In this episode, Lisa and Jack discuss:

• How authenticity influences a student’s journey through high school and college admissions
• Making intentional academic and extracurricular choices instead of chasing prestige
• Personal growth through adversity and how it can translate into advocacy and leadership
• Using entrepreneurship to solve real-world problems in the college admissions process

Key Takeaways:

• Crafting a college application around a meaningful personal narrative—especially one rooted in overcoming adversity—can create a clear and compelling through-line that ties together academics, extracurriculars, and long-term interests.
• Prioritizing activities that genuinely excite you, rather than selecting them to impress others, leads to more fulfilling experiences and naturally stronger, more authentic application materials.
• Letting go of lower-impact commitments, even those you once valued, can open up time and energy to go deeper into areas where your skills, passions, and long-term potential align most powerfully.
• Seeking out immersive experiences, such as internships or independent projects, helps translate personal interests into tangible accomplishments while also shaping a clearer vision for future academic and career decisions.

“If you love what you're doing, you won't get tired. If you love what you're doing, you're going to be excited to wake up every day the next morning.” – Jack Goldstein

About Jack Goldstein: Jack Goldstein is from Portland, Oregon, and is heading to the University of Pennsylvania in the fall to commence his pursuits down the pre-law track. He is also the co-founder of Quadzio, a startup that will change the way the college tour process takes place. Passionate about advocacy and student empowerment, Jack aims to bridge gaps in access and authenticity within higher education. His work is driven by a belief that meaningful connections and lived experience should shape how students choose where to learn.

Episode References:

• Subscribe to the free College & Career Clarity newsletter at flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter for weekly tips, insights, and expert strategies straight to your inbox.

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Jack:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quadzioofficial/

Website: https://quadzio.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jack-goldstein-023661303/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Joanna discuss:

• Exploring alternatives to the traditional college timeline
• The evolving role of parents in post-secondary decision-making
• Emotional and psychological challenges facing college-bound teens
• The importance of preparation and intentional planning for life after high school

Key Takeaways:

• College readiness is less about academic performance and more about whether a student can live independently, manage their time without reminders, handle stress in healthy ways, and recover from inevitable challenges like failure or rejection.
• Choosing to delay college in favor of a well-planned year of work, volunteering, or self-directed learning through platforms like Coursera can give students the clarity, maturity, and practical skills they often need but didn’t gain during high school.
• When a student shows signs of burnout, struggles with mental health, or has never had to navigate real consequences on their own, it’s usually a sign that stepping back from school to focus on personal growth is the healthier long-term decision.
• Families who agree in advance on how they’ll stay in touch, what success looks like during the first semester, and how financial support will be tied to progress tend to create stronger trust and smoother transitions into adulthood.

“College is an experience out of the home for the first time... If your child has never had the opportunity to experience any adversity... that's going to be tremendously harder for them when they land on a college campus.” – Joanna Lilley

About Joanna Lilley: Since 2016, Joanna Lilley of Lilley Consulting has been helping young adults (18+) find mental health, substance use, and wellness resources. Joanna dedicates herself to working solely with emerging adults who unravel in college or aren’t thriving in adulthood. She also hosts the Success is Subjective podcast.

Episode References:

• #020 Teaching Your Teen “How to College”: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/20-teaching-your-teen-how-to-college/

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Joanna:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LilleyConsultingLLC/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joanna-lilley-ma-ncc-12546566/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LilleyConsulting/featured

Website: https://lilleyconsulting.com/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Ramon discuss:

• The importance of real-world work experience in building employable skills
• How to approach job searching and internships with a strategic mindset
• The unique challenges and strengths of neurodivergent students in career development
• Why traditional career services often fall short in preparing students for the real job market
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Applying to hundreds of jobs (e.g., 500+) with a generic resume rarely yields results; students must instead craft targeted, high-quality applications with a strong business case for themselves.
• Any job, including so-called “little” ones like lifeguarding or concessions, teaches transferable skills—such as teamwork, responsibility, and pressure management—that employers value and belong on a resume.
• Students should proactively connect with professionals on LinkedIn and through school-specific portals to build relationships with potential employers early.
• For neurodivergent students, building confidence involves reframing perceived weaknesses as strengths and learning not only how to interview but also why each step in the process is important, thereby fostering independence and long-term career success.
  
  

“I don’t want you starting your networking when you’re 30. I want you to start when you’re 21.” – Ramon Santillan

About Ramon Santillan: Ramon Santillan is the founder of PersuasiveInterview.com. Before he was an Interview & Negotiation Coach, he was a tax consultant for the world’s biggest accounting firm, the world’s biggest oil driller, and the founder of his own tax practice.

Ramon teaches professionals how to be more charismatic, feel and look more confident, shows them the right way to sell themselves during interviews and client meetings, and negotiate their salaries to what they deserve. He has been quoted by U.S. News & World Report, CBS, Yahoo!, CareerBuilder.com, Chicago Tribune, and many others as an interviewing and salary negotiation expert.

Ramon is a graduate of UT’s Red McCombs School of Business, a graduate of the FBI’s Citizen Academy, a Certified Corporate Trainer, and has served as Historian, Vice President, and President for the ALPFA Houston Chapter. He is a husband of one, father of two, and friend of many.
He loves reading—tell him about your favorite book and he’ll add it to his Amazon wishlist.

Ramon also enjoys writing about himself in the third person. He thinks it’s fun.

Episode References:

• A free step-by-step guide to building a Student LinkedIn Profile: flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin
• Handshake/CareerConnect: https://joinhandshake.com/
• #164 Unlocking Neurodiversity & Career Planning Success with Rebecca Whittaker Matte: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/164

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Ramon:
Website:

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Kolby discuss:

• Challenges young adults face when transitioning from school to meaningful work
• How parental involvement influences early career outcomes
• Shifts in modern job search strategies and market expectations
• Role of communication, curiosity, and empathy in career conversations

Key Takeaways:

• Parents often misinterpret their child’s job search struggles as laziness when, in reality, outdated strategies and a broken formula of “work harder = success” demand a shift toward empathy, curiosity, and tactical guidance.
• With student-to-career counselor ratios at colleges averaging 1,900:1 and most of those professionals rooted in academia, colleges are structurally unequipped to offer relevant, personalized career direction, making parental support and external coaching essential.
• Asking young adults what problems they want to solve, rather than what job they want to do, reframes career planning around motivation and impact, leading to more aligned and fulfilling professional choices.
• Employers prioritize real-world experience—such as internships, leadership roles, volunteering, and personal storytelling—far above GPA, meaning students who diversify their experiences outside the classroom stand out more than those who focus solely on academics.

“Effort does not equal success. So give your kid a little bit of credit... it's rarely more of anything that makes the change for a young professional, it is the how.” – Kolby Goodman

About Kolby Goodman: Kolby Goodman is a nationally recognized career expert, keynote speaker, and founder of The Job Huntr, a coaching and consulting firm that has helped over 4,000 clients get hired, paid, and promoted. With more than a decade of experience in talent acquisition and employee development, Kolby delivers powerful training on hiring strategy, onboarding, and career growth. He is the author of Employed by Graduation and a trusted voice featured on ABC, CBS, NPR, HuffPost, and LinkedIn Learning.

Episode References:

• #179 Music Career Myths: What Parents Need to Know with Melissa Mulligan
• The Truth about College Admission by Brennan Barnard & Rick Clark
• Conversation prompts for parents to guide career clarity

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Kolby:
Website: https://www.kolbygoodman.com/ & https://www.employedbygraduation.com/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kolbygoodman/
Book: Start Now: And 49 Other Things You Can Do To Be Employed By Graduation

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Jyoti discuss:

• Evaluating college programs for women pursuing STEM degrees
• The impact of institutional culture and faculty representation on female STEM persistence
• The role of clubs, communities, and scholarships in STEM success for women
• Tools and strategies for in-depth college research for female STEM students

Key Takeaways:

• Female representation among STEM faculty and mentors significantly improves persistence and confidence in women students by providing relatable role models actively involved in research and mentorship.
• Programs and colleges that intentionally prioritize gender equity through hiring, admissions goals, and targeted initiatives can offer a more welcoming and empowering environment for women pursuing STEM fields.
• Supportive ecosystems such as student clubs, professional organizations, and gender-focused learning communities create a vital sense of belonging and peer encouragement that helps women navigate male-dominated disciplines.
• Early and intentional exposure to hands-on STEM experiences, from middle school through college internships and fellowships, is essential in nurturing both curiosity and long-term career success for young women in science and engineering.

