When was the last time you walked into a networking event or logged onto LinkedIn and felt instantly seen, remembered, and understood?

If your answer is “never”… you’re not alone.

In this solo episode of People Success Circle, I’m breaking down what it really takes to stand out in a hyperconnected world—a world where we’re more digitally connected than ever, yet experiencing unprecedented digital loneliness.

Whether you’re in entrepreneurship, job searching, or building a referral-based business model, one truth has become impossible to ignore:

Hard work alone no longer gets you noticed. Visibility does.
Your first impression—online or in person—determines whether people remember you, refer you, or overlook you completely.

After years of consulting, speaking, and building a business powered 96% through business referrals, I’ve seen the same pattern: incredibly talented people are getting bypassed simply because they’re not visible, not consistent, and not optimized—especially on LinkedIn.

So what does work?

A modern, human approach to networking that blends in-person connection with online presence, LinkedIn profile optimization, and authentic follow up that keeps you top of mind long after the event ends.

Key Topics Discussed:

• What it means to network in a hyperconnected world (and why digital loneliness is rising)
• How to create a strong first impression and stand out online
• Simple LinkedIn profile optimization essentials that strengthen your visibility
• The formula for effective business networking—both in person and virtual
• How to follow up: LinkedIn follow up, post-event follow up, and what to say
• Why referrals thrive in today’s market + practical referral marketing tips
• How to build a referral-based business model that creates repeat referrals
• Networking for job seekers: strategic job search tips that beat online applications
• How to stay remembered in a saturated online market through consistent presence

My goal in this episode is simple:
To help you move from invisible to unforgettable—online and in person—so opportunities start finding you.

If you’ve been wondering how to follow up after a networking event, how to stand out online, or how to get referrals without feeling transactional—this is your roadmap.

✨ Want to become the person people think of first when opportunities arise?
Networking School teaches you how to be remembered, build meaningful relationships, and master modern networking—both in person and on LinkedIn.

If this episode resonated with you:
Share it with a colleague or friend who wants to grow their network, leave a 5-star review, and subscribe so more professionals can learn how to create opportunities—not wait for them.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

When was the last time you walked into an annual performance review feeling excited, seen, and supported?

If your answer is “never”…you’re not alone.

In this solo episode of People Success Circle, I’m making the case that the traditional once-a-year performance review is no longer serving employees, managers, or the business—and it’s time we stop pretending it is.

After 28+ years in HR and leadership, I’ve read thousands of reviews across industries and company sizes. What I see over and over again is this: we’re putting incredible pressure on a single conversation that happens once a year in a world that changes weekly. Goals are outdated, memories are fuzzy, and employees often feel blindsided instead of supported.

So what does work?
A modern, human approach built on quarterly reviews, meaningful one on one meetings, and clear, living performance goals.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why the traditional performance review is “dead” (and how it actually hurts engagement)
• The real purpose of performance evaluation beyond “filling out a form”
• How to review performance in a way that feels timely, specific, and fair
• A simple 3-layer system: quarterly check-ins, semi-annual summaries, and weekly/bi-weekly 1 on 1s
• What to cover in a quarterly performance review (and why quarterly is the sweet spot)
• How to run effective one on one meetings with employees (agenda, notes, next steps)
• Practical performance review tips so employees don’t feel blindsided
• How to create goals and write SMART goals that actually match today’s work
• Using workplace feedback as a leadership superpower—not a once-a-year event
• What to do if your company still requires an annual employee appraisal (and how to layer in better performance tracking anyway)

My goal in this episode is simple:
To help you move from “dreaded annual task” to an ongoing rhythm of employee feedback and leadership conversations that improve performance and trust.

If you’ve been wondering how to conduct a performance review people actually find helpful—this is your roadmap.

✨ Interested in modernizing your performance review process?
My team at Lime Rock Consulting helps organizations build simple, sustainable systems with quarterly reviews, effective one on one meetings, and clear performance goals that align with business strategy.

If this episode resonated with you:
Share it with a fellow leader or HR partner, leave a 5-star review, and subscribe so more workplaces can replace check-the-box reviews with conversations that truly help people grow.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

✨ Join Networking School — enrollment is open
Your monthly space to practice networking, build confidence, and be known for what you do best.

When was the last time someone pitched to you and it made you actually want to get to know them?

In this solo episode of People Success Circle, I’m sharing why the traditional elevator pitch no longer works—and the simple shift that will completely change the way you introduce yourself at networking events or on LinkedIn.

For years, I coached people to create polished elevator pitches focused on selling…until I realized that modern networking isn’t about performing, impressing, or closing a deal. It’s about connection. It’s about being remembered.

That realization led me to develop the Known For Statement—a short, clear, memorable way to introduce yourself that helps people champion you in rooms you’re not in.

Inside the episode, I walk you through:

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why old-school elevator pitches actually push people away
• The #1 mindset shift: networking is not about pitching—it’s about being remembered
• The three things your Known For Statement MUST include
• Real examples (so you can model and steal them)
• How to test whether your intro is memorable or forgettable (the “best friend test”)
• Why modern networking thrives on shared value and mutual benefit
• How a simple reframe increases confidence—especially for introverts or people who hate “selling” themselves

My goal is simple:
You should be able to walk into any room, say one sentence, and have people think…
“Oh, I know exactly who you are and who I should introduce you to.”

If you want networking to feel lighter, easier, and more authentic—this episode is your permission slip to ditch the pitch.

If this episode resonated with you:
Share it with a friend, leave a 5-star review, and subscribe so more people can learn to network with confidence—not scripts.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

When was the last time your personal brand opened a door for you—without you even applying?

In this episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with career coach and “confidence booster” Kate Pozeznik (founder of Quirk) to dig into what truly makes a personal brand work in today’s noisy, digital-first world. We talk about building a brand that’s authentic to you, shows your unique “quirks,” and consistently attracts opportunities—jobs, board seats, speaking gigs—often before they’re posted.

Kate and I get practical: how to uncover your strengths (especially when you’ve been at one company for years), how to show up online so recruiters and hiring managers actually notice, and how to weave memorable personal details into interviews without losing your professional edge. If you’ve ever felt stuck, “too quiet” online, or unsure what you’re known for—this one’s for you.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why personal branding is insurance, not 911—and how to start before you “need” it
  
  
• Authenticity as your unfair advantage: embracing strengths, stories, and even quirks
  
  
• Confidence-building for job seekers (and why it starts with knowing yourself)
  
  
• Turning long tenure into a compelling brand narrative (e.g., mergers = adaptability)
  
  
• LinkedIn that actually works: profile must-haves, commenting strategy, and staying visible
  
  
• In-person vs. virtual networking: what to do at events, how to follow up, and staying top of mind
  
  
• Making your “Tell me about yourself” answer memorable (and human)
  
  
• Content ideas that cut through the noise (even if you don’t want to post videos)
  
  
• Playing the long game: simple weekly habits to nurture your network year-round
  
  

If this episode resonated, please leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend or colleague who’s growing their career. Being known isn’t a nice-to-have—it’s a career strategy.

Resources & Next Steps

• Connect with Kate Pozeznik on LinkedIn
• Visit the Quirk website

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

When was the last time you sat staring at a job board, clicking “Easy Apply” over and over, wondering why nothing’s working?

In this episode of People Success Circle, I’m tackling one of the biggest frustrations in today’s job market: why online applications rarely lead to interviews—and what actually gets you hired. Fall is peak hiring season, but despite the headlines about layoffs and slow growth, thousands of companies are still recruiting. The problem isn’t always the market—it’s the strategy.

I share what the data really says about applying online (spoiler: less than 2% of applicants get hired), uncover the hidden job market where 70–80% of roles never get posted, and explain why networking fills 85% of jobs. You’ll also hear real client stories—like the one who applied to 116 jobs with zero interviews until he switched to networking and landed conversations within 30 minutes.

We’ll cover the five networking moves you need to make now: how to strengthen your LinkedIn profile, how to set up informational interviews, how to leverage referrals and alumni connections, why in-person networking is making a comeback, and how to play the long game by adding value to your network.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why peak hiring season doesn’t guarantee faster hiring
  
  
• The truth about online applications and AI resume screening
  
  
• What the hidden job market is and how to access it
  
  
• Why most recruiters source on LinkedIn daily
  
  
• Five practical strategies to make networking your #1 job search tool
  
  
• The difference between volume applying and strategic connecting
  
  
• How to set weekly goals that move your job search forward
  
  

By the end of this episode, you’ll know why cold applications rarely work and how to use networking—both online and in person—as your most powerful career tool. If you’ve been stuck in the apply–wait–ghosted loop, this episode will give you a new, proven roadmap to get noticed and get hired.

Resources Mentioned:
Join the waitlist for Networking School – my new membership program designed to help job seekers, business owners, and professionals master networking skills and expand their opportunities.

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Time is one of the few things we all share—yet most of us feel like we never have enough of it. In this episode of People Success Circle, I sit down with time management expert and recovered workaholic Samantha Lane to explore how to move beyond busyness and create real balance at work and in life.

