Top of the Pile

In this episode, I sit down with Gary Strauss, a seasoned digital sales professional whose impressive career has spanned groundbreaking moments in the media industry. Gary was a key player in the pioneering days of digital advertising as part of the initial outside sales team at DoubleClick, a company whose acquisition by Google in 2008 was pivotal to shaping the tech giant's dominance in the ad tech space. Gary's career highlights include being part of two companies that went public and contributing to successful acquisitions, one of which culminated in a sale to Epic Games—the creators of Fortnite. Most recently, he led Business Development at Kidoodle TV, a free, kid-safe streaming service featuring premium content such as Dude Perfect.Throughout our conversation, Gary shares invaluable insights on building a fulfilling and impactful career in sales. He underscores the importance of preparation, persistence, and adaptability in the face of challenges, offering practical advice for navigating the professional landscape. Key takeaways include: • Sales as a career path: It's not just about selling a product but solving problems and building trust. Likeability and strong client relationships are the cornerstone of success. • Entrepreneurial spirit in sales: Sales professionals often run their own “mini-business” within larger organizations, making it an ideal path for those with a knack for innovation and initiative. • Career strategies: Take jobs for the education, not just the paycheck. Understand the company culture, and choose environments that nurture talent and align with your goals. • Giving back:  Gary shares his involvement with the amazing Tom Deierlein Foundation. To learn more, click here TDFoundation.orgWhether you're exploring sales as a career or looking for inspiration on how to grow professionally, Gary's story and advice will leave you motivated and ready to tackle your goals!LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, I'm thrilled to welcome Brian Lawler, a Senior Sales Manager, Amazon Ads with an impressive career in the advertising industry. Brian has held senior roles at top companies, including LinkedIn, AOL, DoubleClick, and News Corp, and has spent over seven years at Amazon. Known for his exceptional sales skills and leadership qualities, Brian is highly respected by customers and colleagues alike.A proud graduate of Providence College with a degree in Marketing, Brian is passionate about developing and mentoring emerging talent. In our conversation, he shares his personal work experiences and learnings that listeners can apply to their own careers, including:Interview Preparation: Learn how to align with a company's mission and values, and prepare for behavioral interviews using the STARR method to articulate your story and impact (plus, learn what the extra "R" is for!)Continuous Learning: Discover the importance of understanding the deeper purpose of your role and how to expand your skill set, while adopting the "raising the bar" mentality and embracing feedback as a gift.The Magic Loop: Brian explains this concept developed by Ethan Evans, emphasizing the importance of performing your job well, supporting your manager's success, and aligning your contributions with your career goals.Amazon Leadership Principles: Gain insights into key principles established by Jeff Bezos, including the importance of speed, curiosity, grit, and earning trust, and how these can influence your career trajectory.Whether you're looking to enhance your interview skills or navigate your career path, this episode with Brian Lawler is packed with practical advice and inspiration. Tune in to learn from one of the best in the business!Links to amazing books mentioned in this episode:Radical Candor by Kim Scott (and here Kim breaks it down on YouTube)LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Meet Teddy Fuller, Account Executive with Oracle NetSuite. Teddy is a 2021 graduate of the University of Denver and has spent the past 2.5+ years selling for NetSuite. Teddy shares his experience breaking into a top tech sales team. Hear about the undergrad courses and skills he developed that helped him get his first role as a BDR (Business Development Representative) and make the jump to an AE role.  Learn about the interview process and the day-to-day of a BDR and AE. Plus, other career path options to take the BDR experience.  This episode is chock full of career advice and direction for anyone interested in tech and/or sales. LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Join me and my talented intern, Christina Klinoff (BC '24), as we co-host this exciting episode that brings together sports entrepreneurship, mentorship, and college athletics.This episode is perfect for a variety of listeners:Are you an aspiring college athlete or a current college athlete?Are you an aspiring entrepreneur?Are you interested in sports, NIL, and/or AI?Are you interested in being motivated by super bright, hard-working, D1 athletes?Yes to any of the above Q's? Then this is the episode for you!  Hear how Sean Woods and Ryan Hetrick met and co-founded CGM Sports or Chasing Greatness Mentorship - a platform that provides advice and mentorship to aspiring college athletes, helping them navigate club teams, prep schools, and the whole college recruiting process. Through entrepreneurship programs at both MIT and Harvard Business School, Ryan and Sean launched CGM and began their entrepreneurial journey.  Learn how Ryan and Sean found their Northstar and how their military backgrounds equipped them with the grit and discipline to stay focused on their shared vision. Additional links and information from this episode:MIT: Martin Trust Center for EntrepreneurshipBuilding an Entrepreneurial Venture (aka "GSD") - MIT Sloane biz school entrepreneurship accelerator, project-based course - getting an idea to marketHarvard Innovation Labs - Summer Accelerator programSean's HBS professors mentioned: Mark Roberge's book: The Sales Acceleration Formula: Using Data, Technology, and Inbound Selling to go from $0 to $100 MillionLou Shipley, Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business SchoolLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Communication: The "Swiss Army Knife" majorCheck out my conversation with Christine Caswell, Director, Internships & Career Readiness at Boston College.  Christine guides 800+ Comm majors as they navigate getting an internship and their first "real" job.  Hear about Christine's journey as a broadcast journalist - where she started out and the grit and determination that led to her award-winning success!  A few of the many highlights from our conversation:Learn about the many career paths Comm majors can pursueWhat skills will you develop as a Comm major and how to use them professionallyWhen and Where to find internships? When will positions open up for me to apply?The importance of finding an organization that aligns with your goalsLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Your credit score is your adult GPA!In part two of my conversation with Ann Garcia, Certified Financial Planner, we focus on helping young professionals understand some simple ways to set themselves up for financial success.  Ann shares many easy steps to make the most out of the money you're making today while also beginning to build a safety net for the many expenses at different stages of our lives.  Topics covered include understanding your credit score, managing credit cards, taking advantage of 401K and other investments, setting a budget, and more!This is a quick hit of info - about 15 minutes of amazing and useful tips and advice!Show notes:I Will Teach You To Be Rich (Ramit Sethi) - Book on personal finance for 20-35 year oldsRound up your purchases for easy saving: Acorn's Investing XYPN - Fee-only financial planning and adviceAnn Garcia's book How to Pay for College: A complete financial plan for funding your child's educationLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Want to balance living your best life today and financial security tomorrow?Check out my conversation with Ann Garcia, also known as The College Financial Lady to find out how it is possible.  Ann is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and managing partner of Independent Progressive Advisors, a financial advisory firm based in Portland, Oregon.  Ann got her nickname of The College Financial Lady by specializing in college financial planning - she's helped thousands of families save a ton of money on college. Ann has been featured in the New York Times, US News & World Report, CNN Money, and many other publications and she recently wrote the book How to Pay for College: A complete financial plan for funding your child's education. This is a double dip episode - learn about Ann's path to becoming a CFP and top tips on saving for your child's education!Don't miss PART TWO of my conversation with Ann where she'll give a great "financial planning 101" for young professionals - releasing next week!Show notes and links:Ann's book How to Pay for College: A complete financial plan for funding your child's educationAnn's website Howtopayforcollege.comFAFSA (Federal Student Aid application website)Student Aid estimator tool - use this to see if you might qualify for aidNet Price Calculator - Find this on college websites to get a sense of how much that school will costCollegedata.com  and College Navigator - Check out these websites to see data on the percentage of students that need aid and the percentage that was metLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Join me as we dive into the fashion industry when I speak with the mother-daughter dynamic duo, Alison Bruhn and Delia Folk, co-founders of The Style That Binds Us, a next-gen media company focused on style and fashion. Hear about each of their unconventional entrees into the world of fashion and the relationships and skills they developed. Delia shares how she got her first opportunity with an internship at Versace and her first role upon graduation at Barneys New York on the buying team.  After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology, Alison became a national style and image consultant.  Alison and Delia talk about what helped them become successful in the competitive fashion world and how their media company The Style That Binds Us is connecting their shared love of fashion and culture with their audience.Don't miss this episode if you're looking to work in the fashion industry  - or, just love fashion and style!Additional Show Notes and Links:Click here to DOWNLOAD the Core Wardrobe ChecklistA few retailers to check out when building your core wardrobe:J. CrewM.M. LaFleur Ralph LaurenAnn TaylorPoshmarkArticle on the science behind dressing and how we're perceived and how we perform:  Research Shows That the Clothes You Wear AcLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Show up. Be curious. Show you're hardworking.If you're interested in a career in advertising or media but also might love a tech sell - this is the episode for you.  Today we're switching gears over to the digital media and advertising technology space.  