Career Contessa

A bad manager can undermine your confidence, hurt your performance, and even derail your career. But what if quitting isn’t an option? Career coach and author Cathy Alfandre shares how to recognize a damaging manager, protect yourself while you stay, and create a strategic exit plan. Plus, learn how to spot red flags during the interview process so you don’t end up with another bad boss.
You’ll learn:
How to tell the difference between a demanding manager and a damaging one
How to protect your confidence and career when you can’t quit
How to spot manager red flags before accepting your next job

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Website: https://cathyalfandre.com/
Book: https://cathyalfandre.com/my-book/
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/cathyalfandre

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
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Why do so many successful women still feel like they're falling behind—even after achieving the career milestones they once dreamed of? Executive coach and former Google leader Brooke Taylor explains the hidden "Success Wound" that keeps high achievers chasing the next accomplishment without ever feeling like it's enough. Learn how to break free from the cycle of burnout, perfectionism, and self-doubt while pursuing ambition that actually feels fulfilling.
You'll learn:
Why burnout, perfectionism, and imposter syndrome may be symptoms—not the real problem.
The five types of "Unfulfilled Achievers" and how to identify your own patterns.
How to cultivate "aligned ambition" so you can pursue big goals without tying your self-worth to your achievements.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Brooke Taylor LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooketaylor-coach/
Book: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/brooke-taylor/healing-the-success-wound/9780306836107/?lens=balance
Website: https://brooketaylorcoaching.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors
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Landing a job in today's market takes more than submitting applications and hoping for the best. Recruiter, career coach, and content creator Emily Durham ("Emily the Recruiter") shares what hiring managers are actually looking for in 2026, the biggest mistakes candidates make, and the practical strategies that lead to more interviews and better offers. If you're job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply want to stay competitive, this episode is packed with actionable advice.
You'll learn:
What recruiters actually look for first on your resume, LinkedIn profile, and application.
How to network, interview, and negotiate salary with confidence in today's hiring market.
The three actions to take this week if you want to land a new job within the next 90 days.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emily.the.recruiter/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emily.the.recruiter
Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FQTM8RQR?lv=shuf&redirect=true&tag=randohouseinc47720-20&channelId=1&plpRedirect=mhFallback
Podcast: https://pod.link/1505520809?fbclid=PAAaaxnLRkpCu19e-HFhhvwjmTjzZkHMXRsFhpw_1zChmw5dM144xiv-_OeXU
Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/d58604ea1659/newsletter

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
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See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feeling the pressure to make a big career move before the year ends? You're not alone. In this episode, licensed clinical psychologist Anne Josephson explains why ambitious professionals often mistake burnout for clarity during the "Fall Crunch"—and shares practical, evidence-based strategies to manage anxiety, quiet overthinking, and make career decisions with confidence instead of urgency.
You'll learn:
How to tell the difference between burnout-driven impulsivity and a genuine desire for career change.
Why tying your self-worth to productivity fuels anxiety—and how to break the cycle.
Practical CBT and DBT techniques to reduce overwhelm, improve focus, and feel more grounded during high-pressure seasons.

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
https://uptownpsychologyny.com/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Machine Washable Rugs, Made Better. For a limited time only, our listeners get 10% off + free shipping at tumbleliving.com/CONTESSA #Tumble #ad
Visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.This deal is exclusive for our listeners, so visit Carawayhome.com/CONTESSA or use code CONTESSA at checkout.
Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Feel busy all day but still behind? It’s not your time—it’s your mental overload.
In this episode, Lauren talks with Liane Davey, author of Thoughtload, about how to reduce overwhelm and work more effectively.
You’ll learn:
Why being busy doesn’t equal being productive
How to protect your focus and reduce distractions
One simple shift to get more done this week

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
https://lianedavey.com/books/thoughtload/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors:
Go to granola.ai/CONTESSA and try Granola on your next call.
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