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The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
Dani Tan - Leadership and Career Coach
125 episodes
1 day ago
Hi! I'm Dani Tan, a Leadership and Career Coach, and Speaker. I empower leaders who are the first, few, or only in their space. If you’re looking to pivot careers, get promoted, expand your leadership skills, or find your voice, I’m here for you. I've pivoted multiple industries from sales, PR, merchandising, and e-commerce all while achieving 11 promotions in 11 years. Let's get started.
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All content for The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice is the property of Dani Tan - Leadership and Career Coach and is served directly from their servers with no modification, redirects, or rehosting. The podcast is not affiliated with or endorsed by Podjoint in any way.
Hi! I'm Dani Tan, a Leadership and Career Coach, and Speaker. I empower leaders who are the first, few, or only in their space. If you’re looking to pivot careers, get promoted, expand your leadership skills, or find your voice, I’m here for you. I've pivoted multiple industries from sales, PR, merchandising, and e-commerce all while achieving 11 promotions in 11 years. Let's get started.
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Careers
Business
Episodes (20/125)
The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
109. You Don’t Need a Full Plan, You Need a Starting Point

In episode 109, we’re talking about why overplanning keeps so many high-achievers stuck and how clarity actually comes from action, not preparation.


This episode is for the planners, overthinkers, and researchers who feel busy and productive but aren’t moving forward. If you keep telling yourself you need more time, more certainty, or a clearer plan before you start, this conversation will help you see what’s really happening and how to break out of the planning trap.


I share client stories and real-life examples to show why waiting to feel “ready” often becomes a form of avoidance, especially for women, women of color, eldest daughters, and first-generation leaders who were taught to get it right the first time. We walk through what it actually looks like to choose a starting point, build momentum, and let clarity emerge along the way.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why overplanning often disguises fear, not strategy

  • How clarity is created through action, not overthinking

  • What it means to experiment instead of waiting for certainty

  • Why perfectionism slows momentum and confidence

  • How choosing one small step creates real movement forward


Key Takeaways:

  • You can’t think your way into clarity

  • Starting before you feel ready builds confidence

  • Small steps reduce fear and decision fatigue

  • Momentum creates belief faster than planning ever will

  • You don’t need the full roadmap, just a place to begin


Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Pivot and Promotion Podcast

00:59 Escaping the Planning Trap

05:18 Taking Action for Clarity

09:35 Building Momentum with Small Steps

11:56 Final Thoughts and Coaching Opportunities


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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1 day ago
13 minutes 19 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
108. How to Set Goals You’ll Actually Follow Through On

In episode 108, we’re talking about why setting goals isn’t the problem. It’s how we set them, and what’s missing when motivation fades. If you’ve ever started strong and then lost momentum a few weeks later, this episode breaks down what actually helps goals stick.


I walk through a simple, three-part framework I use with clients to move from intention to follow-through. We talk about identity, structure, and support and why relying on willpower alone keeps you stuck. You’ll hear client examples of promotions, side businesses, and visibility goals, and how shifting the system around the goal made execution possible.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why pressure, perfectionism, and other people’s expectations derail goals

  • The three-part framework that turns goals into follow-through

  • How identity shifts make goals feel possible instead of overwhelming

  • Why structure reduces decision fatigue when life gets busy

  • How support and accountability change what you’re able to sustain


Key Takeaways:

  • Goals fail when they rely on willpower instead of systems

  • Clarity starts with understanding why a goal matters to you

  • Structure keeps momentum going when motivation dips

  • Support reveals what you need to succeed and what was missing before

  • The best goals stretch your identity without disconnecting you from your life

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Pivot and Promotion Podcast

00:34 Understanding Goal Setting Challenges

04:45 The Three-Part Framework for Achieving Goals

10:50 Building Identity and Support in Goal Setting


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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1 week ago
15 minutes 10 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
107. Business Lessons I Didn’t Expect to Learn in 2025

In episode 107, I’m sharing the unexpected business lessons that shaped my year, lessons I thought I had mastered long ago, only to be humbled, stretched, and reminded that growth is never a one-time event.


From delegation and slowing down, to protecting your nervous system and letting ideas stay hobbies, this episode is a reflection on what it looks like to evolve as a leader, a business owner, and a human being. These lessons shifted how I work, how I rest, and what I plan to carry into 2026.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why growth often brings you back to lessons you thought you’d already learned

  • Why delegating creates space for your business to expand

  • How slowing down actually accelerates clarity, revenue, and aligned opportunities

  • The power of pivoting quietly, without announcing every change

  • Why your nervous system is your most important leadership tool

  • How to resist pressure to monetize every idea (even the good ones)


Key Takeaways:

  • Delegation isn’t detachment, it’s leadership

  • Slowing down creates the space your growth needs

  • Not every pivot needs a public announcement

  • Your nervous system shapes the way you lead and make decisions

  • You don’t have to monetize every idea to be successful

  • Simple businesses can be the most sustainable and scalable


Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Pivot and Promotion Podcast

00:59 Unexpected Business Lessons from 2025

05:37 The Importance of Delegation

08:55 Slowing Down to Grow09:53 Quietly Pivoting Behind the Scenes

11:46 Nervous System as a Leadership Tool

14:32 Monetization Mindset: Not Everything Needs to Be Monetized


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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2 weeks ago
16 minutes 54 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
106. What Nobody Tells You About Success in a New Role

In episode 106, we’re talking about the part of success no one prepares you for, the pressure, the self-doubt, and the internal lag that can show up even after you’ve landed the role, title, or opportunity you worked so hard for. If you’ve ever achieved something you wanted and still didn’t feel at ease, you’re not alone.


This episode breaks down why success doesn’t automatically create confidence, how old habits follow you into new roles, and what it looks like to redefine success so it actually aligns with your life, not just your resume.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why achieving a goal doesn’t always create relief and what that “emotional lag” really is

  • How old patterns like overworking follow you into new roles unless you consciously shift them

  • What it looks like to update your beliefs and behaviors so your internal identity matches your external success

  • Why success can feel unsafe without a clear, personal definition of what it means for this season of your life

  • How a priority checklist can help you evaluate roles and opportunities based on alignment, not pressure

Key Takeaways:

  • Success brings new emotions and they don’t always match what you expected

  • Old habits don’t disappear with a new title; you have to intentionally evolve them

  • Defining success for yourself creates stability, not just achievement

  • Confidence grows when your internal identity catches up to your external wins

  • Alignment matters more than chasing shiny roles that don’t fit your values

Chapters:

00:16 Success Brings New Pressures

04:13 Old Beliefs Reappear in New Roles

08:27 Personal Priority Checklist Exercise


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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3 weeks ago
11 minutes 24 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
105. How A Time Audit Made My Client $2k

In episode 105, we’re talking about how a simple time audit helped one of my clients make $2,000 and create 30 hours of freedom in her calendar.


If you’ve ever felt stretched across too many projects or unsure where your time is actually going, this episode will show you how a time audit can help you see exactly where your energy, hours, and priorities need to shift.


I share how one creative business owner used this process to identify which projects drained her time without moving her goals forward, and how one small change, an email setting new boundaries, led to paid opportunities and more space for creative work.


In this episode, I cover:

  • How to map your time and identify what’s really driving growth

  • Why scaling back can lead to more income and freedom

  • The connection between energy, time, and boundaries

  • How to realign your calendar with your goals and values

  • Why creating space often opens new opportunities


Key Takeaways:

  • A time audit reveals what’s working and what’s not

  • Scaling back isn’t quitting; it’s creating alignment

  • Boundaries are guidelines that protect your time and energy

  • When you protect your time, opportunities follow

  • You can’t grow if your calendar is already full


Chapters:

00:00 Time Audit Steps for Multi-Project Clients

04:00 Cutting Free Work Unlocks Paid Opportunities

06:28 Aligning Energy, Tasks, and Calendar Boundaries
Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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4 weeks ago
11 minutes 1 second

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
104. You’re Not Failing, You’re Leading Through Uncertainty

In episode 104, we’re talking about what it means to lead through uncertainty, and why what feels like failure is often just growth in disguise.


When you’re building, leading, or creating something new, there’s no map to follow. The milestones get murky, the metrics stop being clear, and self-doubt creeps in. But that doesn’t mean you’re failing, it means you’re learning how to lead through the unknown.


I share client stories and personal reflections on how to create clarity, even when you don’t have all the answers. From career pivots and leadership transitions to building a business from the ground up, this episode will help you recognize uncertainty as a natural part of growth and find structure, direction, and confidence along the way.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why uncertainty often looks and feels like failure

  • How to create clarity when the next step isn’t clear

  • Why progress matters more than perfection or “getting it right”

  • How to make decisions from your values, not fear

  • What it means to lead yourself and others through change


Key Takeaways:

  • Uncertainty is a signal of growth, not failure

  • Progress happens through imperfect action

  • Clarity comes from aligning with your values and direction

  • Leaders don’t wait for a map, they build it

  • Structure creates safety so creativity can thrive


Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the Pivot and Promotion Podcast

00:33 Understanding Uncertainty vs. Failure

03:52 Creating Clarity in Leadership

07:39 Taking Imperfect Action for Progress

11:53 Final Thoughts on Leading Through Growth


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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1 month ago
12 minutes 49 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
103. How Founders Turn Chaos Into Systems Without Slowing Down

In episode 103, we’re talking about how to turn chaos into systems, without slowing down your growth.


If your business feels messy, it’s not a sign that you’re failing, it’s a signal that you’re growing. Chaos often shows up right at the edge of expansion, and learning to channel it into systems is what helps you scale sustainably.


I share client stories and coaching examples of founders who moved from reacting to leading, by creating decision filters, lightweight systems, and clarity blocks that support their growth instead of stifling it. You’ll learn how to build structure that aligns with your strengths, your team, and your goals, so you can grow without burning out.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why chaos is often a signal of growth, not failure

  • How decision filters help reduce mental load and reactive work

  • The power of lightweight dashboards for clarity and alignment

  • Why clarity is a leadership skill that prevents burnout

  • How to create systems that support focus without slowing down momentum


Key Takeaways:

  • Growth feels messy because you’re expanding capacity

  • You don’t need rigid systems, you need human ones

  • Clarity comes from focus, communication, and boundaries

  • Sustainable growth depends on delegation and structure

  • You can scale faster when you stop trying to hold it all together alone


Chapters:

00:00 Growth Signals: From Messiness to Strategy

02:29 Decision Filters to Reduce Mental Load

07:11 Lightweight Dashboards for Scalable Speed

09:17 Clarity, Focus Blocks to Prevent Burnout

Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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1 month ago
14 minutes 12 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
102. You Know What to Do, You Just Aren't Doing It.

In episode 102, we’re talking about what happens when you know exactly what to do, but still can’t seem to take action.


You’ve mapped out your strategy, set your goals, and even blocked the time, yet the work that truly moves things forward keeps getting pushed aside. This episode explores the resistance patterns that show up when fear, comfort, or overthinking start running the show and how to move from knowing to leading.


I share client examples of leaders and founders who had clear plans but struggled to delegate, make difficult decisions, or follow through and what shifted once they addressed the emotional and structural barriers behind their resistance.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why resistance, not strategy, is often the reason execution stall

  • How to recognize when comfort work is keeping you stuck

  • The role of fear and discomfort in delaying leadership decisions

  • Why structure and accountability create momentum where pressure doesn’t

  • Practical steps to turn “I know what to do” into “I’m doing it”


Key Takeaways:

  • Resistance hides behind logic, it’s not a strategy gap

  • Knowing what to do isn’t the same as leading through it

  • Fear and discomfort don’t disappear, you learn to move with them

  • You don’t need more pressure; you need structure and support

  • Small, consistent action builds the confidence to follow through


Chapters:

00:00 Resistance to Action Blocks Strategic Growth

02:40 Letting Go: Delegation, Identity, and Priorities

07:02 Coaching Tough Conversations About Performance

10:47 Structure and Accountability Prevent Progress Stalls

12:41 From Strategy to Action: Timelines, Milestones, and Emotions

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1 month ago
16 minutes 33 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
101. How to Lead Through Growth Without Getting Lost in the Day-to-Day

In episode 101, we’re talking about how to lead through growth without getting lost in the day-to-day.


When your business or team is expanding, it’s easy to fall into old patterns, doing everything yourself, staying deep in the weeds, and reacting instead of leading. But what worked when you were building from day one won’t sustain your next chapter of growth.


I share client stories and coaching insights on what it means to evolve as a leader: learning to delegate, building trust in your team, and creating systems that support strategy instead of chaos. You’ll learn how to shift from “doer” to decision-maker and create space for the vision your business needs you to hold.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why staying stuck in early-stage habits limits your growth

  • How to delegate effectively without losing control

  • The importance of communication cadences and clear priorities for your team

  • What it looks like to lead from strategy instead of reaction

  • Why growth requires a new version of you and how to step into it


Key Takeaways:

  • Growth requires evolving how you lead, not just what you do

  • Delegation builds trust, scalability, and space for vision

  • Creating structure helps you focus on strategy, not firefighting

  • Leadership is about direction, not doing

  • You can’t evolve your business without evolving yourself


Chapters:

00:00 Shifting from Daily Tasks to Strategic Leadership

04:07 Delegation Is Essential for Scalable Growth

07:42 Create Cadence, Guidelines, and Trust for Autonomy

11:27 Hire for Strengths and Delegate Weaknesses

13:16 Define Goals, Systems, and an Evolving Leadership Identity
Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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1 month ago
17 minutes 9 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
100. How Trying New Things Teaches You About Belief Confidence and Growth

In episode 100, we’re talking about how trying new things, no matter how small, teaches you about belief, confidence, and growth.


Every time you do something for the first time, your brain rewires itself to see new possibilities. Whether it’s taking a class, reaching out to someone new, or simply doing something that scares you, these firsts build self-trust and make uncertainty feel less intimidating.


I share personal stories and client examples of how small experiments lead to big shifts, along with the neuroscience behind why trying new things actually helps you feel braver, more creative, and more confident.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why first-time experiences rewire the brain and reduce fear

  • How to prioritize experience over mastery when learning something new

  • Why small outreach actions often lead to unexpected collaborations

  • How taking imperfect action builds self-trust and confidence

  • Why solo experiences strengthen your ability to make bold decisions


Key Takeaways:

  • Growth starts with small firsts, not perfect plans

  • Action builds confidence faster than preparation

  • Trying new things trains your brain to embrace uncertainty

  • Self-trust comes from experience, not just belief

  • Curiosity fuels consistency and long-term growth


Chapters:

  • 00:00 Why First-Time Experiences Rewire the Brain

  • 05:11 Prioritizing Experience Over Mastery

  • 10:39 Small Outreach Actions Can Become Collaborations

  • 15:05 Action Beats Perfection to Build Self-Trust

  • 18:17 Solo Experiences Strengthen Confidence


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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2 months ago
22 minutes 38 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
99. You’re Holding Everything Together But No One Sees It

In episode 99, we’re talking about what happens when you’re the one holding everything together, but no one sees it.


Whether you’re the go-to person on your team, the emotional glue in your family, or the one who fixes every problem before it’s noticed, this episode explores how invisible over-functioning can lead to burnout, resentment, and missed opportunities for growth.


