Professional DNA Podcast

Your personal brand is the foundation of your career. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler, explores the art of personal branding and provides practical insights on how to unleash your unique identity to create a powerful personal brand. You will discover the importance of knowing your values, strengths, and passions to differentiate yourself in today's competitive workplace. Tareka explores the importance of crafting a compelling brand story, building an online presence, and amplifying your brand through strategic networking. Tune in to gain the knowledge and inspiration to start developing your personal brand and unlock new career opportunities.

As a kid, playing the guessing game was always fun. However, as a professional guessing about your next move, promotion, or opportunity is not fun at all. During this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler is sharing several strategies to help you stop guessing about what's next in your career. When you start being strategic, it opens up a world of opportunities, and allows to own and drive your career journey. Tune in to this episode if you are ready to get strategic about your career and to finally start seeing the advancement you desire.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Sometimes it's not them! As a professional, you can hold yourself back if you're not careful. Taking responsibility for your career is a must. This means you have to have a great sense of self awareness so you can recognize when you might be getting in your own way. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler is sharing five things you might be doing that's holding you back in your career. Everyone wants to achieve success. The problem is that not everyone knows how to actually achieve their desired success. Tareka is breaking down five show stoppers that you might not realize are serving as a hinderance to your career. If you're ready to step aside from what's holding your back, and step into what can push you forward, this episode is for you.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If you’re gearing up for a conversation you’ve labeled “difficult,” you’re more likely to feel nervous and upset about it beforehand. During this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler provides you with three key strategies that you can start using today to tackle or prevent difficult conversations. Whether it’s about performance, workplace conflict, sharing negative feedback, or discussing personal issues, being able to address sensitive subjects is an essential part of becoming leader, or just being a contributing professional. Difficult conversations are inevitable. Tune in to this episode to add a few additional tools in your toolbox to tackle them.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Taking a pause is different from stopping. Sometimes you need to take a strategic pause to rethink, refresh, and to get a fresh start at working towards your future. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler will share why it's important for you to take a pause, and the benefits it will have on your career. The constant grind with no rest can actually be detrimental to your career and your overall wellbeing. This episode is for every high-achiever and high-performer! Tune in today.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Did you know that data reigns supreme? This is especially true in your career. Using achievements as data can be a powerful way for you to advance in your careers. By leveraging your accomplishments and quantifying their impact, you can demonstrate your value and competency to employers, clients, or colleagues. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler will share some steps to help you start using your achievements as data to advance in your careers. By transforming your accomplishments into quantifiable results and providing supporting evidence, you can showcase your expertise, stand out from the competition, and advance in your career. Tune in to another must listen episode.

KEY POINTS:

• Identify and document your achievements.
• It's important to quantify your impact by using measurable metrics when communicating your value.
• You need supporting evidence to validate your achievements.
• Having a portfolio can help you communicate your achievements in a concise and visual manner.
• Continuing to build on your achievements is crucial for career advancement.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

If you are invisible how can they promote you? As a high-achieving professional, you must bring your expertise and skills into plain sight. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler will share four strategies you can start using today to stop hiding and to start shining in your career. It's important for the right people to see and hear you, but how? Tareka will share ways you will be able to quickly and consistently show up in multiple areas of your career. By learning and implementing these strategies, you will position yourself for advancement in your career so that you can experience the success you deserve and desire.

KEY POINTS:

• Increasing your visibility in the workplace is essential to your career advancement.

• Professionals should identify their areas of expertise and take deliberate steps to demonstrate their knowledge and skills.
• Building a strong professional network is crucial for career visibility.
• Speaking up and communicating your value is important to advancing in your career.
• Consider visibility when creating your SMART goals.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Your mind is like a super computer. It serves as a central command center for every single thing that you do each day. When you have positive thinking, it can lead to positive and impactful living. Your health and achieving the success you desire and deserve in life is directly aligned with the thoughts in your head. One expert says we all must "take charge of our brains"', and that's the phenomenal Dr. Philippe Douyon. Dr. Douyon is a Board Certified Neurologist. After spending years witnessing the deleterious affects of neurological disorders, Dr. Douyon realized that there were better ways to serve people and prevent the decline of brain health, while supporting total body health.

Your Host Tareka Wheeler, had an opportunity to sit down with Dr. Douyon to dig into the importance of mindfulness and taking charge of your brain to improve your overall health. Tareka and Dr. Douyon have an in depth conversation that will challenge you to think differently so you can live life differently. Tune in for a thought provoking conversation that will truly impact the way you approach your overall wellbeing and success in. your career. GUEST RESOURCES Dr. Philippe Douyon

Once you get a handle on that nasty imposter syndrome, then it's time to take back your confidence. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler will share the benefits of having self-confidence in the workplace, and share some practical strategies you can start to use today. Self-confidence can show up in many ways, and serve as a tool to help you advance in your career. Tareka will share a few examples of how self-confidence can show up for you, and she takes time to answer a career question from a listener that is struggling with self-confidence. Tune in to part two of this two-part episode of the Professional DNA Podcast.

KEY POINTS:

- Self-confidence is a feeling of trust in one's abilities, qualities, and judgment.

- Lacking self confidence can slowdown your defined success.

- Having self-confidence can come out in many ways in the workplace.

- When you have self confidence, you have a higher chance of better communication, increase productivity, and more.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

No matter how much evidence there is that you’re successfully navigating this thing called life, you may also have limiting beliefs that you aren’t actually as capable or smart as others think you are. You may even begin to feel as if you do not deserve to be successful. These feelings are called imposter syndrome and can lead to a lack of growth and self-confidence. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler, is breaking down imposter syndrome and how it can creep up on you if you're not careful. In order to start designing the personal and professional life experiences you desire and deserve, you need to believe that all you achieve and accomplish is real! Not only is it real, but you did it! You are not a fraud, and it's time ditch imposter syndrome and put some strategies in place to help you keep it away for good. Tune in to this two-part episode of the Professional DNA Podcast with Tareka Wheeler today!

KEY POINTS:

- Imposter syndrome is the feeling that you don't deserve success, and you are convinced that other will see you as a fraud.

- Imposter syndrome  impacts high-achievers and high performers. 

- Journaling your feelings and why you feel that way can help you ditch imposter syndrome.

- Strive for excellence and progress over perfectionism. 

- It is important to own and document your success.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

We each have unique strengths. The question is do you know what they are and how to use them. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler explores ways you can identify and start using your strengths. Often times, professionals are ready to advance, but forget that they have unique tools called strengths that can actually help them excel. Tareka takes time to tackle this topic and to introduce what are called character strengths from a book authored by two psychologists. If you are ready to stop the madness in your career and learn how to identify your strengths, then definitely tune in to this episode.  

KEY POINTS:

- Learning how to identify your strengths and lead with them can positively impact your success.

- Discovering your professional DNA - your defined natural ability to succeed, can help you advance in your career.

- There is a difference between your passion and your strengths. 

- Although we all have strengths, many professionals don't take time to discover them.

EPISODE RESOURCES:

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY! This episode is all about celebration! Your host, Tareka Wheeler, is celebrating the 2 year anniversary of the Professional DNA Podcast, Episode 80 of the podcast, and her birthday! This episode is also about celebrating you and your journey. Celebrating your achievements can boost confidence and increase your motivation. Tareka will challenge you to see the connection between celebrating your journey and using your present successes to help design the future success you want to see in your career and life overall. You don't want to miss this episode!

KEY POINTS:

- Celebrating your journey is one way to hit pause and think about how far you have come.

- Celebrating the completion of small accomplishments leads to the completion of larger goals. 

- Questions to use when reflecting on your journey

1. What did I enjoy most about the journey?
2. What did I do well?
3. What strengths did I use?
4. What skills did I gain?
5. What do I feel most confident about?
6. How did I overcome obstacles along the way?
7. What would I change and how?

EPISODE RESOURCES:

Experts state that the growth of remote roles would have happened even without the pandemic. A Gallup survey in June of 2022 found that 8 in 10 people are working hybrid or remote, while only 2 in 10 are entirely on-site. While some have headed back into the office, many professionals are still remote. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler is sharing strategies to help remote workers thrive and advance in the workplace. While there are many benefits to remote work, there are also challenges and pitfalls you need to avoid to ensure you don't stunt your professional growth. Tune in for a must listen to episode for all aspiring or current remote workers. 

KEY POINTS:

- There are many benefits to remote work.

- The percentage of remote workers keeps increasing year over year especially after the pandemic. 

