Explore every episode of the podcast Career Confessions
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why Being More Productive Won't Solve Your Problems - EP086 | 22 Aug 2022 | 00:12:58 | |
Many of my coaching clients come to me wanting to be more productive because they aren't meeting some goal or expectation they've set for themselves.
You can do a Google search and find hundreds of productivity hacks.
But is doing more really the answer?
So, how can you determine the productivity issues you're really trying to solve?
On this episode of Career Confessions, I'll walk you through some reasons we seek the answers to more success in all the wrong places. Then I guide you through some insight into how to dig deeper to determine what productivity really means to and for you.
Listen in as I share how saying NO can help you find the time you dream of for your most critical non-negotiables. Plus, I share a fun exercise you can do to pull back from some of the forces pulling you in all different directions and find the center of YOUR vision for success.
Did you know that when you and I work together on your coaching plan, we not only create a performance routine that works for you while we work together, but we also create a 6-month go-forward plan for when our time together ends?
Key Takeaways
Why we can't outrun our belief system by changing our daily routine Why productivity isn’t the be all end all for success The #1 question you need to ask yourself to determine your own success metrics How to determine if you are saying NO often enough Why saying yes too often can keep you living someone else's version of success How a stick figure drawing can help you determining if you are being pulled in too many directions Why a 30-day check-in plan is vital to your long-term success
Connect with Andrea
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Review and Share the Podcast on Apple Podcasts | |||
| 3 Ways to Sidestep Career Blocking Branding Moves - EP085 | 08 Aug 2022 | 00:15:11 | |
What projects do you want to be known for? Do you want to be known as a leader or the go-to name for your dream project? It can be challenging to stay focused on who we are, so we project the right things in our personal brand while working on projects, paying bills, and raising our families.
But if you don't take charge of evaluating and solidifying your brand, who will?
And if you're not taking the time to check in on your personal brand, it can lead to a significant gap in how others perceive you and how you see yourself as a professional.
So how can you evolve your brand to ensure it aligns with where you want to go next?
On this episode of Career Confessions, I'm sharing two topics that have recently been a recurring theme in my coaching practice. I'm also sharing some personal insight into how something I visualized for over a year came to be and how I intentionally released my emotions about the end of one big project before beginning a new one.
I'll walk you through some insider information I shared with my group coaching clients and some advice I gave a private client about why you must advocate for yourself in your career and how you can do so in a way that feels organic to you.
Listen in as I share the 3 things you must continually evaluate and reevaluate for limiting factors in your brand. Plus, I offer some homework for my listeners to help you make sure your brand aligns with where you want to go next.
I have one private coaching spot open, and I'd love to take you to the finish line! But the only way to work with me is to apply—so fill out the form NOW!
Key Takeaways 2 reasons why it’s so hard to advocate for yourself at work How to share your wins so it doesn’t feel like bragging Why flexing your problem-solving nature is not just your win, but a victory for the whole team What things to look at when auditing your brand to be sure it aligns with your goals How taking the time to get honest about where you are gives you the clarity to toward the right opportunities
Connect with Andrea
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Review and Share the Podcast on Apple Podcasts | |||
| 3 Tips to Successfully Manage a High-Powered Career and a Family—with Richard Burke - EP076 | 25 Apr 2022 | 00:26:38 | |
Managing a high-powered career while raising a family and maintaining a happy, healthy marriage can be difficult. Usually, the end of the workday doesn’t leave much of you left for your family. So, how can you successfully leave work at work, and switch gears so you can be present for your family? Richard Burke is a Certified Professional Coach, Experienced business consultant, Educator/Professor, and Digital Marketing Expert. He’s spent his career in leadership roles, including 10 years as President of a $25 million eCommerce company and five years as Vice President of eCommerce at a Fortune 500 Company. He’s also been married for almost 40 years and successfully raised three children. So how did he do it all, and do it all well? On this episode of Career Confessions, Richard sits down with me to explain how he successfully put his wife and family first while navigating a highly influential career. He shares the 2 keywords you need to focus on to be successful in any relationship and 3 tips for successfully managing a high-powered career while being sure your real world doesn’t crumble around you.
Richard discusses his family first, work second philosophy and how having only one schedule can help you give everything that’s important to you the proper priority. We discuss how he managed his decision-making process for taking the next step and grabbing the next opportunity.
Key Takeaways
Richard shares his family first, work second philosophy How to be present and listen for a successful relationship How you can be effective at work by being effective at home Richard shares the date night tradition that led to a happy marriage, and a high-powered career How combining your professional and personal schedule helps you give everything the proper priority How successful leaders raise their team up by getting out of the way The key to taking in as much knowledge as you can through observing the leaders you work for How Richard’s love for sharing knowledge led him to his coaching journey Connect with Richard
Connect with Andrea
Resources
Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching Review Career Confessions on Apple Podcasts | |||
| How to Resolve Conflict Through Clarity - EP075 | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:14:04 | |
How do you deal with misunderstandings?
The first thing you should do when you find yourself in conflict How to keep from jumping to conclusions that will only make the situation worse Why putting our ego aside is the hardest thing to do How gaining clarity can help you lead from a place of power and move forward How being transparent in conflict can lead to stronger relationships The number one way to navigate conflict in a way that will leave you better not bitter
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Private Coaching Questionnaire | |||
| How to Take Ownership of Your Actions - EP074 | 11 Apr 2022 | 00:12:03 | |
Where does empowerment begin? It begins with taking ownership of our thoughts, decisions, and actions. Are you happy with the ownership you are taking in your personal and professional life? If not, when was the last time you did an ownership checkup? Maybe you’ve had the feeling for a while that something is impeding your progress. Perhaps you’ve been indulging in more ice cream than usual, skipping workouts for marathon Netflix sessions, or arguing with your partner more than you would like. We all have those times when we realize we’ve stopped putting our best foot forward. But have you taken the time to figure out what is driving your unnecessary stress and causing you to present yourself in a way that isn’t making you proud? There’s a difference between just making yourself feel better for the moment and doing the things that are going to help you do better. Zoning out to your favorite episode of NCIS makes you feel good, but the good feeling of that kind of stress release is fleeting. And inside we know that. We are the owners of everything that happens in our lives, but we cannot fix what we don’t know exists. Maybe it’s time to have an honest conversation with the CEO of your life by taking a hard look in the mirror. Today on Career Confessions, I’m sharing the 2 questions I ask myself to make sure I’m leaning into the things that will assure I do better and not just feel better. Listen in to hear how you can take ownership of your thoughts and actions by seeking out the support systems that will put you on a solid path to better long-term outcomes and a brighter future.
Who has the authority to change your life Why there are no shortcut solutions to being better The one word you need to speak out loud to help you hear what is going on inside The secret to determining your own ‘work in progress’ areas How to use challenges to help you visualize your true growth How to invest in yourself to create a sustainable growth plan
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Private Coaching Questionnaire | |||
| The Great Resignation—with Evan Sohn - EP073 | 07 Apr 2022 | 00:27:23 | |
Career Confessions EP73 The Great Resignation—with Evan Sohn
It’s more than the great resignation, it’s the great revolution.
So, where do you turn when you need to hire? How can you connect with your next great position?
Evan Sohn has 25+ years of experience in eCommerce at Fortune 500 and successful start-up environments. He joined Recruiter.com in 2019 as the CEO. Recruiter.com is a destination site for all things talent acquisition and recruiting. At Recruiter.com, their mission is to empower businesses to recruit specialized talent faster with a virtual team of recruiters.
Evan says, “At Recruiter.com we're helping companies large and small with what is really their most precious asset.”
On this episode of Career Confessions, Evan joins me to explain why he isn’t calling the current economic trend of employee resignations the great resignation, he has a different name for it and what it means in terms of leveraging the plethora of opportunities available for those who are ready to make a move.
Evan discusses the new definition of a great employee and why in today’s climate if you aren't moving, you aren't growing. Plus, he walks us through why everybody is more valuable now than they were two years ago.
Listen in for insight on what employers need to be doing if they want to retain their best and brightest people and how employees can leverage their skills to get what they really want from their work life.
