People in Transition

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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If you're on the job hunt, considering a career change, or simply looking to elevate your professional brand, this is the podcast episode you don’t want to miss!
I’m thrilled to welcome Courtney Motyczka, a Certified Career Success Coach and Certified Resume Writer, to the show. With over seven years of experience helping job seekers successfully launch and transition their careers, Courtney brings a wealth of knowledge, practical advice, and motivational insights to the table. Her passion for career development is contagious, and she’s dedicated to helping people find fulfillment and confidence in their professional journeys.

With a background in higher education and technical training, Courtney has worked with thousands of individuals—coaching them through resume writing, job searches, interviews, and career transitions. She also holds a degree in Communication and Conflict, giving her a unique edge in helping job seekers refine their messaging, navigate tough conversations, and advocate for themselves with clarity and confidence. In this must-listen episode, we dive into game-changing career strategies, including: 

• Why job searching isn’t a solo journey—don’t be afraid to reach out for help! Lean on your network, seek mentorship, and open yourself up to opportunities through connection. 
• The power of networking—understanding the key differences between in-person networking and LinkedIn networking and why both are critical for career growth. 
• How to craft a standout resume—it’s not just about listing what you’ve done; it’s about showing how you did it and the impact you made. 
• Mastering interviews with confidence—why it’s okay to pause before answering, gather your thoughts, and communicate your value effectively. 
• Overcoming self-doubt—there’s a job out there for you. The key is believing in yourself and staying persistent in your search. 
• The importance of communication—how to own your professional story, articulate your value, and leave a strong impression on recruiters and hiring managers. 

This episode is jam-packed with actionable insights and career-boosting tips that will help you navigate your job search with confidence. Whether you're polishing your resume, preparing for interviews, or expanding your network, Courtney’s expert advice will help you get one step closer to landing your next great opportunity. 

Tune in now!  Remember to have a pen and paper ready—you’ll want to take notes on these invaluable knowledge nuggets!

If you’d like to connect with Courtney, be sure to reach out here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cmoty/. 

Your dream job is out there—go after it with confidence! 

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🌟Ready to flip your job search script? Welcome to the "People in Transition" podcast! Today’s episode is a must-listen as we sit down with the phenomenal Madeline Mann! 🌟

Madeline has completely revolutionized the job search process, helping thousands of professionals land career-defining roles. As the founder of Self Made Millennial and the upcoming author of "Reverse the Search," she has built an award-winning career coaching empire. Her unique approach empowers job seekers to break into competitive industries and land the right job—not just any job.

Feeling frustrated with countless applications leading nowhere?  Have dream roles slipped away before they even hit the job boards? Enter Madeline Mann! She teaches professionals how to become "Job Shoppers," utilizing a proactive strategy that gets them noticed by top employers before the competition even begins. Her methods have secured high-paying roles at Fortune 500 companies and earned her features in The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, ABC News, and a LinkedIn Top Voice distinction.

Madeline shares her insider strategies, the power of effective networking, and how you can attract career opportunities—sometimes even while you sleep. Here are a few key points we discussed:
- Aim higher: Applying for lower-level positions or jobs below your skill set can hinder your job search. Companies worry you will be bored and leave prematurely.
- Quality Over Quantity: Candidates should always think about the quality, not quantity, of applications.
- Intentional Career Choices: Your career direction is critical. Madeline outlines a method for making more intentional career decisions.
- Leverage LinkedIn: Ensure your LinkedIn profile communicates your brand effectively so that recruiters can find you.
- Engage on LinkedIn: You don’t have to be an original content creator, but commenting on others’ posts lets you "borrow" their audience and expand your reach.
- Consultative Approach: In interviews, use a consultative approach to gather information about the company, team, and role—not just answer their questions.
- Myth: Job security is a myth. Always network, keep your skills sharp, and be ready for any changes in your work status.

Join us for an informative and fun discussion with Madeline Mann. She has the answers you need to transform your job search and land the role you deserve. 🚀
Don't miss out on this game-changing episode! Tune in now and take the first step toward your dream career! 🎧  To reach Madeline, go to:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinemann/

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Job searching? Career pivoting? Wondering how to stand out in today's market? You won’t want to miss this episode!

