Career Can Do Mary Ann Faremouth

Are you looking to make more intentional changes in your professional life? Dr. Sharon Hull, founder of Metta Solutions, believes it takes courage and change to create a ‘bespoke career.’ As the creator of the Bespoke Life Network, an online community dedicated to helping individuals create custom-fit careers and intentional lives, Sharon encourages others to step off the traditional career path and make decisions grounded in what truly matters to them.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought significant changes to the work environment. It forced a reset in how we view work: prioritizing humans over productivity. The pandemic prompted individuals to reassess their career paths and priorities, leading to a greater focus on intentional and meaningful approaches to work and life. Employers and employees alike had to adapt to the constantly changing world, with a shift towards understanding the human aspect of work and the need for courage to make intentional changes. It was a catalyst for individuals to seek alignment between their personal values and their professional endeavors, ultimately reshaping the way we approach work in the new world.

Generational perspectives in the workplace play a significant role in shaping the dynamics and culture of organizations. Each generation brings unique values, work styles, and expectations to the table. While it’s easy to label different generations, at our core, we are all human beings seeking respect, understanding, and fulfillment in our work. By embracing our differences, we can create a more inclusive and collaborative environment that leverages the strengths of each generation, so that we can foster a workplace culture that values diversity in perspectives.

Creating meaning and purpose in life is a dynamic and ongoing commitment that can lead to a fulfilling and successful journey. We must be intentional about aligning our actions with what truly matters to us, both personally and professionally. It’s a new work world, sometimes scary, but if we focus on what brings us fulfillment and joy, we can navigate with clarity and purpose. Just as Sharon emphasizes in her work, when organizations prioritize understanding how humans make meaning and purpose out of their lives, they are better positioned for success in the ever-evolving landscape of work.

Resources

Dr. Sharon Hull | LinkedIn | Website

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What can leaders learn from elite athletes, and how can they navigate leadership shock in the ever-changing work world? In this Career Can Do podcast episode, host Mary Ann Faremouth delves into these questions with leadership and innovation expert Pete Steinberg. Through their insightful conversation, listeners gain valuable insights on maximizing potential, differentiating between stress and leadership shock, and the importance of building relationships in the workplace. Join Mary Ann and Pete as they explore the intersection of high performance in sports and business, offering practical advice for individuals seeking to excel in their careers.

Have you heard of leadership shock? Pete and Mary Ann discuss the concept of leadership shock and stress. Leadership shock occurs when there is a significant change in a leader's context, such as a new role or organizational shift, leading to feelings of confusion and inefficiency. On the other hand, stress is seen as a temporary pressure that can actually help individuals perform better. By differentiating between the two, leaders can address the root causes of their challenges and work towards more effective leadership strategies.

Traditional hiring practices focus on experience. Pete’s ideas on hiring successfully are rather different. He emphasizes the importance of hiring based on attributes rather than solely focusing on experience. Commitment, passion, attention to detail, and innovation are key qualities to look for in potential candidates. While experience and skills can be developed over time, attributes are inherent traits that can significantly impact an individual's performance and contribution to the organization.

Relationships are key both in work and life. Mary Ann and Pete dive into the significance of building relationships in the workplace, especially in the current post-COVID work environment. Pete highlights the value of face-to-face interactions and creating a sense of purpose when employees come into the office. Strong relationships can enhance employee engagement, productivity, and overall satisfaction. Building a culture of meaningful interactions and teamwork can contribute to the success and longevity of the business.


Resources

Pete Steinberg | Website | LinkedIn

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What if you could transform your life and career through the power of travel? Join Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do as she sits down with Cindy Peck, the mastermind behind Traveling Texans. Cindy shares how traveling with a group can lead to new friendships, exposure to different cultures, and personal growth. With over 15 years of experience as a travel agent, Cindy has organized unforgettable trips that have left a lasting impact on the lives of many. Discover the benefits of group travel, the importance of camaraderie in healthy aging, and how exploring the world can enhance your creativity and productivity in the workplace.

Traveling in a group offers numerous benefits, such as making new friends and experiencing new cultures. Cindy Peck, the founder of Traveling Texans, emphasizes the importance of camaraderie and new friendships as part of healthy aging. She states, "the group environment and making new friends is part of healthy aging." Traveling with a group also provides safety, convenience, and competitive pricing, so you can explore the world and build lasting connections with like-minded individuals.

Travel allows networking opportunities and potential professional connections you might not have otherwise. "You never know what's going to come from taking a trip," Mary Ann says, and shares her own story of unexpected networking and job opportunities while on a cruise. One job candidate even impressed a potential employer by bonding over a shared love of Paris. At Traveling Texans, Cindy makes sure to welcome people of all ages from around the world, expanding that potential network even more.

Traveling in a group not only enriches your life with new experiences but also contributes to personal growth and well-being. Mary Ann reflects on how her trip with Traveling Texans inspired creativity, relaxation, and a sense of rejuvenation. She notes, "I came back from this trip so inspired, so rested, so much more creative." By stepping out of your comfort zone, exploring new destinations, and forming meaningful connections, you can enhance your overall well-being and cultivate personal growth.


Resources

Cindy Peck on LinkedIn | Traveling Texans Instagram | Traveling Texans Meetup Page

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What can working with Hollywood stars like Woody Harrelson and Rod Steward teach you about creativity in the workplace? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth is joined by Nir Bashan, an award-winning entrepreneur with a long history of experience in advertising and entertainment. His message is clear: creativity is critical in the workplace. Everyone has the potential to be creative; it just takes a little effort and space to allow that creativity to flourish.

Nir's book, The Creator Mindset, offers a recipe for success by encouraging individuals to make time for creativity in their daily lives. He suggests allocating time in your calendar specifically for creative thinking, as regular practice can lead to innovative solutions and a balanced approach to work. Nir highlights the importance of balancing creativity with analytics, as both are essential for personal and professional growth.

Creativity is not limited to traditional artistic fields like music or film, nor is it limited to artistic types like painters and graphic artists. The heart of creativity in the workplace involves looking at problems from a different perspective and finding innovative solutions. By stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing discomfort, you can unlock new opportunities for growth and success.

Nir also emphasizes the value of honesty and transparency in the hiring process. He encourages employers to look beyond the checkboxes on a resume and consider candidates' potential for growth and development. There's a massive, untapped talent pool filled with U.S. military veterans who bring valuable skills like discipline and adaptability to the workforce. Overall, Nir's message is clear: creativity, honesty, and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone are key ingredients for success in the new work world.

Resources

Nir Bashan on the Web | The Creator Mindset

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Are you struggling to find the right career path that aligns with your strengths and passions? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth is joined by Shell Mendelson, a seasoned expert in counseling and author of "A Course for ADHD Adults and Teens: Unlock Your Career Path." Shell's unique approach focuses on helping individuals, especially those with ADHD, develop confidence and clarity in their career choices. Join us as we uncover the importance of mindset, self-accommodation in the workplace, and the journey to finding a fulfilling and sustainable career direction.

Self-awareness plays a crucial role in career development, especially for individuals with ADHD. Shell emphasizes the importance of identifying what conditions work and don't work for you in the workplace. By creating a self-accommodation plan based on these insights, you can prioritize their needs and align them with your career goals. This process not only empowers you to advocate for yourself but also helps you find a work environment that resonates with your strengths and preferences. Shell speaks from experience. She shares how understanding herself was key to thriving in her professional journey.

Those with ADHD often possess unique strengths, such as creativity and flexibility, that can be valuable assets in the workplace. It is key for you to find a career path that allows you to leverage your strengths effectively, so you can tailor your career choices to align with your natural inclinations and preferences. Not only will you enhance your job satisfaction, but also, you’ll be able to make more meaningful contributions in your field.

While it is valuable to gain industry knowledge and experience in corporate settings first, many people with ADHD gravitate toward entrepreneurship and self-employment, either as a direct choice or as a natural part of career progression. They prefer working independently because it allows them more control over their work environment, how and when they show up, and the best way to leverage their creativity and flexibility.

Resources

Shell Mendelson on the Web | LinkedIn | Facebook | 

“Unlock Your Career Path: A Course for ADHD Adults and Teens”

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In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth is joined by Merritt Chastain, Executive Director of the National Association of Pipe Coating Applicators (NAPCA), to discuss the transformative power of niche networking and the unique opportunities it brings to your career journey. Being part of a specialized platform like NAPCA allows for deeper connections, creating a supportive community where members can learn, grow, and succeed together. In a world where specialization is key, embracing platforms like NAPCA can lead to unparalleled advancement in your career.

One of the best ways to begin niche networking is to attend industry events and conventions, where you can build meaningful relationships that lead directly to new career prospects and collaborations in your field. In addition, you’ll be able to stay updated on industry trends, share your own knowledge, and develop your skills. Together, these benefits can propel your career to new heights.

Merritt shares insider knowledge about how NAPCA holds its conventions, making them incredibly valuable to attendees. By featuring high caliber experts who discuss critical topics such as hydrogen transportation and cybersecurity in the pipeline industry, NAPCA ensures that members stay informed and engaged with the latest advancements. Making every event relevant, timely, and valuable encourages members to attend more upcoming events, enabling them to build long-term relationships within the industry.

There’s more to niche platforms than networking. There’s also a sense of community. Industry communities offer a supportive and inclusive environment where members can forge lasting friendships and personal connections. NAPCA ensures their events are family-friendly, making community building even easier and creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie. By combining business opportunities with social interactions, NAPCA provides a holistic experience that benefits its members personally and professionally.

Resources

Merritt Chastain on LinkedIn | NAPCA  

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