In this episode, I'm breaking down what happens when your carefully planned career path completely blows up - whether it's a layoff, burnout, or just realizing you're in the wrong place.If you're sitting in that disorienting "now what?" moment right now, feeling like your career has derailed - this episode is for you. You're not broken, you're in transition, and I'm going to help you create a roadmap forward.I'm sharing my most embarrassing career moment (yes, it involves tacos, wine, and a bathtub), plus real strategies for turning career setbacks into comebacks. You'll learn how to process the emotional reality of career transitions, find opportunity in crisis, and craft a compelling story about your pivot.Ready to turn your career curveball into your greatest comeback? Check out our DIY Career Toolkit with resume guides, interview prep, networking strategies, and everything you need to navigate career transitions like a pro: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/diycareertoolsYou don't have to figure this out alone. Your path doesn't have to be perfect - it just has to be yours. 💪#careerchange #layoff #burnout #careeradvice #careertransition #careercoaching #jobsearch #careerpivot #professionaldevelopment #careersetback #careergrowth #worklifebalance
Been told you're "overqualified" for a job you actually want? You're not alone, and it's rarely about your qualifications.In this episode of Careers Unchecked, Portland career coach Brandi Oldham breaks down what hiring managers really mean when they say you're overqualified, why it happens in two different scenarios, and exactly how to reposition yourself to get past this frustrating barrier.What You'll Learn: ✅ The 3 real reasons hiring managers use the "overqualified" label ✅ Strategic step back vs. burnout backslide: which one are you? ✅ How to rewrite your resume when you're intentionally stepping down ✅ What to say in your cover letter to address the elephant in the room ✅ Why your interview energy matters just as much as your experience ✅ Networking strategies when your career story doesn't add up on paperABOUT YOUR HOST: Brandi Oldham is the founder of Talent Career Coaching with over 10 years of experience in HR, hiring, and team management. As a first-generation professional, she once sent 250 job applications trying to figure out what she actually wanted. Now she helps professionals navigate their own career transitions with clarity and confidence.READY TO WORK TOGETHER?📞 Book a Free Career Coaching Intro Call: https://www.talentcareercoaching.comFind: DIY Career Tools & WorksheetsWeekly Career TipsMy Mentoshop ProgramCareer Development BlogSign up for my newsletter at: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com#CareerAdvice #Overqualified #JobSearch #CareerChange #CareerTransition #JobSearchTips #CareerCoaching #BurnoutRecovery #ImposterSyndrome #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerPivot #ResumeHelp #InterviewTips #JobHunting #CareerGrowth #WomenInLeadership #MidCareerProfessionals #PortlandCareerCoach
In this episode, I'm calling out the biggest career sabotage move you're probably making right now - waiting until you're "qualified enough" to apply for jobs you actually want.Men apply when they meet 60% of job requirements, while women wait until they hit 100%. And guess what? Both groups get hired at the same rate.If you've ever talked yourself out of applying because you didn't have exactly 10 years of experience (when you had 7), or convinced yourself that job descriptions are non-negotiable checklists - this episode will change everything.I'm sharing why most job postings are wish lists cobbled together from Google searches, the real reason hiring managers don't want someone who checks every box, and how planning a wedding actually counts as project management experience.From a former hiring manager's perspective: your "messy, imperfect, uniquely yours" experience is exactly what makes you hireable. Ready to stop letting perfect be the enemy of good enough? I'm giving you a two-week challenge that will push you out of your comfort zone and into that role you've been dreaming about.Let's go get what you deserve. Book an intro call with me here: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/bookonline#jobsearch #careeradvice #qualifications #jobapplication #confidence #careergrowth #professionaldevelopment #genderequity #hiringmanager #jobhunting #careertips #workplaceequality #selfadvocacy #careermindset #jobseekers
In this episode, I'm breaking down that lying voice in your head that whispers "you're not good enough" - and why 70% of high achievers will battle imposter syndrome at some point in their career.If you're downplaying your wins, over-preparing to exhaustion, or feeling like you're one step away from being "found out" - this episode is for you. You're not broken, you're just caught in a loop that can actually be interrupted.I'm sharing my most vulnerable business moment (hiding that I ran two companies because I was terrified people would think I wasn't serious), plus the science behind why your brain interprets growth as danger. You'll learn how to create an Evidence Log, reframe self-doubt as growth, and build your own confidence committee.Ready to silence that inner critic for good? The practical tools I share with my clients are all here - from the "feel good folder" technique to the mindset shifts that change everything.Your seat at the table isn't up for debate. 💪#impostersyndrome #selfdoubt #confidence #perfectionism #careeradvice #mindset #professionaldevelopment #womenentrepreneurs #highachievers #selfadvocacy #careergrowth #businessowner #entrepreneur #confidencecoaching #mindsetshift
