Listen Now

My guest today owns a business that I refer to as “My Happy Place.”  Her name is Janine Narayadu and her business is The Bethesda Salt Cave. In addition to housing a relaxing and healing salt cave, customers can benefit from massages, yoga classes, and sound bowl concerts. And…as an extra bonus…they have a unique store filled with salt lamps, jewelry, and natural products that Janine creates. In this podcast Janine shares her story of discovering salt caves and their healing properties, and how she turned a solo massage practice into a rapidly expanding business. Janine has led a unique international life. Born in South Africa, Janine became a police officer. From there she moved to Vienna, Austria and was married to a professional French horn player. It’s there that Max, her son and now business partner, was born. Janine eventually divorced and moved to the U.S. and now lives in Maryland with her husband who works for the World Bank. You might be wondering – What’s a salt cave?! Well…it’s a room that’s literally filled with salt. In the case of the Bethesda Salt Cave, there are 30 tons of Himalayan salt on the walls, and 6.5 tons on the floor, and salt is pumped into the air with a Halo Generator. Think about walking on a sandy beach, but instead, you’re walking on grains of salt. You relax in an anti-gravity chair, listening to soothing spa music and just breathe! The salty environment is healing and relaxing. Find out more about the Bethesda Salt Cave at bethesdasaltcave.com.   Do you ever feel like you need a little guidance in your career or personal life? As a life coach, I am here to assist you in making and meeting the goals you have set for yourself on both business and personal levels. To get more information, email me at lisa@everbetteru.com or click here.

Margaret Ruff is an educator at heart and lifelong learner who coaches executives and school administrators using the Immunity to Change model. During this podcast we talk about Margaret's career transitions, drawing on multiple intelligences, and how children and adults are similar. Margaret says: "I believe success is the ability to change when change is needed; to be flexible and adaptable through change; to be yourself when your ideas are questioned; to not create excuses that keep you in the same rut day after day; and to keep it fresh and fun by being in focus through the process on your way to your desired result." Show Notes: Margaret followed her passion for music before becoming a teacher (3:01) Deciding to be a teacher (4:13) Realizing finance wasn't the right career choice and making a change  (6:50) The conflict and interactions between parents and teachers (9:00) Becoming assistant principal and the challenges of transitioning from teaching (11:15) Motherhood and the benefits of PTSA leadership (13:15) Going back to school for executive leadership (14:20) Becoming an executive coach (15:20) Coaching leaders (18:26) The power of internships (20:04) Looking at what people want to improve and becoming conscious of what is stopping them from change (21:25) The power of incremental change (24:48) Being comfortable with uncertainty (30:47) Why it's so difficult to change (31:26) Margaret's plans for 2018 using incremental development (35:50) Connect with Margaret http://www.margaretruff.com https://www.facebook.com/margaretruffcoach Recommended Books   

Dr. Sheela Reddy is a psychologist, executive coach, and mother of two girls, who is passionate about helping women who are suffering through domestic abuse. Growing up in India, Sheela suffered domestic abuse throughout her childhood. Her way of coping was finding people whom she could count on, people who she referred to as her other mothers. She asked for help – and received it. At an early age she recognized that she had the power to assist others who were suffering and has been using her innate gifts ever since. In this podcast she talks about her journey from India, shares her thoughts about the importance of speaking out, especially for Asian women, about resilience, and she offers resources.  Sheela came to the United States at age 19 because she was fascinated by the businesswomen that she saw while watching American television, and she was seeking a future with more possibilities. She attended Loyola University where she earned her Masters degree in counseling. She then went on to help patients manage substance abuse issues. After several years she enrolled at Rutgers University where she earned her doctorate in multicultural counseling psychology. While at Rutgers she worked with her husband to build a business with operations in India and the U.S. While that sounds like a busy and stressful life on the surface, her challenges were compounded by being in a difficult marriage that ultimately ended in divorce. Sheela has been a director at a domestic violence center and is now a practicing psychologist and an executive coach. In her practice, she loves working with individuals and families and is skilled at running corporate workshops in emotional intelligence and teambuilding. Alternative methods relying on mindfulness such as yoga and art – are an important part of her approach. Part of my discussion with Sheela focuses on the #MeToo movement. More and more women are coming forward to share their stories of sexual harassment and intimidation, but Sheela and I believe that this is just a beginning. We know that there are thousands of women who are too reliant on their paychecks to speak out, and Sheela explains that, because of their culture, Asian women in particular find it very challenging to address and admit to abuse. Sheela also discusses:  When bad things happen, how do you cope? Making meaning out of a difficult situation Becoming more resilient Cultural challenges of breaking silence Not saying "why me?" Instead, look for resources.  Learn more about Dr. Sheela Reddy or contact her at Minedful.com. Resources Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 Hopeworks of Howard County, MD Abused Persons Program in Montgomery County, MD Power and Control Wheel from National Center on Domestic Violence   For help with taking your next career step, contact me at Lisa@EverBetterU.com http://www.everbetteru.com/work-with-me-coaching

