Secrets of the Career Game

Do you want to know a secret? The corporate world is a game: one laden with cleverly hidden and unspoken rules that most employees don’t know they are playing. On this show, we help you peek behind the curtain to understand the corporate game and set yourself up for accelerate growth and progression.

132 Stop Applying to Everything | The Job Search Strategy That Actually Gets Interviews 03/23/2026

132 Stop Applying to Everything | The Job Search Strategy That Actually Gets Interviews Applying to more jobs is not the answer if your search has no strategy behind it. Too many smart professionals spend weeks applying, tweaking, and refreshing their LinkedIn profiles, yet still feel nothing is moving. In this episode, I talk about why a scattered job search creates more frustration, not better results, and what to focus on instead if you want to land the right role. I walk through the three parts of your search you can actually control: how many jobs you apply to, how tailored your resume is, and how intentional your networking outreach is. I also share why I want you to stop casting such a wide net, why LinkedIn Easy Apply can pull you off track, and how to build real name recognition with hiring managers and recruiters through thoughtful outreach. 🎯 What you'll learn: → Why applying to 8 quality jobs beats applying to 80 → How to use LinkedIn to get referrals (step-by-step) → Why LinkedIn Easy Apply may be hurting your chances → How to tailor your resume with job-specific keywords → What makes a company the right fit — beyond the salary Resources Mentioned LinkedIn outreach scripts: My course with a job application tracker What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/40578415

131. Everyone Looks Rich Online: The Spending Reset You Need | Lucy from The Lucy Space 03/16/2026

131. Everyone Looks Rich Online: The Spending Reset You Need | Lucy from The Lucy Space Everyone looks rich online. New houses, European summers, luxury cars, and somehow no one ever mentions what it costs or whether it is intentionally helping you build the life you actually want. We work 40 hours a week, so of course we want to treat ourselves to nice dinners and beautiful trips. The difference is not whether we spend, but how we approach those decisions so we can build generational wealth and still create a rich life. I had a conversation with financial expert Lucy from The Lucy Space about what intentional spending actually looks like. Directing your money instead of letting it direct you. Using simple systems like a 30-day wait list, basic expense tracking, automated investing, and thoughtful travel planning. Not extreme budgeting. Not deprivation. Just clarity and control. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: About The Lucy Space The creator behind The Lucy Space. I’m a JD/MBA, corporate working mom, and content creator passionate about helping people live well financially, stylishly, and intentionally. Through my platform, I empower my audience to budget smarter, shop with purpose, and build a life that aligns with their values, without sacrificing style, joy, or peace of mind. With a professional background in law and business, I specialize in breaking down complex financial topics into practical, real-life strategies that are easy to understand and apply. My content blends money, lifestyle, travel, fashion, and family, offering tools and systems that help people feel confident and in control of both their finances and their time. /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/40358260

130. Invisible at Work? Your Personal Brand Is the Problem 03/09/2026

129. Don’t Make a Career Pivot Until You Answer These 5 Questions with Michelle Schaefer 03/02/2026

129. Don’t Make a Career Pivot Until You Answer These 5 Questions with Michelle Schaefer Making a career pivot without clarity is how smart professionals end up in the wrong job twice. Before you make a career change, you need a clear destination. That’s exactly why I wanted to interview Michelle Schaefer, bestselling author of Cultivating Career Growth, to talk about what actually creates a successful career transition. We walk through the five questions that create real career direction. We talk about the work that energizes you versus the work that drains you. We unpack what transferable skills really are, what real company culture actually looks like, and the non-negotiables every professional needs to identify in order to define long-term fulfillment. We also challenge some of the biggest job search myths circulating online. Sending hundreds of resumes without a strategy is not a plan. Online applications are only a small part of a strong job search strategy. And networking is not using people, even if it feels that way at first. We explain why it is the opposite. If you want referrals, influence, and real opportunities, you build relationships intentionally. If you are considering a career change, navigating a layoff, or questioning your current role, this conversation will help you move from emotional reaction to strategic career clarity. In this episode, we discuss: • What are the five questions to ask before making a career pivot? • Why does sending hundreds of resumes rarely lead to interviews? • How much of a job search should focus on networking? • How do you evaluate real company culture before accepting an offer? • What are career non-negotiables and how do they evolve over time? 🤝 Networking doesn’t have to be awkward. Learn how to connect authentically, grow your influence, and turn conversations into opportunities. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: About Michelle Schafer Michelle Schafer is an ICF-certified career and leadership coach, author and facilitator who helps professionals navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose. After experiencing two unexpected restructurings early in her career, Michelle discovered her true path: supporting people to move from job-search frustration into work that energizes them. As founder of Michelle Schafer Coaching, she partners with clients across federal and municipal government, high tech, financial services and not-for-profit sectors, helping them clarify career direction, craft compelling personal brands and land roles where their values align. Her award-winning #1 bestseller Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose and her recognition as one of Ottawa’s Top Coaches in 2024 underscore her impact. LinkedIn: Website: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: Email me here: Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/40234610

