UCYP: Uphill Conversations Young Professionals

In this episode of UCYP, Megan and Tim have an Uphill Conversation with Katie Leckenbusch on her career and journey in the arts. From college to arts to corporate and back again, there is extreme value in engaging with the arts. Show Notes:  Katie’s current role in the Greenville arts community and her advocacy for the arts in general Katie’s journey from environmental science to theatre How non-profit + theatre skills can transfer well to traditional occupations Working in the arts, you are dealing with deadlines, differing personalities and learning how to work effectively as a team How realizing the waste involved in event marketing impacted Katie Overall Katie wants her career to create a “net positive” Striving for success vs. significance Skills assessment testing and how Katie’s father’s vocation impacted her life and career journey Realizing that there are always compromises in life Value in putting on theatre that is thought-provoking, impactful and that creates conversation Warehouse Theatre Forums provide a panel of experts on the topic that the show is dealing with and that is relevant Local and Regional Theatre vs. Broadway + Nationally-Renowned productions Arts as an economic driver in communities Challenges + benefits of the phenomenal arts community in Greenville Guest Bio: Katie Leckenbusch is a native South Dakotan who fell in love with the true “South” and put down roots with her husband, Matt, and two fantastic kids. After working with corporate clients on event marketing platforms, and many performing arts and cultural organizations in the area she completed a Master in Arts Administration from Winthrop University. Over the past 6 seasons with The Warehouse Theatre has had the honor to celebrate the theatre’s 40th anniversary, the creation of the Harriet Wyche Endowment, and participation in Leadership Greenville (Class 41), while fostering lasting relationships with Warehouse donors, patrons, and partners. As, potentially, the only fundraiser in the area who can also weld, she still loves to assist backstage. Connect with Katie: Website: www.warehousetheatre.com Email: katie@warehousetheatre.com Resources:  Clemson University University of Minnesota The Children’s Museum of the Upstate God’s Country, Steven Dietz Clybourne Park, Bruce Norris Jonathan Parker Episode 65 INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 19: YP Perspective – Finding Value + Vocation in the Arts appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

In this episode of UCYP, Tim and Megan have an Uphill Conversation with Tyler Harris on his early journey of self discovery, strength in vulnerability + waging war on personal change. Show Notes: Putting value out into the world via social media Mentors can breathe life back into you “Just an ordinary guy trying to do extraordinary things by putting in the extra work” Your life can be turned upside down in an instant Emotional and mental impact of finding yourself alone – no distractions, no noise Taking ownership rather than playing the victim in your own life What if instead of focusing on accolades + things we focused on being an exceptional human beings? Why Tyler is building something with no expectation of financial gain Adversity + transformation vs. transaction Desire to help others experience difficult life challenges sooner Difference between motivation (external) + inspiration (internal) Comeback of vulnerability and recognizing it as a strength: “The rise of the real” Tendency to compare ourselves and our successes and struggles to others and placing higher value on greater struggles Tyler’s mentality of running from negativity Need to evaluate the things + people you allow into your life Instead of focusing on passion, ask: “Are you chasing hustle or are you chasing your gifts?” Make a decision on how you are going to choose to live today Tyler’s advice to YPs: have patience + stop trying to play catch up Guest Bio: In the last 3 years, Tyler Harris has gone from unemployed to $700k/year by waging war on personal change.  In that same time, he got married, had his first child, and started a church.  He is the National Coordinator of a life insurance company that serves our nation’s heroes- First Responders.  A year ago, Tyler began documenting his life on social media as a way to “pay it forward” and provide value with zero expectation of anything in return.  in 12 months, he has taken his social media presence from zero to a weekly reach of 50million people.  Tyler spends 200+ nights one the road each year, but enjoys living in downtown Greenville, SC. Check Tim + Megan out on Tyler’s vlog “The Daily Bread” episode #11. Connect with Tyler Facebook: tylerharrispage Instagram: @tylerharrispage Facebook: motivationkings Instagram: @motivationkings Facebook: saleswolvespodcast iTunes: sales-wolves-podcast Resources Jonathan Parker Episode UCYP 14 – What Type of Vocal Art are you Creating? Greg Centineo Uphill Conversations Episode 62 – Living a Life by Design Mask of Masculinity, Lewis Howes Eric Thomas – “ET, The Hip Hop Preacher” INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission):...

