Ever feel stuck in your career but can’t quite figure out why? Or feel like networking makes you fake? Or wonder what to do when you lose your motivation?

In this episode of Career Support, I tackle the real, raw questions people are afraid to ask. These aren’t hypothetical questions; they’re pulled directly from the internet and answered through the lens of 15+ years of career experience and leadership growth. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re on the right path, this episode will help you find clarity and momentum.

Timestamps

00:16 – Welcome to Career Support: Why I started this series and how tough questions drive growth

00:35 – Changing Careers in Your 30s: When money’s not enough; Meaning, fear, timing, and how I made the leap

03:00 – How to Network Without Feeling Fake: 7 steps that changed how I build relationships (as an introvert who hates networking)

7:22 – What to Do When You Lose Motivation: How to rediscover your drive when the spark is gone, plus a personal story that changed everything

11:37 – Challenge For Listeners: Your next bold move starts with one honest question

Career & Leadership Coaching

• Want a better career? Clients who work with us earn 57% more and get promoted 3x faster on average: Book your free career clarity call here.

Resources

• Simon Sinek Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qp0HIF3SfI4
• The Brag Sheet (free Career Achievement Tracker): https://sts-coaching.com/resources/

Engage

• New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe.
• Send in your career, leadership, or self-development questions and I’ll answer them on air.
• Email: theintrovertleader@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austinchopkins
• YouTube: ​Austin Hopkins
• Career Coaching: www.sts-coaching.com

Managers focus on what they can get. Leaders focus on what they can give.

In this episode, I’m breaking down the clear and sometimes subtle differences between managers and true leaders. You’ll hear real stories, examples from my own career, and a challenge to help you grow into the kind of leader people want to follow.

If you’ve ever wondered whether your boss is helping you grow or just using you to get ahead, this episode will help you see the difference. And if you’re a leader yourself, this is your blueprint to lead with purpose, trust, and impact.

Timestamps

• 00:47 - How They Use Power: Managers rely on fear to get compliance. Leaders use influence to earn trust and move people forward.
• 07:51 - How They Make Decisions: Managers operate in silos and think black-and-white. Leaders seek input and navigate the grey.
• 13:54 - How They Treat People: Managers drain your energy and protect their ego. Leaders build confidence and make people feel seen.
• 18:20 - How They Communicate: Managers avoid hard conversations and only reach out when they need something. Leaders communicate often, clearly, and with care.
• 24:13 - Where Their Loyalty Lies: Managers choose the company over their team. Leaders stand by their people even when it’s inconvenient.
• 28:06 - Challenge for Listeners: If you are working for a manager its time to make a change. If you are boss its times to be the leader you wish you had.

Free Career Fulfillment Quiz

• 60 seconds to learn if your career is fueling or draining you? Take it here

Career & Leadership Coaching

• Want a better career? Clients who work with us earn 57% more and get promoted 3x faster on average: Book your free career clarity call here.

Engage

• New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe.
• Send in your career, leadership, or self-development questions and I’ll answer them on air.
• Email: theintrovertleader@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austinchopkins
• YouTube: ​Austin Hopkins
• Career Coaching: www.sts-coaching.com

I’ve used AI for over 1,000 hours to grow my career, build a brand, and scale this podcast. In this episode, I’m sharing five rules to help you use AI the right way. Whether you're writing a resume, preparing for a big meeting, or trying to get promoted faster, AI can help, but only if you know how to use it well. This is your no-hype playbook for making AI a real advantage in your career.

Not sure if your job is still the right fit? Take my free 3-minute Career Fulfillment Quiz to find out if your current role is fueling you or draining you. You’ll get a custom score, insights, and a plan to move forward.
Try It Here

Timestamps

• 00:56 - Storytime: I built something cool with Artificial Intelligence.
• 04:18 - Rule 1: Mastery Creates Separation: Why using AI everyday is the fastest way to get ahead.
• 05:43 - Rule 2: AI Isn’t Your Crutch: How to avoid letting AI weaken your instincts or critical thinking.
• 07:05 - Rule 3: Blind Trust is Bad: AI makes mistakes. Learn to question the results and double-check everything.
• 08:21 - Rule 4: Bad Inputs = Bad Outputs: I walk through the four things every great prompt should include.
• 10:11 - Rule 5: Stay in Your Strength Zone: Use AI to eliminate the boring stuff and stay focused on what makes you great.
• 12:27 - Career and Leadership Use Cases: Real-world examples of using AI to write resumes, negotiate salary, prep for meetings, and coach better.
• 18:32 - Challenge for Listeners: Pick one task this week and run it through AI. Compare before and after. Was it more efficient? Did it help?

Career & Leadership Coaching

• Want a better career? Clients who work with us earn 57% more and get promoted 3x faster on average: Book your free career clarity call here.

Engage

• New episodes drop every other Wednesday. Be sure to subscribe.
• Send in your career, leadership, or self-development questions and I’ll answer them on air.
• Email: theintrovertleader@gmail.com
• LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/austinchopkins
• YouTube: ​Austin Hopkins
• Career Coaching: www.sts-coaching.com