College and Career Clarity

• Best of 2025: Scientifically Matching Your Teen to an Ideal Career Path with Amy Shepley

  In this episode, Lisa and Amy discuss:Identifying personality traits, interests, and work styles for career explorationFactors influencing long-term career satisfaction and professional fulfillmentThe research and validation behind data-driven career assessmentsThe relationship between career clarity, education choices, and financial outcomesKey Takeaways: The Birkman Assessment identifies career matches by analyzing multiple personality dimensions—not just interests but also work styles and environmental needs—against a database of professionals who have remained satisfied in their roles for at least seven years.Unlike quick career quizzes, Birkman undergoes rigorous psychometric validation every 10 years to ensure its results remain reliable and predictive, distinguishing it from assessments that lack scientific backing.Low career matches do not mean a job is impossible; they indicate potential challenges, such as a workplace culture mismatch or a need for unique approaches to succeed, which may require further research through job shadowing, informational interviews, or skill development.Career clarity minimizes costly education mistakes by helping students avoid unnecessary degree changes or career pivots, ensuring that the time, money, and effort invested in college align with long-term satisfaction and job retention.“With Birkman, we're able to say, ‘Hey, even if you're good at it, that doesn't mean you're interested in it.’ Interest with Birkman means it is fulfilling, motivating, and energizing.” – Amy ShepleyAbout Amy Shepley: Amy Shepley, granddaughter of Dr. Roger W. Birkman and daughter of Sharon Birkman, has over 20 years of experience in corporate teams and organizational behavior. Episode References:Episode 43: College Major Identification with the Birkman Method with Sharon Birkman: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/043-college-major-identification-with-the-birkman-method/O*NET OnLine: https://www.onetonline.org/BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) Occupational Outlook Handbook: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) System: https://www.bls.gov/soc/Sample Birkman Report Available at: flourishcoachingco.com/birkmanGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).flourishcoachingco.com/videoConnect with Amy:Website: http://birkman.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshepley/Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

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• How Personal Storytelling Builds Confidence, Clarity, and Career Readiness with Jackie Bailey

  In this episode, Lisa and Jackie discuss:How personal storytelling shapes identity and confidence in young peopleThe role of a signature talk in strengthening communication and self-awarenessUsing life experiences to build clarity and purposeThe way real-life opportunities and service experiences help youth grow passions and purposeKey Takeaways: Young people learn their core values and purpose by identifying the message they would share if given five minutes to speak to the world, strengthening their sense of worth and supporting mental health.A “signature talk” begins with exploring personal successes and failures, turning those experiences into a library of stories that can be used in interviews, essays, and meaningful conversations.Preparing a signature message teaches youth to identify a problem they deeply relate to, explain how they solved it, and offer insights that could help others—building confidence, leadership, and independence.Colleges increasingly value authentic, self-aware applicants who demonstrate impact and growth, and storytelling practice helps teens articulate purpose and meaningful experiences more effectively. “When they begin to understand what life's lessons have taught them and how it's shaped them to who and why they are, everything changes for them.” – Jackie BaileyAbout Jackie Bailey: Jackie Bailey, The International Conversation Coach, helps clients speak with significance, triumph over trauma, and champion challenges. Founder of The Speak Feed Lead Project, she’s coached hundreds to share their stories on major stages.  Episode References:Subscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletterDownload a Sample Birkman Report: https://flourishcoachingco.com/birkmanTEDx program: https://www.ted.com/about/programs-initiatives/tedx-programGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Jackie:Website: http://www.jackiebailey360.com/Podcast: In the Groove with Todd and Jackie: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-groove-with-todd-and-jackie/id1830625612Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jackie-Bailey/author/B0BSRGSM6KLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackie-bailey-4532287/Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

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• Surviving Winter Break with Family: Andrea Malkin Brenner on Staying Connected

