Career Conversations with Ola

CareerZone by Ola
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Welcome to Career Conversations with Ola, the official podcast of CareerZone by Ola. Join Ola, an experienced HR professional and career coach, as she hosts candid interviews with industry leaders, rising stars, and inspiring professionals from diverse fields, shaping the future of work! Each conversation uncovers stories, strategies, and actionable tips to help you thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting, navigating challenges, or aiming for your next big move, this podcast is your guide to career empowerment. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and take charge of your career journey!

  1. Power Literacy: The Workplace Rules Nobody Taught You | Nicole Johnston | S2E11

    May 29

    Power Literacy: The Workplace Rules Nobody Taught You | Nicole Johnston | S2E11

    Most professionals are taught how to work hard. Very few are taught how power actually works in the workplace. In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, I sit down with leadership coach, author, and former global executive Nicole Johnston to unpack one of the most overlooked career skills: Power Literacy. We explore why some talented professionals advance faster than others, the difference between performance and influence, and how visibility, communication, relationships, and perception shape career growth inside organizations. In this conversation, we discuss: • What power literacy really means at work• Why hard work alone is often not enough for career advancement• The hidden power structures that exist inside organizations• How to identify key influencers and decision makers• Building executive presence and credibility• The role of sponsorship in career growth• Why communication is one of the most important career skills• Common mistakes professionals make when navigating workplace dynamics• Practical ways to build influence authentically Whether you're an individual contributor, manager, emerging leader, or executive, this episode will help you better understand how organizations operate and how to position yourself for greater impact, influence, and career success. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to accelerate their careers while others remain stuck despite working hard, this conversation is for you. Connect with Nicole Johnston:www.innate-power.com Subscribe to Career Conversations with Ola for more conversations on career growth, leadership, workplace success, communication, influence, and professional development.

    34 min
  2. Why Smart Employees Stop Caring at Work | The Hidden Leadership Problem | Shaun Mader | S2E10

    May 16

    Why Smart Employees Stop Caring at Work | The Hidden Leadership Problem | Shaun Mader | S2E10

    Why do smart employees stop caring at work? Why do talented people slowly disengage, stop speaking up, and lose motivation in workplaces that claim to value ownership and critical thinking? In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, leadership strategist Shaun Mader joins Ola for a deep conversation on workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement, ownership, and the hidden leadership habits that quietly shut teams down. This episode explores: • Why employees stop taking ownership at work • The real reason smart employees disengage • How workplace culture affects motivation and performance • Why employees stop speaking up in meetings • The leadership behaviors that create dependent teams • How high performing teams build trust and accountability • The difference between compliance and true ownership • How leaders can create cultures where people think independently If you are a leader, manager, HR professional, entrepreneur, or career professional trying to build better teams or grow in your career, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and work culture. Connect with Shaun Mader: LinkedIn: Shaun Mader Website: FrictionToFlowConsulting.com TeamWare Guide: getteamware.com Email: [Shaun@getteamware.com](mailto:Shaun@getteamware.com) 🎙️ Career Conversations with Ola is a podcast about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, reinvention, and the human side of work. Topics covered: leadership, workplace culture, employee engagement, ownership at work, management, career growth, toxic workplace culture, team performance, communication, accountability, leadership development, employee motivation, organizational culture, workplace psychology, trust, burnout, and professional growth. Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube for more conversations that help professionals grow with intention.