Dan Warburton is a transformational coach who lives in Brighton, England and spends a great deal of time in London. Dan specializes in coaching entrepreneurs and business owners to identify and break through whatever is limiting them, so that they can create a new and fulfilling lifestyle. After being bullied as a teenager, Dan experienced a breakdown in his early 20's and that led to a breakthrough in which he dedicated himself to deep inquiry and the study of ontology, the nature of being. During this process Dan became a Tai Chi master, studied personal development, spent time with Buddhist monks, and read ancient scriptures. Dan's careers have included being a record-setting D.J., an interior designer for Tesco, and owner of a property maintenance and building renovation company. Dan believes that it's important to surround yourself with people who empower, acknowledge, and support you to live at your best capacity. Her recommends being aware of negative thoughts such as, “I’m not good enough, nobody wants me.” He encourages taking difficult actions before the survival part of your brain kicks in and holds you back from breaking through your negative self-talk. For example, when you're at a networking event or seminar, take the opportunity to ask a question as a way of introducing yourself to everyone in the room. Dan explains that you'll have a three second window to act, and if you are aware of that feeling, you'll be able to create bigger breakthroughs. He recommends getting clear on why you’re doing what you’re doing so that you have an arrival point in mind, and only taking actions that align with your dream lifestyle. Learn more about Dan at DanWarburton.com.   Recommended Book The Prosperous Coach, by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin   If you're an experienced professional and feel unfulfilled in your current position but you're not sure how to make a change, you might be interested in my Ever Better career consulting and coaching. Learn more here. 

Will Wise is a professional question-asker!  As Chief Weologist at We!, Will and his business partner Chad Littlefield help connect people to people and people to ideas. His newly released book, Ask Powerful Questions, is for any leader who is ready for change. At the heart of it all is the importance of establishing trust and cultivating authentic connection. In his role at World In Conversation, in the Center for Public Diplomacy at Penn State University, he trains people—from undergrad students to NATO soldiers—to have meaningful conversations that transform how they see the world. After college, Will joined the Peace Corps and he credits his international experiences with helping him let go of how he sees the world and learning to embrace the other. The themes of exploration, connection and trust permeate both his personal and professional life. These days Will lives in Central Pennsylvania with his wife and 3 young children and he strives to model curiosity and assumption-questioning. In this episode he shares the many ways he does this, the challenges, and the rewards of approaching life this way.   Key Takeaways: Will’s time in the Peace Corps taught him to think differently and approach life in a non-traditional, creative way Explore making your own job and creating something new within the job you have The power of questioning assumptions with clear intentions Will’s work with the Center for Public Diplomacy embraces the power of meaningful conversations. Will and Chad created We! to help people move from a ‘me’ mindset to a ‘we’ mindset. How Will is honing in on his priorities while balancing two jobs, a book launch and a family Choosing to be a learner not an advocate, and curious instead of combative. How to teach your children (and others) to ask "how" and "what" rather than "why" Explaining the Confederate flag to curious children Choosing to be a learner not an advocate, and curious instead of combative.  Links: Ask Powerful Questions by Will Wise This is What Perfect Looks Like by Heather H. House  The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz We! https://weand.me/ Grange Fair in Central Pennsylvania The Bread Sister of Sinking Creek by Robin Moore  

Welcome to Ever Better Podcast 077! I'm back from a Podcast hiatus and ready to create and share more shows that inspire career and life transitions!  In episode 076, published a few months ago, I said that I was taking a break to spend more time on important things that were happening in my life and in the lives of my family members and friends. Lots has happened and I’m back and ready to produce another season of Ever Better! Here are some highlights of what I've been up to: We made several trips to Morgantown, WV where my son, Conner, is now a freshman at West Virginia University (WVU)! He loves it! We just came back from Family Weekend where we went zip lining and walked uphill lots of places because Morgantown is a city built on a hill. You can see pics on my website here: http://www.everbetteru.com/podcast/ We took family vacations to the Outer Banks and to the Finger Lakes. I spoke at the Power Conference about Podcast Power: How to Reach Your Audience and Build Your Brand Through Podcasts. It was a great experience and I was able to connect with some wonderful women! As a result of speaking at the Power Conference, I was asked to give a workshop on How to Change Jobs Like a PRO. It takes place at the Philadelphia Free Library on Nov. 7 and registration is free and open to all! You can learn more here: https://bric.ticketleap.com/pro/ In addition to those adventures, I gave a lot of thought to the Ever Better Podcast and what direction it should go in. I wrote out a series of ideas about different formats and different ways of working with guests. But I realized that I’m really inspired by my guests’ stories and love learning from them and sharing their stories with you! So, I’m going to stick with a very similar format with a focus on inspiring career and life transitions. The frequency of Ever Better Podcast episodes will change. With my expanding coaching practice and public speaking, I won't be able to produce weekly episodes so I'll be switching to two episodes per month. I’m planning to have a guest share his or her inspiring story of career and life transition in one episode per month, and I’ll share thoughts about getting ever better, every day in another episode. And I may throw in some bonus episodes! A final note...if you're considering a career or life transition and you're feeling stuck, send me a note at Lisa@EverBetterU.com and I'd be happy to chat!  #EverBetter http://www.everbetteru.com/work-with-me-coaching/  

I asked five highly productive people the following question: "Do you have a trick for getting started on a project that you would really like to put off?" Here's a summary of the answers that I got from Deb Williams, Tim Berthold, Meg Daly, Maggie Huffman, and Dan Horowitz. Listen to the podcast for more insights! And in other Ever Better news...I'm taking a Podcast Summer Vacation! Stay subscribed and you'll be the first to get the new podcasts released in the fall. Have a great summer!    My very first podcast guest, Deb Williams from the Financial Karma Coach Podcast says she starts her day with a 30-minute walk to clear her head. When faced with a difficult task, she consciously plans something she likes to do after she finishes the tough task. And, she uses the neuroscience based music service, Focus at Will. You can listen to my Ever Better Podcast EP. 01 Financial Clarity to learn more about Deb. Host of the Miami Hustle Podcast, Tim Berthold, says a morning meditation on the beach is how he clears his mind, and he recommends reading the War of Art, by Steven Pressfield. Creator of the Miami Underline, Meg Daly, says she blocks out time in her calendar to do the task she dislikes the most, and during that time she only works on that task. She also tackles the most undesirable projects first. You can listen to my Ever Better Podcast EP. 35 Creating the Miami Underline to learn more about Meg. The author of Oh Snap! My Career is in Crisis, Maggie Huffman, uses post-its to break her tasks down into bite sized chunks, so no task seems daunting. You can listen to my Ever Better Podcast EP. 42 What Do You Want to Be When You Grow Up? to learn more about Maggie. LinkedIn’s Dan “The Connector” Horowitz uses the buddy system to make him accountable for accomplishing hard-to-start tasks. You can listen to my Ever Better Podcast EP. 06 Networking, Necessary Endings and Neurodiversity to learn more about Dan. If you are considering a life or job transition but are having a hard time getting started, I invite you to check out my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation or email me Lisa@everbetteru.com. Mentioned in This Episode: Ever Better U Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter PRO Career Transition Information

"Faith it 'til you make it" sums up Shawn Perry's infectious, positive attitude. Shawn is the executive producer and host of The Senior Zone, a radio show that he started at the age of 49. Without any broadcasting or public speaking background, Shawn felt called to create a radio show and then, like most inspirational people, found a way to make his dream a reality. He’s been on the radio for five years, and thousands of listeners tune in each Monday morning to hear resources and ideas that enrich their lives. The Senior Zone has evolved in a multi-faceted business for Shawn. He puts on live events that sell out, moderates panels and conferences, and he’s a motivational speaker. After high school, Shawn joined the Air Force where he had a full career. After retiring he held several jobs after that before landing in radio. He shares the ups and downs of his life journey and says that he doesn’t mind failing as long as he’s “failing forward.” If you are considering a life or job transition but feel like you aren't making progress, check out my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation or email me Lisa@EverBetterU.com. Key Takeaways: [4:31] Shawn attended college while in the U.S. Air Force. [9:07] There have been many people who believed in Shawn, sometimes more than he believed in himself. [12:45] The Senior Zone radio show informs seniors about resources and gets them out and about. [24:26] Shawn found himself addicted to the challenge the radio show provided him. [29:19] The Senior Zone allows Shawn to do good while building a business. [34:37] Want more information about The Senior Zone mid-day gala? [39:55] The Senior Zone is on WYCB, a Minority-owned, faith-based station, every Monday. Mentioned in This Episode: The Senior Zone Info@TheSeniorZone.com @TheSeniorZone on Twitter Ever Better U Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

