Career Contessa

What if the problem isn’t your productivity—but the way you’ve been taught to work?
Most of us are still operating with outdated, industrial-era habits… even though today’s work requires focus, creativity, and deep thinking.
In this listener-favorite episode, neuroscientist Dr. Mithu Storoni, author of Hyperefficient, shares how to work with your brain instead of against it—so you can think more clearly, avoid burnout, and perform at a higher level.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to align your work with your brain’s natural rhythms for better focus and efficiency
The “3 gears” of your brain—and how to shift between them depending on the task
Simple ways to reduce decision fatigue and create an environment that supports deep work

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP

Guest Resources
Dr. Mithu Storoni: https://www.mithustoroni.com/
Hyperefficent Book: https://www.amazon.com/Hyperefficient-Optimize-Your-Brain-Transform-ebook/dp/B0CDWJR44T
Dr. Mithu LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mithu-storoni/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors
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Your reputation isn’t just what you do—it’s what people say about you when you’re not in the room. And whether you’re intentional about it or not, you already have a personal brand at work.
In this listener-favorite episode, branding expert Dorie Clark breaks down how to understand, shape, and strengthen your reputation so it actually supports your career growth.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
How to identify your current reputation—and whether it’s helping or holding you back
Practical ways to shift and communicate your personal brand (without feeling inauthentic)
The 3 key strategies to build expertise, credibility, and long-term visibility

Show Notes:
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP
Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Guest Resources:
Dorie Clark website: https://dorieclark.com/
Free Assessment: https://dorieclark.com/join/

Career Contessa Resources:
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors:
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The job market has changed—and standing out requires more than a polished resume. In this episode, Lauren sits down with career expert Sam DeMase from ZipRecruiter to break down what actually helps candidates get noticed right now—from clarifying your value proposition to optimizing the most important part of your resume. You’ll learn:
Why the top one-third of your resume matters most—and exactly what should go there
How to define and communicate a clear value proposition that makes employers pay attention
The biggest mistakes job seekers make today—and how to avoid them in a competitive hiring market

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
24 Hour Resume Makeover: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/resume-makeover-template/
Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template
Job Search Academy: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/how-to-land-the-job-by-targeting-your-dream-company1/

Guest Resources:
Website: https://www.apowermood.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samdemase/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/apowermood/?hl=en

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors
Get 40% off select Lola Blankets products at Lolablankets.com by using code CONTESSA at checkout. Experience the world’s #1 blanket with Lola Blankets.
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Executive presence is one of the most talked-about—and least understood—skills in your career. In this episode, Lauren sits down with executive coach and co-author of The Presence Principle, Dr. Alexa Chilcutt, to break down what executive presence actually is, why it matters for promotions, and how to build it in a way that feels authentic—not performative.
If you’ve ever been told to “speak up more” or “be more confident” without clear guidance, this conversation gives you a practical, research-backed roadmap to develop presence on your own terms.
You’ll learn:
A simple 3-step framework to build executive presence in a way that aligns with your strengths
The difference between making a strong first impression and building lasting leadership credibility
Small but powerful shifts in mindset, voice, and body language—especially in virtual settings—that elevate how you show up at work

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Alexa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexa-chilcutt-phd/
The Presence Principle: https://www.amazon.com/Presence-Principle-Embodying-Executive-Impact/dp/1041021968

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor
Become a Fora Advisor today at foratravel.com/contessa.
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Networking doesn’t have to feel awkward, transactional, or exhausting. In this episode, Lauren sits down with communications leader and author Monique Kelley to break down the do’s and don’ts of relationship-based networking—and how building genuine connections can unlock new opportunities, collaborations, and career growth. You’ll learn:
• Why the biggest networking mistake is waiting until you need something
• How to identify the value you bring—even early in your career
• Simple ways to strengthen existing relationships so opportunities come through connection, not cold outreach

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
The Successful Networker course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networker

Guest Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/moniquekelleygigliotti/
Book: https://www.redefiningnetworkingbook.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors
Save 20% off Honeylove by going to honeylove.com/CONTESSA! #honeylovepod
Get your menopause treatment plan today. Visit myalloy.com and use code CONTESSA for $20 off your first order!
Become a Fora Advisor today at Foratravel.com/contessa.
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.