What really happens behind the scenes in hiring and how can dads returning to work stand out?

In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jacob Stone, HR consultant and founder of WorqTap, who’s spent over a decade helping companies hire smarter and helping people land roles that actually fit their lives.

Jacob shares what most job seekers never hear:

• What’s really going on inside hiring teams (and how to stand out).

• Why soft skills like adaptability and communication matter more than technical ones.

• How parenting builds the exact qualities employers need.

• How to reframe career gaps with confidence.

• Why networking, not algorithms, gets you hired.

Whether you’re reentering the workforce, changing careers, or just trying to build meaningful work around family life, this episode will help you bring your full story to the table.

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WorqTap

Paul Revere by Beastie Boys

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In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with Jesse Holmes, a performance coach who helps entrepreneurs and parents make measurable progress in just 10 minutes a day.

Jesse shares how to:

• Build clarity and confidence through small, consistent actions.

• Find your focus when life feels chaotic.

• Apply “deep work” principles to parenting, relationships, and self-care.

• Turn daily 10-minute wins into lasting momentum.

• Balance business growth with family life — without burning out.

Whether you’re rebuilding your career, starting something new, or simply trying to stay present at home, this conversation will help you take the next step toward growth that feels sustainable.

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Jesse’s Breakout Planner

Fergalicious by Fergie

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Jesse Holmes on Facebook

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What happens when your career suddenly stops fitting your life?

In this episode of Gap to Gig, host Michael Jacobs talks with John Tarnoff, an executive coach who rebuilt his career after the tech bubble burst and now helps mid-career professionals rediscover purpose and confidence.

John shares how to:

• Navigate uncertainty and rebuild resilience.

• Reframe “returning to work” as moving forward, not backward.

• Turn personal experiences — even parenting — into professional strengths.

• Rebuild confidence by acting before you feel ready.

• Create community instead of just “networking.”

If you’re a dad redefining success, shifting careers, or searching for meaningful work that fits real life, this episode will help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

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Pema Chödrön https://pemachodronfoundation.org

Gampo Abbey https://gampoabbey.org/

Comfortable with Uncertainty https://amzn.to/4oNRCTc

Julia Cameron https://juliacameronlive.com/

The Artist’s Way https://amzn.to/4hClP5h

Ikigai https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2022/03/ikigai\_japanese\_secret\_to\_a\_joyful\_life.html

Ikigai Venn diagram https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ikigai#/media/File:Diagramo\_de\_Ikigajo\_-en.svg

You’ve Got a Friend by Carole King https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR\_Ff5A8Rk

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John Tarnoff on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/johntarnoff/

Mid-Career Lab community https://midcareerlab.com/

John Tarnoff website https://johntarnoff.com/

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