Embracing Discomfort and Asking Bold Questions to Own Your Career

Are you feeling stuck in your career, wondering how to truly take the reins and drive your own destiny? In this powerful episode of The Power of Owning Your Career, host Simone E. Morris sits down with the brilliant Amira Barger, Executive Vice President and Head of DEI Advisory at Edelman and author of the upcoming, must-read book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Four Actions for Real Change.

Prepare to be inspired as Amira shares her incredible journey from aspiring physician to award-winning strategic communications leader, revealing the pivotal moments that helped her truly take the driver’s seat in her own career.If you're ready to stop playing small, this conversation is for you!

Simone and Amira unpack critical strategies for reimagining your career trajectory and building a powerful personal advisory circle (think mentors, sponsors, peers, and mentees who genuinely support your ascent). Discover why embracing discomfort isn't just an option, but a vital catalyst for authentic growth in your professional life.

Here's what you'll gain from this episode:

• Amira's proven formula for owning your career: Learn about the transformative power of journaling, the necessity of asking the big, uncomfortable questions, and how to effectively plan your next career moves in strategic two-year arcs.
• Practical communication hacks: Level up your ability to articulate your value and make meaningful asks for support.
• Leadership insights: Understand how to position yourself as a leader who builds collaborative foundations, not just 'rules kingdoms.'

This isn't just a chat; it's a candid, actionable conversation designed to help you gain clarity, take decisive control, and drive real, lasting change in your career!

Get ready for a candid, actionable conversation designed to help you take control, gain clarity, and drive real change in your career!

 

Episode Roadmap: Navigate Your Growth Journey:

• 00:00 Discover the multifaceted role of a Strategic Communications Specialist and how it sets the stage for career ownership.
• 03:42 How early decisions can lead to unforeseen career fulfillment.
• 08:36 Amira's pivotal shift: From Pre-Med to a thriving Marketing career.
• 10:23 Curate Your Circle Intentionally: Why your personal advisory board is your secret weapon.
• 14:30 The power of the "discomfort zone": Embracing discomfort for accelerated growth.
• 19:00 "Questioning for Change": How asking the right questions unlocks new career possibilities.
• 22:39 Strategizing Board Opportunities: Your guide to impactful board engagement.
• 23:44 Preparedness for Board Opportunities: Key steps to position yourself.
• 27:04 Harness Storytelling for Workplace Innovation: Learn to influence and lead with narrative.
• 33:04 The hidden costs: Understanding "The Price of 'Nice'" and why it holds you back.
• 34:34 Final thoughts on how to fully "Own Your Career Journey."

✴️ Episode Resources:

- Book Recommendation: The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Four Actions for Real Change by Amira Barger (available October 28, 2025)  

- Book Recommendation: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (and other works referenced in the episode for leadership and clarity)  

- Podcast Recommendation: The Moth — An acclaimed storytelling podcast and YouTube channel recommended by Amira for gaining insights into communications, leadership, and personal growth.

✴️ Connect with our guest, Amira Barger:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirabarger/  

Website coming soon: amirabarger.com  

✴️ Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/

✴️ Want to apply to be a guest or recommend someone for the show?  

Visit: https://bit.ly/pooycshowguest

✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:

🟢 Book a complimentary 30-minute coaching exploration call with Simone: https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career: https://bit.ly/43JTV03

🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career: https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6

🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them: https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD