The Potentialist Podcast with Dr. Lee Koles

Lee Koles, Ph.D.
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Your home for science-backed strategies to unlock your potential and achieve remarkable results. You’re capable of far more than you realize. The Potentialist Podcast is your home for science-backed strategies to unlock your potential. Psychologist and coach Dr. Lee Koles explores the science of human potential and shares practical tools to help you gain clarity, build confidence and take action to achieve remarkable results. Each episode blends psychology, research, and coaching insights to help you move forward with purpose and precision. Topics include: leadership development, career growth, motivation, executive coaching, CliftonStrengths, team effectiveness, transformation, confidence, burnout prevention, decision-making, overcoming self-doubt, and finding purpose and fulfillment. Formerly CareerSequel - The Return to Work Podcast with Lee Koles, Ph.D. (Ep 1-72)

  1. 1D AGO

    The Final Episode (and New Beginning)

    Hello, Everyone!  Welcome to a special, new episode after a long time away. I’m your host, Dr. Lee Koles, and this episode is going to be very different from anything else you’ve heard from me. I’m going to get really personal with you here. It has been a while since we’ve talked and I want to let you know what has been going on with me. Also, today isn’t just another episode; it’s a farewell… but also a new beginning. Just over three years ago, I hit pause on this podcast.  One of my mantras has always been that your job should fit your life. And at that time, I had some big developments that changed my life. My dad had been battling Alzheimer’s for years and the love of his life, my mom, was caring for him and keeping him engaged and thriving. Dad also had a blood cancer, which was being monitored and was holding steady - until three years ago. I was at the doctor’s appointment in January 2023 when the doctor said that Dad’s cancer was going full force and that his time was up. So I started traveling to Nebraska (from Ohio) every three weeks to help my mom and be there for my dad. And this took a toll. Something had to give - and I knew it wasn’t going to be my clients, or my family, or the work that grounds me.  So, I stepped away from social media. I stopped posting on LinkedIn. And, in February of 2023, I stopped recording the podcast. I didn’t plan a graceful exit. I didn’t record a heartfelt goodbye episode like this one. I just… stopped. I just didn’t have the bandwidth. And that made me feel like crap. I missed showing up here. I missed you—the listener on the other side of this mic. I missed having the opportunity to share insights and help you feel just a little more confident, a little more clear, a little more ready to take on what’s next. Instead, I focused on my family and I focused on my clients. Many of my clients who I met with over Zoom got to see the inside of my childhood bedroom in Nebraska. I’d coach them and then I’d help my mom and soak up all the time I could with my dad.  Dad died a little over two years ago - two Decembers ago.  And for two years I’ve thought of all of you and I’ve wanted to get back to the mic and talk to you - and I just couldn’t. I felt lost. Destroyed, actually. I couldn’t pick myself up - or pick that microphone up - until now. Today.  And I want to thank you. Every week, for the past 3 years, I’d get my podcast data report and see that you've been downloading, listening to and sharing my podcast episodes. You put in your airpods and took me on walks with your dog. You reached out to me on LinkedIn; you shared your stories. It has meant so much to me to be able to keep that connection with you. And, finally, I’d like to share some good news: I’m back. Kind of. I’m not returning to CareerSequel. Instead, I’m stepping into something new, something that feels even more aligned with where I am now and where I believe we can go together. You may have noticed that this episode was released under a different name. Now, when you see me pop up on your phone and in your car, it will be as The Potentialist Podcast. My friends, I am so excited about this. It has taken me three years of healing, researching, learning and growing - not just for me, but for you. This isn’t just a rebrand. It’s a renewal. It’s our sequel. This is a fresh chapter where we dive even deeper into the power of possibility—how to unlock your strengths, lean into your purpose, and create a life and career that lights you up. I’ll still be here, your same host—Dr. Lee Koles—with the same voice in your ear. But the conversations will be bigger. The tools will be sharper. And the impact? It’s going to reach even further. So, consider this episode both a thank you and an invitation. First of all, you may be wondering, “Lee, what exactly is a Potentialist?”

    9 min
  2. Ep. 72 - When Your Career Path Leads to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Work - (with Nihal Kattar)

    02/02/2023

    Ep. 72 - When Your Career Path Leads to Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Work - (with Nihal Kattar)

    It’s a lightbulb moment when your ideal career path presents itself (at last!). My former client, Nihal Kattar, shares his career story that began with doubt and worry and ended with a dream job as a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Coordinator at the Promedica Health Care System.  Nihal and I discuss: * The trap of taking the first job that falls into your lap * The secret of Intentionality * How identifying your strengths and core values can unveil career options * How to break into the DEI industry * The variety of DEI career opportunities

    24 min
  3. Secrets to Work-Life Balance (with Laurie Halter)

    01/19/2023

    Secrets to Work-Life Balance (with Laurie Halter)

    In this episode of the CareerSequel podcast, guest Laurie Halter and I get real about the challenges of work-life balance. We discuss: Authenticity as your secret weaponNavigating your career through divorceThe gifts of being a single working parentStrategies for managing children during remote work Confronting your fearsLaurie Halter is the founder of the automobile PR firm, Charisma! Communications, and host of the Carearing Podcast.

    24 min
  4. Writing a Cover Letter (without the Stress!)

    01/12/2023

    Writing a Cover Letter (without the Stress!)

    Today’s episode eliminates the stress and mystery from writing a cover letter. I answer the pressing question, “Do I HAVE to write one?” (Spoiler Alert: Yes, you (nearly always) do.) I give you my 3 rules for writing a winning cover letter and walk you through my cover letter recipe. You’ll learn exactly what to say to get yourself noticed and called in for an interview. Now you can exhale. You’ve got this!

    15 min
  5. Interview Red Flags

    01/05/2023

    Interview Red Flags

    Take a peek into the brain of a hiring manager. In this episode I reveal the 5 interview red flags that will eliminate a job candidate from the running. Get set: they’re not what you think they are. In fact, you’re likely going into an interview stressing about circumstances that don’t even matter! Don’t worry - you’ll learn about the 3 factors that actually AREN’T red flags…so you can confidently ace your interviews.

    19 min
  6. BEST OF 2022: Finding Your Purpose (with Sari Kimbell)

    12/29/2022

    BEST OF 2022: Finding Your Purpose (with Sari Kimbell)

    You've been waiting for this: my #1 episode in my "BEST OF 2022 SERIES" countdown, where I unveil the most downloaded, shared and discussed podcast episodes of the year! In my most listened to episode of 2022, coach Sari Kimbell and I discuss what it means to chase after and find your purpose. Sari has an incredible career story that's going to have you on the edge of your seat wondering, "what is this woman going to do next?" Sari's skills and experiences fell into place and now she has a business helping food entrepreneurs make their delicious dreams a reality.

    29 min
  7. BEST OF 2022: When a Nonlinear Career Path is the Perfect One (with Enith Williams)

    12/22/2022

    BEST OF 2022: When a Nonlinear Career Path is the Perfect One (with Enith Williams)

    Join me for the third episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year. This episode is about a very twisty, curvy career path that ends in a dream job. It’s the story of my guest, Enith Williams, with chapters that include moving back and forth between Jamaica and NYC. Working in both the nonprofit sector and on Wall Street. Enith threw a career break into the mix, and finally, a leap from the banking industry to the world of reparative justice.  Enith used her financial industry expertise to found the Reparations Finance Lab. The RFL is dedicated to researching innovative solutions to racial disparities that stem from an era of enslavement and continue to this day. It works with financial institutions and city authorities to develop programs to address the needs of communities of color.

    34 min
  8. BEST OF 2022: Changing Careers to Pursue a Big, Giant Dream (with Judith Gaton)

    12/15/2022

    BEST OF 2022: Changing Careers to Pursue a Big, Giant Dream (with Judith Gaton)

    Join me for the second episode in my “BEST OF 2022” Series where I count down the most downloaded, shared and discussed episodes of the year. This week you meet Judith Gaton - a stylist, life coach, author and former lawyer. We discuss changing careers to pursue a “big, giant dream”. Judith offers the wisdom gained through her transition from working as a partner in a law firm to becoming a Master Certified life coach. She dares you identify, acknowledge and embrace your dreams.

    30 min
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4.9
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About

Your home for science-backed strategies to unlock your potential and achieve remarkable results. You’re capable of far more than you realize. The Potentialist Podcast is your home for science-backed strategies to unlock your potential. Psychologist and coach Dr. Lee Koles explores the science of human potential and shares practical tools to help you gain clarity, build confidence and take action to achieve remarkable results. Each episode blends psychology, research, and coaching insights to help you move forward with purpose and precision. Topics include: leadership development, career growth, motivation, executive coaching, CliftonStrengths, team effectiveness, transformation, confidence, burnout prevention, decision-making, overcoming self-doubt, and finding purpose and fulfillment. Formerly CareerSequel - The Return to Work Podcast with Lee Koles, Ph.D. (Ep 1-72)

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