In this episode of UCYP, Tim + Megan have an Uphill Conversation with two young professional attorneys, George Campbell and Jordan Teague, who are not your typical counselors, advisors and advocates. Hear how they left behind the big firms to build something of their own. Show Notes: Benefit of having real word, practical business experience in the legal field “Not every legal problem has a legal solution” Value of having very different but complementary skill sets Recognizing gaps in the market led to starting their own firm Importance of being able to communicate and facilitate so that people from different backgrounds and with different skills can understand one another Use someone else’s underestimation of you to your advantage Misconceptions and fears around engaging an attorney Misconception that attorneys are going to nickel-and-dime you Best way to build a law practice is to gain your clients trust Changing value propositions to be based more on knowledge and expertise than on production or hours Not ideal to be in a situation where you are having to convince a client that your services are valuable Importance of pursuing understanding of the value that different professionals offer, especially those outside of your area of expertise Common pitfalls for YPs and businesses starting out Value of creating strong relationships with others George believes an attorney’s greatest calling is to be a counselor, advisor and an advocate – to make the world a better place, specifically in the area of truth Guest Bios: Jordan Teague Jordan received her B.A., magna cum laude, in Mathematics-Economics from Furman University, and her J.D. from Vanderbilt University. Jordan began her legal career at Burr & Forman in Birmingham, Alabama, serving Fortune 500 clients in the financial services industry.  She has experience in civil litigation and regulatory compliance.  She also has a passion for merging her understanding of law and technology to help her clients become more effective and efficient.  Jordan is a member in good standing of the Alabama Bar.Full bio here George Campbell George was born in Greenville, South Carolina and found a passion for the Law at an early age.  He earned a degree in Spanish from Furman University, and obtained his law degree from the University of Georgia School of Law, where he was the inaugural Blackstock Scholar and the Chairman of the Moot Court Executive Board. Full bio here Connect with George and Jordan: Website: campbellteague.com Jordan LinkedIn: in/jordanteague/ Jordan Twitter: @jordanteague Jordan Instagram: @jordanteague George LinkedIn: in/gacjr/ George Instagram: @gacjr1 George Twitter: @gacjr1 Resources: The Focus Planner, Michael Hyatt UCYP Episode #9 – Nicole Cendrowski

On the episode of UCYP, Mary Willson joins Megan + Tim for a conversation on the changing landscape of media + journalism, elevating the community voice and hard work. Show Notes Innovation in digital media news through content curation: personalized media made for the busy person Need for media to be collaborative, to elevate the community voice through creating conversation Importance of media being unbiased and objective The changing landscape of media + journalism Still great value in longform journalism in print + digital media, including podcasts Opinion pieces in media to start a conversation towards change Finding balance in differing generational approaches to journalism Accessibility to resources is so much greater now, but there are still “analog” skills and experiences that add incredible value Challenge of not losing oneself (identity + individuality) in an overly-connected world +culture of consumption Many younger YPs have never known true boredom due to easy accessibility to technology – i.e. social media, smart phones, etc. Maintaining quality listening in a rapid-fire, sound-byte world When you contribute, lead with quality + authenticity, not ego Be intentional as you build your personal brand on social Know your passion and put in the necessary hard work to align your career and purpose Discovering your identity, setting goals, staying humble and mentoring others Guest Bio – Mary Willson was on the founding team of GVLtoday, and has served as a producer and engagement editor. She’s launching AVLtoday in February 2018, and is excited to bring innovative media to Asheville. She moved to Greenville in April 2016 after graduating from Colorado State University in 2015 with a degree in communication studies and sociology. Before moving, she worked as a digital producer for the Fort Collins Coloradoan (part of the USAtoday network), working with social media strategy and multimedia projects. Before that, she worked as a freelance music writer, hosted a radio show, and interned at a local NPR station, an alt. weekly, and a handful of non-profits. She is in Leadership Greenville class of 44 and volunteers at Greenville Literacy Association. Mary Willson’s Uphill Words of Wisdom Connect with Mary LinkedIn –/in/marywillson/ Website – AVLToday Facebook – Facebook.com/mary.diane.5 Twitter – @mary_willson Instagram – @mar_willson Resources GVLToday Longform INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 16: YP Perspective – The Changing Landscape of Media + Journalism appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

Megan and Tim have an Uphill Conversation on dreams – why people have trouble identifying their dreams and determine if the dream you’re pursuing is truly your own. Show Notes:  4 reasons people why people have trouble identifying their dreams Comfort can be something that stops us from pursuing our dreams Having courage and confidence to go after your dream When someone else owns your dream v. you owning your dream It can be difficult to realize that you aren’t where you’re meant to be; to change direction and to do it without fear “Whatever you think, be sure it is what you think; whatever you want, be sure that it is what you want; whatever you feel, be sure that it is what you feel.” – T.S. Eliot Steps to take ownership of your dreams: Be willing to bet on yourself Lead your life instead of accepting your life Love what you do and do what you love Don’t compare yourself or your dream to others Believe in your vision for the future even when others don’t understand you You need to make the right decisions and manage those decisions Begin with the end in mind, be intentional Allow yourself to shift Just because you can do something, or that you’re good at something, doesn’t mean that it’s what your ultimately meant to do You need both talent and passion to truly achieve your potential “I can’t give you my passion, but I can show it to you.” What someone else thinks about you is none of your business If you need to daily talk others into your dream, it might be an indication that this relationship isn’t meant to be No matter your age, you can still make the changes necessary to pursue your dream Resources: UCYP Jonathan Parker Episode #14 Put Your Dream to the Test, John C. Maxwell INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 15: UCYP – Whose Dream Is It? appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

Listen as we discuss vocal art and the power of our words in this great conversation with Jonathan Parker. He believes there is artwork in curiosity, asking great questions, listening and sharing. Show Notes: We are all artists + conversations are our artwork What would happen, how could we change the world, if we took our words more seriously? Curiosity is the canvas of all of our artwork We must define what we believe about ourselves and stay accountable to those beliefs. Our lives are filled with others telling us what we believe – we end up being “counterfeit artists.” We are not defined by our work. The work exists because of us. Self-reflection can be scary. One must grow in self-awareness: seek to understand why they do the things they do You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with – are these the right people? Prescribed authenticity versus true authenticity Everyone desires the opportunity to communicate + the respect to be heard (no matter your age, gender, race or heritage) Important for YPs to create margin (space + time) to discover what they truly want, what they believe, not what you were raised to want and believe. Social media is a powerful tool but gives a false impression of connection and conversation Need to shift from actively responding to actively listening Millennials grow up being told what they should be, then come to a point where they are lost – they’ve never stopped to think what they WANT to be, themselves No conversation is a throwaway – people remember you based on every individual interaction Don’t miss the opportunity to refine your art, to constantly improve Guest Bio: Jonathan Parker is a creative thought-leader and influencer who has a captivating story about why the Art of the Conversation became important to him. Originally from New England, Jonathan did not speak until almost five years old; and then became an adult who is known for engaging conversations and powerful public speaking. His own journey led him to research and value the incredible power of intentional conversations resulting in a compelling training around this topic that he takes to businesses and nonprofit organizations with great success. Connect with Jonathan: LinkedIn: jonathanrparker Facebook: @artoftheconversation Twitter: @createvocalart ‏ Email: artoftheconversation@gmail.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n94qN28vHKE&t=26s Instagram: @hymnsandhops Facebook: @hymnsandhops Website:  gospelontap.com Resources: Fellowship Greenville Diversity & Inclusion Summit INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill...

Matthew Rollins joins us for an Uphill Conversation on his journey from playing the game of baseball to his current life as an entrepreneur and underdog in a very established industry. Show Notes: Matthew’s journey from athlete to entrepreneur At some point the game will tell you “it’s enough” Intentionality and time it takes to discover your passion Evaluating opportunities and choosing the path your life will take Anchor Bat Company’s focus on quality and design Story behind the meaning of “Anchor” in the company name “We’ll make a bat for anyone, but we’re not for everyone.” Bravery and grit it takes to follow your heart instead of your ego – and to stick with it when times are tough Learning the ins and outs of a very specific industry with strong, established competitors Power in owning your decisions + your circumstance Underdogs and self-belief Joys and challenges of working with family What it feels like to see your product in action Unexpected ways your product can positively impact the lives of others Your life will be tough, but it’s all worth it – so keep fighting Connect with Matthew: Website: anchorbatco.com Facebook: facebook.com/anchorbatco/ Twitter: @anchorbatco Instagram: @anchorbatco Guest Bio – Matthew Rollins was a four-year starter for North Greenville University, playing centerfield and hitting leadoff the majority of his college career. After his time at NGU, he had the rare opportunity to play professionally. Though the majors never came calling, Matthew’s love for the game couldn’t deter his involvement in athletics somehow, some way. His work experience includes time with a performance research facility where he trained hundreds of professional and Division I athletes, members of U.S. Special Forces and first responders. But as the company and Matthew’s responsibilities grew, he found himself missing the baseball community, and understood a comeback was inevitable. Resources: John Smoltz Darren Holmes Nolan Ryan Rudy (Notre Dame) INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 13: YP Perspective – Underdogs + Making it to the “Bigs” appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

