Career Contessa

The way we work is changing—and it’s not going back. In this episode, we sit down with Brea Starmer, founder and CEO of Lions & Tigers, to break down the rise of blended teams, where full-time employees work alongside independent experts.
They explore why women are leaving rigid career structures, how AI is widening skills gaps, and what companies must do to build flexible, high-performing teams for the future of work.
You’ll learn:
Why blended teams are becoming the new standard
How flexible work can still support growth and stability
What leaders need to rethink in the AI era

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
Lions & Tigers website: https://lionsandtigers.com/
Workforce Reimagined Research: https://lionsandtigers.com/why-now/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
Open a Found account for FREE at found.com.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Great leadership starts with managing yourself. Harvard professor Margaret C. Andrews shares why lack of self-awareness derails careers, how emotional intelligence shapes leadership at every stage, and which human skills matter most as AI reshapes work. A must-listen for anyone ready to lead with more clarity and confidence. You’ll learn:
Why lack of self-awareness is one of the biggest predictors of career derailment
The hidden gap between our intentions and how others experience our behavior—and how to close it
The first question to ask yourself as you learn to manage yourself

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaretcandrews/
Website: https://www.margaretandrews.com/
Book: https://www.margaretandrews.com/book

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsor
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again.

You’ll learn:
Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually does
How “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessing
What modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or control

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656

Guest Resources:
YNAB app: https://www.ynab.com/
YNAB YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@YNABofficial

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/

Sponsors
Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off.
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence.
You’ll learn:
The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in)
How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays
The EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW

Guest Resources:
EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Lauren turns the mic on co-host Marnie Lemonik to unpack her journey from corporate professional to Career Coach.
Marnie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she “shot her shot” with Career Contessa years before officially joining the team, what pushed her to start coaching and how she financially (and mentally) prepared to bet on herself. If you’ve ever considered starting your own thing, whether as a side hustle or full-time job, this is for you.
You’ll Learn:
The timing and circumstances that led Marnie to transition from corporate to coaching
What it actually looks like to build a side business before leaving your full-time job
The importance of financial preparation and rejecting the “struggle to hustle” mindset
The entrepreneurial skill of “figuring it out” (and why self-trust is everything)

Show Notes
Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP
Marnie’s Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaVZm8QWlC8RWwiajYcs9?si=a2a5187a63674a76
Marnie’s Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-marnie/id1875804683
Marnie’s Career Contessa Articles: https://www.careercontessa.com/meet-the-team/Marnie-Lemonik/87101/
Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/
Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/

Resources
Marnie’s Resume Template: https://www.marnielemonik.com/resources/p/template-marnies-resume-with-written-examples
10% Discount Code: CCPOD
The Job Search Dashboard: https://careercontessa.teachable.com/p/the-job-search-dashboard-notion-template?affcode=70732_cx6_j5wn
CareerFitter Online Assessment:
https://www.careerfitter.com/free_test/careerbuilder?afid=2218

Career Contessa Resources
Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/
Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/
Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/

Sponsors
Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa.
Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC.
Share a little extra love this February in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.