relatable experiences ...
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Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey
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28:25Lead with Kindness Live with Purpose: John Neral on Owning Your Career Journey | #Career What if the kindest thing we can do in today’s fast-paced world is to simply pause? In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael welcomes John Neral—career coach, podcast host, and advocate for mid-career professionals navigating change. John shares powerful …
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Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. Connect with Beki on LinkedIn: Linkedin.com/in/BekiFraser Learn more about her coaching: TheIntrovertedSkeptic.com Follow Short Story Long's LinkedIn Page: Linkedin.com/showcase/shortstorylongpod Get her book, C.O.A.C.H. Y.O.U.: The Introverted Skeptic’s Guide…
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298: The Power of Building Networks That Matter in Today's Job Market with Dahlia Shaewitz
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35:29Send us a text Feeling stuck in a toxic workplace or misaligned in your career? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this powerful episode, Dahlia Shaewitz, founder of Third Sight LLC, joins host John Neral to share career-shifting insights for mid-career professionals seeking clarity, better leadership paths, and more authentic connection…
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Beyond the Imposter: You're Not Faking It - Skill Builder
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6:11Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. Ever catch yourself saying "I'm just faking it till I make it" or feeling like an imposter despite your achievements? You're not alone, but you might be undermining yourself more than you realize. Those feelings of doubt, fear, and anxiety aren't evidence that…
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297: Making a Career Change with More Clarity and Confidence
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22:02Send us a text Feeling stuck, undervalued, or underutilized in your career? You’re not alone and you’re not lost. In this episode, I unpack how to navigate a meaningful career pivot with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Whether you're reassessing your priorities, reevaluating your strengths, or questioning your current path, this episode will hel…
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Kris Liebau's Story: Overcoming Imposter Syndrome and Redefining Personal Success
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37:07Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. Have you ever achieved everything you thought you wanted, only to find yourself still feeling unsatisfied? That nagging disconnect between external success and internal fulfillment is exactly what leadership coach Kris Liebau confronted on her journey to self-…
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296: Glass Ceilings and Sticky Floors with Erica Rooney
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31:44Send us a text What’s Really Holding You Back in Your Career? Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things in your career, but still not moving forward? While it's easy to blame external forces, leadership expert and former Chief People Officer Erica Rooney believes the real barriers may lie much closer to home. In this powerful episode, Erica …
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Kindness at Work Isn't Fluff | Charlie Saffro on Leadership, Empathy, and Brave Culture
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36:05Kindness at Work Isn't Fluff | Charlie Saffro on Leadership, Empathy, and Brave Culture | #inspiration Join Michael as he sits down with Charlie Saffro—CEO of CS Recruiting, TEDx speaker, and leadership visionary—for a powerful conversation about building workplace cultures rooted in kindness, empathy, and authenticity. In this episode of Our Futur…
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Brave Conversations: Preparing for Life-Changing Discussions - Skill Builder
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9:50Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. We've all faced moments when a deeply personal truth demands to be spoken, yet everything inside us screams to stay silent. These brave conversations—whether coming out to loved ones, revealing major life changes, or addressing difficult topics—represent defin…
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295: Surviving Restructuring, Reorganizations, Layoffs, and RIFs: What Mid-Career Professionals Need to Know
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30:09Send us a text Navigating a job loss or corporate shakeup? In this must-listen episode, career expert John Neral explains the real differences between restructuring, reorganization, layoffs, and RIFs, and how mid-career professionals can stay grounded through uncertain times. Whether you're affected by government DOGE initiatives, private-sector do…
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John Neral's Story: How a Personal Journey Shaped a Career Coach's Approach
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31:00Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. The journey to authenticity often begins with our most challenging personal moments. In this profound conversation with career coach John Neral, we explore how his experience of coming out to his parents at age 28 shaped not just his personal life but fundamen…
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294: Career Help That Won't Break the Bank (But Will Change Your Life)
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27:31Send us a text The career landscape has changed—and mid-career professionals are feeling the pressure. In this candid and insightful episode, John Neral shares how he’s evolving his coaching business to better serve professionals navigating job searches, career transitions, and workplace uncertainty. After eight years of full-time coaching, John re…
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Jeff Harmon: My Impossible Journey, Values-Based Leadership, and Building a Kinder Future
