Job Search for High-Performing Misfits

Melissa Vining
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Are you a high performer driven to grow, make an impact, and achieve success in your career? Do you feel stuck, underappreciated, and burned out in your job? Join Certified Career Coach and Resume Writer Melissa Vining and her featured guests as they share no-nonsense tips for a more intentional, effective, and authentic job search. Yes, it’s possible to get unstuck and land a fulfilling (and enjoyable!) job in a workplace that fully appreciates you for who you are. Tune in for tips, insights, and inspiration for your journey to fulfilling work that fits YOU.

  1. Reimagining the World of Work with Dave Thompson

    3D AGO

    Reimagining the World of Work with Dave Thompson

    What if the very things you were taught to hide turned out to be your greatest competitive advantage? In this episode, Melissa Vining sits down with Dave Thompson, a neuroinclusive workplace strategist and author of the new book, Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work. Dave shares his journey from being told to hide his ADHD and dyslexia to becoming an international leader in neuroinclusion. He challenges the traditional "accommodation" mindset and introduces the idea of "success enablers" that allow every brain to thrive. Inside this Episode: The Hidden Toll of Masking: A look at the invisible weight of hiding your identity and what it really means to advocate for yourself and others.Managing Imposter Syndrome & RSD: Strategies for treating Imposter Syndrome and Rejection Sensitivity as "characters" in your mind rather than absolute truths.Neurodivergent Strengths: How traits like visual thinking, systems design, and resourcefulness are direct results of neurodivergent brain wiring.Success Enablers as Self-Advocacy: Why rebranding "accommodations" as "success enablers" (e.g., meeting transcripts, noise-canceling headphones) focuses on performance rather than deficits.The Future of the Workplace: How Gen Z's mandate for authenticity and the rise of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are transforming corporate culture. Guest Bio: Dave Thompson is an educator, strategist, and TEDx speaker who helps organizations better understand, hire, and empower neurodivergent professionals. An early-identified ADHDer and dyslexic thinker, he works to change systems that weren't designed with all of us in mind. At Vanderbilt University's Frist Center for Autism and Innovation, Dave partners with researchers, employers, and advocates to turn awareness into action. His debut book, Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work, challenges leaders to rethink how work works and shows how inclusion fuels more innovative, productive, and engaged teams. Learn More About Dave's Work: https://www.brainstormneurodiversity.com/ Episode Timestamps: 01:03 – Meet Dave Thompson 03:17 – The Pygmalion Effect (high expectations = high outcomes) 05:26 – The disconnect between school support and workforce reality 07:24 – Dave's early career experience and decade of masking 12:28 – The "because of, not in spite of" shift 14:20 – Navigating disclosure in the workplace 16:21 – Imposter syndrome and rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) 21:04 – Neurodivergent strengths 24:51 – Finding neuroinclusive employers 29:52 – Rebranding accommodations as "Success Enablers" 34:50 – The future of workplace neuroinclusion 37:41 – Brainstorm: A Guide to Neurodivergent Talent and the Future of Work P.S. If you've found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    42 min
  2. Belonging First with Andrea D. Carter

    FEB 10

    Belonging First with Andrea D. Carter

    What if belonging wasn't a feeling? What if it was a science—one that you could measure, track, and use as a competitive advantage? In this episode, Melissa Vining sits down with Andrea D. Carter, a world-renowned organizational scientist and creator of the Belonging First Methodology. Andrea shares her data-backed insights on why high performers are burning out, how to distinguish between "fitting in" and "belonging," and the specific indicators you can use to find a company culture that actually fits you. What You'll Learn: The Science of Belonging: Why belonging is 50% environmental and 50% individual, and how to measure it using five key indicators: comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and wellbeing.Belonging vs. Fitting In: Why "fitting in" requires you to shrink your identity, while true "belonging" allows you to remain respected while being yourself.Interviewing for Culture: Specific, high-impact questions you can ask during a job search to reveal if an organization offers real support or just "marketing" values.The "Confident Quit": Understanding the new era of high-performer exits and why companies often don't feel the impact of a lost high-performer until six months later. Guest Bio: Andrea D. Carter is an organizational scientist who studies a simple question most leaders overlook: what makes people stay, speak up, and do their best work and what makes them quietly disappear. For over two decades, she has been at the intersection of neuroscience and data, helping organizations turn culture from a "vibe" into a measurable competitive advantage. As the creator of the Belonging First Methodology, Andrea uses five validated indicators—comfort, connection, contribution, psychological safety, and wellbeing—to identify exactly why some workplace cultures thrive while others breed burnout. Having reached 150,000+ employees across eight industries, Andrea consults with global leaders to stop asking people to "fit in" and start building environments where they can truly belong. Connect with Andrea: https://www.belongingfirst.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreadcarter https://substack.com/@andreadcarter Andrea’s free 5-minute self-check, The Belonging Breakdown Assessment, that helps identify where trust, respect, or a relationship is breaking down: https://www.belongingfirst.com/belongingbreakdown Episode Timestamps: 01:24 – Meet Andrea D. Carter 02:21 – The Belonging First Methodology 03:11 – High performers as "misfits" 04:17 – The trap of being "low maintenance" 07:06 – Belonging vs. fitting in 08:21 – The data behind workplace belonging 10:34 – The 5 indicators of belonging 18:12 – Interview questions that reveal workplace culture 21:11 – Interviewing "green flags" 24:23 – Breaking the "lone wolf" cycle 26:26 – The Belonging Breakdown Assessment 33:04 – The "Confident Quit" era 41:33 – Final advice for misfits 45:20 – Connecting with Andrea P.S. If you've found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    47 min
  3. The Art of the Interview with Sara Kobilka

    JAN 27

    The Art of the Interview with Sara Kobilka

    Let’s be honest: basically no one (except our guest, Sara Kobilka!) enjoys job interviews. When you walk into an interview, it often feels like a high-stakes guessing game where you’re left wondering what the interviewer is actually trying to get at with their questions. In this episode, Melissa Vining and Sara Kobilka pull back the curtain on all that ambiguity and share some lesser-known interview strategies that will help you turn a stressful interrogation into a meaningful, two-way human connection. What You’ll Learn: The Power of Improv: Why practicing improvisation through gaming or playing with kids can strengthen your ability to handle unexpected interview questions.Storytelling Strategies: How to move away from scripted answers and toward a “bullet point” method that uses real-world examples to build human connection.Decoding Common Questions: Understanding the “why” behind standard prompts like “Tell me about yourself” and “What is your greatest weakness” to provide more authentic, strategic responses.Research Beyond the Job Description: Tips for using social media and organizational mission statements to “speak the employer’s language” and demonstrate cultural fit.The Two-Way Interview: How to vet potential employers by asking for specific examples of their values, such as how they define “flexibility.” Guest Bio: Sara Kobilka is a multipotentialite and the founder of Renaissance Woman Consulting. Her interests span a wide range of topics, fields, and disciplines, with a focus on community building, communication, STEM learning and engagement, and career coaching. She is dedicated to advancing disability and accessibility awareness. As an educator, scientist, journalist, coach, and entrepreneur, Sara actively cross-pollinates ideas across boundaries. Her career coaching work includes one-on-one sessions, workshops, and LinkedIn sprints. She uplifts people navigating career changes across disciplines, industries, and sectors and those with complex work histories. Sara lives in New York’s mid-Hudson River Valley with her family, where she balances work, parenting, and chasing new sparkly things. Connect with Sara: https://renwomanconsulting.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sara-kobilka/ https://www.facebook.com/RenWomanConsulting https://saras-newsletter-74ba26.beehiiv.com/ https://connecting-dots.captivate.fm/listen Resources mentioned in this episode: Embracing an Outside-the-Box Mind with Melissa Vining, Boundary Spanner Selections from Sara’s Career Newsletter, “Take it With You”: Acing the Interview Pt. 1Acing the Interview Pt. 2Learning a New LanguageTime to TranslateSara’s Free Pre-Recorded Masterclass (VAST Technique ©) Proxy Podcast with Yowei Shaw (“The LayoffTrilogy”) Episode Timestamps: 00:34 – Meet Sara Kobilka 04:02 – Sara’s new podcast! 06:34 – Improv for interview preparation 09:52 – Anticipating interview topics 11:06 – The power of storytelling 12:54 – Using social media research 14:02 – Speaking the employer’s language 18:03 – "Tell me about yourself." 22:41 – The danger of too much scripting 25:34 – “Why do you want to work here?” 26:19 – The value of targeting your job search 28:55 – “Why are you leaving your current role?” 31:47 – Reframing a layoff, dismissal, or resume gap 36:45 – “What is your greatest weakness?” 39:43 – “Tell us about a time when you faced a challenge/conflict.” 42:37 – The two-way interview mindset 46:39 – Strategic closing questions 49:21 – The power of the pause P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    59 min
  4. Show, Don’t Tell: Skills Based Hiring with Charles Kransberger

    12/16/2025

    Show, Don’t Tell: Skills Based Hiring with Charles Kransberger

    In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, Melissa Vining is joined by vocational rehabilitation counselor and workplace neurodiversity consultant Charles Kransberger for a powerful conversation about why traditional hiring methods fail so many brilliant, capable people — especially those who are neurodivergent — and what to do instead. Together, they explore a better way forward: skills-based hiring. Instead of relying on gut feelings, small talk, or “vibes” in interviews, Charles advocates for giving candidates the opportunity to show their skills through project-based assessments, portfolios, and real-world examples — creating a more inclusive, effective, and practical hiring process for both job seekers and employers. If the usual interview process has never really worked in your favor, this episode will help you rethink how you show your skills and find spaces where you can truly do your best work. What You’ll Learn: Why traditional interviews often fail qualified candidatesWhat skills-based hiring really looks like in practiceHow to build and use a simple interview portfolioHow to identify green flags for neuroinclusive workplacesWhen (and when not) to disclose neurodivergence at workHow environment and flexibility impact performance and burnoutGuest Bio: Charles Kransberger is a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor and workplace neurodiversity consultant on a mission to create value for organizations and neurodistinct professionals. His career in the disability and neurodiversity space has spanned technology start-ups, state vocational rehabilitation agencies, universities, non-profits, and entrepreneurship. Charles is passionate about helping businesses embrace authentic neuroinclusion by elevating and amplifying neurodistinct perspectives, and by demonstrating the compelling “business case” for cultivating an organizational culture where minds of all kinds belong and contribute to the level of their capabilities. Charles envisions a future of work where scalable, authentic neuroinclusion propagates within company cultures, human capital strategies, and tech-enabled solutions. During his evenings and weekends, Charles helps neurodistinct students and professionals take the next step on their career journey through 1-on-1 career counseling. Connect with Charles: http://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-kransberger-ma-crc-1363961a7 https://app.wiztherapy.com/intake/VuuzC8eh6S/ https://www.nitw.org/job-seekers#talent-database Episode Timestamps: 00:36 – Meet Charles Kransberger 03:43 – “The job wasn’t the right fit” vs. “I’m the problem” 05:23 – The “spiky profile” and a strengths-based lens on neurodivergence 07:00 – Preparing for support needs across environments 08:56 – Self-advocacy without formal accommodations 10:15 – Neurodivergent identity and workplace culture 11:15 – How neurodiversity at work has evolved since 2013 12:25 – Signs of a neuroinclusive organization 14:10 – Why inclusion is better for everyone (system design) 16:11 – Skills-based hiring vs. traditional interviews 17:07 – What project-based hiring looks like in real life 19:13 – Using a portfolio to support interview success 22:23 – Why there’s no one-size-fits-all solution 25:50 – Burnout, remote work, and work environment fit 27:59 – Disclosure: risks, rewards, and personal choice 31:44 – Financial realities vs. ideal conditions 33:16 – A message for managers and leaders 35:08 – Neuroinclusion as a leadership advantage 36:54 – Where the movement stands in 2025 37:22 – Where to find Charles P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, ⁠buy me a coffee here⁠! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    39 min
  5. Winning the Job Search with Demir Bentley

    12/02/2025

    Winning the Job Search with Demir Bentley

    The job search can feel like a black hole, consuming hours without any progress. Do you feel busy but still lost or unsure if you’re really moving toward your goal? In this episode of Job Search for High-Performing Misfits, host Melissa Vining is joined by Demir Bentley, co-founder of Life Hack Method and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Winning the Week. Demir helps individuals and teams reclaim their time, reduce burnout, and focus on what truly matters. Melissa and Demir apply this philosophy by discussing crucial mindset shifts that help job seekers gain clarity and confidence, while setting themselves up for success both at work and in the job search. You’ll learn how to: Use the time before you leave a job to test boundaries and practice bold behaviors without the fear of consequencesMaintain a low-level, "never-ending" job search to prevent getting to a place of desperation and build authentic network connections before you need themIdentify your non-negotiable lifestyle criteria and "pre-negotiate" boundaries during the interview process so they aren't a surprise during your first 90 days on the jobReframe perfectionism and procrastination by identifying the hidden fears (like fear of rejection or success) that are trying to protect youGuest Bio: Demir is an executive productivity coach, co-founder of Lifehack Method and WSJ Bestselling author of Winning The Week: How To Plan A Successful Week, Every Week. He teaches hard-hitting efficiency techniques and proven accountability strategies that have helped clients generate millions in revenue while saving thousands of hours. His team has helped more than 100,000 professionals, including executives from Facebook, Google, Uber and PepsiCo, and teams from Microsoft, Caterpillar, and many more to prevent burnout and create more freedom in their lives. Professionals who want to stop burning out and start hitting their 12-month goals in 3 months can join the Lifehack Tribe community. Demir’s advice has been highlighted in ABC News, Forbes, Fast Company, Bloomberg, Entrepreneur and more. Connect with Demir: http://winningtheweek.com/ https://web.facebook.com/demirandcarey/ https://www.instagram.com/lifehackmethod_/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/demirbentley/ http://www.youtube.com/c/LifehackBootcamp https://lifehackmethod.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: The 2-Hour Job Search The First 90 Days Episode Timestamps: 00:48 – Meet Demir Bentley and the Life Hack Method 01:39 – Using the time before quitting to address burnout 02:53 – Why the problem might be how you do the job, not the job itself 07:15 – Why testing boundaries might lead you to stay… and even get promoted 09:28 – The "Two Hour Job Search" approach and the low-level, infinite job search 11:16 – Real Life Example: Using informational interviews to get an unlisted job 17:05 – Getting radical clarity on what the right next fit looks like 18:38 – Probing questions to ask in an interview about productivity and lifestyle 19:13 – The importance of claiming your first 90 days in a new role 23:43 – A small mindset shift to increase confidence in an interview 26:53 – Tracking progress and using soft metrics in a slow job search 30:11 – Focusing relentlessly on the things you can control 33:10 – Strategies for staying motivated and getting out of "messy brain" 38:39 – Dealing with perfectionism and procrastination 42:14 – Where to find Demir Bentley and Life Hack Method 44:24 – Final words: It’s not just you; it’s the system P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    47 min
  6. Job Search Reset: Human Connection