  In this episode, Lisa and Andrea discuss:Navigating family dynamics when college students return home for holidays and extended breaksBalancing student independence with household expectations during time at homeCommunicating effectively with teens and college students to reduce conflict around schedules, curfews, and responsibilitiesSupporting student identity development and deeper conversations during the transition homeKey Takeaways: Parents should set expectations early—before the student comes home—about rest needs, schedules, and non-negotiable family commitments.Curfew conversations work best when approached collaboratively, using “horizontal parenting” to negotiate reasonable times and communication.Students may return with new beliefs, identities, and peer relationships, so families should create space for deeper conversations and respond with curiosity rather than judgment.Parents should avoid tasks like laundry or over-caretaking, as these can unintentionally undermine the student’s developing independence. “Colleges are ready to welcome messy, unfinished, unbaked, totally underbaked students. And those first couple of years are about figuring out who they are.” – Andrea Malkin BrennerAbout Andrea Malkin Brenner: Dr. Andrea Malkin Brenner is the President of AMBrenner, LLC and Founder of the Talking College™ brand, a speaker and college transition educator with 25 years as a “college insider.”Episode References:Use Andrea’s Talking College Cards to spark meaningful family conversations about college transitions: https://www.ambrenner.com/shopSubscribe to Lisa’s newsletter for weekly tips to connect with your teen or young adult: flourishcoachingco.com/newsletterGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Andrea:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andreamalkinbrenner/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ambrennerllcWebsite: https://www.ambrenner.com/ & https://talkingcollege.com/Book: How to College: What to Know Before You Go (and When You're There) by Andrea Malkin Brenner and Lara Hope Schwartz: https://www.amazon.com/How-College-Before-Youre-There/dp/1250225183LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrea-malkin-brenner-phd-135b43178Email: [email protected] Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

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• How to Raise Curious, Future-Ready Teens – with Kami Wanous

  In this episode, Lisa and Kami discuss:How curiosity shapes the development of lifelong learners who can adapt and grow over timeWhy box-checking habits weaken authentic engagement with learningWhat project-based learning offers as a bridge between interests and academicsThe role family culture plays in nurturing natural curiosity and supporting ongoing personal growthKey Takeaways: Box-checking driven by grades and pressure drains curiosity and leaves young people unprepared for real college, career, and life demands.Real-world projects like building a skate park or creating community signage reveal how project-based learning blends civic knowledge, physics, planning, and passion.Curiosity grows at home through natural conversations that connect everyday life, current events, and reading into meaningful learning.A teen’s lost love of learning often shows up as ongoing frustration or disengagement whenever school is mentioned. “We have to change the messages that we're sending, and the message of lifelong learning is that learning happens everywhere, all the time.” – Kami WanousEpisode References:Sample Birkman ReportPails by Chris BradyThe Truth About College Admission Workbook#169 The Hidden Impact of College Major Selection on Admissions with Rick ClarkCheck your family’s learning culture in minutes — take Kami’s Love of Learning Launch Pad quizTake the free Career Planning Readiness QuizGet Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). flourishcoachingco.com/video Connect with Kami:Website: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/FB: https://www.facebook.com/TheFreedomScholar & https://www.facebook.com/groups/216184786279733IG: https://www.instagram.com/thefreedomscholarYT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtJpXKtndYS9rrP98KcvDEwLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kami-wanous-14117723aHomeschool Success: https://www.thefreedomscholar.com/podcastConnect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

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• Building Post High School Resilience and Career Confidence: Ethan Zellner's Journey

  In this episode, Lisa and Ethan discuss:Managing setbacks and academic struggles in demanding college programsThe importance of resilience, networking, and real-world experience in career developmentHow communication and soft skills enhance technical education and employabilityNavigating college, internships, and professional growth with persistence and adaptabilityKey Takeaways: When traditional learning methods don’t meet your needs, explore alternative or online options—Ethan improved his calculus mastery by finding a better-fit online course structure and learning tools.Consistent networking, maintaining an updated LinkedIn, and initiating connections early can turn future opportunities into incoming offers rather than uphill pursuits.Getting involved in professional or student organizations and taking on leadership or mentoring roles provides real-world experience and the confidence employers value.Communicating clearly, asking for help, and staying persistent after failure are core habits that separate long-term achievers from those who stall after a single obstacle. “You just have to keep pushing and saying, 'I want it. I’m going to get it.'” – Ethan ZellnerAbout Ethan Zellner: Ethan Zellner is an Honors Student-Athlete at Bradley University pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. A driven and hands-on learner, he currently serves as the 2025–2026 Captain of the ASCE Concrete Canoe Team, where he leads design and materials testing for national competitions. Ethan has gained professional experience as a Civil Engineering Intern at WSP, contributing to EV charging site development and permitting. Known for his persistence, problem-solving mindset, and strong communication skills, Ethan embodies the balance of technical excellence, teamwork, and resilience that defines the next generation of engineers.Episode References:#027 Differences between Engineering & Engineering Technology Majors & JobsFind your direction with the Launch Career Clarity Course at FlourishCoachingCo.com/course.Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret). Connect with Ethan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ethan-zellner/Connect with Lisa:Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingcoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/flourishcoachingco/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

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