Key Takeaways What most people don’t know about the great resignation Evan offers his insight into the new definition of a great employee How we’re transforming the way we look at work and what the new “benefits” are Why employers who aren’t paying attention are losing on 2 different fronts What’s behind the rise of the 80% employee How employees can best leverage their skills to land where they want The key to hiring and retaining the best and the brightest people in this economy The one question Evan is asking to move the needle at Recruiter.com
Connect with Evan Email evan@recruiter.com
Connect with Andrea
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| Strategizing Your Growing Pains - EP072 | 04 Apr 2022 | 00:16:50 | |
Do you find that your career growth trajectory sometimes feels overwhelming? What do you do when you are face to face with a problem you don't see a solution for? Over the years, I have learned reaching for new heights in your business or professional life means facing new obstacles. As you continue to scale the summit, eventually, you will find yourself face to face with a bigger challenge than you have ever met before. And the bigger you've grown, the bigger that problem is going to be. Especially with rapid growth. Recently, I had a problem that kept me up for several nights in a row. It felt insurmountable. I wondered how I would solve it. But I also wondered why this particular thing was causing such a monster disruption. It felt like I was in a perfect storm. I knew there was a solution, but I was having trouble finding it on my own. On this episode of Career Confessions, I share the story of how looking outside of myself, and beyond those in my day-to-day life helped me overcome that struggle in my upward growth trajectory. Plus, I share the best investment I’ve ever made in myself and my business. Listen in as I discuss what those big problems really mean and the importance of investing in yourself so you can continue chasing your BIG dreams. What do you do when you’re facing a problem you don’t see a solution to What it takes to keep pushing through when your career challenges keep getting bigger Why your husband isn’t the best sounding board for your business challenges Resources Private Coaching Questionnaire Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| How to Develop Your EQ to Elevate Your Career - EP071 | 31 Mar 2022 | 00:14:26 | |
What is the most important skill of a good leader? Think back to the great bosses you have worked with. What qualities did they have that you wanted to emulate? Were they great at the technical aspects of their job? Did they have a good head for business or a high IQ? Or was it something more? Being equipped with the hard skills necessary to perform your position is important. But other skills, like communication, collaboration, empathy, and adaptability, are equally valuable and should not be overlooked. Those are soft skills. They include the personal qualities you bring into every boardroom. They are the traits that help you elevate individuals, empower teams effectively, and make a lasting impact. We can always learn technical skills, and hard skills are ever evolving. Yet, a leader with a highly defined talent for communication or collaboration will always affect positive change in the work environment. On this episode of Career Confessions, we’re going to take a closer look at what it takes to deep dive into improving your soft skills, so you catapult your career growth. Let me be honest with you, it can be hard for us to recognize our own innate soft skill superpowers. And it can be even more difficult to determine the areas where we need improvement. Working on elevating yourself is not something that comes naturally. Listen to learn how having the right coach in your corner can help you improve your technical skills while growing your soft skills so you can make a bigger impact.
Why technical skills will only take you so far in your career The key type of growth that pays the most dividends Why it’s so hard to assess your personal soft skills My strategy for unearthing your soft skill superpowers
Connect with Andrea
Resources Private Coaching Questionnaire Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| 3 Steps to Taking on an Official Leadership Role - EP070 | 28 Mar 2022 | 00:12:11 | |
Are you ready to transition from individual contributor to direct supervisor? If you want to be responsible for other people’s performance, you need to do some intentional preparation to take on a leadership role. On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain why it’s crucial to understand the audience who will advocate for your promotion, exploring how to connect with key decision-makers who may not realize you’re ready for direct reports. I challenge you to ask for feedback from the right people to understand how you impact others, describing how to identify your leadership blind spots and develop a plan to improve. Listen in for insight on what questions to ask if you’re already responsible for a team and learn how to make the leap to direct supervisor, elevating everyone who reports to you!
Key Takeaways How to transition from individual contributor to direct supervisor How to equip your boss to advocate for you when challenged What to do if key decision-makers don’t think you’re ready for a leadership role Why it’s crucial to understand the audience you need to advocate for your promotion How to leverage networking to minimize threats to your career growth The value in learning the political dynamics of the next 2 levels of your organization What it looks like to ask for feedback from the right people Why diversity of thought is critical to building a high-performing team How to identify your leadership blind spots and develop a plan to improve What questions to ask if you’re already responsible for a team
Connect with Andrea
Resources | |||
| Growing Through the Pain and Staying True to Your Dreams - EP069 | 24 Mar 2022 | 00:23:11 | |
Do you want to grow your career, but feel stuck? Do you find yourself walking the line between being challenged and being overwhelmed? Over the years, I’ve learned that if I want to be successful in business, I need to work to understand myself and grow as a person. If I am not in tune with my thoughts, feelings, and intentions, I cannot show up as my best self to serve others.
I have hit my fair share of bumps in the road, but I have never thought about quitting. Expanding myself out of my comfort zone keeps me performing at the highest level, but it’s never easy… and it shouldn’t be.
On this episode of Career Confessions, I share my thoughts on the growing pains I’ve experienced throughout my career and the obstacles I’ve faced as I’ve elevated myself.
Listen in as I discuss the importance of thinking ahead, investing in yourself, and staying true to your dreams.
Key Takeaways How I decided I needed to invest in myself to grow more businesses Why I started working with a coach to better understand myself and serve as many people as possible The importance of thinking ahead in all aspects of business Why I am a better person when I’m expanding outside of my comfort zone The difference between overwhelming yourself and challenging yourself Why I have never thought about quitting, but instead, always strive to improve Why we should all invest in ourselves long before we see the return on investment The importance of staying true to your dreams even as your life evolves
Connect with Andrea
Resources | |||
| How to Align Yourself with Your Next Career Move - EP068 | 17 Mar 2022 | 00:23:06 | |
Are you stuck and unsure of your next career move? We all have those moments when our stomach is filled with anticipation because you are about to do something BIG! Or maybe you are walking around on cloud nine from landing a new client or closing a big deal for your company. Those are the moments we all want to keep replaying on our highlight reel. Maybe it has been a while since you have had that feeling. It happens. Perhaps you are in a season where circumstances in your personal life are taking up all of your bandwidth. Or maybe you are just enjoying a little time in your comfort zone. It's great to revel in your success for a time, but if you want to grow in your career, it’s best not to settle there for too long. Our jumbled thoughts can create a weight on our shoulders that can hold us back from all the good things in life. It doesn't have to be that way. You can reach the top and be happy with who you are when you get there. Listen in for my tips to help you make it happen.
The key to knowing if you’ve gotten too comfortable in your current position Why internal shame leads to stagnated growth How to manage what’s going on internally to speed up external career growth How to make room in your life for professional growth The number one way to map out your next career move
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Private Coaching Questionnaire | |||
| How to Manage Your Relationship with Your Boss - Ep067 | 14 Mar 2022 | 00:20:02 | |
How would your boss describe you? Do you ‘assume’ they know how hard you’re working? Or ‘hope’ they understand the value you bring?
You cannot wait for your supervisor to advocate for you. You’ve got to manage up and advocate for yourself.
Hope is not a strategy. You need a plan.
On this episode of Career Confessions, I discuss the importance of developing a healthy relationship with your boss, describing how common it is for top performers to be blindsided by a lack of support from direct supervisors.
I explain why it’s crucial to write your own brand narrative and pass it on to your boss, exploring how to get the recognition you deserve, especially in remote work.
Listen in to understand why women, in particular, need to strategize around the system to advance and find out why you should dedicate two hours a week to career strategy—so the other 38 don’t go unnoticed.
Key Takeaways
Why it’s critical to know where you stand with your boss How common it is for top performers to be blindsided by a lack of support from direct supervisors The value in writing your own narrative and passing it on to your boss Why women need to advocate for themselves and strategize around the system to advance How to position your brand internally to make an impact in your organization How to develop a command of the political environment at your workplace How to get the recognition you deserve for the sacrifices you’re making (especially in remote work) Why it’s a mistake to think that working hard is enough
Connect with Andrea
Resources
Positioning Yourself to Achieve Massive Career Growth on Career Confessions EP063 How to Accelerate Your Career Trajectory on Career Confessions EP065 Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook
| |||
| Do You Have the Millionaire Mindset? - EP084 | 25 Jul 2022 | 00:21:58 | |
Do you have the millionaire mindset?
I am not talking about what you have in your bank account, although I believe that money will be a side-effect.
I'm talking about developing the focus to chase the version of yourself you see in your mind's eye.
It's hard to step into the unknown and make the changes required to get you where you want to be—but it's always worth it.
So how can you get to what is waiting out there for you?
On this episode of Career Confessions, I'm sharing what having a millionaire mindset really means. I share an update about where I was last year, where I am now in my entrepreneurial journey, and what it took to build a second business in just a year.
Listen in as I share insight into how to audit your life, so you can begin stepping away from the habits and relationships that are getting in the way of the things you truly want.
I'll walk you through how I re-prioritize my life based on impact and how you can do the same with the things on your own to-do list.
There's a version of yourself out there that I know you can visually see, to get there you need to adopt a millionaire mindset.
