The Career Contessa Podcast
A weekly advice podcast focused on women, work, and all the answers to your career questions so you can be more fulfilled, healthy, and successful at work.
Each Tuesday, we’re here to help you make progress in your career. We uncover hush-hush topics like how to talk about salary at work and we demystify common career advice that simply doesn’t serve you.
Expect “aha” moments and step-by-step career advice you can implement today. Listen and subscribe so you never miss an episode!
Listen to The Latest Episode
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March 10, 2026
How to Stop Worrying About Money
Episode 10: Jesse Mecham
Read MoreMoney 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.
March 03, 2026
Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately
Episode 9: Greg Lawson
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.
February 24, 2026
3 in 30: Marnie’s Entrepreneur Journey
Episode 8: Lauren McGoodwin and Marnie Lemonik
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.
February 17, 2026
Mid-Career and Losing Steam? Let’s Fix That
Episode 7: Carolyn Dewar
Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title.
February 10, 2026
Why Smart Teams Still Fail
Episode 6: Dr. Vanessa Druskat
What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent.
February 03, 2026
How to Manage in The AI Era
Episode 5: Julie Zhuo
AI is transforming the way work gets done—but great leadership still comes down to people. In this episode of The Career Contessa Podcast, Lauren McGoodwin welcomes back Julie Zhuo, author of The Making of a Manager and co-founder of Sundial, to discuss how managers can lead effectively in the AI era, beyond productivity metrics and tools.
January 27, 2026
Why We Click: How to Build Better Bonds at Work and in Life
Episode 4: Kate Murphy
Why do we instantly “click” with some coworkers and struggle with others? Journalist and bestselling author Kate Murphy discusses the emerging science of interpersonal synchrony—how our brains, bodies, and behavior subconsciously sync with the people around us.
January 20, 2026
What To Do Each Quarter to Advance Your Career Year-Round
Episode 3: Michelle Schafer
If you’ve ever started the year with big career goals—only to lose steam by spring—this episode is for you. Career coach Michelle Schafer shares her quarterly career playbook: a simple, structured approach to keep your professional growth on track all year long. Learn how to break your goals into manageable chunks, build momentum each quarter, and stay accountable to your future self.
January 13, 2026
How to Run a New Year Career Audit
Episode 2: Saniya Waghray Tyagi
Before you set another career goal, hit pause — it’s time for a career audit. Career coach and product marketing pro Saniya Waghray Tyagi shares how to reflect on the past year, clarify what’s working (and what’s not), and set intentional goals that align your energy, environment, and ambitions for 2026.
January 06, 2026
3 in 30: 2026 Workplace Predictions
Episode 1: Lauren McGoodwin and Marnie Lemonik
In this episode, Lauren and Marnie break down three major workplace predictions for 2026, drawing from leading reports by Indeed, Forbes, and McKinsey. After a quick lookback on 2025, Lauren and Marnie dive deep into what’s ahead for the new year as it relates to job searching and larger workplace cultural shifts.
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