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43:09On this Our Future is Kind Podcast episode, guest Jeff Harmon speaks about his inspiring journey. Diagnosed with a neurological condition that has reshaped his life, Jeff has embraced his own "impossible" by using a wheelchair and setting out to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro—a testament to his message that what seems impossible is often the starting li…
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Networking to Build Relationships - Skill Builder
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15:33Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. We build protective stories around our awkward experiences, convincing ourselves we're simply not cut out for schmoozing in crowded rooms or making small talk with strangers. These narratives serve a purpose – they shield us from discomfort and potential rejec…
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293: Navigating Career Grief: From CBS Executive to Moonshot Mentor with Laverne McKinnon
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33:48Send us a text What do you do when a dream job ends in heartbreak? In this eye-opening episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, host John Neral sits down with Laverne McKinnon, former Senior VP of Drama Development at CBS, to talk about a rarely acknowledged experience: career grief. After leading CBS from last place to first with mega-hits like CSI …
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Scott Fleszar’s Story: From Layoff to First-Time CEO
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34:56Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. In this episode, we explore powerful themes of resilience, reinvention, and the importance of staying connected. Scott Fleszar shares how a sudden career disruption became a catalyst for reflection and transformation. Rather than being defined by circumstance,…
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292: How to Build Your Personal Board of Directors for Career Success with Dominic Imwalle
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32:20Send us a text If your career is stuck in neutral, maybe it’s not your résumé—it’s your relationships. In this powerful episode, I sit down with Dominic Imwali, Senior Consultant at Deloitte and founder of DX Consulting, to unpack why genuine, face-to-face connections are the real catalyst for career growth—especially in mid-career transitions. Dom…
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Kindness Is a Leadership Strength: Hardeep Kaur on Emotional Intelligence & Leading Change
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43:23In this episode of Our Future is Kind, Michael sits down with Hardeep Kaur, a global change manager, leadership expert, and communications strategist with over 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry. Hardeep shares transformative insights on how kindness, emotional intelligence, and cultural empathy are essential tools for leading or…
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The Mindset Advantage: Mastering Leadership Agility - Skill Builder
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8:15Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. The journey of leadership often requires us to make choices with incomplete information and limited time. Drawing from my conversation with Scott Hanton about his career-defining moment when he had to decide between working for an unsuitable leader or stepping…
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291: Kind Curiosity: How to Navigate DEI Conversations with Bernadette Smith
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30:36Send us a text How can mid-career professionals engage in diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) conversations without fear of saying the wrong thing? Bernadette Smith, CEO of the Equality Institute, shares her ARC Method—Ask, Respect, Connect—a simple yet powerful approach to fostering authentic connections while ensuring psychological safety at w…
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Scott Hanton's Story: The Reluctant Leap to Leadership
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43:00Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. Sometimes in life, we find ourselves at a crossroads that prompts uncomfortable yet exciting changes. In this episode, I speak with Scott Hanton, a seasoned researcher who faced the unexpected decision of transitioning from the world of scientific research to …
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290: When Professional Meets Awkward: How a Job Interview Took an Unexpected Turn
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18:58Send us a text Have you ever faced an interview so awkward that it left you questioning everything? In this episode, I share a hilariously uncomfortable yet eye-opening moment from my mid-career transition—when I found myself in a final-round interview, staring at a superintendent’s exposed belly button. What started as a bizarre wardrobe malfuncti…
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From Fortune 500 to Kindness Summit: Kevin Huntting’s Vision for a Kinder Future
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50:44In this episode of Our Future is Kind® Podcast, host Michael G. Neece interviews Kevin Hunting, a transition expert with over 20 years of corporate marketing experience. Links below for the full podcast. Please visit our website to get more information: http://ourfutureiskind.com/ 💬 We dive deep into: ✔️ The importance of kindness as an intentional…
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How Kindness Shapes Workplace Dynamics - Skill Builder
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6:14Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. Explore the transformative power of kindness in leadership in this inspiring episode. Through real-world examples, I highlight how compassion and thoughtful communication strengthen relationships and create a more supportive team environment. Small, intentiona…
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289: Revenge Quitting: Take This Job and....Actually, Wait a Second
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23:05Send us a text Feeling trapped in a toxic workplace and fantasizing about a dramatic exit? Before you burn bridges, this episode dives into the psychology of revenge quitting and why it’s often more damaging than liberating. While the impulse to quit in protest is understandable, the long-term consequences—especially in today’s uncertain job market…