“Having women role models to look up to for younger women makes it a little less intimidating.” – Jyoti Jain

About Jyoti Jain: Jyoti found her passion for college counseling while helping her own child through the college admissions process and decided to pursue a Certificate in Career Planning and College Counseling from UC Berkeley Extension.

She specializes in STEM, Engineering, and the Pre-Med track. She believes that college is all about fit and is excited about empowering students in discovering their unique STEM journeys.

Episode References:

• #123 College Institutional Priorities: Understanding Who Gets In with Aly Beaumont
• #132 Computer Science and STEM Admissions Tips with Jyoti Jain
• Common Data Set Initiative
• The College Finder Fifth Edition by Dr. Steven R. Antonoff

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Jyoti:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jyoticollegeconsultant
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaincollegeconsulting/
Website: https://jaincollegeconsulting.com/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Brianne discuss:

• Navigating unspoken rules in the modern workplace
• Building emotional intelligence and soft skills for career growth
• Adapting to emerging technologies like AI in career planning
• Overcoming generational biases and workplace stereotypes

Key Takeaways:

• To succeed in both interviews and long-term career growth, young professionals must focus on developing strong communication abilities, demonstrate consistent curiosity, and embrace self-driven learning rather than relying solely on technical expertise.
• Gen Z faces invisible hurdles in the workforce, such as being penalized for frequent job changes, perceived entitlement, and lack of industry experience, all of which can hurt their credibility before they even have the chance to prove themselves.
• Understanding and applying emotional intelligence—through self-awareness, emotional regulation, and empathy—can significantly enhance workplace relationships and leadership potential, often more than mastering technical tasks.
• Confidence in advocating for oneself during salary negotiations and career conversations comes from deliberate preparation, including practicing responses, understanding personal financial needs, and learning to communicate value with clarity and assertiveness.

“Action is what builds confidence... the worst thing you can do is sit there and wait for the quote, unquote, right time.” – Brianne Rush

About Brianne Rush: Brianne Rush is the founder of The Independence Lab, where she helps Gen Z women transition from college to careers with confidence. She climbed the ladder fast—going from intern to managing editor in one year, and from employee to VP in just four. But her success didn’t come from following the traditional rules. Instead, she learned how to decode unspoken workplace dynamics, challenge outdated norms, and advocate effectively for herself. Recognized by platforms like Forbes, SUCCESS, and Women We Admire, Brianne is dedicated to unlocking career growth for a new generation.

Episode References:

• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Coursera: https://www.coursera.org/
• The Defining Decade by Meg Jay: https://www.amazon.com/Defining-Decade-Your-Twenties-Matter/dp/0446561754
• Lisa’s Free LinkedIn Profile Guide: https://flourishcoachingco.com/linkedin
• Brianne’s Free Career Playbook eBook: https://theindependencelab.com/playbook

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Brianne:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianneatthelab
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/briannecarlonrush/

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Jeremy discuss:

• Navigating the tension between building a career and staying connected with family
• Developing intentional family habits to foster communication and connection
• Mentorship and parenting as parallel paths of leadership and influence
• The evolving dynamics of parent-child relationships over time
  
  

Key Takeaways:

• Regularly engaging in open-ended, judgment-free conversations—such as a structured “questions game” with mutual vulnerability—can significantly strengthen emotional connection, trust, and communication within families.
• By identifying and committing to a few foundational priorities (like faith, family meals, and academic responsibility), families can create a value-based structure that helps manage time and reduce overwhelm amid hectic schedules.
• Proactively setting boundaries, building routines, and reassessing time investments can help parents transition from guilt-driven reactions to intentional presence and sustained connection with their children.
• Incorporating diverse mentorship sources—like books, podcasts, and public figures—alongside personal storytelling empowers parents and teens to grow through both external insight and lived family wisdom.
  
  

“There is room for everything, so long as your priorities are in line.” – Jeremy Hill

About Jeremy Hill: Jeremy is a recognized expert in the private debt industry. Since founding JB Capital in 2003, the company has become a leading reference for capital placement and advisory services in the U.S. and Canadian lower middle markets. Under his leadership, JB Capital has raised and advised on approximately $1 billion in capital for growth companies across a broad range of industries. Known for his acuity in creating innovative solutions to complex situations, his strong track record of success has enabled him to build an extensive network of partners that includes leading commercial banks, alternative investment managers, and global advisory firms. He is also a guest contributor to CNBC and Bloomberg, and provides ongoing financial advice and board leadership to several well-known growth companies.

Episode References:

• #002 Julie Lythcott-Haims on How to Raise an Adult: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/podcast/002-how-to-raise-an-adult/
• How to Raise an Adult by Julie Lythcott-Haims: https://www.julielythcotthaims.com/how-to-raise-an-adult
• Start better conversations with your teen—get weekly connection-building prompts at flourishcoachingco.com/newsletter

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).
flourishcoachingco.com/video

Connect with Jeremy:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thejeremybhill/
LinkedIn:

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co

In this episode, Lisa and Jennifer discuss:

• AI as a formal academic major and how it intersects with other disciplines
• Strategies for aligning student strengths and interests with suitable college majors
• How to assess readiness and fit for AI-related college programs and careers
• Cultivating adaptable, future-proof skills in a rapidly changing tech landscape

Key Takeaways:

• While only a dozen U.S. universities currently offer formal AI majors, these programs are rapidly evolving and can be categorized into technical, interdisciplinary, or business-oriented tracks, with new offerings emerging every year.
• Pursuing an AI degree means committing to rigorous foundational coursework in advanced math (like calculus and linear algebra), computer science (such as algorithms and data structures), and electives in machine learning, ethics, and human-centered disciplines.
• Students unsure about committing to AI can gain clarity and assess fit by engaging in real-world experiences like hackathons, data-driven research projects, or intensive summer programs such as PROMYS, which challenge problem-solving and data interpretation skills.
• Even if a formal AI major isn’t available, students can still prepare effectively for AI careers by strategically choosing AI-related electives within computer science or data science programs that align with their interests and long-term goals.
  
  

“Don’t think about AI-proof skills. Think about future-proof skills, because whatever the field, whatever the time, whatever the place, learning those skills that transcend a specific discipline is what will take you forward.” – Dr. Jennifer Stephan

About Dr. Jennifer Stephan: Dr. Jennifer Stephan has held various roles across top colleges and universities, including professor, academic dean, and board of admissions member. She holds a BS degree in electrical engineering from Johns Hopkins University and an MS and a PhD in electrical and computer engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. She is currently the Dean of Academic Advising and Undergraduate Studies for the School of Engineering at Tufts University and the founder of Lantern College Counseling, where she offers college admissions services, college success coaching, and expert support grounded in her proprietary Deep-Fit™ approach, developed through decades of experience.

Episode References:

• Jennifer’s Blog, Best Colleges for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Majors
• Unlock the Truth about Admission by Major
• Episode #172 Building Math Confidence for Better Career Options with Ben Orlin
• #149 Boosting STEM Student Success Through Math Contests with Vida John

Get Lisa's Free on-demand video: How-to guide for your teen to choose the right major, college, & career...(without painting themselves into a corner, missing crucial deadlines, or risking choices you both regret).

Connect with Dr. Jennifer:

Connect with Lisa:
Website: https://www.flourishcoachingco.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@flourishcoachingco
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishcoachingco/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/flourish-coaching-co