5 Communication Shifts That Transform How You Lead, Speak, and Sell
03/31/2026 | 33 mins.
Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of influence, trust, and leadership at work. In this episode, Ravi Rajani, author of Relationship Currency, breaks down the five habits that make communicators truly influential. From reframing the stories you tell yourself to building trust without being the loudest voice in the room, Ravi shares practical, immediately usable shifts that help you communicate with more clarity, credibility, and impact—starting this week. You’ll learn: How to build trust through the Three C’s: connection, character, and competence Why patience (not charisma) is the secret weapon of influential communicators Simple habits introverts can use to speak with confidence and be taken seriously at work
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Guest Resources: Relationship Currency book: https://www.theravirajani.com/book Ravi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theravirajani/ Ravi website: https://www.theravirajani.com/
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The New Career Path: Flexible Work, Blended Teams, and What’s Next
03/24/2026 | 33 mins.
The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts. They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work. You’ll learn: Why blended teams are becoming the new standard How flexible work can still support growth and stability What leaders need to rethink in the AI era
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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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The Leadership Skill Most Likely to Derail Your Career, According to a Harvard Professor
03/17/2026 | 32 mins.
Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailment The hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close it The first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourself
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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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How to Stop Worrying About Money
03/10/2026 | 32 mins.
Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again.
You’ll learn: Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually does How “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessing What modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or control
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656
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 Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. 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.
Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately
03/03/2026 | 28 mins.
Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in) How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays The EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Guest Resources: EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/
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/ 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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