After a life-changing medical experience, Samantha completely reframed her relationship with time. She now teaches a simple but powerful framework—prioritize, plan, protect—that helps leaders, teams, and individuals shift from reactivity to intentional impact. Together, we dig into how organizations can reduce burnout, how employees can reclaim their energy, and why effectiveness matters more than efficiency.

Whether you’re a high-achiever trying to break the cycle of overwork or a manager who wants to help your team thrive, this conversation is packed with strategies to rethink productivity and redefine success.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Samantha’s journey from creative-industry workaholic to time management strategist
  
  
• Why effectiveness—not just efficiency—is the real measure of productivity
  
  
• The three-part framework for balanced success: prioritize, plan, protect
  
  
• How weekly planning can be life-changing for individuals and teams
  
  
• Energy management: why managing your energy is just as important as managing your calendar
  
  
• The most common organizational pitfalls that create burnout (and how to fix them)
  
  
• The danger of competing priorities and short-term thinking in leadership
  
  
• The role of mindset and habits in creating lasting change
  
  

If this episode inspired you to think differently about your relationship with time, I encourage you to share it with a friend or colleague who could benefit—and don’t forget to leave a five-star review so more people can discover People Success Circle.

Guest Info:

• Learn more about Samantha Lane: Origami Day
  
  
• Connect with Samantha on LinkedIn: Samantha Lane

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

What if the key to confidence, career growth, and leadership was already inside of you—waiting to be activated?

In this inspiring episode of People Success Circle, keynote speaker and TEDx presenter Michelle Edelen, known as “The Excellence Engineer,” joins me to unpack what it really means to wake up your inner excellence. From her early career leading over 1,000 employees in manufacturing to her personal journey of navigating a layoff, Michelle shares powerful lessons on resilience, authenticity, and the courage to use your voice.

Whether you’re preparing for a big presentation, struggling to speak up in meetings, or simply looking for the next step in your growth, Michelle’s wisdom will give you practical tools to lead yourself and others with confidence.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why “inner excellence” is already within you—and how to activate it
• Michelle’s personal story of being laid off and rediscovering her purpose
• The four pillars of confidence: Faith, Leverage, Opportunity, and Wisdom
• How leaders can create safe cultures where employees feel empowered to speak up
• The role of mentors, transferable skills, and self-reflection in building career confidence
• Why diminishing language holds us back—and how to replace it with strength
• Practical strategies for speaking with confidence in the workplace and beyond
  
  

If you’ve ever doubted your abilities or struggled to find your voice at work, this conversation is filled with encouragement, tools, and reminders that you already have what it takes.

Resources & Guest Info:

• Learn more about Michelle Edelen here
• Join the networking school waiting list here
  
  
  

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com

Employer branding is no longer optional—it’s a strategic necessity. In this episode of the People Success Circle podcast, host Mindy East sits down with marketing and website expert Leslee Owen to explore how businesses can attract, recruit, and retain top talent by building a strong employer brand online.

From the career page of your company website to showcasing company culture through video and employee testimonials, the conversation unpacks the essentials of modern employer branding and how your digital presence impacts both recruitment and retention.

Leslee shares best practices for aligning your brand strategy with your recruitment marketing, creating a seamless experience for candidates who will inevitably research your company on your website and LinkedIn. Whether you’re working to improve employee retention, designing an employer branding website, or looking to recruit top talent in a competitive job market, this episode gives practical strategies to elevate your employer brand development.

Key Topics Discussed

• Why employer branding is as critical for attracting employees as it is for attracting customers
  
  
• How potential candidates research the company during a job search—starting with the career page and LinkedIn employer research
  
  
• The importance of making current job openings and your employer branding strategy easy to find on your website
  
  
• The risks of outdated websites and how poor digital experiences can drive talent away
  
  
• Recruitment best practices: showcasing company culture, values, and employee experiences to attract employees
  
  
• The role of testimonials, video messages from leadership, and authentic visuals in building trust
  
  
• Strategies for leaders to show up online and model workplace branding consistently across digital platforms
  
  
• How to align employer brand metrics with retention management and employee engagement goals
  
  
• Best practices for creating a pipeline of candidates—even when you don’t have open roles
  
  
• The “HEART” framework for evaluating whether your website communicates human-centered, empathetic, and trustworthy branding
  
  

Employer branding isn’t just about filling jobs—it’s about creating a workplace where people want to stay and grow. By elevating your digital employer branding strategy, you can attract the right people, build long-term loyalty, and ensure your culture shines online as brightly as it does in person.

Resources:

• Visit Movement Maker's website here

People Success Playbook: https://limerockconsulting.myflodesk.com/peoplesuccessplaybook

Company Website: www.limerockcareerco.com
Speaking Website: www.mindyeast.com