Career Sessions, Career Lessons

JR Lowry, PathWise.io

Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path. Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts. Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations.  He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer.  Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.

  1. How To Act Like An Owner: Building Engagement, Accountability, And Meaningful Work, With Greg Hawks

    3H AGO

    How To Act Like An Owner: Building Engagement, Accountability, And Meaningful Work, With Greg Hawks

    In this episode of Career Sessions, J.R. Lowry sits down with author, speaker, and culture expert Greg Hawks to tackle one of the biggest challenges facing organizations today:   Why are so many people disengaged at work—and what actually changes that?   Greg introduces the concept of the “ownership mindset,” a powerful shift in how individuals approach their work and how leaders build environments where people feel invested, accountable, and motivated.   Drawing on decades of experience working with organizations, Greg explains why most employees start with energy and intention—but often lose it over time—and what both individuals and leaders can do to bring it back.   They discuss: What it really means to “act like an owner” (and why it has nothing to do with your title)The difference between owners, renters, and vandals in the workplaceWhy engagement breaks down—and how culture often unintentionally discourages initiativeThe five “unlocks” that help individuals and teams build ownership and accountabilityHow leaders can re-engage employees who’ve stopped investing their energyWhy values only matter when they are consistently lived—not just statedHow to think about ownership not just in your role, but across your entire career  Greg also shares practical tools—from identifying where you’re placing blame to making small, consistent changes that compound over time—to help you take greater ownership of your work and your future.   If you’ve ever felt stuck, disengaged, or frustrated by your work environment, this conversation offers a clear and actionable framework for reclaiming control, finding meaning, and building a more fulfilling career.   Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/greg-hawks/. Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

    30 min
  2. What Actually Gets You Hired and Promoted, With Mary Olson Menzel

    APR 13

    What Actually Gets You Hired and Promoted, With Mary Olson Menzel

    In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with coach, speaker, and bestselling author Mary Olson Menzel to explore a question many professionals wrestle with: What does it really mean to build a career that lights you up and is it realistic to do so? Mary challenges the conventional wisdom that playing it safe is the responsible path. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, she argues that ignoring what energizes you can come at a much higher cost over time. They discuss: What Mary calls your “light” and why it’s a real competitive advantageWhy employers often choose energy and authenticity over credentialsHow to balance passion with financial responsibility using the concept of IkigaiPractical strategies for navigating job searches in a difficult marketHow to know when it’s time to pivot and how to do it thoughtfullyThe role of storytelling and networking in standing out Mary also shares actionable tools from building a targeted job search strategy to tracking your own “light” through daily reflection.  If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next, this conversation offers a practical and grounded path forward – one that doesn’t force you to choose between purpose and stability. Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mary-olson-menzel/. Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

    32 min
  3. Why So Many Leaders Burn Out And What It Takes to Heal, With Raj Sisodia And Nilima Bhat

    MAR 30

    Why So Many Leaders Burn Out And What It Takes to Heal, With Raj Sisodia And Nilima Bhat

    Why do so many successful leaders feel burned out, misaligned, or unfulfilled? According to Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat, the issue isn’t a lack of skill or intelligence, but rather a lack of healing. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Raj Sisodia, co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and Nilima Bhatt, leadership coach and author, to explore the deeper emotional and psychological dimensions of leadership. Drawing from their new book Healing Leaders, they argue that many leadership challenges stem from unprocessed trauma, unconscious patterns, and a disconnect from purpose. In this episode, JR, Raj, and Nilima discuss: Why leadership today is facing a “healing crisis”The hidden cost of success: burnout, misalignment, and “hollow achievement”Why traditional leadership training often fails to create lasting changeHow unhealed wounds shape leadership behaviorWhy many leaders resist doing inner workThe seven steps to healing as a leaderHow trauma, if processed, can become a source of growthWhy leadership starts with self-awareness If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning your path, this episode offers a deeper lens on what it really takes to grow. Follow Career Sessions with JR Lowry for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/raj-sisodia-and-nilima-bhat. Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

    36 min
  4. The Beliefs Holding Leaders Back And How to Break Through Them, With Muriel Wilkins

    MAR 23

    The Beliefs Holding Leaders Back And How to Break Through Them, With Muriel Wilkins

    What’s really holding leaders back? According to executive coach Muriel Wilkins, it’s often not skills, strategy, or experience -- it’s hidden beliefs. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Muriel Wilkins, executive coach to senior leaders, host of Harvard Business Review’s Coaching Real Leaders, and author of Leadership Unblocked. Drawing from more than 20 years of coaching C-suite executives and analyzing hundreds of leadership cases, Muriel explains how deeply and often unconscious beliefs can quietly limit how leaders show up, make decisions, and work with others. In this conversation, JR and Muriel unpack: The seven “hidden blockers” that often derail leadership effectivenessWhy beliefs matter more than leadership tacticsThe difference between behavior and the belief driving itWhy high-performing leaders often struggle with perfectionismHow the belief “I know I’m right” can undermine collaborationHow uncertainty and layoffs are amplifying leadership pressure todayThe mindset shift that unlocks leadership growthThe framework for responding to challenges If you want to become a more effective leader and experience leadership with greater clarity and ease, this conversation offers a powerful place to start. Follow Career Sessions for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/muriel-wilkins/.

    32 min
  5. How Courage And Purpose Can Help You Find Your True Path, With Christopher Williams

    MAR 19

    How Courage And Purpose Can Help You Find Your True Path, With Christopher Williams

    What does it take to walk away from a successful global executive career to pursue a deeper purpose?   In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Christopher Williams, former global executive and author of the new book C.O.U.R.A.GE., to explore how courage shapes our careers, leadership decisions, and personal growth.   Born in Sierra Leone and educated at Morehouse College, Christopher built an international career spanning four continents, multiple industries, and senior leadership roles. Yet despite professional success, he reached a turning point that forced him to ask a difficult question: What is the real purpose of my work?   That reflection led Christopher to rethink his career, step away from the corporate track, and dedicate his work to leadership, governance, and helping organizations balance business success with societal impact.   In this conversation, JR and Christopher discuss: Christopher’s journey from Sierra Leone to Morehouse College and a global executive careerThe moment he felt successful but unfulfilled—and what he did about itWhy courage is essential for meaningful leadership and career growthThe seven-part COURAGE framework for making bold decisionsWhy rejecting distracting voices is often the hardest part of changeWhat living and leading across multiple cultures and continents taught him about peopleThe courageous decision to leave the corporate ladder and redefine successHow corporate boards and leaders can create greater societal impactWhy individuals must reclaim their personal agency in a rapidly changing world If you're questioning your career path, navigating a leadership transition, or seeking a clearer sense of purpose in your work, this episode offers powerful insights on how courage can reshape both your career and your life.   Follow Career Sessions, Career Lessons for weekly conversations with leaders, authors, and innovators sharing the lessons that shape meaningful careers. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/christopher-williams.

    31 min
  6. From 1,000 Rejections To Millions Hired: How Andrei Kurtuy Built Novorésumé & What Actually Makes A Resume Work

    MAR 12

    From 1,000 Rejections To Millions Hired: How Andrei Kurtuy Built Novorésumé & What Actually Makes A Resume Work

    What does it take to go from sending 1,000 unanswered resumes to building a platform used by millions of job seekers worldwide?   In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, J.R. Lowry sits down with Andrei Kurtuy, co-founder of Novorésumé, to unpack the hard lessons he learned navigating rejection, building a global resume platform from scratch, and studying what actually gets candidates hired.   After moving to Denmark for school, Andrei struggled to land a job until one key insight changed everything: it wasn’t about luck. It was about positioning. That realization ultimately led to the founding of Novorésumé, now one of the world’s most widely used resume builders.   In this conversation, J.R. and Andrei discuss: Why Andrei sent 1,000 resumes with no tractionThe “aha moment” that changed his job search strategyWhat recruiters look at first when scanning resumesWhy tailoring matters more than everThe biggest resume mistakes even executives makeHow to handle career pivots and resume gapsWhat applicant tracking systems (ATS) really parseOne-page vs. two-page resumesHow AI is transforming both resume writing and candidate screeningThe skills that will matter most in an AI-driven job market  If you’re actively job searching, considering a career pivot, or simply want to future-proof your professional story, this episode delivers practical research-backed advice.   Follow Career Sessions, Career Lessons for weekly episodes you’ll never want to miss. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/andrei-kurtuy.

    33 min
  7. How Bold Questions Drive Leadership, Engagement & Performance With Dr. Debra Clary

    MAR 6

    How Bold Questions Drive Leadership, Engagement & Performance With Dr. Debra Clary

    Curiosity isn’t a soft skill. It’s a strategic advantage.   In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR chats with Dr. Debra Clary, author of The Curiosity Curve: A Leader’s Guide to Growth and Transformation Through Bold Questions, and explores why curiosity is the missing link in leadership, engagement, and high performance. Drawing on four decades of corporate leadership experience, Dr. Clary explains how curiosity directly impacts employee engagement, innovation, decision-making, and organizational culture.   Together, they discuss:   The research-backed link between curiosity and performanceWhy 65% of millennials report being disengaged at workHow leaders unintentionally kill curiosityThe difference between exploration and executionThe four components of the “Curiosity Curve”Why “I don’t know” may be the most powerful thing a leader can sayWhether AI enhances or diminishes critical thinkingHow to build a culture of curiosity during transformation or changePractical questions leaders can ask to assess curiosity in candidates and teams  Dr. Clary also shares how organizations can measure curiosity through diagnostics, activate “curiosity ambassadors,” and create alignment from the executive team down.   If you care about leadership development, culture transformation, employee engagement, innovation, or becoming the kind of leader people actually want to work for, this conversation is for you.   Follow the podcast for weekly leadership and career insights. Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/dr-debra-clary.

    29 min
5
out of 5
47 Ratings

About

Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path. Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts. Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations.  He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer.  Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.

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