In this episode, we had the privilege of speaking with Rachel Speckman, a veteran career coach and founder of Made for More Coaching. With a rich background spanning 15 years in marketing, a decade helping startup founders, and five years as a therapist, Rachel has a rare combination of business acumen and deep psychological insight. She specializes in guiding professionals who feel unfulfilled by their careers to find work that aligns with their unique potential.
Rachel’s philosophy is both refreshing and practical. She is quick to clarify that her mission isn’t just about quitting a job; it’s about finding fulfillment. “You do not have to quit your job,” she said. “You can pivot within.” She advises a career audit to start: identifying what you love and what lights you up every day. The goal is to do more of that, ideally within your current role, but if not, to start brainstorming a new path.
Beyond Passion: The Psychology of a Fulfilling Career
Rachel challenged the common misconception that a soul-aligned career is simply about following your passion. While passion is a part of it, she explained that it’s more about the skills you enjoy using—and where and with whom you use them. Over time, many professionals find themselves stuck in a “rinse and repeat” cycle, performing tasks that don’t bring them joy, simply because it’s what their career has become. She encourages a deeper self-reflection: Do you enjoy using your skills? If not, what would a more fulfilling use look like?
To help her clients, Rachel uses an “internal resume” exercise. She asks people to reflect on the moments in their career they are most proud of, even if no one else saw them. This exercise uncovers the energy and satisfaction that a person is truly seeking, guiding them toward a career that can replicate that feeling.
Overcoming Burnout and “The Golden Handcuffs”
Rachel shared a stark statistic: most people seek career coaching when they are only 20-40% happy in their jobs. She drew a powerful analogy, asking, “Would you stay in a house that was 60% falling apart?” Most people wouldn’t, yet they remain in careers that are equally unfulfilling, often because of “golden handcuffs”—the financial and social security that make change feel impossible.
She emphasized that this prolonged unhappiness takes a significant toll on mental and physical health. Burnout, she explained, is not a sudden event but a “slow roll,” a gradual accumulation of small, ignored problems. The key to preventing it is ongoing self-awareness and paying attention to your well-being, rather than waiting for a quick fix.
While discussing the role of technology in well-being, Rachel acknowledged that tools like ChatGPT and meditation apps can be helpful. However, she warned against analysis paralysis and the fine line between being supported and being overwhelmed. She asserted that while technology can be an incredible aid, it can never replace human connection, which is crucial for accountability and support on the journey to change.
The Future of Coaching: Finding Solutions Together
Rachel is currently focused on scaling her services to help more people escape their soul-sucking jobs and find careers they love. She acknowledged the challenges of the crowded coaching marketplace but leans on her unique background as a therapist to help people navigate the psychological barriers to change. She aims to create a community where people can support one another and see the success stories of others who have walked a similar path.
When it comes to choosing a coach or a mentor, Rachel offered two core principles:
- Find someone who has “walked the walk.” Choose a coach who has not only talked about career pivots but has successfully made them.
- Look for results. The true measure of a coach’s effectiveness isn’t a flashy website but the tangible success stories of their clients.
Solution-Oriented Mindset
Toward the end of the conversation, Rachel shared a powerful piece of advice she received from a former boss: “I have $100 in my pocket. And I’m going to give anybody who comes to me with a problem $1 and anybody who comes to me with a solution $100. You decide how much money you want to make.”
This quote perfectly encapsulates Rachel’s philosophy: she believes we live in a solution-oriented world, and her mission is to help people get unstuck and become part of that solution. She’s not a guru with a magic bullet; she is a compassionate guide who is “here to get down in the weeds and do it with you.”
About the Host, Navin Shetty
I’m Navin Shetty, a B2B business leader, entrepreneur, and the host of The PowerTalk Show, where I unpack the strategies that fuel business success. I specialize in crafting data-driven strategies that supercharge lead generation, elevate brand awareness, and drive customer acquisition for both startups and established businesses.
As the founder of Business Talks Weekly, my online publication, I curate actionable insights and trends that empower business leaders and innovators to stay ahead of the curve. It’s more than just content—it’s a community where ideas spark and sustainable growth takes root. If you’re ready to take your B2B growth to the next level or explore innovative investment opportunities, let’s connect and turn your ideas into impactful success stories.
If you’re interested in featuring as a guest on The PowerTalk Show and spreading your product/service or brand across our audience, please reach out to us on press@businesstalksweekly.com.
