Career Switch Podcast: Expert advice for your career change
This podcast helps career changers who are looking to switch industries or professions, or who want to start their own business. It features interviews with people who have successfully made a career switch, along with expert advice on overcoming challenges along the way. Listeners can gain practical tips and inspiration to take action in their own career transitions. The show also provides additional resources through its website and social media channels.
Episodes
60: You deserve to make a career change
So many of us stay in jobs that feel “safe” with the steady paycheck, the benefits, and the routine. But deep down, we know something’s missing. I sit down with Juliana Londoño, a licensed mental health therapist and entrepreneur, to talk about why deserving to make a career change is different from asking whether you can or should.In the season finale of Career Switch Podcast, Juliana and I disse
59: Taking the work out of networking (especially for introverts)
We all know networking is a big part of making a career change. But does it feel like work to you? My guest today can help make it easier.Karen Wickre is the author of Taking the Work Out of Networking. Karen has spent 30 years in tech as a writer, editor, and communications professional, and has been called “the best-connected Silicon Valley figure you’ve never heard of" because of her super
58: Making a career change your own (Hispanic Heritage Month)
Zayda Rivera is a Reiki Master who made her career change her own—by bringing together her teachings with her Puerto Rican heritage. In this episode celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, Zayda shares the calling she felt to take her career in a new direction after years of covering entertainment, politics, and breaking news as a professional writer. She opens up about the self-doubt she had about l
57: Turning your hobby into your next career
When friends began offering to pay him for taking photos, Anthony Randazzo started thinking his hobby could become more than just a creative outlet. In 2012, Anthony made the bold decision to leave behind his Wall Street law career after he realized it wasn't for him. Eventually, he made the switch from corporate attorney to professional photographer. In this throwback episode, Anthony shares
56: Temping your way to a new career (over age 60)
When her longtime boss passed away in 2022, Lisa Pollione found herself at a crossroads with her career—in her 60s. In this episode, Lisa shares how she reinvented her professional life after two decades as a trusted chief of staff and executive assistant to a pharmaceutical advertising executive.Lisa recalls the actions she took: signing up with temp agencies, exploring new paths, and staying ope
55: The hidden blockers keeping you stuck
Do you want to make a career change, but you feel stuck? Do you keep procrastinating, thinking you’ll get started next week, month, or year? Here to get you going is executive coach and leadership consultant Ellen Whitlock Baker. As the founder and CEO of EWB Coaching, Ellen helps midlife professionals reclaim who they are and what they want to do next in their careers.In this episode, Ellen share
54: Paving your way in a new field (like AI)
Jim Fina made his career switch in the late 90s when new media was becoming more mainstream and integrating itself into our daily lives. Jim, a textbook editor at Scholastic, gradually transitioned into project management at a time when it was relatively new in tech. Jim's experience from 20-plus years ago mirrors where we are today with artificial intelligence. Just like the web in the 90s,
53: A pep talk for your career change
If you need a pep talk today, this episode is for you! Wherever you are in your career change journey, my guest has you covered with practical tools and soulful guidance.Robyn Moreno is a spiritual coach and author of Get Rooted. In this episode, Robyn shares how you can manage those fears and doubts that often come up with making a career switch—by tapping into your intuition and staying in the p
52: Figuring it out as you go
Any career change has its risks. That’s why a major goal of this podcast is to encourage you to TAKE ACTION. Nayan Patel exemplifies this mission perfectly. Recently, Nayan went from working as a banking executive to managing a horse farm. As the new owner of Horse Shadow Run, he now oversees a 16-acre horse farm that offers boarding, riding lessons, and summer camps in Charlotte, North Carolina.I
51: Get into the mind of a hiring manager
Let's face it, career changers aren't typical job candidates. You've got the extra hurdle of having to convince a hiring manager that you can do the job you're applying for in a new field. To better understand what a hiring manager is thinking—and feeling—I’m speaking with Dawn Graham, PhD, a licensed psychologist and author of Switchers: How Smart Professionals Change Careers
50: An inside track to a career change
Sometimes you don’t have to go far to make a career switch. My guest today is a great example of how to change careers without changing companies. Mia Villarreal went from social media strategist to product marketing manager—within the same organization—in only a couple of years. In this episode, Mia shares how she first got into VMware, a global software developer, in 2020 as a contractor—a move
49: Need some A.I.R. with your career change?
