
Episode 53 – You Must Be Present to Win
From Work Mom Says®, Don't Be An Idiot! by Work Mom Says®
August 18, 2025 · Season 6 · Episode 53
About this episode
Lori Jo Vest discusses the significance of being present in your career and life as a foundation for success.
#WorkMomSays you must be present to win. In this episode, Lori Jo Vest shares why “showing up” in your career and your life isn’t just a cliché. It’s the foundation of success. From overcoming career challenges to building life-changing networks, Lori illustrates how being present, getting uncomfortable, and stepping into new spaces will open doors and forge the relationships and confidence that accelerate your professional journey. Themes discussed in this episode The importance of showing up and being visible in your career and community How discomfort and self-doubt are natural but invaluable for growth Building your network beyond your own company and why it’s key to advancement Practical strategies for networking, joining associations, and volunteering The unique impact young professionals can make by simply being present Episode Highlights Time-stamped inflection points from the show 00:44 – Lessons from a breast cancer survivor: show up, dress up, and speak up 02:06 – The value of getting comfortable being uncomfortable, from jobs to meetings 03:57 – Lori’s experience joining an intimidating accountability group that transformed her confidence 06:13 – Why networking…
People in this episode
Hosts: Lori Jo Vest, Lori
Topics covered
- importance of showing up
- discomfort and self-doubt
- networking strategies
- volunteering
- impact of young professionals
Keywords
- career challenges
- building networks
- professional journey
- self-growth
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Work Mom Says: Don’t Be An Idiot
More episodes of Work Mom Says®, Don't Be An Idiot!
- Episode 64 – “You Can’t Block Real Life” — Unlearning What Technology Taught Us · May 21, 2026
- Episode 63 – Will AI Take Your Job? Let’s Actually Talk About It · April 24, 2026
- Episode 62 – Bulletproof: How to Take a Hit and Stay in the Game · April 7, 2026
- Episode 61 – WorkMomSays: You’re On Your Own. Good. · March 18, 2026
- Episode 60 – Confident, Fluent, and Wrong: AI & The New Workplace Trap · March 3, 2026
- Episode 59 – Dealing with Difficult People: What to Do When You’re the Only Adult in the Room · February 6, 2026
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Work Mom Says®, Don't Be An Idiot! podcast page.