Hear insights that will help you navigate the ups and downs of your professional life, strengthen your self-confidence, and embrace the winding paths your career might take.Brett Johnson and Carol Ventresca are joined by Ken Lazar, CEO of Ability Professional Network and a seasoned recruiter in the community. They talk about today's challenging employment environment—covering everything from the emotional pitfalls facing both job seekers and employees, to how self-doubt, fear of rejection, and age discrimination can impact our professional lives.Together, they explore the complexities of finding and keeping a job in an era marked by rapid changes in technology, evolving workplace expectations, and shifting definitions of career success.With stories from Ken Lazar's extensive experience, practical advice on overcoming setbacks, and a candid discussion on the role of emotional intelligence at work, this episode promises advice, encouragement, and a reminder that every career journey is full of surprises—and opportunities worth pursuing.Top 3 takeaways:Your career path isn’t always linear (and that’s OK!) - Every career is a “challenge of building the right skills.” Embrace the twists and turns — they’re opportunities to learn, grow, and reinvent.Self-confidence comes from more than your job title - As Ken emphasizes, we’re not solely defined by our occupation. Focusing on a variety of goals — professional, personal, physical, and spiritual — builds a well-rounded sense of value and direction.Own your story and share it with the world - Putting your intentions “out in the universe” isn’t just about networking — it’s about convincing yourself first, then finding the right opportunities (sometimes in the most surprising places!).If you like this episode, please let us know. We appreciate the feed back, and your support of offset costs of producing the podcast!Moments00:00 Career Journey in Staffing Industry03:12 "Starting Ability Professional Network"08:15 "Empowering Older Job Seekers"12:14 "Finding Purpose in Encore Careers"14:28 Perceptions of Age Discrimination18:23 Unclear Job Descriptions Problem20:44 "Recruiter-Hiring Manager Collaboration"23:13 "Versatile AI Applications Explained"27:23 "Sharing Feelings Builds Strength"29:30 Managing Post-Meeting Emotional Upsets33:35 "Courage to Challenge Comfort"36:24 "Decisions Require Full Context"43:04 "Defining Goals Beyond Occupation"44:20 "Create and Inspire Others"We would love to hear from you.Give us your feedback, or suggest a topic, by leaving us a voice message.Email us at [email protected] us on Bluesky and Facebook.Please review our podcast on Google!And of course, everything can be found on our website, Looking Forward Our Way.Recorded in Studio C at 511 Studios. A production of Circle 270 Media® Podcast Consultants.Copyright 2026 Carol Ventresca and Brett Johnsonhttps://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/4.0/The views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.Mentioned in this episode:Listener DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed by the experts interviewed on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcast hosts or any affiliated organizations. The information provided in these interviews is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult with qualified professionals for specific advice or information related to their individual circumstances. The podcast host and producers do not endorse or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information provided by the experts interviewed. Listener discretion is advised.