Money stress isn’t a personal failure—it’s a systems problem. In this episode, Lauren welcomes back Jesse Mecham, founder of You Need A Budget (YNAB), to unpack why so many high-achieving women still feel anxious about money—even when they’re earning more than ever. Jesse explains why the goal isn’t spending less, but spending with intention, and how a few mindset shifts can dramatically reduce money anxiety, decision fatigue, and guilt around spending. This conversation reframes budgeting as a tool for clarity, confidence, and actually enjoying your money again.
You’ll learn: Why earning more doesn’t automatically reduce money stress—and what actually does How “giving every dollar a job” creates confidence and ends constant financial second-guessing What modern money tools (like Buy Now, Pay Later and AI automation) get wrong—and how to use tech without losing awareness or control
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Jesse 2020 podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/4-rules-for-gaining-control-of-your-money-and/id1434354911?i=1000489700656
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsors Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Laid Off? 3 Things to Do Immediately
03/03/2026 | 28min
Getting laid off can feel overwhelming—but knowing what to do next can make all the difference. Greg Lawson from California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) breaks down exactly what to do in the moments, days, and weeks after a layoff. From filing for unemployment the right way to accessing lesser-known support programs, this conversation helps you move forward with clarity and confidence. You’ll learn: The first 3 steps to take immediately after being laid off (before panic or paperwork sets in) How to file for unemployment benefits correctly—and avoid the most common mistakes that cause delays The EDD programs and resources that can support your job search beyond unemployment insurance
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Guest Resources: EDD website: https://edd.ca.gov/
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
3 in 30: Marnie’s Entrepreneur Journey
24/02/2026 | 38min
In this episode, Lauren turns the mic on co-host Marnie Lemonik to unpack her journey from corporate professional to Career Coach. Marnie shares the behind-the-scenes story of how she “shot her shot” with Career Contessa years before officially joining the team, what pushed her to start coaching and how she financially (and mentally) prepared to bet on herself. If you’ve ever considered starting your own thing, whether as a side hustle or full-time job, this is for you. You’ll Learn: The timing and circumstances that led Marnie to transition from corporate to coaching What it actually looks like to build a side business before leaving your full-time job The importance of financial preparation and rejecting the “struggle to hustle” mindset The entrepreneurial skill of “figuring it out” (and why self-trust is everything)
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Follow Career Contessa: http://bit.ly/2TMH2QP Marnie’s Podcast (Spotify): https://open.spotify.com/show/7KaVZm8QWlC8RWwiajYcs9?si=a2a5187a63674a76 Marnie’s Podcast (Apple): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ask-marnie/id1875804683 Marnie’s Career Contessa Articles: https://www.careercontessa.com/meet-the-team/Marnie-Lemonik/87101/ Follow Marnie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marnielemonik/ Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurenmcgoodwin/
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/ Browse open jobs: https://www.careercontessa.com/jobs/
Sponsors Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. Take back control of your business today. Open a Found account for FREE at Found.com dot com. Found is a financial technology company, not a bank. Banking services are provided by Lead Bank, Member FDIC. Share a little extra love this February in comfort that truly feels special. Head to cozyearth.com and use my code CONTESSA for up to 20% off. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Mid-Career and Losing Steam? Let’s Fix That
17/02/2026 | 32min
Feeling stuck in your career? You’re not alone. In this episode, Lauren talks with McKinsey senior partner and A CEO for All Seasons coauthor Carolyn Dewar about what to do when your early wins fade and your career momentum stalls. Drawing on insights from 83 top CEOs, Carolyn shares how to reset your goals, reignite your motivation, and lead with quiet confidence—no matter your title. You’ll learn: Why plateaus are a normal (and necessary) part of growth. Practical strategies to reignite your career momentum. The underrated leadership skill that can help you thrive in any season.
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Why Smart Teams Still Fail
10/02/2026 | 30min
What makes some teams thrive while others struggle? Leadership expert Dr. Vanessa Druskat joins Lauren to share why team success depends on emotional intelligence—not just talent. You’ll learn: Why emotionally intelligent teams outperform others How to build trust and psychological safety Simple steps to boost your team’s emotional IQ
Show Notes Weekly Newsletter Sign-Up: http://bit.ly/37hqtQW Guide to working with me: https://www.careercontessa.com/resources/communication-guide/
Career Contessa Resources Book 1:1 career coaching session: https://www.careercontessa.com/hire-a-mentor/ Take an online course: https://www.careercontessa.com/education/ Get your personalized salary report: https://www.careercontessa.com/the-salary-project/
Sponsor Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at shopify.com/careercontessa. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
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