Midlife can often feel like a crossroads where career progression shifts from exciting endeavors to navigating office politics and mundane tasks. But what if you could transform this phase into one of profound fulfillment and purpose? Join me, Carla Hudson, as I share insights and personal anecdotes on the Purposeful Career Podcast about how shifting our perspectives can breathe life back into our careers. Discover how societal pressures push us into ticking off life milestones without truly shaping the latter half of our lives. We’ll explore how to identify and overcome the four common perspective traps that can hinder our satisfaction and fulfillment, and learn to realign our focus towards what truly matters.

As mid-career leaders, we often grapple with feelings of regret and gratitude, wondering about roads not taken. Let’s turn that reflection into appreciation for the richness of our current journey. I’ll share my own story of transitioning from a blue-collar background to a fulfilling career, highlighting the importance of finding lessons in our experiences. We’ll discuss practical strategies to maintain boundaries so that career demands don’t overtake personal life, no matter how passionate we are about our work. Together, we’ll navigate these complex emotions and discover how to weave seemingly trivial tasks into a meaningful tapestry that contributes to a greater purpose. Tune in to transform midlife challenges into opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

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Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Can you transform your life's narrative with the same strategic prowess as Apple or Starbucks? Discover how crafting your personal brand, just like these corporate giants, can redefine how you present yourself to the world. Join me, Carla Hudson, as we unravel the intricacies of building a personal brand narrative that mirrors the strategies of these iconic companies. By understanding the interplay of vision, mission, promise, positioning, and values, you can unlock the core identity that guides your personal and professional journey. This episode promises not only inspiration but also a sneak peek into upcoming masterclasses that will provide you with practical tools to shape your personal brand and propel your personal growth.

Imagine the possibilities when you truly embrace self-awareness and reflection to define your personal brand identity. This episode challenges you to consider what sets you apart in your professional and personal circles, urging you to reflect on your values and the experiences you create for others. As we explore the art of articulating your unique positioning, envision not just the person you are today but who you aspire to become over the decades. It's not just about recognizing where you stand but redefining where you want to go, beyond past narratives and societal expectations.

Embrace the transformative power of intentional self-reinvention and design your ideal personal identity. Many of us find ourselves on autopilot, but by pausing and crafting a new brand narrative, you can embark on a journey filled with purpose and authenticity. Weigh the comfort of the familiar against the possibilities of an intentional life path, and consider the profound impact this can have on your life and those around you. With the Next Level Coaching Program, you'll have the opportunity to deepen these insights and apply them to both your career and personal life, taking decisive steps towards your aspirations. Ready to redefine your life's mission? Let's take that courageous step together.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Life throws curveballs, especially in midlife when societal expectations and personal challenges intertwine. I, Carla Hudson, share my personal journey from a high school student with limited discipline to a successful hairstylist to corporate brand strategy executive and beyond, highlighting the resilience needed to transition into a flourishing career with major companies.

This episode is a heartfelt exploration of how we can redefine failure, not as a dead-end, but as a choice and an opportunity to learn and grow. By analyzing typical paths people take after a setback, we can discover how to shift from a mindset of self-doubt to one of empowerment.

As we navigate through the complexities of life’s unexpected challenges, it becomes evident that failures are rarely from a single source. Reflecting on my own experiences, like a marriage that ended in divorce, I discuss how embracing the lessons from these experiences can lead to immense personal growth. By viewing life as a deck of cards with unknown outcomes, we find strength in choosing not to be defined by failures but by the wisdom gained through them. It’s about reframing our narratives and redefining personal checklists to better handle the hurdles that come our way.

To close, I extend an invitation to join our community through a life coaching program, Next Level, designed to transform aspirations into tangible realities. This program builds on the empowering concepts discussed, offering a structured approach to applying them in both personal and professional spheres. Let’s embark on this journey together, where setbacks become stepping stones to a more fulfilling and resilient life. Join us at thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel and start redefining your path with renewed purpose and motivation.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Ever feel like you're on autopilot, juggling countless responsibilities while your own needs fall by the wayside? Meet Rebecca, a coaching client who bravely decided to hit the brakes and rewrite her own story. We explore her journey from senior director to vice president in a healthcare organization, all while keeping her passion for music alive. Rebecca’s story is a testament to how pursuing personal interests and integrating self-care can lead to career success and personal fulfillment.

Inspired by Rebecca's candid reflections, we dig deep into the emotional realization that traditional roles and expectations can obscure our own needs. Despite being the primary breadwinner, Rebecca found herself slipping into conventional gender roles within her relationship, a dynamic that was far from fulfilling. This chapter of her life is a compelling narrative about breaking free from societal expectations and prioritizing self-care, even as I share my own battle of self-neglect during a family crisis. Together, we unravel the painful yet transformative epiphany of valuing oneself—an awakening that many of us face in our journey.

Boosting your mental health and embracing self-care isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. We discuss practical strategies for crafting a consistent self-care routine that respects your mental and physical health. Whether it's scheduling time for exercise or simply acknowledging your self-worth through daily self-coaching, these empowering practices can have a profound impact on your life. For those ready to take this journey further, consider exploring my virtual coaching program, Next Level, and take the first step towards making your career and personal life everything you dream it could be.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of the world around you? Today, I share my personal journey through the stormy seas of life's uncontrollable events, from the political landscape to the relentless flow of social media and the global pandemic. What if the key to stability and peace lies not in taming the external world, but in mastering our internal responses? Join me as I recount my own challenges, including the heart-wrenching loss of both parents in a short span, and how these experiences revealed the profound importance of focusing on what we can control—our actions, thoughts, and responses.

This episode isn't just about personal anecdotes; it's a guide to navigating life's chaos with clarity and purpose. We'll explore how centering ourselves on our core values and goals can transform our productivity and presence, even in the most unpredictable times. Additionally, discover the transformative potential of the Next Level program, a virtual coaching membership designed to apply these principles to elevate your career and life. Together, let's embark on a journey toward becoming our most powerful, centered selves. Visit the purposefulcareer.com/nextlevel to join this empowering community and start making your dreams a reality.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

What if your mid-career crisis is actually the key to unlocking your true potential?

In this episode, we tackle the emotional and practical hurdles of significant career changes, with a spotlight on the tech industry's current upheavals. We'll guide you through understanding your feelings, regaining control, and proactively steering your career in a direction that aligns with your evolving passions and goals. Whether you're facing layoffs, relocations, or just dealing with a sense of personal dissatisfaction, we provide five actionable steps to help you navigate your transition confidently.

We'll delve into the complex reality of embracing change in mid-career stages, where the stakes are higher due to responsibilities like mortgages and children. Ignoring your evolving desires can keep you stuck in a seemingly safe but ultimately unfulfilling job. We outline a five-phase sequence of thoughts and actions to help you recognize when it’s time to open a new door, even if it feels daunting. Honesty about the need for change and continuous forward movement are emphasized as key to breaking free from your comfort zone.

Finally, we explore the profound importance of letting go of past ideals to move forward in your career. Using the metaphor of a trapeze artist, we illustrate the necessity of releasing your grip on old paths to embrace new opportunities. By recognizing the need for change, letting go of the past, exploring new possibilities, committing to a new path, and adjusting your self-image, you can navigate your career transition with confidence. If you're ready to find success and fulfillment in your evolving career journey, this episode is your roadmap. For personalized coaching support, don’t hesitate to reach out via email or Instagram.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Feeling stuck in midlife? Discover the keys to breaking free from stagnation and reigniting your personal and professional passions. Join me, Carla Hudson, as we explore the often-overlooked internal issues that keep us trapped. We’ll unpack why a staggering 69% of mid-career individuals feel stagnant, and how neglecting our true desires plays a pivotal role. This episode will guide you towards focusing on inner clarity and addressing core issues rather than seeking superficial changes.

Ever wondered how much time you could reclaim by rethinking everyday tasks? Together, we'll explore how rethinking your time and getting help from other services can free up valuable time each week for more meaningful pursuits. Learn how to better allocate your time and resources to foster productivity and well-being. Additionally, we'll dive into the complex relationship between time management, fear, and personal growth, revealing how busy schedules often hide deeper fears of change and failure. By redefining our self-image and confronting these fears head-on, you'll gain the tools to create a balanced, fulfilling life. Don't miss this chance to transform your midlife journey!

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.

Is your mid-career enthusiasm starting to fizzle out? Carla Hudson unpacks the essential steps to "refire" your career between the ages of 39 and 54. Navigate the challenges of the so-called "saggy middle" and discover how to rekindle your professional passion amidst life's increasing responsibilities. Learn how shifting your mindset to actively create opportunities, rather than waiting for them to come your way, can transform your career trajectory. Carla discusses the importance of listening to your inner voice, recognizing when you're plateauing, and taking actionable steps to maintain motivation and growth.

In another segment, we explore why over half of US workers are seeking a career change and the barriers holding them back, such as financial security and the belief that it's too late to learn new skills. Carla encourages listeners to honor their inner voice and explore new opportunities, dispelling the myth that reinvention is not an option mid-career. Through practical examples and insights, you're guided on how to re-evaluate your career path, work on your self-concept, and make choices that truly align with your passions. Tune in to empower yourself to overcome fear, pursue your aspirations, and keep the spark alive in your career journey.

Do you have a question you'd like to have addressed on the podcast? Want to give us some feedback or suggestions? Click here to send us a text.

Follow us on Instagram @thepurposefulcareer.
Learn more about Next Level, our monthly membership at https://www.thepurposefulcareer.com/nextlevel.