William Timmons joins us for an Uphill Conversation on his journey as a prosecutor, entrepreneur, and South Carolina State Senator. At 33 years of age, he is committed to fixing what’s broken in Columbia, SC. Show Notes: William’s entrepreneurial endeavors: Swamp Rabbit Crossfit + Soul Yoga William’s journey to become a Senator at 32 years old Frustrated by inaction in the Senate, William decided to run for office to try and fix it – “Everything I do in my life, I go all in.” Shocked by the ineffectiveness of the legislation in South Carolina Desire to discuss issues that are most important and relevant – those that affect to peoples’ lives Issues in Washington can impact peoples’ lives – freedom and safety Problem is that the loudest voices are heard and often repeated Need to stop thinking in terms of right and left, but need to think about how we move the country forward Benefits of having a self-funded campaign – ability to do what he thinks is the right thing without conflict of interest Surprising moments in his first year as Senator: how people have forgotten the difference between right and wrong Stay grounded by remembering why you’re doing what you’re doing and that it’s for the right reasons Make better use of your time by creating processes that streamline your life – proximity Remember to slow down and be intentional in how you live your life Connect with William:  Website: votetimmons.com Business website: www.timmonsllc.com Email: WilliamTimmons@SCSenate.gov Soul Yoga: SoulYogaStudio.com Swamp Rabbit Cross Fit: SwampRabbitCrossFit.com Guest Bio – William Timmons is a Republican State Senator who works as an attorney and entrepreneur in Greenville. William previously served as a prosecutor in the 13th Circuit Solicitor’s office. He currently owns and operates Swamp Rabbit CrossFit, Soul Yoga, and Timmons & Company. While in the Senate, William focuses his time on economic development, ethics reform, and term limits. Learn more at votetimmons.com.  INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 12: YP Perspective – Politics + Working Towards Change appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

Chris Cloud joins us for a conversation on how he made a significant change – moving to Nepal in his early 30s – to serve others and shift the trajectory of his life. In his journey, he not only discovered his purpose, but also met his life partner and so much more. Show Notes:  Chris’s journey from tech to business development to non-profit service What motivated Chris to move back to his birthplace of Nepal Mentoring youth through fitness and getting active How colliding events in your life can shift your perspective on what’s truly important Life is a juggling act – some balls are rubber, some are glass Utilizing a coach to set yourself up for success and stay accountable Building community and fellowship If you go with an open heart and mind to serve, it’s amazing what opens up for you Being pushed, stretched and needed can lead you to realize previously undiscovered strengths The problem with abundance of options – especially for millennials Importance of being decisive and strong in your decisions “Nobody ever built anything who was afraid to make decisions and stick with those. A decision you make today, doesn’t mean you are locked in forever.” Only decision makers can call on other others to make decisions Wealth means so much more than money – start with the end in mind and work backwards. Difference between your vocation/calling versus your job/career Guest Bio: Chris Cloud is an entrepreneur who has been living and running a non-profit with his wife in Nepal over the past few years. He is passionate about helping companies and individuals identify their perceived growth ceiling, and punch through that ceiling. He is co-founder of a startup in Greenville, SC, which is building a dashboard for management teams to set up and run more effective leadership team meetings. He holds a degree in business administration, but counts his 12+ years of starting or serving in a series of fast-growing startups as his real entrepreneurial education! On a good day, you’ll find Chris running up a mountain or snowboarding down one. You can connect with him here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ccloud/ Resources:  ACTA Nepal  The Jesus Guy Documentary  F3 Men’s Group / FiA Women’s Group Alan Bunn How Will You Measure Your Life, Clayton M. Christensen INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 11: YP Perspective – Serving Others to Discover Yourself appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

In this episode of UCYP, Tim and Megan discuss emotional intelligence (EQ), what it means to be emotionally strong, and how to expand emotional capacity. Show Notes:  EQ and responding v. reacting Tips on how to deal with conflict and challenges using EQ Emotional capacity is your ability to manage your emotions Your relationships with others may determine your level of comfort, intensity and tendency to be reactionary A person’s need for control can be an impediment to growing in EQ Emotionally strong people: Are proactive in dealing with their emotions Do not waste time feeling sorry for themselves Do not allow others to control their relationships Do not waste energy on things they cannot control You can’t moan and lead at the same time Focus on the things you can control: attitude, time, priorities, passion, potential, calling Reactive v. Creative – it’s important to think differently in how we approach challenges and conflict The importance for young professionals to build emotional intelligence, strength and their emotional capacity Resources:  7 Brilliant Things Emotionally Intelligent People Do When Their Buttons Are Pushed, Inc. Magazine Camille Preston, Uphill Conversations Episode 57 Dr. Henry Cloud Eric Greitens, Resilience The Value of Conflict, Uphill Strategies Blog INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 10: Develop Your Emotional Strength + Capacity appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

