Career Relaunch®

What’s it like going from working in Silicon Valley to starting your own welding business? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Zai Divecha, a former software marketer turned metalworker and designer shares her thoughts on what it’s like to be “in flow,” how to prepare for a career change, and the benefits of connecting with liked-minded people.  I also share some thoughts on the difference between doing energy generating vs. energy depleting work. Key Career Insights * When you’re doing fulfilling work, a “flow state” can emerge, where you lose track of time, reach a state of extreme concentration, and you can actually enjoy thinking about your work at all moments of the day, both the weekdays and weekends. * The emotional highs of running your own business gives you the fuel to navigate some of the inevitable lows. * The fear of the unknown can actually help to force you to really hustle and quickly get the right pieces in place to create the career you want for yourself. * There’s a difference between doing energy generating and energy depleting work. Taking stock of which type of work comprises your days can give you an indication of whether you’re in the right role or not. Tweetables to Share Resources Mentioned * We talked about “Flow” during this episode. Learn about Psychologist Mihaly Csiksgentmihalyi, who created the psychological concept of Flow. * Check out Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s: Flow, the secret to happiness TED Talk * Mihaly’s book Flow: The Psychology of Happiness. And here’s a good summary of Flow, The Psychology of Optimal Experience in Hasty Reader. Free Tool: Reenergizing Your Work Days During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about the importance of doing energising work. For some help in identifying some ways to do this, you can download a free “Reenergising Your Work Days” Worksheet. About Zai Divecha, Metalworker & Designer Photos: Ellen Wildhagen, kindredweddings.co Zai Divecha is a metalworker and designer who learned to weld at the age of 14. She first worked in the tech industry at Box before deciding to return to her metalworking roots in 2014, when she founded Elektra Steel. She now spends her days creating handcrafted steel art and home goods. You can check out more of her impressive welding on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. And to learn more about her story, check out this

What does having “wealth” mean to you? Do you think of material possessions and money? Or do you think about less tangible things you value? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Byron Trzeciak, a former Security Analyst turned Online Marketing Agency Founder shares his thoughts on why money isn’t everything, the importance of being able to control your time, and the toll your job can take on you when you’re doing unfulfilling work. I also share some thoughts on what it means to be truly “wealthy.” Key Career Insights * Reaching a career goal doesn’t always lead to career satisfaction. In fact, it can make you question whether that goal was a truly meaningful one to word toward in the first place. * When money’s the main reason you’re happy staying in your job, it can lead to a vicious cycle of rewarding yourself for doing work you don’t enjoy then continuing to do that work so you can reward yourself. * Material wealth (assets, money, stuff) is distinct from personal wealth (happiness, flexibility, freedom). Which matters the most to you? Tweetables to Share Resources * Byron’s Medium Article, The Day I Earned a Six Figure Salary Was the Day I Quit My Job. * Sept 2016 NY Times Article on Hal Hershfield’s (UCLA Anderson School of Management) research on how people perceive the value of time vs. money. * Tim Ferriss’ Book, 4 Hour Workweek. * My Huffington Article on 4 Ways Self Employment Changed How I Define Wealth. * Pat Flynn’s Smart Passive Income Podcast and his About Page. * You might also enjoy my Fast Company article about how 3 people redefined what wealth meant to them in their careers. Free Tool: Redefining What Wealth Means to You During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about the importance of defining what wealth means to you. For some help in doing this, you can download my “Redefining Wealth” Worksheet. About Byron Trzeciak Byron Trzeciak is Director and Founder of a conversion-focused digital marketing agency called PixelRush based in Melbourne, Australia. He builds profitable online businesses by turning clicks into customers, empowering businesses to gain 4x return from their online marketing investment across a variety of digital channels & media. He’s also passionate about inspiring others to build a life they’ll love by creating flexible lifestyles & career paths using online income. You can follow him on LinkedIn and Twitter. To learn more about online marketing and SEO, be sure to check out his PixelRush blog.

