Career Reset: Women, career & leadership

Tess Osborn
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Career Reset is a narrative podcast hosted by Tess Osborn that explores the complex, often hidden journeys of women navigating career transitions and leadership challenges. It offers an intimate look at the emotional toll and triumphs of redefining professional identity, providing listeners with both comfort and actionable insight. The show blends personal storytelling with expert analysis to create a supportive space for those ready to pivot their lives. Tess delves into themes such as overcoming imposter syndrome, negotiating salaries, building confidence in male-dominated industries, and finding work-life balance. Episodes cover topics like career change strategies, leadership development, workplace dynamics, and entrepreneurial mindsets. Listeners will find guidance on networking skills, managing burnout, setting boundaries, and creating meaningful careers aligned with personal values. The series also examines the nuances of mentorship, sponsorship, and breaking glass ceilings in corporate America. This podcast is ideal for ambitious women seeking clarity, resilience, and practical tools to advance their professional goals. Tess’s warm, empathetic voice creates a safe environment for honest conversations about fear, failure, and success. Released regularly, each episode provides a refreshing perspective on modern work culture and personal growth. Join the community of empowered professionals by following Career Reset today. Topics: career reset podcast, women in business, leadership development, career transition help, work life balance tips, female entrepreneurs, overcoming imposter syndrome, job search advice, professional growth, workplace wellness, negotiation skills, burnout recovery, confidence coaching, corporate ladder climbing, mentorship for women, entrepreneurial mindset, networking strategies, career pivoting #WomenInLeadership #CareerChange #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceWellness #FemaleEntrepreneurs #LeadershipSkills #JobSearchTips #ConfidenceBuilding #BusinessStrategy #MentalHealthAtWork #NetworkingAdvice #CorporateLife #PersonalDevelopment #Empowerment

  1. 4h ago

    When Your Boss’s Stagnation Traps Your Ambition (And How to Break Free) | Career Reset

    In this episode of Career Reset, host Tess Osborn tackles the pervasive and often silent career killer: having a stagnant boss who traps your ambition. If you feel like you are running at full speed but moving backward, this episode explains why your manager’s plateau is corroding your growth opportunities rather than reflecting your own capability. We explore the psychological roots of managerial stagnation—often rooted in fear and insecurity rather than malice—and provide actionable strategies for women in leadership to navigate these toxic dynamics without burning bridges or losing their minds. We dive deep into the concept of the 'portfolio mindset,' urging listeners to shift from viewing their career as a linear ladder to managing it as a diverse portfolio of assets, relationships, and skills. Key takeaways include how to diagnose whether you are being developed or contained by your current role, the importance of seeking visibility outside your immediate chain of command, and practical steps for building strategic influence through quiet competence and data-driven evidence of your wins. This guidance is essential for professionals dealing with gatekeepers, energy vampires, or leaders who actively resent team growth. Finally, we address the hardest truth: when internal mobility is impossible due to an entrenched leader, the best move may be an exit strategy. Learn how to build a bridge while standing on the cliff by updating your professional narrative, engaging with recruiters, and applying for roles that offer upward mobility. This episode empowers you to stop pouring effort into a bucket with a hole in the bottom and start rebalancing your career toward leaders who value growth over comfort. It is a vital guide for anyone ready to break free from structural limitations and reclaim their professional trajectory. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: career stagnation, managing difficult bosses, women in leadership, breaking glass ceiling, career advancement strategies, managerial incompetence, workplace toxicity, professional development tips, exit strategy planning, corporate ladder vs portfolio, visibility in the workplace, leadership coaching, career reset advice #careercounseling #womentolead #bossproblems #careergrowth #leadershipskills #worklifebalance #professionaldevelopment #careercoaching #breaktheclass #ambition #corporatestrategy #mindsetshift Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-22.txt

  2. 1d ago

    Reclaim Deep Focus: Stop Letting Notifications Steal Your Ambition | Career Reset

    In this episode of Career Reset, host Cherie Donnellan challenges the modern workplace myth that constant connectivity equals productivity. She argues that the relentless ping of notifications is quietly stealing your ambition and preventing the deep focus required for high-level career advancement. This episode is essential listening for ambitious professionals, particularly women in business and entrepreneurship, who feel stuck despite working hard, as it reveals how reactive availability keeps you playing defense while true indispensability requires strategic depth. Cherie breaks down the cognitive cost of context switching, citing research that shows it can take up to twenty-three minutes to regain deep focus after an interruption. By fragmenting attention, you lose hours of high-value thinking time daily, trading complex problem-solving for trivial compliance. The discussion explores the difference between being present and being accessible, urging listeners to recognize that speed is often the enemy of quality in the knowledge economy. You will learn why protecting your mental space is not just about reducing stress, but about building a sustainable, fulfilling career that reflects your deepest capabilities rather than your quickest reflexes. The episode provides actionable strategies for reclaiming your attention, including auditing notifications, scheduling specific deep work blocks, and batching shallow tasks like email. Cherie addresses the psychological hurdles of this shift, such as the fear of missing out and the anxiety of setting boundaries with colleagues. She shares personal insights on overcoming the dopamine-driven habit of constant checking, emphasizing that the initial discomfort is the price of admission for sharper decisions and clearer work. This guide helps you transition from a reactive employee to an intentional leader who values insight over instant replies. If you are ready to stop letting distractions dictate your professional trajectory, tune in to discover how to silence the noise and unlock your potential. Join Cherie Donnellan as she guides you through the mindset shifts and practical steps needed to thrive in the modern workplace on your own terms. Support the show and access additional resources by visiting the link below. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: deep work strategy, career advancement tips, digital minimalism at work, focus and productivity, professional boundaries, context switching costs, ambition and success, knowledge economy skills, mindful leadership, work-life balance advice, notification management, career growth mindset #deepfocus #careerreset #productivityhacks #mindfulworking #leadershipdevelopment #digitaldetox #careeradvice #intentionalliving #professionalsuccess #mentalclarity #workplaceboundaries #ambition Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-21.txt

  3. 2d ago

    The Heavy Silence: Carrying Industry Secrets Without Breaking | Career Reset

    This episode of Career Reset explores the profound psychological and professional toll of carrying industry secrets as a woman in leadership. Host Tess Osborn examines how unspoken truths transform from abstract information into physical weight, causing somatic stress, anxiety, and a significant loss of cognitive bandwidth. For ambitious women navigating complex corporate environments, this episode provides a critical framework for understanding why silence is often more exhausting than speaking out, and how the fear of being labeled 'difficult' can mask self-preservation rather than true loyalty. The narrative delves deep into the concept of 'opportunity cost,' illustrating how spending twenty percent of your workday mentally censoring yourself reduces your capacity for creativity, mentorship, and strategic leadership. Tess challenges traditional definitions of workplace loyalty, urging listeners to distinguish between compliance driven by fear and commitment driven by integrity. The episode addresses the isolating nature of holding secret knowledge, explaining how it disconnects you from colleagues who may misinterpret your caution as weakness or lack of confidence. It offers concrete strategies for risk assessment, helping you weigh the long-term erosion of self-respect against the potential consequences of disclosure. Moving from theory to practice, the episode outlines a mindful approach to disclosure known as discernment. Listeners learn how to identify the right audience—whether HR, legal counsel, or trusted external mentors—and choose the appropriate medium, such as written documentation versus face-to-face conversations, to protect their safety while seeking justice. A key takeaway is the importance of maintaining an exit strategy; updating resumes and networking not only reduces anxiety but shifts your mindset from victimhood to agency. By viewing your career as a series of choices rather than a trap, you reclaim your power. Whether you are dealing with ethical lapses, hidden layoffs, or systemic favoritism, this guide helps you lighten the load. Tune in to discover how to align your actions with your values, build authentic trust through integrity, and make informed decisions about when to speak up and when to prepare for your next move. Support the show and access additional resources at the link below. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: women in leadership, workplace ethics, career advice for women, handling workplace secrets, professional integrity, corporate loyalty vs fear, leadership burnout, career reset podcast, tess osborn, workplace anxiety, strategic disclosure, career transition planning, ethical dilemmas at work, imposter syndrome leadership #careerreset #womenleaders #workplaceethics #careeradvice #leadershipdevelopment #professionalgrowth #integrityatwork #careertransition #mindfulleadership #corporatelife #selfadvocacy #careercoaching Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-20.txt

  4. 3d ago

    How to Shine When You Have Zero Resources: A Guide to Ambitious Survival | Career Reset

    This episode of Career Reset addresses the profound emotional and professional toll of high ambition colliding with zero resources. Host Cherie Donnellan explores the concept of 'ambitious survival' for employees who are expected to deliver exceptional results without adequate budget, staff, or tools. The discussion is designed for driven professionals feeling isolated in their struggles, offering a validation that resourcefulness is often a euphemism for systemic neglect rather than individual agility. It provides a roadmap for navigating understaffing and unrealistic expectations without burning out or losing your sense of self-worth. The narrative delves into the psychological weight of carrying heavy workloads alone, describing the grief and loneliness that come from being the only one holding up a failing foundation. Cherie shares personal anecdotes from her consulting days to illustrate how silent suffering leads to repeated exploitation rather than recognition. The episode challenges the romanticized myth of the startup garage, arguing that within established structures, lack of support is a structural issue, not a character flaw. It offers concrete strategies for shifting language from apologetic to accurate, such as framing capacity issues as mathematical realities rather than personal failures. Listeners learn how to use data and job descriptions to make invisible work visible to leadership. Further takeaways include practical advice on triage and prioritization, encouraging listeners to drop low-value tasks to focus on metrics that truly move the needle. The host emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries not as walls, but as gates that protect peace and time from chaos. The episode also highlights the need to build internal abundance through portable skills and external community by connecting with allies who share similar strains. By reframing scarcity as a catalyst for strategic decision-making and long-term career clarity, this guide helps ambitious workers transition from survival mode to sustainable success. It is a vital listen for anyone tired of hustling through burnout and ready to reclaim their power. Tune in now to discover how to shine when you have nothing but hope, and find actionable steps to protect your spirit while advancing your career. If this episode resonated with you, please consider supporting the show via the link below to help us continue providing free, high-quality content for the modern workforce. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: career burnout recovery, working with no budget, resourceful employee guide, managing upward effectively, professional boundary setting, ambition vs reality, workplace silence costs, triage project management, corporate survival skills, avoiding hustle culture, career advancement tips, employee well-being strategies, negotiating workload, building portable skills #careerset #worklifebalance #burnoutprevention #professionalgrowth #leadershipskills #workplaceculture #ambition #selfadvocacy #careeradvice #mentalhealthatwork #productivitytips #modernwork Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-19.txt

  5. 4d ago

    Reporting to Your Friend: How to Keep the Business (and the Friendship) | Career Reset

    This episode of Career Reset explores the complex dynamics of hiring a best friend for your startup, offering actionable strategies to maintain both business integrity and personal friendship. It is designed for entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners who are navigating the transition from casual collaboration to formal hierarchical structures. The host, Jamie-Lee Oconnor, addresses the specific emotional and professional challenges that arise when manager and direct report roles are assigned to close friends, providing a roadmap for separating 'friend mode' from 'manager mode.' The discussion delves into the psychological impact of hierarchy on chemistry, explaining why ambiguity in feedback can damage trust more than direct criticism. Listeners will learn concrete techniques for role clarification, including creating rituals that signal shifts in professional context, such as designated non-business time versus structured stand-ups. The episode emphasizes the importance of clarity over kindness, teaching how to deliver performance reviews based on systemic outcomes rather than personal character flaws. Key themes include managing ego, handling grief when a friend outgrows or fails to meet new business requirements, and establishing clear boundaries to prevent workplace friction from poisoning personal relationships. Practical takeaways include a framework for difficult conversations using intent, observation, impact, and perspective, ensuring feedback remains objective and safe. The episode also advises on recognizing when a professional partnership is no longer viable, framing restructuring as an act of love rather than failure. By focusing on operational clarity and intentional boundary-setting, entrepreneurs can scale their teams without losing their core support system. This guide is essential for anyone trying to balance ambition with empathy in a growing company. Listen now to gain the tools needed to lead effectively while preserving your most important relationships. Support this show by visiting the link below to help us continue providing high-quality content for the entrepreneurial community. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: hiring friends for business, entrepreneurship challenges, manager friend dynamic, startup growth strategies, business leadership skills, performance review tips, workplace boundaries, friendship and business, scaling a startup, professional development, conflict resolution at work, team management advice, career growth mindset #entrepreneurship #businessgrowth #leadership #startuplife #careeradvice #managementtips #worklifebalance #founderstories #teambuilding #professionaldevelopment #smallbusiness #scalingup Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-18.txt

  6. 5d ago

    Rebuilding Confidence After Leaving a Toxic Workplace | Career Reset

    Leaving a toxic workplace often brings unexpected grief, anxiety, and self-doubt rather than immediate relief. In this episode of Career Reset, host Jamie-Lee Oconnor explores the psychological reality of post-exit trauma, explaining why your nervous system remains in fight-or-flight mode even after you’ve walked away from an abusive job environment. This guide is for professionals who have recently resigned or been let go from a high-stress corporate role and are struggling with impostor syndrome, guilt, or fear that they made the wrong decision. We break down the biology of workplace trauma, helping listeners understand that their hesitation is not weakness but a natural physiological response to prolonged stress and gaslighting. The conversation dives deep into the concept of 'grieving the illusion of stability.' Many employees fail to process the loss of a toxic job because society frames quitting as a victory lap. However, leaving behind familiar dynamics—even harmful ones—creates a unique form of loneliness and identity crisis. We discuss how to navigate the 'messy middle' where you must confront parts of yourself neglected during survival mode. Key themes include recognizing red flags in future roles, understanding that a toxic environment reflects organizational brokenness rather than personal incompetence, and learning to separate your self-worth from your professional output. This episode provides concrete strategies for emotional regulation, emphasizing that true healing requires rest, boredom, and reclaiming autonomy over small daily choices like morning routines without digital distractions. Moving forward, we shift focus from hustle culture to sustainable growth and alignment. Listeners will learn how to reframe their exit narrative from one of failure to one of courageous self-preservation. We offer actionable advice on building an 'evidence file' of personal strengths and lessons learned to combat post-exit anxiety. Whether you are considering freelancing, starting a business, or seeking a new corporate role, this episode teaches you how to interview with boundaries, negotiate with confidence, and prioritize mental health as a non-negotiable metric of success. By understanding what green flags feel like, you can build a career that supports your well-being rather than depleting it. Join us to discover how to transform past workplace trauma into a superpower for leadership and authentic professional fulfillment. If this episode resonates with your journey toward recovery and growth, please share it with someone who might be struggling with similar workplace challenges. You can support the show and access additional resources by visiting the link in our description. Thank you for choosing yourself and prioritizing your mental health today. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: toxic workplace recovery, post job resignation anxiety, workplace trauma healing, career reset podcast, leaving a bad job, professional burnout recovery, impostor syndrome after quitting, mental health at work, rebuilding confidence after job loss, corporate abuse recovery, nervous system regulation career, finding alignment in career, workplace gaslighting effects, entrepreneurship mindset shift, job search anxiety tips #toxicworkplace #careerreset #mentalhealthmatters #burnoutrecovery #selfworth #worklifebalance #healingjourney #careeradvice #mindfulness #personalgrowth #boundaries #resilience Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-17.txt

  7. 6d ago

    Stop Hiding Your Wins: The Daily Habit That Saves Your Career | Career Reset

    In this episode of Career Reset, host Cherie Donnellan tackles a silent career killer: the habit of ignoring your own achievements. If you feel like your hard work goes unnoticed or if you struggle to articulate your value during performance reviews, this episode provides the practical framework you need. We explore why relying on memory is dangerous—because human memory naturally filters out victories while highlighting mistakes—and how documenting your wins daily creates an undeniable source of truth for your professional narrative. The core strategy is simple but transformative: spend just two minutes at the end of each day recording three key outcomes. This isn't about bragging or inflating your ego; it is about accuracy and self-preservation. By distinguishing between mere activities (what you did) and tangible outcomes (the value you created), you build a 'professional autobiography' in real-time. This practice directly combats imposter syndrome by replacing ambiguity with concrete evidence. When you have a documented list of successes, negotiations for raises, promotions, or role changes shift from fear-based pleading to fact-based advocacy. You stop guessing your worth and start knowing it. Beyond immediate defense, this habit serves as a powerful offensive tool for long-term career strategy. Monthly reviews of your documentation reveal patterns in your strengths, interests, and energy drains. These insights allow you to intentionally shape your career path, saying no to misaligned tasks and yes to opportunities that leverage your unique skills. Whether you decide to negotiate better terms in your current role or pivot to a new industry entirely, having this record gives you the confidence to make bold moves. It transforms you from a passive occupant of your job into the active architect of your professional life. Join Cherie Donnellan as she guides you through building sustainable ambition without burnout. Learn how to claim your effort, honor your labor, and stop hiding your wins. Listen now to start writing your story, and support the show by visiting the link below to help us bring more essential career advice to ambitious professionals everywhere. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: career advancement tips, imposter syndrome solutions, professional development habits, how to ask for a raise, performance review preparation, documenting career wins, workplace confidence building, career strategy for women, ambition without burnout, negotiation skills workplace, self-worth in career, daily productivity routine #careercounseling #professionalgrowth #impostersyndrome #careercoach #worklifebalance #leadershipskills #salarynegotiation #careerstrategy #selfadvocacy #modernwork #careerreset #womeninbusiness Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-16.txt

