

Job Search, Promotion, and Career Clarity: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast
John Neral
Get Clarity. Get Promoted. Get Hired.Are you feeling stuck, undervalued, or underutilized in your current role?Wondering how to position yourself for a promotion, raise, or leadership opportunity?Are you trying to figure out what’s next for your career, but not sure where to start?You're not alone, and you're in the right place.Hosted by executive and career transition coach John Neral, The Mid-Career GPS Podcast is your go-to resource to help you confidently navigate your job search, career advancement, and workplace challenges. Whether you want to find a new job, get promoted, or simply feel more fulfilled at work, this show will help you build the clarity and strategy you need to take your next step.Each episode features actionable advice, insightful interviews, and real-world strategies to help mid-career professionals, typically managers to senior directors, design a career they love or love the career they have.You’ve built a solid career. Now it’s time to build Your Mid-Career GPS to figure out what's next and how to get there.New episodes drop weekly. Subscribe today and let's start figuring out whatever is next for you and your career, together.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 12, 2023 • 21min
183: Dealing with Conflict at Work - Strategies for Survival
Send us Fan MailBack when I was an adjunct professor, I found myself in the middle of a heated conflict. It was a tough situation, but it taught me the importance of standing firm and handling conflict effectively, especially in a leadership role. Today, we're opening up that treasure trove of experience and sharing it with you, along with some solid strategies to tackle those difficult conversations with poise and precision.Imagine having a GPS that could navigate you through the rough terrain of mid-career conflicts! Well, you're about to get just that. We're exploring techniques like maintaining calm, setting boundaries, using "I" statements, and more – all to help you chart a clear path out of conflict. And we're not stopping there. Should you consider third-party mediation? What should you do after the dust settles and the conflict is resolved? We're covering all that and more, equipping you with skills that won't just resolve conflicts quicker but will also foster an atmosphere of respect, improved communication, and teamwork. Tune in, this is one journey you don't want to miss!Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Sep 7, 2023 • 39min
182: Julie Brown’s No-Nonsense Approach to Networking Success
Send us Fan MailIf you've ever fumbled with a business card or forgotten a name at a networking event, this episode is for you. We had the pleasure of hosting Julie Brown, a networking expert with over 25 years of experience in the field. Julie shares how she navigated her career with clever networking strategies and how she leveraged her unique personality to make deep, meaningful connections in the professional realm. Imagine if you could remember every name in a room and make genuine connections effortlessly. Julie Brown imparts her wisdom on just that, revealing her secrets to making a name memorable. She also takes us through an intriguing exercise, her 'list yourself approach', to discover ten unique qualities about ourselves outside our job titles. Julie's book, "This Shit Works: A No-Nonsense Guide to Networking Your Way to More Friends, More Adventures and More Success", is a testament to her expertise, and we delve into some of its contents in our enlightening conversation.Wrapping up our discussion, we explore the power of LinkedIn as a networking tool and how to use it effectively. Julie emphasizes the importance of doing your homework before connecting with someone and building relationships with intent. We also touch upon her podcast and services, a platform full of resources for those looking to enhance their networking skills and steer their career in the right direction. Enjoy our fun and lively conversation about how to level up your networking approach because This Sh!t Works!Connect with Jule BrownWebsite | LinkedIn | Podcast Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Sep 5, 2023 • 22min
181: Career Transitions: Who You Were As a Student & Who You Are Today
Send us Fan MailImagine going back in time to meet your student self. What advice would you give them? Today, we're doing just that in a riveting conversation about the stark differences between our student selves and our professional selves. We delve into the eight key contrasts, from the shift in purpose and goals to the evolution of rewards. With a good dose of nostalgia, we unravel how the knowledge and skills we acquired in our youth influence our professional journey.Transitioning from a student to an employee is a significant step, and we're here to guide you through it. We'll share insights on the importance of feedback in the workplace, how to ask the right questions, and why you should take charge of your own career development. You'll hear a hilarious anecdote about career day and how it's changed over the years. This episode is all about leveraging the skills and knowledge from our academic years to navigate our careers more effectively. So join us on this enlightening journey as we connect the dots between our past and our future.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 31, 2023 • 18min
