People in Transition

Ever look at your life and think, “How did I end up here… and why doesn’t this feel the way success should?”
If that question feels uncomfortably familiar, this episode of “People in Transition” is one you’ll want to hear.

My guest, Jake Kennington, knows what it’s like to build a career that looks enviable on paper while feeling disconnected on the inside. As a licensed Structural Engineer, he spent more than a decade designing $100M buildings, leading high-pressure projects, and stacking up the achievements people associate with success. But privately, his health was slipping, his relationships were stretched thin, and he began questioning whether the life he was building was actually the life he wanted.

Becoming a husband and father of four brought that reality into sharper focus—and ultimately pushed him to redefine success, rebuild his habits, and realign his life around what matters most. Today, through his work at Actively Human, Jake helps mid-career professionals do the same: reconnect with who they really are, create space for what they care about, and build lives that feel as fulfilling on the inside as they look on the outside.

In our conversation, Jake and I explore:

• The moment he asked himself, “Is this it?”—and why that question is worth paying attention to
• How identifying who you are not can open the door to who you truly are
• Why defining your own meaning of success becomes a powerful compass
• Subtle early signs of misalignment—especially in your health and relationships
• The value of owning your morning for yourself, not your inbox
• Why slowing down (and sometimes even disrupting what you’ve built) can be the path to clarity and joy

If you want to learn more about Jake and Actively Human, visit his profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jakekennington/

Or visit his website at activelyhuman.com

 Listen to Jake’s recording here—and take the first step toward a life that finally feels aligned.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to go deeper on these topics, grab a free resource called The Own Your Life Playbook here: activelyhuman.com/#playbook

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Welcome to “People in Transition”, the podcast that gives you the tools, insights, and inspiration to navigate life’s biggest shifts with clarity and confidence. I’m your host, Bob Gerst — the Job Transition Professor — and today’s guest is someone who brings a powerful blend of creativity, wisdom, and lived experience to the world of personal transformation: Susan Hensley.

Susan is a transformational coach, speaker, and author whose global career has taken her from corporate boardrooms in Hong Kong and London to leadership development spaces across the U.S. Her work helps people meet change with resilience, curiosity, and even joy. One of her most impactful tools is art journaling — a creative practice that blends reflection, mindfulness, and imagination to help people process transition and build emotional strength.

In our conversation, Susan and I explore how creativity can quiet the inner critic, steady us in times of uncertainty, and unlock new possibilities during job transitions. We’ll dig into the “messy middle,” examine the six major types of life transitions, and talk about why early reflection and reinvention can completely reshape your job search path.

If you’re facing change — or helping others navigate it — you won’t want to miss this episode. Susan brings practical tools, a fresh perspective, and an energizing sense of possibility to anyone standing at a crossroads.

For more information about Susan, go to https://susan-hensley.com/

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This week on "People in Transition", our guest is Jack Calhoun—an inspiring guide for anyone exploring what comes after a successful first career. As the founder of Encore Career Lab, Jack helps high-achieving professionals design meaningful “second acts” that blend purpose, flexibility, and fulfillment. His passion comes from experience: after leading Capital Directions, LLC from $50 million to over $1.5 billion in assets under management, Jack sold the firm in his early 50s—and quickly discovered how little guidance there was for life after career success. That realization became his mission: to help others bridge the gap between retirement planning and life planning.

During our conversation, Jack shared powerful insights and practical guidance for listeners thinking about their next chapter, including:

• Redefining identity: How to deal with the loss of identity that often comes when stepping away from a long career.
• Rethinking retirement: Why the traditional idea of “retirement at 65” no longer fits our longer, healthier lives—and what sustainable reinvention really looks like.
• Evolving goals: How success, satisfaction, and fulfillment shift as we enter the third phase of our lives—and how to measure meaning, not just achievement.
• Giving back wisely: The role of volunteering in encore careers, and why it won't fill the void where "work" used to be.
• Real-life transformations: Inspiring stories of people who discovered unexpected “callings” far different from their earlier careers.
• Sharing hard-earned wisdom: How to recognize and use the insights you wish you’d known 30 years ago to help others—and yourself—today.

If you’ve ever wondered, “What’s next for me?”—this episode is a must-listen. Jack’s perspective will leave you inspired to see the years ahead not as a winding down, but as a powerful new beginning. Tune in to hear how you can transform experience into impact and uncertainty into opportunity. To connect directly with Jack or learn more about Encore Career Lab, visit encorecareerlab.com or email Jack at jack(at)encorecareerlab.com.

