What if the biggest thing holding you back in your career isn’t your skills, but the way you see yourself? In this episode, I sit down with career transition expert Michelle Schaeffer to unpack identity, ownership, and the power of networking.

In this episode of The Pivot Point, I’m joined by Michelle Schaeffer, career transition and leadership coach, author, and founder of Schaeffer Coaching. We dive deep into how identity shapes career moves, why so many high achievers underestimate their readiness for the next chapter, and what actually helps people pivot with confidence.

Michelle shares her own journey from financial services to not-for-profit to coaching, including how she navigated multiple restructures, reframed limiting beliefs, and built a roadmap for intentional career transitions. We talk about why you don’t need to wait for permission, a title, or a promotion to start owning who you’re becoming.

We also explore the real role networking plays in career growth, why it’s not just for job searches, and how small, human conversations often outperform online applications. Michelle offers practical reframes for common limiting beliefs like “I’m not qualified,” “I don’t have a network,” or “It’s too late for me.”

This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging. If you’re feeling stuck, quietly questioning what’s next, or navigating a pivot, this episode will help you see what’s possible when you take ownership of your career path.

What You’ll Hear

✔️ Why identity ownership matters during career transitions

✔️ How to stop waiting for permission and start claiming your next role

✔️ Common limiting beliefs that keep high achievers stuck

✔️ Why networking is 80% of an effective job search

✔️ How to reframe transferable skills across industries

✔️ A simple roadmap for navigating any career pivot

“The moment you name who you’re becoming, opportunities start to align.”

If this episode resonated, share it with someone who’s questioning their next move.

Download the Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at https://www.leadintact.com/freebies/heart-aligned-career, and if you’re ready to talk through your next move, book a free minute clarity call at https://leadintactwithlaura.as.me/free-clarity-call You don’t have to figure this out alone.

How to reach Michelle Schaeffer?

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleschafercoaching/

Website: https://mschafercoaching.ca/

Free offer #1: A free chapter from my book - sign up here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Order my book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose here:

https://mschafercoaching.ca/cultivatingcareergrowth/

Free offer #2: Download the reflection tool Career Focus Framework here: https://mschafercoaching.ca/gain-clarity-and-confidence-in-your-job-search/

Email me here: michelle@mschafercoaching.ca

Book a complimentary 30 min discovery call with me here: https://calendly.com/coaching-with-michelle-schafer

Proceed as if success is inevitable, because it is.

New year, new me but make it practical. In this solo episode, I’m sharing seven simple corporate practices that quietly compound into career growth, confidence, and leverage.

In this episode of The Pivot Point, I’m breaking down seven corporate practices that helped me navigate 18 years in corporate and that I still use today as an entrepreneur. This is a “New Year, New Me” conversation, but without the pressure to reinvent yourself overnight. These are small, strategic shifts that actually move the needle.

I walk through habits that support performance reviews, raises, promotions, and long-term career clarity, from documenting your wins to intentional scheduling and smarter networking. These practices are not about hustling harder. They’re about being more deliberate with your time, energy, and visibility.

Even if you’re an entrepreneur, business owner, or self-employed contractor, this episode applies to you. I share how these same ideas translate outside of corporate, especially when structure and accountability disappear.

This episode is an invitation to stop running on autopilot and start treating your career like something you actively design, one intentional practice at a time.

What You’ll Hear

✔️ Why small career practices compound over time

✔️ How to prepare for performance reviews without scrambling

✔️ The importance of tracking accomplishments consistently

✔️ Smart networking that works even when you’re not job hunting

✔️ How intentional scheduling protects your energy and focus

✔️ Simple mindset tools that keep your goals top of mind

“You don’t need a total reinvention. You need intention, consistency, and ownership.”

If one of these practices stood out, pick just one and start there. You don’t need to do all seven at once.

Download the Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at Download the Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at https://www.leadintact.com/freebies/heart-aligned-career, and if you’re ready to talk through your next move, book a free 20-minute call at https://leadintactwithlaura.as.me/free-consultation. You don’t have to figure this out alone.

Proceed as if success is inevitable, because once you believe that’s true, it becomes true.

What do you do when you land the job you worked toward for years and realize it still doesn’t work for your life?

In this episode of The Pivot Point, I sit down with Debra Osofsky, a deeply experienced negotiator, attorney, and negotiation trainer, for a grounded conversation about making thoughtful career decisions when the path you’re on no longer fits.

With more than 35 years of experience and 15 years running her own consultancy, Debra has spent her career negotiating complex agreements, advising clients on how to prepare for negotiations, and teaching professionals how to think clearly under pressure. She shares what it looked like to leave a prestigious role intentionally, without panic or financial chaos, and why taking time to work through both the emotional and practical sides of a decision matters.

We talk about what it really means to be ready to walk away, how to evaluate your options before making a move, and why exploring flexibility inside your current role is often the smartest place to start. This episode is about discernment, timing, and making career decisions you can stand behind later.

If you’re accomplished, capable, and quietly questioning whether your current setup still makes sense, this conversation offers perspective, language, and a steadier way forward.

✔️ What a BATNA is and why it matters when you are thinking about a career move

✔️ How to approach a conversation with your current employer when you are considering a pivot

✔️ What it really means to be ready to walk away, and why that clarity gives you leverage even if you stay

✔️ How Debra transitioned out of a prestigious role without financial chaos

✔️ Why being willing to say yes before you feel ready can open unexpected doors

“You are in your strongest negotiating position when you’re genuinely prepared to walk away.”

If this episode gave you language for conversations you’ve been avoiding, share it with someone who needs a smarter way to approach their next move.

Grab your free Heart-Aligned Career Transition Starter at👉 https://www.leadintact.com/freebies/heart-aligned-career

And if you want support navigating your own pivot — strategically and sustainably — book a free 20-minute call here:👉 https://leadintactwithlaura.as.me/free-consultation

To connect with Debra Osofsky, find her on LinkedIn or email her directly at debraosofsky@gmail.com.

What You’ll Hear Success should feel good — and make sense.