Key Takeaways
Why you must let go of the things that no longer serve you to move the needle How to surround yourself with the people that will inspire your greatness How re-prioritizing based on impact keeps me in a healthy, millionaire mindset Why it's important to build a brand within your personal boundaries How setting unrealistic goals can help you move past your fear of failure Why opening yourself up to more no’s increases your odds of success. Why ditching the rule book and forging your own path is the key to more success Why you have to say no to the life you have to achieve the life you want
Connect with Andrea
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook Review and Share the Podcast on Apple Podcasts | |||
| How to Get Paid According to What YOU Bring to the Table - Ep066 | 10 Mar 2022 | 00:14:38 | |
Has a negative mindset around money kept you stuck not earning what you know you are worth? In our society, money seems to be a taboo subject. We don’t talk about it, which makes it easy to develop a negative money mindset. Your truth around money might be rooted in the way you were brought up, then cemented by finding out that someone else in your same position is making more. Don’t believe me? Just spend a few minutes in any career Facebook group, and you’ll find evidence that points to whatever you're currently believing about money. But that’s just your truth. So, I want to ask you, is your current belief system about money serving the life you want for yourself and your family? If not, how can you change that? It all starts with understanding that money is a component you DO have a lot of influence over. So often in my work, I see people overwhelmed with everything on their plate, yet they're still not making the money they want. On this episode of Career Confessions, I share part of my money story and how I unlocked my potential through strategies that helped me increase my income by $50 to $60K. My zone of genius is putting strategies together, and today I want to strategize with you how you can debunk the money lies you believe (hey—they’re not serving you) so you can do the same. Listen as I share strategies you can use TODAY to shift your negative money mindset. The truth is you show up differently when you are being paid according to what you bring to the table. You do! Don’t let your money mindset hold you back! Key Takeaways Why the lack of conversations around money creates a negative money mindset How the way we see money affects our bottom line Why you need to know where you are in the salary range bracket based on your rank level How being in a constant state of reaction affects your wallet How getting honest about “our money truth” helps us change it How writing down your money strategy makes it doable The moves to make now to double or triple your salary this year How to negotiate a raise by demonstrating your value proposition How over-delivering rockets your compensation The secret to facing the ugly fears that pop up when you move ahead Connect with Andrea Resources Private Coaching Questionnaire Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| How to Accelerate Your Career Trajectory - EP065 | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:13:40 | |
When you first begin a new role, your inspiration and enthusiasm are at their peak. You're providing value and doing great work.
But there comes a point when your enthusiasm for being there diminishes. You’re still giving 100%, but the learning curve has leveled off. For most people, that is fine, but you feel stifled and even a bit frustrated.
So, how do you position yourself for your next move? On this episode of Career Confessions, I share the framework for career acceleration and offer guidance on how to stop searching and become a magnet for new opportunities. Listen in to take on the challenge that will make YOU the go-to candidate for your dream position.
Key Takeaways Why your learning curve slows down when you get too comfortable in a position The benefit of being prepared to pitch yourself at the drop of a hat The number one way to land your dream job even if it doesn’t exist
Resources Private Coaching Questionnaire Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| The 360-Degree Audit that Leads to Success - EP064 | 03 Mar 2022 | 00:14:04 | |
So, you want to grow? Well, it starts with auditing your personal and professional life to make sure everything is working for you and not against you. It starts with balance. I’ll help you determine if it’s time for a reality check, so you can discover if those labels are really hampering your growth trajectory. If you find they are no longer serving you, I have you some tips and advice on how to set them aside and regain control. Key Takeaways The secret weapon to best position yourself to get the next opportunity How to identify and analyze your self-labels to be sure they are serving you Why understanding our thoughts is the key to reading our internal compass The false assumption that being busy is “best” What happens when you ignore your gut instincts for too long My strategy for restructuring my to-do list so I can show up the way I want to The benefit of a 360-degree life audit for your personal and professional growth Why the second pillar of performance is the key to the next-level positioning of your brand The key to being a unicorn instead of a zombie Connect with Andrea
Resources Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook | |||
| Positioning Yourself to Achieve Massive Career Growth- EP063 | 28 Feb 2022 | 00:11:44 | |
What do you want to be known for? What have you accomplished? What makes you different from anyone else?
These are all important questions to ask ourselves when we want to grow. Figuring out the best way to position yourself and your brand is one of the most beneficial things you can do when you are feeling like your career is at a stand-still, or even just growing a little slower than you would like.
On this episode of Career Confessions, I dive deeper into the topic of the last episode and break down the first pivotal pillar to accelerate growth in your personal brand and career: positioning.
I’ve uncovered the four key pillars to propel you to be a top performer and it starts with positioning, or sometimes, repositioning.
Listen in as I explore the different ways to ensure you are reaching your full potential. I walk you through the important areas of self exploration, tips for networking with key decision makers, and how to showcase all of your achievements so companies understand your full value. Key Takeaways
The first of four pivotal pillars to accelerate growth: positioning How to give your brand or company more exposure in your market Identifying what you want to be known for is crucial to positioning and can happen at any point in your career The importance of creating an evidence bank of your achievements and the magnitude of them Articulating what makes you different from other competitors is key to standing out from the crowd How to network effectively The idea of repositioning and restarting acceleration in your brand after you’ve hit a stagnant period in your career Connect with Andrea
Resources
4 Systems for Achieving Next-Level Career Growth - EP062 | |||
| 4 Systems for Achieving Next-Level Career Growth - EP062 | 24 Feb 2022 | 00:18:14 | |
Do you want more from your career, but you’re not sure how to reach the next level?
Whether you work in a corporate setting or you’re building your own business, accelerating your growth brings up some common fears and doubts.
And if you work in a remote setting, it can feel even more challenging to show up at your best and promote yourself.
But I’ve uncovered four key pillars to help you be a top performer (no matter where you are) and get paid like one too.
On this episode of Career Confessions, I walk you through the four pillars of the six-month small group program I’m launching in April—positioning, performance, promotion and premium.
I explore how to leverage personal branding and power communication to position yourself for success, explaining why you can’t perform at your best without appropriate work-life balance.
Listen in for insight on developing a proactive promotion strategy and learn how to earn a premium that aligns with the value you bring. Key Takeaways
The 6-month program for an elite group of 10 women that I’m launching in April Why 60% of women feel like working remotely makes a promotion less likely How I help my clients identify their blind spots and put a plan in place to overcome them The 4 pivotal pillars for accelerating your growth—positioning, performance, promotion and premium How to leverage personal branding and power communication to POSITION yourself for success Why you can’t achieve peak PERFORMANCE without appropriate work-life balance How to develop and implement a proactive career PROMOTION strategy How to get paid a PREMIUM that aligns with the value you bring to the table What bonuses come with claiming a spot in my program before its official launch
Connect with Andrea
Resources
How a Strong Personal Brand Impacts Your Career on Career Confessions EP049 | |||
| Social Media, My Divorce Story & The Pain of Comparison - EP061 | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:26:08 | |
Everyone looks perfect on social media. Their bodies, careers, relationships, families… It all looks better than what I have, right? It’s easy to get wrapped up inwhat everyone else's relationships look like on social media, but it’s important to remember that it’s not as genuine as it looks. On this episode of Career Confessions, I’m taking a different approach than usual and sharing my struggle with divorce, debt, and comparing my relationship to others. We all want to prove to the rest of the world that we have it the best and sharing your story can be really powerful. But we need to be careful about the amount of visibility we let the world have on our own personal lives. Listen in to hear my perspective on why I waited until after I conquered my problems and gained valuable insight to share my story with the world. Key Takeaways
Connect with Andrea Resources | |||
| Who Are You Outside of Your Title? - EP060 | 17 Feb 2022 | 00:22:15 | |
I am an engineer. I have a master's degree. I am a corporate leader.
But while I am proud of those titles and accomplishments, they’re not permanent. And knowing that allowed me to transition from my 9-to-5 to full-time entrepreneurship.
So, how do we take pride in what we’ve done without letting it define us?
On this episode of Career Confessions, I discuss the danger in letting your identity get wrapped up in the titles you’ve earned, describing the fears I faced in leaving the security of my corporate job to run my businesses full time.
I share the question that helped me decide whether to take the next step in my corporate career or walk away, explaining how I’m getting what I wanted from a C-suite position from being an entrepreneur.
Listen in for insight on being proud of your accomplishments without mistaking them for who you are or letting labels stop you from chasing bigger opportunities!
Key Takeaways
The danger in letting your identity get wrapped up in the titles you've earned Why I built a side hustle in addition to being a successful corporate engineer What question to ask as you work toward the next step in your corporate career The fears I faced in leaving the security of my 9-to-5 for full-time entrepreneurship How I grieved leaving a job I loved (and why I did it anyway) How I’m getting what I wanted out of a C-suite position through the businesses I own now Why I’m more excited and motivated now than I ever was in my corporate career How to be proud of what you’ve accomplished without letting it define you How I help ambitious people optimize all areas of their life The benefit of thinking BIG as you design a long-term vision for your life
Connect with Andrea
Resources
Andrea’s LinkedIn Post on the Transition to Full-Time Entrepreneurship | |||
| Take Control of Your Financial Future—with Chris Jenkins - Ep59 | 14 Feb 2022 | 00:23:18 | |
As we move through the stages of life, our financial lives grow and get more complicated too. But no matter what stage you’re in now, a financial planner can help you make good decisions and make the most of the opportunities you have. So, what’s it like to work with a financial planner? How can they help you take control of your future and create a plan based on what’s important to you?
