Making The Maven Podcast

It’s no secret that mental health and the fatal outcomes that follow have become a global crisis. According to the CDC's National Center for Health Statistics an estimated 1 million people worldwide die by suicide every year. In 2019 there were approximately 1.4 M US attempts, 49 thousand impacted. We hope today’s episode leaves you with a sense of awareness, encouragement, a community and available resources. As a best-selling author, global public speaker and award-winning film making, Kevin Hines is world renowned for his work as a suicide survivor. Kevin shares how a very personal experience on the Golden Gate Bridge transformed the direction of his life. In 2016, Mental Health America awarded Kevin The Clifford W. Beers Award; he is a Lifetime Achievement Award Winner by the National Council of Behavioral Health in partnership with Eli Lilly, a SAMSHA Voice Awards Fellow and Award Winner, and an Achievement Winner by the US Veterans Affairs - receiving over 30 U.S. military excellence medals as a civilian. Kevin sits on several boards of the International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF), the Bridge Rail Foundation (BRF), the Mental Health Association of San Francisco (MHASF) and on the Survivors Committee of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. He has spoken in congressional hearings alongside Patrick Kennedy in support of The Mental Health Parity Bill and continues his policy work as an Ambassador to the National Council for Behavioral Health. Kevin Hines Website: http://www.kevinhinesstory.com/ Kevin Hines Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhinesstory/ Film: Suicide: The ripple effect: https://suicidetherippleeffect.com/watch-now/ Become a suicide advocate: https://afsp.org/become-a-suicide-prevention-public-policy-advocate Cracked not broken: https://www.kevinhinesstory.com/shop/cracked-not-broken-kevin-hines

Impossible is a dare, but only for those with an appetite to risk it. Today we are joined by Laurie Ruettimann, a former human resources leader turned writer, entrepreneur, and speaker. CNN recognized her as one of the top five career advisers in the US. Her work has been featured on NPR, The New Yorker, USA Today, The Wall Street Journal, and Vox. She has delivered keynote speeches around the world where she shares wisdom about HR, hiring trends, and technology. She is the host of the popular podcast Punk Rock HR, and recently released “Betting on you” A game-changing guide for how to become your own leader and rapidly improve your work-life balance. Website: https://laurieruettimann.com/ Book Link: https://laurieruettimann.com/books/ Podcast: https://laurieruettimann.com/podcast/

Raising the bar is about challenging your limits, holding yourself accountable and then taking action. As professionals we can easily lose sight of this and switch to autopilot. In this episode, Lauren is joined by 3X US Olypmian, 8X World Champion and the proud owner of one Gold Medal and Two Silver Medals for Women’s Ice Hockey. She is the perfect expert to talk us through the countless hours, unwavering discipline it takes to win the gold both on and off the ice. In addition, we discuss her book of poetry Unbroken Heart of Gold and the power in multi passion success. Twitter - twitter.com/KBells22 Instagram - instagram.com/KaceyBellamy22 Unbroken Heart of Gold: amazon.com/Unbroken-Heart-Gold-Collection-Poems/dp/1728890438

This episode’s topic is “Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast,” Culture isn’t the enemy of strategy and performance, but rather an equal player in the broader game, most importantly should not to be underestimated or brushed off. Lauren is joined by Gaby Marroig, an accomplished, energetic and collaborative executive with over 25 years’ industry experience as VP/ general manager, business leader and consultant. She has had leadership positions at large and small organizations including Xerox, HP, Towers Perrin and most recently at a Benefits Technology company. Connect with Gabby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabrielle-marroig-a262255/

During Making The Maven’s second Happy Hour episode, we are excited to introduce you to two accomplished women to discuss immigration and Coming to America. After a semi-professional basketball career in her 20s, Natalia Gross-Michalak came to the states. She began her career with State Farm, followed by MB Financial and CIBC, solidifying her career in Anti Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing. Today Natalia is a Senior Consultant at Deloitte. Our second guest, Karolina Zielinska, a graduate from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2011. After obtaining her Juris Doctor degree, she then passed the Illinois Bar that same year and began practicing in workers' compensation defense. After two years defending insurance companies and employers, she quickly realized she wanted to help people not cross examine them. So she pivoted hard and moved to the petitioner/plaintiff side. In 2014 she joined her current firm and became a Partner in 2017. 2021 will mark her 10th year of practice. During this happy hour they share their personal experiences and challenges, hopefully leaving Maven Nation with a greater sense of self-awareness and acceptance. Regardless of your professional arena these mavens shine a very important light on the journey of immigrating to America, achieving success despite adversities and everything in between. Natalia’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalia-gross-michalak-ma-cams-75014b89/ Karolina’s Company Website: https://www.ilcomplaw.com

