Every now and then, there is something that change the way I think about the world. Grounds for Thought is a place where I talk about these moments so that you can explore the meaning for yourself.
October 22, 2026
Stress-ready Your Career Portfolio G006
Eight years ago, after 28 years of running a management consulting firm, I was invited to host a radio show. It was a radical shift, and it came just as I sensed it was time to pivot. The work still fed me, but the travel across four continents was burning me out. Radio meant I could reach people without getting on a plane. Within a year it also meant I would never meet most of the people I was talking to. That decision eventually led to television, and it taught me how to think about a major career change.
This week’s episode builds on a conversation I had with Jim Burke about product portfolios. Just as a company manages a portfolio of products, each of us manages a portfolio of our own. I call it the portfolio of you.
When I weigh a career decision, I look at three dimensions:
A fourth element doesn’t depend on us alone: companionship. No one navigates change alone. Trusted relationships are both sounding board and safety net.
Like any good portfolio, yours needs regular tending. This is from Jim Burke’s wonderful visit to Unlocked. Review what’s working and what’s draining you.
And then stress-test it. If a disruption hit tomorrow, such as a job loss, a health challenge, or a family crisis, where would your portfolio be strong, and where would it be fragile?
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s adaptability.
Streaming on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast
Thursday at noon & 8pm Eastern on e360tv
e360tv can’t handle short videos, so I’ll be showing you replays that seemed to resonate with you and with today’s rampant issues.
Grounds for Thought will publish on Wednesdays (or sooner when I can) on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcast.
Here is the link to my conversation in full with Jim Burke:
Send me questions or topics you would like to have discussed on a future episode. Send your ideas to: madelyn@madelynblair.com. Thanks!
“Wow! You are a fantastic host — so thoughtful, wise with your timing and insights, and such a perfect voice for this medium. ”
Rebecca C.
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Miriam Zylberglait, MD
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Angie Wakeman, Clown Facilitator
“Madelyn’s questions shook off cobwebs in my mind on topics that were critical to my life successes that I haven’t thought about in years – topics that are still applicable today. I hope one day for a return invitation. In the meantime, she can count me as a new listener to her show!”
Michael Hillman, Executive Director Emmitsburg News Journal
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