Coffee & Career Hour – Details, episodes & analysis

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Cynthia Kossan is a career consultant and educator with a decade of experience working with early to mid-level professionals through every facet of career development and job search strategy. She is passionate and dedicated to empowering her clients to achieve their career goals and thrive in a competitive job market.

As the founder of CK Career Consulting, Cynthia shares her incredible journey from a young career advisor to a thriving entrepreneur balancing work and family. Join us as Cynthia takes us on a journey through her transition from a structured role in higher education to the unpredictable, yet rewarding world of entrepreneurship.

Balancing motherhood and a career is no easy feat. Cynthia shares the intricate dance between career aspirations and the profound journey of motherhood. She delves into her journey navigating an identity shifting moment, societal expectations, and leaving a decade-long career to pursue a more flexible path. Cynthia emphasizes the power of community and the importance of building supportive networks, and encourages you to build supportive networks, both online and offline.

We hope this episode inspires you to find a balance between your career and personal life. Cynthia’s story offers a realistic look at the challenges and rewards of motherhood, work-life integration, and self-fulfillment.

Learn more about CK Career Consulting here: www.ckcareerconsulting.com

Connect with Cynthia on Instagram @ckcareerconsulting 

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

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Could improving your negotiation skills lead to a significant salary boost? Tune in as we unravel the secrets to negotiating your compensation by highlighting your value proposition. This episode is brimming with strategies designed to empower you in the often nerve-wracking world of salary negotiations.

Navigating the labyrinth of salary discussions can be intimidating, but it doesn't have to be. We dissect common fears surrounding negotiation and fortify you with the tools needed to approach offers with confidence rather than apprehension. From understanding industry norms to the art of presenting a salary range, we provide a roadmap for optimizing your negotiation tactics. Explore why asking for up to a 20% increase isn't just a bold move but a calculated step towards securing fair compensation.

Our discussion expands to cover the nuances of negotiating across various sectors, shining a light on why self-reflection and understanding your unique contributions can be pivotal. Hear why negotiation is less about conflict and more about collaboration, arm yourself with compelling statistics, and learn why 85% of negotiators see part of their requests fulfilled. Whether you're stepping into your first role or navigating a new offer, these insights aim to transform how you advocate for yourself in the professional arena.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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Balancing a thriving career and the demands of motherhood is no easy task. Join us on Coffee and Career Hour as we unpack Armine's experience while navigating maternity leave, postpartum, and preparing to go back to work. Armine's experience underscores just how vital maternity leave is for both mother and baby, offering insights into how varying company policies can influence the duration and quality of this crucial period.

For those navigating maternity leave policies within their own companies, this episode is a must-listen. We explore essential strategies such as meeting with HR representatives, understanding paperwork, and familiarizing yourself with key laws like the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the California Family Rights Act (CFRA). Practical tips, including maintaining an email thread for important deadlines and leveraging resources like the Employment Development Department (EDD) website, provide listeners with a roadmap to smoothly manage their leave.

This episode delves into the nuances of disability insurance benefits, family bonding periods, and the flexibility they may offer. Armine's candid revelations about her personal transformation and new identity as a mother offer a heartfelt connection for listeners, with an open invitation for ongoing support and conversation. Tune in and gain not just knowledge but a sense of community and shared experience.

• Resources: 
  • American Pregnancy Association: https://americanpregnancy.org/ 
  • US Department of Labor: https://www.dol.gov/general/topic/benefits-leave/fmla#:~:text=FMLA%20applies%20to%20all%20public,of%20a%20serious%20health%20condition. 
  • EDD: https://edd.ca.gov/en/disability/faqs-fmla-cfra/#:~:text=The%20FMLA%20and%20the%20CFRA,Take%20medical%20leave%20for%20yourself.
  • What to Expect App: https://www.whattoexpect.com/mobile-app/ 

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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Are you ready to elevate your professional brand? Let's embark on a transformative journey to master the art of resume creation. In our latest podcast episode, we discuss the layers of traditional resume writing, revealing how to curate a document that not only reflects your job history but also highlights your personal brand. Whether you're starting fresh or shifting career gears, we zero in on the power of transferable skills and the profound personal growth that comes from this reflective process.

Resumes can be tricky to craft so we share insider tips on crafting bullet points that resonate with recruiters and how to use a master resume to your advantage. Tailored language, a strategic structure, and alignment of your experiences with job descriptions transform your application from a needle in a haystack to a beacon for opportunities. This episode isn't just about refining your resume, it's about gaining clarity on how your current and past achievements pave the way for your future successes.

But there's more to professional branding than what's on paper. Your LinkedIn profile is your digital introduction to the world, and keeping it in sync with your resume is crucial. We discuss how to optimize each section of your LinkedIn page, creating an online presence that attracts opportunities and showcases your journey. We share personal experiences with reflective writing on LinkedIn that led to enriching discussions and enhanced  personal brands. It's time to embrace your potential fully and confidently step into the job market, armed with the tools and strategies discussed in our episode.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

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• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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The month of May is always a period of transition for students as they get ready to embark on their next journey. In our latest episode, we share our stories about transitioning from student to full-time professionals. We recount our own post-graduation journeys and the decisions we made during a time of uncertainty and transition.

Our conversation then turns to a cornerstone of career development: authenticity. We delve into the intricate dance of blending  self-expression with professional conduct. We look at the internal battles within professional spaces, the embracing of diverse backgrounds, and how letting your full self shine at work isn't just refreshing—it's essential. 

In this episode, we invite you on a journey of personal growth and trust in the unknown. As we share stories of leaps taken and the growth that ensues, we aim to empower you to face life's transitions with courage, knowing that the nerves that come with new beginnings are universal. Join us for an episode that champions personal evolution and the beauty of embracing change head-on.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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Join us as we delve into the power of self-awareness and the vital internal work that paves the way for career advancement. It's not just about climbing the corporate ladder. In this episode, we explore the intricate dance of behavior, language, and energy that can distinguish you in the professional world.

As we navigate the complexities of professional growth, we share personal stories, including our own transformative experiences from our past and present jobs. We dissect the concept of "pivot jobs" and the surprising satisfaction they can hold. Our discussion is steeped in the belief that by nurturing your current role with a leadership mindset, you're setting the stage for future triumphs. It's a conversation that challenges you to look beyond the job title and to the heart of your value and contribution to every task.

To wrap up this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the multifaceted nature of preparing for that next big career move. Professionalism isn't just about showing up on time and dressing the part—it's a holistic approach that includes internal development. We share insights on the importance of dressing for success, even in virtual settings, and how to adopt the mindset that will have you primed and ready for the leadership role you're chasing. This episode is an empowering guide that is set to inspire action and confidence in your journey to the top.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/

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Join us in our latest episode to examine how the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) can illuminate the intricacies of our personalities to help us in finding career fulfillment. We share our journeys through the MBTI, shedding light on the importance of using such tools to gain self-awareness with the guidance of career counselors.

We delve into the dynamic interplay between extroversion and introversion, sensing and intuition, and all the ways our natural inclinations can shape our work lives. It's about embracing your detailed planner or your adaptable maverick—recognizing that every trait has its place under the office lights. By sharing our own experiences, we hope to reveal just how transformative an awareness of our personality can be in aligning our careers with our true selves.

Finally, we recognize that not everyone can access the official MBTI, which is why we look at alternative personality assessments like 16 Personalities and Truity. They offer a different lens through which to view ourselves, without the price tag. As we tease future episodes on assessments like the Strong Interest Inventory and CliftonStrengths, consider this an invitation to join us in the quest for career clarity. These tools are more than just quizzes; they're stepping stones to finding where you belong in the grand tapestry of the professional world.

16 personalities: https://www.16personalities.com/

Truity: https://www.truity.com/ 

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

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• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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Join us in this episode of Coffee and Career Hour to manifest your dream career and life. We dive deep into the essence of manifestation and discuss the two types of manifestors. We break down the trendy and "fun" aspects like vision boards and wishful thinking and reveal how a blend of introspection and unwavering commitment is the true secret to successful manifestation.

Facing our fears often feels like an insurmountable obstacle in our pursuit of the perfect career. Yet, we dissect this notion with candid conversations about the internal barriers that keep us stuck. By asking "what's the worst that can happen?" and recognizing that risk-taking is an integral part of growth, we uncover the empowering effect of confronting the dreaded imposter syndrome head-on. These personal insights and experiences, illuminate the steps we must take toward the careers we envision.

Finally, we wrap up with a powerful discussion on cultivating a growth mindset. This transformative approach is vital for anyone seeking to turn their career dreams into reality. We part with three invaluable tips to incorporate this mindset into your life, fostering a space where failures are not setbacks but opportunities for growth. Our conversation is not just a one-way street; we urge you to connect, comment, and share your highs and lows with us. Let's journey together, embracing the growth at every twist and turn on the path to manifesting our dream careers and lives.

The Secret by Rhonda Byrne: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/1582701709

Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment: https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Products-and-Services/Myers-Briggs

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

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• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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Special Episode: Live Career Counseling Session. In this episode, MJ shares the crossroads she's facing in her career and educational goals. You'll get to hear a career counseling session where we dive deep into academia and the differences between an EdD or PhD while navigating the complexities of a quarter-life crisis. Armine guides the session with questions on mentorship, external validation, and personal ambition to help MJ process this big decision. 

The episode culminates with a candid discussion on the emotional and practical implications of choosing between a PhD and an EdD. MJ deliberates over the impact of such transformative decisions on a two-income household, contemplating potential pay adjustments and the broader consequences of each educational path. We also ponder the nuances of representation within academia and the tangible effects of our work beyond the confines of educational accolades. Join us for a deep dive into the soul of career counseling, where deliberate thought meets the courage to pursue one's true calling.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

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• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
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In this heartfelt episode, we peel back the layers of uncertainty that often accompanies life's transitions. As we discuss the fear and excitement of shifting from a structured academic world into the unpredictable professional landscape, we invite you to find solace in our stories of mentorship, mental health, and the pursuit of personal fulfillment.

Often, it's the unanticipated job changes that provoke the most profound self-reflection. MJ shares a particularly tumultuous transition, revealing how a promising role led to a struggle with job satisfaction and well-being. We take a closer look at the value of a supportive work environment and the difficult decisions one faces when the desire for professional growth conflicts with personal health. Whether you've faced the daunting prospect of leaving a secure job or you're currently contemplating a career leap, our conversation underscores the importance of courage and self-compassion during these testing times.

In the labyrinth of career and identity transitions, trust in oneself becomes a guiding star. Our final thoughts revolve around navigating the chorus of opinions that can sometimes drown out our inner voice. We share anecdotes that celebrate the transient nature of tough times and the strength we draw from community support. For anyone navigating their own stormy seas of change, let our conversation be your lighthouse, illuminating the path towards aligning your career choices with your deepest joys and values. Join us and become inspired to face life's uncertainties with a renewed sense of hope and resilience.

CareeRise: www.careerrise.org

CareerConfidence: www.careerconfidence.online

Follow Us on IG!

• @ careerise_
• @ careerconfidentlatina

Follow Us on LinkedIn:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/maria-jos%C3%A9-hidalgo-flores/
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/akulikyan/