In episode 99, we’re talking about what happens when you’re the one holding everything together, but no one sees it.
Whether you’re the go-to person on your team, the emotional glue in your family, or the one who fixes every problem before it’s noticed, this episode explores how invisible over-functioning can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities for growth.
I share client stories and coaching insights about what happens when doing “everything” doesn’t lead to recognition, and how to start resetting expectations, boundaries, and visibility so your effort actually moves you forward.
In this episode, I cover:
Why invisible over-functioning hurts your visibility and your career
How to clarify your role so you can stop doing work that no one sees
The cost of being the “go-to” person for everything—and how to break that loop
How boundaries (or “guidelines”) create room for leadership and strategic work
A client example of creating a visibility plan that led to a promotion
Key Takeaways:
Recognition requires visibility, not just hard work
Over-functioning isn’t leadership—it’s unsustainable
Boundaries protect your energy and your reputation
Visibility conversations lead to advancement opportunities
You don’t have to burn it all down to make a change, just start with one small reset
Chapters:
00:46 Invisible Over-Functioning Hurts Career Visibility
04:11 Clarifying Roles to Prevent Burnout
06:50 Extra Work Erodes Boundaries and Sustainability
10:53 Redefining Boundaries to Lead Strategically
18:01 Visibility Plan Leads to Promotion
18:42 Resetting Scope Through Small, Concrete Steps
Learn more and stay connected:
In episode 98, we’re talking about the reason you might feel stuck or “confused” about your next move. Most of the time, confusion isn’t about not knowing, it’s about fear.
Whether it’s fear of disappointing others, making the wrong choice, or stepping into something uncertain, what we often label as confusion is really a way of avoiding discomfort. In this episode, I share how to identify the difference between genuine uncertainty and emotional avoidance and what to do when overthinking keeps you from moving forward.
In this episode, I cover:
Why confusion often masks fear and indecision
How “research mode” becomes a way to delay taking action
The connection between fear, perfectionism, and safety for women and women of color
How to narrow down multiple options by using your values as a filter
Why commitment, not clarity, creates confidence and momentum
You’ll hear client stories about navigating career pivots, side businesses, and big life decisions, and how choosing a direction, even when it’s imperfect, always leads to greater clarity than waiting ever could.
If you’ve been circling the same decisions, hoping to feel “ready,” this episode will help you recognize what’s really holding you back and take your next step with confidence.
Key Takeaways:
Confusion is often fear in disguise
Commitment creates clarity, not the other way around
You don’t need more research, you need one clear action
Discomfort is part of growth, not a sign to stop
Trusting your decision-making changes everything
Chapters:
00:00 Understanding Confusion as Avoidance
09:47 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis from Too Many Options
17:50 Commitment as a Catalyst for Clarity
25:45 Next Steps and Reflection
Learn more and stay connected:
In episode 97, I’m joined by Errika S. Brooks, founder of Gen Z Times (GZT), a platform created to amplify and empower Gen Z by helping them navigate career challenges, build meaningful connections, and define success in their own way.
With over seven years of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and youth-focused partnerships, Errika blends strategy, creativity, and student development to design spaces that reflect the needs and values of Gen Z, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ audiences. As a youth advocate, community strategist, and Gen Z’s biggest cheerleader, she brings an authentic and heart-centered perspective to every conversation about connection and belonging.
Together, we explore how Gen Z is redefining networking, moving beyond the question “What do you do?” toward authentic, community-driven connection. Networking has long been seen as awkward or transactional, but Gen Z is shifting that narrative by focusing on shared interests, values, and belonging. Errika shares how her After 5 Experiment networking events help people connect without the pressure of titles or business cards and what professionals of all generations can learn from this human-centered approach to building relationships.
In this episode, I cover:
How Gen Z is moving beyond the question “What do you do?”
