What do you do when the job you were sure was your “dream job” suddenly ends? That’s the spot Ashley Jablow found herself in, and she joins Chris Sandland on this episode of Career Can Do to talk about how that moment knocked the wind out of her and also ended up opening an entirely new path. Today, she runs Wayfinders Collective, but the journey there definitely wasn’t a straight line.

For nearly 45 years, I've worked as a national recruiter and consultant, helping people not only advance in their careers but align with their purpose and live their best lives. Over the years, I've seen how much the world has changed and how many of us are striving to overcome challenges and move forward. So when a candidate who owned a restaurant recently asked me about changing his career path to move into the corporate arena, I thought of lessons that have shaped me — and that I believe can help all of us during these changing times.

I recently had an opportunity to hold a “Lunch and Learn” training at Walsh College in Troy, Michigan. It was great to go back to a city near my hometown of Detroit to meet the wonderful folks at the Career Services Division of this college and be a part of their student training. I was truly impressed by how this school goes above and beyond to assist its students with career opportunities in the New Work World. It was also terrific to be able to visit with my family and friends and drive around so many places that have contributed to making my life so special.

What happens when the world changes faster than the people leading it? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth talks with Dr. Donald McNeeley - CEO, professor, and longtime voice in the steel industry - about what great leadership really looks like when everything around you is shifting. With his trademark mix of humor and hard-earned wisdom, Dr. McNeeley breaks down why every leader needs a “North Star,” how to navigate major transitions without losing your footing, and why small mistakes can sometimes teach the biggest lessons.

Recently, I had a visit from my granddaughter dressed up like a ballerina after her ballet class. She’s an amazing child, and in a metaphorical way, she reminded me of the different dances we all have had to do the past several years. With it being the last quarter of the year at this writing, I, like many of us, am thinking about how to plan our steps forward in the New Year. My recent book, "Revolutionary Results," contains a chapter titled “Finding Your North Star.” I’ve outlined it below as a helpful guide during these changing times. 

Recently I was driving to Mass, and the sign in front of the church really grabbed me:

“TRY SOME OF THESE 4-LETTER WORDS: LOVE, HELP, GIVE, CARE.”

I smiled, thinking how so many things these days — overall but especially in the recruiting sector in what I call the New Work World — perhaps bring different four-letter words to mind. But then I got to thinking that if we implemented the mindset that the words on the sign mentioned, perhaps better days could be in our future. And then I thought about trees and how they bend!

Have you ever had something that you felt was a symbol of meaningful change for you? For me that symbol has always been a dragonfly. It seems whenever I am pondering the outcome of a situation or unsure about moving forward in a particular area, a dragonfly appears. And because this symbol always seems to produce some kind of important change or outcome for me, I have done some study of them.

What does it really take to shine in a job interview? According to Ramon Santillan, it’s not about memorizing canned answers or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about learning how to tell your story in a way that makes sense to the person on the other side of the table. Ramon is the founder of Persuasive Interview, and in this episode of Career Can Do he talks with host Chris Sandland about the unique challenges and strengths of neurodiverse candidates.

I was doing my weekly shopping at a local store I enjoy in Houston, Central Market, when a magazine on the rack seemed to beckon me to pick it up. As I opened the special edition of National Geographic titled "The History of Witchcraft," one headline really got me thinking: "Any Way, Shape, or Form. Some Witches Can Change Shape at Will." And I smiled thinking that, as a recruiter, I wish lately that I could wave a magic wand and change the happenings in the job market with the unprecedented talent shortages and challenges we are facing. And then I began thinking about the tradition of the holiday upon us, Halloween, that lets us become anything we want to be. What if we decided to carry that mindset beyond Halloween? What if we could make our own kind of magic without needing to become a sorcerer or wizard with a magic wand? Would it even be possible?

Charleston is significant for its well-preserved colonial architecture, its historical importance as the location of the first Civil War battle at Fort Sumter and its rich cultural heritage, which includes a vibrant arts scene and unique culinary traditions. It is also famous for many additional firsts in America such as the first public library, museum and playhouse. As a person who enjoys the arts and loves to learn, it made me especially reflect on the second step of the Faremouth Method™, “Ask Better Questions.”

What if the secret to finishing your story is simply finding the right people to cheer you on? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes Alicia Richardson, CFO of the Houston Writers Guild, to talk about how the Guild helps writers sharpen their skills, connect with peers, and find encouragement in what can often feel like a solitary pursuit.

Alicia shares how critique groups, conferences, and community events foster growth and accountability, while also opening doors to inspiration and opportunity. Whether you’re brand new to writing or already published, this conversation shows the power of community in turning creative goals into reality.

We often consider feelings of pressure and stress as negative emotions, but they can create magnificent things. A diamond results from a combination of heat and incredible pressure. A caterpillar must break through the pressure of a cocoon to emerge as a butterfly. A clam has to put up with the stress of an annoying grain of sand as a beautiful pearl is made. And even flowers find a way to push through a crack in the pavement.

Many employers want that hunter mentality as they look to fill open positions. They want employees who will create solutions to the challenges brought about by the past several years and more recently with tariffs, for example. We can go much further by using all of the valuable lessons from hunters and the hunting experience. Just as a hunter works solo while still connecting with others as part of the great hunt, we are all learning that we can be part of a team while working independently. All in life is a hunt. Whether you are hunting doves or your own personal dreams, those same skills apply. Patience and precision are at the top of the list to actualize what we want, and relationships are about the shared experience.

Let your attitude, not your circumstances, determine your best harvest. Prepare the soil of your mindset for the seeds you will plant to make sure they yield bountiful opportunities for a growth-oriented life. Our work and personal worlds are connected: When we are happy in our careers, we bring those good feelings to our family and friends — during the autumn harvest and beyond.

What if the fastest way to earn trust as a leader was to give it first? Ken Smith, founder of Bel Air Leadership, joins Career Can Do to share the skills that make leadership effective and how to apply them in real life. He talks about moving from telling to asking, building accountability step-by-step, and treating feedback as a gift rather than a chore. If you’re looking to lead with more trust, less micromanaging, and better results, this episode is packed with insights you can put to work right away.

The next time you see a butterfly, reflect on the changes it had to undergo to become such a beautiful version of itself. Keep in mind that while change is a constant, it does not come easily, and perseverance is often necessary to see things through. But most of all, remember that nature gives us all the ability to transform and fly on wings of change.

What does it really mean to be a trailblazer? In this episode of Career Can Do, Elle Ballard joins Mary Ann Faremouth to talk about the power of connection, community, and creating space for women to grow together. From collaborative books to global events, Elle shares how Women of the World Network is helping women show up fully - in business and in life. You’ll walk away inspired and ready to find your circle.

As a perennial student, when back-to-school time rolls around, I am always reminded of the wonderful lessons I’ve learned throughout my life. One of those early lessons was as a child reading Dr. Seuss books. His books artfully teach invaluable lessons, many of which can be carried into our adult life and applied to the New Work World.

What does it really mean to live a life of service? In this episode of Career Can Do, Dr. Tom Kelchner joins Mary Ann Faremouth to share how his journey from educator to District Governor of Rotary District 5890 became a mission-driven path. They explore Rotary’s incredible impact - from eradicating disease to building leadership in young people - and why joining a service organization might just change your life too.

Let’s consider the new gifts this Christmas in July might be offering us. We can utilize the lessons of the ancient Greeks to serve our companies and candidates so that all thrive and grow to become better than ever in the New Work World! I’m so happy I had the opportunity to take this trip. The gifts of enlightenment I received will never be forgotten!