- Sometimes being remote can create content and complacency. 

- Think about where so you want to "grow".

Why do we think a shift can magically happen with no action?. If you want to see something different, then you need to do something different, and often times the first place to start is with your mindset. While you may experience challenges in your career, it's how you approach and think about them that really matters. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler talks about the importance of shifting your mindset and assessing your relationship with growth. If you truly want to experience a shift in your career, then tune in to learn about four significant mindset shifts you can make to see the shifts you desire and deserve in your career.

KEY POINTS:

- Through it all, the biggest challenge or obstacle in your career is your mindset.

- Take time to assess what the word "growth" means to you.

- You do not need the approval or validation from others to grow and achieve success. 

- Your life is your biggest client, so don't forget to serve you.

What are the top in-demand skills you need to future proof your career in 2023 and beyond? Are you well-positioned in your company or the workplace for advancement? After the pandemic and recent trends like The Great Resignation and quiet quitting, the hiring game has completely changed. Hiring Managers and Recruiters must think differently about the skill levels they need employees to possess. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler shares and explores six skills that you need to advance in 2023. The future of work offers many opportunities, and this episode will help you understand top skills you need to be competitive as you seek advancement, promotion, and growth. Tune in to another must listen episode for high-achieving professionals.

KEY POINTS:

- 9 in 10 executives and managers say their organizations either face skill gaps already, or expect gaps to develop in the next 5 years. (Source: McKinsey and Company Global Survey)

- Even with major tech company layoffs, furloughs, etc... this is still an employee market. With the right skills, you can really design the career growth you desire.

- Assessing your current skills and learning new skills is important if you want to advance in career, business, or life as a whole.

Believe it or not, you have more control over your life than you think. When we are aligned with your purpose, the rest is up to you to define and design the life you want to live. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler is breaking down the concept of "design thinking", and how you can leverage your career to support the design you desire for your life. She talks about the unique aspects of the design process, and how they can be applied to you designing the life you deserve and desire! If you are ready to change the way you operate day-to-day in life, and to start being strategic about the decisions and actions you take as it relates to your career, then get situated and press play to start this episode.

KEY POINTS:

- The goal of design thinking is to change the way you think about any given challenge, problem, or goal.

- Key principles of design thinking include 1) Risk are acceptable and 2) Mistakes are critical learning opportunities.

- What requirements do you have for your life? 

- Your life is your client.

Burnout and feeling overwhelmed is real, but it doesn't have to be your norm. When you choose harmony in your life, you choose YOU! When you choose "you", then you are ultimately choosing your happiness which will lead to your success. In this episode, your host Tareka Wheeler is sharing more of her story and her journey to achieving harmony. She talks about why true happiness is important to achieve success, and the three connections you need to make starting today! If you are ready to level up and take your life to new heights, advance in your career, excel in business, and improve your relationships, then this is a must listen episode.

KEY POINTS:

- Without harmony in your relationships, your mindset, your work, your happiness will be compromised. 

- Happiness is not a privilege... it should be the norm.

- Harmony is a state of coherence.

- The right connections are key to 

Believe it or not, working hard and doing your job is not good enough anymore. While it checks the box, it will not position you for advancement or help you achieve your career goals. As a high-achieving professional, your host Tareka Wheeler understands the importance of not only doing a good job, but delivering value while doing so. Tune in as Tareka explains the concept of value-based performance, and shares 5 core principles you can use to advance in your career and successfully achieve your career goals.

KEY POINTS:

- Today's standards in the workforce have changed.

- Working hard and getting the job done is not enough if you want to advance in your career.

- Your skills, capabilities, and unique brand are valuable assets.

- What value does your performance bring to the table?

Sometimes we hide from ourselves to get away from the pain, adversity, or the day-to-day challenges that come with life. However, hiding doesn't always look ugly. We can dress it up and appear to be successful on the outside even when we are stuck and not growing on the inside. Your host Tareka Wheeler will share a piece of her journey when she was the reigning Queen of "Artificialville", and what strategies she used to get real with herself so she could begin to see real growth in her life.

Tune is as Tareka jumps into Season 3 head first and opens up about how she learned to stop shrinking and hiding, so she could begin to really thrive and grow from the inside out, and continue to pursue the career and lifestyle she desired. 

KEY POINTS:

- Being ok with the reflection you see, and giving gratitude and grace so you can move forward to change what you don't like.

- Setting aside your pride and asking for help so you can grow.

- What do your really want in life and why?

All we can say is thank you! Season 2 has come to an end, and we have a special message for you. Tune in to the last episode of Season 2 of the Professional DNA Podcast.

Be sure to follow us on Instagram at @professional_dna for updates and information about Season 3. Check out previous episodes, and share your favorite with others.

HOST

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today.

COMMUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & WORKING PARENTS

We are conditioned to believe that "surviving" is ok. However, it's time to make a shift away from just surviving so you can thrive in your career and in life. There is a fundamental difference between surviving and thriving. Surviving is defined as “to continue to live or exist” while thriving means “to grow or develop well, to prosper or to flourish”. In this episode, Tareka is challenging you to unapologetically pursue a major shift so you can begin to thrive in both your personal and professional life. Making a shift is never easy, so Tareka is providing you with a few strategies to help you along the journey.

HOST

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today.

COMMUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & WORKING PARENTS

Simply put... When you change your habits, you can change your life. If you are truly ready to pursue the success you deserve in your professional and personal life, then you must commit to making some changes. In this episode, Tareka is sharing intentional and practical steps you can take to make life-changing  shifts that will help you achieve success at work and at home. Small steps can translate into big progress if you stay committed and consistent. Tune in to this episode if you are ready to make a few small intentional changes to your daily routine that will set you up for the major success you want to see in your life. 

HOST

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. 

COMMUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & WORKING PARENTS 

Do you ever feel like you are just a character in your own life? Working to advance in your career and thrive in life can be a challenge when you don't take control and prioritize yourself. In this episode of the Professional DNA Podcast, Tareka is helping you prioritize self-care and learn how to become the Director and Producer of your life. When you try to balance self, home, work, family, business, etc... this thing called life can get heavy. However, when you switch it up and pursue work-life harmony it will change your life. Why... because you are prioritizing yourself and have a full charge to conquer all that you desire in life. Tune in to this must listen episode today!

HOST:

Celebrating your accomplishments is essential because it gives you the drive for future goals. Taking pride in your accomplishments by celebrating them—even the small ones—can boost your self-confidence and motivate you to achieve more. In this episode, Tareka is sharing why it's important for your to celebrate and elevate in both your personal life and your career. Learn three things you can do to start celebrating your accomplishments in your career and personal life that will help you elevate and continue to achieve the success you desire and deserve.

HOST:

As a leader, you are in a position to not only lead, but to influence. There is an incredible amount of privilege in leadership, which is why you must be intentional about the internal conversations you have with yourself that will ultimately impact how you show up as a leader. In this episode, Tareka sat down with Tihanna Louise, a public speaking and business coach that helps people achieve their career and personal goals. She has worked with companies such as Meta, Nike, Google, ebay, and many more, with the goal of amplifying their communication, connection and confidence so that they have a positive, influential impact on the world. Together, they explored the critical conversations that leaders need to have with themselves. This is a must listen episode for leaders at all levels and in any industry.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Tihanna Louise

Founder/Lead Coach Tihanna Louise & Associates Coaching & Consulting, LLC

We all have goals! The real question is what are you doing to achieve them? In this high energy episode, Tareka is sharing three things you need to have in order to achieve your goals! All it takes is a little S.A.S! Tune in if your ready to take your goals across the finish line! 

HOST: The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony. 

COMMUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & WORKING PARENTS 

Ambitious professional women and working parents have a unique set of challenges. On one hand, you are trying to advance in your career, and the other is focused on living your best personal life! What would happen if you integrated work and life together, and had a community of like-minded professionals to support, empower, and encourage you? Wait no more! Join the private Facebook Community: Community of AMBITIOUS Professional Women and Working Parents. 