Why authentic networking starts with shared humanity, not hierarchy
What it looks like to create safety and inclusion in professional spaces
How to network across, not just up, and why peer connections matter
The mindset shift needed to make networking feel natural instead of forced
Key Takeaways:
Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it can start with friendship
You don’t need to “network up” to grow; building across your peers matters just as much
Authenticity and inclusion make spaces safer and more effective for everyone
Community and consistency are key to meaningful connections
Chapters:
00:12 Guest Introduction and Networking Shift
02:32 Errika Brooks’s Career Journey
05:39 Critique of Prescriptive Networking
09:14 Gen Z Networking Principles
12:53 DC Networking Experiment Format
17:52 Prompt Effects and Accessibility
22:37 Networking as Peer Community
26:53 Alignment, Career Pivots, and Next Steps
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In episode 96, we’re talking about how to make bold career moves without spiraling into overthinking or second-guessing every step.
Big decisions, whether it’s pivoting industries, leaving corporate, or starting a business, will always come with fear and uncertainty. That’s why I use a framework with my clients called the ABC Plan, designed to help you name what you really want, prepare for the hard moments, and create the safety net you need to move forward with confidence.
In this episode, I cover:
How to define your Plan A, your boldest vision, without worrying about practicality
Why creating a Plan B helps you navigate the messy middle when things get tough
How Plan C builds the psychological safety to take risks without panic
Real client stories of making big career pivots, from corporate jobs to new cities and businesses
Practical ways to reduce stress, detach from outcomes, and keep momentum even when challenges show up
If you’ve been stuck in hesitation or caught in loops of “what ifs,” this episode will show you how to ground your decisions in clarity and create the confidence to finally move forward.
Key Takeaways:
Your boldest goals must be named before they can be achieved
Challenges are inevitable, prepare for them instead of quitting when they come
A safety net creates the confidence to take calculated risks
Detaching from outcomes helps you show up with clarity and energy
Chapters:
00:00 ABC Plan: Define Plan A Vision
04:06 Start with a Bold Desired Outcome
06:41 Plan B: Prepare for Hard Moments
09:50 Navigating the Messy Middle
15:04 Plan C: Build Psychological Safety
18:28 Managing Uncertainty with a Safety Net
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So many people sit on a side business idea for months or even years because they think they need the perfect plan before taking the first step.
If you’ve been circling your idea, asking yourself if you’re “ready,” or stuck in research mode, this episode is your reminder that clarity comes from action, not overthinking.
I’m sharing client stories and my own experience of waiting too long to start, along with the practical steps I now guide clients through to move from hesitation into momentum.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why hesitation and self-doubt keep you stuck in the “what ifs”
How to start small by offering one simple service with skills you already have
The first concrete steps to test your idea with real feedback instead of procrastinating
How to identify your first clients and where to find them
Why consistency, not intensity, is what builds a sustainable side business
If you’ve been sitting on an idea but don’t know where to start, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and energy that lasts.
Key Takeaways:
The first version of your business won’t be the final version, start anyway
You don’t need a perfect plan, you need one clear step
Testing with real people builds clarity faster than more research
Consistency is what creates momentum
Chapters:
00:00 Internal Hesitation Blocking Side Businesses
03:17 Start Small Using Existing Expertise
07:38 Concrete First Steps to Avoid Procrastination
11:17 Define Ideal Client and Test Reach Channels
13:50 Start Small and Protect Energy
Learn more and stay connected:
In episode 94, we’re talking about what happens when career clarity sparks something bigger, a vision for your life.
For many of my clients, clarity doesn’t just lead to the next job title or salary increase. It opens the door to freedom, creativity, and the possibility of building a business alongside their career. In this episode, I share how clients are exploring both paths at once, from testing side business ideas to creating boundaries that prevent burnout, and why you don’t have to choose between being a leader in your career and building something of your own.
In this episode, I cover:
How career clarity often reveals deeper values and life goals beyond titles and paychecks
Why you don’t need to quit your job to start a side business
The mindset shift required to move away from “all or nothing” thinking
How to experiment with small projects before going all in
Practical strategies to balance career advancement with entrepreneurship
If you’ve been wondering whether you have to choose between stability and freedom, or career growth and entrepreneurship, this conversation will show you that it’s possible to build both, without burning yourself out.