180: The Curse of Being a High Performer or High Potential
Send us Fan MailAre you a high performer or high potential in your professional life? Ever wondered if that label could actually be a curse in disguise? Let's unravel this paradox together. In this thought-provoking discussion, we unpack the hidden dangers that lurk behind these sought-after titles. We highlight just how these designations can lead to an unbalanced work-life situation, create unnecessary stress, and even hinder your professional growth. Listen closely, this conversation is a treasure trove of insights for both individuals and team leaders.Moving forward, we dive into the murky waters of failure and its impact on those labeled as high performers or high potentials. Not only do we discuss how it can affect your self-worth but also why it's a part of the journey that we need to embrace. Hear me recount my experiences of teaching advanced mathematics to middle school students and how it shaped my understanding of this professional predicament. Get ready for a deep dive into the professional world's double-edged sword - the curse of the high performer or high potential.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 29, 2023 • 23min
179: Combating Workplace Entitlement: What You Need to Know
Send us Fan MailClick here to sign up for a free webinar on Thursday, September 7th at Noon Eastern called, "Three Strategic Steps to Land Your Dream Job Before the Year Ends."Ever been on an Alaskan cruise? I have, and amidst the breathtaking glaciers and captivating wildlife, one thing stood out - entitlement. Do you know that narcissistic trait that makes people think the world owes them? We'll be taking a hard look at that, recognizing its presence in ourselves and others. My personal experience with an entitlement-induced situation on the cruise will leave you stunned!But let's not stop there! Entitlement isn't just a vacation issue, it's an everyday struggle in our workplaces too. Ever felt you deserved more - a promotion, a salary hike, flexible work arrangements? We're confronting this entitlement mentality and how it shapes our professional lives. You'll learn about how company policies and procedures can influence employee entitlement and why an open talk with your supervisor may just be the solution for a better work-life balance. Trust me, this is a conversation you won't want to miss!Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 24, 2023 • 34min
178: Transformations and Trust Building When Creating Equitable Workspaces with Dr. Jill Wener
Send us Fan MailEver pondered over the secrets to a remarkable career metamorphosis? Or how one can foster a culture of trust and growth within diverse environments? Sit back and let Dr. Jill Weiner, a board-certified physician, anti-racism educator, and conscious health meditation teacher, unravel these mysteries.Dr. Weiner's own career transformation stands as a testament to finding that perfect fit in professional life, a place where you not only perform at your peak but also make a positive impact. Together, we delve into the art of building trust, particularly in spaces enriched with diverse identities. It's a journey of learning to navigate these spaces with grace, humility, acknowledging the automatic respect often granted to white professionals, and the need to foster an environment where mistakes only pave the path for growth. But the journey doesn't end there. We navigate further to unearth the impact of stereotypes on career advancement. Dr. Weiner shares her insights into the challenges marginalized professionals face in being recognized for their potential. We discuss the importance of acknowledging personal biases and finding ways to counteract them. Wrapping up our insightful journey, we highlight the importance of personal growth and allyship. Because at the end of the day, it's our actions and thoughts, our willingness to align with our values, and act upon them that can shape us into better allies and leaders. Tune in for this engaging conversation, and you might just discover a new perspective.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 22, 2023 • 33min
177: Leveling Up Your Job Search Strategy
Send us Fan MailAre you on the hunt for a game-changing career move, but can't seem to crack the code? Get ready to level up your job search strategy! In this episode, we dive into the heart of why strategy trumps wishful thinking. We examine the current state of your job hunt and discuss strategies to leverage your network and the importance of informational interviews. For those in the middle of their careers, we unveil five common pitfalls and how to deftly avoid them. Your next career chapter starts here, so get ready to turn the page!Who says change is a bad thing? It’s time to challenge the status quo of your job search strategy. We encourage you to reassess the frequency of your applications and perhaps even broaden your search parameters. Have you contemplated applying for positions outside of your current title? There are benefits to stepping outside your comfort zone, and we'll guide you through them. We also discuss the power of professional resume reviews and the magic of engaging on LinkedIn. Don't merely participate in networking conversations; make them count! Whether you're actively seeking a job or just exploring, we're here to empower your journey every step of the way. Get ready to rethink and revitalize your approach to job searching!Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 17, 2023 • 39min
