Claim OwnershipCareer Sessions, Career Lessons
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Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path.
Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts.
Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations. He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer. Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.
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In this time of ever-evolving technology, every working professional will encounter AI in some shape or form. As we go deeper into the age of AI, what is the role of such tools in shaping the future of work and the entire economy? J.R. Lowry talks all about it with Dr. Joerg Storm, IT executive and publisher of the Digital Storm AI newsletter. They discuss why AI is a career-critical tool, the uniqueness of adaptive AI projects, and the technological paradigm shifts to look forward to in the next several years. Dr. Joerg also explains why AI practitioners should remain philosophical and ethical despite their deep immersion in technology to navigate the challenges of bias and trust.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-joerg-storm.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
The future of business hinges on mastering the complexities of AI customer analytics, a topic J.R. Lowry explores with Sameer Narkar, Founder of Konnect Insights, a pioneering SaaS platform that delivers an AI-powered, omnichannel view of customer interactions. Sameer details how his bootstrapped company built an in-house, secure AI solution—using models like Llama and Gamma—to unify customer data from all channels, solving the pain point of siloed systems to dramatically improve customer care and provide deep marketing insights. The conversation also delves into the three layers of Konnect's AI offering, the journey of pivoting a business, and the critical need for focus and a strong culture for leaders navigating the rapidly evolving landscape of decision analytics and AI.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/sameer-narkar.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
The "Business Sergeant": Leadership Expert, Military Veteran, And Serial EntrepreneurReady to move past chaos and achieve scalable growth? Today, we dive deep into the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), the powerful framework and toolkit helping leadership teams gain crystal-clear vision, drive disciplined execution, and build healthier, more engaged workplaces. Host JR Lowry sits down with Chris Hallberg—a seasoned EOS implementer who has worked with over 100 organizations, achieving astonishing 90% employee engagement rates and numerous "Best Places to Work" awards—to unpack the six key components of EOS. We'll explore everything from getting the right people in the right seats to leveraging Chris's latest venture: an AI-driven EOS platform, GoExpand, that turbocharges performance and accountability. If you're a founder or executive looking to break through a growth ceiling, tune in to learn how to inject military-grade focus and discipline into your company's DNA.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/chris-hallberg/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
We hear a lot about the need for resilience these days, but simply wanting to be resilient isn't enough—in fact, the pressure to always bounce back can be counterproductive. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Marie-Hélène Pelletier, a psychologist, leadership expert, and author of the award-winning book The Resilience Plan, challenges the notion of resilience as an innate trait. Discover why viewing resilience as a strategic state, rather than a personality feature, is key to sustained well-being and performance. Dr. Pelletier dives into the intertwined nature of professional and personal life, the dangers of underestimating demands and overestimating supply, and provides actionable, research-backed advice on creating your own strategic resilience plan. Learn how small, deliberate actions can build momentum and how leaders can foster a culture of prevention rather than just treating burnout after the fact.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-marie-helene-pelletier/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
What happens when a touring musician decides to rewrite the music industry from the inside out? Today, we sat down with Josh Simons—the force behind Vinyl Group, Australia’s only ASX-listed music company, and the founder of Vampr, the world’s largest social network for creatives. Discover how Josh went from a semi-successful musician touring with the likes of Keith Urban to becoming a CEO, the secrets behind Vampr’s explosive growth, and his strategy for navigating nonstop change in media and music tech. He shares essential lessons for entrepreneurs, fundraising insights for founders, and a fresh perspective on creativity, leadership, and the future of music in the age of AI. Don’t miss this candid conversation about playing to your strengths, building cohesive teams through acquisitions, and why anyone with the entrepreneurial itch should scratch it.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/josh-simons/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
