The Unstuck Career

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What if you could keep your 9-to-5 and still build something deeply meaningful on the side? In this episode, I sit down with Mateo Platsidakis, the founder of The Forward Kind, to talk about what it means to chase “more” out of life without blowing up everything you already have. Mateo’s story is one so many of us can relate to—a job he enjoys, but a sense that something important was missing, leading him to launch a brand built on mental health awareness, resilience, and community.

We dig into the powe...

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This week, we challenge one of the biggest myths out there—the idea that a traditional job is supposed to make you feel safe and secure. Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “If I just made more money, then I’d finally feel safe”? I unpack why that sense of security you’re searching for will never come from your job title, paychecks, or even the size of your bank account.

We’ll explore real stories and insights from a recent coaching call that illustrate how chasing external safety is a moving targe...

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This week, I sit down with Shruti, a fellow coach, to explore what really happens when you're handed an unexpected chance at a fresh start. Shruti opens up about her abrupt transition from IT operations—13 years strong—to making coaching her full-time pursuit after getting laid off. She shares the vulnerable truth about ignoring her mental health for over a decade, the stigma she faced around therapy in the workplace, and the powerful moment she realized being let go might just be the freedom she always wanted.

We dig into how pers...

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Feeling lost or uncertain in your professional life? You’re not alone. In this episode of Unstuck Career, Ken Williams explores the concept of “career confusion”—that nagging realization that your current path might not be what you truly want. Drawing from his own winding journey through roles in sales, HR, and sixteen years at FedEx, Ken Williams shares personal stories and honest conversations about how easy it is to find your career ladder propped against the wrong wall. If you’re tired of settling and ready to pivot toward a more fulfilling direction...

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This week, I’m joined once again by Dave, whose leap from a high-powered executive role to founder of his own watch brand is nothing short of inspiring. Ever wonder what it’s like to step away from the “security” of corporate life—migraines and all—to chase a dream you never put on the front burner? Dave takes us inside his journey, from anxiety-ridden 4am wakeups and endless interview loops to the moment he went all in on LT, his creative outlet-turned-full-time business.

You’ll hear how a string of rejections and...

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In today’s episode, we’re tackling a question many wrestle with: Is it too late to make a change? After decades in corporate jobs, I faced this same crossroad myself and discovered it’s never too late to pursue work that aligns with your true goals. Whether you’re in your 30s, 40s, 50s, or beyond, age and shifting economic landscapes don’t have to hold you back. Today, I’ll debunk common myths about timing and opportunity, share stories and actionable steps, and remind you—the best time to start is now. Let’s get...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Drew, a hot sauce entrepreneur whose inspiring journey is anything but ordinary. You might have seen him on the Kelly Clarkson Show or blowing up on TikTok, but what you haven’t heard is how a school project and a “bad grade” launched a multi-thousand-bottle business—all started to prove a point, and powered by Drew’s mission to support people with disabilities.

If you’ve ever wondered how to break free from a so-called “crappy job” or doubted what’s possible for yourself, Drew...

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In today's Friday Focus episode, Ken dives into one of the biggest barriers holding professionals back: the comfort of playing it safe. As the landscape of jobs and industries shifts—thanks to changing economies, new technologies, and unexpected policy changes—the old promise of security from a steady job no longer holds true. Ken shares personal insights and real conversations to highlight that true security doesn’t come from your job, your industry, or even the government—it comes from you. If you’ve ever thought, “Something has got to change,” this episode is for you. Ge...

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This week, we get real about money mindsets with returning guest Karen Thomas, the Surefire Income Guru, whose motto—“a better life is a choice”—guides this candid conversation. We crack open the hidden limiting beliefs around money that so many of us carry without recognizing how they quietly shape our earning, spending, and sense of possibility. Karen shares her personal story of hustling from a young age, and together we dig into how deeply ingrained money stories from childhood—like growing up hearing “we can’t afford that”—can drive our adult financial decision...

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Have you ever found yourself stuck in a job you know isn’t right, but can’t seem to leave? You’re not alone. In this episode, Ken dives deep into the surprising reasons why smart, capable professionals often stay in roles they dislike. From the traps of overthinking and the drive for safety, to seeking approval or drifting without commitment, we'll unpack some behavioral patterns that keep people stuck—and discuss practical steps for breaking free. If you’re ready to understand what’s holding you back and how to move forward, this episode...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Corey Holzer, who’s right in the thick of a huge career pivot: taking the leap from a long military career into the private sector. We dig into his personal journey and the real, raw emotions that come with leaving behind the familiar—even when you know it’s time. Corey shares what first drew him to military service in the wake of 9/11, and he gets open about the identity shifts and doubts that bubble up as retirement approaches.