    11/18/2025

    Job Search Reset: Human Connection

    We’ve covered clarity, employers, branding, impact, and storytelling. Now, in the final episode of the Job Search Reset series, we’re focusing on something many job seekers avoid: real human interaction. It’s easier to sit behind a screen and apply online — but the truth is, human connection is what helps you rise above a competitive job market. You’ll learn how to: Reframe "networking" into authentic community building rooted in shared commonalitiesAsk for help in a way that feels natural — and gets resultsPair online applications with thoughtful human outreach to get eyes on your resumeBuild rapport in interviews by finding personal points of connection This isn’t about being transactional — it’s about belonging. When people like you, relate to you, and remember you, everything changes. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and series context 01:03 – Why human-to-human interaction is harder (but necessary) in your jobsearch 01:54 – Rethinking “networking” as community and relationship building 04:49 – How shared commonalities create trust and familiarity 06:02 – What to ask for (and what not to ask for) when seeking help 08:25 – Why you should pair human connection with online applications 10:18 – How a personal note can pull your resume out of the stack 11:17 – Human connection in interviews: why likability matters from minute one 14:16 – The KPIs of networking: Kids, Pets, Interests (credit: Emily Worden) 14:43 – Final encouragement for high-performing misfits in a tough job market What’s next? This wraps up the Job Search Reset series — but I have so much more planned to help you find work that truly fits. If there’s a topic you want me to explore, send me a message on LinkedIn! P.S. If you’ve found this series helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    16 min
  7. Job Search Reset: Your Story

    11/04/2025

    Job Search Reset: Your Story

    At this point in the Job Search Reset series, you’ve clarified what you want, identified your target employers, built your personal brand, and shifted to an impact mindset. Now, it’s time to bring it all together through one of the most powerful—and often uncomfortable—parts of the job search: telling your story. You’ll learn how to: Build human connection through authentic storytellingIdentify the "who you are" elements that shape your story—your strengths, identity, and motivationShare your career journey and "why" in a way that's honest and relatableWhere to plug your story into your job search This isn’t just about accomplishments—it’s about showing the human side of your career journey. When you tell your story with clarity and vulnerability, you stand out in a way that no resume bullet point ever could. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and series introduction 01:04 – Why human connection matters in today’s job market 02:19 – Getting comfortable with discomfort in your job search 02:43 – The power of authentic storytelling 03:29 – How to define who you are and what matters to you 06:33 – Connecting your identity, strengths, and story 07:27 – Why your “why” makes your story memorable 09:19 – How to integrate your story across platforms 09:58 – Final thoughts and next steps Tools mentioned in this episode: CliftonStrengths Assessment Coming up next: How to humanize your job search through community and connection. P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    11 min
  8. Job Search Reset: The Impact Mindset

    10/21/2025

    Job Search Reset: The Impact Mindset

    Most job seekers talk about what they did—but what employers actually care about is the impact those actions made. In this episode of the Job Search Reset series, we focus on shifting from a “duty” mindset to an “impact” mindset, so your resume, LinkedIn, and interviews highlight measurable results that matter to employers. You’ll learn how to: Transform generic job duties into strong, results-focused accomplishmentsUse a simple formula for writing high-impact bullet points that grab attentionIdentify metrics and outcomes that prove your valueApply the impact mindset throughout your job searchThis shift takes more effort, but it’s one of the most powerful ways to stand out in a competitive job market. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome and series introduction 01:09 – What “duty vs. impact” means in your job search 02:23 – Turning duties into accomplishment statements 03:04 – A simple formula for impactful bullet points 04:21 – Why metrics matter (“no metrics = no interviews”) 06:10 – Applying the impact mindset to your resume summary 06:55 – How to communicate impact during your interviews 07:47 – Final thoughts and next steps Coming up next: How to tell your story authentically—and in a way that makes people want to listen. P.S. If you’ve found this episode helpful and want to support the podcast, buy me a coffee here! Your support helps me keep creating content that helps high-performing misfits find work that fits.

    9 min
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Are you a high performer driven to grow, make an impact, and achieve success in your career? Do you feel stuck, underappreciated, and burned out in your job? Join Certified Career Coach and Resume Writer Melissa Vining and her featured guests as they share no-nonsense tips for a more intentional, effective, and authentic job search. Yes, it’s possible to get unstuck and land a fulfilling (and enjoyable!) job in a workplace that fully appreciates you for who you are. Tune in for tips, insights, and inspiration for your journey to fulfilling work that fits YOU.

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