The John Poelstra Show

John Poelstra
  • 5.0 (2)
  • CAREERS
The John Poelstra Show

I believe we are each the sole owner of our lives. Are you a true “owner” or an “employee” of your life? All too often it’s easy to play small and think there’s nothing better. This mindset encourages us to find creative ways to cope and tolerate our circumstances instead of actively looking for ways to find all that is possible, often beyond our wildest dreams. I believe there’s a better way to live, one where you lead and act as the driver of your life instead of being its passenger. In that spirit, this show covers a variety of topics around the themes of personal ownership, effective personal leadership, productivity, co-active coaching, and being a better human. Along the way I'll share the things I'm learning myself and through other people as guests.

  1. 5D AGO

    132: Not Your Mother’s Library with Sarah Johnson

    Sarah Johnson is a library science educator and social worker. She joins me to explain the evolving role of public libraries in modern society. Sarah highlights how libraries have transformed from quiet book repositories into vibrant community hubs addressing diverse needs, from providing Wi-Fi and e-resources to offering social services like legal aid, health information, and even showers for unhoused individuals. Sarah explains that libraries are often the last free public spaces where people can gather without needing to spend money, making them essential yet increasingly complex environments. Sarah also shares her unique career path from social work and massage therapy to academic librarianship, emphasizing how her passion for learning and community service shaped her journey. She discusses the concept of “library social work,” which integrates social work principles into library operations to address challenges like homelessness, mental health crises, and safety concerns in public libraries. Through examples like San Francisco’s pioneering library social worker program, she illustrates how libraries can partner with community organizations to better serve patrons while supporting overburdened staff. Highlights * Libraries have evolved into community hubs providing far more than books * Public libraries often serve as the last free public spaces accessible to everyone * Many librarians lack formal training in handling social issues like homelessness or mental health crises * Academic librarians typically require advanced degrees, unlike many public library staff * Public libraries provide critical resources like Wi-Fi, job search tools, and legal aid * E-book usage has surged, keeping libraries relevant in the digital age * Serendipitous browsing—discovering books by walking the stacks—is a unique joy that digital catalogs struggle to replicate * Libraries play vital roles during crises, such as providing resources during natural disasters or pandemics * Social workers in libraries help connect patrons with external services rather than solving systemic issues alone * San Francisco was the first U.S. city to hire a full-time library social worker in 2009 * Library staff often experience burnout due to increasing demands and insufficient training * Trauma-informed care and de-escalation strategies are becoming essential skills for librarians * Children’s librarians emphasize physical books over e-books for developmental benefits * Libraries often partner with local organizations to offer tailored programs based on community needs * COVID-19 exacerbated challenges in public libraries, increasing chaos in some urban branches * Libraries are increasingly vibrant but face safety concerns due to their open-door policies * Modern libraries cater to diverse populations through multilingual resources and inclusive programming * Book banning controversies highlight the ongoing cultural significance of libraries * Peer navigator programs offer an alternative model for addressing patron needs without relying solely on social workers * Many communities invest heavily in renovating library facilities, reflecting their continued relevance * Academic librarianship allows professionals to combine teaching, research, and direct student engagement * Libraries must balance being welcoming spaces with ensuring safety for all patrons * Advocacy for library funding and leadership is crucial for maintaining thriving public spaces * Librarians Face a Crisis of Violence and Abuse (NY Times) Follow More of Sarah Johnson’s Work * a href="https://librarysocialwork.substack.

    55 min

  2. 12/06/2024

    131: Career Coaching Isn’t a Crystal Ball with Tammi Scott

    Tammi Scott joins me to discusses career coaching. Tammi explains that she and her business partner, Elisa, are launching Empowered Careers Group, LLC, which offers a comprehensive career coaching program. We explore various aspects of career coaching, including its definition, approach, and benefits. Tammi emphasizes that career coaching is not about providing a “crystal ball’ solution,” but rather a process of self-discovery and strategic planning. This conversation also touches on the role of AI in career coaching, the importance of networking, and the typical duration of coaching engagements. Tammi highlights the value of having a coach for accountability, support, and guidance through the ups and downs of career transitions. We also discuss the differences between career coaching and other forms of guidance, such as personal training or consulting. Tammi shares insights on resume writing, negotiation strategies, and the benefits of having a career coach. Our conversation challenges the common misconception that career coaches should provide immediate answers or specific job recommendations. Instead, Tammi describes career coaching as a facilitated journey of self-discovery, where clients explore their ideal work environment, values, and professional aspirations. While coaches can provide specific guidance on resumes and salary negotiations, the core work involves helping clients understand themselves better to make informed career decisions. Key Points * Career coaching is not about getting quick answers but facilitating self-discovery * Most effective career coaching engagements last 3-6 months * Career coaches don’t provide magic solutions or guaranteed career paths * The process involves creating a clear picture of your ideal work day * Resume writing receives more direct guidance than other coaching areas * AI tools can complement but not replace career coaching * Career coaching involves accountability and consistent support * Coaches help surface limiting beliefs and handle rejection * Career coaching combines internal reflection with practical action steps * Career coaches help clients understand their values and preferences * The best career management is ongoing, not reactive Contact Tammi Scott * TammiScott.com * LinkedIn Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    41 min

  3. 09/08/2024

    130: Katherine Krupka’s Path from Diplomacy to Healing

    Katherine Krupka shares her unconventional journey from the Russian Embassy to energy healing. She’s an energy healer, interfaith minister, coach and Executive Director of the Energy Medicine Professional Association. Our conversation reveals Katherine’s fascinating background, including her adventures working at the embassy in Moscow during the fall of the Berlin Wall, her involvement in privatization efforts with the World Bank and consulting projects with oligarchs in Russia. Katherine shares how her rock bottom moments led her to exploration of raw food, naturopathy, yoga, and meditation. She provides insights into how how healing works and how she helps clients. As a life-long learner, she’s presently focused on a deep study of human consciousness. Learn More About Katherine Krupka * Website * LinkedIn Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    1h 10m

  4. 08/20/2024

    129: Fusing 40 Years of HR, Leadership Development and Life Lessons with Mark Rumbles

    Mark Rumbles reflects on his career of 40 years, what he’s learned in the leadership development space and what’s next for him. Mark recently retired after 40 years in HR and leadership development. Mark and I discuss his career journey, the concept of retirement, and insights gained from his extensive experience developing leaders. This conversation touches on various topics, including mentorship, career planning, motivation, and the challenges of leadership development. Mark shares his perspective on career transitions, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, relationship-building, and maintaining a flexible approach to one’s career path. He also discusses his current interests post-retirement, including exploring podcasting and working towards fostering more civil discourse in society. Throughout the conversation, Mark offers his insights on leadership, personal growth, and navigating career challenges. Key Takeaways * Careers are more like arcs than rigid plans, requiring flexibility and adaptability * Effective mentorship often develops organically through relationship-building * Leadership development is about influencing factors that bring out internal motivation * Follow the fear, energy, and incentives to understand and overcome challenges * Retirement doesn’t mean stopping; it’s a transition to new opportunities and discoveries * Relationship-building is crucial for career success and personal growth * Curiosity is a key driver for personal and professional development * The term “networking” can feel manipulative; focus on genuine relationship-building instead * Leadership development is a fusion of various approaches and frameworks * Behavior is a language that often speaks louder than words * Self-reflection is crucial for aligning one’s words and actions * Fear often stems from a desire to preserve one’s identity or self-image * Motivation is complex and can’t be directly controlled by others * Balance is essential in leadership, knowing when to debate and when to act * Civil discourse and the ability to disagree respectfully are valuable skills * Career transitions can involve multiple steps (e.g., full-time to part-time to retirement) * Volunteering (e.g., joining a condo board) can be a way to stay engaged post-retirement * The concept of “career” is often misunderstood and over-emphasized * HR practices have shaped how people think about careers, sometimes unrealistically * Podcasting can be an alternative to writing a book for sharing ideas and experiences * Leadership development aims to bring out the best in people and help them bring out the best in others * Understanding one’s “wiring” and sources of joy is crucial for career satisfaction * Early career experiences, even if unenjoyable, can provide valuable foundations * The balance between debating ideas and executing decisions is crucial in organizations Connect with Mark Rumbles * LinkedIn Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    1h 2m

  5. 08/03/2024

    128: Demystifying AI with Doug Hunter

    Doug Hunter and I discuss artificial intelligence (AI), including how it works, its impact on various aspects of life and work and how to get started with it. Doug provides an overview of AI, distinguishing between classical AI and the more recent generative AI. Doug also explains how AI works on probabilities and patterns, and discusses its current capabilities and limitations. Our conversation covers the potential applications of AI in fields such as marketing, customer service, education, and coaching. Doug emphasizes the importance of understanding and adapting to AI technologies, while also highlighting some of the risks and ethical concerns. He suggests practical ways for individuals and businesses to start using AI tools and advises on how to approach AI integration strategically. Key Takeaways * AI is changing lives in ways many don’t realize; those who don’t adapt risk being left behind * Generative AI has democratized access to AI capabilities for the general public * AI operates on probabilities and patterns, not true understanding or knowledge * There are potential risks with AI, including hallucinations and copyright infringement * AI can significantly enhance productivity in various fields, including marketing and customer service * The nature of many jobs, including coaching, may change due to AI integration * AI tutors could revolutionize education by providing personalized, 24/7 learning assistance * Humans should remain “in the loop” when using AI, treating it like a smart intern rather than an infallible authority * AI’s impact on jobs will be significant, but historical technological advances suggest adaptation is possible * Learning to write effective prompts for AI will be a crucial skill in the future * AI can help make educational outcomes more equitable by providing resources to underserved areas * The concept of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and its potential implications are still theoretical * AI models are rapidly improving, with multimodal capabilities becoming more common * There are ongoing discussions about potential rights for AI systems * AI can be used as a tool to overcome barriers to effectiveness in various professions * Using AI effectively could allow professionals to take on more clients or work more efficiently * AI’s ability to find patterns in complex data sets can lead to insights humans might miss * The ethical implications of AI, including privacy concerns, are significant and ongoing * AI may not be able to replicate human creativity and intuition fully * Job postings in the future may require fluency in AI tools * AI can be used for creative tasks, such as generating bedtime stories or unique images * Understanding the limitations of AI is as important as knowing its capabilities * AI could potentially replace some front-line customer service jobs while making remaining roles more complex * Experimentation with AI tools is crucial for understanding their potential and limitations * AI’s impact may be more profound and widespread than previous technological revolutions AI Resources Mentioned * Perplexity (AI search tool) * ChatGPT * Google Gemini * Claude (Anthropic’s model) * DALL-E (image generation) * Midjourney (image generation) * Sora (video generation) * Whisper and Claude for content repurposing...

    51 min

  6. 07/08/2024

    127: Improve Your Job Search with Email: Tammi Scott

    Tammi Scott shares her unique approach to finding new job opportunities by emailing people she knows. Tammi and I were a money coaches together at Capital One. Tammi shares insights from her extensive coaching background, including her experience at Nordstrom selling shoes. She emphasizes the critical role of building and maintaining professional relationships during a job search. One of Tammi’s key strategies is sending regular email updates to her network, sharing her progress, goals, and offering mutual support. This approach not only keeps her connections informed but also fosters ongoing engagement. We also explore the importance of aligning personal values with career decisions and the benefits of combining traditional online job applications with proactive networking efforts. Key Insights * Combining online applications with networking efforts improves job search results * Understanding personal values helps in finding suitable job opportunities * Career coaching can provide valuable insights and strategies for job seekers * Regular practice and continuous learning are essential in careers and personal interests * Offering mutual support in networking efforts creates goodwill * Tracking networking efforts and job applications is important * Previous work experiences, even in different fields, can provide transferable skills * Providing an easy opt-out option in networking emails shows respect for recipients * Balancing online job applications with in-person networking yields better results * Curiosity and willingness to learn can lead to unexpected opportunities * Sharing specific job interests and companies in networking emails facilitates connections * Regular updates to your network keep you top-of-mind for opportunities Contact Tammi Scott * TammiScott.com * LinkedIn Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    43 min

  7. 05/14/2024

    126: Out of the Job Hive, Into the Beehive: Nick Accordino’s Layoff to Apiary Tale

    Nick Accordino shares the emotional rollercoaster of being laid-off, searching for a new job, and landing a new fulfilling role. Key Takeaways * Take conscious breaks from the job search process to recharge when needed. * Look for opportunities aligned with your authentic values and passions. * Focus your search locally to increase human connections. * Craft targeted, personalized applications rather than generic submissions. * Seek out volunteer experiences to reengage with your community. * Be open to unconventional or surprising paths. * Know when to pivot strategies if your current approach isn’t working. * Job searching takes an intense emotional and mental toll. * Not getting feedback from potential employers is demoralizing. * Expect ups and downs – the process is a rollercoaster. * Set a sustainable daily routine, likely only a few focused hours. * Generic job boards yield a lot of noise and unhelpful opportunities. * Losing your job can feel quietly disorienting at first. * Take time to recenter on your identity outside work. * Know your limits and don’t overcommit energy to any one opportunity. * Even short breaks from routine tasks can provide perspective. * Tap your local professional network for insights on roles. * Look for transferable skills you can highlight for new paths. * Combine personal interests with professional strengths. * Small companies offer chances to wear multiple hats. * Hands-on volunteering provides an engaging change of pace. * Share your story and be open to others’ for mutual support. * Get out of the house regularly to avoid isolation. * Finding joy and flow in simple, repetitive work. * Embrace serendipity when exploring options. Mentioned * Bee Downtown website * Bee Downtown Instagram * Volunteer Match Other Title Possibilities Claude2 helped me with the title for this post. Here are the runner-ups which I thought were equally funny and creative. * Stinging Insights: Nick Accordino on Life After Being Laid Off * The Buzz on Bouncing Back: Nick Accordino’s Winding Path from Corporate to Bee Maven * From Red Hat to Beehive: Nick Accordino’s Unexpected Career Pollination * Corporate Refugee Finds Sweet Success with Bees: Nick Accordino’s Unlikely Pivot * A New Honey Pot: Nick Accordino Rebuilds After a Layoff, One Bee at a Time * The Birds, The Bees, and a Layoff: An Unconventional Metamorphosis for Nick Accordino * Laid Off and Stung, But Not Down: Nick Accordino’s Apian Rebound * From Pink Slip to Honey Dipper: How Nick Accordino Cultivated a Sweet New Career Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    34 min

  8. 05/06/2024

    125: Avoiding Networking and Job Search Futility with Stephen Warley

    Stephen Warley joins me to explore why your job search and networking strategies aren’t working and what to do instead. Top Takeaways * Stop relying solely on online job applications and start talking to real-live people! * Create and maintain a list of your existing contacts and reach out to them with curiosity and honesty. * Understand your desired lifestyle costs and calculate the income needed to sustain it–don’t chase an arbitrary salary number. * Learn to articulate and demonstrate your value proposition to potential employers/clients. * Be open to unconventional paths like consulting, freelancing, or non-traditional roles. * Continuously invest in improving your skills and curating a portfolio of your work. * Market and promote yourself proactively, don’t just wait for opportunities. * Identify companies/organizations aligned with your values and interests. * Explore volunteering or gifting services to showcase your abilities. * Ask for additional connections/introductions in every conversation. * Adopt an entrepreneurial, empowered approach to managing your career. * Form a job search community for support, perspectives, and accountability. * Don’t undervalue your worth, but remain realistic about market rates. * Follow up consistently–a lack of response doesn’t mean you should stop pursuing. * Get out of your head and take action–even in small steps. * Challenge assumptions about what’s possible or conventional. * Align your work with your personal values and find the right fit. * Consider interim/temporary roles as potential paths to something more permanent. * Embrace lifelong learning as industries and roles evolve. * Focus on continuous self-improvement, not just securing any job. More About Stephen Warley Stephen Warley has been a serial solopreneur for the past 25 years. He’s the founder of LifeSkillsThatMatter.com. He’s a career and business coach on a mission to help you create work that works for you in alignment with your values, needs and abilities. He believes work is fundamentally changing as you know it and we’re all going to have to manage ourselves whether you work for yourself or someone else. Learn how to start making your work, work for you at www.lifeskillsthatmatter.com/about Credits * Hallon by Christian Bjoerklund * Cold Funk by Kevin MacLeod All songs licensed under Creative Commons

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

I believe we are each the sole owner of our lives. Are you a true “owner” or an “employee” of your life? All too often it’s easy to play small and think there’s nothing better. This mindset encourages us to find creative ways to cope and tolerate our circumstances instead of actively looking for ways to find all that is possible, often beyond our wildest dreams. I believe there’s a better way to live, one where you lead and act as the driver of your life instead of being its passenger. In that spirit, this show covers a variety of topics around the themes of personal ownership, effective personal leadership, productivity, co-active coaching, and being a better human. Along the way I'll share the things I'm learning myself and through other people as guests.

Information

  • Creator
    John Poelstra
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    Copyright © John Poelstra 2021
  • Show Website
    The John Poelstra Show

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