The Thrive Careers Podcast
My career wasn’t a straight line—it was a series of pivots, survival jobs, and soul-searching moments. It really began when I decided I couldn’t keep feeling stuck and unfulfilled. I set out to find clarity, reignite my confidence, and create a career that actually made sense for me. That journey led me here—and now I help others do the same.
I’m Olajumoke Fatoki—a career coach, HR strategist, and advocate for newcomers, women, and mid-career professionals trying to build work that fits their life, not the other way around.
On the Thrive Careers Podcast, I share everything I’ve learned from walking that path—plus honest conversations with experts and real people navigating their own career crossroads. Whether you’re job hunting on a Post-Graduate Work Permit, re-entering the workforce after burnout, or trying to grow into leadership, this space is for you.
💼 You’ll get:
- Practical job search and LinkedIn strategies (with an AI edge)
- Support through career pivots and big transitions
- Real talk about imposter syndrome, burnout, and confidence
- Insights on how to grow a career that’s aligned and sustainable
Some guests are seasoned pros. Others are still figuring it out. But every story brings you closer to your own version of thriving.
🔔 New episodes every week.
Subscribe if you’re ready to stop guessing and start building a career that finally feels like home.
The Thrive Careers Podcast
Why Most Professionals Get Stuck and How to Lead Your Career with Strategy
What if your career could evolve faster than AI—and still leave you feeling confident, calm, and in control?
With layoffs dominating headlines and AI shifting the rules of the job market, doing “good work” isn’t enough anymore. If you’re waiting to be noticed, you're already behind.
This episode shows you how to take control—without burning out.
Inside, you’ll discover:
- The hidden reason you're not getting promoted—and how to flip the script in your favor
- How to build a powerful executive brand that attracts top-tier roles (without job hopping)
- The truth about AI in job applications—and why it could hurt your chances if used the wrong way
Hit play now to learn how to stay visible, valuable, and in demand—plus the one thing you should never rely on during a job search.
If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to:
- Subscribe to the Thrive Careers Podcast for more actionable career tips and inspiring stories.
- Share this episode with friends and colleagues who are ready to set their own goals for success in 2025.
- Follow us on social media for daily career insights and updates:
- LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/olajumokefatoki
- Instagram: https://bit.ly/thrivecareershub
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thrive_careers_podcast
Let’s keep thriving together!
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Title: Why Most Professionals Get Stuck and How to Lead Your Career with Strategy
Host: Olajumoke Fatoki
Guest: Sonja Price, Career Strategist & Executive Brand Expert
[00:00] Introduction
Olajumoke: Welcome to another episode of the Thrive Careers Podcast. I'm Olajumoke Fatoki, a career coach and HR professional dedicated to helping you build a thriving career. Today, we’re talking about how to future-proof your career and navigate the ever-changing workplace with strategy and confidence.
[00:55] Meet the Guest
Today’s guest is Sonja Price, a future of work strategist and founder of Infinite Leaders and Dynamo Careers. She has helped professionals at Google, Meta, and Microsoft land promotions, pivot careers, and build influential personal brands.
[03:49] Why Future-Proofing Your Career Matters Now
Sonja explains why having a strong, intentional career strategy is crucial in a volatile market driven by AI advancements and frequent layoffs. She emphasizes the importance of being proactive rather than reactive in your career.
[06:45] Best Time to Job Search: While You’re Employed
According to Sonja, the ideal time to look for your next opportunity is when you’re still in a job. She outlines how to create a career roadmap and professional branding materials to always stay ready for opportunities.
[10:00] Common Mistakes High Achievers Make When Seeking Promotions
Sonja shares that many professionals mistakenly rely solely on their performance to get promoted. She stresses the importance of making your impact visible to the right stakeholders and building influence across teams.
[13:00] How to Showcase Results Without Sounding Like a Suck-Up
Collaborating with your manager to present wins as team achievements is a strategic way to gain exposure. Sonja advises framing contributions within the larger organizational goals to highlight executive presence.
[17:30] What is Executive Branding?
Executive branding goes beyond your LinkedIn profile. It includes your public presence, presentation skills, and the thought leadership content you share. Sonja breaks down how to build visibility through strategic content and digital positioning.
[20:50] Leveraging LinkedIn and Keywords
Sonja details how to optimize LinkedIn by using strategic keywords, showcasing your featured section, and posting regularly to enhance visibility. She explains how to leverage the algorithm and build a consistent professional narrative.
[28:20] Future-Proof Your Career Assessment
Sonja introduces her free online assessment at InfiniteLeaders.co/assessment. It identifies leadership strengths and growth areas, giving users a personalized development roadmap.
[29:40] Can AI Tools Help or Hurt Your Job Search?
Sonja cautions against relying solely on AI for resumes or auto-apply tools, explaining that while they can help with structure, human oversight is still critical. Companies may even block bot-generated applications.
[34:00] The Boldest Career Move That Paid Off
Sonja recounts how she boldly pitched herself for a promotion and salary raise early in her career. By aligning her contributions with company growth, she successfully secured the raise.
[37:50] Underrated Career Skill: Relationship Building
Sonja emphasizes that trust and relationship building are essential for long-term career growth. Offering value before asking for favors opens more doors.
[38:30] Cold Pitch or Coffee Chat?
Sonja prefers starting relationships by offering value. Share a relevant article or insight, then ask for a coffee chat. Building rapport first always leads to more meaningful opportunities.
[39:50] Where to Find Sonja
Visit:
- InfiniteLeaders.co (for executive team development & the assessment)
- DynamoCareers.com (for individual career coaching)
- LinkedIn: Search "Sonja Price"
[41:12] Final Words of Encouragement
Sonja encourages listeners not to let fear of the changing job market hold them back. Strategic career planning and micro-investments in your professional brand can create magnetic opportunities that find you.
Subscribe and share this episode if you're ready to lead your career with confidence and clarity. Need a personalized strategy? Take Sonja’s free assessment at InfiniteLeaders.co/assessment.