Do you struggle to fit into a traditional career path? Feel like your wide-ranging interests make it hard to explain your story—or choose your next step? You're not alone.
In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining talks with Sara Kobilka, founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting, about what it means to be a multipotentialite or Renaissance person—and how to build a fulfilling career when your path doesn’t follow a straight line.
Sara shares her nonlinear journey from meteorology to media, education, DEI, and beyond. They discuss storytelling strategies, job search mindset shifts, identity reframes, and how to embrace the power of being outside the box.
If you've ever been told you "do too many things" or struggled to explain your career story, this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Guest Bio:
Sara Kobilka is a multipotentialite and the founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting. Her interests span a wide range of topics, fields, and disciplines, with a focus on community building, communication, and STEM learning and engagement. She is dedicated to advancing disability and accessibility awareness. As an educator, scientist, journalist, coach, and entrepreneur, Sara actively cross-pollinates ideas across boundaries. Her career coaching work includes one-on-one sessions, workshops, and LinkedIn sprints—particularly for people navigating career changes across disciplines, industries, and sectors. Sara lives in New York’s mid-Hudson River Valley with her family, where she balances work, parenting, and chasing new sparkly things.
Connect with Sara:
https://renwomanconsulting.com/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kobilka/
https://www.facebook.com/RenWomanConsulting
https://saras-newsletter-74ba26.beehiiv.com/
Episode Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction
01:30 – Meet Sara Kobilka & her winding career journey
05:19 – What is a Renaissance person or multipotentialite?
08:56 – Common traits and strengths of multipotentialites
12:43 – Challenges with job searching when you don’t fit neatly in a box
15:27 – The VAST technique for tailoring your resume and cover letter
17:41 – Translating your story with verbs, adjectives, and strategy
23:02 – Using storytelling to stand out in the hiring process
26:18 – Reframing identity beyond job titles
31:42 – Is freelancing or consulting a better path for you?
36:16 – Mindset tips for job searching in a tough market
40:01 – Rethinking networking as community-building
47:02 – LinkedIn sprints and finding your people
49:49 – Sara’s upcoming community for Renaissance professionals
52:03 – Where to find and follow Sara
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