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In this episode of "Cocoon Conversations" on the Career Flipper podcast, I, Jenny Dempsey, take you along on my career journey. This year, I've committed to opening up about my own career flip, just as I encourage my guests to do. So here we are, in May 2025, and I can hardly believe it's been four months since I started my current day job. It feels surreal to say that, especially considering I was laid off for two years before this.During this time, I've been balancing my full-time job with furniture restoration on the side, dedicating Sundays to it, and squeezing in podcasting and all the related tasks whenever I can. If that sounds overwhelming, it is! Life can be a juggling act, and I know I'm not alone in feeling this way. Scheduling time with friends often feels like a game of Tetris, as we all navigate our busy lives.I've always been the type of person who thrives on variety. I'm the one multitasking—doing laundry while putting away dishes, preparing to record a podcast, creating social media content for my furniture flipping page, and making sure my dog, Dwight, gets outside for a potty break. My brain has always thrived on this mix of activities, and I've been like this for as long as I can remember.Looking back, I've come to realize something significant. For a long time, I believed that work—capital W work—was my identity. I thought it was the only thing I was good at. I didn't believe in taking vacations; if I did, I'd bring my laptop along and continue working. I even had a panic attack in front of a customer service team I was managing because I was so consumed by my job. I poured everything into my work, only to learn the hard way that companies would replace me in an instant. When I was laid off and struggled to find a new job for two years, I was left questioning my identity. Who was I if I wasn't working?I dive into this and more in the episode! Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In today's episode, we're talking with Alexia, a holistic canine nutritionist who made an unexpected career flip, thanks to her dog. Alexia started her journey deep in the world of academia and art in the sustainability sector, researching, writing, and painting. But then her dog (yes, her sweet pup, Lucky) flipped her whole life upside down in the best way possible.Now? She helps dogs thrive, feel better, eat better, and live longer—with a perfect blend of heart, soul, and science. It's the ultimate plot twist! We dive into how Alexia transitioned from thinking she was locked into a creative and academic career to discovering her true calling in canine wellness. She talks about embracing discomfort, leaning into the chaos, and the identity shift that comes with going from “I thought I'd be doing X forever” to “Wait, maybe I'm meant to help dogs heal instead?”We also get into how Alexia created Mystic Dog Mama, her podcast and community focused on holistic pet care and personal growth, all while leaning into the weirdness of following unexpected paths. Whether you're someone questioning everything or you're just looking for a little inspiration to follow those furry breadcrumbs in your own life, this episode is for you!Tune in for a real, raw, and inspiring conversation about career pivots, trusting the process, and following your passion (even when it leads to a totally different destination than you expected).Takeaways:It's okay to embrace discomfort and let it guide you to something new and unexpected.Career changes often require a full identity shift — from who you thought you were to who you're meant to be.Lean into the chaos, trust your gut, and follow the signs (even if they come with paws!).Community and personal growth go hand-in-hand when navigating big life changes.Following the breadcrumbs, even if they're furry, can lead to something beautiful and fulfilling!Connect with AlexiaCanine Nutrition and Wellness: https://mysticdogmama.com/Listen to the Mystic Dog Mama Podcast: https://mysticdogmama.com/podcastMystic Dog Mama Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mysticdogmama/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this episode of The Career Flipper Podcast, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Victoria Tara, a Ukrainian-born contemporary artist based in Miami with a story that's full of heart, bold choices, and beautiful color (literally and figuratively).Victoria shares her journey of flipping from a career in psychology and real estate and interior design to becoming a full-time artist. She opens up about the inspiration behind her vibrant paintings, how spirituality and meditation shape her creative process, and why trusting yourself — even when it doesn't make logical sense — is everything.She reminds us that every single experience in life, even the ones that feel totally off-track, adds to the story and can help guide us to our true calling. Plus, she gets real about making time for creativity when life is busy, and shares practical tips for artists (and aspiring artists) trying to juggle it all. Victoria's story is a powerful reminder that art reflects healing, growth, and self-trust. Her career flip is rooted in deep personal exploration — and her words will resonate with anyone standing at the edge of something new and uncertain.Episode TakeawaysHow art can reflect personal healing and transformationWhy trusting yourself is key when making bold career movesHow meditation can enhance creativity and self-awarenessThe beauty of pulling inspiration from life's toughest momentsPractical ways to make time for art, even with a packed scheduleThat balancing multiple careers is not only possible — it can be powerfulThe role of spirituality in creating meaningful workWhy art is often just a natural expression of who we are Connect with VictoriaArt: https://www.victoriatara.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoria.tara.art Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
Let's just say Megan Pawlak did not take the straight path to becoming a powerhouse HR consultant. She started out in food service, rolled through the corporate world, and eventually said, “Yeah... I think I'll start my own thing.”Now she runs Benandanti Consulting, helping early-stage startups grow without turning into soul-sucking corporate machines. She's a pro at finding the right people, saying the quiet parts out loud, and reminding companies that “professional” doesn't have to mean “emotionally detached robot.”In this episode, Megan and I get into:What it's really like to go solo and start consultingWhy owning your squiggly career path is a total flexHow leaders can stop the talent drain (hint: it starts with respect and ends with not being a jerk)The outdated workplace vibes we're leaving behind (bye, “leave it at the door”)Megan brings the heat, the honesty, and a whole lot of human. Let's flip the script on work — hit play!Connect with MeganLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-pawlak-57a975b8/Benandanti Consulting: https://www.benandanticonsulting.com/Offline and Unfiltered Podcast: https://www.offlineandunfilteredpod.com/Substack: https://humanfirstworkplace.substack.com/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
What if the best leaders aren't the ones who always have the answers, but the ones who know how to ask the right questions? Learn from the incredible Angela Pappas in this unforgettable episode of The Ripple Effect Podcast! This conversation will leave you rethinking everything you know about career growth, team building, and what real leadership looks like today. Angela's journey is anything but ordinary. From leading software developers in cold data centers to building high-performing teams at Tesla and Palo Alto Networks, she's seen firsthand how empathy, emotional intelligence (EQ), and vulnerability aren't just “soft skills.” They're the foundation of servant leadership, high-performing teams, and long-term success. Angela believes trust-based relationships empower people to embrace autonomy, find inspiration, and hold themselves accountable to deliver results. From diversity and inclusion to onboarding, leadership development, and performance management, Angela works to engage employees and leaders in learning, growing, and accelerating individual, team, and organizational performance. Angela has led technical training, cybersecurity training, and professional development teams at Thomson Reuters, Tesla, and Palo Alto Networks. She's thrilled about her current role at Lumen Technologies, using her learning and organization development skills to support the company's transformation to a next-generation tech company, redefining what's possible beyond telecom. Angela lives in Minnesota with her husband, daughter, and the dog that rules their home. She enjoys being in nature and speaks gratitude fluently. Introductions aside, this episode is packed with authentic stories, leadership strategies that actually work, and candid moments that will make you rethink your role as a leader. You'll hear how Angela helped launch talent initiatives in some of the world's top tech companies, turned setbacks into leadership superpowers, and why creating positive Ripples in your organization matters more than ever. Sometimes, all you need to do is admit that you can't possibly know everything, listen with curiosity, and use what you've learned to face challenges with a brave face. Make sure to listen until the end! Connect with Angela Pappas: linkedin.com/in/angelapappas-learndevelop Ripple with Steve Harper Instagram: http://instagram.com/rippleon Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rippleon X: https://twitter.com/rippleon Website: http://www.ripplecentral.com Be a Patron: https://www.patreon.com/SteveHarper Join our ever-growing community of Ripplers in The Pond: https://ripplecentral.com/pond #therippleeffect #leadership #organizationaldevelopment #talentdevelopment #companyculture #careergrowth #careeradvancement #learningjourney #learningvideos
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In this episode of the Career Flipper podcast, Jenny Dempsey chats with Brian Feretic about his journey from being a neuroscientist to becoming a resin artist and entrepreneur. Brian opens up about how he dealt with layoffs, found his passion for plants, and even started a social marketplace for plant lovers. He talks about the ups and downs of switching careers, the importance of taking a step back to reflect, and how he rediscovered his love for art. This episode is all about the power of following your passions and seeing career changes as chances to grow and find personal happiness.Episode TakeawaysA layoff can be the plot twist that leads you to your true passions.Community and connection are game-changers when navigating a career pivot.Lean into the unknown—creativity and self-reflection can unlock your next chapter.Connect with BrianInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/byunbaej/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this April 2025 "cocoon episode" of the Career Flipper podcast, host Jenny, gets real about her own story of jumping back into the corporate world after being laid off. She chats about how she juggles her day job with her creative side gigs and why giving yourself a second chance is so important. Jenny shares those little moments of joy she finds in her weekend projects and opens up about why she decided to add ads to the podcast to help with expenses. Her story is all about change, bouncing back, and figuring out how to handle career twists and turns. Jenny's here to remind us all to embrace our own paths and the magic of fresh starts. Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this episode of the Career Podcast, hosts Pierre Michaels and Rebecca Harrington dive into the essentials of career readiness. Pierre interviews Samuel Wilson, a College of DuPage graduate and tax consultant at Deloitte. Samuel shares his inspiring journey from high school electives to landing his dream job. The conversation includes the importance of networking, internships, and leveraging AI tools for resume building. Samuel's insights on transitioning from college to the workforce and finding your niche are invaluable for anyone looking to make their mark in their career. Before the interview, Rebecca kicks off the episode with a listener question on how to answer the daunting "Why should we hire you?" Interview question. She provides actionable tips to showcase your unique value. Tune in to hear Samuel's advice on embracing challenges, staying passionate, and making impactful connections. Plus, discover his favorite board game that combines strategy and fun! Please visit our website Send us YOUR Listener Questions at careerpodcast@cod.edu Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @codcareercenter
Welcome back to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast! In this episode, host Simone Morris sits down with technology executive Irina Dymarsky, a trailblazer known for leading complex, transformative initiatives and currently serving as the head of IT at Avixa. Irina opens up about her career journey—from a childhood ambition of becoming a business executive to navigating the zigzags of corporate life and embracing each new opportunity as a chance to grow. Together, Simone and Irina dive deep into what it really means to be in the driver's seat of your own career, sharing actionable insights on intentionality, the importance of having a North Star, building your "board of directors," and how to manifest your professional goals. Whether you're aiming for your next promotion or reimagining your path at the top, this episode offers strategies, real stories, and inspiration to help you own your journey and design your career for impact. Don't miss Irina's practical tips—from leveraging project management skills for personal growth to the magic of putting your ambitions out into the universe! Let's dive in! ✴️Episode TimeStamp: 00:00 Success: No One-Size-Fits-All Path 05:58 "CIO Journey Realization" 09:06 Evaluating Progress Toward Your Goals 13:12 Project Planning and Career Resilience 14:47 Career Planning and Promotion Tips 18:46 Continuous Growth and Good Deeds 23:13 "Range: AI's Limitations" 25:17 "Designing for Impact" ✴️Resources: 52 Tips for Owning Your Career Book by Simone E. Morris Leverage online resources: Social media, LinkedIn, podcasts Networking and asking peers for recommendations Continuous learning through books and connecting with industry peers (i.e., Podcast “Acquired,” book “Range”) ✴️Connect with our guest, Irina Dymarsky, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/irinadymarsky/. ✴️Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. ✴️To apply to be a guest or recommend guests for the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest. ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:
Tonya Cassidy has been a middle school teacher near Piedmont, North Carolina, for her whole career — and she loves her students. But on the side? She's been running Appaloosa Artisans, her furniture restoration business, creating seriously gorgeous pieces for her clients. And now, with retirement on the horizon, Tonya's getting ready to take her furniture business full-time — which is kind of wild considering how unexpected this whole path was. But if you've seen her work on Instagram, you'd swear this was always the plan.
In this episode of The Career Flipper podcast, host Jenny Dempsey sits down with Alex Ferro of Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He opens up about his career shift from corporate banking to real estate — and the personal journey that led him there. After his dad passed, Alex started questioning what success really meant to him. He realized that climbing the corporate ladder wasn't cutting it anymore — he wanted more freedom, more purpose, and a better balance in life.Alex shares how he navigated the leap into real estate, balancing gut instincts with smart, calculated decisions. He talks about the systems he put in place to stay grounded and how he learned to redefine success beyond just making money. This episode dives into the ups and downs of career transitions — the moments of doubt, the unexpected wins, and the resilience it takes to keep going.If you've ever thought about leaving behind a “stable” job to chase something more meaningful, this one's for you. Alex's story is a reminder that success isn't always about the paycheck — it's about building a life that feels right.Episode TakeawaysSwitching careers can be a real emotional rollercoaster.We've all been there, stuck in a job that just doesn't light us up.Going through personal loss can really shake up how we view our careers and what success means to us.It's crucial to learn from both the wins and the slip-ups along the way.Having a solid plan and system in place can really help you get that work-life balance we all crave.It's all about finding that sweet spot between being spontaneous and making smart choices when it comes to investing.Success isn't just about the money; it's also about feeling fulfilled and happy with what you do.Having the freedom to make lifestyle choices can make a huge difference in how satisfied you feel with your career.Don't be afraid to take risks and shake things up if it means following your passions.Sharing personal stories can really inspire others to make bold career moves and chase their dreams.Connect with AlexFerro Home Buyers: https://www.ferrohomebuyers.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ferrohomebuyers/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ferrohomebuyers/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ferrohomebuyers/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEs1Tsbo3gcC_HdvLkmUxIQ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this episode of the Career Flipper podcast, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Hannah Slack, from Sheffield, England. She is a freelance writer who made the leap from academia to marketing. Hannah, who holds a PhD in history, opens up about her journey of stepping away from academia because of mental health challenges and finding her groove in freelance writing. She talks about the early hurdles of freelancing, why patience is key, and how crucial it is to have a support network. The episode dives into themes of self-discovery, tackling self-doubt, and putting mental health first, offering some great insights for anyone thinking about switching up their career path.Connect with HannahLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-slack-phd/Freelance writing & portfolio: https://topdogwords.co.uk/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
Welcome to The Power of Owning Your Career Podcast This week, host Simone E. Morris shares her journey to help you take control of your career. She explores the transformative power of being in the "driver's seat" and shows how taking ownership—rather than remaining passive—can dramatically change your professional trajectory. Based on Season 14's experiences, Simone candidly discusses her early struggles, pivotal career moments, and lessons learned. She tackles common challenges like impostor syndrome and career setbacks while sharing the strategic decisions that shaped her entrepreneurial path. Simone also directly addresses listener questions, offering personalized advice to help you navigate your own career hurdles. Whether you're contemplating a career pivot, battling self-doubt, or seeking inspiration to pursue your dreams, this episode delivers practical insights and motivation. Please tune in to discover what it truly means to own your career and how to unlock your inner power to create the professional path you desire. Join Simone as she champions your journey toward career success. Episode Timestamp: 00:00 "Taking Charge of Your Career" 05:19 Embrace Continuous Learning Independently 09:43 "AI Interviews Host for Q&A" 10:57 Leaving Corporate America: A Tough Choice 16:53 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome with Reflection 19:19 Reframing Failure in Leadership 23:18 "Navigating Inclusion and Career Advice" 25:03 Rethinking a Wasted Degree 28:03 "Join the Career Talk" Connect with the show's host, Simone E. Morris, at https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonemorris/. To apply to be a guest on the show, visit bit.ly/pooycshowguest ✴️ Get More Support for Your Career:
Today on The Career Flipper, host Jenny Dempsey is chatting with Michael Mattson, whose career journey is a perfect example of how small, intentional shifts can lead to massive transformations. Michael started out as a mail carrier, delivering letters door to door—and yes, getting to pet all the dogs along the way! But beyond the friendly pups, he saw firsthand the importance of both customer and employee experience, which set him on a path of discovery and career growth.With a high-empathy mindset, Michael made small leaps that took him from the frontlines of the postal service into a corporate customer experience role, and eventually across the country to become the Manager of Customer Experience for a global organization. He now also serves on advisory boards for multiple CX organizations, helping shape the future of the field.In this episode, we dive into:The power of mentorship and why you shouldn't be afraid to lean on your networkWhy employee experience matters just as much as customer experienceThe importance of finding the right workplace culture for long-term happinessHow small, calculated risks can open unexpected doorsThe delicate balance between career ambitions and personal passions—and why Michael chose to keep photography as a creative outlet rather than a jobHow embracing vulnerability at work can strengthen professional relationshipsMichael's story is a reminder that career changes don't have to happen all at once—sometimes, it's the little shifts that add up to something big.Connect with Michael
In this episode, host Jenny Dempsey is sitting down with Carol Pearson from Bay City, Michigan—founder of 10 Little Rules, an independent publishing house. Carol's career journey has taken plenty of twists and turns. She started in corporate PR and marketing, moved into freelancing, and eventually built her own publishing business. But this conversation isn't just about career changes—it's about life changes, too. Carol opens up about navigating divorce, losing both of her parents, and how those experiences reshaped her perspective on gratitude, resilience, and finding meaningful work.We dive into the emotional side of career transitions—because let's be real, they're never just about work. Carol shares how storytelling became a tool for self-discovery, why aligning your career with your values matters, and how to take small, intentional steps toward the life you actually want.Episode TakeawaysCareer transitions are emotional and deeply personal.Storytelling can be a powerful tool for growth and reflection.Gratitude and resilience help us navigate life's toughest moments.Aligning your work with your values makes all the difference.Big life changes—like divorce and loss—can completely shift your perspective.Taking small, actionable steps is the key to pursuing your dreams.Acknowledging privilege and fostering empathy can shape career decisions.Staying open to unexpected opportunities can lead to amazing things.If you've ever found yourself at a crossroads, wondering what's next, this episode is for you. Let's get into it!Connect with CarolPurchase books from the 10 Little Rules collection: https://10littlerules.com/Use discount code “FLIPME” for 25% off your purchaseLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolpearson/Instagram: https://www.pinterest.com/10littlerules/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this episode of the Career Flipper podcast, our host Jenny Dempsey gets real about her journey back to full-time work after being laid off for two years. She opens up about the tough times she faced while applying for over 400 jobs and how each rejection hit hard, making her question her identity, which was so tied to her career. Jenny also talks about her adventures in flipping furniture and podcasting, highlighting how important it is to have the mental space to chase your passions. She sees her new job as a solid base that helps her keep dreaming big. Jenny's message to listeners? Embrace your unique career journey and lean on your community for support when you're going through changes. Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
Career success isn't about degrees, corner offices, or chasing dreams. It's about mastering valuable skills and seizing real opportunities. Before becoming a TV icon, Mike Rowe spent years jumping between industries, side hustles, and freelance gigs, working nearly 200 jobs. His willingness to embrace unconventional opportunities led to the creation of Dirty Jobs, one of Discovery Channel's biggest franchises. In this episode, Mike shatters career myths, reveals why skilled trades and overlooked industries are goldmines for entrepreneurs, and shares the mindset shifts needed to achieve financial freedom in today's job market. In this episode, Hala and Mike will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Building a Flexible Mindset for Career Growth (09:42) Pitching Dirty Jobs and Facing Rejection (17:28) Why Chasing Opportunities Beats Passion (27:55) The Six-Figure Trade Jobs People Ignore (34:16) Shifting America's View on Career Success (36:04) Debunking Trade Job Myths (41:24) Skilled Labor: The Future of Work (45:55) Entrepreneurs Building Wealth in Trades (54:27) How to Avoid Getting Stuck in Your Career (59:51) The Urgent Need to Prioritize Skilled Trades (01:07:06) How Pivoting Drives Business Growth Mike Rowe is an Emmy award-winning TV host, producer, narrator, and entrepreneur, best known for hosting Discovery Channel's Dirty Jobs. He is also the founder of the mikeroweWORKS Foundation, which has awarded millions in scholarships to students pursuing trade careers. As a bestselling author, podcaster, and America's top advocate for skilled trades, Mike challenges the stigma around blue-collar work and promotes skilled labor as a path to financial success. Sponsored By: Shopify - youngandprofiting.co/shopify OpenPhone: Streamline and scale your customer communications with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at openphone.com/profiting Airbnb - airbnb.com/host Indeed - indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - robinhood.com/gold Factor - factormeals.com/factorpodcast Rakuten - rakuten.com Microsoft Teams - aka.ms/profiting Resources Mentioned: Mike Rowe's Foundation: mikeroweworks.org Mike Rowe's Podcast, The Way I Heard It: https://apple.co/4bVOtLC About My Mother by Peggy Rowe: https://amzn.to/4c04L6h Vacuuming in the Nude by Peggy Rowe: https://amzn.to/4ksE1PT Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha/ Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala/ Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal Development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Productivity, Startup, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Professionals, Workplace, Career Podcast.
In this episode of the Career Flipper podcast, Jenny Dempsey chats with Julie Hanell, who's originally from Switzerland, lived all over and has had quite the diverse career path. Julie's done it all—from modeling to running a coffee shop in South Africa, starting a tech company aimed at empowering women, and working in talent acquisition. Nowadays, she's the head of growth at a global company and also co-hosts the She Hustles podcast, which is all about supporting female entrepreneurs. In this episode, they dive into how Julie has navigated her various career changes, how she makes big decisions, deals with imposter syndrome, and why she believes community and connection are key to growing both personally and professionally.Episode TakeawaysJulie's diverse career journey from modeling to entrepreneurship and talent acquisition.The significance of community and connection in personal and professional growth.The role of technology in maintaining relationships and facilitating communication.Decision-making processes and the impact of fear of regret on career choices.Overcoming imposter syndrome and building self-confidence in professional settings.The challenges of transitioning from entrepreneurship to corporate roles.The importance of support networks during career transitions.Balancing side hustles with full-time employment and managing time effectively.Insights on the entrepreneurial mindset and its application in corporate environments.The mission of the She Hustles podcast to empower and inspire female entrepreneurs.Connect with JulieFollow her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliehanell/Listen to She Hustles podcast: https://shehustles.my.canva.site/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
Have business questions? You're not alone! In this episode, I'm sharing the most essential business tips that will help you streamline, grow, and succeed. Top Business Tips Covered in This Episode: ✅ Solve a problem – The foundation of a successful business starts with identifying and addressing a real need. ✅ Focus on ONE product – Selling multiple things at once can be overwhelming. Start with one strong offer. ✅ Create quality content that captures interest – I'll share strategies on how to create content that truly engages your audience. ✅ Build an email list – Social media is great, but you need to bring your audience off the platform and into your own space. No matter what stage of business you're in, it's always a good idea to pause, evaluate, and ensure you're focusing your time and energy where it makes the biggest impact. Links & Resources Mentioned:
This is a bonus episode of Real Talks, and it's all about Perform. Perform isn't just a conference held by Dynatrace in LA every year—it's where innovation in observability & security, customers' success, and community come to light. I sit down with Michelle Vaughan, VP of Growth Marketing, to unpack her impressions and takeaways from this year's flagship event. You'll hear some stories about the software you use daily powered by Dynatrace (and you likely don't know about it). With 2,000+ in-person attendees, 25,000+ virtual, 50+ customer stories, and groundbreaking insights in AI, security, and observability, there's plenty to dive into. Tune in to hear what made Perform an unforgettable experience, from inspiring customer stories to hands-on learning—and yes, even the legendary Dynatrace socks. Enjoying the episode? Leave us a comment on Spotify or YouTube, or rate it on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Where to find us: Connect with Sue Quackenbush on LinkedIn Connect with Michelle Vaughan on LinkedIn Discover the opportunities at Dynatrace and take your career to the next level: careers.dynatrace.com
Changing careers isn't just about updating your resume—it's a big, emotional transition that can shake up your sense of identity, self-worth, and even how you move through the world. In this episode, career flipper host Jenny Dempsey sits down with Licensed Professional Counselor, Katie Asmus, founder and director of the Somatic Nature Therapy Institute headquartered in Boulder, CO, to dive into the rites of passage that come with career shifts, the power of listening to your inner voice, and why change can feel so complicated (but also so rewarding!).We talk about the grieving process that comes with leaving a job, listening to your body, and why it's so important to create space for reflection and self-discovery during big life transitions. If you're in the middle of a career flip (or thinking about one), this episode is packed with wisdom and practical advice to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.TakeawaysRites of passage are essential in navigating life changes.Work identity and self-worth are often deeply connected.Listening to your inner voice is crucial, but it's not always easy.Tune in for a real, honest conversation about the messy, meaningful journey of career change—and how to navigate it with more ease and self-trust.Connect with KatieSomatic Nature Therapy Institute: https://www.somaticnaturetherapy.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/somaticnaturetherapy/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/somatic-nature-therapy-institute/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCtm6bTVlnu_hurA-WBwYvFw Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
In this episode, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Annie Cole of Vancouver, WA, a financial coach who's no stranger to career flipping. Annie shares her journey from social work to education, then ed tech, and finally launching her own business focused on financial coaching for women. Along the way, she's learned the importance of self-care while making intentional career moves. She offers real, practical advice for anyone considering a career change or starting a business—like utilizing free resources, seeking mentorship, and taking it one step at a time. Annie also highlights how bridge jobs can provide financial security and breathing room while you figure out your next step. Whether you're thinking about flipping your own career or diving into entrepreneurship, this conversation is packed with insights on navigating change without being too hard on yourself.Key Takeaways:Career changes don't have to be all-or-nothing—you can transition gradually while keeping financial stability.Bridge jobs can be a smart way to stay financially secure while exploring your next career move.Networking and mentorship can open doors you didn't even know existed.Taking risks (and even making mistakes) is part of the process—what matters is learning and adjusting along the way. Connect with AnnieInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/build.wealth.with.annie/Coaching: https://www.money-essentials.com/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/money-essentials-for-women/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the best that could happen?
What does it mean to trailblaze? As we celebrate Women's History Month in March, we're going to be exploring what it means to trailblaze as a leader. When I think of women trailblazers, I think of Vernice "FlyGirl" Armour, America's first black female combat pilot. Her story is a reminder that breaking barriers isn't just about personal success—it's about creating pathways for others to follow. In today's episode, I discuss how you can step into your own authority, document your journey to help others, and build a support system that strengthens your leadership. To find out more about my work, please visit Dana Williams Consulting LinkedIn Instagram Email: hello@danawilliamsco.com The Strengths Journal™ is the only Gallup-certified, purpose-driven daily planner that helps you actively use your strengths to plan your days. Get your copy today.
In this episode, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Yannick Willemin, a seasoned expert in the composites industry who's been at it for 20 years, fueled by his passion for sports. Based in Zurich, Switzerland, Yannick shares how he's navigated career transitions, embraced change, and built authentic connections along the way. His journey offers valuable lessons for anyone considering a career flip or looking to grow personally and professionally.Here are some key takeaways from the episode:Yannick's love for sports led him into the composites field, which creates materials for everything from bicycles to airplanes.Career transitions require being open to new opportunities and taking time for self-reflection.Building a strong, authentic network is about forming genuine connections, not pushing sales pitches.The abilities you gain in previous roles are always valuable when stepping into new ventures.Sometimes, the biggest hurdle is how we see ourselves. Seeking feedback can help break down those barriers.Talking about both the highs and lows of your career journey can foster deeper connections and support.Coaching and mental training are becoming more accepted and valued in the business world.Embracing change means being willing to learn and thrive in new environments.Oh, and if you're ever in Paris, Yannick recommends dining at Comme Chez Maman—it's his favorite spot!If you're navigating a career change or looking for inspiration, this episode is packed with relatable stories and actionable insights. Connect with Yannickhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/yannickwillemin/ Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the flippin' best that could happen?
In this episode of the Career Flipper podcast, host Jenny Dempsey shares her personal journey of transitioning back to corporate life after a period of entrepreneurship and creative pursuits. She discusses the emotional challenges of adjusting to a structured work environment, the importance of finding balance between her corporate job and her passion for furniture flipping, and the ongoing struggle with imposter syndrome. Jenny emphasizes the need for self-compassion during times of change and encourages listeners to embrace their messy career journeys. Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the flippin' best that could happen?
In this episode, host Jenny Dempsey chats with Ryan Kelly of Englewood, Colorado who flipped from a decade-long career in tech to creating human-centered furniture. He's using his background in UX design to craft pieces that really connect with people. Ryan gets into the challenges he faces on a regular basis as he's trying to figure it all out—everything from time management to outsourcing different parts of the job to how he will expand his operations one day. Plus, he shares how a solid support system, especially from his sister, helped validate his decision to take the leap.If you've ever wondered what it's like to make a career shift—especially into something as creative as furniture making—this episode is for you. Connect with RyanHum Furniture: https://humfurniture.com/Instagram: http://instagram.com/humfurn Thanks for listening to The Career Flipper!If you enjoyed this episode, let's spread the word! Share it with a friend, subscribe, and leave a review—it helps other career flippers find the show.Let's Stay Connected:Join the community: thecareerflipper.comTikTok: @thecareerflipperInstagram: @thecareerflipperpodGot a career flip story? I'd love to hear it—and maybe even have you on the podcast! Whether you've completed your flip, are just starting, or are in the thick of it, submit your story here: https://www.thecareerflipper.com Want to support the show?Looking for a speaker? I'd love to talk about career changes at your next event.Collaborate through sponsorships or affiliates! Let's work together.Email me: hello@thecareerflipper.comCheck Out My Customer Service CoursesBefore my career flip, I led customer experience teams and created online courses that have helped over 12,000 students worldwide. Whether you're switching to customer service or sharpening your skills to run your own business, these courses are packed with practical tips. Learn more at thecareerflipper.com/courses.Other Ways to Get Involved:Buy me a coffee!Explore my furniture flipsMusic CreditsSeason 1: Intro and outro music by audionautix.com. Season 2: Intro and outro original music by Jenny Dempsey, recorded in a home studio.What's the flippin' best that could happen?
Adam Schafer's childhood was marked by poverty, the tragic loss of his father, and the presence of an abusive stepfather. At just 15 years old, he became an entrepreneur, mowing lawns to afford the life he wanted. By 21, he was already leading a team of fitness trainers despite having less experience. Years later, he co-founded Mind Pump Media, transforming it from a side project into a multi-million-dollar business. In this episode, Adam shares how childhood adversity built his growth mindset and how rejecting a victim mentality fueled Mind Pump's organic growth and unstoppable success. In this episode, Hala and Adam will discuss: (00:00) Introduction (03:53) From Teen Entrepreneur to Team Leader (09:46) Turning Adversity into Fuel for Success (18:02) How Sports Shaped His Growth Mindset (21:55) Why Vulnerability Drives Business Growth (27:34) The #1 Sales Strategy: Value Selling (31:40) The Key to Monetizing Social Media (35:54) Launching Mind Pump with Total Strangers (42:52) Scaling Mind Pump with Free Content (48:20) The Secret to Lasting Business Partnerships (52:51) Managing Conflict with Partners (57:40) Building Partnerships on Trust and Time Adam Schafer is the co-founder of Mind Pump Media, a multi-million-dollar fitness brand and podcast. Growing up with childhood trauma, including the loss of his biological father to suicide, Adam developed resilience and leadership skills early on. Starting with a lawn-mowing business and later working as a fitness trainer, he co-founded Mind Pump, growing it into one of the top fitness podcasts and companies from the ground up. Sponsored By: Shopify - youngandprofiting.co/shopify Airbnb - airbnb.com/host Rocket Money - rocketmoney.com/profiting Indeed - indeed.com/profiting RobinHood - robinhood.com/gold Factor - factormeals.com/profiting50off Active Deals - youngandprofiting.com/deals Resources Mentioned: The Mind Pump Podcast: mindpumppodcast.com Key YAP Links Reviews - ratethispodcast.com/yap Youtube - youtube.com/c/YoungandProfiting LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/htaha Instagram - instagram.com/yapwithhala Social + Podcast Services: yapmedia.com Transcripts - youngandprofiting.com/episodes-new Entrepreneurship, Entrepreneurship Podcast, Business, Business Podcast, Self Improvement, Self-Improvement, Personal development, Starting a Business, Strategy, Investing, Sales, Selling, Psychology, Productivity, Entrepreneurs, AI, Artificial Intelligence, Technology, Marketing, Negotiation, Money, Finance, Side Hustle, Mental Health, Career, Leadership, Mindset, Health, Growth Mindset, Career, Productivity, Careers, Startup, Business Ideas, Growth Hacks, Career Development, Money Management, Opportunities, Professionals, Workplace, Career Podcast.
Part Two. Change is inevitable, but doing it well? That's another story. Nellie Wartoft has spent years helping leaders across Europe, Asia, and now the U.S. figure it out. As the founder of Tiger Hall, she's built a tech-powered playbook for making change work. In this two-part series, we'll talk about cross-cultural leadership, why change efforts so often crash and burn, and how to make sure yours doesn't. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Hating SharePoint and Finding a Better Way “The inefficiency of tools like SharePoint highlighted a fundamental gap: employees struggling to align with HQ's vision. Miscommunication bred resistance and fatigue, even when both sides had good intentions. The question arose—why can't change communication be as engaging as social media or Spotify?” The Universal Human Side of Change “No matter where you are in the world, the human psyche reacts similarly to change—fear, chaos, uncertainty, and emotion are universal experiences. Change fatigue and resistance aren't cultural anomalies; they're deeply human responses shared across geographies.” The Ego Factor: A Leadership Killer “High-ego, high-fear leaders stifle transformation. They resist feedback, take criticism personally, and foster a top-down, do-as-I-say culture. Modern transformation demands collaborative leadership that embraces input, fosters trust, and thrives on dialogue—not outdated command-and-control styles.” “Short-Term Results vs. Long-Term Vision” “U.S. organizations prioritize quarterly results and trend-driven decisions, like the AI boom. Meanwhile, Asian companies often take a more measured, long-term approach, rooted in heritage and identity. Both approaches have their strengths but lead to vastly different paces of execution.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nellie Wartoft Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. Change is inevitable, but doing it well? That's another story. Nellie Wartoft has spent years helping leaders across Europe, Asia, and now the U.S. figure it out. As the founder of Tiger Hall, she's built a tech-powered playbook for making change work. In this two-part series, we'll talk about cross-cultural leadership, why change efforts so often crash and burn, and how to make sure yours doesn't. Key Highlights of Our Interview More Cows Than People: The Swedish Small-Town Origin Story “Growing up in a small village in southern Sweden—population: lots of cows, not many humans—instilled an early drive to explore bigger horizons. For professional and cultural reasons, leaving was a must.” The McDonald's Effect: Discovering Professional Passions “The guest credits their time flipping burgers at McDonald's as a pivotal moment in shaping their career. It was there they discovered their love for three key elements: a high-paced environment, the thrill of commercial success, and the art of leadership. These ‘professional addictions' would become the foundation of every role they pursued.” Resilience and Identity: Anchoring Yourself Beyond Titles “Basing your identity on external factors like job titles or status is a risky game—what happens if they're taken away? Instead, ground your sense of self in unshakable traits: hard work, learning, good intentions, or resilience. These are constants, no matter what life throws your way.” Life of Adventure vs. Life of Leisure “Challenging societal norms, the guest recounts a thought-provoking quote: ‘A life of leisure is hell, and a life of adventure and purpose is heaven.' From childhood, we're often told to seek rest and relaxation, but the guest argues that purpose and adventure are what truly give life meaning.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nellie Wartoft Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part Two. Robert MacPhee once parked cars—now he helps people find their parking spot in life. As a former right-hand to Chicken Soup for the Soul's Jack Canfield and the author of Living a Values-Based Life, he's all about helping people shift gears toward purpose. In this episode, we tackle life's tricky intersections: Why do we struggle to define what we value? How does aligning your actions with your values make life smoother? And what's with Robert's strong opinions on clarity? Tune in for some deep insights, a few laughs, and maybe even a tune-up for your own life's GPS. Key Highlights of Our Interviews: Why It's So Hard to Define Our Own Values “Most people's initial list of values often reflects what they think others want to hear. We're so conditioned to impress others or meet external expectations that it's challenging to pause and ask: What truly matters to me? The real magic begins when we strip away external noise and align with our authentic priorities.” How a Values-Based Life Can Improve Work “Clarity about values doesn't just make personal life better—it's transformative for work too. Aligning your actions with priorities like contribution or integrity can help you show up fully, even in challenging moments. That alignment makes work feel purposeful instead of draining.” Do Values Change Over Time? The Short Answer: Yes. “Values aren't set in stone—they evolve with life stages and circumstances. For instance, what mattered to you in high school may be worlds apart from what tops your list in your sixties or seventies. Life experiences, like becoming a parent or caring for aging loved ones, naturally shift our focus, making values an ongoing conversation, not a one-time declaration.” Keeping Values Visible “The importance of keeping your values front and center can't be overstated. Whether on your phone, bathroom mirror, or bedside table, revisiting your values regularly keeps them aligned with your current life stage. A daily reminder to reflect, re-anchor, and adjust ensures your values stay relevant.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. Robert MacPhee once parked cars—now he helps people find their parking spot in life. As a former right-hand to Chicken Soup for the Soul's Jack Canfield and the author of Living a Values-Based Life, he's all about helping people shift gears toward purpose. In this episode, we tackle life's tricky intersections: Why do we struggle to define what we value? How does aligning your actions with your values make life smoother? And what's with Robert's strong opinions on clarity? Tune in for some deep insights, a few laughs, and maybe even a tune-up for your own life's GPS. Key Highlights of Our Interviews: A Masterclass with Jack Canfield “I was fortunate to work closely with Jack Canfield, the co-creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul. Over nearly a decade, I learned invaluable lessons about personal development and training, which inspired me to branch out and develop my own concept—Excellent Decisions.” Living a Values-Based Life “My current focus, and the heart of my book, Living a Values-Based Life, is helping people clarify their most important values. Once they're clear on those, they can create a life—and in many cases, a business—that truly aligns with what matters most to them.” What Are Values, Really? “At its core, values are what's most important to us. They define how we want to show up in the world and guide the ways we choose to be. When we are clear about our values, they become a compass, fundamentally shifting how we navigate life and work." Why Are Values So Hard to Define? “Most people struggle to articulate their values simply because no one teaches them how. Schools don't prioritize it, and while parents might model certain values, they often don't have the tools to guide their children through truly understanding and clarifying their highest values. It's not intuitive, and it's certainly not a one-hour workshop—it's a journey.” Values Are More Than Ideals; They're Tools “Without clearly defined values, navigating life is like walking blindfolded. You may move forward, but without a compass, you risk heading in the wrong direction. Society constantly pushes external markers like money, cars, or houses as measures of success. But aligning goals with deeply personal values, like strengthening family relationships or contributing to a cause, brings fulfillment and focus.” _________________________ Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Robert MacPhee Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part Two. Meet Erin Diehl, a woman who turned “winging it” into a career strategy. She's the founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams thrive. As a kid, Erin dreamed of being a talk show host. Instead, she became a top podcast host and business leader, blending humor and learning to help others grow. She calls herself a failfluencer—because, in her world, failure isn't an end, it's a punchline and a lesson. In this two-part series, we explore Erin's journey, her philosophy on joy, and why failing might just be your best career move yet. Key Highlights of Our Interview: WTF: Worst Terrifying Failure “2020 was my crash course in failure. The pandemic forced our in-person business to pivot entirely online overnight. At the same time, I juggled new motherhood, supporting a recovering parent, and trying to keep my business afloat. It was my WTF moment: my Worst Terrifying Failure.” This breakdown captures the essence of the MOVE ON methodology: 1. Marinate: Sit With It, Not In It Failure isn't something you can brush off overnight. Take the time to sit with your worst terrifying failure—your WTF story. Reflect deeply. Walk, journal, or simply allow yourself to process. It's about feeling without rushing to fix. 2. Own It: Forgive and Face the Thought Worms “Own your part in the failure, but more importantly, forgive yourself. We repeat 80% of our negative thoughts daily, so break that cycle. Recognize those thought worms for what they are and stop letting them dictate your story.” 3. Verify the Lessons: What Will You Take With You? “Failure comes bearing lessons—two or three takeaways that you can carry forward. Identify what you've learned and how you'll avoid the same pitfalls in the future. This step transforms failure into wisdom.” 4. Evaluate: What's the Plan? 5. Observe the Growth: Prepare for the Next Chapter 6. Embrace Failure as Part of Change Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. Meet Erin Diehl, a woman who turned “winging it” into a career strategy. She's the founder and CEO of Improve It, a company that uses improv to help teams thrive. As a kid, Erin dreamed of being a talk show host. Instead, she became a top podcast host and business leader, blending humor and learning to help others grow. She calls herself a failfluencer—because, in her world, failure isn't an end, it's a punchline and a lesson. In this two-part series, we explore Erin's journey, her philosophy on joy, and why failing might just be your best career move yet. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Improv Meets the Corporate World “I didn't plan to merge improv and business. But during my nine-to-five at a recruiting firm, my nights were dedicated to stages at Second City and ImprovOlympic. Suddenly, I saw how listening, empathy, and quick thinking from improv transformed my work life. The dots connected.” United We Innovate “Pitching an improv workshop to United Airlines was a gamble, but it paid off—literally. What started as a passion experiment became a calling when United became my first paying client. Improv wasn't just for the stage anymore.” The Teacher's High “That feeling of guiding someone toward growth is intoxicating. It's a high I kept chasing, and the more I taught, the more I wanted to do it. Seeing others find joy became my own source of joy.” From ROI to ROO: The Objective Shift “We don't measure ROI; we measure ROO—Return on Objective. Every engagement starts with a consult call to pinpoint your specific challenges and objectives, ensuring everything aligns with the participants' needs.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erin Diehl Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part Two. If resilience were a sport, Nina Sossamon-Pogue would be an all-around champion. She started her gymnastics journey at four, made it all the way to the U.S. Gymnastics Team, and learned early that falling wasn't failure—it was part of the process. But life threw her some unexpected dismounts: missing the Olympic team, an injury that ended her career, and getting let go from a 17-year journalism job she loved. Most people might have stayed down. Not Nina. She launched herself into the tech world, proving reinvention is just another skill to master. Yesterday, in part one, we dived into Nina's journey—her highs, her wipeouts, and how she had kept pushing forward. Today, in part two, we'll explore the unique tools she's developed to help others bounce back from setbacks. Because let's be real—life has no safety mats. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Why the Reverse Resume Matters “When hiring, I ask, ‘What's something you've overcome?' That's where the magic is. Those bottom-line moments define the strength you bring to every table.” The Power of Perspective: Achievements and Challenges Together” “Your resume tells one story, but your reverse resume tells the deeper truth: what you've overcome. Together, they define not just what you've done, but who you are.” “Success vs. a Successful Lifetime: Spot the Difference” “A nice car, a big house, a shiny jet—that's success. But a successful lifetime? That's the legacy, the relationships, the impact. The timeline reveals the whole messy, marvelous story.” Life is a Bag of Legos “Imagine dumping out a Ziploc bag full of Legos. Same colors, same shapes, same pieces. Yet, you'd build something entirely different from me. That's your life—it's uniquely yours to assemble.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nina Sossamon-Pogue Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. If resilience were a sport, Nina Sossamon-Pogue would be an all-around champion. She started her gymnastics journey at four, made it all the way to the U.S. Gymnastics Team, and learned early that falling wasn't failure—it was part of the process. But life threw her some unexpected dismounts: missing the Olympic team, an injury that ended her career, and getting let go from a 17-year journalism job she loved. Most people might have stayed down. Not Nina. She launched herself into the tech world, proving reinvention is just another skill to master. Today, in part one, we dive into Nina's journey—her highs, her wipeouts, and how she kept pushing forward. Tomorrow, in part two, we'll explore the unique tools she's developed to help others bounce back from setbacks. Because let's be real—life has no safety mats. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Personal Toll of Public Life “While doing three live shows a day, I went through a divorce, an accident, and some of the darkest moments of my life. I wondered if I'd ever feel happy again.” Finding Your Sweet Spot: Skills, Opportunities, and Trends “When making a career pivot, ask yourself three key questions: What am I good at? Where's the money? And what's the trajectory of the industry I'm entering? Aligning these answers sets the foundation for a successful transition.” Coffee, Conversations, and Clarity: Gaining Insight From Your Network “To discover where I could make an impact, I turned to trusted colleagues and asked: If you had to hire me, what would you hire me for? Their answers revealed skills I hadn't fully recognized and pointed me toward opportunities I hadn't considered.” Your Skills, Seen Through Fresh Eyes “What others find valuable in you might surprise you. It's a reminder to seek outside perspectives—they could reveal your next big opportunity.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Nina Sossamon-Pogue Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Life's Toughest Recalculations. Part Two. Erica Sosna, author of The Career Equation, knows a thing or two about career pivots—but 2022 threw her a plot twist she never saw coming. An accident left her paralyzed, forcing her to relearn not just how to walk but how to rebuild her life and business from the ground up. Two years later, she's standing tall—literally and figuratively—proving that resilience isn't just a mindset, it's a full-body workout. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Speaking the Same Career Language: The Foundation of The Career Equation “The Career Equation is designed to create a common understanding between employers and employees around career development, much like having a shared accounting system. Without it, career conversations risk inconsistency and lack of clarity, but with it, we can truly align aspirations and strategies.” Building Career Conversations with Four Simple Components “The Career Equation focuses on four key insights: understanding strengths, uncovering passions, measuring success, and aligning with optimal work environments. These components create a common ground, enabling both employer and employee to understand what's needed to thrive.” Insatiable Curiosity: Embracing Unconventional Paths to Healing "An insatiable thirst for novelty keeps me exploring, whether it's acupuncture, microcurrent therapy, or spine-specific chiropractic techniques. I've discovered that healing requires openness to new possibilities, even when they fall outside the traditional model.” The Right Environment: The Crucial Factor for Success “From workspace to team dynamics, the environment is essential to performance. Knowing where a person does their best work and making adjustments as needed creates a space where strengths can flourish.” Visualizing the Outcome: A Plan Begins with the End in Mind “I start by envisioning the experiences I want—whether it's dancing, running, or picking up my child—then map out the steps that would lead me there. By framing it with vivid goals, I find clarity and purpose in the smallest daily actions.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erica Sosna Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Life's Toughest Recalculations. Part One. Erica Sosna, author of The Career Equation, knows a thing or two about career pivots—but 2022 threw her a plot twist she never saw coming. An accident left her paralyzed, forcing her to relearn not just how to walk but how to rebuild her life and business from the ground up. Two years later, she's standing tall—literally and figuratively—proving that resilience isn't just a mindset, it's a full-body workout. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Two Jobs, Two Failures: A Gut Check Moment “After two roles that didn't work out as planned, I hit a crossroads. I took a step back and asked: am I in the right place? I needed to rethink my priorities, work style, and the kind of organization that would truly support me.” The School of Hard Knocks: Rejections and Redirections “Returning to the corporate world after running my own social enterprise was unexpectedly tough. My CV was different, unconventional, and people didn't trust me to hold down a job. It took resilience to find an organization that valued my unique experience.” Shifting Gears: When Your Work Becomes Your Solace “Returning to my consultancy after a year's absence was grounding. My work has always been my passion, but after such a physically uncontrollable experience, the familiar structure felt like a comfort. It also became a chance to rethink: How could I reach more people, make a bigger impact? And so, the podcast was born.” A Balancing Act: Rediscovering Purpose in a Three-Day Week "Managing a business on a three-day week, while also recovering from a spinal cord injury and parenting, meant redefining success. I've refocused on what truly matters, aligning my time with my gifts and refining how I reach people. It's been a balance of impact and sustainability.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Erica Sosna Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Chris Hare has helped big-name executives tell better stories. But today, the tables have turned—he's the one sharing his story, and I get to ask the tough questions. In this three-part series, we break it down step by step: • Part 1: Corporate storytelling—how businesses craft messages that actually work (and when they don't). • Part 2: The power of personal storytelling—Chris opens up about his own experiences and the most memorable stories he's heard. • Part 3: Storytelling in action—Chris shares tools to help us develop our own narratives, and I put myself through the process (with a slight risk of emotional breakdown). If you've ever wondered how storytelling can shape careers, businesses, and even personal growth, you won't want to miss this. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Power of a Reflective Movie Theater Exercise “I have people visualize that movie that plays is actually not the blockbuster. It's actually your life playing and your career…What might you call that movie?” Beyond the Corporate 360: Finding Stories That Matter “This is not the 360 that many of us from corporate America are used to…the goal here is to go and talk to three to five people who know you, care about you, and want you to succeed.” Feedback as a Double-Edged Sword “People could give feedback that might reinforce the wrong narrative…we just have to be careful and think about them as inputs, not absolute truths.” The Weight of Opinions and Invisible Biases “We unknowingly put more weight on some people's opinions than others…whether it's because of the friendship, the level of friendship, or the position they have.” Rewriting Stories with Every Interaction “I'm never telling the same story twice. I'm rewriting the story as I'm telling you based on your face, your facial expressions, your body language, your tone of voice. There are all those factors that play into it that make it incredibly complex.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Chris Hare has helped big-name executives tell better stories. But today, the tables have turned—he's the one sharing his story, and I get to ask the tough questions. In this three-part series, we break it down step by step: • Part 1: Corporate storytelling—how businesses craft messages that actually work (and when they don't). • Part 2: The power of personal storytelling—Chris opens up about his own experiences and the most memorable stories he's heard. • Part 3: Storytelling in action—Chris shares tools to help us develop our own narratives, and I put myself through the process (with a slight risk of emotional breakdown). If you've ever wondered how storytelling can shape careers, businesses, and even personal growth, you won't want to miss this. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Rewriting Your Inner Cassette Tape “I find it helpful and more visceral to think about our personal narratives as a cassette tape—a tape that's playing in our head that we're constantly writing, rewriting, and adjusting.” Building One Authentic Narrative Across Multiple Worlds “A serial CEO I worked with wanted one narrative that connected his private equity, board roles, and yoga community. The result was an authentic narrative rooted in his true self that could be lensed across different audiences.” Proximity Blinds Us to Our Own Stories "We're so close to our own narrative and stories that we don't see the broader picture… if you're building with Lego, you might not see that there's a gigantic pile of Lego behind you." Changing the Inputs to Shift the Narrative and Change the Outcome “If you continue to put in the same inputs, things likely won't change… One of the positive inputs I changed was I got into fly fishing, and that was part of changing those inputs to shift not only the narrative but the outcomes.” The Power of Raw Storytelling "Our stories are not always the really clean, really curated story that makes us look good, but that raw story that has the power to shift the future." Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Chris Hare has helped big-name executives tell better stories. But today, the tables have turned—he's the one sharing his story, and I get to ask the tough questions. In this three-part series, we break it down step by step: • Part 1: Corporate storytelling—how businesses craft messages that actually work (and when they don't). • Part 2: The power of personal storytelling—Chris opens up about his own experiences and the most memorable stories he's heard. • Part 3: Storytelling in action—Chris shares tools to help us develop our own narratives, and I put myself through the process (with a slight risk of emotional breakdown). If you've ever wondered how storytelling can shape careers, businesses, and even personal growth, you won't want to miss this. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Stories Fuel the Narrative “In my mind, stories are time-bound: this happened, it started here, it ended there. But the narrative is ongoing—it's an architecture shaping the direction of an individual or company.” Storytelling's Overplayed? Think Again “For years, I wouldn't even call myself a storyteller because it was so overplayed. Everyone is using frameworks like the hero's journey as if they're paint-by-numbers. But storytelling is far more complex.” The Narrative Flywheel: Stories That Drive Strategy “The stories are the fuel that flows into the flywheel. We synthesize them, find patterns, and decide where to play and how to win. Then, with experimentation and learning, we create more stories—and the flywheel keeps spinning." Human-Centered Design in Action: Logitech's Transformation “Bracken Darrell took Logitech's failing narrative and reframed it with a vision: human-centered design across every part of the company. This vision wasn't pushed from the top but inspired teams, driving Logitech's turnaround—from 30-day financial reporting to just two.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Chris Hare Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part Two. Who wouldn't want more joy at work? In this two-part series, we meet Rahshea Cardiff, VP of Partnerships at Happy Companies—a business on a mission to make workplaces happier and healthier. With two decades of experience at big names like Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft, Rahshea knows what it takes to elevate employee experiences. But there's more to her story than impressive titles. Rahshea has faced her share of life's curveballs—losing her mom, navigating a divorce, and raising her first child—all while managing major career shifts. In yesterday's episode, she opened up about how resilience had shaped her journey and what had inspired her to join Happy Companies. Tune in for insights into how she's using her life lessons to redefine workplace happiness. And don't miss Part Two today, where we'll dive into her mission of merging tech with heart and her bold vision for transforming modern workplaces. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Unbecoming to Become: Shedding What Isn't You "Maybe it's not about becoming anything. Maybe it's about unbecoming everything that isn't who you really are." The Power of Staying True to Yourself “I was told I needed to change who I was… to fit into somebody's picture of what they thought I should be. Instead, I learned to step into who I am and be proud of it.” Unlocking a Team's Full Potential through Behavioral Insights “With Happy, leaders get a snapshot of every team member—how they're wired, their strengths, their energy drivers, and what drains them.” Putting a Personalized Coach at Every Leader's Fingertips “Happy's platform essentially puts a one-on-one coach at the fingertips of every leader and employee, including self-coaching to improve communication and motivation.” Human Stories and Tech-Driven Scalability: A Perfect Balance “Technology is terrific for us at Happy; it provides the behavioral insight, but it's that human coach who can tell the story, make it personal, and take it to the next level of impact.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rahshea Cardiff Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. Who wouldn't want more joy at work? In this two-part series, we meet Rahshea Cardiff, VP of Partnerships at Happy Companies—a business on a mission to make workplaces happier and healthier. With two decades of experience at big names like Best Buy, Starbucks, and Microsoft, Rahshea knows what it takes to elevate employee experiences. But there's more to her story than impressive titles. Rahshea has faced her share of life's curveballs—losing her mom, navigating a divorce, and raising her first child—all while managing major career shifts. In today's episode, she opens up about how resilience shaped her journey and what inspired her to join Happy Companies. Tune in for insights into how she's using her life lessons to redefine workplace happiness. And don't miss Part Two on Tuesday, where we'll dive into her mission of merging tech with heart and her bold vision for transforming modern workplaces. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Conditioned Ambition: The Corporate Ladder Wasn't the Life I Wanted “As we're growing up, we go to school, we get good grades, we go to college, we get married, buy a house. Climb the corporate ladder—it's what we're taught, what we see. But in 2016, everything shifted—I realized I was chasing something that no longer felt right." Loss and Legacy: Realizing We're Not Promised Tomorrow “Losing my mother and going through a divorce within a year taught me that we all fall into this trap of thinking there's always tomorrow. I began asking myself, ‘If today were my last day, would I be at peace with how I spent it?' Too many times, the answer was no. I knew it was time to recalibrate.” Choosing Purpose Over Position “I walked away from corporate stability and took a leap into entrepreneurship. And now, working with Happy, I'm able to stay close to my family and focus on meaningful work that aligns with my values.” The Gift of Presence: Living in the Moment “When we are able to shift our mindset and perspective to live in the present, it really is such a gift.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Rahshea Cardiff Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Are you ready to leap out of the corporate bubble? Alison Stewart sure was. In the midst of the pandemic, she swapped her steady finance career for the rollercoaster world of startups. Bold move, right? But what's even more surprising is how she landed her new role—through LinkedIn networking! Yes, that LinkedIn. In the last episode of a two-part series, Alison shared her motivations for making the jump, the steps she had taken to get there, and how a simple LinkedIn connection had led her to her current co-founder. In today's episode, we'll dig into her startup, Overalls, which is flipping the script on employee benefits. By creating a network of “life concierges” that includes stay-at-home parents and retirees, Overalls aims to reduce workplace stress and foster loyalty. Will it work? Tune in to find out. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Building a Village for Every Stage of Life “Overalls is essentially your village… supporting you through life's messier, more complex situations, like helping an elderly parent or finding summer camps for kids.” A Rare Benefit That Earns Employee Appreciation “This is one of the first times HR is getting thanked by employees for a benefit… they're amazed at how thankful employees are for the support.” Confidence in Uncharted Territory “The biggest challenge was… do I have the skill set to do these things? Am I qualified to make some of these decisions?… In this environment, it's all core because again, if you're not doing it, it's not getting done.” Keep Your Goals in Sight: Write Them Down “We can get distracted… By writing it down, being honest with ourselves, talking to others, that'll help us hold ourselves accountable to what it is that we're looking for.” The Power of Focus and Manifesting the Right Move “I wasn't reaching out to a million people… I was focused, determined to put the time and energy in. My excitement led me to take a risk, and it worked.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guest: Alison Stewart ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Are you ready to leap out of the corporate bubble? Alison Stewart sure was. In the midst of the pandemic, she swapped her steady finance career for the rollercoaster world of startups. Bold move, right? But what's even more surprising is how she landed her new role—through LinkedIn networking! Yes, that LinkedIn. In this first episode of a two-part series, Alison shares her motivations for making the jump, the steps she took to get there, and how a simple LinkedIn connection led her to her current co-founder. In tomorrow's episode, we'll dig into her startup, Overalls, which is flipping the script on employee benefits. By creating a network of “life concierges” that includes stay-at-home parents and retirees, Overalls aims to reduce workplace stress and foster loyalty. Will it work? Tune in to find out. Key Highlights of Our Interview: "What Am I Doing?” – Hitting Pause on the Corporate Grind “During the pandemic, time started blending together. I had to stop and ask, what am I doing? Am I happy?” Those months at home made me realize how I'd been running on autopilot, stuck in a cycle of new leadership teams and constant resets. With every change, it felt like we were taking ten steps back just to make one forward." “The Safety Net of a Strong Company” – Navigating Stability vs. Fulfillment “You can get caught up in…having a strong company, great group of colleagues…new opportunities coming at you. But it might not be what truly motivates you.” “Controlling for Risk Factors” – Making Thoughtful Career Moves “I was trying to control for those risk factors, or at least account for them…what was I comfortable with? How would it impact my family?” “Overalls Caught My Eye” – The Power of an Unexpected Spark “I was sitting at work…reading about the launch of Overalls, and I got really excited. People almost stopped me, saying, ‘Allison, nothing gives you as much excitement as this opportunity." “Taking Skills Beyond Insurance” – Exploring New Industries on LinkedIn “I was interested in exploring something outside the insurance industry…how does my experience, how do my skills translate, and how do I communicate them effectively?” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Alison Stewart ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part Two. How many people do you know who walk into a public restroom and leave it cleaner than they found it? I do—and so does the wife of today's guest, Monte Wood. Turns out, small acts of generosity like this aren't just about hygiene; they're about making things better for the next person. Monte, author of Generosity Wins and former CEO of Opus Agency, has collaborated with heavyweights like Mark Benioff, Andy Grove, Steve Jobs, John Chambers, and Andy Jassy. He's learned from the greats, his mentors, and even his mother that generosity isn't just nice—it's transformative. In his world, giving back is more than a feel-good slogan; it's a life strategy. In the last episode, Monte unpacked his definition of generosity and explained why he sees it as the ultimate secret to happiness and career success. And that's just the beginning. Today, we'll tackle why generosity feels so hard in today's hustle culture and how you can cultivate a mindset centered on giving without burning out. Still skeptical that generosity pays off? Join the conversation and see how giving a little can lead to getting a lot—just maybe not in the way you expect. Key Highlights of Our Interview: Generosity Beyond Kindness: Lessons from Steve Jobs, John Chambers, and Andy Jassy “Steve Jobs' goal to democratize technology was generous, even if his approach wasn't. Leaders like Chambers and Jassy showed that while generosity doesn't always come with kindness, the drive to uplift others' success is, in itself, a powerful form of generosity.” The 600-Day Challenge: How Practicing Generosity Daily Transforms You “Documenting a daily act of kindness, whether it's a smile or genuine listening, became a habit that revealed a thousand ways to be generous—proof that practicing generosity opens new perspectives.” Unexpected Generosity in a Hot Tub: A Chat with Elon Musk “In an unexpected encounter, Musk showed genuine interest and warmth, sharing laughs and stories. It was a small gesture, but a powerful reminder of the impact of unexpected generosity from those at the top.” The Hidden Costs of Greed and Division in Today's Media “With opinion-driven media stirring division, the challenge lies in overcoming these forces with conscious generosity and mutual respect—proving that true strength is found not in agreement, but in the ability to disagree respectfully.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Monte Wood ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Part One. How many people do you know who walk into a public restroom and leave it cleaner than they found it? I do—and so does the wife of today's guest, Monte Wood. Turns out, small acts of generosity like this aren't just about hygiene; they're about making things better for the next person. Monte, author of Generosity Wins and former CEO of Opus Agency, has collaborated with heavyweights like Mark Benioff, Andy Grove, Steve Jobs, John Chambers, and Andy Jassy. He's learned from the greats, his mentors, and even his mother that generosity isn't just nice—it's transformative. In his world, giving back is more than a feel-good slogan; it's a life strategy. In this episode, Monte unpacks his definition of generosity and explains why he sees it as the ultimate secret to happiness and career success. And that's just the beginning. Tomorrow, we'll tackle why generosity feels so hard in today's hustle culture and how you can cultivate a mindset centered on giving without burning out. Still skeptical that generosity pays off? Join the conversation and see how giving a little can lead to getting a lot—just maybe not in the way you expect. Key Highlights of Our Interview: True Generosity in Leadership: More Than Just Charity “Being generous isn't just about grand acts of philanthropy. It's about caring for the individual. Whether it's helping employees grow beyond their roles or driving an old Toyota to work, leaders like Andy Grove and Mark Benioff show that humility and connection are what truly drive success.” Why Generosity is the Key to Confidence, Courage, and Success “Generosity isn't just about giving—it's a strategic move toward success. Helping others builds faster, more meaningful relationships, while also boosting your own confidence and courage. Harvard's 50-year study shows that close connections are the top predictor of happiness, and generosity is the engine that powers those relationships.” Tracking the Untrackable: The True ROI of Generosity “Generosity doesn't fit into the typical business models of ROI—no one's handing you a direct return. Yet, the rewards are undeniable. Life has a way of paying you back tenfold, proving that being generous might be the most strategic investment you can make, even if it can't be measured in dollars.” Generosity Isn't Always Grand – Sometimes It's Just a Smile “Even the smallest act of generosity can be life-changing. A smile, a kind word, or even cleaning up a public restroom can shift someone's day. In a world full of loneliness and depression, simple acts of generosity may be the most powerful way to create joy and connection.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Monte Wood ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
We're joined by Paul Austin, CEO of Third Wave, who believes psychedelics can be transformative—when used responsibly. While legal and medical debates continue, Paul highlights the benefits of micro-dosing for personal development, leadership, and mental clarity. As your host, my goal is to provide a platform for diverse voices and ideas that push humanity forward. This is a space to explore, question, and expand our understanding. BBC: What psychedelics legalisation and decriminalisation looks like around the world. We discuss the common misunderstandings about psychedelics, key legal and medical concerns, and, most importantly, safety considerations and responsible practices to approach this evolving tool for personal growth. Join us to challenge assumptions and rethink growth. Key Highlights of Our Interview: The Real Risks of Psychedelics: Safety First “While psychedelics promise transformation, the biggest risk isn't just physiological—it's legal. These substances are still illegal in most places, so getting caught can have serious consequences. Beyond that, psychedelics can create instability if not handled with the right support and a safe environment.” Mindset Matters: Intention in Psychedelic Use “The real benefits of psychedelics start with intention. Using them to learn, grow, or heal can unlock deep insights, but if it's just to escape reality, the impact is far less meaningful. For anyone interested, working with a professional—be it a coach, therapist, or shaman—is essential. Preparation and a safe setting are crucial for a transformative experience.” The Five Elements for a Safe and Meaningful Psychedelic Journey “There are five essential elements: assessment, preparation, facilitation, integration, and microdosing. From asking the right questions to committing fully to the experience, each step helps build a safe and transformative path. Start low, go slow, and choose to step into this journey for yourself—not for anyone else.” Microdosing as a Catalyst, Not a Crutch “Microdosing isn't about masking problems; it's about creating neuroplasticity for real change. With commitment—two to three times a week for 30 days—you can catalyze significant shifts in mood, decision-making, and self-awareness. But this journey, like any transformation, relies on intention and responsibility. Microdosing is a tool, but you hold the reins to lasting growth.” Connect with us: Host: Vince Chan | Guests: Paul Austin ______________________ Chief Change Officer: Make Change Ambitiously. Experiential Human Intelligence for Growth Progressives Global Top 2.5% Podcast on Listen Notes World's #1 Career Podcast on Apple Top 1: US, CA, MX, IE, HU, AT, CH, FI 3.5 Million+ Downloads 80+ Countries
Ep #264: The Overlooked Technique Helping My Clients Reach the Executive SuiteWhat if I told you there's one overlooked technique that could completely change your career? This is a technique that the corporate badasses I work with rarely think to do. But once they try it, the results are undeniable—huge wins that keep paying off throughout their entire careers. Imagine this: You try this technique, and within weeks, your CEO knows your value, trusts your leadership, and actively advocates for your promotion. Sounds impossible? It's not. On this episode of Women Changing Leadership with Stacy Mayer, I'll break down the exact steps you need to make this happen. You'll discover how to build trust with top leaders, overcome fears of judgment from your peers, and show up as the brilliant, powerful leader you already are.Unlock the missing piece in your leadership development. Take the quiz: www.ReadytoBePromoted.com
How can I effectively highlight my transferable skills on my resume when I'm transitioning into a new career? What are some common resume mistakes that could hurt my job search? In this episode of The Career Rx we'll discuss: The most common resume red flags and why How to highlight relevant skills and experiences Effective ways to avoid making resume mistakes Listen and you will learn the common downfalls that can negatively impact your job search, even with a strong professional background. I address the importance of avoiding overused industry jargon and clichés to make your resume stand out. By understanding these common mistakes and implementing effective strategies, you can craft a compelling resume that highlights your unique qualifications and ensures you're putting your best qualities forward. In this Episode: [2:20] Addressing the AI in the room [8:12] Less than a year? Two years? [13:00] Keep it relevant and keep it moving [20:24] Unfinished work doesn't make the cut! Links and Resources: Industry Insider - 12 hours of CME, learn exactly how to land a rewarding nonclinical career without a new degree, special connections, prior experience, or a pay cut Support the show