Inspire Careers Spotlight Series – Details, episodes & analysis

Are you earning well but still unsure how long you could comfortably survive a sudden job loss?

Would your current financial plan support a career pivot without panic, pressure or poor money decisions?

Career transitions hit executives differently. The income is higher, the lifestyle is bigger and the financial stakes are enormous. In this powerful episode, nationally recognised financial planner Nicholle Overkamp breaks down exactly how executives (especially women) can protect their wealth, stabilise cash flow and create financial clarity before, during and after a career shift.

Nicholle shares real-world strategies for managing money when you're laid off, navigating extended unemployment and building a financial plan that turns uncertainty into opportunity. 

You’ll also hear specific guidance for single women executives who often carry full financial responsibility yet are the least prepared for forced career changes. Nicholle highlights the most common money mistakes she sees and how to avoid them through proactive planning, strong networks and deep knowledge of your numbers.

Whether you’re planning a strategic exit, facing redundancy or rebuilding after months without income, this episode delivers practical financial strategies, executive money management insights and wealth-building advice designed for today’s leaders.

Nicholle Overkamp, MBA, CDFA, ChFC, CLU is a financial powerhouse and unapologetic advocate for women and wealth. She is the Founder & CEO of Wilcox Financial Group and PowHERhouse Money Coaching, where she helps high-achieving women and executives build financial security and confidence without losing themselves in the process.

Nicholle is the best-selling co-author of Money Bitch: A No-BS Guide for Smart Women to Own Their Financial Future, host of the PowHERhouse podcast, and a nationally featured expert in Forbes, Kiplinger, and WomElle. She also serves as President of Entrepreneurs’ Organisation Western NY.

Her work blends sophisticated financial planning, wealth strategy, investment guidance, and bold coaching to help women own their financial future—especially during times of career change.

In this episode:

• Financial planning strategies for executives facing career transitions

• How to financially prepare before leaving a corporate role

• What to do immediately after being fired or laid off

• How to manage cash flow and protect wealth during unemployment

• Why networking is a financial survival tool for executives

• How knowing your numbers increases financial options and confidence

• Common money mistakes executives make under pressure

• Financial risks and blind spots for single women executives

• Smart investing considerations heading into 2026

If you're an executive navigating uncertainty, this episode will help you regain financial control, protect your wealth and move forward with clarity instead of fear.

Key Links and Resources:

Wilcox Financial Group https://wilcoxfinancialgroup.com/

PowHERhouse Money Coaching https://powherhousemoney.com/

LinkedIn https://linkedin.com/in/nicholleoverkamp

Instagram @moneybitchenergyEmail

Noverkamp@financialguide.com

Inspire Careers Grad Program

Inspire Careers Digital Courses

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Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

If you’ve ever set goals full of motivation… only to lose momentum weeks later, this episode is for you.

In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I break down goal setting into a simple, practical system that actually works (no overwhelm, no complicated frameworks, just clarity and commitment). It’s the system I use myself and that’s why I wanted to share it with you.

What’s inside:

• How to narrow your focus and decide what you truly want

• How to envision your ideal year (not just vague wishes)

• Why deciding first changes everything

• How to move from vision to action by doing the work

• The power of accountability and tracking progress

• Why commitment is the glue that holds goal setting together
  

Goal setting isn’t about writing long lists. It’s about making clear decisions, taking consistent action and holding yourself accountable for the life you want to create.

This episode will help you simplify your goals, strengthen your mindset and stay committed to what matters most.

🎧 Listen now and start turning intention into action. If this episode made you reconsider goal setting or it inspired you, please share it with someone you feel is going to benefit from it, too.

Key Links and Resources:

Download the 2026 Goal Simplification Model https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l9n2CqzZbWNei0qKSBf-BgXLNP7irJtm/view?usp=sharingInspire Careers Grad Program

Inspire Careers Digital Courses

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Why are anxiety levels soaring in teens today, and what can we do about it?

Teen Anxiety Coach Cynthia Coufal joins me on the podcast to talk about exactly that. She spent 31 years as a teacher and school counselor in public schools, and during the pandemic, she started a podcast to reach her students since she couldn’t see them face to face. This led to her wanting to have a broader audience than just the students in her school building. Cynthia now has clients around the US and listeners all over the world.

So, in this episode, we explore where anxiety comes from, why it’s more common now, and how to handle it in ourselves and our children. Cynthia offers insight into today’s most common anxiety triggers like social media, AI, and overprotective parenting and how to manage them.

If you’re a parent, educator, or professional navigating anxious moments (in yourself or others), this one’s full of practical takeaways and aha moments.