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Anthony Marzilli's Story: Chasing Passion, Finding Balance Through Entrepreneurship
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37:32Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. What drives someone to leave a stable career with Detroit's top sports franchises and dive into the uncertain world of entrepreneurship? Anthony Marzilli, a seasoned video and motion graphics editor, shares his journey of chasing passion and balance. He opens …
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288: Client Success Story: How Melissa Mwai Took the "Ick" Out of Networking
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30:28Send us a text In this insightful episode, Melissa Mawai shares her inspiring journey from corporate project management to becoming a published children's author and illustrator. After the passing of her father and the global pandemic, Melissa found herself at a crossroads—one that led her to pursue her true passion for storytelling. Now, with five…
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Empathy is a Reliable Path to Profit and Success at Your Workplace, with Erin Herman
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35:13Empathy is a Reliable Path to Profit and Success at Your Workplace! #emotional | Speaker and Corporate Strategist Erin Herman Talks about Secrets of Building Strong Organizations through Mindful Leadership Practices Does your organization have command and control leadership that breaks trust, keeps colleagues siloed, and causes delays and poor outc…
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The Power of Choosing Your Own Career Path - Skill Builder
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8:23Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. In this episode of Short Story Long, we explore the power of owning your career choices and breaking free from traditional corporate paths. Reflecting on Theresa’s inspiring journey from HR to sustainability, we discuss the emotional and practical aspects of r…
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287: Three Ways You're Sabotaging Your Job Search & Career
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24:24Send us a text This episode explores how mid-career professionals unknowingly sabotage their job search by "playing small." With over 172,000 layoffs announced in February 2023—a staggering 245% increase from January—accelerating your job search is more critical than ever. Common pitfalls that hinder success include: Searching for the "perfect" str…
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Theresa’s Story: Her Career Transition to Sustainability
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34:19Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. What happens when a seasoned HR professional decides to pivot her career path entirely? Join us as we uncover Theresa's remarkable journey from a successful 25-year career in human resources to a burgeoning role in sustainability. Theresa shares the pivotal mo…
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286: How to Navigate Job Uncertainty in 2025 & Stay in Control of Your Career
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32:28Send us a text Feeling anxious about job security in today’s unpredictable market? You’re not alone. In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, host John Neral breaks down the most pressing concerns facing mid-career professionals in 2025. Drawing from a recent webinar, John shares expert insights and actionable strategies to help you take char…
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The Antidote to Bullying? Kindness! with Mark Melton
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52:35Combat Bullying with Kindness | Mark Melton's Expertise in the Corporate Space and as a Family Man #Bullying #kindness #Leadership Do your children face bullying at school? Have a friend who feels bullied at work? In this episode, we sit down with Mark Melton, pharmaceutical vice president and father of three boys, one with neurodiversity that has …
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285: Listen to What You Say to Others About Your Job
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19:56Send us a text Do You Love Your Job or Just Like It? Your Career Narrative Shapes Your Satisfaction Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Do I truly love my job, or do I just like the people I work with? In this insightful episode, we explore what it really means to feel fulfilled in your career—and why the stories you tell yourself about your job…
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284: Insights for Mid-Career Leadership Transformation with Jordana Cole
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36:38Send us a text Are you ready to elevate your leadership skills and navigate mid-career transitions with confidence? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I sit down with leadership and talent expert Jordana Cole to uncover the essential leadership qualities that drive success in 2025 and beyond. Jordana shares her transformational journey—…
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How Martial Arts & Movies Break Barriers: Erik Neill on Kindness
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48:28Our Future is Kind Podcast guest Erik W. Neill is an actor, stuntman, producer, and playwrite, plus he's a 6th degree master of Taekwondo. On top of all of that, he incorporates meaningful stories in his movies, ones that touch on what it means to be kind, to be inclusive of those with differences, such as the autistic central characters in his upc…
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283: Navigating the 2025 Job Market: White-Collar Recession, DEI Challenges & Career Strategies
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33:43Send us a text Are you ready to tackle the evolving job market of 2025? With economic uncertainty, political shifts, and corporate restructuring, mid-career professionals face unique challenges—especially as the "white-collar recession" unfolds. In this episode, we dive deep into the latest job market trends, the future of DEI initiatives, and esse…
