How to Fight Brain Rot: Why Adults Need Play to Thrive at Work
Play isn’t just for kids—it’s a powerful tool for creativity and resilience at work. In this episode, play designer Cas Holman shares how curiosity and playfulness can help teams thrive.You’ll learn:Why adults need play to spark innovationHow leaders can model play without it feeling forcedEasy ways to bring more play into your daily workShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Cas Holman: https://casholman.comBook: https://casholman.com/work-with-cas-copyRigamajig: https://casholman.com/design/rigamajig Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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34:36
Focus Is the New Superpower: How to Get More Done Without Burning Out
Your time isn’t your most valuable resource—it’s your attention. In this episode, Dr. Zelana Montminy (Dr. Z), behavioral scientist and author of Finding Focus, joins Lauren to explore why learning to protect your attention is the new workplace superpower. From the myth of multitasking to the everyday “focus thieves” draining your energy, Dr. Z shares practical strategies for reclaiming your focus and thriving at work—without burning out.You’ll learn:Why multitasking sabotages productivity and how your brain really works.The most common “focus thieves” and how to spot and stop them.Dr. Z’s simple, science-backed tools to reclaim your attention starting today.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest ResourcesDr. Zelana website: https://drzelana.com/ Finding Focus book: https://drzelana.com/findingfocus Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.zelana Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ SponsorsMerit Beauty is offering our listeners their Signature Makeup Bag with your first order at merit beauty.com.Join thousands of small business owners simplifying their finances—open your FREE Found account now at found.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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34:08
3 in 30: How to Set Boundaries at Work
In this episode, Lauren and career coach Marnie Lemonik tackle one of the most common struggles for all of us —setting boundaries at work. From overcommitting to avoiding uncomfortable conversations, they break down why boundaries matter and how to enforce them in a way that feels fair, balanced, and realistic. You’ll Learn:How to replace “maybe” with clear, confident communicationHow to use tools and systems to make boundaries easier to stick toHow to anticipate (and handle) pushback when enforcing boundariesShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/ Resources Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn CareerFitter Online Assessment: https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218 Marnie’s Free Resourceshttps://www.marnielemonik.com/resources Marnie’s Interview Prep eBook: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/ebook-how-to-shine-in-your-next-job-interview 10% Discount Code: CCPOD Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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/ Sponsors:Go to livemomentous.com, and use promo code CONTESSA for up to 35% off your first subscription order. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/careercontessa.Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get startedSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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33:37
How to Reject Competition to Unlock Success
We’ve been told our whole lives that competition makes us better, sharper, and more successful. But what if that belief is holding us back? In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, I’m joined by Ruchika Malhotra—founder of Candour and author of UNCOMPETE—to challenge the myth that competition is the key to growth. Instead, she shows us why uncompeting is the real path to abundance, joy, and lasting success.You’ll learn:Why the idea that “competition makes us better” is more harmful than helpfulHow to shift from a scarcity mindset to one of abundancePractical strategies to embrace collaboration without losing ambitionShow NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQWGuest Resources:Website: https://www.ruchika.co/Book: https://www.ruchika.co/uncompete-bookLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruchikatm/ Career Contessa ResourcesBook 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:Go to calm.com/contessa for 40% off unlimited access to Calm’s entire library.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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25:57
How to Deal with Bad Boss Behavior: Career-Saving Advice from Mita Mallick
Ever worked for a bad boss? You’re not alone—and you’re not powerless. In this episode, workplace equity expert and author Mita Mallick unpacks the realities of toxic leadership and how to rise above it. From micromanagers to spotlight-stealers, Mita shares hard-won lessons and practical strategies to protect your confidence and career.You’ll learn:The 13 types of bad bosses—and which ones do the most damage.How to navigate toxic power dynamics when you’re early in your career.A simple shift every leader can make to build trust and lead inclusively.Show NotesWeekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guest Resources:Mita Mallick website:https://www.mitamallick.com/ Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1394316488 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mita-mallick-2b165822/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/ Sponsors:Get up to 35% off plus 2 free gifts when you use code CONTESSA at checkout at shopbeam.com/CONTESSA.Whatever challenges you’re facing, Grow Therapy is here to help. Visit GrowTherapy.com/CONTESSA today to get started. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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