Get Unstuck Blog

It's easy to get caught up in career success, chasing titles, deals, and accolades without noticing the toll it takes on our minds and bodies. For Roderick Jefferson, a globally recognized sales enablement leader and keynote speaker, success came with immense pressure, pressures he carried silently until a very near-fatal stroke in 2021 forced him to stop and reconsider everything.

My desire to level-up my life in many areas started at an early age and still hasn’t stopped. I often felt less than and left out because I did not fit any 'standard beauty' image. I wanted to feel unconditionally loved and accepted. I witnessed career paths with self-imposed limitations. I wanted to believe in bigger.  I used to joke and say; “I need to make friends who have awesome vacation homes.” The Truth? I wanted to BE the person with that second home.

Your career journey isn’t just a list of roles or a set of skills, it’s a living story. How you craft and share that story shapes how others perceive you, opens doors to new opportunities, and sets the stage for your next chapter. In episode 73 of The Unlock Lab, I explore what it truly means to take ownership of your brand, evolve your narrative, and prepare for year-end review season with confidence.

Money thoughts can be some of the loudest and trickiest inner critics we face. That nagging voice of scarcity telling you, "You can’t afford that" or "That’s selfish" can hold you back from living your fullest life and achieving your goals.

Being “in-between” jobs, careers, clients or opportunities is tough. It can feel isolating, uncertain, and pressure-filled. Most of us weren’t taught how to handle these moments with grace or ease; instead, we rush, shame ourselves, and wish away the discomfort. But there is good news! These phases are a natural part of life, not an indication of failure or moving backwards.

What happens when you flip the script and embrace uncertainty rather than hang on to the stress of it all? In this episode of The Unlock Lab, I explore that question with Pat Dwyer, a powerhouse motivational speaker. Our freewheeling conversation ranges from surviving dysentery in West Africa (three times!!), to performing with Second City, to guiding teams and organizations through the unpredictability of life and business.

There are certain times of year, or seasons of our life where we are ready for the chapter to end. Isn’t that the truth? What we crave but don't always realize is that at the end of a year, or at the end of any meaningful chapter (be that a job, relationship or even where we live), we want a way to tie it up with a bow so we feel complete, and ready for the fresh start that’s ahead.

The biggest thing you can do for yourself is create space; space to manage your emotions, process your triggers, and respond intentionally, rather than react automatically. Reacting often means we’re operating without that vital space, which can lead to unnecessary conflict and prolonged emotional distress.

I walked into a networking event, and I was feeling good. I came with the intent of having a good time. I wasn’t there looking for my next client, or business relationship. I said yes to this event because I wanted to get out of my office and just enjoy a fancy venue that was serving up food and beverage. I mean hey – I love a free meal as much as the next person.

Anton Gunn's story is a powerful reminder that greatness is rarely the outcome of a carefully mapped career, but more often a journey fueled by personal battles, community, and a relentless commitment to make things right. His ability to harness adversity using music, mentorship, and a deep sense of service, proves that leadership isn’t just about taking charge. It's about transformation from the inside out, especially when times are tough.