The Purposeful Career Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Ep 175: Breaking Free from Negative Thought Loops Apr 14, 2024

Show notes

When life throws a curveball, it's not the event itself that knocks us down, but the relentless negative thought loops that follow. I'm Carla Hudson, and I've battled through the grief of losing both my parents in quick succession. By sharing my personal journey and those of my coaching clients, this episode guides you through the murky waters of negativity bias and demonstrates how to reclaim the steering wheel of your mind.
We all face moments when fear and anxiety take the driver's seat, leading us down a path of panic and overwhelm. It's a cycle that's as common as it is crippling.
But what if I told you that the key to breaking free lies within your own perceptions?
Throughout the episode, we dissect the way our perceptions shape our reality and explore strategies to shift our mindset from negative to neutral—or even positive. I open up about navigating my personal losses and how I chose gratitude over despair, providing a beacon of hope for anyone caught in the throes of sorrow.
Finally, we confront the dread of the coming day—a symptom of a mind caught in the clutches of negativity. This episode offers a lifeline, a reminder that it's never too late to hit the reset button on your thought patterns. For those who feel ensnared in the quicksand of their own thoughts, I extend an invitation: reach out for a one-on-one coaching session or join my virtual coaching program, Next Level. Together, we'll break the chains of negative thinking and lay the foundations for a life brimming with fulfillment and purpose.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 174: Four Ways to Overcome Perfectionism Apr 07, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever held yourself to a standard so high that anything less than perfect felt like a failure? That's a question I pondered deeply after reading a Harvard Business Review article on the three types of perfectionism. I know...who knew there were three types?
In this episode we discuss the three types of perfectionism identified by psychologists Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett. We'll uncover the sources of pressure, from internal drivers to societal expectations, and the often-unspoken connection between perfectionism and procrastination—a revelation that hit close to home.
This episode isn't just for those who label themselves perfectionists; it's a mirror for anyone who's felt the weight of relentless standards, including leaders and caregivers of the high-achievers among us.
Embarking on this journey of self-discovery is more than just an intellectual exercise; it's about transforming the way we live and interact with the world. Awareness is the first step, and we'll navigate the tricky terrain of negative thoughts and feelings of inadequacy that frequently accompany perfectionist tendencies.
Finally, I'll share four game-changing perspectives to help shift your mindset, from embracing failure as a stepping stone to setting achievable goals. Whether you're wrestling with self-oriented perfectionism or find yourself imposing these expectations on others, this episode promises to shed light on strategies that will empower you to break free from the shackles of perfection and celebrate the beauty of being perfectly imperfect.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 173: Ten Ways to Have a Purposeful Career (and Life) Mar 31, 2024

Show notes

Sailing through the midcareer and midlife waters can be stormy, but imagine harnessing that energy to propel you towards a career that's truly aligned with who you are. I'm Carla Hudson, and I've navigated the sometimes rough seas of midlife, transforming my own career into the vision I had for myself.
This episode is intended to give you perspective on your own professional journey, especially during those transformative midlife years. We'll do this by exploring 10 ways to have a purposeful career. In it, I'll share the insights that have helped me to not just meet but surpass my own career and life dreams. It's a tale of continual growth and the beauty of aligning one's career with their core essence which is exactly what I teach in my business.
The courage to take on new professional horizons can be as daunting as the open sea, yet it's the very thing that can lead to the discovery of new lands. This episode explores the importance of mindset, confidence balance, inner leadership, career pivots and the art of nurturing self-belief. Let's unravel how knowing yourself and the strength of your convictions can power you through promotions, career changes, and the fears that threaten to capsize your journey. Together, we'll examine the indispensable role of a growth mindset and self-confidence in ensuring your professional life reflects your true worth and potential.
At the core, we'll discuss the importance of evolving your self-image and the impact it has on achieving success. I'll share my personal tangles with impostor syndrome and how evolve beyond that. This episode is not just about learning to have a purposeful career, it's about a purposeful life. In it, we'll discuss the harmony of career and personal life, the importance of recognizing your intrinsic value, and how strategic changes can align your professional path with your deepest values. So join me in this episode and let's start your purposeful journey together.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 172: Learning to Appreciate Yourself and Your Journey Mar 24, 2024

