People in Transition

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In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Sean Wolpin, Vice President of Talent Operations at Prodege, who brings over two decades of expertise in Talent Acquisition, Compensation, and HR Systems. Sean is passionate about helping people find meaningful opportunities that allow them to thrive, and his insights are invaluable for anyone looking to land their next job.

Throughout our conversation, Sean shared a wealth of actionable advice for navigating today’s job market, including:

• The role of AI in job hunting: Sean explains how artificial intelligence is transforming recruitment and why candidates should embrace it to enhance their job search—whether it's for resume screening or automating interview scheduling.
• Self-reflection as the foundation for success: Before diving into a job search, Sean emphasizes the importance of understanding your values and goals. This clarity helps guide you toward opportunities that are truly right for you.
• A targeted job search approach: Forget the "spray and pray" method. Sean advocates for focusing on specific companies and roles that match your skills and interests, and he shares tips on how to research and prepare effectively.
• Networking that counts: It's not about the number of connections you make; it's about building meaningful relationships. Sean offers strategies to cultivate high-quality networks that can lead to real opportunities.
• Your personal brand: Think about how you want to be remembered, even decades from now. Sean dives into how self-reflection shapes your personal brand and why it's crucial for standing out in today’s competitive market.
• The power of soft skills: In addition to technical abilities, Sean stresses that communication, teamwork, and problem-solving are often the tipping points in job interviews. Don't underestimate their value.

Sean’s advice is practical, thoughtful, and designed to help you stand out in your job search. Whether you’re actively looking or just planning your next career move, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Tune in, and don’t forget to share it with others who could benefit!

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Welcome to this episode of People in Transition! Today, we’re excited to be joined by Victoria Michaels, an executive career coach who is passionate about helping senior professionals and executives navigate career transitions with confidence and clarity. Victoria has extensive experience working with leaders across a range of industries, including engineering, healthcare, marketing, and operations, providing highly personalized 1:1 coaching.

Since 2020, her team has coached over 280 professionals, delivering remarkable results, such as:

·       Helping clients secure higher-paying roles in as little as 2-4 months

·       Matching clients with dream roles at their ideal companies

Victoria specializes in personal branding and helping professionals stand out as top candidates by connecting with hiring managers in a way that makes them stand out. As a key member of the Dreampath team, she is dedicated to helping clients achieve meaningful career growth.

In this episode, you'll learn key strategies and insights, including:

• Hiring managers are not just looking at qualifications but also evaluating whether they want to work with you. Demonstrating your soft skills is crucial—let your resume speak to your abilities and experience.
• During interviews, show curiosity. Ask questions about the role, the manager, and the company to understand better whether it's the right fit.
• Always be honest and accurate in all aspects—whether you're networking, crafting your resume or cover letter, or interviewing.
• When targeting a specific role or company, identify the five key things they’re looking for and assess how you can meet those needs.
• Victoria’s own job search includes networking, connecting with new people, applying for roles, and sharing content on LinkedIn to demonstrate thought leadership.
• She even set a specific date for landing her next job—and achieved it.

I’m thrilled for you to hear about Victoria’s unique approach to career coaching and the success stories she’s been part of. Enjoy the episode!

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In this episode, we sit down with Mark James, CPC, the founder and president of HIRE Consulting Services (HCS), established in 1999. Mark is a Certified Personnel Consultant with over 25 years of experience in Executive Career Management Coaching, Outplacement, and Executive Search Consulting. Mark is the author of three best-selling books, including his latest release, "The Recruiter Mindset, The Ulitmate Guide to Working with Executive Search Recutiers."  Available on Amazon:  https://a.co/d/3OjrCJe

Here are some key points we covered from Mark's book:

• Executive recruiters can be a valuable part of your job search, but networking remains the #1 method for finding a job. 
• A well-crafted Job Search Marketing Plan (JSMP) is crucial for landing your next role. It should include: 
  • Clear goals about the job you're seeking 
  • Your elevator pitch 
  • An exit statement explaining why you're looking for a new job 
  • Eight examples of your accomplishments 
  • A list of target companies or industries 
• You have only 5-10 seconds to capture a recruiter’s attention with your resume, so make sure it clearly connects your background with your career goals. 
• To optimize your LinkedIn profile: 
  • Use a professional headshot 
  • Craft a headline that defines who you are, not just your job title 
  • Fully utilize the 2,000 characters in your "About" section to showcase your strengths and character 
  • Include your contact information, especially your phone number, for easy communication 
  • Remember that 96% of recruiters use LinkedIn, so make sure your profile is professional and aligned with your resume 

Mark’s approach to job searching is practical and insightful. This episode is packed with valuable information, and you’ll want to listen to it more than once and share it with your network!

To learn more about Mark and his services, visit www.HireConsulting.com.

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Meet Porschia Parker-Griffin, Founder & CEO of Fly High Coaching

Porschia Parker-Griffin is the visionary behind Fly High Coaching, where she empowers ambitious professionals and executives to elevate their careers.  As a Professional Certified Coach, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Master Practitioner, and Energy Leadership Index Master Practitioner, Porschia brings a wealth of expertise to her clients.  With a background as a director and business consultant in the financial industry, she has helped companies unlock millions of dollars in hidden potential.