An entrepreneur, marketer, coach, and brewery co-founder Nicole Cendrowski joins us for a fabulous conversation on dreams and taking advantage of opportunities. Show Notes: Nicole’s journey from college to brewing beer The beer brewing landscape in the Southeast Being open to what life brings your way Remember that what’s right for you may not be right for someone else Being okay with going against the advice of others Don’t let your age or gender affect decisions to pursue something new Facing your fears head on and being brave Develop yourself through education to build wisdom Fewer barriers to entry with rise of technology and access Importance of not only envisioning you dream, but also taking the next steps and moving ideas into action – you’ve got to work for it Create habits that you don’t want to break Don’t lose the joy in your journey Fun contest / giveaway with Fireforge once they are open! Nicole’s advice to the next generation, to someone starting out: “Be very careful who you share your dream … stay positive and just go for it. If you’re waiting for an endorsement or stamp of approval, you’re not going to get it.” Guest Bio – By day, Nicole helps industry leaders formulate impactful marketing, sales, and client care strategies through one-on-one coaching, training and consulting. 
She’s also the director of engagement for A-LINE Interactive, a work-hard, play-hard web development and digital marketing firm that works with fun companies and non-profit organizations across the Carolinas. By night, Nicole is the co-founder of Fireforge Crafted Beer, a brewery-in-planning in Greenville, SC. Fireforge exists to give people a place that ignites their spirit of adventure and exploration. Connect with Nicole: LinkedIn Fireforge Crafted Beer Resources / References: Brooke Bristow – Bristow Beverage Law Shama Hyder, Uphill Conversations Podcast Episode 43 Uphill Strategies: Follow us on Facebook to be notified of upcoming training courses on Testing Your Dream INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 9: YP Perspective – Know Yourself, Be Open + Discover Your Dreams appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

Young professional Yasha Patel joins us for an Uphill Conversation on her move from public defender to entrepreneur. How her drive and work ethic helped her vision become a reality. Show Notes:  Yasha’s journey from public defender to renovating and opening a new event space in Greenville, SC Importance of investing back into one’s community Courage, bravery and self-belief Pride and finding fuel in your heritage and upbringing Be open to learn and be inspired by others’ stories Utilizing mentors and asking powerful questions Entrepreneurship as a Young Professional Working towards balance at work and at home Lessons learned and advice for YPs Guest Bio: From her work as a public defender to her role as owner and operator of The Rutherford event venue, Yasha has always thrived on a fast-paced environment, a strong work ethic, and a commitment to exemplary client service. She earned her undergraduate degree from Georgia State University and her law degree at Florida A & M. She practiced law in South Carolina and then served as a public defender for 3 years representing all types of cases from juvenile cases to serious felony cases.  In 2016, Yasha’s entrepreneurial spirit inspired her to change course and renovate an old building, creating a new venue space in an area of Greenville that is historically under-served. Her vision is to be on the forefront of an urban revitalization project in a part of the city that hasn’t yet seen such a transformation by growing The Rutherford into one of Greenville’s premier event venues and catalyze growth in the area by inspiring other entrepreneurs to open up businesses in this same area. Connect with Yasha:  Website: therutherfordgreenville.com  Facebook: facebook.com/therutherfordgvl/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/yasha-patel-99206313/ Instagram: @TheRutherfordGVL References: Article on 23andMe INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 8: YP Perspective – Willingness to Change Direction and Chart a New Course appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

Young Professionals Harold Hughes and Ben Moore join us for an Uphill Conversation on startup culture, collaboration and co-work space. Show Notes: Helicopter parents in the workplace Building and protecting community Taking ideas to execution – risk, evidence, confidence Establish credibility by sharing your idea and build your tribe “It makes more sense to lose my shirt today than my house tomorrow” Know your goals and drive towards them: be flexible, but keep your eyes on your “North Star” (your focus and mission) Misconceptions on startup culture Supporting innovation and the startup community in Greenville, SC Benefits and challenges of co-work space and finding your niche Importance of building both a diverse and inclusive co-work community Be prepared for obstacles, the unexpected, and the “dips” Predictability is overrated, learn from yours and others’ failures It’s limiting to think and live on “what-ifs”, you need to focus on “blooming where you’re planted” Value of perseverance and hard work Connect with Ben & Harold: tForm website Parmetric website BANDWAGON website BANDWAGON Twitter BANDWAGON Facebook The Collective at Society Hall Guest Bios:  Harold Hughes is the Founder & CEO of BANDWAGON – an online marketplace and fan community designed to improve the game day experience for sports fans everywhere. As a leader in the growing startup community in Greenville, South Carolina, he is the Co-Managing Director of Collective: a coworking space for small teams and entrepreneurs, Director of the Founder Institute Greenville chapter, and is a member of NEXT, and the Greenville Chamber of Commerce. Harold is actively involved in the community with ventures like, Rebuild Upstate, TEDx and Hands On Greenville. As a strong believer in mentorship, he makes time to speak with youth and his fellow peers about his journey to entrepreneurship and how he has found success along the way. Ben Moore is the Founder & CEO of tForm – an advanced manufacturing company for the packaging industry and Co-Founder & CEO of parmetric – a technology and manufacturing company built for designers and engineers.  Continuing his passion for engineering, design, and manufacturing Ben is actively involved and sits on the board for Technology Schools and Career Centers around the Upstate.  As a leader in the growing startup community in Greenville, South Carolina, he is the Co-Managing Director of Collective: a coworking space for small teams and entrepreneurs and Director of the Founder Institute Greenville chapter. Resources/Articles: Helicopter Parents in the Workplace, Lindsey Pollak UCYP Facebook Group UCYP Twitter: @TheUCYP UBJ Article on Harold and Ben The Founder Institute