You’ll hear the hard...

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Welcome back to Unstuck Career! In this episode, Ken dives into that nagging question so many professionals face: What do you do when you aren't sure what you want from your career? Are you stuck settling for a life you never chose, repeating the same old patterns, or feeling frustrated that your career ladder seems to be leaning against the wrong wall? You're not alone.

We'll explore why so many of us ignore our true desires, talk ourselves out of reaching for more, and ultimately settle for "good enough." Today, we'll...

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This week, we welcome Connor Laurent to the show for a conversation about carving your own path when the traditional rules of career advancement just don’t fit. From day one in finance, Connor has been guided not by a rigid ladder, but by a mindset of treating every job like a subway stop. Sometimes it’s uncomfortable, sometimes surprising, and there’s always an opportunity for learning. We talk honestly about how the “expected” route of just keeping your head down and waiting for the next promotion, which often leads to a feeling of...

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Have you ever looked up from the daily grind and realized your career ladder is leaning against the wrong wall? In this episode of Unstuck Career, Ken dives into what happens when the career you have isn’t the one you truly chose—or wanted. If the phrase “something has got to change” keeps echoing in your mind, this episode will resonate. We'll explore how to recognize when your career path isn’t aligning with your strengths and passions, why it’s not your boss’s job to build your dream career, and actionable ste...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with the remarkable Sarah Ausby for a raw and inspiring conversation about what it really takes to rebuild, reinvent, and get “unstuck”—even when life pushes you out of your comfort zone. Sarah doesn’t just talk about career pivots; she’s lived them. From being involuntarily released from her job after a series of personal losses, to experiencing homelessness, Sarah shares the real-life turning points that ignited her journey into entrepreneurship and authorship.

We dive into how Sarah transformed a season of hardship i...

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If you've ever felt frustrated or stuck after trying—and failing—to achieve SMART goals, you're not alone. This week on Unstuck Career, Speaker A dives into why SMART goals might actually be holding you back and why it's not your fault if they haven’t worked for you. We’ll explore the origins of the SMART framework, why it was designed for businesses—not individuals—and how its limitations can make us internalize failure and doubt our abilities.

But there’s hope: Ken introduces a new approach to goal-setting—one that focuses les...

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This week, we’re joined by Sarah Bonello, a remarkable guest who took the leap from a well-trodden corporate path to adventure and fulfillment on a Hawaiian farm. Ever wondered what it’s like to walk away from the “safe” route of a consulting career, sell your car, and drop the cubicle life for organic macadamia nuts on the Big Island? Sarah shares her refreshingly honest journey, including the unexpected twists that led her to Hawaii, the moment she faced her own fears head-on, and the powerful conversations that transformed her perspective on risk and...

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Do the "Sunday scaries" set in before the work week even starts? You're not alone—and this feeling isn't a death sentence, but a signal that something needs to change. In this episode of Unstuck Career, Ken Williams challenges the unwritten "rules" we've inherited about work, stress, and career dissatisfaction, and reveals how these beliefs can shape our experience. We'll explore why dreading Mondays isn't mandatory and how you can rewrite those rules to build a life you actually want. Get ready to face less stress, find more happiness, and become unstuck and un...

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This week, I sit down with Bekah Troxell for a candid and inspiring conversation about making a truly bold career shift—from a decades-long finance and auditing career to launching her own fitness and coaching business. If you've ever wondered what it’s really like to leave the “safe” corporate world behind for something that feels more meaningful but much less certain, Bekah’s story will hit home.

We dig into the challenges of restarting when you’ve already built a successful career, the hidden ways self-sabotage and burnout creep in, and why havi...

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If you've ever found yourself waiting until you "feel ready" to make that bold career move, this episode of Unstuck Career is for you. Join Speaker A as they confront the myth of perfect timing and explore why waiting for readiness can keep you stuck in the same place. Through a personal story of missed opportunities and eventual action, Speaker A reveals that it's not about waiting for comfort or convenience, but recognizing the right time as the moment the opportunity hits your awareness—even if it feels uncomfortable or risky. Tune in fo...

