The Career Optimum Podcast: By Design, Not Default

Introvert Bingo, Anyone?!

For this episode, I created an Introvert Bingo Card, which covers how we as introverts typically respond to a variety of work/life situations. I brought on board Stephen Beattie-Romero, fellow introvert and Accounting Manager at the Knot, an online wedding and event vendor marketplace. Stephen and I have previously co-created and conducted workshops and podcast episodes centered around the life of an introvert both at work and at home. So he was the logical choice to engage in this conversation! Listen in as we work our way around the bingo card and share our personal experiences, living life as introverts in an extroverted-leaning world. Download a copy of the bingo card [https://careeroptimum.com/2025/12/16/introvert-bingo-anyone/]and try it out for yourself. Play it alone, or with one of your introvert friends or colleagues! Schedule a complimentary appointment  [https://careeroptimum.as.me/consultation]with me to learn more about career coaching, my unique approach incorporating principles of Positive Psychology, and how coaching can help you thrive in both your professional and personal life. Find me on⁠ LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerosenlicht/] & ⁠Instagram ⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/careeroptimum/]and check out my website [https://careeroptimum.com].

"Did I do that?": Admitting Mistakes in the Workplace

Admitting to our mistakes (and we all make them) can be a tough thing to do, especially on the job when we're trying to put ourselves in the best light possible, and not get in trouble with the boss. To avoid this, some will try to BS their way out of it, which rarely turns out well. So what's the best course of action? In this episode I talk with Rich Madison, who holds a leadership position in a DC-based membership organization. Listen in to hear from his perspective what how employees can navigate the challenges - and the benefits - that come up with taking responsibility for these slip-ups. Find me on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joerosenlicht/] & Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/careeroptimum/]and subscribe to my blog [https://careeroptimum.com/blog-2/]. To learn more about career coaching, and what's possible for your career, schedule a complimentary consultation [https://careeroptimum.as.me/schedule/980e6b33/appointment/69343370/calendar/10861863]. .

Mentally Speaking: The Case for Speaking Up

As we head into the month of June, it's still not too late to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month (which took place in May). I started May traveling to Spain, and watching my favorite tennis player, Casper Ruud play in the Madrid Open, not only winning that quarterfinal match, but also going on to win the whole tournament! I also learned that he recently spoke up about the mental health challenges he was experiencing on the professional tennis tour, and the support he sought. It's a big step forward in helping to raise awareness and further reduce the stigma over talking about mental health issues, especially coming from a high-profile figure. Check out this latest episode to learn more. Also, connect with me on Instagram  [https://www.instagram.com/careeroptimum/]and subscribe to my blog [https://careeroptimum.com] . To learn more about career coaching, and what's possible for your career, schedule a complimentary consultation [https://careeroptimum.as.me/schedule/980e6b33]. .

The Surprising Power of Volunteering

I recently volunteered at the Food Bank of Delaware [https://www.fbd.org]. A gratifying experience, and the nice thing about volunteering is that it comes with a lot of benefits, on both a personal and professional level. My latest blog post [https://careeroptimum.com/2025/03/06/why-volunteer-some-of-the-reasons-may-surprise-you/] takes us through those benefits, including the fact that it’s a great way to weather the storm of layoffs. Check out this link [https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/websites-find-volunteer-work/]for some great volunteer opportunities! Also, be sure to connect with me on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/careeroptimum/] and subscribe to my blog [https://careeroptimum.com/blog-2/] . And,  schedule a complimentary consultation [https://careeroptimum.as.me/schedule/980e6b33] with me to learn more about career coaching, and what might be possible for your career.

Holiday Shopping: Introvert Edition

Ingenious corporate strategy, and an introvert's dream: some Sephora locations in Europe have color-coded their shopping baskets to accommodate different customer styles and temperaments. Take the red basket if you want a salesperson to assist you . Take the black basket to be left alone. Unfortunately, as far as I know, other stores haven't caught on. Check out my latest podcast episode and see if my shopping experience feels similar to yours. Also, be sure to connect with me on Instagram  [https://instagram.com/careeroptimum]and subscribe to my blog [https://careeroptimum.com] . And,  with schedule a complimentary consultation [https://careeroptimum.as.me/]with me to learn more about career coaching, and what might be possible for your career.