Career Talk With Wes

wesehnert

Career Talk With Wes A place where people can talk and listen to others talk about their career experiences, wants, needs, challenges, goals, etc. Discussion from the perspective that awareness brings change, and that you can’t change what you can’t see.

  1. JAN 23

    Building Confidence as Conviction vs. the Feeling of Confidence

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the importance of building confidence through personal challenges. He differentiates between feeling confident and knowing confidence, emphasizing that confidence can be a decision rather than just an emotion. Ehnert introduces a simple exercise where individuals identify personal challenges to undertake, which helps in proving to oneself that they can be confident. He also outlines the SMART criteria for setting achievable goals and stresses the importance of celebrating successes, no matter how small, to reinforce confidence.   Keywords confidence, self-improvement, personal development, challenges, SMART goals, self-esteem, emotional intelligence, public speaking, personal growth, motivation   Takeaways Building confidence involves both feeling and knowing it. Confidence can be a decision rather than just an emotion. Identifying personal challenges is key to building confidence. Success is defined by the act of doing, not the quality of the outcome. Setting SMART goals helps in achieving confidence-building tasks. Challenges should be meaningful and relevant to the individual. Self-credit and celebration are crucial after achieving a challenge. Speaking to oneself in the third person can enhance self-objectivity. Regular practice of challenges builds transferable confidence. The feeling of confidence develops over time with consistent effort.   Titles Building Confidence: A Practical Approach The Dual Nature of Confidence   Sound Bites "The topic for today is building" "Success is doing it, not doing it well." "Speak to yourself in the third person." Chapters 00:00 Building Confidence: An Overview 00:15 Defining Personal Challenges for Confidence Building 03:15 Setting SMART Goals for Confidence 08:02 Celebrating Achievements and Building Self-Credit

    17 min
  2. JAN 1

    The Truth About Decision Making

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert explores the complexities of career decisions, particularly the dilemma of whether to continue on a current path or to pivot towards something new. He emphasizes that there is no universal answer to this question, as it varies greatly depending on individual circumstances and patterns of behavior. The discussion delves into the importance of self-awareness, the role of risk in decision-making, and the necessity of owning one's choices, regardless of the outcome.   Takeaways The question of whether to stick with a career or pivot is common and complex. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to career decisions. Self-awareness is crucial in understanding personal decision-making patterns. Risk is inherent in all decision-making processes. You must own the decisions you make, regardless of the outcome. Awareness of your patterns can lead to better decision-making. Listening to your gut can be unreliable at times. It's important to weigh the risks and benefits of each choice. You can always change your mind later if needed. Making a decision is better than avoiding it altogether.   Titles Navigating Career Crossroads: To Stay or To Go? The Art of Decision Making in Your Career   Sound Bites "Awareness brings change." "You can't change what you can't see." "You must own the decision you make."   Chapters 00:00 The Dilemma of Sticking or Moving On 01:56 Understanding Personal Decision-Making Styles 05:48 The Role of Intuition and Gut Feelings 08:05 The Complexity of Decision-Making 10:36 Risk and Ownership in Career Decisions 13:43 Embracing Responsibility for Choices 17:17 Conclusion and Call to Action   Keywords career decisions, personal growth, risk management, decision making, self-awareness

    20 min
  3. 12/11/2025

    In A World Of Uncertainty, Trust Yourself

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the challenges of navigating change and uncertainty in today's world. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within our control and building resilience through awareness and past experiences. Ehnert highlights the significance of transferable skills and adaptability in overcoming new challenges, encouraging listeners to reflect on their own capabilities and past successes to foster confidence in future endeavors.   Takeaways Change is unpredictable and requires a new approach. Awareness of change is crucial for effective strategy. Reliance on oneself is key in uncertain times. Past challenges provide valuable data for future performance. Transferable skills are essential for adapting to new situations. Confidence stems from recognizing one's own strengths. Hope is not a strategy; concrete actions are necessary. Building resilience involves reflecting on past experiences. Adaptability is a skill that can be developed over time. Every challenge faced contributes to personal growth.   Titles Thriving Amidst Uncertainty: Strategies for Change Harnessing Resilience in Times of Change   Sound Bites "How do we thrive in times of change?" "Awareness brings change." "You can't change what you can't see."   Chapters 00:00 Thriving in Times of Change 04:42 Building Self-Reliance for Success 10:26 Identifying Transferable Skills   Keywords change, uncertainty, resilience, adaptability, transferable skills, personal growth, strategy, performance, challenges, self-awareness

    14 min
  4. 12/08/2025

    Regular Career Check-ups For a Healthy Career!

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert emphasizes the importance of regular health check-ups and parallels this with the need for annual career assessments. He discusses how individuals can evaluate their career progress, set SMART goals, and prepare for unexpected disruptions in their professional lives. The conversation encourages proactive management of one's career to ensure alignment with personal and professional aspirations.     Takeaways Get your annual physical to check your health. Conduct a yearly career assessment to evaluate progress. Review your resume and LinkedIn profile regularly. Seek feedback from colleagues about your professional brand. Set specific short-term, mid-range, and long-term career goals. Use the SMART criteria to define your career objectives. Be proactive in managing your career to avoid surprises. Anticipate potential disruptions in your career path. Regularly update your professional materials to stay prepared. Take control of your career direction intentionally.     Titles Annual Check-Ups: Health and Career The Value of Self-Assessment in Careers     Sound Bites "Take a look at my resume." "What is my current brand?" "I wish you a great day!"     Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Annual Career Checkups 01:41 Assessing Your Career Brand and Goals 04:03 The Role of Awareness in Career Management 06:21 Proactive Career Planning and Contingency Strategies 09:23 Conclusion and Invitation to Engage   Keywords annual physical, career assessment, SMART goals, personal branding, proactive career management

    13 min
  5. 11/08/2025

    You Don't Have To Sell Yourself To Your Audience, Just Know WIIFT!

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the concept of 'What's In It For Them' (WIFT) as a crucial element in communication, particularly in sales, interviews, and presentations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the audience's perspective and connecting with their needs to effectively convey messages. Ehnert also highlights the universal human desires for safety and connection, and how these can be leveraged to create impactful interactions. Finally, he introduces the idea of delivering a 'secret sauce'—a unique value proposition that sets one apart from others in competitive situations.   Keywords WIFT, sales techniques, audience perspective, communication, connection, human needs, job interviews, presentations, secret sauce   Takeaways WIFT stands for 'What's In It For Them'. Understanding the audience's perspective is crucial. It's easy to lose sight of the audience's needs. No one will buy into your ideas unless they see value. Everyone wants to feel safe in their choices. Connection is a fundamental human need. People prefer to save resources, including money. Research is key to understanding what the audience values. Empathy helps in seeing things from the audience's perspective. Delivering a unique value proposition can set you apart.   Titles Unlocking the Power of WIFT The Art of Audience Engagement   Sound Bites "What's in it for them?" "People want to save money." "Develop your secret sauce."   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Career Talk 00:08 Understanding 'What's In It For Them' (WIFT) 05:32 Applying WIFT in Career Contexts 12:08 Connecting with Your Audience 17:24 The Secret Sauce in Communication

    22 min
  6. 10/22/2025

    The Right Amount Of Anxiety = Interviewing At Peak Performance!

    Keywords interview anxiety, performance, Yerkes-Dodson law, career growth, stress management   Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert discusses the relationship between anxiety and performance, particularly in the context of job interviews. He explains how anxiety can be both a hindrance and a motivator, emphasizing the importance of finding the right balance for optimal performance. The discussion also extends to career growth, exploring how stress and challenges can impact overall job satisfaction and performance. Ehnert encourages listeners to assess their own career trajectories and the levels of challenge they face.   Takeaways The topic is anxiety versus performance in interviews. Anxiety can manifest physically and mentally. The Yerkes-Dodson law illustrates the relationship between anxiety and performance. Interviews are a performance where one is judged in the moment. Finding the optimal level of anxiety can enhance performance. Career growth often involves healthy levels of stress and challenge. Being under-challenged can lead to lower performance. Recognizing when stress becomes overwhelming is crucial. Burnout is often a result of excessive stress and low performance. Self-assessment of career trajectory is important for growth.   Titles Mastering Interview Anxiety: Performance Insights The Science Behind Anxiety and Performance   Sound Bites "An interview is a performance." "Where am I on that bell curve?" "I wish you a great day!"   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Career Talk 00:03 Understanding Interview Anxiety 06:37 The Science of Performance and Anxiety 12:53 Career Growth and Challenges

    19 min
  7. 10/03/2025

    Career Choices: What You Want To Do, What You Can Do, And The "S" Word

    Summary In this conversation, Wes Ehnert delves into the complexities of self-discovery and personal growth, particularly focusing on the questions we ask ourselves about our desires and career paths. He emphasizes the importance of understanding one's core values, distinguishing between what we want to do, what we can do, and what we feel we should do. By encouraging listeners to explore their true desires without the influence of external voices, Wes aims to guide them towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.   Takeaways What do you want to be when you grow up? Shift the question to what do I want to do? Words matter; they represent our truths. Understanding core values is crucial for decision-making. Core values can compete with each other. What I can do may not align with what I want to do. The 'should' word often reflects external pressures. Self-reflection is key to discovering true desires. Banish external voices when contemplating your path. Exploration is essential for personal growth.   Titles What Do You Really Want to Do? Navigating Your Core Values   Sound Bites "Words matter, by the way." "Who’s saying it to who?" "What do I want to do?"   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Career Talk 00:46 Exploring What You Want to Do 05:34 Understanding Your Capabilities 09:48 The Dangers of 'Should' in Career Choices 14:00 Encouragement to Explore Your Desires   Keywords self-discovery, core values, career choices, personal growth, life goals, what do I want, self-reflection, decision making, personal development, finding purpose

    18 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Career Talk With Wes A place where people can talk and listen to others talk about their career experiences, wants, needs, challenges, goals, etc. Discussion from the perspective that awareness brings change, and that you can’t change what you can’t see.