My guest today, Phillippe Diederich is an award-winning novelist, and the author of three books, Sofrito, Playing with the Devil’s Fire, and his forthcoming mystery, The Last Girl (written under the pseudonym, Danny Lopez). Before he became a novelist, much of his photojournalism work centered around the Latin American culture, mainly in Cuba and Mexico. Phillippe was a nomad who enjoyed the early days of his career when he could walk the streets getting a pulse of the people. Phillippe is a devoted husband and father who believes our time here is short. He has an abundance of personal cultural influences from which to draw to build his stories. He is a man of the world, who allows us into his, with every book he writes. During this episode, Phillippe shares the inspiration behind his stories, how the book industry made him a young adult author and where he took some of his favorite photos. If you are considering a life or job transition but are having a hard time getting started I invite you to check out my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation. Key Takeaways: [2:00] Phillippe’s origin story, and how he became a photojournalist. [14:24] Much of Phillippe’s fiction work centers around Cuba, and his first piece was the leader of a Harley Davidson club there. [27:29] Playing for the Devil's Fire addresses the changing landscape of a small town in Mexico from a young boy’s point of view. [35:58] Danny Lopez is a pseudonym Phillippe uses to separate his adult work from his young adult stories. [41:13] Phillippe and his wife, Lorraine Ladish, share the belief that we are only here for a short period of time. Mentioned in This Episode: Phillippe Diederich Ever Better Podcast Ep. 63 with Lorraine Ladish Ever Better U Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Christy Tehven left her full-time marketing gig before she knew how she would spend her time, or make a living. An early affinity for nature attracted her to a floral business. When her attempt to purchase an existing floral shop business didn’t pan out, Christy took some time for herself and went to a secluded cabin in the woods to figure it all out. She worked through Danielle Laporte’s book, The Fire Starter Sessions. This break gave Christy the clarity she needed to decide her next steps. And, with the encouragement of her husband, Greg, the two attended Action Camp. This program provided a safe and open space for Christy to voice her goals out loud, and accountability partners to support her when she felt like giving up.   During this episode, Christy describes the ups and downs of her journey which resulted in the creation of her one-of-a-kind business, Love Always Floral. If you are considering a life or job transition but are having a hard time getting started I invite you to check out my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation.   Key Takeaways:   [5:33] Christy provides an update on her husband’s Emerging Prairie project. [7:31] How Christy’s love of nature translates into her entrepreneurial floral venture. [11:29] Action Camp gave Christy the accountability she needed to push forward with her project. [17:30] Time alone in a cabin with Danielle Laporte’s, The Fire Starter Sessions, offered Christy clarity about which direction her life should take. [23:35] Other female entrepreneurs and a CO.STARTERS course guided Christy through the process of opening her floral shop. [27:01] Christy designed a higher-end brand with a pre-order business model. [30:23] The ability to adjust her business model has served Christy well. NO more prom corsages! [35:42] Christy is thrilled with her business's growth after only a year and a half.   Mentioned in This Episode: Love Always Florals Emerging Prairie Action Camp SURGE: Your Guide to Put Any Idea Into Action Fire Starter Sessions CO.STARTERS Course Ever Better Podcast Episode 31 with Greg Tehven Ever Better Podcast Episode 62 with Steve Garguilo Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Paulette Boudreaux shared her inspiring life story during a panel discussion at the Association of Writers & Writing Program (AWP) Conference, in February 2017. The panel, Second Blooming: Women Authors Debuting After Fifty, attracted a standing-room only crowd, and I was fortunate to be in the audience. As Paulette and other writers told their stories, it seemed that a sisterhood was being formed and the audience became an extended part of the panel. We bonded through cheers, laughter, and gasps of exasperated recognition when an author described how she persevered through yet another indignity or insult.   Paulette joined me on the podcast to share just some of the fascinating experiences that she taps into when writing her southern-based fiction. She says that despite living on the West Coast most of her life, her inner monologue has a Southern drawl.   During out discussion, Paulette describes moving from Mississippi to San Francisco in 1970 in the midst of a school desegregation movement and how that impacted her. She shares the multi-decade journey that led to her groundbreaking novel, Mulberry, being published by Carolina Wren Press in October 2015. Her experiences include working as a journalist, a public relations professional, an English professor, and earning her Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degree all while raising her daughter as a single mother.   If you are considering a transition in your life, you may be interested in my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation.   Key Takeaways:   [7:00] Paulette’s novel, Mulberry, started as a short story. [11:58] After winning a contest through Carolina Wren Press, Paulette’s novel was published. [17:11] Most human beings have a need to express in some way. [22:25] Paulette’s interior reality is Mississippi. [28:10] For better or worse, Paulette finished her high school education in the desegregated schools of San Francisco. [39:55] The Second Blooming Panel was an acknowledgment that women are not done when their children are out of the house. [49:53] Paulette’s advice for writers who have stories to tell.   