Explore every episode of the podcast Career Sessions

You may not think of yourself as a salesperson, but every day at work, you’re selling something—an idea, a proposal, your capabilities, or even yourself.

In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry sits down with sales expert, author, and longtime podcast host Andy Paul to explore what the rest of us can learn from great salespeople about influence, curiosity, and human connection.

Andy explains why the best way to persuade someone isn’t to push harder, but to understand what matters to them. He shares how asking better questions and truly listening can strengthen relationships, why curiosity is often trained out of us as we move through school and work, and how to avoid making conversations about ourselves.

The conversation also moves beyond sales to a bigger career question: Are you building the career you actually want—or simply following someone else’s playbook? Andy discusses why success is situational, how to find environments where you can be yourself, the importance of choosing the right boss, and why it’s sometimes better to leave a bad fit rather than keep trying to make it work.

Along the way, Andy shares lessons from nearly five decades in business—and a reminder that there’s no age limit on taking on new challenges.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why everyone is selling, whether they realize it or not
• How curiosity can make you more influential
• The difference between listening to understand and listening to respond
• Why great questions create stronger relationships
• How to find work environments that fit your strengths and values
• Why you should define success on your own terms

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/andy-paul/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

What if you achieve everything you thought you wanted in your career, and still find yourself wondering if that's really all there is? Former Vertex CEO Jeff Westphal joins host J.R. Lowry to discuss how you can build a Work Life Worth Living when traditional status isn't enough. Jeff Westphal spent two decades as CEO of Vertex, helping grow the company from roughly 75 employees to more than 1,000 and increasing its value fortyfold. Along the way, he started asking deeper questions about purpose and why listening can be far more powerful than having all the answers. He shares how an intense focus on reflection transformed his leadership and helped him create an environment where employees felt truly invested. They also examine how rapid changes in AI mean distinctly human qualities like empathy, judgment, and connection will define our professional future. Whether you're rethinking your path or leading a team, this conversation will help you reflect on what truly makes your career meaningful.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jeff-westphal/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Most professionals assume great work speaks for itself, but solid Product Positioning proves that value never communicates automatically. When competitors offer flashy feature checklists or when crowded markets blur real differentiation, buyers and hiring managers get confused quickly. Host JR Lowry sits down with April Dunford, leading positioning expert and bestselling author of Obviously Awesome and Sales Pitch, to unpack why building something valuable is only half the battle. They walk through actionable frameworks to move past surface features, clarify unique value themes, and align internal teams before ever pitching external buyers. Together, they break down how individuals can treat their career journeys like high-stakes B2B products by narrowing focus, embracing natural strengths, and knowing exactly when to walk away from poor-fit opportunities. Finally, they tackle the rise of artificial intelligence, outlining why automated tools raise the bar for genuine business strategy rather than replacing it.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/april-dunford/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

What's the real job of a leader?

According to Dave Ulrich, it isn’t having all the answers, building your own reputation, or even telling a compelling story about where you’re going. Great leaders help the people around them build their stories—and create value for others.

In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry sits down with Dave, one of the world’s most influential thinkers on leadership, talent, and organizational effectiveness, for a wide-ranging conversation about what great leadership looks like in a rapidly changing world.

They explore why many of the fundamentals of leadership are timeless, even as technology and workplace expectations change dramatically. Dave explains the critical distinction between values—what matters to you—and value—what your actions create for someone else. He also shares a simple question leaders can use to rethink how they spend their time: What will happen in someone else's life because of what I do today?

Dave and J.R. also discuss the choices and trade-offs that come with ambition, why our definition of success should change at different stages of life, and what Dave learned from deliberately stepping back from his own career while raising his children.

And, inevitably, they tackle AI. Dave argues that AI makes distinctly human capabilities more important, not less. As information becomes ubiquitous, leaders will increasingly differentiate themselves through vision, innovation, emotion, judgment, and wisdom.

The conversation also explores learning agility, navigating uncertainty, admitting when you don’t know the answer, and becoming comfortable figuring things out alongside the people you lead.

Whether you’re a first-time manager or an experienced executive, this episode is a reminder that leadership ultimately isn’t about you. It’s about what becomes possible for other people because you were there.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dave-ulrich/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Finding a job has never been easy, but today’s hiring process can feel particularly frustrating. Hundreds of applicants compete for a single role, AI is reshaping how candidates are screened, and qualified people often struggle to get noticed. At the same time, employers insist they can’t find the talent they need. So what’s really going on?

In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry talks with Lorena Prego, founder and CEO of Prometeo Talent, who has spent two decades in recruiting and helped companies make more than 5,000 hiring decisions.

Lorena takes us behind the scenes of the hiring process to explain what recruiters and hiring managers actually look for—and what separates candidates who consistently land opportunities from those who struggle to break through.

They discuss why applying to hundreds of jobs may actually hurt your search, how to take more control of an interview, what recruiters notice when comparing your resume and LinkedIn profile, and how to build productive relationships with search firms. They also explore how AI and remote work are transforming recruiting and why communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to keep learning will become even more important.

Whether you’re actively looking for a job or simply want to position yourself for your next opportunity, this episode offers a practical insider’s guide to getting noticed, telling your story, and managing your career for the long term.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/lorena-prego-ojeda/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

AI can already draft, summarize, analyze data, write code, and find patterns faster than most of us. So as these capabilities become increasingly commonplace, what will make you valuable?

In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry talks with Liat Ben-Zur, former senior executive at Microsoft, Qualcomm, and Philips and author of The Bias Advantage, about how AI is changing the skills that matter most—and why some of the experiences that once made your career harder may actually have prepared you for what's coming next.

Liat argues that the answer isn't trying to compete with AI at what it does best. Instead, we need to double down on capabilities machines struggle to replicate: judgment, adaptability, empathy, ethical decision-making, creativity, influence, and the ability to see what others miss.