Show notes

Come with us as we unlock the secret to magnifying your self worth and appreciation.
In a world where accomplishments are often overshadowed by the next big goal, I invite you to pause and savor the things you've mastered so far. The things that have helped to make you who you are.
Our conversation turns the spotlight on the pivotal yet often neglected practice of self-appreciation—where no comparisons are allowed. And no, this is not about self-centeredness; it’s about recognizing everything it's taken to get you to where are you today.
Listen as I share stories of my high achieving clients who, despite their enviable successes, grapple with acknowledging their own brilliance.
Through these enlightening tales, we learn to view our accomplishments from the perspective of our former selves - the one who set the goal. Learning to marvel at the milestones we once only dreamed of that we've now mastered.
This episode is more than just a pat on the back for the big wins—it's an ode to the everyday victories and the exceptional part of each of us who works at carving out our own path in the world.
Tune in and learn how to connect to a strong and deep sense of pride so you're ready to chase down the next dream with an invigorated and self-appreciative point of view.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 171: Mastering Inner Leadership: Transform Your Life with Self-Command and Purposeful Thinking Mar 17, 2024

Show notes

Unlock the leader within you as we walk through a transformative exploration of self-command and its indisputable impact on both your professional and personal life.
Imagine the empowerment that comes from mastering your internal world.
By fostering a steadfast approach to inner leadership, you'll learn to navigate life's challenges with unmatched clarity and intention, leading to a profound shift in how you perceive and act upon the things going on around you.
This discussion isn't just about introspection; we also examine the art of purposeful thinking and the dramatic influence it has on steering our life's direction.
Witness the power of choosing your thoughts through the story of a client's ascent to success in her newfound role, an inspiring testament to the strength of aligning actions with core values.
Furthermore, I unravel the intricacies of building trust and productive relationships in today's digital workspace, revealing strategic moves from reactive to proactive engagement that reshape interactions with peers. Prepare to become the architect of your own destiny as I share a wealth of strategies that will empower your journey to achieving the success and happiness you envision, starting from within.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 170: Rising Above the Storm: Six Strategies for Navigating Through a Crisis at Midlife Mar 10, 2024

Show notes

Midlife is a time when issues tend to converge and we can find ourselves in a period when it feels like a bomb went off in our life. This is exactly where I found myself in June of 2022 and it culminated in me losing both of my aging parents within six months of each other.
In this episode, I'm sharing the six strategies that became my lifeline during that difficult chapter which included balancing the demands of a new corporate role, my own business, and the intricate web of family care responsibilities. This episode isn't just my story—it's a beacon for anyone feeling adrift in the tumultuous seas of life's unforeseen trials.
Caring for aging parents is a dance between love, duty, and the stark reality of the ticking clock we all face. I take you through the emotional odyssey of my parents' final months, from the chaotic onset of my mother's health decline to the painstaking decision to transition my father into a care facility as dementia tightened its grip. The six strategies I employed became the framework for preserving my well-being while honoring the needs of my parents. This chapter of life is a profound testament to resilience, and I hope my journey offers comfort and guidance to those walking a similar path.
As we navigate the waters of midlife challenges, I introduce a tool that can be a lifeline in times of overwhelming emotion: the thought download technique. This episode peels back the layers on how writing down your thoughts can bring clarity and peace amidst the storm. Alongside this, I explore the undeniable power of gratitude and self-care practices in the healing process. My invitation extends beyond sharing my story, as I present Next Level, a virtual life coaching program designed to transform your career and life. Join me, and let's harness the strength within to rise above the waves and sail towards a horizon of growth and fulfillment.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 169: The Power of Listening to Yourself: Reconnecting to Your Inner Wisdom Mar 03, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever caught yourself tuning out your own voice to accommodate everyone else's needs? This episode embarks on a journey with me, Carla Hudson, as we examine the transformative art of self-listening. Anchored in personal anecdotes and enriched by coaching experiences, we navigate the common habit of sidelining our desires for others, especially during the riveting demands of midlife. Join us to discover how reclaiming the neglected art of tuning into our inner dialogue can reshape our lives, confront our fears, and stir the waters of self-discovery.
Emotions have a way of sneaking up on us, often at the most inconvenient times. Together, we explore the essential skills of self-awareness and emotional intelligence, unearthing how to be truly present with our feelings during daily interactions. By pinpointing and articulating emotions in just one word, we not only connect with our inner experiences but also learn to decipher the physical sensations they trigger. The upcoming week poses a challenge: to become more attuned to our emotional landscape, paving the way for healthier coping strategies and a more authentic existence.
As we round out this conversation, we delve into the courage it takes to listen to our inner wisdom and pursue personal authenticity. I delve into the challenges of making significant life changes, from career shifts to personal endeavors. We uncover the imperative of self-inquiry and the permission we must grant ourselves to dream. For those poised to elevate their life's work, the virtual coaching program, Next Level, awaits. It’s an invitation to apply these insights and join me at thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel, as we journey towards a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 168: Breaking Free from the Cycle of 'Shoulds': Embracing Authenticity and Intention in Your Life and Career Feb 25, 2024