What’s inside:

✅ What types of mindsets are more prone to anxiety

✅ How anxiety develops and how to start reducing it

✅ The link between discomfort and growth and why it matters

✅ Why kids today experience more anxiety than previous generations

✅ How AI and smartphones are shaping our stress levels

✅ Why emotional support pets for kids are not the best idea

If you enjoyed this conversation, don’t forget to like, subscribe and leave a review. It helps us reach more listeners navigating the mental health maze.

#teenanxiety #mentalhealthmatters #parentingtips #emotionalregulation #anxietycoach #theteenanxietymaze #youthmentalhealth #anxietyregulation

Key Links and Resources:

📌 Want to understand your teen’s anxiety better? Listen to or watch Cynthia's podcast The Teen Anxiety Maze and check out her free tools for parents and young people.

Cynthia Coufal Coaching on YouTube

The Teen Anxiety Maze podcast

Cynthia Coufal Coaching website

Cynthia Coufal on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn

Inspire Careers digital courses

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn

Use INSPIRE15 for 15% off of The Salary Accelerator Course

Keri-Lynne Shaw on LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Changing jobs frequently used to be frowned upon. But in today’s fast-moving world of work, job hopping can actually reflect adaptability, ambition, and a drive to grow.

In this episode, we’ll explore what job hopping means now - and how to talk about it in a way that positions you as a thoughtful and strategic professional, not someone who can’t commit. Whether you’ve had a few quick pivots or you’re thinking about your next move, this conversation will help you take control of the narrative.

What you’ll learn:

✅ What job hopping really means in today's job market

✅ How different generations view changing jobs

✅ Why job hopping doesn’t automatically signal disloyalty

✅ How to speak about short stints without sounding flaky

✅ Resume tips to make your career path look intentional

✅ Why career management matters more than job duration

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe and leave a review - it helps more people navigate their career with clarity and confidence!

#careerchange #jobhopping #resumetips #careergrowth #modernworkplace

Key Links

Inspire Careers digital courses

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Being fired can feel like a career setback, but it doesn’t have to define your professional story. The way you talk about it (whether in interviews, networking conversations, or even among colleagues) can shape how potential employers see you. 

In this episode, I’ll guide you through the best ways to explain a job loss without sounding defensive, desperate, or bitter. You’ll learn how to take control of the narrative, highlight your growth, and move forward with confidence.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about how to frame being fired in a positive and professional way, this episode is for you.

What you’ll learn:

✅ How to approach the conversation about being fired with confidence

✅ The biggest mistakes people make when explaining a job loss

✅ How to reframe your experience so it strengthens your professional story

✅ The signs that indicate you might be at risk of being let go

✅ What hiring managers really care about when they ask why you left

📌 Download the quick-reference guide for professional ways to explain being fired.

If you found this episode helpful, subscribe and leave a review! Your support helps me continue to provide career-boosting content.

#careergrowth #jobsearch #interviewtips #professionaldevelopment

Key Links and Resources:

Quick Reference Guide: Scripts for answering the Why Were You Fired Question 

Inspire Careers digital courses

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Ever feel like you're constantly putting things off, even the things you want to do? Whether it’s launching a big project, applying for jobs, or simply tackling your daily to-do list, procrastination sneaks in and derails your progress.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of talking to Molly Kinkel, Marketing Manager, Tech Addiction Specialist, and Breathwork Expert. We dive deep into the psychology of procrastination, why we do it, and, most importantly, how to stop. From time-blocking strategies to overcoming perfectionism and tech distractions, we’ll help you get unstuck and take action with confidence.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

✅ The power of time-blocking to create urgency and boost productivity

✅ How perfectionism fuels procrastination (and how to break the cycle)

✅ “Procrasti-learning” & “procrasti-planning” - the sneaky ways we avoid real work

✅ The imposter syndrome link: Why you think you need more knowledge before acting

✅ How to identify and shift your personal procrastination patterns

✅ The magic of lists, and why putting them on your calendar changes everything

✅ How to rest without guilt (and why breaks make you more productive)

✅ Procrastinating in job searching: Facing rejections and how to push forward

✅ How tech addiction fuels procrastination - and how to reclaim your focus

If you’re tired of feeling stuck and ready to take action, this episode is your roadmap to finally getting things done without the stress.

Key Links and Resources:

Molly Kinkel’s website

Molly Kinkel on LinkedIn

Sam Laura Brown

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn and Twitter

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Are you leaving money on the table when negotiating your salary? Whether you're applying for a new job, negotiating a raise, or planning your exit strategy, this episode is packed with insights from Keri-Lynne Shaw, Founder and CEO of The Salary Bump.

With extensive HR experience as a former Chief People Officer, Keri-Lynne reveals the inside scoop on how salary negotiations really work, plus strategies that can boost your earnings and career trajectory.