Madeline Miller, a Gen Z and Millennial career and leadership coach, shares her A.I.R. Formula—Alignment, Influence, and Resilience—to help professionals connect with a more fulfilling career. Drawing from her own career switch as an entertainment attorney turned entrepreneur, Madeline breaks down the mindset shifts needed to:• Align your work with your values • Build influence• Develop the resili
48: Tuning into your younger self (Women's History Month)
Barbara Brandon-Croft is recognized as the first Black woman cartoonist in the U.S. to break into the mainstream press with Where I’m Coming From, her cartoon feature centering on Black female voices.As we celebrate Women's History Month, Barbara looks back at her various careers—from her early days as a fashion and beauty writer to her time as a cartoonist at the Detroit Free Press in the 90
47: Battling an identity crisis with a career change
Former newspaper reporter Jonathan McFadden opens up about the identity crisis he battled with his career change. He recalls everything he was afraid to lose if he left journalism—would it be worth it? “I, like many of us do, conflated my value as a human with my value as an employee,” says Jonathan.In this episode, Jonathan shares how he tried a couple of different jobs and industries before land
46: How faith can guide your career change
Whether you’re feeling stuck, curious about a new field, or dealing with the ups and downs of a career switch, you can make spirituality part of your journey. We revisit a chat with author and life coach Nancy Gavilanes, who shares how your faith can guide you through a career change. “You need faith to have patience, persevere, and not give up,” says Nancy. Episode HighlightsThe spiritual compon
45: Avoid burnout with your career change
It takes time to change industries or professions, and depending on how you handle that time—and the feelings that come with it—it could lead to burnout. I speak with Dr. Kyle Elliott, a career coach and founder of CaffeinatedKyle.com. Kyle coaches career changers, so they avoid burnout as they work on their career switch. In this episode, Kyle shares how having clear targets, realistic goals and
44: The power of networking for POC & First Gens
As a person of color (POC) and/or first-generation professional, your family’s culture and background likely influenced your beliefs, which can now impact your making a career change.Dani Tan is a leadership and career coach, who works with POC and First Gens who are often the first, few or only in their space. Dani reveals how the scarcity mindset from our parents can affect our career choices. A
43: Trying to change careers now
My guest today is trying to change careers now while he has a full-time job, a mortgage and two young kids. David Mock opens up about the challenges he's facing, his immediate concerns (will it work out?, will it be worth it?), and how he's getting through it all. Currently, David feels stuck and he shares how he's working on becoming a certified junior cybersecurity analyst, a new
42: Is a creative career right for you?
If you’re dreaming about breaking out on your own to do something creative, this episode is for you! Creative strategy coach Michelle Guo works with creatives, such as freelance web designers, copywriters and social media managers. As the founder of Magicave Media, Michelle empowers her clients to build a sustainable business around their desired lifestyle. Is a creative career right for you? Mic
41: Pursuing your passion at any age (Hispanic Heritage Month)
After she was laid off in her 50s, Argentine-born Mirta Rinaldi decided to follow her passion for cooking. Today, Mirta is in her 70s and teaches Argentine cuisine. She also owns her own business, Mendulcina, where she hosts cultural experiences and makes and sells delicacies from her home country. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Mirta shares how she made her career change and the rich ties h
40: Going back to school for a career change
Did you know? 48% of U.S. employers offer undergraduate or graduate tuition assistance as a benefit? This means you can start making your career change NOW while you’re still at your current job! When Weavy Garcia’s company offered an MBA program to their employees, he went for it. It was an opportunity to learn about business, get his master’s, and switch from IT into sales, a more lucrative opti
39: 3 keys to coping with a career change
Any career switch will have its ups and downs. I speak with recovery coach Gerardo Matamoros about some potentially harmful behaviors you may start relying on to help you handle whatever is going on right now with your career change.Gerardo is the owner of consulting firm 7RM7 and a group facilitator for Smart Recovery, a nationwide nonprofit which offers free support groups to individuals who wan
38: How to transition from corporate to non-profit
When making a career change from corporate to non-profit, who wouldn’t want that HR perspective? The chance to find out from a Human Resources manager what they’re looking for when hiring. Thanks to nonprofit consultant and coach Niki Lomibao, that’s exactly what you’ll get in this episode!Niki has 10 years of HR experience in the non-profit world and she’s hired plenty of career changers. As the
37: Starting a retail business after corporate burnout