My guest is Lauren Benedict,  SVP, Enterprise Sales at MNTN, the leading connected TV performance advertising platform.   Lauren is a recognized and award-winning ad sales leader whose career has included leadership roles at NBC Universal, Hulu, and Disney Media & Entertainment.  Hear about Lauren's early career pivot and how she was able to lean into her ability to build relationships and thrive in a team culture. Lauren gives a great overview of what MNTN does and the advertising technology that enables advertisers to reach consumers while they stream content.  Lauren shares some great career advice including this mantra to always strive for: Show up. Be curious. Show you're hardworking.A few key notes and links from this episode:"Readers are Leaders" - Lauren credits her past boss Peter Naylor with sharing this quote, originally made famous by Harry S. Truman: "Not all readers are leaders but all leaders are readers."  So up your reading game! She Runs It - NYC-based organization paving the way for more women to lead at every level of marketing, media and tech.  Membership includes access to extensive networking, cutting-edge content, mentoring programs, education loan relief, career development, and more.Chief - the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leadersSXSW 2023 - South by Southwest celebrates the convergence of tech, film, music, education, and culture.LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Interested in commercial real estate, investment banking - or both? Check out my conversation with David Genovese, CEO of Baywater Properties. David's stellar career includes senior leadership roles with Credit Suisse First Boston and Bankers Trust Company.  Learn about David's career path and the early pivot he had to make. Plus, David shares an overview of the commercial real estate landscape, what the main entry points are, what skills are needed, and how to set yourself up for success. Enjoy the listen!Hosted by Karen Elders of Launch Career StrategiesLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Attention! Double-dip - two career paths in one episode! Learn about a career path in the insurance industry AND as a Human Resources professional (or People Team, Talent Management, Human Capital - so many names today!)  This episode's guest is Colin Haupt, SVP, Employee Engagement & Experience for Pure Insurance.  Understand the many aspects of an HR career and what the Engagement & Experience team does. Plus, you'll hear why a career path in insurance is the perfect place to utilize analytical and communication skills, the main entry points, and skills needed to succeed in both areas. Enjoy the listen!Check out the Pure Insurance careers pageLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Check out my conversation with Kallie Hapgood, Managing Director, Investor Relations with Gridiron Capital. Gridiron is a private equity firm that partners with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams across consumer, B2B and B2C companies. Hear how Kallie started her career in finance and made the shift to investor relations. Kallie shares incredible advice about being a liberal arts undergrad, the importance of networking, and how she navigated her career in finance and ultimately landed her dream job role at Gridiron.LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

In this episode, we hear from James Marciano, Founder of Tuck Advisors, an investment bank that focuses on mergers and acquisition advisory for smaller companies and startups with a focus on the education and health and wellness space.  James earned his undergrad degree from Harvard College and went on to complete an MBA from Dartmouth's Tuck School of Business. Surprisingly, James found himself lacking career direction during his undergrad and upon graduation considered joining the Army.  James' career path has included management consulting, founding and selling digital/tech start-ups, and opening his own investment bank and advisory firm.  Listen in for advice on the many paths in and around investment banking - not just through one of the big, more well-known banks. James also shares his insider tips on how to learn about investment banking before applying for an internship or full-time role.Additional Notes and Links:IB101.com - Tuck Advisors developed an online platform and course to teach students about investment banking, specifically the M&A sell-side process.  Learn the basics of how an investment bank works and what is expected of an analyst. Industry Recruiting Cycles by Industry (Washington University)LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

It was the Spring of 2020 and Haley Georgen was stuck home like the rest of us.  Haley decided to combine her love of photography and cheese to create That Cheese Princess, a company that makes unique charcuterie boards for small to large gatherings in the Providence/New England area. Learn how Haley put the marketing knowledge she learned in the classroom to work in real life.  Haley shares her path of experiences including the classes, clubs, and internships that have helped her grow a marketing mindset.   Launch Career Strategies intern Megan Stenberg joins the conversation!A few links from our conversation to help you learn more!Companies where Haley interned:Idea Village is the owner of many amazing brands including Flawless and Copper Fit.Vaya Life swimwear and clothingNantucket Island MarketingOnline resources for learning:Hubspot CertificationGoogle Digital Garage - learn digital skills in digital marketing, career development, data and techA great book that inspired Haley: That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life, Marissa MullenLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Listen in to hear how undergrad Roland Afzelius turned his love of the water into a business (Oyster Bay Water Sports) and an amazing learning experience.  This episode has tons of great advice on entrepreneurism, being a computer science major, and how to learn by doing!  Hear what it's like to run a small business and learn about entrepreneurism from the many sides - inventor, finance, funding, marketing, customer service and more.  Roland's experience launching OBWS and understanding how a small business is run will help him in any career path he chooses.You may not be the inventor but if you love the excitement and energy around a start up - listen in for ideas, maybe look at marketing or finance or operations or the customer service side of a start up!  Hear about the many ways Roland has educated himself on possible career paths including Tech Track.  Related episode links:Info on Oyster Bay Water Sports (OBWS)Article on OBWSBC's Tech Track class - see if your university has something similar or ask that they create one!LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Kevin McCordic had just started his senior season on the Providence College Men's Lacrosse team when bad luck literally hit him square in the jaw.  Hear how his time on the sidelines helped him grow as a student, athlete, and human being.  And as a result, authored his first book: Wired Shut, 21 Unspoken Keys to College In this episode, Kevin shares tons of his incredible advice - everything from how to pick the best classes and balance your time so you can excel in the classroom and still have time for friends - to rules on how to best manage social life and extracurriculars. Plus, incredible tips on managing your health and money.   Wired Shut is packed with useful tips and advice for undergrads and recent grads and teaches through real-life hacks and proven advice.  You can have it all - listen in to find out how!As a bonus, hear about Kevin's pivot from a management consulting career path to a startup in Crypto. This is an episode not to be missed!Show notes and links from this episode:Kevin's book Wired Shut, 21 Unspoken Keys to CollegeThe 4-Hour Workweek, Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere and join the New Rich by Tim FerrissA great book that Kevin read to learn about the Pareto principle = 80/20 RuleRateMyProfessor.com  Find the best professors to maximize your time and learningBlinkist.com  Audio reading to help you read more in less timeAtomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones - book LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

How a positive attitude and strong networking lands you the job...twice!Key Career topics include: Networking before, during, and after job experiences | The hidden job market |  "Creative" NetworkingMackenzie Coughlin had recently graduated from Providence College and secured her dream job at LinkedIn when COVID-19 derailed those career plans.  Mackenzie was less than a year into her new job when she became part of a large layoff at LinkedIn.  Mackenzie shares how she got the job at LinkedIn - spoiler alert: she didn't intern there during her junior summer!  Hear about what she did do in her summers (and as an undergrad) and how she leveraged those experiences to get into one of the most coveted sales programs in the tech industry.  Her first two years out of college have not been a straight path but that's what makes her story so interesting and so very much worth the listen! Links mentioned in this episode:Mackenzie's LinkedIn profileVidyardLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Switching gears to Investment Banking as I chat with Eric Stein, Global Chairman of Investment Banking for JPMorgan.  Eric has had a tremendously successful career at JPMorgan but his initial path wasn't the typical IB path.  Listen in to hear his message around work ethic and passion for the finance space. Plus, he shares advice on how to prepare for the investment banking summer analyst interview process.Some links references in this episodeA few platforms to help prepare for the IB summer analyst interview process:Training the StreetBreaking into the StreetInformation on tech platforms used during the interview process:PymetricsHireVueCNBC article about JPM's use of tech platforms during the hiring processLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Career Topics: Networking | Growth areas in the media & content spaces | Getting your resume past ATS | Organizing your job searchToday's guest is Bucky Keady, an extremely well-respected HR and talent management leader in the media and publishing industry.Bucky spent 15 years as Associate Director of HR at Conde Nast - home to Vogue, Vanity Fair, Wired, Architectural Digest and more - she led recruiting, employee relations, career coaching, as well as guiding the strategic vision and decision making around bringing in top talent.Bucky then spent 18 years as SVP of Talent and Learning & Development for Time Inc. - another home to big brands including Time, People, and InStyle. Most recently Bucky was SVP of Executive Search for MediaLink and for the past year Bucky has been leading her own Talent and Culture coaching/consultancy.Bucky brings her incredible depth of experience and wisdom around career development to Top of the pile this week.  