Jess Get Hired

Show Notes: "Fired to Fierce" - A Hot Take with Lori McDowell 🔥 **Introduction**: In this episode of the Jess Get Hired Podcast's "Hot Takes" series, hosted by Jessica Fiesta George, we delve into the rollercoaster world of getting fired and bouncing back stronger than ever. Our guest, Lori McDowell, shares her personal journey and insights, turning job loss into a springboard for success. 🔥 **The Fired-At-Work Saga**: Lori opens up about her decade-long tenure in a job she once loved, which dramatically changed when a new boss took over. As she embarked on a side business venture, a series of events led to her unexpected termination during a remote sales meeting in Austin, Texas. 🔥 **Handling the Rollercoaster of Emotions**: Lori recounts the initial shock and anger she felt upon being fired. She shares her feelings of being disrespected, reflecting the emotions many experience when facing job loss. 🔥 **The Upside of Being Fired**: Despite the initial shock and anger, Lori reveals that the unexpected firing eventually felt like a relief. It pushed her to explore her true passions, including launching her own businesses, such as Schooley Mitchell and Reimagine U Strategies, and writing her book, "The Reinvention Mindset." She emphasizes that job loss can be an opportunity for growth and redirection. 🔥 **Reshaping the Career Path**: Lori's experience led her to develop a support network, seek out coaching, and find strength in sharing her story with others. She highlights that being fired is a common occurrence and encourages individuals to view it as a chance for a fresh start. 🔥 **Rebuilding Confidence and Staying Strong**: Lori discusses the importance of seeking support from friends, family, mentors, and coaching groups. She emphasizes that confidence can be rebuilt by recognizing your worth and remembering that being fired doesn't define your value. 🔥 **Words of Wisdom for Those in the Firing Pan**: Jess and Lori give advice for those who have been fired is to believe in themselves, acknowledge their emotions, and see the experience as an opportunity rather than a failure. Tune in for a candid and inspiring conversation with Lori McDowell, and discover how you can turn setbacks into comebacks and emerge fiercer than ever! --- Learn more about this podcast: www.jessgethired.com Subscribe and Follow - Jess Get Hired for more content!

*Episode Title:* Staffonomics: Investing in Your People *Podcast:* Jess Get Hired Podcast *Sponsored by:* The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce *Episode Description:* In this episode of the Jess Get Hired Podcast, we delve into the world of "Staffonomics." Discover why investing in your employees is the secret sauce to business success. Our guest, Ashley Carroll from Operations House, shares invaluable insights on why companies should prioritize their staff just as much as other aspects of their business. From competitive salaries to personalized growth plans and holistic well-being, we explore practical ways to invest in your team. Join us as we explore the future of business, where people are at the heart of success. *Timestamps:* **00:20** - Introduction - Welcome to the Jess Get Hired Podcast. - Sponsored by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce. **01:48** - Episode Overview - Explore the concept of "Staffonomics." - Special guest: Ashley Carroll from Operations House. **03:15** - Meet Ashley Carroll - Ashley's unique journey from accountant to COO. - The significance of the title "Chief Reality Officer." **05:22** - The Secret Sauce: Investing in Your People - Why investing in staff is crucial for businesses. - The financial and reputational benefits of engaged employees. **07:11** - Practical Ways to Invest in Staff - Competitive salaries and transparent bonus structures. - Personalized growth plans and career development. - Holistic well-being: Addressing financial and personal needs. **13:22** - Measuring Impact - Quantitative metrics: Retention rates, productivity, customer satisfaction. - Qualitative feedback: Team dynamics, employee comfort, time off. **15:09** - The Future of Business Landscape - Changes in team infrastructure and roles. - Fostering a culture of accountability and support. **16:13** - Conclusion: A Win-Win Solution - Investing in staff as a transformative force. - The cornerstone of business excellence. **16:51** - Outro - Stay tuned for more scorching discussions in the Hot Takes Series. - Subscribe and share the spice! **17:00** - Sponsored by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce - The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce: Adding flavor to your workplace discussions. **17:25** - Subscribe and Stay Tuned - Don't miss upcoming episodes of the Jess Get Hired Podcast. - Subscribe now and join the conversation! **17:31** - Contact Us - Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover? Reach out to us. **17:58** - Closing Credits - Thank you for tuning in to the Jess Get Hired Podcast. - Sponsored by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce. **18:04** - Connect with Us - Follow us on social media and stay updated. **18:07** - [www.jessgethired.com] - Visit our website and get in touch with us. Join us in this engaging episode as we explore "Staffonomics" and the art of investing in your people. Subscribe to the Jess Get Hired Podcast and share the spice of knowledge with your network. Thanks for tuning in!

