
In this episode, I discuss my career journey and the various actions that have contributed to my growth. You'll hear me emphasize the importance of pursuing passion projects, leveraging side gigs, seeking feedback, and maintaining a positive mindset. We'll talk: exploring career opportunities and the significance of self-reflection in professional development. You know it all comes back to self-discovery over here ;) Checkout some episode sound bites: Your career does not need to fulfill all your hopes and dreams.Passion projects can be started without waiting for permission.Talking about your interests can lead to unexpected career opportunities. Asking for feedback regularly accelerates personal growth.Mindset is crucial; small changes can have a big impact.Don't put authority figures on pedestals; treat them as equals.Invest in your development and ask for reimbursement when possible.Exploring other departments can provide valuable insights.Self-reflection is key to understanding your career satisfaction.Prioritize impactful actions to avoid burnout.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Career Growth and Development01:52 The Importance of Passion Projects05:16 Leveraging Side Gigs for Career Advancement09:10 Investing in Personal Development13:01 Challenging Authority and Building Confidence15:52 Proactive Feedback Seeking17:43 Mindset and Affirmations in the Workplace20:26 Exploring Career Opportunities and Self-ReflectionAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: Rate a career move you've taken 1 - 10 and share it with me!DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Mar 16
26 min

In this episode, I give you 10 career cheat codes to help you grow faster, stand out, and stop playing small at work. If you want rapid career growth, are going for a promotion, and want to be more confident at work, this is for you. We run through them one after another with no fluff in between, so hit play and start implementing today. Some bites from the episode: Assign yourself deadlines publicly and consistently meet them.Use public settings to establish trust.Follow up with emails that outline promises and deadlines.Building trust is essential for professional growth.Cross-functional meetings can enhance visibility and accountability.Expand your professional network.Accountability leads to greater career opportunities.Access my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: Which cheat code is your favorite? DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my ‘Brain Dates’ — where we figure out your next move together on a variety of topics. You can learn more on her website: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/work-with-meMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Mar 2
25 min

Continuing the series on ChatGPT, today I share 3 more tips on how to use it to be a better employee.You will see just how messy these prompts can be. I share verbatim what prompts I used for three more use cases - using chatGPT:To prep for a tough conversationPerformance evalsAs a thought partnerAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: How are you using chatGPT these days?DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my ‘Brain Dates’ — where we figure out your next move together on a variety of topics. You can learn more on her website: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/work-with-meMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Feb 16
17 min

Let’s be real, work is moving fast, and if you’re not using tech to work smarter, you’re doing too much. In this episode of Career Coaching with Jessness, we’re continuing the AI and ChatGPT series with three more tips today. This month is all about AI, both podcast episodes focus on maximizing how you use AI and how to use ChatGPT as a powerful tool for professional growth. (As always) I’m sharing practical, no-fluff tips you can actually use to sharpen your skills, boost your effectiveness, and make a real impact at work no matter your role or industry.Access my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: What tip shared today is your fav?DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my ‘Brain Dates’ — where we figure out your next move together on a variety of topics. You can learn more on her website: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/work-with-meMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Feb 2
21 min

Anyone who knows me KNOWS I love job interviews, but in order to practice the art of interviewing? You have to land the interview! Applying for jobs can feel like a full-time job in itself, and getting no's or just not hearing back after putting in the work to apply can be so frustrating. In this episode we talk about why you're not being invited to interview. I share from my extensive experience in recruiting and outline the top ten reasons for this phenomenon, including failing pre-screen questions, misalignment between hiring managers and recruiters, and the importance of personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn. Nothing is going to beat persistence in the job application process, so keep going!! That, mixed with the practical tips here will enhance your chances of success.Hit the Highlights00:00 Introduction to Career Coaching and Job Hunting03:21 Top 10 Reasons You're Not Getting Interviews17:14 Bonus Tips for Job Hunting and Building Your BrandAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksConnect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Jan 19
20 min

13| How to Ace a Job Interview: How to Prepare, Highlight Your Skills & Answer Questions Confidently
Let's chat about job interviews! This is one of my FAV career topics. There is an art to interviewing, and everyone can get better at it when you know how to prep, how to connect the dots for the person you are interviewing with, how to answer questions effectively, and what to do with the follow-up after the interview is over.Hit the HighlightsInterviewing is a two-way street, akin to professional dating.Candidates should assess the company just as much as they are assessed.The art of interviewing involves connecting skills with personal experiences.Hiring is influenced by both what you do and who you are.Effective communication is key in interviews.Candidates should help interviewers understand their unique experiences.It's important to match your skills with the role effectively.The experience of working with a candidate matters to employers.Personal branding plays a crucial role in the hiring process.Understanding employer expectations can enhance interview success.Access my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: What is most challenging for you when it comes to job interviews?DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Jan 5
28 min

In this episode, I share my end-of-year rituals that help me wrap up 2025 and how I look forward with intention every new year, hello 2026!We'll touch on my Radiant Life Framework, year-in-review/vision-casting practice, and how I incorporate feng shui.We're gearing up to birth our baby girl come this Jan, but the pod will still rock on. What's to come?Jan: Interview Strategies / The Art of InterviewingFeb: AI and how to partner with it to be a better employee / More efficientMar: Career Advancement StrategiesApril: Maternity Insights, Reflections and the Corporate WorldI also share, here for the first time ever, my latest creation, the "Self-Discovery Journal" full of 30 life-experiments to support you in connecting to your inner voice of wisdom. I've been secretly working on this and it's currently in review with my publisher. So excited to share this with you! Stay tuned.00:00 Reflecting on the Year: A Personal Journey00:00 Setting Intentions for the New Year00:22 Reflecting on 2025: A Year-End Wrap-Up02:11 The Year in Review: Collage of Memories05:36 Vision Casting: Setting Intentions for 202611:18 Rituals and Symbols: Feng Shui and Amulets13:39 Looking Ahead: Upcoming Podcast Themes and ProjectsAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: What end of year rituals / practices do you enjoy?DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Dec 23, 2025
18 min

If you are not asking questions to hiring managers, recruiters, or team members you are interviewing with for a new job...you are missing out. Let's talk about it. Hit the Highlights There's an art to all this interviewing stuff - this episode will unpack a key element of thatRemember, you are dating the job opportunity, the company, the team just as much as they are assessing you - be picky, find what you want! Make sure it's a good fit!Interviewing is not just about your skills, but also about expressing who you are.Your resume gets you in the door, but who you are carries you through.Access my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: What's your fav question to ask a hiring manager during an interview?DM me your answer: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/Sign up for my monthly 'Work in Progress' Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/newsletterThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Dec 17, 2025
18 min

In this episode, I share how I prepped for my promotion before heading out on mat leave. This step-by-step strategy applies to you if you are navigating a promotion as your next career step or looking to advance your career to the next level...whether maternity leave is on your horizon or not.Disclaimer: I haven't landed the promotion and don't know the outcome...fingers crossed ;)Tune in to this episode for practical tips for setting yourself up for a promotion. I also touch on the importance of somatic practices to build confidence and manage stress during times of transition.Hit the Highlights00:00 Navigating Transitions and Career Growth03:24 Preparing for Promotion During Maternity Leave08:58 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace12:14 Documenting Achievements for Career Advancement16:37 Building Visibility19:28 Proactive Promotion Strategies21:53 Understanding Managerial Mindsets24:15 Embracing Visibility and Confidence26:40 Final Thoughts on Self-AdvocacyAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: Share a takeaway from this episode.Answer: DM me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellojessnessThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Dec 1, 2025
28 min

This week, we talk writing, self-discovery, the power of partnership, my next big leap in life, and a special gift for you...all through the lens of gratitude. Thank you for being here. I am grateful for you!Hit the HighlightsGratitude week encourages deep reflection on the past year.Writing is a powerful tool for self-discoveryThere's nothing better for an author than to hear from a readerSelf-discovery is essential for making empowered decisionsSupportive relationships provide a foundation for personal growthCelebrating new life fosters community and joyWe can't outsource self-discovery to astrology, human design or AI - this causes confusionAccess my Career Success Guides & Monthly Work in Progress Bulletin: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/linksQ for you: What are you grateful for?Answer: DM me on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hellojessness/Connect for more Content:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jsmith161/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hellojessnessThis episode is brought to you by my book ‘Thank You for Dumping Me’ — a book about a blindsided breakup turned personal growth opportunity. It’s raw and real, with witty humor and a lot of heart! Let’s rebrand breakups from something to be feared to opportunities for growth and self-discovery. Get yourself a copy today: https://www.jessnessrequired.com/orderMy books:Thank You for Dumping Me: A Memoir, Self-Discovery Guide, and Novel - https://amzn.to/4anyh57YOUR TWENTIES: No one ever teaches you how to grow up, ya know? - https://amzn.to/40nQoU3
Nov 24, 2025
23 min
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