Here’s what you’ll learn:

• Why every job has a budget - and how to negotiate effectively

• The biggest salary negotiation mistake (and how to avoid it)

• Why you should never reveal your current salary (and what to say instead)

• The power of an abundant mindset vs. scarcity mindset in job searching

• How to make an employer want to close the deal with you

• A simple ChatGPT trick to help you prepare for job interviews

• How women can shift their money mindset and confidently negotiate

• Real-life success stories of clients securing six-figure increases and better benefits

• Why networking before you need a job is the secret to landing opportunities

Keri-Lynne also shares expert insights on exit packages - something most professionals don’t even think about when transitioning jobs. If you're navigating career changes, this episode is a must-listen.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to negotiate with confidence!

Key Links and Resources:

Keri-Lynne Shaw’s website

Salary Accelerator Course - use code INSPIRE15 to get 15% discount

Keri-Lynne Shaw on LinkedIn

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn and Twitter

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Looking for your next star employee? Welcome to Job Seeker Spotlight, where I showcase exceptional candidates eager to join your team and create meaningful impact.

In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I talk to Giulia Liberatore, an international relations and psychology student at St. Andrews University in Scotland.

Giulia’s areas of interest are: climate justice, gender equality, and the rights of immigrants and refugees. Having lived in multiple European countries, she brings a global perspective to her work and understands the intersectionality of these issues. Currently based in Boston, she is eager to secure an internship that allows her to contribute meaningfully to organizations working in these fields. 

She is open to relocating, whether to Washington, D.C., or back to Europe, and is equally comfortable with in-person, hybrid, or remote roles. Fluent in English, Italian, French, and Spanish, she can engage with diverse communities and stakeholders, making her a valuable asset to any team. 

Giulia’s flexibility, international experience, and deep commitment to social justice make her an ideal candidate for an internship where she can apply her skills and gain hands-on experience in communication, policy, advocacy, research, or event planning.

So, if you’re looking for an intern, do reach out to Giulia.

If you are a student or a recent graduate and would like to improve your resume, or if you’re interested in career coaching, the Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program may be exactly what you need. So, get in touch with Inspire Careers to see how we can help.

Key Links and Resources:

Giulia Liberatore on Linkedin

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn and Twitter

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

What’s the secret to standing out in a competitive job market? Is it the perfect resume, years of experience, or knowing the right people? While those help, two overlooked factors can make all the difference: passion and likeability - what employers look for beyond skills.

In this episode, I’ll explain how these two qualities can transform your job search and career. I start with  a common mistake: overusing the word passionate in your resume. It’s everywhere, but does it actually mean anything? More importantly, how do you show passion instead of just saying it? I’ll also share what it truly means to be passionate about your work and how to demonstrate that enthusiasm in your resume, LinkedIn profile and during an interview. 

But passion alone isn’t enough. Likeability plays a huge role in getting hired and excelling in the workplace - which is why you’ll hear me talking about why being likeable matters, how to make a strong first impression in your job search, and what you can do to win people over in an interview. So, expect to get job interview likeability tips. Plus, I’ll let you know how to do a simple test to check if you're as likeable as you think.

If you’re ready to land your next role with confidence, tune in for these job search success strategies and practical tips that can set you apart from the crowd.

🎧 Listen now and start making these hidden weapons work for you.

Timestamps:

00:44 Overuse of the word passionate in resumes

02:11 What does it mean to be passionate about your work?

03:11 How to show passion for work in your resume

07:44 Demonstrating passion at an interview

10:10 Likeability at work

12:49 Being likeable during a job search - the first thing to do

15:23 How to win people over in a job interview

18:21 Are you likeable enough? Here’s how to check

Key Links and Resources:

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn and Twitter

Stan Miller - Storicate

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Looking for your next star employee? Welcome to Job Seeker Spotlight, where I showcase exceptional candidates eager to join your team and create meaningful impact.

In this episode of the Inspire Careers podcast, I talk to Emma Motoyama. She is a mechanical engineering student at UC Davis with a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, applying Python, MATLAB, and SOLIDWORKS skills to real-world challenges.

She’s looking for a mechanical engineering internship for the summer of 2025 to further develop her engineering expertise and contribute meaningfully to an innovative organization. 

Emma will be a powrful addition to any team because she is really good at seeing things that others may not notice, and she’s quite a team player. Even more so, she does have the skills and willingness to keep a team together and motivate teammates along the way.

So, if you’re looking for a mechanical engineering intern, do reach out to Emma.

If you are a student or a recent graduate and would like to improve your resume, or if you’re interested in career coaching, the Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program may be exactly what you need. So, get in touch with Inspire Careers to see how we can help.

Key Links and Resources:

Emma Motoyama on Linkedin

Emma’s email

Inspire Careers

Inspire Careers on LinkedIn and Instagram

Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn and Twitter

Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/