🎙️ **Show Summary:** In this episode of the "Jess Get Hired" podcast, host Jessica Fiesta George introduces a scorching summer series with a fresh format. Sponsored by Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce, this episode explores the innovative world of employee wellness and mental health. The focus is on going beyond traditional approaches and embracing creative solutions for a balanced work environment. The guest for this episode is Robine Bonner, an experienced talent acquisition and retention specialist with a passion for fostering inclusive environments. Robine introduces her brainchild, "Wreck and Ruin," a mobile rage and art wellness room that provides a unique outlet for employees to channel their stress and frustrations creatively. She emphasizes the importance of offering a non-judgmental space for employees to express their emotions through unconventional means. The conversation delves into the significance of embracing mental health and well-being as essential aspects of modern workplaces. With the pandemic's impact on mental health, employers are recognizing the need to prioritize employees' mental wellness. Robine shares insights on creating a culture of open communication, reducing stigma, and offering a variety of wellness strategies to promote employee engagement, productivity, and resilience. The episode emphasizes that mental health initiatives should extend beyond traditional offerings like pizza parties. Robine suggests a range of innovative ideas such as workshops, scavenger hunts, informal coffee chats, and incorporating pets and art into the workplace environment. It's highlighted that finding the right wellness program requires regular communication and surveying employee needs. Robine also touches on the importance of keeping wellness initiatives effective in the long run. She emphasizes the significance of safe spaces for vulnerability, ongoing evaluations, and fostering an environment where employees feel empowered to speak up about their mental health needs. In conclusion, Jessica and Robine stress the importance of acknowledging mental health as a vital component of overall well-being. The episode closes with a commitment to further conversations on this critical topic in future episodes. **Key Takeaways:** - The podcast explores creative solutions for employee wellness and mental health. - Robine introduces "Wreck and Ruin," a mobile rage and art wellness room. - The pandemic has highlighted the need to prioritize mental health in workplaces. - Creating an inclusive environment and reducing stigma are crucial for mental health support. - Employers should go beyond traditional offerings and consider innovative strategies. - Regular communication and employee surveys are important for effective wellness programs. - Long-term success involves fostering safe spaces for vulnerability and ongoing evaluations. Connect with Robine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinelunkwitz/ Learn more about the Jess Get Hired Podcast: https://linktr.ee/jessgethired

**Episode Summary: "Cover Letters - Ditch it or Fix it" with Scott Raether** In this scintillating episode, host Jessica Fiesta George takes us on a journey through the evergreen debate about cover letters in the modern job application landscape. Joined by esteemed guest Scott Raether, the duo navigates the contrasting perspectives and underlying value of these documents in today's job market. 🔍 **Exploring Relevance**: With the rise of automated systems, the question arises - do cover letters still have a place? The episode delves into whether these traditional components are mere formalities or essential insights for recruiters. 🔥 **Sparking Debate**: Uncover why some recruiters skip cover letters during the initial screening process. What factors play into this decision, and is there a way to bridge the gap between job seekers and recruiters' preferences? ✨ **Making an Impression**: Job seekers, listen up! Learn expert tips on how to craft cover letters that stand out and capture the attention of recruiters and hiring managers. Discover how to infuse personality and passion into these pieces. 🏢 **Industry Nuances**: Is the insistence on cover letters evenly distributed across industries and roles, or do certain sectors place more emphasis on them? The episode explores whether job type plays a role in the cover letter's significance. 🎙️ **Beyond the Resume**: Do cover letters offer unique insights into a candidate's personality and enthusiasm? Explore whether these letters complement the information provided in resumes and CVs. 💡 **Innovative Alternatives**: Is there life beyond the traditional cover letter? Discover creative ways for applicants to showcase their skills and excitement for the role, without sticking to the traditional format. 🔄 **Adapting Strategies**: With changing preferences and technologies, should hiring managers reconsider their recruitment approaches? The episode raises questions about whether cover letters are in need of a transformation. 🤝 **Networking Power**: Dive into the role of networking and personal connections in the application process. Do these connections diminish the importance of cover letters in certain job applications? This episode of "Cover Letters - Ditch it or Fix it" is brought to you by Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce, adding an extra kick to your summer vibes. Join Jessica and Scott as they dissect the cover letter conundrum, provide actionable insights, and spark lively discussions. Subscribe now and stay tuned for more scorching conversations and Hot Takes in our summer series. Network with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-raether/ More on Jess Get Hired: https://linktr.ee/jessgethired

