Feeling trapped in a career that drains you isn’t just about the long hours or difficult tasks—it’s about the disconnect between what you do and who you are. When your job feels like a constant uphill battle, it seeps into every part of your life, leaving you exhausted and uninspired. But what if work could be more than just a paycheck? Imagine waking up each day with a sense of purpose, knowing your efforts align with your values and aspirations. The key isn’t just quitting—it’s discovering what truly excites you and finding a way to make that your reality.
Summary:
Katie O'Malley is a career coach and workplace strategist based in Chicago, specializing in leadership development for women, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people of color. As the founder of (en)Courage Coaching, she combines a background in counseling, political campaigns, nonprofits, and real estate to offer a unique approach to professional growth. She is preparing for a TED talk and actively speaks and consults with organizations. Her coaching focuses on courage, learning, and justice. Today, she shares her career journey, the importance of aligning work with personal values, and the five dimensions of employee well-being.
Quotes:
● "Courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to walk through it. In my life, there have been multiple occasions where being scared and doing it anyway has resulted in great outcomes for me."
● "When our values are out of alignment with our feelings, thoughts, and behavior, it is a recipe for a mental health disaster."
● "It's not about the information we share but the attention we're able to give to others."
Takeaways:
● Mirror someone's body language and energy in your next conversation. Notice how this subtle shift builds trust and connection without saying a word.
● Audit your current job against your core values. If there's significant misalignment, create a strategic exit plan that honors your professional integrity and personal growth.
● Practice embodied listening by putting away distractions and giving full attention to the speaker. Make eye contact, nod, and genuinely engage without planning your response.
● Map out the five dimensions of your personal well-being: career, financial, community, emotional, and physical. Identify one actionable step to improve in each area this month.
● Schedule an honest self-reflection session about your career trajectory. Ask yourself if you're moving towards purpose or just collecting paychecks.
Timeline:
[0:23] How Katie Built a Career Helping People Find Courage
[2:18] The Hard Truth About Misaligned Careers and Mental Health
[7:43] Why Vulnerability Is the Secret to Career Success
[11:38] How My Coaching Helps You Land Better Jobs & Lead with Confidence
[16:27] The Key Difference Between Coaching, Counseling, and Consulting
[20:49] The Five Areas of Well-Being Most People Overlook at Work
[24:32] Big Life Changes: My Divorce, Business Merger, and New Chapter
[27:02] The Life-Changing Power of Truly Listening to Others
[29:45] A Simple Conversation Trick That Instantly Builds Trust
Conclusion:
True career fulfillment comes from work that reflects personal values, not just financial success. This requires the confidence to make intentional choices, the awareness to recognize what truly matters, and the willingness to push back against outdated workplace expectations. Growth happens when people take control of their own path instead of settling for what is expected. Those who are willing to challenge norms and stay true to their principles build careers that are both meaningful and rewarding.
Links/Resources:
Website:
https://encouragecoaching.org/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateomalley/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ENCOURAGECOACHCHICAGO/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/encouragecoachchicago/
If you like what you're hearing and want to dive deeper into credibility, clarity, and how to show up as your best self, visit MitchellLevy.com. You can also book time directly on the calendar at https://mitchelllevy.com/contact-us to start your journey toward greater credibility today!
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