Ever feel stuck at work but can’t quite put your finger on why? In this episode, executive coach and Leadership Unblocked author Muriel Wilkins explains the invisible blockers that stand between you and your full potential. She shares why a “perception gap” can hold you back even more than a skills gap — and how you can start coaching yourself to break through those hidden barriers.

You’ll learn:

• Why your biggest blocker might be a perception gap, not a skill gap
• How to self-coach when self-doubt creeps in
• The key questions that help you lead from the inside out

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website and book: https://www.murielwilkins.com/

Podcast: https://www.murielwilkins.com/podcast-coaching-real-leaders

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/murielwilkins/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachmurielwilkins/#

CC podcast on executive presence: https://podcasts.apple.com/gh/podcast/executive-presence-what-it-is-and-how-to-get-it-at-work/id1434354911?i=1000577768564

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/

Sponsor

Go to Superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

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

Struggle with saying “no” at work? You’re not alone. In this episode, career coach and talent acquisition manager Adeline Callanan joins us to break down what assertive communication really looks like—and how to build the skill without sounding aggressive.

You’ll learn:

✅ How to speak up without being seen as “difficult”

✅ Simple language shifts that boost your confidence

✅ Nonverbal cues that support (or sabotage) your message

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Work with Adeline: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/profile/Adeline-(Gheorghita)Callanan/21903/

10% off a session with Adeline with code “Podcast” till 9/25/25

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

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.

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

Have you ever made a big work decision—only to second-guess it immediately? Or felt like you’re constantly pushing against a career path that’s supposed to feel “right”? According to Human Design expert Erin Claire Jones, the issue might not be your ambition—it might be your alignment. In this episode, Erin joins us to talk about her new book, How Do You Choose?, and how Human Design can offer a practical framework for making better career and life decisions. You’ll learn:

• The 3 key Human Design elements that influence how you make decisions at work
• Why “success” might look—and feel—very different depending on your type
• How understanding your own design (and your coworkers’) can reduce burnout and improve collaboration

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

First Career Contessa Podcast episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/how-to-use-human-design-in-your-career/id1434354911?i=1000451886054

Erin Claire Jones Website: https://erinclairejones.com/

Human Design Blueprint: https://humandesignblueprint.com/

How Do You Choose Book: https://erinclairejones.com/book

Guides and use “career” for a discount: https://humandesignblueprint.com/guide/?_rvid=0197a7ae-38c4-75ab-9a16-135105f59d02

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 Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.

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

Feel like you’re doing everything right but still not getting the recognition you deserve? In this episode, LinkedIn Top Voice Lorraine K. Lee shares actionable ways to raise your visibility at work—without burning out, bragging, or pretending to be someone you’re not.

You’ll learn:

• Why visibility is essential for real career growth—and how to stand out subtly but powerfully
• Smart ways to build your executive presence on LinkedIn, in meetings, and beyond
• How to “lead from where you are” and make sure your contributions get noticed

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

Website: https://lorraineklee.com/

Book: https://lorraineklee.com/unforgettable-presence/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lorraineklee/

Improve Communication Skills at Work episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/improve-your-communication-skills-at-work-presentations/id1434354911?i=1000651156838

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/

Sponsor

Open a Found account for FREE at found.com/contessa.

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

Author Brad Englert shares how to build lasting influence through trust, visibility, and real relationships. Learn how to strengthen your internal and external networks and why influence is a must-have leadership skill—not just a nice-to-have. You’ll Learn:

• Why influence is a hard skill every modern leader needs
• How to strengthen relationships inside and outside your organization
• Practical habits that help you build trust and credibility for the long haul

Show Notes

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

The Successful Networker: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-successful-networker

Guest Resources

Spheres of Influence: https://bradenglert.com/spheres-of-influence/

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 Superpower.com and use code CONTESSA to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.

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

What’s your reputation when you’re not in the room? Career and leadership expert Kimberly Brown joins us to share how to take control of your professional narrative—before someone else does.

You’ll learn:

• How to assess and reshape the story others tell about you
• Practical ways to boost your visibility without “self-promoting”
• The difference between building a career and building a lasting legacy

Show Notes

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

Guest Resources:

https://kimberlybonline.com/

https://brownleadership.com/

Next Move, Best Move Book: https://kimberlybonline.com/book

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:

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.

Get 15% off OneSkin with the code contessa at https://www.oneskin.co.

Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off the first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/CONTESSA to start your subscription.

Stop putting off those doctors appointments and go to zocdoc.com/contessa to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.

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