Chris Jenkins spent 20 years as a successful engineer in the oil and gas industry before transitioning to finance in April of 2021. He brings his interest in helping people achieve their potential to his current role as a financial planner and investment advisor with MassMutual. On this episode of Career Confessions, Chris joins me to explain how our financial decisions grow in complexity through each family stage and why it’s crucial to be financially prepared for life’s uncertainties. Chris discusses the difference between a CPA and a financial planner, describing how he helps people set financial goals based on what’s important to them. Listen in for insight on the cost of investing in a CFP and learn the benefits of outsourcing your financial plan to an expert like Chris! Key Takeaways What inspired Chris’ transition from oil and gas to the finance industry Chris’ interest in helping other people achieve their potential What’s involved in Chris’ role as a financial planner and investment advisor How our financial decisions grow in complexity through each family stage Why it’s crucial to be financially prepared for life’s uncertainties How a financial planner can help you save on taxes to keep more of what you earn What differentiates a CPA from a financial planner How the best financial planners build trust and ask good questions How the cost of a CFP depends on complexity of your financial situation The benefit of outsourcing your financial planning to experts like Chris Connect with Chris Email: chrisjenkins@financialguide.com Connect with Andrea Resources Society of Petroleum Engineers The Family Stages of Financial Planning Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| The Connection Between Income & Influence—with Jessica Yarbrough - EP058 | 07 Feb 2022 | 00:25:20 | |
There is a direct correlation between your level of influence and your income. But how do you build credibility and expand your level of influence? What's the best way to position the value you bring to the table? Jessica Yarbrough is a business strategist and growth expert who helps entrepreneurs ditch the overwhelm and build a business that is sustainable, scalable and wildly profitable. Jessica has a gift for teaching clients how to build their credibility and make the impact and income they desire.
On this episode of Career Confessions, Jessica joins me to discuss the relationship between income and influence, describing the role mindset plays in building your credibility. Jessica explains how her most successful clients own their worth, advocate for themselves and tie their results to the bottom line. Listen in for Jessica’s advice on breaking away from hustle culture and learn to achieve your next-level goals by working smarter, not harder! Key Takeaways How Jessica helps her clients step into higher levels of income The relationship between your income and level of influence Why mindset an essential aspect of building your credibility Why it’s crucial to own your worth and know what you bring to the table How to silence the naysayers with a singular focus on what you want to achieve Jessica’s advice on how to stay the course when you build a new business How Jessica’s most successful clients advocate for themselves and tie their results to the bottom line How Jessica makes decisions based on focus and simplicity How to break away from the broken thinking of hustle culture Connect with Jessica Connect with Andrea Resources Download Jessica’s Free Guide: The Ladder of Influence Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| How Is a Fear of Failure Stopping You? - EP057 | 03 Feb 2022 | 00:23:13 | |
What area of your life is not flourishing because you have a fear of failure? Stepping into the unknown is the only way to grow. But one misstep doesn’t make YOU a failure. In fact, failing means you’re on the path to success. So, how do we reframe the way we look at failure and rewrite a definition that serves us? On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain why failure is NOT a sign that you should stop and explore the false assumption that because something happened in the past, it will happen again.
I describe how to separate ‘I failed’ from ‘I am a failure’ and share my strategy of saying what you’re thinking out loud to gauge its truth. Listen in to understand why you shouldn’t waste any time on the comparison game and learn how breaking down the worst-case scenario can help you move through a fear of failure to thrive in all areas of your life! Key Takeaways
What distinguishes coaching from mentoring and consulting How to identify the areas where a fear of failure is keeping you from flourishing How to separate ‘I failed’ from ‘I am a failure’ Why failure is NOT a sign that you should slow down or stop How vulnerable it feels when we don’t get something right the first time The false assumption that because something happened in the past, it will happen again Why we should never measure success based on someone else’s timeline My strategy of saying what you’re thinking out loud The benefit of thinking through the worst-case scenario Why you shouldn’t waste any time on the comparison game Connect with Andrea Resources | |||
| Q&A: Truth Bombs for Becoming the Creative Director of Your Life - EP083 | 11 Jul 2022 | 00:22:19 | |
I'm a big proponent of doing what it takes so all areas of your life flourish because we're not just here to chase paychecks and promotions.
Recently I've had some questions come in on my Instagram stories, so I thought it would be a great idea to do a little Q&A on the podcast to go deeper and share some of the things that I'm learning that will help you as you grow in your career and in your personal life.
On this Q&A episode of Career Confessions, I'm answering some of my listener questions and dropping powerful, insightful nuggets to help you find the work-life balance that works for you.
Listen in as I share solutions to help you change your routine, set your personal boundaries, transition into a new field, and find your groove in ALL areas of your life so you can carve out the time for what truly matters.
If you have a question you would like me to answer on a future podcast episode please send it to me via Instagram DMs. You can find me on Instagram here.
Key Takeaways
Why changing your morning routine can be the catalyst for a better day every day How to balance being a mom with your career for the most significant impact on your child's life Why it's vital to discover the WHY behind your personal boundaries How outsourcing your least favorite tasks helps you be more effective in all areas of your life Tips for slowly carving into a new career space so you don’t unravel yourself financially Why stepping out of the norm is the key to creating a life plan that works for YOU Why creating a happy, well-rounded life is all about change
Resources Send Andrea Your Questions on Instagram Review and Share the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Join Success Blueprint Vault | |||
| Why You Make Good Money but Still Feel Broke—with Katie Gibbons - Ep056 | 27 Jan 2022 | 00:26:16 | |
Are you stuck in a cycle of spending to escape your life? Are you paying for the symbols of success but feeling unfulfilled? Is money stopping you from making a career change? What if you could stop chasing a paycheck and start chasing your purpose? Katie Gibbons is an entrepreneur and financial wellness coach. She left a successful 18-year career in corporate banking to help women manage their money, get out of debt and build the life they really want. On this episode of Career Confessions, Katie joins me to discuss her shift from private banker to money coach and describe the magic in pairing what people need with what you’re passionate about. Katie explains how you can make six figures yet still feel broke, reflecting on what happens when your spending doesn’t align with your values. Listen in for Katie’s advice on how to stop being a slave to money and start flourishing in ALL areas of your life! Key Takeaways Why Katie left a successful, 6-figure career as a corporate banker What inspired Katie to become a money coach The magic in pairing what people need with what you’re passionate about How Katie helps people manage their money, get out of debt and build the life they want Katie’s insight on the parallels between entrepreneurship and motherhood What stops people from changing careers or building something for themselves (and how to get past it) How you can make good money but still feel broke Katie’s shift from chasing money to chasing what she’s meant to do What happens when your spending doesn’t align with your values Connect with Katie Connect with Andrea Resources Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| Pivot to Win—with Jordan Babineaux - EP055 | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:27:06 | |
As Charles Darwin famously said, it is not the strongest nor the smartest of the species that survive, but the one most responsive to change. But what do you do when your identity gets wrapped up in a title and change seems becomes a big challenge? How do you navigate change through a period of uncertainty? What does it look like to transition from one identity to another? Jordan Babineaux is a former NFL player turned sports broadcaster and entrepreneur. As a consultant and coach, he is passionate about helping organizations, teams and leaders navigate change. Jordan is also the author of Pivot to Win: Make the Big Plays in Life, Sports & Business. On this episode of Career Confessions, Jordan joins me to share his experience playing professional football for ten years and discuss the challenge he faced in transitioning out of the NFL. Jordan describes how your identity can get lost in a title, explaining what he did to embrace a growth mindset and how he redefined success after football. Listen in for Jordan’s model of moving through the cycle of change and find out what it feels like when you’re living in your purpose and making an impact! Key Takeaways The violence and loss Jordan experienced growing up in Port Arthur, Texas How watching his older brother go to college shifted Jordan’s expectations for himself Jordan’s challenge to reflect, reset and aim higher in the new year Jordan’s experience playing professional football for 10 years and the challenge he faced in transitioning out of the NFL How your identity can get lost in a title and what Jordan did to redefine success after football What it looks like to embrace a growth mindset vs. a fixed mindset How Pivot to Win offers insight on transitioning from one identity to another Jordan’s model for moving through the cycle of change What it feels like when you’re living in your purpose and making an impact Connect with Jordan Connect with Andrea Resources Pivot to Win: Make the Big Plays in Life, Sports & Business by Jordan Babineaux Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck | |||
| Be a Top-Performer Without Neglecting What Matters Most - EP054 | 20 Jan 2022 | 00:22:14 | |
For top performers, it’s easy to get trapped in the cycle of wanting to do MORE at work—to the point that it makes us LESS in other areas of our lives. So, how do you identify the areas you're neglecting and make time for what matters? What does it look like to set boundaries based on what success means to you? On this episode of Career Confessions, I share the strategies I used to be a top performer at my corporate job and still be the kind of wife and mother I want to be. I explain how to map out the week ahead to show up for yourself and the people you love, challenging you to be the CEO of your life and put EVERYTHING that’s important on your calendar. Listen in for insight on setting boundaries that reflect YOUR definition of success and learn how to be proud of the way you show up each day, personally and professionally. Key Takeaways How it’s easy for top performers to neglect other areas of our lives Why it’s crucial to identify what areas of your life are suffering How to set boundaries based on what you want and how you define success The strategy I used to be a top performer at work and be the kind of wife and mother I want to be What it means to be the CEO of your life and use strategy to make positive change How to map out the week ahead to show up for yourself and the people you love How to audit the situations when you break your boundaries and decide whether it was worth it Why I suggest putting EVERYTHING on your calendar The value in writing down what success looks like to you each day Connect with Andrea Resources | |||
| Shine a Light on Your Gifts, Make a Difference in the World - EP053 | 17 Jan 2022 | 00:17:15 | |