    37 min
  3. You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Grow Your Career | Ibironke Yekinni | S2E9

    May 1

    You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Grow Your Career | Ibironke Yekinni | S2E9

    A lot of professionals feel stuck in their careers. They’re waiting to feel ready, confident, or qualified before making their next move.But that waiting might be the exact reason their career growth has stalled. In this episode, I sit down with Ibironke Yekini, a 4x founder and product quality engineering leader, to break down how to grow your career without feeling ready. She built her career by taking action early, applying for roles before she felt fully qualified, and figuring things out along the way. We talk about: Career growth strategies when you don’t feel readyWhy waiting slows down your professional developmentHow to build confidence in your career through actionThe mindset shift that helps you move forward fasterAt one point, she shares a powerful idea: If you’re 100% ready, you’re already overqualified. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, unsure about your next step, or afraid to take action, this conversation will give you a new perspective. You don’t need to feel ready to grow your career. You just need to start. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibironkeyekini

    33 min
  4. Career Capital: Why Some Careers Skyrocket… and Others Don’t

    Apr 24

    Career Capital: Why Some Careers Skyrocket… and Others Don’t

    Most people think career growth comes down to titles, promotions, or working harder. But that’s not what actually separates the people who move fast… from the ones who stay stuck. In this episode, we break down the concept of career capital—the combination of skills, reputation, decision-making, and relationships that quietly shape your trajectory over time. You’ll hear a real career journey that didn’t follow a straight path - from law to compliance, privacy, and data governance -and how intentional moves, networking, and showing up consistently created unexpected opportunities. We talk about: Why two people with the same job can have completely different outcomesThe role of reputation, people and follow-through in long-term successWhy understanding the business matters more than just doing your job wellPractical ways to start building your own career capital today If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but not seeing the growth you expected, this conversation will shift how you think about your career. Because it’s not just about where you’ve been… It’s about what you’ve been building along the way.

    30 min
  5. Is Money Quietly Controlling Your Career? | Lori Atwood | S2E7

    Apr 17

    Is Money Quietly Controlling Your Career? | Lori Atwood | S2E7

    Are you feeling stuck in your career, thinking about a career change, or struggling to make the right career decisions? Money might be influencing more of your career choices than you realize. In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, we explore how money mindset, financial pressure, and lifestyle expectations quietly shape career decisions, career growth, and job transitions. Many professionals believe they are making practical career choices, but in reality, fear and financial uncertainty are often driving those decisions. I’m joined by Lori Atwood, who shares powerful insights on how financial clarity impacts career transitions, why people feel stuck in their careers, and how money influences the risks we take or avoid in our professional lives. If you’re navigating a career change, feeling stuck in your current job, or trying to grow in your career with more confidence, this conversation will help you better understand the connection between money and career decisions. In this episode, we discuss: How money mindset influences career decisions and career growthWhy so many professionals feel stuck in their careersThe role of financial clarity in making better career choicesHow lifestyle and income expectations can limit career transitionsWhat to consider before making a career change or job moveHow to move forward in your career with more confidence and clarityThis episode is for professionals who want to make smarter career decisions, understand what’s holding them back, and take control of their career path. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re making career decisions based on fear or clarity, this episode will give you the insight you need.

    26 min
  6. Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough (The Visibility Gap No One Talks About) | Rosie Zilinskas | S2E6

    Apr 10

    Why Hard Work Isn’t Enough (The Visibility Gap No One Talks About) | Rosie Zilinskas | S2E6

    👉 We often think we need more confidence… but what we really need is conviction in the value we already bring. 🎙️ In this episode of *Career Conversations with Ola*, Ola sits down with Rosie Zilinskas to unpack a question many professionals are quietly asking: 👉 *Why am I not getting promoted… even though I work hard?* You’re showing up. You’re delivering. You’re reliable. But when it’s time for promotions, stretch roles, or bigger opportunities… nothing shifts. And it leaves you wondering: 💭 “Am I missing something?” This conversation gets to the heart of it. Because the issue usually isn’t effort. It’s this: 👉 Doing the work is not the same as being seen for the work Most people explain their work like this: “I did this…” “I supported that…” That’s activity. But leadership is listening for something else: 👉 What changed because you did it? 📊 Did you: • improve results? • increase revenue? • save time or cost? • make a process better? If that part isn’t clear… your impact isn’t clear. And if your impact isn’t clear… you’re not being considered for the next level. In this episode, you’ll learn: ✨ Why hard work alone doesn’t lead to career growth ✨ The “visibility gap” that holds high performers back ✨ How to communicate your impact at work ✨ What leaders actually look for when making promotion decisions ✨ How to stand out and get promoted If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right… but your career isn’t moving forward… this one will land. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & Amazon Music If it resonates, share it with someone who needs it 🤝 #CareerGrowth #GetPromoted #CareerDevelopment #VisibilityAtWork #Leadership