Mentioned in This Episode: Paulette Boudreaux AWP Conference Ever Better Podcast Episode 69 with Jessica Handler Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Today’s episode is about opportunity seeking. This is the phase in which all of your previous work starts to pay off. There are seven steps to opportunity seeking, and I detail them for you during this podcast.   Follow the steps to increase your chances of being seen by the right hiring manager, and being properly prepared for your meeting. And most importantly, to increase the likelihood of landing your perfect job.  Mentally prepare yourself! This process may take some time. Finding a job is a numbers game and the name of the game is patience.   If you’d like personal coaching to work through these stages send me an email at lisa@everbetteru.com and we’ll schedule some time to chat about where you are in your life and what you’d like to achieve.   Key Takeaways:   [1:38] Step 1 — Review Your Bio and Resume — Make sure that key positions and recurring responsibilities that you've enjoyed are properly represented. Update your LinkedIn profile. [3:51] Step 2 — Create An Outreach List — Who do you know working at an organization you may want to work for? [5:23] Step 3 — Reach Out — Make initial contact with a person in the manner in which they would like to be contacted. [7:58] Step 4 — Meet by Phone or in Person — Prepare in advance to show respect for their time and to make the most of the opportunity.  [10:16] Step 5 — Follow Up — Thank the person for meeting with you within 48 hours. [11:20] Step 6 — Keep Scanning — Scan your job alerts once a day paying attention to the job title and company, and consider who you may know there. [12:53] Step 7 — Use Calendar Blocking — Find time in your calendar to block off for additional opportunity seeking.   Mentioned in This Episode: Ever Better Podcast Episode #65 Ever Better Podcast Episode #68 Ever Better — PRO - All three phases of this coaching series  Ever Better Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

The extraordinary Laura Roeder is a CEO who started her first business at the age of 22. During our discussion, Laura talks about how her parents inspired her to start a business, why she can’t imagine working for anyone else, and how she balances her work-life with her life-life, while caring for a two-year-old child. As she's grown MeetEdgar, a company that helps businesses and individuals manage their social media management through a very cool tool, Laura hasn't taken venture capital. She's invested profits back into the company and grown it from the ground up. She discusses the benefits of this approach and how it's often discounted when startups are planning their strategy.  If you’re considering a life or career transition, you may be interested in my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Send me an email at Lisa@EverBetterU.com and we will schedule a 1-hour complimentary consultation. Key Takeaways:   [3:44] Laura shares her early influences and her journey of entrepreneurship. [6:49] MeetEdgar, a timesaver tool designed to help people re-purpose their content, was self-funded by Laura's first business. [11:18] Laura explains the pros and cons of having an entirely virtual company. [16:27] Laura learned about running a business through small business owners who were generous with their time. [20:19] What can parents do to foster an entrepreneurial spirit in their children? [25:21] Laura spends her time doing what she loves, including being a guest on podcasts. [32:00] The traditional model for becoming a CEO assumes there is someone else taking care of the home and family.   Mentioned in This Episode: Meet Edgar @meetedgar on Twitter Scaling Up, by Verne Harnish Ever Better Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

I met Jessica Handler one night as I was walking through a restaurant in Washington, D.C. with my brother, Peter Conners. Peter was in D.C. to attend the Association of Writers and Writing Programs Conference and to speak on a panel about the relationships between authors and editors – he is both. Afterwards we decided to head out to dinner at a place where you would naturally expect to find writers…a restaurant called Busboys and Poets. It was there that I connected with Jessica and her cousin, Erika Goldman, Publisher of Bellevue Literary Press.   Jessica's memoir, Invisible Sisters, is her story of growing up with two sisters, Susie and Sarah, who both had fatal medical conditions, and how her family did their best to cope. Through this book, Jessica honors their memory and the challenges that her parents experienced.   Her second book, Braving the Fire, is a guide to writing about grief and loss. Jessica now uses her experiences, wisdom, and talents to help others heal through writing.   In our discussion Jessica reads passages from her books, shares her incredible life journey, and discusses the craft of writing. Jessica is married to a writer and shares what it's like to have two writers in the same house.   If you're considering a life or career transition, you may be interested in my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Send me an email at Lisa@EverBetterU.com and we will schedule a 1-hour complimentary consultation.   Key Takeaways:   [5:36] Living with two writers in one house. [10:46] Transparent to the client is a purified way to say blood, sweat and tears. [11:22] The memoir, Invisible Sisters, is about how Jessica learned to live sister-less. [18:02] Braving the Fire: Acceptance and the Miracle Ticket. [29:29] The act of taking the chaos of life, and making it into the order which is life. [34:36] Get out your journal, or pull out an index card and just write! [44:56] Jessica reads the end of Invisible Sisters. [52:24] Decatur Book Festival. [55:46] Be a good literary citizen.   Mentioned in This Episode: Jessica Handler Association of Writers and Writer’s Program BOA Editions Bellevue Literary Press Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter    

