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The Messy Middle Matters

The Messy Middle Matters

By: People Process Things | Indra Klavins
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About this listen

The Messy Middle Matters® podcast shines a much-needed spotlight on what it really takes to work in, survive in, and even thrive in the messy middle of work.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Career Success Economics
Episodes
  • Ep 42: Spot the Green Flags: Leveraging AI for Role Fit & Career Clarity
    Jan 7 2026

    In this conversation, Amanda Jane Lee discusses the innovative use of AI in self-discovery and career guidance. She emphasizes how AI can assist individuals in identifying their strengths and preferences through targeted questioning, making the process of career exploration more efficient and personalized.

    Takeaways

    • AI can help identify personal strengths and preferences.
    • Mind mapping software is a useful tool in self-discovery.
    • Asking the right questions is crucial for self-exploration.
    • AI can generate questions to guide personal discovery.
    • Understanding green flags is important in career choices.
    • Self-discovery can be enhanced through technology.
    • AI can streamline the process of finding suitable roles.
    • Personalized guidance can lead to better career decisions.
    • The role of AI in career exploration is growing.
    • Embracing technology can aid in personal development.

    Useful Links

    • The Messy Middle Matters Merch: messymiddlemerch.com
    • The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary
    • Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback
    • Amanda Jane Lee on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amandajanelee/
    • Indra Klavins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrak/
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    24 mins
  • Ep 41: From Expert to Leader: The Emotional Journey to People Management w/ Laura Lillie Goodridge
    Dec 17 2025

    This conversation delves into the complexities of transitioning into leadership roles, emphasizing the emotional and practical challenges faced by new managers. Indra K and Laura Lillie Goodridge explore the jarring shift from individual contributor to manager, the importance of self-awareness, and the need for effective communication and feedback. They discuss the lack of support many organizations provide for new leaders and the significance of finding the right coaching and resources to navigate this transition successfully. The dialogue highlights the evolving nature of leadership in today's workplace, advocating for a more empathetic and self-aware approach to management.

    Takeaways

    • Transitioning to leadership is a significant emotional and practical shift.
    • New managers often feel isolated from their previous peer relationships.
    • Organizations frequently lack adequate support for new leaders.
    • Effective communication is crucial for setting expectations and managing teams.
    • Feedback should be a two-way street, involving both giving and receiving.
    • Self-discovery is essential for understanding one's leadership style.
    • Coaching can provide valuable external perspectives for new leaders.
    • Understanding company leadership styles is vital for alignment.
    • New managers should focus on fundamental skills before reshaping their identity.
    • The landscape of leadership is evolving towards a more empathetic approach.

    Useful Links

    • Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/the-manager-coach/
    • Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_manager_coach/
    • Laura’s website: https://www.lauralilliecoaching.com/
    • Laura’s resources for new managers: https://www.lauralilliecoaching.com/managers-resources
    • The Messy Middle Matters Merch: messymiddlemerch.com
    • The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary
    • Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback
    • Indra Klavins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrak/
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Ep 40: Starting Over Again: The Humility of Career Change w/ Mikki Hoffman
    Dec 10 2025

    In this conversation, Mikki and Indra explore the complexities of navigating career changes and the profound shifts in identity that accompany them. They discuss the importance of humility, community support, and vulnerability during transitions, emphasizing the need to redefine one's identity and align actions with personal values. The dialogue highlights the significance of small impacts and the ripples they create within communities, encouraging listeners to embrace change and seek connection.

    Takeaways

    • The job market is unpredictable, leading to frequent career changes.
    • Identity can shift significantly when changing roles or companies.
    • Experiential design and community engagement can be fulfilling career paths.
    • Humility is essential when starting anew in a different field.
    • Community support plays a crucial role during transitions.
    • Vulnerability can lead to deeper connections and support.
    • Redefining one's identity is a journey that requires self-reflection.
    • Embracing change can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
    • It's important to align actions with personal values.
    • Every small impact can create ripples in the community.

    Useful Links

    • The Messy Middle Matters Merch: messymiddlemerch.com
    • The Messy Middle Matters Glossary: messymiddlematters.com/glossary
    • Feedback for The Messy Middle Matters: messymiddlematters.com/feedback
    • Mikki on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/micaelahoffman/
    • Indra Klavins on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/indrak/
    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
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