128. How to Communicate So Senior Leaders Actually Listen 02/23/2026

127. Why Your Team Waits for You: The Hidden Cost of Solving Every Problem with Leah Marone 02/16/2026

127. Why Your Team Waits for You: The Hidden Cost of Solving Every Problem with Leah Marone If your team can’t move without you, you don’t have leadership; you have dependence. Kendall Berg sits down with Leah Marone to unpack the Support, Don’t Solve leadership model. This is the shift that stops constant interruption. It also builds real ownership. Leah explains why leaders often jump in too quickly, how this creates a dependency loop, and what to do instead. You will hear the first move that changes everything: validation first. Then questions. Then space. This episode is for the manager who is always on call. It is also for the high performer who wants to advance without carrying the whole team. You will walk away with a clear reframe, simple boundaries that still feel human, and language you can use the next time someone brings you a problem. In this episode, we discuss: Why does my team rely on me for every decision at work? How do I stop being the problem solver without sounding cold? What does “support, don’t solve” look like in real leadership conversations? How do I set boundaries at work while still leading with empathy? What should I say first when someone brings me a problem? What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: Leah Marone is a psychotherapist, Yale Clinical Instructor, and corporate mental wellness consultant with over 20 years of experience. A former Division 1 athlete, she specializes in high-achievers struggling with imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and performance anxiety. Leah has conducted over 20,000 therapy sessions and contributed to Psychology Today, Newsweek, and The Atlantic. She works with organizations on burnout prevention, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. A sought-after speaker, Leah has presented her Support, Don’t Solve framework to leaders nationwide. Her new book, Serial Fixer, releases November 11th, exploring the hidden patterns of over-functioning and how to break free. /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39453215

126. Before You Quit Your Job Over a Bad Raise, Listen to This First 02/09/2026

126. Before You Quit Your Job Over a Bad Raise, Listen to This First You didn’t get the raise or promotion you wanted, and suddenly quitting feels like the only way to get unstuck. Kendall Berg explains why that reaction is exactly how people end up hurting their long-term careers. She breaks down the difference between staying too long because of empty promises and leaving too fast without using all the information available to you. Kendall talks about the trap so many professionals fall into when timelines stay vague. Promotions are always “coming soon.” Bigger teams, more scope, more visibility are always just around the corner. Without a clear personal deadline, people stay stuck far longer than they should, waiting for a reward that never actually arrives. At the same time, she calls out the opposite mistake. Job hopping the moment a raise or promotion does not happen, without understanding context, budget cycles, or expectations, can be just as damaging. This episode walks through what to do after a disappointing raise or bonus. Kendall explains how to set a realistic timeline for yourself, how to evaluate whether new responsibilities actually change the equation, and how to decide when staying makes sense versus when it is time to move on. The goal is not blind patience or impulsive quitting. It is making a clear, grounded decision you can stand behind. In this episode, we discuss What should you do when you don’t get the raise or promotion you expected? How vague promises like “soon” and “next cycle” keep people stuck too long Why quitting immediately after a missed raise can hurt your career How to set a personal deadline and hold yourself to it What new responsibilities actually matter when deciding whether to stay What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39996175