This is part two of my three part series on how to change jobs or careers like a PRO! PRO stands for Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity Seeking – three steps to guide your thought processes and activities to make a professional shift. In Podcast 65 I gave you five ways for preparing, and today, I’m going to share my recommended method for Researching. You can check out all PRO information at EverBetteru.com/PRO. If you’d like personal coaching to work through these stages send me an email at lisa@everbetteru.com and we’ll schedule some time to chat about where you are in your life and what you’d like to achieve. Think about researching as it relates to what you want to do in your life. This is a YOU-centered activity. How cool is that? How often do you take the time to stop and think about what would work best for you? While you’re researching, think about what you want to do in the short-term and long-term, keeping in mind that each job is a stepping stone to something else. With every new position you’ll gain experience, broaden your network, and learn more about what you like to do – and are good at – and identify responsibilities you’d rather stay away from! As you think about the type of place where you’d like to work, the culture, and the day-to-day responsibilities you’d like to have, you’ll find that information will start flowing to you from companies that offer those opportunities. The more clearly you can envision your next stop you’ll be more directed in your conversations and research, and you’ll start uncovering positions that you might never have known existed. Also be open to finding or creating a role for yourself within your current company. That’s an option that’s often overlooked. Positioning Statement Get started by writing your positioning statement. I’m going to walk you through 10 unfinished sentences – and you’ll write the ending. It’s just a little like Mad Libs. Answers might come easily for some and you might find others impossible right now! But as you focus on researching and thinking about your background and your aspirations, the answers will become more clear. Set up a meeting with yourself on your calendar for two weeks from you first attempt at creating your positioning statement so that you can update your answers and start to fill in more blanks. You’ll find that even if you weren’t consciously thinking about your answers, some answers will have become clear to you. Here are a few things you should know about the Positioning Statement. There are no right or wrong answers! This is all about what works best for YOU at this point in time. And, this will provide you with guidance and clarity as you to start into the next phase of Opportunity Seeking. You may want to do 2 or 3 positioning statements if you don’t have a specific focus yet. As you work through these prompts you’ll have to think about what your day-to-day life might be like and that will help you to narrow your focus. Examples from people in two very different careers follow the template to illustrate sample answers. Here’s the Positioning Statement: I will work for an organization that helps: __________________________________ My role will be to: __________________________________________ My job title will be: ____________________________________ The most important thing about this job is that I will be able to: _____________________ My co-workers will be: _______________________________________________________ Supervising others is: ______________________________________ This organization is located in: ______________, or _____________________, or ________________. I will work from: (home / an office building / a co-working space) _____________________________. I will work _______ hours and earn $ ___________  per week. I prefer a daily schedule working from _________ to ___________. I need to learn more about: ______________________________________________. After you’ve created one or more positioning statements, start researching those areas you need to learn more about. Here’s how: In Podcast 65 I discussed setting up job alerts. After creating your positioning statement, you should review them to see if they reflect the position you just described. If not, create new ones and start closely reading descriptions that are sent to you for the answers. Don’t get rid of the older alerts. You set those up for a reason. They reflected your thinking at the time and they may still lead you to the perfect job. Sometimes, even after we’ve done a lot of thinking and analysis, we find that our first reaction demonstrates how we truly feel about something. Wish List of Organizations You should also create your wish list of 3 or more organizations that match your positioning statement. Consider that the more specific your statement, the fewer organizations there might be that match your criteria. Also consider that if you can’t identify a particular organization that meets all your needs, you may want to start your own venture. But that’s a topic for another podcast. Search YouTube and Podcasts To learn more about job titles, salaries, day-to-day responsibilities, I recommend searching YouTube and Podcasts. You’ll find video and audio recordings from people that have similar jobs or work for the companies