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If you’ve ever wondered what it really looks like to step off the traditional career path and actually thrive, this episode is for you. I sit down with Sara O’Connor—once a high-powered attorney, now a renowned artist and rising force in the poker world—to trace her extraordinary journey of reinvention. We unpack how Sara went from billing in six-minute increments at an international law firm to creating vibrant, tactile art and launching a nonprofit in the poker community.

Sara shares the raw moments behind her pivots, including the cour...

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Feeling stuck in a career you never truly chose? On this episode of Unstuck Career, host Ken Williams reminds you that you’re not lazy—you’ve just been following someone else’s plan. Ken shares his own journey of spending decades building other people’s dreams, from childhood through a corporate career at FedEx, before realizing it was time to pursue his own. If you’re wrestling with the persistent thought that something has to change but aren’t sure what steps to take, this episode is for you. Ken explores why so many profes...

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This week, we're tackling one of the biggest myths keeping people stuck in their careers—“I can’t move forward because I don’t have enough money.” Joined by Karen Thomas, the second income guru, we strip back the illusions around financial barriers and reveal why a lack of strategy—not dollars—is often the culprit behind feeling stuck. Karen shares how society, education, and even media have programmed us to believe we trade time for money, when there are countless ways to create income—even from home.

You'll hear Karen’s candid journey f...

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This week, we’re taking a hard look at the “education trap”—that sneaky belief that another diploma, certificate, or advanced degree will finally unlock the career and life you’ve been dreaming of. I share my own candid experiences, including the moment I realized that even my shiny new MBA didn’t guarantee me a job or financial security. Instead, I found myself back at square one, searching for opportunities and challenging the long-held assumption that education is always the golden ticket.

We’ll get honest about what really moves the needle in...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Bishop Kevin Foreman for a transformative conversation about getting “unstuck”—not just in your career, but in every part of your life. We crack open the myth that spirituality and success are incompatible, and Bishop Foreman shares why embracing your difference can be the secret power behind your breakthrough. If you’ve ever felt torn between your calling and chasing career wins, this episode is a must-listen.

You’ll hear why pouring out your gifts is the key to feeling energized and fulfilled—...

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This week, we're confronting the classic mantra, “nothing changes until something changes,” and digging into why it’s so tempting to wait for someone—or something—else to fix our work frustrations. Have you found yourself wishing your boss, your company, or even the economy would shift so life at work feels better? I share stories from my own coaching experience, including a candid conversation with a friend and client who took the brave step of sitting down with her boss to voice her frustrations, reminding us just how hard it can be to take ow...

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Have you ever felt like you were living on autopilot—working, going to the gym, and coming home—wondering if it’s time to shake things up? This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Alexia Photiou for an honest conversation about what it’s really like to be right in the middle of a life and career transition. Alexia shares her story of leaving the comfort of Australia to move to England, searching for not just a new job but a new way to live and grow. Together, we explore the reasons...

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This week on the Unstuck Career Podcast, we're shifting the focus to dreams—yours, specifically. Too often, we find ourselves clocking in and out, helping someone else achieve their vision while our own aspirations take a backseat. I open up about my own complicated history with goals and how, for years, I felt stuck following a path laid out by others—bosses, companies, or just whatever seemed like the “logical next step.” If you’ve ever wondered why you feel unfulfilled in your work, this is the episode that challenges you to examine whose drea...

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This week, I’m joined by Jason Hill, founder of the Owwll app—a game-changing platform designed to bring real, meaningful conversations back to networking. If you’ve ever felt turned off by traditional networking events or those LinkedIn pitches that go straight to the sales pitch, this episode will make you rethink how you connect. We dig into why relationships are at the heart of every opportunity and how a giving mindset is the real secret to building authentic connections.

Jason shares the story behind Owwll, from his frustration with one-wa...

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Ever feel chained to a job you don’t love because the perks are just too good to give up? This week, we tackle the myth of “golden handcuffs”—those alluring benefits and comforts that keep you stuck in roles you're only lukewarm about. I share candid stories from my own journey, revealing why it took me years to see past the so-called security of airline discounts, free vacations, and steady paychecks—and what finally got me moving toward a more fulfilling life.

We'll unpack the tricky mindset that makes those golden han...

