Inspire Careers Spotlight Series

About Inspire Careers Spotlight Series

An inside look at the careers of successful professionals and recruiters, hosted by CEO of Inspire Careers LLC, Cathy Lanzalaco.

Publisher

Cathy Lanzalaco

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

30 Oct 2021

Latest episode

7 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

96 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Oct 2026

   How the Inspire Careers Grad Program Helps Recent Grads Land Good Jobs

   Finding a good job after college can be much harder than it looks—even when you have a master’s degree, a 4.0 GPA, and strong internship experience. In this episode of Inspire Careers Spotlight, I sit down with Trace Lustgarten to share his job search success story and talk about how the Inspire Careers Student Grad Program helped him stay focused, structured, and accountable throughout the job search process. Trace shares what his job search looked like, including the frustration of sending out applications and networking without always seeing immediate results. He explains how having weekly check-ins and a structured approach helped him keep making progress instead of getting discouraged. The conversation also dives into the strategies that ultimately helped Trace land his new role at State Street—consistently posting on LinkedIn, building genuine connections, following up with people in his network, and being willing to go beyond what was required during the interview process. Most importantly, Trace’s story shows that getting hired can take patience, creativity, persistence, and a willingness to keep showing up—even when it feels like nothing is happening. Key points covered: Why even highly qualified recent graduates can struggle to find a job How the Inspire Careers Grad Program provides structure and accountability Why consistent LinkedIn activity and networking can make a difference How Trace went beyond his resume to demonstrate his ability to learn The importance of patience, persistence, and showing up consistently What recent graduates can learn from Trace’s successful job search If you are a student or a recent graduate and would like to improve your resume, or if you’re interested in career coaching, the Inspire Careers Student Professional Launch Program may be exactly what you need. So, get in touch with Inspire Careers (https://inspirecareers.as.me/schedule/6e8b07e2/appointment/52107047/calendar/7504938?appointmentTypeIds%5B%5D=52107047) to see how we can help. If you’re a recent graduate struggling to find the right job, Trace’s story is a reminder that having the right education and experience is only part of the equation. A structured job search, consistent networking, accountability, and the willingness to go the extra mile can make a real difference. Key Links and Resources: Inspire Careers Grad Program (https://inspirecareers.com/college-seniors-recent-graduates/) Inspire Careers Digital Courses (https://inspirecareers.com/online-courses/) Inspire Careers (https://www.inspirecareers.com/) Inspire Careers on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspire-careers/about/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/inspirecareers/) Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathylanzalaco/) Trace Lustgarten on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tracel/) Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/ (https://podcastmagician.com/)

2. 

   12 May 2026

   Job Search Shame: It’s Real, and It’s a Real Problem

   Nobody talks enough about the emotional side of job searching, especially the shame that can quietly build when the process takes longer than expected. In this episode, I unpack what job search shame really looks like, why so many people experience it across all age groups and career levels, and how it can start affecting not only your confidence, but your actual job search results too. From avoiding LinkedIn to questioning your own value, job search shame can become emotionally draining and deeply isolating. I also share why this isn’t just happening to graduates or early-career professionals (even high-level executives struggle with it). Most importantly, I talk about how to pull yourself out of that mindset, rebuild momentum and start taking practical steps forward again. Key points covered: What job search shame actually looks and feels like The emotional exhaustion of constant applications and networking The danger of carrying shame into interviews and networking How to acknowledge job search shame without letting it define you Why small steps are key to rebuilding confidence and momentum The mindset shift that can help you finally land a job If you’ve been feeling exhausted, discouraged or stuck in job search, this episode will remind you that you’re not alone - and that there’s a way through it. Key Links and Resources: Inspire Careers Grad Program (https://inspirecareers.com/college-seniors-recent-graduates/) Inspire Careers Digital Courses (https://inspirecareers.com/online-courses/) Inspire Careers (https://www.inspirecareers.com/) Inspire Careers on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspire-careers/about/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/inspirecareers/) Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathylanzalaco/) Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/ (https://podcastmagician.com/)

3. 

   30 Mar 2026

   Why Your References Cost You the Last Job (and You Didn’t Know It)

   Think your references are just a formality? Think again. In this episode, I unpack one of the most overlooked parts of the job application process - your references and how they can quietly make or break your chances of landing an offer. The “old way” of handling references no longer works in today’s competitive market. You’ll learn how HR teams actually use references, what they’re really listening for and how to position yourself more strategically. I also dive into the growing importance of LinkedIn recommendations, how they influence hiring decisions which means keeping your profile fresh and aligned is no longer optional. If you’ve ever treated references as an afterthought, this episode will change how you approach them completely. Key points covered: Why outdated job application strategies are holding you back How your references may have cost you a job offer What HR is really looking for when they contact references The biggest mistakes people make when choosing references How to select strong, relevant and strategic references Why LinkedIn recommendations matter more than ever How to confidently ask for powerful, specific recommendations The importance of keeping your references and LinkedIn profile up to date Review your current references today. Are they relevant, recent and aligned with the roles you're applying for? If not, it’s time for a refresh and don’t forget to update your LinkedIn recommendations while you’re at it. Last but not least, if this episode helped you, please take a moment to leave a good reference (review) for the podcast. It will help to make it more visible to others who are interested in the topics of job search, resume writing, LinkedIn networking, career coach advice, etc. Thank you! Key Links and Resources: Inspire Careers Grad Program (https://inspirecareers.com/college-seniors-recent-graduates/) Inspire Careers Digital Courses (https://inspirecareers.com/online-courses/) Inspire Careers (https://www.inspirecareers.com/) Inspire Careers on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/inspire-careers/about/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/inspirecareers/) Cathy Lanzalaco on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/cathylanzalaco/) Podcast editing by https://podcastmagician.com/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

51,099

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 61 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

61

Social presence

94

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

Contact Inspire Careers Spotlight Series

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.