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James Staton Saves Us From Hurricane Helene
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38:34Our Future is Kind Podcast guest James Staton rescued 19 of us (including himself and me!) from the Hurricane Helene disaster zone after two days. This is our story. He is originally from Charlotte, NC and currently lives in Orange County, NC. He graduated from West Charlotte High School and North Carolina A & T University. He enjoys spending time …
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Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. In this new season, host Beki Fraser goes beyond her own journey to explore the defining moments that shape careers and leadership. Each episode features conversations with leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals who have navigated pivotal decisions—embracin…
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282: Unlocking Career Success with Consistency, Courage, and Curiosity with Elena Agaragimova
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35:08Send us a text How can shifting your mindset transform your mid-career success? In this episode, talent development specialist and entrepreneur Elena Agaragimova shares how embracing a generalist mindset has been her superpower in navigating diverse industries. We explore the impact of imposter syndrome, the value of practical skills over education…
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Musician, actor, author, and lecturer Dr. Daryl Davis is often called The Rock'n'Roll Race Reconciliator. He's not white. He's not even light-skinned. Make no mistake about it, he's black. As a Black man he has come in closer contact with more members of the Ku Klux Klan than most White people and certainly most Blacks, short of being on the wrong …
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Send us a text Ready to take your career to the next level? In this episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, I will guide you through everything you need to know about finding the ideal career or leadership coach to help you thrive professionally. Whether you're stuck in career stagnation, navigating transitions, or striving for that next promotion, …
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280: Transform Your Performance Review Now
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15:32Send us a text Performance reviews don’t have to be dreaded formalities—they can be golden opportunities for career growth. In this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast, discover how to transform these annual check-ins into powerful tools for advancement. Learn to take control, articulate your ambitions, and steer conversations toward your desired…
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279: Proven Resume and Cover Letter Tips for 2025 with Stephen Greet
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30:15Send us a text Get ready to revolutionize your job application strategy with cutting-edge insights from Stephen Greet, CEO of BeamJobs. In this episode, we dive deep into crafting resumes and cover letters that will catch the eye of advanced AI-driven applicant tracking systems and resonate with hiring managers in 2025. Stephen shares his unique en…
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Mari Ribeiro: Protecting Brands, Building Bridges
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35:05In this episode we have guest Mari C. Ribeiro, Esq., Entrepreneur and Attorney Step into the vibrant world of Mari Ribeiro, the trailblazing intellectual property lawyer, speaker, author, and mindset coach. Catering specifically to entrepreneurs with a lifestyle business, Mari brings her innovative legal expertise in intellectual property while red…
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278: Embrace Simplicity & Grow Your Career in 2025
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21:05Send us a text Embrace simplicity and transform your mid-career journey as we kick off Season 5 of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast! Imagine a year where you focus only on what truly matters, letting go of the noise that clutters your path to success. Join me in this episode as I share my commitment to simplicity in 2025 and how it can guide you toward g…
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277: Top Mid-Career Success Trends for 2025
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22:29Send us a text This episode reflects on important lessons from 2024 to help mid-career professionals navigate the job market and elevate their careers as they enter 2025. Key insights include the necessity of networking, the importance of flexible work arrangements, embracing leadership, committing to lifelong learning, and prioritizing personal we…
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What *Should* Our Future Look like, Anyway?
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28:13Our Future is Kind Podcast is a podcast in search of a kinder future. Here, we interview futurists, artists, politicians, ethicists, corporate leaders, politicians, and others that our audience suggests so that we can Generate ideas about what the future should look like, and Learn how to exercise our kindness to help build that better, kinder futu…
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276: Happy Holidays and Rediscovering Your Career Freedom
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12:19Send us a text Remember the thrill of receiving that one special gift that changed everything? For me, it was the Ross Apollo three-speed bicycle on a Christmas morning. It wasn't just a bike; it was a ticket to freedom and endless joy. This episode invites you to revisit those powerful emotions of liberation and happiness and challenges you to inj…
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Have a story or inflection point to share? Tap here to message us — we’d love to hear it. In this bonus episode, Richard Dodds -- my producer and friend -- joins me to celebrate the end of our first season and the exciting path ahead. We reflect on the pivotal moments that shaped this journey, from overcoming initial challenges to embracing the art…
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