Great advice for any career level! LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Fast Facts: Bomb that interview?Not feeling like you put your best foot forward?We've all been there.  That pit in your stomach after finishing an interview and thinking "Jeez, I really screwed that up".   Here are some thoughts around how to try and repair the damage and how to avoid it in the first place.LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Today's guest is John Osborn, CEO at OMD Worldwide, an award-winning global media agency that works with top household brands including Pepsi, Apple, McDonald's, NFL, and FedEx to name a few.This episode is packed full of interestingand useful information about the current advertising/media landscape and the different paths that you can take in the industry.  There's a pathway for just about every undergrad major.  You'll hear how OMD navigated the past year as an organization and the unique and fun ways they've kept the lines of communication open with their employees. Plus, John shares the interview question he always asks and the skills he looks for in new hires. And - a special insider bonus that you won't want to miss!Advertising Industry trades to learn and keep up to date on the industry.  Some also have learning/courses on advertising topics:Ad Age AdWeekMediapostIABMarketing BrewLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Unemployed or looking for your first job? Or an undergrad looking for a summer internship? Here are some quick tips to help you use your time wisely.  Don't get stuck in the black hole of job portals.  Ask yourself: Am I doing enough networking?  Who can be a mentor in my career search? Can I be a mentor or sounding board to someone else who is in the job hunt? Sometimes helping others ends up helping ourselves!Find a free online course to upskill - Data and Tech | Digital Marketing | Career Development (Public Speaking is a great skill to focus on)Free courses on Google Digital GarageLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Career Path: Tech SalesMissed our recent career chat on CLUBHOUSE?  Download this episode today!  Today's guest is Ken Grohe, President & CRO at Weka, the leading next-gen data storage firm. Ken is an epic storyteller and shares some of his best stories - how he broke into sales and what it takes to find continued success while selling and leading sales teams. Ken brings over three decades of tremendous sales success in the SaaS and storage industry. Ken possesses a rare dedication and passion for winning that is based on a customer-centric perspective. In addition to his roles at major tech companies, Ken is an advisor and board member for numerous up-and-coming Silicon Valley companies.Following are some show notes and links mentioned in this episode:Check out Ken's company Weka.io For a little motivation, check out the Steve Harvey "Jump" videoTom Hopkin's sales techniquesHow to Master the Art of Selling, Tom Hopkins - National BestsellerClose more deals with  The Feel-Felt-Found methodLearn the health benefits of Vital Proteins LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

60% of candidates say they've been ghosted during their job searchThis week's Fast Facts Five is a quick (5 minutes) listen on tips and advice on what to do if you're being ghosted during your job search.  Follow us on our social media and let us know if yoy've been ghosted.  We're also giving some tips to make sure you're not ghosting an employer - it can happen both ways.Follow us for career advice and jump in the conversation on our social media:Top of the Pile/Launch Career Strategies Instagram, Facebook and LinkedInLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Interested in Private Equity?Don't miss my convo with Brian Ramsay, President at private equity firm Littlejohn and Company.  Brian talks about the skillset needed to succeed in private equity and how that set of skills evolves as you progress.  But the best part of this episode might be Brian's advice on networking.  It centers around something he learned in an economics class during his first year of college. This could be the key that unlocks the most powerful connections in your life.  Check it out!If you're interested in learning more about the research behind the power of weak ties, here are some articles:   Why your 'weak tie' friendships may mean more than you think (BBC) The Strength of Weak Ties (Stanford)Weak ties matter (Techcrunch) Why Every Employee Should be Building Weak Ties at WorkRecent book Brian enjoyed:The Midnight Library, Addie LaRueLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

This week's Top of the Pile is a fast facts episode where I'm giving you all of the most important tips and tricks to crank up your networking!  Shoot us a note if there's something that didn't get covered or you just have more questions about your career search process! Go to launchcareerstrategies.com and CONTACT US today!SUBSCRIBE to Top of the Pile so you don't miss an episode!LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Just get your first move down.  My guest Jane Holt has a front-row seat to the struggles - and the successes - that undergrads and new grads go through as they figure out their career path.  As former Director of Northwestern University's Waldron Student-Alumni Connections Program, Jane has seen first hand what employers are looking for and the important skills needed to succeed in this job market. Listen in for some real advice and inspiration - especially if you're still figuring things out.And find out what the "airport test" is.....