They also discuss why hard work alone isn't enough to advance your career, how to make your impact visible without becoming overly self-promotional, why nonlinear careers may become increasingly valuable, and how to use AI to strengthen your thinking rather than replace it.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Which human capabilities will become more valuable as AI gets better
• Why career setbacks and being an outsider can build unexpected advantages
• How to make sure your contributions are recognized—not just delivered
• Why career range may be more valuable than narrow specialization
• How to use AI as a thinking partner without weakening your own judgment
• What leaders will need to do differently as AI reshapes organizations

If you're wondering how to remain relevant, differentiated, and valuable as AI transforms the workplace, this conversation offers a practical roadmap.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/liat-ben-zur/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

AI can write, analyze, summarize, code, and create—and its capabilities are advancing at a remarkable pace. So as machines become more intelligent, what will keep humans indispensable?

Johan Roos believes the answer lies in what he calls “human magic”: the distinctly human capabilities that technology can support, but never replace. Johan is an internationally recognized strategy scholar, former business school dean, co-creator of LEGO Serious Play, and author of Human Magic.

In this episode of Career Sessions, Johan and J.R. explore why our advantage in an AI-powered world comes not from trying to compete with machines, but from becoming more human as AI gets smarter.

They discuss the five capabilities at the heart of human magic—curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration—and why practical wisdom and sound judgment are becoming increasingly valuable. They also examine the danger of “cognitive offloading”: relying so heavily on AI that the very skills that differentiate us begin to atrophy.

Johan shares what leaders should be doing differently in the AI era, including asking better questions, creating the conditions for their teams to think deeply, and focusing the AI conversation on transforming tasks rather than eliminating jobs.

The conversation also revisits the origins of LEGO Serious Play and what Johan learned about creativity, collaboration, and better decision-making by getting people out of conventional meetings and thinking with their hands. Those lessons may be even more relevant as organizations figure out how humans and AI should work together.

The takeaway: use AI intensely to prepare—but when the room is watching, show up as a human.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/johan-roos/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Why do some teams consistently outperform while others—with equally talented people—struggle with endless meetings, constant interruptions, and burnout?

In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with organizational psychologist and bestselling author Ron Friedman to explore what separates exceptional teams from average ones. Drawing on research involving more than 6,000 workers for his new book, Super Teams, Ron reveals that only about 8% of teams qualified as “super teams”—and that what distinguishes them often runs counter to conventional wisdom about productivity, collaboration, and where work should happen.

Their conversation covers:

Why how a team works matters more than where it works—and what that means for the ongoing debate over remote, hybrid, and in-office work

How excessive meetings and always-on communication undermine productivity—and why great teams establish clear meeting guidelines

Why individual productivity hacks can actually create bottlenecks for the rest of the team

The importance of protecting focused work and why “brainwriting” can produce better ideas than traditional brainstorming

How active recovery outside of work can improve performance—and why leaders’ recovery habits can affect their teams

The three ingredients of workplace trust: competence, caring, and consistency

Why shared goals, role clarity, and interdependence are essential for creating a true team mentality

Practical ways to take control of your workday by looking forward, looking backward, and staying present

Why working longer hours eventually produces diminishing—and even negative—returns

How high-performing teams are approaching AI differently, including openly sharing prompts and learning from one another rather than hiding their AI use

The central message is simple: great teams aren't built by assembling the smartest people or forcing more collaboration. They're built intentionally, by creating the conditions that allow talented people to do their best work—both individually and together.

Whether you lead a team or work as part of one, this conversation offers practical, research-backed ideas for reducing friction, building trust, protecting people's time, and creating a team that performs at a higher level.

Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly conversations on careers, leadership, and the changing world of work.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/ron-friedman/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

For decades, a good job meant stability, career development, and a long-term relationship between employers and employees. But according to MIT Sloan professor Paul Osterman, that social contract has fundamentally changed. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Osterman to discuss the ideas behind his new book, Disposable Workers, and why more than one-third of today's workforce now falls into employment arrangements designed for flexibility rather than long-term investment.

Together, they explore what's driving this shift, why it extends well beyond the gig economy, how AI may accelerate the trend, and what individuals, leaders, and policymakers can do to build a future of work that benefits both organizations and employees. Whether you're just starting your career or leading an organization through change, this conversation will challenge the way you think about job security, career development, and the future of work.

Key topics covered:

• Why Paul Osterman believes over one-third of workers are now "disposable workers"
• The difference between contractors, freelancers, marginal workers, and traditional employees
• What's driving organizations toward more flexible—and less committed—workforces
• How AI is likely to accelerate the trend toward workforce disposability
• The costs of disposable work for employees, organizations, and society
• Practical advice for building career resilience through skills, networks, and smart career choices
• What business leaders and policymakers can do to improve the quality of work

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/paul-osterman/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Most people were never taught how to manage money. Yet they're expected to navigate rising housing costs, student debt, investing, retirement planning, and an economy that often feels stacked against them.

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Carrie Joy Grimes, founder of WorkMoney and author of the USA Today bestselling book The Joy of Money, to explore why financial success has far more to do with psychology than spreadsheets.

Carrie explains why shame and avoidance keep so many people financially stuck, how small behavioral changes compound into long-term wealth, and why the biggest obstacle to financial security often isn't a lack of knowledge—it's the stories we tell ourselves about money.

They also discuss:

Why "I'm just bad with money" is one of the most damaging beliefs you can have

The surprising connection between money habits and career success

Why budgeting should create freedom—not guilt

How to overcome financial avoidance and build confidence one small step at a time

Why chasing the next hot investment rarely beats mastering the fundamentals

How to think about raises, retirement savings, and building wealth in today's challenging economy

Whether you're just starting your career or trying to gain greater financial confidence after years in the workforce, this conversation offers practical, encouraging advice that can help you take control of both your money and your future.

Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this. 

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/carrie-joy-grimes/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

What if the biggest financial risk in your life isn't the stock market—but your paycheck?