Key Takeaways:
Career clarity can reveal bigger life visions, not just job titles
You don’t need to burn it all down to start a side business
Experimentation creates clarity without the pressure of full commitment
Boundaries, timelines, and support systems make balancing both paths possible
Chapters:
00:00 Career Clarity Reveals Life Vision
03:44 Transition Toward Wellness-Focused Work
07:13 Reframing Mindset for Side Businesses
11:47 Experimentation Over Full Commitment
17:01 Parallel Career Advancement and Ventures
20:42 Practical Pathways for Dual Careers
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com
www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan
Join my weekly newsletter
In episode 93, we’re talking about how AI can actually support your job search and why it’s a tool, not a strategy.
If you’ve been stuck in research mode, endlessly tweaking your resume, or wondering if using AI is “cheating,” this episode will give you a grounded perspective on how to use it effectively. I share how my clients integrate AI into their job search and career pivots, from resumes and cover letters to networking and interview prep, so they can move faster and with more clarity.
In this episode, I cover:
Why AI alone won’t get you unstuck in your job search
How my clients use AI to streamline resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn updates
Ways AI can make networking and interview prep less overwhelming
How workshops and accountability create space to learn and apply new tools
Key Takeaways:
AI is a tool, not a job search strategy
Clarity must come first, AI amplifies what you bring to it
Using AI can speed up tedious tasks so you can focus on strategy and confidence
Accountability and community make learning new tools more effective
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to AI in Job Search
07:16 AI as a Tool, Not a Strategy
15:10 Streamlining Job Search with AI
21:44 Workshops and Continuous Learning
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com
www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan
In episode 92, I’m joined by my client, Jasmine, who shares her journey from feeling stuck at the manager level to stepping into leadership, building confidence in networking, and navigating a major industry transition.
Over the last year and a half, Jasmine has transformed how she approaches her career, from advocating for promotions and leading with visibility to embracing new opportunities with clarity and confidence. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to set clear goals, push past perfectionism, and build a leadership style rooted in trust and celebration.
In this episode, I cover:
How Jasmine went from dreading networking to becoming a city ambassador for a women’s networking group
The strategies she used to advocate for a promotion and increase her visibility at work
Why direct, concise communication and accountability shifted her confidence in leadership
What it looks like to embrace an industry change and lean on transferable skills
The role coaching played in helping her stay accountable, celebrate wins, and step into her leadership voice
Key Takeaways:
Networking confidence can be built step by step with the right strategies
Visibility and self-advocacy are essential for career growth
Celebrating small wins fuels confidence and momentum
Transferable skills allow you to thrive, even when changing industries
Chapters:
01:32 Introductions and Coaching Context
04:11 Clarifying Career Goals and Plan
10:17 Networking Transformation and Strategies
14:29 Developing Direct, Concise Communication
19:29 Advocating for Promotion Through Visibility
25:49 Practical Leadership Development and Decision-Making
31:19 Emotional Arc of Industry Transition
34:28 Onboarding Strategies and Managing Perfectionism
38:44 Changing Industries and Transferable Skills
44:01 Evaluating Coaching Fit and Next Steps
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com
Join my weekly newsletter
In episode 91, we’re talking about why overperforming is not a strategy for advancement and what to do instead when you’re working harder than ever but still not being recognized.
If you’ve been the go-to person, taking on extra tasks, staying late, and doing more than your share only to feel undervalued or overlooked, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why overperforming doesn’t guarantee promotions, the emotional toll it takes, and how to shift into strategies that actually get you seen and supported.