125. Why High Performers Can’t Slow Down Even When They’re Successful with Dr. Margie Warrell 02/02/2026

125. Why High Performers Can’t Slow Down Even When They’re Successful with Dr. Margie Warrell High performance rarely looks calm from the inside, especially for the people who are doing everything “right.” Promotions, praise, and visible wins don’t always translate into ease. For many high achievers, success comes with constant pressure, blurred boundaries, and a lingering fear of slowing down. Kendall Berg and Dr. Margie Warrell name what’s driving this pattern: the insecure overachiever mindset. When ambition is fueled by fear, busyness becomes a shield and external validation becomes the scorecard. Over time, this way of working erodes presence, weakens relationships, and quietly undermines leadership credibility, even when results look strong on paper. This conversation reframes what sustainable success actually requires. Shifting from proving yourself to growing yourself. Protecting capacity instead of equating worth with output. Treating connection as a real form of career currency in a world that rewards constant motion. For high performers who want momentum without burnout, this episode offers clarity, language, and a way forward that doesn’t require grinding harder. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: About Margie Warrell Margie has gained profound insights on managing fear, navigating risk, and embracing change since her childhood in rural Australia. Thirty years of living and working around the world—from Papua New Guinea to Singapore—have provided her with a globally grounded perspective on navigating risk and overcoming the barriers that stifle potential in individuals and organizations. Listen to the Live Brave Podcast: Get Margie's book The Courage Gap: Podcast Production by /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39857430

124. How People Actually Achieve “Impossible” Goals with Sarah Arnold Hall 01/26/2026

124. How People Actually Achieve “Impossible” Goals with Sarah Arnold Hall Impossible goals are rarely impossible. They just require a different way of thinking, acting, and deciding when things stop feeling obvious. Kendall Berg sits down with Sarah Arnold Hall to unpack why most people abandon big dreams right at the moment progress actually begins. They break down why obstacles are not a signal to pivot, quit, or start over. Obstacles are part of the process. Sarah explains how high achievers mistake discomfort for failure and reset their goals too early. Kendall brings this into the workplace, showing how career momentum is built by staying consistent, acting like the role you want, and iterating instead of jumping strategies. This conversation reframes what persistence really looks like. From starting closer to the goal instead of over preparing, to using the mindset of “it’s working” to stay grounded during the dip, this episode offers a smarter approach to achieving goals that feel out of reach. If you have ever questioned whether to push through or walk away, this episode will help you make that decision with clarity. In this episode, we discuss Why do impossible goals feel harder right before they start working How do you stay consistent when progress feels slow or unclear What does it mean to start at the end instead of the beginning How can acting like the role you want accelerate career growth When should you persist versus pivot or quit a goal What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: About Sarah Arnold Hall I'm Sarah – I'm a High Performance Coach with a background in psychology. I help people achieve impossible goals, so this channel is filled with content about productivity, consistency and ACTION. Impossible Goals Challenge Instagram Podcast /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39866295

123. Success Is Invisible Until You Track Your Accomplishments Like This 01/19/2026

123. Success Is Invisible Until You Track Your Accomplishments Like This Success doesn’t stall because you are bad at your job. It stalls because your work becomes invisible by the time it actually matters. Kendall Berg breaks down why high performers forget months of work by review season and how that gap quietly costs them recognition, leverage, and momentum. This episode explains how to track your accomplishments in a way that saves time later instead of creating last-minute stress. Kendall walks through aligning tasks with company goals, articulating impact instead of listing tasks, tracking stakeholder involvement, and using metrics to make your work easy to summarize, explain, and defend. If you want less scrambling, clearer reviews, and more control over your career narrative, this is the system that makes it possible. In this episode, we discuss How do I track my accomplishments at work without extra effort? Why do people forget months of work by performance review season? How can tracking work throughout the year save time later? What should I track to make my work easier to explain and defend? How does tracking accomplishments improve career visibility and growth? What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me—let's talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39766505

122. You’re Hitting Every Goal and Still Falling Behind with Radhika Dutt 01/12/2026

122. You’re Hitting Every Goal and Still Falling Behind with Radhika Dutt Hitting every goal should feel like progress. Instead, it often leaves high performers stuck, frustrated, and quietly falling behind. Kendall Berg breaks down why traditional goal setting systems like OKRs and KPIs reward performance optics while hiding the problems leaders actually need to see. In this conversation with Radhika Dutt, author of Radical Product Thinking, Kendall challenges the belief that better metrics lead to better decisions. They unpack why green numbers can create dangerous blind spots, how teams learn to filter bad news, and why leaders become the last to know when strategy is breaking down. The episode introduces a smarter alternative to goal chasing that helps teams surface real issues, think more strategically, and stay aligned as priorities shift. Radhika shares her puzzle setting and puzzle solving framework, a practical way to replace false certainty with curiosity, learning, and iteration. Instead of obsessing over targets, leaders learn how to frame the right questions, invite honest feedback, and guide teams through uncertainty without losing credibility or control. This episode is essential listening for professionals who want to move from execution to influence and lead with clarity in fast changing environments. In this episode, we discuss: Why do OKRs and KPIs hide problems instead of revealing them? How does hitting every goal still lead to stalled career growth? What is the puzzle setting method and how does it replace goal chasing? How can leaders admit uncertainty without losing authority? What is the first step to changing goal driven cultures without resistance? FREE toolkit for puzzle-setting and puzzle-solving: Follow Radhika Dutt on LinkedIn: 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39596230

