In this episode of The Career Report, Tim breaks down what it means to see the lowest quit rate since spring of 2020, and why that shift matters in today’s job market. He unpacks what’s driving professionals to stay in place, how uncertainty is influencing career decisions, and what this trend signals for leaders thinking about their next move. If you’re weighing a job change, feeling cautious about making a move, or trying to understand where the market is heading, this episode offers timely insight and practical perspective.

Welcome to Success by Design, the podcast crafted for high achievers ready to take charge of their careers, elevate their businesses, and create lasting fulfillment in life. Hosted by Tim Madden, CEO of Executive Career Upgrades, this podcast delivers actionable strategies, expert interviews, and industry insights for meaningful growth.

Whether you’re aiming for a breakthrough in your current role, transitioning to a new industry, or growing your business, Success by Design is here to guide you toward your full potential. With over 22 years of military experience and a track record of scaling multiple businesses, Tim Madden brings insights from a career spanning leadership, entrepreneurship, and executive coaching.

Join us weekly to learn how you can define success on your terms—and achieve it. Hit subscribe to start your success journey today! 🎧

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden break down the latest shifts in the job market and why right now is one of the strongest moments we’ve seen in months for high-level candidates. With job openings hitting new highs, companies are actively moving to secure talent before the new year... creating more interviews, faster timelines, and wider opportunities for Directors, VPs, and Executives who stay engaged.

Tim and Kristina unpack what’s driving this surge, which industries are accelerating, and how you can position yourself to stand out while the market is moving in your favor. If you’ve been thinking about starting or restarting your search, this episode makes it clear: now is the time to take action.

In this episode, Tim and Kristina Madden break down a common mistake even high-level professionals make during a job search: looking desperate online. Whether it’s posting too often about needing a job, sharing inconsistent messaging, or reaching out to hiring managers in ways that feel frantic rather than confident, these signals can quietly push opportunities away even when you’re highly qualified.

Tim and Kristina explain what desperation looks like from a recruiter’s or executive’s perspective, how it impacts your brand, and why maintaining a strong, composed online presence is essential for Director, VP, and Executive-level searches. They also share practical tips for staying visible, strategic, and credible without crossing into “I need a job right now” territory.

If you want your online presence to open doors instead of close them, this conversation will show you how to communicate your value with confidence and impact.

In this episode of The Career Report, Kristina Madden digs into how an identity shift can be the key to finally getting unstuck. She breaks down why so many people feel anxious heading into a new week especially on Sundays, and how that stress often comes from holding onto an old version of yourself. Kristina shares practical ways to redefine who you see yourself as, interrupt unhelpful patterns, and step into a mindset that supports your goals instead of limiting them. If you’ve been feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or dreading the week before it even starts, this conversation will help you create the shift you need to move forward with more clarity and confidence.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden dive into what they call “The Great Leadership Reset”. A shift happening across teams, industries, and the job market as expectations for leaders rise and the tolerance for being merely “average” disappears. They break down what it actually means to outperform the norm, why so many leaders get stuck in outdated habits, and how to reset your mindset so you can lead with intention, ownership, and real influence. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to elevate your performance or redefine how you show up at work, this conversation will help you see what “beating average” truly looks like in today’s world.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden dive into what they call “The Great Leadership Reset”. A shift happening across teams, industries, and the job market as expectations for leaders rise and the tolerance for being merely “average” disappears. They break down what it actually means to outperform the norm, why so many leaders get stuck in outdated habits, and how to reset your mindset so you can lead with intention, ownership, and real influence. If you’ve been feeling the pressure to elevate your performance or redefine how you show up at work, this conversation will help you see what “beating average” truly looks like in today’s world.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim walks through the essential groundwork executives need to complete before they start a job search. Most people jump straight into applications and miss the foundational steps that actually determine whether they’ll get interviews, stand out to decision-makers, and negotiate strong offers. Tim breaks down what to focus on first, how to get clear on your direction, and why preparation matters more than ever in today’s market. If you want your next search to be intentional (and not another stressful grind) this episode will point you in the right direction.