Dani [00:00:00]: Hi, I’m Dani Tan. Welcome to the Pivot and Promotion Podcast — the space where we forget the old rules and create new ones that actually work for us. I’m your host, a career and leadership coach, and a proud advocate for redefining success and leadership. Here’s what I know: you can lead at any level, pivot at any age, and make moves that feel right for you. Whether you’re climbing the corporate ladder, starting something completely new, or just figuring out your next step, I’ve got you covered with strategies, stories and inspiration. Today, I’m joined by one of my clients. We were just chatting for 20 minutes before I realized I hadn’t hit record — so we’re going to do this again!

I’m so excited for you to meet her. Could you introduce yourself and share how you came to coaching? Ann [00:01:00]: My name is Ann Kapustiak. I’ve been working with Dani since August — about six months. When I started, I was focused on finding a new job and turned to career counseling to rethink what I wanted out of work. I’m now a consultant for nonprofits and have always been interested in mission-oriented organizations. Dani helped me clarify my priorities and understand the job search in a more values-driven way than I expected. Dani: You did the work and took some big steps. How did you even find out about coaching? Ann [00:03:00]: Someone mentioned it on a podcast. I’d heard of career coaching but was skeptical.

I was tired of trying to do career development on my own and figured, if there was ever a time to ask for help, it was now. I found Dani’s group and immediately connected with the mission- and value-oriented approach. I didn’t want a generic LinkedIn coach telling me to “maximize output” — I wanted a holistic conversation. At first I thought career coaching was basically headhunting — that Dani would hand me a job. Instead, I built long-term skills and strategies that are much more valuable. Dani [00:05:00]: What was going on at work that pushed you to make a change? Ann: I’d worked hard and expected opportunities for advancement, but my review showed those doors weren’t opening. I realized I needed to rethink my path and figure out what was missing — not just jump to another job without clarity.

Dani [00:06:00]: What challenges came up during the job search, and how did coaching help? Ann: I was holding myself to outdated metrics — advice from parents or random online voices. I assumed every application was read carefully and I had an equal chance. ” Right away, we did exercises that shifted my mindset. I realized most jobs aren’t filled through cold applications alone. Checking assumptions at the door was huge. Dani [00:09:00]: I remember helping you make your applications more concise and snappy so recruiters could see the highlights immediately. Ann: Exactly. I used to think I had a captive audience eager to read everything. Understanding that wasn’t true changed my approach.

Another big moment was when you told me it can take nine months to a year to land a new job. That reframed my expectations and kept me from burning out. Dani [00:12:00]: You also started diversifying — using your network instead of relying only on applications. Ann [00:13:00]: Yes. I once applied to the same organization twice. The first time I didn’t get the role. Later I discovered I had contacts there, and once I built relationships and tried again, I got hired. My resume hadn’t changed, but my approach had. Doing the networking exercise you gave me was transformative. I now map networks at my current job and it’s becoming second nature. Dani [00:15:00]: People cringe at “networking,” but it’s really about practicing how to talk about your work, communicating your value, and being aware of who’s around you.

You also worked hard on interview prep — and it paid off. Ann [00:16:00]: That was huge. I used to go into interviews thinking they were auditions I couldn’t control. Now I see interviews as opportunities to guide the conversation. I dissect job postings, prepare examples, and weave my strengths into the discussion. Even as someone who enjoys talking, I underestimated how much preparation matters. Now interviews feel like a game I can play strategically rather than a pass/fail test. Dani [00:18:00]: Exactly. “Tell me about yourself” is your moment to set the tone. You’re pitching yourself in a way that’s authentic and memorable. Ann [00:19:00]: My prep documents kept getting longer and more detailed.

By the end, interviewers were following their scripts while I was quietly steering the conversation — and it worked. Dani [00:20:00]: What advice would you give someone considering coaching? Ann: Don’t wait. There’s nothing wrong with asking for help — especially for something as personal as your career. You’re not supposed to be an expert at everything. Career counseling gives you a sounding board, a safe place to strategize, and expert advice you can’t always get from friends or family. Even just having someone invested in your progress every month is valuable. Dani [00:22:00]: How’s the new role going? Ann: I’m less than 90 days in and already approaching things differently. I feel less pressure to prove myself immediately, and I’m getting up to speed faster than in any previous job.

The mental shift we worked on — plus the book you recommended about first 90 days — helped me let go of old habits and focus on learning, contribution, and growth. Dani [00:23:00]: I’m so proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey. Dani [00:24:00]: And thank you to everyone listening. If today’s episode inspired you, there are three ways we can work together: Private Coaching for deep, personalized career or leadership work. The Pivot and Promotion Community — a 12-month group coaching program for aspiring leaders who want accountability, growth and shared learning. Speaking Engagements for organizations, conferences or workshops. com to book a call and explore what’s right for you.