Grit, by many accounts is the most debated soft skill among executives today. Defined by world leading expert Angela Duckworth is the passion and sustained persistence applied toward long-term achievement, with no particular concern for rewards or recognition along the way. Today we are joined by the accomplished Ashley Zielinska. From EMT, to English Teacher to Sommelier, pivot has been a defining and rewarding right. Ashley is currently a National Accounts Executive for BeatBox Beverages, (featured on Shark Tank) Her passion is derived from mentorship and collaboration with work and personal development. She displays true grit and overs nuggets of wisdom to Maven Nation in another must-listen episode! Ashley’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-zielinska-136b383b/

The societal pressures of vanity and physique from a young age are palpable and can be detrimental not only to our physical but mental health as well. The ongoing stress of positive body image and self-approval for so many can be overwhelming. Often times leading to unhealthy decisions and dangerous outcomes by subliminal choice. Please note, today’s discussion contains sensitive content. Jaime Filer’s professional career in the fitness industry spans over 15 years. She started as a trainer based in Toronto, Canada, ran an international magazine and has competed in Crossfit and bodybuilding competitions on a national stage. It was her love of personal coaching that always called her back. What drives her is a deep passion for helping others with emotional eating issues and eating disorders - having struggled with anorexia herself for 10 years. She thrives off being able to impact thousands of lives per day, and supporting clients and trainers all over the world become the people they’re supposed to be. Learn More About Jaime: https://jaimefiler.com/ Connect on Social: https://www.instagram.com/jaim91/

This week’s maven, Kirstin McClement is ready to shed some light on the world of PR. Today’s Topic: Make or Break - The world of Public Relations Then & Now. Kristin began her career in New York City at Saks Fifth Avenue as an assistant in their Public Relations and Events department. From there things started to take off and she executed events and supported the PR efforts including the famous Macy’s Herald Square Flower Show. She worked on several celebrity fragrance launch events such as Kim Kardashian, Justin Bieber, & Rihanna - as well supported the launch of Madonna and her daughter, Lourdes’ Material Girl collection and ongoing event and PR support of Jessica Simpson’s clothing and shoe line. Kristin moved to Southwest Florida in 2012, where she began working at Chico’s FAS, Inc., where she is the Director of Public Relations and Social Marketing for the Company, responsible for the PR, social strategy and reputation of Chico’s, White House Black Market and Soma. Contact Kristin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-mcclement-7346a7a/ Gulf Shore Honoree: https://www.gulfshorebusiness.com/2019-40-under-40/

This week’s guests are about to elevate my rookie efforts and awaken the topic of ‘What the mind conceives the body achieves.’ Rachael Tricker and Vitoria Pippo share the real truth behind good energy and positive influence. In 6 months they have moved across the country, quickly grew mass social followings and found love. Rachael Tricker is a security dispatcher turned content creator all the way from Southern Ontario, Canada. As a confident member of the LGBTQ community, her work emphasizes the importance of embracing her sexuality and focuses her content on the power of positivity and purposeful intention. Victoria Pippo is a spiritual entrepreneur all the way from Southern Ontario, Canada. In March of 2020 she dove head first into energy healing and spiritual work. She been able to scale her spiritual business to well over 5 figures in less than 5 months, assisting thousands on their spiritual awakening journey. Here’s how to connect with Rachael Instagram: instagram.com/rachaeltricker Business email: rachaeltricker@gmail.com Here’s how to connect for a session with Victoria Instagram: instagram.com/victoriapippo Energy Healing Session: https://calendly.com/victoria-pippo1/1-1-head-to-heart-deluxe

Elizabeth Shackel was born and raised on Long Island and currently lives and works in NYC. Liz has been with Estée Lauder Companies in Global Supply Chain for 13 years. She is currently with Bobbi Brown Cosmetics overseeing new product launches for the color category which includes lip, eye, cheek, trend and brand collaborations. She has a big family, a great group of girlfriends, found love during this pandemic, and her voice level is on loud. Liz is always looking to find the best Old Fashioned. Tina Sonsalla When work and life were feeling a bit too status quo, Tina picked up and left her native Midwest for NYC. When she's not soaking up the energy of her new home city, she's been found leading teams across the globe or inspiring external partners on why they should want to partner. With a passion to drive change and always reinventing, she's happiest mentoring others and sharing the pearls of wisdom she wished she could have told her younger self. Elizabeth Coveney Elizabeth Coveney is an executive leader with over 30 years of Sales, Operations, Marketing and Client Management, in the Consumer Product Industry as well as Advertising Agency world. Her current role is Vice President, National Retail Sales at The Coca-Cola Company where she is responsible for a $200M revenue center and a U.S. based sales team. As the lead of the Center of Excellence for Foodservice in Retail, Elizabeth and her team are responsible for the marketing, sales, and product innovation for all dispensed beverages in the large store, convenience retail, military and club channels. Liz is a Mom, daughter, sister, wife, an exercise enthusiast, an avid learner, voracious reader, process improver, and diet Coke addict!

Today’s Maven is Rita Mitjan, she is an award-winning senior executive with a diverse background in strategy, marketing, finance and human resources. Most recently she served as Chief Diversity & Corporate Social Responsibility Officer for ADP. Under her leadership, ADP achieved significant increases in women and minorities in executive leadership including a top 3 industry ranking for diversity, published the company’s first Corporate Social Responsibility Annual Report and improving the company’s standing with sustainability rating agencies. In her current practice, Rita consults to public and private organizations on culture, employee engagement, sustainability, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion strategies. She is also a leadership and life coach enabling clients to reach peak performance. Named a Top Executive in Diversity by Black Enterprise® in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, Rita also holds an MBA from Harvard University and a BS from St. John's University. Consulting Website: https://www.bizgurullc.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rmitjans/

“There is no passion to be found playing small — in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living.” Inspiring words spoken by civil right leaders Nelson Mandela. Our maven on this episode of Making the Maven articulates just that; stop calling it a sacrifice, start believing it’s an investment in yourself. Join me and Laura Tynan, international visibility and wealth business coach as she shares how she leveraged a decade of global financial advisory by shifting it into a business of supporting purpose led entrepreneurs to grow their profitable, purpose led business. Despite excelling in her decade long career, Laura chose to pursue her passion and not to confirm to societal norms, even if that means a complete restart. Laura's Website: https://linktr.ee/LauraTynanConsulting Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauratynan?originalSubdomain=uk

A few years ago I came across an interesting article discussing a collection of sayings that are often misinterpreted. One in particular caught my eye, “Jack of all trades, master of none.” When referred to in a professional arena, this saying becomes highly debatable. On one hand, an expanded skill set is job security - on the other, it may indicate a serial job hopper. My personal outlook – it’s up for debate! As a golf professional and up and coming stand-up comic Rob Churchill got his start with both, very early in life. After he withdrew from college to pursue a golf career - it was nearly a decade of ‘jobs’ that provided critical and transferable skills, mastering these paved the path to achieving professional status in 2004. Rob is no stranger to professional versatility and is very well equipped to lend his perspective on this episode’s topic; The Ultimate Life Hack. Follow Rob: https://www.instagram.com/rocgolf/

Some people claim luck is the intersection of preparation and opportunity? But, for those willing to sacrifice it all in pursuit of professional passion, does betting on luck pay off? Featured on ESPN, Card Player Magazine, Pocket Fives Magazine and The Mental Game with Jared Tendler, this episode features Ryan Eriquezzo. As a 4x WSOP Ring Winner, Ryan is living proof that risk can pay off. Making a drastic move to his professional trajectory in 2008, Ryan made a swift departure from UConn and risked it all to pursue his passion for poker. Despite the skeptics, Ryan has made it to the top, landing himself as a 2x World Series of Poker Bracelet winner and the only 2x WSOP Global Championship Winner - with millions in tournament earnings, Ryan continues to remain humble and a student of the game. Follow Ryan: https://www.facebook.com/ryan.eriquezzo Read More on ESPN: https://www.espn.com/poker/story/_/id/8184498/wsop-2012-ryan-eriquezzo-wins-2012-wsop-national-championship Episode Advertiser: Stich + Heart: www.stitchandheart.com

Mentors can be a remarkable asset. When you actually take the time to develop a strong mentorship relationship, you have access to a wealth of knowledge and experience. If you’re fortunate enough you gain a lifelong colleague - there truly are no downsides. Making the Maven is the epitome of virtual mentorship – it’s how individuals who have excelled in their respected careers can bring value to yours. Whether you’re fresh out of college or just shy of retirement, there are always others who have “been there and have done that.” Jennifer Ravalli, seasoned mentor and marketing executive lays out the blueprint for an efficient mentorship relationship and enlightens maven nation on today’s topic; The perfect match. Strengthen your work game with a mentor. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferravalli Stich + Heart: www.stitchandheart.com

