Career Sessions, Career Lessons - podcast cover

Career Sessions, Career Lessons

JR Lowry, PathWise.iopathwise.io

Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path.


Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts.


Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations.  He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer.  Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.

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Episodes

Insights From CEOs With Multi-Billion Dollar Growth Stories, With Georgie Dickins

Leadership is less about ego and more about evolution. In this dynamic conversation, Georgie Dickins —C-suite confidante and trusted advisor, founder of Women in Leadership Global , and author of Stratospheric CEOs —dives into the lessons behind some of the most influential financial industry leaders. She shares firsthand insights from working with C-suite giants and reveals what sets stratospheric leadership apart: clarity of vision, magnetic storytelling, intentional culture-building, and rele...

Jul 14, 202548 minEp. 161

The Creator Economy, Portfolio Careers, And Candles, With Kudzi Chikumbu

The creator economy is rewriting the rules of modern work, blending passion with purpose in a way that reshapes how we think about careers. In this inspiring conversation, Kudzi Chikumbu —former Global Head of Creator Marketing at TikTok, fragrance entrepreneur behind Sir Candle Man, and venture advisor—opens up about his unconventional path from accounting to executive leadership, and how he’s building a multi-hyphenate career with intention. From AI’s role in creativity to the emotional dynami...

Jul 07, 202546 minEp. 160

Professional Development With Lasting Impact (And Some AI), With Todd Holzman

Revolutionizing professional development demands a bold approach to address why conventional programs often miss the mark. This episode features Todd Holzman , founder of Holzman Leadership , who unveils his groundbreaking "real work" process. Todd's methodology doesn't just theorize; it empowers leaders at Fortune 500 and Global 2000 companies to solve crucial business problems in real time while simultaneously cultivating their leadership capabilities. Tune in to discover how this practical, r...

Jun 30, 202548 minEp. 159

Building Influence, Maintaining Growth, And Handling Setbacks With Keith Willis

Maintaining constant career growth requires more than just sheer will. If you want to do this the right way, you must come up with effective strategies aligned with your strengths – and even weaknesses. Sitting down with J.R. Lowry is Keith Willis , founder of Core Management Training . Together, they discuss how middle management professionals can take on bigger roles by learning the right way to influence others (even if they are not in the place of authority) and build relationships that trul...

Jun 25, 202552 minEp. 158

The Future Of Tech Talent And AI's Impact, With Gino Ferrand

Founder And CEO Of TECLA, A Provider Of Latin American-Based Tech Resources Latin America’s hidden gem of tech talent takes a vibrant turn as Junior Lowery sits down with Gino Ferrand , the dynamic founder of TECLA . Gino reveals the secret sauce behind connecting leading companies with a powerful network of over 50,000 engineers across Central and South America. This episode explores TECLA’s evolution over the past decade, diving into the advantages of nearshore talent, the revolutionary impact...

Jun 16, 202542 minEp. 157

Negotiation, From The Man Who Wrote The Book On It With Chris Voss

What if the most intense, life-or-death negotiations in the world held the key to unlocking your everyday success? This episode, prepare to have your mind blown. We're joined by Chris Voss , the former lead international kidnapping negotiator for the FBI and author of the groundbreaking book, Never Split the Difference . Chris takes us deep into his extraordinary journey, from his roots in Iowa to the high-stakes world of hostage negotiation, and how he now empowers professionals like you to ach...

Jun 09, 202542 minEp. 156

SuperShifts That Will Shape The Future With Ja-Naé Duane and Steve Fisher

Are you ready for a seismic shift? Forget everything you thought you knew about the future of work and life, because today, we're tearing down old assumptions with Ja-Naé Duane and Steve Fisher , co-authors of the provocative new book, SuperShifts . They argue that we're leaving behind a 200-year centralized industrial age and hurtling towards a new "Age of Intelligence." Join us as we uncover how their insights will not only redefine the future of the world but fundamentally reshape your career...

Jun 02, 202546 minEp. 155

Being A More Flexible Leader With Kevin Eikenberry

What does it take to lead with confidence when the ground beneath you keeps shifting? Today, Kevin Eikenberry , a globally recognized leadership expert, bestselling author, and Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, joins us. For over three decades, Kevin has been helping leaders unlock their full potential—and now he’s back with a powerful new book, Flexible Leadership: Navigate Uncertainty and Lead with Confidence . He dives into what it really means to lead in today’s fast-mov...

May 26, 202540 minEp. 154

Exploring The Midlife Career Crisis With Scott Doyne

Is your career at a crossroads? Feeling that familiar tug of wanting something more, or navigating an unexpected shift? You're not alone. This week, we speak with Scott Doyne , a career coach, author, and speaker with over fifteen years of experience helping professionals just like you find clarity and confidence during career transitions. Scott's book, Exploring the Midlife Career Crisis , is a go-to resource for anyone feeling stuck or searching for deeper purpose in their work. Join us as we ...

May 19, 202540 minEp. 153

Flex Staffing And Its Impact On The Future Of Work, With James Terry

Head Of US Revenue At Indeed Flex Flex staffing is rapidly reshaping the employment landscape, offering both companies and workers unprecedented flexibility and dynamic opportunities. In this episode, J.R. Lowry sits down with James Terry , Head of US Revenue for Indeed Flex , a leading tech-driven staffing solutions provider. James unpacks how Indeed Flex is revolutionizing the job market by leveraging technology to connect businesses with qualified, flexible staff, and empower individuals to c...

May 12, 202545 minEp. 152

Building A Beauty Business, With Natasha Cornstein

Ready to dive into the wild and wonderful world of the beauty business? J.R. Lowry's got you covered with an explosive conversation with Natasha Cornstein , the unstoppable CEO of Blushington ! This isn't just talk; we're getting a front-row seat to the magic behind Blushington, the ultimate beauty haven where makeup, skincare, hair, and retail dreams come true. Natasha's spilling all the secrets on how Blushington transformed from a simple idea to a franchise powerhouse. Think TikTok trends, th...

May 05, 202547 minEp. 151

Fighting For Parental Leave Rights, With Glen Wood

Author Of Too Big To Care: Adopt Sustainable Business Practices Or Embrace Defeat In the ongoing fight for parental rights in the workplace, Glen Wood 's story stands as a powerful testament to the challenges and triumphs of advocating for work-life balance. In this episode, J.R. Lowry interviews Glen Wood , a Canadian national who spent three decades in Japan and worked as an equity sales manager at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities. Glen shares his deeply personal journey of fighting fo...

Apr 21, 202539 minEp. 150

Being A Generous Leader, With Joe Davis

For Joe Davis , a generous leader is someone who selflessly helps others experience profound growth and unleash their fullest potential. They do not prioritize their personal agendas but are dedicated to elevating those around them. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, the award-winning author and speaker shares what it means to bring generosity to leadership, which results in better communication, inclusivity, authenticity, and collaboration within a team. Joe also emphasizes the importance of...

Apr 15, 202540 minEp. 149

Mastering The Art Of Asking Questions With Dave Reynolds

What if the secret to unstoppable leadership lies in mastering the art of questions? In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, host JR Lowry sits down with Dave Reynolds , serial entrepreneur, founder of The Rumin8 Group , and author of Radicle Growth: Transform into an Unstoppable Leader Through Mastering the Art of Questions . Dave shares how asking the right questions—rather than giving answers—empowers individuals, strengthens organizations, and drives sustainable growth. From tran...

Mar 31, 202543 minEp. 148

Paying It Forward To Aspiring Women Leaders, With Tracey Newell

Board Member, Former C-Level Executive, And Author Of Hers For The Taking Confidence, leadership, and bold decision-making—these are the keys to success, but many aspiring women leaders hesitate to take the next step. Tracey Newell knows this struggle firsthand and has dedicated her career to breaking barriers for women in business. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, she shares her journey from sales to the boardroom, the power of sponsorship, and why women should give themselves permission t...

