Job Search, Promotion, and Career Clarity: The Mid-Career GPS Podcast

Send us Fan MailIf you're working hard, delivering results, and still not advancing in your career, you may be facing more than just bad luck—you could be blocked.In this powerful episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, career coach John Neral breaks down 10 unmistakable signs that your professional growth is being stifled by internal organizational barriers.Whether you're being told you're "too valuable in your current role" or watching less experienced colleagues climb the ladder while you're stuck in place, these signs can point to a deeper issue: your organization may be holding you back. John shares real-world insights, personal experiences, and actionable strategies to help you recognize when you're being blocked and what to do about it.More importantly, you'll learn how to take charge of your career by initiating direct conversations about your goals, growth potential, and what you truly want from your next role.In This Episode, You'll Learn:How to recognize the hidden signs you're being blocked from promotionWhy vague or non-actionable feedback is a major red flagThe impact of being the "go-to" person who’s never promotedWhat to do when your manager isn’t advocating for your advancementHow to initiate meaningful conversations about your career pathThis episode is a must-listen if you’re:A mid-career professional feeling stuck or underappreciatedFrustrated by your lack of career growth despite strong performanceReady to advocate for yourself and explore new opportunitiesResources Mentioned: Download John’s free guide: 10 Must-Listen Podcast Episodes to Help You Navigate What’s Next and get your invite to the free Zoom celebration event on Wednesday, June 25thInterested in coaching? Email John directly at john@johnneral.com.Connect with John on LinkedInSupport 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.  

Send us Fan MailOne of the best ways to reclaim your confidence in this job market is by learning how to effectively negotiate your next job offer. In this episode, salary negotiation expert and compensation consultant Kate Dixon shares powerful, real-world strategies to help you advocate for your worth without sounding pushy or confrontational.Kate is the author of Pay Up: Unlocking Insider Secrets of Salary Negotiation and founder of Dixon Consulting, bringing over 30 years of compensation experience to this insightful and practical conversation. You’ll learn why 80% of professionals who negotiate receive something in return and how you can be one of them.In This Episode, You'll Learn:Why salary negotiations are not about being aggressive, but about solving a business problem collaborativelyThe seven magic words to use in any negotiation: “What kind of flexibility do you have?”What’s usually on the table (think base salary, sign-on bonuses, start dates) versus what’s not (benefits like retirement plans)How one client saved $30,000 by analyzing a relocation package and how you can find hidden financial value tooWhy compensation reflects the value of the role, not your personal worth, so you can keep your emotions in checkHow your negotiation style can shape your professional reputation before you even start the jobKate also breaks down the importance of silence after asking for flexibility, why it's your most powerful negotiation tool, and how it positions you as confident, thoughtful, and strategic.Visit johnneral.com/resources to download "10 Must-Listen Episodes to Help You Navigate What’s Next" and get your invitation to a free live Zoom event on June 25th at 7:00 PM ET—created just for mid-career professionals like you.Connect with Kate DixonWebsite | LinkedIn | BookKeywords: salary negotiation tips, mid-career job offers, Kate Dixon interview, how to negotiate a job offer, career negotiation strategy, job 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.  

Send us Fan MailWelcome to a major milestone—Episode 300 of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast! Only 2.6% of podcasts make it this far, and it’s all thanks to YOU—our dedicated listeners navigating the ups and downs of mid-career life.In this special episode, host John Neral reflects on the journey that began during the pandemic and has grown into a go-to resource for mid-career professionals who feel stuck, undervalued, or uncertain about what’s next. Whether you’re burned out, frustrated with today’s job market, or questioning your career direction, this episode is your reminder that you are not alone—and you are not stuck.As we look ahead to the future of the podcast, John announces a renewed mission: to help mid-career professionals not just change jobs—but find careers they truly love.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:What reaching 300 episodes means and why it matters to mid-career professionalsHow the podcast is evolving to focus more on career satisfaction, not just job search strategyWhy today’s job market feels broken—and what you can do about itThe biggest fears mid-career professionals face in 2025 (and how to move through them)How to take full ownership of your career journey with confidence and clarityFree Resources to Help You Navigate What’s Next:📘 Download: 10 Must-Listen Episodes to Help You Navigate What’s Next 👉 https://johnneral.com/resourcesWhen you download the guide, you’ll get invited to a free Zoom call on Wednesday, June 25th at 7:00 pm Eastern, where we will celebrate the podcast, and I’ll be there to answer some of your career questions. ❤️ Love the Show? Help It Grow:If you’ve gotten value from this podcast, please:Share it with three friends who feel stuck or burned out at workLeave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts or SpotifyDownload the free guide and join the June 25th celebration!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.  

Send us Fan MailFeeling overwhelmed, underappreciated, and stuck in a job that drains you? You're not alone. In 2025, mid-career professionals are navigating a volatile job market marked by return-to-office mandates, fear-based management, and increasing workplace toxicity. If you’ve been quietly questioning your career path or struggling to stay sane at work, this episode is for you.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:✅ How to manage job stress without a complete career overhaul ✅ The truth behind today’s job market — and why it’s not your fault you feel stuck ✅ Why overusing ChatGPT in job applications might actually backfire ✅ How to protect your mental health from workplace toxicity and overwork ✅ Ways to create “mini recovery moments” that boost your energy and focus ✅ Smart, simple networking strategies for mid-career professionals ✅ Why finding humor at work isn’t just helpful — it’s essentialWhether you're burned out, thinking of leaving your job, or just want to survive the latest wave of corporate chaos, this episode gives you realistic, empowering tools to navigate 2025’s workplace storm.Top Takeaways:Back-to-office blues: Why the shift back to in-person work is exhausting — and how to cope Boundary-setting for survival: Learn to say "no" without guilt Job market reality check: Most mid-career transitions take 5–7 months — and that’s normal AI alert: Discover why generic, ChatGPT-written cover letters might be working against you Your support squad: How to build a career safety net with the right people Micro-recovery moments: Find peace in small, daily rituals that recharge your spiritListen now if you’re ready to:Stop feeling like your job is a constant drainNavigate workplace politics without losing yourselfStart building a practical, personalized career GPSHandle 2025’s career chaos with more calm, clarity, and confidenceSupport 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.  

Send us Fan MailFeeling stuck in a toxic workplace or misaligned in your career? You're not alone—and you're not powerless. In this powerful episode, Dahlia Shaewitz, founder of Third Sight LLC, joins host John Neral to share career-shifting insights for mid-career professionals seeking clarity, better leadership paths, and more authentic connections at work.Whether you're looking to leave a job that no longer fits or elevate your influence without a formal title, this episode is your career GPS.💡 Episode Highlights:Is it you or the workplace? Learn how to identify toxic environments vs. simple misalignment—and what to do next.Build allies, not enemies. Discover how to foster workplace relationships rooted in trust, not politics.Networking for introverts. Dahlia shares how to network meaningfully without being transactional.Lead without the title. Why volunteering on nonprofit boards can fast-track your leadership growth and strategic thinking.The "MENTOR" model. Use this framework to assess your unique career strengths and growth areas.One key question to ask: “What are you most proud of?”—and how it uncovers your authentic leadership voice.🎯 This episode is perfect for you if:You're a mid-career professional questioning your current role or workplace culture.You feel burned out or undervalued and need a path forward.You're ready to lead from where you are—even without a promotion.You're exploring how to transition into more meaningful work or a new role.Connect with Dahlia ShaewitzWebsite | LinkedIn🔍 SEO Keywords (targeted):Mid-career job search, toxic workplace recovery, leadership without a title, nonprofit board leadership, workplace misalignment, allyship at work, introvert networking, career coaching, job fit vs. job mismatch, strategic leadership developmentSupport 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.  

Send us Fan MailFeeling stuck, undervalued, or underutilized in your career? You’re not alone and you’re not lost. In this episode, I unpack how to navigate a meaningful career pivot with clarity, strategy, and confidence. Whether you're reassessing your priorities, reevaluating your strengths, or questioning your current path, this episode will help you move from confusion to clarity without taking a blind leap.Discover how to build Your Mid-Career GPS, my proven framework designed to guide professionals through the four essential steps of career transition: Preparation, Positioning, Promotion, and SHOW UP. You’ll learn how to leverage tools like Gallup’s CliftonStrengths to articulate your unique value, identify what truly motivates you, and build a purposeful plan for what's next.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:Why career clarity is the foundation of any successful career pivotThe 4-step Mid-Career GPS framework to guide your next professional moveHow to identify and communicate your true strengths—not just what you’re good atThe importance of aligning your values with your next roleWhat hiring managers really want to hear about your transferable skillsWhy strategic clarity outperforms blind leaps every timeThe realistic timeline for career change: what to expect and how to planKey Takeaway: Making a successful career transition doesn’t require guessing—it requires intentional action. Learn how to define your value, align it with market needs, and take control of your professional journey.Resources and Links: Learn more about my digital course: From Career Crossroads to Career ClarityLearn more about Gallup's CliftonStrengths.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.  

