How to Have Difficult Conversations Without Burning Bridges

Talking about your achievements can feel uncomfortable, but self-marketing is a crucial skill for career growth. In this episode, career coach and author Michelle Schafer shares how to confidently articulate your value—without feeling like you’re bragging.You’ll learn:How to reframe self-promotion as sharing facts, not boastingKey ways to showcase your value beyond your resumeSimple daily habits to build confidence in self-marketingShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/Free offer: A free chapter from my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose (or buy the whole book)- sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/Email: [email protected] a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer 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/SponsorOpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Sleep isn’t a luxury—it’s a career strategy. In this episode, we’re unpacking the powerful link between sleep and work performance with Terry Cralle, RN and certified clinical sleep educator from the Better Sleep Council, to explore how your sleep habits can make or break your productivity, decision-making, and even long-term career growth.Whether you're burning the midnight oil or battling afternoon brain fog, this conversation will give you the tools you need to prioritize rest and show up as your best, most focused self at work.You’ll learn:Why sacrificing sleep to get ahead is actually holding you backScience-backed sleep hygiene habits that improve rest and focusHow to create a sleep-friendly environment without a full bedroom makeoverShow Notes:Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Better Sleep Council: https://bettersleep.org/ 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 with code CAREER at CozyEarth.com. May 2nd - 4th, it's Buy One, Get One Free on their bamboo pajamas. Just use code CAREERBOGO at checkout.Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling 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.

The very trait that makes you a great employee might be holding you back when it comes to negotiating. In this episode, we’re joined by negotiation experts Gerta Malaj and Alex Choi from YourNegotiations.com to discuss why over-communication can hurt your negotiation power—and what to do instead.You’ll learn:Why over-communication weakens your position in a negotiationPractical strategies to use intentional silence to your advantageHow to confidently shift the conversation when faced with tricky salary questionsShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:6 Dos and Don’ts of Successful Salary Negotiations: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/6-dos-and-donts-of-a-successful-salary-negotiation/id1434354911?i=1000631573542YourNegotiations.com: https://www.yournegotiations.com/Weekly newsletter: https://yournegotiations.kit.com/Book a free call: https://calendly.com/alexhapki/callcareercontessaGerta LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/gertamalaj/Alex LinkedIn (posts free content daily): https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhapki/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/Sponsor:Cozy Earth: Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Spring is the perfect time to refresh your work routines and habits! Learn three tangible tips in 30 minutes to help you stay organized, productive, and energized—no matter where or how you work with host Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik as they dive into: ✅ The difference between routines and habits (and why you need both) ✅ Tried-and-true strategies for structuring your workday ✅ The power of time blocking, prioritization, and daily reflectionPlus, we’re sharing our personal work routines, a rapid-fire “love it or hate it” segment, and a fun way to grab exclusive productivity resources.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Sponsors:Go to zocdoc.com/CONTESSA to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.Sign up for your $1/month trial and start selling today at shopify.com/careercontessa.OpenPhone is offering our listeners 20% off of your first 6 months at openphone.com/contessa. Luxury shouldn’t be out of reach. Use code POW for 40% off best-selling sheets, pajamas, and more.Resources Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/ Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=1822Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnCareer 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.

Navigating tech salaries and equity can be confusing, but understanding the details of stock options, RSUs, and compensation strategies can significantly impact your financial future. Compensation expert, Kimberly Hodgdon, who has worked with major tech companies like Netflix and Pinterest, breaks down key insights to help you maximize your earning potential such as:How to decipher and negotiate tech compensation packages, including RSUs and ESPPs.Strategies for evaluating a company's stock value before accepting an offer.Expert tips on managing equity for long-term financial success.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWThe Salary Project: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/LevelsFYI: https://www.levels.fyi/Blind: https://www.teamblind.com/salaryGuest Resources:Kimberly Hodgedon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimberlyhodgdon/The Comp Team: https://www.thecompteam.com/Comp. Template: Spreadsheet to calculate Total CompensationCareer 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/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re in the middle of the biggest transformation in work in over a century—from remote work and burnout to shifting employee priorities. Through it all, one factor remains essential: meaning. In this episode, workplace motivation experts Wes Adams and Tamara Myles share how leaders and employees alike can create more meaningful work and why it leads to higher engagement, productivity, and success.You’ll learn:How the three Cs—Community, Contribution, and Challenge—are the foundation of meaningful work.Why meaning at work drives engagement, happiness, and even financial performance.Simple, research-backed strategies to create a workplace culture that prioritizes purpose.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Meaningful Work Book: https://www.amazon.com/Meaningful-Work-Passion-Performance-Employee/dp/1541704533 Wes Adams LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wesadams1/ Tamara Myles LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamaramyles/ Website w/ assessment: https://www.makeworkmeaningful.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.

Feeling stuck in your career and unsure of your next move? You’re not alone! In this episode, Career Contessa founder Lauren McGoodwin and career coach Marnie Lemonik break down 3 actionable steps to help you gain career clarity—without the overwhelm.Tune in to learn:The biggest misconceptions about career clarity (and what to focus on instead) How to identify your strengths, non-negotiables, and new opportunitiesOur favorite tools and resources to guide your next career moveWhether you’re considering a job change or just want more direction in your current role, this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to take action.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Resources Figure Out Your Next Career Move: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/figure-out-your-next-career-move/ Marnie’s Career Clarity IG Series: https://www.instagram.com/p/DHFOjMnu0Lc/ Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Free Cover Letter Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/free-template-cover-letter Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/store/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wnCareer 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.

Learn how to navigate tough workplace conversations with grace. Leadership Strategist Talia Fox joins us to share strategies for fostering openness, maintaining trust, and handling sensitive topics like a pro. You’ll learn: The biggest mistakes people make during tough conversations at work.How to use her L.O.V.E approach to difficult conversationsPractical frameworks including how to play Values Bingo with your coworkersShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP  Critique Crash Course: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/critique-crash-course/ Guest Resources:Talia Fox Website: https://taliafox.com/The Power of Conscious Connection: https://taliafox.com/book/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/taliafoxspeaks/?hl=enLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/taliafox/Kusi Training: https://www.kusitraining.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/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling stuck, frustrated, or unsure of how to get what you need from your boss? You’re not alone. In this episode, we’re tackling the essential skill of managing up with special guest Melody Wilding, author of Managing Up. You’ll learn how to:Understand your boss’s motivations and set clear boundariesAdvocate for yourself while maintaining strong workplace relationshipsImprove communication skills to navigate office dynamics like a proShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Managing Up: https://melodywilding.com/managingup/ Melody Wilding on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melodywilding/ 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.

Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed by the rapid changes in your job, considering a career pivot, or simply trying to keep up, this episode is for you. LinkedIn’s Career Coach, Catherine Fisher, is here to share: What’s driving these tough realities about work3 practical strategies for navigating any career stage right nowThe top skills hiring managers are looking for + how to show themShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP  Lauren’s LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Guest Resources:Catherine Fisher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinefisherlinkedin/ Career Companion newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/career-companion-6994037905178398720/ 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/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.