Career Sessions, Career Lessons

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Each of us has a unique career story to tell. For the lucky few, their career trajectories are like rockets heading for the stars, with no turning back. More typically, our career paths are more like a game of Chutes and Ladders, with advances and setbacks along the way. On this podcast, guests from a range of industries and backgrounds share their career journeys and the lessons they've learned. Hear from C-level executives, leading academics, entrepreneurs, mid-level leaders, ex-military members, leadership coaches and other career experts, non-profit workers, and gig economy participants. Each guest shares their unique story and career insights to inform and inspire your own path. Career Sessions is part of PathWise.io. Whether you’re just a few years out of school or well into your professional life, PathWise helps you live the career you deserve. PathWise provides comprehensive career and professional development coaching, content, courses, and community, backed by a group of leading coaches and career management experts. Career Sessions’ host, James (J.R.) Lowry, has had multiple careers of his own and learned countless lessons along the way. A Duke engineer by background, he spent the early part of his career as an officer in the US Air Force . From there, J.R. earned an MBA from Harvard Business School to accelerate his transition into the private sector. Following grad school, he spent over a decade with the consulting firm, McKinsey and Company, working with clients across a range of industries and business situations. He then made a second career shift into financial services, spending time at Fidelity Investments and State Street Bank. Most recently, he joined Janus Henderson Investments as their Chief Operating Officer. Multiple leadership development programs honed his skills, advanced his career, and fueled his desire to help others with their professions. He hosts this podcast in a personal capacity, and any views expressed are his own and not those of his current or any former employer.

Episode List

What Actually Gets You Hired and Promoted, With Mary Olson Menzel

Apr 13th, 2026 10:00 AM

In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with coach, speaker, and bestselling author Mary Olson Menzel to explore a question many professionals wrestle with: What does it really mean to build a career that lights you up and is it realistic to do so?Mary challenges the conventional wisdom that playing it safe is the responsible path. Drawing from both personal experience and her work with clients, she argues that ignoring what energizes you can come at a much higher cost over time.They discuss:What Mary calls your “light” and why it’s a real competitive advantageWhy employers often choose energy and authenticity over credentialsHow to balance passion with financial responsibility using the concept of IkigaiPractical strategies for navigating job searches in a difficult marketHow to know when it’s time to pivot and how to do it thoughtfullyThe role of storytelling and networking in standing outMary also shares actionable tools from building a targeted job search strategy to tracking your own “light” through daily reflection. If you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or unsure what’s next, this conversation offers a practical and grounded path forward – one that doesn’t force you to choose between purpose and stability.Follow Career Sessions so you never miss an episode.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/mary-olson-menzel/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

What Leaders Get Wrong About Performance And Teamwork, With Jon Levy

Apr 6th, 2026 10:00 AM

In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry speaks with behavioral scientist Jon Levy to explore what actually makes teams effective and why the answer isn’t what most people think.Drawing on research across psychology, business, and even sports, Jon breaks down the hidden dynamics behind high-performing teams, including the overlooked role of “glue people” – those who quietly elevate everyone around them.They discuss:Why emotional intelligence matters more than IQ on teamsThe surprising reason too much talent can hurt performanceWhat “glue players” do differently and how to spot themHow influence really works (and why it’s not about power)The role of trust, belonging, and feedback in team successJon also shares insights from his unconventional work building communities and designing experiences that foster deep human connection.If you’re leading a team or want to become more effective within one, this conversation will challenge how you think about performance, influence, and success.Follow Career Sessions with JR Lowry so you never miss an episode.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/jon-levy/.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

Why So Many Leaders Burn Out And What It Takes to Heal, With Raj Sisodia And Nilima Bhat

