89. Separating Achievement from Worth as an Enneagram Type 3
What happens when your sense of worth has always been tied to achievement—and you start to question whether that definition still fits?In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow entrepreneur, Arden Evenson, for a nuanced conversation about Enneagram Type 3 and the evolution of ambition, success, and self-worth. Arden reflects on how external validation, practicality, and being “the reliable one” shaped her early career and relationships, and why she’s been intentionally reexamining those patterns as her life and priorities have shifted.We move beyond the stereotypical Type 3 narrative to explore achievement through caretaking, adaptability, and being easy to be with. I also share my own experience as a Type 3, including the tension between productivity and presence, the discomfort with stillness, and the fear that if we stop doing, we might stop belonging.If you’ve ever felt pressure to earn your place, struggled to redefine ambition, or wondered who you are without your accomplishments, this episode offers new language and permission to practice compassion, embracing a softer way forward.Resources:Connect with Arden on LinkedInEpisode 83. The Ambitious Person’s Guide to Working LessConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA
88. From Reflection to Intention: How Astrology Can Guide Your 2026 with Julie McGill
What if you treated the turn of the year as more than a reset button—and instead as a turning point in a much bigger cycle of your life?In this New Year’s episode, I’m joined by my dear friend, professional astrologer and attorney Julie McGill, to look back at 2025 and ahead to 2026 through both a personal and astrological lens. We reflect on the intentions I set, how they unfolded throughout the year, and how Julie navigated her own shifts in work, identity, and rhythm. Julie breaks down some of the major astrological themes that shaped 2025 and offers guidance for what we may collectively and individually experience in 2026. We explore how to set intentions in a way that matches the moment, what it looks like to stay grounded when you can’t yet see the full picture, and the value of moving into the new year with presence, curiosity, and more compassion for yourself.If you’ve felt like 2025 put you through the wringer, or if you’re sensing big change on the horizon without knowing what it is yet, this episode is meant to help you exhale. I hope it gives you language for what you’ve been experiencing, permission to be exactly where you are, and some gentle guidance for stepping into 2026 with openness instead of pressure to have it all figured out.Resources:Pull your chart at astro-seek.comLearn more at thecosmicgem.comFollow Jules on Instagram: @julesthecosmicgemListen to Episode 76. Tools to Work Your Way: AstrologyConnect with Jules on LinkedInConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA
87. Creativity, Consistency, and Letting Go of Control
Consistency doesn’t have to be so rigid.In this solo episode, I share what I’ve learned about reimagining consistency in a way that actually works for creatives, entrepreneurs, and leaders. For years, I believed the traditional advice: stick to the same schedule, follow the proven and popular formula, just keep going no matter what. But what I found was that kind of rigidity often leads to burnout, shame, and misalignment.Instead, I’ve discovered a more authentic approach. I walk you through the four principles that have helped me build momentum without losing energy: focusing on what lights you up, considering the impact you want to have, finding your own rhythm, and setting process goals instead of chasing outcomes.Along the way, I reflect on the early days of launching Working Your Way, what I’ve learned from outsourcing vs. DIY, and how showing up with intention has created opportunities I never could have planned for.If you’ve ever struggled to “stay consistent” or felt guilty for not doing enough, this episode will give you permission to let go of perfection—and design a version of consistency that feels aligned, sustainable, and uniquely yours.Resources:Episode 27. Creating Harmony in Work and Life with Sam ParvinEpisode 50. Behind the Scenes of Working Your Way | Celebrating One YearEpisode 55. Beyond Resolutions: How to Set Meaningful Goals for 2025Episode 74. Working For Yourself: What You Need To KnowProduced by NOVAConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA
86. Working Toward a Bigger Purpose with Edina Kalamperovic (Replay)
We’re revisiting a powerful conversation with Edina Kalamperovic, SVP at Publicis Group, one of the largest communications and digital transformation companies in the world, and Founder of CareerJig, an online career development and mentorship platform. Edina’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and staying grounded in her values—even in high-pressure environments.As a first-generation American and child of immigrants, Edina shares how her upbringing shaped her perspective on success and character. She opens up about the challenges of working in environments where stagnation and status quo held her back, and how stepping away gave her the clarity to return with renewed focus and impact.In this episode, we dive into Edina’s reflections on burnout, leading with authenticity, and fostering trust on her teams. She talks about bringing a startup mindset into large organizations, the importance of direct yet caring communication, and why “growth moments” matter more than “gotcha moments.”Join us for this inspiring conversation about finding your purpose, building resilience, and leading with integrity in today’s workplace.Resources:Download the Energy Inventory WorksheetRead Edina’s work on Substack: edinakalamperovic.substack.comConnect with Edina on LinkedInSign up for CareerJig How to Restore Yourself from Burnout with Dr. Christina Maslach - How to be Awesome at Your JobConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA
85. Building Your Career Path Through Curiosity with Jill Lyons (Replay)
We’re excited to revisit one of our earlier episodes featuring the inspiring Jill Lyons. As the SVP of Creative Operations at Maximum Effort, Jill has built a remarkable career by following her curiosity and embracing new possibilities. From her beginnings in journalism and traditional TV production to leading creative operations at an innovative media firm, Jill’s story is a testament to the power of exploration and adaptability.In this conversation, Jill shares how her diverse experiences created a strong foundation for her career—what she describes as building a wide pyramid base before narrowing in on the work she loves most. She also opens up about her challenges with perfectionism and predictability, and how learning to surrender to possibility has shaped her growth as a leader.Join us as we learn from Jill’s journey and gather practical advice for embracing creativity, curiosity, and self-trust in your own career path.Resources:Learn more about Jill at jilllyons.comConnect with Jill on LinkedInRead Find Your Zone of Genius by Laura GarnettRead Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave EvansReflected Best Self Exercise™Listen to 24. How do I define my personal brand? | Career QuestionsConnect with me:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeselfatwork.comProduced by NOVA