Mar 20, 202544 minEp. 147

Own Your Career, Own Your Life, With Andy Storch

Don't just have a job, OWN your career! Andy Storch , author of Own Your Career Own Your Life , joins J.R. Lowry to share expert advice on personal branding, networking, and continuous learning to achieve career success. Andy discusses the importance of self-reflection, setting a vision for your future, and proactively taking steps to reach your goals. He also provides practical tips on leveraging LinkedIn for networking and building a strong personal brand. Dive into self-reflection, set your v...

Mar 03, 202551 minEp. 146

A Rebel With A Cause (and a Community), with Greg Larkin

Rebels don’t just break the rules—they redefine them. Greg Larkin, founder of Punks & Pinstripes and author of This Might Get Me Fired: A Manual for Thriving in the Corporate Entrepreneurial Underground, joins J.R. Lowry to explore what it means to be a rebel with a cause in the corporate world. They dive into why true innovators struggle inside big companies, how disruption often leads to transformation, and why some of the most game-changing ideas come from those who refuse to conform. Gre...

Feb 24, 202539 minEp. 145

Giving Up The Law And Taking A Bold New Career Direction, With Cynthia Pong

Leaving a stable career to explore a new career direction can be daunting. But sometimes, taking the leap is exactly what you need to thrive. J.R. Lowry chats with Cynthia Pong, founder and CEO of Embrace Change , to discuss her bold transition from a public defender to an executive coach and author. They explore the challenges of career shifts, the benefits of taking a sabbatical, how to overcome burnout, and finding purpose in new opportunities. Cynthia also shares insights from her book, Don'...

Feb 17, 202546 minEp. 144

How Improv Can Help Build Stronger Teams and a Stronger You, with Joel Zeff

Great teams don’t just happen—they’re built with intention, energy, and a little improvisation. J.R. Lowry sits down with Joel Zeff to talk about how improv techniques can fuel collaboration, innovation, and engagement in the workplace. From embracing the ta-da moments to making the right choices, Joel shares how humor and spontaneity can help create stronger teams that thrive under change and disruption. Whether you're a leader, team member, or just looking to bring more fun into your work life...

Feb 10, 202545 minEp. 143

Communicating For Impact And Lasting Change, With Tamsen Webster

Clear and impactful communication is a skill that shapes careers and transforms organizations. J.R. Lowry welcomes Tamsen Webster , a messaging designer and author, who shares her insights on communicating for impact. Together, they discuss how mastering communication can help leaders inspire change, build trust, and create lasting connections. Drawing from her varied career and best-selling books, Tamsen highlights practical strategies for crafting deeply resonating messages that truly matter t...

Feb 03, 202546 minEp. 142

Success as a Digital Entrepreneur, with Tim Fung

Building a successful online platform takes vision, persistence, and the ability to easily adapt to a constantly evolving digital landscape. J.R. Lowry speaks with Tim Fung, founder and CEO of Airtasker , who shares all about his journey as a digital entrepreneur. Tim shares the origins of his outsourcing company which connects people with unique skills to those who need them. He talks about the challenges of scaling a startup across multiple countries, the importance of having a community, and ...

Jan 27, 202546 minEp. 141

Building A Business In Adventure Travel With Matt Butler

Adventure travel is more than just visiting new places; it’s about connecting with cultures, building experiences, and making a positive impact. J.R. Lowry talks with Matt Butler, founder of Basecamp 2XL, about his journey from a rural upbringing in Canada to creating a thriving global adventure travel business. They discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, the rewards of community-focused travel, and how passion fuels purpose. Whether you’re an avid traveler or curious about starting your ow...

Jan 21, 202544 minEp. 140

The Viking Code, With Anders Indset

The Viking Code offers a blueprint for blending tradition with modern success. Anders Indset , author of The Viking Code , joins J.R. Lowry to share his unique journey from athlete and entrepreneur to philosopher. Exploring the core themes of the book, Anders reveals the power of collective values, drawing powerful lessons from Nordic culture and the world of high-performance sports. He delves into the importance of continuous learning, embracing progress, and fostering trust in a rapidly changi...

Jan 16, 202552 minEp. 139

Bringing America Together Through Localized Civic Service With Garrett Cathcart And Jake Harriman

What happens when a Marine who battled Al-Qaeda in Iraq returns home to find his biggest enemy isn't a foreign power, but the division within his own country? And what if he teams up with an Army Cavalry officer who dodged IEDs in Baghdad to fight that enemy? This isn't a Tom Clancy thriller; this is the real-life story of Jake Harriman and Garrett Cathcart, the founders of +More Perfect Union. They're on a mission to bridge the political divide tearing America apart, one community at a time. Jo...

Jan 06, 202543 minEp. 138

From The US Navy To The Tech Sector To The C-Level, With Randy Wootton

Those who have served in the military develop a strong sense of discipline, responsibility, and humility. After Randy Wootton ’s service, he made good use of these values he acquired to find success in the tech sector. In this conversation with J.R. Lowry, the former Navy pilot and Harvard School graduate talk about his inspiring transition from the military to C-level positions at major tech companies, including Microsoft and Salesforce. He also shares about his current position as the CEO of M...

Dec 18, 202449 minEp. 137

Burnout And New Beginnings, With Laura Nguyen

Author of Career Break Compass Ever feel like you're constantly running on empty, pushing yourself to the brink of exhaustion? You might be experiencing burnout, and you're not alone. J.R. Lowry sits down with Laura Nguyen, a marketing executive-turned-burnout coach and author of Career Break Compass. Together, they explore the signs, symptoms, and surprising causes of burnout, which has become an all-too-common phenomenon. Laura reveals how she hit the "invisible wall" and made the difficult de...

Dec 09, 202447 minEp. 136

From Government Intelligence To Private Investigator, With Mario Bekes

Managing Director & Founder Of Insight Intelligence Stepping into the world of intelligence and investigations offers a rare glimpse into the human psyche, and few understand it better than Mario Bekes . Joined by host J.R. Lowry, Mario shares how his career as a private investigator and intelligence expert shaped his understanding of human behavior, fraud, and the challenges organizations face in uncovering the truth. From his beginnings in Croatian intelligence to building a thriving inves...

Dec 02, 202448 minEp. 135

Management, Leadership, Innovation And More, With Linda Hill

Most people assume leadership and management are the same thing. Although both roles mean getting top positions, they require vastly different mindsets and perspectives. Joining J.R. Lowry in this conversation is Linda Hill, Wallace Brett Donham Professor at the Harvard Business School. Together, they discuss how leaders should handle their transition to managerial positions smoothly, as well as how to handle the many challenges that come with it. Linda also explains how leaders should cultivate...

Nov 25, 202451 minEp. 134

How To Earn Your PMP Certification, And Why It Matters, With Tamara McLemore

Earning a PMP certification can certainly open doors to new career opportunities and elevate your credibility as a project management professional. Experienced project manager Tamara McLemore joins J.R. Lowry to discuss the true value of the PMP certification and why it is more than just a piece of paper. Tamara explains why the PMP is essential for project success in any industry, providing practical advice on preparing for and passing the exam. She emphasizes why PMP is a valuable skill set th...

Nov 18, 202440 minEp. 133

Offering The Premier Supercar Driving Experience, With Adam Olalde

CEO And Founder Of Xtreme Xperience J.R. Lowry sits down with Adam Olalde , founder and CEO of Xtreme Xperience , to explore the thrill and accessibility of the Supercar Experience. Adam shares how he transformed his passion for high-end cars into a unique business that lets anyone step into the driver’s seat of luxury vehicles like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. Discover the story behind Xtreme Xperience and how Adam turned a simple idea into a leading “autotainment” venture that brings excitement ...

Nov 11, 202441 minEp. 131
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