The Next-Level Paycheck

Linda Cureton

The go-to podcast for experienced mid-level professionals who’ve hit their income ceiling but are ready to break through and thrive. If you’re a high-level administrator or analyst with 13-20 years of experience earning $70K-$80K and craving authentic, faith-integrated guidance, you’re in the right place. Each week, we deliver practical career development strategies, mindset shifts, and actionable insights designed to help you overcome career stagnation, build multiple income streams, and unlock your full potential—all without sacrificing your true self.

  1. Stop Trying to Inspire—This Is What Leaders Actually Do

    2 DAYS AGO

    Stop Trying to Inspire—This Is What Leaders Actually Do

    In today’s chaotic and uncertain world, traditional leadership no longer works. Inspiration alone isn’t enough when teams are facing shutdowns, instability, and rapid change. In this powerful conversation, we dive into: How leaders must shift from inspiration to sense-making Why honesty beats false optimism during uncertainty The real challenges women-owned businesses face with access to capital Leadership development in the age of AI, complexity, and disruption Why embracing your gifts and personal brand is essential for long-term impact This episode is a must-watch for women leaders, founders, executives, and change-makers navigating complexity, pivoting their businesses, and leading teams through uncertainty. 👉 Take the Leadership Assessment mentioned in this episode to unlock clarity, momentum, and next-level growth. 00:00 – Leadership in the 21st Century Workforce 00:16 – Leading Through Uncertainty & Government Change 00:39 – Why Inspiration Fails During Chaos 01:00 – Sense-Making: The New Leadership Skill 01:24 – Helping Teams Fail Fast & Experiment 01:45 – Leadership Assessment & $2,000 Advantage 02:25 – Pivoting the Business for Growth 02:59 – Why Diversification Is Critical for Survival 03:17 – Leadership Development, AI & New Markets 03:59 – Succession Planning Challenges 04:44 – Rethinking Retirement & Long-Term Impact 05:02 – Writing, Teaching & Purpose Beyond Business 06:12 – Biggest Bottleneck: Access to Capital 06:50 – The Hidden Struggle of Women-Owned Businesses 07:44 – Marketing, Messaging & Brand Frustrations 08:22 – From Personal Brand to Legacy Company 09:29 – Squandering Your Own Gifts 10:02 – Accepting Coaching & Leadership Calling 10:55 – Leading in AI, Chaos & Complexity 11:46 – Why You Don’t Have to Do It Alone 12:09 – Final Leadership Invitation 👇 Start now with the assessment: Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1HJoin 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPAStart 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1HFree Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/

    12 min
  2. Why Fear Is the Real Reason Most Careers Stall

    25 JAN

    Why Fear Is the Real Reason Most Careers Stall

    Do you feel stuck in fear, self-doubt, or uncertainty? In this video, we dive deep into a personal story of overcoming fear, building confidence, and taking action—whether it’s your first job or your next big challenge. 🎯 You’ll learn: Why fear isn’t your enemy—it’s your signal for growth How to take action even when you feel unqualified The mindset shift that helped me sell with confidence Why courage only exists because fear exists How to measure your growth and success meaningfully 🚀 Join our FREE WhatsApp Leadership Growth Community:👉 Get our 21-Day Leadership Acceleration Series👉 Weekly Q&A, mentoring, and tools to lead with confidence👉 Scan the QR code or click the link below to join now 👇 Comment below: What fear are YOU turning into courage this year? #OvercomingFear #Courage #LeadershipGrowth #SelfDoubt #MindsetShift Timestamps 00:00 – The creative value of reaching isolated people 00:16 – Let’s talk about fear and self-doubt 00:51 – Getting a part-time job at Sears 01:26 – I didn’t know what a drill guide was 01:45 – Learning to use and sell drill guides 02:58 – Measuring your growth: Money, lives changed, or impact 03:35 – Your fears are useless: Take the risk 03:54 – Turn fear into courage and action 04:15 – Join our FREE WhatsApp leadership community SEO Overcoming fear and self doubt How to build confidence from scratch Motivation to take action Real life story of courage Fear of failure and how to beat it Growth mindset techniques Leadership acceleration for beginners Courage and confidence tips First job interview success story Turning fear into power

    5 min
  3. Why Some Talentless People Still Succeed — and What You Should Do

    17 JAN

    Why Some Talentless People Still Succeed — and What You Should Do

    Do you ever wonder why some people succeed without talent, skills, or character? In this real and powerful message, I break down the difference between temporary success and eternal significance. From Psalms 37 to real-life career pivots, she shares how: Not all success is built to last Impact matters more than image The job you don’t want might be your biggest blessing God can redirect your path to something greater She speaks candidly about rejecting a coaching contract — only to have it become the foundation of her company’s success. This is your reminder to stay faithful, humble, and open to divine redirection. 🙏🏾 Your job is to level up your skills. God's job is the outcome. 💡 Subscribe for more leadership insights, faith-based motivation, and real talk from the executive frontlines. 👇 Start now with the assessment: Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1HJoin 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPAStart 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1HFree Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ 00:00 – Why talent isn’t always tied to success 00:38 – Do these skills actually work? 01:26 – Psalms 37: Don’t envy temporary success 02:05 – Playing the long game: character > fame 03:01 – A “talentless” sermon that stayed with me for 20 years 04:05 – I didn’t want to be a coach… until I had no choice 05:06 – The contract I said “yes” to by accident 05:33 – That “small” contract unlocked everything SEO - faith and success, leveling up skills, purpose over paycheck, god’s timing, career purpose, divine redirection, faith-based leadership, talentless success,

    6 min
  4. Why You Keep Procrastinating (and How to Stop)

    10 JAN

    Why You Keep Procrastinating (and How to Stop)

    Are you stuck in the loop of procrastination, unfulfilled dreams, or spiritual misalignment? In this powerful video, we explore how courage, alignment, and breaking procrastination patterns can shift your life trajectory. 🔥 Highlights: The hidden truth behind procrastination and how stress is the root cause. Courage to dream again and plan beyond fear. Faith, loss, and aligning with God's will after personal heartbreak. How physical goals like strengthening your core can lead to life transformation. Real talk on grief, purpose, and rebuilding a new life chapter. 💥 Take the Leadership Assessment Test and unlock your $2,000 Leadership Advantage with coaching and community support. 🎯 Perfect for: Women ready to step into purpose. Those navigating personal loss or change. Faith-driven leaders and aspiring entrepreneurs. 👇 Start now with the assessment Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1H Join 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPA Start 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1H Free Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ My Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/ Timestamp 00:00 – The Queen of Procrastination 👑 00:38 – Understanding stress as the root of procrastination 01:11 – Leadership assessment and $2,000 advantage offer 01:46 – 2026 goal-setting mindset 03:06 – Focus words: Courage, Procrastination, Alignment 04:00 – Courage to dream and act beyond fear 05:13 – Financial and spiritual outcome-based goals 06:27 – Physical goal: Strengthening the core 07:08 – Procrastination vs. productivity: Breaking the cycle 08:49 – Superwoman syndrome and its consequences 09:50 – Alignment with God’s will explained 11:15 – Prayer, loss, and trust after losing a loved one 13:11 – How meditation helps you hear God’s voice 14:29 – Faith vs. lying to yourself 15:21 – Final reflection: Courage, Procrastination, Alignment 15:39 – African proverb: Go far together 15:55 – Final invitation: Leadership test & coaching support

    16 min
  5. How I Lost My Dream Job at NASA — and Got It Back 25 Years Later

    3 JAN

    How I Lost My Dream Job at NASA — and Got It Back 25 Years Later

    What if the dream you thought you left behind came back when you least expected it? In this powerful video, I share my journey of how I walked away from my dream job at NASA to support a relationship, only to return 25 years later—stronger, wiser, and more determined. This story isn’t just about career progression, it's about perseverance, believing in your worth, and daring to dream even when life doesn't go as planned. Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1H Join 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPA Start 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1H Free Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ My Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/ ✨ Learn why it’s never too late to: Reclaim your purpose Pursue your dream job Rise into executive leadership Embrace the courage to start again 👩🏽‍💻 Plus, I share how taking one small leadership assessment changed everything. Ready to level up your career? 📌 Take the Leadership Test Now → [insert link]📲 Join the community and gain access to personal coaching worth $2000! 00:00 – The job listing that changed everything 00:57 – FREE leadership test that could change your life 01:30 – Why I didn’t want a job (at first!) 02:07 – How NASA recruited me in a gymnasium 02:54 – Leaving my dream job for love 03:34 – Returning to D.C. and rebuilding 04:28 – 25 years later, back at NASA 05:23 – The power of daring to dream 06:09 – Courage and waiting for the right opportunity 06:35 – Final message: You deserve to rise NASA job story, career comeback, dream job at NASA, women in leadership, executive coaching, STEM careers, how to get hired at NASA, motivational career story, leadership development, Black women in tech

    7 min
  6. How to Restart Your Career After 40 (Without Starting Over).

    26/12/2025

    How to Restart Your Career After 40 (Without Starting Over).

    If you've ever thought, "I'm too old to start over," this message is for you. In this powerful video, we talk about how career reinvention after 40 is not only possible, it might be your best move yet. You'll hear real experiences, advice on mastering soft skills, the power of self-awareness, and how to build a strategy for success beyond the traditional timeline. Whether you're considering a new career path, leadership opportunity, or business venture—this is your sign to go for it. 👩🏾‍💼 I reinvented my career at 54. I earned a PhD at 66. Your time is not up. It’s just getting started. Take the leadership assessment mentioned 💬 Share in the comments: What dream are you still holding onto? Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1H Join 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPA Start 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1H Free Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ My Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/ 00:00 – Is it too late to grow your career at 42? 01:09 – Busting the myth: Success belongs to the young 02:20 – Self-awareness and knowing your values 03:39 – Why soft skills are more valuable after 40 04:36 – Real story: Pivoting career at 54 06:06 – Earning a PhD at 66 – and thriving! 06:56 – Career strategy at 40: Control the narrative 08:24 – Visibility, voice & breaking invisibility 09:38 – Soft skills are non-negotiable 10:11 – Make courageous choices & take risks 11:03 – It's your moment – take the leap 12:12 – Leadership advantage test invitation #CareerChange #LateBloomers #LeadershipAt40 #NotTooLate #WomenInLeadership #LevelUp career change at 40, too late to start over, leadership after 40, late bloomer success, career reinvention, PhD at 60, soft skills training, emotional intelligence, communication skills, personal growth, professional development,

    13 min
  7. Purpose-Driven Leadership: The Lesson Every Ambitious Leader Learns Too Late

    19/12/2025

    Purpose-Driven Leadership: The Lesson Every Ambitious Leader Learns Too Late

    “A leadership talk on purpose, timing, and surrender — how to lead from faith, not fear.” Are you praying for success but still feel stuck? This powerful talk unpacks how faith, purpose, and ambition intersect—especially for women navigating their next career level. In this video, we explore why aligning with God’s will is key to your next breakthrough, and how walking by faith is a daily practice, not a blind wish. You’ll hear about the speaker’s personal story—how a shift from pre-med to mathematics changed her life, and why she believes that doing what you love is the truest form of success. You'll also get a glimpse into her leadership coaching and what tools she offers women ready for their next-level paycheck. This is for the ambitious woman of faith who’s ready to rise and lead with clarity, integrity, and divine alignment. Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1H Join 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPA Start 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1H Free Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/ [00:00] What are you really asking for in prayer? [01:20] Your next-level paycheck requires career alignment. [02:22] The Latin professor who changed my life forever. [03:36] Walking by faith is a daily practice—not blind trust. [05:12] Why passion is key: how I worked 3 days straight! [06:08] What happens when your prayers don’t get answered? [07:30] Aligning your paycheck with your divine calling. [09:01] Sometimes, the problem is… you (and how mentors help). [09:45] Final invitation: Take the test, join the movement. SEO faith and ambition, walking by faith, God’s will for career, Christian women leadership, next level paycheck, faith in career growth, divine alignment, Christian purpose, success and spirituality, Christian motivation for women, how to hear God’s voice, prayer for career, faith-based success, women in leadership, leadership coaching, Christian coaching for women, #FaithAndCareer #ChristianWomenLeaders #PurposeDrivenSuccess #WalkByFaith #CareerCalling

    10 min
  8. This One Skill 10x’d My Career Forever — and It’s Not Talent

    12/12/2025

    This One Skill 10x’d My Career Forever — and It’s Not Talent

    Are you an introvert who dreads networking events? Do you feel drained, awkward, or unsure how to start conversations? You're not alone — and you're not out of options. In this video, Linda shares her honest, relatable journey from being a reserved INTP to mastering the art of authentic connection. With humor, warmth, and practical tips, Linda shows how introverts can prepare, perform, and even enjoy networking — without pretending to be someone they're not. From practicing scripts to tagging along with extroverted friends, every strategy is one step closer to feeling more confident in professional spaces. 💬 Whether you're new to networking or just want to level up your people skills while staying true to yourself, this talk is packed with real talk, actionable advice, and a gentle reminder that introverts belong in every room too. Take $2000 Leadership Growth Assessment - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/kxISU2H1H Join 7 day Leadership Sprint - https://nblnhiao.formester.com/f/fgBS17zPA Start 21 day Leadership Acceleration Series - https://dvjkmswy.formester.com/f/dyHbzaC1H Free Ebooks Resource Hub - https://lindacureton.com/hub/ Leadership Books - https://lindacureton.com/books/ . . . SEO networking for introverts, introvert networking tips, how to network as an introvert, professional networking advice, introvert career growth, Linda networking story, networking script, introverted leaders, confidence building, networking at events, how to meet new people, overcoming social anxiety, quiet networking strategies, INTP personality, Myers Briggs INTP, networking for shy people, business networking tips, communication skills, networking presentation, social skills for introverts, relationship building, introvert leadership,

    13 min

About

The go-to podcast for experienced mid-level professionals who’ve hit their income ceiling but are ready to break through and thrive. If you’re a high-level administrator or analyst with 13-20 years of experience earning $70K-$80K and craving authentic, faith-integrated guidance, you’re in the right place. Each week, we deliver practical career development strategies, mindset shifts, and actionable insights designed to help you overcome career stagnation, build multiple income streams, and unlock your full potential—all without sacrificing your true self.

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