220. Tessa White - The Job Doctor

"Feedback is a gift.”

"You do what is best for your career, not what's comfortable for other people."

“We trust the people who tell us the truth.”

“I really subscribe to the idea that you should do something once a year that scares the crap out of you.”

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Tessa White and Her Journey
• 02:51 Navigating Career Challenges and Generosity in Leadership
• 05:45 The Birth of The Job Doctor and Accidental Influence
• 08:58 Overcoming Adversity: Tessa's Personal Story
• 11:57 Writing 'The Unspoken Truths for Career Success'
• 14:54 Playing in the Gap: Prioritizing What Matters
• 17:51 Managing Workload and Setting Boundaries
• 21:55 Finding Balance: Something's Got to Give
• 25:59 The Gift of Feedback and Performance Lies
• 27:41 The Importance of Feedback
• 30:19 Seeking Honest Feedback
• 33:44 Understanding Power and Influence
• 36:36 Identifying and Solving Gaps
• 39:50 Navigating Conflict in the Workplace
• 43:31 Celebrating Success and Book Launch
• 45:45 Evaluating Career Opportunities

Episode Summary:

In this conversation, Tessa White, founder of The Job Doctor, shares her journey from a secretary to a leading HR executive and now a career coach. She discusses the importance of navigating workplace challenges, the power of feedback, and the necessity of prioritizing what truly matters in one's career. Tessa emphasizes the significance of personal growth, setting boundaries, and understanding the dynamics of workplace politics. Her insights are drawn from her extensive experience and her new book, 'The Unspoken Truths for Career Success.' 

In this conversation, Tessa White discusses the critical role of feedback in professional development, the importance of seeking honest feedback, and the dynamics of power and influence in the workplace. She emphasizes the need for individuals to identify and solve gaps within their organizations, navigate conflict effectively, and evaluate career opportunities based on personal values. Tessa also shares her personal experiences, including her book launch and the significance of resilience in career growth.

R.O.G. Takeaway Tips:

• Setting boundaries is essential to avoid burnout.
• Feedback should be viewed as a gift for personal growth.
• Understanding what your manager values can help prioritize tasks.
• Personal experiences shape professional insights and advice.
• Women and men both need support in navigating their careers.
• It's important to make decisions that keep you whole and healthy.
• Feedback is essential for career growth and understanding perceptions.
• Seeking feedback from diverse sources can yield more honest insights.
• Perception is reality; changing how others perceive you is crucial.
• Power and influence are necessary for credibility in the workplace.
• Identifying gaps and solving problems can lead to career advancement.
• Conflict is often avoided, but addressing it can build trust.
• Assuming good intent in conversations fosters better communication.
• Start small when trying to make changes in your organization.
• Resilience is a valuable trait in overcoming career challenges.
• Evaluate career opportunities based on personal values and goals.

Guest Bio:

Tessa White, the founder of The Job Doctor, and author of The