176: Finding Balance and Inspiration: The Journey of Arla Lyles, from Lunch Lady to Parent Educator
Send us Fan MailWondering how to navigate life's twist and turns? Meet Arla Lyles, a former substitute lunch lady who embraced the opportunities that came her way and found her passion in parent education. This episode explores Arla's life journey—how she went from being uncertain about her career path to becoming an adult educator and coach helping parents thrive. Her story serves as an amazing testament to the fact that inspiration often comes from unexpected sources—like her admiration for her mother.The conversation takes a deep dive into the delicate balance of work, family, and self-care. Arla shares insightful anecdotes about taking risks, making mistakes, and allowing oneself grace. Her experiences highlight the importance of trusting your process and remaining open to new opportunities. Surely, finding harmony between work and personal life can be challenging. But Arla provides a fresh perspective, imparting wisdom on how to manage these facets and achieve a fulfilling life.Finally, we delve into Arla's transformational journey of becoming an observer. It's fascinating how observing and assessing her surroundings morphed into a meditation technique for Arla, which she generously shares with us. Plus, she emphasizes the significance of continuous professional development and her excitement about future possibilities. Towards the end, we discuss resources and strategies to help you build your mid-career GPS. Tune in, and let Arla's journey inspire and motivate you in your career and personal growth journey.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 15, 2023 • 18min
175: Promoting Your Value Without Bragging - The Secret Formula to Mid-Career Success
Send us Fan MailEver wondered what makes you unique and how that uniqueness can catapult your career to new heights? Fasten your seatbelts, for this episode of the Mid-Career GPS Podcast is all about discovering your unique value and how to leverage it effectively in your work environment. An electrifying journey awaits as your host, John Neral, shares the secret four-step formula that has been the ladder to success for countless mid-career professionals. In this episode, John helps you identify where you bring the most value to your organization and help you identify one area of development between now and your next performance appraisal. Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.

Aug 10, 2023 • 37min
174: Resume Tips for Your Career Advancement with Porschia Parker Griffin
Send us Fan MailAre you ready to master the art of resume crafting? Get set to ascend your career ladder as we join forces with Porschia Parker-Griffin of Fly High Coaching. Discover the art of creating an engaging resume and the importance of regular updates. Listen as Porschia unravels her top tricks and tips to grab the attention of recruiters, even with a long career history. Plus, learn about the services that Fly High Coaching provides to build you that perfect resume.In this enriching conversation, Porschia shares her inspiring journey into the coaching field and her unwavering passion for assisting individuals in reaching their career goals. We explore her credentials, the choice of the Institute for Professional Excellence in Coaching (IPEC) for her certification, and why she believes it's the best. Then, we shift gears to delve deep into professional resume writing. Understand the process of working with a professional resume writer, what to expect, and how to address a career gap on a resume.As we wrap up, Porschia highlights the critical role of professional resume writers and the importance of showing up for interviews. We conclude the episode with her valuable advice on building Your Mid-Career GPS one mile or one step at a time. So, whether you're looking for help with your resume, navigating a career transition, or simply want to advance your career, this episode is a must-listen. To connect with Porschia and her team about their resume writing, LinkedIn makeover and other career coaching services, visit https://www.fly-highcoaching.com/.Support the showIf this episode resonated with you and you want more support in how you SHOW UP for your career and life, I want to invite you to join the SHOW UP Leadership Lab. This is my group membership program where you'll get the clarity and support you need to SHOW UP more impactfully and effectively in your life and career. Visit https://johnneral.com/showup to join. Please leave a rating and review on Apple Podcasts here.Connect with John on LinkedIn here.Get John's New Mid-Career Journal on Amazon here. Follow John on Instagram @johnneralcoaching. Subscribe to John's YouTube Channel here.