In this episode, I cover:
Why overperforming often backfires when it comes to career growth
The hidden emotional cost of working harder but still feeling undervalued
How boundaries and visibility create real opportunities for advancement
Practical strategies for self-advocacy, recognition, and sustainable success
Key Takeaways:
Overperforming is not a promotion strategy
Recognition comes from visibility, not just hard work
Boundaries and communication are essential for sustainable success
You don’t have to prove your worth over and over, you get to own it
Chapters:
00:46 Challenges of Overperforming in Professional Settings
04:29 Visibility and Recognition in Career Advancement
09:18 Emotional Impact of Feeling Undervalued
12:39 Mindset and Self-Perception in the Workplace
14:04 Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout
17:00 Self-Advocacy for Overperformers
21:02 Emotional Toll of Overperforming
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com
In episode 90, we’re talking about how to recognize when your job is quietly draining you and the hidden costs that come with staying in misalignment.
If you’ve been brushing off your fatigue, telling yourself it’s just “busy season,” or rationalizing that things will eventually get better, this episode is your reminder to take those signals seriously before burnout takes over. I’m sharing the subtle signs of early burnout, the deeper costs of staying too long in the wrong role, and client stories that show how confidence and clarity can be rebuilt when you choose change.
In this episode, I cover:
The early signs your energy is being drained (and why it matters to notice them)
How staying in the wrong role chips away at your confidence and clarity
The hidden cost of overriding your intuition and self-trust
Why you don’t have to “burn it all down” to create change and how small, intentional steps make the difference
Key Takeaways:
Ignoring early signs of burnout only delays progress and recovery
Staying in the wrong environment erodes self-confidence and motivation
You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart to make a move
Small steps toward alignment help you rebuild clarity and self-trust
Chapters:
00:47 Recognizing Job-Related Exhaustion Signs
04:21 Creating a Personal Support Plan
07:58 Hidden Costs of Unfulfilling Jobs
12:03 Challenges of Career Changes
17:48 Recognizing Early Signs of Discomfort
20:02 Aligning Personal Values with Workplace Culture
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In episode 89, we’re talking about what it takes to leave a job you’ve outgrown without burning it all down or making decisions from panic.
If you’ve been telling yourself “it’s fine” while feeling disconnected, checked out, or unsure of your next step, this episode will help you move from thinking about change to actually creating it. I’m sharing client stories, common fears that keep people stuck, and how to build an exit plan that feels safe, strategic, and aligned with your goals.
In this episode, I cover:
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Navigating Career Transitions
04:27 Overcoming Career Stagnation
08:23 Addressing Fears in Career Changes
11:10 Clarifying Goals During Transitions
14:25 Creating Actionable Exit Strategies
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In episode 88, we’re talking about what it actually takes to move forward when you’re feeling stuck, especially when you don’t have all the answers yet.
If you’ve been circling the same decisions, waiting for clarity to strike, or trying to map out the “perfect” next step, this episode is your reminder that clarity comes after action, not before. I’m walking you through how I coach clients through that in-between space where you know something isn’t right, but you’re not sure what comes next.
In this episode, I cover:
If you’re good at what you do but it no longer excites you, or everything looks “right” on paper but feels off, this one’s for you.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Feeling Stuck in Career Transitions
04:00 Taking Action for Career Clarity
08:00 Experiential Learning in Coaching
12:00 Actionable Steps for Career Change
15:00 Overcoming Barriers to Clarity
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In episode 87, I’m kicking off Season 2 with a deep dive into everything that’s changed—personally, professionally, and emotionally—over the last six months.
From ending an engagement, going fully nomadic, and coaching around the world, to shifting how I define success in business and life, this is the most personal episode I’ve ever recorded.
In this episode, I cover:
What it really looked like to walk away from a life I thought I wanted.
How grief and growth go hand in hand when you’re building something new.
Why we stay stuck in research mode—and how to start taking action instead.
What redefining success actually means for women of color, high achievers, and first/second gen leaders.
Key Takeaways:
Letting go of “the plan” and building something more aligned
Moving from fear into action (even if it’s messy)
Redefining success beyond titles, income, and other people’s expectations
Building a life and business rooted in joy, purpose, and your values
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to Season 2 – What’s Changed06:00 Ending the Engagement & Rewriting the Plan12:00 Taking the Leap into Full-Time Travel & Business20:00 Letting Go of Perfection and Choosing Action26:00 Redefining Success: Business, Money, and Freedom
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In Episode 86, I’m sharing one of the most important lessons I’ve learned in my life and career: clarity and confidence don’t come first—action does.
Whether it’s quitting a corporate job, launching a business, traveling the world, or making a major life pivot, I’ve learned (and coached clients through) that the life you want is built step by step, often before you fully believe it’s possible.
In this episode, I cover:
Why clarity and confidence are built through action, not before it
How to break through overthinking and start experimenting
The power of small, honest steps that align with the life you want
How to collect evidence that helps you believe what’s possible
If you’ve been sitting on a dream, a career move, or a big change because you’re waiting to feel “ready,” this episode is for you.
Key Takeaways:
Action builds clarity and confidence, not the other way around
You don’t need a perfect plan to get started
Small, brave steps create momentum toward the life you want
Chapters:
00:00 Why Clarity Comes from Action05:00 My Leap from Corporate to Entrepreneurship10:00 How to Stop Overthinking and Start Experimenting15:00 Collecting Evidence to Build Belief in Yourself20:00 Final Reflections: What Step Will You Take Today?
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In episode 85, we’re talking about how to use AI to make resume updates faster, easier, and more effective.
If tailoring your resume for every job sounds exhausting, you’re not alone. But here’s the thing—you don’t have to do it manually from scratch every time. AI tools can help refine your resume, pull the right keywords, and format it for ATS systems, all while keeping your voice and experience intact.
In this episode, I’ll break down:
💡 The AI tools (including free ones) that can help you edit and optimize your resume.
💡 How to use ChatGPT to align your resume with job descriptions (without sounding robotic).
💡 Why resume tailoring actually matters—and how to do it in a way that’s efficient, not overwhelming.
If you’ve been avoiding job applications because the resume process feels like too much, this episode will give you the tools to move forward faster.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Why Resume Tailoring Matters (and How AI Can Help)
05:00 How to Use AI for Resume Keywords & Formatting
10:00 Free Tools to Speed Up the Resume Process
15:00 The Right Way to Use AI—Without Losing Your Voice
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In episode 84, I’m sharing my journey from working traditional corporate jobs to becoming a full-time digital nomad. If you had told me years ago that I’d be running my own business while traveling the world, I would’ve laughed. But here I am—and today, I’m breaking down how I made it happen.
We’ll dive into:
If you’ve ever wondered how to create a career that supports your ideal lifestyle, this episode will give you the insights and strategies to make it happen—whether that means negotiating remote work, pivoting to a new industry, or building something of your own.
Key Takeaways:
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Why I Wanted a More Flexible Career06:00 Negotiating Remote Work in Corporate12:00 Taking the Leap: Starting My Own Business18:00 Lessons Learned & Advice for Those Considering the Shift
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
In Episode 83, I’m sitting down with Lisandra Jimenez, Senior Program Manager at the Hispanic Alliance for Career Enhancement (HACE), to talk about navigating career pivots, stepping into leadership, and making an impact through advocacy and education.
Lisandra started in higher education, supporting students and career development before realizing she wanted a broader impact. Her transition into the nonprofit world wasn’t just a career shift—it was a move toward work that fully aligned with her values of social justice, equity, and access.
In this episode, we discuss:
➡️ How Lisandra made the leap from higher ed to nonprofit leadership.
➡️ The role of networking and professional development in career transitions.
➡️ Why transferable skills matter more than job titles when making a pivot.
