Careers Unchecked with Talent Career Coaching

Talent Career Coaching
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Welcome to Careers Unchecked, the podcast that breaks free from conventional career advice to help you create a professional path that truly resonates with who you are. Hosted by Brandi Oldham—career coach, interior designer, and iced coffee enthusiast—this show offers honest conversations about navigating career transitions, maintaining balance, and building a fulfilling professional life that energizes rather than depletes you. Learn more about Brandi and our coaches: www.talentcareercoaching.com

  1. Why Do I Feel Like I've Lost Myself at Work? How High Achievers Stop Sounding Like Themselves

    1D AGO

    Why Do I Feel Like I've Lost Myself at Work? How High Achievers Stop Sounding Like Themselves

    Somewhere along the way, my writing got quieter.The blogs were showing up, they were helpful and educational and clear, and they stopped feeling like me. I'd been doing what I watch so many of the women I coach do: learning to translate myself into something safe and polished until the real voice got quieter and quieter in the background.It started earlier than I'd realized. A high school English teacher told me my writing wasn't strong, that it was messy and didn't follow the rules, and something about that lodged in my nervous system for years. I didn't consciously decide to stop writing after that, but I did. And as a business owner I watched that same pattern come back, content that was technically correct and emotionally absent, a voice that had learned to be safe instead of real.In this episode I talk about how I got my voice back, and why I see this exact pattern constantly in my coaching work. Smart, capable women who have learned to be exactly what's needed in every room they walk into, who translate their ideas into language that feels professional and palatable, who are genuinely good at it, and who eventually come to me saying some version of: I don't recognize myself in how I show up at work anymore. I also share what happened when a client of mine finally stopped performing in a leadership meeting and said the things that actually needed to be said, and what shifted for her afterward.If this is resonating, the free quiz at the link below is a good first step toward figuring out what's actually going on for you. Free quiz in the link below if you want to start getting clearer on what's actually going on for you. 💛The newsletter is there, too, if you want honest support while you work through it. 💛 https://bit.ly/48484J9 #careercoaching #authenticleadership #womeninleadership #impostersyndromecoaching #careerclarity

    14 min
  2. Why Don't I Feel Better After Time Off? Burnout vs. Misalignment Explained

    APR 14

    Why Don't I Feel Better After Time Off? Burnout vs. Misalignment Explained

    There's a particular kind of exhaustion that doesn't respond to rest. You take time off, you sleep, you step away, and when you come back the heaviness is right there waiting.I know this feeling personally. There was a point in my own career where I was so burned out I cried most mornings before work, not because anything dramatic happened, just because going back into the same environment again and again felt unbearable. I remember coming home completely depleted and stumbling into the walls of our hallway because I had nothing left. So I took six weeks off, genuinely believing rest was the answer. When I came back, the heaviness returned almost immediately.That was the moment I started realizing: sometimes burnout is only part of what's happening. Sometimes what's underneath it is misalignment, a gap between the effort you're giving and the support you're receiving, or between your values and what the role actually requires, or between who you've grown into and the version of you the job still expects. And rest doesn't touch that. In this episode I break down how to tell the difference, walk through what I saw happen with a client who came to me with all the classic burnout signs and turned out to be dealing with something deeper, and give you three specific things you can try this week to start figuring out which one you're actually dealing with.If you've wondered why resting didn't fix it, this episode might finally give that feeling a name.💛 The free quiz at the link below was built for exactly this. It helps you figure out whether what you're feeling is burnout, misalignment, or some combination of both, so you can start solving the right problem. 💛 The newsletter is there too if you want honest, grounded support while you work through it.💛 https://bit.ly/48484J9#careercoaching #burnout #careerclarity #womeninleadership #careertransition

    13 min
  3. Why Am I So Tired Even When Nothing Is Wrong?

    APR 7

    Why Am I So Tired Even When Nothing Is Wrong?