Send us Fan MailWhat’s Really Holding You Back in Your Career? Ever feel like you’re doing all the right things in your career, but still not moving forward? While it's easy to blame external forces, leadership expert and former Chief People Officer Erica Rooney believes the real barriers may lie much closer to home.In this powerful episode, Erica introduces the concept of “sticky floors,” which are the internalized beliefs and self-sabotaging behaviors that keep high-potential professionals stuck. Sharing a deeply personal story of betrayal by a trusted colleague, Erica walks us through how a moment of disillusionment sparked her professional transformation. She realized she couldn’t control others’ integrity, but she could control how she showed up, responded, and grew.Erica also shares her SNAP method (Stop, Name it, Ask Questions, Pivot), a practical, science-backed framework for identifying and overcoming hidden patterns that limit progress. Along the way, Erica shares her powerful insights on workplace allyship, including what men can do right now to support women colleagues better. Key Takeaways:Erica’s turning point: when a respected colleague took credit for her ideaThe difference between glass ceilings (external) and sticky floors (internal)How the SNAP method helps professionals shift from stuck to strategicThe power of the word “yet” to reframe capability and growthCommon sticky floors: perfectionism, fear of failure, and self-doubtHow men can be better allies to women in the workplaceWhy strong manager relationships are key to promotion and visibilityYou’re not stuck—you just haven’t moved yetConnect with Erica RooneyLinkedIn | Podcast | Get Her Book | 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.  

Send us Fan MailNavigating a job loss or corporate shakeup? In this must-listen episode, career expert John Neral explains the real differences between restructuring, reorganization, layoffs, and RIFs, and how mid-career professionals can stay grounded through uncertain times.Whether you're affected by government DOGE initiatives, private-sector downsizing, or just sensing change ahead, you'll learn how to:Recognize what you can controlProtect your well-being and set strong boundariesUnderstand how leadership makes tough callsPrepare a solid career contingency planIdentify your transferable skills and stay marketableBuild financial security and emotional resilienceThis episode offers clarity, compassion, and concrete steps to help you weather workplace change and protect your career.Learn more and join the Mid-Career GPS Membership Community for coaching, resources, and support: johnneral.com/membershipSupport 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.  

Send us Fan MailThe career landscape has changed—and mid-career professionals are feeling the pressure. In this candid and insightful episode, John Neral shares how he’s evolving his coaching business to better serve professionals navigating job searches, career transitions, and workplace uncertainty.After eight years of full-time coaching, John reflects on the lessons learned about offering true value in a marketplace flooded with free resources. He reveals the reasoning behind his decision to begin charging for select materials—starting with the newly updated Mid-Career Job Search Jumpstart Guide, now available for just $1."If you’re not willing to invest even a dollar in your career, what does that say about your commitment to your growth?" John asks, challenging listeners to reframe how they value their professional development.The episode also features an exciting announcement: the launch of the Mid-Career GPS Membership Community—a powerful new middle ground between free content and private coaching. For $97/month, members gain access to: ✅ Weekly "Ask Me Anything" calls ✅ Monthly deep-dive masterclasses on key career strategies ✅ Direct support and coaching inside a private communityJohn explains how early members are already seeing real results—building accountability systems, securing more interviews, and navigating complex career decisions with greater confidence.Key Takeaways:The job market has shifted, requiring mid-career professionals to act with greater urgency.Free resources are everywhere—but transformational results come from working with a trusted thought partner.The new Job Search Jumpstart Guide is just $1, emphasizing that small investments lead to greater outcomes.Initial coaching sessions now cost $197 to foster serious, committed client relationships.The Mid-Career GPS Membership Community ($97/month) bridges the gap between free advice and premium coaching.Private coaching packages remain available for those seeking deeper, transformational support.Professional coaching delivers measurable results, including significant salary growth.Ready to invest in your career? Explore the Mid-Career GPS Membership Community at https://johnneral.com/membership or 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.  

Send us Fan MailWhat do you do when a dream job ends in heartbreak?In this eye-opening episode of The Mid-Career GPS Podcast, host John Neral sits down with Laverne McKinnon, former Senior VP of Drama Development at CBS, to talk about a rarely acknowledged experience: career grief.After leading CBS from last place to first with mega-hits like CSI and Criminal Minds, Laverne was unexpectedly fired at the height of her career. What followed was a silent, decade-long struggle with emotional fallout that society often tells us to ignore.Laverne introduces the concept of disenfranchised grief—a powerful term for the emotional pain professionals feel after job loss or career disruption that isn’t socially validated. Through her LEARN Framework (Look, Explore, Address, Reframe, Nurture), Laverne shows how we can move from heartbreak to healing, reconnect with our values, and reclaim agency over our careers.Whether you're facing layoffs, mid-career stagnation, or preparing for a major transition, this episode will help you understand how to grieve the professional losses we’re told to "just get over."In This Episode, You’ll Learn:Why career grief is real—and why ignoring it is harmfulThe emotional impact of sudden job loss after career successWhat disenfranchised grief means in the workplaceHow to use the LEARN framework to process grief and regain clarityThe connection between unprocessed failure and blocked resilienceRituals like writing a "career eulogy" to create closureHow grief reveals your core values—and points you toward your next moonshotConnect with Laverne McKinnonWebsite | LinkedIn | SubstackSupport 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.