People in Transition

"People in Transition" is your ultimate guide to navigating life's major career changes with confidence and excitement! Whether you're a student landing your first job, a professional between gigs, an aspiring entrepreneur ready to start your own business, or someone preparing for a well-earned retirement, we've got you covered. Each episode offers unique insights and practical tips from people who have successfully walked these paths themselves as well as helped many others in their journey. Join us for an inspiring and entertaining journey through the many transitions of life!

People in Transition is a business podcast hosted by Bob Gerst, with 155 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Bob Gerst hosts People in Transition, a business show with 155 episodes published.

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  Episode #156

  156. Merry Korn - Author "Fired to Inspired", Executive Transformation Speaker, Strategic Workshop Facilitator, Career & Business Coach

  Sep 27, 202628 minS6

  The Informational Interview Today we're talking about one of the most powerful (and most underused) tools in any career transition: the informational interview. Joining me is Merry Korn, an expert in navigating career change and building meaningful professional relationships. Merry is the author of Fired to Inspired , the story of how she turned a humiliating firing into a new sense of purpose and went on to build a social enterprise that employed more than 1,300 people across 30 states, many of them people facing the greatest barriers to work. Merry has joined us before on “People in Transition”, when we talked about resilience, overcoming fear, and turning setbacks into opportunities. This time, we're focusing on how informational interviews can help you figure out what's next and open doors you didn't know existed. Here are some of the key questions we explored: Who should you talk to? Be intentional. Seek out people who can offer real insight into the kind of work, industry, or business that sparks your curiosity. Where do you start? Begin with your "warm" connections: friends, relatives, former colleagues, and others you already know who will give you honest, helpful perspective. From there, branch out to people you don't know yet who are doing work that intrigues you. When you reach out to someone new, do your homework and craft an opening that shows it. For example: "I just listened to your podcast about how you used AI to build relationships in the healthcare association industry, and I'd love to hear more about how you made that work." How do you make the conversation count? Preparation is everything. Learn as much as you can about the person, their work, and their company. Go beyond the résumé: where they went to school, what they do outside of work, and what you might have in common. Those connections turn a polite chat into a real conversation. How do you keep the momentum going? Before you wrap up, ask one simple question: "Who else should I talk to?" One conversation almost always leads to another. Afterward, send a thank-you, share what you took away from the conversation, and keep them posted on the conversations their introductions led to. People love knowing they made a difference. Whether you're newly fired, quietly planning your exit, or simply wondering what else is out there, this conversation will give you a practical roadmap for turning curiosity into connection, and connection into opportunity. For more information on Merry go to http://www.firedtoinspired.com/ or linkedin.com/in/merrykorn . Send us Fan Mail

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  Episode #155

  155. David Dean - AI and Data Intelligence Technologist & Author

  Sep 13, 202631 minS6

  Today, we’re joined by David Dean, a technology and AI leader with 20 years of experience helping organizations move from ambiguity to execution. David’s career has evolved from hands-on technology and infrastructure into enterprise architecture, intelligent automation, AI strategy, governance, and organizational transformation. He has led AI and automation initiatives in complex, regulated environments, including work that reduced processing times by more than 90%. Today, David advises senior leaders on AI strategy, governance, automation, and responsible AI adoption. He is also an author and speaker whose work explores what AI reveals about how organizations - and the people inside them - actually work. That perspective is especially relevant for people in transition because AI isn't just changing jobs; it’s changing how candidates need to communicate the experience, judgment, accountability, and lessons they bring to their next opportunity. In our conversation, David and I explored what that means for candidates as AI becomes part of both sides of the hiring process: From “what you did” to “how you did it” How will AI change the way candidates demonstrate the value of their experience? Your “how” as your competitive advantage When both companies and candidates use AI, how do you make your lived experience and judgment stand out? Building your “how” inventory – Dictate this to get the real flavor/feeling How can challenges, mistakes, and lessons learned help you uncover and articulate what you actually know how to do? Adversity, failure, and accountability How can overcoming adversity—and learning from failure—become powerful evidence of your value to a hiring manager? AI as a tool for self-realization How can you use AI to test whether your stories answer the “how” completely and compellingly? The new personal brand for candidates As AI makes keywords and polished résumés easier to produce, how will your judgment, accountability, and authentic experience define your next great opportunity? As we close, this is a fascinating time to be watching the recruiting scene. AI will continue to change how companies identify talent and how candidates present themselves. Successful candidates will need to adapt their style, clarify the “how” behind their experience, and define their next great opportunity. For more questions and to learn more about David’s work, visit his LinkedIn profile and personal website davidchristopherdean.com Send us Fan Mail

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  Episode #154

  154. Geralda Larkins - Transformational HR Executive

  Aug 29, 202633 minS6

  Welcome to “ People in Transition ”. I’m your host, Bob Gerst. Today, we’re talking about career change, uncertainty, and how to navigate that space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. My guest is Geralda Larkins, SPHR , a transformational HR executive and strategic advisor with more than 25 years of experience across federal and municipal government and other organizations. She has held senior leadership roles with the IRS and the City of North Miami. She has built her career helping leaders and organizations navigate change, accountability, and complex workplace issues. Geralda brings a powerful framework to the transition process: Train, Transform, and Transition. Here’s a quick look at what we discussed: TRAIN · Recognize the skills and experience you already have - you may be more prepared for your next chapter than you think. · If you’re moving from the public sector to the private sector, learn to translate your experience into the language of your new marketplace. TRANSFORM · Embrace the “messy middle” - that uncomfortable space between where you’ve been and where you’re going. · Don’t rush through it. This is where reflection, growth, and change happen. You’re not behind. TRANSITION · Don’t land in panic - land on purpose. · Be intentional about what comes next and choose an opportunity that aligns with your values. I think you’ll find Geralda’s perspective both practical and inspiring. So let’s get into it. Here’s my conversation with Geralda Larkins. To learn more about Geralda, visit geraldalarkins.com or connect with her on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/geraldalarkins . And if you enjoy this episode, please listen, share it, and pass it along to someone who may be navigating a transition of their own. Send us Fan Mail

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  Episode #152

  152. Nik Hemingway - Interview Preparation Expert | Resume Writer | Career Coach | Executive Coach

  Aug 3, 202629 minS6

  Whether you're looking for your first job, changing careers, transitioning from the military or government to the private sector, or simply trying to stand out in today's competitive job market, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use immediately. Our guest, Nicholette "Nik" Hemingway , is a career coach, interview preparation expert, résumé writer, executive coach, and the owner of Nike H Speaks LLC. A retired military officer with more than 25 years of leadership experience and extensive experience interviewing candidates at the city, county, state, and federal levels, Nik knows exactly what employers are looking for—and the mistakes that keep qualified candidates from getting hired. She is also the author of 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! and has helped countless professionals gain the confidence and skills to land their next opportunity. In this episode, we discuss: The single most important thing every job seeker should be doing today The transferable skills employers value most How to build meaningful professional relationships that open doors Successfully transitioning from government or military service to the private sector The unique challenges facing older job seekers—and strategies to overcome them Two powerful insights from Nik's book, 5 Secrets to Nail That Job! Connect with Nik: Website: www.nikehspeaks.com Author Page: www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh Email: info@nikehspeaks.com Send us Fan Mail

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  Episode #151

  151. Marcia Wall - Career Success Coach

  Jul 20, 202631 minS6

  In this episode of " People in Transition" , I welcome Marcia Wall, a Career Success Coach, career counselor, trainer, and author who has dedicated her career to helping individuals navigate change, discover their strengths, and achieve professional success. Through her strengths - based and holistic coaching approach, Marcia helps job seekers and career changers build confidence, identify opportunities, and move forward with purpose and joy. During our conversation, Marcia shares valuable insights for anyone navigating a career transition, including: Why a growth mindset and hope are essential for making progress during coaching and career transitions. Why your job search is a journey, not a destination , and how embracing the process can reduce frustration and create new opportunities. How to combat imposter syndrome by focusing on the evidence of your accomplishments, strengths, and past successes. How tools like Marcia's Best Self Reflection Exercise , SkillsScan, and Gallup StrengthsFinder can help identify transferable skills and uncover new career possibilities. Why job seekers often make the mistake of focusing only on themselves instead of understanding an employer's needs and challenges. Why you don't have to be perfect to move forward - and why remembering your past successes can help build confidence for what's next. Connect with Marcia Wall: mwall1000@gmail.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mwall1000 www.careercounselingconnection.com/louisiana/new-orleans/career-counseling/marcia-wall If you're navigating a career change, job search, or professional transition, this episode offers practical advice, encouragement, and actionable insights to help you move forward with confidence. After listening, please share the episode with your colleagues, friends, and professional network. Your next opportunity - or someone else's - may begin with a single conversation. Send us Fan Mail

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