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This week, I sit down with Jen Disney, a marine biologist who’s bravely navigating the messy middle of a major career pivot. After nearly 20 years in her dream field and reaching milestones she’d set as a child, Jen realized her definition of fulfillment was shifting—especially after becoming a new mom. We talk candidly about the challenges of outgrowing your professional environment, competing values at work, and the courage it takes to step away from a lifelong identity.

You’ll hear Jen’s honest reflections on what it means to “redefi...

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In this week’s episode, we tackle the age-old question: “What will other people think?”—and how your obsession with reputation may be keeping you stuck in your career. I break down the invisible weight of other peoples' opinions, from LinkedIn hesitations to the viral “olive oil on a resume” controversy, showing how even the smallest decisions can become paralyzing when we let imagined critics sway our choices.

You’ll hear why chasing a flawless image is a losing game, especially when the very things you hide might matter to one person but tur...

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This week on Unstuck Career, we sit down with Joshua Frederico, a true visionary who's turned what some might call a liability into his ultimate superpower. From surviving the “toxic 9 to 5” grind to building his own path as an entrepreneur in Las Vegas, Joshua brings raw honesty about what it means to start over, embrace your differences, and finally bet on yourself. He shares how his late diagnosis of ADHD and autism not only flipped his self-perception but gave birth to the “golden squirrel” concept—a rallying cry for anyone whose mind works differentl...

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This week on Unstuck Career, we tackle the thorny issue of overthinking—especially when you're stuck waiting for “perfect” information before making a move. I share firsthand stories, including navigating a maze of parking options and flight times on a recent business trip, to highlight how getting stuck searching for the elusive “right” decision wastes time and energy. You'll hear why there’s rarely only one best option, and how your personal priorities—like convenience, cost, or time—shape what’s truly right for you.

We dig into practical strategies to break the habit of...

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This week on Unstuck Career, Sandra Almanza joins me for a raw and honest look at what it means to outgrow your job—and what it takes to get unstuck when burnout and fear try to hold you back. Sandra shares her journey from lab manager and aspiring primatologist in New York City to making a bold career pivot into the blockchain industry, only to discover the shine eventually wore off and left her feeling drained, misaligned, and ready for a change. If you’ve ever felt trapped by the “scarcity mindset” or worried...

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Ever felt paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake or being judged in your career? This week, I’m challenging the myth of perfection and diving headfirst into why taking imperfect action is actually the safest bet you can make. I share the real reason many of us hesitate to post on LinkedIn, start a side hustle, or even voice our opinions—and it has nothing to do with actual risk, and everything to do with our discomfort around feelings like embarrassment or being disliked.

We’ll explore how our brains...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Faith Litchfield—the endlessly imaginative and hilarious creator I discovered on TikTok—for a conversation that’s all about embracing whimsy, free will, and the power of playful rebellion. Ever wondered what would happen if you stopped following all the “grown-up” rules and started injecting more fun and curiosity into your daily life? Faith brings stories of sending cheeky emails to corporations just for the joy of rejection, turning a cross-country move into a movie-worthy adventure, and inviting total strangers into spontaneous, offbeat conversations that break...

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This week, we shine a light on the “progress over perfection” mindset—a powerful shift that just might be the key to getting unstuck in your career. Have you found yourself overthinking and delaying goals because you’re afraid of making mistakes (or even worse, having others see you fall short)? I share real stories from my own journey—including a crispy chicken disaster and some less-than-stellar first social media posts—to remind you that greatness starts with being willing to be bad at something, no matter your age or experience.

We'll explor...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Juli Becker, who truly embodies what it means to be “in the middle of the story.” Juli came prepared with a candid look at navigating transitions, setbacks, and the uncertainty that comes with being let go from a job you loved. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how to regroup after major life changes—divorce, a life-altering crash, or that unexpected layoff—Julie's story is a must-listen.

We dig into what it feels like to lose your sense of career "safety," the trap o...

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This week, we’re taking a hard look at what it really means to move from “drifter” to “driver” in your life and career. Have you ever found yourself sitting in the passenger seat—blaming your boss, the economy, or everyone else for where you are, instead of owning the wheel? In this episode, I get candid about my own wake-up call when I realized I was just a spectator in my own life, and we dig into the mindset shift it takes to start steering toward what you truly want.

You’ll learn...