RESOURCES: - 

Have you ever read a book that made you want to reconstruct several areas of your life? Personal Development books can be incredibly helpful when you are at a crossroad in your personal or professional journey. There are so many authors that have written powerful tools that you can use to take you life to another level. In this episode, Tareka sits down with THE book reviewer Nick Hutchison, Founder of BookThinkers. No matter what problem you're trying to solve, Nick believes that applying the right book can change your life. Tune in if you're ready to take a deeper look into how personal development books can support you along any journey life, and learn about a few gems that might just surprise you.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Happy Mother's Day! This episode is for all of my moms and women serving in the gap for children who may not have a mom in the life. You are amazing, and today and everyday we celebrate you! Being a mom, especially as professional working mom, comes with a unique set of challenges. In this episode, Tareka shares practical strategies to help moms win at work and at home. Being ambitious and pursuing the desires of your heart is ok. It's more than ok! As a mom, you don't have to walk away from your dreams. Learn how to embrace and share your dreams with your family. Are you ready to win at work and home? Tune in to this episode to take a different step forward, and become a momma that is consistently winning is all areas of your life!

KEY POINTS:

- As moms, we tend to take on too much.

- You can win at home and at work.

- There are five (5) practical strategies you can use to take a different step forward and start pursuing the desires of your heart.

HOST:

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony.

COMMUNITY FOR AMBITIOUS PROFESSIONAL WOMEN & WORKING PARENTS

How do reporters get their big stories, or the "inside scoop"? Honestly, they simply ask questions. Reporters conduct interviews to ensure they gain insights and facts about a story or person. In this episode of the Professional DNA Podcast, Tareka is sharing how you can get the inside scoop as you focus on navigating your next career move. It's time for you to conduct some informational interviews to get the inside scoop on companies of interest, potential positions/jobs you might pursue, or industries to transition into. Informational interviews can be a valuable tool as you advance in your career. Tune in to this episode to learn who you should interview, and what types of questions you should ask.

KEY POINTS:

- You can't play big and small a the same time.

- Conducting informational interviews will help you step out of your comfort zone.

- There are three types of informational interviews to conduct with professionals. 

HOST:

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony.

RESOURCES:

Who are you living for? Are you choosing to live out your dreams and aspirations, or are you living the life and pursuing the success that others believe you should? How many times have you forgotten to choose yourself and have lost your way. No clarity about life or where to go in your career. In this episode, Tareka is encouraging you to choose yourself. Choosing yourself is not the same as being selfish. Tune in to learn how you can serve the vision you have for your life by choosing yourself and executing four (4) strategies that will not only shift your perspective, but help you advance in your personal and professional journey.

KEY POINTS:

- If you don't choose you, then who will?

- Each time your choose yourself in the present, you are helping your future self.

- The biggest reason why we don't choose ourselves is because of the expectations others have of our lives. 

- Choosing yourself is about making a conscious decision to serve the vision for your life. 

HOST:

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony.

RESOURCES:

Being irreplaceable may seem like the right career move, but it can actually backfire when it comes to taking your career to the next level. When you make yourself irreplaceable instead of promotable, you may be setting yourself up to be stuck in a role longer than you would like. After all, your company can't "replace" you right? In this episode, Tareka shares the importance of shifting your mindset about job security. The goal is to be promotable versus irreplaceable. Tune in to learn seven strategies that will increase your chances of being promoted and being promotable over the course of your career. 

KEY POINTS:

- Being irreplaceable can stunt your career growth.

- Maximize your strengths and leverage your Professional DNA to showcase your abilities.

- Identify opportunities to mentor others, or support colleagues to demonstrate your willingness to be a good "corporate citizen". 

HOST:

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony.

RESOURCES:

When you are getting ready for your job interview, what happens? Does the thought of going into the interview make you a bit nervous? Or, do you remain calm, confident and relaxed? In this episode, Tareka is providing you with 6 strategies to help you ace your next interview with confidence. Coming from a place of confidence turns the interview into more of a dialogue and less of an interview. However, you must be prepared and position yourself for a successful dialogue. Tune in and share this episode with anyone that is preparing for a job interview. These strategies will help you confidently take your interview to the next level.

KEY POINTS:

- An interview is a two-way conversation. 

- There are key strategies to use to have a successful interview: 1) Do your research; 2) Prepare yourself and your environment; 3) Have your pitch ready; 4) Focus of relevant examples; 5) Ask questions; 6) Follow up with a strong thank you

HOST:

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony.

RESOURCES:

In this week's podcast episode, Tareka answers one of my most asked questions she hears from professionals: "What do employers really want?". Believe it or not, it's not just about your hard work and pretty smile! Tareka talked with some top notch recruiters in tech, finance, consulting, and healthcare in the country. After all was said and done, there were some common themes that you will learn about in this episode. PLUS! Did you know you have a secret sauce! That's right! During this episode, Tareka is going to share what it is, and help you learn how to leverage it! Tune in to learn the top six (6) things employers want you to have when you walk in the door, and the secret sauce that you can start using right away! 

