The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast

Are you feeling stuck in your career, wondering how to truly take the reins and drive your own destiny? In this powerful episode of The Power of Owning Your Career, host Simone E. Morris sits down with the brilliant Amira Barger, Executive Vice President and Head of DEI Advisory at Edelman and author of the upcoming, must-read book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Four Actions for Real Change. Prepare to be inspired as Amira shares her incredible journey from aspiring physician to award-winning strategic communications leader, revealing the pivotal moments that helped her truly take the driver's seat in her own career.If you're ready to stop playing small, this conversation is for you! Simone and Amira unpack critical strategies for reimagining your career trajectory and building a powerful personal advisory circle (think mentors, sponsors, peers, and mentees who genuinely support your ascent). Discover why embracing discomfort isn't just an option, but a vital catalyst for authentic growth in your professional life. Here's what you'll gain from this episode: Amira's proven formula for owning your career: Learn about the transformative power of journaling, the necessity of asking the big, uncomfortable questions, and how to effectively plan your next career moves in strategic two-year arcs. Practical communication hacks: Level up your ability to articulate your value and make meaningful asks for support. Leadership insights: Understand how to position yourself as a leader who builds collaborative foundations, not just 'rules kingdoms.' This isn't just a chat; it's a candid, actionable conversation designed to help you gain clarity, take decisive control, and drive real, lasting change in your career! Get ready for a candid, actionable conversation designed to help you take control, gain clarity, and drive real change in your career! Episode Roadmap: Navigate Your Growth Journey: 00:00 Discover the multifaceted role of a Strategic Communications Specialist and how it sets the stage for career ownership. 03:42 How early decisions can lead to unforeseen career fulfillment. 08:36 Amira's pivotal shift: From Pre-Med to a thriving Marketing career. 10:23 Curate Your Circle Intentionally: Why your personal advisory board is your secret weapon. 14:30 The power of the "discomfort zone": Embracing discomfort for accelerated growth. 19:00 "Questioning for Change": How asking the right questions unlocks new career possibilities. 22:39 Strategizing Board Opportunities: Your guide to impactful board engagement. 23:44 Preparedness for Board Opportunities: Key steps to position yourself. 27:04 Harness Storytelling for Workplace Innovation: Learn to influence and lead with narrative. 33:04 The hidden costs: Understanding "The Price of 'Nice'" and why it holds you back. 34:34 Final thoughts on how to fully "Own Your Career Journey." ✴️ Episode Resources: - Book Recommendation: The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck and Four Actions for Real Change by Amira Barger (available October 28, 2025) - Book Recommendation: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown (and other works referenced in the episode for leadership and clarity) - Podcast Recommendation: The Moth — An acclaimed storytelling podcast and YouTube channel recommended by Amira for gaining insights into communications, leadership, and personal growth. ✴️ Connect with our guest, Amira Barger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amirabarger/ Website coming soon: amirabarger.com ✴️ Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/ ✴️ Want to apply to be a guest or recommend someone for the show? Visit: https://bit.ly/pooycshowguest ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Book a complimentary 30-minute coaching exploration call with Simone: https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career: https://bit.ly/43JTV03 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career: https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them: https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD

Episode Overview: Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Power of Owning Your Career podcast! This week, host Simone Morris sits down with the dynamic Jackie Grice, speaker, bestselling co-author, and CEO who built a multimillion-dollar transportation company from the ground up. Jackie shares her remarkable journey, including transitioning from dreams of becoming a judge to thriving as an entrepreneur alongside her husband. In this conversation, Jackie opens up about the pivotal role her engineering background plays in her business strategy and personal growth, and how a life-changing two-day silence retreat propelled her to launch a successful coaching business during the challenges of COVID-19. Tune in as Jackie reveals her formula for career ownership—purpose plus strategy—and the importance of intentionality, mentorship, and investing in yourself. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or navigating your next career move, Jackie's insights on risk, networking, and unleashing untapped potential will leave you feeling empowered to truly be in the driver's seat of your own journey. Get ready to discover what it really means to launch deeper and live a limitless life driven by purpose! Time Stamp Of This Episode: 00:00 "Inspiring Career Strategies with Jackie" 04:55 Discovering New Paths During Silence 07:25 The Power of Silence 11:32 Backward Planning Strategy 15:15 Invest in Yourself 18:28 "The Art of Effective Networking" 22:33 Mitigating Risk in Entrepreneurship 26:47 Parental Sacrifice and Success Show Resources: Practice Silence: Jackie Grice recommends intentional silence, such as attending silent retreats or setting aside periods for personal reflection, to gain clarity on purpose and strategy. Invest in Coaching, Mentorship, and Sponsorship: Build a strong support network by engaging a coach for growth, a mentor for guidance, and a sponsor to advocate for you in new opportunities. Consider Therapy: Jackie highlights therapy as a resource for overcoming mental and emotional barriers, increasing self-awareness, and achieving career and personal goals. Read "Buy Back Your Time" by Dan Martell: This book is suggested as a valuable tool for learning how to delegate tasks and buy back your time so you can focus on high-impact activities. Follow Launching Deeper with Jackie B. Grice (YouTube & Website): Stay connected with Jackie for ongoing resources on business strategy and personal growth via her website and YouTube series. Connect with our guest, Jackie B. Grice, at https://jackiebgrice.com Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Book a complimentary 30-minute coaching call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com. There, you can share your career status and challenges and learn how coaching can help you take ownership of your career. 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD)

Welcome to this week's episode of The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! Today, Simone E. Morris is joined by the inspiring Dr. Anne Welsh—a psychologist, executive coach, and consultant dedicated to empowering women leaders and supporting working parents. With a rich background at Harvard and deep expertise in maternal mental health, Dr. Welsh shares her unique journey from early ambitions in medicine to building a multi-faceted career focused on helping working moms navigate identity, ambition, and the challenges of modern parenthood. In this conversation, Dr. Welsh gets candid about tuning out external expectations, embracing career pivots, and redefining ambition for mothers. She offers practical strategies for integrating motherhood with career goals, overcoming shame, and staying intentional about your professional path—even when it means coloring outside the lines. Whether you're a working parent, considering a career pause, or searching for inspiration to design your professional life, this episode is packed with wisdom, resources, and encouragement. Tune in as we explore how to own your career journey by leading with curiosity, confidence, and a healthy dash of playfulness. ✴️Episode TimeStamp: 00:00 Career Reinvention and Self-Discovery 04:31 Trusting Your Inner Voice 08:17 Discovering Career Paths Beyond Medicine 10:42 Identity Struggles in Motherhood 14:21 Redefining Ambition Through Parenthood 18:04 "Challenging Biases Against Working Parents" 22:22 Caregiving Pauses and Career Strategies 24:07 Curiosity-Driven Career Growth ✴️Resources: 52 Tips for Owning Your Career Book by Simone E. Morris Book recommendation: The Power Pause by Neha Rouch ✴️Connect with our guest, Dr. Anne Welsh, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drannewelsh ✴️Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. ✴️To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest. ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Book a complimentary 30-minute coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com. There you can share your career status, challenges, and learn how coaching can help you take ownership of your career. 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD)

Welcome back to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! In this special encore episode, host Simone Morris revisits a powerful conversation with Bhavna Bartholf, a trailblazing leader who spent over two decades at Microsoft and is now Executive Vice President of Commercial Sales and Strategy at another top organization. Bhavna takes us on an inspiring journey from her upbringing in India, where she came from a family of doctors but chose to forge her own path, to her impressive rise in tech leadership. She opens up about the challenges of staying with one organization for over 20 years, the pivotal moments that shaped her, and the importance of taking the driver's seat in your career. Bhavna shares illuminating insights on self-advocacy, knowing your worth, and overcoming the internal and external barriers that keep us from confidently pursuing what we deserve—especially as women in the workforce. Get ready for actionable takeaways, game-changing mindset shifts, and a reminder of your power. Whether feeling stuck or looking to level up your career ownership journey, this episode contains wisdom and inspiration you won't want to miss. Let's dive in! Episode TimeStamp: 00:00 Top Career Podcast Honors/Bhavana Bartholf Introduction 03:27 "Bhavana Bartholf: Career Growth Insights" 07:18 Driven by Purposeful Giving 11:40 Unexpected Career Start at Microsoft 15:53 Career Growth During Pandemic Reorganization 19:23 "The Power of Saying No" 21:30 Cultivating Confidence and Self-Advocacy 25:01 Rediscovering Purpose Through Self-Reflection 29:21 "Secrets to Self-Advocacy Revealed" 31:31 Overcoming Fear Through Preparation 33:53 Forge Your Own Path 37:50 "Gratitude for Bhavana's Impact" Resources: 52 Tips for Owning Your Career Book by Simone E. Morris Self-assessment tools (for understanding strengths, motivators, and drivers) TEDx Talk by Bhavana Bartholf (on self-advocacy and career ownership) LinkedIn (as a platform for connection and career networking) Connect with our guest, Bhavana Bartholf, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/bhavanabartholf/. Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest. ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD) 🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

Welcome to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast This week, host Simone E. Morris shares her journey to help you take control of your career. She explores the transformative power of being in the "driver's seat" and shows how taking ownership—rather than remaining passive—can dramatically change your professional trajectory. Based on Season 14's experiences, Simone candidly discusses her early struggles, pivotal career moments, and lessons learned. She tackles common challenges like impostor syndrome and career setbacks while sharing the strategic decisions that shaped her entrepreneurial path. Simone also directly addresses listener questions, offering personalized advice to help you navigate your own career hurdles. Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, battling self-doubt, or seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode delivers practical insights and motivation. Please tune in to discover what it truly means to own your career and how to unlock your inner power to create the professional path you desire. Join Simone as she champions your journey toward career success. Episode Timestamp: 00:00 "Taking Charge of Your Career" 05:19 Embrace Continuous Learning Independently 09:43 "AI Interviews Host for Q&A" 10:57 Leaving Corporate America: A Tough Choice 16:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Reflection 19:19 Reframing Failure in Leadership 23:18 "Navigating Inclusion and Career Advice" 25:03 Rethinking a Wasted Degree 28:03 "Join the Career Talk" Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD) 🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

Welcome to this week's inspiring episode of The Power of Owning Your Career podcast. Today, we're thrilled to welcome Matt Stephenson, the CEO and co-founder of Code to College. Based in Austin, Texas, Code to College is making a powerful impact by creating a national network of diverse college-going technical talent. Their mission? To empower high school students, primarily Black, Brown, and girls, by developing vital coding and professional skills through a skills-based, volunteer-driven program. These students gain invaluable exposure to STEM industries through case competitions, workshops, and mentorships. Matt shares his journey in our conversation, from discovering coding in college to founding Code to College. He discusses the pivotal moments and influences that shaped his career path, emphasizing the importance of education, community, and the power of saying "yes" to opportunities. Tune in as Matt reveals his insightful perspectives on owning your career, the transformative power of building a supportive network, and his vision for expanding this impactful initiative. Whether you are in an exploratory phase of your career or simply seeking inspiration, this episode is packed with valuable life lessons and encouragement to help you take charge of your professional journey. A Time Stamp of The Show: 00:00 "How Tech Skills Transformed My Life" 05:16 Immigrant Family's Pursuit of Opportunity 07:36 "Unexpected Journey to Fulfillment" 12:50 Teaching: The Toughest Job of All 15:39 Travel, Plan, and Stay Open 19:56 "Books, Podcasts, and Networking" 20:56 Build and Value Your Network 24:15 "Importance of Following Up" 27:32 Career Empowerment with Matt Stephenson Resources shared by Matt: Books: Thinking Strategically Give and Take Connect with our guest, Matt Stephenson, at https://code2college.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewcstephenson/ Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD) 🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com

Welcome back to the Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! Simone Morris is joined by Dan Castle, a 30-year career veteran with a story you won't want to miss. From astronaut dreams to tech leadership, Dan's journey is a masterclass in embracing change and leveraging your strengths. He'll share his invaluable insights on career strategy, networking, and standing firm on your values. Get ready for a candid conversation on integrity, disruption, and taking control of your professional path. Dan's Bio: Dan has formal training in psychology, philosophy, information systems management, design thinking, and organizational dynamics. Dan has facilitated workshops and spoken at several organizations, worked as a TA in the graduate school at the University of Pennsylvania, facilitated workshops at Penn State University, and is currently an adjunct professor at Drexel University. In addition, Dan is enrolled in the Doctoral program at Fielding Graduate University in Organizational Change and Development. Dan is both a published author (2022) and TEDx speaker (2023) and believes wholeheartedly in sharing his life experiences and stories with the world. Since the recording of this episode, Dan has taken on a new role at Oligo Security. A Time Stamp Of The Episode: 00:00 Customer Success and Organizational Dynamics 05:18 "Interview Preparation Beyond Algorithms" 09:42 Networking: Key to Opportunity 13:33 Respect: Earned, Not Demanded 14:18 "Respect is Earned, Not Given" 20:34 Commitment and Contribution Over Paycheck 23:52 "Breaking Vicious Cycles" 26:45 Finding Personal Empowerment Through Education 28:27 Podcast Guest Dan Castle Resources shared by Dan: AI References: Ethan Mollick's LinkedIn Jeremy Utley's LinkedIn Books: Think Again by Adam Grant Dan Castle's Book Connect with our guest, Dan Castle, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/castledano/. Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest. ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career: 🟢 Get Simone's Book, The Power of Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/3xlYyl6) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, 52 Tips for Owning Your Career (https://bit.ly/43JTV03) 🟢 Get Simone's Book, Achievement Unlocked: Strategies to Set Goals and Manifest Them (https://bit.ly/3TD8rlD) 🟢 Book a complimentary coaching exploration call with Simone at https://www.careerbreakthroughcall.com