➡️ How she uses her leadership to drive impact in Latinx/e and multicultural communities.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Pivot & Promotion Podcast
02:00 Meet Lisandra: Her Journey from Higher Ed to Nonprofit Leadership
06:00 Why She Pivoted—and How She Made the Transition
10:00 The Power of Networking and Professional Development
15:00 Using Transferable Skills to Step Into a New Industry
20:00 Advocating for Yourself and Owning Your Leadership
25:00 Advice for Professionals Looking to Pivot with Purpose
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
Join my weekly newsletter
Connect with Lisandra & HACE:
In Episode 82, I’m joined by Kelly Morse, President of the Professional Women’s Club of Chicago and a leader in global market research, to talk about navigating career transitions, stepping into leadership, and making strategic career moves.
Kelly’s journey spans journalism in Singapore, market research across Asia Pacific, and leading business development at Euromonitor International, where she partners with global brands to drive growth. She also played a key role in launching Euromonitor’s 15th office in Seoul, South Korea.
Beyond her corporate role, Kelly is passionate about building professional communities and leadership development. As President of PWCC, she fosters a network that supports women in advancing their careers.
In this episode, we discuss:
➡️ How Kelly navigated career pivots and stepped into leadership.
➡️ The role of networking in career growth.
➡️ Why self-advocacy and visibility matter for advancement.
➡️ How coaching helped her take action with confidence.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Pivot & Promotion Podcast
02:00 Meet Kelly: Her Career Journey from Journalism to Leadership
06:00 How She Made Strategic Career Moves with Confidence
10:00 The Power of Networking and Building Strategic Relationships
15:00 Self-Advocacy: Why Visibility in the Workplace Matters
20:00 The Role of Coaching in Expanding Career Possibilities
25:00 Advice for Women Looking to Step Into Leadership
Learn more and stay connected:
www.danitan.com/
Join my weekly newsletter
Connect with Kelly:
InEpisode 81, I’m sitting down with my clientAnn to talk about her career transition and what itreally took to land a job that aligned with her values and goals.
When Ann first came to coaching, she was frustrated. She had been applying to jobs, refining her applications, and doing all the “right” things—but wasn’t seeing the results she expected. Through coaching, she realized that the job search isn’t just about submitting applications; it’s about strategy, relationships, and positioning yourself in a way that makes hiring managers take notice.
In this episode, we discuss:
➡️ The biggest mindset shifts that changed how Ann approached her job search.
➡️ Why networking and relationship-building made all the difference.
➡️ How she navigated rejection and stayed motivated throughout the process.
➡️ The interview prep strategies that helped her land the right opportunity.
If you’re feeling stuck in your job search, Ann’s journey will give you insight into whatactually works—and how coaching can help you build the skills to land a role that fits you.
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Pivot & Promotion Podcast
02:00 Meet Ann: Why She Decided to Invest in Coaching
06:00 The Common Job Search Mistakes She Had to Unlearn
10:00 How Networking Changed the Game for Her Career
15:00 Reframing Rejection and Staying Motivated
20:00 Interview Prep: The Strategies That Helped Ann Stand Out
25:00 Reflections on Coaching and Her Advice for Job Seekers
Learn more and stay connected:
In this episode of the Coaching Q&A Series, I’m diving into one of the biggest questions I get: “Is coaching really worth it?”
We often come to coaching with clear goals—maybe it’s landing a promotion, starting a business, or stepping into leadership. But coaching isn’t just about hitting that one goal. It’s about building skills, confidence, and a mindset that supports long-term growth in every area of your life.
In this episode, I’m sharing why coaching is more than just an investment in a short-term goal—it’s a ripple effect that impacts how you show up in your career, your relationships, and your future.
What You’ll Learn:
Chapters:
00:00 Welcome to the Coaching Q&A Series
01:00 Is Coaching Worth It? Here’s What You Should Know
03:00 The Immediate and Long-Term Impact of Coaching
06:00 How Coaching Accelerates Your Progress
08:00 Building Confidence and Skills That Last a Lifetime
10:00 Personal Reflections: How Coaching Transformed My Life
12:00 How to Get the Most Out of Coaching
Learn more and stay connected:
