The Unstuck Career

Ken Williams
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The Unstuck Career is hosted by Ken Williams, an entrepreneur who made a bold career shift at age 55 after spending 16 years in the same job. Now building his own business, Ken is on a mission to help others break free from unfulfilling work and create a better life. This podcast is for burned-out, frustrated professionals who feel stuck in toxic jobs, underpaid roles, or careers that no longer fit, and know they’re meant for something more. Each week, Ken shares powerful conversations with people who have successfully made the leap (or are in the process of doing it) alongside practical Friday Focus episodes packed with mindset shifts and actionable strategies. Listeners will learn how to take control of their careers, build momentum toward change, and create work that aligns with the life they actually want. If you’re ready to stop settling and start moving, this show will help you get there.

  1. 2d ago

    Embracing Imperfection: Maria’s Journey Through Self-Doubt to Small Business Success

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Maria, aka “the Spicy Chef,” for a raw, honest conversation about what it really takes to leap out of a toxic work environment and into the unknown. Maria shares her journey from feeling trapped as an executive chef—even when she was “winning” by all traditional measures—to boldly starting her own hot sauce business and food consulting practice. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a job because of the paycheck or because you’re afraid of the unknown, Maria’s story will resonate. You’ll hear what it was like for Maria to walk away from a role that was both financially rewarding and emotionally draining, and how she went from questioning her own voice to embracing the courage it took to start over. We talk about the ugly, imperfect “first steps” of entrepreneurship, why having supportive partners matters more than you think, and why perfection isn’t a requirement for success—starting before you’re ready is. Maria also drops her favorite mantra: “there is no one silver bullet, just a thousand golden BBs,” and shares practical advice for anyone feeling invisible or afraid to act. If you want inspiration to get unstuck and proof that you don’t have to be special to make a major change, this episode is for you. Want to taste Maria’s hot sauces or learn more? Check out mariashotsauce.com to order online and follow her spicy journey. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  2. 5d ago

    You’re Not Really Afraid of Failing - Ep. 276

    Send us Fan Mail This week, we break down one of the most misunderstood roadblocks in your career: the fear of failure. But here’s the twist—what if it’s not really failure you’re afraid of? I challenge the “fear of failure” myth and reveal the deeper anxiety that keeps so many of us from making bold career moves. (Hint: it’s about other people knowing you didn’t succeed.) You’ll hear why the real fear might be about being seen as incompetent or about inviting criticism—especially from yourself, not others. I open up about my own stumbles, from unedited podcast mishaps (cat and all) to struggling through countless attempts while learning to fly an airplane, to show you how almost everyone is actually supportive when you take risks. We’ll talk about the subtle sabotage that happens when you worry what others might think, and I’ll share how reframing that fear can open up more possibilities than you ever expected. If you’re tired of letting self-doubt hold you back and want practical insight into reframing fear, tune in for a refreshing take that will get you moving forward again. Interested in becoming unstuck and unstoppable? Let’s connect at unstuckcareer.com If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  3. Jul 13

    The Truth About Job Market Scarcity and Finding Satisfaction Outside Your Comfort Zone - Ep. 275

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Unstuck Career, I sit down with Matt, who shares his powerful journey from burnout in a niche, soul-draining job to truly thriving in a role where growth and fulfillment are finally possible. We unpack what it feels like when every day at work is just “going through the motions,” how the constant repetition and stress can creep into your home life, and how Matt reached the turning point that led him to choose something radically different for himself and his family. You’ll hear how Matt overcame the anxiety that comes with making a major career pivot—especially with a family depending on him. We talk about why the doom-and-gloom stories about the job market aren’t always true, the hidden opportunities that are closer than you think, and his surprising leap into sales after a background in coaching. Matt shares what it’s really like to grow with a company that actively invests in your development, and how reconnecting with people, rather than pushing products, has changed everything for him. Ready to rethink what’s possible for your own career? This conversation will leave you with strategies to separate work from home, discover overlooked opportunities, and shift your mindset from overwhelmed to empowered. Want to get in touch or learn more about Matt? Reach out to him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-white-1463b31a7/ If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  4. Jul 10

    Why Waiting Is Worse: The Best Time To Act On Your Career Goals - Ep. 274

    Send us Fan Mail This week, we tackle a myth that keeps too many professionals stuck in place: the belief that you’re “too old” to change careers, go back to school, or start over. Have you ever caught yourself thinking that you’ve missed your chance or that it’s simply too late? I open up about the real fears behind this mindset—including my own hesitation about pursuing a master’s degree and the realization, at age 55, that it was time to reclaim ownership of my career. We dig into some powerful truths: the time will pass anyway, and you’ll always be faced with the choice—stay where you are, or use that time to build the skills and experiences you actually want. I’ll share the classic wisdom about planting a tree, and why today is always the second best time to start something meaningful (the best time, of course, was years ago). Learn how regret can become your constant companion if you continue letting fear of age dictate your decisions. If you’re ready to stop letting statistics, history, or other people’s opinions keep you from making a change, this week’s episode is for you. Take charge of your career and life—don’t let bosses, partners, or even time itself be in the driver’s seat. Want to connect or need support to become unstuck and unstoppable? Head over to unstuckcareer.com to learn more. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  5. Jul 6

