Career Dreams

Thinking at work can often feel invisible, but it's never been more important. In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore why critical and strategic thinking matter more now than ever in an AI-enabled workplace, how they differ, and why technology hasn't replaced our responsibility for judgment. As AI accelerates answers, strong thinking, asking better questions, evaluating information, and connecting today's decisions to tomorrow's outcomes, has become a core human skill.   Absorb LMS - Strategic and Critical Thinking is the Number 1 Skill Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

In this episode of the Career Dreams Podcast, Chase and Michelle explore why having agency is essential for growth at every stage of your career. They break down what agency really means (and what it doesn't), drawing on research like self‑efficacy and self‑determination theory to make the concept practical and realistic. Through real workplace examples and simple frameworks, they show how to focus on what you can control and influence, even when constraints exist. You will take away five actionable strategies you can apply immediately to take greater ownership of your career development. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Does the way you listen change what people say?  In this episode, Michelle & Chase explore how the quality of your listening shapes the quality of your conversations. They discuss why active, intentional listening makes interactions more meaningful, memorable, and impactul, and how it can transform relationships at work and beyond.  You'll also hear simple, pratical strategies you can start using immediately to strengthen your listening skills and become the kind of listener people open up to.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

What could you learn by observing? In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore the often-overlooked power of observation, and why simply spending time in other departments, with intention, can be one of the most valuable development experiences in an organization.  They talk about how stepping into the day-to-day work of other teams helps you understand the business on broader and deeper level, see member impacts more clearly, and build relationships that strengthen relationships.  You'll also discover how observation can accelerate your own career growth by expanding your business acumen, relationships, and perspective.  Sample language to initiate a department visit:  Hi (so-and-so), I'm working on (insert your project or responsibility), and I'd like to shadow (insert a specific activity) for (a specific timeframe) to understand how your team (does a specific activity). My goals for this are: Learn (specific process) so I can (make a specific impact). Clarify opportunities so I can support your team better in my role. If this works, I can meet at your convenience and I will come prepared with a short list of questions and will respect your team's workload and schedule. Thanks for your consideration! (Your name) Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Michelle and Chase explore why deep understanding must come before simple solutions, and how that mindset leads to better habits and more intentional career growth. Inspired by James Clear and Atomic Habits they explore the importance in understanding details before simplifying.  3 - 2 - 1 Artcle: Ignorance vs. Genius Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

In this follow‑up episode, Michelle and Chase get practical about how leaders and teammates can create environments where people do their best work - from managing up and asking better questions to naming, "you'll get the best version of me when…" When people feel understood, safe, and supported at work, everyone wins. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Personality assessments - some people think they're used to put others in boxes or manipulate behavior. But when used well, tools like the Predictive Index (or the assessment of your choice) can help leaders and teammates understand each other better, communicate more effectively, and create environments where everyone performs at their best. In this episode, MIchelle and Chase explore what PI really measures, why self-awareness (internal and external) matters, and how to use insights thoughtfully without losing your authenticity or burning out. You'll hear the metaphor "set the table" from PI expert John Ranaletta, plus practical tips for leaders and individual contributors to improve collaboration right away. Whether you're leading a team or contributing to one, this episode helps you build stronger relationships, anticipate needs, and remove friction so you can work toward your career dreams with more clarity and confidence. You'll learn: Why using assessments well isn't manipulation, it's thoughtful How internal + external self-awareness improve collaboration The "set the table" approach and how to apply it Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

