Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt

Work Should Feel Good is the no-BS career podcast for people who want more from their work, without selling their soul to get it. Hosted by career strategist and layoff survivor Diana Alt, this show shares real stories, mindset shifts, and practical strategies to help you grow your career on your terms. You'll hear from recruiters, entrepreneurs, leaders, and everyday professionals in episodes that drop most Wednesdays. Let's make work feel good - together.

Episode 53: AI in Hiring Processes at Zapier with Bonnie Dilber 05/12/2026

Episode 53: AI in Hiring Processes at Zapier with Bonnie Dilber AI is changing hiring fast, but not always in the ways people think. In this conversation, Diana Alt sits down with recruiter and content creator Bonnie Dilber to unpack what’s really happening behind the scenes in modern hiring, from AI-powered screening tools to the realities of career pivots in today’s market. Transitioning from education into recruiting and tech Why strategic career pivots work better than dramatic reinventions Burnout, consulting, and experimenting with new career paths What AI is (and isn’t) doing in hiring today The realities of resume screening and applicant volume Why remote jobs are harder for career pivoters How AI may eventually improve hiring fairness Candidate fears around AI-powered hiring processes The overlap between recruiting, sales, and business development Why transferable skills still need clear positioning ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:40 Bonnie’s path from teaching to recruiting 07:30 Intentional vs. messy career pivots 11:10 Burnout and experimenting with consulting work 14:05 Skill acquisition vs. title obsession 17:45 What makes career pivots realistic right now 20:50 Diana’s “pivot foot” analogy explained 24:15 Why many pivots fail in today’s market 26:30 AI tools for honest job search feedback 29:00 How AI is showing up in hiring at Zapier 33:20 What AI recruiters and screeners actually do 36:10 Resume screening myths and realities 39:15 Why Bonnie believes AI could improve hiring fairness 42:00 Friction in applications and candidate experience 45:30 Neurodiversity concerns with AI interviews 48:15 What candidates misunderstand about AI in hiring 52:00 Final thoughts on hiring, pivots, and the future of work 💡Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Bonnie Dilber 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Bonnie Dilber on Social Media → @bonniedilber 📩 Bonnie Dilber’s newsletter → 📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/41261645

Episode 52: Networking for Introverts with Greg Roche 05/05/2026

Episode 52: Networking for Introverts with Greg Roche Networking doesn’t have to mean awkward events or forced small talk. In this episode, Diana sits down with Greg Roche to break down a practical, low-pressure approach to building meaningful professional relationships especially for introverts. Rethinking what “networking” actually means Why traditional networking advice doesn’t work for introverts How Greg built his approach after being laid off Using “dormant ties” to restart your network Why being “easy to help” matters more than being impressive The power of specificity in asking for help How to describe what you do so people remember and refer you Why adjacent connections matter more than direct ones Simple outreach strategies that actually get responses ⏳ Timestamps 01:03 Meet Greg Roche and his background 03:16 Getting laid off and realizing the importance of networking 04:56 Rethinking networking for introverts 07:00 Early career experiences and hidden networking 12:05 Introversion, energy, and communication style 14:09 Learning to lead conversations through better questions 18:07 What networking is (and isn’t) 23:21 Why imagination matters in job search networking 26:29 How to make it easy for people to help you 29:10 Why vague asks don’t work 32:14 Building and using a target company list 35:14 Giving people the words to describe you (the “memory dart”) 38:59 Dormant ties: where to start networking 43:08 How to reach out and restart conversations 48:28 What to say in your first message Resources Mentioned The Fast and Easy Guide to Networking for Introverts by Greg Roche→ Greg’s Substack: The Introverted Networker → Adam Grant's Give and Take → 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Greg Roche 🌐 Website → https://gregroche.com 📬 Substack → https://gregroche.substack.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregroche 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/41154400

Episode 51: Betting on Yourself Can Land You Your Dream Job with Kenny Booth 04/28/2026

Episode 51: Betting on Yourself Can Land You Your Dream Job with Kenny Booth What happens when you stop waiting for permission and start betting on yourself? Diana sits down with Kenny Booth to explore his unconventional path into tech, entrepreneurship, and landing a role at his dream company. If you’ve ever hesitated to take a risk, this episode will challenge how you think about failure and opportunity. Kenny’s nontraditional path into tech and business intelligence Turning curiosity and side projects into career opportunities Why failure and risk-taking are essential to growth Entrepreneurship: who it’s for (and who it’s not) The difference between reasons and excuses Why pedigree matters less than impact The mindset required to bet on yourself ⏳ Timestamps 01:00 Kenny’s journey to landing his dream job at Disney 03:00 How podcasting started during the pandemic 05:30 Creating your own “paradise” through mindset shifts 08:30 Growing up with Disney and early influences 11:00 From stockbroker dreams to tech curiosity 13:00 Discovering automation and problem-solving through macros 15:30 Breaking into software engineering without a traditional path 18:00 Early entrepreneurial experiments (including childhood ventures) 23:00 Starting Code Blue and taking the first leap 25:30 Where confidence and willingness to fail comes from 30:00 Entrepreneurship: who should (and shouldn’t) pursue it 32:30 Reasons vs. excuses — a critical mindset shift 34:00 The energy required to succeed in entrepreneurship 36:00 Why pedigree doesn’t equal success 38:00 The downside of self-motivation and internal pressure 40:30 Balancing side business with corporate work 42:00 Taking risks, making pivots, and betting on yourself 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away from your job? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Kenny Booth 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/41044990

Episode 50: Gaining Confidence through Action with Angie Callen 04/21/2026

Episode 49: AI Product Leadership & the Future of Product Teams with Michael Hirsch 04/14/2026

Episode 49: AI Product Leadership & the Future of Product Teams with Michael Hirsch In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana sits down with product leader and consultant Michael Hirsch to explore what real product leadership looks like, especially as AI reshapes how product teams work. They discuss the difference between product management and product leadership, why most companies fail to prepare new leaders, and how AI can free product managers from tactical work so they can focus on strategic thinking. Michael’s journey from working in his father’s business to leading product teams in tech Why the transition from product manager to product leader is so difficult The difference between product management and product leadership Common mistakes new product leaders make Why organizations rarely train leaders effectively Tactical vs strategic product work (and why most teams get it wrong) How AI can free product managers from busywork Why the best product leaders prioritize developing their teams The hidden political dynamics inside product roles ⏳ Timestamps 02:18 The story behind “Break a Pencil Consulting” 05:54 Growing up in the family business and deciding to leave 13:30 Career uncertainty, layoffs, and betting on yourself 18:59 Why Michael moved into leadership coaching 22:02 Why the transition from product manager to leader is so difficult 26:34 Product managers vs engineering managers 30:11 Why product and project management should not be the same role 33:40 The problem with how companies define product management 39:56 Strategic vs tactical work in product roles 46:00 How AI can free up time for strategic thinking 51:30 What strong product teams do differently with AI 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Michael Hirsch 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📺 YouTube → 📧 Newsletter → 📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/40868085

Episode 48: Brain Science & Self-Care for Management with Lisa Riegel 04/07/2026

Episode 48: Brain Science & Self-Care for Management with Lisa Riegel What actually makes workplace change succeed or fail? In this episode, Diana sits down with Lisa Riegel to break down how brain science, leadership behavior, and systems thinking all play a role in creating sustainable change at work. Why most leadership advice stays too conceptual and how to make it operational The difference between outcomes vs. outputs (and why it matters for burnout) How workplace culture is shaped by actions, not stated values The 8C Commitment Framework for leading change effectively Why people resist change (and what’s actually happening in the brain) The role of identity, fear, and perceived loss in workplace resistance How to structure meetings for clarity, engagement, and better decisions The four types of conversations leaders must understand Coaching strategies based on willingness and ability Using AI and automation without losing the human element ⏳ Timestamps 01:00 Lisa’s unconventional career path and pivot into leadership and brain science 05:30 From education to leadership coaching and organizational transformation 09:45 Outcomes vs. outputs—and why leaders get this wrong 13:30 Culture, belonging, and the foundation for successful change 16:00 The 8C framework: clarity, coherence, and cadence 20:15 Why leaders struggle to translate vision into action 23:00 How people experience change differently (and why timing matters) 26:30 Structuring meetings: directives, dialogue, discussion, and data debriefs 31:30 Decision-making, consensus, and accountability in teams 36:00 Coaching through resistance: able vs. willing employees 41:30 Identity, fear, and why people resist change 46:00 AI, workplace anxiety, and the future of human skills 49:30 Practical example of improving systems and workflows 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away from your job? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Lisa Riegel 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/40754595

Episode 47: Data Leadership in the Age of AI with Jennifer Brussow 03/31/2026

Episode 46: How to Job Search Right-er with Diana Alt 03/24/2026

Episode 45: Reclaiming Agency at Work with Eric Nehrlich 03/17/2026

Episode 44: The Real Life of a Recruiter with Kelli Hrivnak 03/10/2026

Episode 44: The Real Life of a Recruiter with Kelli Hrivnak What actually happens behind the scenes in recruiting? In this episode, Diana Alt sits down with Kelli Hrivnak, founder of Knak Digital, to unpack how recruiting really works from sourcing candidates to the business model behind recruiting firms. If you’ve ever wondered how recruiters evaluate candidates or why the hiring process can feel confusing, this conversation pulls back the curtain. The difference between internal recruiters and agency recruiters How recruiters are measured and how recruiting firms make money What “sourcing” actually means in modern recruiting What makes a candidate easier for recruiters to find and evaluate How mass applications and auto-apply tools are affecting hiring Signals recruiters look for that suggest someone may be open to a new role The reality of backdoor references and reputation management The controversy around reverse recruiting services ⏳ Timestamps 01:00 Kelli’s unconventional path into recruiting (restaurant management and wine sales) 05:00 Nonlinear career paths and mid-career reassessment 09:10 Internal recruiters vs. agency recruiters explained 12:00 How internal recruiters are measured (time-to-fill and sourcing metrics) 14:20 How agency recruiters make money and how recruiting fees work 18:00 Contract recruiting, markups, and how staffing firms operate 23:10 What a “full desk recruiter” is 25:40 What sourcing means and how recruiters actually find candidates 30:00 How candidates can make themselves easier to find 32:10 Why hard skills and industry keywords matter in recruiter searches 34:20 How mass applying and auto-apply tools are changing hiring 39:00 Signals recruiters use to identify candidates who may be open to change 41:20 Backdoor references: what they are and why companies use them 47:30 Reverse recruiting and why it’s controversial 52:00 Job search shortcuts vs. doing the work that actually matters 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away from your job? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Kelli Hrivnak 🌐 Knak Digital → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/40378775

Episode 43: Visibility for Senior Leaders with Bosky Mukherjee 03/03/2026

Episode 42: One Year of Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt 02/24/2026

Episode 41: Navigating Stages of Grief After Layoff with Steve Jaffe 02/17/2026

Episode 41: Navigating Stages of Grief After Layoff with Steve Jaffe Getting laid off can feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, but what if the real work begins after the shock fades? In this episode, Diana sits down with Steve Jaffe, author of The Layoff Journey, to talk about the often-overlooked emotional side of job loss. From surviving four layoffs to helping others process theirs, Steve shares what professionals get wrong about “bouncing back” and why grieving your job is not weakness, it’s necessary. Key Topics or Themes Steve’s career journey from advertising to author of The Layoff Journey What layoffs during the dot-com crash and post-9/11 taught him about resilience The seven stages of grief as they apply to job loss Why skipping emotional processing can hurt your job search Shame, dignity, and identity after a layoff How to manage anger and disappointment during a prolonged job search Practical self-care strategies that actually support career recovery What companies and leaders can do to handle layoffs more humanely Why “job security” is largely a myth — and what to focus on instead ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro & meet Steve Jaffe 02:24 The “What Happens in Vegas” campaign story 06:09 First layoff during the dot-com crash 17:35 Multiple layoffs & career pivots 26:37 The seven stages of grief after job loss 31:20 Why emotional recovery matters before job searching 38:00 The role of shame, identity, and dignity 46:20 How leaders can handle layoffs more humanely 52:10 The hardest parts of layoffs people don’t expect 57:45 Lightning round & final advice 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Steve Jaffe 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📸 Instagram → 📘 Grab Steve’s book The Layoff Journey → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #LayoffRecovery #CareerResilience #JobLossSupport /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/40134850

Episode 40: Why Working Hard Isn’t Enough to Get Promoted with Diana Alt 02/10/2026

Episode 39: Competence vs Confidence & Promotions with Sara Gallagher 02/03/2026

Episode 39: Competence vs Confidence & Promotions with Sara Gallagher What’s more valuable at work, being good at your job, or looking like you are? Diana reconnects with longtime friend and guest Sarah Gallagher, President of The Persimmon Group and creator of the popular LinkedIn newsletter Big Dumb Questions. They dive into a lively, honest conversation about why confidence often outpaces competence in career advancement and why that might not be a bad thing. They also unpack Sarah’s career journey, her sobriety story, and how she's redefining leadership on her own terms. Where the idea for Big Dumb Questions came from Confidence vs. competence at work Career growth myths and when they break Sarah’s journey from Middle Eastern Studies to PM consulting Why project managers are not product managers Navigating sobriety, leadership, and life balance What leaders actually need from their teams Creating a job instead of waiting for one ⏳ Timestamps 02:18 The origin of Big Dumb Questions 07:06 PM vs BA vs Product Manager – untangling the mess 15:00 Career lessons from real-life project experience 21:30 Sarah’s unconventional career path 30:30 From Gantt charts to consulting: how she made the leap 34:40 Becoming president… days before the pandemic 38:30 Sobriety and leadership: getting real 43:50 Why outside outlets matter when you lead 47:48 Work-from-home as a leadership strategy 49:00 Confidence vs. competence in promotions 54:00 What leaders can do to counter hiring bias 59:50 Final thoughts on creating work that fits 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Sarah Gallagher 🌐 The Persimmon Group → https://www.thepersimmongroup.com 🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahgallagher 📲 Follow Me LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39962970

Episode 38: Fake Recruiters & Resume Scams with Diana Alt 01/27/2026

Episode 37: Career Breaks for Dummies with Katrina McGhee 01/20/2026

Episode 37: Career Breaks for Dummies with Katrina McGhee Burned out or misaligned at work? Here’s how a break could change everything. What if taking a break from your career wasn’t a setback, but a strategic step forward? In this episode, Katrina McGhee, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins Diana to explore how to plan, fund, and return from a career break with clarity and confidence. From burnout to intentional reinvention, Katrina shares powerful insights from her own 20-month break and the 200+ clients she’s helped since. If you're craving change but unsure how to make space for it, this episode is your permission slip. Katrina’s path from actuary to world traveler to career break coach How burnout, betrayal, and blossoming reveal the need for a break What a “career break” actually looks like (hint: it’s not a gap year) How to plan, fund, and protect your break Strategies for reentering the workforce confidently ⏳ Timestamps 00:00 Intro 01:22 How Katrina and Diana connected 02:31 Katrina’s journey from math major to career break expert 06:03 The misalignment that led to her 20-month break 08:30 Breaking down the “Three B’s” model: Burnout, Betrayal, and Blossom 13:40 Understanding self-betrayal and its impact 17:04 Using a break for discovery, not just recovery 20:53 Preventing career jumping vs. intentional pivots 24:37 How the job market shift has changed break dynamics 26:35 Talking about your break without sabotaging your story 30:58 What reentry actually looks like — and how long it takes 36:00 Katrina’s job search post-break (and 5 offers in 5 weeks) 40:55 Internal vs. external narratives during reentry 43:38 Common mistakes: rest guilt, reentry panic, and LinkedIn doomscrolling 💡 Take Action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away from your job? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Katrina McGhee 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Me On Social Media LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39796185

Episode 36: Turning New Year’s Intentions into Real Action with Diana Alt 01/14/2026

Episode 35: Why Being Qualified Isn’t Enough with Gina Riley 12/31/2025

Episode 35: Why Being Qualified Isn’t Enough with Gina Riley In this conversation, Gina and Diana dive deep into the Career Velocity™ system Gina developed after years of experience in executive search and career coaching. Together, they bust outdated job search myths and show why checking all the boxes on a job posting still won't guarantee an interview, let alone a job offer. You’ll learn the difference between being qualified and being compelling, why resumes are not the first step in a successful search, and how a strong unique value proposition (UVP) can change your entire career trajectory. Gina shares advice for leaders and job seekers of all ages, including how Gen Zers can stand out with more than just a degree. If you’re tired of applying online and getting nowhere, this episode will rewire how you approach the search. ⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Why “qualified” doesn’t mean “hired” 05:40 The Career Velocity™ model overview 10:20 How Gina’s son leveraged UVP and UMAP as a Gen Z job seeker 16:30 Frameworks that transform informational interviews into strategy 20:15 Ditching the elevator pitch, what to say instead 24:45 Tell your story: The 3/3 method for “Tell me about yourself” 30:00 Using values and motivators to make better job decisions 36:10 Thought leadership beyond LinkedIn 42:00 Metrics that actually matter in a job search 49:00 Navigating the “AI Doom Loop” in 2025 53:00 Lightning round: worst advice, best habits, biggest mindset shifts 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Gina Riley 🌐 Gina Riley Consulting → 🔗 LinkedIn → 🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → 📚 Buy Qualified Isn’t Enough on Amazon → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #JobSearchTips #ExecutiveCareer #ThoughtLeadership #UMAP #UniqueValueProposition #ResumeTips /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39573855

Episode 34: The Difference Between Rest and Avoidance with Diana Alt 12/24/2025

Episode 33: Achieve More By Eliminating Time Confetti with Leslie Weaver 12/17/2025

Episode 33: Achieve More By Eliminating Time Confetti with Leslie Weaver What does it take to lead 500+ people, grow a thriving program, and still prioritize personal growth? Leslie Weaver has the answers and she’s sharing her powerful, practical insights with us today. In this inspiring conversation, Leslie Weaver, Program Manager of before and after school programs for one of Tennessee’s top school districts, shares how she leads with purpose, models growth from the top down, and creates a culture of care and excellence. We talk about her journey from coaching gymnastics and working in retail, to thriving in education leadership. Leslie reveals how she helps her team feel seen, heard, and supported, even in high-turnover environments. You’ll hear how she builds leaders from the inside out, the tools that reignited her spark during burnout, and why "leading yourself well" is the foundation for everything else. Expect honest stories, real leadership wisdom, and practical strategies, plus how Leslie tackles “time confetti” and keeps her people aligned, inspired, and growing. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:14 Leading 500+ staff and navigating public education systems 03:53 When Leslie first noticed her leadership tendencies 06:13 Career journey: From retail to Girl Scouts to education 09:14 Building more than just child care creating enrichment 10:35 Engaging parents, growing programs, and earning trust 13:20 Reducing turnover and building a mission-driven culture 15:36 Why leading yourself is the foundation for leadership 17:06 Recovering from burnout and the power of modeling behavior 21:27 Goal-setting, reflection, and building intentional habits 23:17 How Leslie stays inspired and focused on growth 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Leslie Weaver 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInLeadership #LeadYourselfFirst #ChildCareLeadership #CliftonStrengths /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39437090

Episode 32: My First Layoff 25 Years Later with Diana Alt 12/10/2025

Episode 31: Managing Perfectionism at Work with Greg Chasson 12/03/2025

Episode 30: Finding Clarity in the Chaos this Thanksgiving with Diana Alt 11/26/2025

Episode 29: Board, Exec, and Regular Resume Distinctions with Erica Reckamp 11/19/2025

Episode 29: Board, Exec, and Regular Resume Distinctions with Erica Reckamp Ever wonder how helpful generative AI really is for job seekers? In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana Alt sits down with executive resume writer and job search advisor Erica Reckamp to unpack Erica’s brand-new 2025 research on generative AI resume feedback, this time, from the job seeker’s perspective. You’ll hear how Erica’s deep background in ghostwriting, storytelling, and executive branding shaped her view on what AI tools get right (and very wrong) about resumes. They also explore how different types of resumes from entry-level to board-level demand different strategies, and why voice, clarity, and persuasion matter more than ever in an AI-powered hiring landscape. If you’ve ever felt unsure about using tools like ChatGPT, Gemini, or resume builders for your job search, this episode is for you. ⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Erica’s origin story: ghostwriting, academia & the resume world 06:30 When your writing superpower becomes your business 10:55 The truth about high-volume resume projects and voice 17:45 Why “job seeker-first” perspective matters in GenAI research 23:40 Persuasion, storytelling & resume success at different career levels 29:10 How Erica’s ghostwriting approach translates to resume strategy 36:00 The overlooked risks of copy-paste resume advice 42:50 Tools, tactics, and what AI still can’t do (well) 50:00 Final takeaways: be strategic, not generic 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Erica Reckamp 🌐 The Captivators → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📘 Read the 2025 GenAI Resume Feedback Report → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #ResumeTips #GenerativeAI #JobSearchHelp #ExecutiveResume #JobSearchStrategy #StorytellingInResumes #ResumeWriter /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39106525

Episode 28: Marketing in a Trust Recession with Ryan Holck 11/12/2025

Episode 28: Marketing in a Trust Recession with Ryan Holck Can people really trust your brand? Here’s why they might not and what to do about it. This episode dives into how to create brand trust in a noisy, skeptical world. Ryan Holck, speaker, author, and founder of Distill Your Story, joins Diana to unpack how storytelling, micro-targeting, and authentic connection are the key to surviving what he calls “The Trust Recession.” Drawing from his two decades in marketing and his experience reviving a local brick-and-mortar business, Ryan shares the real reasons people aren’t buying (hint: it’s not your offer, it’s how you’re talking about it). Whether you’re a business owner, career professional, or just someone trying to tell your story in a more compelling way, this episode is full of practical strategies to elevate your brand and your voice. ⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Reviving a legacy family business, lessons from a tux shop 05:30 How micro-targeting beat big brand budgets 07:00 Marketing in life-event-driven industries (weddings, prom, funerals) 09:00 Why trust is everything and how to rebuild it 11:30 The “Trust Recession” and how it’s shifting buying behavior 14:00 The new bar for lead magnets and freebies 16:00 From music to marketing: Ryan’s unconventional career journey 18:00 The power of storytelling over selling 22:30 Why trying to sound clever kills your message 24:00 Personal branding and the cycle of clarity 26:00 Final thoughts on trust, connection, and messaging that actually works 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Ryan Holck 🌐 Distill Your Story → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Ryan on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → Facebook (Business) → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #MarketingStrategy #Storytelling #BrandMessaging #SmallBusinessTips #TrustMarketing #EntrepreneurLife /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/39005315

Episode 27: Are You Overqualified or Overselling? with Diana Alt 11/05/2025

Episode 27: Are You Overqualified or Overselling? with Diana Alt Wondering if you're “too experienced” for the jobs you’re targeting? Here's how to reframe your story and get hired anyway. When you're mid-career and applying for roles that seem below your previous titles or scope, you might get hit with the dreaded “overqualified” label. But is it really about being overqualified or are you just overselling the wrong aspects of your experience? In this solo episode, Diana Alt unpacks the nuance between being overqualified and overselling. She shares practical strategies to help you reposition your experience, adjust your resume and language, and confidently explain why you’re applying for roles that don’t match your “highest” title. Whether you’re aiming to scale back your role for better life balance or shifting industries, Diana explains how to craft a compelling narrative that eases hiring managers’ concerns and puts you in control of your job search. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:00 Why “overqualified” concerns come up so often 02:45 Two ways the concern shows up in job searches 05:35 Why Diana hates the term “overqualified” 06:45 What hiring managers actually want to know 08:30 Are you overselling your experience? 10:30 Adjusting scope and framing your value 13:40 Resume language: Titles, truth, and clarity 17:15 Real-life client examples of successful reframes 21:50 Explaining your shift: crafting a confident “why” 23:30 Applying to two levels of roles? Create two resumes 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #JobSearchTips #Overqualified #ResumeTips #MidCareerMoves /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38908195

Episode 26: Own Your Brand, Own Your Career with Mike Kim 10/29/2025

Episode 26: Own Your Brand, Own Your Career with Mike Kim Your personal brand isn’t just for influencers, it’s your career superpower. Learn how to stand out with authenticity and strategy. In this insightful conversation, Diana Alt sits down with branding expert and author Mike Kim to explore how owning your personal brand can elevate your career. Mike shares his unconventional path from church music director to Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author and how authenticity, strategy, and storytelling shaped his journey. They dive into the power of having a public-facing identity, why your good work alone won’t get you noticed, and how even the quirks in your past (like cringey AIM screen names!) can become part of your unique narrative. Whether you're working toward a promotion, building thought leadership, or pivoting into entrepreneurship, this episode offers real talk and actionable tips to build a brand that reflects the real you, no Instagram influencer vibes required. ⏳ Timestamps: 02:15 Mike’s origin story and his first embarrassing screen name 06:45 Why owning your weird makes your brand work 10:48 Mike’s journey from church musician to brand strategist 15:12 The skills from ministry that translate into marketing 18:44 The importance of identity and domain names 23:03 What a personal brand actually is and isn’t 24:58 The 4 elements of a personal brand 26:15 Why personality is the hardest for most professionals 28:40 The career paths Mike helps people with 32:10 How tech leaders can build their brands without feeling fake 35:20 Getting visible without “selling out” 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Mike Kim 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📺 YouTube → 📘 Facebook → 🎵 TikTok → 🐦 X (Twitter) → 📸 Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38807910

Episode 25: GenAI Resume Feedback for Job Seekers Study Breakdown with Diana Alt 10/22/2025

Episode 25: GenAI Resume Feedback for Job Seekers Study Breakdown with Diana Alt Think GenAI is helping your resume? It might actually be hurting it. Let’s talk. What happens when job seekers turn to generative AI to review their resumes? In this solo episode, Diana breaks down a brand new study by elite resume writer Erica Reckamp that analyzed eight top GenAI tools, ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, Gemini, Perplexity, Meta AI, Grok, and DeepSeek to see how helpful (or harmful) their resume feedback really is. Spoiler alert: it’s not all good news. Diana shares key insights from the study, including which tools gave the best and worst feedback, how AI sometimes hurts strong resumes more than it helps, and what job seekers can do to avoid misleading or damaging advice. Whether you're an overwhelmed job seeker, a coach learning how to incorporate AI, or just GenAI-curious, this episode will help you use these tools more strategically and with much better results. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:25 Why Diana recorded this episode last-minute 01:15 Overview of Erica Reckamp’s GenAI resume study 03:57 Tools tested: ChatGPT, Claude, Copilot, and more 05:03 Resume examples used in the study 06:11 How feedback was categorized (positive, constructive, unnecessary, damaging) 08:15 Surprising findings about "good" resumes 09:49 Why ChatGPT and Copilot gave wildly different advice 10:21 What happened with the “poor” resume—and how to avoid overwhelm 11:25 Meta AI gave the least damaging advice?! 12:08 Help vs. Hinder gap explained 14:10 Diana’s thoughts on how to use ChatGPT well 15:09 3 better prompts for using GenAI with your resume 💡 Take action 🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → 📖 Grab my Resume Don’ts Guide → ❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → 🚪 Wondering if it’s time to walk away? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Erica Reckamp 🌐 Erica’s Website → 📄 GenAI for Resume Feedback Report → 🔗 LinkedIn → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38739595

Episode 24: How to Bring Your Thing to Life with Terry Weaver 10/15/2025

Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt

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