Bill & Jerry’s Excellent Podcast: Spilling The Career Tea

What really happens behind the hiring process? In this episode of Spilling The Career Tea, Bill & Jerry sit down with executive coach and former talent acquisition leader Barbara Kurz to unpack the realities of recruiting, interviewing, personal branding, and career growth.From recruiter ghosting and AI-driven hiring systems to interview prep, networking, leadership reputation, and the importance of empathy in the workplace, this conversation gives early career professionals a candid look at what recruiters and hiring managers are really thinking.You’ll hear practical advice on: • Why recruiters ghost candidates and why it matters • How to stand out in applicant tracking systems (ATS) • Resume and cover letter strategies that actually work • The importance of networking, referrals, and recruiter relationships • What hiring managers notice in interviews • Common interview mistakes candidates make • How personal brand, trust, and reputation shape long-term career success • Why emotional intelligence matters as much as technical skills • The leadership traits that help people rise and the behaviors that derail careersWhether you’re searching for your first internship, preparing for interviews, or thinking about long-term career growth, this episode delivers actionable insights from both the recruiter and executive coaching perspectives.

Why does today’s job market feel so discouraging, especially for recent college graduates?In this episode of Spilling The Career Tea, Bill and Jerry are joined by Barbara Kurz, an executive coach and former senior leader in recruiting and talent management, to explore what’s really going on beneath the headlines.Drawing on decades of experience across financial services, consulting, executive search, and global HR, Barbara helps reframe today’s challenges with honesty, perspective, and practical wisdom.They discuss:Why disappointment after graduation isn’t new and why it still hurtsThe danger of treating college as a pure “return on investment”How skills based hiring is changing who gets hired (and how)The overlooked value of volunteering, internships, and experiential learningWhy networking isn’t transactional, it’s relationalWhat students and early career professionals can control, even in a tough marketThis episode is especially relevant for Gen Z, recent grads, career changers, parents, and educators trying to make sense of a shifting world of work.Honest. Grounded. Encouraging. This is career advice that meets you where you are.

Season 2 of Spilling The Career Tea – The Podcast continues with Part 2 of Bill’s conversation with Jerry D. Goldstein, diving deeper into the frameworks and ideas behind his new book, Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent & Confidence.In Part 1, Bill and Jerry explored the “why” behind the book. In this second installment, the conversation shifts to the “how”; how young professionals can actually apply these concepts in real-world situations.Jerry expands on the practical application of the VICC framework (Value, Intent & Credibility, Confidence) and the SOLVE Method, breaking down how these tools show up in interviews, networking conversations, and early career decision-making. The discussion moves from theory to execution, focusing on how individuals can take control of their career narrative and communicate their value with clarity.Together, Bill and Jerry explore: 📖 How to articulate your value in interviews and networking conversations 📖 The difference between being qualified and being understood 📖 Why many candidates struggle to communicate clearly, and how to fix it 📖 How to move from overthinking to taking intentional actionThis episode goes beyond ideas and into practical strategies, offering listeners a clearer roadmap for navigating the transition from college to career with purpose and confidence.If Part 1 was about understanding the problem, Part 2 is about learning how to solve it.☕️ The tea continues.

Season 2 of Spilling The Career Tea; The Podcast kicks off with a special one‑on‑one conversation as Bill turns the microphone on his co‑host, Jerry D. Goldstein, to unpack the story behind his new book, Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent & Confidence.In this candid and thoughtful episode, Bill and Jerry explore the genesis of the book, born from years of mentoring students and young professionals who felt stuck, uncertain, or underprepared for the realities of the workplace — not because they lacked talent, but because no one ever taught them how to translate college into career.Jerry breaks down the core frameworks at the heart of the book, including VICC (Value, Intent & Credibility, Confidence) and the SOLVE Method, and explains how these practical tools help individuals communicate more clearly, think more critically, and show up with confidence in an increasingly complex professional world.Together, Bill and Jerry speak openly about:The hidden expectations of the workplaceWhy confidence is built, not assumedHow young professionals can move from uncertainty to momentumAnd what employers actually want but don’t always articulateThis episode is honest, approachable, and packed with real-world insight for students, recent graduates, mentors, educators, and anyone invested in helping young professionals succeed.Whether you’re navigating your first job, advising students, or wondering how to prepare for what comes next, this conversation sets the tone for Season 2; practical, human, and focused on building careers with clarity and purpose.☕️ The tea is real. Season 2 starts here.Release Date: April 1, 2026

Bill and Jerry are back with Richard Magid, a seasoned entrepreneur, for part 2 with Jarrett Birnbaum, a University of Maryland graduate who transitioned from corporate roles to full-time freelance photography. The episode offers practical insights on building a career in creative industries, leveraging networks, and embracing risk to pursue passion driven work.Thanks to Richard and Jarrett. This wraps up Season 1. Stay Tuned for More of "Spilling The Career Tea" and Season 2, COMING SOONSpecial Thanks to PeopleGrove and Jared Goldstein/Broken Planet Media for making Season 1 a success!!Look for Jerry's book "Spilling The Career Tea: Your Guide to Value, Intent & Credibility, and Confidence" https://a.co/d/023uFOJ4Stay up to date with us at www.spillingthecareertea.com©️ 2026 Bill Fisse & Jerry Goldstein

Part II of our deep dive with Richard Magid - entrepreneur, mentor, storyteller, and founder of SoundBoard; we pick up right where the energy left off. This episode goes beyond career advice. We explore the human side of professional growth: unlocking your voice, navigating pivotal moments, building confidence, and turning raw potential into real opportunity. Richard shares more of his behind the scenes stories from coaching executives and creatives, revealing the patterns he sees in people who rise, adapt, and thrive. Jerry and Bill dig even deeper into themes like: • Why self awareness is the real accelerator • How to communicate with clarity, curiosity, and confidence • What mentoring actually looks like when it works • The emotional skills early career professionals overlook • The power of saying yes even when it scares you Whether you're a student figuring it out, a young professional navigating your first big steps, or a leader looking to develop others, this conversation is packed with insights that meet you right where you are. If Part One got you thinking… Part Two will get you moving. Grab your coffee, your curiosity, and let’s spill some more career tea. ☕🔥

Part II - We are back with Lindsay Sosnik and Dr. Allison McWilliams to hear more of Lindsay's story and to learn how she elevated her profile for potential employers buy stepping up her game.

Part II - Dr. Allison McWilliams, Assistant VP of Mentoring and Alumni Personal & Career Development at Wake Forest University, shares her journey and the evolution of Wake Forest’s innovative approach to career services. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intentional career planning, and holistic development for students and alumni.

In this episode, Bill and Jerry welcome Richard Magid, a seasoned entrepreneur, and Jarrett Birnbaum, a University of Maryland graduate who transitioned from corporate roles to full-time freelance photography. Jarrett shares his journey from studying public relations and working in software sales to discovering his passion for creative work. After being laid off during COVID, he explored real estate before fully committing to photography, eventually celebrating his first anniversary as a full-time entrepreneur.The conversation dives into:Career pivots and entrepreneurial mindset: Jarrett’s decision to leave stable corporate jobs for creative freedom, and Richard’s reflections on his own leap from banking to entrepreneurship.Networking as a growth engine: Jarrett attributes nearly all his business to referrals and relationships, emphasizing authenticity over transactional networking.Core values and fulfillment: Both guests discuss how aligning work with personal values drives success and satisfaction.Luck vs. preparation: Jarrett and Richard agree that luck often comes from creating opportunities through effort and openness.The episode offers practical insights on building a career in creative industries, leveraging networks, and embracing risk to pursue passion driven work.

In this first half of our two-part conversation with Richard Magid, founder of Soundboard Consulting and the Soundboard Angel Fund, we dive into his incredible journey from international finance and commodities trading to becoming a sought after executive coach and mentor. Richard shares candid insights on discovering core values, why alignment matters for career satisfaction, and how "small shifts" can lead to big results.We explore practical strategies for young professionals to build self awareness early, develop empathy through curiosity, and ask the right questions during interviews to uncover company culture and values. Plus, hear the story of how Richard and Jerry first connected; proof that taking risks and putting yourself out there can change your life.If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots or create a values driven path, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.