Happenstance

We're celebrating 100 episodes and two years of Happenstance with a Hot Ones style interview!My brother, Tom, joins me in this episode to enjoy some hot wings,  answer some questions, and to celebrate two years and 100 episodes of Happenstance. let's see where happenstance and a few hot wings takes us...Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Rosie Zilinskas is the inspirational force behind the groundbreaking “No Woman Left Behind” brand, empowering ambitious women to confidently advance their corporate careers and significantly close the gender gap in the workplace.As an experienced Certified High-Performance Coach and bestselling co-author of “Engaging Speakers - Voices of Truth”, Rosie provides guidance, education, and mentoring support through her podcast, career-building services, group forums and consultations – all with a view to helping women unlock their unique potential.With over three decades of invaluable professional experience harnessed to her mission of female empowerment, Rosie is dedicated to creating positive social change through championing driven women everywhere.Connect with Rosie:No Woman Left Behind WebsiteLinkedInRosie's Promotion Readiness ChecklistBook a Complimentary Career Roadmap StrategyNo Woman Left Behind Podcast Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Dr. Patricia Burlaud is a dynamic executive coach, Founder, and Chief Reinvention Officer at P. Burlaud Consulting LLC. Her journey from CERN physicist to a leader in global academia underpins her unique coaching approach. She excels in empowering top-tier leaders and entrepreneurs, honing their leadership and resilience. In addition, as the current Chair of the Research and Grants Team for 100 Women Strong, Dr. Burlaud is pivotal in advancing women's education and leadership in Central Florida.Connect with PatriciaWebsiteLinkedInLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Linda H. Yates, The Image Energizer, has more than 25 years of experience in leadership, personal image, training, sales, customer service, marketing, business development, project management and fund raising. Linda has spoken on topics such as leadership, personal branding, team building, customer service, personal development and growth, business marketing and communication. Linda has written for national publications on a variety of topics. Linda is a highly sought after consultant for a variety of businesses and organizations.Connect with LindaLinda Yates Consulting LinkedInIntHERrupt PodcastLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Ilana is a very proud New Yorker. Though she holds two business degrees from Pace University and Binghamton University, she has always had a deep love of art. She wrote When I Became Light to chronicle her own coming of age in the city she loves most, in hopes of being the example she needed growing up. She is passionate about learning and the magic of making things happen for yourself, and is a sucker for a sunset. Ilana believes that poetry is for all to enjoy. In today's episode we dive into the joys of a passion project and making decisions based on happiness. Navigating checking off the number one item on a bucket list, a shared love of ramen, and how things just fall into place when you're doing work you're proud of.Let's see where happenstance takes us... Connect with IlanaInstagram When I Became Light  on AmazonAstoria BookshopWord BookstoresGoodReadsYou can connect with her on LinkedIn, via email at poemsbyilana@gmail.com, or at @poemsbyilana on Instagram.Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Looking at the positive side of the timing, opportunities, and even of failures is the core of today's episode with Philip Wilkerson. We dive into Philip's own career path, the importance of celebrating accomplishments while also recognizing failures, we discuss building resiliency and the responsibility that we all have to pay it forward . Let's see where happenstance takes us... Philip Wilkerson is an Employer Engagement Consultant at GMU Career Services. In this role, he serves as a liaison between employers and the GMU community to make sure career opportunities such as jobs and internships are made aware to students, faculty/staff, and alumni.  In the past, he was awarded "Employee of the Month" for GMU in September 2019, the” Forty under 40” list for GMU Black Alumni, “Forty under Forty” for the Northern Virginia area through the Leadership Center for Excellence as well as being a recipient for the "Pillar Award" which is for a GMU staff member who supports Black students. He is also the faculty advisor for the Iota Alpha Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the GMU NAACP chapter. In his free time, he hosts a podcast called Positive Philter which focuses on well-being and is actively involved in Toastmasters. He is married to Maggie Wilkerson, LSCW (JMU Class of 2007, Social Work), and father to two boys, Bennett and Miles.Connect with Philip:Positive Philter Podcast Instagram  Facebook  LinkedIn Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Potentially the most requested happenstance guest of all time, the one the only Steve Rutherford is joining us to share his happenstance story. Steve is a general manager, trivia host, lover of cats, golf, and good times. In today's episode we dive into Steve's career history, how his involvement in college, the pandemic, and a love of people has led him to where he is now. Let's see where happenstance takes us...Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

