Podcast
Career Slay
Hosted by Kelly Poquiz Burke · EN
What if success didn't have to come at the cost of your health, your values, or your life outside work?
Welcome to Career Slay, the podcast for ambitious professionals who are done chasing titles and ready to build careers that actually fit their lives. We talk about what it really takes to lead with confidence, clarity, and courage without losing yourself in the process.
If you're ready to stop surviving your career and start slaying it, you're in the right place.
21episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Good Daughtering ft. Allison Alford
Mar 1000:48:13Tap to summarizeWhat if one of the biggest drains on women’s time, energy, and leadership potential is something we rarely name?In this episode, Kelly sits down with Dr. Allison Alford, clinical associate professor at Baylor University, communication scholar, executive coach, and author of Good Daughtering, to explore the invisible labor of “daughtering.”Allison shares her unconventional academic journey, from earning her PhD as a mom of two to building what she calls a “portfolio career” that blends teaching, research, consulting, and coaching. But at the heart of this conversation is her groundbreaking research on daughtering, the emotional, cognitive, and relational labor adult daughters perform to keep families connected.Together, Kelly and Allison unpack how daughtering shows up as a third shift of labor, how it impacts working professionals, and why self-awareness and boundaries are critical for women who want sustainable success.If you’ve ever felt stretched thin between work, family, and the invisible expectations placed on you, this episode will help you feel seen, validated, and empowered to recalibrate.Key Topics & TakeawaysBuilding a “portfolio career” across academia and consultingEarning a PhD as a working mom and refusing to quitDefining daughtering and making invisible labor visibleThe four dimensions of daughtering: tasks, emotions, cognition, identityThe “kinship shift” across a daughter’s lifespanDaughtering plus-plus in the sandwich generationThe concept of first, second, and third shift laborHow divided attention impacts women in the workplaceBoundaries, calibration, and permission to pull backChapters / Timestamps00:00 – Welcome to Career Slay00:23 – Introducing Allison Alford01:51 – Childhood curiosity and “cruise director” energy03:55 – From international studies to communication research07:47 – The PhD journey as a mom of two11:29 – Conflict resolution coaching at McCombs15:49 – Starting a coaching business17:58 – Building a portfolio career at Baylor20:32 – What is daughtering?23:58 – Defining daughtering in four categories27:26 – The kinship shift across the lifespan31:00 – Setting boundaries without guilt33:38 – The mission behind Good Daughtering37:21 – First shift, second shift, third shift labor42:43 – What makes a fulfilling career44:20 – Advice to her 20-year-old self45:52 – Three words: Relationships, Innovation, EnergyGuest ResourcesBook: Good DaughteringPodcast: Hello Mother, Hello DaughterCoaching & Consulting: Good Talk Communication Consulting LinkedIn: Allison Alford, PhDEnjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
Transcribe →Learning How to Pivot
Feb 1700:12:09Tap to summarizePivoting can feel like failure.It can feel like quitting, like starting over, like admitting you got it wrong.In this solo episode, Kelly unpacks what it really means to pivot and why it’s often the most aligned and courageous move you can make in your career.From changing majors at University of Notre Dame, to earning her MBA, to shifting from advertising into brand marketing at Frito-Lay, to founding Career Slay, Kelly shares the defining pivots that shaped her professional path.If you’re standing at a crossroads wondering whether you’re quitting or evolving, this episode is your reminder:Pivoting is not failure. It’s getting back into alignment.What You’ll Learn in This EpisodeHow to recognize when something in your career is out of alignmentWhy gathering real-world data points reduces fearHow curiosity accelerates professional growthThe truth about self-limiting beliefsWhy you’re never actually starting from zeroHow to test a pivot through micro-experimentsWhy minimizing regret is a better compass than avoiding riskChapters / Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:23 – Why pivoting feels uncomfortable01:15 – My first pivot: Leaving architecture02:45 – Recognizing misalignment03:30 – Gathering data points04:40 – Switching majors and entering marketing05:04 – Stretching beyond your comfort zone06:10 – MBA challenges and confidence growth06:45 – Pivot into brand marketing at Frito-Lay07:20 – The biggest pivot: Founding Career Slay08:15 – You’re not starting from zero09:20 – Micro-experiments and testing your pivot09:53 – The regret minimization framework10:45 – Final encouragementQuotes Worth Repeating“Pivoting is not failure. Pivoting is getting back into alignment.”“You are not behind. You are not flaky. You are responding to growth.”“You’re not starting from zero. You’re starting from experience.”Resources MentionedJeff Bezos – The Regret Minimization FrameworkTopics Discussedcareer pivots, professional growth, leadership development, entrepreneurship, transferable skills, self-limiting beliefs, MBA journey, brand marketing, alignment, personal reinvention, minimizing regret, Career Slay PodcastEnjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
Transcribe →Fact or Story ft. Barbara Boselli
Feb 400:34:12Tap to summarizeWhat if the thing holding you back in your career isn’t a fact, but a story you’ve been telling yourself?In this episode, Kelly sits down with leadership coach, speaker, and former Google leader Barbara Boselli to explore how the narratives we create about ourselves can quietly shape, and sometimes limit, our careers.From growing up in Brazil and navigating cultural transitions in the U.S., to building a successful corporate career, leaving Google to focus on family, and eventually launching her own leadership consulting practice, Barbara shares a deeply reflective journey of growth, self-awareness, and reinvention.Together, Kelly and Barbara unpack the difference between facts and stories, how emotional intelligence and mindfulness transform leadership, and why “step two is the enemy of step one” when it comes to meaningful career change. This conversation is a powerful reminder that self-awareness is the foundation of courageous leadership, and that redefining success often starts from within.Key Topics & TakeawaysThe difference between facts and the stories we tell ourselvesHow cultural norms shape leadership and self-advocacyTransitioning from corporate leadership to entrepreneurshipEmotional intelligence as a core leadership skillMindfulness, self-awareness, and reframing limiting beliefsWhy you don’t need the full plan to take the first stepNavigating identity shifts during career pivotsFinding purpose, passion, and fulfillment through serviceChapters / Timestamps00:00 – Introduction00:23 – Barbara Boselli bio01:32 – Growing up in Brazil and early career influences03:02 – Cultural transitions and working in the U.S.05:08 – First roles at L’Oréal and Vale06:40 – Choosing an MBA and career reinvention07:58 – Joining Google and working in strategy & operations09:51 – Discovering a passion for people development11:58 – Emotional intelligence, mindfulness, and leadership13:52 – Leaving Google and identity shifts15:36 – Spiritual psychology and reframing success18:45 – Navigating motherhood and career uncertainty21:00 – “Step two is the enemy of step one”22:55 – Building Be Now Consulting24:22 – Fact vs. story and limiting beliefs28:04 – Self-awareness as a leadership superpower29:53 – Community, collaboration, and entrepreneurship31:36 – Advice to her 20-year-old self32:28 – Career in three words33:10 – Where to find BarbaraGuest ResourcesWebsite: bnowconsulting.comLinkedIn: Barbara BoselliTopics Discussedleadership development, emotional intelligence, mindfulness at work, self-awareness, career pivots, women in leadership, entrepreneurship, limiting beliefs, personal growth, fact vs story, executive coaching, purpose-driven work, Career Slay PodcastEnjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
Transcribe →Winning the Career Game ft. Kendall Berg
Jan 2100:40:48Tap to summarizeWhat if climbing the corporate ladder isn’t about working harder, but about learning the rules no one ever taught you?In this episode of the Career Slay Podcast, Kelly Poquiz Burke sits down with Kendall Berg, founder of That Career Coach and author of Secrets of the Career Game, to unpack the unspoken rules that shape real career growth.From sneaking into job fairs and telling a CFO his strategy was flawed (at 19), to earning five promotions in six years, turning down a C-suite role, and building a nationally recognized coaching platform, Kendall shares the highs, lows, and hard-earned lessons that reshaped how she thinks about success.This conversation dives deep into self-advocacy, managing up, building influence as well as your own brand, and redefining