What if you could navigate a workplace fraught with distrust and still stay true to your own values and integrity? In this episode of the Purposeful Career Podcast, we're discussing practical strategies to thrive in environments where honesty and transparency are often missing. Drawing from my personal experiences and recent coaching sessions, I provide insights into dealing with untrustworthy colleagues and superiors, and handling a company culture that lacks integrity. Through actionable advic...
Sep 01, 2024•36 min•Ep. 195
Ever wondered why happiness dips in your 40s and early 50s before rising again into your 70s? This episode of The Purposeful Career Podcast unpacks the intriguing U-shaped happiness curve, offering a deep dive into the pivotal midlife years. Drawing on the Harvard Study of Adult Development, one of the longest-running studies on happiness, we reveal five key principles that could transform your approach to finding fulfillment. These insights are not just theoretical; they're practical tools that...
Aug 25, 2024•40 min•Ep. 194
Ever wonder why you often say "I don't know" in response to pivotal life questions, even when deep down you do? Join us on an enlightening journey as we uncover the five common reasons behind this self-imposed uncertainty, drawing from personal experiences and a transformative cognitive-based coaching approach. You'll also discover a powerful question that can shatter the cycle of indecision and bring clarity to your true desires. Plus, stay tuned for exciting updates, including potential guest ...
Aug 18, 2024•40 min•Ep. 193
Feeling stuck in a rut or craving a deeper sense of fulfillment? Discover why stepping out of your comfort zone is the key to living a richer, more meaningful life. Reflecting on a staggering statistic—that 98% of people remain within their comfort zones—we explore how embracing discomfort can lead to profound self-discovery and personal growth. From the pivotal transitions of early life to the stakes of midlife, learn why continuously pushing your boundaries is essential for ongoing development...
Aug 11, 2024•38 min•Ep. 192
Have you ever found yourself in a stressful situation where simply being told to "calm down" felt impossible? In this episode, we promise to equip you with neuroscience-based strategies for emotional self-regulation, going beyond mere platitudes. We break down how different parts of your brain react under stress and offer practical techniques to regain control during triggering moments. Imagine being able to handle difficult coworkers or major life challenges with a newfound sense of composure a...
Aug 04, 2024•39 min•Ep. 191
What if you approached your life with the same strategic precision as a CEO manages a company? In this episode of the Purposeful Career Podcast, I, Carla Hudson, invite you to embrace the role of the 'chief creative officer' of your life. Drawing insights from a Harvard Business Review article, we explore eye-opening statistics that reveal how few of us actually take the time to map out a vision for a great life. Together, we'll challenge the notion of leaving life to chance and delve into the t...
Jul 28, 2024•38 min•Ep. 190
Ever wondered why some relationships leave you feeling emotionally exhausted? Discover the keys to navigating midlife relationship drama without losing your peace. In this final part of our three-part series, we address the tricky terrain of dealing with individuals who harbor negative feelings toward you, even if you don’t share those sentiments. From family members to colleagues, we delve into the impact of these strained interactions on your well-being and offer practical strategies to handle...
Jul 21, 2024•30 min•Ep. 189
Feeling the pressure of time as you strive to accomplish your money goals? This week on the Purposeful Career Podcast, I share personal insights on conquering "money drama". As retirement approaches, financial stress can become overwhelming, especially with concerns about social security and savings. We'll delve into the unique financial challenges faced by those in their mid-50s, particularly women who often have less savings than men. I discuss the mental health impact of financial stress and ...
Jul 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 188
Feeling overwhelmed by the relentless march of time? Ever wondered if you're truly making the most of your midlife years? This episode dives deep into the "time drama" that often grips us during midlife or mid-career stages, exploring how thoughts of panic, regret, and being stuck can create a paralyzing cycle. We unravel the complex emotions surrounding time management, and provide insights on how to break free from these mental traps, reclaim control, and reconnect with what truly matters. As ...
Jul 07, 2024•28 min•Ep. 187
Is your self-image holding you back from achieving your full potential? Discover how transforming your self-perception can revolutionize both your personal and professional life. Join me, Carla Hudson, as we challenge the myth that self-perception is fixed and explore how our self-image, shaped by external labels and experiences, can be redefined to unlock hidden potentials. Through compelling stories, such as a midlife client who broke free from outdated beliefs, we'll examine the profound impa...
Jun 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 186
What if small, visible tweaks in your external world could unlock profound internal transformation? Join me as we explore this intriguing concept, flipping the focus from inner mindset shifts to actionable outer changes. In this episode, I share the compelling story of a client who found herself stuck at an executive plateau. Discover how simple adjustments to her appearance and workspace ignited newfound confidence and motivation, proving that external changes can serve as powerful catalysts fo...
Jun 23, 2024•25 min•Ep. 185
Regret can be a powerful force in our lives, especially when it comes to career decisions. Imagine accepting a job during the pandemic, only to find out it doesn't meet your expectations. That’s the story of Michaela, a client who faced unforeseen dissatisfaction despite being recruited for a promising high-growth field job. Through Michaela's journey, we explore how unchecked regret can erode self-belief and create a destructive mental cycle. You’ll learn how to manage regret productively to pr...
Jun 16, 2024•39 min•Ep. 184
Is your career or personal life stuck on autopilot? Learn how to get unstuck by breaking free from the chains of "learned helplessness", a concept of Positive Psychology. In this episode, we'll discover how Dr. Seligman's groundbreaking research can be the key to getting unstuck and transforming your life. I share my own career journey and some examples from my clients, showing you the power of taking proactive control and how refusing to remain passive in unsatisfactory situations can lead to a...
Jun 09, 2024•34 min•Ep. 183
Can ambition evolve as we age, or does it remain a relentless pursuit of success? Join me in an eye-opening episode where we dissect the changing nature of ambition at mid-career. Drawing from my own experiences as a brand strategist, entrepreneur, and life coach, I share the journey of a client who, despite being at the peak of his career, faces the challenge of aligning his passions with his professional life. We navigate the complex emotions that arise when we come face-to-face with the finit...
Jun 02, 2024•43 min•Ep. 182
Embarking on a journey through 14 cities taught me that true transformation isn't about your zip code; it's about what's happening on the inside. This week, I pull back the curtain on my own reinvention adventure, guiding you through the art of internal change. We're not just talking about swapping out your daily grind for a new one – it's about overhauling how you see yourself, and, more importantly, how you respond to that persistent inner voice nudging you towards something different. With si...
May 26, 2024•31 min•Ep. 181
Have you ever considered midlife to be a battleground of transition, laden with the promise of growth? Join me on a candid journey as we traverse the terrain of midlife – that span between 39 and the mid-50s where the intensity of peak career pressures, family dynamics, and self-discovery coalesce. Through my lens, you'll uncover the bittersweet symphony of life's halftime show, where the joyous fruits of labor intertwine with the profound challenges of supporting both the generation before us a...
May 19, 2024•44 min•Ep. 180
Ever feel like you're trudging through your career, searching for that elusive spark? Join me as we tackle the mid-career quest for meaning, and discover how even the most mundane tasks can be transformed into fulfilling endeavors. Together, we'll unearth the strategies that can reignite passion in your professional life, ensuring a satisfying balance with your personal world. The key might just be a shift in perspective, and I'm here to guide you through it. This episode is a treasure trove for...
May 12, 2024•39 min•Ep. 179
Ever found yourself stuck in a rut, whether through a twist of fate or a series of questionable decisions? I'm Carla Hudson, and in my latest podcast episode, I draw from the deep wells of personal experience to guide you out of life's darkest holes. Prepare to climb out with me, as we navigate the treacherous terrains of financial mishaps, career nosedives, and health setbacks, embarking on a journey of self-recovery that's as meticulous as a climber's ascent to the summit. This episode is a he...
May 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 178
Have you ever caught yourself trapped in a cycle of "shoulds," feeling chained to expectations that don't truly resonate with who you are or what you want? In this episode, we explore the importance of breaking free from this mindset and discover the keys to realigning our actions with our authentic goals. Through a candid conversation about personal experiences and the transformative story of a client who battled career setbacks, we unpack how this 'should' mentality often intensifies in midlif...
Apr 28, 2024•33 min•Ep. 177
Ever feel like you're standing at a crossroads in your career, unsure of which path to take next? You're not alone. Join me as we traverse the landscape of mid-career reinvention, where the real transformation isn't about a new job title, but about a seismic shift in self-perception. Throughout this episode, I share my own journey and the invaluable lessons learned from changing cities and jobs, revealing that the most profound consistency comes from within. We'll unravel the process of recogniz...
