Her Next Chapters

I created the Her Next Chapters podcast for moms with an empty nest on the horizon who are reclaiming & redefining their identity outside of motherhood, which might include a job search. I'm a mom of 3, soon-to-be empty nester AND I’m a certified HR pro and life coach who restarted my career after being a stay-at-home mom for over a decade. On the show, we’ll share tactical tips for a successful job search after a career break, hear from women who restarted their careers and talk about our ever-changing roles as moms.

Tune in wherever you listen to podcasts. 

Here’s a link to the show:

https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2270432.rss

Podcast Host

Moms Next Career

In 2023 I left my corporate HR job to focus full-time on my passion: using my experience as a successful career returner and my recruiting and hiring insights as an HR professional to help moms land jobs they love.

CEO, Career Coach

Covius

Designed and developed benefits strategies to attract and retain an innovative nationwide workforce. Led the Benefits team and supported the collaborative HR team in providing excellent customer service to the Covius family of employees. 

Created interview and selection criteria when hiring my direct reports. Served on interview panels for the larger HR team.

Human Resources Benefits Manager

I'm a Senior Human Resources Professional (SPHR) who successfully went back to work after 13 years as a stay-at-home mom. My job search lasted 2 years! My mission in creating Moms Next Career is to help make the journey back to work easier for others because I KNOW how hard it is. As an HR professional with 17+ years of experience, I love sharing insider tips and tools to help other women navigate their way to their next careers.

The Colorado Health Foundation

Provide a full range of hands-on HR services including recruiting, onboarding, employee engagement, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI), benefits and compensation administration, wellness programs, remote workforce engagement, policy implementation, and employment law compliance.

Human Resources Manager

Provided direct HR support for the medical residency program, including the yearly onboarding of 20 medical residents and interns. Piloted the organization's first digital onboarding experience for this group, and then rolled it out to the rest of the organization. 

Other areas of focus included benefits and compensation administration, employee communications, HRIS management, and HR compliance.

Human Resources Coordinator

Career Break

Elected to take a career break while raising my three children. Maintained professional skills through substantial volunteer work and independently obtained SPHR certification in preparation for career re-entry.

MDC Holdings

Highlights: 
• Strategically partnered with company leaders to increase employee satisfaction by an average of 20% in a 9 month period.
• Led and mentored a team of 6 HR professionals.
• Identified and corrected a 3 year cumulative $1.5 million funding error within an $8.5 million self-funded medical plan during initial months on the job. 

Primary Responsibilities: 
Compensation, New Employee Orientation and Onboarding, Performance Management, Employee Benefits Plan Design, Enrollment Campaigns, Employee Communication, Employee Relations, Employee Engagement, HRIS Conversion and Management, HR Administration and Compliance.

Human Resources Director

Tri-County Health Department

Highlights: 
• Transformed the one-person HR Department from an administrative role to a strategic partner.
• Drove a 25% reduction in absenteeism through creating a progressive paid time off program combined with the introduction of alternative work schedules.  
• Wrote and presented the organization’s first manager skills training program. Topics included interviewing, selection, employment law and performance management.  

Primary Responsibilities:
Recruitment, Interviewing, Selection, Benefits,  Compensation, Performance Management, HRIS, Policy & Procedure Development and Interpretation, Onboarding, Coach Supervisory Skills, Employee Relations, Legal Compliance, FMLA, Leaves of Absence.

Ryall Electric

Performed HR generalist functions including recruiting; promoted three times during tenure.

Employment and Training Administrator

Are you ready to awaken your career potential?

You know you’re made for more.

Deep down, there’s a voice telling you it’s time for a change. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your current role or you're ready to step back into the workforce after years spent raising your kids, you want a career that feels meaningful, fulfilling, and true to who you are.

But that voice can be hard to hear. Life gets busy. Expectations pile up. And before long, you’ve silenced your inner knowing with “busy work” and doing what you’re supposed to do to be successful.

I’m here to help you listen to that voice again.

As a Certified HR Expert and Coach, I guide women through the pivotal transitions of their careers—whether they’re returning to work after a break, pivoting to a new path, or stepping into their next chapter with confidence and clarity.

I’ve been there. After a 13-year career break to focus on my family, I successfully restarted my career—one of the most challenging job searches imaginable. That experience taught me not only what works, but also how to overcome fear, self-doubt, and the uncertainty of pursuing a career that truly aligns with your values and purpose.

With 17 years of HR experience, I’ve been on the other side of the hiring process:
✅Writing job postings that attract the right candidates
✅Screening resumes to identify top-tier applicants
✅Interviewing countless candidates and learning exactly what makes someone stand out (and what doesn’t)
✅Coaching hiring managers through the selection process to ensure they choose the best fit
✅Negotiating salaries to create win-win outcomes

This mix of professional expertise and personal experience means I don’t just understand where you’re coming from—I know exactly how to help you move forward.

I work with women who are ready to:
✅Relaunch their careers with confidence after a break
✅Pivot to new industries or roles that align with their values
✅Escape feeling stuck and discover work that brings joy and purpose
✅Create meaningful careers that reflect their unique strengths

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s work together to help you reconnect with your inner knowing, step into your full potential, and create your next chapter. 

Let’s connect! DM me or email me at Christina@HerNextChapters.com

Ten years ago, I almost chickened out of saying one sentence. Glad I didn’t.


Right before Thanksgiving week, everyone’s talking about food, family, travel…

But here’s what most job seekers forget:

Holiday gatherings are PRIME networking opportunities.

Ten years ago, our family was invited to a December dinner at our friends’ house. Nothing fancy. Just two baseball families, a great meal, and one simple question:

“So… any New Year’s resolutions?”

I still remember how nervous I was saying it out loud.
I finally took a breath and proclaimed that 2016 was the year I was going back to work. 

I had been a stay-at-home mom for 13 years.

She asked what I used to do, I said HR, and immediately she said,
“Oh! My neighbor’s a recruiter at the hospital. Want an introduction?”

A few days later she sent the email.
The recruiter called me.
The hiring manager interviewed me. 
I became one of two finalists. 
I didn’t get the job…

But those interviews rebuilt my confidence. And the next one?
I landed the offer.

Here’s your reminder as we head into Thanksgiving week:

If you’re planning to job search in 2026, start the conversations now.

Not in January.
Not “after the holidays.”
NOW.

People are relaxed, in good moods, and genuinely curious about what you’re up to. You don’t need a speech. Just tell people what you’re exploring.

Tiny conversations can lead to big opportunities.

If you want help figuring out how to talk about your job search during the holidays, DM me. I'm happy to point you in the right direction.

p.s. Are you hosting this Thanksgiving this year or showing up with a couple of side dishes? Either way - share your favorite holiday dish (I'm always looking for inspiration!)

Christina Kohl, SPHR

Career Transition Coach for Women | 17+ Yrs in HR | Helping You Land Meaningful Work | Resume, LinkedIn & Interview Strategy | Podcast Host

If you’re job searching right now, holiday gatherings can be surprisingly helpful.

The key is this:
be forward-focused.

People want to support someone who’s excited about their next chapter…
not someone unloading everything wrong with their last job or today’s job market.
Even if you have every right to complain.
Even if it was awful.
Save that for your journal.

Here’s how to talk about your job search without awkward energy:

1. Ask about their job first.
It’s natural. It’s easy. And most people love talking about their work.
That curiosity usually comes back your way.

2. Be ready with a clean, confident answer.
Something simple and future-oriented. For example:
“Now that the kids are older, I’m excited to restart my career.”
“I’ve been in between roles for a bit, and I’m ready for my next chapter.”
“I’m currently working, but exploring roles where I can grow and use my strengths.”
“I’m transitioning into project management and studying for my PMP certification.”

3. Focus on what you want next.
Not the past. Not the drama. Not the unfair treatment.
That energy repels people. Forward momentum attracts them.

4. Share one thing you’re energized by.
People remember positive emotion. It sticks.
It also makes them more likely to think of you when opportunities pop up.

Holiday conversations don’t have to be awkward.
They can actually open doors.

Still figuring out how to talk about your search? DM me and I can help you shape a clear, confident answer.

p.s. Is your Thanksgiving celebration with a crowd this year or a more intimate gathering?

Ever feel like you’re living a life that looks “successful” but doesn’t feel like you at all?

This week’s guest on Her Next Chapters gets it in the deepest way.

Renée DeVore spent 25 years in education, 16 of those as a school principal, before walking away from her six-figure career to rebuild her life with purpose and alignment. Her story is one of the most honest, soul-level reinventions I’ve ever heard.

Here are a few of the quotes that stopped me in my tracks:

↳   "I didn’t realize until I left that I was living my life for everyone else.”

↳    “There are no wrong turns. Only opportunities to learn what’s meant for you.”

↳    “I kept waiting for clarity. But clarity only came when I started taking action.”

↳    “I had to let go of other people’s opinions so I could finally hear my own voice.”

If you’re in a season of questioning, pivoting, or feeling like you’ve outgrown the career you once chose… this episode will hit home in all the best ways.

Renee’s story is a reminder that there is no age limit on becoming who you’re meant to be. And sometimes the most powerful next chapter begins when you finally choose yourself.

You can tune into the full interview wherever you listen to podcasts.

p.s. If you had the chance to hit reset and go somewhere new for a year (like Renee did in Mexico), where would you go?

If you’re headed into Thanksgiving with family or friends, here’s a secret:

You’re about to be surrounded by one of the easiest, safest networking environments of the year.

The trick is asking questions that spark real conversation without diving into anything sticky.

Here are simple starters that actually work:

1. “How’s work going these days?”
 If they’re employed, great. People love sharing what they’re up to.
 If they’re unemployed, keep going. Ask about their goals, what they’re exploring, or how you can help. Support goes a long way.

2. “What’s something new you’re working on or excited about?”
 Safe. Warm. Easy. And it often circles back your way.

3. “What’s changing in your industry?”
People love being asked for their insight. Bonus: you might learn something helpful.

4. “Anything fun coming up for you next year?”
They’ll talk about plans. And most people naturally ask you the same question back. 

These conversations build connection. And connection builds opportunities.

You don’t need a polished elevator pitch at Thanksgiving. 
You just need genuine curiosity and a few easy questions.

p.s. Are you hosting this year or just showing up hungry and ready to eat?

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