success as your life evolves. Whether you’re ambitious, burned out, or questioning what “next” really means, this episode offers practical wisdom for navigating your career with intention.Key Topics & TakeawaysWhy being great at your job isn’t enough as you move upThe importance of educating your boss about your impactHow self-advocacy and personal branding accelerate promotionsTurning down a C-suite role and trusting your gutBalancing a demanding corporate role with entrepreneurshipThe mental load behind content creation and visibilityWhy success eventually becomes about owning your timeLearning when to push forward and when to pivotChapters00:00 – Introduction01:18 – Growing up driven, entrepreneurial, and type-A02:56 – Studying math and economics without a clear path04:21 – Sneaking into job fairs and landing a career-defining role06:03 – Telling a CFO the hard truth (and getting hired anyway)08:27 – Rapid promotions, tech leadership, and learning soft skills11:58 – Turning down a C-suite role and redefining ambition15:00 – What a Chief of Staff role really looks like day-to-day17:38 – Balancing corporate leadership and That Career Coach20:42 – Content creation, controversy, and building thick skin26:45 – Writing Secrets of the Career Game28:14 – “Your boss has no idea what you’re doing”30:15 – Advocacy, promotion strategy, and managing up34:44 – How Kendall defines success today38:05 – Advice to her 20-year-old self39:27 – Career in three words39:56 – Where to find KendallGuest ResourcesFollow Kendall: @ThatCareerCoach (LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube)Website: thatcareercoach.netGet Kendall’s Book: Secrets of the Career Game https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Career-Game-strategies-workplace/dp/1804091111Keywordscareer growth, career coaching, self advocacy at work, managing up, promotions, leadership development, personal branding, career pivots, women in leadership, content creation, work life alignment, executive communication, influence at work, career strategy, Career Slay PodcastEnjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
Transcribe →Goal Setting for the New Year
Jan 700:09:48Tap to summarizeIn this episode of the Career Slay Podcast, host Kelly Poquiz Burke introduces a new format aimed at delivering actionable career and leadership advice. First up for the new year is effective goal setting, exploring three frameworks:SMART goals for structureOKRs for alignmentThe 3-2-1 framework for maintaining momentum.There is no perfect framework, and goals should support your life, not consume it. This year isn’t about becoming someone new. It’s about leading yourself with intention.Enjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
Transcribe →Bold Moves ft. Nikki Ramirez
Dec 1700:31:58Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Career Slay, host Kelly Poquiz Burke interviews Nicole “Nikki” Ramirez, a growth marketing strategist and personal branding coach who helps professionals and businesses build data-driven, impactful brands. Nikki shares her unconventional journey from journalism into digital marketing, how she landed a TEDx Talk, and what happened after getting laid off from her dream job at Forbes. Determined to take control of her career, Nikki ended up becoming a LinkedIn influencer growing her audience from 2,400 followers to 34,000 within a year. We talk about making bold career moves, overcoming the fear of putting yourself out there, and why it’s crucial to build a personal brand and own your narrative.To learn more about Nikki’s work, follow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolerayeramirez/Enjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
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Resilient Purpose ft. Jenny Parrish
Nov 2500:35:59Tap to summarizeIn this episode, host Kelly Poquiz Burke interviews marketing and sales executive Jenny Parrish. Jenny shares her inspiring journey from a challenging childhood as the daughter of an immigrant mother to a successful career in the corporate world. She discusses the impact of her mother's work ethic, her early career experiences, and the challenges she faced, including a personal tragedy that shifted her perspective on life and work: the sudden loss of her brother, who died in a car accident alongside actor Paul Walker.Now as the VP of Sales at Division-D, Jenny discusses the evolution of programmatic advertising, the rise of influencer marketing, and the importance of finding purpose in one's career. Our conversation highlights the importance of resilience, personal growth, and balancing career ambitions with family and emotional well-being.Enjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
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Destination Dream Job ft. Steph Gillies
Oct 2200:31:32Tap to summarizeYou don’t need a perfect résumé to land your dream job. You need a powerful story.In this episode of Career Slay, career development advocate, resume writer, and speaker Steph Gillies joins me to talk about how to make your career path make sense, even if it hasn’t always been linear.We discuss the importance of exploring various career paths, the role of resumes in job transitions, and how to show up authentically in job applications.Whether you’ve jumped industries, taken time off, or feel like your experience is “all over the place,” this conversation will help you connect the dots and step into your next chapter with confidence. It’s an inspiring reminder that your career is all about the unique journey, not just the destination of a dream job.Enjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
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Leading Yourself ft. Elizabeth Lotardo
Oct 900:31:20Tap to summarizeWhat does self-leadership actually mean?In this episode of the Career Slay Podcast, host Kelly Poquiz Burke interviews Elizabeth Lotardo, a consultant, LinkedIn Learning instructor, and author of 'Leading Yourself.' They discuss the importance of self-leadership, especially in uncertain times, and how mindset, behaviors, and relationships shape your career. Elizabeth shares practical mindset hacks, the significance of finding joy and meaning in work, and strategies for navigating challenging workplace dynamics. She emphasizes the power of agency in career development and the necessity of creating a fulfilling work experience. Even when you can’t control what’s happening in the economy, you can always lead yourself.Learn more about Elizabeth’s work at elizabethlotardo.comGrab a copy of “Leading Yourself” at https://a.co/d/8hPJ5TmEnjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
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Leading at Altitude ft. Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie
Sep 1700:37:07Tap to summarizeWhat does it take to thrive in one of the most high-pressure careers in the world—and then reinvent yourself on the other side of it?In this episode of the Career Slay Podcast, host Kelly Poquiz Burke sits down with Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie, retired U.S. Air Force officer turned Founder & CEO of GauxMax Strategies, a brand strategy and PR consulting firm. From flying the F-15E Strike Eagle to commanding hundreds of airmen to launching her own business, Lilo’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, purpose, and growth through discomfort.Lilo shares her candid story of navigating burnout, identity, and career transition after 20 years of service. She opens up about what it’s like to lead in a male-dominated field, why teamwork is the ultimate “team sport,” and how she’s redefining success on her own terms.If you’ve ever faced burnout, questioned your path, or wondered how to embrace the unknown with courage, this conversation will inspire you to lead with both grit and grace.What you’ll learn in this episode:How resilience and adaptability fuel career transitionsLeadership lessons from the cockpit (and why perfection is never the goal)The truth about burnout—and why even high achievers must pauseWhy embracing discomfort is key to growth and fulfillmentHow to redefine success beyond titles and achievementsChapters:00:00 Introduction01:52 Cathyrine “Lilo” Armandie: A Journey of Resilience05:18 From Criminology to Aviation: A Career Shift10:15 Life as a Wizzo: Training and Responsibilities12:02 Leadership Lessons from the Military14:53 Navigating Bias in a Male-Dominated Field19:03 The Importance of Purpose in Career23:28 Transitioning to Civilian Life and New Ventures27:10 Redefining Success: A New Perspective29:54 Advice for Aspiring Aviators32:23 Embracing the Unknown: Growth Through Discomfort34:35 Summing Up a Career: Gratitude and ReflectionGuest Resources:CEO, GauxMax StrategiesHost, Lies My Ego Told Me Podcast https://liesmyego.com/Enjoying the show?Please consider subscribing, leaving a rating, and sharing to help us #slaythefearincareer. And if you're looking for one-on-one career coaching, connect with Kelly:Website: careerslay.comLinkedIn: Kelly Poquiz BurkeInstagram: @careerslay
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