The Unstuck Career

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This week, we dig into the overwhelm of decision-making in a world packed with endless information and opinions. Have you ever found yourself paralyzed by choices, unsure if you’re picking the right path or just following what others expect? I share a late-night conversation with my 19-year-old son, as he wrestles with whether to pursue art, psychology, or sign language, all while everyone—from managers to friends—weighs in with their own advice.

You’ll get a front-row seat as we unpack the real reason so many of us stay stuck: W...

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This week, I sit down with Andrea, a master of joy and transformation who turned life’s setbacks into a thriving singing telegram business. Ever wondered what it takes to move from playing small to leaving a lasting impact? Andrea shares how a major life change led her to follow her creative spark, start “Singagram” in the heart of the pandemic, and bring unforgettable celebrations to people in both the virtual and real worlds.

We unpack the courage it takes to break free from the “follow the rules” mentality and step into your...

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This week, we're tackling a question that’s been haunting so many of us: Is fear really about not knowing something, or is it about not truly knowing yourself? If you’ve ever caught yourself thinking, “Something’s got to change—I can’t keep doing this,” you’re in the right place. I open up about my own journey dealing with fear, from stumbling through podcast recordings with my cat as a surprise guest, to agonizing over what people (and yes, even my mom) would think when I took the leap into coaching and ent...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Maria, aka “the Spicy Chef,” for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to leap out of a toxic work environment and into the unknown. Maria shares her journey from feeling trapped as an executive chef—even when she was “winning” by all traditional measures—to boldly starting her own hot sauce business and food consulting practice. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job because of the paycheck or because you’re afraid of the unknown, Maria’s story will resonate.

Yo...

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This week, we break down one of the most misunderstood roadblocks in your career: the fear of failure. But here’s the twist—what if it’s not really failure you’re afraid of? I challenge the “fear of failure” myth and reveal the deeper anxiety that keeps so many of us from making bold career moves. (Hint: it’s about other people knowing you didn’t succeed.)

You’ll hear why the real fear might be about being seen as incompetent or about inviting criticism—especially from yourself, not others. I open up about my o...

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This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Matt, who shares his powerful journey from burnout in a niche, soul-draining job to truly thriving in a role where growth and fulfillment are finally possible. We unpack what it feels like when every day at work is just “going through the motions,” how the constant repetition and stress can creep into your home life, and how Matt reached the turning point that led him to choose something radically different for himself and his family.

You’ll hear how Matt overcame the anxiet...

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This week, we tackle a myth that keeps too many professionals stuck in place: the belief that you’re “too old” to change careers, go back to school, or start over. Have you ever caught yourself thinking that you’ve missed your chance or that it’s simply too late? I open up about the real fears behind this mindset—including my own hesitation about pursuing a master’s degree and the realization, at age 55, that it was time to reclaim ownership of my career.

We dig into some powerful truths: the time will...

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This week, I sit down with Jon for a raw, relatable conversation about the uneasy tension between career success and personal fulfillment. Jon opens up about what it’s really like to be a top performer in digital advertising sales—crushing quotas, earning well, and working with smart colleagues—yet feeling that nagging sense something’s missing at the end of each day. We break down the “golden handcuffs” dilemma: what happens when the perks of your job keep you stuck, even as you wonder if you’re settling for less than you deserve.

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Do you constantly put things off until you finally “feel ready”? This week’s episode tackles the myth of ever being 100% ready before making a big move in your career or life. I open up about my own struggles with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing why waiting to feel ready is actually just another form of staying stuck. From the hesitation to start a new workout routine to the much bigger leap of making a career pivot, we explore the real reason we freeze: we’re trying to predict the future—and that’s impossible.<...

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This week, I sit down with Clint, a relentless dreamer who ditched stability for a shot at building something meaningful. Ever wonder what it really takes to reinvent your life after 50? Clint shares his raw, honest story: selling a thriving business, moving cross-country, and discovering that changing your zip code doesn’t change your patterns. We unpack the moment he realized chasing his dreams meant taking real ownership, not just making excuses or waiting for the “perfect time.”

You’ll hear how Clint faced the scary crossroads of leaving a job, confront...

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This week on Unstuck Career, we tackle the paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” decision—a mindset that leads so many smart professionals into analysis paralysis and a life they never truly chose. I share the all-too-relatable ice cream saga (yes, Chocoholic Chunk is still the star!), showing how second-guessing, detours, and even dead ends aren’t proof that you made a bad choice—they’re just part of the journey.

You’ll learn why chasing perfect certainty is an illusion, and how treating every choice as “right” can liberate you from the anxiety o...

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This week, we're joined by Michael, whose journey is a masterclass in perseverance through radical change. From life on submarines and a dream engineering career to surviving a ruptured brain AVM that wiped out most of his memory, Michael’s story will grab you from the first minute. He opens up about what it’s really like to relearn everything—walking, thinking, and even basic daily activities—after a life-changing event, and how he learned to let go of what he lost so he could explore new possibilities instead of settling for less.

You...

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This week, we’re tackling one of the scariest—yet most liberating—moves you’ll ever make in your career: finding the courage to quit when you know it’s time. Are you living with that nagging voice that says, “Something has got to change”? I open up about my own struggles with the decision to leave a job that no longer fit, sharing what it really felt like to write my resignation, confront my boss, and walk away from a place I’d invested years into.

We unpack the myth of fear, from “F...

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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...