Owning Your Career & The Power of Story with Jim Dodgen

“Your passion comes from your story. If you want to find work that excites you, start by unpacking the moments that have shaped you.”

“Focusing on your weaknesses creates mediocrity. If you want to thrive, double down on what you do best and let someone else handle the rest.”

....

Heather Winchell sits down with career coach and strategist Jim Dodgen, a man with over 40,000 hours of experience helping people uncover their potential and step into meaningful careers. Jim is a branding expert (dubbed the Obi-Wan Kenobi of his field) and a LinkedIn enthusiast and strategist, dedicated to guiding individuals toward professional fulfillment.

We talk about owning your career, the importance of self-awareness, and why passion is rooted in your story. And, as a fun twist—did you know Jim used to be a lion trainer? Stick around for that wild story!

 Plus, learn why half of all employees hate their jobs—and what to do about it.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode

✅ How passion is connected to your personal story

✅ The two key questions to ask when exploring career paths

✅ Why the traditional “Apply Now” button is a job search black hole

✅ How to market yourself effectively (hint: it’s about positioning)

✅ How LinkedIn is a powerful tool for networking (beyond just job searching)

✅ Why fear and risk hold people back from meaningful careers

✅ The value of coaching in unlocking your full potential

Episode Chapters

🔹 [00:00] Welcome & Introduction — Meet Jim Dodgen, career strategist (and former lion trainer!)

🔹 [03:00] From Mechanic to Career Coach — Jim’s early struggles and career pivot

🔹 [07:40] The Lion Training Story — A wild tale of family business and marketing

🔹 [12:15] “It’s Your Career, Own It” — The philosophy behind Dodgen & Co.

🔹 [18:30] The Power of LinkedIn — Beyond job hunting: how to build your network

🔹 [23:50] Career Exploration 101 — Why curiosity and storytelling matter

🔹 [27:00] The Strengths-Based Approach — Why focusing on strengths (not weaknesses) leads to success

🔹 [30:00] Why 50% of People Hate Their Jobs — And how to break free

🔹 [35:00] Finding Clarity in Solitude — The impact of executive retreats

🔹 [42:00] Jim’s Advice for Career Changers — It’s never too late to pivot

🔹 [50:00] Fun Questions & Closing Thoughts — Jim’s haiku, hobbies, and gratitude

Resources & References

🔗 Find Jim on LinkedIn: Jim Dodgen

📚 Books Mentioned:

• StrengthsFinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

• Building a StoryBrand by Donald Miller

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