on your wish list and you’ll be able to refine and update your positioning statement. For example, if you search YouTube for “Foster care parents” you’ll get over 300,000 videos on the topic and if you search iTunes podcasts for foster care you get dozens of relevant podcasts. And, if you search YouTube for “fashion industry marketing manager” you’ll get over 464,000 videos. And the search “fashion marketing” in iTunes results in dozens of podcasts. You don't need to watch thousands of videos. Checking out just a few will help you to think of more questions, and hopefully get some answers, and you’ll be one step closer to our next phase – opportunity seeking. If you spot someone in a video or podcast who you connect with – you now have a great opening line to ask them for an informational interview. You can send an email saying: "I watched your video on YouTube about fashion marketing. I’m researching the next step in my career and would like to ask you a few questions about what you discussed in the video. Could I speak with you for 15 minutes next week over the phone?" Review all the steps in Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity Seeking (PRO) here. If you’d like 1:1  coaching through your job or career change, send me an email at lisa@everbetteru.com and we’ll schedule time to chat.     Key Takeaways: [:58] 5 Steps to help you prepare for a transition or career change. [2:02] Researching is a you-centered activity. [4:28] Create Your Positioning Statement. [10:38] Next steps: Create your wish list of organizations and research using YouTube and Podcasts.    Mentioned in This Episode: Ever Better Ever Better Podcast Episode #65 Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Beca Lewis is a world-class life shifter! She’s been a dancer and choreographer and a certified financial planner. And, she’s currently an artist, writer, life coach, and a podcaster. She’s so interested in how people navigate life changes that she created a podcast called Shift the Story! Her blended family includes 8 adult children and 5 grandchildren. She stays in touch with all generations of her blended family through mastering whatever social media her grandchildren are using. Beca and I believe you are never too old to learn something new - including social media! Beca has an Etsy store where she sells art that features inspirational words. For example, “What your perceive to be reality, magnifies” and “stretch your imagination muscle towards the power of good.” And, her self-help books are filled with inspirational words of wisdom. In the 60+ interviews I’ve done for Ever Better, no one has discussed how to get started on Etsy and what it’s like to have an Etsy store. This is a great option for those of you who love to create jewelry, who knit, do needlepoint, draw, paint, or create other items that you could sell. She says it’s much easier than eBay. Beca has a very high energy level and she and I had a great time chatting and laughing and I know you’ll take away some nuggets from this very wise and creative woman!   if you are considering a transition in your life, you may be interested in my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Sign up for a 1-hour complimentary consultation.   Key Takeaways:   [6:08] Why did Beca name her podcast Shift the Story? [9:09] The first step to shift your story is to be willing. [14:28] Beca shares information about her Etsy store. [19:33] Beca is a ‘shifty’ and prolific author. [23:59] Beca embraces technology so people she loves can reach out to her. [29:28] Finding inspiration through books, podcasts and conversations.   Mentioned in This Episode: The Shift Beca Lewis The Truth 4 Today Beca Lewis on Etsy Ever Better Ever Better Podcast Episode #3 with Jesse Mejia Ever Better Podcast Episode Episode #63 with Lorraine Ladish Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Stephanie Dodier was a vice president at a major retailer in Canada at age 35. She traveled the country opening stores and training employees, and felt like she had her life under control. But one day as she got up to speak at a meeting, her body gave out and she landed in the hospital. Her doctor broke the news that she hadn’t had a heart attack as everyone assumed. She had experienced a panic attack. This led Stephanie to examine her life and habits - and to rework just about everything! Today she is 100 pounds lighter, a weight loss coach and clinical nutritionist, and works from wherever she likes (aka "digital nomad.") She recently published a lifestyle book called Keto Connector. In our discussion, Stephanie shares what caused her panic attack, her path since then, and ideas about shifting your life. As you listen to Stephanie’s story, I hope you’ll be inspired to think about what’s working and what’s not in your life and take a step towards making whatever change you need. If you're considering a lifestyle, job, or career change I invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation for my Discover What’s Next coaching program. I'd love to help you create a more fulfilling future. Send me an email at Lisa@EverBetterU.com to learn more!   Key Takeaways: [7:35] Stephanie is a Digital Nomad, an entrepreneur who can work from anywhere. [10:17] Stephanie had a panic attack which was the catalyst for her lifestyle change. [16:17] Returning to school to finish her Health Science degree. [19:33] An 8-day silence led Stephanie to desire a life of freedom. [22:32] How Stephanie provides health care to clients online. [27:00] A diet should include real food and a portion of protein, fat, and carbs in every meal. [31:34] What is KETO? [35:57] If you balance the Yin and the Yang, transformation is possible.   Mentioned in This Episode: Stephanie Dodier The Beyond the Food Show KETO Connector 10% Happier by Dan Harris Ever Better Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