Helene Godin was a lawyer for 22 years before she burnt out on the long hours and commute. She quit in 2010 with no plan.Over the next year, Helene used her skills as a lawyer to study the gluten-free market and develop recipes. In 2011, she opened By the Way Bakery. Today, Helene has five retail locations and her gluten-free, dairy-free and kosher products are sold at Whole Foods and Stew Leonar
36: How to be more confident with your career change
You need confidence to make a career change. Public speaking and confidence coach Sammie Walker Herrera shares how you can be more confident with job interviewing, networking and negotiating. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, we cover how to look and sound confident when answering some common interview questions in-person or virtually, how to ask people for their salary range without cri
35: Leaving media: Career change for editors
If you're an editor who's been affected by the layoffs in journalism and media, this episode is for you! I chat with editorial recruiter Chandra Turner, founder of The Talent Fairy, a recruiting agency that specializes in placing editorial talent. Chandra was a top editor at consumer magazines, such as CosmoGirl and Parents, before she was laid off in 2017. Today, she works with large c
34: 3 signs it's time for a career change
Welcome to Season 3! Are you thinking about making a career change, but aren't sure? I speak with certified life and career coach Deirdre Taylor about three big signs you should watch out for that are telling you it’s time for a career switch. We also cover how to begin taking those first steps with your career change in this episode of Career Switch Podcast. Deirdre has over a decade of exp
33: Leaving corporate for non-profit (Hispanic Heritage Month)
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I speak with Charlotte Castillo, managing director of Poderistas, a non-profit founded by Latinas that focuses on building a digital community to inspire civic engagement among Latinas. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Charlotte tells us how she first got involved with Poderistas as a volunteer and how she used her marketing and brand strategy expertis
32: How to make a career change after 50
Some of the most listened to episodes of Career Switch Podcast are those that feature guests who’ve switched industries or professions after age 50. So, I decided to dedicate an entire episode to making a career change when you’re over 50. I speak with Penny Kastaris, executive coach and senior consultant with Right Management Talent Solutions, a company that offers career transition services. Pen
31: Leaving journalism: When you need to change industries
Chances are you need to make a career switch if your industry is in trouble. Maria Azua was just starting her career to become a magazine editor in 2016 when she realized print journalism was unstable. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Maria tells us how she made the tough decision to leave publishing and switched to search engine optimization, or SEO, in digital marketing. She offers ad
30: Ladies, avoid these mistakes with your career change!
Career mindset coach Ellen Torreyson helps women challenge their beliefs and get real about why they want to make a career change and how they go about it. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Ellen fills us in on the major mistakes she sees with her clients before and after they decide to make a career switch, and how you can avoid them. Find Ellen Torreyson at:Instagram: www.instagram.com/
29: The ups and downs of building a business
After working in finance for almost 10 years, Teddy Levarda was looking to make a career change. Having to sit all day at work and the constant stress of his investment job had given him chronic hip and back pain. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Teddy tells us how acupuncture changed his life and how it inspired him to become a licensed acupuncturist. He shares his initial doubts about g
28: In your 20s and feeling guilty about wanting to make a career change?
If you’re in your 20s and you feel stuck in your career, this episode is for you. Perhaps you majored in a certain subject in college, got a job in that major after graduation, and you now realize it’s not the field for you. Or maybe you had limited career options because your parents expected you to follow a specific path like doctor, lawyer or engineer, and you now want to make a career switch.
27: From classroom to corporate: How a teacher transitioned out of education
Former high school teacher Tyler Banh certainly understands why so many teachers are leaving their profession nowadays. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Tyler shares why he quit teaching in 2018 and the transferable skills he used to become a senior specialist in digital learning for a management consulting firm. He talks about the techniques he utilized to address his knowledge gaps, how
26: How to make your transferable skills stand out with storytelling
One of the trickiest parts about making a career switch is having to show someone that you’ve done A, B, and C in one industry or profession and that you’ll be able to do X, Y, and Z in a new one. You basically have to convince somebody to take a chance on you. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, career coach Win Sheffield walks us through how a good story can make your transferable skills s
25: Is your hobby your next career?