How do you manage the ups & downs of starting your own business? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Noz Nozawa, a former Tech Marketer turned Interior Designer shares her thoughts on the emotional impact of running your own business, how your perceptions of self worth can get intertwined with your work, and the importance of support networks. I also share some thoughts on where you can create some support structures in your own career. Key Career Insights * Formal training can be valuable, but not always necessary—research and explore your options and listen to your instincts when preparing to make the leap. Your road to success may not resemble anyone else’s. * If you experience a loss of momentum and confidence, consider seeking knowledge from outside of your immediate professional network to connect with others who have had the same difficulties. * Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you—or both!—to avoid feeling isolated. Tweetables to Share Resources Mentioned * Connect yourself to other entrepreneurs and join our community on the Career Relaunch Facebook Page. * I mentioned this “five people” quote by Jim Rohn during today’s Mental Fuel segment. * Here’s an article touching on the idea of how interpersonal relationships shape success, which I alluded to during today’s Mental Fuel: Why the Five People Around You Are Crucial to Your Success. Free Tool: Network Builder During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about the importance of building a support network. For some help in doing this, you can download my “NETWORK BUILDER” Worksheet. About Noz Nozawa, Interior Designer Ever since she was a little girl, Noz Nozawa wanted to be an interior designer. Or an architect. Whatever job would let her work on houses all day. But her father encouraged her to focus on business instead. So she graduated from college, landed a great job at Clorox, and hopped over to the tech industry in 2011. But in 2014, she couldn’t ignore her “calling” anymore – so she “retired” from her successful marketing career to follow her passion for interior design. Despite not having formal training, she launched her own business right out the gate. Two very challenging, roller coaster sink-or-swim self-employed years later, her little business is growing and thriving, and she’s never looked back. She now runs Noz Design, a full-service residential interior design firm based in San Francisco, serving clients from coast to coast. With a focus on eclectically modern spaces, Noz Design creates well-appointed homes that not only reflect their dwellers’ lifestyles and tastes, but also maximize a space’s functionality and a project’s budget. Follow Noz on Instagram and Twitter. Did You Enjoy This Episode? Please Let Us Know! * Tweet: If you enjoyed this episode and have a few seconds to spare, Tweet to let me and Noz know!! Tweet a thank you! * Review: I’d also love for you to leave a positive review and rating for the podcast on iTunes,

What’s it like to take evening classes while working full time to expand your career options? In this episode of Career Relaunch, David Gulbransen, a former Software Startup Founder & IT Consultant turned Intellectual Property Attorney & Director of IT shares his thoughts on attending law school while holding down a full-time job, managing failure, and creating a diverse, portfolio career.  I also share some thoughts on the importance of investing in yourself. Key Career Insights * Returning to school to pursue an additional degree is a major investment of time, money, and energy. However, it absolutely can be worth that investment, especially when it opens up new opportunities to diversify your career and feed all your interests. * Experimenting and exploring many options can help you gain clarity about what your true passions are. * If you have a unique product, service, or technique you’re developing, you should take the time up front to connect with an IP lawyer to consider securing a trademark or patent. * Investing in yourself to learn a new skill can be an incredibly powerful catalyst to creating change in your career. Tweetables to Share Resources Mentioned * David talked about the importance of Patents & Trademarks, especially if you’re a small business owner developing an idea, product, or service. * Here’s more information about Trademarks from Trademark Direct, a service I’ve used myself. You can also do a quick Trademark search yourself on Trademarkia to see if the name you’re considering is available. * The US Patent & Trademark Office has some pretty good articles on Intellectual Property, where you can read about Patents, Trademarks, Servicemarks, and Copyrights. Free Tool: Investing in Yourself During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about the importance of investing in yourself. For some help in doing this, you can download my “Investing in Yourself” Worksheet. About David Gulbransen, Intellectual Property Attorney David Gulbransen is a author, attorney and “IT” guy based in Chicago, Illinois. In his law practice he focuses on intellectual property issues (copyright, trademark) as well as information technology and business law, primarily with startups and small business entities. He’s also the Director of IT at the University of Chicago Law School. David had over a decade of experience in information technology and software development and is a published author with over half-dozen technical books under his name. Currently, he contributes a regular technology column to the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin. Did You Enjoy This Episode? Please Let Us Know! * Tweet: If you enjoyed this episode and have a few seconds to spare, Tweet to let me and David know! Tweet a thank you! * Review: I’d also love for you to leave a positive review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, which helps my show reach more people who want to relaunch their careers. * Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe to Career Relaunch podcast on