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Have you ever reached a point in your career where you knew it was time for a change — but taking that leap felt terrifying?
This week on People in Transition, we talk with Christine Gullborg, who did exactly that. She made the bold decision to leave the classroom and step into the corporate world — a risky move that ultimately paid off, though not without a few memorable (and now humorous) interview missteps along the way.

Now a Trainer, Technical Writer, and Career Coach based in New York, Christine is the founder of IntervuPrep and creator of the Interview Training Bootcamp. With a background in education and a passion for helping others succeed, she teaches job seekers how to tell their stories with confidence, navigate the job search with strategy, and ace their interviews with authenticity.

In this insightful conversation, Christine shares the mindset shifts and lessons that helped her turn rejection into resilience — and offers practical takeaways anyone in transition can use to land their next opportunity.

Highlights from our conversation:

• Keep moving forward. Having experienced job loss and multiple transitions herself, Christine lives by Eric Thomas’s mantra: “No excuses.” Keep going, no matter what.
• Consistency counts. Do something every day for your job search — even small steps build momentum.
• Take care of yourself. Whether it’s a walk, time with family, or a quiet moment, self-care clears your mind and boosts effectiveness.
• Prepare and promote yourself. Practice your answers, be clear and concise, and don’t be afraid to share your achievements — if you don’t tell the recruiter, who will?
• Own your story. When asked, “Tell me about yourself,” tie your response to the company’s challenges and how you can solve them.
• End strong. Always close your interview on a positive note and ask about next steps in the process.

Christine’s “homework” for listeners: Read What Color Is Your Parachute? for additional job search guidance.

🎧 Don’t miss this week’s episode of People in Transition — Christine’s story is relatable, insightful, and full of practical wisdom for anyone navigating change.

As a special bonus, listeners can enjoy a 20% discount on Christine’s Interview Bootcamp course.  Go to intervuprep.org/challenges to find the programs and use code FALL20 at checkout to get your exclusive 20% off savings and start mastering your next interview today!

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Why you should listen to this episode:
If you’re about to graduate and feeling unsure about what’s next, this episode will help you turn uncertainty into a clear career plan — with someone who has been in your shoes and made bold moves that paid off.

About my guest:
Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab, a platform helping ambitious grads find clarity after college. Early in her career, she rose from intern to managing editor at Dance Spirit magazine in just a year, then advanced from employee to VP at Kuno Creative, a leading digital marketing agency working with brands like Aramark and BASF.

Her success came not from following the rules but from decoding unspoken workplace dynamics and challenging outdated career advice. Named one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio (2024) and featured in Forbes, SUCCESS, and Women We Admire, Brianne now helps young women navigate their careers with courage and confidence through The Independence Lab.

With nearly 20 years in marketing and operations, she’s led growth, built teams, and mentored countless young professionals—especially women making that tough leap from college to the real world.

What you will learn:
 

• Master the parts of your job search that actually move the needle.
• Stand out by showing you’re always leveling up, especially with AI and new skills.
• Transform everyday experiences into career stories that get noticed.
• Discover why emotional intelligence can tip the scales in your favor.
• Tackle tough interview questions with confidence and insight they won’t see coming.
• Grow your network through real connections, not generic outreach.

Brianne reminds us that confidence and curiosity are your best career tools.
 If you’re ready to stop doubting yourself and start designing your post-college path with purpose, you won’t want to miss this conversation.
 Connect with Brianne at LinkedIn or explore her work at theindependencelab.com/subscribe. 

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🎙️ People in Transition – Featuring Walter Sabrin

What do championship athletes and successful job seekers have in common? A short memory, a sharp mindset, and the ability to bounce back fast.

That’s just one of the powerful insights you’ll hear in my latest conversation with Walter Sabrin, Chief Talent Officer at Vensure Employer Solutions. Walter has built his career on people-first leadership—scaling talent strategies that fuel growth, innovation, and inclusion. From the tennis court to the boardroom, he’s mastered resilience, focus, and the art of unlocking human potential.

In this episode, Walter and I dive into ideas that could transform the way you approach your career and job search, including:

✅ Why both athletes and job seekers need to let go of setbacks quickly.
✅ How your personal brand is defined not by what you think—but by how others perceive you.
✅ Why networking only works when you give before you receive.
✅ The four job skills every effective candidate must build: confidence, curiosity, communication, and empathy.
✅ A surprising story of one candidate who landed a role by stepping way outside their comfort zone.
✅ How AI is already reshaping the job market—and what you should be doing to keep up.

Walter’s passion for mentoring, championing neurodiversity, and creating cultures of belonging shines through this conversation. You’ll walk away inspired—and equipped—with strategies to stand out in today’s competitive job market.

