Unspoken Career Truths

Епизоди

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  Career Timeline: Stop Comparing Your Progress to Everyone Else 17.09.2026 8мин

  You know that feeling when someone your age gets promoted, buys a house, starts a family—or just seems to have their whole life figured out—and suddenly you’re questioning everything?Lauren and Cara unpack the invisible timelines and “shoulds” we carry around about careers, success, relationships and adulthood. They talk about what happens when you hit a milestone you weren’t expecting, and how to figure out whether the expectations in your head are actually yours.This conversation challenges the idea that comparison can simply be avoided. You live in the real world, where other people's careers and choices inevitably influence how you see your own progress.
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  Toxic Peace: How to Build a Culture of Healthy Disagreement 15.09.2026 6мин

  A workplace can look peaceful on the surface while serious problems go unspoken underneath.Toxic peace happens when teams avoid disagreement, difficult conversations, and new ideas in the name of keeping things comfortable. The result can be stagnation, unresolved problems, and a culture where people stop saying what they really think.In this episode, Cara and Lauren explore the warning signs of toxic peace, why teams fall into it, and practical ways to create a healthier culture of disagreement—from changing the setting for difficult conversations to practicing low-stakes conflict.
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  Let's Be Honest - Season 3 08.09.2026 1мин

  Unspoken Career Truths is back—and we're going from work to life.What happens when you realize your career is only one part of the life you're trying to build?In Season 3, we are expanding the conversation beyond careers to talk about the stuff that actually shapes your 20s and 30s. Money, health, happiness, friendship, love, work, and everything in between.Expect honest conversations, hard-earned wisdom, practical advice, and plenty of “wait, is everyone else figuring this out too?” moments. We're also continuing our Wisdom Under Fire debates to take on the ridiculous clichés and conventional advice that don't always stand up to scrutiny.New episodes drop Tuesdays and Thursdays starting September 15. Shorter episodes mean you can listen while you're getting ready, commuting, or pretending you're not checking your email.Still Unspoken Career Truths. Just…more life.Send us your questions and find us on Instagram and LinkedIn.
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  Ghosted by Recruiters, Haunted by AI: The Unspoken Truth About Job Hunting in 2026 25.06.2026 13мин

  AI-generated resumes. Fake recruiters. Hiring delays that seem to stretch forever.If job hunting feels stranger than it used to, you're not imagining it.In this season finale, Cara and Lauren explore three trends creating frustration for job seekers today: AI-generated resumes, fake job postings and recruiting scams, and the growing problem of employer ghosting and hiring delays.Drawing on their experience working with candidates, hiring managers, and employers, they explain what's happening behind the scenes, why hiring timelines have become more unpredictable, and what job seekers can do to improve their chances of standing out.Along the way, they share practical advice on networking, evaluating opportunities, avoiding scams, and navigating a hiring process that increasingly relies on automation.Whether you're actively searching for a new role or simply trying to understand today's employment landscape, this conversation offers useful context—and a few reasons for optimism.
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  Stop Asking for Jobs. Start Having Conversations. 18.06.2026 19мин

  The best career opportunities usually start with a conversation. They never appear on job boards and instead emerge through conversations, relationships, and professional networks built over time.In this episode, we discuss informational interviews : how to start them, what to ask, what not to do, and why these conversations can completely change the direction of your career.We cover:How to reach out without sounding transactionalQuestions people actually enjoy answeringThe hidden job marketBuilding relationships before you need themWhether you're job hunting, exploring a career pivot, or just trying to meet interesting people, this episode will help you turn awkward networking into meaningful conversations.
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  Want the Job? Show Your Work. 11.06.2026 14мин

  Most candidates spend interview preparation memorizing answers. The best candidates do something different. Learn what hiring managers are really looking for in interviews. In this episode, Cara and Lauren shared their best and toughest interview questions. We discuss how to communicate your thinking process, why real examples matter, and how to pivot so you can own the narrative of your career. If you've got interviews coming up, this episode might help you land the job. We want to know your nightmare interview questions and which ones you always expect to be asked.
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  Before You Apply Anywhere, Ask These 4 Questions 04.06.2026 20мин