Porschia holds a master's degree in industrial and organizational psychology from Eastern Kentucky University and a B.S. in psychology from the University of Georgia.  Her experience extends to serving as an Associate Training Coach for the Institute of Professional Excellence in Coaching.  She has also been recognized as a Top Voice and Career Expert by LinkedIn and has contributed to platforms such as BioSpace, FlexJobs, Levo, iOFFICE, and the Rochester Business Journal.  Now, she brings her insights to a broader audience as the host of the Career 101 Podcast.

In our discussion, we explored vital strategies for navigating the  interviewing process, including:

• Common Pitfalls: Porschia shared her observations on common challenges faced by candidates, such as overconfidence, lack of preparation, and difficulty answering tough questions.  She offered actionable solutions to overcome these obstacles.
• Behavioral-Based Interviews: With hiring managers increasingly using behavioral-based questions, Porschia discussed how candidates can effectively demonstrate their past experiences to predict future success.
• Handling Tough Questions: Porschia provided tips on how to "buy time" when faced with difficult questions and strategies for recovering from an answer that might not have been ideal.
• Nonverbal Communication: We delved into the importance of nonverbal cues, emphasizing how candidates can project confidence, approachability, and self-assuredness during interviews.
• Building Rapport: Porschia advised on the importance of researching the hiring manager to identify commonalities that can help build rapport during the interview.
• STAR Examples: We discussed the value of having 3-5 STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) examples ready to use in responses, ensuring candidates are well-prepared for behavioral questions.
• Follow-Up Strategies: Porschia emphasized the impact of following up with hiring managers both electronically and in hard copy, a tactic that places candidates in the top 10%.

Porschia shared an abundance of real-world examples and invaluable advice during our conversation.  Her insights are sure to transform your job search strategy and deliver tangible results.

Sites Porschia can be reached at include:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/porschiaparker/

www.fly-highcoaching.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/64512733/ 

https://www.facebook.com/FlyHighCoaching 

https://www.youtube.com/@flyhighcoaching382 

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In this episode of "People in Transition," we dive into a conversation with Craig Meriwether, a seasoned mindset coach and Certified Clinical Hypnotherapist with over 12 years of experience. Craig specializes in helping individuals overcome negative emotions, trauma, and limiting beliefs to unlock their full potential. He is the founder of Arizona Integrative Hypnotherapy and a recognized expert in Medical Hypnosis and Neuro-linguistic Programming (NLP).

Craig has developed the comprehensive course Ace Any Test, designed to alleviate test anxiety and build confidence in high-pressure situations like exams, auditions, job interviews, and public speaking. His work extends to a diverse range of clients, from students battling test anxiety to veterans dealing with PTSD and from cancer patients managing pain to entrepreneurs and athletes seeking peak performance.

In this episode, Craig shares valuable insights, including:

• The misconceptions surrounding hypnotherapy and the importance of self-empowerment in the healing process.
• How can the mind's inability to distinguish between real and imagined experiences be leveraged to our benefit?
• Practical exercises involving self-talk and visualization to reduce anxiety before job interviews.
• The concept is that what we practice most becomes strongest in our minds, making a case for practicing peace and calmness.
• Techniques such as visualizing your "ideal self" will help rewire the brain, a strategy commonly used by Olympic athletes.

Whether you're preparing for a job interview, delivering a presentation, or simply managing stress and anxiety, this episode is packed with unique and practical tips to help you navigate life's transitions with greater ease and confidence.

Websites:
Ace Any Test

https://aceanytest.com/

 Social Media: 

https://www.youtube.com/@aceanytest

https://www.linkedin.com/in/craig-meriwether-44286718b/

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In this episode of "People in Transition," I had the pleasure of speaking with Sarah JanTausch, the Founder of SRJ Coaching and Consulting and the creator of the Values-Based-Career method.  Sarah is an Executive & Career Coach, Speaker, and Trainer dedicated to helping individuals create values-based careers and uncover the hidden job market.  She specializes in guiding career pivots, teaching generosity-based networking, and aligning total vocational impact with core values.

Sarah is the Chair of Government Relations for the Ohio Career Development Association and Co-Chair-elect for the National Career Development Association's Government Relations Committee.

In this episode, we dive into several key topics, including:

·  The importance of networking throughout your career journey.  Engage in networking that suits your style, from large gatherings to one-on-one informational interviews.

·  How to network with curiosity and gratitude while being strategic in your efforts.

·  Discovering the hidden job market through building relationships within your target organizations.

·  Strategies for career pivots, including informational interviews, volunteering in new industries, and experimenting through consulting or special projects.

·  The value of career assessments for mid-career changes to identify your core traits and strengths.

·  The necessity of building a "freedom fund" before embarking on entrepreneurial or solopreneur roles.

