Sometimes the career decision that makes the most sense for you won’t be the most obvious one.

In this episode, returning guest Julianna Yau Yorgan joins me to talk about making thoughtful decisions when you can’t see the entire path ahead.

Julianna shares how choosing what she calls a “career vacation” gave her the space and perspective she needed—and how living in four different countries (!!) changed the way she thinks about work, home, and what matters most.

We also explore why it’s so hard to zoom out under stress, and the practices Julianna uses to create clarity, including challenging assumptions, playing out different scenarios, stepping away from constant input, and letting ideas simmer.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation about listening to yourself and trusting that an unexpected choice can still move you forward ✨

🍃 New Quiz: What Career Season Are You In? Discover Your Season

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🔗 Connect with Julianna on the web | LinkedIn

Welcome to season 13! Have you ever noticed how hard it is to see the bigger picture when you’re standing right in the middle of something?

In this first episode of Season 13, I’m sharing how one conversation helped me see that the In Season planner wasn’t simply one part of my work... the idea behind it was the work.

That realization led to Career Growth in Seasons: a more natural way to understand how our careers move through seasons of growth, reflection, rest, and renewal.

We’ll explore the Myth of the Endless Summer, why we don’t need the same things from our careers all the time, and how perspective can help us tell the difference between a difficult week and a bigger pattern.

Sometimes, zooming out helps us see our careers with more context, more grace, and a clearer sense of what may come next.

Perspective is In Season ✨

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We made it to the #1 most-loved episode of all time... and by a landslide 🎉 Interview prep: Tell me about a time you made a mistake.

Here's the thing: this question is designed to reveal how self-aware you are (it's not meant to trip you up). And when you know how to respond to it, it becomes one of the most powerful moments in your entire interview. I'm sharing the simple framework that's helped thousands of listeners, plus the mindset shift that changes how you walk into every interview from here on out.

We've arrived at Listener Favorite #2 🎉 How to Make a Fabulous First Impression at Your New Job

The first 90 days of a new job will set the tone for everything that follows. Whether you're walking into a brand new office or logging into your first remote team call, the early days of a new role carry so much weight.

This episode is the guide I wish everyone had on their first day. Plus—the story of my own unforgettable first day that involves keys, a car, and a brick. You'll want to hear it 😆

We made it to the Top 3 🎉

At #3 on our listener fave countdown is How to Refresh + Realign Your Energy at Work.

Have you ever considered an energy strategy at work? We were never meant to operate at the same intensity year-round. Our work moves in seasons, and our energy does too. The more we honor that, the more sustainable and more enjoyable our careers become.

Today, we're revisiting the five dimensions of energy, what throws them off, and how to come back into alignment when work has pulled you out of it.

Autumn Inspirations playlist

Coming in at #4 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is How to Discuss Time Off in Job Interviews, and this proves just how much the landscape has shifted. If asking about time off in an interview has ever made your palms sweat, consider this your reset. Time off conversations are about figuring out whether this company actually supports the life you want to live.

Coming in at #5 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is the episode you will bookmark for the moment you need it most. Whether you're stepping into a new role, gearing up for a raise, or just trying to have the money conversation without your stomach in knots—Sabine Gedeon and I are pulling back the curtain on what actually works. We're talking about insider strategies from our years in HR. The exact language that opens doors. And the mindset shift that changes the entire dynamic. Here's a hint: the best negotiations come from a place of collaboration + preparation.

Coming in at #6 on our Top 12 Listener Favorites is the episode I get asked about more than almost any other. Do you even need a cover letter anymore? And if you do, what on earth do you say?

Here's the truth: the stuffy, formal cover letter has had its day. But the job seekers who stand out are not the ones with the most polished AI-generated templates. I'll show you what's working now, the right way to use AI (hint: not as a ghostwriter), and a voice-to-text trick that makes drafting feel effortless.

Free Gift: Cover Letter Checklist