Have you ever stopped to ask yourself: Am I actually living the life I want?

So many of us follow the traditional career path—go to school, get a job, climb the ladder—without questioning whether it’s truly what we want. But what if there was another way?

In this episode of Destination Dream Job, I had an incredible conversation with Kelly about designing a career that aligns with your values, priorities, and life stage. We talked about:

🌱 The Sow, Grow, Slow framework—how to recognize what career season you’re in and make decisions accordingly 🚀 Why freedom and flexibility are essential for long-term career fulfillment ⏸️ How taking a career break can actually propel you forward (yes, really!) 🔎 The importance of defining your North Star—so every career decision moves you closer to a life you truly love

Kelly shared so many game-changing insights, and this episode is a must-listen if you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or just ready for more alignment in your work.

Connect with Kelly:

IG & TikTok: @careerslay LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-burke/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/career-slay/id1645861695

Your career isn’t just about finding a job—it’s about finding the right job.

This week’s podcast episode with Gerry Gadoury we talk about just that. Here are my top 3 takeaways:

✅ Alignment is Everything: When your personal values align with your company’s mission, you’re more likely to thrive and perform at your best. When they don’t, friction sets in, leading to dissatisfaction and burnout.

✅ Interviews Are a Two-Way Street: It’s not just about the company evaluating you—you need to evaluate them too. Ask about company culture, leadership styles, and growth opportunities to ensure it’s the right fit.

✅ Ask the Right Questions: Don’t wait until you’re hired to find out if it’s a good match. Questions like “Why do you enjoy working here?” or “What career growth opportunities exist within the company?” can reveal a lot.

Take control of your job search by being intentional about where you invest your time and energy.

Connect with Gerry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gerrygadoury/

Connect with Steph: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/

How to Lead with Authenticity and Vulnerability

In this week's episode, I chat with Melissa Creede, a leadership expert who shares powerful insights on how leaders can embrace authenticity while maintaining authority. We dive deep into how transparency can positively influence teams and what it takes to find a balance between vulnerability and authority.

Top takeaways you can apply today:

• Be transparent about your challenges: Let your team know when you're having an off day. It builds trust and stops assumptions from spreading.
• Vulnerability with purpose: Share your struggles only when it serves to connect or teach others, not as a burden.
• Understand your values: Knowing your top 3-5 core values will help you align with your authentic self and guide decision-making.
• Connect beyond personal stories: Ask team members about their work experiences and feelings to connect on a deeper, human level.

Listen to the episode for more actionable advice on leading with authenticity.

Connect with Melissa:

www.linkedin.com/in/melissacreede/ www.instagram.com/leadwithmelissa/ www.tiktok.com/@leadwithmelissa

Connect with Steph:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephgillies/

Website: https://www.destinationdreamjob.com/