How do you navigate through transitions in your life? If you're like most people, no matter how excited you may be for a change, you also feel a tinge of fear underneath the surface. Taking time to prepare and plan for a transition can ease uncertainty and doubt. In this podcast, I discuss preparing for a job or career change and the steps also apply to other transitions.  PRO stands for Preparing, Researching, and Opportunity seeking. Today’s podcast focuses on the first part of the transition framework, Preparing. Subscribe to the podcast so you don't miss future shows on Researching and Opportunity Seeking. But first - let’s get prepared!   Key Takeaways: [03:21] 5-Steps to take when you are preparing for a career or job change. 1. Create a separate gmail account. 2. Write a short biography before updating your resume. 3. Check your personal style and make needed updates. 4. Subscribe to daily or weekly job alerts. 5. Do something outside of your comfort zone. [13:08] Why would someone attend a Toastmasters meeting? [14:32] Could taking a dance class really change my life?   Mentioned in This Episode: Indeed LinkedIn Idealist Ever Better Ever Better Podcast Episode #3 with Jesse Mejia Ever Better Podcast Episode Episode #63 with Lorraine Ladish Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Phyllis Piano is an energetic woman with a thirst for life...and great wine! Her first novel, Hostile Takeover: A Love Story was recently awarded the Gold Seal by the Independent Book Publishers Association! The story draws from her experience as a corporate communications executive, merging office intrigue with romance. Her second book is with her publisher, her third is with her editor, and she's already started on her fourth! Phyllis is also an avid bread baker, food blogger, world traveler, and has homes in the U.S. and the UK. Phyllis shares how she rediscovered herself, after years of being too busy at work. She now wakes up at 5 a.m. thinking about recipes and writing and the people that she mentors. She says that it's good to live a little bit in your head, to let your imagination run wild, and to be true to who you are. After spending decades writing for the corporations that employed her, she feels a sense of freedom from being able to explore her creativity. She says, "Be your own voice. You have to be yourself." How did she begin her first novel? She says, "Chapter 1, page 1. I just started writing." If you are considering a transition in your life, you may be interested in my Discover What’s Next coaching program. Allow me to help you create a more fulfilling future. Request a complimentary consultation. Key Takeaways: [5:00] Proof that Phyllis can do anything she puts her mind to, including her lifelong dream of becoming a writer. [12:52] How Phyllis rediscovered herself, after leaving the corporate world. [17:43] Now on her fourth book, Phyllis still edits her writing 10-15 times. [24:26] The backstory of A Hostile Takeover: A Love Story. [27:28] Phyllis is an Ever Better Woman. [33:52] The magic time when you live in your head. [34:52] Sharing a movie and a bottle of Pinot Noir in California. [39:33] Don’t be too busy to enjoy life.   Mentioned in this episode: Phyllis J. Piano Ever Better Discover What’s Next Coaching Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter

Lorraine Ladish embodies the ‘Ever Better’ state of mind! She uses her bi-cultural background, experience, and energy, to inspire people to embrace age with grace and vibrancy. She’s a self-described 21st-century communicator who founded Viva Fifty Media and the Viva Fifty! online community. A sought-after writer and brand ambassador, Lorraine who has written almost 20 books, including the moving story of her life experiences, Reach: From Single Mom on Welfare to Digital Entrepreneur. During this episode, Lorraine shares the touching story of how a dance studio kept her grounded during rough times, provided her proof that kindness has no boundaries, and opened the door to an opportunity that changed her life. Lorraine’s mantra of “It’s never too late,” is a reflection of her belief in a person’s ability to accomplish anything at any age. Work with me to Discover What’s Next for you. In my one-on-one coaching program, we work together to unearth your hidden talents, uncover opportunities, and start creating a more fulfilling future.   Key Takeaways: [3:02] Lorraine has a blended family, and both she and her husband are writers. [7:46] Shortly after Lorraine published her book, I'm Pregnant! Now, What? (Estoy Embarazada, Y Ahora Que?: Confidencias Para La Nueva Madre), she moved to the U.S. from Spain. [9:36] Lorraine shares the touching story which inspired her book, Reach. [18:24] Lorraine’s love of dance offered her solace and opportunity. [21:23] Speaking four languages, Spanish, English, SEO and HTML. [26:21] You are never too old for social media. [30:03] Viva Fifty is a bilingual website for people over 50. [38:35] How Viva Fifty Media generates income for Lorraine and her family of 5. [41:52] Tips from Lorraine’s forthcoming book, Your Best Age. [46:02] Lisa created the ‘10 ways to discover your voice’ guide.   Mentioned in This Episode: Viva Fifty! Lorraine C. Ladish @vivafifty on Twitter @lorrainecladish on Twitter @lorrainecladish on Instagram Estoy Embarazada, Y Ahora Que?: Confidencias Para La Nueva Madre, by Lorraine C. Ladish REACH! From Single Mom on Welfare to Digital Entrepreneur, by Lorraine C. Ladish Your Best Age, by Lorraine C. Ladish (Forthcoming) Ever Better Discover What’s Next Coaching Contact Lisa: Lisa@EverBetterU.com @EverBetterU on Twitter