Career Change Maker | Career Clarity, Career Opportunities, Career Pivots, Burnout, Corporate Job, Income #296: How Having Difficult Conversations Can Accelerate Your Career Growth with Michelle Schafer
Episode Overview
In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development.
Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment.
Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to confidently navigate difficult conversations that shape your career trajectory
- The mindset shift from waiting for opportunities to creating them through dialogue
- Simple ways to prepare for a meaningful career development conversation
- How to raise your visibility by connecting with colleagues across your organisation
- Why reflection and self-awareness are key to making aligned career decisions
🧭 Action Steps:
- Reflect: Identify what gives you energy, what drains you, and your non-negotiables.
- Initiate: Schedule a dedicated career development conversation with your leader — don’t wait for the annual review.
- Connect: Build internal relationships by being curious, joining cross-functional projects, or engaging in workplace communities.
✨ Memorable Quote:
“It’s not your forever place. You’re not going to feel stuck forever — there are always choices and steps you can take.” — Michelle Schafer
🔗 Connect with Michelle:
- LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer
- Website: mshafercoaching.ca
- Get a free chapter of her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose via her website.
🔗 Connect with Janine
- LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
- Website: Career Change Makers
- Join the waitlist to explore 1:1 coaching
Connect with me!
Website: careerchangemakers.com
Email: podcast@careerchangemakers.com
LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast
Career Change Makers on Apple Podcasts