Most women are very good at giving others grace. And yet, we are very tough on ourselves. In moments of doubt, we talk to ourselves in a really negative way. Almost as if we’re on a mission to uncover everything that’s wrong with us—especially when we’re going after something big. But that’s not how we would talk to a friend, is it? So, what if we treated ourselves with the kindness and generosity we give others? What if we started being a best friend to ourselves? On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain how to counter negative self-talk by being your own best friend, challenging you to be so infectiously positive that nothing stands in your way. I explore why we take our strengths for granted and diminish our own accomplishments, reminding you that shining a light on your gifts can make a big difference in someone else’s life. Listen in for insight on reframing the what ifs that hold you back and learn how to take the grace you give others and channel it internally! Key Takeaways Why we take our strengths for granted and diminish our own accomplishments How shining a light on your gifts can make a difference in someone else’s life Why you should speak to yourself as your own best friend in moments of doubt The power in having someone to vent to when you’re being tough on yourself How to train your brain to be so infectiously positive that nothing stands in your way How to take the kindness and grace we offer to others and channel it internally What happens when we stop blaming our circumstances for not living our dreams How to reframe the what ifs that are keeping you from sharing your gifts Why it’s selfish to hide your gifts and talents from the world Connect with Andrea Resources | |||
| Understand Your DISC Profile, Set Yourself Up for Success - EP052 | 13 Jan 2022 | 00:23:59 | |
The DiSC assessment is a valuable tool in helping you capitalize on your strengths and understand how you show up in moments of stress. So, what are the four behavioral styles that make up the DiSC model of personalities? And how can you leverage an awareness of your type to better communicate with others and thrive in any situation? On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain how I use the DiSC assessment in my career coaching practice and describe the characteristics of Dominance, Influence, Steadiness and Conscientiousness. I discuss how to use your DiSC style to inform your career development plan, reminding you that your unique perspective as a D, i, S or C is valuable—but it isn’t the only way to operate. Listen in for insight on identifying someone’s DiSC profile and learn how to deepen connections and communicate effectively with your team based on their behavioral styles.
Key Takeaways
How I use the DiSC assessment in my career coaching practice Why it’s crucial to understand how your behavioral style impacts the way you communicate with others The 4 behavioral styles that make up the DiSC model of personalities How people in the Dominant quadrant are forceful, direct and task-oriented Why Influencing personalities excel at building trust The loyalty and dependability that characterize people in the Steadiness DiSC quadrant How Conscientious personalities place an emphasis on details and compliance How your DiSC style informs your career development plan Why your unique perspective is valuable (but isn’t the only way to see things) How to deepen connections and communicate effectively with your team based on their DiSC styles Connect with Andrea Resources Register for Andrea’s Free Masterclass | |||
| Do the Thing That Scares You—with Jeyra Arocho - EP051 | 10 Jan 2022 | 00:25:00 | |
Are you stuck in the daily grind? Just making it through each day without much progress toward your big picture goals? What can you do to take your power back and start taking steps toward life and career you want? Jeyra Arocho was on a five-day trip to Chicago in 2017 when Hurricane Maria hit her home in Puerto Rico. Since then, Jeyra has leveraged resourcefulness and resilience to shift out of fight-or-flight and start making bold moves toward her big dreams. A recent graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago, Jeyra currently serves as a Fire Protection Engineer at SmithGroup in Chicago, Illinois. She is also an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in the field of mechanical and architectural engineering. On this episode of Career Confessions, Jeyra joins me to explain how networking helped her land an internship in Chicago and who encouraged her to finish her engineering degree at UIC. Jerya discusses the experience of homelessness that taught her to ask for help and describes how her personal life, mental health and career have improved exponentially since she built a support team and prioritized investing in herself. Listen in for Jeyra’s advice on doing the thing that scares you and learn how YOU can build the confidence to take ownership of your life and make the impact you’re capable of! Key Takeaways How Jeyra was displaced in Chicago during Hurricane Maria How networking and resourcefulness helped Jeyra land an internship in Chicago Who encouraged Jeyra to finish her engineering degree at UIC How Jerya was recognized as one of UIC’s Inspiring Grads The experience of homelessness that taught Jeyra to ask for help How Jeyra’s personal life, mental health and career have improved exponentially since she built a support team Why Jeyra prioritizes investing in her knowledge How Jeyra built the confidence to pivot just 3 months into her career Jeyra’s commitment to being an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in STEM Jeyra’s advice around doing the thing that scares you Connect with Jeyra Connect with Andrea Resources Jeyra’s Interview on UIC Inspiring Grads 2021 Jeyra’s Story in the Chicago Sun Times International Latina Engineer Week Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| 5 Steps to Architecting Goals with Purpose - EP050 | 06 Jan 2022 | 00:26:29 | |
If a genie offered to grant you one wish, what would it be? Now, are you living your life in a way that’s anchored to that dream? Or are you moving through life on cruise control? If your light has been dimmed by setbacks or you've forgotten your ambition, it’s time to remember what you’re made of and set intentional goals to achieve the next-level success you’re capable of—in all aspects of your life. On this episode of Career Confessions, I walk you through the five steps to architecting goals with purpose, explaining how to identify what you really want and embody the person you need to become to achieve those dreams. I discuss the benefit of saying what you want out loud, describing how to build a strategic plan to achieve your goals and track your progress along the way. Listen in for insight on the value of celebrating your wins and find out how a coach can help you dream big, set goals with purpose and experience more joy and fulfillment in all aspects of your life! Key Takeaways 5 steps to architecting goals with purpose Why the person you become along the way is more important than the goal itself How to identify what you really want to achieve The benefit of writing down or saying what you want out loud How to build a strategic plan around your goals What it looks like to embody the person you need to become in order to accomplish your dreams Why it’s crucial to track your progress The power of investing in a coach to help you get to the next level Why it’s important to celebrate your wins Connect with Andrea Resources Register for Andrea’s Free Masterclass | |||
| How a Strong Personal Brand Impacts Your Career - EP049 | 03 Jan 2022 | 00:24:28 | |
There is power in having a strong personal brand. It’s the reason why people are willing to spend 30 minutes waiting in a drive-through for a cup of Starbucks coffee. Yes, the coffee is good. But it’s the way the brand makes us feel that makes us willing to spend 200% more for the mermaid on the cup. What if you had that kind of presence at work? What if your personal brand was so strong that YOU stood out as the only candidate to lead a given team or head up a certain kind of project? On this episode of Career Confessions, I share the four key components of a strong personal brand, explaining how communication drives influence and why it’s crucial to use your voice at work. I describe how your energy impacts your personal brand, challenging you to identify your ‘it’ factor and lean into what makes you a unicorn in your career. Listen in for insight on developing a strong brand image and leveraging that information to make intentional decisions around what you take on at work. Key Takeaways What you’ll learn in my upcoming masterclass Why it’s important to develop a strong personal brand The 4 key components of your personal brand How communication across audiences drives influence How to use your voice in parallel with your communication style What it means to create the echo effect How the energy you bring to work impacts your brand How to lean into what makes you a unicorn Connect with Andrea Resources Register for Andrea’s Free Masterclass Access Andrea’s Career Toolkit | |||
| How to Do a Holiday Audit of Your Personal & Professional Life - EP048 | 15 Nov 2021 | 00:11:26 | |
The holidays are a good time to unplug, recharge and assess what’s working in your life—and what isn’t. To take an honest look at the red flags you’ve been too busy to see and commit to making changes in the new year. On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain how to use the Wheel of Life for a 360-degree audit of your life, challenging you to identify where you’re playing small and recommit to the goals you set for yourself. I share why I’m finishing the year with Live Hard Phase 1, describing how we stop ourselves from leveling up out of comfort or fear and why it’s crucial to set goals in our personal and professional life. Listen in to understand how a coach can help unlock your full potential and achieve peak performance in all aspects of your life! Key Takeaways
Why the holiday break is a good time to analyze what’s serving you (and what isn’t) How to use the Wheel of Life for a 360-degree assessment of your life Why I’m finishing the year by challenging myself to a new level with Live Hard Phase 1 How we stop ourselves from leveling up out of comfort or fear How to identify where you’re playing small and recommit to your goals The value of investing in a coach to help you unlock your full potential How a career coach can help you achieve peak performance in all aspects of life Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471
Resources
Apply for Private Coaching with Andrea Book a 90-Minute Coaching Intensive Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook
| |||
| Staying Motivated Through the Daily Grind - EP047 | 08 Nov 2021 | 00:13:42 | |
When you first start working toward a goal, it’s easy to get motivated. You’re excited about achieving something big, and the momentum keeps you moving forward. But there comes a point when the excitement wears off, and you’re stuck with the daily grind. The not-so-exciting, consistent steps you need to take every day to reach your big goal. So, how do you keep showing up for yourself, even when it gets monotonous? On this episode of Career Confessions, I share my glass elevator metaphor for working toward a big goal, challenging you to identify the friction factors that are keeping you from reaching the top. I explain why it’s crucial to keep the promises you make to yourself and explore how a challenge like 75 Hard can help you build the confidence it takes to achieve big things. Listen in for insight around the sacrifices it takes to be successful and learn how to take consistent steps toward your big goals each day—even when it’s tedious or the circumstances are not ideal. Key Takeaways Why I’m honest about the sacrifices I made to be successful My glass elevator metaphor for working toward a big goal How momentum wanes when our daily grind gets monotonous The friction factors that keep us from getting to the top How the problems we face get bigger as we level up How to take consistent steps toward a goal every day (even if it’s not exciting) Why it’s crucial to keep the promises you make to yourself How 75 Hard can help you build confidence to do big things Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| A 4-Step Process to Clarity About What You TRULY Want - EP082 | 13 Jun 2022 | 00:12:24 | |
June brings us a new season and an invitation to reevaluate our goals as we step into the second half of the year and the 3rd quarter in July.
