The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice

Dani Tan - Leadership and Career Coach

Hi! I'm Dani Tan, a Leadership and Career Coach, and Speaker. I empower leaders who are the first, few, or only in their space. If you’re looking to pivot careers, get promoted, expand your leadership skills, or find your voice, I’m here for you. I've pivoted multiple industries from sales, PR, merchandising, and e-commerce all while achieving 11 promotions in 11 years. Let's get started.

  1. 2 दिन पहले

    101. How to Lead Through Growth Without Getting Lost in the Day-to-Day

    In episode 101, we’re talking about how to lead through growth without getting lost in the day-to-day. When your business or team is expanding, it’s easy to fall into old patterns, doing everything yourself, staying deep in the weeds, and reacting instead of leading. But what worked when you were building from day one won’t sustain your next chapter of growth. I share client stories and coaching insights on what it means to evolve as a leader: learning to delegate, building trust in your team, and creating systems that support strategy instead of chaos. You’ll learn how to shift from “doer” to decision-maker and create space for the vision your business needs you to hold. In this episode, I cover: Why staying stuck in early-stage habits limits your growth How to delegate effectively without losing control The importance of communication cadences and clear priorities for your team What it looks like to lead from strategy instead of reaction Why growth requires a new version of you and how to step into it Key Takeaways: Growth requires evolving how you lead, not just what you do Delegation builds trust, scalability, and space for vision Creating structure helps you focus on strategy, not firefighting Leadership is about direction, not doing You can’t evolve your business without evolving yourself Chapters: 00:00 Shifting from Daily Tasks to Strategic Leadership 04:07 Delegation Is Essential for Scalable Growth 07:42 Create Cadence, Guidelines, and Trust for Autonomy 11:27 Hire for Strengths and Delegate Weaknesses 13:16 Define Goals, Systems, and an Evolving Leadership IdentityLearn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    17 मिनट
  2. 6 नव॰

    100. How Trying New Things Teaches You About Belief Confidence and Growth

    In episode 100, we’re talking about how trying new things, no matter how small, teaches you about belief, confidence, and growth. Every time you do something for the first time, your brain rewires itself to see new possibilities. Whether it’s taking a class, reaching out to someone new, or simply doing something that scares you, these firsts build self-trust and make uncertainty feel less intimidating. I share personal stories and client examples of how small experiments lead to big shifts, along with the neuroscience behind why trying new things actually helps you feel braver, more creative, and more confident. In this episode, I cover: Why first-time experiences rewire the brain and reduce fear How to prioritize experience over mastery when learning something new Why small outreach actions often lead to unexpected collaborations How taking imperfect action builds self-trust and confidence Why solo experiences strengthen your ability to make bold decisions Key Takeaways: Growth starts with small firsts, not perfect plans Action builds confidence faster than preparation Trying new things trains your brain to embrace uncertainty Self-trust comes from experience, not just belief Curiosity fuels consistency and long-term growth Chapters: 00:00 Why First-Time Experiences Rewire the Brain 05:11 Prioritizing Experience Over Mastery 10:39 Small Outreach Actions Can Become Collaborations 15:05 Action Beats Perfection to Build Self-Trust 18:17 Solo Experiences Strengthen Confidence Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    23 मिनट
  3. 29 अक्टू॰

    99. You’re Holding Everything Together But No One Sees It

    In episode 99, we’re talking about what happens when you’re the one holding everything together, but no one sees it. Whether you’re the go-to person on your team, the emotional glue in your family, or the one who fixes every problem before it’s noticed, this episode explores how invisible over-functioning can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities for growth. I share client stories and coaching insights about what happens when doing “everything” doesn’t lead to recognition, and how to start resetting expectations, boundaries, and visibility so your effort actually moves you forward. In this episode, I cover: Why invisible over-functioning hurts your visibility and your career How to clarify your role so you can stop doing work that no one sees The cost of being the “go-to” person for everything—and how to break that loop How boundaries (or “guidelines”) create room for leadership and strategic work A client example of creating a visibility plan that led to a promotion Key Takeaways: Recognition requires visibility, not just hard work Over-functioning isn’t leadership—it’s unsustainable Boundaries protect your energy and your reputation Visibility conversations lead to advancement opportunities You don’t have to burn it all down to make a change, just start with one small reset Chapters: 00:46 Invisible Over-Functioning Hurts Career Visibility 04:11 Clarifying Roles to Prevent Burnout 06:50 Extra Work Erodes Boundaries and Sustainability 10:53 Redefining Boundaries to Lead Strategically 18:01 Visibility Plan Leads to Promotion 18:42 Resetting Scope Through Small, Concrete Steps Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    22 मिनट
  4. 23 अक्टू॰

