The Truth About Executive Presence (and How to Build It Without Faking It)
06/30/2026 | 33 mins.
Executive presence is one of the most talked-about—and least understood—skills in your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach and co-author of The Presence Principle, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, to break down what executive presence actually is, why it matters for promotions, and how to build it in a way that feels authentic—not performative. If you’ve ever been told to “speak up more” or “be more confident” without clear guidance, this conversation gives you a practical, research-backed roadmap to develop presence on your own terms. You’ll learn: A simple 3-step framework to build executive presence in a way that aligns with your strengths The difference between making a strong first impression and building lasting leadership credibility Small but powerful shifts in mindset, voice, and body language—especially in virtual settings—that elevate how you show up at work
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Guest Resources: Alexa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/ The Presence Principle: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Principle-Embodying-Executive-Impact/dp/1041021968
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsor Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/contessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Your Next Job Is Probably in Your Network—Here’s How to Strengthen It
06/23/2026 | 32 mins.
Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or exhausting. In this episode, Lauren sits down with communications leader and author Monique Kelley to break down the do’s and don’ts of relationship-based networking—and how building genuine connections can unlock new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth. You’ll learn: • Why the biggest networking mistake is waiting until you need something • How to identify the value you bring—even early in your career • Simple ways to strengthen existing relationships so opportunities come through connection, not cold outreach
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW The Successful Networker course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networker
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
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Is Your Debt Driving Your Career Decisions? How to Change That
06/16/2026 | 39 mins.
Debt can quietly shape your confidence, boundaries, and career choices. In this episode, Lauren talks with Arden Missal, founder of She’s Financially Free, about how financial pressure keeps many women playing small at work—and how to start making career decisions from confidence instead of fear. You’ll learn: How money stress impacts negotiation, overwork, and risk-taking The difference between being practical and being fear-led Mindset shifts to build financial confidence—even before you’re debt-free
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Guest Resources: Debt Payoff Starter Kit: ShesFinanciallyFree.com/StarterKit Includes a Debt Freedom Tracker App, a beginner budgeting sheet, a mini financial literacy course, motivational screensavers, and other great resources- Everything you need to get started in paying off your debt.
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsors Become a Fora advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Get 25% Off Cowboy Colostrum with code CONTESSA at http:// cowboycolostrum.com/contessa. Go to ogee.com/CONTESSA and use code CONTESSA for 20% off. Shop now at fabletics.com/contessa to get 70 - 80% off everything when you sign up as a new VIP. Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Career Transition 101: Strategy, Mindset, and What to Do First
06/09/2026 | 29 mins.
Thinking about a career change—but not sure where to start? In this episode, career transition expert Cara Bedick breaks down what it really takes to make a successful move—from navigating fear and identity shifts to translating your skills and building a strategy that actually works. If you’ve been feeling stuck, this conversation will help you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: How to tell if you need a full career pivot—or just a new role, team, or environment The biggest emotional blocks (like fear and self-doubt) that keep people stuck—and how to move through them
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Career Transition Course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-career-transition-road-map/
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsors If you're ready to finally sleep great and feel like yourself again, head to http://www.bioptimizers.com/contessa and use my exclusive code CONTESSA to get 15% off any order. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Why Aren’t People Responding to Your Emails? How to Write Messages Busy People Actually Read (Listener Favorite)
06/02/2026 | 34 mins.
Even with social media, text, and DMs, email is still the best way to communicate and contact people who can help your career. Now we just need to make sure those emails are crafted in a way to catch the attention of busy readers! Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur Magazine, Jason Feifer, will tell you a masterclass on: What bad email communication looks like How to assess your own email writing skills Tactics for formatting your email messages The power of responding to every email
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Grammarly Link: https://bit.ly/3PiAtBy
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/
Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. That's code CONTESSA for an exclusive 20% off. Head to vitaclean.co and use code CONTESSA at checkout for 20% off your first purchase. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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