An episode full of celebrations, laughter, and one that's bound to make you hungry.Today on Happenstance we are talking Elizbeth and Nisreen from Creme De Liqueur, Liquor-infused ice cream custard made with local ingredients and distilled spirits. What started as different family traditions led to testing recipes in a college residence hall and then to 2021 when Creme De Liqueur was officially launched.  Join Elizabeth and Nisreen as we dive into all the behind the scenes of Creme De Liqueur, the recipes, and the celebrates for this growing and delicious business. We're putting on our party hats, raising a glass, and seeing where happenstance takes us...Elizabeth and Nisreen are two friends who knew they shared a love for indulgence, desserts, and local. As foodies, they quickly bonded over stories of dining and noticed we shared some commonalities– loving both to cooking and hosting. Elizabeth had this delicious recipe for the flagship liquor-infused ice cream flavors and Nisreen quickly fell in love with the possibility of bringing this dessert to the masses. Together they took this idea and worked to launch Crème de Liqueur, a liquor-infused frozen custard made locally in Wisconsin and Massachusetts.As foodies first, Nisreen and Elizabeth pride themselves on working with local distillers to create sophisticated flavors that also support local economies. The liquor-infused frozen custard isn't just about getting a buzz — instead, it's a hand-crafted dessert that focuses on sophisticated flavors and unique pairings.  Connect with Creme De LiqueurCreme De Liqueur WebsiteFind Creme De Liqueur Near YouInstagramLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

From pursuing a career in pharmacy to becoming a professional tie dye artist, Joshua Hudson joins us to share all of the happenstance moments, creative pursuits, and colors that led him here. It's a happenstance story about creativity, creating unique opportunities, navigating loss, and so much more. Let's see where happenstance takes us...Joshua Hudson is a professional multi-media artist specializing in tie dye. He creates unique wearable art and decor using advanced tie dye technique and is one of the best in the world at what he does.Connect with Joshuajhudsontiedye.cominstagram.com/jhudson_tiedyewww.tiktok.com/@jhudsontiedyehttps://www.facebook.com/jhudsontiedyeLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

What started as an Instagram account full of plant tips and tricks, has blossomed into a full-blown business for Maryah  Greene of Greene Piece. Maryah has established her position as New York's go-to plant stylist following appearances and features in The New York Times, Vogue, Good Morning America and more. With a background in education Maryah is no stranger to making a pivot, following opportunity, and to cultivating green spaces wherever she can. Maryah's best kept secret for 3 years was that she has been offered a book deal leading to her debut picture book: Good Things. Good Things is a  a beautiful and necessary picture book about a little boy who loses his father and pays homage to his life through the growth and love of plants. With Maryah's book out in the world and the plants of NYC thriving we dive into her career, the happenstance moment along the way and how everything, is always, growing, changing, and thriving. let's see where happenstance takes us...Connect with MaryahInstagramTikTokGreene Piece WebsiteGood Things Book Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

A single moment can alter the course of our lives. That's happenstance and that's the essence of  Nolan Sponsler's career. As a master goldsmith and jewelry artist, Nolan shares the twists, turns, and tales behind his career, his affinity for sapphires, and how transitioned from showcasing creations on Instagram to becoming the proud owner of a jewelry store in Connecticut. The world of jewelry and gemstone isn't just about the shimmer; it's about the resilience and tenacity required to carve out a niche in an unpredictable industry. Nolan's candid discussion on navigating entrepreneurship, creating connections in the jewelry community, and finding both success and joy along the way. let's see where happenstance takes us...Connect with Nolan:Deep River Jewelry InstagramYoutubeTikTokLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Art mimics life  and this podcast episode is celebrating all things love, books, and diving into creative outlets. Kim, KC Leonard, joins us to talk about  BookTok and its role in catapulting lesser-known books to fame, the romance genre of books, and  her own writing career. We dive into the stigma attached to romance novels and their perceived link to unrealistic relationship expectations and the reality that not only does art mimic life but that romance novels are also an opportunity to see how characters who aren't perfect can be perfect for each other. An avid reader, Kim read 175 novels in 2023 along and gives us a glimpse into her own experience with booktok and her journey as an author of her upcoming book, Peer Reviewed. Exploring creative outlets outside her career as a physician and university instructor, Kim first stepped into the romance book world at the beginning of 2022. The genre and community had an incredible impact on her outlook on relationships, both romantic and platonic. After creating a small community of book lovers via social media, Kim decided to try her hand behind the keyboard. Her debut novel, Peer Reviewed, is set to be independently published in September of 2024.Connect with KC Leonard:https://www.kcleonard.com/https://www.tiktok.com/@kim_reads_romancehttps://www.instagram.com/kim_reads_romance/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

BONUS BIRTHDAY EPISODE!! It's February 20th and we are celebrating in the happenstance studio!Cassie is joined by a long time family friend, Alan Kamman. On this bonus birthday episode Cassie and Al sit down to talk about birthdays, dive into Al's career working with Appalachian Mountain Club, REI, and as a high school guidance counselor, and reminisce about Al's 2016 Appalachian Trail thru-hiking adventure.   Let's see where happenstance and a birthday celebration takes us... Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