    You're not lazy, and you're probably not ungrateful either. You're just tired in a way that doesn't show up anywhere on a calendar, and that's exactly what this episode is about. Mental load isn't the doing of things. It's the thinking behind the things, the planning and anticipating and holding-it-all-together that happens long before anyone else notices there was something to do. And if you're the reliable one, the go-to, the one who keeps everything moving, you're carrying more of it than anyone around you can probably see. I had a moment recently that made this click for me. My husband asked what he could do to help pull our family plans together, and I told him it had been done for weeks. No frustration, just truth. And the second I said it out loud, something shifted. I'd been quietly absorbing all of it, the logistics, the timelines, the context for multiple families woven around work and home life, and by the time help showed up, the work was already long finished. In this episode I talk about why this kind of exhaustion is so hard to name, what research says about who carries it and why, and three small practical steps you can try this week to start getting some ground back. If work has been feeling heavier than it used to and you can't quite put your finger on why, this one is for you. 💛 Not sure if what you're feeling is burnout or something else entirely? The free quiz at the link below helps you slow down and figure out what's actually going on so you're solving the right problem. And if you want honest, grounded guidance delivered to your inbox, the newsletter link is there too. 💛 https://bit.ly/48484J9 #careercoaching #mentalload #burnoutrecovery #womeninleadership #careerclarity

    12 min
  4. How to "Just Be Yourself" at Work

    JAN 15

    How to "Just Be Yourself" at Work

    "Bring your whole self to work," they said. Then they promoted someone else because apparently, your whole self was too much. That exhausting reality of trying to be yourself in workplaces that weren't built for people who think or communicate differently. For women, people of color, neurodivergent professionals, and anyone navigating being "the only," authenticity can feel like a trick question.There's a way to honor what matters to you, use your actual strengths, and still get things done without abandoning who you are. In this episode:➡️ Why "bring your whole self to work" advice doesn't hit the same for everyone. ➡️ The difference between authenticity and full transparency (and why it matters)How to adapt without disappearing, especially if you're neurodivergent➡️ Small moves you can make this week to test real connection at work➡️ How to know when it's time to find a place that actually fitsResources mentioned:💚 Career Co-Pilot Mentorship: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/copilotmentorship💚 Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching💚 Newsletter: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/newsletter💚 Podcast: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcast💚 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-career-coaching/If this episode resonated, I'd genuinely love to hear about it. What does authenticity look like in your work right now?#AuthenticityAtWork #CareerClarity #NeurodivergentProfessionals #WomenInLeadership #WorkplaceCulture #CareerCoaching #BarrierBreakers #WorkLifeAlignment #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

    7 min
  5. How to Thrive in the In-Between Career Phase (When You're Not Junior, Not Senior)

    JAN 8

    How to Thrive in the In-Between Career Phase (When You're Not Junior, Not Senior)

    You're too experienced for entry-level programs but not senior enough for executive attention. You see systemic problems but lack the authority to fix them. You're capable of strategic thinking, but rarely asked for strategic input. Welcome to career limbo—the in-between phase that no one talks about.In this episode, I'm breaking down what it really means to be stuck in the middle of your career, why this phase is so challenging, and how to turn it into your biggest opportunity for growth. If you've ever felt capable yet limited at the same time, this conversation is for you.What We Cover:➡️ Why the "in-between phase" is where most careers quietly plateau➡️ The danger of coasting when you're no longer struggling to learn➡️ How to build credibility that makes leadership undeniable➡️ Your unique value as a translator between junior teammates and senior leaders➡️ Practical strategies to discover what really energizes you➡️ How to become the organizational expert (even without formal authority)➡️ Why volunteering for messy projects is leadership training in disguise➡️ Your roadmap for turning the in-between years into a workshop for growthClient Resources:🔗 Career Co-Pilot Mentorship: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/copilotmentorship🔗 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching🔗 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/newsletter🔗 Podcast: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcast🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-career-coaching/If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. What's one area where you could become the organizational expert? Drop a comment below—I'm rooting for you.#careerlimbo #midcareer #careergrowth #professionaldevelopment #careerclarity #womeninleadership #careercoaching #leadership #careertransition #careeradvancement #professionalgrowth #worklifebalance #careerstrategy #leadershipdevelopment