121. Make 2026 Your Biggest Career Year Ever: The Goal Setting Playbook 01/05/2026

120. Why High Performers Get Stuck Even When They’re Doing Everything Right with Tracy Nolan 12/29/2025

120. Why High Performers Get Stuck Even When They’re Doing Everything Right with Tracy Nolan Strong performance does not automatically translate into influence at work. Many high performers deliver results yet still get misread, underestimated, or quietly sidelined. That gap is where careers slow down, not because of skill, but because leadership presence and perception do not always match capability. Kendall sits down with Tracy Nolan to break down what actually moves careers forward in fast changing corporate environments. Tracy draws from decades of executive leadership across Verizon, Sprint, T-Mobile, and healthcare to explain why continuous learning is nonnegotiable, how leaders earn credibility without overspeaking, and what it really takes to lead with strength and compassion at the same time. They unpack subtle behaviors that signal authority in meetings, the hidden cost of coasting, and why career ownership is a personal responsibility, not your company’s job. This conversation also tackles bias, crisis leadership, and performance management without sugarcoating. Tracy shares how transparent communication builds trust during uncertainty, why tailored feedback matters more than one size leadership, and how honest conversations protect both people and teams. If you want to stay relevant, lead with confidence, and build long term career momentum, this episode delivers clarity without corporate fluff. In this episode, we discuss: Why do high performers get stuck even when results are strong How leadership presence shapes credibility in meetings What helps women overcome bias at senior levels How to lead with authority and compassion during crisis Why owning your career matters more than waiting for promotion paths What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: Tracy Nolan is a transformative leader with deep experience across Fortune 100 companies and healthcare. Currently at Humana, she draws on past executive roles at Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile, where she led 24,000 employees through the Sprint/T-Mobile merger during COVID-19 and pioneered initiatives like Verizon’s $300M wireless trade-in business. Tracy’s leadership style blends high expectations with deep compassion. She believes leadership is never static: you’re either moving forward or backward. Tracy's LinkedIn: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39553435

119. Office Politics: How to Build Influence at Work Without Being Fake 12/22/2025

119. Office Politics: How to Build Influence at Work Without Being Fake Office politics is not optional. It is the job if you want director-level and above. Ignore it, and you stay the hardest working person in the room with the least control over what gets decided. This episode breaks down office politics the way high performers actually need it explained: not gossip or brown-nosing, but influence, stakeholder management, and reputation. Kendall walks you through the three parts that quietly run every organization: conflict management, so another team or a rival does not quietly take ownership of your work; collaboration, so the people who shape decisions are aligned with you early; and reputation, so your name keeps opening doors. You will also learn how to spot power centers that do not match the org chart, and why the meeting is never the first place your idea should be introduced. Pre-wire first, then present. And if you want to do this without feeling fake, Kendall makes it simple. Follow through builds trust faster than charisma. One-on-ones create allies before you need favors. Give your team credit out loud and protect them from getting thrown into senior leadership too early. That is what real influence looks like when you have integrity. In this episode, we discuss: Why does avoiding office politics keep you stuck in middle management? How do I find the real power centers at work that influence decisions? What is the best way to pre-wire stakeholders before a big meeting? How do I push back respectfully without damaging my reputation? How can leaders build trust and influence through one-on-ones and follow through? What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39453240

118. Why Goals Don’t Grow Your Career Systems and Identity Do 12/15/2025

118. Why Goals Don’t Grow Your Career Systems and Identity Do Career growth feels harder when you’re doing everything “right” and still not seeing momentum. Kendall breaks down why traditional goal setting quietly stalls your progress and why the real catalysts for advancement are systems, identity, and daily habits that actually fit your work life. She shares how high achievers unintentionally set themselves up for burnout, why New Year energy fades so quickly, and what sustainable growth looks like for ambitious professionals who want more clarity, confidence, and consistency. Kendall walks through how to design systems that support the career identity you’re building, how to create daily wins that increase motivation, and how to shift from chasing outcomes to becoming the kind of person who grows naturally at work. If you’ve ever wondered why your goals don’t translate into visible progress, this episode gives you the framework to fix that and step into the next level of your leadership. In this episode, we discuss: Why goals don’t create sustainable career growth How to build a system for habits that actually stick What “career identity” means and how to define your future self How small daily wins increase motivation and visibility What to do when you feel stuck despite working hard What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39412705

117. How Tiny Daily Habits Create Big Career Growth with Julie DeLucca-Colllins 12/08/2025

117. How Tiny Daily Habits Create Big Career Growth with Julie DeLucca-Colllins Kendall digs into the truth about career growth with Julie DeLucca Collins, a coach who teaches that real leadership begins long before a title. Julie explains why self-leadership, emotional regulation, and a strong leadership mindset are the foundation of confidence at work and mid-career growth. They talk about the discomfort that comes with asking questions, navigating rejection, and showing influence before anyone gives you formal authority. Together, they unpack the tiny habits that create career confidence, sustainable progress, and better work-life integration. Julie shares her evidence notebook method, a simple tool that rewires your brain to see your own progress and build visibility at work. If you are feeling stuck in a mid-career plateau or working to rebuild confidence after setbacks, this conversation gives you a practical and empowering path forward. In this episode, we discuss: • How do I rebuild confidence at work when I feel stuck • What are the best tiny habits for career growth • How can I break a mid-career plateau and progress faster • What is self-leadership, and why does it matter before promotion • How do I improve emotional regulation and resilience at work If you feel stuck in a mid-career plateau, this conversation reveals the tiny habits and self-leadership skills that rebuild confidence and accelerate growth. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Watch on YouTube: Julie DeLucca-Collins is a dynamic business strategist and coach dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs to build profitable, purpose-driven businesses. As the founder of Go Confidently Services, and Casa De Confidence Productions, she combines her expertise as a successful C-level executive who has excelled in growing successful business, Tiny Habits®, Cognitive Behavioral Techniques, and Holistic Life Coaching to help clients develop confidence, build profitable business, launch and grow podcasts while becoming in demand thought leaders. Julie is the #1 award-winning author of *Confident You*, a TEDx speaker, and a Top 50 Over 50 Podcaster. She has been featured on ABC, NBC, and FOX and cohosts the globally ranked Casa De Confidence podcast with her husband Dan. Website and Social Media links: · Website - · LinkedIn - · Instagram - · Facebook - · Pinterest - · Tiktok - · YouTube - /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39312915

116. Why the Work-Life Balance Myth Is Ruining Your Career 12/01/2025

116. Why the Work-Life Balance Myth Is Ruining Your Career If you feel like you’re failing at work and at home, Kendall explains why the problem isn’t you — it’s the myth you’re trying to live up to. She breaks down why “balance” was never realistic, how it fuels guilt and burnout, and why integration offers a more practical, sustainable path forward. Through personal stories and real client examples, Kendall shows how aligning your values, redefining success, and embracing trade-offs can transform both your career trajectory and how you feel day to day. She also shares how to choose one meaningful goal without creating chaos, why flexibility matters more than equal time division, and how to set success metrics that actually reflect what matters to you. This episode is your permission to drop perfection, rethink how you measure progress, and build a career that genuinely supports the life you want. ⭐ In this episode, we discuss: What happens when you chase balance in a world that doesn’t operate that way How to integrate career and personal values without losing your mind Why flexibility matters more than equal time across your roles How to define success using only three measurable goals What trade offs look like for real professionals and parents today What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39219770

Corporate Politics Explained in 5 Minutes 11/27/2025

115. Why Women Get Stuck at Director Level and How to Break Out with Katy McFee 11/24/2025

115. Why Women Get Stuck at Director Level and How to Break Out with Katy McFee So many brilliant women get stuck at director level because they’re too good at their jobs. That’s the quiet trap executive coach Katy McFee breaks down in this episode of Secrets of the Career Game. Kendall Berg sits with Katy to unpack the habits, mindset shifts, and strategic practices women need to finally be seen as leaders instead of doers. Katy shares what actually signals VP readiness, why “be more strategic” is useless guidance, and how high-performing women accidentally pigeonhole themselves as execution machines. Kendall and Katy dig into deep work, real-time feedback, and the identity shifts required to show up as a strategic leader — not just the person who saves the day. If you feel like you’ve been doing everything right and still not getting promoted, this episode gives you the clarity and momentum you’ve been missing. In this episode, we discuss: Why do women get stuck at the director level What does “be more strategic” actually mean How do you show executive presence at work Why doing more doesn’t lead to promotion How to demonstrate VP readiness when no one tells you how What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Katy McFee is an executive coach and the founder of , where she helps high-performing women finally break through the Director-to-VP ceiling. With an 18-year career in biotech and tech, including senior roles where she drove nine-figure revenue growth, Katy knows firsthand what it takes to rise in male-dominated environments. Despite years of over-delivering, she was repeatedly passed over for promotion until she discovered the real barrier: perception, not performance. By shifting how she communicated and led, she landed her first VP role and was soon recruited as an EVP. Website: LinkedIn: Instagram: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/39149995

114. The One Percent Career Hack Nobody Talks About 11/17/2025

113. Stop Climbing, Start Leading: Career Moves That Actually Work with Whitney Faires 11/10/2025

113. Stop Climbing, Start Leading: Career Moves That Actually Work with Whitney Faires Most professionals chase the next promotion without ever asking if it’s the right move. In this conversation, Kendall Berg and executive coach Whitney Faires expose the myth of the linear career path and why the most fulfilled leaders often take strategic sideways moves instead of climbing straight up. Whitney shares her Courageous Leader Roadmap, a framework for showing up with authenticity, self-awareness, and fearless communication, the traits that separate high performers from true leaders. Together, they unpack the messy middle of leadership transitions, how to navigate corporate politics without selling your soul, and why your reputation starts forming long before you enter the room. In this episode, we discuss: What are the most overlooked skills when moving from contributor to director? How can leaders build influence without self-promotion? How do you navigate corporate politics without losing authenticity? What’s the right moment to make a lateral move instead of chasing a promotion? How can specific feedback requests accelerate leadership growth? What does it mean to lead courageously — and how can you start today? What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: About Whitney Faires Whitney Faires is an internationally recognized executive coach, keynote speaker, and leadership advisor with 20 years of experience in the healthcare industry. Formerly Chief of Staff to the CFO at Intuitive Surgical, she led high-impact organizational health initiatives, launched global leadership development programs, and coached rising professionals into senior roles. Her multifaceted career spans sales, finance, and commercial operations, where she spearheaded the creation of a $2 billion international leasing portfolio. As the founder of Whitney Faires Coaching, she developed the Courageous Leader Roadmap — a practical approach for leaders to show up authentically, navigate adversity, and drive meaningful results. She is an ICF-accredited PCC coach and is passionate about helping leaders elevate their influence and build high-performing teams. Connect with Whitney: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38978055

112. How to Write a Performance Review That Gets You Promoted 11/03/2025

112. How to Write a Performance Review That Gets You Promoted Your performance review might be enough to save you from getting fired, but it’s definitely enough to keep you from getting promoted. Kendall Berg unpacks why most professionals underestimate their self-evaluations and how a well-written review can make or break your next career move. She explains how to turn your performance review into your best internal marketing tool: one that showcases impact, influence, and growth. From gathering 360 feedback to crafting measurable goals and starting promotion conversations at the right time, Kendall shares the proven strategies she used as a corporate leader to help people actually get rewarded for their work. In this episode, we discuss: How do you write a performance review that gets you promoted? What should you include (and avoid) in your self-evaluation? How can you collect 360 feedback that actually helps your career? When is the right time to talk to your boss about a raise or promotion? What separates average reviews from the ones that get noticed? What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38883700

111. Why Smart Women Still Play It Safe in Their Careers: How to Stop | Dr. Candace Steele Flippin 10/27/2025

111. Why Smart Women Still Play It Safe in Their Careers: How to Stop | Dr. Candace Steele Flippin Too many smart, capable women stay stuck in roles that feel “safe.” In this episode, Kendall Berg and Dr. Candace Steele Flippin unpack why — and how to finally break free. Drawing on groundbreaking research from her book and her SHAPE Framework (Safe, Hard Work, Advocate, Persevere, Educate), Dr. Candace reveals the hidden connection between financial stability and career confidence — and why money literacy isn’t just about saving, it’s about power. Together, they explore how self-advocacy, financial readiness, and strategic visibility help women move from fear to freedom. Whether you’re hesitating to take a promotion, negotiate your worth, or leave a role that no longer fits, this conversation gives you the mindset and tools to stop playing it safe and start shaping your next chapter. 💡 Key Takeaways Financial stability is the foundation for taking bold career risks with confidence. “Hard work” doesn’t guarantee advancement — visibility and alignment do. Poor negotiation skills can cost up to $2M over a career; advocacy pays off. Resilience means knowing when to persevere and when to move on. Continuous learning and feedback fuel long-term self-efficacy. The SHAPE Framework helps women assess where they’re playing small — and how to grow. Career success starts with self-awareness, not perfection. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Dr. Candace Steele Flippin is a three-time bestselling author and career strategist who helps professionals advance with clarity and influence. She is the founder of the Global Career Advancement Institute and creator of the SHAPE Career Accelerator program, developed from more than a decade of research on career advancement and leadership. A former corporate communications executive, she has led teams in healthcare, financial services, and industrial technology and now teaches leadership development at Johns Hopkins University. Her work is trusted by companies and organizations that want practical solutions for career growth, retention, and engagement. She shares strategies you can use right away to move your career forward with purpose and confidence. Follow Her On: LinkedIn Dr. Candace Steele Flippin Instagram @candacesteeleflippin /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38628995

110. The Confidence Gap: Why Soft Skills Beat Technical Skills 10/20/2025

110. The Confidence Gap: Why Soft Skills Beat Technical Skills Most professionals don’t plateau because they’ve hit their technical limit; they plateau because no one can see their value. In this episode, Kendall Berg breaks down the confidence gap and exposes the real reason talented people stay invisible at work: not a lack of skill, but a lack of visibility, presence, and confidence. Kendall explains how soft skills like communication, influence, and executive presence can move your career forward faster than any other certification ever could. She shares actionable frameworks to build authentic confidence through repetition, feedback, and mindset shifts, along with her 3-step communication model that helps you speak clearly and with authority. You’ll learn why success at senior levels is perception-driven, and how to project confidence that’s real, sustainable, and aligned with who you are. In this episode, we discuss: How underconfidence keeps capable professionals invisible, while overconfidence can elevate unqualified leaders Why soft skills like communication, influence, and executive presence matter more than degrees or technical expertise Practical frameworks for building authentic confidence through repetition, feedback, and mindset shifts Tactical tools for clear communication, including Kendall’s 3-step model: context, problem, recommendation The idea that success at senior levels is perception-driven — you must be seen as confident to be promoted What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38573285

109. Job Security Is a Myth: Become the CEO of Your Career with Renata Bernarde 10/13/2025

109. Job Security Is a Myth: Become the CEO of Your Career with Renata Bernarde True “job security” as guaranteed lifetime employment was never a reality, though the perception of it was stronger in previous generations. In this episode, Kendall Berg sits down with career strategist Renata Bernarde to talk about what it really takes to stay relevant when the rules of work keep changing. From quiet layoffs to invisible promotion ceilings, they dig into why waiting to be “discovered” is no longer a strategy but a trap. Renata shares how thinking like the CEO of your own career changes everything: the way you network, the way you show up online, and the way you plan for the future version of you. Together, she and Kendall dive into the power of self-agency, the networking realities behind senior-level hiring, and how to plan your career with your 70-year-old self in mind. Whether you’re feeling stuck, restless, or ready to pivot, this conversation will help you build the kind of career that lasts no matter what the market does next. What’s one “corporate game” rule you’ve learned the hard way? 🎯 Take the full Level Up Leadership Course: About Your Host: That Career Coach, Kendall Berg Kendall Berg is a career coach and creator, helping ambitious professionals master the unspoken rules of corporate life. Through Secrets of the Career Game, she shares honest conversations and practical tools to help you communicate clearly, lead confidently, and navigate work with strategy — not stress. ☕️ Want personalized career advice? Book a free 15-minute Coffee Chat with me — let’s talk strategy, leadership, or your next move. Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: Build out the tools you need to navigate the corporate game: — About Renata Bernarde Renata Bernarde is a career coach and job-hunting expert who helps experienced and senior professionals design successful career strategies, secure new roles, and navigate career transitions with confidence. She is the host of The Job Hunting Podcast and the founder of a coaching practice supporting corporate, nonprofit, and government professionals worldwide. She also lectures on career planning and design at Monash University and is an Enterprise Fellow at the University of Melbourne. With a background as a former CEO and executive leader, Renata brings practical insight, empathy, and strategic thinking to job search and career planning for experienced professionals. /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38561980

108. The Secret to Career Growth: Learning to Emotionally Detach 10/06/2025

107. The Secret to Leadership Confidence No One Teaches You with Sara Anderson 09/29/2025

107. The Secret to Leadership Confidence No One Teaches You with Sara Anderson Kendall Berg and Sara Anderson go deep into why authentic confidence isn’t about “faking it until you make it”—it’s about rewiring your nervous system so your leadership presence becomes undeniable. From grounding exercises that calm anxiety before high-stakes meetings to mindset shifts that make you more memorable in the boardroom, this episode unpacks the hidden mechanics of influence that no one teaches you in corporate training. Sara explains how nervous system regulation directly impacts clarity, vocal control, and body language. She shares a client story of a senior leader who broke through a years-long ceiling after mastering these techniques, proving that leadership isn’t about credentials alone—it’s about resonance. Together, Kendall and Sara reveal how trust, likability, and authentic connection matter far more than polished perfection when it comes to career growth. In this episode, we discuss: How can nervous system regulation improve leadership confidence? Why does likability matter more than technical skills for career growth? What visualization exercises actually reduce anxiety before big meetings? How do gender dynamics and bias impact visibility at work? What mindset shifts help leaders move from polished to truly authentic? ⭐️Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: 💡 About Sara Anderson Sara Anderson is the founder of Lead Out Loud and the creator of The Resonance Method™, a science-backed leadership framework that helps high-performing women master the unspoken dynamics of corporate influence. Her unique approach teaches the invisible forces that separate leaders who struggle from those who seem to effortlessly command rooms and get results. Sara has coached executives at companies like Adobe, Workday, and Cerity Partners, helping them decode the hidden rules of corporate power and influence with authenticity. She specializes in helping ambitious professionals move beyond traditional "executive presence" training to master the psychology and strategy behind magnetic leadership—perfect for anyone ready to play the career game at a higher level. /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38391365

106. Corporate Politics and Career Growth—The Truth No One Tells You 09/22/2025

105. LinkedIn Networking Secrets You’re Not Using Yet with Catherine Fisher 09/15/2025

105. LinkedIn Networking Secrets You’re Not Using Yet with Catherine Fisher Networking isn’t just for job hunting — it’s the long-term career insurance policy that carries you through promotions, layoffs, and everything in between. And in a world of AI, real career decisions still rely on real people. In this episode of Secrets of the Career Game, Kendall Berg sits down with Catherine Fisher, LinkedIn’s career expert and author of the Career Companion newsletter, to unpack how authentic networking really works in 2025. Catherine shares why 75% of professionals still trust human insight over AI tools, why 63% turn to their colleagues and peers when making big decisions, and how to build relationships that last. We also dive into the realities that make networking challenging: 46% of professionals say networking makes them anxious, 46% admit they don’t know what to say when reaching out, and 45% only connect with their network when they need something. Catherine offers practical, low-stress strategies to change that — from keeping your network warm with simple gestures to approaching executives without wasting their time. From Gen Z’s mini-resumes to the do’s and don’ts of authentic outreach, this conversation will change how you think about building relationships and remind you why human connection still matters most. In this episode, we discuss: What role does networking have to play in the full picture of our careers? Why is networking more important than ever today? How are traditional networking practices changing with technology and culture? What’s driving the latest networking trends? How is Gen Z rewriting the rules of networking? What are the basic do’s and don’ts of networking today? How can you make your networking relationships mutually beneficial and take them to the next level? ⭐️ Get our FREE Accomplishments Tracker: That Career Coach Want to know more about Kendal Berg, that career coach? Follow her on Instagram: Check out her courses on the website: About Catherine Fisher Catherine Fisher is LinkedIn’s career expert and the author of the Career Companion newsletter, where she shares practical advice on job interviews, navigating a competitive market, workplace burnout, and building authentic professional relationships. She currently serves as Vice President of Global Consumer Communications at LinkedIn and has over 30 years of experience leading marketing and communications for some of the world’s most recognized brands, including Netflix, eBay, and One Kings Lane. Catherine’s work blends insider career insights with a passion for helping professionals grow and thrive. She studied Art History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and continues to inspire audiences with her fresh perspective on career development, networking, and modern workplace culture. Linkedin: Career Companion /episode/index/show/579ca3a4-f59e-4e2e-b368-a6d307c56a2d/id/38222315

104. How to Build a Side Hustle That Pays While Keeping Your 9-to-5 09/08/2025

Secrets of the Career Game

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