    33 min
  7. Lead Yourself First: Most Professionals Get This Wrong | with Jason Donkergoed | S2E5

    Apr 3

    Lead Yourself First: Most Professionals Get This Wrong | with Jason Donkergoed | S2E5

    𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗹𝗳. 𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗲𝗹𝘀𝗲 𝗳𝗹𝗼𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲❗This really stayed with me after my recent conversation with Jason Donkersgoed. Most professionals step into leadership without feeling fully prepared. They’re doing well, building their careers, and then suddenly… they’re expected to lead others. But what often gets overlooked is the foundation of effective leadership: Self-leadership. In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, Ola sits down with Jason Donkersgoed, MA (Leadership), PCC, to explore what leadership really looks like today and why so many professionals struggle when they skip the internal work. This conversation unpacks the mindset and behaviours that shape how leaders show up, make decisions, and grow in today’s workplace. In this episode: Why most professionals feel unprepared for leadershipThe importance of self-leadership and personal accountabilityHow self-awareness impacts leadership effectivenessThe shift from command and control to modern leadershipWhy busyness and distraction are holding leaders backWhether you’re a new manager, an experienced leader, or focused on career growth, this episode offers a practical starting point. Start with yourself. Everything else flows from there. Connect with Jason: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-donkersgoed/

    38 min
  8. Is AI Rewriting Your Career? How to Future-Proof Your Path | Chrisa Zindros | S2E4

    Mar 27

    Is AI Rewriting Your Career? How to Future-Proof Your Path | Chrisa Zindros | S2E4

    𝗔𝗿𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁… 𝗼𝗿 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝘆𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗸𝗲𝗲𝗽 𝘂𝗽❓ In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, I sit down with Chrisa Zindros, executive coach and leadership consultant, to unpack how artificial intelligence is reshaping careers, leadership, and the future of work. From shifting skill demands to the rise of non-linear career paths, we explore what it really takes to stay relevant in an AI-driven world. If you’ve ever wondered whether your career is truly future-proof or quietly becoming outdated, this conversation will challenge how you think about growth, strategy, and long-term success. 💡 What We Discuss: * How AI is transforming career paths and job security * Why traditional career planning no longer works * The difference between reacting to AI vs strategically adapting * The most valuable skills in the future of work * How to build a resilient, future-proof career * The role of critical thinking, adaptability, and relationships * How leaders and organizations are navigating AI adoption 🔑 Key Takeaways: * Careers are becoming more flexible, non-linear, and skills-based * AI is creating both uncertainty and opportunity across industries * Future-proofing your career requires intentional learning and adaptability * Human skills like judgment, relationships, and critical thinking are more valuable than ever 🌱 Final Thought: This episode is a reminder that the future of your career isn’t something that happens to you. It’s something you actively design. 🔗 Connect with Chrisa: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisa-zindros-boyce Website: https://chrisazboyce.com 🎙️ About the Show: Career Conversations with Ola is where we explore real, unfiltered stories about growth, reinvention, and building meaningful careers.

    36 min
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Welcome to Career Conversations with Ola, the official podcast of CareerZone by Ola. Join Ola, an experienced HR professional and career coach, as she hosts candid interviews with industry leaders, rising stars, and inspiring professionals from diverse fields, shaping the future of work! Each conversation uncovers stories, strategies, and actionable tips to help you thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting, navigating challenges, or aiming for your next big move, this podcast is your guide to career empowerment. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and take charge of your career journey!

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