Mar 30th, 2026 10:00 AM

Why do so many successful leaders feel burned out, misaligned, or unfulfilled? According to Raj Sisodia and Nilima Bhat, the issue isn’t a lack of skill or intelligence, but rather a lack of healing. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Raj Sisodia, co-founder of the Conscious Capitalism movement, and Nilima Bhatt, leadership coach and author, to explore the deeper emotional and psychological dimensions of leadership. Drawing from their new book Healing Leaders, they argue that many leadership challenges stem from unprocessed trauma, unconscious patterns, and a disconnect from purpose.In this episode, JR, Raj, and Nilima discuss:Why leadership today is facing a “healing crisis”The hidden cost of success: burnout, misalignment, and “hollow achievement”Why traditional leadership training often fails to create lasting changeHow unhealed wounds shape leadership behaviorWhy many leaders resist doing inner workThe seven steps to healing as a leaderHow trauma, if processed, can become a source of growthWhy leadership starts with self-awarenessIf you’re feeling stuck, burned out, or questioning your path, this episode offers a deeper lens on what it really takes to grow.Follow Career Sessions with JR Lowry for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/raj-sisodia-and-nilima-bhat.Become a PathWise member today! Join at https://pathwise.io/join-now/

The Beliefs Holding Leaders Back And How to Break Through Them, With Muriel Wilkins

Mar 23rd, 2026 10:00 AM

What’s really holding leaders back? According to executive coach Muriel Wilkins, it’s often not skills, strategy, or experience -- it’s hidden beliefs. In this episode of Career Sessions, JR Lowry sits down with Muriel Wilkins, executive coach to senior leaders, host of Harvard Business Review’s Coaching Real Leaders, and author of Leadership Unblocked. Drawing from more than 20 years of coaching C-suite executives and analyzing hundreds of leadership cases, Muriel explains how deeply and often unconscious beliefs can quietly limit how leaders show up, make decisions, and work with others.In this conversation, JR and Muriel unpack:The seven “hidden blockers” that often derail leadership effectivenessWhy beliefs matter more than leadership tacticsThe difference between behavior and the belief driving itWhy high-performing leaders often struggle with perfectionismHow the belief “I know I’m right” can undermine collaborationHow uncertainty and layoffs are amplifying leadership pressure todayThe mindset shift that unlocks leadership growthThe framework for responding to challengesIf you want to become a more effective leader and experience leadership with greater clarity and ease, this conversation offers a powerful place to start.Follow Career Sessions for weekly conversations on leadership, career growth, and navigating the future of work.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/muriel-wilkins/.

How Courage And Purpose Can Help You Find Your True Path, With Christopher Williams

Mar 19th, 2026 4:07 PM

What does it take to walk away from a successful global executive career to pursue a deeper purpose? In this episode of Career Sessions, Career Lessons, JR Lowry sits down with Christopher Williams, former global executive and author of the new book C.O.U.R.A.GE., to explore how courage shapes our careers, leadership decisions, and personal growth. Born in Sierra Leone and educated at Morehouse College, Christopher built an international career spanning four continents, multiple industries, and senior leadership roles. Yet despite professional success, he reached a turning point that forced him to ask a difficult question: What is the real purpose of my work? That reflection led Christopher to rethink his career, step away from the corporate track, and dedicate his work to leadership, governance, and helping organizations balance business success with societal impact. In this conversation, JR and Christopher discuss:Christopher’s journey from Sierra Leone to Morehouse College and a global executive careerThe moment he felt successful but unfulfilled—and what he did about itWhy courage is essential for meaningful leadership and career growthThe seven-part COURAGE framework for making bold decisionsWhy rejecting distracting voices is often the hardest part of changeWhat living and leading across multiple cultures and continents taught him about peopleThe courageous decision to leave the corporate ladder and redefine successHow corporate boards and leaders can create greater societal impactWhy individuals must reclaim their personal agency in a rapidly changing worldIf you're questioning your career path, navigating a leadership transition, or seeking a clearer sense of purpose in your work, this episode offers powerful insights on how courage can reshape both your career and your life. Follow Career Sessions, Career Lessons for weekly conversations with leaders, authors, and innovators sharing the lessons that shape meaningful careers.Check out the full series of “Career Sessions, Career Lessons” podcasts here or visit pathwise.io/podcast/. A full written transcript of this episode is also available at https://pathwise.io/podcasts/christopher-williams.

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