    Breaking the Golden Handcuffs: Explore Meaningful Change in Life - Ep. 273

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I sit down with Jon for a raw, relatable conversation about the uneasy tension between career success and personal fulfillment. Jon opens up about what it’s really like to be a top performer in digital advertising sales—crushing quotas, earning well, and working with smart colleagues—yet feeling that nagging sense something’s missing at the end of each day. We break down the “golden handcuffs” dilemma: what happens when the perks of your job keep you stuck, even as you wonder if you’re settling for less than you deserve. We dig into the creative side hustles and big dreams Jon has chased, from stand-up comedy and aviation to building trivia empires on Instagram. Along the way, we tackle the all-too-common story of talking ourselves out of what we want, and what it would mean to finally live life on your own terms. You’ll hear candid reflections on why fulfillment can be elusive—whether it’s the disconnect of selling intangible products or letting AI automate the joy out of passion projects. If you’re wrestling with whether “this is it” or dreaming about a more meaningful path without blowing up your life, Jon’s story is proof you’re not alone. Tune in for practical inspiration, and if you want to connect, you can reach out to Jon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonbeardslee/ If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  6. Jul 3

    Stop Waiting to Feel Ready: Decide and Take Action Ep. 272

    Send us Fan Mail Do you constantly put things off until you finally “feel ready”? This week’s episode tackles the myth of ever being 100% ready before making a big move in your career or life. I open up about my own struggles with procrastination and perfectionism, sharing why waiting to feel ready is actually just another form of staying stuck. From the hesitation to start a new workout routine to the much bigger leap of making a career pivot, we explore the real reason we freeze: we’re trying to predict the future—and that’s impossible. You’ll hear why “ready” isn’t a feeling at all, but a decision—a simple, powerful shift that can set you in motion immediately. I lay out the practical formula: decide you’re ready, then take action. We get real about what finally pushed me to act after years of living someone else’s vision for my life, and why the decision to change is always available right now. If you're tired of waiting for a sign or the perfect moment, this is the push you’ve been searching for. Discover how to break the cycle and finally move toward what you want. Ready to connect and get unstuck? Head over to unstuckcareer.com. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  7. Jun 29

    Reinventing Life After 50: Chasing Dreams and Change - Ep. 271

    Send us Fan Mail This week, I sit down with Clint, a relentless dreamer who ditched stability for a shot at building something meaningful. Ever wonder what it really takes to reinvent your life after 50? Clint shares his raw, honest story: selling a thriving business, moving cross-country, and discovering that changing your zip code doesn’t change your patterns. We unpack the moment he realized chasing his dreams meant taking real ownership, not just making excuses or waiting for the “perfect time.” You’ll hear how Clint faced the scary crossroads of leaving a job, confronting waves of doubt, and turning failure into the launchpad for his next act. From wrestling with the voices of naysayers to learning how to separate love-driven advice from fear, Clint’s journey will hit home if you’ve ever thought, “I’m too old,” or "That won’t work for me." His pivot from “just surviving” to truly pursuing happiness by launching a new surf skate ramp business in California shows what happens when you let go of what doesn’t serve you and finally bet on yourself. Feeling inspired or need a nudge? Check out Clint’s project and follow his progress at waveformtraining.com and on TikTok @waveformtraining. This episode is for anyone ready to drop the excuses and take their shot, no matter their age or what others think. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

  8. Jun 26

    Making the Decision Right: Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Your Career

    Send us Fan Mail This week on Unstuck Career, we tackle the paralyzing fear of making the “wrong” decision—a mindset that leads so many smart professionals into analysis paralysis and a life they never truly chose. I share the all-too-relatable ice cream saga (yes, Chocoholic Chunk is still the star!), showing how second-guessing, detours, and even dead ends aren’t proof that you made a bad choice—they’re just part of the journey. You’ll learn why chasing perfect certainty is an illusion, and how treating every choice as “right” can liberate you from the anxiety of predicting the future. We get real about what actually happens when you decide to make a change, whether it’s in your job or your daily routine: when plans go sideways, it isn’t failure—it’s just an opportunity to reroute, learn, and keep moving forward. If you’re ready to ditch the overthinking and finally make decisions with confidence, this episode will show you how to adjust on the fly—no matter what life throws your way. Want extra support as you make your next move? Let’s talk! Get all the details and book time with me at kenwilliamscoaching.com, or check the link in the show notes. If you're ready to take the next step and get unstuck and unstoppable, you can find time on Ken's calendar at https://unstuckcareer.com/unstuck

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Hosts & Guests

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About

The Unstuck Career is hosted by Ken Williams, an entrepreneur who made a bold career shift at age 55 after spending 16 years in the same job. Now building his own business, Ken is on a mission to help others break free from unfulfilling work and create a better life. This podcast is for burned-out, frustrated professionals who feel stuck in toxic jobs, underpaid roles, or careers that no longer fit, and know they’re meant for something more. Each week, Ken shares powerful conversations with people who have successfully made the leap (or are in the process of doing it) alongside practical Friday Focus episodes packed with mindset shifts and actionable strategies. Listeners will learn how to take control of their careers, build momentum toward change, and create work that aligns with the life they actually want. If you’re ready to stop settling and start moving, this show will help you get there.

Information

  • Creator
    Ken Williams
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    277
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Unstuck Career
  • Show Website
    The Unstuck Career

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