Career Cushioning: Is It Helping or Hurting Your Career?

6 Ways to Stay Visible and Build Career Momentum This Summer

Is summer really a “dead zone” for networking and career growth? Not even close. In this episode of the Career Intelligence Podcast, Betsy Jewell is joined by fellow career coaches Kathleen Dohoney and Meredith Dinitz to share practical strategies for building career momentum during the summer months, even when hiring feels slower. Together, they discuss how to stay visible, strengthen your network, develop in-demand skills, and position yourself for opportunities before the busy fall hiring season begins. From networking without feeling transactional to building proof of work, volunteering strategically, using LinkedIn more effectively, and developing AI fluency, this episode is packed with actionable career advice for today’s job market. Whether you are a college student, recent graduate, career changer, mid-career professional, or actively job searching, these tips will help you use the summer intentionally and avoid the September panic. In this episode, we discuss:• Summer networking strategies that actually work• How to build proof of work and stand out to employers• Why volunteering can create career opportunities• How to stay visible on LinkedIn during slower hiring periods• AI fluency and digital skills employers are looking for• Why relationship-building matters more than mass applying• How to create career momentum before fall hiring ramps up If you are looking for practical career advice, networking tips, job search strategies, LinkedIn guidance, or ways to future-proof your career in an AI-driven job market, this episode is for you. ======== We want to hear from you! Connect with us! Betsy Jewell ⁠betsyjewellcoaching.com⁠ [http://betsyjewellcoaching.com] LinkedIn:⁠ https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/] Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz yourcareerhappinesspc.com [http://yourcareerhappinesspc.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/] Kathleen Dohoney celticcareerpros.com [http://celticcareerpros.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/] Links and Resources Udemy [https://www.udemy.com/] Coursera [https://www.coursera.org/] AppSumo [https://appsumo.com/]

Career Cushioning: Is It Helping or Hurting Your Career?

Career cushioning is one of the most talked about workplace trends right now, but many professionals are already doing it without even realizing there is a name for it. Scrolling job boards during your lunch break. Saving roles you are not sure you want. Updating your resume with no real intention of sending it anywhere. Sound familiar? In this episode of the Career Intelligence Podcast, Meredith Dinitz explores why so many professionals are quietly keeping their options open and what that reveals about how people are thinking about work, job security, layoffs, AI, and career stability right now. Meredith shares: * The difference between strategic career cushioning and anxiety driven career cushioning * Why so many professionals are feeling uncertain about work right now * How to stay connected to the market without becoming consumed by fear * Questions to ask yourself if you are quietly wondering what comes next Whether you are actively job searching or simply rethinking your future, this episode offers a thoughtful and practical perspective on navigating career uncertainty in a rapidly changing workplace. We want to hear from you! Connect with us! Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz yourcareerhappinesspc.com [http://yourcareerhappinesspc.com]LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/] Betsy Jewell betsyjewellcoaching.com [http://betsyjewellcoaching.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/] Kathleen Dohoney celticcareerpros.com [http://celticcareerpros.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/]

Writing Resumes and Career Documents using AI with Denise Bitler

AI can write a resume in seconds, but can it actually tell your story? In this episode, Kathleen Dohoney welcomes Denise Bitler of Pinnacle Executive Career Partners [https://www.pinnaclecareerpartners.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com] for a conversation to unpack the growing role of artificial intelligence in resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and career strategy. Denise’s philosophy, “The power of AI, guided by human expertise. Grounded by ethics,” sets the tone for a discussion focused on the smart use of technology in today’s job market. What are the biggest mistakes people make when using AI-generated content? *  Over-polished resumes *  Fabricated information *  Generic messaging that fails to differentiate candidates.  Denise explains how to use AI as a brainstorming and research partner while still maintaining authenticity and strategic positioning. The episode also includes practical tips for writing stronger prompts, using voice tools to improve content flow, and researching companies more effectively before interviews. Whether you’re actively job searching or simply trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode offers a realistic look at how AI is reshaping career development today. ------------------ We want to hear from you! Connect with us! Kathleen Dohoney celticcareerpros.com [http://celticcareerpros.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/] Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz yourcareerhappinesspc.com [http://yourcareerhappinesspc.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/] Betsy Jewell betsyjewellcoaching.com [http://betsyjewellcoaching.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/] About our Guest Denise Bitler is the founder of Pinnacle Executive Career Partners and creator of the TRANSCEND Framework, a comprehensive executive and board-level career branding and advancement program. An award-winning executive coach and industry thought leader in executive career strategy and the ethical use of AI, Denise is a trusted advisor to senior leaders, C-Suite executives, and board candidates.   A nationally recognized and sought-after conference speaker, webinar and workshop developer, and podcast guest, she is known for delivering innovative, high-impact content on leadership branding, interview performance, AI-powered job search strategies, and storytelling that drives influence and opportunity. Her company was named Career Coaching Company of the Year 2025/26, and she was recognized as one of the Top 15 Coaches in Tampa (2025).  When she’s not coaching or speaking, Denise develops training resources for career professionals seeking to elevate their practices and stay ahead of evolving trends. Her work continues to shape industry standards in branding, storytelling, and AI adoption, always with an emphasis on integrity, innovation, and measurable impact. Denise Bitler, MRW, MJSC, CHJMC, CERW, CDBS, CPRW, CICNC dbitler@pinnacleexecutivecareerpartners.com 610-564-9623 (Eastern Time Zone - USA) www.pinnacleexecutivecareerpartners.com [http://www.pinnacleexecutivecareerpartners.com/] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-bitler/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-bitler/]