Apr 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 176
When life throws a curveball, it's not the event itself that knocks us down, but the relentless negative thought loops that follow. I'm Carla Hudson, and I've battled through the grief of losing both my parents in quick succession. By sharing my personal journey and those of my coaching clients, this episode guides you through the murky waters of negativity bias and demonstrates how to reclaim the steering wheel of your mind. We all face moments when fear and anxiety take the driver's seat, lead...
Apr 14, 2024•41 min•Ep. 175
Have you ever held yourself to a standard so high that anything less than perfect felt like a failure? That's a question I pondered deeply after reading a Harvard Business Review article on the three types of perfectionism. I know...who knew there were three types? In this episode we discuss the three types of perfectionism identified by psychologists Paul Hewitt and Gordon Flett. We'll uncover the sources of pressure, from internal drivers to societal expectations, and the often-unspoken connec...
Apr 07, 2024•33 min•Ep. 174
Sailing through the midcareer and midlife waters can be stormy, but imagine harnessing that energy to propel you towards a career that's truly aligned with who you are. I'm Carla Hudson, and I've navigated the sometimes rough seas of midlife, transforming my own career into the vision I had for myself. This episode is intended to give you perspective on your own professional journey, especially during those transformative midlife years. We'll do this by exploring 10 ways to have a purposeful car...
Mar 31, 2024•44 min•Ep. 173
Come with us as we unlock the secret to magnifying your self worth and appreciation. In a world where accomplishments are often overshadowed by the next big goal, I invite you to pause and savor the things you've mastered so far. The things that have helped to make you who you are. Our conversation turns the spotlight on the pivotal yet often neglected practice of self-appreciation—where no comparisons are allowed. And no, this is not about self-centeredness; it’s about recognizing everything it...
Mar 24, 2024•23 min•Ep. 172
Unlock the leader within you as we walk through a transformative exploration of self-command and its indisputable impact on both your professional and personal life. Imagine the empowerment that comes from mastering your internal world. By fostering a steadfast approach to inner leadership, you'll learn to navigate life's challenges with unmatched clarity and intention, leading to a profound shift in how you perceive and act upon the things going on around you. This discussion isn't just about i...
Mar 17, 2024•30 min•Ep. 171
Midlife is a time when issues tend to converge and we can find ourselves in a period when it feels like a bomb went off in our life. This is exactly where I found myself in June of 2022 and it culminated in me losing both of my aging parents within six months of each other. In this episode, I'm sharing the six strategies that became my lifeline during that difficult chapter which included balancing the demands of a new corporate role, my own business, and the intricate web of family care respons...
Mar 10, 2024•44 min•Ep. 170
Have you ever caught yourself tuning out your own voice to accommodate everyone else's needs? This episode embarks on a journey with me, Carla Hudson, as we examine the transformative art of self-listening. Anchored in personal anecdotes and enriched by coaching experiences, we navigate the common habit of sidelining our desires for others, especially during the riveting demands of midlife. Join us to discover how reclaiming the neglected art of tuning into our inner dialogue can reshape our liv...
Mar 03, 2024•37 min•Ep. 169
Ever find yourself caught in the relentless cycle of "shoulding" your way through life and career? I'm Carla Hudson, and today's podcast peels back the layers on why that inner monologue of shoulds could be sabotaging your happiness and growth. We kick things off with the gripping tale of a client who, after facing an unexpected career crossroads, wrestled with self-doubt and the haunting idea that she should be further along. But as we navigate her story, you'll see that we all have the power t...
Feb 25, 2024•34 min•Ep. 168
Have you ever caught yourself constantly running on empty, pouring every ounce of energy into everything but yourself? This isn't just a chat about the merits of self-care; this is an awakening for those who've tucked their own needs away. Join me as we explore the art of self-prioritization in the intricate dance of career and life. It's particularly poignant for women, as we've historically been the caretakers, the nurturers, the put-everyone-else-firsters. But what if we dared to flip the scr...
Feb 18, 2024•39 min•Ep. 167
Have you ever wondered about the ripple effects of a celebrity romance within the world of sports? Join me, Carla Hudson, as we explore the unexpected impact Taylor Swift's relationship with Travis Kelsey has had on the Kansas City Chiefs. This episode uncovers how the influx of Swiftie fans has not just amplified the Chiefs' brand value but also intertwined the vibrancy of pop culture with the adrenaline of sports. We'll analyze the team's performance, their challenging season, and the road to ...
Feb 11, 2024•39 min•Ep. 166