Career Can Do

Elle Ballard, founder and Executive Director of the Women of the World Network, joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to share her insights on empowering multinational women. Elle's journey from corporate marketing to establishing a thriving community to advance the professional and personal growth of women worldwide is indeed inspirational. In this episode, Elle reflects on the inception of Women of the World, its significant achievements, and her plans for the future. Elle's journey from Kazakhstan to corporate America fueled her passion for creating a supportive space for women building businesses in new countries. The Women of the World Network, with 22 represented countries, is a result of her vision. The community provides visibility and partnership opportunities, fostering collaboration among its members. Elle tells Mary Ann, “Women of the World Network is really where my heart is, my way of giving back to humanity, to elevate and support women in their businesses.” Women of the World boasts various achievements, including publishing 3 books and having 45 authors achieving bestselling status. The organization boasts over 10 member events monthly and a podcast featuring extraordinary women. Elle announces the addition of international retreats, starting with Turkey in the spring. Their fourth book dedicated to women in business will soon be published, and a deep-dive program is imminent. The E Academy is an opportunity for members to showcase their skills and expertise through webinars and workshops. Elle emphasizes the platform's flexibility, allowing members to organize events at their own pace. This initiative not only promotes networking but also helps members build their businesses. Mary Ann and Elle discuss Elle’s unique approach to personal and professional growth. Elle stresses the importance of taking time for yourself. She encourages listeners to ask, ‘What do I want?’ as a foundational step towards creating a fulfilling life. “We can create anything we desire …if we are intentional with it,” she remarks. Elle emphasizes the beauty of the journey of life itself, advising listeners to keep an open mind and be adaptable. “Being flexible and having an open mind, that's the key to everything in life, I believe,” she says. As Women of the World approaches its 5th anniversary, Elle expresses gratitude and invites listeners to join their upcoming conference in California on March 9, promising an in-person event filled with inspiration and growth opportunities. Resources Elle Ballard on Website | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Women of the World Network Faremouth.com

AI expert Jonathan Green joins host Mary Ann Faremouth for an in-depth discussion on how artificial intelligence and tools like ChatGPT are transforming careers. Jonathan has a master's degree in AI from King's College London and now works as an AI consultant, helping businesses implement AI systems and processes. He shares insights from his book, ChatGPT Profits, on how professionals at any career stage can leverage AI to work more efficiently, free up time, and future-proof their careers in an AI-driven job market. Jonathan first took notice of AI about two years ago when the quality improved dramatically, especially with the release of ChatGPT version 3.5. He was struck by how readable the content was compared to previous AI-generated text. When he tested the newest AI tools, he found he could customize prompts to get better results than default settings. Jonathan began experimenting with tweaking parameters and sharing techniques with his community, ultimately developing his own formulas and processes to get the most strategic value from AI. He noticed gaps in how others were using the tools and believed drawing on his approach to writing books, courses, and blogs would allow him to use AI in a more optimized way. Jonathan emphasizes that AI works best in cooperation with humans, not as a replacement. Instead, Jonathan recommends a collaborative working relationship where AI generates drafts and surfaces ideas while humans provide the judgment, nuance, ethics, and creativity. He believes this approach enhances human skills and capabilities. Thoughtfully integrating AI to amplify uniquely human traits like strategy, innovation, leadership, and purpose can usher in a new era of productivity and meaning. When evaluating where professionals can apply AI in their daily work, Jonathan suggests starting by identifying repetitive tasks that are time-intensive but do not require critical thinking, such as answering routine emails, compiling metrics or status reports from multiple sources, and converting information from one format to another. These mundane administrative tasks are prime for automation so knowledge workers can focus energy on higher value work. Jonathan shares examples from his own business like using AI to generate show notes from transcript recordings. He emphasizes maintaining quality by reviewing AI-generated drafts before sending to finalize. The goal is not to eliminate the human but rather change their role from production to oversight, saving time while preserving accuracy. Mary Ann asks Jonathan how job seekers can leverage AI, specifically ChatGPT, to prepare for upcoming interviews. Jonathan suggests doing mock interviews with ChatGPT customized to the hiring manager and company. He explains that ChatGPT has detailed data on many major companies' interview practices and also on common interview styles. Users can request mock interviews with ChatGPT while role-playing as the actual interviewer they will be meeting with. He emphasizes customizing questions to the position as this elicits tailored responses from ChatGPT. Rehearsing interview questions ahead of time helps reduce some nerves since expected questions won't feel as intimidating. Resources Jonathan Green on LinkedIn | ChatGPT Profits Faremouth.com