·  Feeling empowered to interview the interviewer to ensure the role is the right fit for you.

We also touched on many other insightful and practical points during this informative, value-packed, and fun interview.  I know you'll enjoy Sarah's insights as much as I did.

For more information on Sarah and her work, visit valuesbasedcareers.com.

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Elizabeth Zelinka Parsons, J.D., is an accomplished lawyer, facilitator, author, speaker, Board Certified Coach, and the driving force behind multiple successful consulting firms.  After a distinguished career at the international law firm of Milbank, Elizabeth shifted her focus to empowering others by leveraging her extensive professional experience.  She co-founded Zelinka Parsons, a consulting firm dedicated to helping organizations design succession planning and retirement solutions.  Now, Elizabeth extends her expertise to individual clients, helping them towards creating purposeful and fulfilling lives post-career.

In this episode, we explore the multifaceted transition into retirement.  Key topics include:

• Grieving Career Loss: It's normal to feel a sense of loss when leaving behind a career you were passionate about.
• Developing New Skills: Transitioning from reacting to issues in a professional setting to creatively managing your own time.
• Addressing Loneliness: While others may celebrate your retirement, you might feel a sense of loss.  With proper planning and effort, this can be managed.
• Managing Flextime: Your schedule will transform from a rigid structure to a flexible mosaic of activities.
• Seizing the Moment: Embrace the mindset of "It is later than you think" to motivate yourself to take risks and pursue new opportunities.
• Overcoming Fear: If you fear retirement, you're not alone.  Seeking help to navigate the emotional changes and find your next steps is essential.

This episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.  Whether you're approaching retirement or supporting someone who is, you'll find this discussion both relevant and enlightening.  Listen in, reflect, and share with others who might benefit from Elizabeth's personal experiences and wisdom.
Encore: A High Achiever's Guide to Thriving in Retirement, is now available for preorder.   Here are the pre-order links below:
 
 Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DCG8MVF1 

Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/encore-elizabeth-zelinka-parsons/1146138586?ean=2940185907900

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Join us for an enlightening episode of the "People in Transition" podcast featuring Tania Chomyk.  With three decades of experience in higher education, Tania is a seasoned human resources professional, change catalyst, and expert in personal and professional growth.  As the visionary behind "Be the CEO of Your Career/Life," she embodies self-leadership and empowers individuals to take charge of their careers and lives through a holistic approach.

Tania's lifelong dedication to learning and growth underscores her belief in continuous personal and professional development.  As an inspirational coach and facilitator, she is committed to helping people at any stage achieve fulfillment in both their personal and professional lives.

 In this episode, we delve into critical insights, including: 

• The importance of a support network:  Establish your personal Board of Directors to aid your job search.  Having job groups or communities makes navigating the bumps in your job search journey easier.
•  Networking as a reciprocal relationship:  You need to give to receive.
• The anatomy of a good resume:  Tania shares invaluable advice on crafting a standout resume.
• Aligning personal values with company values:  Knowing your values and finding a company that matches them is crucial.
• Addressing gaps in work history:  Discussing work history gaps can highlight your values and the rich tapestry of your life.
• Designing your job search:  Set clear outcomes and timelines to achieve your job search targets.

Tania's insights are inspiring, thoughtful, and empowering.  This episode is a must-listen, one you'll want to revisit and share with others to aid them in finding their next great job opportunity.

To explore more about Tania and her remarkable journey, visit:

Company Website:  https://www.taniachomyk.com

LinkedIn Profile:   http://www.linkedin.com/in/tania-chomyk

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In this episode, we feature a remarkable career transformation story that exemplifies the power of reinvention. After a successful 25-year career in business development, human resources, operations, and sales leadership, Tom Powner took a bold leap and founded Career Thinker Inc. His journey was fueled by years of encountering poorly written resumes, interviewing unprepared candidates, and hiring over 1,500 employees. 

 With a passion for helping others, Tom now offers career services, coaching, technology insights, and confidence-building strategies to inspire individuals to take charge of their careers. Tom is a recognized leader in the industry, known for educating and mentoring clients and colleagues on best practices, leveraging technology, and enhancing processes for better results. Since 2011, he has conducted over 300 career workshops, seminars, and webinars. As a LinkedIn power user and NCOPE (Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert) instructor, Tom teaches individuals how to harness the power of LinkedIn. 

 In this episode, we discuss:

·        How to stand out in today's employer-driven market.

·        The importance of viewing your job search as a 'career marketing campaign' rather than just a search.

·        Why you don't need to meet all 39 key skills listed in job descriptions—showing your value is what matters.

·        How technology and your unique skills can differentiate you from other candidates.

·        Understanding your value proposition as your superpower to potential employers.

·        The CAR (Challenge, Action, Result) method for resumes, social media, and interviews.

 Tom's interview is packed with actionable insights for job seekers. He holds several significant career industry credentials, including:

·        Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)

·        Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)

·        NCOPE Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (Instructor) 

·        Certified Career Management Coach (CCMC)

For more information, contact Tom on LinkedIn: 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tompowner/