In this episode, Vanessa talks through the reality of change and how change can bring on many uncomfortable feelings. Often times, so uncomfortable that we aren't willing to sit through the time needed for change to truly happen. Now that she has hit 5 months of working on her own, she comes to the pod with real, practical advice on how she has been navigating times of uncertainty.
Share you thoughts with Vanessa on how these tips have either helped you in the past or if there is something in addition that's been useful for you!
In this episode of Career Edit, Vanessa sits down with Erika Price, a career coach who’s as grounded as she is wise. With 20 years of experience in corporate leadership and program management, including a successful run at Microsoft, Erika brings a deep understanding of both career pivots and the inner work it takes to make them.
Erika Price is a Certified, Accredited, and Licensed career coach who helps professionals get hired, level up or pivot into new careers. She brings two decades of corporate experience to her coaching, having led teams, launched products and managed programs at tech giants, startups, and small businesses-most recently at Microsoft. She was recently listed as Seattle’s Top 15 Career Coach and can be found on LinkedIn or her website (listed below).
In this episode, we explore:
Whether you're in a season of questioning, transition, or trying to figure out what’s next, Erika’s approach offers both practical and soulful guidance.
Connect with Erika:
Erika’s Ikigai Framework
Positive Intelligence Saboteur Assessment
Website: RootCauseCoaching.com
LinkedIn: Erika Price
What if the burnout, overwhelm, or frustration you're feeling at work isn’t just about the job but about your internal response to situations? In this episode of Career Edit, we explore the power of nervous system regulation and how it can completely shift the way we experience challenges in our careers and beyond.
Vanessa sits down with holistic health and trauma-informed coach Melissa Armstrong, who specializes in helping people align mind, body, and spirit to live with more clarity, calm, and purpose. Together, they unpack how our nervous system shapes our reactions, why certain patterns follow us from job to job, and how we can begin to find peace within, even when external circumstances are less than ideal.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in a cycle of job hopping, emotional reactivity, or never quite feeling fulfilled no matter what changes you make this episode is for you.
What You’ll Learn:
Interested in working with Melissa? Connect with her here:
I’m joined by Henna Pryor, Workplace Performance Expert, Keynote Speaker, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and award-winning author of Good Awkward.
Henna is the founder of Pryority Group, where she helps high achievers and teams turn discomfort into a powerful tool for growth. She’s a two-time TEDx speaker, certified coach, and has worked with brand name companies and Glassdoor serving as a WorkLife Pro.
In our conversation, Henna shares how she’s continually evolved her career from accounting to recruiting to coaching, course creation, and public speaking. We talk about:
What it really looks like to iterate on your career (even when you’re already successful)
How Henna defines success and the questions she asks herself before saying “yes” to something new
The story behind her LinkedIn Learning course and how she pitched it
How she’s built a portfolio career that aligns with her strengths, energy, and values
Why embracing good awkwardness is key to growing both professionally and personally
Whether you’re in a season of growth, pivoting, or simply questioning what’s next, this episode is packed with honest insight, real talk, and practical takeaways to help you move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Connect with Henna:
Website: pryoritygroup.com
LinkedIn: Henna Pryor
Book: Good Awkward
This week on Career Edit, we head outdoors (literally and metaphorically) with Jessica DeAngelo, the founder of Hike to Become™ and Chief Hiking Officer. With a background in global sales and strategy for companies like Amazon, Nike, and Uber, Jessica now guides leaders off the beaten path using nature and movement to spark clarity, creativity, and connection.
We talk about her personal pivot from corporate to entrepreneurship, how her business truly took off once she leaned into her most authentic strategy, and the powerful transformation that happens when we ditch our desks and take our work outside.
What we cover in this episode:
The Hike to Become™ methodology and the HIKE31 Challenge
Why your best ideas come when you’re in motion and unplugged
The role of silence in business strategy
How movement in nature improves both personal clarity and business performance
Whether you're a leader, entrepreneur, or just feeling disconnected from your spark, this episode will inspire you to reconnect with your wild side and work in a way that feels aligned.
Watch her TEDx talk:
🎥 Why We Are Afraid to Go into the Woods
Connect with Jessica:
🌐 Website: www.hiketobecome.com
📸 Instagram: @hikingbusinesscoach
💼 LinkedIn: Jessica DeAngelo
In this episode of Career Edit, I sit down with Alex Pottash, the founder of Forgotten Skincare, a skincare brand that's redefining how we treat our most overlooked skin concerns.
Alex shares her journey from working in corporate to launching her own skincare company, starting with a desire to tap into whitespace that led her to create a one-of-a-kind product. We dive into the early days of product discovery, how she built awareness from the ground up, and what it really took to get her products into major retailers like Target, Macy’s, Urban Outfitters, and more.
We also talk candidly about the real life of a founder—how Alex manages stress, prioritizes work-life balance, and stays grounded while growing a business in a competitive industry.
What we cover:
Alex’s career journey into entrepreneurship
The origin story of Forgotten Skincare
Creating and scaling a niche product
Getting stocked in national retailers
Managing the emotional highs and lows of entrepreneurship
Tips for staying balanced as a founder
Whether you're curious about launching your own product or just love a good founder story, this episode will leave you inspired and informed.
