800 days without a full-time job. One man’s story pulls back the curtain on hiring bias, grief, and grit. In this deeply personal and powerful episode of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre speaks with Francis "Tank" Rhodes about the realities of long-term unemployment, especially post-pandemic, and despite having years of experience in HR and operations. Together, they discuss the importance of empathy, transparency, and community support in recruitment. The episode offers practical advic...
Jul 16, 2025•1 hr 37 min•Season 11Ep. 10
Taking a career break doesn't break your career if you know how to handle the return. In this episode of Control Your Career, host Julia Toothacre sits down with Jamie Dye, Talent Acquisition Team Lead at M3 USA, to talk candidly about career breaks, why they happen, how to talk about them, and what returning to work really looks like. They discuss the hiring process in biotech and medical research, offering practical advice on resume formatting, and interview authenticity. Jamie shares her pers...
Jul 02, 2025•43 min•Season 11Ep. 9
Let’s talk about the part of job searching no one likes to admit: rejection, fear, and feeling like you’re not enough. In this episode of Control Your Career, Julia sits down with Danny Cohen, President of Roc Search and One Life Science, to talk about the emotional weight of rejection, how fear shows up in the job search, and what candidates can do to stay focused and confident. With nearly 25 years of recruiting experience, Danny brings insight, energy, and empathy to this honest conversation ...
Jun 18, 2025•55 min•Season 11Ep. 8
What if your degree didn’t matter and your resume wasn’t the most important part of your job application? In this episode, Julia Toothacre sits down with Katie Rakusin, Senior Director of Talent Acquisition at Merit America, to unpack what competency-based hiring really looks like and why it’s changing how professionals get hired. Katie shares her journey from special education teacher to recruiting leader and explains why focusing on skills over pedigree creates more equitable and effective hir...
Jun 04, 2025•42 min•Season 11Ep. 7
Think recruiters are ghosting you on purpose? Think again. In this episode, Julia Toothacre speaks with Orlando Haynes, North American Talent Acquisition Leader at The Mosaic Company. Orlando shares his journey from candidate to recruiter, emphasizing the importance of honesty in resumes and the hiring process. We talk about the volume recruiters are up against, how the applicant tracking system actually works, and why timing is everything when you’re applying. Orlando shares actionable advice f...
May 21, 2025•58 min•Season 11Ep. 6
Most job seekers are using job boards the wrong way and wasting time because of it. In this episode, Julia Toothacre interviews Julie Calli, Chief Marketing Officer at Lensa. They discuss how job seekers can effectively use job boards like Lensa. Key points include understanding the difference between job boards and job aggregators, utilizing AI tools for resume and cover letter enhancement, and the importance of personal branding. They also address job scams, the role of AI in hiring, and the b...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 11Ep. 5
Job search advice is everywhere, but what’s real and what’s outdated? I’m cutting through the noise and giving it to you straight. In this special episode, host Julia Toothacre, a career coach and strategist at Ride the Tide Collective, recaps the major takeaways from the first three episodes of the season and digs even deeper into key hiring and job search topics. She shares crucial clarifications about the ATS, resume writing, interviewing, and how the job market is shifting in 2025. Plus, Jul...
Apr 23, 2025•25 min•Season 11Ep. 4
Remote jobs sound great—until the company calls you back into the office. In this episode, Julia Toothacre talks with Lara Nichols, Senior Managing Director of Global Talent Management at Markel, who oversees recruiting across the U.S. and globally. With decades of experience in HR and talent strategy, Lara shares what job seekers need to know as return-to-office (RTO) policies evolve. They dive into how hybrid expectations differ around the world, what “remote” really means in 2025, and the hid...
Apr 09, 2025•42 min•Season 11Ep. 3
Getting laid off feels personal, even when it’s not. The shock, uncertainty, and pressure to find your next move can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to derail your career. In this episode, Julia Toothacre talks with Sylvanna Berkowitz, founder of Tribe Talent Partners. They discuss the evolving job market post-COVID-19, emphasizing the importance of sharing experiences on LinkedIn. Sylvanna shares her journey in recruiting, her recent layoff, and how it led her to focus on her own business....
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr•Season 11Ep. 2
What if the recruiter you’re working with is the reason you’re not landing interviews? In today’s job market, not all recruiters are created equal and knowing how to spot the right ones can make or break your job search. In this episode, Julia Toothacre interviews Oscar Chavez, also known as “Oscar from LinkedIn.” As a seasoned DVM recruitment manager in the veterinary services industry, Oscar brings years of experience in both agency and corporate recruiting, offering a unique perspective on ho...
Mar 12, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Season 11Ep. 1
In this episode, host Julia Toothacre wraps up Season Ten, focusing on managers' expectations from employees and teams. Julia, a career coach and strategist at Ride the Tide Collective, reflects on her interviews with experienced managers. Key themes include the shift from in-office to remote work, the importance of empathy and relationship building, varying approaches to performance improvement plans (PIPs), and the need for proper training for managers. Julia emphasizes clear communication, ac...
Dec 18, 2024•1 hr 32 min•Season 10Ep. 10
In this episode Marciee McDonald, a regional executive director with nearly 20 years of nonprofit experience shares the ins and outs of the nonprofit world, specifically around people management and hiring. We explore the unique challenges of the nonprofit sector, focusing on the impact of restricted vs. unrestricted funding on hiring and management and much more. Marcie shares insights on effective management styles, the importance of passion in nonprofit, and the necessity of clear communicati...
Dec 04, 2024•42 min•Season 10Ep. 9
I am thrilled to have Jenny Darroch, PhD, the esteemed Dean of the Farmer School of Business at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio on the podcast. The conversation was rich with insights from Jenny’s corporate and academic life. We discuss Jenny's background, her leadership style rooted in dignity and respect, and the hiring process, including the importance of cover letters and traditional resumes in academia, and more. We also touch on the complexities of navigating higher education's hierarchic...
May 22, 2024•45 min•Season 10Ep. 8
We’ve got Tomas Company, Senior Product Manager and Interim Director at adidas, discussing his nearly 19-year tenure with the company, his people management style emphasizing empathy, and his approach to hiring and employee development on the podcast. The episode also covers the importance of regular employee meetings for professional growth, aligning personal values with career choices, and the manager's role in supporting employee development. Tomas's journey is nothing short of inspiring. His...
May 01, 2024•47 min
In this episode, we met Mike Farris, Senior Customer Service Manager at Zep Sales and Service. We delve into Mike's management style, the transition to remote work, and the hiring and people management approach. He emphasizes clear expectations, proper training, and a fair performance improvement process. Mike also discusses the need for a welcoming approach to one-on-ones and the importance of understanding the root causes of performance issues. Our conversation provides valuable perspectives f...
Apr 17, 2024•59 min•Season 10Ep. 6
In this episode, Jon Harper, a regional sales VP at a Fortune 200 organization, talks about effective people management and pulls back the curtain on what managers crave from their teams. From hiring to leadership, his insights are a goldmine for anyone looking to impress their higher-ups or step into a management role. We explore the transition from sales to leadership, emphasizing the need for clarity, kindness, and honest communication. Jon discusses his hiring approach, focusing on results a...
Apr 03, 2024•56 min•Season 10Ep. 5
Ronda Mullen's management philosophy centers on trust and supporting her team's growth by aligning their interests with potential career opportunities within the company. Ronda and Julia discuss the importance of internal employee development and the benefits of promoting from within. As the Director of Learning and Leadership Development at Epiq, Ronda also shares their approach to professional development, highlighting their use of LinkedIn Learning, live interviews, and other resources to fos...
Mar 20, 2024•53 min•Season 10Ep. 4
Renee Trotman delves into the intricacies of people management with the lens of a diverse background in managing teams across various industries, including banking, education, healthcare, non-profit, and Fortune 500 companies. Her education (She’s a lawyer and currently working on her doctorate!) combined with her experience provides a lively conversation guaranteed to guide employees and other people managers to learn how to work well together to achieve everyone’s goals. Control Your Career is...
Mar 06, 2024•37 min•Season 10Ep. 3
Meredith Allen's journey is nothing short of inspiring. Starting as a music educator in the rural landscapes of Iowa, she pivoted into the world of instructional technology consulting, eventually leading her to the bustling city of Stockholm to work for a Swedish startup. Her story is a testament to the power of adaptability and the willingness to embrace new challenges. At Soundtrap and Scrible, Meredith has navigated through various roles, each time bringing her unique blend of skills and expe...
Feb 21, 2024•45 min•Season 10Ep. 2
Managing large teams isn’t for the faint of heart, but Adam Trusty, a seasoned people manager in the healthcare industry, shares his approach and strategies. From hiring to handling performance issues and fostering employee growth, the insights we discussed are applicable across various industries. As a career coach, these lessons are crucial for anyone looking to navigate their professional journey effectively. Whether you're a manager or an employee, understanding these dynamics can lead to a ...
Feb 07, 2024•42 min•Season 10Ep. 1
Control Your Career: A podcast for ambitious professionals. It's time to control your career and conquer uncertainty, shatter imposter syndrome, and rise above the expectations imposed by others. Join Career Coach and Author Julia Toothacre, MS, as she guides you through a transformative journey to seize control of your professional path. Drawing upon more than a decade of expertise, Julia empowers professionals like you to find clarity, navigate your current career with intention, and propel yo...
Jan 19, 2024•4 min
Control Your Career: A podcast for ambitious professionals. It's time to control your career and conquer uncertainty, shatter imposter syndrome, and rise above the expectations imposed by others. Join Career Coach and Author Julia Toothacre, MS, as she guides you through a transformative journey to seize control of your professional path. Drawing upon more than a decade of expertise, Julia empowers professionals like you to find clarity, navigate your current career with intention, and propel yo...
Jan 10, 2024•4 min
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. In this special episode, Julia Toothacre is going solo to talk about the impact your spirituality can have on your career decisions. This will not be from any specific spiritual lens but more of an overview for ...
Dec 06, 2023•23 min•Season 9Ep. 12
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. In this special episode, Julia Toothacre is going solo to talk about the difficult topics of death, estate planning, and caregiving. Sharing from her personal experience, the episode is a good starting point for...
Nov 20, 2023•36 min•Season 9Ep. 11
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Dr. Kristen Cook is a pediatrician and parenting expert with over a decade of experience in medicine and as a mother of two, Kristen shares her expertise in neuroscience, child development, and pediatric medicin...
Nov 08, 2023•47 min•Season 9Ep. 10
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Daphne Wells is an ICF-certified coach with a focus on positive intelligence and delivers insanely powerful insights that give you radical permission to show up in your power and fulfill your purpose in the worl...
Oct 25, 2023•40 min•Season 9Ep. 9
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Dr. Tamara Beckford is an emergency physician and the CEO of UR Caring Docs, a company that helps companies create amazing cultures and reduce employee burnout through self-care workshops. In this episode, we ar...
Oct 11, 2023•46 min•Season 9Ep. 8
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Ahuva Hershkop is a Registered Dietitian + Coach who helps perfectionists evaluate, understand, and manage their relationship with food. In this episode, we cover how food impacts our career, changing our langua...
Jun 01, 2023•1 hr 1 min•Season 9Ep. 7
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Kyle Johann-Baker is an organizational leadership and wellbeing consultant, who encourages people to observe what it is that truly makes them come alive using the CliftonStrengths assessment as a starting point....
Apr 26, 2023•43 min•Season 9Ep. 6
Ride The Tide Collective, The Podcast is a career podcast that helps ambitious professionals control their career and make values-aligned career decisions. Season 9 is about embracing the "collective" in our name and we're bringing on coaches and experts in areas that impact your career. Simo Rodriguez is a Personal Trainer and Coach that helps women find their FIT and what truly works for them. If fitness has been a barrier for you, this episode will give you practical and simple steps to get s...
Apr 12, 2023•40 min•Season 9Ep. 5
