The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

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 stories, strategies, and tips to help you create whatever is next so you can find a job you love or love the job you have.

Episodes

May 6, 2025 30 mins

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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 downsizing, or just sensing change ahead, you'll learn how to:

  • Recogniz...
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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 reflects on the lessons learned about offering true value in a marketplace flooded w...

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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 and Criminal Minds, Laverne was unexpectedly fired at the height of her career. Wha...

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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.

Dominic takes us behind the scenes of his unconventional rise, from a frustrating pandemic ...

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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 work.


In This Episode, You'll Learn:

✅ How to navigate DEI discussions with con...

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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 malfunction became a defining lesson about workplace culture, authenticity, and the power o...

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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—can be severe.

In this episode, you'll learn: 

✔ The psychology behind revenge qui...

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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 published books under her belt with major publishers like National Geographic Ki...

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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" strategy instead of focusing on consistent efforts that yield resul...
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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 charge of your career, stay resilient, and proactively prepare for industry shifts.

Discove...

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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 matter more than you think.

Inspired by a powerful lesson from Simon Sinek, we break do...

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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—from managing client services teams to leading organizational learning and development—...

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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 essential strategies to help you stay competitive.

Key Topics Covered:
✔️ Wh...

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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 educational prestige, and strategies for positioning yourself effectively in the workplace.

Elen...

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January 28, 2025 31 mins

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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, this episode is your go-to resource for making informed decisions about your...

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January 21, 2025 15 mins

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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 career outcomes.

Drawing on years of leadership experience, I offer practical strategi...

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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 entrepreneurial journey—from selling duct tape wallets to leading a company redefining th...

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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 greater happiness and fulfillment. I reveal how performing a calendar audit c...

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December 31, 2024 22 mins

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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 well-being. 

• Reflecting on the frustrating job application process 
• Emp...

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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 inject them into your career as we edge towards 2025. What steps will you take to sh...

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