Premiere Episode: The Mid-Career Makeover Show

Welcome to the premiere episode of The Mid-Career Makeover Show! Hosted by career branding strategist and creator of The Brand Breakthrough System, LaVonne McIver James, this podcast is your bi-weekly guide to breaking through barriers, rediscovering your potential, and creating a career that aligns with your values and aspirations.

In this episode, LaVonne takes us on a heartfelt journey, sharing her personal story of finding her voice, overcoming challenges, and learning the transformative power of storytelling. Drawing from her experiences as a middle child in a bustling household, a high school athlete who learned the importance of being seen, and a career coach helping mid-career professionals reclaim their spark, LaVonne inspires listeners to reflect on their own journeys.

Here’s what you’ll discover in this episode:

The Power of Your Story: Learn how to turn your career experiences into a compelling narrative that sets you apart in a competitive workforce.

Mid-Career Transformation: Explore what a "mid-career makeover" really means and how it can help you realign your career with your values and goals.

Experience as Your Superpower: Find out why your unique career path is your greatest asset and how to leverage it to unlock new opportunities.

Storytelling Framework: Get practical tips on crafting a story that highlights your starting point, pivotal moments, and vision for the future.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overlooked, or ready for a change, this episode offers actionable strategies, thought-provoking questions, and plenty of encouragement to help you take the first step toward your next big chapter.

Don’t miss this inspiring kickoff to a podcast dedicated to helping mid-career professionals stand out, level up, and own their success. It’s time to write the next chapter of your career story—one filled with purpose, passion, and potential.

🎧 Tune in now and start your Mid-Career Makeover!

[Subscribe to The Mid-Career Makeover Show and never miss an episode!]

Connect with us on LinkedIn.

Thank you for listening! For more information on mid-career transformation, visit AI4CareerSuccess.com. Connect with me on LinkedIn.

Transcript

SPEAKER_03: 0:00

The Mid-Career Makeover Show Episode 1 This day's too late now The Your Shines behind ya But wisdom's in your gate Passion on fire You've got stories to tell And dreams to inspire Rise above the noise Take your place tight This episode is sponsored by Get a Better Job Career Branding In a world where first impressions are made in the blink of an eye your resume is more than just a piece of paper. It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper, but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.

SPEAKER_00: 1:40

For more information about Get a Better Job, visit getabetterjob.org. Welcome to the first episode of the Mid-Career Makeover Show. I'm Levon McKyver James, your host, career branding strategist and creator of the brand breakthrough system. Whether you're feeling stuck, ready for a change, or simply want to elevate your career to new heights, you're in the right place. Let me ask you something. Have you ever felt like you're capable of so much more, but you're not sure how to break through the barriers holding you back? Or maybe you've wondered if the work you've been doing all these years is still enough to get you where you want to go? If you have, trust me, you're not alone. This podcast is your bi-weekly guide to standing out, leveling up, and making your next chapter your best chapter yet. And I'm here to walk this journey with you. But before we dive into what this show is all about, let me share a little about my journey and why I'm so passionate about helping mid-career professionals like you. From a young age, I had a deep love for books and storytelling. They were my escape and my inspiration. Growing up as the middle child in a family of six, I often felt like a supporting character in the story of our bustling household. My parents were loving and supportive, but let's be honest. When you're one of six kids, it's easy to feel like you're fading into the background. Can you relate to that? Have you ever felt overlooked, like your contributions weren't being noticed or appreciated? Maybe you've experienced times when you had so much to give, but it felt like no one was paying attention. For me, my mom was my champion. She'd tell me, you have a voice and it matters. Don't be afraid to use it. Those words became a mantra that stayed with me through every challenge I faced. Her belief in me gave me the confidence to start believing in myself. Now take a moment to think about who in your life has been your champion. Who has seen your potential even when you doubted yourself? How have their words or actions shaped the person you've become? In high school, I found myself on a new stage. Sports. While I wasn't someone who naturally sought attention, being part of a team that worked hard and earned recognition taught me something profound. It's okay to be noticed. It's not about bragging. It's about honoring the effort and dedication it takes to achieve something meaningful. Have you ever hesitated to put yourself out there because it felt like bragging? What if instead you saw it as celebrating your hard work and the value you bring to the table? Our team won four state championships. But more than the trophies, what stood out to me was the role of our coaches. They saw potential in us that we couldn't always see in ourselves. That experience taught me the power of having someone in your corner, someone who believes in you and pushes you to rise to the occasion. When I became a parent, I made a promise to myself. My children would always feel seen and celebrated for their unique skills, gifts, and talents. This commitment to helping others feel valued became the foundation of my approach to career coaching. Let me ask you this: what commitments have you made to yourself, your family, or your career? How do those commitments guide your choices today? Think about it for a moment. I'll be right back.

SPEAKER_04: 5:15

Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career brand that accelerates your success, Lavon McIver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to build a career brand that accelerates your success today and start building the brand and life you deserve. Available on Amazon.

SPEAKER_00: 6:02

Each week, this podcast will dive deep into one aspect of career branding. In just 30 minutes, I'll share actionable strategies, inspiring stories, and practical tips to help you take charge of your career and create a professional brand that stands out. But this show is more than just tips and strategies, it's a mission. It's my way of reaching out to mid-career professionals who might feel overlooked, unsure, or stuck. Let me ask you: have you ever wondered if your best days are behind you? Have you questioned whether you still have what it takes to thrive in an ever-changing workforce? I've been there, and I want you to know that you're not alone. Now think about your own journey. What would it mean to you to have someone in your corner cheering you on and helping you unlock your potential? What difference could it make to feel truly seen and valued? This podcast is my way of reminding you that your experiences, your skills, and your unique story matter. I believe in the potential of mid-career professionals to create incredible change, not just in their own lives, but in the industries they touch and the people they inspire. It's my heartfelt commitment to provide not only practical advice, but also the motivation, encouragement, and perspective you need to reignite your passion and take that next step forward. This show is a conversation, a partnership between me and you. I want you to feel empowered, supported, and equipped every time you tune in. Because when you grow, when you step into your potential, when you own your story, amazing things happen. And I want to be here with you every step of the way, cheering you on as you create the career and the life you've always dreamed of. What is a mid-career makeover, you ask? Well, have you ever felt like your work no longer aligns with your values? Or maybe you felt a disconnect between what you're doing now and the kind of impact you want to make. Take a moment to reflect. If you could realign your career with your true values, what would that look like? This is where the idea of a mid-career makeover comes in. A mid-career makeover is a transformative process designed to revitalize and realign your professional life. It's not just about updating your resume or switching jobs, it's about taking a step back to assess where you are, identifying what's no longer serving you, and making intentional changes to reignite your passion and maximize your potential. Why is a mid-career makeover important? Many professionals hesitate to make bold changes because they fear starting over, lack clarity about what they want, or worry about how others might perceive their transition. But staying in a role that doesn't align with your values can lead to burnout, dissatisfaction, and missed opportunities for growth. A mid-career makeover helps you reclaim control over your path, turning uncertainty into purpose. What does the process look like? A true mid-career makeover begins with self-reflection. You identify your strengths, passions, and values, and then assess how they align with your current role. Next, you explore new opportunities, whether that's pivoting to a different industry, upgrading your skills, or even taking on leadership roles that better align with your goals. Ultimately, a mid-career makeover isn't just about change, it's about transformation. It's about realizing that your experience isn't a limitation, it's your greatest asset. With the right mindset and strategy, you can turn your career into a platform for making the kind of impact that excites and inspires you every day.

SPEAKER_03: 9:56

It's your story, your brand, your future. Imagine a resume that doesn't just list your experiences, but brings them to life. A resume that doesn't whisper, but shouts your potential from the rooftops. Get a Better Job invites you to the visual resume evolution, a movement where your career story unfolds with color, design, and undeniable passion. You have the power to redefine the standard, to turn the tide in your favor. With Get a Better Job, every line, every graphic, every bold choice marks a step towards your destiny. Don't wait. Elevate your career path today. With Get a Better Job, be seen, be memorable, and yes, get hired. Your next chapter starts here, and it's nothing short of extraordinary.

