Melanated Midlife

Oct 12, 2026 · 20m

Are you wondering about your career potential if you add personalized coaching? In this episode, I share what it's like to work with me as your career coach. Discover how to navigate the job market, update your resume effectively, and leverage your network for success, especially if you're over 40 or 50 and making a career transition.I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible.If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place.START HERE:Resources mentioned in this episode: http://melanatedmidlife.com/learn Get the book:"Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHMLBook a free 30-minute strategy call:https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8

Oct 5, 2026 · 9m

Got a minute? Or better yet, 10 minutes? Let me show you 3 critical mistakes that could be getting your resume screened out.Whether you're actively job hunting or just want to keep your resume fresh, this episode is packed with actionable insights.I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible.If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place.Start here:Resources: http://melanatedmidlife.com/learn Get the book:"Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHMLBook a free 30-minute strategy call:https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8Key takeaways for this episode:1. Your resume is too long. Focus on relevant, recent work experience (10-12 years).2. Include metrics to showcase your impact. Numbers matter!3. Avoid listing job duties; highlight your achievements instead.00:00 Introduction00:33 Mistake #1: Resume Length01:01 Mistake #2: Lack of Metrics03:23 Mistake #3: Job Duties vs. Impact07:00 ConclusionSubscribe for weekly career tips and insights!#ResumeTips #CareerAdvice #JobSearch

Sep 28, 2026 · 14m

In this episode, we'll discuss the importance of having an emergency job loss plan and the steps to take in preparation for a career transition. We'll cover the significance of networking, updating LinkedIn profiles, and engaging in meaningful conversations with contacts. TakeawaysEmergency job loss plan is crucialNetworking and LinkedIn profile updates are essential for career transitionsChapters00:00 Importance of Career Transition Preparation02:20 Building and Nurturing Your Network05:12 Utilizing LinkedIn as a Modern-Day White Pages10:03 Engaging in Meaningful Conversations with Contacts14:10 Invitation to Attend Live Workshops and Purchase Book

Sep 21, 2026 · 32m

Go here for resources mentioned in this episode: http://melanatedmidlife.com/learn If I were a 22-year old starting my career in today's job market, this is what I'd do. This episode you need to send to the young person you care about, because it provides valuable career advice for young professionals. I'm covering topics such as the fallacy of remote work, the importance of visibility, building a professional network, personal branding, the significance of a third space, paying rent while living at home, continuing education, and developing communication and soft skills.Chapters00:00 Career Advice for Young Professionals02:14 The Fallacy of Remote Work03:09 The Importance of Visibility05:02 Volunteering to Build Skills09:21 Building a Professional Network13:47 Building a Personal Brand18:18 The Importance of a Third Space22:28 Paying Rent While Living at Home26:27 Continuing Education and Expertise Growth31:05 Developing Communication and Soft Skills

Sep 14, 2026 · 14m

Sometimes the message needs to match the messenger. The conversation explores the importance of experience and relatability in coaching and mentorship, emphasizing the value of learning from those who have overcome similar challenges. It delves into the significance of age and life experience in delivering impactful messages and guidance, especially in midlife transitions and personal growth journeys.TakeawaysExperience and relatability are crucial in coaching and mentorship.The ideal messenger for life lessons is someone who has overcome similar challenges.Chapters00:00 The Power of Experience03:18 The Ideal Messenger08:05 Navigating Midlife Transitions11:28 Lessons from Life's Challenges

Jul 21, 2026 · 50m

Download your free guide mentioned in this episode: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/networkingUnlock the power of networking to find your next opportunity! In this video, I share essential strategies for leveraging your network effectively, and all of these steps can be done in 7 days.Key takeaways:* Understand the importance of networking in career advancement.* Learn how to identify and connect with key contacts in your field.* Discover actionable tips to maintain and nurture your professional relationships.I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible.If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place.Start here, it is free:Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceiptsGet the book:"Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHMLBook a free 30-minute strategy call:https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8Timestamps:00:00 Introduction00:33 The importance of networking01:00 Identifying key contacts01:30 Tips for maintaining relationships

Jul 13, 2026 · 49m

So what is the hidden financial impact of menopause? In this episode, we are sitting down with menopause expert Siam Maxie about the often-overlooked costs associated with this life transition. From trial and error spending, to the 'menopause tax,' we dive deep into how menopause affects your finances, career and well-being.Connect with Siam:Website: https://siammaxie.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/siam-maxie-1a101116/YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TheMenopauseCatalyst____________________________________________________________I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible.If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place.Start here, it is free:Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceiptsGet the book:"Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHMLBook a free 30-minute strategy call:https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8

Jun 29, 2026 · 40m

Dive into the inspiring journey of Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton, the Democratic candidate for the 501st District Court in Fort Bend County. Discover how she transitioned from a career in education to becoming a judge, and what midlife means to her.Judge LaTosha McGill Clayton has been a proud resident of Fort Bend County for over 40 yearsand is a product of the Fort Bend Independent School District. A former Teacher of the Year at Lake Olympia Middle School, Judge Clayton began her legal career in 2005 by founding The McGill Law Firm [practicing primarily Family Law as well as Criminal, Personal Injury, and Wills and Probate.  She later served as a Legal Enforcement Attorney with the Harris County Domestic Relations Office before being appointed Associate Judge of the 505th Judicial District Court in 2021. _____________________________________________________________________________I am Dr. Akilah Willery, midlife career coach and founder of Melanated Midlife. I work with professional women in their 40s and 50s who are ready to stop shrinking and start building the career they actually want, even when the job market makes that feel impossible.If you are feeling overlooked or stuck between who you have been professionally and who you know you could be, you are in the right place.Start here, it is free:Download the "Collect Your Receipts" guide and start building the career case you have been sitting on: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/collectyourreceiptsGet the book:"Melanated Midlife: A Manual for Letting Go and Leveling Up After 50": https://a.co/d/1RGMHMLBook a free 30-minute strategy call:https://forms.gle/t7BTzJoNYLyhuBJZ8

Jun 22, 2026 · 9m

Get the "Resume Self-Audit" guide: https://upskillservices.mykajabi.com/resume-self-auditIn this episode, I'm teaching you how to transform your resume from a list of duties into a compelling story of your achievements. If you've questioned whether your resume shows your age, then this is a quick how-to lesson for you. Learn the five essential steps to catch hiring managers’ attention and showcase your true value, after a long career, with specific numbers and powerful language.Key takeaways:* Why traditional resume phrases like "assisted with" are outdated and ineffective* How to identify and eliminate "red flag" effort-based statements* The importance of attaching numbers and metrics to demonstrate impact* Using dynamic action verbs to convey authority and initiative* The "so what" test: ensuring each bullet communicates results* Structuring resume bullets: who you are, what you did, and the outcome* Top three resume highlights: showcasing your highest value contributions* The free, printable worksheet for conducting your own resume audit* Encouragement for women over 40 to highlight their career impactTimestamps:00:00 - Why your resume is lying about your professional impact00:29 - The difference between a job description and your personal story01:01 - The five-step audit to transform your resume’s effectiveness01:45 - How to identify effort-based phrases that need replacing02:22 - The importance of adding numbers and outcomes to your bullets03:01 - The "so what" test: making each statement matter03:37 - How to craft dynamic, impactful resume statements06:54 - Words that communicate authority and leadership07:24 - Structuring bullets: strong verbs, scope, and results08:15 - Example transformation: from task to impact statement09:09 - Avoiding vague statements and emphasizing results09:59 - The checklist: does each bullet pass the "so what" test?10:36 - Prioritizing your top three impact-driven bullets11:44 - Recognizing the wealth of experience women hold, often unrecognized12:25 - Access to the free worksheet and how to perform your own resume audit13:09 - Encouragement to share experiences and use the free guide14:04 - Offering free strategy calls and ongoing support for your career success