I share client stories and coaching insights about what happens when doing “everything” doesn’t lead to recognition, and how to start resetting expectations, boundaries, and visibility so your effort actually moves you forward.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why invisible over-functioning hurts your visibility and your career

  • How to clarify your role so you can stop doing work that no one sees

  • The cost of being the “go-to” person for everything—and how to break that loop

  • How boundaries (or “guidelines”) create room for leadership and strategic work

  • A client example of creating a visibility plan that led to a promotion


Key Takeaways:

  • Recognition requires visibility, not just hard work

  • Over-functioning isn’t leadership—it’s unsustainable

  • Boundaries protect your energy and your reputation

  • Visibility conversations lead to advancement opportunities

  • You don’t have to burn it all down to make a change, just start with one small reset


Chapters:

00:46 Invisible Over-Functioning Hurts Career Visibility

04:11 Clarifying Roles to Prevent Burnout

06:50 Extra Work Erodes Boundaries and Sustainability

10:53 Redefining Boundaries to Lead Strategically

18:01 Visibility Plan Leads to Promotion

18:42 Resetting Scope Through Small, Concrete Steps

Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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2 months ago
22 minutes 10 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
98. You’re Not Confused, You’re Avoiding a Decision

In episode 98, we’re talking about the reason you might feel stuck or “confused” about your next move. Most of the time, confusion isn’t about not knowing, it’s about fear.


Whether it’s fear of disappointing others, making the wrong choice, or stepping into something uncertain, what we often label as confusion is really a way of avoiding discomfort. In this episode, I share how to identify the difference between genuine uncertainty and emotional avoidance and what to do when overthinking keeps you from moving forward.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why confusion often masks fear and indecision

  • How “research mode” becomes a way to delay taking action

  • The connection between fear, perfectionism, and safety for women and women of color

  • How to narrow down multiple options by using your values as a filter

  • Why commitment, not clarity, creates confidence and momentum


You’ll hear client stories about navigating career pivots, side businesses, and big life decisions, and how choosing a direction, even when it’s imperfect, always leads to greater clarity than waiting ever could.


If you’ve been circling the same decisions, hoping to feel “ready,” this episode will help you recognize what’s really holding you back and take your next step with confidence.


Key Takeaways:

  • Confusion is often fear in disguise

  • Commitment creates clarity, not the other way around

  • You don’t need more research, you need one clear action

  • Discomfort is part of growth, not a sign to stop

  • Trusting your decision-making changes everything


Chapters:

00:00 Understanding Confusion as Avoidance

09:47 Overcoming Analysis Paralysis from Too Many Options

17:50 Commitment as a Catalyst for Clarity

25:45 Next Steps and Reflection


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter


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2 months ago
27 minutes 19 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
97. Beyond ‘What Do You Do?’: A Gen Z Approach to Authentic Networking with Errika Brooks, Founder of Gen Z Times

In episode 97, I’m joined by Errika S. Brooks, founder of Gen Z Times (GZT), a platform created to amplify and empower Gen Z by helping them navigate career challenges, build meaningful connections, and define success in their own way.


With over seven years of experience across higher education, nonprofit leadership, and youth-focused partnerships, Errika blends strategy, creativity, and student development to design spaces that reflect the needs and values of Gen Z, especially BIPOC and LGBTQ+ audiences. As a youth advocate, community strategist, and Gen Z’s biggest cheerleader, she brings an authentic and heart-centered perspective to every conversation about connection and belonging.


Together, we explore how Gen Z is redefining networking, moving beyond the question “What do you do?” toward authentic, community-driven connection. Networking has long been seen as awkward or transactional, but Gen Z is shifting that narrative by focusing on shared interests, values, and belonging. Errika shares how her After 5 Experiment networking events help people connect without the pressure of titles or business cards and what professionals of all generations can learn from this human-centered approach to building relationships.


In this episode, I cover:

  • How Gen Z is moving beyond the question “What do you do?”

  • Why authentic networking starts with shared humanity, not hierarchy

  • What it looks like to create safety and inclusion in professional spaces

  • How to network across, not just up, and why peer connections matter

  • The mindset shift needed to make networking feel natural instead of forced


Key Takeaways:

  • Networking doesn’t have to be transactional—it can start with friendship

  • You don’t need to “network up” to grow; building across your peers matters just as much

  • Authenticity and inclusion make spaces safer and more effective for everyone

  • Community and consistency are key to meaningful connections


Chapters:

00:12 Guest Introduction and Networking Shift

02:32 Errika Brooks’s Career Journey

05:39 Critique of Prescriptive Networking

09:14 Gen Z Networking Principles

12:53 DC Networking Experiment Format

17:52 Prompt Effects and Accessibility

22:37 Networking as Peer Community

26:53 Alignment, Career Pivots, and Next Steps

Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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2 months ago
30 minutes 25 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
96. How to Make Career Moves Without Second-Guessing Everything

In episode 96, we’re talking about how to make bold career moves without spiraling into overthinking or second-guessing every step.


Big decisions, whether it’s pivoting industries, leaving corporate, or starting a business, will always come with fear and uncertainty. That’s why I use a framework with my clients called the ABC Plan, designed to help you name what you really want, prepare for the hard moments, and create the safety net you need to move forward with confidence.


In this episode, I cover:

  • How to define your Plan A, your boldest vision, without worrying about practicality

  • Why creating a Plan B helps you navigate the messy middle when things get tough

  • How Plan C builds the psychological safety to take risks without panic

  • Real client stories of making big career pivots, from corporate jobs to new cities and businesses

  • Practical ways to reduce stress, detach from outcomes, and keep momentum even when challenges show up


If you’ve been stuck in hesitation or caught in loops of “what ifs,” this episode will show you how to ground your decisions in clarity and create the confidence to finally move forward.


Key Takeaways:

  • Your boldest goals must be named before they can be achieved

  • Challenges are inevitable, prepare for them instead of quitting when they come

  • A safety net creates the confidence to take calculated risks

  • Detaching from outcomes helps you show up with clarity and energy


Chapters:

00:00 ABC Plan: Define Plan A Vision

04:06 Start with a Bold Desired Outcome

06:41 Plan B: Prepare for Hard Moments

09:50 Navigating the Messy Middle

15:04 Plan C: Build Psychological Safety

18:28 Managing Uncertainty with a Safety Net


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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3 months ago
23 minutes 13 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
95. You Want to Start a Side Business But Don’t Know Where to Start

So many people sit on a side business idea for months or even years because they think they need the perfect plan before taking the first step.


If you’ve been circling your idea, asking yourself if you’re “ready,” or stuck in research mode, this episode is your reminder that clarity comes from action, not overthinking.


I’m sharing client stories and my own experience of waiting too long to start, along with the practical steps I now guide clients through to move from hesitation into momentum.


In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why hesitation and self-doubt keep you stuck in the “what ifs”

  • How to start small by offering one simple service with skills you already have

  • The first concrete steps to test your idea with real feedback instead of procrastinating

  • How to identify your first clients and where to find them

  • Why consistency, not intensity, is what builds a sustainable side business


If you’ve been sitting on an idea but don’t know where to start, this episode will help you move forward with clarity, strategy, and energy that lasts.


Key Takeaways:

  • The first version of your business won’t be the final version, start anyway

  • You don’t need a perfect plan, you need one clear step

  • Testing with real people builds clarity faster than more research

  • Consistency is what creates momentum


Chapters:

00:00 Internal Hesitation Blocking Side Businesses

03:17 Start Small Using Existing Expertise

07:38 Concrete First Steps to Avoid Procrastination

11:17 Define Ideal Client and Test Reach Channels

13:50 Start Small and Protect Energy


Learn more and stay connected:

www.danitan.com

www.linkedin.com/in/dani-tan

Join my weekly newsletter

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3 months ago
17 minutes 48 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
94. From Career Clarity to Side Business Strategy - How Clients Are Building Both

In episode 94, we’re talking about what happens when career clarity sparks something bigger, a vision for your life.


For many of my clients, clarity doesn’t just lead to the next job title or salary increase. It opens the door to freedom, creativity, and the possibility of building a business alongside their career. In this episode, I share how clients are exploring both paths at once, from testing side business ideas to creating boundaries that prevent burnout, and why you don’t have to choose between being a leader in your career and building something of your own.


In this episode, I cover:

  • How career clarity often reveals deeper values and life goals beyond titles and paychecks

  • Why you don’t need to quit your job to start a side business

  • The mindset shift required to move away from “all or nothing” thinking

  • How to experiment with small projects before going all in

  • Practical strategies to balance career advancement with entrepreneurship


If you’ve been wondering whether you have to choose between stability and freedom, or career growth and entrepreneurship, this conversation will show you that it’s possible to build both, without burning yourself out.


Key Takeaways:

  • Career clarity can reveal bigger life visions, not just job titles

  • You don’t need to burn it all down to start a side business

  • Experimentation creates clarity without the pressure of full commitment

  • Boundaries, timelines, and support systems make balancing both paths possible


Chapters:

00:00 Career Clarity Reveals Life Vision

03:44 Transition Toward Wellness-Focused Work

07:13 Reframing Mindset for Side Businesses

11:47 Experimentation Over Full Commitment

17:01 Parallel Career Advancement and Ventures

20:42 Practical Pathways for Dual Careers


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3 months ago
23 minutes 52 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
93. How My Clients Use AI Tools to Get Unstuck and Land Interviews

In episode 93, we’re talking about how AI can actually support your job search and why it’s a tool, not a strategy.


If you’ve been stuck in research mode, endlessly tweaking your resume, or wondering if using AI is “cheating,” this episode will give you a grounded perspective on how to use it effectively. I share how my clients integrate AI into their job search and career pivots, from resumes and cover letters to networking and interview prep, so they can move faster and with more clarity.


In this episode, I cover:

  • Why AI alone won’t get you unstuck in your job search

  • How my clients use AI to streamline resumes, cover letters, and LinkedIn updates

  • Ways AI can make networking and interview prep less overwhelming

  • How workshops and accountability create space to learn and apply new tools


Key Takeaways:

  • AI is a tool, not a job search strategy

  • Clarity must come first, AI amplifies what you bring to it

  • Using AI can speed up tedious tasks so you can focus on strategy and confidence

  • Accountability and community make learning new tools more effective


Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to AI in Job Search

07:16 AI as a Tool, Not a Strategy

15:10 Streamlining Job Search with AI

21:44 Workshops and Continuous Learning


Learn more and stay connected:

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3 months ago
23 minutes 15 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
92. Client Interview: How Jasmine Went from Avoiding Networking to Ambassador for Leading 300+ Women

In episode 92, I’m joined by my client, Jasmine, who shares her journey from feeling stuck at the manager level to stepping into leadership, building confidence in networking, and navigating a major industry transition.

Over the last year and a half, Jasmine has transformed how she approaches her career, from advocating for promotions and leading with visibility to embracing new opportunities with clarity and confidence. In this conversation, we explore what it looks like to set clear goals, push past perfectionism, and build a leadership style rooted in trust and celebration.

In this episode, I cover:

  • How Jasmine went from dreading networking to becoming a city ambassador for a women’s networking group

  • The strategies she used to advocate for a promotion and increase her visibility at work

  • Why direct, concise communication and accountability shifted her confidence in leadership

  • What it looks like to embrace an industry change and lean on transferable skills

  • The role coaching played in helping her stay accountable, celebrate wins, and step into her leadership voice

Key Takeaways:

  • Networking confidence can be built step by step with the right strategies

  • Visibility and self-advocacy are essential for career growth

  • Celebrating small wins fuels confidence and momentum

  • Transferable skills allow you to thrive, even when changing industries

Chapters:

01:32 Introductions and Coaching Context

04:11 Clarifying Career Goals and Plan

10:17 Networking Transformation and Strategies

14:29 Developing Direct, Concise Communication

19:29 Advocating for Promotion Through Visibility

25:49 Practical Leadership Development and Decision-Making

31:19 Emotional Arc of Industry Transition

34:28 Onboarding Strategies and Managing Perfectionism

38:44 Changing Industries and Transferable Skills

44:01 Evaluating Coaching Fit and Next Steps

Learn more and stay connected:

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4 months ago
47 minutes 4 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
91. When You’re Overperforming and Still Undervalued

In episode 91, we’re talking about why overperforming is not a strategy for advancement and what to do instead when you’re working harder than ever but still not being recognized.

If you’ve been the go-to person, taking on extra tasks, staying late, and doing more than your share only to feel undervalued or overlooked, this episode is for you. I’m breaking down why overperforming doesn’t guarantee promotions, the emotional toll it takes, and how to shift into strategies that actually get you seen and supported.

In this episode, I cover:

  • Why overperforming often backfires when it comes to career growth

  • The hidden emotional cost of working harder but still feeling undervalued

  • How boundaries and visibility create real opportunities for advancement

  • Practical strategies for self-advocacy, recognition, and sustainable success

Key Takeaways:

  • Overperforming is not a promotion strategy

  • Recognition comes from visibility, not just hard work

  • Boundaries and communication are essential for sustainable success

  • You don’t have to prove your worth over and over, you get to own it

Chapters:

00:46 Challenges of Overperforming in Professional Settings

04:29 Visibility and Recognition in Career Advancement

09:18 Emotional Impact of Feeling Undervalued

12:39 Mindset and Self-Perception in the Workplace

14:04 Setting Boundaries to Prevent Burnout

17:00 Self-Advocacy for Overperformers

21:02 Emotional Toll of Overperforming


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4 months ago
25 minutes 16 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
90. Is Your Job Slowly Draining You? Here’s What It’s Costing You

In episode 90, we’re talking about how to recognize when your job is quietly draining you and the hidden costs that come with staying in misalignment.

If you’ve been brushing off your fatigue, telling yourself it’s just “busy season,” or rationalizing that things will eventually get better, this episode is your reminder to take those signals seriously before burnout takes over. I’m sharing the subtle signs of early burnout, the deeper costs of staying too long in the wrong role, and client stories that show how confidence and clarity can be rebuilt when you choose change.


In this episode, I cover:

  • The early signs your energy is being drained (and why it matters to notice them)

  • How staying in the wrong role chips away at your confidence and clarity

  • The hidden cost of overriding your intuition and self-trust

  • Why you don’t have to “burn it all down” to create change and how small, intentional steps make the difference


Key Takeaways:

  • Ignoring early signs of burnout only delays progress and recovery

  • Staying in the wrong environment erodes self-confidence and motivation

  • You don’t have to wait until everything falls apart to make a move

  • Small steps toward alignment help you rebuild clarity and self-trust

Chapters:

00:47 Recognizing Job-Related Exhaustion Signs

04:21 Creating a Personal Support Plan

07:58 Hidden Costs of Unfulfilling Jobs

12:03 Challenges of Career Changes

17:48 Recognizing Early Signs of Discomfort

20:02 Aligning Personal Values with Workplace Culture


Learn more and stay connected:

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4 months ago
24 minutes 37 seconds

The Pivot and Promotion Podcast - Career and Leadership Advice
Hi! I'm Dani Tan, a Leadership and Career Coach, and Speaker. I empower leaders who are the first, few, or only in their space. If you’re looking to pivot careers, get promoted, expand your leadership skills, or find your voice, I’m here for you. I've pivoted multiple industries from sales, PR, merchandising, and e-commerce all while achieving 11 promotions in 11 years. Let's get started.