Control Your Career

Office politics can feel like a maze of hidden agendas, alliances, and unspoken rules. But what if you could navigate it all while staying true to your values? In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre breaks down how to manage relationships, build credibility, and protect your integrity even when the workplace dynamics get complicated. Using her Control Your Career framework, Julia shares strategies for building influence without playing games, setting boundaries that keep you grounded, and communicating in ways that reduce tension rather than fuel it. You will learn: How to recognize and understand the power dynamics around you Ways to build influence through credibility, not manipulation What emotional intelligence really looks like in challenging workplaces How to respond to drama or gossip without losing professionalism The mindset shift that helps you stay authentic while advancing your career You can navigate politics without sacrificing your character or confidence and Julia shows you exactly how. 👉 Subscribe to Control Your Career for more conversations about leadership, growth, and navigating workplace challenges with integrity. Explore all episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/ Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/10/22/season12episode7/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

Leadership is not about the title on your business card, it is about how others experience working with you. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre shares how to build influence, credibility, and visibility even when you are not in a management role. Using her five-stage Control Your Career framework, Julia explains how to bridge the gap between how you see yourself and how others perceive you, identify your authentic leadership style, and take small but powerful steps that create real impact. If you have ever felt overlooked for a promotion, invisible in meetings, or frustrated that your hard work is not recognized, this conversation will show you how to step into leadership right now, no permission required. You will discover: ✓ Why leadership is about perception, not position ✓ How to identify the gap between self-image and how others experience you ✓ Ways to recognize your authentic leadership style and values ✓ The importance of purpose-driven goals for visibility and influence ✓ Small actions that demonstrate leadership without a formal title ✓ Habits that build credibility, trust, and long-term impact Leadership identity is built through consistent action, not ambition alone. Stop waiting for a promotion to lead. Start building influence, visibility, and recognition from where you are today. 👉 Subscribe so you do not miss the rest of the season, covering burnout, transitions, difficult managers, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/ Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/10/15/season12episode6/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

Are you a high performer at work who delivers results but still feels overlooked for promotions, raises, and recognition? You are not alone. Many ambitious professionals find that hard work and reliability are not enough to advance their careers. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre, Strategic Career Consultant, explains the real reasons talented employees get passed over and how you can shift from invisible to valued. You will discover: -Why visibility matters more than output in career advancement -How being too reliable can make you seem safe instead of promotable -The career myths like "just keep your head down and work hard" that hold you back -How to advocate for yourself without bragging -The 5 stages of the Control Your Career framework to gain recognition and influence If you are ready to stop being the dependable employee who gets ignored and start being the professional who gets promoted, recognized, and valued, this episode gives you the clarity and tools you need. 👉 Subscribe so you do not miss the rest of the season, covering burnout, transitions, difficult managers, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post:  https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/10/08/season12episode5/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

When your values and your job are out of sync, it can feel like a constant low-grade frustration that you cannot shake. You may notice yourself questioning leadership, feeling disconnected, or realizing that you just do not care anymore. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre walks through what values misalignment looks like, why it happens, and how to use the Control Your Career Process to move forward. You will learn how to identify subtle signs of misalignment, questions to uncover whether the problem is internal or external, and practical steps to decide whether to stay or make a change. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why values misalignment is not always obvious at first Common signs your job and values are out of sync How to apply the five-stage Control Your Career framework to this challenge What questions to ask before making a drastic decision Small but powerful actions to realign your career 👉 Subscribe so you do not miss the rest of the season, covering burnout, transitions, difficult managers, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/10/01/season12episode4/  Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

Feeling lost in your career is different than feeling stuck. Stuck means you can see the problem, lost means you cannot even name what you want anymore. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre unpacks what it means to feel truly disconnected from yourself and your work, and how to start finding clarity again. Julia walks through the Control Your Career Process to help you reconnect with your interests, skills, and values so you can move forward with confidence. Give yourself the space to pause, reflect, and reconnect with the person you are today. What You Will Learn in This Episode: The difference between being stuck and being lost How survival mode and outside expectations disconnect you from your true self Questions to uncover what is missing in your career and life How to identify interests, skills, and values that reflect who you are today Small actions and habits to rebuild clarity and confidence 👉 Subscribe so you do not miss the rest of the season, covering burnout, transitions, difficult managers, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/09/24/season12episode3/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

Leaving a job is never an easy decision. Maybe you are unhappy but cannot pinpoint why. Maybe you feel tied by loyalty, pay, or benefits, yet deep down you know something is not working anymore. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia Toothacre breaks down the most common reasons professionals consider leaving a role and shows you how to apply the Control Your Career Process to make confident and intentional decisions. You will learn why this decision is so difficult, what patterns to watch for, and how to build clarity about whether to stay or go. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why leaving a job feels so mentally and emotionally heavy Four common reasons people consider leaving How to apply the Control Your Career five-stage framework to this decision Why reflection and clarity matter more than impulse reactions Practical steps to sort through your thoughts before making a move 👉 Subscribe so you do not miss the rest of the season, covering burnout, transitions, difficult managers, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/09/17/season12episode2/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

You didn't work this hard to feel stuck. You've built a strong career, but lately, something feels off, you're not failing, but you're not moving forward either.  In this first episode of the new season of Control Your Career, Julia breaks down one of the most common pain points professionals face: feeling stuck. Using her five-stage Control Your Career process, she walks you through how to figure out what's really happening, why it matters, and what to do next. Forget quick fixes and flashy titles. Real progress comes from clarity, reflection, and intentional action. Stick around until the end of the episode because Julia shares an exciting announcement you don't want to miss. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Why feeling stuck is normal (and not a sign of failure) How to uncover the real reasons behind career stagnation Why quick fixes don't work, and what to do instead The 5 stages of the Control Your Career Process How to take intentional steps to reset your career 👉 Subscribe so you don't miss upcoming episodes on stalled growth, burnout, career transitions, and more. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/09/10/season12episode1/ Get your Control Your Career Worksheet here: https://ridethetidecollective.com/cycworksheet/

Hiring in 2025 is messy, complicated, and evolving fast. Season 11 proved it. In this season wrap-up of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre breaks down the biggest lessons from the Recruiter's Perspective 2025 series. From resume and interview strategies to cover letters, ATS myths, and the rise of AI in recruiting, Julia highlights what job seekers need to know to stay competitive. Julia also shares powerful themes that emerged throughout the season including self-awareness, bias in hiring, and the importance of storytelling in your career. She ends with an honest discussion about AI's growing role in recruitment, what it means for candidates, and how to prepare. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Resume tips recruiters actually want you to follow (metrics, impact, storytelling, and yes, you can go beyond one page). How to stand out in interviews with preparation, smart questions, and genuine interest. Why cover letters are still debated, and when they might make or break your application. The truth about ATS: why humans, not software, reject your application (for now). How hiring bias and "likability" still play a major role in decisions. Why self-awareness and your career story matter more than ever. A candid look at AI's growing role in recruiting: What's here now, what's coming soon, and why it's both exciting and concerning. If you're navigating today's competitive job market, this episode will give you the clarity, confidence, and tools you need to move forward strategically. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/08/27/season11episode13/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

DEI has become one of the most misunderstood workplace initiatives. In this episode, I sit down with Bridget Baggett, career strategist and founder of Twisted Career, to unpack the ripple effects of recent executive orders aimed at dismantling DEI programs. We go deep into the facts, the nuance, and the impact these shifts are having on professionals, hiring practices, and workplace culture. We approached this conversation with intention and respect, doing our research, checking definitions, and aiming to speak across perspectives. Our goal wasn't to push an agenda but to cut through the noise and bring clarity to a topic that's often clouded by misinformation and emotion. You'll hear how DEI affects more than just recruiting, the myths and misconceptions that cause pushback, and why companies that embrace diversity often outperform their competitors. Bridget shares real-world insights from her 15+ years in talent acquisition and diversity work, plus practical advice for job seekers on evaluating company culture before saying yes to an offer. If you've felt confused, frustrated, or concerned by the national conversation around diversity in the workplace, this is the episode that brings clarity. We aren't here to divide, we're here to educate, challenge assumptions, and encourage professionals and companies alike to think critically about how we create inclusive spaces that work for everyone. We talk about: The executive orders changing DEI expectations in the workplace Why DEI matters beyond hiring and how removing it affects culture Misconceptions about data tracking, discrimination, and EEOC protections How bias shows up in "merit-based" hiring systems What companies can do to foster inclusion without performative programs Tips for job seekers navigating today's shifting DEI climate Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/08/13/season11episode12/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

Ready to take your career overseas? Here's what you need to know! If you're a U.S. professional considering a move abroad, or just curious how hiring works outside the States, this episode is a must-listen. Julia sits down with Omar, a seasoned talent acquisition lead at Beontag, who shares an insider perspective on how European hiring really works. From resume formatting and cover letter norms to interview etiquette and notice periods, they cover the key cultural and procedural differences that can make or break your international job search. The episode provides valuable insights for job seekers navigating international opportunities. In this episode, we discuss: The biggest resume mistakes U.S. candidates make abroad What a "CV" actually means in Europe Why cover letters might be holding you back Notice periods and why they matter How hiring timelines differ dramatically from the U.S. Remote work trends in Europe post-COVID Tips for job seekers navigating language barriers and bureaucracy What recruiters actually want to see in an interview Whether you're dreaming of working overseas or just want to understand the global hiring landscape, this episode will help you prepare, adapt, and stand out. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/07/30/season11episode11/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

800 days without a full-time job. One man's story pulls back the curtain on hiring bias, grief, and grit. In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre speaks with Francis "Tank" Rhodes about the realities of long-term unemployment, especially post-pandemic, and despite having years of experience in HR and operations. Together, they discuss the importance of empathy, transparency, and community support in recruitment. The episode offers practical advice for job seekers and urges hiring professionals to recognize candidates' diverse experiences and foster more inclusive hiring practices. We also unpack: The emotional toll of being unemployed long-term The damaging assumptions hiring managers make about resume gaps What "code switching" really means (and why Tank refuses to do it) HR's own inclusion problem and why it can't lead DEI initiatives How hiring bias shows up, even when candidates do everything "right" The importance of showing up as human first, manager second If you're in HR, recruiting, or a hiring role, this is a conversation you need to hear. And if you're a job seeker struggling to feel seen or supported, Tank's honesty will remind you that you're not alone and you're not broken. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/07/16/season11episode10/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

Taking a career break doesn't break your career if you know how to handle the return. In this episode of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre sits down with Jamie Dye, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at M3 USA, to talk candidly about career breaks, why they happen, how to talk about them, and what returning to work really looks like. They discuss the hiring process in biotech and medical research, offering practical advice on resume formatting, and interview authenticity. Jamie shares her personal experience taking six years away from the workforce to raise her daughter, her unexpected reentry path, and the tools that helped her stay relevant during the break. From volunteering and networking to pursuing an MBA, Jamie breaks down practical ways to maintain your professional identity, even when you're not clocking in. They also discuss: What to include (and what not to) on your resume during a break How recruiters view career gaps and why they're not always a red flag Tips for easing back into the workforce, from temp roles to contract work The do's and don'ts of AI in interviews Whether cover letters still matter (and when they actually help) This episode is packed with both encouragement and realism, perfect for professionals considering a break, navigating one, or planning a return. It highlights the value of temporary roles, volunteering, and staying current with industry trends, providing actionable insights for job seekers, especially those re-entering the workforce or transitioning careers. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/07/02/season11episode9/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

Let's talk about the part of job searching no one likes to admit: rejection, fear, and feeling like you're not enough. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia sits down with Danny Cohen, President of Roc Search and One Life Science, to talk about the emotional weight of rejection, how fear shows up in the job search, and what candidates can do to stay focused and confident. With nearly 25 years of recruiting experience, Danny brings insight, energy, and empathy to this honest conversation about the realities of today's job market. From decoding ATS systems to interview prep tips that work, Danny shares powerful strategies, personal stories, and data-backed insights to help you take back control of your job search. He also shares actionable resume tips, powerful interview advice, and thoughtful reminders for anyone feeling defeated by the process. Whether you're tired of applying, doubting your abilities, or feeling the sting of another "no," this episode is full of practical encouragement to help you move forward, strategically and authentically. What You'll Learn: How to handle rejection without internalizing it Why fear and desperation show up in interviews and how to manage it Resume strategies that actually get attention The value of small wins in a long job search How networking plays a bigger role than your application Why your story, and how you tell it, matters more than you think Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/  Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/06/18/season11episode8/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

What if your degree didn't matter and your resume wasn't the most important part of your job application? In this episode, Julia Toothacre sits down with Katie Rakusin, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Merit America, to unpack what competency-based hiring really looks like and why it's changing how professionals get hired. Katie shares her journey from special education teacher to recruiting leader and explains why focusing on skills over pedigree creates more equitable and effective hiring processes. We cover the big questions job seekers are asking right now: Do you really need a cover letter? Can AI hurt your application? What does the ATS actually do (and not do)? Katie brings real-world clarity to these hot topics, with insights that help you stand out without overthinking every application. You'll also learn how to navigate job interviews, craft better resumes, and avoid one simple application mistake that could get you disqualified instantly, without even knowing it. If you've ever wondered how to get noticed in a skills-first hiring process or how to make sure your voice doesn't get lost in the age of AI, this episode is a must-listen. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/06/04/season11episode7/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/

Think recruiters are ghosting you on purpose? Think again. In this episode, Julia Toothacre speaks with Orlando Haynes, North American Talent Acquisition Leader at The Mosaic Company. Orlando shares his journey from candidate to recruiter, emphasizing the importance of honesty in resumes and the hiring process. We talk about the volume recruiters are up against, how the applicant tracking system actually works, and why timing is everything when you're applying. Orlando shares actionable advice for tailoring your resume without going overboard, how to prep for interviews with intention, and the one thing job seekers consistently miss. We also dig into cover letters, fake job postings, and why building a presence on LinkedIn is no longer optional, it's essential. If you've ever applied for a role and heard nothing back, this episode will give you clarity, perspective, and practical next steps to stand out in a crowded market. Explore all the Control Your Career episodes: https://ridethetidecollective.com/podcast/ Connect with Julia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliakrussell/  Episode Blog Post: https://ridethetidecollective.com/2025/05/21/season11episode6/ Learn more about the Career Advancement Intensive: https://ridethetidecollective.com/coaching/intensive/