In a funny way, knowing when it's time to make a decision can be tricky. For Tony Brown, he starts to feel irritated and adds notes to a folder calls "things that bug me." Those notes usually lead to decisions. Today, Tony talks with executive and career coach Kelly Brown. She knows a decision is looming when she feels angst and frustration. Then she'll ask herself a question: "If I'm doing exactly the same thing in five years, how will I feel?" It's a question that has "unlocked so much awareness for me in so many ways," Kelly says. She also asks this: "What is at the heart of the conflict and what is it that I really want? What am I really looking for?" (And don't forget, a non-decision is a decision too!)

At the Table with Tony is a series of conversations with Tony Brown, professor emeritus at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Tony started the podcast while facing significant health challenges in order to nurture a generative, "grow together" friendship community with his many friends and former students. In Season 2, Tony is joined at the table by Duke senior Riley Reece.

Tony Brown is a fantastic coach. (Maybe it's why so many former students stay in touch!) In this episode, Tony's former student Mia Wise interviews him about the secrets to effective coaching. Tony says don't try to replicate his approach – rely on your own strengths - but make sure to start your session with clarity: What's the problem you are trying to work on? What's the specific mission – where can you move the needle? What strategies and actions will cause change? What are the stakeholder outcomes and benefits? Address these questions with either a top-down approach (big picture first) or a bottom-up approach (specific strategies first). Both are effective. Use the questions regularly and you'll soon be a better counselor to your colleagues, friends and family.

At the Table with Tony is a series of conversations with Tony Brown, professor emeritus at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Tony started the podcast while facing significant health challenges in order to nurture a generative, "grow together" friendship community with his many friends and former students. In Season 2, Tony is joined at the table by Duke senior Riley Reece.

When you're considering career options, "you can't think about your whole life," says Tony Brown. Instead, consider a five-year path and prioritize working for a good boss because research shows that whether a person is engaged at work is due in large part to their manager. When job hunting, use your network. "Go talk to 10 really interesting people," Tony says. "You'll have a sense if they'll have you at the Xerox machine each day, or they'll actually going to care about your development." Guest Brandon Busteed agrees. He's the CEO of BrandEd, a company that provides education in partnership with premier brands like Sotheby's Institute of Art and The New York Times. Brandon suggests that when you do get an interview (and you will!) use your time to ask direct questions of your potential manager. What's their management style? How do they motivate teams? How often do they connect with staff? "That's your opportunity to assess whether you're talking to a rock star manager or not," he says.

At the Table with Tony is a series of conversations with Tony Brown, professor emeritus at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. Tony started the podcast while facing significant health challenges in order to nurture a generative, "grow together" friendship community with his many friends and former students. In Season 2, Tony is joined at the table by Duke senior Riley Reece.