When people offer to pay you for something you do well, take note. It could lead to a career switch. It did for Anthony Randazzo. As a straight-A student, Anthony grew up with two career options—doctor or lawyer. He became a corporate lawyer and worked on Wall Street before he quit at age 29 after he realized the profession was not for him. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Anthony tells u
24: Using your quiet strengths as an introvert to change careers
Nancy Ancowitz, author of Self-Promotion for Introverts®: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead, walks us through why introverts can struggle with networking, interviewing, thinking on the spot, and impostor syndrome when making a career switch. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Nancy points out the quiet strengths you likely already have as an introvert to help you work through these challeng
23: How being bilingual can boost your career change
When Julia Abrantes moved from NYC to Atlanta, she assumed she’d have no problem finding another job as a legal secretary with her 30 years experience. To her surprise, she had a hard time landing a job in her new city and ultimately, she had to make an unexpected career switch in her 50s. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Julia shares how she eventually became a licensed insurance agent,
22: Benefits of volunteering: Transferable skills for a career change
One of the best things you can do for your career change is volunteer. I speak with career transition coach Bonnie Diamond, a senior executive coach at Right Management, about the professional and personal benefits of volunteering when switching industries or professions. Get motivated to volunteer today!Find Bonnie Diamond at:Website: www.bonniebdiamond.comLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/bonniebdia
21: From side hustle to a new career
If you listen to audiobooks, you may have heard Mike Lenz on Audible. Mike is a voiceover actor who has narrated about 170 titles over the past 15 years. When Mike started doing voiceover in 2006, he was working as a pharmacist and running his own business. For some 10 years, he narrated books and voiced other projects on the side. Today, Mike is a full-time voiceover actor and works with corpora
20: A holistic approach to a career change
Welcome to Season 2! I speak with career coach Vilma Usaite, who believes in taking a holistic approach to making a career switch. In this episode of Career Switch Podcast, Vilma breaks down her signature program for finding a fulfilling career into three stages. Her goal? For each person to have a career where it feels like you’re, essentially, getting paid for being yourself. Find Vilma Usaite a
19: Here's why you're procrastinating about your career change
If you know that you need to make a career change, but you keep procrastinating, it's time to get real. I speak with career coach Jeanne Lyons, founder of Accelerated Synergies, who sheds light on why we hold off on starting the process of a career switch, and how our mindset is key to taking those first steps.Episode Highlights:What's holding you back from starting your career switchBei
18: The pros and cons of becoming a full-time writer
How many of us have dreamed of ditching our 9 to 5 job to become a full-time writer? In 2020, Jody Leber-Pay quit her job in financial services to write books. Under the pen name, Bradley Pay, Jody has written two novels so far in The Spectrum Series with her co-author Robin Bradley. Jody shares how she prepared to make her career switch, the pros and cons of being a self-published author, and how
17: What role can faith play in your career change?
Does making a career change require faith—in ourselves, in the steps we’re taking, in the future, and even in something bigger than us? Christian author and life coach Nancy Gavilanes shares how your faith (whatever it may be) can play an important role in making a career switch, and she offers 3 ways to make it part of your journey.Find Nancy Gavilanes at:Website: www.AboundingFaith.comInstagram:
16: Breaking into a new industry in your 50s
After climbing the ladder, project manager Andrew Grossi missed the creative part of being an architect—designing. In 2002, he decided to make a career switch to become a boat designer. He set up a plan and started taking courses in boat design. Unfortunately, the 2009 recession threw a wrench in Andy’s plan, and eventually, it took him two tries and some 15 years to make his career switch. In thi
15: How to transition from the military to a civilian job (Veterans Day)
Are you making a career change from the military to a civilian job?U.S. Army veteran Regina Ross is a professional certified coach, who helps military service men and women transition into the civilian sector once they complete their service. Regina is the founder of Walk on Purpose and she suggested we talk about the hard time some veterans have with their career switch post military. In this ep
14: How a passion project led to a career change (Hispanic Heritage Month)
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, I speak with Isabel González Whitaker, founder of the Sara J. González Memorial Park in Atlanta—the first park named for a Latinx individual in the state of Georgia. Isabel’s mother, Sara, was a Cuban refugee who became a leading immigrant and minority rights advocate in Georgia.What began as a passion project for Isabel—memorializing her mom with the founding
13: How to market yourself as a career changer
It's no secret (or is it?) that career changers need to market themselves differently than regular job seekers. Certified resume writer and professional career coach Timothy Lo, founder of Your Next Jump, uses a real-life client example to walk us through how to put together a resume that'll stand out, how to best use LinkedIn, and how to talk about your experience in one industry or pro
12: Trusting your gut with a career change
Twenty-seven year old Allison Fedele tells us how she trusted her gut when she started seeing red flags at her 9 to 5 job as a graphic designer. In this episode, Allison shares her ups and downs about going to grad school, including how she handled the financial burden in her 20s, and how using the Tombstone Test helped her follow her calling to teach. Resources:Transitioning Life: The Tombstone
11: Impostor Syndrome and other roadblocks to a career change
We tackle 3 roadblocks that can creep up while making a career change. One of them is impostor syndrome. It’s when you feel incompetent and attribute your success to luck or other factors, and you downplay your skills, experience, and achievements. We’ll also look at low self-worth and lack of self-care, which can take you on a mental detour with your career change journey.Here to discuss these ro
10: Will your employer pay for your degree?