In the demanding world of biotech and healthcare, charting a successful STEM career path, especially as a woman or minority leader, often feels like navigating without a map. But what if you had access to the boardroom lessons, the personal triumphs, and the hard-won wisdom of an industry veteran? Join us as we dive into a candid conversation with Dr. Sheila Gujrathi—physician, biotech entrepreneur, and executive—to explore her journey from clinical practice to the C-suite. Dr. Gujrathi shares how she learned to trust her gut, break through her inner glass ceiling, and define an authentic leadership style, all while developing life-changing pharmaceutical drugs. Get a sneak peek into the core principles of her upcoming book, The Mirror Effect, which offers a vital roadmap for the next generation of diverse leaders seeking to not just succeed, but truly thrive.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-sheila-gujrathi.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Software development is undergoing rapid change as AI, DevOps, and data science reshape how teams build and scale products. In this interview, Particle41 CEO and technical co-founder Ben Johnson explains what modern software teams must do to stay competitive. He shares practical insights on boosting developer productivity with AI, building reliable systems through infrastructure-as-code, and adopting modern data architectures that move beyond simple dashboards. Ben also discusses how to lead remote teams effectively and apply OKRs in both work and personal life to stay aligned on what truly matters. If you're involved in building software or leading technical teams, this conversation offers clear, actionable strategies for thriving in the AI-driven era.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/ben-johnson.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
The future of work is here, and it's being shaped by AI-driven change. Dive into a captivating discussion with Monica Marquez, Co-founder of FlipWork, Inc., the enterprise-wide AI workforce transformation system, as she illuminates the evolving landscape of an AI-centric world. Monica shares her unique insights on bridging the gap between AI tool availability and adoption, the imperative for individuals and organizations to disrupt themselves before being disrupted, and the critical role of human expertise in making artificial intelligence truly authentic. She also discusses her impactful work in diversity and inclusion, her valuable board work, and the fascinating, "squiggly" journey of her career, offering advice for those just starting out.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/monica-marquez.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
What if everything you thought about luxury was wrong? Our guest, Leadership Strategist and Keynote Speaker Neen James, proves that true luxury isn't about expense—it's a mindset. Neen's groundbreaking research in her new book, Exceptional Experiences, identifies four luxury mindsets that govern buying behavior. She also unveils a proprietary Experience Elevation Model that helps brands create unshakeable customer devotion. Tune in as Neen reveals how you can apply these high-level corporate strategies to elevate your own personal brand and life. Learn why making people feel seen, heard, and valued is the ultimate luxury, regardless of your budget.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/neen-james.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Getting through the MBA admissions process may be a bit tricky, but you can get manage to nail it with the right planning and preparation. J.R. Lowry is joined by Jessica Shklar, Executive Director at mbaMission, who shares how they help candidates achieve admissions success and make their educational dreams a reality. Jessica explains why getting into a business school is definitely a great idea and how an MBA consultant can help you in your journey. She also breaks down the different MBA program types, how business schools screen their candidates, and why there is no one correct way to write your college essay.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jessica-shklar/.Special discount for Career Sessions, Career Lessons listeners: mbaMission offers onTrack, an innovative, on-demand MBA application experience that delivers a personalized curriculum for you and leverages interactive tools and technology to guide you through the process of creating your best possible applications. For 30% off, use code PATHWISE30.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Ready to navigate your career with confidence and achieve unparalleled success? Join us as we sit down with Shveta Miglani, a luminary in organizational development and talent management, and author of the essential guide Navigate Your Career: Strategies for Success in New Roles and Promotions. In this insightful discussion, Shveta shares her two decades of wisdom from pivotal roles at tech giants like Google and Salesforce, offering actionable strategies for choosing your next role and mastering career transitions—from acing your first 90 days to continuous learning. Whether you're eyeing a promotion or stepping into a new organization, discover how to transform challenges into triumphs and build a career that truly aligns with your aspirations.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/shveta-miglani/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
In an era where the traditional corporate structure is evolving and the rise of AI presents both opportunities and challenges, the concept of a "humane future of work" has never been more critical. This post delves into a fascinating discussion with Khadija Khartit, founder of Sohaara, a platform dedicated to upskilling, tooling, and networking for individuals across all career stages. Join us as we explore Khadija's vision for a purpose-driven, individual-centric approach to work, the surprising global job trends she anticipates, and her unique journey as a female CEO in Saudi Arabia. Discover how Sohaara is stitching the holes in the current professional landscape and empowering individuals to own their lives and find fulfillment in their careers.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/khadija-khartit/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
What does it truly take to ascend to the highest echelons of leadership and influence? Today, we dive into the extraordinary career journey of Kathy Murphy, a financial services executive who masterminded the growth of Fidelity's personal investing arm to over four trillion dollars in assets under management. From her early days navigating law school without a clear path to spearheading digital innovation and zero-fee investing, Kathy's story is a masterclass in adaptability, strategic vision, and the profound impact of empathetic leadership. Join us as she shares invaluable insights on building high-performing teams, embracing disruption, and the crucial transition from executive leadership to impactful board service. Discover the principles that guided her through market crises and technological shifts, and learn what it truly means to lead with both drive and humility.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/kathy-murphy.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