KEY POINTS: 

- Employers are looking for more that technical skills in 2022 and beyond. 

- Recruiters are helping employers identify strong talent that can be retained. 

- It cost employers more money to bring on new talent that to retain and up-skill existing talent. 

- Employers are looking for six things in new talent: 1) 3 C's; 2) positive attitude, 3) adaptability, 4) motivated to grow and learn; 5) self-motivated; 6) quality 

HOST: 

The Professional DNA Podcast host, Tareka Wheeler, is a Career and Mindset Strategist and Founder and CEO of T. Wheeler Strategic Solutions, LLC. If you are looking for support with advancing in your career, or changing your career direction, schedule a Discovery Call with Tareka today. High-achieving professionals come to me when they are ready to advance in their careers and increase their salaries all while achieving work-life harmony. 

RESOURCES: 

Do you have any allies at work? Are you sure? Allies are important for several reasons. One crucial component involves individuals recognizing their own privilege and using it to influence inclusion and call out or challenge behavior perpetuating bias and systematic oppression based on race, gender, religion, sexual orientation and ability. In this episode, Tareka sits down with best-selling and award winning author Minda Harts to talk about how to find allyship in the workplace, and why it is so important. As women, especially women of color, there are ongoing challenges when trying to develop strong trusted relationships in the workplace with those that have influence or the professional capital to speak up or advocate on our behalf. Minda is addressing these challenges and offering tips and strategies for those seeking allyship, and those who are in a position to be an ally.

Tune in to this is a must listen to this phenomenal conversation with Minda Harts.

SPECIAL GUEST:

Regardless of the field or industry you work in, building the right relationships can have a direct impact on your professional success. If you are truly ready to advance in your career, then you must make building relationships a priority. In this episode, Tareka answers 3 big questions many professional have about building relationships in the workplace. Tareka talks about 1) Who to build relationships with; 2) How to build relationships; and 3) How does building relationships help you advance in your career. Remember, it's not just about what you know. It's also about who you know! Tune in to this episode and start building relationships to help you advance in your career today!

KEY POINTS:

- Building relationships can help you advance in your career.

- There are many people in positions of influence at all levels within your company or team.

- There are three main categories of people to build relationships with as you look to advance in your career.

- Cultivating relationships takes time and more than just one exchange or conversation. 

HOST:

This month is Women's History Month, and we want to send a big shout out to all the working momma's striving to win at home and at work. In May of 2021, the Professional DNA Podcast released a Special Mother's Day episode to empower and educate working moms. Tareka shared a heart felt moment with her mother, and provided strategies to help moms manage motherhood and their careers like a boss. Tune in and share with a special momma in your life or circle. They will thank you later.

HOST:

Having a vision for your life and career is definitely critical to your success. However, just having a vision is not enough. Often we have a vision in our minds of what success looks like in our personal life and career, but we leave it at that and do nothing about it. We daydream about what our lives could be like, or the career we desire to have, yet we don't take any real steps forward to get there. Your vision requires action. A vision without action is like a car with no gas in the tank. It's time to take action and shift from vision to reality. In this episode, Tareka shares six simple and practical steps to take action on your vision so you can achieve success and make you vision a reality. Tune in, and learn the steps you need to move forward towards your vision today.

KEY POINTS:

- A career vision statement or picture of what you want your future to look like.

- A vision without action is just a daydream.

- Every goal, action plan, habit, or behavior should ultimately serve the vision.

Six Steps to Taking Action on Your Vision

- Stay focused on the vision but honest about the present.

- Allow you vision to be in the drivers seat with your goals in the passenger seat.

- Be willing to reset or change your goals.

- Revisit your vision often.

- Invest in your journey.

- Take consistent action.

HOST:

It's a celebration! Happy Birthday to me and Happy Birthday to the Professional DNA Podcast. As we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of the Professional DNA Podcast, it's important to know that is all stated with a "vision". In this episode, Tareka is giving a ton of celebration energy, 6 steps for creating your career vision, and 4 strategies for taking action on your newly designed career vision! Now whose birthday is it, because you are definitely getting quite a few gifts this episode! LOL

It's time to write the vision and make it plain so you can begin to pursue the career and life your both desire and deserve! Tune in to listen and celebrate today!

