The Career Diet Podcast

Episoder

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  67: Successful but unfulfilled? How to build a career you actually love with Irina Posan 04.09.2026 36min

  SummaryWelcome back to The Career Diet Podcast!What happens when you finally get the career you worked so hard for... and one day realize you don’t want it anymore?That’s where career coach and Career Cravings founder Irina Posan found herself—sitting in the parking lot of her dream job, trying to convince herself to walk inside. She had the Director title, a great boss, and was being groomed for the next big promotion. Everything was going exactly to plan. But something had changed.In this episode, Irina and I talk about “identity lag”—> what happens when you’ve changed, but your career hasn’t caught up. We share the signs we both experienced when careers we once loved stopped feeling right, and how to start exploring what’s next without throwing away everything you’ve built.If you’ve ever thought, “this is exactly what I wanted... so why doesn’t it feel right anymore?” this conversation will help you look at that feeling differently.What You’ll Learn in this Episode:Why a career you once loved can suddenly stop feeling rightWhat “identity lag” is and how to recognize when it might be happening to youThe subtle signs that you may have outgrown your old definition of successWhy the obvious answer to “what’s next?” might not actually be what you wantHow to explore a completely different career direction without blowing up your lifeWhy conversations can help you test your next move before making a big decisionAbout Our GuestIrina Posan is a career coach and founder of Career Cravings. After 15 years in HR, she now helps professionals build careers that feel meaningful and connected to the lives they actually want to live. She is also the author of The Career You Crave and host of The Career Cravings Podcast.Ready to Rethink Your Career?If you’re an experienced professional who has achieved success but no longer feels fulfilled by the path you’re on, it may be time to look beyond the next promotion and get clearer on what you actually want.Book a free strategy call with my team to identify what may be holding your career back and explore how the Star Candidate Program can help you build a stronger path toward your next $150K+ offer: https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callConnect With MeInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/Connect With IrinaInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/careercoachirina/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinaposan/Irina Posan Website:www.irinaposan.comThe Career Cravings Podcast:https://open.spotify.com/show/7vj83mBzyS6eFUKr9tS2aA
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  66: Why job search basics still matter in the era of AI with Mac Prichard 21.08.2026 33min

  Welcome back to The Career Diet Podcast!AI has made it easier than ever to apply for jobs. So why does getting noticed by the right employer seem harder than ever?In this episode, I sit down with Mac Prichard, a recruitment and career expert with more than 25 years of experience, to talk about what’s actually happening on both sides of the hiring process and why the fundamentals of a strong job search matter even more in the era of AI.We dig into the employer perspective: what happens when technology makes it possible for candidates to apply at scale, how that changes the hiring process for the employer and why sending more applications isn’t giving you an advantage.Mac shares what he sees successful job seekers doing differently and we also talk about where AI can make your search better, without letting it replace the human connection that ultimately helps you stand out.If you’ve been wondering whether the old rules of job searching still apply in an AI-driven market, this conversation offers a refreshingly practical perspective.What You’ll Learn in this EpisodeWhat AI has changed for job seekers and employersWhy applying to hundreds of jobs may not be the advantage you think it isThe job search fundamentals Mac still sees working after 25+ years in recruitmentWhy clarity about what you want can make your search more effectiveHow relationships and referrals help you stand out when employers are overwhelmed with applicationsWhere AI can genuinely help your search and where the human element still mattersAbout Our GuestMac Prichard is a recruitment and career expert, founder of Mac’s List, and host of the Find Your Dream Job podcast. He has more than 25 years of experience in recruitment and brings a unique perspective from working with both employers and job seekers.Ready to take a more strategic approach to your job search?If you’re an experienced professional struggling to cut through the noise of today’s competitive, AI-driven job market, we can help you build a clearer strategy for finding and landing the right senior-level opportunity.Book a free strategy call with my team to identify where your search may be getting stuck and learn how the Star Candidate Program can help you move beyond applications and build a more effective path to your next $150K+ offer: https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-call Connect With MeInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/Connect With Mac LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/macprichard/Mac’s Listhttps://www.macslist.org/Find Your Dream Job Podcast:https://www.macslist.org/podcasts
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  65: How focused should you be in your job search: 3 target companies or 100s of applications? 14.08.2026 31min

  If you’ve applied to 30, 60, or even 100+ roles, I understand why. Going wider feels safer. More applications should mean more chances to land an interview… right?But what if a bigger job search is actually making you a weaker candidate?In this episode, we’re talking about focus and what it really means when you’re searching for a senior-level role. Because focus does not mean choosing three companies and hoping for the best. And it also doesn’t mean applying to everything that “might be a fit”. So what does a focused search actually look like? I’ll break it down and share how one of our clients changed her approach after a rejection—and went on to land a nearly $200K offer at the same company.If your job search keeps getting wider but your results are not improving, this episode will help you rethink where your time and energy should actually go.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why applying to more roles can create a false sense of safetyHow a broad search quietly weakens your positioningWhat being focused actually means at the senior levelHow to balance target companies with great opportunities already on the marketWhy going deeper on fewer opportunities can make you a much stronger candidateReady to build a more focused strategy for your next senior role?If you're applying consistently but your search still feels scattered or is not producing the results you want, we can help.Schedule a free strategy call with my team to identify where your search is losing focus and see how the Star Candidate System can help you build a clearer target, stronger positioning, and a more intentional path toward your next $150K+ offer.Connect With MeInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/
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  64: Interviewing vs. positioning: why you’re not getting the offer when you’re qualified 07.08.2026 22min

  Welcome back to The Career Diet Podcast! If you're getting interviews but not offers, it's time to rethink your strategy.The approach that helped you land a $70K or even a $100K role won't get you a $150K+ offer. At the senior level, employers aren't just deciding if you're qualified… they're deciding whether you're the right investment.In this episode, we break down the difference between interviewing and positioning, why that distinction matters more as you move into senior roles, and what employers need to believe about you before they'll make an offer. I also walk you through the simple framework we use with our clients to prepare for interviews strategically.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why interview preparation for a $150K+ role should look different than it did earlier in your careerThe difference between interviewing well and positioning yourself as the obvious hireWhy your experience doesn't speak for itself—and what employers actually want to hear insteadThe three questions behind our Interview Alignment PlanHow to connect your experience directly to a company's biggest prioritiesReady to level up your interview strategy and position yourself for your next senior-level role?Book a free strategy call with my team. We will look at your job search, identify where you are getting stuck, and show you how we can help you move toward your next $150K+ opportunity faster.Connect With MeInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/
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  63: How to become a better leader with Robert Adams 31.07.2026 45min

  You can be hitting every number and still be a bad leader. That was Robert Adams' wake-up call. Right after losing the VP role he thought was the peak of his career, a mentor told him bluntly: "You've left your people behind you."In this episode, I sit down with behavioral leadership coach Robert Adams to unpack the important lessons behind his 40-year leadership journey. From working in his family's catering business as a kid to running a $400M division— he shares the moments that forced him to rebuild his leadership style from the ground up.We talk about why being great at your job isn't enough once you're leading people, how to get honest feedback instead of the polite kind, and the leadership framework he built around something surprisingly simple: a table setting.
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  MVP: FAQ: How do I find target companies? 24.07.2026 18min

  Are you overwhelmed trying to figure out which companies you should actually be targeting? In this episode, I break down my framework to help you identify the right target companies—so you can stop panic-applying, stop wasting hours on roles that aren’t aligned, and finally start making traction in your job search.Ready to land your dream $150k+ offer in 2-5 months? Don’t miss our free live event, the “150K+ Offers Job Search Sprint.” Only 50 spots available, apply here to grab yours now.Follow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  MVP: Job searching is selling (Replay) 03.07.2026 26min

  You’re great at what you do. You’ve worked with name-brand clients, maybe even held a big title at a company everyone knows.And now that you’re job searching, you can’t help but think — How could they not give me the job? It’s a no-brainer!In this episode, we talk about why having the experience isn’t the same as knowing how to build visibility and communicate your value in a way that gets you hired for a $150k+ role.Because when you’re selling a high-value product — you — a polished resume isn’t enough.If you’re ready to learn the skills to position yourself a strategic hire, book a free Career Strategy Call with my team here. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  62: How I became confident 26.06.2026 25min

  Are you waiting to feel completely "ready" before going after the senior-level roles and high-tier salary you actually want?It might surprise you, but I wasn't always the confident person I appear to be today. From psyching myself up just to make a phone call to my ski coach, to completely freezing up in front of a room full of people during business school, I had to build my confidence from the ground up.In this episode, I am pulling back the curtain on my own career journey to share the pivotal mindset shifts that helped me get to where I am today.If you are waiting for the "perfect" moment to finally feel ready for your next big career leap, this episode will challenge how you think about self-doubt, competence, and success.What you’ll discover in this episode:The reality of "natural" confidence (spoiler: it’s not what you think).Why waiting to feel ready is the fastest way to stay stuck.The uncomfortable, necessary experiences that actually build resilience.How to stop letting fear dictate your next move.Ready to land your next senior $150K+ role in weeks, not months?Book a free strategy call with us to narrow down what’s breaking down in your senior job search, what exactly needs to change, and how we can help.Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/
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  61: How to make time for job search when you're working full-time 19.06.2026 19min

  In this episode, I share exactly how to strategically block your calendar so you stop job searching only "when you feel like it." What You’ll Learn:Why job searching while employed gives you a strategic advantage and less pressure.How to build a non-negotiable schedule that works with your actual daily energy levels.The exact difference between vague tasks and the concrete goals required to land a multi six-figure role.How to plan your sessions ahead of time so you never waste an hour just scrolling open roles.Why you must focus your limited time on just two main priorities: networking and interview prep.Ready to stop guessing and get a detailed plan with specific goals? Book a call with us to explore if the Start Canada program is a fit for you
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  MVP: Confidence for job interviews (Replay) 12.06.2026 22min

  Welcome back to The Career Diet Podcast! If interviews have ever felt like high-pressure auditions where you’re being judged, it’s time to change your approach. Interviews aren’t about convincing someone to hire you—they’re about having a real conversation and deciding together if the fit is right.In this episode, I’m sharing what most job seekers don’t realize about the interview process, how hiring managers are really thinking, and how to reclaim your confidence before you even walk in the door.What you’ll learn in this episode:✅ How to shift the power dynamic and show up as a confident collaborator✅ Why interviews are mutual evaluations—not one-sided tests✅ What’s going on behind the scenes for hiring managers (and how it helps you)✅ The mindset shift that changes everything about how you interview✅ Three powerful journaling prompts to help you feel grounded and in control🚀 If you're ready to stop doubting yourself and start showing up as the star candidate you are, this episode is for you!Want to master the interview process once and for all? Enroll in Master the Interview 2.0 and gain lifetime access to the tools, frameworks, and practice you need to shine in every interview: https://thecareerdiet.com/the-star-candidate/Ready to take action towards your dream 6-figure career? Book a free call with my team today, and let’s explore how we can support your career journey: https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-call Ready to become the candidate every hiring manager wants? Enroll in the Star Candidate Program today! Click here to join: https://thecareerdiet.com/the-star-candidate/ Follow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: The Career Diet
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  60: Landing your first VP role with Katy McFee 05.06.2026 41min

  Are you an ambitious female professional struggling to finally break into a VP-level role?In this episode, I interview Katy McFee—former executive VP, Forty Under 40 recipient, and certified executive coach—about how she spent five years stuck in a director role before turning her corporate career around.You’ll hear how she shifted from a reactive employee mindset to an intentional executive presence, stopped getting trapped in day-to-day execution, and learned to communicate with true authority to land her first VP and EVP roles.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why outworking your team and relying on hustle stops working once you aim for senior leadership.How to conduct a calendar and task audit to carve out two hours of protected time for deep, strategic thinking.Why your communication style and asking for approval might accidentally signal that you aren't ready for the VP title.How to stop bringing problems to your manager and start presenting firm, executive-level recommendations instead.The importance of creating a stakeholder map to build strategic visibility and influence beyond your direct boss.About Our Guest:Katy McFee is a former executive (VP/EVP), Forty Under 40 recipient, and host of the More Women Promoted podcast. As a certified executive coach, she's helped hundreds of women transition to, and thrive in, senior leadership. Drawing from her own challenging path to the executive suite, Katy is dedicated to closing the gender gap by helping women step into senior roles with confidence and authenticity. Katy has been featured in Business Insider and has published multiple articles about women and leadership in Forbes.com as a contributor.Take Katy’s free assessment to see how close you are to being VP-ready: Follow Katy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katy-mcfee-3880b4a/Connect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/
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  59: How David moved from the U.S. to Switzerland and landed a leadership offer in under 6 Months — without applying 29.05.2026 35min

  Are you trying to balance a full-time role with a serious job search? Or dreaming about making a big career move — like relocating internationally or landing a leadership role — but not sure how to actually make it happen?In this episode, I interview David about how he landed a leadership offer in under 6 months that took him from the U.S. to Switzerland — without applying — while navigating a busy full-time role and major personal life changes.You’ll hear how he used the intentional networking strategy he learned inside The Star Candidate Program, met his future hiring manager five months before the offer was made, and navigated informal visits instead of traditional interviews to land the right fit.What you’ll learn in this episode:Why applying one role at a time wasn’t creating enough tractionHow David treated his job search like a strategic sales pipelineHow he made time for a serious job search while working full-timeWhy intentional networking helped him break into a niche international marketHow he met his future hiring manager five months before the offer was madeWhy senior-level interviews often look like informal conversations, visits, and relationship-buildingHow David used an Impact Preview Deck to show his value before receiving an offerWhy he turned down the first offer — and how that led to a betterReady to build a strategic job search pipeline and start creating real opportunities?Book a free strategy call with my team to dive into your goals today. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callConnect with me:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/
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  58: 5 unhinged ways to accelerate your job search 22.05.2026 14min