Is it time to accelerate your plans for reaching your goals? Or maybe you have a niggling feeling that you need to reroute or even completely throw your plan out and start from scratch with new goals.
NOW is the perfect time to decide what you really want in your career and your life so you can set the right targets to set yourself up for success for the rest of 2022.
Listen in to discover my 4-step process to get crystal clear on what you really want. This quick exercise I’m sharing will help you get honest with yourself about whose goals you are chasing. I share tips on how to audit your approach if you find what you are currently doing just isn't working for YOU.
In this episode, I also share two ways you can use my 4-step process even if (like me) you find that journaling doesn't work for you.
If you listen to my show, I know you are serious about doing the work that accomplishing your goals requires. After you are finished using my 4-step process, I'd love to have you send me your answers via Instagram DMs. I look forward to hearing what you discover.
Key Takeaways 4 key questions to ask yourself to figure out what you REALLY want How to discover whose goals you are chasing Why you need to map out precisely what your targets look like 2 ways, you can be crystal clear on what it is you want—no journaling required How to get honest with yourself about the true cost of your current approach How frequently do you need to audit your goals How make your plan bulletproof by dropping the bar that’s holding you back
Resources Review and Share the Podcast on Apple Podcasts Join Success Blueprint Vault | |||
| Preparing for Your End-of-Year Performance Review - EP046 | 01 Nov 2021 | 00:23:57 | |
Too many top performers miss an opportunity in your end-of-year performance reviews. If you’re not mapping out your key achievements in a methodical way, your manager doesn’t have the evidence they need to support your ranking in review calibration. And it’s up to you to remind them of the impact you make in the company. So, what can you do to prepare for your upcoming performance review and get the ranking you deserve? On this episode of Career Confessions, I share the six pillars of a strong performance review, explaining why it’s crucial to take your time and weave your brand into the document. I challenge you to highlight your mic drop moments and examples of personal growth throughout a performance review, so you stand out as a top performer. Listen in for insight on including projections for projects in progress and learn how to showcase your efforts clearly in a strong end-of-year performance review! Key Takeaways How mapping out key achievements helps your boss support you in calibration My 6 pillars of a strong performance review and how to prepare for it Why you shouldn’t wait until the end of the year to start writing your performance review How to weave your brand value prop into your performance review How to highlight your mic drop moments in the text of a performance review Why I suggest including projections re: the impact of projects in progress Examples of how to demonstrate personal growth in a performance review Why next steps to achieve your goals should be part of any end-of-year conversation What to do if your performance in 2021 was not up to your standards Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| 4 Steps to Effective Goal Planning - EP045 | 25 Oct 2021 | 00:23:53 | |
What separates those of us with good intentions from those who actually achieve our goals? The secret is effective goal planning. It’s about creating a game plan that fits into the rest of your busy life. On this episode of Career Confessions, I walk you through the four steps to effective goal planning, sharing my exercise for identifying how many hats you wear and prioritizing the ones that matter most. I explain why it’s crucial to work toward your goals one step at a time and describe the compound effect of committing to daily action. Listen in for insight on the connection between sustainable goals and self-care and learn how to set and stick to weekly goals, holding yourself accountable to do the next right thing each day!
Key Takeaways How to identify the number of hats you wear and prioritize the ones that matter most Why it's not a good idea to wear all your hats at once Why it’s crucial to take things one step at a time (rather than thinking 10 steps ahead) The compound effect of focusing on doing the next right thing The relationship between sustainable goals and self-care Why I recommend adding one healthy habit at a time to your calendar The benefit of writing down your goals on a weekly basis How sticking to our goals helps us build trust with ourselves What it looks like to hold yourself accountable to taking consistent action every day How to audit your progress toward your goals at the end of each week
Connect with Andrea
Text (424) 610-8471
Resources Learn More about Andrea’s Wealth Accelerator Blueprint Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program Download Andrea’s Free LinkedIn eBook International Latina Engineering Week Are You a Peak Performer in ALL Aspects of Your Life? on Career Confessions EP044 | |||
| Are You a Peak Performer in ALL Aspects of Your Life? - EP044 | 18 Oct 2021 | 00:18:11 | |
Are you so consumed by work that you’re neglecting other areas of your life? Yes, getting promoted is exciting, and you should advance in your career as fast as you want. But not at the expense of the things that are most important to you. So, how do you gauge whether you’re navigating healthy pressure or teetering on the edge of burnout? On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain what I did to find harmony when I realized I was not showing up for my family the way I wanted. I challenge you to do a weekly audit of how you are performing in every aspect of life, describing the health consequences of living a high-stress life for too long. Listen in as I share my top strategies for relieving pressure at work and get inspired to rewrite your story and achieve career success without letting go of what really matters. Key Takeaways How top performers get so consumed by work that we neglect other aspects of life What I did to find harmony when I realized I was not showing up for my family the way I wanted How to think about the pressure you are taking on and gauge whether it’s healthy My top strategies for relieving pressure, e.g.: crucial conversations, boundaries, support, etc. What you’ll remember about your current overwhelm in 20 years (and what won’t matter) How to give yourself the power to rewrite your story if it’s not going according to plan The health consequences of living a high-stress life for too long Why I recommend a weekly audit of how stress is impacting all areas of your life What it looks like to take action to reduce the pressure you’re putting on yourself Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources Andy Frisella on Success Zombies Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| Make Room for a Big Goal, Build Momentum in Q4 - EP043 | 11 Oct 2021 | 00:18:36 | |
We’re moving into Q4 of 2021. And if you haven't made progress toward your goals the way you wanted, it’s tempting to let yourself off the hook and wait to start fresh in 2022. But here’s the thing. There will never be a perfect moment to start executing on your plan. You CAN go after your goals now, regardless of what’s happened so far this year and end 2021 with insane momentum. The kind of momentum that will set you up for success in 2022. On this episode of Career Confessions, I challenge you to choose a goal that seems unattainable or that’s been falling through the cracks and make it a priority in Q4. I share my ongoing commitment to the 75 Hard mental toughness challenge, describing the no-excuses mentality that’s getting me through it and how that’s translating to other areas of my life. Listen in for insight on building an inner circle that won't let you give up and learn to commit to taking consistent daily action toward that goal you’ve put off—until now! Key Takeaways The value in going for your goals in Q4 and ending the year with momentum My ongoing commitment to the 75 Hard mental toughness challenge Why you can’t wait for the perfect moment to execute on a plan How we make time for the things that are really important to us Why it's a disservice to judge your past self for the decisions you made then My challenge to go after a goal that seems unattainable or that’s been falling through the cracks How to put other things on pause to make room for your big goals What to do if your inner circle gives you a way out when it comes to your goals Why becoming who you’re meant to be is the ultimate gift The no-excuses mentality that’s getting me through 75 Hard (and how it’s translating to other areas of my life) How to commit to taking consistent daily action toward a goal you’ve put off Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources Real AF with Andy Frisella EP014: #75HARD Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| Helping Immigrants Build a Fulfilling Career—with Aneri Desai - EP042 | 04 Oct 2021 | 00:28:55 | |
Do you have ambitious career goals? Are you saying them out loud? Aneri Desai contends that sharing your big dreams with the world is the best way to build a support system. And once you’ve made your vision public, the universe will conspire to get you there! Aneri is the Immigrant Career Coach behind Aneri Desai Coaching, a practice dedicated to helping immigrant women and international students build an independent life and fulfilling career in the US or Canada. She spent eight years in the corporate world before becoming a full-time entrepreneur. On this episode of Career Confessions, Aneri joins me to discuss the job search challenges immigrants face and explain how she helps clients land their first job in the American market. Aneri describes what she did to stand out in the workplace and invites us to think of career coaching as an investment rather than an expense. Listen in for insight on setting a vision for the life you want to build and take on Aneri's challenge to be vocal about your ambitious goals and see what happens! Key Takeaways What inspired Aneri’s shift from corporate America to career coach The top 3 ways for immigrants to get to the US How Aneri helps her clients get their first job in the American market Aneri’s invitation to think of career coaching as an investment rather than an expense The 3 key things Aneri did to stand out in the workplace The value of setting a vision for the life you want to build Aneri’s challenge to be vocal about your ambitious goals Why it’s crucial to bring your partner in on your goals Aneri’s struggle with the decision to go all-in on entrepreneurship Connect with Aneri Email coach.aneri@gmail.com Connect with Andrea Resources Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| Fast-Track Your Career Growth with the Help of a Coach—with Dezarai Shepherd - EP041 | 27 Sep 2021 | 00:27:45 | |