If your company offers tuition assistance to pursue a degree, you can start making your career switch NOW while you’re at your current job. This is what Weavy Garcia did when he decided to diversify from IT. Getting his MBA through his employer was an opportunity to learn about business, get his Master’s, and switch into sales, a more lucrative option for him. In this episode, Weavy tells us what
09: The 3 biggest mistakes women make with salary negotiation when making a career change
It can feel like you’re starting over when you’re making a career switch. Perhaps you’re thinking that you’ll for sure have to take a pay cut to switch industries or professions. This is a common assumption for women.Here to set us straight is Anna McDonnell Dowling, the CEO and co-founder of the f school, an online platform that teaches women the life skills that are not taught in school. Her mis
08: Working with a career coach to change careers
Are you thinking about working with a career coach to help with your career change? Bella Holzkenner worked with two career coaches to decide her next move after being in asset management for more than 20 years. One of them was certified career and life coach Deirdre Taylor, who was featured in our last episode about how to figure out your career switch when you’re lost. Bella tells us about the w
07: Lost with what career change to make?
Do you want to make a career change, but don’t know what to pursue? You’re not alone. So many people are struggling to figure out their career switch as shown on Facebook groups for career changers. The most common post on these groups goes something like this, “I’m so unhappy doing what I do right now at my job, but I don’t know what else to do with my career!” Here to the rescue is certified lif
06: Starting a woman-owned small business
After almost 20 years as a structural engineer, Patricia Rodriguez reached a point where her career had gotten somewhat stagnant and she was ready for a change. She jumpstarted her next chapter by teaching and founding her own firm and teaching—the dream combo she had imagined in graduate school. Patricia shares how she opened new doors for herself as a woman-and-minority-owned small business and
05: How to handle uncertainty while changing careers
Making a career change can take time. And not knowing if it'll turn out the way you want and when it’ll actually happen, can be very stressful. Are you working on your career switch and constantly worried? Are you feeling discouraged as the weeks or months go by? Life coach Allison Carmen, author of The Gift of Maybe: Finding Hope and Possibility in Uncertain Times, offers 3 tools to handle u
04: Aged out: Making a career change over 50
Errol Griffiths spent decades in ad sales until he was aged out. Unsure of what to pursue next, he explored a few options that didn’t work out. He shares how he figured out his career switch at over age 50, and made his way into financial advising, where his age is now an asset with his clients and he can work as many more years as he wants.Episode HighlightsBe honest with yourselfHow to figure ou
03: 6 key LinkedIn features to update NOW for a career change
Which key features on your LinkedIn profile should you update NOW for your career change? And which ones can get you noticed by your target companies? Is it always better to have more LinkedIn connections? Here to tell us is LinkedIn expert Louise Brogan, host of the weekly podcast, “LinkedIn with Louise”, where she shares her best tips and advice for using LinkedIn to make a career switch. Find L
02: Starting a non-profit as a career change
Self-declared Type A personality Christina Martin Pendleton shares how she overcame her fear of failure to start her non-profit, LiKen, in spring 2020 at the beginning of the pandemic. LiKen is an organization in the Boston metro area that helps adolescents, who are displaced due to their parents' struggles with substance use disorders. It provides comfort items to these at-risk kids in real
01: How to network virtually
Career coach Win Sheffield tells us how the pandemic* has changed the job market. Networking virtually is now the norm and Win shares how to reach out and connect with people online when you're trying to switch industries or professions. Episode Highlights:• How to network virtually• How to use LinkedIn• How to connect with new people• The 3 groups of people who can help you• The #1 ques
Trailer: "I knew I had to get out."
Lixandra Urresta, executive producer and host, on why she started Career Switch Podcast.Music credit: TimMoor from Pixabay Podcast info:What's your career switch? What do you think about this episode and the show? Tell us at careerswitchpod.com. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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