In this episode of “People in Transition”, we’re joined by Sue Maitland, an ICF-accredited life and career transitions coach with over 13 years of experience helping high-achieving professionals navigate midlife change and create more meaningful, fulfilling lives.

After a successful 20+ year career in IT consulting, Sue reached a point many can relate to - her life looked great on paper, but it no longer felt aligned. That realization sparked a bold career pivot, leading her to support others who feel stuck, uncertain, or ready for change but unsure where to begin. Today, she works one-on-one with clients, leads workshops, and runs a thriving global community designed to help people gain clarity, confidence, and direction in their next chapter.

In this conversation, we explore a topic that resonates with so many - how to navigate midlife transitions, overcome self-doubt, and build a life that actually feels as good as it looks.

Key topics we discussed:

• The signs of being “successful but stuck,” including dreading the start of the work week, feeling underutilized, and questioning what you’ll have to show for your efforts
• Why change is inherently difficult - our brains are wired for consistency, making career transitions especially challenging
• The importance of doing real-world research before pursuing a new path (including Sue’s example of the “romantic” idea of winemaking vs. the reality of it being farming)
• Understanding imposter syndrome, which affects over 70% of people, and how it shows up as a fear of being exposed as not good enough
• The concept of keeping a journal to track your wins, to reflect on and appreciate your accomplishments
• Practical advice for getting unstuck: pausing to reflect, identifying your core values, and aligning your work with both your strengths and your passions

…and much more around gaining clarity, building confidence, and taking meaningful steps forward.

Connect with Sue Maitland:

• Website: https://www.suemaitland.com/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suemaitland/
• Email: sue@suemaitland.com

If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a rating and review - it really helps others discover the show. And if you know someone who might benefit from this conversation, share it with them.

Your next chapter might be closer than you think . . .

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David Chami, Managing Partner of Consumer Justice Law Firm, joined us on “People in Transition” to shed light on an issue that quietly impacts millions of job seekers: background checks. With a legal career rooted in consumer protection and years of experience litigating under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, David has helped clients recover tens of millions of dollars from companies that reported inaccurate or misleading information. His work sits at the intersection of law, employment, and fairness—making him a powerful advocate for individuals navigating the hiring process.

Even before founding his current firm, David Chami built a reputation for holding large institutions accountable, including insurance companies and credit reporting agencies. Today, his focus is on ensuring that everyday people are not unfairly denied opportunities because of errors, outdated records, or systemic flaws in background screening and credit reports. His insights offer both a legal and human perspective on what can often feel like an opaque and unforgiving system.

In our conversation, we explored the realities of modern hiring, where background checks are used by nearly 95% of employers and are often handled by major background check companies. We talked about why employers generally cannot deny employment based solely on a charge without a conviction, and the many challenges within the system—such as dismissed charges that remain on records, mistaken identity issues (like data confusion caused by common names or hyphenated names), and inaccuracies caused by data vendors that don’t rely on Social Security numbers. David also shared a compelling case involving a client who successfully sued Uber over incorrect background information, resulting in a $680,000 verdict. We discussed who actually pays for legal representation (the answer may surprise you), the differences between expungement and record sealing—and why neither fully guarantees your past won’t resurface—and, most importantly, how the Fair Credit Reporting Act exists to protect employees and ensure their rights are upheld.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone navigating today’s job market. Whether you’re actively searching, considering a career move, or simply want to understand your rights, David’s insights could make a critical difference. Tune in to “People in Transition” and learn how to protect your future before a background check defines it.

Listeners can get in touch with David Chami at:

Consumer Justice Law Firm

dchami@consumerjustice.com
844-808-2553 (firm)
480-626-2359 (direct)

Consumerjustice.com

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I’m excited to welcome Anthony Sharp to “People in Transition”. Anthony is a career strategist and job search expert who has helped countless professionals clarify their value, sharpen their messaging, and approach the market with greater confidence and intention. With a practical, no-nonsense style and a deep understanding of how recruiters and hiring managers think, Anthony brings both technical expertise and real-world insight to every conversation.

In this episode, we explored a wide range of topics designed to help job seekers find their confidence and clearly communicate their value. Anthony debunked common myths job seekers believe about resumes — including the idea that because AI helped write it, it will automatically pass an applicant tracking system, or that an employer will figure out where you fit within their organization. We discussed why using numbers and percentages is critical to demonstrating measurable impact, and what it really means when a recruiter reads your resume and silently asks, “So what?”

We also talked about how to “own your story,” especially when addressing employment gaps — including a helpful LinkedIn hack using the career break section. If there’s one action Anthony recommends you take this week, it’s this: be intentional about what you’re looking for. Throughout the conversation, he shared powerful examples and stories that brought his technical advice to life, making this an episode full of practical strategies you can use right away.

For more information on Anthony, go to his website, brandingsyou.info, or his LinkedIn profile, linkedin.com/in/brandingu. You are going to want to follow his thoughts as recruiting and the market evolve.

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