The Workforce Link Podcast

You landed the job — now what? The first 90 days matter more than most people think. In this episode, Sundi Jo walks you through 7 things you can do to make a great impression, build the right relationships, and set yourself up for long-term success from day one.Links In This Episode: Missouri Apprentice Connect

Is your job description driving away the candidates you actually want?In Episode 82 of The Workforce Link Podcast, Sundi Jo Graham breaks down why job descriptions are quietly scaring away good candidates — and six practical things you can do right now to fix them. From cutting corporate jargon to leading with outcomes instead of task lists, this episode is packed with actionable tips for any employer who's frustrated with their hiring results.Links in This Episode: Central Region Employer Services Central Region Job Centers9 Job Description Statistics to Keep in Mind for 202550+ Job Search Statistics for 2026

Your resume might not be the problem. In this episode, we get real about the emotional side of job searching — the spiral that starts with one rejection email and takes out your entire day. If you've ever let anxiety, self-doubt, or negative self-talk get in the way of your job search, this one's for you. We're talking about how to recognize your triggers, why your emotional state directly affects your results, and five practical steps to get yourself into a calmer, more confident headspace so you can actually land the job.Links in Today's Episode:Central Region Job CentersWhy You Should Stop Looking for a Job on Fridays (Ep. 65)Four Strategies to Deal With the Emotions of Job Loss (Ep. 67)

When you are hiring, what carries more weight: experience or attitude?It is a question many employers face. Do you choose the candidate with years of technical expertise, or the one who brings adaptability, strong communication skills, and the right mindset?In this episode of The Workforce Link Podcast, we take a closer look at this decision and why it is not an either-or choice.

Feeling pressure to have your career figured out by now? You’re not alone.In this episode of the Workforce Link Podcast, Sundi Jo talks about why you don’t need all the answers to move forward. When work feels uncertain or overwhelming, clarity matters more than certainty.This conversation is about slowing down, asking better questions, and understanding what’s working for you right now. It’s a reminder that progress doesn’t require perfection—and that small, thoughtful steps still count.Whether you’re questioning your next move, feeling stuck, or simply needing permission to pause, this episode meets you where you are.Links in This Episode:Job Center ServicesJob Center Locations

The start of a new year often brings reflection—and pressure.In this episode of the Workforce Link Podcast, we talk about what it really means to start fresh when it comes to your career or your workforce. Whether you’re thinking about a change, feeling stuck, or planning for the year ahead, this conversation focuses on clarity, goal setting, and realistic next steps.We explore why you don’t need all the answers in January, how small goals can lead to meaningful progress, and why workforce planning is as much about people as it is about positions.This episode is for anyone who wants to move forward with intention—without feeling rushed.Links In This Episode: Episode 44: How to Achieve Your GoalsCentral Region Job Centers

Why do some people always get things done—and how can the rest of us build those same habits? In this episode, host Sundi Jo breaks down the brain science behind accountability, drawing from research featured in Fast Company. We explore three cognitive habits that help employees stay motivated, communicate clearly, and take ownership of their work.You’ll learn how syncing expectations supports trust, why purpose fuels stronger performance, and how a growth mindset helps teams improve over time. Whether you’re leading a team, developing your career, or supporting workforce programs, this episode offers practical tools to help Missouri’s workforce thrive.Links in This Episode: 3 Cognitive Habits of People Who Get Things DoneThe free-energy principle: a unified brain theory?Predictive Reward Signal of Dopamine NeuronsHow to Find Your WhyMindset: The New Psychology of SuccessEmployer ServicesJob Centers

Thinking about making a career change but not sure if it's the right time—or where to even start?In this episode of The Workforce Link Podcast, Sundi Jo explores what it means to pivot in your career with purpose and confidence. You’ll learn how to recognize the signs it’s time to shift, how to prepare for the transition, and what small steps you can take right now to move toward the future you want.✅ We talk about:The power of listening to “the whisper” for moreHow to know if it’s really time to move onWhat to do if fear is holding you backPractical steps to take before quitting your jobIdentifying your transferable skillsBuilding your network (and how to start!)The importance of a growth mindsetWhy your WHY matters—and how to find itKey takeaway: A pivot isn’t about running away. It’s about running toward who you’re becoming.Links in this Episode: Episode 48 - Elevating Your Career Through the Power of NetworkingEpisode 1 - How to Find Your WhyHow to Find Your Why PDF

What does the rise of AI and automation really mean for your career—or your workforce?In this episode of The Workforce Link Podcast, host Sundi Jo Graham explores how technology is reshaping the world of work—and how you can adapt without fear. From job seekers wondering if AI will take their job to employers navigating team training and upskilling, we break down the facts, debunk the myths, and highlight the human skills that still matter most.You’ll learn:✅ What major reports from Goldman Sachs, McKinsey, and the World Economic Forum say about AI and job transformation✅ Why soft skills like creativity, empathy, and critical thinking are more valuable than ever✅ How job seekers and employers can stay ahead through training, curiosity, and a growth mindset✅ What Missouri manufacturers are doing to bridge the skills gap with cross-generational mentorship✅ How to access free job training and workforce resources through the Central Region Job CentersWhether you’re preparing for a career pivot or leading a team into the future, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and practical tools to help you thrive.Links in This Episode:The Potentially Large Effects of AI on Economic GrowthThe Future of Jobs Report 2020The Future of Work in America: People and Places, Today and TomorrowWorkplace Learning 2025Job Center ServicesEmployer Services

After spending over 20 years in prison, Stacy Dismang Wright walked out with more than a second chance—she walked out with purpose.In this raw and powerful conversation, Stacy shares how her journey through addiction, incarceration, and recovery led her to a new calling: helping others break the same destructive cycles she once lived in. Now a peer specialist at Lane Change, a no-cost recovery center in Missouri, Stacy is proof that long-term recovery is possible—and that transformation doesn’t stop with one person.From panic attacks in the living room to mentoring clients facing their own battles, Stacy’s story is full of grit, grace, and redemption. You’ll hear how the On-the-Job Training program through workforce development played a vital role in her transition, and how her work is now changing lives every single day.If you’ve ever wondered whether people really change—this episode is your answer.Links in This Episode: Work-Based LearningLane Change