Steven Puri shares his journey from Hollywood exec to tech founder, revealing how failure, focus, and flow states power reinvention. In this episode we discuss: How transferable skills led him from Die Hard to startups Why failure is a critical part of reinvention How to create intentional, productive workdays The surprising story behind naming his company, Sukha Show Guest Steven Puri is the Founder and CEO of The Sukha Company, a focus and productivity app designed to support a healthier work ...
Jul 08, 2025•41 min•Season 12Ep. 229
The job market may be sending mixed signals, but one thing’s clear—companies still hire problem-solvers. In this episode, Jill talks with Kristian Schwartz, founder of The Montgomery Group , about navigating today’s complex hiring landscape with clarity, confidence, and strategy. Kristian shares how AI is changing the game, how to use summer wisely, and what top candidates are doing differently right now. Why AI fluency is no longer optional—only 10% are using it well How to turn the summer slow...
Jul 01, 2025•53 min•Season 12Ep. 228
What happens when you make a mistake at work, and everyone knows it? Whether a comment was taken the wrong way, an unfiltered moment in a meeting, or showing up unprepared, reputational hits can feel career-ending. In this episode, we talk about processing, recovering, and cleaning it up, without losing yourself in the fallout. You’ll learn: How to handle the awkward “in-between” after a professional misstep Strategies to take ownership without spiraling into shame or defensiveness How your Lead...
Jun 24, 2025•12 min•Season 11Ep. 227
In this episode, I explain leadership identity, how it differs from personal brand, and why it’s the key to making confident, aligned decisions, especially in times of change. You’ll learn how to: Clarify your leadership identity using values, strengths, and reflection Turn your identity into a decision-making filter Set better boundaries and lead with consistency Navigate transitions, burnout, or reinvention with clarity and confidence Mentioned on the Show: Ready to lead with clarity, confiden...
Jun 17, 2025•18 min•Season 11Ep. 226
In this candid and powerful conversation, Jill Griffin—Career Strategist and Executive Coach—sits down with Vicki Bradley, CEO and Founder of Women in Leadership, to talk about the messy middle of career setbacks and how to come out stronger. They dive into the emotional toll of getting fired, how to reframe workplace trauma, and what it really takes to rebuild career joy and confidence. In this episode, you’ll learn how to: Recover from being fired and reclaim your narrative Shift from feeling ...
Jun 10, 2025•32 min•Season 11Ep. 225
Why do some confident presenters crumble during coffee chats? We unpack the paradox of high-performing speakers with social anxiety and offer practical ways to show up without spiraling. In this episode we cover: The science behind “performance vs. connection” anxiety Why social stakes feel higher than spotlight moments How to manage real-life interactions without shutting down Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career...
Jun 03, 2025•13 min•Season 11Ep. 224
If your thoughts bounce from “she’s rude” to “they’re amazing” in the same breath, you’re not alone. But this pattern messes with your brand—and your ability to trust your own mind. In this episode I discuss: Why constant mental flip-flopping kills your strategic edge The hidden cost of narrating everyone else's behavior How to rewire your brain for clarity, confidence, and leadership presence Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace chall...
May 27, 2025•11 min•Season 11Ep. 223
In this episode of The Career Refresh , I talk with Eric Gillin—an executive who’s held just about every role in media: editor, product lead, head of sales. He calls himself “professional putty,” and he’s not wrong. We cover: How to drive influence without a formal title How to lead teams through turbulence and build trust Why chasing the right problems beats chasing promotions Show Guest For over 20 years, Eric Gillin has been a force inside legacy media—driving innovation at Condé Nast, Hearst...
May 20, 2025•43 min•Season 11Ep. 222
As team leaders, we need to understand what prevents burnout, understand work styles, and build thriving teams by creating environments where everyone can succeed, from the ultra-resilient to the highly sensitive. This episode breaks down the “Dandelion-Orchid Theory” and what it means for your career, leadership style, and how you handle stress. You’ll learn: Why “one-size-fits-all” leadership leads to burnout The subtle signs your team is struggling—even if they say they’re fine How to support...
May 13, 2025•13 min•Season 11Ep. 221
Feeling awkward about networking? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’ll show you how to reach out with clarity, confidence, and strategy—without feeling like you’re begging for help. In this episode: Why networking isn’t about the “perfect ask”—it’s about being a decent human. The secret incentive no one tells you about: referral bonuses. One ask. One click. One shot (but not in the way you think). Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplac...
May 06, 2025•14 min•Season 11Ep. 220
Perfection looks good, but excellence gets results. This episode breaks down: A recent failure, the mindset behind it, and how to lead with ownership The hidden cost of cutting corners Why asking for help shows strength, not weakness What excellence actually looks like in action Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Micros...
Apr 29, 2025•10 min•Season 11Ep. 219
In an unpredictable world—elections, layoffs, economic swings—our brains scramble for meaning, often defaulting to worst-case scenarios. In this episode, discover how to combat uncertainty—our biggest productivity killer. We also discuss: Understand how uncertainty triggers your brain's threat response How uncertainty kills creativity and innovation Hear how a horse taught a life-changing lesson about fear and the present moment 3 Techniques to help navigate uncertainty Mentioned on the Show: Th...
Apr 22, 2025•18 min•Season 11Ep. 218
Beth Mach, Co-founder and COO of Spacely, shares how her 25+ year career—and 70 global pitches in one year—prepared her for her TEDx talk. She discusses decision-making confidence, leadership resilience, and work-life integration while thriving in high-stakes startup environments. Key Takeaways: Why pitching beats perfect scripting Her go-to-strategy for overwhelm The surprising power of listening Why every leader needs a board of advisors Practical strategies to strengthen decision-making confi...
Apr 15, 2025•45 min•Season 11Ep. 217
Work isn’t just a paycheck—it’s a journey. We explore the three stages, Job, Career, and Calling , and how each phase shapes purpose, growth, and reinvention. In this episode, I discuss: How to move from survival to growth to purpose Why true callings often come from disruption and reinvention . Three key strategies for fulfillment at each stage of work. Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill lever...
Apr 08, 2025•17 min•Season 11Ep. 216
We’re often our own toughest critics, but self-doubt doesn’t have to control us. Learn how to shift your mindset, stay neutral, and lead with confidence. In this episode you learn : How to break free from self-criticism and reframe negative thoughts. The power of neutral thinking to reduce stress and improve decision-making. Leadership mindset strategies to stay focused and navigate challenges effectively. Send us a text Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert...
Apr 01, 2025•11 min•Season 11Ep. 215
Empathy advocate and author of The Empathy Dilemma , Maria Ross discusses how empathy fosters transparency in leadership. Learn practical strategies to build trust, improve communication, and inspire teams by leading with empathy. Explore how transparent leadership creates stronger connections, boosts morale, and drives organizational success. In this episode: How the definition of empathy has changed over time What empathy means in today's workplace What to do when empathy has been weaponized T...
Mar 25, 2025•47 min•Season 10Ep. 214
Your Leadership Classroom is Everywhere. Are You Paying Attention? Leadership isn’t about proving what you know—it’s about staying curious, observing, and learning from unexpected sources. Great leaders embrace a lifelong classroom mindset. In this episode I discuss: One of my biggest leadership disasters Why you want to rethink your teachers The behaviors that make you a more intentional leader How to spot the lessons all around you Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, de...
Mar 18, 2025•16 min•Season 10Ep. 213
In this episode, we dive into what it means to create a win-win workplace where both employees and employers thrive. Dr. Angela Jackson shares how to navigate resistance, foster adaptability, build trust, and empower employees for lasting organizational success. We also explore: The direct link between employee engagement and company profitability Why a zero-sum workplace erodes morale and performance How fostering a culture of mutual success benefits everyone. The best ways for employees to voi...
Mar 11, 2025•37 min•Season 10Ep. 212
Is your workplace more manipulative than supportive? Dr. William Diehl exposes corporate narcissism, from love bombing in interviews to toxic leadership. Learn to set boundaries and reclaim workplace balance. In this episode: Spot the Red Flags: Recognize manipulative behaviors like love bombing and boundary violations. Lead with Clarity: How leaders can manage toxic employees while fostering a healthy culture. Protect Your Energy: Strategies for setting boundaries and detaching from toxic work ...
Mar 04, 2025•25 min•Season 10Ep. 211
Success is great—but what if significance is the real game-changer? Early in our careers, we chase success—until we realize significance gives it meaning. In this episode, we dive into: How authentic leadership blends success with lasting impact Building a personal brand that truly matters Key questions to shape your success & significance journey Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverage...
Feb 25, 2025•12 min•Season 10Ep. 210
Are you stuck in the past without realizing it? In this episode, we uncover how to change your mind and shift from probability to possibility. From there you can create a career and a future that excites you. What you’ll learn: How your past thinking limits your future opportunities Why possibility thinking is the key to real change Practical steps to start living from your future self today Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challen...
Feb 18, 2025•13 min•Season 10Ep. 209
Navigating a workplace narcissist can be exhausting. Learn how to set boundaries, protect your confidence, navigate toxic people, and take control of your career. This episode breaks down: How to identify the 3 different types of office narcissists The hidden damage they cause to your confidence & career Practical strategies to manage and outmaneuver them How to protect your energy and workplace reputation Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance o...
Feb 11, 2025•21 min•Season 10Ep. 208
A portfolio career isn’t just about juggling multiple gigs—it’s about owning your career narrative, strategically stacking your skills, and positioning yourself for long-term success. And trust me, whether you realize it or not, you probably already have one. Join me as I break down: ✔ What a portfolio career really is (and why it’s more than just side hustles). ✔ How to leverage your strengths to create a career mix that works for you. ✔ Why clarity and personal branding are essential for portf...
Feb 04, 2025•20 min•Season 10Ep. 207
Is scarcity thinking holding you back? In this episode, we’re tackling the sneaky, joy-stealing mindset of scarcity—the belief that there’s never enough to go around. Whether it’s money, career opportunities, time, or even self-worth, scarcity thinking can derail your goals and keep you stuck. But it doesn’t have to. Here’s what you’ll learn: How scarcity thinking impacts your finances, career, and daily life 3 powerful mindset tools to shift from scarcity to abundance My simple yet transformati...
Jan 28, 2025•15 min•Season 10Ep. 206
Have you ever faced a curveball—like a job rejection, health challenge, or unraveling career plans—and felt torn between fighting harder or giving up? What if there’s a third way? Today, we’re diving into the art of surrender, exploring how shifting from resistance to conscious acceptance can turn setbacks into opportunities. Learn: The critical difference between submission and surrender How acceptance sparks innovation and growth Practical tools for navigating career transitions Mentioned on t...
Jan 21, 2025•23 min•Season 10Ep. 205
Your boss holds the keys to your next move - but are you waiting for them to unlock your potential? Rarely gonna happen. Welcome to the art of managing up, where you take control of your career trajectory instead of hoping someone else will. In this episode, we're diving into: The power dynamics you can't ignore (and how to make them work for you) Strategic moves that transform you from a team player to an invaluable asset The skip-level game: How to build relationships with senior leadership wi...
Jan 14, 2025•16 min•Season 10Ep. 204
Is your iron grip on control helping or hurting your career? In this episode, we dive into why high achievers default to control, when it serves you, and when it's secretly sabotaging your success. Whether you're a recovering control freak or dealing with one, you'll get actionable strategies to shift from micromanagement to actual leadership. The surprising truth about why control freaks are often the highest performers (and when that stops working) Two types of control that matter in business ...
Jan 07, 2025•17 min•Season 10Ep. 203
In this episode, I am exploring the 5 career trends I see shaping up for 2025. Dig into this week's episode and get the scoop on: The 5 trends shaping up for 2025 Career navigation tips New metrics for success Practice implementation Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenges and career transitions. Jill leverages her experience working for the world's top brands like Coca-Cola, Microsoft, Hilton Hotels, and Martha Stewart to addr...
Dec 31, 2024•14 min•Season 9Ep. 202
Let's talk about something we all face in our careers: disappointment. Even when we're hitting our stride with recent wins, we're still human – and that means we sometimes need to work through setbacks consciously and carefully. In this episode, we talk about: Why managing professional disappointment is essential for growth Learn how to reset expectations, evaluate setbacks, and practice self-compassion. How working through disappointment builds your resilience and reduces burnout Support the sh...
Dec 24, 2024•8 min•Season 9Ep. 201
In this episode, we're diving into the real reasons you're stuck in neutral – and how to shift back into drive. There is no generic "just do it" advice here, just practical strategies that work. You'll discover: The sneaky thought patterns secretly sabotage your motivation Your personal motivation reboot sequence Why chasing motivation might be the wrong game – and what to focus on instead Support the show Jill Griffin , host of The Career Refresh, delivers expert guidance on workplace challenge...
Dec 17, 2024•10 min•Season 9Ep. 200
