Career Conversations with Ola

CareerZone by Ola
  • 5.0 (2)
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  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to Career Conversations with Ola, the official podcast of CareerZone by Ola. Join Ola, an experienced HR professional and career coach, as she hosts candid interviews with industry leaders, rising stars, and inspiring professionals from diverse fields, shaping the future of work! Each conversation uncovers stories, strategies, and actionable tips to help you thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting, navigating challenges, or aiming for your next big move, this podcast is your guide to career empowerment. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and take charge of your career journey!

  1. Aug 7

    The Competency Trap: Why Smart Professionals Stop Growing | Ana Smith | S2E14

    What if the very thing that made you successful is now the reason you're feeling stuck? In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, I sit down with executive coach, leadership strategist, and author Anna Smith to unpack The Competency Trap. It's the hidden career challenge where becoming exceptionally good at your job can quietly prevent you from reaching your next level of growth. Many professionals spend years building expertise, becoming the go to person, and earning a reputation for reliability. But what happens when your greatest strength becomes your greatest limitation? Together, we explore why talented professionals stop growing, how organizations can unintentionally reinforce the competency trap, and what it takes to continue evolving in today's fast changing workplace. In this episode, we discuss: • What the Competency Trap really is • Why high performers often struggle to reinvent themselves • The difference between being indispensable and being truly irreplaceable • Why career growth requires discomfort • Practical questions to help you identify whether you've outgrown your current role • How to align your career with your strengths and values • The importance of mentors, coaches, and your own personal "Board of Directors" • Why self awareness is one of the most valuable career skills you can develop Whether you're early in your career, leading a team, navigating a promotion, considering a career change, or simply wondering what's next, this conversation will challenge the way you think about success and long term career growth. Guest: Anna Smith Executive Coach | Leadership Strategist | Author of Mindset Intelligence | Co-founder of Bright Flare Performance Solutions If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Career Conversations with Ola, leave a rating or review on your favourite podcast platform, and share this episode with someone who's ready for their next chapter. Keywords: Competency Trap, Career Growth, Career Development, Professional Development, Leadership, Leadership Development, Career Advice, High Performers, Mindset, Growth Mindset, Executive Coaching, Career Coaching, Personal Development, Workplace Success, Future of Work, Professional Growth. #CareerConversationsWithOla #CompetencyTrap #CareerGrowth #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment

    The Competency Trap: Why Smart Professionals Stop Growing | Ana Smith | S2E14

  2. Jun 26

    What AI Can't Replace: Your Greatest Career Advantage | Carrie Christiano | S2E13

    Artificial Intelligence can write your resume, draft your emails, prepare you for interviews, and answer almost any question in seconds.But it can't replace your judgment.It can't replace your curiosity.And it can't decide what kind of career you want to build.In this episode of 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗢𝗹𝗮, I sit down with career strategist, recruiter, speaker, and author 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗼 to explore one of the biggest questions facing professionals today:𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗔𝗜❓This conversation goes beyond prompts and productivity. We discuss why the professionals who succeed won't simply be the ones who use AI the fastest, but those who think more strategically, ask better questions, and make better decisions.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why most professionals are using AI the wrong way• How to use AI as a strategic thinking partner instead of just a writing tool• Why better questions lead to better career decisions• Practical ways to use AI for career research and planning• The difference between career thinking and career reacting• Why judgment, curiosity, and critical thinking remain your greatest competitive advantageWhether you're exploring your next career move, actively job searching, or preparing for the future of work, this episode will change the way you think about both AI and your career.Connect with Carrie ChristianoWebsite:https://empowercareerstudio.com](https://empowercareerstudio.comLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/carriechristiano/If you enjoyed this conversation, please like the video, subscribe to the channel, and share it with someone navigating their career in today's AI driven world.𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂:𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗯𝗲𝗹𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲 𝗔𝗜 𝘄𝗶𝗹𝗹 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲❓Share your thoughts in the comments.#ArtificialIntelligence #AI #CareerGrowth #CareerAdvice #FutureOfWork #CareerDevelopment #ChatGPT #CriticalThinking #Leadership #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerConversationsWithOla

    What AI Can't Replace: Your Greatest Career Advantage | Carrie Christiano | S2E13

  3. Jun 12

    OFFICE POLITICS: Do You Really Have to Play the Game to Get Ahead? | Susan Collins | S2E12

    𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗽𝗹𝗮𝘆 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗮𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿❓Most people would rather avoid the topic altogether.In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, I sit down with executive coach and career strategist Susan Collins to unpack one of the most misunderstood topics in the workplace: office politics.Drawing on more than two decades of experience in leadership, talent strategy, succession planning, and executive coaching, Susan shares a perspective that may challenge how you think about career growth, influence, reputation, visibility, and professional success.🎯 In this conversation:• Do you really need office politics to succeed?• What leaders discuss behind closed doors• Why some people seem to get opportunities others don't• The mistakes people make when trying to stay out of workplace politics ...and lots moreRegardless of the phase of career you are in, this conversation will give you a different lens on how careers really work inside organizations.👤 Connect with Susan Collins🌐 https://thenetworkconcierge.com💼 LinkedIn: Susan Collins👍 If you enjoyed this episode:Like the videoSubscribe to the channelShare it with someone navigating workplace politicsLeave a comment with your biggest takeaway#OfficePolitics #CareerGrowth #WorkplacePolitics #Leadership #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalDevelopment #CareerAdvice #CareerSuccess #LeadershipDevelopment #GettingPromoted #WorkplaceInfluence #CareerConversationsWithOla

    OFFICE POLITICS: Do You Really Have to Play the Game to Get Ahead? | Susan Collins | S2E12

  4. May 29

    Power Literacy: The Workplace Rules Nobody Taught You | Nicole Johnston | S2E11

    Most professionals are taught how to work hard. Very few are taught how power actually works in the workplace. In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, I sit down with leadership coach, author, and former global executive Nicole Johnston to unpack one of the most overlooked career skills: Power Literacy. We explore why some talented professionals advance faster than others, the difference between performance and influence, and how visibility, communication, relationships, and perception shape career growth inside organizations. In this conversation, we discuss: • What power literacy really means at work• Why hard work alone is often not enough for career advancement• The hidden power structures that exist inside organizations• How to identify key influencers and decision makers• Building executive presence and credibility• The role of sponsorship in career growth• Why communication is one of the most important career skills• Common mistakes professionals make when navigating workplace dynamics• Practical ways to build influence authentically Whether you're an individual contributor, manager, emerging leader, or executive, this episode will help you better understand how organizations operate and how to position yourself for greater impact, influence, and career success. If you've ever wondered why some people seem to accelerate their careers while others remain stuck despite working hard, this conversation is for you. Connect with Nicole Johnston:www.innate-power.com Subscribe to Career Conversations with Ola for more conversations on career growth, leadership, workplace success, communication, influence, and professional development.

    Power Literacy: The Workplace Rules Nobody Taught You | Nicole Johnston | S2E11

  5. May 16

    Why Smart Employees Stop Caring at Work | The Hidden Leadership Problem | Shaun Mader | S2E10

    Why do smart employees stop caring at work? Why do talented people slowly disengage, stop speaking up, and lose motivation in workplaces that claim to value ownership and critical thinking? In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, leadership strategist Shaun Mader joins Ola for a deep conversation on workplace culture, leadership, employee engagement, ownership, and the hidden leadership habits that quietly shut teams down. This episode explores: • Why employees stop taking ownership at work • The real reason smart employees disengage • How workplace culture affects motivation and performance • Why employees stop speaking up in meetings • The leadership behaviors that create dependent teams • How high performing teams build trust and accountability • The difference between compliance and true ownership • How leaders can create cultures where people think independently If you are a leader, manager, HR professional, entrepreneur, or career professional trying to build better teams or grow in your career, this conversation will challenge the way you think about leadership and work culture. Connect with Shaun Mader: LinkedIn: Shaun Mader Website: FrictionToFlowConsulting.com TeamWare Guide: getteamware.com Email: [Shaun@getteamware.com](mailto:Shaun@getteamware.com) 🎙️ Career Conversations with Ola is a podcast about leadership, career growth, workplace culture, reinvention, and the human side of work. Topics covered: leadership, workplace culture, employee engagement, ownership at work, management, career growth, toxic workplace culture, team performance, communication, accountability, leadership development, employee motivation, organizational culture, workplace psychology, trust, burnout, and professional growth. Follow on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and YouTube for more conversations that help professionals grow with intention.

