In today’s episode, I’m diving into a powerful yet often overlooked question that can make or break your preparation for career-defining conversations — whether it's an interview, a performance review, or a high-stakes pitch.

This episode was inspired by a recent conversation with one of my coaching clients who is navigating the Career Change Maker Process. As we discussed an upcoming chat she had with a recruiter, one simple question shifted everything for her and I believe it can do the same for you.

What you'll learn:

• The power and importance of preparing for career advancing conversations in the right way
• How to move from reactive to proactive communication
• Why this one question works across interviews, reviews, and pitches

If you want to show up fully prepared and leave a lasting impression in your next important conversation, this episode is a must-listen.

Action Step:

Before your next career conversation, ask yourself: What do I want them to know about me, my experience, and my expertise by the end of this conversation? Then prepare with that focus in mind.

Links & Resources:

• 📖 The One Thing by Gary Keller – Grab the book
  
  
• 💬 Got questions? Email me at janine@careerchangemakers.com
  
  
• ⭐️ Enjoying the podcast? Please rate and review on Apple Podcasts
  or Spotify

Work with Me

• Join the 1:1 coaching waitlist to get started in November
  
  

Connect with Me:

• Instagram: @careerchangemakerspodcast
  
  
• Website: careerchangemakers.com
  
  

Send us a text

🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!

We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!

Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration***

On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event.

I would love to see you there. Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available.

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In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development.

Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment.

Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.

💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• How to confidently navigate difficult conversations that shape your career trajectory
• The mindset shift from waiting for opportunities to creating them through dialogue
• Simple ways to prepare for a meaningful career development conversation
• How to raise your visibility by connecting with colleagues across your organisation
• Why reflection and self-awareness are key to making aligned career decisions

🧭 Action Steps:

1. Reflect: Identify what gives you energy, what drains you, and your non-negotiables.
2. Initiate: Schedule a dedicated career development conversation with your leader — don’t wait for the annual review.
3. Connect: Build internal relationships by being curious, joining cross-functional projects, or engaging in workplace communities.

✨ Memorable Quote:

🔗 Connect with Michelle:

• LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer
• Website: mshafercoaching.ca
• Get a free chapter of her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose via her website.

🔗 Connect with Janine

• LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
• Website: Career Change Makers
• Join the waitlist to explore 1:1 coaching
  
  

Send us a text

🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!

We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!

Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.

In this episode of the Career Change Maker Podcast, I explore what it means to redefine career success across different life seasons. From your 20s to your 40s and beyond.

So many ambitious professionals find themselves questioning their path not because they’ve failed, but because they’ve grown. Whether you're stepping into motherhood, supporting ageing parents, or simply feeling out of alignment, this conversation will help you give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and pivot.

I share my personal journey of shifting from corporate law to coaching, and why success needs to evolve with your changing values, energy, and capacity. If you're feeling unfulfilled in your work or wondering if it's "too late" to make a change this episode is your reminder that it’s okay to want something different now.

✅ What You’ll Learn in This Episode

• Why your brain wasn’t fully ready when you first chose your career path (and why that matters)
• How life events like motherhood or midlife shifts can change what success looks like
• The importance of reassessing your values and capacity in every season
• How misalignment between your work and your values can create burnout or unease
• Practical reflection prompts to help you start redefining success on your terms

💡 Action Steps

1. Reflect on Your Current Season - Ask yourself what success looks like now—not based on old goals or outdated definitions.

2. Identify Value Shifts - Get clear on what matters most to you right now (e.g. flexibility, impact, presence, legacy).

3. Release or Renegotiate - Consider what roles, responsibilities, or expectations may need to shift in order to honour your new definition of success.

Use Reflection Questions:

1. What does success look like in this current season of life?
2. What needs or values are driving me most right now?
3. What might I need to release or renegotiate?

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✨ Let’s Work Together ✨

If you're in a season of career transition and you're ready to create a path that's fully aligned with who you are now, I'd love to support you.

Through my 1:1 coaching programmes, I help ambitious professionals make bold but intentional career moves without sacrificing their lifestyle, income, or sense of self.

👉 Join the waitlist for 1:1 coaching with me

✨ Let’s Meet In-Person ✨

Something exciting is coming 👀

We’re recording the next Career Change Maker Podcast episode LIVE in London — and you could be in the room! Join the waitlist to be the first to grab your spot.

👉 Join the waitlist for early bird access

📚 Resources

• Connect with me on LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
• Explore more on the website: Career Change Maker Website

Send us a text

🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!

We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!

Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.