#296: How Having Difficult Conversations Can Accelerate Your Career Growth with Michelle Schafer

***Join us for our 300th Episode Celebration*** On Thursday 27th November, we will be coming together to celebrate reaching this amazing milestone with a Live Podcast Recording & Networking Event. I would love to see you there.  Grab your ticket. There are only 30 seats available.  ______ In this powerful episode, I am joined by fellow career coach Michelle Schafer, who also specialises in career transition and leadership development.  Together, they explore why mastering difficult conversations at work is a critical skill for professional growth and long-term fulfilment. Michelle shares her personal journey from experiencing job loss twice to building a thriving coaching practice — and how those experiences shaped her belief that real career advancement begins with courageous conversations.  💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:How to confidently navigate difficult conversations that shape your career trajectoryThe mindset shift from waiting for opportunities to creating them through dialogueSimple ways to prepare for a meaningful career development conversationHow to raise your visibility by connecting with colleagues across your organisationWhy reflection and self-awareness are key to making aligned career decisions 🧭 Action Steps:Reflect: Identify what gives you energy, what drains you, and your non-negotiables.Initiate: Schedule a dedicated career development conversation with your leader — don’t wait for the annual review.Connect: Build internal relationships by being curious, joining cross-functional projects, or engaging in workplace communities. ✨ Memorable Quote:“It’s not your forever place. You’re not going to feel stuck forever — there are always choices and steps you can take.” — Michelle Schafer 🔗 Connect with Michelle:LinkedIn: Michelle SchaferWebsite: mshafercoaching.caGet a free chapter of her book Cultivating Career Growth: Navigating Transitions with Purpose via her website. 🔗 Connect with Janine LinkedIn: Janine EsbrandWebsite: Career Change Makers Join the waitlist to explore 1:1 coaching  Send us a text 🎙️ Celebrate 300 Episodes with Us – Join the Live Podcast Recording! We’re bringing the Career Change Maker Podcast to life to mark reaching our 300th episode milestone — and you’re invited! Join host Janine Esbrand and guests for a special live recording and celebration in London, where they’ll be sharing meaningful insights about making purpose-driven career pivots and aligning your career with what matters most.