    Why Smart Employees Stop Caring at Work | The Hidden Leadership Problem | Shaun Mader | S2E10

  6. May 1

    You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Grow Your Career | Ibironke Yekinni | S2E9

    A lot of professionals feel stuck in their careers. They’re waiting to feel ready, confident, or qualified before making their next move.But that waiting might be the exact reason their career growth has stalled. In this episode, I sit down with Ibironke Yekini, a 4x founder and product quality engineering leader, to break down how to grow your career without feeling ready. She built her career by taking action early, applying for roles before she felt fully qualified, and figuring things out along the way. We talk about: Career growth strategies when you don’t feel readyWhy waiting slows down your professional developmentHow to build confidence in your career through actionThe mindset shift that helps you move forward fasterAt one point, she shares a powerful idea: If you’re 100% ready, you’re already overqualified. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your career, unsure about your next step, or afraid to take action, this conversation will give you a new perspective. You don’t need to feel ready to grow your career. You just need to start. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ibironkeyekini

    You Don’t Need to Feel Ready to Grow Your Career | Ibironke Yekinni | S2E9

  7. Apr 24

    Career Capital: Why Some Careers Skyrocket… and Others Don’t

    Most people think career growth comes down to titles, promotions, or working harder. But that’s not what actually separates the people who move fast… from the ones who stay stuck. In this episode, we break down the concept of career capital—the combination of skills, reputation, decision-making, and relationships that quietly shape your trajectory over time. You’ll hear a real career journey that didn’t follow a straight path - from law to compliance, privacy, and data governance -and how intentional moves, networking, and showing up consistently created unexpected opportunities. We talk about: Why two people with the same job can have completely different outcomesThe role of reputation, people and follow-through in long-term successWhy understanding the business matters more than just doing your job wellPractical ways to start building your own career capital today If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything right but not seeing the growth you expected, this conversation will shift how you think about your career. Because it’s not just about where you’ve been… It’s about what you’ve been building along the way.

    Career Capital: Why Some Careers Skyrocket… and Others Don’t

  8. Apr 17

    Is Money Quietly Controlling Your Career? | Lori Atwood | S2E7

    Are you feeling stuck in your career, thinking about a career change, or struggling to make the right career decisions? Money might be influencing more of your career choices than you realize. In this episode of Career Conversations with Ola, we explore how money mindset, financial pressure, and lifestyle expectations quietly shape career decisions, career growth, and job transitions. Many professionals believe they are making practical career choices, but in reality, fear and financial uncertainty are often driving those decisions. I’m joined by Lori Atwood, who shares powerful insights on how financial clarity impacts career transitions, why people feel stuck in their careers, and how money influences the risks we take or avoid in our professional lives. If you’re navigating a career change, feeling stuck in your current job, or trying to grow in your career with more confidence, this conversation will help you better understand the connection between money and career decisions. In this episode, we discuss: How money mindset influences career decisions and career growthWhy so many professionals feel stuck in their careersThe role of financial clarity in making better career choicesHow lifestyle and income expectations can limit career transitionsWhat to consider before making a career change or job moveHow to move forward in your career with more confidence and clarityThis episode is for professionals who want to make smarter career decisions, understand what’s holding them back, and take control of their career path. If you’ve ever questioned whether you’re making career decisions based on fear or clarity, this episode will give you the insight you need.

    Is Money Quietly Controlling Your Career? | Lori Atwood | S2E7
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Welcome to Career Conversations with Ola, the official podcast of CareerZone by Ola. Join Ola, an experienced HR professional and career coach, as she hosts candid interviews with industry leaders, rising stars, and inspiring professionals from diverse fields, shaping the future of work! Each conversation uncovers stories, strategies, and actionable tips to help you thrive in your career. Whether you're just starting, navigating challenges, or aiming for your next big move, this podcast is your guide to career empowerment. Stay tuned, stay inspired, and take charge of your career journey!

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