The loneliness epidemic is more than an emotion—it’s a public health crisis with devastating effects on mental and physical well-being. Cindy Jordan, CEO of Pyx Health, shares how her personal tragedy led to founding a company dedicated to tackling loneliness and its companion challenges, from food insecurity to transportation barriers. She reveals how evidence-based screenings, personalized outreach, and a blend of technology and human connection are transforming care for Medicaid, Medicare, and exchange populations, proving that addressing social determinants of health can change lives and communities.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Small business strategy is getting a rethink: underdogs can win when they obsess over positioning, proximity, and purpose rather than scale alone. Sri Kaza, author of Unconvention: A Small Business Strategy Guide and longtime small-business advocate, traces his path from McKinsey to Viking and explains the three “Underdog” principles that power niche resilience. He illustrates those ideas with stories like Toshi’s Yakitori, breaks down real-world lessons on customer acquisition costs and product-market fit, and shows how AI and intimacy can democratize entrepreneurship. Practical, candid, and strategic, this conversation offers a playbook for owners, leaders, and emerging founders who want to turn small advantages into lasting success.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/sri-kaza.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Best-Selling Author And Former Google And Apple ExecutiveGreat leaders aren’t born—they’re built through candor, respect, and the courage to face hard truths. In this conversation, Kim Scott—author of Radical Candor, Radical Respect, and Just Work—shares her journey from the diamond factories of Moscow to Google’s leadership halls, revealing how feedback and culture can transform organizations. She explains the true meaning of radical candor, why respect is essential in addressing bias and bullying, and how leaders can foster workplaces that thrive on honesty, accountability, and collaboration. With practical strategies and hard-earned wisdom, Kim challenges us to rethink leadership and build teams where everyone’s voice matters.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/kim-scott/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Settling for a career that doesn’t spark joy is a choice you don’t have to make. In this inspiring conversation, George Appling—entrepreneur, author, and self-described “passionpreneur”—shares how to avoid settling and instead pick your path with intention. Drawing from his eclectic journey from global consulting to leading in the cell phone industry and now building passion-driven ventures like a Medieval theme park, George unpacks the framework behind his book Don’t Settle: A Pick-Your-Path Guide to Intentional Work. He outlines five unique paths to align passion and career, the power of role models, mentors, and accountability partners, and why persistence, ownership, and clarity are essential for meaningful success.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/george-appling/.
Cognitive organizations are revolutionizing how businesses operate. Technology thought leader, entrepreneur, and author Kenneth Corrêa, whose groundbreaking book Cognitive Organizations was published by MIT, reveals the profound impact of AI on productivity, skill-building, and workflow management. He shares real-world examples and insights into how businesses are currently leveraging AI agents to automate tasks and optimize processes. Discover the critical balance between human intelligence and artificial intelligence in this rapidly evolving landscape. Kenneth also candidly discusses the challenges and opportunities leaders and individuals face in adopting these transformative technologies, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and strategic experimentation.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/kenneth-correa/.
J.R. Lowry continues his discussion with executive coach Jim Huling about The 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), the book he co-authored with Chris McChesney and Sean Covey. In this second part, they discuss the last two disciplines: Keep a Compelling Scoreboard and Create a Cadence of Accountability. Together, they explore how keeping score can promote higher team engagement and the true value of a fully accountable workplace culture. Jim also emphasizes why the 4DX approach must be implemented with simplicity in mind, as well as how AI tools are reshaping management systems, human connection, and collective effort.Check out the full series of "Career Sessions, Career Lessons" podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jim-huling-2.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
Too many teams have bold strategies but fall short in execution. In this episode, Jim Huling—executive coach and co-author of The 4 Disciplines of Execution—dives into the power of focus, discipline, and simplicity in leadership. Jim shares how Fortune 500 companies transformed performance using the 4DX methodology, what makes execution harder than strategy, and why clarity around wildly important goals and lead measures drives real results. From Marriott’s hospitality breakthrough to the surprising metric that boosted Payless Shoes' sales, this conversation is packed with insights on how to move from intention to achievement—with heart and consistency.Check out the full series of Career Sessions, Career Lessons podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jim-huling.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/
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