Summary: In this episode of the Misfits career transitions podcast, host Sarah Pew engages in a conversation with Maddie Davenport about navigating career transitions, identifying non-negotiables, and the importance of mentorship. They discuss the value of taking chances, embracing change, and leveraging diverse experiences for personal and professional growth. Maddie shares insights on the role of mentors, the significance of authenticity, and offers advice for early career professionals.     Key Takeaways: Make a short list of your must-haves when considering a career move. Taking chances and making changes is essential for growth. Embrace your unique career path, even if it's unconventional. Leverage diverse experiences to strengthen your skillset. Mentorship is crucial; focus on a small circle of trusted advisors. You're more capable than you think; trust your instincts. Authenticity is key; lean into who you are.   Follow Maddie on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelinedyer/   Follow the Misfits Podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – careermisfits.com Instagram - @careermisfits_podcast   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Maddie Davenport 04:41 Taking Chances and Making Changes 09:01 The Modern Day Career Path 10:59 Being a Builder and a Connector 12:33 When is it time to make a change? 13:59 The Power of Coaches, Mentors, and Advocates 18:07 Evaluating a career transition: the non-negotiables 19:58 Rapid Fire Round 31:10 Sassy Summary

Paul Kramer, a marketing and business development expert, shares his career journey and the importance of finding purpose and managing one's career. He emphasizes the need to discover and build new things that make a difference in people's lives, while also prioritizing flexibility and outdoor recreation. Paul discusses the value of mentors, champions, and advocates in shaping one's career and offers advice on networking and personal branding. He encourages individuals to manage their careers actively and seek feedback from others to identify their strengths and areas for growth. In this conversation, Paul and Sarah discuss the importance of networking and self-promotion in career development. They emphasize the value of asking for advice instead of self-promoting, as it allows for feedback and promotes oneself indirectly. They also discuss the importance of effective networking, including having a concise value proposition statement and asking insightful questions.   Key Takeaways Seek mentors, champions, and advocates to support your career growth Manage your career actively and promote yourself Ask for feedback from others to identify your strengths and areas for growth instead of self-promoting, ask for advice to indirectly promote yourself and receive valuable feedback. Effective networking involves having a concise value proposition statement, asking insightful questions, and finding opportunities to help others. Feedback from others can help identify strengths and skills that may have been overlooked. Signs that it may be time to leave a job include having a bad boss and experiencing constant reorganizations.   Follow Paul on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulmkramer/ Follow the Misfits Podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – careermisfits.com Instagram - @careermisfits_podcast #podcast #careers #careertransitions #Misfits #mentors #advocates #coaches #professionaldevelopment Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Paul Kramer's Misfit Career Adventures 03:11 Discovering Purpose and Building a Fulfilling Career 08:30 Developing a Purpose Statement 14:33 The Power of Mentors, Champions, and Advocates in Career Development 22:40 The Power of Asking for Advice Instead of Self-Promoting 25:36 Discovering Strengths Through Feedback 28:15 Signs It's Time to Leave a Job 31:19 Taking Ownership of Your Career 35:48 Quick-Fire Round 40:54 Sassy Summary

In this episode of the Misfits podcast, host Sarah Pew engages in a heartfelt conversation with fellow misfit, Stephanie Grant, about navigating career transitions. They discuss the importance of embracing change, continuous learning, and building connections in new environments. Stephanie shares her personal journey from corporate communications to becoming a realtor and small business owner, highlighting the challenges and rewards of self-employment. The conversation emphasizes resilience, motivation, and the power of reflection during times of uncertainty, encouraging listeners to pursue their passions and remain open to new opportunities. Takeaways Embrace change and new opportunities in your career. Continuous learning is essential for personal and professional growth. Resilience and motivation are key during transitions. Networking and building connections can ease the transition process. Self-discovery often occurs during periods of change. Confidence can waver when transitioning to new roles. Lifelong learning keeps your mind active and engaged.   Follow Stephanie: Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanieegrant/ Instagram: @sgrantrealtor Follow the Misfits Podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – careermisfits.com Instagram - @careermisfits_podcast References: The Cranberries – Zombine (Official Music Video) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Ejga4kJUts Chapters 00:00 Navigating Life Changes 04:44 Embracing New Identities 08:21 Connecting with People during transitions 14:06 Learning Through Transition 22:22 The Importance of Lifelong Learning 24:53 Finding Joy in New Experiences 32:17 The Journey Ahead 42:33 Sassy Summary   #podcast #careers #careertransitions #Misfits #entrepreneur #development