As the Winter Olympics begin, Michelle and Chase take a closer look at a surprising insight from author Daniel Pink: bronze medalists are sometimes happier than silver medalists, and the reason why can change the way you think about your career. In this episode, Michelle and Chase break down the psychology of counterfactual thinking - the "what might have been" stories we tell ourselves and explore how both upward and downward counterfactuals influence motivation, confidence, and learning. They share: Why our brains default to certain "what if" scenarios How upward counterfactuals can motivate growth (without pulling you into self‑doubt) How downward counterfactuals help build resilience and perspective Practical ways to turn regret into insight instead of discouragement Whether you're celebrating a win or navigating a setback, this episode gives you the tools to use your past experiences to create better future outcomes. Article: Using Regret To Do Better Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Michelle and Chase explore a powerful shift in how we approach our work and well‑being: managing energy, not just time and effort. We've been taught that in order to be successful, we have to manage effort by simply working more hours, working harder, pushing longer, but today's reality is much more complex, and it actually demands that we make our energy the true priority and manage it just as much, if not more, than our effort.    Training Industry Article: From Hours to Energy: The Power of Energy Management and Micro-Breaks Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Michelle and Chase explore a fresh idea that sparked for Michelle while writing her annual performance check‑in: what if we approached career development like renewable energy? Inspired by trends from the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs report and the rapid disruption of core skills, Michelle and Chase talk about why development can't be a one‑and‑done effort, it has to be intentional, adaptable, and continuously renewed.    They introduce a Renewable Development Framework, built around four powerful outputs: Skills, Purpose, Momentum, and Relationships.    Research shows that people who set career goals engage in learning four times more than those who don't. So: How might you treat your development as a renewable resource?   Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Meaningful connections start with small, intentional moments. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share how creating spaces to connect can strenghten relationships, build community, and boost your career.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Are you running toward something or away from something? In this episode, Michelle and Chase share the science behind why successful people set approach goals instead of avoidance goals. Approach goals focus on growth and opportunity, while avoidance goals can lead to stress, burnout, and anxiety. Michelle and Chase share practical ways to reframe your goals so they inspire progress rather than fear, and explore how this mindset shift can boost your career development, continuous learning, and even your relationships - your ultimate career currency. Plus, Michelle and Chase share personal stories about how they used approach goals during big career transitions. Mindset matters, and this episode will help you harness a proactive, positive approach to achieving what's next. Inc. Article: Science Says Super-Achievers Don't Set Avoidance Goals. Here's Why Successful People Set Approach Goals Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Season 5 is under way and Michelle & Chase kick off the new year with a deep dive into "hurry sickness" - that constant sense of rushing through work and life. They explore why hurry isn't the same as high performance and how chronic impatience, time urgency, and multitasking can erode health, trust, and effectiveness. From the hidden costs of switching tasks and attention residue to the myth that "busy equals impactful," Michelle and Chase unpack why scrambling rarely leads to success. You'll learn three strategies to reduce hurry sickness and three practical tips to reclaim time, simplify priorities, and set boundaries. Because sometimes, slowing down is the fastest way forward.   Harvard Businses Review: The Insidious Effects of Hurrying Forbes: Get Rid of Stupid Workplace Rules Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Michelle and Chase revisit Episode 153: Leader Development is Crucial for Team Success. In this special highlight episode, they explore why ongoing leader development matters more than ever. Tune in to hear key insights on how continuous growth helps leaders stay relevant, inspire their teams, set the right example, and drive organizational success in an ever-changing workplace.   You can listen to the entire episode here: Career Dreams Podcast: Episode 153 - Leader Development is Crucial for Team Success Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Michelle and Chase wrap up the year by revisiting some of the most impactful conversations from Season 4 of Career Dreams. In this episode, they highlight their conversation with Adam Bouse, coach, mentor, and founder of Optimistic Coaching. Adam brings a wealth of experience and shares a deeply personal story about a significant loss that shaped how he shows up every day. His insights on grounded optimism and positivity offer powerful lessons for navigating life and work with resilience and hope.   Listen to the full episode here: Practicing Positivity  Connect with Adam: LinkedIn Website: Optimistic Coaching Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/optimisticcoaching/ Resources:  Book: Adaptive Leadership Article: My first workshop back in 9 months Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Dream On! The Career Dreams Podcast Celebrates 200 Episodes & Kicks Off Season 5!   That's right, Career Dreams is celebrating 200 episodes with a special live-recorded episode in front of several loyal listeners! In this milestone episode, Michelle and Chase answer audience questions and share what it means to own your career, the importance of showing up, and lessons learned from four years of Career Dreams. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

In this episode, Adam Weber, founder of Emplify and renowned executive coach, shares his insights on the pivotal role of leadership in driving employee engagement. Adam dives deep into the importance of intrinsic motivation, psychological safety, and collective empathy in the workplace. Discover how managers can influence organizational success, foster a motivating culture, and help employees connect their roles to a greater purpose, regardless of generation or position. Adam shares practical strategies for leading as a human first and creating truly engaged teams. Connect with Adam: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meetadam/ More about Adam Weber: Adam is an executive coach who helps leaders manage pressure and sift through competing priorities to help drive and navigate change effectively. He's co-founded two tech companies that support and help enhance employee engagement within organizations. He has served in Chief People Officer roles, he's the best selling author of "Lead Like a Human," and he's been named a top voice in Human Resources by LinkedIn.  Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

In this episode of the, Michelle and Chase dive into the topic of reframing beliefs that hold us back. The conversation explores how limiting beliefs impact our careers and offers practical insights on shifting our mindset for growth and success. Tune in for actionable strategies and inspiring stories to help you overcome barriers and unlock your potential. Article: The Hidden Beliefs That Hold Leaders Back Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

Career Development isn't what it used to be...with the world of work, technology, and skill requirements moving faster than ever before, we need to stay ready, so we aren't playing catch-up when opportunity knocks. In this brief episode, Michelle defines upskilling and reskilling, and offers strategies for making continuous learning an everyday habit. Article: Continuous Learning - Stay Ready so You Don't Have to Get Ready Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!

The future of personal growth and development can feel overwhelming, especially with the rise of AI and the rapid pace of change. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share four practical strategies to help you future proof your career by focusing on what you can control. These everyday strategies will empower you to take charge and become the architect of your career dreams in 2026 and beyond. Article: The Future of Personal Development - Trends to Monitor in 2026 and Beyond Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode!  Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com. To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website:  https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!