KEY POINTS:

- A career vision statement or picture of what you want your future to look like. This can help you navigate career transitions, earn promotions, and plan your long term career strategy.

- Career visions motivate you and serve as a north star to guide your career.

- It's important to think, speak, and write about your career vision.

Six Steps to Designing Your Vision Statement

- Think about your future

- Write down words that describe you and that make you happy

- Develop achievable and SMART goals based on your aspirations

- Write down your work/professional core values

- Write positive value statements

- Write your career vision by combining your values, goals and descriptive words into a single paragraph

How to Apply and Execute on Your Vision Statement

- Make your vision statement visible

- Think, speak, and write your vision

- Share your vision in safe professional spaces

- Track and plan

HOST:

Being proactive in your career is not just important.It's necessary! You see a dentist regularly to keep your teeth clean and cavity-free. You get an annual physical, exercise regularly, and eat right to stay healthy. You get home insurance or renter insurance just in case there is an incident. But what do you do for your career? During this milestone episode, Tareka is talking about the secret weapon many professionals are using to get to the next level in their careers, and that's having a Career Coach or Career Strategist. Having a trusted adviser is a secret weapon of professional around the world. Tareka will share when it's time to explore pulling out the secret weapon, and what you should expect to receive. Tune in to the 50th episode, and don't miss out on the secret that can help you level up in your career.

KEY POINTS:

- Having a career coach and strategist can help you advance in your career

- This secret weapon can help you navigate career transitions, earn promotions, and plan your long term career strategy.

HOST:

Do you love what you do, or are you just tolerating your current career? Did you know that studies have shown that happy people tend to earn higher salaries? Oh now I have your attention! during this episode, Tareka will explore the importance of being happy in your career and doing what you actual love, so you can love what you do. Enjoying your career should be a priority given the amount of time we spend at work. That's why Tareka is sharing key reasons to do what you love during this episode. Grab a note pad and pen so you can catch all that this episode has to offer.

KEY POINTS:

- Enjoying your career is more important than earning a high salary.

- Purpose and passion are important when selecting a career path. The money will come.

- Studies have shown that happy people tend to earn higher salaries.

- Life is too short not to love what you do.

3 Reasons to do What You Love

• You'll feel more fulfilled.
• You'll be more productive and efficient.
• You'll position yourself for success.

I hope you know that you don't have to settle in your career. There are two invaluable assets that you absolutely own and can leverage... that's your experience and skills. In December 2021, a Gallup Poll revealed that 85% of people were not happy in their jobs. If you are in that 85%, you don't have to be. It's time to stop settling and to start advancing in your career.

In this episode, Tareka will teach you how to tackle the limiting beliefs holding you back from making your next move in your career, and help you explore how to leverage your experience and expertise. Your expertise, experience, and skills belong to you. It's time to use what you got to get what you want, desire, and absolutely deserve. Tune in to another must listen episode, especially if you are truly ready to make a move in your career and achieve success in both life and work.

KEY POINTS:

- You cannot ignore the impact work has on your personal life.

- You have two invaluable assets to help with your career advancement; your experience and skills.  

- The mindset and thinking holding you back from making a room in your career:

• Fear of success
• Lack of self-confidence
• Perceived lack of experience 
• Perceived lack of transferrable skills

- Your experience, expertise, and skills do not belong to your organization and team, they belong to you.

- Transferable skills are the abilities that can be transferred from one career to another.

Did you know that some of the most successful people are proactive about their success, and create their own opportunities? Why should you be any different. Your career advancement and group is truly in your hands, and the best thing is that you can create your own opportunities to get to the next level! In this episode, Tareka is sharing 4 (four) strategies you can use to literally create career growth and advancement opportunities for yourself. Are you ready for "operation opportunity"? Tune in today to continue to pursuit of leveling up and advancing in your career.

KEY POINTS:

- Your career growth and advancement is in your hands.

- It is up to you to initiate and and uncover growth opportunities.

- Successful people decide what they want to achieve and create opportunities to make it happen.

4 Strategies to Create and Execute Career Opportunities

 - Be proactive and identify strategic opportunities that will allow you to grow your career

- Be "nosey" and be in the know

- Invest in relationships

- Ask...

RESOURCES