Most professionals spend years building successful careers, yet their entire financial future depends on a single employer. In today's world of layoffs, AI disruption, and economic uncertainty, that's becoming an increasingly fragile strategy.

In this episode, JR Lowry sits down with Jon Ostenson, founder of FranBridge Consulting and author of Non-Food Franchising, to explore an alternative that more professionals are beginning to consider: business ownership through franchising.

Forget fast food. Jon explains why many of today's fastest-growing franchise opportunities are in service businesses—from home services and senior care to B2B consulting—and why they're attracting professionals looking for additional income, long-term wealth, and greater control over their future.

Together they discuss:

• Why relying on one paycheck may be riskier than owning a business
• The biggest myths about franchising—and what it's really like
• How professionals can own businesses while keeping their day jobs
• The difference between entrepreneurship and buying into a proven system
• What makes some businesses more recession-resistant than others
• How business ownership fits into a broader wealth-building strategy

Whether you're dreaming of leaving corporate life, looking for a second source of income, or simply thinking more strategically about your financial future, this conversation will challenge how you think about work, risk, and ownership.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jon-ostenson/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Most careers stall because professionals wait for permission, confidence, or the right timing rather than taking action. In this episode, host J.R. Lowry sits down with former professional athlete and entrepreneur Dre Baldwin to dissect why professional discipline outperforms raw motivation every time. Baldwin reveals how he translated lessons from overseas sports courts into scalable business frameworks centered on mindset, strategy, systems, and execution. They explore actionable ways to build true executive presence before you get the promotion, navigate career reinvention, and develop the human judgment skills AI can't replace.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dre-baldwin.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

What if becoming a better leader has less to do with learning new management techniques and more to do with becoming more yourself?

In this episode, former RBC executive and HomeEquity Bank CEO Katherine Dudtschak shares a deeply personal journey that transformed not only her life, but also her philosophy of leadership. After publicly affirming her gender while leading thousands of employees, Katherine discovered that vulnerability, compassion, and authenticity weren't leadership liabilities. In fact, they became her greatest strengths.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why success and fulfillment aren't always the same thing
• How fear-based leadership limits both people and performance
• Why vulnerability builds trust faster than authority
• How curiosity and compassion can outperform command-and-control management
• Why doing the inner work is one of the most important responsibilities of a leader
• Practical ways to lead with greater authenticity without sacrificing results

Whether you're leading a team, navigating your own career, or simply questioning whether the life you've built truly reflects who you are, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and yourself.

If you’re interested in the impact of capitalism on leadership and innovation, make sure you tune in.

Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this. 

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/katherine-dudtschak/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Everyone talks about AI as the future of work. But what if the bigger story is something we're overlooking?

In this episode, JR speaks with leadership strategist and author Dan Pontefract about why experience—not youth—may become one of the most valuable assets in tomorrow's workplace. As workforces age and labor shortages grow, Dan argues that organizations must rethink how they hire, develop, and retain talent—or risk losing decades of knowledge and expertise.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why demographic change may have a bigger impact on work than AI

What "age debt" is—and why organizations aren't prepared for it

How ageism affects professionals at every stage of their careers

Why traditional generational labels may be doing more harm than good

Dan's "Rivers, Rocks, and Rubies" framework for understanding career growth

How organizations can turn experience into a competitive advantage instead of treating it as a cost

What professionals can do to build careers that remain relevant and rewarding for decades

Whether you're just starting your career, leading a team, or thinking about what's next in your 50s, 60s, and beyond, this conversation will challenge many of the assumptions we've long held about work, careers, and retirement. You'll come away with a new perspective on why experience may be one of the greatest advantages you can build—and why the organizations that recognize its value will be the ones best positioned to succeed in the years ahead.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dan-pontefract/.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Why does work feel so overwhelming, even when you're getting everything done?

In this episode, leadership expert and bestselling author Liane Davey explains why the problem isn't your workload—it's your thought load: the hidden combination of cognitive demands, emotional burden, and depleted energy that makes work feel harder than it should.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why working harder won't solve the problem of overwhelm
• The difference between workload and thought load
• How constant context switching and emotional stress drain your performance
• Why attention is your most valuable resource—not time
• A practical framework for prioritizing what matters most
• Simple strategies to reduce overwhelm, regain focus, and protect your energy
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You'll walk away with practical tools you can use immediately to feel less overwhelmed, improve your focus, and do your best work without burning yourself out.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/liane-davey.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://community/pathwise.io

Anxiety is often treated as something to overcome. But what if it’s also one of the forces driving your success?

In this episode, JR speaks with Morra Aarons-Mele, author of The Anxious Achiever and host of Harvard Business Review’s popular podcast of the same name, about the complex relationship between anxiety, achievement, leadership, and performance.

Morra argues that anxiety isn’t necessarily a weakness to be fixed. For many high performers, it fuels preparation, creativity, empathy, and ambition. The challenge isn’t eliminating anxiety—it’s learning how to understand it, manage it, and work with it rather than against it.

Their conversation covers:

• What separates anxious achievers from people who are simply stressed
• How anxiety can become both a leadership asset and a liability
• Why so many high performers are driven by fear, control, and hypervigilance
• The connection between childhood experiences and achievement-oriented behavior
• How mindfulness and self-awareness help people manage anxiety more effectively
• Why boundaries are especially difficult—and important—for anxious achievers
• What psychologically healthy teams and workplaces look like
• How managers can better support different working styles and needs
• Why today’s workplace often works against mental well-being
• How leaders can build resilience in an increasingly uncertain world

If you've ever felt driven by a constant inner voice pushing you to prepare more, do more, and achieve more, this conversation offers a thoughtful framework for understanding anxiety—not as a flaw, but as something that can be harnessed with greater awareness, intention, and self-compassion.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/morra-aarons-mele.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most teams don't fail because they lack talent. They fail because they're not having the conversations that matter.