Episode 56: Career Turbocharge: Cut Your Job Search in Half In this episode of the "Jess Get Hired" podcast, we embark on a transformative journey into the heart of career acceleration. Join your host, Jess, as she sits down with the insightful author and career strategist, George C. Murray. Overview: Are you tired of the endless job search? Do you dream of finding your ideal career in half the time? Look no further. George C. Murray, the author of "HIRED: Cut Your Career Search in Half," takes us through his expert strategies to streamline your career search and take it to warp speed. Key Highlights: George's firsthand experience navigating two major career transitions in just under three years became the foundation for his comprehensive guide, "HIRED." George's diverse background, from his time in the US Army to his 25 years in Global Operations, equips him with unique leadership skills and an unbreakable positive mindset. Learn how to leverage these skills, navigate the job market effectively, and overcome obstacles to ensure your career journey is as smooth as possible. George's international assignments in various countries have enriched his understanding of global cultures, adding a unique layer to his advice. Discover actionable strategies that will not only cut your job search time in half but also set you on a course for long-term career success. George’s passion for personal and professional growth shines through as he discusses his coaching, consulting, and speaking endeavors that focus on creating strong teams, nurturing next-gen leaders, and driving business improvements. To dive even deeper into these strategies and insights, make sure to explore George's book, "HIRED: Cut Your Career Search In Half" available on Amazon or where books are sold. Connect with Jess and the "Jess Get Hired" community through their website at www.jessgethired.com and on Instagram at JessGetHired. Plus, don't miss out on their exciting summer series, "Hot Takes," where you'll find rapid-fire 15-minute episodes filled with career wisdom and sponsored by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce. So, gear up for a career transformation like no other. Your dream job is just around the corner, and George C. Murray is here to help you reach it faster and more effectively than ever before. Stay inspired, stay empowered, and get ready to turbocharge your career! --- To contact George for further assistance email him at: [email protected]. Follow George on Instagram: @get_better_start_today If this book helped connect with George on LinkedIn and let him know: https: //www.linkedin.com/in/georgecmurray/

**Episode Summary: "PJ's to Powersuits: Dress Code for Remote Workers"** In this juicy episode of the "Jess Get Hired" podcast's Hot Take Summer series, host Jessica Fiesta George dives into the remote work fashion dilemma with the help of Jordan Gregory, a remote work fashionista and talent acquisition pro. They dish out insights on whether dressing up or staying cozy boosts productivity and confidence while tackling video calls, all with a dash of humor and style. Jordan spills the beans on her journey from dressing to impress in a traditional office to embracing the comfort of remote work attire. The duo chats about finding the sweet spot between comfy casual and professional chic for video calls, dropping tips like keeping it classy with neutrals and rocking that "business-casual-on-top" vibe. They also sprinkle in some wisdom about expressing personality through remote work outfits without sacrificing professionalism. The conversation heats up when they discuss whether different industries demand a dressier remote work attire. Plus, they uncork some spicy insights into staying motivated to dress up, even without a physical office to flaunt your style. Remember, this sizzling summer series is brought to you by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce, adding flavor to your workday! Tune in for a fun, candid chat that'll make you rethink those pajamas and power suits. *Available on YouTube, Spotify, and your fave podcast platforms. *Visit: www.jessgethired.com Sponsored by:  @TheSpicyGnome  www.thespicygnome.com Subscribe to this channel so you don't' miss an episode!

