The Career Change Maker Podcast | Career Clarity & Career Pivots for Mid-Career Women
For high-achieving women rethinking their careers and navigating career change.
***Top 1.5% Global Career Change Podcast***
If you’ve worked hard to build a successful career but find yourself questioning whether it still fits, you’re not alone (and you’re not wrong for wanting more).
I’m Janine Esbrand, a former corporate lawyer turned Career Pivot Coach, and I created The Career Change Maker Podcast for high-achieving women who feel stuck, bored, or quietly misaligned in careers that no longer fit.
Through my own career pivots and my work coaching hundreds of women through intentional career change and career transitions, I’ve seen what it really takes to step off the default path and make thoughtful, strategic moves without starting over.
Each episode offers honest insights, practical guidance, and grounded encouragement to help you gain career clarity, trust yourself, and move forward with confidence into your next chapter.
This podcast is for you if you want permission to change, clarity on what’s next, and a clear way forward that honours your experience.
🎧 New episodes every week
🔗 Ready to explore your next move? Book a Career Pivot Clarity Call using the link in the show notes.
The Career Change Maker Podcast | Career Clarity & Career Pivots for Mid-Career Women
#296: How Having Difficult Conversations Can Accelerate Your Career Growth with Michelle Schafer
Episode Overview
In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development.
Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment.
Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.
💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How to confidently navigate difficult conversations that shape your career trajectory
- The mindset shift from waiting for opportunities to creating them through dialogue
- Simple ways to prepare for a meaningful career development conversation
- How to raise your visibility by connecting with colleagues across your organisation
- Why reflection and self-awareness are key to making aligned career decisions
🧭 Action Steps:
- Reflect: Identify what gives you energy, what drains you, and your non-negotiables.
- Initiate: Schedule a dedicated career development conversation with your leader — don’t wait for the annual review.
- Connect: Build internal relationships by being curious, joining cross-functional projects, or engaging in workplace communities.
✨ Memorable Quote:
“It’s not your forever place. You’re not going to feel stuck forever — there are always choices and steps you can take.” — Michelle Schafer
🔗 Connect with Michelle:
- LinkedIn: Michelle Schafer
- Website: mshafercoaching.ca
- Get a free chapter of her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose via her website.
🔗 Connect with Janine
- LinkedIn: Janine Esbrand
- Website: Career Change Makers
- Join the waitlist to explore 1:1 coaching