    98. You’re Not Confused, You’re Avoiding a Decision

    In episode 98, we’re talking about the reason you might feel stuck or “confused” about your next move. Most of the time, confusion isn’t about not knowing, it’s about fear. Whether it’s fear of disappointing others, making the wrong choice, or stepping into something uncertain, what we often label as confusion is really a way of avoiding discomfort. In this episode, I share how to identify the difference between genuine uncertainty and emotional avoidance and what to do when overthinking keeps you from moving forward. In this episode, I cover: Why confusion often masks fear and indecision How “research mode” becomes a way to delay taking action The connection between fear, perfectionism, and safety for women and women of color How to narrow down multiple options by using your values as a filter Why commitment, not clarity, creates confidence and momentum You’ll hear client stories about navigating career pivots, side businesses, and big life decisions, and how choosing a direction, even when it’s imperfect, always leads to greater clarity than waiting ever could. If you’ve been circling the same decisions, hoping to feel “ready,” this episode will help you recognize what’s really holding you back and take your next step with confidence. Key Takeaways: Confusion is often fear in disguise Commitment creates clarity, not the other way around You don’t need more research, you need one clear action Discomfort is part of growth, not a sign to stop Trusting your decision-making changes everything Chapters: 00:00 Understanding Confusion as Avoidance 09:47 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis from Too Many Options 17:50 Commitment as a Catalyst for Clarity 25:45 Next Steps and Reflection Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    27 मिनट
  5. 16 अक्टू॰

    97. Beyond ‘What Do You Do?’: A Gen Z Approach to Authentic Networking with Errika Brooks, Founder of Gen Z Times

    In episode 97, I’m joined by Errika S. Brooks, founder of Gen Z Times (GZT), a platform created to amplify and empower Gen Z by helping them navigate career challenges, build meaningful connections, and define success in their own way. With over seven years of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and youth-focused partnerships, Errika blends strategy, creativity, and student development to design spaces that reflect the needs and values of Gen Z, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ audiences. As a youth advocate, community strategist, and Gen Z’s biggest cheerleader, she brings an authentic and heart-centered perspective to every conversation about connection and belonging. Together, we explore how Gen Z is redefining networking, moving beyond the question “What do you do?” toward authentic, community-driven connection. Networking has long been seen as awkward or transactional, but Gen Z is shifting that narrative by focusing on shared interests, values, and belonging. Errika shares how her After 5 Experiment networking events help people connect without the pressure of titles or business cards and what professionals of all generations can learn from this human-centered approach to building relationships. In this episode, I cover: How Gen Z is moving beyond the question “What do you do?” Why authentic networking starts with shared humanity, not hierarchy What it looks like to create safety and inclusion in professional spaces How to network across, not just up, and why peer connections matter The mindset shift needed to make networking feel natural instead of forced Key Takeaways: Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it can start with friendship You don’t need to “network up” to grow; building across your peers matters just as much Authenticity and inclusion make spaces safer and more effective for everyone Community and consistency are key to meaningful connections Chapters: 00:12 Guest Introduction and Networking Shift 02:32 Errika Brooks’s Career Journey 05:39 Critique of Prescriptive Networking 09:14 Gen Z Networking Principles 12:53 DC Networking Experiment Format 17:52 Prompt Effects and Accessibility 22:37 Networking as Peer Community 26:53 Alignment, Career Pivots, and Next Steps Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    30 मिनट
  6. 9 अक्टू॰

