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Episode 267 helps you to deal with a toxic work environment. Many of my clients say they are seeking a career change because of a Toxic Workplace. Have you experienced one? We know they exist, and sadly, many of us may be tolerating one right now, or have survived by escaping from one.

In fact, the topic has been discussed so frequently that I’ve released a video post on my LinkedIn profile covering toxic workplaces and office bullies.

If you’re stuck with an office bully or “white ant” - that sneaky, termite-like colleague who gnaws away at your sanity while maintaining a false façade of support – in this episode I’ll provide a few tips on how to navigate the situation without losing your self-respect.

I was in a toxic environment in my career many years ago and, having only chosen to work in environments where I shared common values prior to that, this negative environment took me by surprise and I couldn’t believe how much it affected me.

I remember dreading Mondays and going in to work I would feel tearful before I arrived in anticipation of the stresses I would encounter. By the end of the day I was exhausted and unhappy. I simply couldn’t understand why, as a natural collaborator, I was in such a competitive, aggressive and non-supportive environment.

I hadn’t expected that the job spec would change so much when the incredible, warm and wonderfully supportive leader who hired me left the business (they must have seen the writing on the wall!), and a new leader took their place.

That new leader meant that everything changed. Culture, expectations, and a highly competitive, fearful and ‘blame’ environment developed.

My husband asked me why I didn’t just quit but I told him, “I’m not a quitter!” I was such a martyr!

However I soon realised that I couldn’t change anything but my own reactions, and for my own wellbeing and mental health I had to get out of that environment.

If you find yourself in a toxic environment, this episode covers some strategies to help you cope.

To make a successful Career Change, book a session with me at https://www.janejacksoncoach.com

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In this episode of Your Career Podcast, we share a LinkedIn Livestream during which Jane Jackson welcomes LinkedIn expert Kevin D. Turner to unpack LinkedIn’s latest features for job seekers.

With over 220 updates introduced recently, Jane and Kevin share invaluable insights on how to leverage LinkedIn’s evolving tools to enhance job search success.

Key LinkedIn Features discussed during our live broadcast include:

1. Optimising Your LinkedIn Profile for Recruiters
Kevin emphasises the importance of searchable job titles, verified skills, and filling out job preferences to ensure your profile appears in recruiter searches.

Job seekers should focus on selecting skills and experience from LinkedIn’s dropdown menus, which function as "market value filters," making profiles more searchable and ensuring they’re accurately ranked.

2. Leveraging New LinkedIn AI and Premium Tools
LinkedIn has introduced new AI features for cover letter and resume customization, making it easier to tailor applications for specific roles.

Additionally, tools like LinkedIn Learning, the job preference dashboard, and profile verification badges help boost credibility and visibility, particularly when used with premium membership features.

3. Building Genuine Connections with Voice and Video
Use LinkedIn’s voice pronunciation feature and in-message video/voice notes to make a memorable impression.

Creating engaging content and having authentic interactions help cultivate relationships with connections, setting the foundation for valuable networking and increased profile activity.

Jane and Kevin conclude by inspiring job seekers to actively cultivate conversations and share thought leadership on LinkedIn, transforming passive profiles into powerful, dynamic career assets.

For regular career and LinkedIn tips and udpates, connect with Jane on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/janejackson and connect with Kevin on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/president

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How to secure a mentor and fast track your career.

Helen Doukas is a formidable woman who has recently pivoted from a career as General Counsel to founder in the global tech space (having worked for companies like Uber and Yahoo) to start her own business Nuvo Work.

In episode 265 of YOUR CAREER PODCAST with Jane Jackson, Jane and Helen discuss the changing landscape of work due to technological, social and other trends, and how the future of work will continue to change in ways we can't predict today.

How can you keep up when career education is not changing fast enough?

As the founder of Nuvo Work, Helen explains how you can book personalised sessions with vetted experts across various industries globally. From tech innovators to business mentors, they have the leaders who can help you grow and succeed!

You will gain insightful advice from experts who’ve been there, done that. Plus receive tailored feedback to fast-track your career. This is an excellent opportunity to learn at your own pace.

Nuvo Work allows you to book a session with a vetted career expert for 1:1 micro learning, on demand.

It's a space for the new world of work, to help you stay on the leading edge, whether it be through a top tier mentor, developing a new skill or connecting with the fractional expertise to propel your business forward.

Website: https://nuvo.work
Instagram: @nuvo.work
Helen on LinkedIn

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Bez Rengifo is a Human Resources / Talent Acquisition leader who, for the past 30 years, has focused on the people who make the fabric of what companies call culture.

SPECIAL OFFER: We have a special offer for listeners of this episode - the first 5 people who reach out to Bez will receive a FREE LinkedIn Profile Review.
connect with him on LinkedIn and ask for the LinkedIn review!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bezrengifo

Bez was selected for one of the largest non-military staffing projects where he was part of the original team that staffed 429 airports within the U.S. & U.S. Territories. They hired over 45,000 people over a 7-month period for the TSA which is now part of the Department of Homeland Security.

Finding the right people at the right time and then making sure you have a healthy and inclusive culture is what Bez strives to establish for the benefit of employees and employers.

Outside of work, Bez is an avid fan of the Miami Dolphins, Atlanta Braves and LA Lakers. When he is not rooting for his favorite teams, he is involved in giving back to his local community and being involved in international service projects.

In this interview Jane and Bez discuss his career transitions, how recruitment works, and what it takes to conduct a successful job search.

Key takeaways are:

1. The Importance of Networking and Relationships

• Key Insight: Building strong connections, even "weak ties," can open up unexpected job opportunities. Engaging in meaningful conversations and leveraging existing contacts can lead to referrals and valuable connections in the job market.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should actively network both online and offline. This includes following up with acquaintances, attending networking events, and being open to engaging with new connections on platforms like LinkedIn.

2. Embracing Change and Lifelong Learning

• Key Insight: Reinventing one's career is possible at any age, as evidenced by Bez's mother’s successful transition into school psychology at age 59. Adapting to change and pursuing new paths can lead to fulfilling career opportunities.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should remain open to continuous learning and development. This might involve taking courses, gaining new certifications, or exploring different career paths that align with their passions and strengths.

3. Utilizing Effective Recruitment Strategies

• Key Insight: The job market has evolved significantly, with a shift towards technology and automated processes. However, personal outreach methods (like phone calls and text messages) still yield higher engagement rates compared to generic online interactions.
• Actionable Advice: Job seekers should prioritise personal outreach when applying for jobs. This includes customising application materials, following up with phone calls, and using direct messaging to establish genuine connections with recruiters and hiring managers.

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Breaking Through the Shell - What 𝗕𝗲𝗴𝗴𝗮𝗿𝘀 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗻 🐓 taught me about Career Transition!

The dish, Beggars Chicken, is the perfect metaphor for the challenges we face when looking for a job. How so? In episode 263 of YOUR CAREER PODCAST with Jane Jackson, I share with you my story …

I was inspired to share this episode having recently returned from visiting my childhood home of Hong Kong (the last time I was back was before Covid in 2019).

I wanted to be in Hong Kong as my Mum would have turned 100 years old on the 20th Sept 2024. I went back to ‘sweep the graves’ of my parents who have been laid to rest at the Hong Kong Cemetery (Dad passed away at the age of 49, when I was 11. Mum was widowed for 35 years before she passed away at the age of 81.)

One evening I caught up with dear old friends for dinner at the Peking Garden Restaurant in Alexandra House. They organised for us to have Beggars Chicken as one of the special dishes to celebrate our reunion and I was tasked with opening this dish.

As I cracked open the thick pastry encasing Beggars Chicken with a golden hammer, to reveal the specialty within, I couldn't help but reflect on how this experience mirrors our own career transitions. How so? Let me explain:

The pastry, beautifully shaped and protective, isn’t meant to be consumed - it serves a purpose. It preserves the chicken within, keeping it tender and moist, but to reach the goodness, you must break through the hard exterior.

Much like that pastry, we often build protective layers - fear, doubt, anxiety - during unsettling times.

I remember my own career transition at 41, navigating a divorce, moving from Singapore to Sydney with teenage children, and needing to reinvent my life and career.

At the time it felt near impossible to break through my own barriers of self-doubt and uncertainty about the future.

As I swung the golden hammer, I was reminded: the shell is temporary, the potential inside is what matters.

In 2001 was able to reinvent my life and career despite the challenges and self-limiting beliefs that were hidden behind a façade I’d put up to protect myself and my children.

In career and life transitions, breaking through our protective façades is hard but necessary to uncover the richness of who we truly are.

The path to our next chapter may be challenging, but it's also filled with untapped potential waiting to be revealed.

I wonder … what protective layers are holding YOU back from discovering your hidden potential?

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Redundancy is a challenging experience that many professionals face at some point in their careers.

With over 24 years supporting professionals in transition after a redundancy, I understand very well the roller coaster of emotions you will experience – especially if the redundancy was sudden and unexpected. And if you did have notice this might happen to your role, the toll it takes and stress it causes when waiting for the 'axe to fall' affects your confidence and mental health.

It is so important to remember that redundancies occur often because of broader economic factors and necessary organisational changes. NOT DUE TO YOUR ABILITY as a professional.

If it happens to YOU, it can hit hard.

Having a coach to guide you through the experience and the rebuilding process helps to make your transition smoother and faster. So in this episode of YOUR CAREER PODCAST, I'm sharing ways that will help you to manage the aftermath of redundancy and get back in control of your life and career.

From handling stress and finances to crafting a winning job search strategy and preparing for interviews, I have you covered. Grab a pen and paper and take notes as there's a lot to cover!

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Many women worry about their financial future, especially when going through a divorce, recently widowed, and unsure of how to manage their money. I’m delighted to speak with Retirement Strategist, Christie McCabe, in today’s episode of Your Career Podcast.

Christie is a dynamic sales, marketing, and business strategist with a proven track record of driving strategic initiatives and delivering outstanding results worldwide. Having worked with Christie several years ago, she impressed me with her unwavering tenacity, resilience and determination to succeed regardless of inevitable challenges.

With over two decades of experience across diverse industries, Christie has honed her expertise in marketing, communications, and business development, transforming businesses on a global scale.

Now Christie is a Retirement Strategist at WoW Women International Group, working with Tracey Sofra, recipient of the Women in Financial Services Award “Financial Planner of the Year." Christie helps to empower women to take charge of their financial futures through education and implementation.

If you're looking for a role model in perseverance and finding your perfect career fit, Christie is the ideal person to speak with.

She excels at navigating career and skill set transitions, earning her the title of the “Queen of Finding the Ideal Job” and stopping at nothing until she achieves it!

I am honoured that she says her finely honed skills in seeking the perfect career were sharpened by working with me within my Career Success Program!

Connect with Christie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiemccabe/

Website https://wowwomen.com.au/ Click the button that says, “See how our program works’ to take control of your financial future

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“Magic Mike” is the Chief Marketing Officer at UseVerb, a brilliant new recruitment platform that is revolutionising the way companies recruit and the way candidates submit their job applications.

Mike is also a family man, world traveller and community contributor who has over 20 years experience within the Oil and Gas industry. Interestingly, after years of pursuing titles and egos, achievements, Michael experienced a profound shift in perspective. He realised that true success lies in IMPACT, purpose, and authenticity.

This epiphany led him to UseVerb, where he found a harmonious alignment of values and vision, a platform emphasising personal interactions like smiles and handshakes, celebrating the human aspect in professional connections.

Today, Michael is a leading figure at UseVerb, championing a people-first approach. UseVerb is not just his workplace; it’s part of a movement towards a more humane, connected professional world.

Mike is also dedicated to the Nations Church Missions Team, where he engages in various initiatives, including Love Community outreach, Sports Chaplaincy, and projects in Cambodia.

"Your word is your word, and your word is your bond." This principle is the cornerstone of Michael's life and leadership, reflecting his commitment to integrity and action.

As Michael embarks on this new chapter with UseVerb, his journey represents not just career progression but personal transformation. It's a story of aligning work with values and serving as a beacon for those aspiring to make a real difference in the world. He is married to Bec for 15 years, sharing life with three children and Coco, the family's beloved dog.

Key quotes from our discussion in episode 260 of YOUR CAREER Podcast:

“PEOPLE COME FIRST, NOT RESUMES”
“LISTEN TO WHO YOU ARE BECOMING”
and this beautiful quote from Michael's mother: “LOVE IS SPELT ‘T.I.M.E.”

Connect with Michael on LinkedIn
Visit UseVerb

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Support the show

Find out what you MUST DO to make a successful career change and land the job you'll LOVE.

Take the CAREER SUCCESS QUIZ (it only takes 2 minutes).

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