Happy New Year! As 2025 comes to a close, Jayzen Patria reflects on a transformative year and shares the most powerful career and personal brand insights from some of the podcast’s most memorable guests. This special year-end episode blends Jayzen’s own career advice with standout moments on leadership, adaptability, curiosity, authenticity, and knowing your value—all designed to help you hit the ground running in 2026.
If you’re looking to pause, reflect, and reset your career strategy for the year ahead, this episode is your playbook.
Jayzen’s Core Career Advice for 2026
“Find a hole and fill it.”
In a year defined by economic shifts, AI disruption, return-to-work changes, and constant uncertainty, Jayzen challenges listeners to:
Take stock of your towering strengths
Reconnect with your passions
Identify the needs of your boss, company, and industry
Tailor your current role—like tailoring clothes—to better fit who you are and the value you bring
Your brand isn’t about you. It’s about the value you deliver to others.
Career advice for 2026 from past guests includes:
John Pagano — VP of Editorial, Nickelodeon Digital Studios
Don’t be afraid of the future. Stay resilient and keep moving forward, even when the path isn’t clear.
Gina Woods — Co-Founder/Owner, Donna’s Recipe by Tabitha Brown
Be ready to pivot. Embrace change and learn to enjoy the ride.
Liz Randall — Head of Operations, Strategic Development, CAA
Stay curious. Curiosity keeps you current and relevant.
Tina Shaw — Creative Director, Activision
Protect your curiosity. Your brand travels faster than your résumé—don’t wait for permission to lead.
Jennifer Kaplan — Founder & CEO, Evolve Public Relations and Marketing
Focus on your niche and remember: perception is reality.
Victoria Boston — EVP & Chief Customer Experience Officer, Tech Network Inc.
Know your worth. Ask for what you want—no apologies.
Brett Lemick — Creative Studio Manager, Ryanair
Every room needs your version of “you.” Find the tables where you truly fit.
Iva Chen — CEO, IOC Design & Consulting
Do work you love. Passion fuels energy, excellence, and fulfillment.
Emily Chang — Bestselling Author & Executive Leader
Define your own winning formula and don’t follow someone else’s version of success.
Be sure to follow for the latest shows in 2026 with some incredible guests, including:
Disney Imagineer Bob Gurr
Entertainment insider Dave Karger
CEO of the American Red Cross, Cliff Holtz