What’s it like to leave your stable agency job behind to become a creative freelancer? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Polly Aspinall, a former Creative, Producer and Account Director at London-based agency turned freelance Set Designer shares her thoughts on the importance of creating connections with a diverse set of people and allowing yourself to be open to new ideas.  I also share some thoughts on being open to opportunities, even when they’re not exactly perfect. Key Takeaways * The best things happen in your career when you stop saying “no” all the time and instead start saying “yes” to new opportunities. * Meeting up with everyone you can allows you to expand your network, to make connections with people who may just turn out to be surprisingly helpful. * Sometimes, saying yes to imperfect opportunities can open up new doors and uncover unique career ideas that never crossed your mind Tweetables to Share Resources Mentioned * Polly referred to an “Opportunity Mindset,” where you say yes to things and remain open to new ideas. Here are a couple articles on this topic: * Entrepreneur article on Recognizing Opportunity is the First Step to an Entrepreneurial Mindset * Inc article on How to Change Your Mindset to See Problems as Opportunities. Free Tool: Saying Yes to Opportunity During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about being open to opportunities that aren’t 100% perfect. For some help in doing this, you can download my “Saying Yes to Opportunity” Worksheet. About Polly Aspinall, Set Designer Polly Aspinall spent nearly 8 years working in a hybrid marketing role as a creative, producer, and account director for brands such as Johnnie Walker, the BBC, ASOS, Smirnoff and H&M. After taking a course at Central Saint Martins, part of the University of the Arts London (UAL), Polly recently made the move into set design, prop-master, and junior art director for film and tv, including projects for Episodes and a new TV Show by the makers of Inbetweeners. She also does freelance set design for window dressing, photoshoots, and interior designs. If you’re interested in exploring a career in the creative arts, check out UAL’s full list of courses and short courses. Did You Enjoy This Episode? Please Let Us Know! * Tweet: If you enjoyed this episode and have a few seconds to spare, Tweet to let me and Polly know! Tweet a thank you! * Review: I’d also love for you to leave a positive review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, which helps my show reach more people who want to relaunch their careers. * Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe to Career Relaunch podcast on iTunes, Stitcher,

What does it take to leave your stable corporate job behind to launch your own business and venture? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Anne Tumlinson, a former Senior Vice President at a Consulting Firm turned Business Owner shares her thoughts on how to recognize when it’s time to change careers, the importance of daily discipline, and embracing the ups AND downs of your career journey. I also share some thoughts on how you can start gaining some traction with your own goals. 3 Key Takeaways * Making progress toward your career goals is not about talent. It’s about commitment and hard work. * Just because something is hard doesn’t mean you’re never going to succeed. * Sticking with a disciplined, daily routine of action will help you make the most progress toward achieving your career goals. Tweetables to Share Resources Mentioned * Visit daughterhood.org & subscribe to Anne’s newsletter and get involved in the conversation of caring for your aging parents at Daughterhood’s Facebook page * Daughterhood Circles * Joseph’s TEDx Talk, Reshaping the Story of Your Career * Elizabeth Gilbert * Mastin Kipp, The Daily Love * Tony Robbins on the secret to happiness * Anne mentioned capturing notes. Here are the apps I use to capture notes and tasks: Evernote, Trello, and Wunderlist * Jim Collins, Author of Great by Choice on the 20 Mile March * Jacob Riis Quote on Stone Cutter Free Tool: Define Your Commitments During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about how defining your daily commitments can help you make steady progress toward your goals. For some help in doing this, you can download my “Defining Your Commitments” Worksheet About Anne Tumlinson, Founder of Daughterhood Anne is a self-described public policy geek who has spent the last 25 years working to improve how older adults receive the services and care they need. Anne has testified before Congress, and appeared before the Long-Term Care Commission and the Bipartisan Policy Center. Now she’s turning that expertise into creative and accessible content for women caring for their parents. In 2015, she launched daughterhood.org in order to to help women get smarter about their ageing parents. In 2016, she launched Daughterhood Circles, meet-ups bringing caregivers into the reform conversation, enhancing their understanding of systems of care, and building a community around common caregiving experiences through. If you want to learn more about caring for your ageing parents, be sure to get involved with a local Daughterh...

What does it take to leave your corporate marketing job behind to create your own app? In this episode of Career Relaunch, Aniefre Essien, a former Consumer Goods Brand Marketer turned music streaming app Founder shares his thoughts the importance of conviction and being authentic to who you are. I also share some thoughts on how you can define what matters to you. Key Takeaways * Find what’s meaningful in your life, and determine the mark you want to leave on the world. * Clarify your values to evaluate which actions and decisions serve you, make you happy, and lead to fulfillment. * Give yourself permission to pursue what you really want. You will be more at peace with yourself and your career path. Tweetables to Share Free Tool: Clarify Your Values During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about the importance of clarifying what matters to you in your life & career. To help define your values, you can download my “Values Questionnaire” Worksheet About Aniefre Essien, Founder & CEO, Vaytus Media Aniefre Essien has more than a decade of marketing experience, across a wide range of industries including Food & Wine, Home Cleaning, and Social Media. After spending years honing his craft at major corporations, Aniefre decided to leave the perceived security of the corporate world to launch his own start-up. He is the Founder/CEO of Vaytus Media LLC, a media streaming platform that enables convenient discovery of premium independent music. Vaytus is a new, independent music streaming app, with hand selected, curated content from artists who create for the love of music. “Vayt-us” means elevate us, and is built on the premise that good music makes life better. At Vaytus, we’re a bunch of musicians and music lovers that know that the best, most honest music is being made by indie musicians not heard on the radio—so we built an alternative. The app is in testing now, and will be released soon. People can pre-register for an account at vaytus.com and follow Vaytus on Facebook. Did You Enjoy This Episode? Please Let Us Know! * Tweet: If you enjoyed this episode and have a few seconds to spare, Tweet to let me and Aniefre know. Tweet a thank you! * Review: I’d also love for you to leave a positive review and rating for the podcast on iTunes, which helps my show reach more people who want to relaunch their careers. * Subscribe: Be sure to subscribe to Career Relaunch podcast on iTunes, Stitcher, Android, or Google Play (it’s free) so you don’t miss out on the latest episodes. Full instructions. * Stay in touch: Follow Career Relaunch on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also follow host Joseph on Twitter and

Welcome to the debut episode of Career Relaunch! What does it take to leave a comfortable, stable job behind to pursue your lifelong dream? In this very first episode of Career Relaunch, Kelly Cara, a former Educational Researcher turned Health-Supportive Chef & Lifestyle Wellness Educator shares her perspectives on giving yourself permission to do work you enjoy, taking the brave steps to start that journey, and understanding the tradeoffs involved when you leave stability behind. I also share highlights from my own career reinvention story then share thoughts  on how you can start reinventing yourself. Key Takeaways * Acknowledging you’re not satisfied with your day-job is the first step toward moving onto something more fulfilling and meaningful. * Career change doesn’t happen overnight. It happens by taking small, manageable steps toward the life you want, then being brave enough to leave the status quo behind and take the plunge to make it happen. * Initiating a change is the hardest part of change, but sometimes, you just have to force yourself to start somewhere. Tweetables to Share Free Tool: Define Your Starting Point During this episode’s Mental Fuel segment, I talked about how starting somewhere, even if imperfect, is important to creating the career change you desire. To help you begin, you can download my “Defining Your Starting Point” Worksheet About Kelly Cara, Health-Supportive Chef & Lifestyle Wellness Educator Kelly Cara is a certified health-supportive chef and Complete Health Improvement Program (CHIP) facilitator. After completing a master’s degree in experimental psychology, Kelly worked for several years in a behavioral health facility and then for a higher education institution as a researcher. Through those career experiences, Kelly discovered a passion for educating others about health, wellness, and how to live one’s most vibrant life through research-supported nutritional and lifestyle modifications. She and her husband recently started their own business, V-Life, to turn that passion into a viable career. Learn more about her culinary adventures at Natural Epicurean. If you’re based in Austin and interested in living a healthier lifestyle, check out Kelly’s Website, Facebook Page, and her Austin CHIP Meetup page. If you’ve been pondering a culinary career yourself, check out Natural Epicurean’s Plant-Based Culinary School. They also offer a Career Changers and Entrepreneurs Scholarship, which you can learn more about here. Finally, if you want to learn more about food virtually, Natural Epicurean has recently launched an exciting new online learning platform. So be sure to check that out too. Did You Enjoy This Episode? Please Let Us Know! * Tweet: If you enjoyed this episode and have a few seconds to spare, 

Don’t Miss an Episode. Subscribe Today. SUBSCRIBE: iTunesStitcherAndroidRSS Welcome to Career Relaunch Many of you had told me that hearing other people’s stories about career change can be incredibly helpful, motivating, and inspiring. I’ve always found that learning from others can be a great way to catalyse the changes you want to make in your life. When I thought about how best to curate these stories, I decided the most useful way for you to learn from people, is to hear directly from them. So I’m launching a podcast that profiles people who have made career changes. Career Relaunch is an inspirational podcast that helps you navigate the ups and downs of a career transition. Each episode features informative, insightful interviews with people who have stepped off the beaten path in their careers to pursue more meaningful work. Learn from their unconventional career experiences and gain courage from their brave decisions. Changing careers can be daunting, and my guests are here to provide advice, companionship, and clarity as you relaunch your own career. Check out my free Career Hub for more helpful career change resources. You can also meet the team behind Career Relaunch. Join the Career Change Discussion If you haven’t already done so, be sure to join the Career Relaunch podcast community on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Instagram. Help shape the podcast! Is there a particular career challenge you’re struggling with? Let me know by leaving me a voicemail or comment, and I’ll do my best to cover the most common topics on the show. Thanks for our input! Leave Joseph a Voicemail You can also leave a comment below. Thanks! Listen to other episodes