The 100 Jobs Project

In this episode, Laurel shares her journey to becoming a pediatric occupational therapist—starting with a childhood friendship that first sparked her interest in special education. After getting hands-on experience in the classroom and learning from mentors, she discovered occupational therapy and set out on a path that would take her across the country (three times!) for grad school and new opportunities.We talk about how she chose her graduate program, what OT school actually looks like, and how she found internships, picked a specialty, and landed her first job. Laurel also shares how COVID reshaped her work with clients—and how her role has evolved over time, from in-person, hands-on sessions to working remotely as a mom of two.Plus, we get into the day-to-day realities of the job (yes, that includes bringing toothbrushes, shoelaces, and even pots and pans to work), skiing on the weekends, and the meaningful, full-circle moments that make it all worth it.This episode is perfect for: anyone curious about occupational therapy or interested in healthcare careers, working with children, or figuring out how to pivot your path while balancing relationships, moves, and family life.

What happens when you have your first child, no maternity leave, and suddenly need to rethink your entire career path?In this episode, I talk with Karina, the Director of Global Strategic Workplace Insights at Great Place To Work and the creator behind @corporate.homemaker, an Instagram account highlighting the real experience of being a working mom in corporate America.As we hear, Karina’s career path didn’t start in the corporate world. After college, she worked as a writer and ghostwriter in the travel space, but when she had her first daughter—with no maternity benefits, a toxic work culture and a partner working at a pizzeria—she made an intimidating leap into the tech industry as a ghostwriter. That pivot eventually led her into leadership roles, and brought her childhood love of acting and writing back  into her work today through speaking, presenting, and storytelling.In our conversation, we talk about balancing work and family as a mom of four, the impact of workplace benefits like IVF support and maternity leave, working from home, and how she stays present in both her career and motherhood.If you’re in the middle of shifting jobs, navigating workplace culture, thinking about having kids, or balancing work with motherhood, or  this episode might be the one for you!  Find Karina on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/corporate.homemaker/  

What does it actually mean to “wine and dine” clients in a sales career?In this episode, I sit down with Jessie — an account director at a major telecom company (by day!) and an MBA student (by night!). After growing up in Atlanta with lots of different interests, Jessie discovered the world of sales through a college sales club that opened the door to internships, competitions, and eventually her first full-time job.We talk about the different types of sales careers that exist, how Jessie’s responsibilities have evolved as she’s grown in her career, and how she navigated asking her employer about starting an MBA program and relocating to a new state.We also get into the real-life details — from what’s always in her work bag (Laneige lip mask included), to what her day-to-day looks like, and how “wining and dining” customers is really about building genuine relationships that last far beyond a single meeting.If you’ve ever thought about pivoting into sales, or making a big life shift (like a move or school program!) while working, this is an episode worth checking out.

In this episode, Ashleigh —the owner of both Little Jenna’s Grooming & Pawdicure—shares how she turned a love of animals into opening a brick-and-mortar grooming shop, expanding into mobile grooming and even grooming show dogs! We talk about her first jobs, working from her garage, and taking the leap to finding and renovating a physical space. Ashleigh shared her process for hiring and training her employees, learning how to manage people, and how having a supportive partner helped her grow. Plus, she shares how she found her way into competitive dog grooming (and what it felt like to win her very first competition!). Throughout the episode, we chat about balancing entrepreneurship with motherhood, chasing the next step, and redefining how to balance life through different seasons.Whether you’re considering opening your own business, curious about the behind-the-scenes of dog grooming or competitions, or just figuring out how to balance competing priorities your life, this episode is full of honest insights and encouragement.🐩 Check out Little Jenna’s Grooming: https://www.littlejennas.com/ 🐾Check out Pawdicure: https://pawdicure.com/ 📍Find Ashleigh on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allbreedashleigh/

In this episode, I sit down with Vanessa Gordon, Luxury Event Planner and Producer, CEO and Founder of East End Taste, to talk about how she built a media brand rooted in culinary culture, refined travel, and unforgettable experiences—both in the Hamptons, and all over the world.Vanessa shares how she found her way from teaching into publishing and events, turning her love of storytelling and the East End lifestyle into a thriving digital publication and the exclusive annual Hamptons Interactive Brunch.This conversation is a behind-the-scenes look at entrepreneurship, event production, and building a life that supports both ambition and family. We get into the rhythm of her work — what the off-season looks like versus the intensity of event days — and how much planning, coordination, and calm-under-pressure it actually requires.In this episode, we cover:How Vanessa broke into publishing and built a niche media brandHow she builds relationships with her clients (along with the NDAs required to work on high profile events)What running large-scale events looks like behind the scenesThe difference between off-season prep and day-of event executionHow to reset after demanding days, city commutes and international eventsIf you’ve ever wondered what it takes to pull off beautiful, high-profile experiences, this episode is for you Find Vanessa on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanessapgordon/ Explore East End Taste: https://www.instagram.com/eastendtaste/ 

A few months ago, I set off to interview 100 “regular”women about their jobs. I wanted to chat with REAL women (not just the executives, CEOs, “experts” and famous people we so often hear from on podcasts) about how they balance work, life goals, friendships, hobbies, finances, relationships, and so much more. Today, after sharing TEN recorded conversations with ten amazing women—all building lives in wildly different career fields—I’m pausing to recap what I’ve learned from these amazing women so far…because what’s the point of talking with people if we don’t actually take a second to remember and learn from them? So whether you’re just finding the show or you’ve been listening since episode one, this recap brings together the biggest takeaways, themes, and moments that stuck with me—and might stick with you, too.✨ Perfect for new listeners, longtime listeners, or anyone feeling a little stuck and looking for perspective. Thanks for being here! You can find me at 100jobsproject.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/100jobsproject EPISODE LINKS: 010 – SALES BY DAY, ROMANTASY BY NIGHT: What it takes to lead a sales team & publish swoon-worthy novels https://open.spotify.com/episode/4qTW495uxDrgo1jmQQMcDy?si=s6IjN7lsTS6MUHGqc-tOJg 009 – FLYING TO KILIMANJARO, SCUBA DIVING IN FIJI, & 30 YEARS IN THE SKIES: A Day In The Life of a Commercial Airline Pilot https://open.spotify.com/episode/0bw8pngdpNv1C6728Hdjfd?si=1bYjIU4JTc-ETL7B5fVmPQ 008  – CELEB STUDDED PARTIES, ICONIC BRAND DEALS & A WEDDING IN MALTA—Inside the Life of a Digital VP in NYC https://open.spotify.com/episode/3O4ZTUWSl0r2Aci40IZIZ4?si=lYRMrLOsSD6uK-eOYcvgHA 007 – INDIA, HARVARD, AND THE $25K CHECK THAT CHANGED IT ALL—The Roadmap To A Career in Instructional Design https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zZF1ABCL0i5xAn3yS5P1e?si=BxpTJSDAR_6TxP7oISBcrA 006 – DESIGNING SPACES THAT MAKE YOU FEEL SOMETHING—Inside the Work of an Interior Architect https://open.spotify.com/episode/3VLrR8gDkFeiYkAp4x7ZBU?si=zuG6HZ-3Q0Gi74wjpJpYEA 005 – THERAPY HOUR—The Story Behind Helping Others Heal https://open.spotify.com/episode/3DcBubiPwAQff99kFLHuFd?si=BkE0SEjYQSy58QgPPzLSfg 004 – SKINCARE, CELEB PATIENTS & A TYPHOON IN GUAM—The Path of A Dermatology PA https://open.spotify.com/episode/3WyGjNTNrHuUb7VCXqozDu?si=VIn4ztd8RIW5_fxHR8mWew 003 – FROM GOLDMAN SACHS TO GROWING TALENT—A Day in the Life of a Senior Campus Recruiter https://open.spotify.com/episode/0T8R9v4LTz6B7JF9rt8m3O?si=3TG1aIwwTSWU5XgxvsxBaQ 002 – DESIGNING BAGS FOR PELOTON, ADIDAS, & TRIDENT GUM—Behind the Scenes With An Operations Project Manager https://open.spotify.com/episode/0mTlHlxXOuxH88G1kZeGoC?si=o3dTUepNRCmYOlxQoeQxaQ 001 – I SENT INFLUENCERS TO THE MALDIVES—Inside the Life of a Social Media Manager I Sent https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TVTcyc09pCFQCQq4WD9eP?si=-cH_XB_PQ8O3ukpB6jvNuQ 

In this episode, I sit down with Tetyana, who grew up in Ukraine and came to the U.S. to study finance in college. Today, she leads a sales team of business development reps across two states — and when the workday ends, she’s writing and self-publishing romantasy novels with thousands of reviews on Amazon and Goodreads.We talk about her childhood in Ukraine, summers spent on her grandparents’ farm, the challenges of studying in a new country, and how she balances a demanding career with creativity, fitness, life and motherhood.We cover everything from the lip gloss she keeps in her work bag to the realities of self-publishing and promoting a novel. Along the way, we explore how passion and discipline collide to create success in both her career and creative life.Links:📚 Tetyana’s books: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C3Z2F44📸 Follow Tetyana on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theukrainiangirl/ 💻: Connect with Tetyana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tetyana-walker-b7059449/

What does a 30-year career in the cockpit really look like?In this episode, I sit down with Madeleine, a United pilot who has been flying professionally for over three decades. We talk about how her love of aviation started at just 16 years old after her very first flight lesson over the San Francisco Bay Area — and how that spark turned into a lifelong career.Madeleine shares what it was like moving across the country to study Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle, waiting tables at a pizza place to make ends meet during her early flying jobs, and eventually starting a plane management and charter business with her husband. After selling the business, she made the leap back into commercial aviation — returning to what she truly loves.We also talk about navigating career pivots during COVID, exploring new opportunities (including a potential master’s degree), and how that period of reflection ultimately brought her back to flying.Along the way, Madeleine shares:What a pilot’s schedule actually looks likeHow flight routes are assignedWhat she packs for workMemorable flights and destinationsThe mentors who supported her as a woman in a male-dominated fieldBalancing family, health, and time off*A quick heads up: there are a few patchy audio moments due to Wi-Fi issues during recording — but this conversation was too good not to share.

In this episode, I’m joined by Eri, a Digital VP at MSL, Publicis Groupe’s global public relations and integrated communications partner. Based in New York City, Eri has built her career in media agencies and influencer marketing, working across categories like travel, beauty, CPG, and kitchen & home goods.Eri shares her global upbringing—born in Hawaii, attending international schools in Singapore and Hong Kong, and moving to the U.S. for college in Oregon—and how those experiences shaped her career path. We talk about how a Rent the Runway ambassadorship influenced her to switch her major from journalism to public relations, what it was like moving to NYC with no connections, and how she approached negotiating her first salary.We also dive into the real-life side of career growth: stepping into leadership and people management, staying connected to loved ones while living abroad, avoiding burnout in fast-paced agency roles, and balancing work while planning a destination wedding in Malta. Plus, quick lunch hacks (Trader Joe’s fans, this one’s for you).Whether you’re curious about digital media or PR careers, influencer marketing, or navigating big life moves alongside professional growth, this conversation offers honest insight and practical perspective.

In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Blake, M.Ed., CPLP, CEO and Lead Instructional Designer at Blake Learning Solutions, to hear the incredible journey that led her to co-running her own business. Sarah shares how she went from studying journalism in undergrad, working at a non-profit, and almost taking the wrong job, to quitting everything and moving to India to teach at a charity school while figuring out her next career move. From there, she navigated her way to DC, got accepted into Harvard’s instructional design Master's program, worked in LA (including giving the creators of Rings of Power their first writing job!), and landed her first government client contract—before eventually returning to DC with her husband to start a family and run their own consultancy with a staff of over 40 people.We also dive into navigating work through personal loss, prioritizing what matters outside of work, and finding purpose in your career. Along the way, there’s a surprising $25K check that changed her life, a debate about the best Diet Coke, and practical advice for anyone considering a career in instructional design—or thinking about pivoting into something entirely new.

2026 is arriving and with that, new goals and intentions for the year! Today we're taking another quick break from interviews to chat about how I'm approaching goals and life this year. We get into ten specific steps (I know, it sounds like a lot but in reality it's pretty simple!) I'm taking now and throughout the year to reset, refresh and evaluate progress. We'll be back with more interview starting next week! Can't wait to see you throughout the rest of 2026.

Happy Wednesday! Today we’re pressing pause on regular interviews to talk about that beautiful, quiet space between Christmas and New Year’s — aka Twixmas — because anyone exploring careers or future paths can benefit from a little reset! In this episode, I’m sharing a few simple things I’m doing to unwind, reconnect, clear mental clutter and start exploring 2026 goals…without actually setting any yet.

What does it really mean to design spaces that make people feel something?In this episode, interior architect and creator Jenn Pearson shares the winding path that led her to a career in design — from falling in love with interiors as a kid in Texas to discovering interior architecture after being rejected from a different program at Virginia Tech. Jenn opens up about early career uncertainty, the power of networking, supplementing her early salary through fashion and lifestyle blogging, and how setbacks helped shape a career that feels truly aligned.We talk about navigating relocations as a military wife, building a creative career while becoming a new mom, and what the day-to-day work of an interior architect actually looks like today — including remote work, corporate vs. residential design, and the tools she uses (hello, Revit and material samples). If you’ve ever been curious about interior design, architecture, or careers that don’t follow a straight line, this episode is for you.Follow Jenn on Instagram @jennrog

In this episode, we’re talking with Mariah, a Licensed Professional Counselor who works as a therapist helping children and teens navigate difficult experiences through storytelling. We explore her journey from studying English and working in marketing to making a meaningful career change into mental health.We also chat about how to explore new career paths before taking the leap, navigating work-life balance as a young mom, and finding fulfillment in helping others heal. While Mariah’s work can be emotionally heavy, our conversation keeps things light, personal, and full of stories about resilience, growth, and the power of telling your story.If you or a loved one need mental health support, please visit https://www.nami.org/ to find local support or https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988  for immediate crisis care.

Ever dream about making skincare your career? In today’s episode, I talked with Dana — a Dermatology PA who did exactly that. We start by chatting through some practical skincare tips before getting into her path to becoming a Physician Assistant, earning her Doctor of Medical Science, and what a day in her life looks like now. Dana shares stories about working in a dermatology clinic on the Upper East Side (yes, she saw a few celeb clients!), how she almost talked herself out of applying to PA school, and what it was like doing a rotation in Guam where she helped deliver babies and lived through the 2023 super typhoon.We also get into the mentors who guided her, her return to the Arizona office that first sparked her interest in dermatology, and how she balances being a new mom with a demanding but meaningful career.If you’re curious about life as a PA, dermatology, skincare, or just love a good career story, you’ll love this one.

*Note: This episode has a few moments of static in a couple of places. Thanks for your patience as I learn how to improve audio and editing quality! Ever wonder what a campus recruiter actually does — or how someone goes from Goldman Sachs to shaping early-career talent? This week, Claire shares her path from PR student to Senior Campus Recruiter and the risks she took to build a career and community she loves.In this episode, I sit down with Claire — a Senior Campus Recruiter who helps find and grow early-career accounting talent. Claire studied PR, landed her first role at Goldman Sachs, and later took a huge leap by moving across the country to Washington, DC. It was a big risk, but it led her to friends and a life she loves.We talk about what a day in the life of a campus recruiter really looks like, how she balances her job with teaching fitness classes, and the surprising places her work takes her (yes, there’s travel!). Claire also shares practical advice on what recruiters look for in candidates, how to stand out in the hiring process, and what she wishes more early-career professionals knew.If you're exploring career paths or preparing for recruiting season, this episode is the one for you.

In this episode, you’ll learn how the bag design process works, what it takes to manage overseas manufacturing, and what a project manager’s day-to-day life actually looks like. You’ll hear about a career journey—from working in a Girl Scout Cookie manufacturing plant to building a career in operations, sales and project management. The conversation digs into morning routines, weekends, selling yourself at work and figuring out your path in your 20s.Faith is an Operational Project Manager in the product design and manufacturing industry. She works at a Utah-based company that designs and produces bags for major brands including Peloton, Adidas, Starbucks, Supergoop, and more.A great listen for anyone exploring careers in project management, product design, operations, supply chain, or manufacturing.Shop Faith’s favorite weekly planner here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CW98YLNW Desk calendar: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0F6LFWB29 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/100jobsprojectShow website: 100jobsproject.comMusic for 100 Jobs Project by Goldmyth

In the first episode, Katie dives right in — taking you behind-the-scenes of crisis comms to the time she sent influencers to the Maldives. She chats about life in brand management and social media for a Fortune 500 company, getting her MBA at Georgetown, and navigating it all through some big life transitions. 
It’s a breezy intro to the show and gives you a taste of what you can expect from the career stories ahead.100jobsproject.comInstagram: @100JobsProjectMusic by @goldmythmusic

Discover 100 Stories To Help You Find YoursEver wondered what life would be like in a different job — or what day-to-day work looks like for your friends, neighbors, or even that guy at the gym at 11 a.m. on a Tuesday? This podcast is for you.Join your host, Katie, for weekly episodes as she interviews 100 regular people about what they do. We’re chatting about with real people about how they’re making money, making an impact, and building their lives along the way.  Expect a little chit-chat, a little career inspo, and plenty of honest, relatable stories.