Design thinker and innovator, CEO/Founder Freshform (www.freshform.com), and Sarah’s college friend, Scott Robinson, joins Misfits to share his career journey and views as both an employer, and an employee. He shares his insights on the importance of versatility and community building, while emphasizing the value of diverse experiences and volunteerism in shaping one's career. Scott also discusses the need for constant reinvention and adaptation in the rapidly changing business landscape. He highlights the fourth industrial revolution and the role of technology in shaping the future of work. For his own career, he envisions his next career phase as a combination of running his business, advising startups, and continuing his community involvement. He emphasizes the importance of following one's passion and finding new opportunities for learning.     What you’ll learn: Diverse experiences and volunteerism can enhance your career and showcase versatility. Career transitions are driven by a feeling of having learned as much as possible and seeking new opportunities for learning in different areas. To prepare for the future of work, it is important to stay informed about the evolving roles and responsibilities in one's field. Expanding one's network beyond industry-specific events can lead to unique opportunities and connections. When seeking new opportunities, curate your skills and have a clear point of view on how one can add value.   Follow Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-robinson-san-diego/ FreshForm Website: freshform.com Follow the Misfits Podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – careermisfits.com Instagram - @careermisfits_podcast References: All About Hummingbirds Make No Small Plans: Lessons on Thinking Big, Chasing Dreams, and Building Communityby Elliott Bisnow, Brett Leve, Jeff Rosenthal, and Jeremy Schwartz The Art of Gathering by Priya Parker The Creative Act: A way of Being, by Rick Rubin   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Scott Robinson 01:25 Scott's Career Journey 06:39 The Journey Begins 09:21 Views as an Employer 11:04 Finding Versatility in the Same Job 14:33 Putting the Career Puzzle Pieces Together 16:55 Evaluating the Next Puzzle Piece 23:53 Knowing When its Time to Change 27:36 Advice for a Successful Career Transition 35:27 Quick Fire Round 43:27 Sassy Summary

The conversation with Shivram Vaideeswaran revolves around career transitions and finding fulfillment in work. Shivram shares his journey in brand strategy and marketing, emphasizing the importance of staying true to oneself and being open-minded to new opportunities. He discusses the balance between personal and professional life and the need to prioritize what is important at different stages of one's career. Shivram also talks about the value of saying yes to challenges and taking on new opportunities.     Takeaways Career transitions require figuring out what you ultimately want to do and how you want to be. Maintaining a balance between personal and professional life is crucial for finding fulfilling work. Saying yes to challenges and new opportunities can lead to growth and learning. Having a clear understanding of your goals and priorities can guide your career decisions. Transitioning into teaching can be a fulfilling way to give back and make an impact. Follow Shivram on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shivramv/ Follow the Misfits Podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – careermisfits.com Instagram  @careermisfits_podcast  Referenced Podcasts Resources: ProfG Podcast: https://profgmedia.com/the-pod/ Smartless: https://www.smartless.com/episodes   Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:52 Welcome Shivram 06:04 Exploring Marketing in Corporate America 08:42 Intentional vs. Unintentional Opportunities 11:08 Knowing your long term goal and priorities 18:10 Juggling 21:29 Quick Fire Questions 26:42 Closing Summary

Three-time Olympian and national record holder in the 110m hurdles, Mikel Thomas, joins the podcast to share his journey from the track to the boardroom, applying the goal-setting mindset of an Olympian to navigate career transitions. In this episode, Mikel shares how he's adapted his athletic approach to excel in business, technology, and service. He emphasizes the power of continuous reflection, taking stock of past experiences, and aligning career choices with core values. Mikel also highlights the need to overcome imposter syndrome and fear of trying new roles. Don't miss this inspiring episode on finding your fit and embracing change. Welcome to Club Misfits, Mikel Thomas. Key Takeaways Self-awareness and continuous reflection are key in making informed career decisions. Embrace diverse experiences and skills, as they contribute to a unique and valuable skill set. Service as a guiding principle can help navigate disparate career paths and create a greater impact. Don't discount past experiences, as they can provide valuable skills and insights for future opportunities. Overcome imposter syndrome and fear of trying new roles by recognizing your capabilities and focusing on personal growth. Align career choices with core values and evaluate opportunities based on their alignment with personal goals and values. Follow Mikel: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikelthomasoly Twitter and Instagram: @Mikel_thomas   Follow the Misfits podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits        Website – www.careermisfits.com   Bunji Garlin – Warrior City: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmvqkzLijK8

Sarah Alter, former CEO and President of women’s empowerment non-profit NextUp, shares her insights on career journeys and finding the right fit in an organization. She emphasizes the importance of being inspired by the customer, proud of the product or service, and energized by the culture. She also highlights the value of having a long and wide runway in an organization, where one can take on different opportunities and be challenged to grow. She advises professionals to build and maintain a strong network, both internally and externally, to explore new opportunities and to gather different perspectives. Sarah also discusses the importance of listening and asking the right questions to truly understand others and build meaningful relationships. Welcome to Club Misfits, Sarah Alter.   Key Takeaways: Be inspired by the customer and proud of the product or service you provide. Find a culture where you can thrive and leverage your strengths and skills. Look for organizations that offer a long and wide runway for growth and development. Build and maintain a strong network, both internally and externally, to explore new opportunities and gather different perspectives. Listen actively and ask the right questions to truly understand others and build meaningful relationships. Follow Sarah Alter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahalter/   Follow the Misfits podcast: YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits Website – www.careermisfits.com   Referenced Links: 📕David Brooks How to Know a Person: The Art of Seeing Others Deeply and Being Deeply Seen 📙Geraldine Brooks Horse: A Novel

Welcome Misfits!   On this podcast, we'll explore career transitions and share stories to help listeners navigate changes with ease and clarity.   In this kick-off episode, I'll share how my unique upbringing moving frequently and learning to navigate new environments, shaped my ability and superpower of connecting with others.    I've worked in marketing and communications for companies like Uber and Visa, and have experienced my own set of career transitions. I started the podcast after going through a period of unemployment, during which I played, recharged and explored new adventures. Misfits aims to provide inspiration and guidance for those seeking their sense of fit.   Follow along every other week for new interviews with great guests and leaders. www.careermisfits.com Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CareerMisfits Sarah's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-e-pew/