The John Poelstra Show

John Poelstra
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Bringing order to chaos and clarity to confusion

  1. 04/22/2025

    133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out

    A previous client asks for help navigating their own burn out while dealing with a demanding boss. Here’s my advice on managing stress, dealing with demanding bosses, and finding sustainable ways to recharge. I look at the importance of questioning assumptions, setting boundaries, and experimenting with new approaches to reclaim control over one’s work-life balance. Considerations You can’t keep pumping air into the metaphorical balloon; it will eventually pop Does constant pressure need to be “managed?” Stop comparing your limits to others; everyone has different constraints Saying no is a powerful tool for reducing stress and workload Team agreements can clarify communication norms and reduce ambiguity Test small changes like turning off your phone for short periods to gauge the impact Meditation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution; explore other recharging methods Write down all of the assumptions you have about your situation and question their validity Experiment with scenarios that challenge your fears (e.g., being unavailable and seeing what happens) Ask yourself what your current situation is doing to your body, soul, and relationships Consider whether your job aligns with what you want in life long-term Challenge the belief that you must always be available or risk losing your job Agreements are better than expectations—collaborate with others on clear terms Test turning off Slack or disabling presence indicators to reduce pressure Sustainable productivity requires intentional boundaries, not cheat codes Physical symptoms of stress often signal deeper issues; don’t ignore them If nothing changes in your current situation, consider the long-term consequences on your health and happiness Reach out for help or coaching if you’re stuck—there’s always something new to try Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod Photo by Bernard Hermant on Unsplash All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 133: How to Handle a Demanding Boss Without Burning Out appeared first on John Poelstra.

    26 min

  2. 03/22/2025

    132: Not Your Mother’s Library with Sarah Johnson

    Sarah Johnson is a library science educator and social worker. She joins me to explain the evolving role of public libraries in modern society. Sarah highlights how libraries have transformed from quiet book repositories into vibrant community hubs addressing diverse needs, from providing Wi-Fi and e-resources to offering social services like legal aid, health information, and even showers for unhoused individuals. Sarah explains that libraries are often the last free public spaces where people can gather without needing to spend money, making them essential yet increasingly complex environments. Sarah also shares her unique career path from social work and massage therapy to academic librarianship, emphasizing how her passion for learning and community service shaped her journey. She discusses the concept of “library social work,” which integrates social work principles into library operations to address challenges like homelessness, mental health crises, and safety concerns in public libraries. Through examples like San Francisco’s pioneering library social worker program, she illustrates how libraries can partner with community organizations to better serve patrons while supporting overburdened staff. Highlights Libraries have evolved into community hubs providing far more than books Public libraries often serve as the last free public spaces accessible to everyone Many librarians lack formal training in handling social issues like homelessness or mental health crises Academic librarians typically require advanced degrees, unlike many public library staff Public libraries provide critical resources like Wi-Fi, job search tools, and legal aid E-book usage has surged, keeping libraries relevant in the digital age Serendipitous browsing—discovering books by walking the stacks—is a unique joy that digital catalogs struggle to replicate Libraries play vital roles during crises, such as providing resources during natural disasters or pandemics Social workers in libraries help connect patrons with external services rather than solving systemic issues alone San Francisco was the first U.S. city to hire a full-time library social worker in 2009 Library staff often experience burnout due to increasing demands and insufficient training Trauma-informed care and de-escalation strategies are becoming essential skills for librarians Children’s librarians emphasize physical books over e-books for developmental benefits Libraries often partner with local organizations to offer tailored programs based on community needs COVID-19 exacerbated challenges in public libraries, increasing chaos in some urban branches Libraries are increasingly vibrant but face safety concerns due to their open-door policies Modern libraries cater to diverse populations through multilingual resources and inclusive programming Book banning controversies highlight the ongoing cultural significance of libraries Peer navigator programs offer an alternative model for addressing patron needs without relying solely on social workers Many communities invest heavily in renovating library facilities, reflecting their continued relevance Academic librarianship allows professionals to combine teaching, research, and direct student engagement Libraries must balance being welcoming spaces with ensuring safety for all patrons Advocacy for library funding and leadership is crucial for maintaining thriving public spaces Librarians Face a Crisis of Violence and Abuse (NY Times) Follow More of Sarah Johnson’s Work Substack Author of Creating a Person-Centered Library: Best Practices for Supporting High-Needs Patrons The Library Social Work Podcast Instagram LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 132: Not Your Mother’s Library with Sarah Johnson appeared first on John Poelstra.

    55 min

  3. 12/06/2024

    131: Career Coaching Isn’t a Crystal Ball with Tammi Scott

    Tammi Scott joins me to discusses career coaching. Tammi explains that she and her business partner, Elisa, are launching Empowered Careers Group, LLC, which offers a comprehensive career coaching program. We explore various aspects of career coaching, including its definition, approach, and benefits. Tammi emphasizes that career coaching is not about providing a “crystal ball’ solution,” but rather a process of self-discovery and strategic planning. This conversation also touches on the role of AI in career coaching, the importance of networking, and the typical duration of coaching engagements. Tammi highlights the value of having a coach for accountability, support, and guidance through the ups and downs of career transitions. We also discuss the differences between career coaching and other forms of guidance, such as personal training or consulting. Tammi shares insights on resume writing, negotiation strategies, and the benefits of having a career coach. Our conversation challenges the common misconception that career coaches should provide immediate answers or specific job recommendations. Instead, Tammi describes career coaching as a facilitated journey of self-discovery, where clients explore their ideal work environment, values, and professional aspirations. While coaches can provide specific guidance on resumes and salary negotiations, the core work involves helping clients understand themselves better to make informed career decisions. Key Points Career coaching is not about getting quick answers but facilitating self-discovery Most effective career coaching engagements last 3-6 months Career coaches don’t provide magic solutions or guaranteed career paths The process involves creating a clear picture of your ideal work day Resume writing receives more direct guidance than other coaching areas AI tools can complement but not replace career coaching Career coaching involves accountability and consistent support Coaches help surface limiting beliefs and handle rejection Career coaching combines internal reflection with practical action steps Career coaches help clients understand their values and preferences The best career management is ongoing, not reactive Contact Tammi Scott TammiScott.com LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 131: Career Coaching Isn’t a Crystal Ball with Tammi Scott appeared first on John Poelstra.

    41 min

  4. 09/08/2024

    130: Katherine Krupka’s Path from Diplomacy to Healing

    Katherine Krupka shares her unconventional journey from the Russian Embassy to energy healing. She’s an energy healer, interfaith minister, coach and Executive Director of the Energy Medicine Professional Association. Our conversation reveals Katherine’s fascinating background, including her adventures working at the embassy in Moscow during the fall of the Berlin Wall, her involvement in privatization efforts with the World Bank and consulting projects with oligarchs in Russia. Katherine shares how her rock bottom moments led her to exploration of raw food, naturopathy, yoga, and meditation. She provides insights into how how healing works and how she helps clients. As a life-long learner, she’s presently focused on a deep study of human consciousness. Learn More About Katherine Krupka Website LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 130: Katherine Krupka’s Path from Diplomacy to Healing appeared first on John Poelstra.

    1h 10m

  5. 08/20/2024

    129: Fusing 40 Years of HR, Leadership Development and Life Lessons with Mark Rumbles

    Mark Rumbles reflects on his career of 40 years, what he’s learned in the leadership development space and what’s next for him. Mark recently retired after 40 years in HR and leadership development. Mark and I discuss his career journey, the concept of retirement, and insights gained from his extensive experience developing leaders. This conversation touches on various topics, including mentorship, career planning, motivation, and the challenges of leadership development. Mark shares his perspective on career transitions, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, and maintaining a flexible approach to one’s career path. He also discusses his current interests post-retirement, including exploring podcasting and working towards fostering more civil discourse in society. Throughout the conversation, Mark offers his insights on leadership, personal growth, and navigating career challenges. Key Takeaways Careers are more like arcs than rigid plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability Effective mentorship often develops organically through relationship-building Leadership development is about influencing factors that bring out internal motivation Follow the fear, energy, and incentives to understand and overcome challenges Retirement doesn’t mean stopping; it’s a transition to new opportunities and discoveries Relationship-building is crucial for career success and personal growth Curiosity is a key driver for personal and professional development The term “networking” can feel manipulative; focus on genuine relationship-building instead Leadership development is a fusion of various approaches and frameworks Behavior is a language that often speaks louder than words Self-reflection is crucial for aligning one’s words and actions Fear often stems from a desire to preserve one’s identity or self-image Motivation is complex and can’t be directly controlled by others Balance is essential in leadership, knowing when to debate and when to act Civil discourse and the ability to disagree respectfully are valuable skills Career transitions can involve multiple steps (e.g., full-time to part-time to retirement) Volunteering (e.g., joining a condo board) can be a way to stay engaged post-retirement The concept of “career” is often misunderstood and over-emphasized HR practices have shaped how people think about careers, sometimes unrealistically Podcasting can be an alternative to writing a book for sharing ideas and experiences Leadership development aims to bring out the best in people and help them bring out the best in others Understanding one’s “wiring” and sources of joy is crucial for career satisfaction Early career experiences, even if unenjoyable, can provide valuable foundations The balance between debating ideas and executing decisions is crucial in organizations Connect with Mark Rumbles LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 129: Fusing 40 Years of HR, Leadership Development and Life Lessons with Mark Rumbles appeared first on John Poelstra.

    1h 2m

  6. 08/03/2024

    128: Demystifying AI with Doug Hunter

    Doug Hunter and I discuss artificial intelligence (AI), including how it works, its impact on various aspects of life and work and how to get started with it. Doug provides an overview of AI, distinguishing between classical AI and the more recent generative AI. Doug also explains how AI works on probabilities and patterns, and discusses its current capabilities and limitations. Our conversation covers the potential applications of AI in fields such as marketing, customer service, education, and coaching. Doug emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to AI technologies, while also highlighting some of the risks and ethical concerns. He suggests practical ways for individuals and businesses to start using AI tools and advises on how to approach AI integration strategically. Key Takeaways AI is changing lives in ways many don’t realize; those who don’t adapt risk being left behind Generative AI has democratized access to AI capabilities for the general public AI operates on probabilities and patterns, not true understanding or knowledge There are potential risks with AI, including hallucinations and copyright infringement AI can significantly enhance productivity in various fields, including marketing and customer service The nature of many jobs, including coaching, may change due to AI integration AI tutors could revolutionize education by providing personalized, 24/7 learning assistance Humans should remain “in the loop” when using AI, treating it like a smart intern rather than an infallible authority AI’s impact on jobs will be significant, but historical technological advances suggest adaptation is possible Learning to write effective prompts for AI will be a crucial skill in the future AI can help make educational outcomes more equitable by providing resources to underserved areas The concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential implications are still theoretical AI models are rapidly improving, with multimodal capabilities becoming more common There are ongoing discussions about potential rights for AI systems AI can be used as a tool to overcome barriers to effectiveness in various professions Using AI effectively could allow professionals to take on more clients or work more efficiently AI’s ability to find patterns in complex data sets can lead to insights humans might miss The ethical implications of AI, including privacy concerns, are significant and ongoing AI may not be able to replicate human creativity and intuition fully Job postings in the future may require fluency in AI tools AI can be used for creative tasks, such as generating bedtime stories or unique images Understanding the limitations of AI is as important as knowing its capabilities AI could potentially replace some front-line customer service jobs while making remaining roles more complex Experimentation with AI tools is crucial for understanding their potential and limitations AI’s impact may be more profound and widespread than previous technological revolutions AI Resources Mentioned Perplexity (AI search tool) ChatGPT Google Gemini Claude (Anthropic’s model) DALL-E (image generation) Midjourney (image generation) Sora (video generation) Whisper and Claude for content repurposing (Christopher Penn) More About Doug Hunter LinkedIn PeakPointSolutions.pro   Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 128: Demystifying AI with Doug Hunter appeared first on John Poelstra.

    51 min

  7. 07/08/2024

    127: Improve Your Job Search with Email: Tammi Scott

    Tammi Scott shares her unique approach to finding new job opportunities by emailing people she knows. Tammi and I were a money coaches together at Capital One. Tammi shares insights from her extensive coaching background, including her experience at Nordstrom selling shoes. She emphasizes the critical role of building and maintaining professional relationships during a job search. One of Tammi’s key strategies is sending regular email updates to her network, sharing her progress, goals, and offering mutual support. This approach not only keeps her connections informed but also fosters ongoing engagement. We also explore the importance of aligning personal values with career decisions and the benefits of combining traditional online job applications with proactive networking efforts. Key Insights Combining online applications with networking efforts improves job search results Understanding personal values helps in finding suitable job opportunities Career coaching can provide valuable insights and strategies for job seekers Regular practice and continuous learning are essential in careers and personal interests Offering mutual support in networking efforts creates goodwill Tracking networking efforts and job applications is important Previous work experiences, even in different fields, can provide transferable skills Providing an easy opt-out option in networking emails shows respect for recipients Balancing online job applications with in-person networking yields better results Curiosity and willingness to learn can lead to unexpected opportunities Sharing specific job interests and companies in networking emails facilitates connections Regular updates to your network keep you top-of-mind for opportunities Contact Tammi Scott TammiScott.com LinkedIn Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 127: Improve Your Job Search with Email: Tammi Scott appeared first on John Poelstra.

    43 min

  8. 05/14/2024

    126: Out of the Job Hive, Into the Beehive: Nick Accordino’s Layoff to Apiary Tale

    Nick Accordino shares the emotional rollercoaster of being laid-off, searching for a new job, and landing a new fulfilling role. Key Takeaways Take conscious breaks from the job search process to recharge when needed. Look for opportunities aligned with your authentic values and passions. Focus your search locally to increase human connections. Craft targeted, personalized applications rather than generic submissions. Seek out volunteer experiences to reengage with your community. Be open to unconventional or surprising paths. Know when to pivot strategies if your current approach isn’t working. Job searching takes an intense emotional and mental toll. Not getting feedback from potential employers is demoralizing. Expect ups and downs – the process is a rollercoaster. Set a sustainable daily routine, likely only a few focused hours. Generic job boards yield a lot of noise and unhelpful opportunities. Losing your job can feel quietly disorienting at first. Take time to recenter on your identity outside work. Know your limits and don’t overcommit energy to any one opportunity. Even short breaks from routine tasks can provide perspective. Tap your local professional network for insights on roles. Look for transferable skills you can highlight for new paths. Combine personal interests with professional strengths. Small companies offer chances to wear multiple hats. Hands-on volunteering provides an engaging change of pace. Share your story and be open to others’ for mutual support. Get out of the house regularly to avoid isolation. Finding joy and flow in simple, repetitive work. Embrace serendipity when exploring options. Mentioned Bee Downtown website Bee Downtown Instagram Volunteer Match Other Title Possibilities Claude2 helped me with the title for this post. Here are the runner-ups which I thought were equally funny and creative. Stinging Insights: Nick Accordino on Life After Being Laid Off The Buzz on Bouncing Back: Nick Accordino’s Winding Path from Corporate to Bee Maven From Red Hat to Beehive: Nick Accordino’s Unexpected Career Pollination Corporate Refugee Finds Sweet Success with Bees: Nick Accordino’s Unlikely Pivot A New Honey Pot: Nick Accordino Rebuilds After a Layoff, One Bee at a Time The Birds, The Bees, and a Layoff: An Unconventional Metamorphosis for Nick Accordino Laid Off and Stung, But Not Down: Nick Accordino’s Apian Rebound From Pink Slip to Honey Dipper: How Nick Accordino Cultivated a Sweet New Career Credits Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons The post 126: Out of the Job Hive, Into the Beehive: Nick Accordino’s Layoff to Apiary Tale appeared first on John Poelstra.

    34 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Bringing order to chaos and clarity to confusion

Information

  • Creator
    John Poelstra
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    133
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © John Poelstra 2021
  • Show Website
    The John Poelstra Show