Career Contessa

Author Brad Englert shares how to build lasting influence through trust, visibility, and real relationships. Learn how to strengthen your internal and external networks and why influence is a must-have leadership skill—not just a nice-to-have. You’ll Learn:

• Why influence is a hard skill every modern leader needs
• How to strengthen relationships inside and outside your organization
• Practical habits that help you build trust...

So you finally have a sense of your next career move—now what? In this 3 in 30 episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik share three practical steps to help you turn that newfound clarity into real progress. If you’re feeling stuck between knowing what you want and actually going for it, this episode is your roadmap to get moving.

Tune in to learn:

• How to move forward without obsessing over the “perfect” path
• Why a...

What’s your reputation when you’re not in the room? Career and leadership expert Kimberly Brown joins us to share how to take control of your professional narrative—before someone else does.

You’ll learn:

• How to assess and reshape the story others tell about you
• Practical ways to boost your visibility without “self-promoting”
• The difference between building a career and building a lasting legacy

Show Notes

Weekly Ne...

Dr. Luis Velasquez joins us to unpack one of the most common (and frustrating) pieces of workplace feedback: “You’re not strategic enough.” Whether you’ve heard it during a performance review or you’re trying to grow your leadership skills, this episode offers clear advice, mindset shifts, and actionable steps to help you become more strategic in your day-to-day work—regardless of your role. You’ll learn: 

•  Wh...

If you’re doing all the “right” things at work but still not getting promoted, this episode is your wake-up call. Former Google exec and Wild Courage author Jenny Wood joins us to unpack the hidden career traps that keep high performers stuck—and how to finally break through. From redefining “selfish” to reclaiming your power assets, Jenny shares the real talk (and practical tools) you need to stop spinning your wheels and...

Ever feel like work has lost its spark—or wonder if your 9–5 has any meaning at all? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re joined by award-winning journalist and workplace expert Jennifer Moss, author of Why Are We Here?, to unpack what she calls a collective workplace crisis. We explore why so many people feel hopeless or disengaged at work—and what you can do about it, even if you’re not ready to change jobs. You’ll l...

In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa Founder Lauren McGoodwin and Career Coach Marnie Lemonik kick off the first-ever summer series of 3 in 30 —focusing on career clarity from the ground up. The hardest part of a career move is getting started, and we’re breaking down exactly how to do that with three simple steps.

Packed with practical ideas and personal stories, this episode is your roadmap for creating space, buildin...

Leadership expert Suzy Welch shares why execution — not ideas or charisma — is the real key to career growth. Learn how to build a reputation for follow-through and become the person every boss wants on their team.

You’ll learn:

✅ Why execution drives promotions

✅ Habits that build trust and credibility

✅ How to turn ideas into action

Show Notes

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Guest Resources:

CNBC art...

In a world where AI is transforming the workplace faster than ever, self-leadership has become a must-have skill. But what does it actually mean to lead yourself—and how can you start?

In this episode,  Leading Yourself author and leadership consultant Elizabeth Lotardo breaks down four essential practices of self-leaders. Whether you're navigating uncertainty, looking for more meaning in your work, or trying to stay m...

Feeling overworked and undervalued? You might be operating below the resentment line—but you don’t have to stay there. In this episode, Amina AlTai, author of The Ambition Trap, shares four key strategies to help you set boundaries, stay motivated, and reclaim your career satisfaction. You’ll learn:

• How to recognize when you’re operating below the resentment line and why it happens
• Practical strategies to set boundaries,...

Struggling with small talk? Dreading awkward silences? According to Harvard professor and author Alison Wood Brooks, there’s a 10-second trick that can instantly make you a better conversationalist—and it’s backed by science. In this episode, host Lauren McGoodwin sits down with Alison to explore why meaningful conversations matter more than ever, and how we can all get better at them with just a few intentional changes.

Yo...

What sets top performers apart? In this 3 in 30 episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and coach Marnie Lemonik share three key lessons high achievers live by—like embracing self-awareness, mastering adaptability, and owning your time. Packed with practical tips and tools, this episode will help you level up at work and beyond. Listen in to learn:

• Why adaptability is your most employable skill
• How self-awarene...

Talking about your achievements can feel uncomfortable, but self-marketing is a crucial skill for career growth. In this episode, career coach and author Michelle Schafer shares how to confidently articulate your value—without feeling like you’re bragging.

You’ll learn:

• How to reframe self-promotion as sharing facts, not boasting
• Key ways to showcase your value beyond your resume
• Simple daily habits to build confidence in ...

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a career strategy. In this episode, we’re unpacking the powerful link between sleep and work performance with Terry Cralle, RN and certified clinical sleep educator from the Better Sleep Council, to explore how your sleep habits can make or break your productivity, decision-making, and even long-term career growth.

Whether you're burning the midnight oil or battling afternoon brain fog, this conver...

The very trait that makes you a great employee might be holding you back when it comes to negotiating. In this episode, we’re joined by negotiation experts Gerta Malaj and Alex Choi from YourNegotiations.com to discuss why over-communication can hurt your negotiation power—and what to do instead.

You’ll learn:

• Why over-communication weakens your position in a negotiation
• Practical strategies to use intentional silence to ...

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your work routines and habits! Learn three tangible tips in 30 minutes to help you stay organized, productive, and energized—no matter where or how you work with host Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik as they dive into:

✅ The difference between routines and habits (and why you need both)

✅ Tried-and-true strategies for structuring your workday

✅ The power of time blo...

Navigating tech salaries and equity can be confusing, but understanding the details of stock options, RSUs, and compensation strategies can significantly impact your financial future. Compensation expert, Kimberly Hodgdon, who has worked with major tech companies like Netflix and Pinterest, breaks down key insights to help you maximize your earning potential such as:

• How to decipher and negotiate tech compensation packa...

We’re in the middle of the biggest transformation in work in over a century—from remote work and burnout to shifting employee priorities. Through it all, one factor remains essential: meaning. In this episode, workplace motivation experts Wes Adams and Tamara Myles share how leaders and employees alike can create more meaningful work and why it leads to higher engagement, productivity, and success.

You’ll learn:

• How the ...

Feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next move? You’re not alone! In this episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik break down 3 actionable steps to help you gain career clarity—without the overwhelm.

Tune in to learn:

• The biggest misconceptions about career clarity (and what to focus on instead)
•  How to identify your strengths, non-negotiables, and new opportunities
• ...