Interested in Digital Media or Advertising?Check out my conversation with James Saho, Senior Account Manager at Pandora, a leading music streaming service.Hear how James' networking success came from a very unexpected place and led to internships at SiriusXM and the Howard Stern Show.  Ultimately, James landed himself at Pandora - this time through a part-time gig.  It's all very exciting to hear!Extra Career Search Tips:Know the acronyms of the industry you're interviewing with. Google is your friend when you're preparing for an interview. You don't have to know exactly what they all mean but being familiar and letting your interviewer see that you've done your homework may be the difference in making it to the next round.Find "experience patterns” - look at career paths on LinkedIn of people who have been successful in the industries, companies, and/or roles that you aspire to……maybe even just see where they've interned to get ideas for your own internship.  As promised in this episode, a few things to follow up and share: Learn about top Amazon author McGarvey Black and how she followed her passion for writing.  Full Sail University - Degrees in entertainment, media, arts and tech.Interesting stat regarding Volunteer Time Off (VTO) or Employer-Sponsored Volunteerism (ESV) – According to a 2019 study, 26% of companies offer paid time off for volunteering.LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Looking for a career path in a high growth area?  Check out my conversation with Ned Horneffer, VP, Strategic Partnerships at PositivEnergy, a dedicated clean energy asset marketplace. Whether you're interested in finance and investment, research, operations, sales, or engineering, learn how young professionals are launching successful careers in the booming renewable energy/cleantech space.  Hear how Ned carved his path and the advice he gives for those considering this growing sector.Relevant links from our conversation:Ned's undergrad alma mater St. Andrew's, ScotlandThe Mongol Rally All you ADVENTURE SEEKING people out there - Check out the amazing bio-fuel road race across Mongolia that Ned did a few years ago! Ned is currently VP, Strategic Partnerships at PositivEnergyCheck out Young Professionals in EnergyYoung Professionals in Energy (YPE) is a non-profit organization, a forum for networking and career development. YPE aims to facilitate the advancement of young professionals in the global energy industry. A few interesting startups Ned mentions: DandelionSealed HomeRenewable Energy Industry Terms:What is ESG?  Environmental Social and Governance investmentForbes Article on ESGWhat is EPC Engineering, Procurement and ConstructionLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Thinking about a career in finance? This week you'll hear how a liberal arts undergrad degree nurtured curiosity and an analytical mind.  Get some amazing insights from this week's guest Jennifer Foster, Co-Chief Investment Officer at global investment management firm Chilton Investments.  Jennifer credits her liberal arts undergrad degree with her ability to think analytically.  This along with her natural curiosity to learn has supported Jennifer in her 23 years of success on Wall Street.  A few top tips and links to share:Be well-read = be interesting in interviewsA few great book recommendations from Jennifer:Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the creator of Nike, Phil KnightThe Lemonade Stand: What every entrepreneur should know to succeed in starting and running any businessA good bio on Warren Buffet, here are a few suggestions:Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist, by Roger LowensteinThe Snowball: Warren Buffett and the Business of Life, by Alice SchroederDip your toe in an area that might be of interest. Accounting is a great class to check out for a career in finance.  A few online options: Coursera: Accounting Fundamentals coursesFor young women, if you're looking for a support or mentoring group, this seems worthy to check out:Financial Alliance for WomenNeed help figuring out your career path? or with your resume, LinkedIn or interview skills? Connect with Launch Career Strategies today!LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Thinking about Digital Media Sales?Check out my conversation with Bailey Spalding, Account Executive on the Pandora sales team.  Hear about Bailey's path from college intern to entry level sales planner to successful seller.A few links related to this episode:Check out these great notebooks and make taking notes at work a lot more fun and interesting. Check out these notebooks to put a little style into your note taking…. Want a little attitude in your notebook? Funny and awkward notebooks…Best Notebooks of 2021 according to New York magazine's The StrategistIn case you don't subscribe, check out Pandora here: Pandora Courses to up your Excel and Powerpoint skills:Excel online courseAdvanced Excel coursePowerpoint online course      LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

In the amount of time it takes to watch an episode ofFRIENDS or THE OFFICE,get the financial advice that every young professional needs to hear.This week's guest Jacquette Timmons has been featured on SiriusXM, "Good Morning America," Oprah.com, CNN, HLN, FOX, Black Enterprise, NPR, Reuters.com, and The Wall Street Journal.Jacquette is a financial behaviorist, author, podcast host, and the President/CEO of Sterling Investment Management. When she's not providing behavioral-based financial coaching, she's traveling the country for speaking engagements on behalf of Fortune 100 companies, AM Law 200 firms, nationally known non-profits, and conferences to talk about the intersection of emotions and money. THE pep talk everyone wishes they had in their twenties. Sterling Investment Management Jacquette Timmons, Financial BehavioristLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Happy New Year from Top of the Pile! We're sharing 5 easy things to do for your career (and just you) to start the new year off on the right foot!  If you're an undergrad, new grad, or somewhere else in your career journey - listen in - these tips can help anyone! Links to check out from this episode! Journey - Journal app  - Daily motivation and journaling appGoal Setting PlannersGreat Reads (fiction)All The Light We Cannot See (Doerr)American Dirt (Cummins)Great Reads (Career, Young Professionals)The Defining Decade: Why your twenties matter and how to make the best of them (Joy)The Rocket Years: How your twenties launch the rest of your life (Segran)I Graduated...Now What? (Dupree)LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Zeke Hughes lost his job in March just after COVID hit.  He immediately saw a choice before him: be negative and feel sorry for himself or pull himself up and take charge of his path. He chose the latter and followed his natural inclination to help others. Simply put, he chose to be progressive, not regressive.  Key Topics Covered in this Episode:Keeping a positive mindset: You get what you giveCompany Culture: the importance of and how to find itNetworking now for the futureDon't love your job? Want to switch departments or leave?The "hidden job market" and finding jobs that aren't posted on job boardsIf you're feeling down about your job search or just looking for some inspiration, listen to my conversation with Zeke.  Zeke defines the power of empathy and perseverance.LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Jenny Bealle was just a senior in high school when she landed a two-month shadow/internship opportunity at Facebook.  She capitalized on that opportunity with multiple summer internship experiences and upon college graduation, a full-time role in Facebook's Austin offices.  Hear how Jenny's strong work ethic and ability to develop relationships set her up for a positive career trajectory of learning and development. Plus, how she responded when her path took a turn in an unexpected direction! Tons of great career advice and inspiration from Jenny and a super interesting look into what it's like to work at Facebook.  Hosted by Karen Elders of Launch Career StrategiesFollowing are a few notes and links to check out from my conversation with Jenny.Read:  Lean In: Women, Work and the Will to Lead, Sheryl SandbergLearning: Facebook Blueprint online learning is an e-learning platform that offers free, self-paced courses on Facebook and Instagram advertising. Another e-learning resource to check out is Google Digital Garage learning platform. Google Digital Garage is a non-profit nationwide program from Google delivering free digital skills training via an online learning platform. Skills: Looking to learn or up your Powerpoint know-how? Check out Microsoft Powerpoint trainingNeed some help with your resume, cover letters or overall job search?  Give Launch Career Stratettgies a call. We offer a free initial conversation. Check out Launch Career Strategies website for more information and to schedule a chat!LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Kwani Lunis is the Social Media Manager for NBC10 Boston. Listen in to find out how Kwani used her networking skills to get amazing internships in the media space including  WEEI, NESN, and CBS News/CBS Sports, and ultimately a full-time role at NBC.   She asked questions, worked hard and wasn't afraid to make mistakes.  Kwani's career story is a great inspiration to get involved in the world around you and take charge of your career path.  One of the many highlights of our conversation is Kwani's story about discovering your goals and creating a career roadmap. LAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook

Chris Russo was a new grad working in the PR field when the COVID pandemic hit.  What did he do? He quit his job to refocus his career goals and decide where he wanted to take his professional path.   Listen to Chris' story of self-reliance and how his mindset of "just create"  led him to develop the BC Media Alumni Network group.  Chris shares stories around his career path in PR, marketing, social media, and production and TONS of great career advice along the way!Some great links to check out from the episode:Boston College Media Alumni Network Facebook groupTerry Trespicio, TEDx Talk "Stop searching for your passion" Russo Strategic PartnersLAUNCH Career Strategies was founded by Karen Elders and Elyse Spalding. We help young professionals launch a successful career path with expert coaching services. Reach out today for an initial FREE coaching session.LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook