Burned out or misaligned at work? Here's how a break could change everything.
What if taking a break from your career wasn't a setback, but a strategic step forward?

In this episode, Katrina McGhee, career break coach and author of Taking a Career Break for Dummies, joins Diana to explore how to plan, fund, and return from a career break with clarity and confidence.

From burnout to intentional reinvention, Katrina shares powerful insights from her own 20-month break and the 200+ clients she's helped since. If you're craving change but unsure how to make space for it, this episode is your permission slip.

• Katrina's path from actuary to world traveler to career break coach

• How burnout, betrayal, and blossoming reveal the need for a break

• What a "career break" actually looks like (hint: it's not a gap year)

• How to plan, fund, and protect your break

• Strategies for reentering the workforce confidently

⏳ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:22 How Katrina and Diana connected
02:31 Katrina's journey from math major to career break expert
06:03 The misalignment that led to her 20-month break
08:30 Breaking down the "Three B's" model: Burnout, Betrayal, and Blossom
13:40 Understanding self-betrayal and its impact
17:04 Using a break for discovery, not just recovery
20:53 Preventing career jumping vs. intentional pivots
24:37 How the job market shift has changed break dynamics
26:35 Talking about your break without sabotaging your story
30:58 What reentry actually looks like — and how long it takes
36:00 Katrina's job search post-break (and 5 offers in 5 weeks)
40:55 Internal vs. external narratives during reentry
43:38 Common mistakes: rest guilt, reentry panic, and LinkedIn doomscrolling

💡 Take Action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away from your job? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Katrina McGhee
🌐 Website → https://www.kmcgheecoaching.com
🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/mcghee-katrina/

📲 Follow Me On Social Media
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
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Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

Want to follow through on your New Year's goals instead of fizzling out by February? Diana breaks down exactly why most resolutions fail and how to turn your intentions into real progress.

In this solo episode, she shares three common mistakes that sabotage follow-through and how to avoid them with a better approach to planning, prioritization, and progress tracking.

Whether you're building healthier habits or launching something new in your business, this episode will help you set goals that actually stick.

• Why resolutions often fail by February

• The "boiling the ocean" trap and how to escape it

• How to select the right goals for your current season

• Turning vague intentions into measurable plans

• The importance of evaluating progress—and celebrating wins

⏳ Timestamps
00:00 Intro
01:26 Why good intentions fall apart
03:24 Mistake #1: Trying to change everything at once
07:20 Focus vs. quitting – the mindset shift
09:26 Mistake #2: No concrete plan
12:54 Defining what success looks like
14:41 Mistake #3: Not assessing or celebrating progress
17:42 Simple ways to review and reward your efforts
19:56 Final thoughts and encouragement

💡 Take Action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow Me
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt

In this conversation, Gina and Diana dive deep into the Career Velocity™ system Gina developed after years of experience in executive search and career coaching. Together, they bust outdated job search myths and show why checking all the boxes on a job posting still won't guarantee an interview, let alone a job offer.

You'll learn the difference between being qualified and being compelling, why resumes are not the first step in a successful search, and how a strong unique value proposition (UVP) can change your entire career trajectory. Gina shares advice for leaders and job seekers of all ages, including how Gen Zers can stand out with more than just a degree.

If you're tired of applying online and getting nowhere, this episode will rewire how you approach the search.

⏳ Timestamps:
02:15 Why "qualified" doesn't mean "hired"
05:40 The Career Velocity™ model overview
10:20 How Gina's son leveraged UVP and UMAP as a Gen Z job seeker
16:30 Frameworks that transform informational interviews into strategy
20:15 Ditching the elevator pitch, what to say instead
24:45 Tell your story: The 3/3 method for "Tell me about yourself"
30:00 Using values and motivators to make better job decisions
36:10 Thought leadership beyond LinkedIn
42:00 Metrics that actually matter in a job search
49:00 Navigating the "AI Doom Loop" in 2025
53:00 Lightning round: worst advice, best habits, biggest mindset shifts

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Gina Riley
🌐 Gina Riley Consulting → https://ginarileyconsulting.com/
🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/ginariley/
🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/atginariley
📚 Buy Qualified Isn't Enough on Amazon → https://www.amazon.com/Qualified-Isnt-Enough-Develop-Interview/dp/B0F7WP4TXV

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #JobSearchTips #ExecutiveCareer #ThoughtLeadership #UMAP #UniqueValueProposition #ResumeTips

Are you actually resting… or just numbing out?

As the year winds down and exhaustion sets in, it's easy to blur the line between real rest and quiet avoidance. In this solo episode, Diana breaks down how to tell the difference and why noticing it matters as you move into the new year.

Diana explores why so many of us feel depleted at the end of the year, even when we finally slow down. She explains how rest is intentional and capacity-building, while avoidance is often reactive and numbing even when it looks relaxing on the surface.

You'll hear practical examples of how everyday activities like reading, watching TV, or scrolling can either restore you or drain you, depending on your intention. This episode isn't about judging yourself or fixing your life, it's about noticing what truly fills you up so you can move forward with more clarity and less pressure.

⏳ Timestamps
01:26 Why rest feels urgent at the end of the year
02:28 What real rest actually is
03:28 How avoidance shows up (and why it feels tempting)
05:48 Rest restores, avoidance numbs
06:53 How the same activity can be rest or avoidance
08:55 Why avoidance spikes during the holidays
11:07 Why avoidance isn't a character flaw
11:51 The risk of ending your break more exhausted than you started
13:43 What noticing restoration vs. depletion teaches you
14:32 What's coming next on the podcast

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #BurnoutRecovery #CareerReflection

What does it take to lead 500+ people, grow a thriving program, and still prioritize personal growth? Leslie Weaver has the answers and she's sharing her powerful, practical insights with us today.

In this inspiring conversation, Leslie Weaver, Program Manager of before and after school programs for one of Tennessee's top school districts, shares how she leads with purpose, models growth from the top down, and creates a culture of care and excellence.

We talk about her journey from coaching gymnastics and working in retail, to thriving in education leadership. Leslie reveals how she helps her team feel seen, heard, and supported, even in high-turnover environments. You'll hear how she builds leaders from the inside out, the tools that reignited her spark during burnout, and why "leading yourself well" is the foundation for everything else.

Expect honest stories, real leadership wisdom, and practical strategies, plus how Leslie tackles "time confetti" and keeps her people aligned, inspired, and growing.

⏳ Timestamps:
01:14 Leading 500+ staff and navigating public education systems
03:53 When Leslie first noticed her leadership tendencies
06:13 Career journey: From retail to Girl Scouts to education
09:14 Building more than just child care creating enrichment
10:35 Engaging parents, growing programs, and earning trust
13:20 Reducing turnover and building a mission-driven culture
15:36 Why leading yourself is the foundation for leadership
17:06 Recovering from burnout and the power of modeling behavior
21:27 Goal-setting, reflection, and building intentional habits
23:17 How Leslie stays inspired and focused on growth

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Leslie Weaver
🔗 LinkedIn → http://www.linkedin.com/in/lesliepweaver

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #LeadershipDevelopment #BurnoutRecovery #WomenInLeadership #LeadYourselfFirst #ChildCareLeadership #CliftonStrengths

Laid off? You're not alone. Here's what's actually changed in 25 years and what hasn't.

In this solo episode, Diana shares the powerful story of her first layoff experience in 2000, which just so happened to fall on her 26th birthday, the very same day the Supreme Court ended the Bush v. Gore recount. With vulnerability and wisdom, she reflects on how layoffs felt then, what she sees now as a coach working with professionals every day, and what's stayed consistent despite a changing job market.

You'll hear why layoffs still shake people's sense of identity, how stigma around layoffs has evolved, and why clarity, curiosity, and connection are still the most reliable ways to bounce back faster. If you've ever been laid off (or are worried you might be), this one's for you.

