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Podcast: 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch
Get Back on the Career Track with our newest resource
The podcast featuring strategies, advice and success stories for returning to work after a career break. Your audio companion as you get Back on the Career Track.
Our entire podcast library is available here, or on iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher, and SoundCloud.
3,2,1 iRelaunch" is focused on getting you Back on the Career Track and making your return to work smooth and successful.
With more than 50 episodes, you will not only hear from experts in the career re-entry space but you will follow the back to work journeys of fellow relaunchers. Each episode is hosted by Carol Fishman Cohen, iRelaunch’s Chair and Co-Founder. Carol’s guests range from career coaches to relaunchers to corporate executives. As a relauncher herself, Carol gets down to business in each episode: there is no filler here. Carol makes sure that every episode is jam packed with highly relevant, specific, and action oriented tips, intel, and info from her guest. One of our listeners told us that she took over 6 pages of notes from just one episode!
So plug in, grab a notebook, and join us as we help you map your path back to work! By the way, we'll no longer be taking a break between podcast seasons. You'll be able to tune in to our podcast weekly, without interruption. Therefore, we've begun numbering our podcasts to reflect the the actual number of podcasts thus far. You haven't missed anything ... Season 3 Episode 12 comes right before Episode 39!
Episode 80: "I Got Hired After Attending the iRelaunch Return to Work Conference", Stanford Attendee Lisa Burns Gives Us the Play by Play
Lisa Burns, Relauncher and 2018 iRelaunch Return to Work Conference attendee joins Carol to talk about the toughest parts of her relaunch, and how the Conference changed her outlook and job search approach. They discuss persisting when discouraged, the pitfalls of only applying for jobs online and combating age discrimination. Lisa attributes attending the Conference to her newfound confidence level and ability to do the networking necessary to land her new job.
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Episode 79: "Serial Relauncher" Susan Smith Ellis' Stellar Career in Marketing and Advertising
In this episode of 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch!, iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen talks with "Serial Relauncher" Susan Smith Ellis. Smith Ellis' stellar advertising and marketing career includes career breaks along the way. Hear how a forward thinking recruiter back in the mid-1990's changed how Susan viewed herself as a relauncher. Listen to Susan discuss how she made decisions about when to leave the workforce and later relaunch. Susan and Carol also discuss how relaunchers with traditional marketing backgrounds not only can relaunch, but thrive, in today's digital marketing world.
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Episode 78: "Financial Analyst to High School Spanish Teacher" - Relauncher and Career Pivoter, Judy Scinto
Relaunching can involve career transition. What’s the thought process and re-entry strategy when relaunching and career transition happen at the same time? In this episode of 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder, Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with high school Spanish Teacher Judy Scinto, who was a hedge fund financial analyst before her career break. Listen as Judy describes her career journey in detail and gives a revealing look at how she did it.
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Episode 77: “Disrupternship: What it Means and How it Affects Today’s Relaunchers” with Guest Host Ginny Brzezinski
In this episode of 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch, Author, Former Capitol Hill Press Secretary and iRelaunch Advisory Board Member, Ginny Brzezinski, interviews Carol Fishman Cohen about “Disrupternship.” They discuss how mid-career return to work programs have disrupted traditional University internships and how the use of mid-career internships have disrupted the way employers engage with relaunchers.
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Episode 76: "Mind Your P's and Q's: The Art of Business Etiquette” with Jacquelyn Flesner
Has the world become more self-centered and inconsiderate? Do we treat people like we would like to be treated? Certified Business Etiquette Trainer and Founder of “The Etiquette Network” and “Professional Moms," Jacquelyn Flesner discusses business etiquette with Carol Fishman Cohen in this episode of “3, 2, 1, iRelaunch.” From the “Art of Business Dining” to “Politely Resolving Conflict,” from “Appropriate Verbiage of Titles of Respect” to “Cyber Civility and the Effect of Social Networking,” Jacquelyn and Carol discuss how listening to others and respecting their role and opinions can go a long way in the business world as well as your personal life.
The Etiquette Network
The Etiquette Network: Professional Moms
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Episode 75: "Five Top Rated 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch Podcasts”
Jill Kravetz, CEO at iRelaunch, reviews the five top rated 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch podcasts since our first episode posted on Jun 28, 2016. We’ve produced 74 podcasts so far - all relating to getting back to work after a career break. Our guests have ranged from relaunchers just like you, to economists, magazine editors, start-up founders, career coaches, authors and other experts in the return-to-work field. Please go to SoundCloud, iTunes and Stitcher to listen to all of our information packed podcasts to help relaunch your career.
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Episode 74: "Networks & Networking – More Than a Cocktail Party” with J. Kelly Hoey
Networking expert, speaker, and author of “Build Your Dream Network”, Kelly Hoey joins Carol to discuss the meaning of networking and how to bring your networks back to life after a career break. Kelly explains how she went from corporate attorney to a management role, landing in a newly created position after a conversation unexpectedly turned into a job opportunity. Kelly explains how networking should be a researched, focused and specific process, and how to thoughtfully ease back into networks that have gone dormant.
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Episode 73: "Learning Curves and Relaunching: Mastery Once Back on the Job" with Michelle Friedman
Whether dusting off expertise mastered before a career break, or practicing a newly acquired skill, relaunchers are likely to experience a learning curve once back on the career track. Learn about the four stages of mastering new skills and why there is often a "dip" in the learning process early on. Understanding and expecting these stages to occur can help with keeping a patient mindset as the learning takes place. In this podcast, Carol speaks with executive coach Michelle Friedman, founder of Advancing Women’s Careers and special advisor to iRelaunch, about the four stages of competence, and how relaunchers can pace themselves when faced with a wave of new learning demands and opportunities within a short time frame.
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Episode 72: "Creating an Effective Return to Work Plan" with Lisa Fenton, CSCMP
When Lisa Fenton attended her first supply chain professional event upon deciding to return to work, she told herself, ‘you are just like them. The only difference is your pass doesn't have a company listed under your name. Now let’s go get a job to add to your pass.” Armed with a new haircut and suit, a gap-analysis of skills, updated references, and a vision of the job she wanted, Lisa’s strategy gives us a rare play-by-play glimpse at a successful relaunch. For example, her strategy of treating interviews like research projects made them less stressful. Lisa’s website propelledbypossibility.com features articles she wrote for a leading supply chain industry publication about her relaunch.
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Episode 71: "Charting a Career Path that Works for You" with Kathryn Sollmann
Kathryn Sollmann, author of “Ambition Redefined: Why the Corner Office Doesn't Work for Every Woman and What to Do Instead,” joins Carol to discuss the importance of finding your own definition of ambition and success. Using lessons learned from her own career progression, as well as discussions and anecdotes from her career coaching practice with women nationwide, Kathryn explains how women can make career choices that can not only provide the flexibility they want but can help ensure financial security.
Episode 70: "Negotiating Roles and Responsibilities in a Dual-Relauncher Family" with Kathy Preble Bayert
One of the earliest relaunchers to go through a formal career re-entry program (Returnship@SaraLee), Kathy Preble Bayert describes her return to work journey after having children. Hear how Kathy believes her career path choices have shaped who she is as leader and as parent, and about her husband's subsequent decision to take a career break. Don't miss this inspiring example of how families can successfully negotiate their roles and responsibilities.
Episode 69: "Understand How the System Works, and Make it Work for You" with Mac Prichard
Are you spending your job-searching time wisely? Mac Prichard, founder and publisher of the “Mac’s List” job board and host of the "Find Your Dream Job" podcast joins Carol for an instructive discussion about the importance of defining your career goals and developing a solid job-search strategy before you look for your next job. Learn about the “hidden job market” and the most effective way employers search for the best talent.
"Hack the Hidden Job Market" (Course)
Author of "Land Your Dream Job Anywhere"
Episode 68: Best Advice for Relaunchers Special Holiday Compilation Episode
Combining the "Best Piece of Advice" from 14 episodes of "3, 2, 1, iRelaunch," you'll hear from guests including NBC's TODAY show financial editor, Jean Chatzsky; former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan, Kate White; Ladders Founder and CEO, Marc Cenedella; "The Lawyer Whisperer," Julie Brush; authors of The Ambition Decisions, Elizabeth Wallace and Hana Schank, co-founder of "Grown and Flown," Lisa Heffernan; and many more. Be sure to listen to the full podcast content from each of these special guests in previous episodes.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e68-best-advice-special-holiday-edition
Episode 67: “The Perennial Project – Redefining a Demographic” with Barbara Warren
Seasoned entrepreneur and two-time relauncher Barbara Warren, founder of the successful brands White + Warren cashmere and B3.0 luxury activewear, always defined herself through her career. But when Barbara decided to take a career break at a crucial time in her children’s lives, it gave her the opportunity to explore and embrace the person she was becoming as well. Considering how women in their “mid-point in life” meet the physical, emotional, and professional challenges they face daily, Barbara started “The Perennial Project,” a multi-media resource that is redefining aging with a kinder and more gentle perspective.
Episode 66: "Keep Showing Up - The Importance of Perseverance in Your Relaunch" with Dawna Levenson
Relauncher and career transitioner Dawna Levenson joins Carol in this lively and informative look at how 18 years at Accenture and a 5-year career break ultimately led to Dawna's current role as Assistant Dean and Co-Lead of the Admissions team at MIT Sloan School of Management. Hear how Dawna's career break provided a time to reconnect with family, friends and herself, to think about what she really wanted to do when she returned to work, and to position herself for her dream opportunity.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e66-keep-showing-up-dawna-levenson
Episode 65: "The 'Steps' to Becoming an Entrepreneur" with Kara Mac
Can someone with no prior experience start and run a successful business? If you are shoe and apparel designer and entrepreneur Kara Mac, the answer is yes! And in this episode Kara tells you how she did it. Describing her journey to host Carol Fishman Cohen, Kara discusses learning to sew at eight years old, her education and 20-year design experience in fashion, and her ultimate success creating “ShoeCandy by Kara Mac.” Kara explains the importance of making opportunities happen rather than waiting for them to happen to you.
karamac.com/
www.facebook.com/ShoeCandyShoes/
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/ep65-the-steps-to-becoming-an-entrepreneur-with-kara-mac
pisode 64: Best Advice for Relaunchers Special Compilation Episode
Combining the "Best Piece of Advice" from 14 episodes of "3, 2, 1, iRelaunch," you'll hear from guests including the author of "Meet 100 People" Pat Hedley, LinkedIn staff instructor Oliver Schinkten, divorce coach and co-founder of "SAS for Women" Liza Caldwell, Senior Product Manager at MobileIron Maureen Byrne, founder and principal at Advancing Women's Careers, LLC and special advisor to iRelaunch Michelle Friedman, two-time relauncher and Senior Manager for Systems Engineering at Raytheon Jane Pastoor, President of 2nd Career Consulting and iRelaunch career coach Mary Beth Barrett-Newman, and many more. Be sure to listen to the full podcast content from each of these special guests in previous episodes.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e64-best-advice-for-relaunchers-special-compilation-episode
Episode 63: Re-emerging Into a “Purposeful” Career - with Linda Lautenberg, CFA
The career break can often be a gift. It’s the first time we allow ourselves to step back and reflect on whether we were on the right career path to begin with. In this podcast, Carol speaks with relauncher Linda Lautenberg, CFA, Director of Return with Purpose Outreach at Inspiring Capital about how she became interested in the social sector space through the “Return with Purpose Fellowship” and ultimately became its director. For more information about the Return to Purpose Fellowship or upcoming Return with Purpose Summit opportunities, please click here. Inspiringcapital.ly
Episode 62: “An Eldercare Primer for Relaunchers and More - Part II" with Janet Simpson Benvenuti
In this second podcast installment, Janet Simpson Benvenuti, relauncher, eldercare expert, founder of Circle of Life Partners, and author of “Don’t Give Up on Me! Supporting Aging Parents Successfully” describes the information and documents that all eldercare providers should assemble, including legal documents and medical documents. She discusses eight strategic decisions that are the basis for caring for aging parents and the six factors that contribute to your, and your parents’ longevity. For more information about Janet Simpson Benvenuti and her work, go to Circle of Life Partners and sign up for their newsletter, follow Janet on Twitter, read “Don’t Give Up on Me! Supporting Aging Parents Successfully,” follow her blog, or contact her directly at 978-287-5600 (mention you heard her on this podcast and Janet will be happy to speak with you personally).
Episode 61: “An Eldercare Primer for Relaunchers and More - Part I" with Janet Simpson Benvenuti
In this two-part podcast, Carol talks with Janet Simpson Benvenuti, relauncher, eldercare expert, founder of Circle of Life Partners, and author of “Don’t Give Up on Me! Supporting Aging Parents Successfully” about how we can best prepare for future eldercare responsibilities and managing the care of our elders once in the eldercare role. In this first installment, Janet describes what she learned from her personal experience on career break caring for her aging parents, and her subsequent relaunch as a subject matter expert, eldercare coach and guide.
Episode 60: “The Cost of a Career Break" with Economist Michael Madowitz
Whether you are currently on a career break for caregiving purposes, or considering one in the future, did know there’s a calculator to help you determine the full financial cost of taking that break? In this episode, Carol speaks with Michael Madowitz, Economist at the Center for American Progress and creator of the CAP Calculator. With a curiosity born of his dual role as an economist and new parent, Michael and his mathematician wife sought a quantitative answer to their question about the long-term financial consequences (over and above the cost of childcare or eldercare) of a decision to leave the workforce. Follow Mike at mikemadowitz@twitter and access the calculator at http://interactives.americanprogress.org/childcarecosts/.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e60-cost-of-a-career-break-michael-madowitz
Episode 59: “Transitioning from Law Firm Partner to Tenure-Track Academia" with Liz Brown, J.D.
Liz Brown was a patent litigation partner at a prominent intellectual property law firm when she took a career after her daughter was born. She used her time off to evaluate what career success meant to her at this new juncture. An invitation to teach one class as an adjunct professor of business law at Bentley University ultimately led to a tenure-track position. In her “free time,” Liz also wrote and published her book, ‘Life After Law: Finding Work You Love with the J.D. You Have,” and advises other attorneys looking for alternate careers to traditional law practice.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e59-transitioning-from-law-to-tenure-track
Episode 58: “Conversation with Returnship® Pioneer Monica Marquez"
Over 10 years ago, Monica Marquez was instrumental in creating the Goldman Sachs Returnship® program, the first formal return to work internship program. At that time, as a member of Goldman's “Experienced Hire Diversity Recruiting Team," Monica recognized the need to bring talented employees back to the workforce, but found that resume gaps were a hurdle to hiring managers. In this podcast, you’ll hear how Monica designed a program that would not only change the mindset of hiring managers but would become a template for mid-career internships on Wall Street and beyond. Hear how Monica, now Global Head of Community Advisory at Google, is shaping the professional internship culture in technology.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e58-returnship-pioneer-monica-marquez
Episode 57: “Using the AREA Method to Make Better Decisions” with Cheryl Einhorn
Making important life decisions can be overwhelming. How can you ensure that the decisions you make are free from bias? How can you effectively research the important aspects of your decision to reach a conclusion about which you feel confident? In this episode Carol talks with Cheryl Einhorn, adjunct professor at Columbia University, author of, “Problem Solved: A Powerful System for Making Complex Decisions with Confidence and Conviction” and creator of the AREA Method, about her problem-solving process and how relaunchers can use the AREA Method to make reliable complex decisions.
Episode 56: "How to Ace the ‘Tell Me About Yourself' Question and Set Yourself Apart" with Carroll Welch
In this episode, Carroll Welch, iRelaunch Coach and Founder of Carroll Welch Consulting talks with Carol Fishman Cohen about crafting the perfect response to the “tell me about yourself” prompt. What information should you include, what does your body language add to the conversation, and how would you answer differently depending on the context and people to whom you’re talking? Don’t be caught off guard the next time you’re asked. Learn how preparation can ensure you make a great first impression.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e56-tell-me-about-yourself
Episode 55: "Prepare and Prioritize: From Career Break to Relaunch" with Nicole Young
In this “Life After Relaunch” series within a series, Carol speaks with relauncher Nicole Young, Director of Public Relations and Communications at Wolters Kluwer Tax & Accounting. Describing her six-year career break and subsequent seven years back in the workforce, Nicole describes the lessons learned during her break that she now uses on the job, how she dealt with her initial “imposter syndrome” feelings, and whether or not being a relauncher affects her work or relationship with her colleagues.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e55-prepare-and-prioritize-from-career-break-to-relaunch
Episode 54: "Ageism and Relaunching: How to Respond in an Interview" with Julie Brush
Julie Brush, founding partner of Solutus Legal Search and the voice of “The Lawyer Whisperer” blog joins Carol for this episode filled with practical advice and tips for handling ageism in relauncher interview situations (not just in the legal field). In these mock interviews, Carol and Julie address scenarios that come up more frequently in relauncher interviews including being overqualified, concerns about higher salary expectations, and hints that the job pace “might be a little too fast.” The answers will leave you feeling optimistic and well-prepared – not just for your next interview, but for how you present yourself in any professional situation.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e54-ageism-and-relaunching
Episode 53: "Alumni Career Services - A Valuable Resource for Relaunchers" with Matthew Temple
Did you know that your Alumni Career Services Office might be the hidden treasure for your return to work? In this episode, Carol speaks with Matthew Temple, Director of Alumni Career & Professional Development for the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University about the resources that Alumni Career Services Offices provide for their former students. Although the benefits can vary among institutions, offerings include professional self-assessments, job search groups, webinars, workshops and so much more. Hear Matthew’s tips about how to approach reunions for maximum benefit (and comfort!) and how to reach out to your alumni association for more information.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e53-alumni-career-svcs
Episode 52: "Relaunching in Law" with Erin Gibson Allen
What does the career path look like for a relaunching attorney? In Erin Gibson Allen’s case, the path went from law school to full-time attorney, stay-at-home mom, freelance writer, volunteer in a federal judge’s office, community organizer, reduced-hour attorney, to full-time attorney at Marcus & Shapira in Pittsburgh, PA. In Erin’s words, by its very nature, the path of a relauncher is unclear. But as you’ll hear in this inspiring and instructive episode, Erin’s organized approach to networking, her flexibility in direction, and her commitment to her community (both professional and non-professional) paved a path to her relaunch success.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e52-relaunching-in-law
Episode 51: "The Ambition Decisions" with Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace
Does our sense of ambition change as we grow older? Do our life experiences affect the dreams we imagined for ourselves when we were younger? In their book, “The Ambition Decisions - What Women Know About Work, Family, and the Path to Building a Life,” authors Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace explore these questions through interviews with their former Northwestern University sorority sisters. They examine the career trajectories of the “High Achievers, Opt-Outers, and Flex-Lifers.” In this episode, Carol asks Hana and Liz to reveal what they learned with a special focus on the (surprise!) Opt-Outers.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e51-the-ambition-decisions
Episode 50: The Courage to Reinvent - with Lesley Jane Seymour
A two-time relauncher, Lesley Jane Seymour’s achievements and longevity in the publishing world practically guaranteed her successful return. But when the former editor-in-chief of YM, Redbook, Marie Claire, and (most recently) More magazine (in addition to Beauty Director of Glamour, and copywriter and senior editor at Vogue) recognized that the magazine publishing world was changing, and More closed its doors, she faced what many relaunchers face – the need to reinvent. In this entertaining and affable conversation, Lesley describes what led to her creation of “Covey Club” and her respect for life-long learning.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e50-the-courage-to-reinvent-with-lesley-jane-seymour
Episode 49: Training to be a Software Engineer or Data Scientist: A Self-Paced Opportunity
Sometimes, a career break is an opportunity to reassess your career path and consider something new. In this episode, Rebekah Rombom, Vice President of Student Success at Flatiron School, speaks with Carol about how Flatiron School’s in-person and online courses have helped career changers all over the world find rewarding work in software engineering. For those who are not sure whether coding is the right path, Flatiron offers students free coding introductory courses to help figure that out. Hear more in this encouraging episode. Click her for Flatiron School's free Online Coding Bootcamp.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e49-training-to-be-a-software-engineer
Episode 48: Story of a Successful Re-Entry Internship: Inside United Technologies "Re-Empower"
In this episode, Carol talks with Shanda Hinton, Global Diversity Talent Attraction Leader at United Technologies (UTC) and one of the leaders of the United Technologies Re-Empower return to work program. A member of the Society of Women Engineers/iRelaunch STEM Re-entry Task Force, UTC is starting their third cohort of this successful program. Hear details about Re-Empower and some of its participants in this informative episode.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e48-re-entry-internship-united-technologies-re-empower
Episode 47: What Really Matters to Your Future Employer
Marc Cenedella, best-selling author and Founder and CEO of Ladders, Inc. the website connecting $100K+ professionals with employers and recruiters throughout the US, is a renowned thought leader on job search, career management, and recruiting. In this dynamic and candid episode, Carol and Marc cover everything from what you can do during your career break to help you win the job, what to say in an effective elevator pitch, to how to convey the right attitude about learning new technology, and so much more.
"Ladders 2018 Resume Guide"
"Ladders 2018 Interviews Guide"
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e47-what-really-matters-to-your-future-employer
Episode 46: Financial Strategies for Career Breaks and Returning to Work
Jean Chatzky, financial editor of NBC’s TODAY and weekly podcast host of “HerMoney with Jean Chatzky” answers the financial questions surrounding a relaunch in this must-listen episode. Jean and Carol discuss how to calculate the financial impact of a career break, what you can do during your career break to offset the loss of income, how to look at the bigger picture when weighing the costs of returning to work against the income you’ll receive, and how to plan for your retirement.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e46-financial-strategies-for-career-breaks
Episode 45: A Paycut May Be Your Springboard to Success
Mara Feldman was a multiple award-winning pharmaceutical sales representative and regional sales trainer at GlaxoSmithKline when she left to become a stay-at-home mother. Mara decided to return to work eight years later. In this podcast, Mara describes how she knew it was time to go back to work, the difficulty in finding a job during the recession, and how contacts and experience gained by taking a lower-paying contract sales position opened doors that were originally inaccessible when she started her relaunch.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e45-pay-cut-springboard-to-success
Episode 44: To Achieve Success, Be "Gutsy"
Best-selling author, international speaker, and former editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan magazine, Kate White knows what women can do to get ahead and achieve their goals. In this episode, Carol talks with Kate about her latest book, The Gutsy Girl Handbook: Your Manifesto for Success, Kate’s inspirational guide to career success. Touching on topics including “picking a lane and knowing your brand” and asking for what you want “even if you can come up with reasons why you shouldn’t,” Kate and Carol cover relevant tips for relaunchers who are looking for an infusion of confidence.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e44-to-achieve-success-be-gutsy
Episode 43: Keep the Pilot Light Burning on Your Career
Lisa Heffernan, co-founder with Mary Dell Harrington of "Grown and Flown," and best-selling author of Goldman Sachs : The Culture of Success, joins Carol to discuss her varied career path and the motivations that led to her professional decisions (here’s a hint: sometimes the answers come to you – you just have to listen). A mother of three, Lisa describes her decision to be a “stay-at-home mom” and what she wishes she’d known at the time. You’ll also hear about Grown and Flown’s participation in the UT Austin “Foundation Scholars” program to help first-generation college students.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e43-keep-the-pilot-light-burning-on-your-career
Episode 42: Valuing Your Personal and Professional Skills as a Technical Relauncher
"You don't unlearn what you already know!" Jane Pastoor, two-time relauncher and Sr. Manager for Systems Engineering at Raytheon, shares her relaunch story in this informative episode. Jane talks with Carol about what led to her career break (and her perception that it would mark the end of her technical career) and how a former co-worker reached out about returning. As Ambassador to Raytheon's "ReLaunch," Jane shares information about this new return to work opportunity.
Episode 41: A Deeper Dive into Interviews - Answering the Toughest Questions
The interview process has become more and more complex over time. Are you ready to answer even the toughest questions with confidence? In this podcast Carol speaks with Mary Beth Barrett-Newman, the founder and President of 2nd Career Consulting, a moderator on the iRelaunch Return to Work Forum private Facebook group, and frequent iRelaunch Return to Work Conference speaker about how you can prepare for the “next level” of interviews, including salary and compensation negotiations, behavioral interviews, case interviews and the three “questions” that are at the root of every good interview.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e41-a-deeper-dive-into-interviews-answering-the-toughest-questions
Episode 40: After a Career Break - Secrets to Re-entering the Workforce
Lesley Jane Seymour, former More magazine Editor In Chief and creator of CoveyClub.com, interviews Carol Fishman Cohen on the secrets to re-entering the workforce. Lesley and Carol discuss the growing number of re-entry internship programs and employers’ recognition of the high-caliber value of relaunchers. Carol offers the “two most important things you should do right away if you’re thinking of relaunching.” A rebroadcast from “Covey Cast.”
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/e40-secrets-to-re-entering-the-workforce
Episode 39: The 5 Critical Phases of Returning to Work
What are the 5 most important phases of your relaunch and how can you best break them down into actionable steps to ensure your success? Join iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen as Jill Kravetz, iRelaunch CEO talks to her about the foundation of the iRelaunch Return to Work Roadmap.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/5-critical-phases-of-returning-to-work
Season 3
Episode 12: Optimizing LinkedIn Profiles, Networking, and Learning
Join Carol and Oliver Schinkten, LinkedIn Staff Author, Business, Education & eLearning for this informative episode detailing how relaunchers can best use all that LinkedIn offers. Whether it’s learning how to portray yourself in your Profile, using LinkedIn Learning resources to build your confidence and skills, expanding your networking opportunities, or maximizing the Newsfeed, Oliver and Carol explain how LinkedIn can help you send the message you want potential employers to see.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e12-optimizing-linkedin
Episode 11: Transitions - Pursuing a Career You Love After a Career Break
If you’ve ever considered relaunching in a new career but feel discouraged by the lengthy training and interviewing path ahead, you’ll find this podcast with Diane Lindsey-Adler inspiring. A successful marketing professional with Revlon, Diane took a 7-year career break to raise her children. The serious food allergies her second child suffered with led Diane to independently study nutrition and how it affects the body. With the encouragement of her husband and friends, Diane turned her love and dedication to help her daughter into a successful new career path she loves.
Episode 10: Re-entering the Workforce as a Financial Planner
Recently retired from her position as Special Advisor on Gender Diversity for the Certified Financial Planner Board, Eleanor Blayney, a long-time advocate for women in financial planning, speaks with Carol about the role of Certified Financial Planners in providing 360-degree guidance in personal financial management. She and Carol discuss the “Financial Planner Re-entry Initiative,” a program developed by The CFP Board Center for Financial Planning in partnership with iRelaunch, that connects firms in the financial planning sector with experienced professionals seeking to reenter the workforce after a career break by establishing return-to-work internships. Tune in to hear how relaunchers can be particularly attractive candidates in this professional re-entry opportunity.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e10-re-entering-the-workforce-as-a-financial-planner
Episode 9: "Meet 100 People" - Networking with Confidence
In this episode, Carol speaks with Pat Hedley, author of “Meet 100 People: A How-to Guide to the Career and Life Edge Everyone's Missing.” A relauncher herself, Pat shares specific tips about the importance of being proactive and consistent about networking and how you can become more successful with a request for help. Inspired to write “Meet 100 People” when a relauncher friend credited Pat’s advice to reinvigorating her network and landing the job, this episode includes exact language on how to ask for help, guidance about using vulnerability to your advantage, and the single most important thing you can do to maintain the support of your contact.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e9-networking-with-confidence
Episode 8: "What I Wish I'd Known about Returning to Work after a Career Break"
Maureen Byrne, a Product Manager at MobileIron, relaunched after a 10-year career break raising her three children. Despite stellar credentials including a master’s degree in software engineering, work experience in the field prior to her career break, website development during her break, iOS development classes at Stanford, and Toastmasters training, Maureen candidly describes her initial return to work as a time filled with self-doubt and “fear of exposure.” Hear how Maureen learned to appreciate the perspective she gained from her career break, how it became a part of what she brings to the table as an employee, and how she “found her voice” after relaunching.
Note: Maureen was participant on the relauncher panel, “What I Wish I’d Known,” at the 2017 iRelaunch Return to Work Conference with the Stanford Alumni Association. She will be returning to the Conference in 2018 and will join other panelists for this highly anticipated discussion. For more information, click here.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e8-what-i-wish-id-known
Episode 7: Powerful Language and Its Effect When You’re Relaunching
How can relaunchers ensure they are making the best impression while networking, at a professional conference, and even in an interview? Today’s guest, Julie Holunga, executive coach and founder of Chinook Executive Solutions, asserts that relaunchers should be deliberate about the words they use – presenting themselves with confidence and thereby projecting confidence about themselves onto others. Noting mirror-neuron studies that suggest that our body language and vocabulary have a mirror effect on those with whom we interact, Julie provides numerous examples of weak vocabulary and replacement words that will help employers focus on what you are, not what you’re not.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e7-powerful-language-and-its-effect-when-youre-relaunching
Special Episode with Oliver Schinkten: Using LinkedIn to Upgrade Your Profile and Your Skills
In this special episode, Carol speaks with LinkedIn Instructor Oliver Schinkten. Author of more than 35 LinkedIn courses, Oliver remarks on how relaunchers can most effectively use the LinkedIn “Summary” section, suggestions for using the “Headline” strategically, and listing volunteer work. Oliver will be a speaker at the upcoming iRelaunch Return to Work Conference with the Stanford Alumni Association, May 1, 2018 at Stanford University. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn more in his breakout session, “LinkedIn: Upgrade Your Profile and Your Skills.” For more information about the conference please click here.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3-special-episode-oliver-schinkten
Episode 6: Divorce and Relaunching Your Career
In this empowering episode, Carol talks to Liza Caldwell, co-founder and director of SAS for Women, an organization that provides divorce support and coaching for women who are considering, in the process of, or recovering from divorce. “Divorced and happily single” herself, Liza is trained in transformational coaching and is a certified professional coach (CPC) recognized by the International Coach Federation (ICF). Carol and Liza discuss divorce topics including the timing of a return to work, reinforcing your values and enhancing your sense of self-worth, and the importance of information gathering as a first step in designing an educated divorce strategy with the greatest integrity.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e6-divorce-and-relaunching-your-career
Episode 5: Maximize Your Efforts to Land the Job
How can women overcome their reluctance to let people know how talented they really are? What makes networking so hard, and what’s the simple way women can redefine this opportunity by using skills that come naturally? In this podcast, Wendy Sachs, author of Fearless and Free: How Smart Women Pivot and Relaunch their Careers, speaks with Carol about how she turned to Silicon Valley to find out how relaunchers can develop a more entrepreneurial spirit when returning to their previous careers or pivoting into new ones. Wendy discusses embracing failure, networking, the difference between “branding and bragging” and how to maximize the effort you make in finding your next job.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e4-maximize-your-efforts-to-land-the-job
Episode 4: The Tech Tools You Need to Go Back to Work
Are you intimidated by technologies that have come into prominence since you left the workplace? If so, you’re not alone. In this episode of 3, 2, 1, iRelaunch, Carol speaks with Jill Kravetz, special projects advisor to iRelaunch and our “go-to guru” on a variety of social media and technology questions. Jill shares the six tech tools of which everyone should have a basic understanding before starting a new job. She touches on social media, file sharing, team collaboration, personal productivity and advancement, company-specific tools, and ends with must-have workplace tools. By taking a small amount of time to understand these tools, you’ll return to work on a more equal footing with your peers.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e4-the-tech-tools-you-need-to-go-back-to-work
Episode 3: Activating Change in Today's Workplace
Shelley Zalis, CEO of The Female Quotient and Founder of The Girls’ Lounge built her career on a foundation of purpose and a passion for "driving change - and making the new, the new norm." In this episode, Carol speaks with Shelley about her pioneering work in migrating market research from a central location or telephone to the Internet, at a time when the medium was new and untested. Ten years later, Shelley sold that company, Online Testing Exchange (OTX) for $80 million. Her desire to "give back with generosity what I wish I had rising the ranks" then led her to create "The Female Quotient" and "The Girls' Lounge." Hear how Shelley is "committed to advancing equality in the workplace through collaboration, activating solutions for change and creating measurements for accountability" and how her passion and fearlessness can drive your return to work.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e3-activating-change-in-todays-workplace
Episode 2: Relaunching in the Creative Arena
In this episode, Carol speaks with LeeAnn Dance, co-producer/director of “My Dear Children,” a documentary about one woman’s quest to learn more about her father’s past in Eastern Europe following World War I. A former CNN producer, LeeAnn took a 10-year career break and returned to work as a documentary film producer. LeeAnn explains her journey back to work including how her former career provided a foundation for her relaunch, her initial fear of learning new recording and editing technologies, doing some non-paid work to build her portfolio and a following, and finding a career that meets her and her family’s needs. LeeAnn also explains how the career break itself provided much-needed experience and perspective.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/relaunching-in-the-creative-arena
Episode 1: The STEM Re-entry Internship – A Benchmark for Success
Carol talks with Jen Scott, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and co-lead of the STEM Re-Entry Task Force. Since its inception in 2016 the STEM Re-entry Task Force has been a pipeline for more than 200 female technical professionals to return to the workforce. In this podcast, Carol and Jen discuss how the Task Force was initially conceived, its substantial growth over the past few years, how returning professionals can find out more about these programs, how to apply, and what to expect in these programs. Companies considering developing a re-entry internship will hear about how these internship programs are set up, the support from SWE and iRelaunch, and the nearly 90% average hiring rates after program completion.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s3e1-jen-scott
Season 2
Episode 11: The Best Relaunch Advice
We've compiled the best advice shared with us in interviews with business leaders, career experts and relaunchers over two seasons of podcasts. Enjoy! And thank you for listening.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/episode-11-the-best-relaunch-advice
Episode 10: Finding the Thing that Makes You "Sparkle"
Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with Manisha Thakor, host of the MoneyZen podcast about her personal relaunch, how it led to the creation of iRelaunch and how she draws inspiration from her new career.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/finding-the-thing-that-makes-you-sparkle
Episode 9: Understanding Your Rights: Interviewing and Working as a Relauncher
Learn how to be more effective and powerful in your next interview as
Tammy Marzigliano, a partner at Outten & Golden LLP in New York, discusses the legal aspects of relaunching with Carol Fishman Cohen. Hear how to determine the difference between what's considered illegal conduct and what is just "bad business," how to use the right terminology to trigger legal protection, and discover the secret behind redirecting uncomfortable interview questions.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/episode-9-understanding-your-rights-interviewing-and-working-as-a-relauncher-1
Episode 8: Reinventing and Resilience
From her job in Israel's Ben Gurion Airport Coordination Center to managing director at wealth management firm Boston Private (with a few stops and other careers in between), Susan Black understands the path of a relauncher. In this podcast she speaks with Carol Fishman Cohen about her circuitous pathway and discusses the three main drivers when contemplating a career reinvention.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/episode-8-reinventing-and-resilience
Episode 7: Relaunching as an Entrepreneur
Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with Alex Klemmer, co-founder of Cyclebar, an indoor cycling gym with franchised locations throughout the US and Canada. Alex talks about the challenges and rewards of relaunching her career as an entrepreneur.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s2e4-alex-klemmer
Episode 6: Navigating the New Corporate Dress Code
Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with Michaella Kurdziel, Director of Customer Experience at MM.LaFleur about how to "dress for success" in today's work world. Learn tips on how to scope out the dress code at a company before your first interview, how to "shop your closet" for timeless wardrobe staples and how to selectively rebuild a career wardrobe after years of wearing yoga pants and hoodies.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s2e5-michaella-kurdzeil
Episode 5: Attorneys on Career Break! Don't miss this Return to Work Program
Carol Fishman Cohen interviews Caren Ulrich Stacy, Founder & CEO, Diversity Lab & OnRamp Fellowship. Learn about the OnRamp Fellowship, a program that matches returning women lawyers to law firms, legal departments, and banks for a 1 year paid fellowship. Hear the inside scoop on the program, as well as its history, growth, success and challenges.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/attorneys-on-career-break-dont-miss-this-return-to-work-program
Episode 4: Know Your Value: Comeback Careers
Sometimes, just telling your story can lead to a new career. For Ginny Brzezinski, that moment came when she texted her sister-in-law, "Morning Joe" co-anchor Mika Brzezinski, asking her to speak up for women wanting to return to work after a career break. Mika's reply? Let's write a book together. Now, after countless interviews with women in all stages of relaunch, Ginny and Mika are sharing these stories in "Know Your Value: Comeback Careers" (due for fall 2018 release). Learn about Ginny's personal relaunch story and the insights she's learned from these compelling relauncher interviews.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/know-your-value-comeback-careers
Episode 3: Re-entering the workforce with a Career in Technology
Carol Fishman Cohen talks with a pioneering technology relauncher, Dinny Sterns Taylor, retired CTO at Williams College. Dinny shares her career path, relaunch story, how she updated her skills, and some important advice for relaunchers.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/reentering-the-workforce-with-a-career-in-technology
Episode 2: Navigating Executive Search for Relaunchers
Carol Fishman Cohen interviews her iRelaunch Co-Founder and co-author of Back on the Career Track, Vivian Steir Rabin. Vivian now runs VSR Advisors, a retained executive search firm focused on commercial real estate and financial services. Vivian shares her relaunch story with us and helps us navigate the executive search/staffing/ recruiting landscape as relaunchers.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/navigating-executive-search-for-relaunchers
Episode 1: Carol Fishman Cohen Tells the iRelaunch Story
In the first episode of our second season, Matthew Temple, Director of Alumni Career and Professional Development at the Kellogg School of Management and an iRelaunch Advisory Board member, interviews Carol Fishman Cohen about the history of iRelaunch and its Return to Work Conference. From its early days following the publication of the book, Back on the Career Track, iRelaunch has grown to become the leader in career re-entry initiatives helping employers identify and recruit professionals looking to return to work after career breaks and helping those professionals gain the confidence and skills they need to be successful in today's workforce. Carol talks with Matthew about the value of the one-day Return to Work Conference as a way to bring employers and relaunchers together for inspiration, education and networking. The day is more than inspiration and motivation. Carol talks about the concrete tips and advice employers and career relaunch professionals share with relaunchers such as what to say when an interviewer asks about an employment gap.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/s2e10-carol-fishman-cohen
Season 1
Episode 14: Relauncher resumes that get you hired
In our final podcast episode for this season, iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with Tamara Dowling, resume-writing expert and Owner of SeekingSuccess.com about that killer resume that best positions you for the jobs you are interested in.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/resume-tips-for-the-relaunchers
Episode 13: Ace the Job Interview as a Relauncher
Join us for tips and advice on how to bring your best performance to your job interviews with CEO of InterviewMastery.com, Michael Neece. Michael talks with iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen about a range of interview and prep techniques including how to describe paid and unpaid experience, how to prepare for that dreaded "tell me about a weakness" question, and best practices for following up.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/ace-the-job-interview
Episode 12: Dealing with Relaunch Rejection
What's the best way to handle rejection when you are relaunching your career? Tips and advice from Carol Fishman Cohen, Chair and Co-Founder iRelaunch, and Valerie Cherneski, Founder Cherneski Coaching and iRelaunch Coach.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/final-dealing-with-rejection-valerie-cherneski-and-carol-fishman-cohen
Episode 11: Getting the Most Out of Social Media for Relaunchers
iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen speaks with iRelaunch Coach Carroll Welch about social media tips for relaunchers. Figure out what the critical components are of a relauncher's LinkedIn profile, how to describe a career break and / or career transition, and how to get the most out of yours and prospective employers' social media feeds. https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/media-cfc-and-cw
Episode 10: Getting Your Family Involved in Your Relaunch
In this episode of 3,2,1 iRelaunch, Carol Fishman Cohen talks with Michelle Friedman, Founder of Advancing Women's Careers and Special Advisor to iRelaunch about how best to approach your relaunch plans with your family. Carol and Michelle explore both conceptual and practical ways to deal with some of the most common issues in returning to work for family life including household management, your partner's career goals, and dealing with the loss of time at home and with children. https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/getting-your-family-involved-with-your-relaunch
Episode 9: Career Transitions and Relaunching
Is going to back to your pre-career break profession always the best choice? Not always. Here is how to evaluate the best fit for you now as you relaunch your new career. Carol speaks with career coach Arjan Eenkema van Dijk.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/career-transitions-and-relaunching
Episode 8: Salary negotiation tips for relaunchers
Ensure you're getting what you're worth. Salary negotiation expert, Katie Donovan of Equal Pay Negotiations LLC, shares tips with iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen. Katie is a founding member of the MA Equal Pay Coalition and a co-president of the Massachusetts branch of American Association of University Women (AAUW). Katie and the MA Equal Pay Coalition were honored with the Be the Change Award at the 12th Annual Massachusetts Conference for Women which was held on December 8, 2016. https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/kdonovan-v1
Episode 7: Don't talk yourself out of an opportunity
iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen speaks to successful relauncher Cheryl McGee Wallace about networking and maintaining the confidence you need to pursue return to work opportunities.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/dont-talk-yourself-out-of-an-opportunity
Episode 6: When Dad Returns to Work After a Career Break
How do relaunches differ (or do they?) when the traditional roles are reversed and the father takes the career break? Hear one father's relaunch journey as iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen interviews Dave Carty, father of three who took a 13-year career break to be home with his kids. He left an international business development role to go on career break and relaunched in a strategy role for a K-12 independent school.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/when-dad-returns-to-work
Episode 5: What Can I Do During My Career Break To Maximize My Relaunch Success?
We are on career breaks for a reason - usually child care, eldercare or another reason of equal importance. However, as we prepare to relaunch, taking a course, engaging in volunteer work, or working occasionally on a paid special project can be great resume and conversation material. In this 4th episode of 3,2,1, iRelaunch, Carol Fishman Cohen talks with career coach Arjan Eenkema van Dijk about what you can do during your career break (whenever that timing is good for you) to prepare for your relaunch.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/what-can-i-do-during-my-career-break-to-maximize-my-relaunch-success
Episode 4: The Key Step You Cannot Skip to Relaunch Your Career Successfully
What's the most important step you can take when you're thinking about returning to work? It may not be what you think. Carol speaks with iRelaunch coach, Carroll Welch.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/the-key-step-you-cannot-skip-to-relaunch-your-career-successfully
Episode 3: How Can I Regain My Confidence after My Career Break?
If you're feeling intimidated about getting out there and talking to potential employers, you're not alone. It is quite common for relaunchers to feel a lack of confidence. iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen interviews executive coach Valerie Cherneski about how to regain and project confidence while in the job search. Regain that fearless professional image!
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/how-can-i-regain-my-confidence-after-my-career-break
Episode 2: Relaunching as an entrepreneur: from pad and paper to industry leader.
iRelaunch Chair and Co-Founder Carol Fishman Cohen interviews relauncher Mindy Diamond, Founder and CEO of Diamond Consultants. Carol and Mindy discuss the sometimes circuitous route to career passion and relaunching in a new career.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/mindy-diamond-final-with-intro-and-extro
Episode 1: Get ready to relaunch your career
Learn about the new podcast: 3,2,1 iRelaunch.
https://soundcloud.com/irelaunch-llc/get-ready-to-relaunch-your
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