I had the pleasure of speaking with Angie Callen, a powerhouse in career strategy, personal branding, and professional growth. As the founder of Career Benders, she’s on a mission to help people break free from mediocrity and build careers they genuinely love.
Angie has a unique ability to blend business sense, marketing strategy, and career coaching into real, actionable advice. She’s helped countless professionals regain confidence, land leadership roles, and even take the leap into entrepreneurship. In a world where so many settle for "good enough," she challenges people to aim higher.

In our conversation, she shared game-changing insights: 

Be the solution, not just a list of skills—companies hire problem solvers. 

You don’t need 100% of the qualifications—if you match 70% and align culturally, go for it. 

AI won’t replace you, but someone who knows how to use AI will. 

LinkedIn is non-negotiable in today’s job search—if you're not leveraging it, you're missing out. 

Interview tip: Answer “Tell me about yourself” with where you’ve been, where you’re going, and why this job fits.

More than anything, Angie believes that everyone deserves to be happy in their careers. She’s dedicated to helping people see their worth—personally and professionally. Her perspective is a must-hear for anyone looking to level up and take control of their future.

Listen and walk away with powerful strategies to build the career you want.
Angie can be found at:
LinkedIn  - https://www.linkedin.com/in/angiecallen/
Web page - https://careerbenders.com/

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 Welcome to another insightful episode of the “People in Transition” podcast!

This week, we’re excited to feature Phil Davis, PHR—an Executive Career Coach, Recruiter, and, yes, Opera Singer! With his signature TUNE INTO™ process, Phil has empowered over 1,000 professionals to uncover their unique value and transform frustration into career fulPHILLment®. His dynamic career journey spans recruiting, HR, and coaching, where he has helped organizations save millions and guided individuals to clarity, confidence, and control in their careers.  Phil’s contagious energy and practical advice make job searching less daunting and more rewarding. From navigating corporate layoffs to building a thriving coaching practice, Phil’s insights will inspire you to amplify your impact and create the career you deserve.

Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode:
•  Networking isn’t one-and-done—it’s like a spider web: strategically built and actively maintained.
•  Overcome guilt and shame after job loss by leaning on a strong support system.
•  Showcase your personal brand authentically to stand out in today’s job market.
•  Ace interviews by tying every answer back to how you bring value to the company.
•  Leverage LinkedIn and social media strategically—one step at a time, and have fun doing it!

Connect with Phil:

 LinkedIn Profile - https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-the-recruiter/
Instagram Profile - https://www.instagram.com/fulphillmentsolutions
Website: - https://www.fulphillment.com/

Your action steps: What’s your biggest job search challenge? After you listen to the episode, drop your questions or comments below.  Please don’t forget to share this episode with your connections. Let’s help more people find their path to fulPHILLment®!

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Welcome to another episode of “People in Transition,” where we explore the pivotal moments that shape lives and careers. Today, I’m thrilled to introduce Deanna Russo, a LinkedIn expert and the founder of Leverage Up. Deanna’s journey is as remarkable as her strategies are transformative.

Once starting with just 400 LinkedIn connections, Deanna grew her network to over 30,000 while pioneering a methodology she calls the LinkedIn Triangle. Her passion is helping solopreneurs, corporate teams, and professionals unlock LinkedIn’s full potential, transforming it from a simple digital resume into a powerful networking tool.

Deanna’s LinkedIn Triangle centers on three principles: Know, Like, and Trust. By optimizing your profile (Know), engaging meaningfully (Like), and creating authentic content (Trust), she shows how to make LinkedIn a dynamic and rewarding experience. Deanna’s innovative techniques, featured in The Complete Small Business Growth Guidebook and her workshops, have empowered countless clients to achieve significant results—like increasing profile views and converting connections into clients.

In this episode, we cover actionable tips and insider strategies, including:

•Viewing LinkedIn as a networking event, not just a sales platform or resume.
•How to ensure your LinkedIn profile and banner resonate on mobile, where most users view your page.
•Why your headline’s 220 characters are critical—especially the first 45 characters, which follow you on posts and comments, making them key to representing your brand.
•The importance of showing up authentically—you are your own best advocate.
•A look into LinkedIn’s future trends, including premium services.