Founders of DesignLi, Keith Shields and Joshua Tucker, join us for a conversation on agility and flexibility as young professional entrepreneurs and leaders. Show Notes: What led them to change directions from education to app development Value of strong relationship in launching and leading a business “Fair” is relative – life is what you make of it and everyone adds own individual perspectives and values Importance of constantly improving yourself and learning through failure Challenges of young entrepreneurs and leaders Evolution and shifts in starting a business Stereotypes around age in the digital industry and working across generations Knowledge and having confidence in your own abilities Consistency, Communication, Continuous Learning, Clarity and Community Connect with Keith & Josh:  Website: designli.co Facebook: facebook.com/designli Twitter: @designlico Guest Bios:  Joshua Tucker is a Partner and COO of Designli. Joshua is in charge of delivery and client success, working tirelessly to ensure designers, developers, and project managers deliver amazing products that create happy clients. He has worked on and supervised over 100 projects since co-founding Designli. Prior starting an app development company, Joshua co-founded Applits.com, winner of Inc.com’s Coolest College Startup of 2014. Joshua enjoys photography and fitness when he’s not at work. Keith Shields’ passion lies in creating digital experiences. Luckily, he’s able to do that full-time with Designli – where he helps clients empower digital relationships through the design and implementation of custom mobile software. Outside of work, Keith enjoys fitness, heading up the Ohio State University Alumni Association here in beautiful Greenville, and seeking out the latest and greatest sour beer. INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 6: YP Perspective – Agility, Flexibility and Looking Ahead appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

In this episode of UCYP we discuss how mentorship and mentor relationships are evolving in the modern era. We dive into the benefits, the challenges and the opportunities. Show Notes: The word “mentor” can sometimes be intimidating It’s important to be open, authentic and coachable Best mentor relationships happen organically Don’t let fear keep you from asking for initial connection Crossover between mentorship and leadership development Benefit of having multiple mentors – different mentors serve in different ways based on expertise, experience and life achievements Importance of setting relationship ground rules It’s ok to disagree with your mentor and make a contrary choice: know yourself, your values, trust your gut and do what’s best for you and your career If you’re not hearing “no”, you’re not doing enough – it’s ok to fail How to open the door for a mentor to become a coach as you grow Value of peer-to-peer mentor relationships Think of your mentors as an “career board of directors” and evaluate diversity in terms of age, sex, experience, race, etc. Remember that there is incredible diversity within generations Intentional communication to close the gap between + within generations Reverse mentorship / “mentoring up” Coaching vs. consulting and being willing to say you don’t know the answer Coaching is all about asking powerful questions Advice Jamie and Lindsey would offer to generations coming up: “Life shrinks or expands in preportion to your courage” “Take time to figure out who you are and magical things happen” Connect with Jamie & Lindsey: Lindsey LinkedIn Lindsey Twitter Lindsey Facebook  Jamie LinkedIn Guest Bios: Lindsey McMillion Stemann – Principal of McMillion Consulting, is a business consultant, speaker, writer, and trainer. She has worked with thousands of professionals and organizations on how to use LinkedIn as a business tool to drive revenue. After living in the Washington DC-Metro Area, she moved to Greenville in 2011 and is proud to be closer to her Clemson Tiger Alma Mater. She is co-leading a Navy SEAL initiative in Greenville through The Honor Foundation, a San Diego-based nonprofit. She is also a Leadership Greenville Class 42 graduate and is Curriculum Co-Chair of Leadership Greenville Class 43 and the incoming Class 44. Jamie Patterson – As the Director of Career Services and Student Experience for the Clemson MBA Program, Jamie Patterson focuses on the entire student experience including career services and professional development opportunities.  She runs the internship program for the MBA and teaches courses on Career Development and Business Communication. As a passionate career coach, Jamie takes great joy in watching the Clemson MBA students succeed, while also by helping her corporate connections find exceptional talent for their organizations. Jamie is the 2011 recipient of the Clemson University Board of Trustees Award for Staff Excellence. Jamie is an active member of the MBA Career Services and Employer Alliance, Greenville Society of Human Resource Management, South Carolina Association of Colleges and Employers, and the National Alzheimer’s Association Advocate Network.  She is a mentor for the Greenville Chamber’s...

In this episode of UCYP we have an insightful conversation with two young professionals on bridging the gap across generations in the workplace. Show Notes: Millennials value self-expression and individuality How YPs can create better self-awareness Best practices for authentic connection with diverse people Equity as central to leading across generations Difference between equality and equity Collaboration and intentional inclusion must be front of mind when leading and working across generations Importance of always reaching back to generations coming behind Collaboration is the mutual admission of weakness as well as the willingness and openness to learn from others Celebrate our differences and use it to our advantage Leaders must create environments where it’s ok to ask for help Unconscious Bias: uncovering and navigating our own biases and working with others’ biases Grace and patience is vital to working well with others How we frame our questions and word choice greatly impacts our work OK to stop, backtrack and ensure understanding Comfort of being with likeminded people vs. engaging with those who think differently than you Society’s generalizations and stereotypes can lead to us to resist connecting across generations Let’s celebrate and not just tolerate our differences Just because something is different, doesn’t mean it’s good or bad Start by accepting and celebrating your whole self Storytelling and sharing in the universal human experience Guests: Jed Dews – Jed Dews is the Associate Executive Director of Pendleton Place, a nonprofit agency dedicated to keeping children safe and supporting families in crisis through prevention, assessment, and intervention. Jed provides strategic support for day to day administration and operations of the organization’s innovative child and family services as well as oversight for its quality improvement and technology initiatives. Before discovering his passion for nonprofit child welfare, Jed worked as a high school language arts teacher, a project manager for prominent e-learning companies, and a freelance consultant for nonprofit accreditation seekers and foster care reform advocates. Jed relocated to Greenville in 2012 and fell in love with the Upstate community. He serves as an appointed Commissioner for the Greenville County Human Relations Commission, a leader of the performance excellence community for the Alliance for Strong Families and Communities, the Vice-Chair of Pulse Young Professionals, and a member of the Council on Accreditation’s working committee for data and technology standards. Jed provided strategic leadership of public-private partnerships as part of the recent Keeping Kids in Families campaign for federal child welfare finance reform. He holds undergraduate and graduate degrees in education and organizational leadership with graduate certifications in child advocacy, project management, and IT administration. Jessica Sharp – Jessica Sharp is the Interim Diversity Manager for Greenville Health System. In this role she works to implement a strategic plan that enhances the quality of services to Greenville Health System patients, improves the work life for system employees and enhances the learning environment within USC School of Medicine Greenville. Before working at GHS, she served as the Teen Achievers and Youth in Government State Program Director for the YMCA of Greenville.Jessica is dedicated to advancing the rights of our community’s women and youth. After earning a marketing degree from the University of South Carolina, she pursued her passion...

In Episode 3 of UCYP, we have an Uphill Conversation with Greenville, SC young professional Ashley Brown on the risks and rewards of entrepreneurship. Show Notes: Started out in Asheville post-college and had hard time finding a job Phenomenon of accidental entrepreneurship Greater awareness of perceived weaknesses and turning them to your advantage Challenges of being a young professional entrepreneur Importance of building a strong inner circle Desire for challenges to solve and solve quickly – pressure as privilege Taking risks to realize a dream, taking an idea into action Don’t overlook incredible amount of work that comes with launching a business Uphill Challenge in Ashley’s life has been shifting her personal priorities to align with her role as a business owner Sometimes you need to let go of relationships you’ve outgrown When you make decisions, you never know who’s watching Inspiration for starting GirlBossGreenville and its purpose Magic of bringing women together to share stories and support one another Don’t let your age, specifically your youth, be your barrier Ashley shares advice she’d give to YPs starting out Importance of making true connections and being present with others Connect with Ashley: Ashely Brown Strategy Website Ashley Brown Strategy Facebook Page Ashley’s Personal Facebook GirlBossGreenville Group Influences in Ashley’s life: Tim Justice Joe Erwin, Endeavor Hale’s Jewelers, Lucian Lee Sophia Amoruso, #GIRLBOSS About Ashley: 26 year old Greenville native Ashley Brown is founder of #GirlBossGreenville and owner of Ashley Brown Strategy. “I knew that I owed it to myself to at least try, “ She says in referring to the decision to go full-time into entrepreneurship. In the past year she has launched 2 LLC’s, 1 not for profit women’s group (GirlBossGreenville) and is launching her third business in July. Her favorite part of owning a business in Greenville has been onboarding her five employees and watching them grow. When Ashley isn’t working, she’s in the mountains or splashing in a stream. She’s happiest in the sunshine reading an old paperback novel and eating mac and cheese coated with Franks Hot Sauce. INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 3: Ashley Brown – YP Perspective on Entrepreneurship appeared first on Uphill Conversations.

In Part 2 of our first UCYP interview with three diverse Upstate South Carolina young professionals (YPs), we continue our discussion on overcoming stereotypes and changing the conversation around millennials in the workplace. Show Notes:  Vision and purpose should impact your decision making People building vs. empire building How can millennials change the narrative and stereotypes out there Lean into your fears and take risks; be bold enough to ask questions Lead by example and bring others along with you (mentorship) Even if your not the boss, anyone can lead from where they are YPs work ethic, strong values, high integrity and determination can be overlooked when people make erroneous assumptions Importance of seeking to understand the differences within and across generations Recommendations for other YPs: Ask questions, love one another, treat others with respect, have transparency and give grace/presume good intentions Knowing your aspirations is important in working towards your goals Leadership is influence Guests: Ramon Lugo-Nieves: As Principal of UniComm Media Group, Ramón provides the branding, strategic and marketing expertise to harness the power of a multicultural approach for his clients. Operating the first full-service Hispanic marketing, advertising and event management firm in South Carolina, Ramón is a recognized authority on multicultural marketing and brand communication. A Puerto Rican native, Ramón understands the importance of knowing the different cultures represented in our region and how effectively build strong and meaningful relationships to elevate brands. Learn more and connect with Ramon on LinkedIn Timicia Grant: Timicia is the current AmeriCorps VISTA for Rebuild Upstate. During this year of service she is focused on building capacity for the organization through agency partnerships, volunteer recruitment as well as volunteer training. Originally born in Brooklyn, NY she’s been a Greenville resident for the last 15 years. Timicia graduated from Greenville Technical College with honors, with an associate’s degree in Human Services. Her passion is to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for young professionals of Greenville, as well as advocate for those Greenville residents that are marginalized such as the homeless and low income family population. Learn more and connect with Timicia on LinkedIn. Jordan Trolinger: Jordan has been a Greenville native since graduating from Samford University in 2012 and is currently the Director of Creative Services for the Southern Conference. In this role, Jordan leads the league’s marketing and branding efforts, including graphic design, event management and digital strategy. She’s been a Pulse member for two years now and thoroughly enjoys her role as Co-Marketing Chair. Learn more and connect with Jordan on LinkedIn.  INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 2: YP Perspective Part 2 – We’re Not Millennials, We’re Individuals appeared first on Uphill...

In our very first UCYP podcast, we are joined by three Upstate young professionals (YPs) who all offer very diverse and valuable insights on the generation currently rising in the workplace. Show Notes: What drives each of these YPs in their personal and professional lives How culture and environment affect the workplace YP’s desire for purpose and meaning in their work How social media can distort reality and perception of our own accomplishments Using other’s success as a way to push us to do more Importance of receiving and embracing honest, direct feedback Value YPs can gain from having strong mentors Enhancing our culture through strategic work and embracing our differences Staying motivated through aligning passion and purpose and by having a growth mindset Guests: Ramon Lugo-Nieves: As Principal of UniComm Media Group, Ramón provides the branding, strategic and marketing expertise to harness the power of a multicultural approach for his clients. Operating the first full-service Hispanic marketing, advertising and event management firm in South Carolina, Ramón is a recognized authority on multicultural marketing and brand communication. A Puerto Rican native, Ramón understands the importance of knowing the different cultures represented in our region and how effectively build strong and meaningful relationships to elevate brands. Learn more and connect with Ramon on LinkedIn Timicia Grant: Timicia is the current AmeriCorps VISTA for Rebuild Upstate. During this year of service she is focused on building capacity for the organization through agency partnerships, volunteer recruitment as well as volunteer training. Originally born in Brooklyn, NY she’s been a Greenville resident for the last 15 years. Timicia graduated from Greenville Technical College with honors, with an associate’s degree in Human Services. Her passion is to create a more diverse and inclusive environment for young professionals of Greenville, as well as advocate for those Greenville residents that are marginalized such as the homeless and low income family population. Learn more and connect with Timicia on LinkedIn. Jordan Trolinger: Jordan has been a Greenville native since graduating from Samford University in 2012 and is currently the Director of Creative Services for the Southern Conference. In this role, Jordan leads the league’s marketing and branding efforts, including graphic design, event management and digital strategy. She’s been a Pulse member for two years now and thoroughly enjoys her role as Co-Marketing Chair. Learn more and connect with Jordan on LinkedIn.  INTRO AND OUTRO MUSIC (Used by permission): © 2017 UCYP Theme written and arranged by Luke Pecoraro all rights reserved. © 2017 UCYP (Uphill Conversations Young Professionals) (UCYP is an Uphill Strategies, LLC production) The post 1: YP Perspective – We’re Not Millennials, We’re Individuals appeared first on Uphill Conversations.