After buying a camera  on a whim in 2019, Marissa Prata hasn't stopped taking photos.  With a unique idea and a virtual TikTok Marissa became known for creating an alternative to the dating and apps and using photography as a way to set up two strangers. In addition to stranger sessions, Marissa also specializes in boudoir photography, working with clients to creating comfort and empowerment as she photographs different phases of life.   Originally from New Hampshire, Marissa Prata is a photographer specializing in boudoir, couples, lifestyle and stranger session blind dates! Connect with Prata Productions www.prataproductions.co@prata_productionsLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Dating doesn't have to suck. In fact, building a confident and joyful dating life is the focus of Lily Womble's work with Date Brazen.  Lily is on a mission to break dumb dating rules, to reset the download and delete cycle, and to help others find their most joyful, confident dating lives.In this episode we dive into the misconception around being deemed "too much" and dive into the power of seeking out what you want through the "Thank you, more please" approach. let's see where happenstance and "thank you, more please" takes us... Lily Womble is sparking a feminist revolution in the way we date and find love. She was one of the top matchmakers in the U.S., but after setting up hundreds of dates, Lily realized that the answer to finding love was much deeper than a setup, and that the way we are taught to date is still stuck in the patriarchal dark ages. She founded her company, Date Brazen, six years ago and has since helped hundreds of women create love lives that are epic, settle-proof, and joyful-as-hell with her intersectional feminist approach.She changes lives daily on TikTok, Top 4 Relationship Podcast- The Date Brazen Podcast, and sold-out coaching programs world-wide. Her debut nonfiction advice book, Thank You, More Please: A feminist guide to breaking dumb dating rules and finding love, comes out in June 2024 with Legacy Lit. She lives in Brooklyn with her husband, Chris.Connect with Lily:Date Brazen WebsiteInstagram @DateBrazenThe Date Brazen PodcastThank You, More Please Book Pre-OrderLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Many people blame themselves that they can't make friends or find people to nurture their spirit, yet they don't realize that making quality connections is a skill that is not often taught. Coach Lee Hopkins joins us on Happenstance to talk about building authentic friends, the importances of vulnerability in close friendships, the different tiers of friendships and how our history, habits and hobbies impacts the connections that we have. Coach Lee Hopkins who is a Social Connections & Business Culture Coach. He helps self-reflective individuals create more meaningful relationships and supportive social circles of people who care about their well-being.Connect with Coach Lee:www.patternsofpossibility.com TikTokLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Sometimes our career paths come down to those small moments. A note on a homework assignment. An invitation to an event. A google search. Nicole Elliott is a conversion copywriter & messaging strategist who specializes in human-sounding, non-salesy sales copy for entrepreneurs. She began her writing career in academia, but got sick of its painfully dry, stuffy, drained-of-all-personality approach to writing.After a brief detour into teaching ESL, she found copywriting (and the chance to write like a human!), and never looked back. Today, she cooks up copy with her 3-Step Human First Messaging Approach to help clients nail down their brand voice, capture their audience's actual words with extensive "Voice of Customer" research, and strategically blend the two together for copy that connects and converts.Let's see where Happenstance takes us... Connect with Nicole: www.nicoleelliott.co https://www.nicoleelliott.co/fivequicksteps https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-elliott-copywriter/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

We've all been there: it's raining, you have somewhere to go, you grab an umbrella and 2.2 seconds later your umbrella is inside out, broken, or just not doing its job to keep you dry. This was Deirdre's experience. Between that and watching a documentary on ocean plastic Dri Umbrellas was born. Let's see where happenstance takes us...Deirdre Horan is the founder and CEO of Dri. Dri is addressing the ocean plastic crisis by building a line of durable, eco-friendly rain umbrellas from recycled ocean bound plastic. Dri umbrellas are created to protect our oceans, and actually keep you dry.www.dri.earthhttps://www.instagram.com/dri_umbrellas/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Inspiration is everywhere, that's how author, writer, and writing coach Sally Lotz approaches her everyday life. Sally's story is one of numerous happenstance moments, career changes, and of course, inspiration. Let's see where Happenstance takes us...Sally, once a writer trapped in the body of an accountant - is a children's author, writing coach, and mentor. Her fourth book, The Truth is Lie, a young adult novel, came out in May of 2023 and is based on her true-life experiences of growing up in the world's largest doomsday cult.  As a writing coach and mentor, she is passionate about writing and teaching others how to create and share their stories. Sally lives in Orlando, Florida, where she enjoys the local beaches, kayaking in the springs, visiting the local bookstores, and writing. She can often be found writing on her laptop at the local coffee shop or caring for her numerous plant babieswww.sallylotz.comLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Imagine a year from now, the start of another new year, except this time it feels different. Your mindset has changed, your limiting beliefs are gone, you feel empowered, excited, unstoppable. Nicole Majik is an accomplished leadership and empowerment strategist and educator with a diverse background in Biology, Chemistry, Metaphysics and Finance. She awakens your true potential by permanently erasing limiting beliefs and showing you how to live a life you deserve without compromising who you are or what you love.Connect with Nicole MajikYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/MajikLLCOfficialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicole_majik/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/majikllcLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolemajik​​TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nicolemajikWebsite: https://www.majikllc.comFreebies and Opt-InsLimiting Beliefs Quick Quiz: https://forms.aweber.com/form/94/265961594.htm3StepAIRprocess Free mini Course: https://majikllc.com/3stepair/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

