Make Yourself Recession-Proof: The New Rules of Work, Confidence, and Success in Uncertain Times

If work feels shaky right now: If you’re being overlooked for a promotion or raise, If you’re changing jobs or looking for a job, If you’ve been feeling uneasy about changes in tech and AI, If the feeling at work is “anything could happen…” This episode is for you. The world is moving fast, companies are shifting, and a lot of people are sitting back and hoping they don’t get hit. Carla Harris is here to make sure you’re not one of them. Carla is one of the most respected leaders on Wall Street. She’s spent 35 years in the rooms where decisions get made: who gets promoted, who gets picked, who gets overlooked, and why. The world is changing fast. The strategies that worked in 2025 will not work in 2026. When the world changes, you must change with it, or as our expert will caution you – you’ll “become a fossil.” She will tell you exactly which skills, what mindset, and what actions you need to take in 2026 to succeed at work so you can position yourself so you’re not waiting for someone else to “notice” your potential. In this conversation, you will learn: -The 2 things holding women back at any stage in their career and how to overcome them -How to stand out at work in the age of AI and nonstop change -How to take control of your career in midlife (It’s easier than you think) -The one relationship that gets you promoted (and it’s not always your boss) -What to do when you’re exhausted but still need to show up and perform -How to finally stop self-doubt (without any weird tricks or hacks) -How to evolve your career without starting from scratch -How to prepare for your annual review so you get what you want -Why you can be great at your job and still get overlooked (and what to do about it) -How to figure out what you want next using Carla’s “blank sheet” method -How to build a timeline to escape a toxic job without blowing up your life You’ll also hear Carla coach real listeners through layoffs, rebuilding confidence, and returning to work after years at home. Carla calls this next chapter Me 3.0. This is the phase where you stop living by someone else’s report card and start designing a career (and life) you want to wake up for. Today, she’s giving you the career coaching session of a lifetime – one that no amount of money could buy, because she doesn’t offer one on one sessions. She says, this is not the moment to sit back – it’s time to put your foot on the gas. And if you use what Carla teaches you in this episode, you won’t just feel more confident. You’ll be positioned to win. For more resources related to today’s episode, click here for the podcast episode page: https://www.melrobbins.com/episode-403/ Follow The Mel Robbins Podcast on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelrobbinspodcast I’m just your friend. I am not a licensed therapist, and this podcast is NOT intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional. Got it? Good. I’ll see you in the next episode. In this episode: 00:00 Introduction 2:44 Stop Waiting for Permission at Work: How to Build Confidence & Grow Your Career 10:00 The #1 Soft Skill Employers Want Most (Underrated Skill That Gets You Hired) 16:24 How to Stop Holding Yourself Back at Work 24:50 Career Burnout Recovery Plan 35:20 How to Take Control of Your Career & Next Move 40:31 The #1 Career Move That Gets You Promoted & Paid More 44:04 How to Prepare for a Promotion Conversation (Raises, Compensation, and What to Say) 48:27 Career Change Interview Tips: How to Explain Transferable Skills & Your Experience 54:37 How to Rebuild Confidence Fast After Being Laid Off & Find Your Next Job 1:02:46 Returning to Work After a Career Break 1:05:02 Performance Review Script: What to Say to Get a Raise or Promotion 1:07:27 Salary Negotiation Script (What to Say & When to Ask) 1:10:49 Career Pivot in a Bad Economy: How to Network Strategically (and Create Opportunities) — Follow Mel: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/melrobbins/ TikTok: http://tiktok.com/@melrobbins Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/melrobbins LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melrobbins Website: http://melrobbins.com​ — Sign up for Mel’s newsletter: https://melrob.co/sign-up-newsletter A note from Mel to you, twice a week, sharing simple, practical ways to build the life you want. — Subscribe to Mel’s channel here: https://www.youtube.com/melrobbins​?sub_confirmation=1 — Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast 🎧 New episodes drop every Monday & Thursday! https://melrob.co/spotify https://melrob.co/applepodcasts https://melrob.co/amazonmusic — Looking for Mel’s books on Amazon? Find them here: The Let Them Theory: https://amzn.to/3IQ21Oe The Let Them Theory Audiobook: https://amzn.to/413SObp The High 5 Habit: https://amzn.to/3fMvfPQ The 5 Second Rule: https://amzn.to/4l54fah