
Mid-Career and Losing Steam? Let’s Fix That
From Career Contessa by Career Contessa
February 17, 2026 · 33 min · Episode 310
About this episode
Lauren discusses career stagnation and strategies to reignite motivation with Carolyn Dewar.
Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title. You’ll learn: Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth. Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum. The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season. Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources: Carolyn Dewer: https://www.mckinsey.com/our-people/carolyn-dewar Book: https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/mckinsey-on-books/ceo-for-all-seasons 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 Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy…
People in this episode
Host: Lauren
Guest: Carolyn Dewar
Topics covered
- career stagnation
- goal setting
- leadership skills
- motivation
- professional growth
Keywords
- career
- motivation
- leadership
- goals
- professional development
Sponsors
Shopify
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: McKinsey
Books & works: CEO for All Seasons
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