Career Contessa

Latest Episodes:

The Career Development Playbook: What To Do Each Quarter to Advance Your Career Year-Round Jan 20, 2026

Show notes

If you’ve ever started the year with big career goals—only to lose steam by spring—this episode is for you. Career coach Michelle Schafer shares her quarterly career playbook: a simple, structured approach to keep your professional growth on track all year long. Learn how to break your goals into manageable chunks, build momentum each quarter, and stay accountable to your future self.

You’ll learn:

How to create a quarterly framework that keeps your career goals realistic and sustainable
The right way to initiate career development conversations with your manager
Simple ways to stay visible, build new skills, and celebrate progress—without burning out

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Self-marketing episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/creative-techniques-to-master-self-marketing-how-to/id1434354911?i=1000706486616

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

Free offer #1: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here:

https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/

Email me here: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca

Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

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.

How to Run a New Year Career Audit Jan 13, 2026

Show notes

Before you set another career goal, hit pause — it’s time for a career audit. Career coach and product marketing pro Saniya Waghray Tyagi shares how to reflect on the past year, clarify what’s working (and what’s not), and set intentional goals that align your energy, environment, and ambitions for 2026.

You’ll learn:

The five key areas to evaluate in your career audit — and how to spot when you’re overdue for one.
How to turn reflection into action using Saniya’s “power of three” goal-setting method.
Simple tools to make your audit feel doable — including the “Skill-Based Smile File.”

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Work 1:1 with Saniya: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Saniya-WaghrayTyagi/32470/

Amanda Goetz - ‘Life’s a Game’ blog
https://amandagoetz.kit.com/posts/life-s-a-game-your-2024-game-plan?ref=life-creators.club
And how to evolve at the 6-month mark: https://x.com/AmandaMGoetz/status/1774770294810452031
Expect to Win by Carla Harris: https://www.amazon.com/Expect-Win-Strategies-Thriving-Workplace/dp/0452295904/
‘The First 90 Days’ - Michael D Watkins: https://www.amazon.com/First-90-Days-Strategies-Expanded/dp/1422188612/

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

Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling 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.

3 in 30: 2026 Workplace Predictions Jan 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode, Lauren and Marnie break down three major workplace predictions for 2026, drawing from leading reports by Indeed, Forbes, and McKinsey. After a quick lookback on 2025, Lauren and Marnie dive deep into what’s ahead for the new year as it relates to job searching and larger workplace cultural shifts.

You’ll Learn:

Why the 2026 job market may feel familiar and how to job search accordingly
Why values alignment is becoming a top priority for employees
How AI will reshape expectations for leadership as it relates to transparency

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

2025 Workplace Predictions Episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/3-in-30-work-predictions-for-2025/id1434354911?i=1000680665545

Prediction 1 - Indeed Article: https://www.hiringlab.org/2025/11/20/indeed-2026-us-jobs-hiring-trends-report

Prediction 2 - Forbes Article: https://www.forbes.com/sites/janicegassam/2025/11/16/5-trends-that-will-shape-workplace-culture-in-2026/

Prediction 3 - McKinsey Article: https://www.mckinsey.com/capabilities/tech-and-ai/our-insights/superagency-in-the-workplace-empowering-people-to-unlock-ais-full-potential-at-work

Recommended Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Resources

Marnie’s Instagram Reel on Negotiation: https://www.instagram.com/p/C_O1iZrurJt/

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview

10% Discount Code: CCPOD

Marnie’s Resume Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/template-marnies-resume-with-written-examples

The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

CareerFitter Online Assessment:

https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218

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/

Sponsor:

Stop waiting and start selling with Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling 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.

5 Steps to Stop Overthinking and Break the Cycle of Inaction in Your Career Dec 16, 2025

Show notes

We’re replaying one of our most popular episodes with courage coach and bestselling author Dr. Margie Warrell. If fear or self-doubt has ever held you back from making a career move or life change, this episode will help you take that next step with confidence.

You’ll learn:

Why fear and overthinking keep us stuck in inaction
Dr. Margie’s 5-step process for building courage and momentum
How to reframe failure and embrace discomfort as growth

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

The Courage Gap (Book): https://margiewarrell.com/thecouragegap/

Dr. Margie Warrell’s website: https://margiewarrell.com

Dr. Margie Warrell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margiewarrell/

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.

3 in 30: Ask Marnie Anything Dec 09, 2025

Show notes

In this solo 3 in 30 episode, career coach Marnie Lemonik answers listener questions across leadership, job searching, and workplace growth. From stepping into people management for the first time to navigating stagnation, hypothetical interview questions, and asking for more feedback, Marnie breaks down the mindsets and tactical approaches that will help you move forward with confidence.

You’ll Learn:

How to transition into people management with trust, structure, and clarity
How to evaluate whether it’s truly time to leave your job
How to answer hypothetical interview questions with a clear, repeatable format
How to ask your manager for more feedback in a direct, positive way

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Resources

Instagram Video: Hypothetical Questions: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ7_A3rgVYs/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218

Job Search Dashboard:

https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn

Marnie’s Free Resources

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources

Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook:

https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview

10% Discount Code: CCPOD

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/

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:

Go to shopify.com/careercontessa to upgrade your selling today.

Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first order.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Think Fast, Talk Smart: How to Communicate Confidently on the Spot Dec 02, 2025

Show notes

This holiday season, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring communication expert Matt Abrahams. Learn how to stay calm, concise, and confident in spontaneous conversations — from job interviews to everyday workplace interactions.

You’ll learn:

How to manage anxiety in high-stakes communication moments
Simple structures (like “What? So what? Now what?”) to keep your responses clear and memorable
Practical strategies for handling interviews, feedback, small talk, and even email with confidence

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast

Think Faster, Talk Smarter (Book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2DNZHX/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk

Matt Abrahams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/

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:

Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Growth Mindset at Work: Overcome Fixed Thinking and Unlock Career Success Nov 25, 2025

Show notes

We’re replaying one of our most-loved episodes to close out the year. Career coach Kristin Evanson joins me to share how neuroscience can help you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset — so you can approach challenges with confidence and creativity.

You’ll learn:

The difference between fixed and growth mindsets (and how to spot your own tendencies)
Four actionable steps to reframe limiting thoughts into opportunities
How to navigate career transitions with resilience and possibility

Show Notes

Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:

Kristen Evanson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinevenson/

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:

Go to shopify.com/CAREERCONTESSA to upgrade your selling today.

Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

3 in 30: How to Prep for PTO and Actually Enjoy Your Vacation Nov 18, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik are in full holiday prep mode—tackling the stress that often comes with taking paid time off. From the anxiety of unplugging to the chaos of catching up, they share practical strategies to make your vacations more restorative and less overwhelming.

You’ll Learn: