Executive Career Upgrades

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden breaks down one of the biggest myths holding high achievers back: the belief that great work automatically leads to recognition and opportunity. In today’s market, results alone aren’t enough. Visibility, branding, and strategic communication are what separate those who stay overlooked from those who advance. Tim explains why executives must actively showcase their value — on LinkedIn, through their network, and in every professional interaction, and how to do it without coming across as arrogant. If you’re an experienced leader who’s been waiting for your work to “speak for itself,” this episode will show you how to take control of your narrative and start getting noticed for the impact you’re already making.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim and Kristina Madden deliver a powerful message about the one thing that holds most professionals back. Themselves. From overthinking decisions to letting fear, doubt, or perfectionism stall progress, Tim breaks down how high-achieving leaders often become their own biggest roadblock. He shares how to shift your mindset, rebuild self-trust, and start taking the decisive action that creates real momentum in your career. If you’ve been standing in your own way without realizing it, this episode will help you get out of your head, and back in control of your future.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden shares practical insight for professionals and executives who want to stay competitive and keep moving forward in today’s job market. Whether you're actively interviewing, aiming for a promotion, or just ready to get out of a career plateau, this conversation will challenge the way you show up and how you're being seen. It’s not always about working harder. Sometimes it’s about positioning, presence, and knowing how to communicate your value when it matters most. Tune in to sharpen your approach and take control of what comes next in your career.

In this episode of The Career Report, we’re breaking down the major news coming out of Nestlé... the company is cutting 14,000 corporate jobs in a sweeping move to "simplify operations" and "eliminate complexity." But what does that really mean? Tim and Kristina dive into: Why these layoffs are happening now — and what trends they signal What executives and job seekers can learn from how large companies restructure How to protect yourself when big brands start downsizing Why even top performers are vulnerable in shifting markets This isn’t just a Nestlé story, it’s a snapshot of what’s happening across the board in corporate America. If you're in the market, leading a team, or just paying attention… this episode is for you.

Executives who understand AI are getting hired faster, promoted faster, and trusted with more complex initiatives. We’re not talking about becoming a technical expert. We’re talking about strategic awareness. The ability to speak AI, lead with it, and understand how it applies to the business. Tim breaks down: Why AI-literate leaders are now outpacing their peers What non-technical executives can do to close the gap fast How this shift is impacting hiring decisions at the VP and C-Suite level The simple steps to make yourself more relevant in AI-driven conversations If you’ve been ignoring AI, you’re already behind. This episode is your wake-up call.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden explores a surprising trend in today’s corporate landscape — boards are actively recruiting retired executives. As companies face new challenges in leadership, governance, and strategy, experienced leaders are being called back to the table for their wisdom, stability, and perspective. Tim breaks down why this shift is happening, what boards are really looking for, and how seasoned professionals can position themselves for these high-impact advisory and board roles. If you’ve ever wondered how to extend your influence beyond retirement, or turn decades of leadership into boardroom opportunities, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of The Career Report, we’re breaking down the growing disconnect between how candidates experience the job search, and how employers experience the hiring process. From long interview cycles and unclear communication to the rise of employer branding and candidate expectations, we’ll look at what’s really happening on both sides of the table. If you’ve ever wondered why great candidates drop out, or why hiring teams feel frustrated despite strong applicants, this episode connects the dots. Listen in for insights every leader, recruiter, and job seeker needs to understand in today’s job market.

Episode 200 | The Career Report | Are Managers Still Essential in 2025? In this milestone episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden tackles a provocative question shaping the modern workplace... are managers still essential in 2025? With flatter organizations, AI-driven workflows, and employees demanding more autonomy than ever, traditional management roles are being redefined or in some cases, eliminated altogether. Tim breaks down what this means for leaders, how to stay relevant in a changing corporate structure, and what skills will define successful managers in the years ahead. If you lead teams or aspire to, this episode will challenge how you think about leadership, performance, and the evolving value of management in today’s workplace.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden dives into a topic that impacts even the most experienced leaders — workplace anxiety and how it silently erodes your confidence, performance, and decision-making. From imposter syndrome to the pressure of constant overachievement, Tim breaks down how unchecked anxiety can sabotage your leadership presence and stall your career growth. More importantly, he shares actionable ways to rebuild belief in yourself, regain control, and lead with clarity and conviction again. If you’ve ever felt the weight of stress holding you back at work, this episode will help you recognize it, reframe it, and rise above it.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden breaks down one of the biggest blind spots holding leaders back in today’s job market... their online visibility. Even the most qualified executives are missing out on opportunities simply because recruiters and decision-makers can’t find them. Tim explains what’s causing that invisibility, from outdated LinkedIn strategies to weak personal branding, and shares the exact steps to get seen, get searched, and get hired. If you’re a Director, VP, or Executive ready to start attracting the right opportunities instead of chasing them, this episode is for you.

In this episode of The Career Report, Tim Madden breaks down Amazon’s latest wave of layoffs following its major internal restructuring - what it signals about the broader job market, and what executives should take away from it. We’ll unpack what’s really driving these changes, how shifting corporate priorities are reshaping leadership roles, and what professionals can do right now to stay ahead of organizational pivots like this. If you’re a Director, VP, or Executive navigating uncertainty in your industry, this episode will help you understand how to protect your position, adapt your strategy, and stay market-ready in a season of corporate change.

In today’s episode of The Career Report, we’re exploring how AI adoption is reshaping leadership, hiring, and the skills that matter most in today’s workplace. As automation takes over routine tasks, leaders are being measured less by control and more by adaptability, communication, and innovation. We’ll break down what this shift means for executives, how skill-based leadership is redefining team performance, and why the most valuable leaders of the future will be those who know how to bridge technology with human connection. Stay ahead of what’s changing — tune in to The Career Report.

In this episode, Tim breaks down NVIDIA’s growing influence in Washington and what their push for AI policy means for the future of innovation, leadership, and high-paying roles across tech and government. We also cover a few other trending career stories shaping the executive job market this week, from shifting hiring priorities to new opportunities emerging in the AI economy. Tune in for fast, insightful commentary designed to help leaders and top professionals stay informed, stay relevant, and stay ahead!

In today’s episode of The Career Report, we’re breaking down the staggering reality — over one million jobs have been cut across the U.S. this year. We’ll cover what’s driving these layoffs, which industries are feeling it most, and what high-level professionals should be doing right now to stay secure, visible, and in control of their careers. Short, sharp, and relevant. This is what every executive needs to know about today’s job market.

In today’s episode of The Career Report, we’re exposing a rising threat in the professional world - fake recruiters and job listings on LinkedIn. Scammers are posing as legitimate companies, collecting résumés, personal data, and even money from unsuspecting job seekers. We’ll break down how these scams work, the red flags to look for, and how to protect yourself (and your network) from becoming the next target. Because in today’s market, getting hired shouldn’t come with a risk.

In today’s Career Report, we’re breaking down the massive AWS outage that disrupted major parts of the internet. From streaming platforms to corporate systems. We’ll cover what happened, who it hit the hardest, and why incidents like this expose how dependent modern companies (and careers) have become on cloud infrastructure. Quick, sharp, and relevant, here’s what today’s tech chaos means for leaders, teams, and the future of digital work.

🎙️ Episode 191 – The Truth About Job Stacking (ft. Delaney William) Remote work has opened new doors — and some professionals are walking through all of them at once. In this episode of The Career Report, we’re joined by Delaney William, an expert who helps corporate professionals land their next remote role and multiply their income by stacking multiple positions. We break down exactly what job stacking is, how it works, who’s doing it, and the fine line between smart career growth and professional burnout. If you’ve ever wondered how some people are quietly earning 2–3x their income from home, this episode will change how you think about work, freedom, and the future of the corporate world. 💡 Inside the episode: How professionals are leveraging remote work to hold multiple roles The strategies behind job stacking (and what makes it work) The risks and rewards of managing multiple positions How to create sustainable income without burning out

🎙️ Episode 190 – 6 Seconds to Impress: What Recruiters Look For (And What They Ignore) Recruiters take just 6 seconds to scan your resume — and in those 6 seconds, most candidates get ruled out. In this episode of Success by Design, Tim Madden breaks down exactly what recruiters are trained to look for, what causes them to pass, and how high-level professionals can stand out in a sea of sameness. If you're an executive, VP, or director sending out resumes and hearing crickets — this episode will help you understand why, and more importantly, what to do differently. 💡 Inside the episode: What recruiters actually look for in the first 6 seconds Why your impressive experience might be getting overlooked Common red flags (and how to fix them fast) How to craft a resume and LinkedIn profile that earns a real second look If you want to stop getting filtered out and start getting callbacks, this one’s for you. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly insights that help high-performers get seen, get hired, and grow with purpose.

🎙️ Episode 189 – How Senior Leaders Break Through Stagnation You’ve reached a high level in your career... but lately, things feel stuck. Maybe you’re no longer challenged. Maybe growth has plateaued. Or maybe you’re wondering if this is as far as it goes. In this episode of Success by Design, Tim Madden dives into why even top-performing senior leaders hit plateaus, and what to do when you’ve outgrown your current role, routine, or results. It’s not about working harder. It’s about breaking through with strategy, clarity, and reinvention. 💡 Inside the episode: Why stagnation hits even the most successful leaders The invisible signs you're overdue for a professional pivot How to reignite momentum without burning it all down The mindset shift required to lead your next evolution If you’ve been feeling stuck, underutilized, or restless at the top... this episode is your roadmap forward. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly strategies that help executives lead with clarity, growth, and impact.

🎙️ Episode 188 – Why You’re Not Getting Interviews and How to Fix It If you’ve been sending out application after application with little to no response, you’re not alone — and it’s not just your resume holding you back. In this episode of Success by Design, Tim Madden uncovers the real reasons qualified executives are being overlooked and, more importantly, what you can do to turn things around. From outdated job search strategies to missed opportunities in positioning and visibility, Tim breaks down exactly why your phone isn’t ringing — and how to fix it. 💡 Inside the episode: The hidden mistakes even seasoned executives make in their job search Why simply applying online isn’t enough to get in front of decision-makers The strategies that separate overlooked candidates from in-demand leaders How to reposition yourself so interviews (and offers) start coming your way If you’re tired of being ignored and ready to take control of your search, this episode will show you how to finally break through. 🔔 Subscribe for weekly strategies that help high-performing professionals land offers and lead with impact.