  Are you playing it too safe in your job search? In this episode, I share five "unhinged" but highly effective strategies to accelerate your job search and instantly stand out. Ready to land your next $150K+ senior role? Book a free strategy call with our team today to map out your next move. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-call
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  57: 10 Networking rules for people who hate networking 15.05.2026 29min

  Are you frustrated that your networking efforts aren’t leading to the career growth you expected?Anna breaks down the 10 networking foundations so you can stop the guesswork and start securing the intel, referrals, and interviews required for a senior-level role. You’ll learn how to increase your volume and maintain a sustainable habit that turns networking into your most powerful professional tool.Ready to land your next $150k+ role in weeks, not months? Book your free career strategy call here.https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  56: Answering uncomfortable questions in interviews (gaps, skill you don’t have, salary) 08.05.2026 16min

  Are you tired of shrinking when interview questions focus on why you left your last role or what your expected salary is?In this episode, I’m unpacking the exact talk tracks and communication principles you need to stay neutral, confident, and concise during high-stakes interviews. You’ll learn why you should never start your answer with a negative and how to state your salary expectations without the need to justify your worth.Ready to stop over-explaining and start commanding your worth? Book a call to master your high-ticket career strategy today. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  55: How to thrive during job search (especially after a layoff) 01.05.2026 14min

  Going through a layoff and feeling like job search has completely taken over your life?Learn how to stay mindful and proactive by separating your self-worth from the hiring timeline, which is often outside of your control. In this episode, I provide a clear plan to manage your thoughts and energy so you can show up at your best for every high-stakes interview.Ready to turn your job search into a strategic win? Book your strategy call here to see how we can help you get where you want to be. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  54: How much time should you really dedicate to interview prep? 24.04.2026 22min

  Are you still treating interview prep as a last-minute task and wondering why you aren’t converting those interviews into offers?In this episode, I explain why preparing the night before isn't enough and how to develop a permanent interview skillset.You’ll learn how to build an Interview Alignment Plan and a Story Bank so you can reach peak interview shape.Ready to stop cold-applying and start converting interviews into a high-value offer? Book your strategy call here to see how we can help you land what's next. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  53: How long does a job search actually take at the senior level? 17.04.2026 18min

  How long should your job search take on average? Is 6 months too long? Is 3 months unrealistic?In this episode, I break down why the "average" job search timeline is a myth and identify the four specific factors that dictate how fast you’ll land your next $150k+ role.You'll learn how to audit your starting point and shift your strategy so your hours finally translate into referrals and interviews.Ready for clarity on your own job search? Book a free Career Strategy Call with my team to identify exactly where your senior-level move is getting stuck. https://thecareerdiet.com/podcast-callFollow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: thecareerdiet.com
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  MVP: Why employers say no: the objections you never hear (Replay) 03.04.2026 36min

  This week we’re revisiting one of our most impactful episodes on interviews because so many professionals walk out of interviews feeling like they did everything right, but still don’t get the offer.Anna breaks down what’s actually happening when interviews don’t convert. She talks about the unspoken objections hiring managers have and how those doubts show up in your interviews as well as how to identify those objections early and address them in a way that positions you as the clear choice.If you’re getting interviews but not offers, this will shift how you think about your entire interview strategy.And when you’re ready to turn interviews into offers and stop second-guessing your performance, book a free call with our team to see how we can support you.Follow The Career Diet on Instagram: @thecareerdietConnect with me on LinkedIn: Anna BelyaevaFind more resources on my website: The Career Diet
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  MVP: You Don’t NEED a Job (Replay) 27.03.2026 21min

  Saying “I need a job” might feel true—but it’s also what’s keeping you stuck.In this episode, Anna breaks down how that one phrase triggers your brain’s survival response and puts you into urgency, pressure, and short-term thinking. She walks through why this mindset makes it harder to show up strategically in your job search and what actually shifts when you start approaching it from a place of clarity instead.If you’ve been feeling stressed, reactive, or stuck in your job search, this episode will help you see what’s really driving that—and what needs to change.And if you’re ready to approach your job search with more clarity and strategy, book a free call with our team to see how we can support you.Follow The Career Diet on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thecareerdiet/Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annabelyaeva/Find more resources on my website: https://thecareerdiet.com