In this episode, I'm breaking down the realities that no one talks about.If you're in the thick of job searching right now - feeling frustrated, uncertain, and like it's taking over your entire life - this episode is for you. You're not doing it wrong. It's just really hard.Ready to job search smarter, not harder? Check out our DIY Career Toolkit with resume guides, interview prep, networking strategies, and everything you need to land your next role: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/diycareertoolsYou don't have to figure this out alone. You've got this. 💪#jobsearch #careeradvice #hiring #recruiting #jobseekers #careercoaching
In this episode, I'm busting the biggest myth about career coaching: that it's only for people desperately job searching or in full crisis mode.From my years of coaching and my own burnout experience, I've learned that the best coaching happens when you're NOT at rock bottom. It's for people who want to grow in place, prevent burnout before it hits, and build careers that don't cost them their sanity.I'll walk you through the five key moments when career coaching can change everything - from feeling stuck between staying and going, to preparing for your next performance review like a strategic boss move.Plus, I'm sharing real client stories that show how coaching transformed their careers without them ever updating a resume.Perfect for anyone who's been told they "should be grateful" for where they are but still feels like something's missing, or high achievers who are tired of succeeding at the expense of their well-being.Remember: You don't have to wait for desperation to invest in yourself. The best time to get support is before you need it.Ready to find the right coach for your season?Take our quiz: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/findmycoach
In this episode, I break down the five real career stages most professionals actually experience, because nobody prepared you for what a career truly looks like beyond the "graduate, climb, succeed" myth we were all sold.From my own experience and coaching hundreds of clients, I've learned that careers don't unfold in straight lines. They bend, stall, surprise you, and evolve as you do. When things get hard or unclear, you might wonder if something's wrong with you. Spoiler: it's not.I'll walk you through each stage with real talk about what you're actually feeling, the questions that keep you up at night, and practical ways to navigate each phase with more confidence and less self-doubt. Perfect for anyone feeling stuck between stages, wondering if they're behind, or just needing permission to let their career be messy and non-linear. Remember: you're not behind, you're just starting a new season. Every chapter deserves different care and support .Ready to get personalized support for your career stage?Take our quiz to find the right coach for your journey: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/findmycoach
Spending 25 minutes crafting a two-line email? Rewriting presentations six times before hitting send? You're not alone - and this episode breaks down why perfectionism is secretly sabotaging your career growth.Discover the hidden cost of trying to control how you're perceived at work, and learn why "good enough" might be the key to sustainable leadership and long-term success.Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on Linkedln:https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: You don't need to prove your value by being flawless. What's one task you're ready to tackle at 80% this week?#Perfectionism #HighAchievers #Leadership #CareerGrowth #WorkLifeBalance #BurnoutPrevention #Excellence #ProfessionalDevelopment #Productivity #SelfCare #CareerAdvice #WorkplacePsychology #StressManagement #SustainableSuccess #mindsetshift
Drowning in mental load and invisible work that no one else sees? You're not alone, and this episode validates everything you're feeling.Discover why women carry disproportionate mental and emotional labor at work and home - and learn 3 practical ways to reclaim your energy without burning everything to the ground.Perfect for working mothers, ambitious professionals, and anyone who feels like they're constantly triaging life while everyone else thinks you "have it all together."Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: You were never meant to carry this weight alone. You're allowed to set something down.What's one invisible task you're ready to acknowledge today?#MentalLoad #WomenAtWork #EmotionalLabor #BurnoutPrevention #WorkingMothers #UnpaidLabor #WorkLifeBalance #MentalHealth #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvice #SelfCare #StressManagement #ProfessionalWomen #Overwhelm #Support
Feeling stuck in your career but terrified of making a dramatic leap? You're not alone. That restless feeling telling you "this isn't working anymore" is your brain paying attention and asking for more.In this episode, I'm sharing the real story of how I transitioned from finance to building two companies of my own, and why the biggest career pivots don't always start with big leaps. If you're someone who's bored out of your mind at work, feeling like your brain is "leaking out of your ears," or you know something needs to change but you're not sure what - this episode will give you a clear path forward.You don't need the perfect plan. You don't need to make a public announcement. And you definitely don't need to blow up everything that's working. But you might want to start paying attention to that restless part of you - she's not wrong, she's asking you for more.What's your half step going to be?Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Sign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: / @talentcareercoachingFind us on LinkedIn: / dashboardFind us on Facebook: / talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: / talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.
You know that feeling when everything looks great on paper, but you still catch yourself wondering "am I about to get fired?" If you're nodding along, this episode is for you.I'm breaking down the crucial difference between imposter syndrome and misalignment - and why knowing which one you're dealing with changes everything about how you handle that nagging self-doubt.Here's what we're covering:The real story behind why high-achievers constantly question themselves (spoiler: it's not always about competence)Three key questions to help you identify if you're dealing with imposter syndrome or something deeperWhy 70% of people feel like imposters - and what that statistic is actually missingSpecific strategies for each type of doubt you might be experiencingHow to tell if your nervous system is wired to expect the worst (and what to do about it)If you're someone who's tired of second-guessing your brilliance, wondering if you belong in your role, or feeling like you're constantly waiting for someone to "figure you out" - this conversation will help you get clear on what's really going on.Sometimes, self-doubt is your brain asking you to take a closer look.Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Sign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: / @talentcareercoachingFind us on LinkedIn: / dashboardFind us on Facebook: / talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: / talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.What will you choose if fear wasn't part of the equation?#careeradvice #impostersyndrome #professionalgrowth #selfdoubt #careerdevelopment #leadership #workplacewellness #careertransition #professionaldevelopment #careercoaching
You know that feeling when someone says "build your personal brand" and you immediately think... color palettes and taglines?If you're cringing a little (or a lot), this episode is for you.Here's what we're covering:• Why your personal brand is actually what people say about you when you're not in the room• The LinkedIn research that proves authentic beats polished every single time• My 3-step framework for finding your "career signature" without the spotlight pressure• Specific, actionable ways to show up authentically (no selfies required!)• Why your quirks are actually your competitive advantageIf you've been wondering how to stand out in your career without feeling like you're performing, or if you're tired of trying to be all things to all people—this conversation will help you reclaim your authentic professional voice.Ready to get started? I'm sharing three simple action steps you can take today to begin building a personal brand that actually feels like... you.Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.What's one word you want people to use when describing you professionally?#personalbranding #careeradvice #professionaldevelopment #careergrowth #authenticity #LinkedIn #networking #careertips #professionalgrowth #careercoaching #worklifebalance #careerstrategy #personalbranding101 #careersuccess #professionalpres
Tired of being underpaid, but don't know how to talk about money without feeling awkward? This episode is for you.Discover why silence around salary keeps the pay gap alive and learn the exact framework to negotiate your worth with confidence, clarity, and zero apologies.What you'll learn:Why women lose up to $1 million by not negotiating their first salaryThe "boomerang ask trap" that sabotages negotiationsHow to use the "value first framework" to lead with impact, not emotion3 strategic steps to research, prepare, and practice your salary pitchReal scripts for asking for raises and discussing compensationPerfect for professionals who know they're worth more, women navigating pay gaps, and anyone ready to stop accepting less than market value for their contributions.Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.When did you last have a real conversation about money?#SalaryNegotiation #PayGap #CareerAdvice #WomenInBusiness #ProfessionalGrowth #MoneyMindset #WorkplaceEquality #NegotiationSkills #CareerDevelopment #KnowYourWorth
Feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to be perfect in every role? This episode is for you. Learn why trying to give 100% to everything leads to burnout, resentment, and self-doubt - and discover 3 practical strategies to protect your energy and move through life with more ease.🎯 What you'll learn:How to identify your "glass balls" vs "rubber balls"Why perfectionism is sabotaging your well-being3 actionable steps to prioritize without guiltHow to channel your life with intention, not overwhelmPerfect for busy professionals, parents, and anyone struggling with work-life balance who's ready to stop the relentless pressure and start living sustainably.Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.What's your biggest "glass ball" this week?#WorkLifeBalance #BurnoutPrevention #ProfessionalGrowth #MentalHealth #Prioritization #SelfCare #ProductivityTips #StressManagement #CareerAdvice #Mindfulness
You don't have to earn rest by burning out first.But if you're like me—someone who's hit that wall not once, not twice, but three times—you might be wondering how you got here again.Here's what I wish someone had told me: burnout doesn't announce itself with sirens blazing. It whispers first—through that slow creeping disconnection from the things that used to light you up.I'm sharing the 5 sneaky signs that burnout is knocking (even when you love what you do), plus the small but helpful recovery tools that helped me find my way back to myself.Because here's the truth: you're allowed to slow down.You're allowed to rest.You're allowed to feel like yourself again—one breath, one day, one moment at a time.If you're a high achiever who's been running on fumes, this one's for you. You're not alone in this.👉 Ready to start your recovery? Check out our Overcoming Burnout Daily Activity Deck - 60 gentle, 15-minute actions to help you reconnect with what matters most.https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/product-page/overcoming-burnout-daily-activity-deckSearch for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.#burnoutrecovery #highachievers #sundayscaries #careercoaching #burnoutprevention #selfcare #worklifebalance #mentalhealth
Feeling like leadership is one big performance where you're constantly wondering, "Am I doing this right?" This episode is your permission slip to stop copying other leaders and start leading authentically.What You'll Learn:Why new leaders feel like they're "performing" instead of leadingThe real cost of trying to mimic someone else's leadership styleHow to identify your natural leadership strengths (no fancy assessment required)The "sticky note statement" exercise that transforms self-doubt into confidence3 practical experiments to build your authentic leadership approachWhy your leadership doesn't need to be loud or bold to be powerfulWhether you're a brand-new manager or someone who's been leading but feeling disconnected from your natural style, this episode will help you lead with confidence from day one.Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below:Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.#leadership #newmanager #authenticleadership #leadershipdevelopment #managementtips #careeradvice #professionalgrowth #leadershipconfidence #workplaceleadership #leadershipstyle
Feeling like you're always "on" but never fully present? In this week's episode, we explore how setting boundaries isn't about building walls—it's about creating sacred space for your best work to emerge.The most successful people aren't the ones working 24/7. They're the ones who've learned to protect their energy with intention.Discover life-changing tools that transformed my own burnout spiral into sustainable success, plus the exact scripts I use to communicate boundaries without apology.For focused accountability sessions that changed my worklife: Try FLOWN with code: https://flown.com/?rfsn=8560198.145dcf5&promocode=REFER20And if home chaos is spilling into work stress, Fair Play revolutionized my approach: https://www.fairplaylife.com/Search for "Careers Unchecked" on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to listen to this episode or check out our links below: Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.#careeradvice #NetworkingTips #ProfessionalGrowth #EmailEtiquette #CommunicationSkills #burnout #burnoutprevention
That pit in your stomach when you think about asking for money? We've all been there. In this episode, learn how to transform those sweaty-palm conversations into confident negotiations that feel as natural as giving a project update.Discover why talking about money feels so taboo (especially for women), and get a step-by-step framework to overcome those barriers. This episode breaks down:How to research market data and know your true worthThe Context-Value-Future framework that makes any salary conversation flow naturallyExactly what to say when facing common objectionsPractical ways to build confidence through preparationStop avoiding the money conversation. Your value isn't determined by your comfort level in asking for it—it's determined by the results you deliver. Learn how to articulate that value clearly and walk away with the compensation you deserve.Meet Our Team: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamSign up for updates https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Watch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoachingRemember: Take a breath. Take a step. Keep moving forward. You've got this.
Dreading networking because you don't want to bother people? In this episode, Brandi reveals why most people WANT to help you—and how to ask in a way that feels natural, not awkward. Discover the psychology behind the "helper's high" and learn specific techniques to make networking requests that people actually say YES to.▶️ In this episode:- Why asking for help triggers positive brain chemistry- The exact wording to use when reaching out (and phrases to avoid)- How to make your networking request specific, respectful, and easy to say yes to- Creative ways to accommodate busy schedules- The psychology of why people love sharing their expertiseStop holding back your career growth because of networking anxiety! Learn how to transform your approach from "asking for favors" to "giving others a chance to share their wisdom."✅ Subscribe for more career advice that breaks the rules and gets results✅ New episodes every week with actionable strategies you can use immediatelyLearn More: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcast #CareerAdvice #Networking #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerGrowth #CareersUnchecked #NetworkingTips #CareerCoaching #JobSearch #ProfessionalGrowth #NetworkingSkills
In our premiere episode of Careers Unchecked, host Brandi Oldham gets real about that confusing feeling of having "made it" professionally while still feeling unfulfilled. Drawing from her personal journey from finance to career coaching, Brandi explores why checking all the right boxes doesn't always lead to happiness. Learn why feeling stuck isn't a sign of failure but an opportunity for growth, discover practical steps to identify what truly energizes you, and understand how to align your career with your core values. Whether you're burning out in a "good job" or simply sensing there's something more for you professionally, this episode offers the validation, reflection tools, and first steps toward building a career that actually feels like yours.About the Show: Careers Unchecked is a podcast for professionals who are tired of following someone else's blueprint for success. Host Brandi Oldham brings authentic conversations about career transitions, professional fulfillment, and finding purpose in your work life. Each episode combines Brandi's personal experience navigating from corporate finance to coaching with practical strategies you can implement today. Whether you're feeling stuck in a "good on paper" job, contemplating a career pivot, or simply wanting more alignment between your values and your work, Careers Unchecked offers the guidance, validation, and action steps to help you create a professional path that actually feels like yours.Sign up for updates: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/Meet our coaches: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/meet-the-teamWatch on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TalentCareerCoachingFind us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/74164254/admin/dashboard/Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/talentcareercoachingFind us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching