What happens when life takes you off the traditional career path—and how do you get back on track? In this episode, I sit down with Carol Fishman Cohen, CEO and Co-Founder of iRelaunch, the pioneering organization that helps professionals return to the workforce after a break.
Carol shares her own journey as a “relauncher,” what led her to build iRelaunch in 2007, and the lessons she’s learned from working with thousands of professionals navigating career breaks. We dive into:
How taking time away from work reshapes identity and perspective
The common challenges—and surprising strengths—of relaunchers
Strategies for staying “relaunch-ready” before, during, and after a career break
Whether to hide or highlight a career gap on your resume or LinkedIn
How companies can better support professionals returning to work
The evolving conversation around women, work, and career breaks
Whether you’re considering stepping away from work, planning a relaunch, or just curious about the future of careers, this conversation with Carol offers practical wisdom, inspiration, and a reframing of what it means to pause—and restart—your professional journey.
Carol Fishman Cohen is the CEO and Co-founder of iRelaunch, the pioneering leader in the career reentry field, bringing thousands of mid-career professionals back into the workforce after extended leave. iRelaunch works with employers worldwide to build and expand in-house career reentry programs, produces the iRelaunch Return to Work Conferences, and leads a community of nearly 125,000 relaunchers looking to return to work. Cohen, a relauncher herself, hosts the 3,2,1 iRelaunch podcast and writes regularly for Harvard Business Review. Her TED talk, "How to get back to work after a career break," has nearly 3.8 million views.
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Disclaimer: The information shared on this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only. While I am a licensed attorney, I am not providing legal advice in this podcast, and no attorney-client relationship is formed. Additionally, I am not a licensed therapist, medical professional, or financial advisor. Nothing discussed should be considered professional, legal, medical, or financial advice. Always consult with a qualified professional before making any decisions related to your health, finances, or legal matters. The views expressed are my own and do not reflect those of any organizations I may be affiliated with.