CareerCast by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
CareerCast is a monthly podcast from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business that answers your most pressing career questions. Join us for discussions with leading business experts and authors. Discover how you can define your personal brand, bounce back from a career setback, grow your leadership skills, and more.
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Cutting Through Decision-Making Noise
03/15/2024
Cutting Through Decision-Making Noise
Are you working through a (big or small) decision and have so much information that you are stuck? On top of this, which information is reliable, credible, and useful? Nuala Walsh, award-winning business consultant, behavioral scientist, independent non-executive director, ex-CMO, and author of Tune In: How to make smarter decisions in a noisy world, would tell you to learn how to hear what others don’t and secure an advantage – in your career and life. In this CareerCast, Nuala shares her successful approach to equipping yourself with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to make more effective decisions for now and into the future.
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Rising to Lead in Challenging Times
02/16/2024
Rising to Lead in Challenging Times
Have you ever noticed that when a challenge, or even crisis, occurs, some people blame, complain, and run away while others lean in and take full responsibility? What is the difference between the two types of individuals? What is innate and what can be learned? Anita Mendiratta, a trusted and respected global strategic advisor, with a professional foundation in companies like IBM, Unilever, and The Coca-Cola Company would say that there is a powerful inner determination that drives leaders to courageous action. In this CareerCast, Anita shares her knowledge, wisdom, and research-based insights on how to elevate yourself and others and authentically succeed in challenging times.
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What's Your Future Normal
01/18/2024
What's Your Future Normal
Many people feel a future normal isn’t going to happen anytime soon. For those who believe that a future normal is possible, their vision is filled with pessimism, darkness, and hopelessness. Henry Coutinho-Mason, one of the world's leading authorities on consumer trends, Managing Director of TrendWatching, and author of The Future Normal, has a different perspective. He believes there are plenty of reasons to be profoundly hopeful about the way the world is changing. In this CareerCast, Henry shared his insights on how you can build a happier, more successful, and more expansive future.
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Master the Networking Meeting with Nathan Perez
12/14/2023
Master the Networking Meeting with Nathan Perez
There is so much that goes into having a networking meeting – from finding the right person to connecting with that person to getting a time on the schedule. There is a lot of time, energy, and logistics that go into making it happen. Then the day comes, you have the meeting, and that’s it. It feels like a dud. Yet, it’s not clear what went wrong. Nathan Perez, Principal, of Career Innovation, professional and keynote speaker, and Co- Author of the 20-Minute Networking Meeting, believes that you need clear prep, a solid plan, and more than a little gratitude. In this CareerCast, Nathan unlocks the mysteries of having an enjoyable, productive, and successful networking meeting that can become the start of an enduring professional relationship.
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Career Advancement GPT
11/16/2023
Career Advancement GPT
Have you been thinking about how AI will impact your life in the years to come? What about your career growth and advancement? Having devoted his career to helping others succeed as lead in education marketing at LinkedIn, heading marketing at Khan Academy, and as a best-selling author, with his latest book Career Coach GPT, Jeremy Schifeling is a guide, expert, and mentor on the subject. In this CareerCast, Jeremy shares how to navigate the ever-changing world of AI and the tools and resources you can leverage for your career. He will provide key insights on how to use AI and still be able to stand out and differentiate yourself for greater success.
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How to Succeed When the Odds are Against You
10/19/2023
How to Succeed When the Odds are Against You
Some people believe that challenging times will stack the odds against you – and there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Polina Marinova Pompliano, founder of The Profile, author and editor of Term Sheet, Fortune’s industry-leading deal-making newsletter, and author of the book, Hidden Genius, would tell you to think differently and find a solution based on courage, determination, and appreciation. She would add that when you do, you will land in a place better than before the obstacles got in your way. In this CareerCast, Polina shares her insights, the best lessons learned from a top group of global experts, and strategies to help you win – whether the odds are in your favor or not
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Build Your Best Career Ever
09/14/2023
Build Your Best Career Ever
Would you like to build a career that leverages your strengths, offer opportunities for growth, and where you are appreciated? Clearly, the answer is yes. So how do you do this? According to Dr. David Burkus, a former business school professor, advisor to executive leadership from organizations including PepsiCo, Fidelity, Adobe, and NASA, and bestselling author of several books including, Best Team Ever: The Surprising Science of High-Performing Teams, you need to be part of a team that promotes psychological safety, prosocial purpose, and common understanding. This gives you a powerful foundation to build your best career. While this may seem nearly impossible, it can be found and done. In this CareerCast, David shares how to simultaneously cultivate your strengths and advance professionally, while building a team that creates positive social and economic value.
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Create Your Authentic Story
08/18/2023
Create Your Authentic Story
How do you create an authentic story that establishes your credibility, talents, and fit? While there is no easy answer, Kelly Parker, marketing professional trained at global enterprises like Sherwin-Williams and American Greetings, TEDx speaker, and host of “Business Storytelling Made Easy” Podcast, believes that a simple, well-told story can help you pivot your career, receive a promotion, and land funding for you startup. Yet many people create stories that just do not work. In this CareerCast, Kelly shares how to understand your talents, skills, and areas of positive differentiation, elevate your message to reach your audience, and do so with honesty, integrity, and sincerity.
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From Wrong Fit to Right Fit
07/21/2023
From Wrong Fit to Right Fit
Does it feel harder than it should to find a company where you can thrive? Are you wondering how we could make work, less work? André Martin, operating advisor, board member, ex-Chief Talent Officer for Google/Nike/Target/Mars, and coach to top founders and c-suite executives, would tell you the issue isn’t good or bad culture, but the fit between your ideal way of working day-to-day and that of the companies you join. Finding the right fit, with massive shifts in the workplace, is hard and yet doable. In this CareerCast, André shares his approach, utilizing social science research, innovative practices from progressive companies big and small, and practical day-to-day strategies. You can leverage these to find ways to work and thrive and help your colleagues and teams do the same.
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How Entrepreneurs Win by Experimenting
06/15/2023
How Entrepreneurs Win by Experimenting
When an entrepreneur makes it big, it can look like it was a smooth ride straight to the top. Of course, this doesn’t happen. There are many twists and turns that can end in a very different place than where things started. Mike Stemple, successful serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and advisor to global corporates and startups, would tell you that successful ventures are a series of experiments and pivots. In this CareerCast, Mike shares how keeping the goals firmly in mind, driving forward with courage and perspective, and using experiments will lead to successful outcomes in established organizations, early stage ventures, and in your life.
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A CEO's Masterclass in Finding Value in Others
05/19/2023
A CEO's Masterclass in Finding Value in Others
How do you build beneficial and enduring relationships? Douglas Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company, New York Times bestselling author, and social media influencer with over 40 years of leadership experience at world-class global companies, would tell you to find the positive value in the other person, which he has done his entire life. In this CareerCast, Doug shared his insights, empowering spirit, and determination to express the value he finds in others that have helped him develop lasting and value-creating relationships all of the world.
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The Power of Imperfection
04/21/2023
The Power of Imperfection
Did you grow up being told that “practice makes perfect”? While there are definitely benefits to take actions that refine your skills, knowledge, and experience, in today’s world, it is not enough. According to Robert McLean, Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, and author of multiple books including, The Imperfectionists: Strategic Mindsets for Uncertain Times, there is power in imperfection when you have the courage to experiment and learn. In this CareerCast, Rob shares how to be imperfect as a route to greater success, versatility, and agility in uncertain times.
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Beyond the Impasse
03/17/2023
Beyond the Impasse
The world is filled is with challenging people and situations and it’s easy to reach an impasse where forward progress stops. Roger L. Firestien, PhD, Senior Faculty and Associate Professor at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State, President of Innovation Resources, and author of several popular books including Create In A Flash: A Leader's Recipe For Breakthrough Innovation, believes that getting beyond the impasse requires a shift in your mindset, process, and actions. In this CareerCast, Roger shares his research-based methodology, vast experience working with clients all of the world, and strategic insights that you can apply for greater success in your career, company, and life.
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The Upside of Imposter Syndrome
02/17/2023
The Upside of Imposter Syndrome
Do you feel that you suffer from imposter syndrome and that it is controlling your success and happiness? While you may currently be experiencing the negative effects of imposter syndrome, it’s time to turn this around. In fact, licensed psychologist, executive coach, organizational consultant, recognized expert, and author of Own Your Greatness and Your Unstoppable Greatness, Dr. Lisa Orbé-Austin would say you there is an upside to imposter syndrome. In this CareerCast, Lisa shares her knowledge, practical strategies, and compassionate wisdom on how to transform imposter syndrome into courage, confidence, and greatness.
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Understanding Separation Agreements
01/20/2023
Understanding Separation Agreements
Did you know that at will employment is the standard for many geographies? While you may be aware of this, the vast majority of people who are presented with a separation agreement don’t know how to manage their initial reaction and what to do next. Jon Vegosen, founding member of Chicago corporate and litigation law firm Funkhouser Vegosen Liebman and Dunn Ltd. (“FVLD”) and co-managing partner would tell you that there are strategies to be aware of and manage through. In this CareerCast, Jon shares his insights on understanding separating agreements in a rapidly changing market so you can better handle the process by taking a preventive and proactive approach.
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Reframe the Obstacles
12/16/2022
Reframe the Obstacles
Do you ever wake up in the morning and look around and feel that obstacles squash your energy, determination, and resolve to achieve your goals and dreams? You are certainly not alone. Since being forever stuck is not viable, what is the alternative? Ganel-Lyn Condie, advisor, author, and acclaimed speaker would tell you to become a steward. Here is her perspective: “Stewarding means you are in charge of something, responsible to manage it, or entrusted for watchcare. When you begin to have this outlook on life, it changes how to see the world, yourself, and obstacles.” In this CareerCast, Ganel-Lyn shares how to reframe challenges – and in the process make yourself stronger, more successful, and in charge of your career and life.
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Become the Entrepreneurial Fire
11/18/2022
Become the Entrepreneurial Fire
In a world that is strewn with obstacles of every imaginable kind, is it possible to achieve your goals and aspirations? As the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Yugoslavian immigrant father, Elisa Schmitz knows what it means to be an “outsider” learning to use her “differentness” to make a difference and succeed on her own terms as an Entrepreneur. Elisa believes you can do the same. She says, “Become the (Entrepreneurial) Fire” and not allow yourself to be in the fire, and get burned, but instead use the fire to ignite your motivation, passion, and grit. It means leveraging what you do have and can do. Remember, pure gold comes out of fire. In this CareerCast, Elisa shows how to transform obstacles that can block the progress of each of us into the unstoppable fuel of fulfillment and success.
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Career Self-Care
10/20/2022
Career Self-Care
Is it possible to apply the principles of self-care and still have a robust career? While the two may seem like in direct opposition to one another, Minda Zetlin, the author of Career Self-Care, The Geek Gap and highly popular “Laid-Back Leader” column for Inc.com, would say that putting self-care into your career is essential now more than ever. In this CareerCast, Minda shares her research-backed advice and practical strategies to help you get the most out of your career and life – on your own terms.
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Should You Stay or Go
09/15/2022
Should You Stay or Go
“Should I stay or should I go?” is a question many people ask themselves, now more than ever. Perhaps this sounds like you: do you stay in a role you know and where you like the team or do you explore a new opportunity? When you contemplate a move: are you seeking to escape a not-so-great situation, or is the new job something you really want? This is a question Pete Devenyi, author of the Decoding Your STEM Career and technical executive leader, faced himself and advised others who were at a crossroads in their careers and lives. In this CareerCast, Pete shares how to make the stay-or-go decision with a focused, strategic, and heart-felt perspective, enabling you to advance with courage, confidence, and success.
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Let the Story Do the Work
08/19/2022
Let the Story Do the Work
What is the role of your career story as you look to change careers, get promoted, or gain funding for a project or venture? Esther Choy, President and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, would tell you your story should do the heavy lifting. With the proper story, you can gain credibility, open doors, and increase support for your goals and dreams. Yet, many people miss the mark – but don’t have to. In this CareerCast, Esther shares her strong and powerful perspective, wisdom, and practical and actionable ways to help you create influential career stories that can positively accelerate your growth, success, and happiness.
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Create Real Community in Hybrid Teams
07/15/2022
Create Real Community in Hybrid Teams
What are the benefits of working on a hybrid team? Some people believe they could do the work from home and save money on parking, gas, and more. Yet Cali Williams Yost, Founder and CEO of the Flex+Strategy, believes you can create a real and committed community with vision, focus, and an open mind. As author of Tweak It: Make What Matters to You Happen Every Day, and the critically-acclaimed, Work+Life: Finding the Fit That’s Right for You, Cali helps organizations around the world create high performance teams with flexibility, empathy, and appreciation. In this CareerCast, Cali shares her insights, extensive experience, and wisdom to help you build hybrid teams (or really any type of team) where people want to work and stay.
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Bidirectional Trust
06/17/2022
Bidirectional Trust
In today’s world, can trust really be created, extended, and received? Stephen M. R. Covey, Global Practice Leader, Global Speed of Trust Practice, former President and CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and bestselling author of The SPEED of Trust—The One Thing That Changes Everything would say, “Absolutely YES”. While it’s not easy, it is essential for greater effectiveness, competitive advantage, and profitability. In this CareerCast, Stephen shares how individuals in organizations – from entrepreneurial to global entities – create trust one-on-one, within teams, and more broadly.
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Positive Leadership in Uncertainty
05/19/2022
Positive Leadership in Uncertainty
Leadership can be challenging in the best of times, so what about in an age of uncertainty? Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft, believes that this is the moment to lead with hope, empathy, and a positive perspective, vision, and action. In this CareerCast, Jean-Philippe shares his insights, strategies, and empowering spirit from nearly four decades as a leader at Microsoft with a grounding in positive psychology, neuroscience and mindfulness.
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Make Change Your Ally
04/14/2022
Make Change Your Ally
Change comes in many forms and today it is happening at lightning speed. While change is inevitable, fighting against it or making it your ally is the difference between defeat and victory. Just ask Roger Crawford, who Sports Illustrated named as "One of the most accomplished physically challenged athletes in the world." For him, change is has been a catalyst for many major accomplishment in his career and life. In this CareerCast, Roger shares his wisdom and practical strategies for making change your ally and using it for greater success, happiness, and self-empowerment.
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Positively Leverage Career Challenges
03/17/2022
Positively Leverage Career Challenges
Career challenges can come from many places – some expected and others surprising. Sergeant Major Matthew R. Drayton is no exception. He faced more than a few obstacles during his 20+ years in the US Army (16 of those years working with elite Special Operations forces) and in his business experience in government and commercial commerce. His two books, Leading While Black and Succeeding While Black – chronicle both the adversity and ways to positively transform it. In this CareerCast, Matthew brings his insights from experiences with challenge and victory to help you build personal strength and power for greater ability, contribution, and meaningful success.
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From Loneliness to Belonging at Work
03/10/2022
From Loneliness to Belonging at Work
Loneliness is an epidemic across the globe for individuals of different backgrounds, ages, and professions. So what is the answer? For Ryan Jenkins and Steven Van Cohen, advisors, corporate consultants, and authors of Connectable: How Leaders Can Move Teams From Isolated to All In, the answer is creating genuine belonging. In this CareerCast, Ryan and Steven, share their insights, extensive experience, and wisdom to help you move from loneliness to belonging for greater success and happiness – for yourself, your team, and your company.
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Provoke Actions That Advance Careers
01/20/2022
Provoke Actions That Advance Careers
How do you advance your career in a world filled with noise, banality, and people hoping to fit in? Roy Sharples, CEO of Unknown Origins, former Managing Director, Global Industry Product Marketing, at Microsoft, and author of CREATIVITY WITHOUT FRONTIERS: How To Make The Invisible Visible By Lighting The Way Into The Future, would tell you to act boldly, bravely, and creatively. In this CareerCast, Roy shares how to provoke actions that can advance your career with less fear, more fun, and where you will stand out based on what is important to you in your career and life.
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The Agile Career
12/16/2021
The Agile Career
Adaptability and agility are considered two of the top skills identified by LinkedIn in 2021 to help organizations grow, stay current, and compete in a business environment of insistent change. According to Marti Konstant, workplace futurist, former technology executive (who has worked in Silicon Valley), and best-selling author of Activate Your Agile Career, "Agile isn’t just for tech anymore – it’s transforming how organizations hire, develop and manage their people.” It’s also how you can, and probably should, be managing your career. In this CareerCast, Marti shares how to apply an agile mindset to the modern workplace to help you advance in your organization beyond your current role, use transferrable skills for a pivot, and rethink your career options for the future of work.
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Effectively Collaborate Across Personalities
11/19/2021
Effectively Collaborate Across Personalities
Do you sometimes feel that your colleagues don’t understand who you are and what are you saying? According to Devora Zack, global keynote speaker, leadership consultant, and author of several books, including, The Cactus and Snowflake at Work, we often work with individuals of different temperaments who can seem as different as the logical cactus and sensitive snowflake. The good news is that can be great for the strength of the team and the company – if you take time to understand how “the other half lives” and works. In this CareerCast, Devora shares her research, insights, and humor-infused wisdom to help you collaborate more effectively with cacti and snowflakes.
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Executive Employment and Compensation: An Insider's View
10/14/2021
Executive Employment and Compensation: An Insider's View
Did you know that each offer letter, regardless of the length and formality, could be considered an employment contract? Do you understand the elements and implications of your salary, short and long term incentives, and even the terms and conditions of your leaving the company? Adam J. Greetis, JD and Partner Employee Benefits, Seyfarth Shaw LLP would tell you that it’s crucial to manage the terms of your employment and compensation upfront. Otherwise, you could have challenging issues later on. In the this CareerCast, Adam shares his insight on executive employment and compensation in a rapidly changing environment from the corporations to startup worlds.
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