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, I sit down with workplace culture expert, consultant, and author Gustavo Razzetti to discuss his new book, Forward Talk. Gustavo argues that the biggest threat to team performance isn't conflict—it's silence. When concerns go unspoken, tensions remain unresolved, and difficult issues are avoided, organizations accumulate what he calls "conversational debt."

This conversation explores why people often stop speaking up, why agreement isn't the same as alignment, and what leaders and team members can do to create healthier, more productive conversations.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why teams often struggle because of avoided conversations rather than a lack of talent
• What "conversational debt" is and how it compounds over time
• Why employees frequently stop speaking up—not because they're afraid, but because they believe nothing will change
• The difference between agreement and true alignment
• How group think, blame, and avoidance keep teams stuck
• Why psychological safety alone isn't enough
• Practical ways leaders and team members can foster more honest, productive conversations
• How high-performing teams create cultures that encourage participation and shared ownership

Tune in every week for more episodes like this. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or follow Career Sessions wherever you're listening.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/gustavo-razzetti.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most people spend a huge portion of their lives at work. So why do so many of us dread it?

In this episode, JR speaks with Debbie Lovich, Senior Partner Emerita at Boston Consulting Group and author of Make Work Work, about why employee engagement has remained stubbornly low for decades despite billions spent on leadership training, culture initiatives, and workplace transformation programs.

Debbie argues that making work better doesn't require another grand strategy or organizational overhaul. Instead, it comes down to a handful of daily leadership behaviors that create more human, enjoyable, and productive workplaces.

Their conversation covers:

• Why most leadership training fails to change behavior
• The connection between employee joy, performance, and retention
• The five daily practices that help leaders create better workplaces
• Why employee experience should be treated like customer experience
• How co-creation can replace traditional change management
• The role of middle managers in shaping workplace culture
• What leaders get wrong about AI and the future of work
• How anyone—not just senior executives—can improve the culture around them

If you're a leader, manager, or employee who wants work to be more meaningful, productive, and enjoyable, this conversation offers practical ideas you can put into action immediately.

Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/debbie-lovich-2.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most people see careers as ladders to climb. Mohamed Isa sees them as mountains to explore. In this episode, Mohamed shares his remarkable journey from working as a cleaner in a bank to becoming the youngest CFO of a publicly listed company in Bahrain. Along the way, he learned that success isn't about following a predetermined path—it's about taking calculated risks, continually reinventing yourself, and creating opportunities where others see limitations.

JR and Mohamed explore:

• How a cleaning job became the foundation for an extraordinary career
• Why taking career risks can accelerate growth
• The difference between having a large network and having the right network
• How to think about reinvention through seven-year cycles
• Why careers don't need to follow a linear path
• What "peak leadership" means and how to build a lasting legacy
• How mountain climbing became a powerful metaphor for life and work

This conversation is a reminder that where you start doesn't determine where you'll finish. Whether you're feeling stuck, considering a career change, or simply looking for inspiration, Mohammed's story offers a powerful perspective on what's possible when you combine ambition with action.

Tune in every week for more episodes like this. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or follow Career Sessions wherever you're listening.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mohamed-isa.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most people think overwhelm is a productivity problem. Corrie LoGiudice argues it’s something much deeper. 

In this episode, JR speaks with Corrie LoGiudice, author of The Five Overwhelm Culprits, about why so many high performers feel exhausted, disconnected and stuck — even when their lives look successful on paper. Corrie explains why burnout is often misdiagnosed as a time-management issue, and why the real causes of overwhelm usually stem from deeper problems like misalignment, lack of clarity, weak support systems and chronic self-neglect.

Their conversation covers:

• Why overwhelm is more than “having too much to do”
• The five root causes behind burnout and chronic stress
• How work and personal life pressures compound each other
• Why high performers often confuse exhaustion with success
• The difference between burnout and misalignment
• How intuition helps people recognize when something is wrong
• Why women experience overwhelm differently than men
• The role resilience plays in navigating major life changes
• How to recognize overwhelm before reaching a breaking point
• Why meaningful change either happens by choice — or happens to you

Subscribe to Career Sessions wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/corrie-logiudice.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most companies don’t fail because they’re outcompeted. They fail because they succeed. In this episode, JR speaks with Eric Ries, author of The Lean Startup and Incorruptible, about why successful organizations so often lose their mission, values and long-term vision. Eric explains how modern corporate systems incentivize short-term extraction over long-term value creation and that the problem isn’t necessarily bad leaders, but structures that slowly corrupt organizations over time.

Their conversation covers:

• Why “shareholder value” became the dominant philosophy
• How companies like Costco resisted short-term pressure
• The hidden incentives that destroy great businesses
• AI governance and what OpenAI and Anthropic tell us about the future
• How founders can design companies that survive beyond them
• What employees and consumers can do to help companies stay true to their mission

If you’re interested in the impact of capitalism on leadership and innovation, make sure you tune in.

Subscribe to Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts for weekly episodes like this. 

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/eric-ries.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most people think success comes down to talent, timing, or even luck. But Kyle Austin Young suggests it could be a numbers game. In this episode, he explains how to think about success through the lens of probability so you can actively improve your odds over time.

JR and Kyle explore:

• Why your goals have hidden probabilities attached to them
• How to reduce the likelihood of failure
• The power of repeated attempts
• When to power through to achieve your goals, and when to pause
• Why differentiation is critical in today’s market

This conversation reframes success as something you can engineer. Whether you’re early in your career or reevaluating your next move, this will help you make smarter decisions and create better outcomes over time.

Tune in every week for more episodes like this. Subscribe on YouTube and follow Career Sessions wherever you’re listening to this.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/kyle-austin-young.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

We often talk about burnout, quiet quitting and disengagement at work, but underneath these trends is something deeper: loneliness. In this episode of Career Sessions, Tracy Brower joins JR to unpack the growing crisis of disconnection at work and why it’s affecting everything from performance to mental health.

They cover:

• Why loneliness is rising in the age of remote work and social media
• Why work is still the #1 place people build friendships
• How leaders can create belonging
• The need for both strong ties and weak ties
• How to build a network that actually leads to opportunities
• Simple ways to feel more connected starting today

This conversation breaks down the science of connection and how it shapes your career, relationships, and sense of purpose.

Subscribe and follow Career Sessions on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts so you never miss an episode.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/tracy-brower.

For more career guidance and resources, subscribe to my member community at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Most productivity advice skips right past the most obvious lever: sleep.

In this episode, JR speaks with Nathalie Walton who leads growth at Better Sleep, the app that's become the go-to sleep tool for 65 million people around the world.

Nathalie's path here wasn't linear. It started with her own experience during pregnancy where she came to realize that there was a frustrating gap in support for women's health. That led her to found Expectful, a platform for fertility, pregnancy, and early motherhood, and eventually to Better Sleep, where she's helping scale something that genuinely changes how people feel day to day.

JR and Nathalie get into:

• Why sleep isn't something you can bank or borrow against
• How Better Sleep built real trust with its users in an era when most health apps cut corners
• Why expanding access to care (especially for women and underserved communities) is one of the most important problems anyone in healthcare can be working on right now

If you’re interested in health, startups or optimizing your performance at work and in life, you don’t want to skip this episode.

Find and follow Career Sessions on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/nathalie-walton.

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In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Gabriel DeSanti and Alex Dworsky, co-founders of Staj, a platform built around a simple but powerful idea: What if you could experience a career before committing to it? They explore why traditional career decision-making is often based on limited information and how that leads many people to feel misaligned years into their careers. Drawing on Gabe’s experience trying nearly 200 different jobs and Alex’s background in corporate America, they discuss how career exploration can shift from guesswork to intentional experimentation.

They cover:

• Why most people choose careers without truly understanding them
• How short-term “career experiments” can provide clarity
• Practical ways to explore new industries without prior experience
• Why curiosity and initiative matter more than a perfect resume
• How to build credibility quickly when pivoting careers
• The role of networking and real-world exposure in unlocking opportunities

They also share insights from building Staj and what they’re learning about how people test and transition into new paths. 

If you’re early in your career or considering a pivot, this conversation is for you.

Follow Career Sessions for weekly insightful episodes just like this.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/gabe-desanti-alex-dworsky/.

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In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry sits down with author, speaker, and culture expert Greg Hawks to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today:

Why are so many people disengaged at work—and what actually changes that?

Greg introduces the concept of the “ownership mindset,” a powerful shift in how individuals approach their work and how leaders build environments where people feel invested, accountable, and motivated.

Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations, Greg explains why most employees start with energy and intention—but often lose it over time—and what both individuals and leaders can do to bring it back.

They discuss:

• What it really means to “act like an owner” (and why it has nothing to do with your title)
• The difference between owners, renters, and vandals in the workplace
• Why engagement breaks down—and how culture often unintentionally discourages initiative
• The five “unlocks” that help individuals and teams build ownership and accountability
• How leaders can re-engage employees who’ve stopped investing their energy
• Why values only matter when they are consistently lived—not just stated
• How to think about ownership not just in your role, but across your entire career

Greg also shares practical tools—from identifying where you’re placing blame to making small, consistent changes that compound over time—to help you take greater ownership of your work and your future.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, disengaged, or frustrated by your work environment, this conversation offers a clear and actionable framework for reclaiming control, finding meaning, and building a more fulfilling career.

Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/greg-hawks/.

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In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with coach, speaker, and bestselling author Mary Olson Menzel to explore a question many professionals wrestle with: What does it really mean to build a career that lights you up and is it realistic to do so?

Mary challenges the conventional wisdom that playing it safe is the responsible path. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, she argues that ignoring what energizes you can come at a much higher cost over time.

They discuss:

• What Mary calls your “light” and why it’s a real competitive advantage
• Why employers often choose energy and authenticity over credentials
• How to balance passion with financial responsibility using the concept of Ikigai
• Practical strategies for navigating job searches in a difficult market
• How to know when it’s time to pivot and how to do it thoughtfully
• The role of storytelling and networking in standing out

Mary also shares actionable tools from building a targeted job search strategy to tracking your own “light” through daily reflection.

 If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next, this conversation offers a practical and grounded path forward – one that doesn’t force you to choose between purpose and stability.

Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mary-olson-menzel/.

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In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry speaks with behavioral scientist Jon Levy to explore what actually makes teams effective and why the answer isn’t what most people think.

Drawing on research across psychology, business, and even sports, Jon breaks down the hidden dynamics behind high-performing teams, including the overlooked role of “glue people” – those who quietly elevate everyone around them.

They discuss:

• Why emotional intelligence matters more than IQ on teams
• The surprising reason too much talent can hurt performance
• What “glue players” do differently and how to spot them
• How influence really works (and why it’s not about power)
• The role of trust, belonging, and feedback in team success

Jon also shares insights from his unconventional work building communities and designing experiences that foster deep human connection.

If you’re leading a team or want to become more effective within one, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance, influence, and success.

Follow Career Sessions with JR Lowry so you never miss an episode.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jon-levy/.

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Why do so many successful leaders feel burned out, misaligned, or unfulfilled? According to Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat, the issue isn’t a lack of skill or intelligence, but rather a lack of healing. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Raj Sisodia, co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and Nilima Bhatt, leadership coach and author, to explore the deeper emotional and psychological dimensions of leadership. Drawing from their new book Healing Leaders, they argue that many leadership challenges stem from unprocessed trauma, unconscious patterns, and a disconnect from purpose.

In this episode, JR, Raj, and Nilima discuss:

• Why leadership today is facing a “healing crisis”
• The hidden cost of success: burnout, misalignment, and “hollow achievement”
• Why traditional leadership training often fails to create lasting change
• How unhealed wounds shape leadership behavior
• Why many leaders resist doing inner work
• The seven steps to healing as a leader
• How trauma, if processed, can become a source of growth
• Why leadership starts with self-awareness

If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning your path, this episode offers a deeper lens on what it really takes to grow.

Follow Career Sessions with JR Lowry for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/raj-sisodia-and-nilima-bhat.

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What’s really holding leaders back? According to executive coach Muriel Wilkins, it’s often not skills, strategy, or experience -- it’s hidden beliefs. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Muriel Wilkins, executive coach to senior leaders, host of Harvard Business Review’s Coaching Real Leaders, and author of Leadership Unblocked. Drawing from more than 20 years of coaching C-suite executives and analyzing hundreds of leadership cases, Muriel explains how deeply and often unconscious beliefs can quietly limit how leaders show up, make decisions, and work with others.

In this conversation, JR and Muriel unpack:

• The seven “hidden blockers” that often derail leadership effectiveness
• Why beliefs matter more than leadership tactics
• The difference between behavior and the belief driving it
• Why high-performing leaders often struggle with perfectionism
• How the belief “I know I’m right” can undermine collaboration
• How uncertainty and layoffs are amplifying leadership pressure today
• The mindset shift that unlocks leadership growth
• The framework for responding to challenges

If you want to become a more effective leader and experience leadership with greater clarity and ease, this conversation offers a powerful place to start.

Follow Career Sessions for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/muriel-wilkins/.

What does it take to walk away from a successful global executive career to pursue a deeper purpose?

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Christopher Williams, former global executive and author of the new book C.O.U.R.A.GE., to explore how courage shapes our careers, leadership decisions, and personal growth.

Born in Sierra Leone and educated at Morehouse College, Christopher built an international career spanning four continents, multiple industries, and senior leadership roles. Yet despite professional success, he reached a turning point that forced him to ask a difficult question: What is the real purpose of my work?

That reflection led Christopher to rethink his career, step away from the corporate track, and dedicate his work to leadership, governance, and helping organizations balance business success with societal impact.

In this conversation, JR and Christopher discuss:

• Christopher’s journey from Sierra Leone to Morehouse College and a global executive career
• The moment he felt successful but unfulfilled—and what he did about it
• Why courage is essential for meaningful leadership and career growth
• The seven-part COURAGE framework for making bold decisions
• Why rejecting distracting voices is often the hardest part of change
• What living and leading across multiple cultures and continents taught him about people
• The courageous decision to leave the corporate ladder and redefine success
• How corporate boards and leaders can create greater societal impact
• Why individuals must reclaim their personal agency in a rapidly changing world

If you're questioning your career path, navigating a leadership transition, or seeking a clearer sense of purpose in your work, this episode offers powerful insights on how courage can reshape both your career and your life.

Follow Career Sessions, Career Lessons for weekly conversations with leaders, authors, and innovators sharing the lessons that shape meaningful careers.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/christopher-williams.

What does it take to go from sending 1,000 unanswered resumes to building a platform used by millions of job seekers worldwide?

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, J.R. Lowry sits down with Andrei Kurtuy, co-founder of Novorésumé, to unpack the hard lessons he learned navigating rejection, building a global resume platform from scratch, and studying what actually gets candidates hired.

After moving to Denmark for school, Andrei struggled to land a job until one key insight changed everything: it wasn’t about luck. It was about positioning. That realization ultimately led to the founding of Novorésumé, now one of the world’s most widely used resume builders.

In this conversation, J.R. and Andrei discuss:

• Why Andrei sent 1,000 resumes with no traction
• The “aha moment” that changed his job search strategy
• What recruiters look at first when scanning resumes
• Why tailoring matters more than ever
• The biggest resume mistakes even executives make
• How to handle career pivots and resume gaps
• What applicant tracking systems (ATS) really parse
• One-page vs. two-page resumes
• How AI is transforming both resume writing and candidate screening
• The skills that will matter most in an AI-driven job market

If you’re actively job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply want to future-proof your professional story, this episode delivers practical research-backed advice.

Follow Career Sessions, Career Lessons for weekly episodes you’ll never want to miss.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/andrei-kurtuy.

Curiosity isn’t a soft skill. It’s a strategic advantage.

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR chats with Dr. Debra Clary, author of The Curiosity Curve: A Leader’s Guide to Growth and Transformation Through Bold Questions, and explores why curiosity is the missing link in leadership, engagement, and high performance.

Drawing on four decades of corporate leadership experience, Dr. Clary explains how curiosity directly impacts employee engagement, innovation, decision-making, and organizational culture.

Together, they discuss:

• The research-backed link between curiosity and performance
• Why 65% of millennials report being disengaged at work
• How leaders unintentionally kill curiosity
• The difference between exploration and execution
• The four components of the “Curiosity Curve”
• Why “I don’t know” may be the most powerful thing a leader can say
• Whether AI enhances or diminishes critical thinking
• How to build a culture of curiosity during transformation or change
• Practical questions leaders can ask to assess curiosity in candidates and teams

Dr. Clary also shares how organizations can measure curiosity through diagnostics, activate “curiosity ambassadors,” and create alignment from the executive team down.

If you care about leadership development, culture transformation, employee engagement, innovation, or becoming the kind of leader people actually want to work for, this conversation is for you.

Follow the podcast for weekly leadership and career insights.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-debra-clary.

What do Gen Z, Millennials, Gen X, and Baby Boomers really want from work, and how can leaders navigate a multi-generational workforce without falling into stereotypes?

In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Dr. Candace Steele Flippin to explore generational differences in the workplace, evolving leadership expectations, and how employees can future-proof their careers in an era shaped by technology, layoffs, and social change.

Dr. Flippin unpacks how value systems are shaped by world events, why compensation transparency matters more than ever, and how purpose has become central to career decisions post-COVID.

You’ll learn:

• How generational theory shapes workplace expectations
• Why Gen Z and Millennials prioritize purpose, empathy, and fair pay
• The leadership skills that cut across generations: active listening, collaboration, and empathy
• How the social contract between employers and employees has changed
• The rise of the gig economy and career self-management
• Why pay transparency is reshaping employee expectations
• How to avoid generational stereotyping at work
• The 5-step SHAPE framework from Dr. Flippin’s book Get Your Career in Shape

If you want to manage your career more proactively, this conversation is for you.

Subscribe for more conversations on career growth, leadership development, and navigating today’s workplace.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-candace-steele-flippin.

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If you’re a product manager, founder, executive, or even an individual contributor navigating OKRs, AI, and innovation pressure, this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons offers a practical reframing of how great products and meaningful work actually get built.

Host JR Lowry sits down with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, to unpack why traditional goals, OKRs, and performance targets often do more harm than good in modern product organizations.

Drawing from her experience as an MIT-trained engineer, startup founder, and product leader across industries, Radhika introduces an alternative: puzzle setting and puzzle solving. Rather than optimizing for short-term metrics, she says that the most successful teams spend more time in the problem space asking better questions, learning faster, and adapting intelligently.

Together, JR and Radhika explore:

• Why OKRs and targets could kill curiosity and innovation
• The difference between optimizing numbers and solving the right problem
• How “puzzle-driven” teams outperform “goal-driven” teams
• The dangers of AI-driven “product slop” and what humans must do better than machines
• Leadership lessons on delegation, critical thinking, and psychological safety
• AI’s impact on recruiting and culture

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/radhika-dutt/.

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The journey from individual contributor to effective manager is often called the most significant transition of a career—a shift not just in responsibilities, but in identity. Yet, the foundations of great leadership often start with a more personal, foundational practice: curiosity and continuous self-improvement. In this deep-dive interview, we sit down with leadership expert and podcast host, Ryan Hawk of The Learning Leader Show, to unpack his best-selling book, Welcome to Management, and the surprising lessons he's gathered from interviewing hundreds of the world’s most successful leaders. Ryan shares the critical mindset shifts every new manager needs to make, why leading yourself is the necessary first step, and how embracing a learning leader mindset—fueled by relentless curiosity—was the unexpected catalyst that propelled his own professional journey from cold-calling sales rep to full-time entrepreneur and author. 

If you're looking to master the art of management, cultivate psychological safety in your team, or simply unlock the compounding power of daily personal growth, you won't want to miss these powerful insights on how curiosity shapes success.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/ryan-hawk.

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The term executive presence shows up constantly in professional feedback—but what does it actually mean? For many ambitious professionals, especially women, this vague phrase becomes a frustrating barrier that leaves them overlooked and unsure how to advance. Today, we unpack executive presence with former tech executive and executive coach Katy McFee. She shares how she bridged the gap from director to VP—and how she now helps women do it faster. Inside, you’ll learn why “head-down hard work” stops paying off at senior levels, how to push back on vague feedback and get clarity, and Katy’s practical advice for building authentic visibility through mindset, skills, and habits. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start showing up as a confident, influential leader, keep reading.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/katy-mcfee.

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If we are forever in survival mode, unlocking and unleashing our full potential would be impossible. Jon Rosemberg, Co-Founder Of Anther, reveals what it takes to achieve your thriving mode. He joins J.R. Lowry to talk about his newest book A Guide To Thriving, as well as what it takes to feel a greater sense of control over the things happening in your life. Jon delves into the idea of giving yourself agency to make the most of your human experience and experience profound self-transformation. Find out how to escape the constant struggle of survival mode and get into thriving mode that leads to fulfillment.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jon-rosemberg.

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If you learn how to live with intention, you can lead with purpose and manifest all of your goals in life. This is exactly what Bianca D'Alessio did, which led to her becoming the number one real estate broker in New York City. She joins J.R. Lowry to share all about her journey centered on authenticity, leading with lasting impact, and discovering gratitude even in her biggest failures. Bianca also talks about her new book, Mastering Intentions, wherein she breaks down daily practices to amplify your own power. Discover how to manage your narrative, be comfortable with vulnerability, and unlock resilience both in business and in life.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/bianca-dalessio.

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Every entrepreneur dreams of scaling their business, but what happens when business growth stalls? You've hit a revenue ceiling, your team is expanding, and suddenly, the systems that once brought success seem to be working against you. Matt Pohl, founder and CEO of The ReWild Group, faced this exact challenge—taking his own plateaued business from $1 million to $4 million in three years after discovering a framework that fundamentally changed how he viewed organizational complexity.

In this deep-dive interview, Matt shares the revolutionary concept of organizational rewilding, explaining why employee count, not revenue, is the true driver of complexity and growth stages. Discover the hidden barriers most business owners overlook, the critical difference between being owner-centric and enterprise-centric, and the "missing gray wolves" you need to reintroduce into your company's ecosystem to thrive through chaos and competition. If you're struggling to sustain momentum, or just want to make growth easier, Matt's roadmap is the essential guide to lightening your entrepreneurial backpack.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/matt-pohl/.

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In an ideal world, every manager would be a mentor, motivator, and model of leadership. But for too many professionals, the reality is far messier. If you’ve ever had to deal with bad bosses—the micromanagers, the emotionally unavailable, or the toxic cheerleaders—you know the profound toll it takes on your mental health and career trajectory.

In this deep-dive discussion, we sit down with Mita Mallick, best-selling author of The Devil Emails at Midnight, to unpack the pervasive problem of bad management. Mita shares her personal journey through 13 different types of awful leadership, revealing why these figures are tolerated, how they are made (not born), and the concrete strategies you need to manage up or know when it’s time to craft your exit plan. Plus, learn the surprising bad boss behavior that flies under the radar but can be the most detrimental to your team. Ready to reclaim control of your work life? Keep listening.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mita-mallick/.

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In this time of ever-evolving technology, every working professional will encounter AI in some shape or form. As we go deeper into the age of AI, what is the role of such tools in shaping the future of work and the entire economy? J.R. Lowry talks all about it with Dr. Joerg Storm, IT executive and publisher of the Digital Storm AI newsletter. They discuss why AI is a career-critical tool, the uniqueness of adaptive AI projects, and the technological paradigm shifts to look forward to in the next several years. Dr. Joerg also explains why AI practitioners should remain philosophical and ethical despite their deep immersion in technology to navigate the challenges of bias and trust.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-joerg-storm.

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The future of business hinges on mastering the complexities of AI customer analytics, a topic J.R. Lowry explores with Sameer Narkar, Founder of Konnect Insights, a pioneering SaaS platform that delivers an AI-powered, omnichannel view of customer interactions. Sameer details how his bootstrapped company built an in-house, secure AI solution—using models like Llama and Gamma—to unify customer data from all channels, solving the pain point of siloed systems to dramatically improve customer care and provide deep marketing insights. The conversation also delves into the three layers of Konnect's AI offering, the journey of pivoting a business, and the critical need for focus and a strong culture for leaders navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of decision analytics and AI.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/sameer-narkar.

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The "Business Sergeant": Leadership Expert, Military Veteran, And Serial Entrepreneur

Ready to move past chaos and achieve scalable growth? Today, we dive deep into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), the powerful framework and toolkit helping leadership teams gain crystal-clear vision, drive disciplined execution, and build healthier, more engaged workplaces. Host JR Lowry sits down with Chris Hallberg—a seasoned EOS implementer who has worked with over 100 organizations, achieving astonishing 90% employee engagement rates and numerous "Best Places to Work" awards—to unpack the six key components of EOS. We'll explore everything from getting the right people in the right seats to leveraging Chris's latest venture: an AI-driven EOS platform, GoExpand, that turbocharges performance and accountability. If you're a founder or executive looking to break through a growth ceiling, tune in to learn how to inject military-grade focus and discipline into your company's DNA.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/chris-hallberg/.

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We hear a lot about the need for resilience these days, but simply wanting to be resilient isn't enough—in fact, the pressure to always bounce back can be counterproductive. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a psychologist, leadership expert, and author of the award-winning book The Resilience Plan, challenges the notion of resilience as an innate trait. Discover why viewing resilience as a strategic state, rather than a personality feature, is key to sustained well-being and performance. Dr. Pelletier dives into the intertwined nature of professional and personal life, the dangers of underestimating demands and overestimating supply, and provides actionable, research-backed advice on creating your own strategic resilience plan. Learn how small, deliberate actions can build momentum and how leaders can foster a culture of prevention rather than just treating burnout after the fact.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-marie-helene-pelletier/.

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What happens when a touring musician decides to rewrite the music industry from the inside out? Today, we sat down with Josh Simons—the force behind Vinyl Group, Australia’s only ASX-listed music company, and the founder of Vampr, the world’s largest social network for creatives. Discover how Josh went from a semi-successful musician touring with the likes of Keith Urban to becoming a CEO, the secrets behind Vampr’s explosive growth, and his strategy for navigating nonstop change in media and music tech. He shares essential lessons for entrepreneurs, fundraising insights for founders, and a fresh perspective on creativity, leadership, and the future of music in the age of AI. Don’t miss this candid conversation about playing to your strengths, building cohesive teams through acquisitions, and why anyone with the entrepreneurial itch should scratch it.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/josh-simons/.

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In the demanding world of biotech and healthcare, charting a successful STEM career path, especially as a woman or minority leader, often feels like navigating without a map. But what if you had access to the boardroom lessons, the personal triumphs, and the hard-won wisdom of an industry veteran? Join us as we dive into a candid conversation with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—physician, biotech entrepreneur, and executive—to explore her journey from clinical practice to the C-suite. Dr. Gujrathi shares how she learned to trust her gut, break through her inner glass ceiling, and define an authentic leadership style, all while developing life-changing pharmaceutical drugs. Get a sneak peek into the core principles of her upcoming book, The Mirror Effect, which offers a vital roadmap for the next generation of diverse leaders seeking to not just succeed, but truly thrive.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-sheila-gujrathi.

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Software development is undergoing rapid change as AI, DevOps, and data science reshape how teams build and scale products. In this interview, Particle41 CEO and technical co-founder Ben Johnson explains what modern software teams must do to stay competitive. He shares practical insights on boosting developer productivity with AI, building reliable systems through infrastructure-as-code, and adopting modern data architectures that move beyond simple dashboards. Ben also discusses how to lead remote teams effectively and apply OKRs in both work and personal life to stay aligned on what truly matters. If you're involved in building software or leading technical teams, this conversation offers clear, actionable strategies for thriving in the AI-driven era.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/ben-johnson.

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The future of work is here, and it's being shaped by AI-driven change. Dive into a captivating discussion with Monica Marquez, Co-founder of FlipWork, Inc., the enterprise-wide AI workforce transformation system, as she illuminates the evolving landscape of an AI-centric world. Monica shares her unique insights on bridging the gap between AI tool availability and adoption, the imperative for individuals and organizations to disrupt themselves before being disrupted, and the critical role of human expertise in making artificial intelligence truly authentic. She also discusses her impactful work in diversity and inclusion, her valuable board work, and the fascinating, "squiggly" journey of her career, offering advice for those just starting out.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/monica-marquez.

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What if everything you thought about luxury was wrong? Our guest, Leadership Strategist and Keynote Speaker Neen James, proves that true luxury isn't about expense—it's a mindset. Neen's groundbreaking research in her new book, Exceptional Experiences, identifies four luxury mindsets that govern buying behavior. She also unveils a proprietary Experience Elevation Model that helps brands create unshakeable customer devotion. Tune in as Neen reveals how you can apply these high-level corporate strategies to elevate your own personal brand and life. Learn why making people feel seen, heard, and valued is the ultimate luxury, regardless of your budget.

Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/neen-james.

Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/