Get ready for a sizzling new episode on the **Jess Get Hired Podcast** as we kick off our scorching summer series with a whole new format - welcome to **Hot Takes**! 🌞🔥 🎧 In this episode, we're diving into the red-hot topic of **"Fertility to Fatherhood - Perks Employers Should Have to Attract Talent."** 💼👶 Joining us is a true expert in the field, **Anthony Franzese**, a Strategic Partnership Executive at Stork Club, a fertility and family-building vendor for employees. 🚀👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 With over 10 years of experience in the employee health space, Anthony is on a mission to help companies create supportive work environments that value their employees' personal lives as much as their professional ones. He's also the host of the **Successful Working Parents Podcast**, where he explores the delicate balance between work and family life. 💡 In this episode, we'll be discussing: - Must-have benefits top talent looks for in today's competitive job market. - Anthony's journey into fatherhood and his expectations about paternity benefits. - The rising importance of fertility benefits in workplace culture. - How family-friendly perks contribute to an engaged and committed workforce. - Striking a balance between cost and providing comprehensive fertility benefits. So, join us as we heat up the conversation with Anthony and explore the secrets behind winning the talent war with family-focused benefits! 🌶️👶 Connect with Anthony: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-franzese-38b11317/ About Jess Get Hired: Jessica Fiesta George is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Strategist with more than 15 years of experience, specializing in empowering job seekers and coaching Private Equity backed companies to achieve success. As the host of the Jess Get Hired Podcast, she offers invaluable insights and advice on personal branding, the latest HR technology, industry trends, and more, making it the ultimate resource for professionals at all career stages. With the ever-changing job market, Jessica's podcast helps listeners navigate the landscape and provides them with the tools necessary to succeed. Her mission is to assist others in hiring the best talent, developing world-class recruitment solutions, and helping individuals get promoted or find their next opportunity. Learn more: https://linktr.ee/jessgethired

Episode Summary: In this scorching episode of Hot Takes, we dive into the spicy truth behind "No Security in Job Security." Our guest, Kevin Dunlap, is a true serial entrepreneur since the '90s and the CEO and founder of Optimal Performance Academy (OPA). Join us as we explore how the concept of job security has evolved in recent years, and how individuals can navigate the dynamic job market to find stability and success in their careers. Guest Bio: Kevin Dunlap is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience. After being downsized following a Y2K project, he realized the corporate world lacked stability. Undeterred, he embarked on a journey as a serial entrepreneur and founded Optimal Performance Academy (OPA). Through OPA, Kevin empowers small business owners to thrive in the online realm with education, online programs, workshops, and coaching. Kevin's diverse background includes being a high school honors student, a Navy veteran, a math whiz, a college math teacher, a computer programmer, a real estate consultant and investor, and a business coach and strategist. He draws upon this wealth of experience to elevate the education of his students and clients. Episode Takeaways: Embrace Adaptability: In today's ever-changing job market, adaptability is key. Develop versatile skills and remain open to change to seize new opportunities. Build Your Entrepreneurial Fire: Whether you're a business owner or not, embrace an entrepreneurial mindset – take risks, stay innovative, and create your path to success. Diversify Your Toolkit: Don't rely solely on tenure or a single set of skills. Stay updated with industry trends, network, and invest in personal and professional growth. Seek Stability in Unconventional Ways: Job security isn't about staying at one company forever. Find stability through adaptability, constant learning, and a strong performance record. Spice Up Your Journey: Infuse passion and excitement into your career journey. Embrace challenges, let your uniqueness shine, and relish the adventure. Links: Kevin Dunlap's Website: https://kevinadunlap.com/ Optimal Performance Academy: https://optimalperformanceacademy.com/ Jess Get Hired Website: https://www.jessgethired.com/ Connect with Jessica Fiesta George: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fiestageorge/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jessgethired/ Stay tuned for more Hot Takes episodes, and don't forget to subscribe to the Jess Get Hired Podcast for more spicy discussions on career and entrepreneurship. Keep that entrepreneurial fire burning, and we'll catch you on the next blazing episode! 🔥🌶️

