3 in 30: How to Prep for PTO and Actually Enjoy Your Vacation

In this solo 3 in 30 episode, career coach Marnie Lemonik answers listener questions across leadership, job searching, and workplace growth. From stepping into people management for the first time to navigating stagnation, hypothetical interview questions, and asking for more feedback, Marnie breaks down the mindsets and tactical approaches that will help you move forward with confidence. You’ll Learn:How to transition into people management with trust, structure, and clarityHow to evaluate whether it’s truly time to leave your jobHow to answer hypothetical interview questions with a clear, repeatable formatHow to ask your manager for more feedback in a direct, positive wayShow 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 Instagram Video: Hypothetical Questions: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DQ7_A3rgVYs/?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn Marnie’s Free Resourceshttps://www.marnielemonik.com/resources Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD 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/ 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/ Sponsors:Go to shopify.com/careercontessa to upgrade your selling today.Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first order.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This holiday season, we’re revisiting one of our most popular episodes featuring communication expert Matt Abrahams. Learn how to stay calm, concise, and confident in spontaneous conversations — from job interviews to everyday workplace interactions.You’ll learn:How to manage anxiety in high-stakes communication momentsSimple structures (like “What? So what? Now what?”) to keep your responses clear and memorablePractical strategies for handling interviews, feedback, small talk, and even email with confidenceShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Think Fast, Talk Smart Podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/business-podcasts/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast Think Faster, Talk Smarter (Book): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BW2DNZHX/ref=tsm_1_fb_lk Matt Abrahams on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maabrahams/ 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:Right now, Merit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at meritbeauty.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’re replaying one of our most-loved episodes to close out the year. Career coach Kristin Evanson joins me to share how neuroscience can help you shift from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset — so you can approach challenges with confidence and creativity.You’ll learn:The difference between fixed and growth mindsets (and how to spot your own tendencies)Four actionable steps to reframe limiting thoughts into opportunitiesHow to navigate career transitions with resilience and possibilityShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Kristen Evanson LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristinevenson/ 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/ Sponsors:Go to shopify.com/CAREERCONTESSA to upgrade your selling today.Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik are in full holiday prep mode—tackling the stress that often comes with taking paid time off.  From the anxiety of unplugging to the chaos of catching up, they share practical strategies to make your vacations more restorative and less overwhelming. You’ll Learn:How to use AI tools to streamline your post-vacation “catch up” processHow to navigate your company’s PTO norms and clearly communicate expectations How to reframe time off as an essential part of long-term career successShow 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 Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Marnie’s Free Resourceshttps://www.marnielemonik.com/resources Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD 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/ 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/ SponsorsTake back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at found.com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first order. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Fear shows up in every career — whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, going for a stretch role, or asking for a raise. But courage isn’t about eliminating fear; it’s about acting with it. In this episode, Harvard Business School professor and author Ranjay Gulati shares the science of everyday courage and practical strategies to help you move forward boldly in your career.You’ll learn:The “fear equation” — and why uncertainty and control matter mostThe 9C’s of Courage and how to strengthen them like a muscleMental strategies and rituals to manage fear in real time and take bold actionShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Book: https://ranjaygulati.com/how-to-be-bold/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ranjay-gulati/ Website: https://ranjaygulati.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.

Think personal branding is only for extroverts? Think again. In this episode, Lauren sits down with Goldie Chan—personal branding strategist, keynote speaker, and author of Personal Branding for Introverts—to unpack how introverts can grow their authentic presence without burning out.You’ll learn:Why personal branding is about clarity and connection, not self-promotionThe “Five C’s” every introvert should know to build a sustainable brandPractical ways to avoid burnout and define success on your own termsShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Website: https://www.goldiechan.com/Book: https://www.goldiechan.com/bookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/goldie/ 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.

Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity and resilience at work. In this episode, play designer Cas Holman shares how curiosity and playfulness can help teams thrive.You’ll learn:Why adults need play to spark innovationHow leaders can model play without it feeling forcedEasy ways to bring more play into your daily workShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Cas Holman: https://casholman.comBook: https://casholman.com/work-with-cas-copyRigamajig: https://casholman.com/design/rigamajig 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.

Your time isn’t your most valuable resource—it’s your attention. In this episode, Dr. Zelana Montminy (Dr. Z), behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus, joins Lauren to explore why learning to protect your attention is the new workplace superpower. From the myth of multitasking to the everyday “focus thieves” draining your energy, Dr. Z shares practical strategies for reclaiming your focus and thriving at work—without burning out.You’ll learn:Why multitasking sabotages productivity and how your brain really works.The most common “focus thieves” and how to spot and stop them.Dr. Z’s simple, science-backed tools to reclaim your attention starting today.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest ResourcesDr. Zelana website: https://drzelana.com/ Finding Focus book: https://drzelana.com/findingfocus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana 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/ SponsorsMerit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at merit beauty.com.Join thousands of small business owners simplifying their finances—open your FREE Found account now at found.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik tackle one of the most common struggles for all of us —setting boundaries at work. From overcommitting to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they break down why boundaries matter and how to enforce them in a way that feels fair, balanced, and realistic. You’ll Learn:How to replace “maybe” with clear, confident communicationHow to use tools and systems to make boundaries easier to stick toHow to anticipate (and handle) pushback when enforcing boundariesShow 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 Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Marnie’s Free Resourceshttps://www.marnielemonik.com/resources Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD 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/ 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/ Sponsors:Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first subscription order. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get startedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We’ve been told our whole lives that competition makes us better, sharper, and more successful. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, I’m joined by Ruchika Malhotra—founder of Candour and author of UNCOMPETE—to challenge the myth that competition is the key to growth. Instead, she shows us why uncompeting is the real path to abundance, joy, and lasting success.You’ll learn:Why the idea that “competition makes us better” is more harmful than helpfulHow to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundancePractical strategies to embrace collaboration without losing ambitionShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:Website: https://www.ruchika.co/Book: https://www.ruchika.co/uncompete-bookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm/ 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:Go to calm.com/contessa for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.