Episode 310: Lead With Yes - Authenticity, Reinvention, and Doing Work That Actually Fits w/ Raymond Lee

About the Guest: Raymond Lee is the founder of CareerMinds, a virtual outplacement and leadership development company he started in 2008. After years of building the business, Raymond went through a deep season of self-reflection in late 2021 that reshaped how he saw leadership, identity, and growth. He later sold CareerMinds and stepped into a new chapter with even greater clarity around impact, authenticity, and helping people find work that truly aligns with who they are. He’s also the host of the Clocking Out podcast and author of the book Clocking Out.

About the Episode: In this conversation, Steve Mellor sits down with Raymond Lee for a powerful discussion on what it really means to be growth ready. Raymond shares why authenticity became the turning point in his life, how curiosity helped him move through fear, and why so many high-performers stay stuck in careers that look successful on the outside but feel misaligned on the inside.

Key Takeaways:

• What “growth ready” means through the lens of authenticity
• Why authenticity builds trust, connection, and leadership impact
• Raymond’s identity shift in December 2021
• Curiosity as a companion to authentic growth
• Fear of change vs. the pain of staying the same
• The story behind the Clocking Out podcast
• Raymond’s mother’s career change into archaeology at age 50
• Why meaningful change starts with small steps
• “Lead with yes” as a practical mindset for reinvention
• Asking better questions: What excites me? What brings value?
• Using your story to help others find their true path

Resources:

• CareerMinds
• Clocking Out podcast
• Clocking Out book by Raymond Lee
• Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief by David Kessler
• Raymond Lee on LinkedIn