In this special pop-up episode of the Jess Get Hired Podcast, sponsored by The Spicy Gnome, we dive into a hot take on conquering Imposter Syndrome and overcoming our fears. Our guest, Brad Smith, a skilled business growth consultant, CEO and executive team coach, shares powerful insights on character development and persona creation as tools to combat Imposter Syndrome. Brad highlights the importance of embracing authenticity and resilience through personas, helping us challenge self-doubt and negative beliefs. By reframing failure as a stepping stone to growth and seeking support from mentors and others, we can navigate through Imposter Syndrome and unleash our true potential. With a touch of spice and a dash of inspiration, this episode sparks the fire within, guiding us on a journey to crush Imposter Syndrome and embark on a path of personal and professional success. Tune in and join us as we unleash our inner heroes to conquer our fears and strive for greatness! Tune in to this spicy episode on your favorite platform, but don't miss the visual feast on Spotify and YouTube. Get ready to savor the flavors of success, as we dive deep into the world of career wisdom! Add Jess Get Hired to your playlist so you don't miss regular episodes and our pop-up episodes each week! Visit www.jessgethired.com to explore more! Proudly sponsored by The Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce - Spice up your plate and your career! www.thespicygnome.com Brad Smith is the Founder and CEO of Stellar Insights. He is a skilled business growth consultant, CEO and executive team coach.Interested in CEOs and companies who are ambitious, curious, and courageous enough to want more insight, more for their company, and more from themselves with less effort should find him at www.stellarinsightinc.com

Hot Take: Your Story Doesn't Matter - The secret sauce to answering a top interview question In this episode we explore into the crucial aspect of interview storytelling and why your story might not matter as much as you think. Joining us today is career expert Mike Tomasello, who shares invaluable insights and tips on how to answer the "tell me about yourself" question more effectively. Join the Jess Get Hired Podcast on this mouthwatering adventure, where we generously spice things up with insights, tips, and wisdom from the world of recruitment. This episode is part of a summer pop-up series of the podcast sponsored by a dash of Spicy Gnome Hot Sauce! Visit www.thespicygnome.com to learn more! Mike explores how candidates can avoid over-sharing personal details during interviews. He discusses both in-the-moment adjustments and pre-interview strategies to keep the focus on professional qualifications. Listen for Practical advice from Mike: Remind yourself that interviews don't require nonstop conversation. Take a deep breath after speaking and embrace a moment of silence to gather your thoughts and respond more thoughtfully. Jess also emphasizes the value of making interviews more conversational and suggests finding common ground with interviewers to create a comfortable environment. Mike's hot take: "Your story doesn't matter, your relevant story matters." He highlights the importance of tailoring your experiences to fit the specific requirements of the job you're applying for. Mike shares different approaches to identifying and presenting the most relevant aspects of your background during the interview. Tune in to this episode to discover the secret sauce to mastering interview storytelling and ensuring you stand out to potential employers. Don't miss out on more valuable career insights from Mike Tomasello in future episodes. Stay connected and get ready to excel in your job search! Mike Tomasello is a "Top Career Thought Leader" recognized by TV's Shark Tank's very own Kevin Harrington! Despite facing initial challenges as an introvert and nodding off during his first interview, he rose to lead teams in start-ups and Fortune 100 companies worldwide, managing a remarkable $1 Billion in strategy. With a passion for helping job seekers, he's impacted tens of thousands, from recent graduates to C-suite executives. Mike can be emailed directly at [email protected] Mike can be found on most social media platforms @CareerSuccessSecrets (Threads, Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn) Twitter: @HowToLandAnyJob Join is Facebook group for even more valuable resources! Tune in to this spicy episode on your favorite platform, but don't miss the visual feast on Spotify and YouTube. Get ready to savor the flavors of success, as we dive deep into the world of career wisdom! Add Jess Get Hired to your playlist so you don't miss regular episodes and our pop-up episodes each week! Visit www.jessgethired.com to explore more about our guest and delve into the wealth of knowledge he brings. Are you ready for a taste of success?