Deanna’s insights will empower you to elevate your LinkedIn game, build meaningful connections, and position yourself for professional success. Whether you’re looking for your next job, building a brand, or simply growing your network, this episode is packed with invaluable advice.

Don’t miss this chance to transform your LinkedIn approach—download the episode now and take the first step toward unlocking your potential!

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Discover the Secrets to Job Search Success with Career Coach Melanie Wexler
Welcome to another informative episode of “People in Transition”, the podcast where we explore stories and strategies to help f navigate life’s pivotal job changes with confidence.

In this episode, I’m thrilled to introduce Melanie Wexler—a dynamic Career Coach, Job Search Expert, and LinkedIn Strategist with over 20 years of experience in recruitment. Melanie has dedicated her career to empowering mid- to executive-level professionals to not just land jobs, but build careers that align with their unique values, strengths, and aspirations.
With her deep expertise in resume optimization, LinkedIn branding, and interview preparation, Melanie equips her clients with the tools they need to stand out in today’s competitive job market. But her approach goes beyond the technical; she also helps clients build the confidence and mindset needed for long-term success.
Here’s what you’ll learn in our conversation:
• How recruiters think: Their role is to find the best candidate for the company, not the other way around.
• The power of LinkedIn: Did you know 90% of recruiters look at your LinkedIn profile before your resume? Is your profile telling your story?
• Reflect before you act: Your job strategy should begin with understanding your likes, dislikes, and aspirations to build a targeted career plan.
• Embrace AI and technology: Don’t fear tools like applicant tracking systems or AI—use them to your advantage.
• Showcase your skills effectively: It’s not enough to list hard and soft skills; you need to show how you’ve applied them to achieve results.
• Build a support network: Talking to other job seekers can provide invaluable insights and encouragement.
• Bet on yourself: Remember, your next great opportunity is out there—you’ve got what it takes to find it.

If you’re looking to transition into a new role, re-enter the workforce, or simply find more meaningful work, this episode offers actionable advice and encouragement to help you succeed. Listen now to gain Melanie’s insights and feel free to reach out with any questions for Melanie or me. Don’t forget to share this episode with others who could benefit from these valuable tips!

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Feeling Burned Out? Discover How to Recharge and Redefine Your Life with Laura Nguyen

Are you feeling stuck, exhausted, or overwhelmed by burnout? You’re not alone—four in ten U.S. workers report feelings of burnout. In this compelling episode of People in Transition, Laura Nguyen shares her transformative journey and practical strategies to help you reclaim your energy, purpose, and joy.

Laura, a former VP and self-proclaimed chronic achiever, made the bold decision to step away from her high-powered career to confront burnout head-on. In 2022, she embarked on a life-changing career break, meticulously planning a program to rest, reset, and redefine her life. Her story is proof that stepping away isn’t a setback—it’s a breakthrough.

Now a marketing leader, certified executive coach, and founder of Cove & Compass, Laura helps others create fulfilling lives and careers. Her book, Career Break Compass, is a powerful guide for navigating burnout and leveraging career breaks to gain clarity and renewal. Drawing insights from her personal experiences and interviews with over 180 individuals, Laura redefines how we think about pausing to build momentum for the future.

In this episode, Laura and I explore essential topics from her book, including:

• What burnout really is and what personality types and environments are most prone to it.
• The stages of burnout and how to recognize where you are.
• Types of career breaks and how to choose the one that suits your needs.
• Anti-goals: Why identifying what you don’t want is just as important as knowing what you do.
• The four phases of a career break and how each one ensures your time off is a success.
• Your North Star: How to use it for career planning and rediscover your true purpose.
• Why the advice to “follow your passion” might not be the best path forward.

Laura’s insights illuminate a topic we don’t discuss enough—the toll burnout takes on our lives and how we can effectively recover from it. Whether you’re on the verge of burnout or simply curious about stepping off the treadmill to recalibrate, this episode offers a roadmap for thoughtful career breaks and sustainable career planning.

Listen to this eye-opening conversation and take the first step toward a healthier, more intentional future. Share it with someone who might need the encouragement to pause, reflect, and reset—it could change their life

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