🔗 Connect with Walter on LinkedIn: Walter Sabrin (and mention this recording for his special attention).

💡 If you’re in transition and need help navigating your job search, don’t go it alone. Reach out to me directly—I’d love to support you on your journey.

👉 Download the episode today, and discover how to build the confidence, resilience, and strategy to land the career you deserve.

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This Week on People in Transition

We are excited to welcome Amy Adler, a nationally recognized expert in career strategy and executive branding. As President of Five Strengths Career Transition Experts, Amy has earned a reputation for guiding professionals through some of the most pivotal moments in their careers. Her expertise in creating powerful résumés and compelling career portfolios has helped countless clients stand out in highly competitive job markets.

 In our conversation, Amy shares practical strategies and real-world insights, including:

•  A client success story: how she helped someone move from hundreds of unanswered applications to applying to <10 jobs and earning interviews on 50% of his outreach, one of which yielded the right job offer—by focusing on what he really wanted and what he was really good at.
• Why LinkedIn is more than just a networking site—it’s a powerful research tool if you know how to use it.
• How being an introvert doesn’t mean being shy, and why clearly communicating your strengths is essential in a job search.
• The real purpose of informational interviews (and what they are not)—and how internal advocacy in the company you’re targeting is crucial.
• The importance of identifying exactly where you’re getting stuck in the job search process—rather than trying to “fix everything” (or, worse, the wrong thing).

 You can connect with Amy Adler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyladler/

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Are you job searching the wrong way?

In this episode of People in Transition, we’re thrilled to welcome Carlee Wolfe — a multi-certified HR Talent & Organization Development Executive who has helped organizations like Hyatt hotels, Under Armour, and the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee thrive. Carlee specializes in designing strategies that close talent gaps, solve organizational challenges, and support bold growth plans.

If you’ve been applying to job after job on LinkedIn and getting nowhere, this conversation will change the way you think about your job search. Carlee shares powerful insights for job seekers and career-minded professionals, including:

✅ Why over 15% of jobs posted on LinkedIn don’t even exist — and how to use clarity, confidence, and curiosity to focus on real opportunities.
✅ The simple step you must take before applying — defining what you really want so you can be intentional and save time.
✅ How to evaluate company culture before you accept an offer — and avoid joining a team that isn’t the right fit.
✅ What the sports world can teach us about careers — embracing mistakes, making pivots, and always moving the ball forward.
✅ Why curiosity is the key to long-term success — whether you’re job hunting or building your future in your current role.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen if you’re in transition or planning your next big move.

📩 For more information or to connect with Carlee:   https://www.linkedin.com/in/carleeawolfe

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Welcome to this episode of "People in Transition", the podcast that uncovers the real stories behind career change, reinvention, and personal growth.

Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Michelle Schafer, a recognized leader in career coaching who knows firsthand that life’s biggest disruptions can become your greatest opportunities. After experiencing two unexpected job losses, Michelle didn’t just bounce back—she redefined what success and fulfillment truly meant. Her journey revealed a powerful truth: when you take time to reflect and realign, you can build a career that energizes and sustains you.

Now, as one of Ottawa’s top career coaches—earning that distinction in both 2020 and 2024—Michelle brings a unique blend of empathy, insight, and practical strategy to help professionals navigate transitions with confidence. Whether you’re job hunting, changing industries, stepping into leadership, or simply asking “what’s next?”, Michelle’s approach helps people cut through uncertainty and move forward with clarity.

In this episode, we explore key insights from her award-winning book, “Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transition with Purpose,” including:

• Why having a clear career target and strategy is essential—and what happens when you don’t.
• How to normalize the rollercoaster of emotions during job transition—from excitement to anxiety, and everything in between.
• The truth about “rage applying”—what it is and why it rarely works.
• Why networking is your most powerful tool—and how to leverage the hidden connections in your circle.
• The importance of being “transition-ready” at all times—updating your resume, LinkedIn profile, and maintaining your professional network.
• How to overcome limiting beliefs and stay focused, even when the job search feels long and uncertain.

Connect with Michelle Schafer:

• LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer Coaching
• Website: mschafercoaching.ca
• Free Resources:
  • Download a free chapter from her book: Click here
  • Access the Career Focus Framework tool: Download here
• Order her award-winning, #1 best-selling book: Cultivating Career Growth
• Email: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca
• Book a complimentary 30-minute discovery call: Schedule here

Your challenge: After listening, put these strategies into action and let us know how they work for you. Remember, being in transition is temporary—clarity and confidence are within reach. And if you need extra support,  Michelle and I are ready to help you navigate the journey.

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