👉Shop Forgotten Skincare: SHOP
👉 Follow Forgotten Skincare: @forgottenskincare
🎧 Listen now and subscribe to Career Edit for more stories like this!
In this episode of Career Edit, I’m joined by Sean Hand, founder of Selling By Hand and author of the Amazon best-seller That Was Awkward: 7 Secrets of an Awkward Networker. Sean spent 15 years in a Big 4 consulting firm, generating over $150 million in new business and leading high-performing sales teams—so when it comes to networking, he knows what works.
We dive into why strong relationships are the foundation of every opportunity—whether you’re in a corporate role, sales, or building a business of your own. Sean shares his practical approach to keeping his network fresh and why reaching out or following up doesn't make you annoying—it makes you memorable. You’ll also hear simple, actionable tips to build real connections and turn those relationships into results.
We talk about:
Why you shouldn’t feel awkward about following up
How Sean manages and maintains a large, active network
The idea that “revenue follows relationships”
Fun, practical strategies to become a better networker
The mindset shift that turns networking from transactional to transformational
If you're ready to rethink how you build and nurture your network, this one’s for you.
Links & Resources:
Learn more about Sean: Sell By Hand
Sean’s book: That Was Awkward – available on Amazon
Follow Sean on LinkedIn
Negative thoughts are part of being human — but how long you stay stuck in them? That’s where the real impact lies.
In this solo episode, Vanessa explores how our primitive brains are wired to default to fear and doubt, and why this survival mechanism holds us back when we're trying to move forward in our careers and lives. She shares the real cost of letting negative thoughts take the wheel — from mental paralysis to energy depletion — and offers a powerful reframing practice to help you take your power back.
You’ll learn:
Why negative thoughts feel so automatic
How to recognize and interrupt spirals that keep you stuck
A simple 3-step reframing process backed by psychology
How to use visualization and daily “thought triggers” to shift your mindset
Why reframing is critical when you’re building a new career vision
How taking action creates proof — and rewires your belief system
Whether you’re pivoting, starting over, or simply trying to stay grounded while going after something new — this episode is a mindset reset to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
Resources Mentioned:
Daily thought triggers: morning intention & evening gratitude
Cognitive reframing (CBT-based tool)
Visualization as mental conditioning
Let’s Connect:
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Hudson, a leadership coach, yoga teacher, and former CPA and HR leader who left behind a decade-long corporate career to follow her joy and step into a more aligned, purpose-driven path.
We explore Sarah’s journey of career transformation—from checking all the “right” boxes in the corporate world to tuning in to what truly lit her up. Our conversation dives into what it means to trust yourself, how your body gives you clues about your truth, and why getting quiet with yourself is essential to uncovering what you really want.
Topics we cover:
Whether you're contemplating a pivot, feeling stuck, or simply curious about what it looks like to design a life from the inside out, this conversation is full of grounded wisdom and inspiration.
🔗 Connect with Sarah Hudson:
Feeling stuck or uncertain about what’s next in your career? You’re not alone — but clarity doesn’t come from sitting still. In this solo episode, I dive into the power of taking action, especially when you're in the messy middle of a transition. I share a personal breakthrough moment, the neuroscience behind why uncertainty triggers anxiety, and why action (not more thinking) is the only path forward.
You’ll walk away with practical ideas to get unstuck, tools for navigating the unknown, and a fresh perspective on how momentum is built — one step at a time.
🎧 In this episode, I cover:
Why waiting for clarity is keeping you stuck
The science behind why uncertainty feels so uncomfortable
What “taking action” actually means (hint: it's not about having a perfect plan)
Realistic micro-steps that build momentum
How to navigate the “fog” when you can’t see the whole path
The mindset shift that will change how you approach career decisions
Let’s connect:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with a friend or tag me on Instagram @vanessapileggifecca — I’d love to hear your biggest takeaway!
In this episode of Career Edit, Vanessa sits down with personal stylist and former attorney Estelle Winsett to talk about how what you wear to work impacts how you show up. From power suits to personal expression, we explore how style can be a tool for confidence, authenticity, and professional branding.
Estelle shares her approach to helping women leaders and executives align their personal brand with their wardrobe, while staying true to who they are.
Whether you love fashion or feel stuck in a workwear rut, this episode is full of insights to help you feel more like you when you walk into a room.
Resources Mentioned:
👉 Estelle’s Free Style Guide
👉 Join Estelle’s Powerhouse Facebook Group for professional women
Follow Estelle on LinkedIn and Instagram
Book time with Estelle HERE
Connect with Vanessa: LinkedIn | Instagram
Subscribe to Career Edit and leave a review if you loved the show!
In this episode, I’m joined by Kate Duffy, Senior Financial Advisor and Financial Behavioral Specialist, to explore how our money beliefs—often shaped by childhood experiences—quietly influence the career decisions we make as adults.
We discuss the basics of financial psychology, what it really means to have “enough,” and how the meaning we assign to money impacts our sense of security and fulfillment. Kate shares how to identify and reframe our money mindset, build a healthier relationship with money, and start normalizing these conversations within your circle.
If you’ve ever felt torn between what pays the bills and what lights you up, this conversation will help you better understand your money mindset and move toward real financial and career freedom.
Connect with Kate: LinkedIn
Work with Kate: BMT
Vanessa sits down with Shelly Hughes, Founder & CEO of Nolia Roots, a marketing agency helping businesses build purpose-driven brands. Shelly shares her no-BS approach to going after what you want, facing imposter syndrome head-on, and refusing to play victim.
We talk about how to train yourself to do hard things—not just at work, but in everyday life—and the mindset shifts that help you prioritize growth over comfort. Shelly walks us through her personal strategy for making bold business moves: save money, make aggressive decisions, and take control of your thoughts.
We also dive into the power of personal branding in 2025: what it is, why it matters, and how to carve out a strong point of view for your business. Shelly breaks down how to niche your content and why becoming a “broken record” on social media might be exactly what helps you stand out.
This one’s for the dreamers, doers, and anyone ready to take action on their next bold move—with intention and authenticity.
Get more of Shelly!
Check out Nolia Roots:
In this episode, Vanessa drops the big career update and how she's really been doing over the past 5 years. She talks about how her career journey has taught her so much about transitions and pivots and she is so excited to be sharing this work with people moving forward. It's been a long time coming and she is fired up and ready to take her work with professionals to a much deeper level!
If you're feeling stuck and lack clarity in your own career please take 5 minutes to complete the google form on social media (LinkedIn and Instagram) to share your experience within your own career.
I appreciate the feedback!
In this episode, I sit down with James Barry, whose career has taken some unexpected yet deeply aligned turns—from actor to celebrity private chef to founder of Pluck, an organ meat-based seasoning blend. James shares how he navigated career shifts, always staying true to his mission and values. We explore the concept of purpose—how it’s already within us, how to tap into it, and how opportunities naturally unfold when we align with it.
Ready to eat Pluck?!
Be a part of James Barry's world:
Follow Vanessa
We all want to map out the perfect career path, but what if success comes from embracing the unknown instead?
Maggy Wilkinson, CEO of Athena Global Advisors, didn’t have a meticulously planned career. She built her business by staying flexible, starting scrappy, and letting her values guide her.
Maggy’s journey is proof that you don’t need all the answers to build something great. You just need to start.
Learn more about Athena:
Follow Maggy Wilkinson:
Follow Vanessa:
In this solo episode, Vanessa reflects on her growth through starting imperfectly, whether it’s podcasting or creating content. She encourages listeners to embrace failure, take action, and let go of perfectionism. Life doesn’t have to be so serious! Small wins and authenticity are key to finding freedom and joy.
Key Takeaways:
Connect with me!
In this episode, I sit down with Alex and Jacob Cohen, thehusband/wife duo behind Kismet Bagels, a Philly-born bagel brand that started as a fun experiment during the early days of the pandemic and has now grown into a household name.
We dive into:
Starting a business wasn’t in their plans, but Alex andJacob followed what felt right and the rest was pure kismet. Now, they’re about to open their 8th location (!!), proving that passion, persistence, and authenticity always win.
If you're dreaming of doing something more fulfilling in your career, this episode is for you. Sometimes, the best opportunities come when you least expect them.
You can follow along HERE:
Struggling with self-doubt or fear of failure? In thisepisode of Career Edit, I sit down with Collin Henderson, a top mindset coach, speaker, and author, who shares how to break free from mental barriers and unlock your highest potential.
Collin opens up about his journey from perfectionism,anxiety, and burnout in sales to becoming a leading mental performance coach for elite athletes, executives, and Fortune 500 companies. He reveals his journey and shares how you too can find a path to freedom and purpose.
Collin is the founder of Master Your Mindset, LLC,and works with top organizations like Nike, Zillow, Amazon, and UCLA Women’s Basketball, helping leaders, athletes, and professionals unlock mental toughness and resilience.
Connect with Collin:
LinkedIn Master Your Mindset PodcastWebsite
What happens when you walk away from a 20 year career injournalism to chase something new? In this episode, I sit down with Jillian Mele, a two-time Emmy Award-winning journalist and former 6ABC and FOX national news anchor, who made the bold decision to leave the news industry and carve her own path as an entrepreneur and coach.
Jillian opens up about her journey from journalism toentrepreneurship, sharing the mindset shifts and pivotal moments that helped her embrace change, take risks, and build confidence in her next chapter.
We discuss:
✅ Why she walked away from a successful career in news after 20 years✅ How getting her MBA sparked a career transformation✅ The power of confidence, self-belief, and taking risks✅ Overcoming fear and imposter syndrome when making a career pivot✅ The importance of choosing to evolve vs. repeating the same path✅ Why waiting around for opportunities doesn’t work—and how to take control of your career
If you've ever felt stuck, uncertain about your next careermove, or afraid to take a big leap, this episode is packed with insights to help you redefine success on your terms.
🔗 FOLLOW ALONG:
Learn more about Jillian Mele – Website