⏳ Timestamps:
01:16 The story of Diana's first layoff
02:30 Early signs of the dot-com bubble wobble
04:19 The emotional toll of being laid off
05:57 Identity, self-worth, and career shakeups
07:27 Shame, fear, and grief in the aftermath
09:00 What actually helps you land faster
10:51 The stigma shift: Layoffs in 2000 vs. 2025
12:34 The rise of layoff visibility, social media, and doomscrolling
14:33 Why psychological pressure feels heavier now

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerResilience #WorkShouldFeelGood #Layoffs #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #MindsetMatters #CareerGrowth #BurnoutRecovery #RecessionReady

Are your high standards helping or hurting you at work? Let's unpack the real cost of perfectionism.

Dr. Greg Chasson joins Diana for an eye-opening conversation on how perfectionism shows up in the workplace and what leaders and individuals can do about it. A licensed clinical psychologist, professor, and expert in OCD and related disorders, Greg breaks down how perfectionism isn't just about wanting things to be "right"it's often a barrier to progress, innovation, and well-being.

Whether you're a leader, a team member, or just tired of beating yourself up for not being "perfect," this episode will give you the mindset and practical insight to create a healthier relationship with achievement.

⏳ Timestamps:
04:44 The Seth Godin book blurb story
06:00 Childhood roots of perfectionism
10:13 Compulsive vs. impulsive behavior
12:00 How OCD and perfectionism intersect
15:29 Perfectionism vs. the pursuit of excellence
19:02 Workplace examples of rigid goals
21:46 Cognitive rigidity and burnout
22:58 Strengths and struggles of perfectionists
25:04 Impact on team culture and leadership
30:12 How to overcome perfectionism and reclaim flexibility

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📢 Connect with Dr. Greg Chasson
🌐 Website → https://www.gregchasson.com
🔗 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregchasson
📘 Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/DrChasson/
🐦 X (formerly Twitter) → https://x.com/GregChasson
📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/gregorychasson/
📚 Check out his book Flawed: Why Perfectionism is a Challenge for Management → https://www.amazon.com/Flawed-Why-Perfectionism-Challenge-Management/dp/B0CY3GVD81

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#CareerGrowth #WorkShouldFeelGood #Perfectionism #LeadershipDevelopment #MentalHealthAtWork #OCD #Psychology #PersonalGrowth

Brain tumor, business challenges, and deep clarity. Diana gets real about the chaos that reshaped her 2025.

This first-ever Thanksgiving episode isn't a gratitude list. It's a raw, personal story of what happens when life derails your plans. Diana shares how an unexpected brain tumor and subsequent recovery forced her to rethink support, vulnerability, and her own worth. From discovering who she could count on, to choosing joy and experiences (like Hamilton in NYC), this episode is a masterclass in reclaiming your voice, your energy, and your no white-knuckling required.

If you're navigating burnout, life transitions, or big decisions, this one's for you.

⏳ Timestamps:
01:36 "Pete" the brain tumor and unexpected surgery
03:40 The "three oh sh*t" moments: identity, finances, and support
06:44 Who showed up: surprising support systems
10:55 Lessons in delegation, trust, and rebuilding
11:23 Leading through crisis at The Thing conference
14:29 Choosing joy, rest, and play
17:18 Saying yes to Hamilton and yourself
21:31 Loving yourself more than ever before
22:31 Reflective invitation: what clarity has your chaos given you?

💡 Take action
🔥 Subscribe for future episodes → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
📖 Grab my Resume Don'ts Guide → https://www.dianaalt.com/resumedonts
❌ Avoid these common job search mistakes → https://www.jobsearchmistakes.com
🚪 Wondering if it's time to walk away? → https://www.isittimetowalk.com
💼 Work with me → https://www.dianaalt.com

📲 Follow me on social media:
LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianakalt
YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@dianaalt
Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/dianakalt
TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@thedianaalt
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/thedianaalt

#WorkShouldFeelGood #ThanksgivingReflection #BrainTumorRecovery #ChoosingYourself #SolopreneurLife #PersonalGrowth #SelfLove #LeadershipJourney