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 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

Episode 23: 4 Cornerstones of an Aligned Career with Diana Alt 10/08/2025

Episode 22: Fuel Your Career with Intentional Relationships with Tamara Copple 10/01/2025

Episode 22: Fuel Your Career with Intentional Relationships with Tamara Copple Discover how community and connection can ignite your career path In this inspiring episode of Work Should Feel Good, I sit down with Tamara Copple, keynote speaker, community leader, and Product Owner at Children International to explore how intentional relationships can radically change your professional trajectory. Tamara shares her journey from a dead-end, toxic job to becoming a dynamic force in Kansas City's tech and nonprofit communities. We talk about the moment that sparked her transformation, how she found community through Kansas City Women in Technology, and why showing up, helping others, and making warm intros can change everything. Whether you're introverted or extroverted, this episode offers practical ways to build meaningful one-on-one connections that fuel growth personally and professionally. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:15 Tamara’s name origin + building intentional relationships 06:30 How a coding class for women changed her career 10:13 The impact of community on confidence & growth 13:40 Building one-on-one relationships in a digital world 16:35 Unusual and powerful networking connections 20:10 Why she geeks out on how things work 24:00 How to speak highly of others in their absence 27:50 Navigating fear and discomfort in new spaces 30:30 Bringing others forward on the path 💡 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 Tamara Copple 🌐 Portfolio → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Tamara on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → X (formerly Twitter) → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → #CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #NetworkingTips #WomenInTech #IntentionalLiving #Leadership #CommunityMatters /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38394825

Episode 21: Finding Joy After Loss with Rebecca Sabogal 09/17/2025

Episode 21: Finding Joy After Loss with Rebecca Sabogal Can you rebuild your life and career after unimaginable loss? Rebecca Sabogal says YES and she’s living proof. In this deeply moving episode of Work Should Feel Good, I sit down with Rebecca Sabogal, founder of Performance Improvement Consultants to explore how joy, calling, and career can still thrive after life-altering grief. We talk about operational excellence, multicultural community building, and how her early experiences at Missouri S&T sparked a lifelong journey of strategy, service, and impact. Rebecca shares her story of becoming a young widow and mother while caregiving for her husband through brain cancer and how she stayed grounded in faith, resilience, and purpose. We dive into the mindset that allowed her to grieve fully and keep choosing joy. You’ll walk away inspired, maybe teary-eyed, and definitely ready to realign your work with your values. This is more than just a career conversation. It’s about being human, showing up with intention, and creating a meaningful life on your terms. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:16 Meet Rebecca Sabogal 02:16 The roots of operational excellence 06:25 Diversity, global perspective, and early influences 12:39 Navigating loss with resilience and joy 20:21 Mindset, grief, and emotional regulation 24:26 Stoicism and surrender: letting go to grow 26:15 Finding calling through hardship 31:00 Legacy, leadership, and living your gifts 💡 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 Rebecca Sabogal 🌐 Performance Improvement Consultants → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📘 Facebook → 📸 Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38248980

Episode 20: How to Get Promoted Without Ruining Your Life with Jeff Mockaitis 09/03/2025

Episode 20: How to Get Promoted Without Ruining Your Life with Jeff Mockaitis What does it really take to climb the corporate ladder without losing your soul in the process? This episode is packed with insight for thoughtful professionals ready to lead without burning out. In this candid conversation, Diana Alt sits down with Jeff Mockaitis, General Manager at Rahn USA Corporation, to explore how strong leadership is rooted in reflection, strategic risk-taking, and long-term thinking, not just doing more, faster. Jeff opens up about his unexpected path from chemistry lab work to executive leadership, the game-changing power of an MBA, and how embracing his top CliftonStrengths (like context!) helped him make meaningful, deliberate moves throughout his career. You’ll hear real talk about imposter syndrome, mid-career pivots, building internal advocates, and leading with integrity even when the pressure is on. Whether you're eyeing your next promotion or building toward long-term leadership, this one’s for you. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:02 College Jeff would’ve laughed at today’s Jeff 04:45 Why Jeff almost pursued a history degree 07:19 How his love for history makes him a better leader 10:21 Avoiding analysis paralysis with CliftonStrengths 14:08 Jeff’s transition from chemist to business leader 16:15 The $50K decision that changed everything 23:09 “I’m not getting smarter anymore” — a turning point 27:00 From sales rep to GM: how Jeff got mentored up 29:00 Why relying on one internal advocate isn’t enough 31:00 What great leadership actually looks like 34:00 Managing identity and ambition in the corporate world 💡 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 Jeff Mockaitis 🌐 Rahn USA Corporation → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📺 YouTube → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/38054300

Episode 19: Mastering Visibility in Your Modern Job Search with Teegan Bartos 08/20/2025

Episode 18: Being a Great Boss Starts with Empathy with Eric Girard 08/06/2025

Episode 18: Being a Great Boss Starts with Empathy with Eric Girard From new manager pitfalls to mastering people skills, this episode is packed with truth and tools for leadership success. Are we setting new managers up to fail? In this conversation with Eric Girard, Principal Learning Consultant and CEO of Girard Training Solutions, we dig into why so many companies promote people based on technical skills—then leave them stranded with no real leadership training. Eric shares stories from his own rocky leadership start, insights from his book Lead Like a Pro, and actionable strategies to help both new and seasoned managers thrive. We explore the nuances of coaching, coalition building vs. consensus building, and how asking good questions (not showing flashy slides) is key to landing clients and building trust. If you’re in leadership, want to be, or are coaching others who are, this is a must-watch. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:21 Why woo-woo leadership training gave Eric the willies 04:00 What UN peacemaking taught him about managing conflict 06:50 Consensus vs. coalition building in corporate life 10:06 How Eric handled a high-stakes client pitch without a slide deck 13:00 The wrong (and right) way to promote new managers 16:20 What makes someone truly ready for leadership 20:30 Eric’s personal leadership failure—and how he recovered 24:00 Signs it’s time to walk away from a toxic job 27:40 The power of coaching for new managers 30:10 Why customizing leadership training should never be free 💡 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 Eric Girard 🌐 Girard Training Solutions → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Eric on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37701660

Episode 17: The Power of Career Storytelling with Virginia Franco 07/23/2025

Episode 17: The Power of Career Storytelling with Virginia Franco Ditch the forms. Embrace your story. Learn why your career narrative matters more than ever. What separates a good resume from a great one? In this episode of Work Should Feel Good, Diana sits down with Virginia Franco, founder of Virginia Franco Resumes and a leader in the resume writing world, to unpack what makes compelling career collateral and why storytelling is the real game-changer. Virginia shares how her unique background in journalism and social work helps her extract powerful stories from clients, why she refuses to use forms, and the real difference between a $250 resume and a $2,000 one. You'll also hear how she built a thriving business that supports her lifestyle — including how she took six weeks off each summer and still stayed booked out. If you're thinking about a career pivot, launching your own service-based business, or just want to better understand how to market yourself, this episode is packed with gold. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:20 Meet Virginia Franco 02:45 How journalism and social work shaped her resume writing superpowers 04:08 Why Virginia never uses intake forms 06:04 The origin of her resume writing business 09:07 Pricing her first clients — and how that evolved 13:48 Building a business around her lifestyle (and taking summers off!) 18:04 What sets premium resume services apart from low-cost options 23:03 Career storytelling and strategic pivots 24:27 How people read resumes — and why that 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? → 💼 Work with me → 📢 Connect with Virginia Franco 🌐 Virginia Franco Resumes → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Virginia on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → X (Twitter) → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37515150

Episode 16: Surviving and Building the Best Business for You with Liz Wilcox 07/16/2025

Episode 16: Surviving and Building the Best Business for You with Liz Wilcox In this candid and empowering episode of Work Should Feel Good, I’m joined by Liz Wilcox, keynote speaker and queen of email marketing, to talk about building a business that genuinely works for your life—even when the path looks unconventional. Liz shares her deeply personal journey from teacher to RV blogger to email marketing powerhouse, all through the lens of doing what feels right, not what’s expected. We talk about radical self-love (like giving yourself permission to pee), her $9/month email membership that changed the game, and how identifying what lights you up can pave the way for purpose-filled work. Liz’s approach to business is refreshingly authentic, strategic, and sustainable—and she’ll inspire you to find and follow your own version of "work that feels good." ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:00 Liz’s journey from teacher to entrepreneur 03:30 Letting go of the parts that no longer feel good 06:10 Why email marketing clicked—and how she went all in 08:35 Saying YES to yourself (even when it’s just going to pee!) 13:00 Creating boundaries with intention 16:00 The genius of blending short + deep content 18:00 Building her $9 membership model 21:40 The confidence it takes to go your own way 23:30 Work that feels good = confidence + effort 25:00 Why gratitude amplifies hope 💡 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 Liz Wilcox 🌐 Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 🎥 YouTube → 📘 Facebook → 🐦 X (Twitter) → 📸 Instagram → 💌 Email Marketing Membership → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37424645

Episode 15: Reinventing Yourself Through Holistic Resilience with Kelly Greene 06/25/2025

Episode 15: Reinventing Yourself Through Holistic Resilience with Kelly Greene Burned out by your career path? Stuck in survival mode? You can reinvent yourself and this episode shows you how. Kelly Greene shares her incredible journey from attorney to psychotherapist and holistic health coach, opening up about resilience, burnout, autoimmune illness, and what it really means to heal from the inside out. In this inspiring conversation, Kelly and I talk about the turning points in her life that led her to walk away from a career in law, how her personal health challenges sparked a radical transformation, and the power of listening to your body and rewriting your identity. We also dive into her time at Harvard, her views on trauma-informed healing, and her practical tips for cultivating resilience, without burning yourself out in the process. Whether you're navigating a career change, dealing with chronic stress, or searching for deeper purpose in your work, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionable takeaways. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:04 Meet Kelly Greene – from attorney to resilience coach 04:48 Therapy licensure vs. law licensure – what’s harder? 06:31 Career pivots: makeup artistry, law, psychology 10:01 Burning it down – letting go of what no longer fits 13:57 Healing the body by healing the mind 17:55 Living in alignment & tracking emotional signals 20:01 Kelly’s path to Harvard & why it mattered 24:19 What holistic resilience really means 27:05 On motherhood, trauma recovery & purpose 30:42 Final thoughts on work, identity & reinvention 💡 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 Kelly Greene 🌐 Center for Holistic Resilience → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📺 YouTube 📘 Facebook → 📸 Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37793345

Episode 14: Building a Mission-Driven Tech Career with Matthew Copple 06/11/2025

Episode 13: Job Search Strategies for Neurodivergent Candidates with David Hannan 05/28/2025

Episode 12: Transition Tips for Federal Employees with Michael Greco 05/21/2025

Episode 12: Transition Tips for Federal Employees with Michael Greco Navigating government job changes? This episode is packed with insights to help federal employees (and beyond) make smooth, empowered transitions in uncertain times. In this conversation, Michael Greco, project manager by day, career coach by night, joins Diana to discuss how his own pivots between industries (edtech, healthcare, federal contracting) prepared him to help others take control of their career journeys. From election judging to musical theater, Michael shares how real-world experiences inform his client coaching. You'll hear about his decision to go full-time with a consulting firm supporting the VA, how a sweeping contract cut left hundreds jobless overnight, and the critical mindset and tools needed to recover with confidence. Whether you're a federal employee caught in restructuring or a professional contemplating your next step, this episode offers both perspective and actionable strategy. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:25 Michael’s background in musical theater and public service 06:20 Working as an election judge: what he learned 10:45 Scariest pivot: moving from edtech to federal consulting 14:00 Navigating full-time vs. contractor roles 20:55 Getting laid off overnight: the VA contract cuts 25:15 Emotional fallout, COBRA stress, and quick recovery 28:10 Michael’s client-first mindset during chaos 30:00 Tips for federal employees planning their next career move 💡 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 Greco 🌐 Greco Career Consulting → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Michael on Social Media: Facebook → TikTok → Instagram (personal) → Instagram (business) → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37757130

Episode 11: Design Thinking for Your Career with Lindsay Oishi 05/14/2025

Episode 11: Design Thinking for Your Career with Lindsay Oishi Feeling stuck in your career? Learn how to use design thinking to unlock your next move! Ever wonder how some people seem to navigate career transitions with clarity while others feel lost in a fog of indecision? In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Oishi, Ph.D., Senior Product Manager at Indeed and design thinking educator, to explore how to apply the principles of design thinking to your own life and work. We unpack why so many people lack intentionality in their careers, how fear holds us back from making change, and the difference between drifting and making empowered decisions. Lindsay shares stories from her time at Stanford, how her research influenced the best-selling book Designing Your Life, and why reframing your problems can lead to unexpected solutions. Whether you’re craving more autonomy, looking for clarity in the chaos, or just tired of feeling like your job is happening to you, this conversation is your next right step. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:00 Meet Lindsay Oishi 02:15 Why people aren’t intentional about their careers 06:05 Intentional vs. accidental career moves 13:09 How fear and drifting affect decision-making 16:10 What is design thinking (and why it matters)? 22:12 Applying design thinking to your career 25:50 Lindsay’s research on the “Designing Your Life” course 29:30 Building emotional resilience and career agency 34:00 Toolkit mindset: design thinking and beyond 38:15 How Diana and Lindsay use their strengths in coaching 💡 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 Lindsay Oishi 🌐 Lindsay’s Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Lindsay on Social Media: Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37659085

Episode 10: Finding Purpose by Trading Corporate for Retail with Matt Griffin 05/07/2025

Episode 10: Finding Purpose by Trading Corporate for Retail with Matt Griffin From marketing director to hometown business owner, how one bold pivot created purpose, connection, and community. After 13 years in digital marketing, Matt Griffin made a massive life change. In this episode, he shares how he left agency life behind to co-found Hometown Sports Gear, a locally owned sporting goods store in Gardner, Kansas, with his wife and father-in-law. Learn how he navigated burnout, found clarity during a Jeep ride in Colorado, and built a business rooted in community and passion. Matt opens up about the emotional turning point that sparked his career pivot, what it’s really like working with family, and why "small but mighty" is more than just a motto. Whether you're facing your own crossroads or curious about entrepreneurship outside of the corporate mold, this episode offers inspiration and insights for taking meaningful action. ⏳ Timestamps: 01:03 Why sporting goods? The origin story of Hometown Sports Gear 02:33 The beer spa brainstorm and community need discovery 04:46 Realizing the need for a career pivot 05:23 When stress started spilling into home life 07:21 From agency burnout to family business inspiration 08:09 Why Matt took action quickly instead of waiting 09:18 Building the business with complementary family skills 10:39 Leveraging experience from Kmart, Kroger, and the library 11:29 Engaging their teenage sons in the business 12:42 Learning to “stay in your lane” with family partners 14:06 What Matt does (and doesn’t) miss about agency life 15:25 Delivering a personal touch (like hand-delivering a soccer ball!) 16:21 When “we’re like family” actually works in business 17:24 Team size, hiring dreams, and support from the community 18:53 Partnering with local creatives and contractors 20:35 Diana’s own branding story with a student designer 💡 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 Matt Griffin 🌐 Hometown Sports Gear → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Matt on Social Media: Facebook → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37658910

Episode 9: Build Your Brand on LinkedIn Without Getting the Ick with Liam Darmody 04/23/2025

Episode 8: How Public Speaking Can Enhance Your Career with Aurora Gregory 04/09/2025

Episode 8: How Public Speaking Can Enhance Your Career with Aurora Gregory Ready to step into the spotlight and grow your career through speaking? Let’s talk about going from “good worker” to a must-promote professional Public speaking can be a game-changer — not just for entrepreneurs, but for anyone looking to boost their visibility and influence. In this episode, I chat with Aurora Gregory, CEO of Speaker Brand Media and host of The Stage Whisperer podcast, about how mastering the mic can take your career to the next level. Aurora shares how a speech contest at age 14 launched her lifelong passion for speaking, how she helps clients craft speaker brands and pitches that land real opportunities, and what it means to bring integrity, values, and presence to the stage. We also dive into what makes work feel good for her, how she sets boundaries in her schedule, and why deep work and “sacred time” are essential. If you’ve ever wondered how speaking might fit into your growth strategy — or felt nervous about getting on a stage — this episode is for you. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:15 Aurora’s first experience with public speaking at age 14 05:30 The power and responsibility of having the mic 08:22 How Aurora built her business and chose the “freelance” life early on 11:30 Making work feel good: time freedom, setting boundaries, and sacred mornings 16:40 Using deep work and calendar blocking to maximize productivity 23:30 The ripple effects of speaking on career growth and opportunity 26:50 Why speaking isn’t just for keynotes and TEDx 30:10 Examples of internal speaker bureaus and industry stages 35:00 Encouragement for the reluctant speaker 💡 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 Aurora Gregory 🌐 Aurora’s Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📘 Facebook → 🐦 X → 📸 Instagram → 🎁 Resource: Pitch Your Brilliance → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37574575

Episode 7: Dialing In Your Target to Level Up Your Career with Joey Senart 04/02/2025

Episode 7: Dialing In Your Target to Level Up Your Career with Joey Senart Feeling stuck in your job search or unsure how to market yourself? You're not alone—and you're definitely not out of options. In this powerful episode, I chat with Joey Senart, a self-described "strategic combo platter" with deep experience in marketing, training, and design. We explore how embracing specialization—instead of casting a wide net—can transform your career, even if you’re multi-passionate. Joey opens up about lessons learned from gaming leadership, why certifications aren't everything, and how knowing your strengths (and having fun with them) can give you an edge. We also get personal about burnout, trust in the workplace, and what it really means to do work that feels good. Whether you're a creative generalist or a seasoned pro looking to pivot, this conversation is packed with insights you don't want to miss. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:15 How leading a gaming community built Joey’s real-world career skills 05:40 The truth about certifications and what hiring managers really care about 09:30 Why work/life balance is hard when your side hustle is fun 13:10 Joey’s career evolution from call centers to enterprise clients 18:45 The messy middle of being a generalist and the turning point 22:30 Discovering that trust—not title or salary—is what really matters 25:40 Why job search success is about positioning, not just experience 30:00 What “work should feel good” means to Joey 💡 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 Joey Senart 🌐 Andy Storch Inc → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📺 YouTube → 📘 Facebook → 🐦 X (Twitter) → 📸 Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37574475

Episode 6: Leading Your Team with Strengths with Alanna Gregg 03/26/2025

Episode 6: Leading Your Team with Strengths with Alanna Gregg Want to create stronger teams and better relationships at work? Start by focusing on strengths. Alanna Gregg joins Diana for a conversation filled with insight, laughs, and a whole lot of heart. They explore how CliftonStrengths has impacted Alanna’s leadership style, why deep relationships matter in the workplace, and how positivity and people skills can transform customer service from transactional to transformational. Alanna shares stories from her early days working in her mom’s salon to her leadership journey at Enterprise Fleet Management. She and Diana reflect on childhood memories, the lasting impact of a friend who followed his joy, and why the relationships we build at work can be more meaningful than we think. If you’ve ever felt like leadership didn’t “look” like you—or you’ve been told you talk too much in class—this one’s for you. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:15 From lip gloss to leadership: Alanna’s first job 04:30 How early customer service shaped her approach 07:00 Making clients into friends (not just vendors) 10:30 Remembering a childhood friend who lived joyfully 13:55 Why asking “Is this job good enough to be your last?” matters 16:30 Alanna’s leadership style and her journey 18:17 Introverts, networking, and building real connection 22:10 CliftonStrengths breakdown: Alanna’s top 5 24:40 What happens when strengths become blind spots 27:25 How strengths work shows up in team leadership 31:10 Why knowing your strengths is more important than knowing your job title 💡 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 Alanna Gregg 🌐 Enterprise Fleet Management → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Alanna on Social Media: Facebook → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37574370

Episode 5: Building Your Voice Online with Shelby Garlock 03/19/2025

Episode 5: Building Your Voice Online with Shelby Garlock From LinkedIn lurker to credible thought leader — here's how to show up online without selling your soul. Ever feel overwhelmed by influencer culture on LinkedIn? Shelby Garlock joins Diana Alt to share how professionals can build authentic visibility and credibility online — no trending audio or performative content required. With 15+ years in customer experience, CRM strategy, and digital marketing, Shelby breaks down how her journey from corporate to thought leader was fueled by strategy, confidence, and her Python Green Porsche (seriously). They explore: - Her surprising transition from chemistry to marketing - The importance of showing up in your own way on social platforms - How to blend strategic thinking with empathy and service - How agentic AI can boost critical thinking and eliminate busy work - And why autocross driving is the perfect metaphor for professional focus Whether you're a marketer, tech pro, or just trying to build a meaningful career, Shelby offers powerful insight on how to grow your visibility while staying true to who you are. ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 02:06 Shelby’s autocross journey & recovering from fear 07:59 From chemistry major to marketing strategist 13:17 The difference between sales & marketing 15:57 What makes someone a qualified lead? 17:21 Marketing misconceptions — are ads really that creepy? 21:18 What is agentic AI and why should we care? 24:45 Eliminating busy work to make space for strategy 26:40 Strategic job searches vs. busy work masking as effort 💡 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 Shelby Garlock 🌐 Digital Women KC → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Shelby on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → X → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37456875

Episode 4: Owning and Future Proofing Your Career with Andy Storch 03/12/2025

Episode 4: Owning and Future Proofing Your Career with Andy Storch Want to thrive in your career and make it future-proof? This conversation with Andy Storch is packed with powerful insights on owning your career journey and building a personal brand that actually works for you. Andy joins Diana to talk about the mindset and practical tools needed to stay relevant and energized at work. From building your personal brand (without feeling sleazy), to navigating identity in career transitions, this episode dives into how to stay aligned, intentional, and impactful. Whether you're in corporate or dreaming bigger, Andy's blend of wisdom and practicality will inspire you to take control of your path. They also cover: - Why learning outside your comfort zone builds resilience - How personal branding isn’t about being an influencer — it's about being memorable - The connection between values, strengths, and showing up with purpose - And why getting "stuff done" isn’t always the badge of honor we think it is ⏳ Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:04 Meet Andy Storch 02:34 Diana’s first-ever podcast appearance was with Andy 03:01 Future-proofing through learning (like Spanish!) 05:22 The power of being uncomfortable 06:45 Andy’s new book with Mike Kim: Own Your Brand, Own Your Career 09:25 Why your personal brand matters (even if you’re not on LinkedIn) 12:29 What do you want to be known for? 13:45 The risk of being forgettable at work 16:00 How to align your brand with your values 20:03 What to do when you feel out of sync at work 24:03 How to start taking control of your personal brand 26:50 Actionable ways to build thought leadership without being cringey 💡 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 Andy Storch 🌐 Andy’s Website → 🔗 LinkedIn → 📲 Follow Andy on Social Media: YouTube → Facebook → X (formerly Twitter) → Instagram → 📲 Follow me on social media: LinkedIn → YouTube → Facebook → TikTok → Instagram → /episode/index/show/18553c0d-032e-45bd-839f-c17a8556872c/id/37456470

Episode 3: Cultivating Hope at Work and Beyond with Mark Foster 03/05/2025

Episode 2: Career Clarity Through YouMap® with Shelley Piedmont 02/26/2025

Episode 1: From Engineering to Empowerment with Angie Callen 02/19/2025

Trailer: Welcome to Work Should Feel Good hosted by Diana Alt 02/19/2025

Work Should Feel Good with Diana Alt

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