  Here's a practical framework for understanding industries, employers, skills, and opportunities in a changing job market.The job market feels confusing, contradictory, and honestly a little chaotic. One headline says nobody's hiring. Another says companies can't find talent.This episode will help you move from overwhelm to informed action. Cara and Lauren break down a simple framework for evaluating career opportunities: Which industry, Who's hiring, What skills are in demand, and Where opportunities exist.Whether you're graduating, changing careers, or wondering if AI is about to disrupt your field, you'll learn how to cut through the noise, research industries strategically, and make smarter job-search decisions.
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  The Workplace Politics Playbook Nobody Gives You 28.05.2026 14мин

  Nobody tells you this when you start your career: Doing great work is only part of the job.There’s also the hidden dynamics of personalities and power. In other words, workplace politics.In this episode, Lauren and Cara talk candidly about the office politics nobody explains until you get blindsided by them. From confusing promotions to invisible power structures to difficult personalities, they unpack how workplace politics really work and how to navigate them without becoming manipulative.
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  Complaining at Work: Healthy Venting or Career Sabotage? 21.05.2026 9мин

  Venting at work can feel productive, cathartic, and even bonding. But over time, chronic negativity can quietly damage your reputation, drain your team, and limit your influence. Cara and Lauren explore the psychology of workplace complaining, why some employees become known as the “department of no,” and how leaders can address toxic venting before it spreads through company culture.We discuss:the difference between venting and destructive complaininghow pessimism impacts creativity and collaborationwhy smart, pragmatic employees sometimes become cynicshow managers should handle chronic complainerswhen workplace frustration is actually a sign it’s time for changePerfect for managers, ambitious professionals, HR leaders, and anyone trying to survive office politics without becoming the toxic coworker everyone avoids.
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  Perfect Doesn’t Exist, So Why Are We Chasing It? 14.05.2026 18мин

  Perfectionism can look productive on the surface (high standards, attention to detail, ambition) but what happens when the pursuit of “perfect” starts fueling anxiety, burnout, and impossible expectations? In this episode, Lauren Livak Gilbert and Cara Wood unpack the psychology of perfectionism, how hustle culture and social media intensified it, and how to go after your own growth and happiness.They explore:perfectionism at workburnout and anxietysocial media comparisonleadership pressureAI and human authenticityredefining success and growthIf you’ve ever felt like nothing you do is “good enough,” this conversation is for you.
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  Procrastination Fixes: Why Motivation Isn’t Enough (and What Helps) 07.05.2026 15мин

  We all procrastinate. But how can you gauge why it’s happening and how to move forward on what matters most? In this episode, Cara and Lauren break down the real reason you procrastinate (hint: it’s not laziness). From the neuroscience behind avoidance to practical tools like time blocking and accountability systems, we share how to finally take action on what matters.If you’ve ever felt stuck between urgent tasks and meaningful work, this conversation will help you reset your priorities and move forward.
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  The 3 Levels of Toxic Bosses (Most People Miss Level 2) 30.04.2026 23мин

  From nightmare bosses to subtle manipulation, not all toxic bosses look the same! Misreading the signs can cost you your sanity, your confidence, and your career. In this episode, we break down the 3 levels of toxic leadership, how to spot them early, and what to do to get the boss of your dreams. Cara and Lauren unpack real signs, share relatable examples (yes, including our favorite fictional villains), and talk honestly about how to rebuild after working for a toxic leader.
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  How to Manage Up at Work (Without Feeling Manipulative) 23.04.2026 18мин

  Ever feel like you’re doing everything right at work and somehow still getting blindsided?In this episode, Lauren and Cara break down the underrated skill that can change everything: managing up. From meetings that go completely off the rails to the invisible dynamics that shape how decisions actually get made, they unpack what’s really going on behind the scenes.You’ll learn how to:Understand what your manager actually cares about (hint: it’s not always what they say)Communicate in a way that gets heard—and acted onAvoid the “I thought we were aligned” trapSet your boss (and yourself) up for success without feeling manipulativeThis isn’t about being political or manipulative. It’s about making your work land, your voice count, and your life a whole lot easier.
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  Wisdom Under Fire: Is “Lead by Example” Enough? 16.04.2026 10мин

  Is “lead by example” the golden rule of leadership, or is it incomplete?In this episode of Wisdom Under Fire, Cara and Lauren unpack the origins of this familiar phrase, from ancient philosophy to modern leadership thinking. Part leadership playbook, part reality check, the conversation might make you rethink how you show up every day.If you answer emails on weekends… your team probably feels like they have to.
If you jump in and do the work… your team won’t forget it.We share stories from the workplace, questioning whether example is enough, and asking a bigger question: What do people actually follow—your actions or your vision?
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  Balancing Support and Strategy in Servant Leadership 09.04.2026 15мин

  If you’ve ever thought, “I want to be a great manager” this episode will crystalize how. We discuss the ins and outs of servant leadership. Lauren and Cara talk about burnout, boundaries, invisible wins, and why leadership isn’t about picking a single style. If you're navigating early leadership roles, balancing ambition with empathy, or figuring out your management style, this episode will give you a more honest, modern framework for leading.
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  You're in Charge, Now What? 02.04.2026 18мин

  New leader? Don’t panic, this episode has you covered. Cara and Lauren share the first hurdles you’ll face when managing people, projects, and expectations. Learn how to prioritize your team, communicate effectively, make critical decisions, and define your leadership style without losing yourself in the process. From navigating relationships with former peers to taking your seat at a new table of other managers, they share practical tips, personal stories, and leadership lessons every new manager needs to thrive.
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  Network Upgrade: How to Build Connections That Lead to Real Opportunities 26.03.2026 23мин

  If networking feels fake or uncomfortable, you’re doing it wrong. This episode covers how to build real connections that open doors—without forcing yourself into someone else’s style. Cara and Lauren discuss a more authentic approach to networking—one rooted in curiosity, small intentional actions, and genuine connection. You’ll learn how to start conversations without the awkwardness, build relationships over time, and use simple strategies to turn everyday interactions into real opportunities.
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  From Burnout to Bounce Back: How to Train Resilience 19.03.2026 16мин

  Resilience isn’t something you are—it’s something you build. Cara and Lauren break down the science, share real-life strategies, and show how to create your own “moat” to handle stress, burnout, and change.
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  The Power of Kind Leadership: Practicing Empathy at the Office 12.03.2026 26мин

  Empathy isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s the skill that separates good managers from great leaders. In this episode, Cara and Lauren explore how empathy drives trust, engagement, and performance at work, even in a world full of automation and AI.Learn actionable strategies to:Understand and respond to the emotions of your teamPractice active listening and perspective-takingUse empathy to navigate cultural, generational, and organizational differencesLead with kindness without sacrificing resultsFrom small gestures on the commute to guiding your team through change, this episode shows how empathy creates better workplaces, stronger teams, and more effective leaders.
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  Affective Presence: How to Influence the Mood and Improve Your Impact 05.03.2026 25мин

  Ever wonder why some people can walk into a meeting and change the energy in the room? In this episode, Cara and Lauren break down effective presence: the invisible skill that makes you more influential, persuasive, and memorable at work.Learn how to:Read the room and respond to moods before they derail your teamUse your energy intentionally — without faking it — to guide outcomesBalance leadership presence with personal boundaries, even in hybrid or remote workTurn natural tendencies into strengths, and spot where they might backfireWhether you’re leading a team, presenting on Zoom, or navigating office dynamics, this episode gives you actionable strategies to influence, inspire, and show up with impact every single day. Mentioned in this episode: https://www.ted.com/speakers/camille_brown