What if you could reprogram your mind to achieve career success? Alex Morgan, joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do, to explain how we can tap into the power of our unconscious mind to unlock our limitless potential. Alex is a certified professional hypnotist and author of The Transformative Power of Suggestion. He uses hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming to help people overcome negative emotions and achieve their goals. In this episode, he explores specific strategies to manage stress, adopt an abundance mindset during your job search, and constantly seek feedback to grow. Our unconscious mind shapes our beliefs and behaviors. Alex remarks, "Everything begins as a thought. The chair that I’m sitting in, at some point, someone, they thought of this in their mind and created this. Everything around us was created by a thought." By tapping into the unconscious mind through hypnosis and visualization techniques, we can reprogram limiting beliefs and instill empowering suggestions. Believe that you deserve career success. Holding empowering beliefs helps you build confidence to take risks and put yourself out there during a job search. "When you actually speak to people,” Alex points out, “you have this belief that the people you’re talking to, you’re going to find them interesting, and they’re going to find you interesting as well. And this will help build a lot of beneficial relationships." Mastering your mental state is key for performing under pressure during interviews and on the job. Alex recommends relaxation techniques like controlled breathing and autogenic training to relieve stress. He explains that you can reprogram your mind to be relaxed, calm and motivated in stressful situations, using these strategies. Resources Alex Morgan on LinkedIn | The Transformative Power of Suggestion Faremouth.com

Megan Dougherty is the co-founder of One Stone Creative, a multimedia content agency specializing in podcasts and online courses. With over a decade of experience in digital marketing and online business development, Megan has collaborated with hundreds of business owners across various industries. Notably, Megan is the driving force behind the success of this very podcast, contributing her expertise to elevate Career Can Do’s quality. She joins Mary Ann Faremouth to delve into the world of podcasting, exploring its significance for businesses, the key elements that make a podcast successful, and the upcoming Podcasting for Business conference. Megan emphasizes the importance of strategic planning for a podcast: your podcast goals should align with your overall business objectives, so you can measure the show’s impact. She tells Mary Ann, "If you don't know the impact that the show is making on your business, and you have no way of measuring what that impact is, then you're going to not be able to attribute any new relationships, new revenue, new traffic to it." A well-organized workflow is a critical success factor. A poorly organized process, with information scattered and lack of communication among team members, can lead to unnecessary confusion and hassle. Also, clearly define success metrics from the outset, she emphasizes. "It really comes down to figuring out at the start what's the most important thing my podcast has to do for the business and then optimizing all of the areas of the podcast to achieve that goal," she says. The Podcasting for Business conference takes place on November 13-15. Megan expresses excitement about Mary Ann Faremouth's presentation on guest selection. The conference, designed for business owners, offers a platform to learn about podcasting as a marketing channel. Megan outlines various events, including networking opportunities, expert presentations, and new "Ask the Expert" sessions focused on generative AI, SEO for podcasting, and video podcasts. The comprehensive lineup ensures attendees gain practical insights to enhance their podcasting endeavors. Resources Megan Dougherty on LinkedIn | X (Twitter) | One Stone Creative | Podcasting for Business Conference Faremouth.com

On this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes Bill Sims, a distinguished keynote speaker and author in safety, leadership, and employee empowerment. Bill is recognized for his insights into creating a safer and more productive work environment by emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement, understanding generational dynamics in the workplace, and challenging traditional safety practices. Bill and Mary Ann delve into the realm of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and its intersection with behavioral-based safety, drawing insights from his book, Green Beans and Ice Cream. According to Bill, effective communication involves not only articulating ideas but also actively listening to others. By valuing input from all levels, leaders can tap into the valuable knowledge that workers possess about potential workplace dangers. Bill emphasizes the importance of fostering a workplace culture in which leaders not only communicate their expectations but also listen attentively to the insights and concerns of their workforce. Leadership behavior is a powerful force in shaping the culture of a company, influencing both employee behavior and overall results. Bill emphasizes that positive reinforcement is a powerful tool for leadership, underscoring the need for leaders to understand how to create a culture of commitment. He advocates for tailoring positive reinforcement strategies to individuals rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach. This personalized approach is essential for fostering a culture where individuals feel valued and motivated. When employees feel that their contributions are appreciated and that they are being recognized for their accomplishments, they are more likely to be engaged in their work and to feel a sense of belonging to the company. As Bill puts it, leaders can either ignite a fire underneath their people or inside them. Resources Bill Sims on the Web | LinkedIn | X (Twitter) Faremouth.com