On the final Friday of 2023, it's a solo episode with your Happenstance host, Cassie. We are wrapping up the year with a discussion on failure, goal setting, and how the lessons along the way can make it all worth it. let's see where happenstance and 2024 takes us...Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

2023 is coming to an end so we are diving into the power of reflection and taking a look back at and getting curious about the year. Let's see where reflection and happenstance take us...Megan Myers, LCMHC is a licensed therapist in North Carolina and a previous recruiter. She works to help individuals move past perfectionism, cope with anxiety, and integrate past trauma. Through counseling, she hopes to empower professionals of all ages and backgrounds to show up confidently in their careers and relationships, find clarity, and integrate their lives with their careers holistically. Megan is currently running a private practice, Envision Balance Counseling & Consulting PLLC, where she serves residents in North Carolina virtually. Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

It may not be 5o'clock everywhere but it is in the Happenstance studio! let's see where happenstance takes us...Rhonda Cammon is the founder of Perfectly Cordia . A multi-award-winning fruit first beverage mixer making inclusive drinking easy with a simple 2 to 1 recipe. Elevating craft beverages with ease. Rhonda left a 20 year nursing career to pursue a passion for community with a focus on healthy consumption. She has created four distinctive food and beverage companies and her latest venture OneShop is a maker focused artisanal marketplace and incubator located in the heart of Nashville,Tenneesse. Rhonda and her multiple businesses have been featured in multiple publications, on national television and enjoyed by celebrities like Cardi B, Mickey Guyton, and Brett Eldrige.https://www.perfectlycordial.com/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

As we approach the end of 2023 it only seemed fitting to dive into reflection and to look at both the scientific and energetic sides of the quantum realm. Two-time international #1 bestselling author, host of the Wisdom Talk Radio podcast, Executive Coach, international trainer and speaker, and Certified Master Trainer, Laurie Seymour, M.A., is the founder and CEO of The Baca Institute, and the creator of the Quantum Connection Process. She has dedicated her life to showing visionaries and conscious entrepreneurs how to reliably connect with their energetic creative intelligence, dissolving old patterns of difficulty, struggle, and self-sabotage, while creating the business and life that they love.Almost twenty-five years ago, Laurie was honored to receive the stewardship of a special energetic technology that activates the process of inner connection and the ability for accelerated creation in individuals and groups.After twice leaving successful careers, first as a psychotherapist and trainer, and then as a Solutions Engineer in the telecom industry, Laurie founded The Baca Institute.Connect with Laurie:The Baca Institute Website Your Quantum Connection Style Quiz  Facebook  LinkedIn  Instagram  YouTube Twitter Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Chasing dreams, following your passions, and going after the things you want are all part of today's Happenstance story.Let's see where Happenstance takes us...Geraldin Noemis Diaz is a multi-talented creative. Her work ranges from supporting students with their professional and personal development to writing books that help folks unlock their highest potential and live their best lives. She hopes that through the content she shares, she can empower people to live their best lives on their own terms.Connect with Geraldin geraldinnoemis.comLinkedInInstagram: @geraldinnoemisTikTok: @geraldinnoemisLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

As we approach the end of 2023 there's no better time to dive into preparing for performance reviews, evaluating career goals, and looking at the opportunities that lay ahead. Tiffany Uman is a globally recognized Career Strategy Coach and Workplace Expert. She is a former Senior Director at L'Oreal, where she achieved 7 promotions in under 10 years. She now empowers high-achievers to become the top 1% in their own careers so they quantum leap their confidence and growth without compromising their well-being. She's a published author, speaker and LinkedIn Learning Instructor with 400,000+ learners. Her work has been featured in Business Insider, BBC, The Globe and Mail, Medium, and LA Weekly and she's been recognized as one of the Top 15 LinkedIn Experts in Montreal. Tiffany specializes in career acceleration, workplace navigation, confidence, personal branding, communication, conflict management, work life balance, relationship management, leadership and more!Connect with TiffanyWebsite: https://www.tiffanyuman.com/LinkedIn, Instagram, TiktokLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Sabine Gedeon is the Founder of SheLeads Network and host of the top-rated podcast, She Leads Now, focused on women in leadership and business. With nearly 20 years' experience centered around helping others advance in their professional and personal environments, Sabine has helped clients in start-ups and Fortune 500 companies grow and develop, by breaking through their own mental limits, elevating their confidence, influence and impact as leaders and change agents.Her message of growth and transformation is amplified through her book, Transformed, The Journey to Becoming. Sabine holds a Master's degree in Management and Organizational Leadership and is certified as both a Life Coach and Leadership Consultant from ICF-accredited institutions.Website – https://sabinegedeon.comLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sabinegedeonFree Resources - https://sabinegedeon.com/sheleadsLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

A Happenstance keyword search on LinkedIn that led to so much more. let's see where Happenstance takes us... Marianne Matarese is a Career Development Lead at Indeed.com and a Career Coach at Green with Purpose Coaching.  Marianne supports job seekers in getting started, building their networks, and crafting their job search strategy. Just this past year, she created the first Career Development Professionals community on Linkedin with over 90 members.  Marianne loves to give back to the community with linkedin audio specials on variety of topics and partner with local photographers on Long Island to get professionals free headshots.Connect with Marianne LinkedInInstagramWebsiteLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

From a career in social work to  career coaching and entrepreneurship, Kelsey Wat is on a mission to take back Mondays. It's not just about infusing positivity into your Mondays, it's also about finding careers and opportunities that make Mondays better.  let's see where happenstance take us... Kelsey Wat is a career coach and the founder of TGIM Careers, a career consulting agency dedicated to helping jobseekers find meaningful and value-aligned work. Kelsey has been in the career coaching and workforce development industry for over 10 years and has had the pleasure of coaching veterans, the homeless population, early career professionals, MBAs, and execs alike. Kelsey lives in Northern California with her husband and 4yo twin daughters.Connect with Kelseywww.tgimcareers.comIG: @tgim.careersLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

The perfect blend of magic, luck, and the love of hosting, cooking, and pouring others drink led to The Aperitivo Society. Grab a drink or a snack and settle in for this happenstance storyMeet Maria, Host of The Aperitivo SocietyMaria created The Aperitivo Society after her first year living in Boston as a way to meet new people an expand her community while doing what she loves - hosting, cooking and pouring people a drink. "My grandfather always said that the best way to get to know someone was to sit around the table and open up a bottle of wine. I was raised Italian (on my father's side) and Irish/Croatian (on my mother's side) - the desire to host and bring people together over food and drinks is part of my DNA.Thanks to a TikTok, this community grew to almost 700 members overnight. I quickly learned that I was not the only one craving this kind of experience and community in the Boston area. We now offer tables in several of Boston's neighborhoods, ranging in ticket price and menu offerings. Each host is carefully selected to ensure that each person receives a unique, nourishing, and seamless dining experience."Connect with The Aperitivo Societywww.theaperitivosociety.com @aperitivosocietyLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Taking over the world with tiny trees...Tim Arsenault is the founder of Bonsai Bar, a pop-up bonsai workshop held a breweries. As a self identified,  serial hobbyist,  Tim says "I get really into all sorts of weird hobbies that I find fascinating. Just to name ones that start with “B”, I'm into Birding, Boardgames, Baking and Bonsai.  My interest was first piqued by the bonsai collection at the Arnold Arboretum in the Jamaica Plain neighborhood of Boston where I used to go on picnics with my wife Annie. Later I stumbled upon the Rocky Mountain Bonsai Society's annual member show at the Denver Botanical Gardens, and I bought a few trees from a vendor and got really hooked. Later, I took an intro to bonsai course with Hal Sasaki in Denver and heard about this bonsai artist, Ryan Neil, who does weekly webcasts on bonsai  (Mirai Live) and I've been looking for a way to work in bonsai ever since."Connect with Bonsai Barbonsaibar.comLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

From a career in education and teaching to freelance graphic designing and working on a graphic design story while traveling Nasrin Jafari's steps into print design and other creative endeavors came to a halt in 2020.  From there she began printing her designs on fabric, making masks during the pandemic and figuring out how to create, package, and sell a product.From there Nasrin began to explore the process of taking something from a design sketch to a physical product, eventually leading to Mixed first collection launch in 2021It's a story about taking the next step, having the drive to learn, holding on to gratitude, and making the decision to go all in.  let's see where happenstance takes us... Nasrin Jafari is the founder, CEO and designer of Mixed, a Brooklyn-based fashion brand inspiring you to be seen in full color.Connect with Mixedwww.mixedbynasrin.comInstagramLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Emily June Wilcox is a crystal loving, coffee drinking, money healer and business mentor.Emily's mission is to uplevel the planet through helping women heal their money wounds and build significant wealth – which allows women to act from purpose & passion instead of obedience & obligation.While building three 6 and 7-figure businesses (e-com, agency, and coaching), Emily decided to ditch the belief that it had to be hard. She tapped into feminine energy to allow more ease and joy and support from her team. She uses energetics, woo woo, and a sprinkle of strategy to help women build their fempires and walk the joyous path to millions.You can hear more from Emily by tuning into her Top 3% Global podcast – The Joyous Path to Millions Podcast.Connect with Emily:Website Money QuizInstagram Facebook  LinkedIn YouTube Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

How do we change the world? Josh Clifford is starting with Free Water. Josh's career didn't start with selling ads on the side of bottles to establish his brand FreeWater. A journey that includes traveling the world, a dislike of taxis and conversation with his mom have let to both Free Water and his ultimate goal of creating the world's first free supermarket in which all the products are ad-backed and free-to-consumer, and with charitable giving baked into every unit his team hands out.Josh's Bio:Josh Cliffords is the Founder/CEO of the largest start up in America right now: FreeWater. FreeWater is an innovative advertising platform that utilizes premium spring water as a new type of advertising medium while prioritizing philanthropy and sustainability. Ten cents from each beverage is donated to charity to build water wells for people in need. We only need 10% of Americans to choose FreeWater so we can solve the global water crisis permanentlyConnect with Free Water:Instagram WebsiteLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

So many happenstance moments come from stepping out side of our comfort zones, embracing adventure, and pushing past fear. Other happenstance moment come from being in the right place at the right time and having the right person say "can you help with this?"Today on Happenstance, Berta Medina shares all of these happenstance stories and so much more.Let's see where Happenstance takes us...Meet Coach Berta, an empowering force in the world of coaching, dedicated to helping coaches, speakers, and entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. With a passion for business solutions and accountability, Berta has transformed countless lives, guiding individuals to achieve unparalleled success in their respective fields.Connect with Berta:WebsiteFacebookInstagram:  @coachbertamedina &  @dreamerssucceedingLinkedInLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Things will get better as long as you keep moving forwards - this is sentiment behind Sarah Ihori's mission. Through coaching, building community, and sharing insights through content and blogs Sarah is passionate about helping people on their journey to well-being. Her personal experiences with self-love, boundaries, and resilience have led her to create Moving Fourwords LLC. Her  journey to becoming a Mental Health Coach started with her own personal struggles. In her words: " I felt overwhelmed and lost, I didn't know where to turn.  Through hard work and self-reflection, I learned that well-being comes from within and I am “passionate” about sharing what I've learned with others." Sarah's  goal is to create a space where people can feel safe, supported, and empowered to make lasting changes in their life and make a positive impact in the world.Connect with Sarah:Moving4words Website Instagrammovingfourwords@gmail.com Other Links:Nolan Sponsler, Owner of Deep River Jewelry Stef Elsperman, The Fully Alive Movement & previous guest: Ep. 06!Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Forging new paths, navigating burn out, and seeking alignment is just part of Nicole Connor's story. On this episode of Happenstance we learn about Nicole's journey reconnecting with her true self, the moments that lead to the creation of The Grand Rising Experience and how we can all take small steps to become more in touch with our own intuition. About Nicole:Nicole Connor: Quantum Initiator, Activator, Connector and Founder of the Grand Rising Experience™Nicole is an initiator; a pattern disrupter; a visionary; and a wild unicorn gatherer; ​who cannot ignore or avoid challenging and transforming what feels wrong, inauthentic and out of alignment, personally or societally. This way of being can feel insightful, inspiring, intense or intimidating to those within my energetic sphere and has ignited immense creativity, chaos and conflict throughout my life. This is because I am a multi-dimensional, highly-intuitive and eternally curious Woman, with a gift for gab and the ability to seek out,  synthesize, curate, and action, ridiculous amounts of complex information, while making it look effortless and easy.Raising up feminine Soulpreneurs who embody how to courageously voice, explore, and extract, the medicine embedded inside their pain, is my PASSION. Connecting them with those on a mission to curate their own bespoke toolkit that supports life-long healing, growth, and soul expansion is my PURPOSE... ​and so the Grand Rising Experience was created.Connect with Nicole:The Grand Rising Experience Substack Cassie's Episode of The Grand Rising Experience Podcast Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

A solo mini episode with Happenstance Host, Cassie looking at the energy that comes with a new school year, the start of fall, Q4 goal setting and a quick chat about the value of connection.let's see where Happenstance takes us...Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Behind the scenes of a content creator's journey. Working a 9-5, reaching out to brands, navigating the self doubt, we cover it all in this episode of Happenstance with Stephanie Yamilett.Let's see where Happenstance takes us...Stephanie Yamilett is a content creator based in Florida, growing up using social media 24/7 to later find a career out of it is such a surreal feeling — now throw in there being able to work with brands she loves and create content for them is just the cherry on top. While she works a 9-5 job in higher education, after she clocks out she's focused on being a content creator on her own social media platforms.Connect with Stephanie:InstagramPortfolio Stan StoreLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Making little pivots along the way. Allowing opportunity and interests to lead to the next career move.  Knowing that a different choice wouldn't have been better, it just would have been different. Gwen Bortner embodies all of this an so much more. Her happenstance stories are all about Navigating the unexpected turns and shifting pathsRediscovering a love of teaching Turning hobbies into businesses & Embracing a change mindset Let's see where happenstance takes us...Gwen Bortner is the founder of Everyday Effectiveness, an operations advisory firm that helps visionary entrepreneurs scale their businesses to seven figures and beyond. Before starting her business advisory firm in 2013, Gwen solved operations problems for corporate giants and for niche companies . To date, she's advised executives, entrepreneurs, and solopreneurs in 45 industries. In addition to advising and speaking on operational strategy, Gwen is the author of the best-selling knitting book, Entrée to Entrelac, and teaches knitting internationally for Craft Cruises, Inc.Connect with Gwen:Learn more at EverydayEffectiveness.comThe Happy YouTube Video Mentioned in the Episode Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

From editing resumes for $5 to becoming a renounced career coach for top talent in Silicon Valley, Dr. Kyle Elliot took his side hustle to  a multi-six-figure high tech career and executive coaching practice.We dive into Kyle's background, his best advice for job seekers, and share all of the Happenstance moments along the way. Let's see where happenstance takes us...Dr. Kyle Elliott is a career coach, professional speaker, writer, and mental health advocate. He is known for helping people get unstuck, own their fabulousness, and achieve what they never imagined was possible. As a queer person living with mental health conditions, Dr. Elliott is proud to use his words, voice, and platform to encourage others to share their stories, get help, and achieve recovery. As a coach, he empowers Silicon Valley's top talent to uncover and craft stories of hope through his knack for asking deep, moving questions. When not coaching, you can find Dr. Elliott at Starbucks or Disneyland with his partner, J.V. You can learn more at CaffeinatedKyle.com.Connect with Kyle:Website: https://caffeinatedkyle.com/LinkedIn,  Instagram: @caffeinatedkyle,  Facebook,  Twitter / X : @caffeinatedkyleLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

A combination of passions, an entrepreneurial spirit, and the desire to create change in the world has led to the creation of Canned Goods Clothing. Easton Dana is a university student with a mission to end plastic waste. He started the anti-plastic apparel brand, Canned Goods, in high school and has grown his movement to over 150k social media followers. When he is not working on his brand he is out golfing, snowboarding, fishing, or playing with his two cats Bill and Poe.Connect with Easton and learn more about Canned Good Clothing:cannedgoodsclothing.com@cannedgoodsclothing on Insta and TikTok@easton.dana Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

From a career in print journalism to PR, Tonya Kubo has navigated multiple career changes as world of media, social media, and online engagement has changes and grown. With an openness, curiosity, and interest in how we learn from each other in online spaces Tonya has leaned into these changes and became an entrepreneur along the way. This episode dives into how our world have both grown and become smaller because of online communities and looks at how online communities functional in the same way our hometowns do. Let's see where happenstance takes us...Tonya Kubo believes social media has the power to unite individuals and spark movements. She specializes in online community design, development and growth. Her agency takes a people-first approach in the proper care and feeding of free and paid groups -- and they teach others to do the same.Connect with Tonya:Website: https://tonya.link/aboutLinkedInFacebookInstagramLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

What started as an idea in Rob's Iphone notes has become a 7+ year full time job. On this episode of Happenstance Cassie and Rob dive into the background behind the Robs 10K Friends project, how social media has changed, and the cycles of confidence and doubt in entrepreneurship but also in life. let's see where happenstance takes us...Rob Lawless is on a mission to spend 1 hour, 1:1, with 10,000 different people. Since November of 2015, he's met over 5,600 people from 90+ countries, sharing their stories to his Instagram, @robs10kfriends!Connect with Rob:Instagram @Robs10KFriendswww.robs10kfriends.comwww.roblawless.comLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Lisa Sakai is a Financial Consultant who works with clients on Bucket List Acceleration and getting to live the life they want now. As the co-founder of One Vision Retirement, she has been working with clients across the country for over 12 years. Lisa's advice provides easy to understand, logical steps and exercises that people can take action on right away.www.onevisionretire.comwww.onevisionretire.com/resourceshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lisasakai/Let's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Magically Kellie joins us as the first returning Happenstance guess. During Kellies first Happenstance episode (ep. 18 Everyday Magic) we said that the next time I was in Florida we would record and episode at Disney on the hub grass and that's exactly what we did. Enjoy the sounds of Disney as we get an update from Magically Kellie about the last year doing what makes her happy. Disney loving NICU nurse, Magically Kellie sprinkles a little pixie dust on Happenstance this week sharing how her lifelong love of Disney, career in nursing, and philosophy on doing the things that make you happy have all come together to create the content that Kellie shares on @Magically.KellieLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

A coffee roastery, community involvement, and serving of happenstance is on the menu today. A simple search of Happenstance on instagram led Cassie to find Happenstance Bakery & Coffee Roastery. This episode is all about happenstance but the name and the moments and the value of figuring things out along the way. Today's guest Ian has a diverse range of passions and expertise. As a user experience consultant, he "makes websites suck less" and uses his skills to build, enhance, and optimize digital experiences for his clients. Ian is also the proud owner of Happenstance Bakery & Coffee Roastery, a popular establishment located in Port Hope, ON. He is deeply involved in his community and dedicates considerable time to volunteering for local organizations such as the Northumberland Players, Capitol Theatre, Port Hope House Tour, SONG, and more. Ian's love for musical theatre and craft beer reflects his vibrant personality and diverse interests.@thisishappenstance thisishappenstance.comInflux Consulting (UX): influxconsulting.caLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Jenn Smith's professional roots are grounded deep within corporate America. Her progressive, global HR leadership experience spans 15+ years across multiple industries, including Fortune 200 companies. Now, as the founder of Flourish Careers, Jenn is a on a mission to support heart-based, career-minded professionals navigate the changing world of work by resetting boundaries and igniting action to live their happiest, healthiest lives.Connect with Jenn:www.flourish.careersInstagram LinkedInFree Resource: The Heart-Based Career Change ChecklistLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Tina Kadish is a Business Coach, Author and Speaker and is the owner of “From Job to Joy”. With over 20 years of experience in the corporate world as a Training & Development Specialist and Talent Acquisition herself, she brings a plethora of experience in various industries.Tina's mission is to impact women's lives by helping them live with joy, fulfillment, and freedom. Through proven methods, she guides them to go from being unfulfilled, unhappy and unappreciated with their career by providing clarity and direction with immediate, measurable steps towards starting a successful business so they can live on purpose.Tina is an author of two books - F.R.E.E.D.O.M. – 7 Steps to Thrive in Life and Business and From Pain to Peace – A Mother's Heartbreaking Journey Through Losing a Child.Tina empowers women that they can make their dreams a reality! As a result, her clients are getting their time back in their life which is priceless.www.fromjobtojoy.comwww.facebook.com/tina.kadishwww.linkedin.com/in/tinakadishLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Constant curiosity and the knowing that you were made for something bigger are the center points for today's episode with Sabrina Victoria.Sabrina Victoria is an entrepreneur at heart. Her company, Human Better 365 is the catalyst behind her community; Her Nation. She focuses on building confidence, finding your voice and stepping into the REAL you. Sabrina works closely with solopreneurs who are striving to hit 6-figure years in order to help them build out the structure they need to streamline their time and take their income to the next level. For over a decade she has strived to give people the tools they need to RISE and human better.  She is a speaker, author, host of Her Talk Show, founder of Sober Society and has built and co-built multiple 6&7 figure businesses in her life-time. She now dedicates her life to helping others RISE mentally, emotionally, financially and physically; in order to find REAL WEALTH in their lives.Connect with Sabrina:FacebookInstagramLinkedInLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist

Elliot Carlyle is a New York City-based creative consultant & innovation strategist; widely known as “the brand. the voice.” His work spans the fashion, jewelry, entertainment, and other creative industries, helping leading companies in these sectors to develop inclusive programs and cultures. As one who has charted a nontraditional professional path, Elliot has firsthand experience with the challenges traditionally marginalized individuals face while navigating their careers. Today, Elliot continues to provide strategic and innovative solutions through his international creative consulting agency, CURRENT•LY Global, Inc. and his mission to “empower your flow in business.”www.currentlyglobal.comwww.elliotcarlyle.netwww.instagram.com/elliotcarlylewww.instagram.com/currentlyglobalwww.tiktok.com/@currentlyglobalLet's Connect:@HappenstanceThePodcast@CareerCoachCassieHappenstance the Playlist