The Future of Work: Skills-Based Hiring, Apprenticeships, and Career Pathways with Nick Wyman

Is the “talent shortage” really about a lack of workers… or a lack of career pathways? In this episode of the Career Intelligence Podcast, Betsy Jewell sits down with workforce development expert and Forbes contributor Nick Wyman to discuss the future of work, skills-based hiring, modern apprenticeships, and why the traditional college-to-job pipeline is no longer working for many young adults. They explore: • Why so many college students and recent grads are struggling to get hired • The rise of apprenticeships and alternative pathways • How employers are thinking about skills over degrees • Why adaptability and lifelong learning matter more than ever • What young adults can do now to stand out in a competitive job market Whether you’re a student, parent, educator, or employer, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on career success in a rapidly changing world. ------- We want to hear from you! Connect with us! Betsy Jewell ⁠⁠betsyjewellcoaching.com⁠⁠ [http://betsyjewellcoaching.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/] Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz ⁠yourcareerhappinesspc.com⁠ [http://yourcareerhappinesspc.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/] Kathleen Dohoney ⁠celticcareerpros.com⁠ [http://celticcareerpros.com] https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/] About our Guest Nicholas “Nick” Wyman began his career as an award-winning chef before becoming a globally recognized leader in workforce innovation. As founder and CEO of IWSI America, he has pioneered national apprenticeship initiatives — from the first registered U.S. forestry apprenticeship in 35 years to groundbreaking healthcare programs for people with disabilities. Nick is the author of Job U: How to Find Wealth and Success by Developing the Skills Companies Need (Penguin) and Attract, Retain, Develop: Shaping a Skilled Workforce for the Future (Fast Company Press, 2025). He contributes to Forbes, Fast Company, CNBC, and the MIT Press Journal, and is known for translating global best practices into practical solutions that reshape careers and communities. His latest work explores the intersection of wellness and work — how personal health, resilience, and performance fuel not only individual success but also the future of organizations. https://www.iwsiamerica.org/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.iwsiamerica.org%252F%26user_uuid%3DBBAHLCDHQRBMWZNZ%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3De033aa71be8cfb87a5bbf7b4cf5b26742c6003de61b1ebd1ae4179c59ce41363&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1777171380000000&usg=AOvVaw1EI-pLrB0On2x2S4Ykw_-6] https://www.nicholaswyman.com/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.nicholaswyman.com%252F%26user_uuid%3DBBAHLCDHQRBMWZNZ%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3D20225df5298f7fa188942b309e3ffb143c3e8f086d049141ebf40f54ac7a6d96&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1777171380000000&usg=AOvVaw1wc4Ifun3XNZLxbd6BlBN5] https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasmwyman/ [https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fcalendly.com%2Furl%3Fq%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.linkedin.com%252Fin%252Fnicholasmwyman%252F%26user_uuid%3DBBAHLCDHQRBMWZNZ%26stage%3D1%26hmac%3Daa8dda396c046d9e2958dd4fcfeb4cb8a25d7ff7bfa18892d5429467a73ddd34&sa=D&source=calendar&ust=1777171380000000&usg=AOvVaw2yJe3oWy6Zk3lgXaM9ZWfZ]

What Actually Matters in Today’s Job Search: 7 Career Takeaways

In this episode, Kathleen Dohoney and Meredith Dinitz offer 7 takeaways from the Career Thought Leaders Symposium held in San Diego. Pulled from conversations with recruiters, career leaders, and industry experts, this episode focuses on how the job market is evolving beneath the surface and what that means for how you position yourself. We walk through key patterns seen across industries, from how hiring decisions are being made to why many qualified candidates struggle to gain traction. This isn’t about quick fixes or tactics; it’s about understanding the bigger picture so you can make more informed, strategic decisions in your job search. --------------------------------------- We want to hear from you! Connect with us! Meredith Pasekoff-Dinitz yourcareerhappinesspc.com [http://yourcareerhappinesspc.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-pasekoffdinitz/] Kathleen Dohoney celticcareerpros.com [http://celticcareerpros.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleendohoney1/] Betsy Jewell betsyjewellcoaching.com [http://betsyjewellcoaching.com] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsyjewell/]