On this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes Professor Ellen Taaffe, an expert in career development and a prominent advocate for women's empowerment in the workplace. A leadership coach, TEDx speaker, and Kellogg Professor, Ellen helps leaders create the future they desire. Ellen and Mary Ann explore the “mirrored door” concept that often holds women back in their careers. She shares five success strategies from her upcoming book, The Mirrored Door: Break Through the Hidden Barrier that Locks Successful Women in Place, and provides valuable insights on how to shatter that mirrored door. Ellen highlights that self-doubt and the pursuit of perfection can hinder career progress. Her advice? Embrace imperfection and take courageous steps forward. It's not about being perfect; it's about being authentic and confident. Breaking free from the limitations of traditional leadership molds is crucial. Ellen encourages women to expand their definition of leadership and embrace their unique qualities. By doing so, they can unlock their full potential and lead with authenticity. Feedback isn't just a formality—it's a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Ellen shares her own journey with feedback and stresses the importance of asking powerful questions to understand how to improve. Effective feedback delivery, infused with positivity and gratitude, is key. Listening isn't just about hearing words; it's about understanding facts, feelings, and values. Ellen discusses the use of different listening lenses, like gratitude and curiosity, to enhance communication. These skills are invaluable in performance reviews and debriefs, fostering better understanding and collaboration. Resources Ellen Taaffe on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter Faremouth.com

On this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes guest Michael Sherlock, CEO and president of Shock Your Potential. In addition to her role at Shock Your Potential, Michael has cultivated the global community, The Enlightened Workplace, which focuses on nurturing personal growth and enhancing career trajectories. She is a proponent of self-reflection and an advocate for taking responsibility. Her book “Tell Me More” focuses on the power of asking the right questions, ensuring effective communication, and deriving the best from employees. Michael and Mary Ann delve deep into the transformative power of community and how joining the right one can amplify your career success, enhance communication skills, and cultivate an environment of continuous learning. The Enlightened Workspace community offers support, coaching, and training to professionals searching for clarity and direction in their careers. Members gain access to live training sessions, Q&A opportunities, and an innovative "virtual water cooler" for genuine engagement. Personal growth is at the heart of career success. Michael emphasizes the necessity of self-reflection and accountability for your actions. This journey of self-awareness, coupled with actionable guidance from the community, empowers individuals to harness their skills effectively. Michael believes that quick fixes will not result in long-term success. Instead, genuine commitment and effort are required. In today's dynamic job market, you need to communicate your transferable skills. Michael's Enlightened Workplace community offers specialized training that helps individuals present themselves authentically during interviews. Emphasis is placed on understanding and showcasing your true value in the workplace, allowing for more fruitful and fulfilling career opportunities. Resources Michael Sherlock on the Web | LinkedIn | Twitter Shock Your Potential on the Web | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | Podcast Access the free assessment to see if the Enlightened Workplace community is the place for you! Faremouth.com

In today’s fast-paced world, where work-life balance often feels like an elusive dream, mindfulness emerges as a beacon of hope. In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes guest Lisa Marree to discover the transformative power of mindfulness, especially in the context of the modern work environment. An author, researcher, and health visionary, Lisa has dedicated her life to helping corporate leaders, heart-centered entrepreneurs, and professionals harness their potential by developing a fortified mindset. Lisa and Mary Ann explore the nuanced relationship between brain health and mental well-being, and why it's crucial to focus on the former to achieve the latter. Lisa shares her incredible journey of resilience and inspiration. As an abused child, her innate curiosity about the human brain's capacity for change drove her from Western medicine to holistic health and neuroscience. This transition underscores the deep interconnection between physical and mental well-being and highlights the potential within us all to reinvent ourselves. The brain, our biological supercomputer, is central to our mental well-being. Focusing on brain health is not just about discussing mental health and illness, Lisa points out. Instead, it's about understanding how our mind functions and the steps we can take to nourish it. By optimizing our brain's health, we inadvertently boost our mental resilience and overall happiness. In a world inundated with information and digital distractions, it is more important than ever to be mindful. Lisa discusses how basic techniques such as breath work and gratitude can help us avoid digital dementia and information overload. If we integrate these practices into our workplaces, we can improve communication, foster collaboration, and develop better leadership skills. The new world of work requires more than just professional expertise. Lisa emphasizes the value of self-reflection, setting tangible goals, and cultivating a spirit of curiosity. These traits, combined with a mindful approach, can help us find a harmonious balance between our personal and professional lives, leading to unprecedented levels of success and fulfillment. Resources Lisa Marree on the Web | LinkedIn Faremouth.com