    8 min
  6. How to Get Promoted: Mentors vs. Sponsors Explained

    JAN 1

    How to Get Promoted: Mentors vs. Sponsors Explained

    Most career advice obsesses over mentorship. But that's only half the story. If you're a high-achieving woman who's been doing everything right and still feeling stuck, this episode will make some things click into place. Traditional career wisdom says find mentors, get guidance, learn from people ahead of you. All good advice. But here's what gets left out: mentors give advice. Sponsors give access. And that second part? That's where real movement happens. In this episode, I'm talking about why women and barrier breakers end up over-mentored and under-sponsored, and what you can actually do about it. If you've been waiting for your work to speak for itself, this conversation might shift how you think about career growth. What We Cover:➡️ The real difference between mentorship and sponsorship (and why it matters)➡️ Why people with sponsors are 5x more likely to be promoted➡️ How to spot potential sponsors whose goals match your strengths➡️ The approach that builds sponsor relationships without begging for favors➡️ My personal story about how one lunch completely changed my business➡️ Your action plan: becoming someone worth advocating for Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Career Co-Pilot Mentorship: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/copilotmentorship 🔗 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching 🔗 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/newsletter 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-career-coaching/ 🔗 Podcast: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcast If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. What's one way you could add value to a potential sponsor's goals this week? #CareerGrowth #Sponsorship #WomenInLeadership #CareerAdvancement #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerCoaching #HighAchievers #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerClarity #WomenEmpowerment

    8 min
  7. Why Remote Workers Get Promoted Less (And How to Fix It)

    12/22/2025

    Why Remote Workers Get Promoted Less (And How to Fix It)

    Remote work gave us flexibility, and quietly took away something we didn't realize we needed: professional witnesses. No one sees you solving problems in real time anymore. The hallway conversations that built relationships are gone. Those moments when you stayed late, and a senior leader noticed are gone.Here's the hard truth: remote employees are 31% less likely to get promoted and 35% more likely to be laid off. Not because you're less capable, but because you're less visible to decision makers.In this episode, I'm breaking down how to build visibility, influence, and advancement opportunities when you're working from home. If you love remote work but feel invisible, this one's for you. What We Cover: ➡️ Why remote work creates a "professional vacuum" (and what that costs you) ➡️ How to engineer the relationships that used to happen organically ➡️ The visibility strategies that actually move the needle for remote workers ➡️ How to compete on ideas, not office politics ➡️ One big question to ask yourself before diving into visibility tactics Resources Mentioned: 🔗 Career Co-Pilot Mentorship: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/copilotmentorship 🔗 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching 🔗 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/newsletter 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-career-coaching/ 🔗 Podcast: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcast If this resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it.Drop a comment below or reach out, I'm rooting for you. #remotework #careeradvancement #remoteworkers #professionalvisibility #careergrowth #workfromhome #careercoaching #leadershipdevelopment #remoteleadership #careerstrategy

    7 min

  8. 12/16/2025

    Why Being "Too Valuable" Is Keeping You Stuck (And How to Finally Get Promoted)

    You're the person everyone counts on. The one who never misses a deadline, holds the team together, and quietly keeps everything running smoothly. But here's the hard truth: your reliability might be the very thing keeping you stuck.In this episode, I'm breaking down why high performers often get overlooked for promotions—and what you can do about it. If you've ever felt too valuable to move, this conversation is for you. What We Cover:➡️ Why being "indispensable" can actually trap you in your current role➡️ The shift from being the doer to being the driver➡️ How to become visible for your strategic thinking (not just your execution)➡️ Exactly what to say in your next career development conversation➡️ Your 90-day action plan to break free from being stuckResources Mentioned:🔗 Career Co-Pilot Mentorship: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/copilotmentorship 🔗 Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talentcareercoaching🔗 Subscribe to the Newsletter: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/newsletter 🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/talent-career-coaching/🔗 Podcast: https://www.talentcareercoaching.com/podcastIf this resonated with you, I'd love to hear about it. Drop a comment below or reach out, I'm rooting for you.#careergrowth #HighAchievers #CareerAdvancement #PromotionStrategy #CareerDevelopment #WomenInLeadership #CareerCoaching #ProfessionalGrowth #LeadershipDevelopment #CareerClarity

    8 min
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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

Welcome to Careers Unchecked, the podcast that breaks free from conventional career advice to help you create a professional path that truly resonates with who you are. Hosted by Brandi Oldham—career coach, interior designer, and iced coffee enthusiast—this show offers honest conversations about navigating career transitions, maintaining balance, and building a fulfilling professional life that energizes rather than depletes you. Learn more about Brandi and our coaches: www.talentcareercoaching.com

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