The Career Change Maker Podcast I Career Change, Career Advancement & Leadership Development
Empowering high-achieving women to navigate career change, advance with confidence, and lead with impact.
***Top Rated Career Change Podcast***
Hello hello! I’m Janine Esbrand – lawyer turned Career Strategist, Executive Coach, and Keynote Speaker.
Over 10 years ago, I walked away from my dream career as a corporate lawyer because it wasn’t my dream anymore. Since then, I’ve navigated multiple career transitions within the law, built a successful coaching and consulting business on the side, and stepped fully into entrepreneurship.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned what it truly takes to step off the default career treadmill and lead your career with intention.
Now, I’m on a mission to help you do the same – to build a career that aligns with who you are and allows you to create maximum impact.
The Career Change Makers Podcast delivers actionable insights to help you:
✔️ Navigate career progression with confidence
✔️ Enhance your leadership skills
✔️ Create impact in your current role or future opportunities
Each week, you’ll find:
✨ Career change insights
✨ Career advancement strategies
✨ Leadership development tips
✨ Practical advice to help you thrive at work
Whether you’re aiming to elevate your position, step into leadership, or unlock greater career satisfaction, this podcast is for you.
Tune in for candid conversations and expert guidance designed to help you take ownership of your career journey.
🎧 Ready to become a Career Change Maker?
Subscribe now and start advancing your career today!
🔗 Join our FREE Substack Community – https://janineesbrand.substack.com/
🔗 Explore Coaching – www.janineesbrand.com/coaching
🔗 Visit the Company website – www.careerchangemakers.com
The Career Change Maker Podcast I Career Change, Career Advancement & Leadership Development
#296: How Having Difficult Conversations Can Accelerate Your Career Growth with Michelle Schafer
***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration***
On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event.
I would love to see you there. Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available.
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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
🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording!
We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited!
Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.