We open this episode with a side note on Raymond Chandler — a writer who reinvented himself when the world shifted beneath him. Out of job, out of structure, he disciplined himself to write and, in doing so, created Philip Marlowe — a character who could move through uncertainty with purpose.

That thread runs through this conversation.

In this episode, I sit down with Vince Ciarlo, a communications professional and educator who has watched his industry change rapidly. Immigration policy shifts impacted enrollment in Ontario colleges. Academic hours dried up. Digital media reshaped expectations. He retrained. He completed a master’s degree. He adapted.

And still, he feels behind.

Alongside guest coach Brian Epstein, we explore what happens when the structure that once defined you disappears. This isn’t just about job applications. It’s about identity, relevance, and momentum.

As the conversation continues beyond the recording date, two questions become central:

What is the problem here?
And how can we solve it with the tools we actually have?

The problem isn’t a lack of experience. It’s a loss of clarity. Vince doesn’t just need a job — he needs to reconnect with how his skills solve real problems in today’s world.

We experiment with a different approach:

• Define a clear professional value proposition.

• Treat every job posting as someone else’s problem.

• Rewrite it through that lens.

• Apply as the solution, not the supplicant.

In a world hungry for effective communication and thoughtful leadership, there is space for experience — if it is framed properly.

This episode is about regaining that frame.

Full Show notes at Career Coaching with John

Visit johnfialkowski.com to learn more about my work. Music Credits

Introduction

Like Black Coffee by Onion All Stars on Pixabay

Intermission

Sista Jane– by Lopkerjo Free Music Archieve, licensed under a Attribution 4.0 International License.

Less is More by Lesiakower rom Pixabay

Outro

The Midnight Delight by MonkeyBandito from Pixabay

Theme from the 90's by Lesiakower from Pixabay

In Part 4 of the Your Path in Life series, Johncontinues his coaching conversations with Luca — and runs head-first into something unexpected.

This episode isn’t about a breakthrough moment or a tidyrealization. It’s about what happens when the framework doesn’t land the way you thought it would, and when the coach’s expectations start getting in the way.

Using a personal “needs” exercise, Luca identifies four coredrivers:

• Make it happen
• Consistency
• Honesty
• Clarity

But instead of pointing outward toward an ideal workenvironment or future role, Luca turns the exercise inward — focusing almost entirely on personal accountability and standards he already holds himself to. That mismatch creates tension, hesitation, and discomfort — especially for John.

Rather than editing around it, this episode stays with thatdiscomfort.

Over the course of the conversation, the focus shifts:

• From finding answers to learning when to stop forcing them
• From being the hero to being the guide
• From outcomes and advice to listening, presence, and relationship

Later in the episode, Luca reflects on how the coachingprocess reshaped his own podcast — helping him move from vague conversationstoward more intentional, focused storytelling by identifying the one thingeach guest does particularly well.

The episode closes with a question worth sitting with:

What do the people around you come to you for — and whatkind of value do they already see in you?

This is an episode about expectations, identity, culturaldifferences, responsibility, and the quiet work of paying attention — both in coaching and in life.

Topics explored

• The limits of coaching frameworks
• Personal needs vs. environmental needs
• Accountability without ideal conditions
• Cultural differences in communication
• Discomfort as a signal, not a problem
• Letting go of the “hero” role
• Coaching as listening, not directing

Music Credits:

Introduction

For P by ilyatruhanov on Pixabay

Intermission

Roy – by JBlankedon Free Music Archieve, licensed under an Attribution4.0 International License.

Free Enjoy your Life by Agerabeatz from Pixabay

Outro

Snowy Night by Delta-x Music from Pixabay

In this second part of the Your Path in Life series, we pick up the conversation with UK-based software developer and podcaster Luca Volentir, host of Path in Life.

We start with a detour into the alien abduction story behind Fire in the Sky — what happens when people invent a more comfortable reality instead of facing failure, fear, or unmet needs. From there, we dig into Luca’s own story: his podcast, his personal brand, and the tension between structure, success, and genuine emotional connection.

This episode is less about “how to podcast” and more about authenticity, self-image, and the stories we tell ourselves when our needs aren’t being met.

“How do you become the person who’s actually right for the content you’re trying to make?”

Links & references

• Full Show Notes at johnfialkowski.com
• Path in Life Podcast – Luca’s show
• 16Personalities Test – the personality test John has guests complete
• Principles by Ray Dalio – the book that introduced Luca to “radical open-mindedness”
• Fire in the Sky (1993) – the film adaptation of the Travis Walton story

• 🎧 Want early access to the rest of this series with Luca?
  Become a Friend of the Show on Patreon
• 💌 Have a story about work, identity, or creative struggle you want to share on the podcast?
  Use the contact form on the site to apply to be a guest.

Music Credits:

Introduction

Night Rider Music by Saavane on Pixabay

Intermission

80s Robo Man by Kirk Osamayo on Free Music Archives Attribution 4.0 International License.

Contemplation Part 1 by Danydory on Pixabay

Outro

Sunny Ocean Drive Citypop Beat by Noobehouse on Pixabay

John opens with the Voyager missions and Carl Sagan’s Golden Record — a reminder that all of us send signals into the world, hoping someone understands who we are and what we’re trying to do.

This episode launches a four-part collaboration with Luca Volentir, host of Path in Life. Part One is about getting to know him: his move across the world at 19, the intention that guides his choices, and the mindset that keeps him learning instead of becoming bitter. It’s also where John introduces the idea of career heartbreak — the moment when your hard work collapses, or gets taken from you — and how Luca reframes that as a question of mindset and meaning.

A conversation about ambition, identity, heartbreak, and the search for direction — especially when you’re building something from scratch and trying to gain momentum on your own.

Visit ⁠johnfialkowski.com⁠ for coaching, podcast archives, and ways to support the show.

⁠More on this episode ⁠

Music Credits:

Intro:

Cosmic Ambient Soundscape for Films by Pripac from Pixabay

Ambient Space Arpeggio – Cosmic Echoes by Lilliben from Pixabay

Intermission:

One Step Ahead by Alex Grohl from Pixabay

Lo-Fi Midnight Hip Hop by Grand Project from Pixabay

Outro:

Mulholland Drive by Toyko Rifft from Pixabay

Show Notes:
What happens when the story you’ve been telling yourself about your career no longer fits?

In this episode, John speaks with Laura Barbante, amarketing professional in Australia whose career path took her from government work to unemployment—and back again with a renewed sense of purpose. Together, they explore what it means to rebuild a professional identity, create authentic personal-brand content, and navigate an industry being transformed by AI.

John opens with a reflection on Taylor Swift—how sheturned imperfection into identity and made vulnerability her brand. Later, he shares a story about a client struggling to see the link between the job she wants and the one she feels she has to take, and why the only way to build a brand is to simply start.

Because sometimes, suffering is okay—so long as you’re theone steering the ship.

In this episode:

• Turning career setbacks into storylines worth telling
• Finding meaning (and marketing value) in imperfection
• How AI is reshaping the marketing world—and how to adapt
• Building your personal brand when you’re not sure where to start
• Why progress begins with giving yourself permission to begin

Visit johnfialkowski.com for coaching, podcast archives, and ways to support the show.

More on this episode

Music Credits:
Intro:

Afro Beat Pop by HitsLab from Pixabay

Intermission:

Balance 2023 by VernonMaytone and Brotheration Records from Pixabay –

More from Brotheration Reggae

Lo-Fi Midnight Hip Hop by GrandProject from Pixabay

Outro:

We Dub a long way – Instrumental by Brotheration Records from Pixabay

Synopsis:

Remember the Freedom 55 dream? Retire early, live free, enjoy the good life. In Thailand, Kasikornbank has reimagined that dream — except now the cut-off is 45, and it’s not about freedom, it’s about AI and spreadsheets. What looks like early retirement is really a story about cost-cutting, technology, and assumptions about age and value.

In this episode, John breaks down what KBank is doing, pushes back on the easy narratives, and explores what it really means when work, technology, and human value collide. Along the way, he challenges the assumptions we make about ourselves and each other — the same ones that feed doubt about who we are and what we bring to the table. The episode ends with a piece of homework: What’s the one thing you’d like people to know about you?

Themes: Nostalgia vs. Reality, AI as Tool vs. Threat, Ageism Reframed, The Broken Ladder, The Absurd “Life Map”, Technology & Human Potential, Adaptability as the Human Edge, Self-Doubt & Personal Brand, Challenging AssumptionsLinks:

Visit ⁠johnfialkowski.com⁠ to learn how you can support the show

Follow John on Linkedin ⁠@johnfialkowski

Sources:

Retired at 45+, can you find a new job? - Warunrat Katmat, Bangkok Biz NewsKBank Offers Early Retirement at 45, Shaking Thai Job Market - ASEAN Now

Modern life design concepts when starting to retire at the age of 45 - Brand Buffet

Boomer revolution: That Freedom 55 guy is still working ... and he's from Victoria - Michael D. Reid - Times Colonist

Fridges And Washing Machines Liberated Women, Study Suggests - Universite de Montreal - ScienceDaily

Original Freedom 55 Commercial -

Music:

Smooth Chill Jazz by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠AllWorldMusic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pixabay

Intermission:

A Bit Redundant Gagmesharkoff from Free Music Archives

Outro:

Bebop Jazz Bedroom: LOPKERJO from Free Music Archives