Show notes

Ever find yourself caught in the relentless cycle of "shoulding" your way through life and career? I'm Carla Hudson, and today's podcast peels back the layers on why that inner monologue of shoulds could be sabotaging your happiness and growth. We kick things off with the gripping tale of a client who, after facing an unexpected career crossroads, wrestled with self-doubt and the haunting idea that she should be further along. But as we navigate her story, you'll see that we all have the power to rewrite the script, exchange those shoulds for coulds, and embrace self-compassion as our new guiding light.
This episode isn't just about the struggle; it's about seizing control and charting a course that resonates with our deepest desires. We'll tackle the thorny concept of societal expectations—like the myth that career stability equals personal development—and replace it with a renewed trust in our instincts. Learn how to sift through the noise of external demands with a simple yet transformative 'thought download,' a technique that will have you questioning the true source of your goals. By the end of our candid conversation, you'll have some new ways of thinking about what it means to redefine success on your terms and perhaps realize that what you've been searching for has been within you all along.
Join me as we step away from the pervasive shadows of shoulds and lean into a life crafted by intention and authenticity.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 167: The Importance of Prioritizing Yourself (and How to Do That) Feb 18, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever caught yourself constantly running on empty, pouring every ounce of energy into everything but yourself? This isn't just a chat about the merits of self-care; this is an awakening for those who've tucked their own needs away. Join me as we explore the art of self-prioritization in the intricate dance of career and life. It's particularly poignant for women, as we've historically been the caretakers, the nurturers, the put-everyone-else-firsters. But what if we dared to flip the script? Today, we dissect the societal norms and generational conditioning that often lead us to sideline our own dreams and discuss actionable steps you can take to carve out the space you deserve in your own life.
This journey of self-reflection brings us face-to-face with the often overlooked yet critical concept of self-care. Not the fleeting indulgences, but the deep, sustaining acts that fuel us to be better partners, parents, professionals—better humans. We hold up a mirror to the paradox of self-neglect, realizing that in our quest to be all things to all people, we risk burning out before we can shine. I challenge you to recalibrate your self-care compass, to shift the perspective of it being a luxury to recognizing it as a fundamental building block for a life well-lived.
And in this quest for personal growth, we're not just scratching the surface; we're digging deep into the roots of self-worth and identity. No sugarcoating here—we address the internalized beliefs of inadequacy that plague many of us and the transformative power of embracing our inherent value. Tune in as we talk through the strategies that can reshape our self-image, and learn about the support available through my monthly membership program, guiding you toward becoming the most empowered, actualized version of yourself. It's about thriving, not just surviving, and it starts with saying yes to putting yourself at the top of your own list.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ep 166: Creating Success Through Reinvention: What Taylor Swift Can Teach Us About Self Image and Identity Feb 11, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever wondered about the ripple effects of a celebrity romance within the world of sports? Join me, Carla Hudson, as we explore the unexpected impact Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelsey has had on the Kansas City Chiefs. This episode uncovers how the influx of Swiftie fans has not just amplified the Chiefs' brand value but also intertwined the vibrancy of pop culture with the adrenaline of sports. We'll analyze the team's performance, their challenging season, and the road to the Super Bowl, all while contemplating the significance of celebrity power in reshaping the media landscape of professional teams.
Life is an ever-changing canvas, and sometimes we hold the brush without even knowing it. In this narrative, I'll recount my own evolution from a hairstylist to a corporate professional and how it exemplifies the profound nature of personal reinvention. It's about more than switching careers; it's a metamorphosis of self, a daring leap into the unknown that demands we constantly evolve. We'll discuss how to embrace new identities, seize opportunities, and muster the courage to leave comfort zones behind, drawing inspiration from both my journey and Taylor Swift's celebrated ability to evolve while remaining unmistakably herself.
To cap off our time together, I'll guide you through the bold steps and mental shifts that are crucial for growth, as I share my transition from a corporate brand strategist to creating my own entrepreneurial venture. This episode is designed to ignite the spark for anyone yearning to redefine their path, blending practical advice with the emotional aspects of self-reinvention. Finally, I extend a warm invitation to my virtual coaching program, Next Level, where I will help you harness these insights to craft a career and life rich with authenticity and success. Let's celebrate new beginnings, cheer for our favorite icons, and courageously chart our course toward the fulfillment we all deserve.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

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