Do you struggle to fit into a traditional career path? Feel like your wide-ranging interests make it hard to explain your story—or choose your next step? You're not alone.

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining talks with Sara Kobilka, founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting, about what it means to be a multipotentialite or Renaissance person—and how to build a fulfilling career when your path doesn’t follow a straight line.

Sara shares her nonlinear journey from meteorology to media, education, DEI, and beyond. They discuss storytelling strategies, job search mindset shifts, identity reframes, and how to embrace the power of being outside the box.

If you've ever been told you "do too many things" or struggled to explain your career story, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• What is a Renaissance person or multipotentialite—and how to know if this is you
• Common strengths and challenges multipotentialites face in the job search
• A storytelling framework that helps connect the dots and tailor your resume
• How to reframe your identity beyond job titles
• The benefits and challenges of “unconventional” careers
• Mindset shifts for navigating nonlinear career paths and uncertain markets
• Why community (not just strategy) is key to job search success

Guest Bio:
Sara Kobilka is a multipotentialite and the founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting. Her interests span a wide range of topics, fields, and disciplines, with a focus on community building, communication, and STEM learning and engagement. She is dedicated to advancing disability and accessibility awareness. As an educator, scientist, journalist, coach, and entrepreneur, Sara actively cross-pollinates ideas across boundaries. Her career coaching work includes one-on-one sessions, workshops, and LinkedIn sprints—particularly for people navigating career changes across disciplines, industries, and sectors. Sara lives in New York’s mid-Hudson River Valley with her family, where she balances work, parenting, and chasing new sparkly things.

Connect with Sara:
https://renwomanconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kobilka/
https://www.facebook.com/RenWomanConsulting
https://saras-newsletter-74ba26.beehiiv.com/

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Meet Sara Kobilka & her winding career journey
05:19 – What is a Renaissance person or multipotentialite?
08:56 – Common traits and strengths of multipotentialites
12:43 – Challenges with job searching when you don’t fit neatly in a box
15:27 – The VAST technique for tailoring your resume and cover letter
17:41 – Translating your story with verbs, adjectives, and strategy
23:02 – Using storytelling to stand out in the hiring process
26:18 – Reframing identity beyond job titles
31:42 – Is freelancing or consulting a better path for you?
36:16 – Mindset tips for job searching in a tough market
40:01 – Rethinking networking as community-building
47:02 – LinkedIn sprints and finding your people
49:49 – Sara’s upcoming community for Renaissance professionals
52:03 – Where to find and follow Sara

Your support helps me create more content like this. Help fuel the mission here! https://coff.ee/melissavining

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Marie Zimenoff, CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, to unpack the real reasons career change feels so overwhelming—and how to move forward with clarity and confidence.

They discuss the difference between role, company, and industry misalignment; how to use storytelling and branding to bridge a nonlinear path; and why blowing it all up isn't always the answer (even if it feels like it should be).

Whether you're exploring your options, mid-transition, or doubting if you even can change careers, Marie offers grounded, actionable advice to help you move forward without losing yourself in the process. If you’ve been feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next in your career, this episode is for you.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to identify what’s really not working in your current job
• A practical framework for thinking about career change (without burning it all down)
• How to reconnect with your “why” and leverage your existing experience
• Tips for career storytelling—even if your path has been messy or nonlinear
• Why clarity about your identity is essential before you update your resume
  

Guest Bio:
Marie Zimenoff is known as a pioneer on the leading edge of career industry trends and technology. She began her professional career as an advisor and recruiter in higher education while completing her MEd in human resource studies, career and counseling development. In 2008—the peak of the Great Recession—Marie left the university to start her business. Inspired by a passion to make a difference in the industry, as CEO of Career Thought Leaders and Resume Writing Academy, she releases an annual industry trends white paper and trains career professionals around the globe in resume writing, career coaching, and business development. She is also a sought-after speaker on technology topics in the careers industry at international events like the Asian Pacific Career Development Association, national industry conferences, and career and technical education events.

Connect with Marie:
https://www.careerthoughtleaders.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/career-thought-leaders-consortium/

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:00 – Meet Marie Zimenoff: Her path into career coaching
04:57 – When changing careers feels impossible
06:13 – Four questions to figure out what’s really wrong
12:17 – What to do when you don’t know what you want
18:16 – Why "blow it all up" isn't the best plan
21:30 – Telling your story when your career path doesn’t make sense
26:12 – How to fill career gaps with relevance and credibility
30:19 – Career storytelling vs. personal branding
37:10 – Trends in career change and nonlinear paths
42:14 – What successful career changers have in common
45:20 – Where to find Marie

Your support helps me create more content like this. Help fuel the mission here! https://coff.ee/melissavining

Let’s be honest: most workplaces still aren’t built for people who think differently.

In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Judy Katz, founder of Neurodivergent Working, for a real conversation about what it actually takes to create inclusive, flexible, and accessible work environments.

They talk about the experience of being neurodivergent at work—especially if you were diagnosed later in life—and how so many hiring processes unintentionally push great candidates out. Judy breaks down the barriers, the biases, and the better ways forward for both job seekers and employers.

What You’ll Learn:

• What terms like “neurodivergent,” “neurotypical,” and “neurodiversity” actually mean
• Why so many high-performing misfits are late-diagnosed—and what that means for their careers
• How the hiring process excludes neurodivergent candidates (often unintentionally)
• Common red flags in workplace culture—and how to spot green flags instead
• Why small companies may be better at inclusion than big-name brands
• How remote work, flexibility, and clear communication support everyone—not just neurodivergent people

Guest Bio:
Judy Katz is an AuDHD+ speaker, trainer, coach, and consultant who helps organizations become more neuroinclusive and neuroaccessible. She specializes in designing inclusive learning and communication experiences that unlock the potential of neurodivergent talent—not to check a box, but to build stronger, more effective teams. With decades of experience in leadership development, accessibility, and DEI, Judy has worked with clients across industries and professional associations. She holds an MBA in organizational development and an MEd in instructional design, and is the founder of Neurodivergent Working.

Connect with Judy:
https://www.neurodivergentworking.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/judy-katz/

Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Meet Judy Katz & the story behind Neurodivergent Working
03:15 – Defining neurodivergent vs. neurotypical vs. neurodiversity
06:07 – Why hiring is often inaccessible (and how to fix it)
10:55 – The impact of AI on neurodivergent applicants
13:24 – Should you use AI to edit your writing?
17:35 – The benefits of hiring neurodivergent employees
25:01 – What neurodivergent-friendly workplaces actually look like
29:17 – Toxic culture vs. flexible environments
31:13 – Red flags: generic language on the job description
36:49 – How to find better companies and managers
43:45 – Final thoughts + where to find Judy

Your support helps me create more content like this. Help fuel the mission here! https://coff.ee/melissavining