SPEAKER_00: 10:50

Okay, so again, the website for get a better job is getabetterjob. For today's episode, I want to talk about experience and storytelling, both of which should be two tools in a mid-career professional's arsenal. Let's face it, experience is something you have to earn. It's built through sleepless nights, tough decisions, and the countless lessons learned along the way. And here's the incredible thing about experience. It's yours. It's a treasure that no one can take from you, no matter what challenges or changes you face. But let's be honest, how often do we question whether our experience is enough? Maybe you feel like the world is moving faster than you can catch up, or you wonder if the skills you've built are still relevant. Maybe you've been overlooked for opportunities, or felt like your career is on autopilot, stuck in a loop that no longer excites you. If that resonates with you, I want you to pause for a moment and ask yourself, what if those doubts didn't define you? What if your experiences, every challenge, every solution, every success, were actually proof of your strength and resilience? Here's something to think about. What if you stopped seeing the gaps in your career as setbacks and started seeing them as opportunities? What could you achieve if you embraced your experience as your greatest asset? I think you would find that those gaps are not roadblocks, but stepping stones, leading you to unique insights and opportunities that set you apart. You'd discover that your experience, even the unconventional parts, is your greatest competitive advantage, one that positions you as a leader with resilience, perspective, and the ability to adapt and grow. Let's talk about storytelling for a bit. Storytelling is one of the most powerful tools mid-career professionals can use to elevate their careers. It's not just about recounting the past, it's about shaping how others perceive your journey, values, and vision for the future. A well-crafted story can highlight your unique strengths, position you as a thought leader, and make you memorable in the minds of those who matter most. Hiring managers, industry peers, and decision makers. For me, storytelling has always been a passion. From a young age, I was captivated by the way stories could transport us, connect us, and inspire us to dream bigger. This love of storytelling became a cornerstone of my approach to career branding. I believe that every person has a story worth telling. And part of my role is to help mid-career professionals craft and share that narrative in a way that highlights their strengths and achievements. At this stage in your career, you've amassed a wealth of experience, skills, and accomplishments. But if those achievements aren't communicated effectively, they can easily go unnoticed. Storytelling bridges that gap. It turns a list of roles, responsibilities, and skills into a compelling narrative that shows not just what you've done, but why it matters. Consider this. When someone asks about your career, do you simply list job titles and duties? Or do you share the moments that defined you? How you navigated challenges, achieved milestones, and grew as a professional? A great story answers questions like, what makes you unique in your field? How have your experiences shaped your approach to work? What drives you to excel? When you tell your story, you give people a reason to care about your journey and to see your potential beyond a resume or LinkedIn profile. If you're asking yourself, how do I even create a story? Try focusing on three elements. The first element is your starting point. Where did your journey begin? Reflect on the early stages of your career and what motivated you to pursue your field. Perhaps it was a personal passion, a transformative moment, or a mentor who inspired you. The second element is those pivotal moments. What are the turning points that define your career? These could be challenges you overcame, projects you excelled in, or decisions that shaped your path. Focus on moments that showcase your resilience, problem-solving skills, and ability to adapt. And then there's your vision forward. Where are you going next? Your story should not only celebrate your past, but also give insight into your goals, values, and what you're passionate about achieving in the future. Mid-career is often a time of transition, whether you're pivoting to a new field, pursuing a leadership role, or seeking greater alignment with your values. In these moments, storytelling becomes even more critical. It allows you to connect the dots between your past and your future, showing how your experiences have prepared you for what's next. Imagine you're transitioning from a technical role to a managerial position. Instead of simply listing your technical expertise, your story becomes a powerful narrative of transformation. You highlight how your deep understanding of the technical landscape has enabled you to lead diverse teams, tackle complex challenges with clarity, and bridge communication gaps between departments. You're not just recounting your past, you're painting a vivid picture of how your unique combination of skills and experiences positions you as the perfect choice to lead, innovate, and deliver results in this new role. At its core, storytelling is about connection. It helps you relate to others on a deeper level, building trust and credibility. When you share your story authentically, you invite people to see the human side of your professional journey, the challenges you faced, the lessons you've learned, and the values that guide you. This connection is especially powerful in interviews, networking, and thought leadership opportunities. A great story can turn a casual conversation into a memorable interaction, leaving a lasting impression that sets you apart. So let me ask you: what's your story? What are the moments that have shaped you as a professional? How do your experiences reflect your values and aspirations? What message do you want to share with the world about who you are and where you're headed? Your story is powerful. It's a reflection of everything you've achieved and a preview of what's possible. Don't underestimate its ability to open doors, build relationships, and create opportunities. But here's the truth. If you don't tell your story, someone else will. And that version might not highlight your strengths, your vision, or the incredible value you bring to the table. By staying silent, you're giving others permission to shape the narrative and you're robbing the world of the insight, inspiration, and leadership that only you can offer. Every single experience you've had, every challenge you've overcome, and every success you've celebrated has led you to this moment. These aren't just memories, they're the building blocks of a story that can set you apart and position you as the kind of professional people trust, admire, and want to work with. Think of it this way: your career is a narrative in progress, and the next chapter is yours to write. What kind of story do you want it to be? Will it be bold? Will it inspire? Will it reflect the unique and capable person you are? I know you have a compelling story inside of you. It's waiting to be told. And when you embrace it, the impact can be transformative, not just for your career, but for everyone who has the privilege of hearing it. So don't hold back. Step forward, take control, and let the world see the remarkable story only you can tell.

SPEAKER_04: 18:48

Are you ready to break through the noise and build a career that truly reflects your potential? In How to Think Like a Leader to Build a Career brand that accelerates your success, Lavon McIver James shares the proven strategies behind her brand breakthrough system. Learn how to think like a leader, craft your unique value proposition, and tell a story that commands attention. Whether you're looking to stand out in your current role or land your next big opportunity, this book is your guide to taking control of your career and your future. Don't wait for success to find you. Create it. Get your copy of How to Think Like a Leader to build a career brand that accelerates your success today and start building the brand and life you deserve. Available on Amazon.

SPEAKER_00: 19:34

I'd like to leave you with this. Every decision you make today, every step you take toward aligning your work with your values and amplifying your unique story pays dividends not just in opportunities, but in the way you see yourself and the impact you have on the world. The truth is, no one can tell your story better than you. And if you don't take charge of it, someone else will. And it might not reflect your brilliance, your resilience, or your potential. So as you step away from this episode, ask yourself what is one thing you can do today to move closer to the career and life you deserve? Whether it's telling your story to someone new, reflecting on your values, or exploring a change you've been putting off. Start now. Because the best opportunities don't wait for hesitation. They reward bold, intentional action. I believe in your potential, and I know you have what it takes to write the next most compelling chapter of your career. The only question is, will you take the pen? Thank you for joining me for this first episode of the Mid-Career Makeover Show. Until next time, remember, Mid-Career is your time to reset, refocus, and reignite. Dream big, take bold action, and own your success because the best is yet to come.