As young professionals we are fueled with incentive - motivated to learn, eager for the next promotion and excited by new challenging experiences. This path however, is always non-linear. There are sidesteps, peaks, pits, pivots and in most cases redirects, add the false realities social media contributes and this leaves so many feeling career defeat. Here’s the truth, the real and raw snapshots are those years in between, many of us go through it, but few are willing to share the stories that landed them on the other side. Featured on Fox’s Good Day LA, in Women's Health Magazine, The Associate Press and more, we talk to entrepreneur, Marni Chaikin who has embraced the art of career navigation. She shares her incredibly personal and private pivots, but remains grateful for each of those experiences. Today she has transformed those lessons into helping others at scale. Marni’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marnir1/ Advertiser: Stich + Heart www.stitchandheart.com

Choice in general is overwhelming but over-choice has led many of us to ‘analysis paralysis,’ and often irrational behavior and decision making. On this episode we chat with VP and Chief Behavioral Economist at ADP, Jordan Birnbaum. Jordan packs the episode with brilliant analogies and relatable anecdotes unveiling why our behavior deviates from rational action when making decisions, the reason is rooted far deeper than we think. His ability to spice up economics is genius! He imparts his wisdom on by leaving listeners with 5 Maven Must haves, which are yours for the taking! Jordan has been featured in publications such as HR Dive, EBN, Accounting Today, HR daily Advisor, Forbes and most recently Thrive Global with his viral piece on ‘What a load of Cognition.’ Jordan graduated from Cornell University with a BS, Policy Analysis, and from NYU with an MA in Industrial/ Organizational Psychology. He was founder of The Vanguard in LA and made his mark in the dot.com boom as a founding employee at Juno Online Services. Jordan Birnbaum’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordan-birnbaum-1071344/

Making the Maven supports every industry, because variety is the spice of life. This episode is all things Hollywood! Today we tap into the highly sought after entertainment industry with playwright/screenwriter Chaya Doswell and Makeup Artist Alexandra Brock. While it’s easy to get lost in the allure and glam of Hollywood today’s guest level set the persistence and ambition it takes to reach success, master networking but remain true to your craft and vision. These 2 remarkable women and equally talented creators provide 6 ‘Maven Must haves’ sunsetting our discussion - you don’t want to miss! Alexandra Brock’s Website: https://www.alexandrabrock.com/

On this episode of Making the Maven I chat with Henry Kaminski. Coined by the notable moniker thebranddr, Henry’s business is all things brand. With each client, he takes a specific three step approach; First, ‘diagnosing’ and discovering the client, next he strategizes their brand evolution and finally Henry and team ‘perform the play.’ By his own admittance this modern day brand savant wasn’t always as grateful and effective as today however, he credits self- development, client intuition and industry pulse for landing him clients like Jon Bon Jovi, Brandon Copeland and Fabio Vivani. Tune in to hear our chat and close out with powerful ‘Maven Must Haves’ to accelerate your brand with purpose and integrity. More about Henry: www.uniquedesignz.net/brandstrategy Podcast: Itunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/brand-doctor-podcast/id1263945262 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2GpEClVkTIYiUVQZnJKSDR?si=YRS8S-3ZQ1GhX-jqIWWhSw

On this inaugural episode of Making the Maven we kick it off with entrepreneur, operator and advisor to startups and small businesses, Becca McCarthy. Becca and I discuss the highly coveted fundamentals for crafting high performance teams in a new age ‘virtual environment,’ leveraging modern management. We touch upon the parallels of athlete mentality and preparedness, and the crucial attributes sought by so many successful leaders. With more than 15 years of experience on growth, personnel development and financial operating strategy, Becca brings a powerhouse performance along with an enviable level of composure and advice for maven nation. Tune in to hear, current SVP of personal training at Forme Life, Becca McCarthy delivers 5 prolific ‘Maven Must Haves’ to close out our very first episode of Making the Maven! Learn more about Becca: https://formelife.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/becca-mccarthy-88b4b33/

Making the Maven is the virtual mentorship you’ve been craving, delivered by industry experts on top of their game. Tune in weekly as our host, Lauren Friedrich, dives deep with these inspiring ‘mavens’ about trending, innovative and traditional topics; capping off each episode with prolific ‘Maven Must Haves’ for the taking! Trust me, it’s the swift kick in the ass you need to accelerate your development, career and business.