Show overview
Career Contessa has been publishing since 2018, and across the 8 years since has built a catalogue of 396 episodes, alongside 5 trailers or bonus episodes. That works out to roughly 220 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a weekly cadence.
Episodes typically run twenty to thirty-five minutes — most land between 29 min and 39 min — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Business show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 25 episodes already out so far this year. Published by Lauren McGoodwin.
From the publisher
Shortcut your path to being more successful at work. This show helps you figure out what you truly want, land a job, make more money, advance your career, and improve your work life with actionable insights from experts that boost work performance. We're covering job searches, job interviews, resumes, LinkedIn, how to get paid and get a salary raise, career growth tips, leadership and management advice, workplace interpersonal skills, wellness strategies, work-life balance, confidence, career transitions, workplace toxicity, and more! Listen wherever you get your podcasts, follow @careercontessa on Instagram for daily career tips, and subscribe to our newsletter at www.careercontessa.com/newsletter
Latest Episodes
View all 396 episodesYour Next Job Is Probably in Your Network—Here’s How to Strengthen It
Is Your Debt Driving Your Career Decisions? How to Change That
Career Transition 101: Strategy, Mindset, and What to Do First
Why Aren’t People Responding to Your Emails? How to Write Messages Busy People Actually Read (Listener Favorite)
Should You Become a Manager? How to Know If Leadership Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)
Is This Job the Wrong Fit? How to Know When a Role Is Right for You (Listener Favorite)
The Self-Promotion Problem: How to Advocate for Yourself Without Feeling Icky (Listener Favorite)
When Work Becomes Your Whole Identity (and How to Take It Back)
3 Toughest Leadership Problems— Solved
Why Are We Racing? How to Navigate The Modern Rat Race
How to Design & Run Effective Meetings
Soft Incompetence: The Subtle Drain on Your Time & Energy

Ep 3165 Communication Shifts That Transform How You Lead, Speak, and Sell
Communication isn’t just a soft skill—it’s the foundation of influence, trust, and leadership at work. In this episode, Ravi Rajani, author of Relationship Currency, breaks down the five habits that make communicators truly influential. From reframing the stories you tell yourself to building trust without being the loudest voice in the room, Ravi shares practical, immediately usable shifts that help you communicate with more clarity, credibility, and impact—starting this week.You’ll learn:How to build trust through the Three C’s: connection, character, and competenceWhy patience (not charisma) is the secret weapon of influential communicatorsSimple habits introverts can use to speak with confidence and be taken seriously at workShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Relationship Currency book: https://www.theravirajani.com/book Ravi LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theravirajani/ Ravi website: https://www.theravirajani.com/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 315The New Career Path: Flexible Work, Blended Teams, and What’s Next
The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts.They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work.You’ll learn:Why blended teams are becoming the new standardHow flexible work can still support growth and stabilityWhat leaders need to rethink in the AI eraShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Lions & Tigers website: https://lionsandtigers.com/ Workforce Reimagined Research: https://lionsandtigers.com/why-now/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorsSign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 314The Leadership Skill Most Likely to Derail Your Career, According to a Harvard Professor
Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn:Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailmentThe hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close itThe first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourselfShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/ Book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/book Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorSign 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.

Ep 313How to Stop Worrying About Money
Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again.You’ll learn:Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually doesHow “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessingWhat modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or controlShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656 Guest Resources:YNAB app: https://www.ynab.com/ YNAB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorsHead to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. 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.

Ep 312Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately
Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.You’ll learn:The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in)How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delaysThe EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insuranceShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 3113 in 30: Marnie’s Entrepreneur Journey
In this episode, Lauren turns the mic on co-host Marnie Lemonik to unpack her journey from corporate professional to Career Coach.Marnie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she “shot her shot” with Career Contessa years before officially joining the team, what pushed her to start coaching and how she financially (and mentally) prepared to bet on herself. If you’ve ever considered starting your own thing, whether as a side hustle or full-time job, this is for you.You’ll Learn:The timing and circumstances that led Marnie to transition from corporate to coaching What it actually looks like to build a side business before leaving your full-time jobThe importance of financial preparation and rejecting the “struggle to hustle” mindsetThe entrepreneurial skill of “figuring it out” (and why self-trust is everything)Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Marnie’s Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaVZm8QWlC8RWwiajYcs9?si=a2a5187a63674a76 Marnie’s Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-marnie/id1875804683 Marnie’s Career Contessa Articles: https://www.careercontessa.com/meet-the-team/Marnie-Lemonik/87101/ Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Resources Marnie’s Resume Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/template-marnies-resume-with-written-examples 10% Discount Code: CCPOD The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnCareerFitter Online Assessment:https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/SponsorsSign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Share a little extra love this February in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ep 310Mid-Career and Losing Steam? Let’s Fix That
Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title.You’ll learn:Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth.Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum.The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Carolyn Dewer: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/carolyn-dewarBook: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasons Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorSign 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.

Ep 309Why Smart Teams Still Fail
What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent.You’ll learn:Why emotionally intelligent teams outperform othersHow to build trust and psychological safetySimple steps to boost your team’s emotional IQShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guide to working with me: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/communication-guide/ Guest Resources:Website: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/Book: https://www.vanessadruskat.com/books Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorSign 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.