    96. How to Make Career Moves Without Second-Guessing Everything

    In episode 96, we’re talking about how to make bold career moves without spiraling into overthinking or second-guessing every step. Big decisions, whether it’s pivoting industries, leaving corporate, or starting a business, will always come with fear and uncertainty. That’s why I use a framework with my clients called the ABC Plan, designed to help you name what you really want, prepare for the hard moments, and create the safety net you need to move forward with confidence. In this episode, I cover: How to define your Plan A, your boldest vision, without worrying about practicality Why creating a Plan B helps you navigate the messy middle when things get tough How Plan C builds the psychological safety to take risks without panic Real client stories of making big career pivots, from corporate jobs to new cities and businesses Practical ways to reduce stress, detach from outcomes, and keep momentum even when challenges show up If you’ve been stuck in hesitation or caught in loops of “what ifs,” this episode will show you how to ground your decisions in clarity and create the confidence to finally move forward. Key Takeaways: Your boldest goals must be named before they can be achieved Challenges are inevitable, prepare for them instead of quitting when they come A safety net creates the confidence to take calculated risks Detaching from outcomes helps you show up with clarity and energy Chapters: 00:00 ABC Plan: Define Plan A Vision 04:06 Start with a Bold Desired Outcome 06:41 Plan B: Prepare for Hard Moments 09:50 Navigating the Messy Middle 15:04 Plan C: Build Psychological Safety 18:28 Managing Uncertainty with a Safety Net Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    23 मिनट
  7. 2 अक्टू॰

    95. You Want to Start a Side Business But Don’t Know Where to Start

    So many people sit on a side business idea for months or even years because they think they need the perfect plan before taking the first step. If you’ve been circling your idea, asking yourself if you’re “ready,” or stuck in research mode, this episode is your reminder that clarity comes from action, not overthinking. I’m sharing client stories and my own experience of waiting too long to start, along with the practical steps I now guide clients through to move from hesitation into momentum. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why hesitation and self-doubt keep you stuck in the “what ifs” How to start small by offering one simple service with skills you already have The first concrete steps to test your idea with real feedback instead of procrastinating How to identify your first clients and where to find them Why consistency, not intensity, is what builds a sustainable side business If you’ve been sitting on an idea but don’t know where to start, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and energy that lasts. Key Takeaways: The first version of your business won’t be the final version, start anyway You don’t need a perfect plan, you need one clear step Testing with real people builds clarity faster than more research Consistency is what creates momentum Chapters: 00:00 Internal Hesitation Blocking Side Businesses 03:17 Start Small Using Existing Expertise 07:38 Concrete First Steps to Avoid Procrastination 11:17 Define Ideal Client and Test Reach Channels 13:50 Start Small and Protect Energy Learn more and stay connected: www.danitan.com www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan Join my weekly newsletter

    18 मिनट
  8. 25 सित॰

    94. From Career Clarity to Side Business Strategy - How Clients Are Building Both

    In episode 94, we’re talking about what happens when career clarity sparks something bigger, a vision for your life. For many of my clients, clarity doesn’t just lead to the next job title or salary increase. It opens the door to freedom, creativity, and the possibility of building a business alongside their career. In this episode, I share how clients are exploring both paths at once, from testing side business ideas to creating boundaries that prevent burnout, and why you don’t have to choose between being a leader in your career and building something of your own. In this episode, I cover: How career clarity often reveals deeper values and life goals beyond titles and paychecks Why you don’t need to quit your job to start a side business The mindset shift required to move away from “all or nothing” thinking How to experiment with small projects before going all in Practical strategies to balance career advancement with entrepreneurship If you’ve been wondering whether you have to choose between stability and freedom, or career growth and entrepreneurship, this conversation will show you that it’s possible to build both, without burning yourself out. Key Takeaways: Career clarity can reveal bigger life visions, not just job titles You don’t need to burn it all down to start a side business Experimentation creates clarity without the pressure of full commitment Boundaries, timelines, and support systems make balancing both paths possible Chapters: 00:00 Career Clarity Reveals Life Vision 03:44 Transition Toward Wellness-Focused Work 07:13 Reframing Mindset for Side Businesses 11:47 Experimentation Over Full Commitment 17:01 Parallel Career Advancement and Ventures 20:42 Practical Pathways for Dual Careers Learn more and stay connected: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.danitan.com  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Join my weekly newsletter⁠

    24 मिनट

परिचय

Hi! I'm Dani Tan, a Leadership and Career Coach, and Speaker. I empower leaders who are the first, few, or only in their space. If you’re looking to pivot careers, get promoted, expand your leadership skills, or find your voice, I’m here for you. I've pivoted multiple industries from sales, PR, merchandising, and e-commerce all while achieving 11 promotions in 11 years. Let's get started.

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