100 episodes

I’m Samorn Selim. Welcome to the Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Podcast. I’m a lawyer turned career coach on a mission for us to take our careers from dread to joy. Growing up as the daughter of poor Lao refugees, I was the underdog. Against all odds, I made it to a top 10 law school and landed a job in Big Law. As an outsider, I was told that I was lucky to even be there and that I had to pay my dues. After coaching over 1,000 clients, I now realize that the idea that you have to pay your dues and work in a toxic place is a myth. We can face our challenges head on, do work we are passionate about, and work with good people to make a big impact. So even as we struggle, we can find a sense of belonging.

Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Samorn Selim

    • Business

I’m Samorn Selim. Welcome to the Career Unicorns - Spark Your Joy Podcast. I’m a lawyer turned career coach on a mission for us to take our careers from dread to joy. Growing up as the daughter of poor Lao refugees, I was the underdog. Against all odds, I made it to a top 10 law school and landed a job in Big Law. As an outsider, I was told that I was lucky to even be there and that I had to pay my dues. After coaching over 1,000 clients, I now realize that the idea that you have to pay your dues and work in a toxic place is a myth. We can face our challenges head on, do work we are passionate about, and work with good people to make a big impact. So even as we struggle, we can find a sense of belonging.

    Ep. 128: Repost: How to bounce back from the pandemic and rebuild your dream career with Winnie Yee-Lakhani (Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque)

    Ep. 128: Repost: How to bounce back from the pandemic and rebuild your dream career with Winnie Yee-Lakhani (Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque)

     
    Struggling to find purpose after the pandemic's disruptions? You're not alone. In this episode, Winnie Yee-Lakhani, Founder & Chef of Smoke Queen Barbeque, shares her inspiring story of resilience and reinvention.
    What You'll Learn:
    - Overcoming the difficulty of laying off employees.
    - Channeling passion into a new dream career.
    - Building a thriving business despite online negativity.
    - Organic social media marketing strategies for success.
    - Plus, hear how Winnie landed features on The Kelly Clarkson Show, The New York Times, and Eater LA – without a PR team!
    Connect with Winnie:
    - Website: www.smokequeenbbq.com (SEO: Smoke Queen BBQ)
    - Instagram: @smokequeenbbq (SEO: Smoke Queen BBQ Instagram)
    - Bonus: Catch Winnie on Food Network's BBQ Brawl, which premiered on Monday, May 9, 2022! (SEO: BBQ Brawl Food Network)


    Connect with Samorn:
    - LinkedIn:  www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.
    - Book:   “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.
    - Weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.
    - 1:1 coaching:  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 44 min
    Ep. 127: Repost: From Trauma to Triumph: Building a Business & Healing as a Black Woman Lawyer & Entrepreneur with Danielle McMillian (Founder of Pretty Petsitting and Embody Vegan)

    Ep. 127: Repost: From Trauma to Triumph: Building a Business & Healing as a Black Woman Lawyer & Entrepreneur with Danielle McMillian (Founder of Pretty Petsitting and Embody Vegan)

     
    Do you dream of being your own boss, but fear holding you back? In this inspiring episode, lawyer and entrepreneur Danielle McMillian shares her remarkable journey of overcoming adversity and building a life of purpose.
    We delve into:
    - How a furry feline friend sparked the creation of her successful pet sitting business, Pretty Petsitting.
    - The challenges of navigating life as a Black woman with bipolar disorder and complex PTSD.
    - Practical steps to rebuild your life after facing mental health struggles and trauma.
    - The power of vulnerability and how sharing your story can break the cycle of stigma and shame.
    - Proven strategies for organic brand building as a new entrepreneur, including how Danielle became a top 5 finalist in her industry.
    - How healing from trauma can lead to unexpected opportunities and a renewed sense of purpose, exemplified by Danielle's vegan initiative, Embody Vegan.


    Danielle McMillian's story is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of pursuing your dreams. Tune in for actionable advice, insightful conversation, and a dose of inspiration!


    Mention this podcast and connect with Danielle on IG @embodyvegan or at info@bodyvegan.com.


    Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.


    Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.


    Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.


    Want to work with Samorn?  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 50 min
    Ep 126: Repost: Reimagine Your Life: How to Embrace Possibility with Kate Sullivan (Emmy Award-Winning Journalist)

    Ep 126: Repost: Reimagine Your Life: How to Embrace Possibility with Kate Sullivan (Emmy Award-Winning Journalist)

     
    Feeling stuck and unsure of your next step? You're not alone. In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring Kate Sullivan, a 4x Emmy award-winning journalist and host of PBS's "To Dine For." Kate shares her powerful insights on how to reinvent yourself and pursue your dreams, even when fear holds you back.
    Here's what you'll learn:
    - How to identify the whispers of your true calling and keep moving forward.
    - Why a "no" doesn't mean the end - it's a stepping stone to new possibilities.
    - The power of reframing rejection as a necessary part of success.
    - How to cultivate an optimistic mindset that fuels your journey.
    Kate's story is a testament to the transformative power of believing in yourself and embracing change. Join us and discover how you too can rewrite your narrative and create a life filled with purpose.
    This episode is perfect for you if:
    - You feel stuck in a career or life path that doesn't fulfill you.
    - You're afraid to take risks and chase your dreams.
    - You struggle with rejection and self-doubt.
    - You're looking for inspiration and practical steps to reinvent yourself.


    Connect with Kate on Instagram @ToDineForTV.


    Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.


    Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.


    Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.


    Want to work with Samorn?  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 49 min
    Episode 125: Repost: Network Your Way to Your Dream Job: Career Pivot Strategies with Heather Stevenson (General Counsel of Redcell Partners)

    Episode 125: Repost: Network Your Way to Your Dream Job: Career Pivot Strategies with Heather Stevenson (General Counsel of Redcell Partners)

     
    Feeling stuck in your career? Want to make a pivot but lack the "perfect" experience? 
     
    This episode is for YOU! Join us as we chat with Heather Stevenson, General Counsel at Redcell Partners and former Deputy General Counsel of the Boston Globe Media Partners.  Heather's career journey is an inspiring example of leveraging your network to land your dream role, even with a non-traditional path.
    In this episode, you'll learn:
    - Actionable Networking Tips: Discover how to strategically leverage your network to open doors for career pivots, even if the jobs require different experiences.
    - Transferable Skills Magic: Learn how to showcase the transferable skills from your past experiences and translate them into value for your desired field.
    - Lawyer to Entrepreneur (and Back Again!): Hear Heather's unique perspective on transitioning from a legal career to entrepreneurship and the steps she took to return to practicing law.
    - Hired for Your Potential: Find out how to confidently demonstrate your value and secure your dream job, even without direct experience.
    - Timeless Career Advice: Heather shares a powerful nugget of wisdom for her younger self (and for YOU!) that can be applied at any stage of your career journey.


    Connect with Heather at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heatherlstevenson/ or Twitter @HL_Stevenson. 


    Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.


    Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.


    Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.


    Want to work with Samorn?  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 36 min
    Ep. 124: Repost: Breaking into leadership while identifying as a Lao refugee, LGBTQIA2S+, and nonprofit professional of color with Matthew Rizzie (Executive Director at GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment)

    Ep. 124: Repost: Breaking into leadership while identifying as a Lao refugee, LGBTQIA2S+, and nonprofit professional of color with Matthew Rizzie (Executive Director at GLCU Foundation for Financial Empowerment)

     
    Do you feel your passion is to make the world a better place?  But you’re unsure of how to build a career out of it? 

    In this episode, we discuss:
    - How the intersectionality of our identities impact our career and life choices.
    - The differences between Ally Wong’s “Jungle Asians” versus “Fancy Asians.”
    - How teachers make an impact, and can change our life path.  
    - Steps you can take to turn your passion of making the world a better place into your career.
    - How to build your career in philanthropy, making a big impact, and also make a good living to support your life goals and needs.  
    - How to use your personal lived experience and professional work experience to provide culturally competent service.
    - What nonprofits can do to increase representation, specifically people of color, in leadership. 
    - Why it’s important to enjoy the journey.


    Learn more about Matthew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-rizzie-3139403/.


    Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.


    Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c. 
     
    Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.


    Want to work with Samorn?  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 45 min
    Ep. 123: Repost: Daughter of Cambodian Refugees to Managing Counsel: Meyling Ly Ortiz on Finding Your Voice

    Ep. 123: Repost: Daughter of Cambodian Refugees to Managing Counsel: Meyling Ly Ortiz on Finding Your Voice

     
    Do you struggle to speak up at work? Meyling Ly Ortiz, Managing Counsel at Toyota, found her authentic voice and used it to propel her career.  In this episode, we discuss
    - How finding your authentic voice can accelerate your career.
    - How being the daughter of refugees of the Khmer Rouge Killing Fields in Cambodia fuels her passion and purpose. 
    - How going to therapy journey of self-discovery, setting boundaries, and achieving success.
    - Why she co-founded the Podium, a non-profit focused on amplifying the voices of Asian American women lawyers. 


    Connect with Mey at linkedin.com/in/meybe or TheMeybe.com.


    Connect with Samorn at www.linkedin.com/in/samornselim.


    Get a copy of Samorn’s book, “Belonging: Self Love Lessons From A Workaholic Depressed Insomniac Lawyer” at https://tinyurl.com/swpc578c.


    Get weekly career tips by signing up for our newsletter at www.careerunicorns.com.


    Want to work with Samorn?  Send a message at www.careerunicorns.com for a free consultation.

    • 49 min

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