77. The Real Reason Companies Want You Back in the Office
Release Date: 03/03/2025
100. 8 Pieces of Mediocre Career Advice I Wish I Ignored
Secrets of the Career Game
“Just work hard and you’ll get promoted.” If you’ve heard this before and it still hasn’t worked out… Kendall’s here to tell you why. In this 100th episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall calls BS on the most common career clichés that keep high-performers stuck and overlooked. From toxic loyalty traps to the myth of passion-driven success, this episode breaks down the 8 most mediocre pieces of advice—and replaces them with strategies that actually get you promoted, noticed, and respected. This is not a motivational pep talk. It’s your playbook for making smarter,...
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99. Stop Wasting Time on Goals You Don’t Even Want — Michelle Niemeyer
Secrets of the Career Game
Most people say they're “too busy” before they’ve even checked their calendar. Michelle Niemeyer wants to change that. After burning out as a high-performing attorney (and landing in the hospital because of it), Michelle realized the problem wasn’t her productivity. It was her lifestyle. Her nervous system. Her goals. And the way she defined success. In this episode, she breaks down The Art of Bending Time, her framework that helps professionals stop spinning in circles and start building a life they want. Kendall and Michelle talk about everything from “goal clutter” to internal...
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98. Why You’re Not Getting Noticed on LinkedIn—And How to Fix It with Courtney Johnson
Secrets of the Career Game
Most people aren’t lazy—they’re just scared of being seen. Kendall Berg sits down with digital strategist and Slay the Gatekeeper founder Courtney Johnson to unravel the truth about personal branding in the age of LinkedIn, TikTok, and trolls. Spoiler alert: it’s not about going viral—it’s about getting honest. Courtney breaks down the emotional blocks that keep high achievers hiding their brilliance. From troll comments to visibility shame spirals, she gives us the cheat codes to show up online without losing our voice. Whether you’re in corporate or freelance, you’ll walk...
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97. 5 Planning Habits That Save Me Hours Every Week (And My Sanity)
Secrets of the Career Game
Kendall Berg reveals the 5 planning habits that keep her from losing it—while balancing a corporate tech role, coaching business, content creation, pageant prep, and parenting two kids. If your to-do list never ends but your energy does, these five systems will shift how you manage your time, reduce mental load, and finally build a week that works. Kendall breaks down how to simplify your goals, design a weekly routine that honors your brain, and make space for what actually matters—without burning out or dropping the ball. In this episode, we discuss: What are the 5 planning habits...
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95. What Is ‘Rizz’ in the Workplace? A Modern Guide to Charisma + Leadership with Milam Miller
Secrets of the Career Game
Berg interviews Milam Miller, the former AS Roma exec known as the real-life Ted Lasso, about the leadership superpower most people misunderstand: charisma. Milam breaks down his modern framework for connection, communication, and rizz—the kind that helps you lead across cultures, industries, and personalities. Drawing from his new book, The Charisma Craft – A Modern Leadership Guide to Enhance Your “Rizz”, he shares the six leadership archetypes you’ll want to know, plus the acronym that will help you end workplace gossip like a pro. Whether you’re a rising leader, a high...
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96. How to Respond to Rude Comments at Work (Without Getting Emotional)
Secrets of the Career Game
What do you do when someone makes a condescending remark in front of your team—or worse, during a board meeting? In this episode, career coach Kendall Berg breaks down the exact language to use when you're belittled, talked over, or insulted at work. This non-confrontational tactic forces aggressors to repeat their words and publicly own their behavior—without you losing your composure or professional credibility. Using a real-life story from her early career, Kendall reveals how a VP’s inappropriate comment triggered swift organizational response—and how a different reaction...
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94. Why Your Personal Brand Matters More Than Your Résumé Hilary Hartling
Secrets of the Career Game
Hilary Hartling doesn’t believe in branding fluff—and after 15 years at Disney working on global campaigns for Pixar, Marvel, and DreamWorks, she’s earned the right to say so. In this episode, Kendall Berg sits down with Hilary to unpack what a personal brand really is (hint: it’s not your color palette). From corporate burnout to building an executive brand agency, Hilary’s story is a masterclass in career reinvention, thought leadership, and waking up excited. She breaks down the actual steps to brand clarity—from strengths mapping to using human design—and offers sharp advice...
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93. 4 Types of Toxic Bosses and How to Handle Them
Secrets of the Career Game
Toxic bosses are more common than you think—and Kendall Berg isn’t afraid to name names and break down the real strategies you need to survive them. From micromanagers who hover over every move to credit-stealers who take your wins and make them theirs, this episode of Secrets of the Career Game reveals what actually works when your manager is the biggest obstacle to your career growth. Kendall explains why emotional distance is the key to survival, how to proactively manage up, and what to do when your boss starts playing games with your reputation. Whether you're dealing with...
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92. Why Staying at One Job Too Long Might be Financial Suicide with Amanda Wolfe
Secrets of the Career Game
Amanda Wolfe built a 300K+ community from her bedroom—but that’s not where her story starts. Growing up in poverty, with parents addicted to drugs, Amanda moved 12 times before sixth grade. She became the first person in her family to graduate college, only to discover that a salary alone wasn’t enough to build financial security. In this candid conversation, Amanda reveals how staying at her first job for 12 years became her biggest financial mistake, how she finally doubled her income, and why most people are financially stuck—even with “good jobs.” Kendall and Amanda break down...
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91. 10 Phrases to Stop Saying at Work (If You Want to Be Taken Seriously)
Secrets of the Career Game
Your words at work matter more than you think. If you’ve ever been told to "work on your communication" or felt unsure how to respond to vague feedback about being "too assertive"—this episode is for you. I’m breaking down 10 common workplace phrases that can quietly sabotage your professional image—and giving you smarter alternatives that build influence, show leadership, and help you play the corporate game strategically. We’re not here for passive-aggressive HR speak. We’re here to sound like leaders. In this episode, we discuss: What are the most common workplace phrases that...
info_outlineSome employees are thriving in remote work, while others are struggling. But is returning to the office really the solution? Kendall Berg unpacks the corporate push for Return to Office (RTO) and breaks down the real reasons why companies are calling employees back—spoiler: it’s not just about collaboration.
Kendall shares hard truths about workplace performance, leadership blind spots, and the impact of remote work on career growth. Whether you love working from home or dread the thought of in-person meetings, this episode will make you rethink your stance on RTO. Plus, Kendall reveals what companies aren’t telling you about office mandates, including the hidden financial incentives and power dynamics driving the return-to-office movement.
Discover how the shift back to in-office work affects promotions, productivity, and job satisfaction—and what you can do to stay ahead in your career, no matter where you work.
In this episode, we discuss:
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Why do companies really want employees back in the office?
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Does returning to the office actually improve performance?
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How does RTO impact promotions and career growth?
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What mistakes are managers making when overseeing remote teams?
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Is hybrid work the best compromise, or just another corporate headache?