Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy – Details, episodes & analysis

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Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy

Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy

Samorn Selim

Business
Education

Frequency: 1 episode/8d. Total Eps: 100

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I'm Samorn Selim. Welcome to the Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Podcast. I'm a lawyer turned career coach on a mission for us to take our careers from dread to joy. Growing up as the daughter of poor Lao refugees, I was the underdog. Against all odds, I made it to a top 10 law school and landed a job in Big Law. As an outsider, I was told that I was lucky to even be there and that I had to pay my dues. After coaching over 1,000 clients, I now realize that the idea that you have to pay your dues and work in a toxic place is a myth. We can face our challenges head on, do work we are passionate about, and work with good people to make a big impact. So even as we struggle, we can find a sense of belonging.
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  • 🇨🇦 Canada - careers

    22/04/2026
    #61

  • 🇨🇦 Canada - careers

    24/01/2026
    #81

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The Power of Enough: Choosing More Mommy Over More Money, Investing In Yourself, and Being A Leader In AI Ethics With Irene Liu (Ep. 199)

Episode 199

mercredi 17 décembre 2025 • Duration 48:13

 

What happens when a high-powered executive, responsible for scaling multi-billion dollar companies, is asked by her 10-year-old: "What does that money actually mean to us?"

 

In this deeply insightful episode, we sit down with Irene Liu, founder of Hypergrowth GC and former Chief Financial and Legal Officer at Hopin. Irene shares her journey from the Department of Justice to the front lines of the AI revolution, where she now advises the California Senate on AI safety.

 

We explore the "Politics of the C-Suite," the necessity of high EQ in leadership, and why Irene decided to step out of the "survival mode" of corporate life to define what "enough" looks like for her family.

 

In this episode, we dive deep into:

  • Resilience born from crisis: how working in finance in Manhattan during 9/11 shaped Irene's mental fortitude.

  • Navigating layoffs with humanity: whether you are the one being let go, the one left with survivor's guilt, or the executive making the difficult calls.

  • The art of the pivot: effective strategies for transitioning from public service and government roles into the private sector.

  • The AI frontier: a sobering look at the "Empire of AI," the global race for innovation, and the urgent need for safeguards to protect children and vulnerable populations.

  • The path to the C-Suite: the two key qualities you need to transition from "just a lawyer" to a business leader.

  • "More Mommy" vs. "More Money": how to evaluate career choices through the lens of family values and the "seasons of life."

  • Owning your growth: Why you shouldn't let your employer drive your career, and the importance of self-investment and building a genuine community.

 

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Disclaimer:  Irene would like our listeners to know that her views expressed in this podcast are her own and do not represent those of any referenced organizations.

Rewiring Your Brain for Joy: Heal People-Pleasing, Overcome Imposter Syndrome & Own Your Voice with Susan Britton (Ep. 198)

Episode 198

mercredi 10 décembre 2025 • Duration 50:10

 

Are you ready to stop living for others and start living for you?

 

In this powerful episode, Susan Britton, Founder & President of the Academies for Neuroscience Coaching, Inc., explores how our brains hold onto old behaviors like people-pleasing and self-doubt. Susan has 25 years of leadership in coaching and coaching education, and has supported 1,000s of coaches across six continents to earn their ICF credential.  She shares the neuro-informed strategies you need to embrace all of yourself, shift from the "Red Zone" (fight/flight) to inner peace, and start listening to your true voice to build your dream life and career.

 

We dive deep into:

  • How people-pleasing is a survival response, and the science behind changing it.

  • Leveraging neuroplasticity to rewrite old, self-limiting narratives that hold your career back.

  • Why embracing small, necessary pain (Hormesis!) is the key to massive growth and impact.

  • Giving voice to your "shadow energy" from a kind and compassionate place.

  • Recognizing the signs of burnout and strategies for a compassionate recovery.

 

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Lessons from Bad Bosses: Navigating Workplace Bullying, Microaggressions & DEI With Mita Mallick, WSJ Bestselling Author & DEI Leader (Ep. 189)

Episode 189

mercredi 24 septembre 2025 • Duration 48:19

 

What if a childhood trauma followed you into the boardroom? In this powerful episode, Wall Street Journal bestselling author and DEI leader Mita Mallick shares the story of her long hair being burned as a "joke" when she was a little girl. She thought bullying ended on the playground, but learned the painful truth that bullies follow you into Corporate America.

Mita, a top LinkedIn Voice and contributor for Harvard Business Review, has built her brand by tackling tough topics head-on. She joins us to share insights from her two bestselling books, including her latest, The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn From Bad Bosses.

Key Takeaways:

  • How to spot a toxic boss and understand their impact on your career.

  • The surprising link between being a bad boss and becoming a great leader.

  • How to handle microaggressions like having your name changed by colleagues and reclaim your identity.

  • Strategies for navigating pregnancy discrimination and theft of your ideas in the workplace.

  • The secret to building a culture of integrity and accountability.

  • Practical ways to recover from burnout and find work-life balance.

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How to get your first in-house job and advocate for DEI with Lisa Mak, Senior Employment Counsel at Flynn Group (Ep. 188)

Episode 188

mercredi 17 septembre 2025 • Duration 38:38

 

Are you looking to make a career pivot from private practice to your first legal in-house job? 

 

But you're struggling because most employers already want someone who has in-house experience?

 

Then this episode with Lisa Mak is for you.  Lisa Mak shares her journey from how she went from a plaintiff-side litigator to landing her dream job as Senior Employment Counsel at Flynn Group, the largest restaurant franchise operator in the U.S., with a portfolio of brands including Applebee's, Wendy's, Taco Bell, and Panera. Lisa also serves as the Northern California Regional Governor for the National Asian Pacific American Bar Association (NAPABA) and also served as the President of the Asian American Bar Association of the Greater Bay Area in 2022.

 

In this episode, we dive deep into:

  • The key strategies you can use to help you make a career pivot.

  • What you can do to cultivate a growth mindset to help you push through a challenging job market.  

  • How you can get clarity about your values and advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in challenging times.

  • What you can do to recover from burnout and have hope during dark times.

 

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Career Success & Visibility for Women of Color With Cynthia Pong, CEO Of Embrace Change (Ep. 187)

Episode 187

mercredi 10 septembre 2025 • Duration 43:05

 

Join us for an empowering conversation with Cynthia Pong, the award-winning founder of Embrace Change. A Forbes contributor and LinkedIn Top Voice, Cynthia is a leading expert on career advancement for women of color. Her award-winning work has been featured in HBR, Forbes, The Atlantic, and on major networks like NBC, CBS, and NPR. Her book, Don't Stay in Your Lane: The Career Change Guide for Women of Color, is a must-read for anyone seeking to advance their career. 

In this episode, we dive deep into how to navigate systemic barriers, leverage your unique strengths, and build a career that truly empowers you.

Key Takeaways:

  • Navigating systemic racism and barriers women of color face.

  • Understanding how the "Model Minority" Myth to pit people of color against each other.

  • Managing economic realities in a world of tariffs and AI.

  • Creating visibility and a personal brand.

  • Having agency in your career by telling your story.

  • Setting healthy boundaries and protecting your energy to thrive in challenging times.

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The Confidence Blueprint: Key Strategies for Women in Leadership with Sheena Yap Chan, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author (Ep. 186)

Episode 186

mercredi 3 septembre 2025 • Duration 44:08

 

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sheena Yap Chan, a keynote speaker, an award-winning podcast host, and author of the Wall Street Journal Bestselling author of The Tao Of Self Confidence and Bridging The Confidence Gap. Sheena shares her personal journey, from overcoming a lack of representation as a young Filipino immigrant to becoming a best-selling author. This episode provides a powerful roadmap for any woman looking to build confidence and take on a leadership role.

Join us as we explore the blueprint to empowered leadership, including:

  • The power of representation and how it shapes our career paths and self-perception.

  • Overcoming imposter syndrome, a common struggle that affects a staggering number of women in the workplace.

  • The urgency for women in leadership and the systemic barriers we face today.

  • Why self-promotion is a vital tool, not a "tacky" one, for women seeking visibility and growth.

  • Taking bold action and saying "yes" to opportunities, even when you only feel 50% ready.

  • Navigating the unique burden and expectations placed on women of color in professional spaces.

  • Using your voice to create purpose and drive meaningful change in your community and beyond.

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Thriving in corporate America as a Black man and first-generation college grad with Jaymon Ballew, Senior Counsel at The Major League Soccer (Ep. 185)

Episode 185

vendredi 6 juin 2025 • Duration 48:13

 

This week, I'm so excited to share a podcast with one of my former clients, Jaymon Ballew.  Jaymon is Senior Counsel for The Major League Soccer and a first-generation college and professional graduate.  He shares his experiences navigating corporate America as a Black man, the importance of understanding the unwritten rules of the professional world, and how our work together helped him get clarity and land his dream job in sports. 

 

In this podcast, we do a deep dive into:

  • How to reconnect with your true passions when you feel lost.

  • How to build support networks and mentors who can provide guidance and validation and help you navigate the unwritten rules of corporate America.  

  • Why preparing and doing mock interviews is critical to success.  

  • How to transition from law firm practice to your first in-house role.

  • Why it's important to have an open mindset to pursuing opportunities even if it means taking a different career path.

  • What you can do to confidently negotiate your worth.

  • How you can prepare to navigate predominantly White spaces when you're a Black man.

  • The importance of prioritizing mental health and how to recover from burnout.

 

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AANHPI Mental Wellness: Unpacking Workplace Microaggressions, Healing Racial Trauma, and Building Self Worth with Dr. Noel Ramirez, Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting (Ep. 184)

Episode 184

mercredi 28 mai 2025 • Duration 52:55

 

In honor of AANHPI Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month, join us for an inspiring conversation with Dr. Noel Ramirez, Founder & Director of Mango Tree Counseling & Consulting, an AAPI mental health resource center in Philadelphia.  This episode delves into the unspoken realities of intergenerational trauma, racial microaggressions and macroaggressions, exploring the complex relationship between work, identity, and self-worth for Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders.  Dr. Ramirez shares powerful insights on how cultural narratives around labor and gratitude impact mental health, the struggle to find language for self-care and boundaries in Asian languages, and the vital importance of witnessing and validating shared experiences.  Discover pathways to belonging, resilience, and finding harmony in a world that often questions our "enoughness."

Key topics covered:

  • Navigating racial microaggressions, betrayal trauma, and toxic workplace dynamics for AANHPI individuals and communities.

  • Dissecting the "good enough to work, but not good enough to cultivate" narrative for Asian Americans.

  • Understanding compulsive behaviors rooted in societal expectations and "toxic indebtedness" within AANHPI communities.

  • Examining the absence of self-care and boundary language in some Asian cultures and its impact on well-being.

  • Recognizing the critical impact of racial violence and the power of community healing for Asian Americans.

  • Challenging the "not Asian enough" or "not American enough" identity struggle and cultivating wholeness.

  • Addressing mental health disparities and the vital need for culturally sensitive mental healthcare.

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Protecting LGBTQ+ rights, marriage equality, and civil rights with Stuart Gaffney (Ep. 183)

Episode 183

mercredi 21 mai 2025 • Duration 46:43

 

Join Stuart Gaffney, a leading activist and advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and social justice, in an illuminating conversation that traces his journey into activism. This episode explores the vital intersection of education and advocacy, the enduring historical and contemporary significance of marriage equality, and the indispensable power of community solidarity in today's challenging political climate.

Stuart offers invaluable insights into the ongoing necessity of vigilance in protecting civil rights, highlighting how individual actions are the bedrock of monumental social change. Discover actionable strategies to cultivate resilience, find genuine hope amidst adversity, and understand how every person can become an "everyday hero" in the relentless pursuit of justice and equality.

This podcast is a must-listen for anyone deeply invested in LGBTQ+ advocacy, civil rights, human rights, political activism, social justice movements, education reform, community organizing, and the future of marriage equality.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

  • Stuart Gaffney's personal journey and impactful activism in LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.

  • Analyzing the profound impact of the current political climate on social justice and human rights.

  • The critical role of education and research in fueling and sustaining the fight for social justice.

  • Exploring the powerful parallel journeys of interracial marriage and LGBTQ+ marriage, and their shared fight for equality.

  • Understanding the broad implications of the current administration's policies on fundamental Civil Rights and human rights.

  • In-depth reflections on the Supreme Court's role and the future of LGBTQ+ rights and protections.

  • Practical strategies for cultivating optimism and finding hope amidst fear and uncertainty in activism.

  • The undeniable power of community and collective action in advancing equality and justice.

  • Effective practices for grounding and maintaining resilience in demanding social justice advocacy.

  • How you can become an everyday hero and actively contribute to the fight for justice and equality.

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Unlearning Silence: Effective strategies for women and BIPOC leaders to find their voice, negotiate healthy boundaries, and build inclusive workplaces with Elaine Lin Hering (Ep. 182)

Episode 182

mercredi 14 mai 2025 • Duration 52:47

 

Feeling unheard in the workplace? Join Elaine Lin Hering, a world renowned author, speaker, and coach for women and people of color in executive leadership within majority white spaces, as she unpacks the power of unlearning silence. Drawing on her extensive experience with organizations like Google, Nike, and Harvard Law School, Elaine delves into the crucial connection between communication, negotiation, and inclusive leadership. Discover practical strategies to find your voice, establish healthy boundaries, navigate power dynamics, and cultivate truly inclusive workplace cultures where everyone can thrive.


In this insightful episode, we dive deep into:

  • Practical strategies for setting boundaries and navigating power dynamics at work.

  • Why well-intentioned leaders may inadvertently silence their teams and how to foster open dialogue.

  • Cultivating critical thinking, clear decision-making, and reclaiming your agency at work.

  • Recognizing privilege, challenging the status quo, and questioning workplace assumptions.

  • The unique challenges faced by women of color when asserting themselves and actionable allyship strategies.

  • Why silence is not a safe strategy and the importance of speaking up for yourself and your values.

  • Building sustainable work practices, finding joy, and defining personal success.


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