In corporate America, we’re taught to fend for ourselves. To solve problems on our own. And that asking for help is a sign of weakness. But what if we’re wasting time trying to figure it all out on our own? What if a coach could help us fast-track our career growth and earn more, more quickly? Dezarai Shepherd is a Product Development Engineer in the automotive industry and runs her own career coaching business. A first-generation college graduate, she earned a degree in Product Design Engineering Technology from Central Michigan University in 2018. On this episode of Career Confessions, Dezarai joins me to explain how growing up in poverty informed her identity of self-reliance and why she initially resisted career coaching. Dezarai shares the nagging question that inspired her to connect with my community of women engineers and eventually join a coaching program, describing how the support of a career coach helped her through the process of finding a new job. Listen in to understand who Dezarai serves through her coaching business and find out how YOU can benefit from the accountability and encouragement of your own career coach! Key Takeaways How growing up in poverty informed Dezarai’s identity of self-reliance Dezarai’s background in engineering technology and product design What inspired Dezarai to switch industries and start her own coaching business The nagging question that made Dezarai look for help with career strategy Why Dezarai resisted hiring a career coach to begin with The benefits of hiring a career coach in terms of time and money How a coach provides accountability and support through the process of finding a new job What motivated Dezarai to start her own career coaching business How Dezarai serves people who are uncertain about the next step in their career The integral role LinkedIn has played in helping Dezarai advance her career Connect with Dezarai Connect with Andrea Resources Learn More About Success Blueprint Group Coaching | |||
| Why Do You Want to Be a Leader?—with Andy Karesa - EP040 | 20 Sep 2021 | 00:24:21 | |
We don’t expect runners to win a marathon the first time they lace up their shoes. And yet, most of us are waiting for a promotion to start practicing our leadership skills. What if you started showing up as a leader regardless of the role you have right now? Andy Karesa is a successful engineer with a decade of experience in the oil and gas industry. He also runs Karesa Consulting, a leadership coaching practice dedicated to equipping and empowering the next generation of leaders. On this episode of Career Confessions, Andy joins me to explain how playing high-level sports taught him what good leadership looks like and challenge you to show up as a leader no matter what title you have right now. Andy discusses the importance of understanding WHY you want to be a leader, describing how it helps you ‘embrace the suck’ of making difficult decisions once you do have the corner office. Listen in for insight on employing the be-do-have methodology for achieving your goals and find out if Andy is the right fit to help YOU grow your leadership competency. Key Takeaways Andy’s mission to equip, enable and empower the next generation of leaders How playing high-level sports taught Andy what good leadership looks like Andy’s advice on showing up as a leader no matter what title you have right now How Andy defines leadership as providing direction without force How to employ the be-do-have methodology for achieving your goals Why Andy focuses on helping clients understand WHY they want to be a leader How your WHY helps you ‘embrace the suck’ of making difficult decisions What questions to ask to make sure you want to lead for the right reasons Why it’s crucial to determine what success means to you How Andy serves young people who want to grow their leadership competency Connect with Andy Karesa Consulting on Instagram Connect with Andrea Resources Embrace the Suck: The NAVY SEAL Way to an Extraordinary Life by Brent Gleeson | |||
| How to Communicate Your Value at Work—with Brenda Denbesten - EP039 | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:29:06 | |
Communication is critical to our career success. And yet, many of us expect people to just know what we’re dealing with and respond in kind. Are you frustrated that you keep getting passed over for a promotion? Or that your colleagues don’t recognize your accomplishments? Well, did you tell your boss you wanted to move up? Or mention the extra work you did on a project to your team? Brenda Denbesten is a successful chemical engineer and career empowerment coach on a mission to inspire more women to become engineers and advance to positions of leadership in STEM fields. She has 15 years of experience in the mining and manufacturing industries and hosts the YouTube series Chronicles of a Female Engineer. On this episode of Career Confessions, Brenda joins me to explain why it’s crucial to communicate what you need in the workplace, offering advice on how to manage expectations as a new mom and initiate strategic conversations based on business needs. Brenda describes how she developed her inclusive, open leadership style and what she does to build credibility with her team. Listen in for Brenda’s insight on building confidence through action and learn to communicate your value in a way that will advance your career! Key Takeaways Brenda’s career path as a chemical engineer in mining and manufacturing How an experience with a breast pump inspired Brenda’s coaching practice The mom guilt Brenda felt coming back to work after maternity leave Brenda’s advice on managing expectations in the workplace as a new mom Why you must communicate what you’re going through with your boss, peers and partner How Brenda developed her inclusive, open leadership style What Brenda does to build credibility with her team The 3 things Brenda works on with her career coaching clients What inspired Brenda’s YouTube Channel—Chronicles of a Female Engineer Brenda’s go-to advice that confidence comes through action Connect with Brenda Connect with Andrea Resources Chronicles of a Female Engineer on YouTube | |||
| Commit to Your Goals, Take Ownership of Your Life - EP038 | 06 Sep 2021 | 00:18:17 | |
Is there an area of your life you’ve been neglecting? A goal you’re talking yourself out of? Are you ready to commit to making a change? Even though I really want to be in great physical shape, I’ve made excuses in the past. Told myself that it wasn’t that important. And that it was okay to overlook that part of my life because I was succeeding in other areas. But I don’t want a 9 out of 10 life, and I’ll bet you don’t either. So, what are we going to do about it? On this episode of Career Confessions, I open up about how I have justified neglecting my health and fitness goals and explain why I am publicly committing to the 75 Hard mental toughness challenge. I explore how we tell ourselves a goal isn’t important when we don’t think we can do it and describe how a coach can help you stop making excuses and open your eyes to what’s really possible. Listen in to understand what happens when you realize that your thoughts and beliefs are the only thing in your way and take on my challenge to stop settling and start working toward Level 10 in your life! Key Takeaways Why I am committing to the 75 Hard mental toughness challenge How to motivate yourself to go after your goals (even when it's not convenient) How I have justified neglecting my health and fitness goals Why we can’t perform to our full potential if we don’t take care of ourselves first The power of making a public commitment to a goal How we tell ourselves a goal isn’t important when we don’t think we can do it How a coach can help you break patterns, stop making excuses and open your eyes to what’s possible Why we show up differently when we’ve invested in a coach What happens when we realize that our thoughts are the only thing in our way My challenge for you to work toward Level 10 in your life Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources The Moonlight Child by Karen McQuestion Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| Leveraging Data to Innovate in Your Industry—with Alexander Klebanov - EP037 | 30 Aug 2021 | 00:33:20 | |
Leaders innovate to solve problems in an organization. But innovation requires imagination. And Alexander Klebanov contends that the best way to push the boundaries of imagination is to first push the boundaries of knowledge. To let go of control and let the data drive you. Alexander is a data scientist and AI expert with experience in the transportation, utilities and oil and gas industries. We were colleagues at Chesapeake Energy for many years before Alexander moved on to his current role as Customer Engineer in Analytics at Google. On this episode of Career Confessions, Alexander joins me to explain how data science helps teams and organizations become the best version of themselves. We explore how data analytics can spark innovation in any industry, and Alexander offers advice on learning data science skills by anchoring into a discipline you already know. Listen in to understand how growing your professional network expands your perspective and learn about the power of collaborating with the data science team to solve problems in your organization! Key Takeaways How Alexander leverages data to help organizations become the best version of themselves The power of collaborations between operations and data science teams Alexander’s insight on why it’s crucial to let go of control and let the data drive you How AI helps you prioritize what’s important and what isn’t How data analytics can be used to spark innovation in any industry Alexander’s advice on learning about data science by anchoring into a discipline you already know Alexander’s current role at Google and how he feels aligned with the company culture How Alexander keeps up his skills in an industry that changes so quickly The value in managing your career with intention around a long-term goal Why Alexander is passionate about expanding his perspective and professional network Connect with Alexander Connect with Andrea Resources | |||
| The Key Question To Ask Yourself When at a Career Crossroads - EP081 | 06 Jun 2022 | 00:21:51 | |
Do you feel like you are being pushed to decide what's next in your career?
