Part 1 in a series on job hunting. Sarah and Amy discuss the challenges and strategies of job hunting, especially in the current corporate landscape. Today's episode is dedicated to some of the prework required, and how to think about your job hunt if you are currently employed vs. out of work. They emphasize the importance of mindset, networking, and knowing what you want in a job.

resources mentioned:
What Got You Here Won't Get You There
NerdJourney - What Can I do in Response to a Layoff Event?
Pimsleur Language Learning

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

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Amy and Sarah share 3 books each that changed their thinking about work, or life, or both.

The list:
AMY
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
Superbosses: How Exceptional Leaders Master the Flow of Talent
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces that Stand in the Way of True Innovation
SARAH
Being Wrong: Adventures in the Margin of Error
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals
The Elements of Style

Honorable mention:
The Happiness Project & Better than Before
Aristotle's Poetics
The Odyssey (try Emily Wilson's translation)
Jane Eyre
The Effective Executive
Outlive

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

Amy and Sarah run through all of the action items from 2024, plus the most important action item of all: get some rest.

Resource - How to Develop a 5-Year Plan (HBR)

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

After a brief update on nozzles and jam, Sarah and Amy discuss the importance of interviewing, even for those who are currently satisfied in their jobs. They explore how interviewing can sharpen skills, build confidence, enhance market awareness, and expand professional networks.

The conversation emphasizes that interviewing should not be viewed as a sign of disloyalty but rather as a proactive approach to personal and professional growth.

The hosts encourage listeners to embrace the interview process as a valuable learning experience that can lead to greater job satisfaction and career development.

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

It's that time of year again - time for annual goal setting, performance reviews, and updating your Career Development Plan.

In this week's episode, Sarah and Amy discuss the importance of taking charge of your own career development. They emphasize that while companies may provide resources and training, individuals must actively manage their career paths. The conversation covers the role of managers in supporting employee growth, the limitations of corporate training programs, and the necessity of self-awareness and personal responsibility in achieving professional goals. The hosts also highlight the significance of balancing professional growth with personal well-being and the value of mentorship.

Discussion points:

•Why your employer’s training programs and annual performance review goals shouldn’t be your only path to growth.

•The risks of relying solely on corporate structures for career advancement.

•Practical steps to set your own development goals—and stick to them.

•How to balance professional growth with healthy boundaries.

•The importance of self-awareness in identifying strengths and areas for improvement.

•Why embracing personal responsibility doesn’t mean rejecting your team or company.

RESOURCES

HBR Article on building your own 5-year CDP

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

Join Sarah and Amy as they unravel the delightful, albeit tricky, world of multicultural teams, where communication is an art form and cultural faux pas are just waiting to happen. Sarah and Amy break down communication styles, exploring how diverse teams can transform from a potential disaster movie to an innovation powerhouse.

The hosts share practical tips on building trust, bridging cultural gaps, and turning workplace diversity from a corporate buzzword into your team's secret superpower.

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

Sarah and Amy tackle conflict at work, from interpersonal relationship issues to disagreements around work and strategy. They discuss the importance of direct, honest communication and empathy, revealing how to navigate workplace conflicts without burning bridges. From recognizing toxic behaviors to delivering feedback that actually lands, the discussion offers a roadmap for creating more authentic and supportive professional relationships.

Key insights include:

• Breaking the cycle of conflict avoidance
• Transforming difficult conversations into opportunities for growth
• Distinguishing between healthy disagreement and destructive conflict

Sources:

Books:
Radical Candor
The Sociopath Next Door

History Podcasts:
The Rest is History
The History of Rome

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom

Whether you're the organizer or an attendee, there are ways to make meetings better for everyone. Sarah and Amy explore the concept of 'meeting hygiene,' including the need for clear agendas, respectful scheduling, and the roles & responsibilities of organizers and attendees. The conversation also covers strategies for running meetings effectively, including pre-wiring, managing discussions (and difficult people), keeping participants engaged, and ensuring follow-up actions are clear.

Resources:

• Flown.com -- body doubling site
• Nerd Journey -- What can I do in response to a layoff event?

Unicorns in the Breakroom is proudly sponsored by Pinecone Coaching, a Leadership Coaching company dedicated to helping rising leaders gain the confidence they need to take their careers to the next level. Mention the podcast for a 15% discount off of any coaching package!

Email us your work stories: unicornsinthebreakroom@gmail.com
Follow us on Instagram: @UnicornsintheBreakroom
Check the webpage: Unicorns in the Breakroom