Is there a right way to guide young professionals in today's competitive world? In this episode of Career Can Do, guest Robert Khoury shares insights into Agile Rainmakers' unique internship program, which offers students a rich blend of autonomy, hands-on experience, and valuable interactions with clients. Robert is the founder and CEO of Agile Rainmakers and author of a groundbreaking series on internships, How to Intern Successfully. A visionary with a keen focus on crafting transformative internship experiences, his approach is rooted in principles like harmony, empathy, intentionality, and empowerment. His commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the corporate world has made him a sought-after figure in discussions around career development and the future of work. Robert joins Mary Ann Faremouth to share  invaluable insights on how to empower students, address talent shortages, and ensure internships offer tangible value for both interns and companies. Addressing the talent shortage companies face today, Agile Rainmakers embodies principles like harmony and empowerment, ensuring mutual satisfaction for both interns and clients. The program empowers students to set their own goals and engage directly with clients, equipping them with both hard and soft skills needed in the modern workplace. It aims to foster a community of support and mentorship by connecting students with alumni, parents, and employers, emphasizing principles such as empathy and intentional communication. Robert underscores the importance of the wrap-up process in achieving closure and ensuring satisfaction for all stakeholders. This thorough wrap-up not only facilitates smooth transitions but also encourages students to articulate their gratitude, teaching them the art of professional communication. Through activities like writing thank-you notes and participating in feedback surveys, interns reflect upon their journey, helping them grow and align their career aspirations. How to Intern Successfully is dedicated to bringing dignity to the internship discourse. With titles covering topics from designing exceptional internships to mentoring and parental involvement, Robert aims to elevate the perception of internships. His holistic view integrates feedback from multiple perspectives, reaffirming the idea that internships can shape the professional future of students while addressing the pressing workforce shortages. Resources Robert Khoury on the Web | LinkedIn Faremouth.com

On today's episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth hosts a multi-faceted professional who redefines success. Daniel Hall is a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, investor and speaker. This episode delves into Daniel's latest book, The Money Mindset Makeover: Transforming Your Finances From the Inside Out, which promises to change your perception of wealth and personal growth. Daniel shares insights into transforming your relationship with money and why your beliefs play a crucial role in your financial future. Daniel says that our relationship with money is often mired in notions of scarcity and the belief that money is hard to come by. This mindset is a fallacy, he says; we need a paradigm shift to overcome these negative beliefs and adopt a new set of beliefs that allows us to see the abundant opportunities that life offers. Mary Ann notes that candidates with a can-do mindset are often more successful, despite not ticking every box in terms of required skills.  Daniel describes the transformative power of changing core beliefs about wealth. "It's like fertilizing a garden,” he says. “You start to really see things start to grow and blossom in this new garden because you've made the soil fertile." He shares success stories of individuals who triumphed over their past to create financial success, including his own.  Mary-Ann comments on Daniel's book, stating how it doesn't just tell you where you need to be, but helps you understand how to get there from where you are now. Daniel offers listeners the opportunity to pick up his book, pay what they wish, and take the first steps toward a mindset overhaul.  Maintaining a positive mindset and discipline even during challenging times is crucial. To sustain a money mindset, Daniel suggests being mindful and present in your thoughts, affirming that positive changes in reality can happen if you stay consistent in your efforts. Challenging situations should be seen as opportunities for growth and learning rather than obstacles. We all have the power to decide our perception towards events in our lives, including financial ones. He encourages listeners to frame challenges as opportunities to grow and reach the next step. There’s an abundance of opportunities around us, Daniel says, comparing them to things we couldn't see before getting a new pair of glasses. He believes that seizing and implementing these opportunities, and drawing from these positive experiences for future successes, leads to a cycle of prosperity. He coins this a "delicious cycle," where good things continue to happen, expanding in their magnitude. Resources: Daniel Hall | Money Mindset Makeover Faremouth.com