Is time to change directions from the career path you thought you were set on?
If you answered yes to either of those questions, you might be at a career crossroads.
So, what do you do when what you've been doing is no longer working for you, and you need to make a new plan?
Often, when we reach a certain level in our career trajectory, we find ourselves with more career choices and options than we dreamed possible. As the steps and paths, you could take increase, so do feelings of overwhelm and analysis paralysis.
When we aren't sure what the next step looks like, it can bring forth a lot of insecurity. But there are some things you can do to help alleviate that.
On this episode of Career Confessions, I explain why at times of career uncertainty it's important to take a step back before taking your next step. I'll share some tips on how to turn your focus inward to find the common denominator in the options out in front of you so you can move further into your lane of brilliance.
Listen in to discover the 1 key question you need to ask yourself when you are at a career crossroads. I offer insight into how to stop playing in the false stretch zone and get comfortable with the unknown so you can step out of Zombie mode, reignite your passion for what you do, and start challenging yourself again.
Are you ready to discover your personal brand in a whole new way so you can share it so it sticks with the right stakeholders? If so, fill out my questionnaire for private coaching, and let's talk about how I can help you raise the bar and reach your next level faster.
Key Takeaways How to use your career history to discover the common denominator within the options in front of you The biggest drawback of the 'false stretch zone' How to tap into the small insights that make up your career foundation Why it's okay to discard your long-term plan and adopt your perfect plan for right now Why turning down the noise and focusing inward is the secret to identifying your key drivers Where to look to discover the critical clues that will help you determine your next steps The number 1 question to ask yourself when you are at a career crossroads
Connect with Andrea
Resources | |||
| Claim Your Crown as a Leader—with Kat Parker - EP036 | 23 Aug 2021 | 00:34:38 | |
Leadership is not about changing who you are to fulfill someone else’s expectations of what a leader looks like. Leadership is about showing up as your authentic self and inspiring people in your own way. So, what does it look like to ‘claim your crown’ as a leader? Kat Parker is a leadership coach who helps women of color confidently secure their seat and use their voice at the table. Kat’s coaching practice serves entrepreneurs and executives, teaching them her signature CROWN METHOD for stepping into their power as a more confident, authentic leader. On this episode of Career Confessions, Kat joins me to share her five principles of leadership, challenging us to let go of perfectionism and own our mistakes. She explains why it’s crucial for higher-level executives to support diversity and inclusion efforts and describes how to demonstrate professionalism without abandoning your authentic self. Listen in for Kat’s insight on building confidence in your personal leadership style and find out what it feels like to step into your power as a leader! Key Takeaways Why Kat left a successful career in the auto industry How quickly Kat climbed the corporate ladder in her new company What Kat did to build confidence in her personal training style Kat’s 5 principles for ‘claiming your crown’ as a leader Kat’s advice on letting go of perfectionism and owning your team’s mistakes How to demonstrate professionalism as your authentic self Why it’s crucial for higher-level execs to support diversity and inclusion efforts Kat’s take on imposter syndrome and why it’s normal to feel it What it feels like to step into your power as a leader Connect with Kat Email kat@katparker.com Connect with Andrea Resources Valerie Oswalt on Changing the Dynamics | |||
| Consistent Daily Action for Years = Overnight Success - EP035 | 16 Aug 2021 | 00:28:05 | |
We tend to glamorize big wins, celebrating the next-level promotion or the multiple-six-figure income. But success doesn’t just happen. It takes years and years of consistent daily action. Baby steps that add up over time. So, how do we commit to doing one thing each day that will inch us closer to our goals? On this episode of Career Confessions, I look back at the last three years of my life, reflecting on what inspired me to start sharing career advice on Instagram and how my online presence gradually morphed into a business. I walk you through the steps I took to build momentum in my corporate career as my family grew and describe what fueled me to go all-in on my coaching business—even though it was insanely challenging with two kids under the age of two! Listen in for insight on taking consistent baby steps to achieve your big goals and find out if Success Blueprint is the support YOU need to grow into the leader you’re meant to be. Key Takeaways What moved me to start sharing career advice on Instagram How my mom inspired me to go after my dreams with no excuses The steps I took to build momentum in my career while my family grew How my online presence gradually morphed into a business How protecting my family fueled me to build my consulting practice The challenge of growing my business with 2 kids under the age of 2 What my schedule looked like once I went all-in on being a career coach How taking consistent baby steps is what gets you to your big goals How Success Blueprint provides support and accountability Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources Andrea’s IGTV Letter to My Past Self Join the Success Blueprint Group Coaching Program | |||
| Why I’m Boycotting ‘Imposter Syndrome’ - EP034 | 09 Aug 2021 | 00:20:51 | |
I’m conflicted about the term imposter syndrome, and I have boycotted talking about it for over a year now. It bothers me that every conference for women includes a session about overcoming imposter syndrome, but only addresses the issue from the perspective of trying to fix your mindset. If you think back to the times you felt like you didn’t belong at work, were you the real problem? On this episode of Career Confessions, I discuss the 1978 study where the concept of imposter syndrome originated and argue that being in an environment that’s not conducive for growth is what makes us feel like we don’t belong. I explain how I stood my ground in a situation where I could have felt like the odd one out and weigh in on what to do if a lack of clear instructions is giving you a case of imposter syndrome. Listen in for insight on addressing imposter syndrome in a new way and take on my challenge to cultivate pride in your abilities by celebrating your WINS every week! Key Takeaways The 1978 study where the concept of imposter syndrome originated How imposter syndrome is defined as the belief that you’re not bright despite outstanding academic and professional accomplishments How being in an environment that’s not conducive for growth makes us feel like we don’t belong What to do if a lack of clear instructions makes you feel inept My challenge to list your top 10 wins and accomplishments for the week every Friday How I stood my ground in a situation where I was made to feel like the odd one out Why I’m passionate about diversity, inclusion and belonging The problem with trying to fix women’s mindsets but not the workplace Connect with Andrea Text (424) 610-8471 Resources 1978 Study on Imposter Syndrome Apply for Private Coaching with Andrea Book a Career Intensive with Andrea | |||
| What It Takes to Be a True Leader (Not Just a Boss) - EP33 | 02 Aug 2021 | 00:25:14 | |
What does it take to be a true leader? No doubt, you’ve had supervisors who may have been in charge, but they didn’t influence or inspire you. So, what are the characteristics of a strong leader? A leader you remember and respect? On this episode of Career Confessions, I describe the intentional work it takes to become a leader, challenging you to reflect on what good leadership looks like and determine the kind of influence you want to have on those around you. I explain why empathy is a key component of my leadership style and discuss how strong leaders understand what motivates people and challenge them to be better. Listen in for insight on why it’s crucial to lead as your authentic self and learn how to take steps today to embody the kind of leader you want to be tomorrow! Key Takeaways What distinguishes a supervisor from a true leader The intentional work it takes to embody the characteristics of a leader people remember and respect How to determine the kind of influence you want to have on those around you Why empathy is a key component of my leadership style Why it’s crucial to lead as your authentic self The benefit of identifying how you react to stressors now so you’re ready to handle high-stakes situations later on How strong leaders understand what motivates people and challenge them to be better The question good leaders ask when there’s friction How strong leaders connect on a deeper level How communication and leadership skills translate across industries and into every area of our lives Connect with Andrea Resources Apply for Private Coaching with Andrea Book a Career Intensive with Andrea | |||