Published by Michelle Baker and Chase Batt
This podcast provides career development strategies and resources to help you learn and grow professionally. Hosted by Michelle Baker and Chase Batt with FORUM Credit Union's award-winning Talent Development team.
Listen on Apple Podcasts24 min
A healthy career isn't just about what looks good on paper, it's also about how your work actually feels day to day. In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase explore the difference between career health and career wellbeing, and why both matter for building a meaningful, sustainable career. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
7 min
Sometimes we're so focused on what's next that we forget to notice we're already living pieces of the dream we once hoped for. In this episode of Career Dreams, Chase reflects on growth, gratitude, change, and the question: what does the next version of you need to embrace, learn, or let go of? Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
28 min
Mentors and sponsors both matter in career growth, but they serve different roles. This conversation breaks down the difference and why both can shape the opportunities, guidance, and support you receive along the way. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
23 min
Career growth & development is bigger than just getting training. In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase breakdown the 4 Es of development - Education, Engagement, Exposure, and Experience, and share how each one can help you grow and develop in a more intentional, practical way. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
23 min
Titles, promotions, and accomplishments matter... but they don't tell the whole story. In this episode, Michelle & Chase explore five often-overlooked drivers of career happiness and how they can help us build careers that are meaningful, not just impressive. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
20 min
What if the workplace burnout story isn't the whole story? In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase talk about finding joy at work and not in a "forced fun" or toxic positivity kind of way, but through purpose, progress, connection, and support. They also explore how leaders can create an environment where joy has room to grow by reducing overwhelm, recognizing effort, and strengthening team connection. Article: The Quiet Erosion of Hope at Work - Everything DiSC Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
30 min
In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase talk about "Tag, You're It" — a simple, powerful approach to building meaningful connections. From growing your network through intentional conversations to the impact of recognition and appreciation, this episode is a reminder that strong relationships don't happen by accident. Who should you meet with next — and why? Listen, connect, and keep the momentum going. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
31 min
Ever notice how the more you walk the path, the more it becomes the path? In this episode, Michelle and Chase talk about why waiting for the perfect moment can keep us stuck, and how small, imperfect steps often create the path forward. If you've been overthinking your next move, your next email, your next conversation, this one's for you. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
41 min
Sometimes the best career move doesn't look like "moving up." In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore rerouting, lateral moves, and how to navigate your career with intention by putting yourself in the driver's seat. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
52 min
Dr. Ali Atkison from HRD* | The Leadership Development Company shares three invisible thinking traps: binary thinking, availability heuristic, and confirmation bias. She shares how uncertainty pushes us into fast, emotional decision making. Ali also shares practical tips to notice these biases, broaden options, and seek evidence that challenges our assumptions so we can make clearer, more effective decisions. Connect with Dr. Ali Atkison: LinkedIn HRD Leadership: Website Dr. Ali Atkison: Website Book: How's Your Computer Side Manner? Book: Never Split the Difference Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
23 min
Co-opetition: yeah, it's a thing. And it might just change how you show up at work. Similar to how credit unions live out "Cooperation Among Cooperatives," strengthening each other through collaboration, this same mindset can apply to your career. In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase explore how you can compete, collaborate, and succeed without treating success like a zero-sum game. Career Dreams Podcast: Having Agency is Essential Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
27 min
Your personal brand already exists whether you've defined it or not. In this episode, Michelle and Chase talk about what personal branding really means: not self-promotion, not polishing a persona, but the impression you build over time through how you work, communicate, and show up. They also explore why authenticity matters more than perfection, how LinkedIn can support your brand without feeling performative, and why AI should help you express your voice, not replace it. If you've ever felt uncomfortable with the phrase personal brand , this episode is for you. Forbes Article: Personal Branind Trends for 2026 Career Dreams: Building Your Internal Network Career Dreams: Taking the Work out of Networking Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
32 min
Every felt foggy at work? Like your capable... but scattered behind, and comparing yourself to everyone else? You're not broken and you're not alone. In this episode, Michelle and Chase share three practical strategies you can use to get your momentum back when you find yourself in a fog. Starting right now. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
19 min
Comfort zones give you a great view of where you've already been. They just don't show you where you're capable of going next. In this episode, Michelle and Chase break this down and share small, realistic steps you can try to help you be intentional and turn aspiration into action. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
24 min
Michelle and Chase explore Japanese-inspired principles to help you stop overthinking and live and work with intention. They discuss five practical techniques: clarifying your purpose, focusing on what you can control, embracing imperfection, managing your reactions, and continuously improving so you can create more calm, clarity, and meaningful progress in your career and life. Article: 7 Techniques to Stop Overthinking Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
6 min
In this bite-sized solo episode, Michelle puts a twist on the popular "Let Them" theory, found in Mel Robbins' bestselling book. She challenges us to apply the "Tell Them" theory, by being intentional to show appreciation, strengthen connections, and let people know how they've made a difference in big and small ways...every day. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
26 min
In this episode of Career Dreams, Michelle and Chase explore the complexities of what drives people at work and in their careers. They share real-life scenarios where leaders navigate the nuances of motivating others and finding inspiration themselves. What are the differences between motivation and inspiration? You'll hear the importance of aligning daily tasks with what genuinely energizes individuals for lasting engagement. Book: Motivation vs. Inspiration: The Push and Pull BetterUp Article - Motivation vs. inspiration: The perfect combination for success Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
26 min
In this episode of the Career Dreams Podcast , Michelle interviews Candice Hunt, co-founder of the leadership development firm, Leadacy. Candice shares her inspiration for the name and concept of "Leadacy" and shares examples and strategies that you can apply to establish your own Leadacy as you pursue your Career Dreams! Connect with Candice! Leadacy website: https://yourleadacy.com/ Email Candice: candice@yourleadacy.com Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicehuntcoaching/ Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
19 min
Thinking at work can often feel invisible, but it's never been more important. In this episode, Michelle and Chase explore why critical and strategic thinking matter more now than ever in an AI-enabled workplace, how they differ, and why technology hasn't replaced our responsibility for judgment. As AI accelerates answers, strong thinking, asking better questions, evaluating information, and connecting today's decisions to tomorrow's outcomes, has become a core human skill. Absorb LMS - Strategic and Critical Thinking is the Number 1 Skill Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!
28 min
In this episode of the Career Dreams Podcast , Chase and Michelle explore why having agency is essential for growth at every stage of your career. They break down what agency really means (and what it doesn't), drawing on research like self‑efficacy and self‑determination theory to make the concept practical and realistic. Through real workplace examples and simple frameworks, they show how to focus on what you can control and influence, even when constraints exist. You will take away five actionable strategies you can apply immediately to take greater ownership of your career development. Got a question? Ask us! Do you have a question you'd like to hear answered on Career Dreams? You can submit an audio recording of your question to be featured on an upcoming episode! Like it? Share it! If you're finding value in exploring your Career Dreams through this podcast, please share it with your friends, followers and colleagues! Also, your ratings and reviews help others find the show...so please, let us know what you think! You can share your Career Dreams with us anytime via email: careerdreams@forumcu.com . To learn more about making your Career Dreams come true at FORUM Credit Union, visit our website: https://www.forumcu.com/careers Dream on!