How To Make Career Development a 365 Day a Year Project (ft. Michelle Schafer)
Season 6 | Episode 2
About the Episode
What if losing your job was the best thing that ever happened to you? That’s exactly what career coach Michelle Schafer discovered when an unexpected job loss led her to her true calling.
In this episode, Michelle shares her personal journey—jumping across industries from banking to government to nonprofits—before finally finding her passion in coaching. She reveals how discomfort and uncertainty aren’t just challenges but catalysts for reinvention.
We’ll also dive into insights from her book, Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose, and explore why career planning should be ongoing, not just a reaction to change. Whether you’re navigating a transition, mentoring others, or rethinking your next career move, this conversation is filled with wisdom, strategy, and the mindset shifts that lead to real growth.
Tune in for an inspiring take on career pivots, leadership, and the power of embracing change.
Key Takeaways
- Career growth requires courage, consistency, and self-belief.
- Leaders and employees must prioritize career conversations year-round.
- Networking and open-ended questions unlock new opportunities.
- Small, intentional steps drive meaningful career progress.
- Everyone is responsible for shaping their own career path.
Episode 6.2 / Uncut Version
Uncut Challenge: The Truth Behind Fake it Till You Make It
“Fake it till you make it.” We’ve all heard it – now what do you make of it at this phase in your career? In this edition of the Underdog Leadership Podcast UNCUT, Jenny explores how the stories we tell about ourselves shape our confidence, actions, and success.
Career specialist Michelle Schaefer joined Jenny this week in Episode 6.2 and described herself as a career storyteller. Jenny reflected on her own journey: early on, she described Chavender as a small consulting firm—until she realized the word “small” was limiting her mindset.
Defining yourself as just a VP or just a small business owner will impact your growth. We’re going to dig in AND give you something to reflect on!
Episode Quotes
“If you as a leader are not thinking about the next step for your team members, you can sure as heck know they’re thinking about it for themselves. And so do you want to be part of the solution or part of the problem?”
– Jenny Mitchell