  8. Oct 11

    The Quiet Power of Influence: How to Lead Without a Title | Career Reset

    In this episode of Career Reset, host Cherie Donnellan challenges the modern workplace obsession with visibility and loudness, introducing the concept of 'quiet influence' as a superior strategy for career advancement. This episode is essential for professionals who feel pressured to perform ambition through constant noise, LinkedIn posts, or dominating meetings, yet find themselves burning out without achieving real impact. We explore how true leadership isn't about having a corner office or direct reports, but about shaping outcomes, shifting perspectives, and building consensus through strategic, deliberate action. If you are an introvert, a high-performer tired of corporate politics, or someone seeking sustainable career growth without sacrificing your well-being, this conversation offers a roadmap to leading without a title. We dive deep into the distinction between hiding and holding space, explaining why passive withdrawal damages your career while active, quiet engagement builds trust. Key themes include the power of structural listening—understanding unspoken tensions in conversations—and tactical moves like securing buy-in from stakeholders before official meetings to avoid public rejection. You will learn how to become the 'guide' rather than just another player by summarizing group dilemmas with precision, thereby gaining reputation capital. The episode emphasizes that wisdom, not wit, drives promotions, and that consistency creates magnetic reliability. By focusing on solving problems before they explode and aligning teams privately, you position yourself as a strategist who orchestrates outcomes rather than reacting to chaos. Furthermore, we address the fear of being overlooked, reframing silence as focused attention and observation skills as superpowers. Quiet influence is presented as an ethical, sustainable long-game strategy that compounds social capital over time. Unlike volume, which depreciates, value grows through small, consistent actions that no one sees until they are gone. This approach allows you to build a legacy of making everything better, making you indispensable because your leadership style is rooted in authenticity and cannot be easily replicated. It is about playing the marathon, not the sprint, ensuring that when you leave a role, people remember your value, not your volume. Join Cherie Donnellan as she guides you through the psychology of influence and practical tactics for modern work environments. Whether you are navigating office politics, dealing with burnout, or simply want to lead more effectively, this episode provides the tools to step back from the noise and step into your power. Listen now to transform your professional presence. Support the show and access additional resources at the link below. More from Career Reset: https://humanitymedia.org/career-reset Topics: quiet influence, leadership without a title, career advancement strategies, introvert leadership skills, workplace communication tips, building professional trust, emotional intelligence at work, strategic listening techniques, burnout prevention careers, office politics navigation, stakeholder management, soft skills development, modern work culture #quietinfluence #leadershipdevelopment #careergrowth #workplacewisdom #introvertpower #professionaldevelopment #softskills #corporateculture #mindfulleadership #careeradvice #trustbuilding #strategicthinking Transcript: https://cdn.humanitymedia.org/transcripts/career-reset/2026-10-11.txt

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About

Career Reset is a narrative podcast hosted by Tess Osborn that explores the complex, often hidden journeys of women navigating career transitions and leadership challenges. It offers an intimate look at the emotional toll and triumphs of redefining professional identity, providing listeners with both comfort and actionable insight. The show blends personal storytelling with expert analysis to create a supportive space for those ready to pivot their lives. Tess delves into themes such as overcoming imposter syndrome, negotiating salaries, building confidence in male-dominated industries, and finding work-life balance. Episodes cover topics like career change strategies, leadership development, workplace dynamics, and entrepreneurial mindsets. Listeners will find guidance on networking skills, managing burnout, setting boundaries, and creating meaningful careers aligned with personal values. The series also examines the nuances of mentorship, sponsorship, and breaking glass ceilings in corporate America. This podcast is ideal for ambitious women seeking clarity, resilience, and practical tools to advance their professional goals. Tess’s warm, empathetic voice creates a safe environment for honest conversations about fear, failure, and success. Released regularly, each episode provides a refreshing perspective on modern work culture and personal growth. Join the community of empowered professionals by following Career Reset today. Topics: career reset podcast, women in business, leadership development, career transition help, work life balance tips, female entrepreneurs, overcoming imposter syndrome, job search advice, professional growth, workplace wellness, negotiation skills, burnout recovery, confidence coaching, corporate ladder climbing, mentorship for women, entrepreneurial mindset, networking strategies, career pivoting #WomenInLeadership #CareerChange #ProfessionalGrowth #WorkplaceWellness #FemaleEntrepreneurs #LeadershipSkills #JobSearchTips #ConfidenceBuilding #BusinessStrategy #MentalHealthAtWork #NetworkingAdvice #CorporateLife #PersonalDevelopment #Empowerment

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