Steer Your Career Podcast: Recent Episodes
Alan Stein
“Steer Your Career Podcast is hosted by Alan Stein, Founder and CEO of Kadima Careers. Kadima helps underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid professionals land high-paying jobs at the world's best tech companies.
Join Alan each week as he interviews amazing professionals in the tech industry and beyond. They'll talk about their career journeys and what they've learned, including some SYCK Tricks to help you accelerate your career.
Kadima was founded by Alan Stein to address the inefficiencies, biases, and illogical hiring processes that hinder great candidates from achieving great careers. Alan has a unique perspective as a top 1% hiring manager and top 1% candidate with a proven record of scaling global operations. He is now sharing his insights and expertise to effectively and efficiently accelerate people’s careers. His methods and advice have empowered people to land amazing jobs at Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, Dell, and more.
Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done.
Bio:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
What if the very thing you're avoiding in your job search is exactly what you need to pursue? Jill Schulman reveals why running toward your fears—not away from them—is the secret to accelerating your career.
In this episode, Alan and Jill dive deep into the science of bravery and its practical applications for job seekers. You'll discover how to develop a "warrior mindset" by adding one simple word to your self-limiting beliefs, learn why you can actually generate positive emotions on demand to fuel your success, and master the networking question that doubles your chances of getting meaningful connections.
Ready to steer your career with courage? Tune in to the full episode now!
🎙️ What if one decision could completely transform your career and your life?
When Alon Bochman found himself stuck, frustrated, and job hunting without results, he took a leap of faith on a different approach. In this episode, Alan reconnects with one of Kadima’s earliest clients to share how Alon pivoted from stalled consultant to tech leader at companies like Microsoft and Google.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why applying online isn't the path to landing top roles, and what to do instead
- How Alon overcame his fear of networking and built powerful industry connections
- The measurable and immeasurable returns of investing in career coaching
Tune in to hear how strategy, structure, and persistence helped reshape one career, and how it can do the same for yours.
What if you knew exactly what recruiters see when they look at your resume? In this episode, Alan sits down with veteran tech recruiter Margaret Buj, who has spent 20 years recruiting for industry giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Expedia, and VMware.
Margaret breaks down her exact screening process—from the "several seconds" she spends scanning for relevant headlines and quantifiable achievements, to why she won't contact candidates without metrics, and how to "connect the dots" to make your fit obvious when your background isn't a perfect match.
Tune in to discover why treating your career search like a "submit and wait" game is killing your chances, and learn the systematic approach that actually gets you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
In this episode of the Steer Career podcast, Alan sits down with James Gunaca, a product management expert and Kadima coach. James details his extensive career journey spanning roles at Amazon and other tech giants, offering insights into the pivotal decisions leading him to international opportunities. Learn how James navigated organizational challenges, market shifts, and personal aspirations to become a successful career coach.
Tune in for valuable career advice and lessons on resilience and growth in the tech industry.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Jenna Minieri, a branding expert and Kadima coach who also works with displaced professionals at an outplacement company. She reveals the most common pitfalls that keep qualified candidates from getting noticed, shares the essential elements every resume and LinkedIn profile must have to pass the six-second screening test, and explains why the old job search playbook no longer works in 2025.
Tune in to discover the strategies that separate successful job seekers from those who struggle for months, and learn how to position yourself as the obvious choice for your next role.
In this episode, host Alan Stein talks with Keith Anderson, founder of Career Alchemy, about making successful career pivots and standing out in competitive job markets. Keith shares his journey from earning less than $30,000 as a professor to securing prestigious roles at top tech companies through strategic networking and his "value validation projects". They discuss how to effectively conduct informational interviews, the importance of authenticity in your job search, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
True leadership isn't about being nice. It's about being kind, honest, and challenging people to reach their full potential.
In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Dave Kline, former Bridgewater Associates leader turned management consultant, to explore the radical transparency that shaped Dave's leadership philosophy. Dave shares insights from his decade at Bridgewater, where feedback was constant and unfiltered, revealing how this approach built stronger teams despite its intensity. Learn how Dave and his wife are now helping managers through their management accelerator programs that have already transformed over 1,200 leaders.
Tune in now!
In this episode, host Alan Stein sits down with Jeff Sipe, a seasoned technical recruiter with 5+ years at Google and 15+ years of recruiting experience. They dive into practical interview techniques including Jeff's CFAS method for answering hypothetical questions, the one-minute rule for "tell me about yourself," and the psychology behind making memorable first impressions in interviews.
Tune in now!
In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Kristi Coulter about her bestselling book "Exit Interview," exploring how she navigated Amazon's male-dominated environment while battling imposter syndrome. Kristi shares candid insights about the company's frugal approach to employee well-being, strategies for women to claim their seat at the table, and why diverse teams make better business decisions than homogeneous ones.
Tune in now to discover how to own your career path even in the most challenging environments!
The reality of software engineering for the 99% who don't work at Big Tech ❓ In this episode, Alan sits down with John Crickett and talks about the differences between software engineering at Big Tech versus where most engineers actually work.
They also discuss why interview practices like LeetCode make sense for companies receiving thousands of applications but are often counterproductive elsewhere, and why people skills become more critical than technical skills for career advancement.
Tune in to gain valuable perspective on building an engineering career outside the Big Tech bubble.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Dexter Zhuang, founder of Money Abroad, to explore the fascinating journey from traditional corporate roles to building a portfolio career. Dexter shares his experience transitioning from tech giants like Dropbox to international ventures in Singapore, and finally to creating his own path.
They also dive deep into relationship building, cold outreach strategies that actually work, and how to make successful career transitions across countries.
Tune in to learn how to design your own path while maintaining the lifestyle you desire!
Has your job ever been eliminated unexpectedly? In this episode, career coach Anne Baker joins host Alan Stein to tackle the often-stigmatized world of "outplacement" services and share a bold new vision for helping displaced employees relaunch their careers.
Drawing from her decades of experience in the corporate world, Anne discusses why mass layoffs are becoming more common in the age of AI, and why being let go is no longer the career "scarlet letter" it once was. They also dive deep into what's broken with traditional outplacement support, from inconsistent coaching quality to outdated approaches, while exploring modern solutions for what they call career "re-acceleration."
Tune in to learn why traditional outplacement services need reimagining and how companies can better support their departing employees.
Tired of letting nerves sabotage your career opportunities?
In this episode, communication coach Nausheen Chen reveals her journey from being a brand manager to becoming an expert public speaking coach, sharing how she went from "faking" confidence to truly embodying it. Alan and Nausheen dive deep into the two biggest blockers to effective communication - nerves and delivery - while offering practical strategies to overcome them.
Tune in now!
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Get in touch with Nausheen: www.speaking.coach
Can being too humble hurt your job search? In Korean business culture, it might be the norm – but Western recruiters see things differently.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Grant Sundbye, and they explore the challenges Korean professionals face in international job searches, from cultural differences in resume writing to LinkedIn optimization. They also discuss the contrasts between Korean and Western job search approaches and insider tips for standing out in interviews.
Tune in to discover how cultural understanding and effective communication strategies can bridge the gap between Eastern and Western professional environments, and learn actionable tips you can apply to your own job search.
Can a single mentor relationship transform your entire career trajectory?
In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, Omar Halabieh, Director of Software Development at Amazon Middle East and Africa, shares his journey from software manager to director, emphasizing how strategic mentorship played a pivotal role in his advancement.
From securing his first mentor through an interview connection to leveraging these relationships for major career decisions, Omar provides practical advice on finding mentors, maintaining productive relationships, and standing out as a candidate in today's competitive job market. Discover why curiosity remains his top career advice and how investing in relationships before you need them can make all the difference.
Listen to the full episode to learn how to build your own powerful mentorship network.
Tired of sending countless job applications into the void? There's a better way to land your next tech role, and it doesn't involve submitting another resume.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Anemari Fiser, a former ThoughtWorks leader and tech career coach, to unpack the strategies for effective networking and career growth.
Whether you're actively job hunting or building your professional network for future opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to take control of your career. Tune in now!
In this episode, Alan sits down with Al Dea, founder of The Edge of Work and a leadership development expert. Al uncovers the critical mindset shifts and skill gaps that many of today's leaders need to address to effectively guide their teams in our rapidly evolving workplace.
Al explores the crucial transition from individual contributor to manager, highlighting why technical prowess alone isn't enough for leadership success. He delves into the importance of developing 'human skills' and how leaders can scale their impact across larger teams.
Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to refine your managerial approach, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your leadership game. Tune in now to discover how you can bridge the leadership gap and unlock your team's full potential!
In this episode, Alan Stein, founder of Kadima Careers sits down with Nik Zechner, and shares his experiences working at tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Salesforce. He reveals valuable tips on landing jobs at these coveted companies and discusses the power of networking, preparation, and perseverance in career advancement.
Tune in now to gain priceless career advice from a tech industry veteran and learn how to take control of your professional journey.
Ever wondered what really happens behind closed doors during performance reviews at top companies?
In this episode, Jason Rudman, former American Express leader and current Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer at BECU, join Alan Stein to pull back the curtain on corporate calibration processes. From navigating team dynamics to overcoming imposter syndrome, Jason shares candid insights from his journey through the ranks at Amex.
Tune in now to understand corporate performance management and charting your own path to success.
Is your education truly preparing you for the complexities of the modern workplace? Join Alan as he explores career development and decision-making with Casey Dai, founder of Expanded Skills. They discuss the limitations of traditional education in equipping professionals for real-world challenges, the importance of developing critical thinking skills, and Casey's innovative approach to decision-making training for volatile industries.
Are you treating your job search like an entrepreneur would?
In this eye-opening episode of Steer Your Career, host Alan Stein sits down with Varun Negandhi, founder of Beyond Grad and partner at an automotive consulting company. Varun shares his journey from international student to successful entrepreneur, offering a fresh perspective on job hunting for immigrants and professionals alike.
Tune in to discover how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can change your approach to job searching!
From Google AdWords to YouTube and cutting-edge AI research, Tom Leung's storied career at tech giant Google spans over a decade.
In this episode of the Steer Your Career Podcast, host Alan Stein delves into Leung's journey as a top-rated product management director and his unique insights into Google's challenging interview process. Tom shares how the company's hiring practices have evolved, what sets product management interviews apart, and why even exceptional performers aren't immune to layoffs in today's tech landscape.
Tune in now to gain a rare insider's perspective on building a successful career!
In this episode, Alan sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Groverman to discuss the intricacies of managing a portfolio career. From AI consulting to global exports, Peter shares his experiences juggling multiple ventures and offers valuable insights on building relationships, seizing opportunities, and making an impact.
Tune in now to learn how to diversify your professional life and maximize your potential!
Discover the secrets to landing your next great job and negotiating like a pro with former Amazon bar raiser Eric Hudson. In this episode, Alan Stein and Eric delve into the strategies that set successful job seekers apart in today's competitive market.
Discover effective networking techniques, learn how to craft impactful behavioral stories, and gain insights on navigating the negotiation process with confidence. Eric shares valuable tips on everything from securing interviews to finalizing your compensation package. Whether you're actively job hunting or looking to advance your career, this episode offers practical advice to help you in your professional journey.
Tune in now to elevate your job search skills and steer your career towards success!
In this episode, Founder & CEO of Kadima Careers, Alan Stein, asks podcast interview questions he never thought he would ever ask anyone. His guest, Dr. Vrnda ‘V’ Boykin, leans into vulnerability for one of the first times and shares how her former life as a single mom, stripper, and a convict taught her to overcome adversity and succeed on her own terms. She says: “Shame is a huge motivator. . .and nightmares are fuel.”
Ever wondered what really sets you apart in a job interview?
In this episode, Alan Stein is joined by career expert Mark Beal to dive into a compelling conversation about the critical role of soft skills. They discuss how these skills not only land you the job but also help you stand out among candidates with similar hard skills. Mark shares his insightful perspective on the importance of consistent curiosity and the power of asking questions to open doors to new opportunities.
They also explore practical advice for students and professionals looking to elevate their career game. From resume tips to mastering interviews, Mark's real-world examples are sure to leave you inspired. Tune in now!
In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein and Beth Granger delve deep into the secrets of LinkedIn success. They uncover actionable strategies for leveraging the platform to build meaningful connections, cultivate relationships, and achieve your professional goals.
In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein delves deep into the world of spiritual intelligence and quantum leadership with Kadima Careers coach, Amy Lynn Durham. They explore Amy Lynn's journey from corporate executive to spiritual intelligence coach, uncovering how she transformed her leadership style and cultivated authentic connections in the workplace. From navigating crisis management to redefining success beyond competition, Amy Lynn shares valuable insights on how to align your career with your authentic self and make wise, compassionate decisions even in times of stress.
In this episode, I am joined by Lee McKiemann, a staff software engineer at Google. Lee shares his career journey, starting from working at small companies to joining major tech giants like Amazon, Meta (Facebook), and Google. Lee also opens up about being diagnosed with autism and how it has influenced his career and perspective on neurodiversity in the tech industry. Throughout the conversation, Lee's passion for his work shines through as he shares insights and anecdotes, featuring moments of info-dumping that highlight the depth of his expertise and enthusiasm.
Tune in to hear Lee’s inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into neurodiversity in the workplace.
In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, I sat down with Robynn Story to delve into the intricacies of navigating the modern job market. From the evolving dynamics of the recruitment process to the importance of crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we explored practical strategies for job seekers to stand out in a competitive landscape. Robynn shared invaluable insights on the significance of networking, the role of coaching in enhancing interview performance, and the necessity of maintaining professionalism throughout the job search journey.
Tune in to gain actionable tips and valuable advice to navigate your career path effectively. Don't miss out on unlocking the secrets to securing your next job.
In this episode, I dive into insightful conversations on career development with Richa Bansal, founder of Pink Careers. We explore powerful strategies to advance your career, from strategic self-promotion to owning your narrative in the workplace.
Discover how to:
✅ Strategically Self-Promote: Learn how to effectively advocate for yourself and leverage your accomplishments without feeling salesy.
✅ Take Control of Your Career: Understand the importance of being proactive and driving your career trajectory.
✅ Navigate Career Transitions: Gain valuable insights into transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship while aligning with your values and goals.
Tune in to gain actionable tips and inspiration to steer your career towards success. Don't miss out – listen now and take charge of your professional journey!
In this episode, I am joined by Ethan Evans, a former executive at Amazon who now helps train leaders to become executives. Ethan shares his experience at Amazon and his focus on developing people's careers. Ethan also discusses his insights on managing up and managing down, the importance of building relationships with leaders, and the balance between focusing on team needs and leader needs. And most importantly, he spills some powerful tips that candidates can use to get better results in interviews.
Tune in now to gain valuable lessons and insights from former Amazon exec Ethan Evans!
In this episode, Annie Ma-Weaver, a former colleague of mine, shares her illustrious career path at Google spanning 14 years. She discusses her diverse roles and transitions within the company, from support to partnerships, management, sales ops, business development, and finally product management.
Annie emphasizes the importance of being deliberate and proactive in shaping one's career, paying attention to areas of investment and personal growth. She also highlights the significance of maintaining ambition and pushing forward, even while raising young children.
Tune in to hear Annie Ma-Weaver's inspiring journey at Google and gain valuable insights for shaping your own career path!
In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Ex-Googler and executive coach Nicholas Whitaker to explore strategies for navigating toxic work environments and taking charge of your career.
Nicholas shares invaluable insights drawn from his experience, offering practical tips and empowering advice to help listeners thrive in challenging professional settings. From building a strong support network to understanding personal values and boundaries, Nicholas emphasizes the importance of preparedness, curiosity, and self-compassion in achieving resilience and success.
Tune in now to gain actionable strategies for owning your career journey!
In this episode, I sit down with Jay Bowden, a former Sales Managing Director at Google with a wealth of experience in career growth and leadership development. From confronting tough feedback to embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, Jay shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his career journey. We delve into strategies for managing adversities, building strong professional relationships, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
In this episode, I am joined by Kelsey Waldrop, a career strategist and coach, who shares the secrets to career success. From navigating internal mobility at Accenture to advising clients on strategic networking, Kelsey shares practical tips on setting clear goals, cultivating relationships, and negotiating effectively. We explore the importance of aligning personal values with career objectives and discuss the nuances of leveraging industry expertise to drive professional growth.
Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to thrive in your career and maxi
In this podcast episode, I sit down with Zubin Pratap, a lawyer turned software engineer, to explore the journey of intentional career progression and the importance of embracing multiple steps along the way. Zubin shares valuable insights on navigating career transitions, emphasizing the significance of direction over speed in achieving success.
Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies from Zubin's inspiring journey. Don't miss out on this conversation—listen to the full episode now!
In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Greg Roche, an introverted networker, who teaches other introverts how to network. Drawing from his personal experiences early in his career, Greg shares his tips and tactics for building authentic relationships and networking. Greg emphasizes the importance of building relationships one-on-one and focusing on mutual benefit. He also highlights the power of networking and referrals in the job search process.
Discover practical tips for building meaningful connections and leveraging the power of networking in your job search. Don't miss out on this episode - tune in now!
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ken Keis, an esteemed author and President & CEO of Consulting Resource Group International Inc., where he shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming an author, speaker, and coach. He emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and offers tips on how to discover it. Dr. Keis also discusses the significance of clarity in making career decisions and the role of relationships in finding opportunities.
Want to work with passion? Dr. Keis reveals the secrets to purpose-driven success. Tune in to the episode now!
Get the freebie here: www.kenkeis.com/kadima
In this episode, I had the pleasure of having an insightful conversation with Dominick Namis, Head of Business Development at NeoPeople, where we discussed how to maximize your salary potential and helpful advice for negotiating your compensation. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, we explore the critical importance of salary negotiation, sharing actionable strategies to secure higher pay and your financial growth.
If you're ready to take charge of your financial future and elevate your career, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in now and equip yourself with the expertise to navigate salary negotiations and achieve unparalleled success in your professional journey.
In this episode, Alan is joined by career therapist and coach Jessica Sweet. They discuss the role of mindset in career success, common mental obstacles like imposter syndrome, and strategies for overcoming them. Jessica also shares her proven strategies, offering invaluable insights into networking and brand alignment.
Prepare to reshape your career mindset and embark on a transformative journey with actionable insights and expert advice. Tune in now!
In this episode, Alan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed author and business consultant Dory Clark, where they dive into the ever-evolving landscape of careers in the age of AI. Clark shares invaluable insights on strategic career navigation, emphasizing the need for individuals to take control of their professional destinies.
In this podcast episode, Shikhar Satchdev shares insights from his extensive job search experiment, where he went through the 250 application processes to get a deeper understanding of the job search.
As a philosophy graduate who shifted to an entirely different industry, Shikhar discusses strategies for standing out, including value-added presentations and cold emailing. The conversation also touched on the benefits of an efficient application process and combining different job search approaches.
Listen to the full episode for a deep dive into Shikhar's job search experiment and gain valuable tips you can apply to your job search to get a better chance at landing your next job. Tune in now!
In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Dulski, a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board leader. We unravel Jennifer's remarkable journey from a pivotal moment at Yahoo, where she realized she was in the wrong job, to making the bold decision of taking a step back in her career, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling trajectory. We explore the importance of consciously choosing the right path for yourself, navigating internal narratives, and finding true passion in your career.
Jennifer also shares valuable insights on how she ventured into board memberships. Her advice for aspiring board members, especially women, emphasizes the significance of starting small and gaining diverse experiences.
Listen to the episode now to get practical advice on how to accelerate your career!
Mental health, once a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging from the shadows to occupy a central position in the corporate realm. Organizations have recognized that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and they are increasingly adopting initiatives to promote employee mental health.
Embracing this shift towards prioritizing mental health is Newton Cheng, Director of Health + Performance at Google, who joins me today to share his personal journey with mental health and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.
In this episode, I am joined by Jeffrey Moss, the Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey, a company that bridges companies and students and makes the transition from college to career, as smooth as possible. We discuss the rise of micro-internships and how they are changing the way students and companies connect. Jeffrey shares his belief that micro internships should be a core part of both the university experience for learners and the recruiting process for employers.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Cutler, a senior software engineer who has journeyed from being an intern at Twitter to his current role at Qualified. Jordan generously shares his tactics and strategies, shedding light on how he successfully navigated his way to the top. Moreover, he will provide invaluable tips on negotiating compensation and offer practical advice on how to climb the career ladder and secure promotions.
In this episode, I welcome talented executive Sibil Patri, who has had a prolific career in top financial companies and is a certified Chartered Financial Analyst. Our conversation centers around Sibyl's professional journey, the challenges she faced as a woman of color, and the importance of personal branding.
Sibyl also shares her experiences of racial bias and corporate injustices she encountered while climbing the corporate ladder, which ultimately led to her decision to launch her own business, In Pursuit Collective.
Tune in to this inspiring conversation with Sibil, as she shares her experiences navigating corporate hurdles and her decision to forge her own path. Listen to this episode now!
In this episode, I am joined by Kat Scudder, a sales executive and currently the VP of Ad Sales for Nexstar Media Group, and we dive deep into her remarkable career path, where she worked her way up the ladder as a single mother and thrived in the fiercely competitive world of sales.
We explore proven techniques to elevate your sales skills and uncover the surprising parallels between successful sales strategies and the job search process. Kat also sheds light on the essential art of self-marketing for job seekers. Kat also graciously provides her valuable recommendations for books and newsletters, offering listeners essential resources to enhance their sales abilities and accelerate their career.
In this engaging episode, I am joined by Hannah Morgan, a career strategist and founder of CareerSherpa. We took a deep dive into strategies that extend beyond the surface, exploring how building relationships and optimizing your LinkedIn profile can be the pillars of a successful job search. But that's not all – you're in for a treat as Hannah and I engaged in some playful banter, offering differing opinions on various outreach methods and LinkedIn optimization strategies.
In this episode, I sit down with Scott Pollack, the co-founder and CEO of Firneo, to discuss the world of business development and partnerships. They explore the evolving nomenclature of these roles and how they can differ from company to company. Scott provides insights into the core skills needed to excel in BD and partnerships, emphasizing the importance of building strong relationships and networks in these fields.
Tune in now to gain career insights and elevate your BD and partnership game. Don't miss this episode filled with actionable advice and subscribe to The SYCK Career Podcast for more career advice to accelerate your career!
In this episode, I’ll take you through my career journey, revealing pivotal moments where prioritizing my mental health made all the difference. From the early days of climbing the corporate ladder to the unpredictable twists and turns of career growth, I share relatable stories that illustrate the profound impact of protecting your mental health.
Tune in to gain valuable insights into the practical steps you can take to protect your mental health on your own career path. Learn why it's not just a personal victory but a fundamental element for professional growth.
In this episode, I'll take you through my recent experience at the Grace Hopper Celebration in Orlando, Florida. Beyond inspiring speakers, I engaged in meaningful networking, offering valuable advice and LinkedIn profile reviews to ambitious professionals. Discover how to make the most of such events and open doors to your career success.
Ready to boost your networking skills and seize career opportunities? Tune in to the episode now!
In this episode, we delve into the misconceptions surrounding age and career achievements. I will provide insights into my tenure at Salesforce, where I interacted with individuals of varying seniority levels, regardless of their age. This eye-opening discussion reveals that age should never be a limiting factor.
If you find yourself fretting about whether your age might hinder your career prospects, this enlightening episode is a must-listen. Empower yourself to take charge of your professional journey. Tune in now!
In this episode, we delve into an unconventional yet highly effective method of networking that goes beyond the confines of social media. Discover the power of attending career networking events like NBMBAA (National Black MBA Association) and how it can be a game-changer in your job search. These gatherings bring together industry giants scouting for top talent and provide a platform for professionals to connect across diverse sectors.
Join us as we guide you on approaching these events strategically to maximize their impact on your career. If you've hit a roadblock in your job search, this episode equips you with insights to foster valuable relationships and unlock a world of opportunities, leading you to interviews and job offers. Tune in now ato revolutionize your networking game!
In this episode, we'll dive deep into the concept of the September hiring surge and its implications for your job search in the upcoming months. Discover how this phenomenon can impact your chances of landing your dream job, and most importantly, learn how to stay persistent and maintain your consistency throughout your job search journey.
If you've ever felt hopeless during your job search or doubted the effectiveness of your efforts, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in now!
In this episode, we will get more personal, as the driving force behind my own pursuit of success, my Mom, Sharon Lorber joins us today to talk about her unconventional path to career success. She also shares the invaluable lessons and wisdom that guided her through this unconventional path – wisdom that has not only transformed her life but has also had a profound impact on me.
Tune in to this special episode and discover how my mom shattered barriers and reinvented her life and her career.
In this episode, I hand over the mic to Mary Reilly, Kadima’s External Communications and PR Manager. We discuss how Kadima came to be, the core mission driving our efforts, and our systematic approach to guiding clients toward exceptional job opportunities. Our conversation also spans pivotal job search topics, including debunking myths, leveraging the power of referrals and networking, the significance of post-graduate education, and much more.
Are you ready to reshape your job search and career aspirations? Tune in to gain valuable insights that could redefine your professional path. Listen to the full episode now!
In this episode, we'll explore why it's important to adjust how you think about balancing work and life to match what you truly care about and want to achieve. By taking time to think carefully, you'll discover the way of living that feels most right for you.
Tune in to this episode to learn more about finding the right balance for you and how it can help you make better career choices and enhance your overall well-being!
Join me in this episode as I sit down with Daniel Botero, the visionary behind Opny, as we delve into the intricate world of F-1 and H1B visa holders, shedding light on their unique situations and immediate hurdles.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that could reshape your future. Tune in now to gain the tools and knowledge you need to navigate the path to success as an immigrant in the U.S.
In this episode, I will discuss with you the first component of the GROWTH Framework, which is setting your target list of companies. I will walk you through the critical questions to ask yourself before determining what companies to target and how you can begin filling that list using the help of AI and free resources online.
If you're feeling lost in your job search and struggling to break free from a slump, this episode could be the compass you need to steer you towards the next stage and unlock more interview opportunities. Tune in and take that crucial step towards refining your job search strategy!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan I Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Kadima Careers Website
In this episode, I am joined by Bob Goodwin, the CEO of Career Club, and we dive deep into the other important side of the job acquisition process–networking, building a robust pipeline of leads, creating an irresistible value proposition, and practicing mental resilience. We also touched on how to navigate informational interviews and how to use this to successfully pivot to another industry.
If you’re struggling in dealing with rejections and gaining confidence in your job search, this is an episode that you shouldn’t miss. Tune in now to find out how to effectively conduct your job search and stand out against the competition!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Bob Goodwin LinkedIn
Career Club Website
In this episode, we delve into how executive search firms operate and how they impact the hiring process. We also touch on the “hidden” job market, why it exists, and how it creates disadvantages for job seekers looking for roles in traditional platforms such as online job boards.
Tune in now and learn the lesser-known facts about talent acquisition and discover how you can navigate the intricacies of the recruiting process!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Loren Greiff LinkedIn
In this episode of the SYCK podcast, I will share valuable tips on how to approach potential advocates and nurture relationships that will accelerate your career, even when companies are not actively recruiting. Don't let the summer slowdown hold you back; seize the opportunity to achieve remarkable progress in your professional journey!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan I Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Kadima Careers Website
In this episode, I am joined by Josh Bernoff who shares how he transitioned from being a corporate analyst to an author. We discussed his background in academia and how his openness to every opportunity led him to discover his passion for writing. We also touched on the challenges one can face when shifting careers and valuable tips on how you can plan for your own transition.
If you find yourself at a crossroads, uncertain about whether a career shift is an appropriate path for you, or unsure of where to begin, you have come to the right place. Tune in now to discover valuable insights that will guide you in your career transition!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan I Linkedin
Josh Bernoff Website
Josh Bernoff LinkedIn
In this episode, we will delve into the significance of an MBA in fostering career advancement and explore the criteria for evaluating the advantages and disadvantages associated with pursuing this degree. Additionally, I will share with you a lesser-known alternative that can be considered if you prefer to avoid exorbitant expenditures on your education.
If you’re contemplating on pursuing an MBA for career growth, this is a must-listen! Tune in now and discover the true value of an MBA today and how it realistically impacts the trajectory of your career!
In this episode, I will share with you the framework that has helped me get 29 jobs in my career and has worked for hundreds of my clients. The GROWTH Framework details the step-by-step process of how to land your next role efficiently. This process will help you get a better job quickly, confidently, and with lots more money.
So if you want to get that next job within 3-6 months, you can’t miss out on this episode. Tune in now and get your roadmap to success
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Alan Stein LinkedIn
Kadima Careers Website
In this episode, we're exploring the age-old dilemma of revealing your compensation expectations during a job pursuit, where I will share why it's best to keep your compensation number under wraps, whether it's too low or too high. I will also teach you how you can navigate pushbacks from recruiters when they ask for your salary range so you can maximize your earning potential.
Tune in now to take control of your career and learn invaluable strategies to secure the compensation you truly deserve.
In this episode, I sit down with Mita Mallick, a renowned advocate for diversity and inclusion, to discuss how underrepresented groups navigate their careers, the challenges they face in the process, and how they overcome them. We also touched on the existing biases within companies and the importance of creating fair and equitable processes to ensure that biases don’t play a role in hiring and promotion.
Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that will broaden your perspective and empower you to advocate for a more inclusive workplace. Listen to the episode now!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Mita Mallick LinkedIn
In this episode, Jenny Wood, Founder, Google’s Own Your Career Program, joins me in an insightful discussion where we talked about career development and climbing up the ladder in the corporate scene. We dive into our personal experiences in job search and reorgs, sharing how we dealt with the adversity that came with it, and how to find opportunities for growth even in the most challenging situations.
Tune in and find out how you can continue to find growth and take control of your career in this thought-provoking episode now!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Jenny Wood LinkedIn
Jenny Wood Newsletter
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Jean Kang, a Strategic Program Manager at Figma, who has similarly forged her path in the tech industry as a highly accomplished program manager. We discuss the challenges of entering tech as a non-technical professional and touch on how to thrive as a program manager without PMP certification. Jean also shares proven tips on how to prepare for interviews, specifically for program manager roles.
Join us in this episode if you are interested in pursuing this path or simply want to enhance your skills and confidence in the field. Tune in now and unlock the secrets to a thriving program management career!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Jean Kang Newsletter
Jean Kang LinkedIn
In this episode, I had the pleasure of engaging in a thought-provoking conversation with a fellow career coach, Dr. Jeremy Gartner. Dr. Gartner and I share the same passion for accelerating careers and in our discussion, we talked about how we help ambitious professionals achieve their career goals and get ahead of the competition.
Discover the most efficient methods used by highly accomplished professionals to land more interview opportunities and acquire lucrative offers through real-life client experience. Tune in now to take your career to the next level!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Dr. Jeremy Gartner LinkedIn
Career Propulsion Website
In this episode of the SYCK Career Podcast, I reconnect with an old college friend, Jon Hyman, an employment attorney. We explore employment issues in greater detail and provide insights into how both employees and employers can navigate this complex area of employment law. Jon also shares valuable insights on employment contracts, performance improvement plans (PIPs), and more.
Don't miss this enlightening conversation filled with practical tips and expert advice to help you navigate the complexities of employment contracts and other challenging work situations. Tune in now!'
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Ohio Employer Law Blog
Jon Hyman LinkedIn
Wickens Law Website
In this episode, Eugina shares her personal experience as an immigrant in the American workforce, and how sponsorship and mentorship played a crucial role in shaping her career trajectory. Drawing from her book, she also highlights important laws that empower professionals to succeed.
Join us as we explore how you can turn adversity into opportunity and take proactive steps toward advancing your career. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to thrive in the competitive American job market.
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Eugina Jordan Website
Eugina Jordan LinkedIn
In this episode of SYCK Career, I am joined by Dr. Aditi Paul, a researcher and ex-tenured professor as she shares her personal experience as an immigrant and the challenges she faced in navigating the US immigration process. We also discuss the different visa options available to international students and professionals and the importance of being proactive in exploring alternative paths.
Tune in to this episode as we delve into some of the complexities of the US visa process and shed light on the challenges and obstacles that many visa applicants face.
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Aditi Paul Website
Dr. Aditi Paul LinkedIn
Dr. Aditi Paul Twitter
In this episode of the SYCK Career Podcast, I have the pleasure of hosting two esteemed guests, Steven Zhang and Chris Talley, who have spearheaded the creation of the groundbreaking WARNTracker, a powerful tool that provides real-time information regarding layoffs happening around the country.
Join us in this episode as we uncover the critical role that the WARNTracker has played and continues to play in providing timely and accurate information to workers in these uncertain times.
Links Mentioned In The Podcast:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
WARNTracker
Steven Zhang LinkedIn
Chris Talley LinkedIn
In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Monique Dawkins, where we discuss our experiences and insights on leadership roles and touch on the unspoken/unwritten rules of being a leader. From the experience of being unwanted by a team, Monique connects the rules she discussed in her upcoming book “You Know Best”, which helped her assess situations and weigh crucial decisions for her career. Moreover, we dig deeper into the importance of personal branding and how it is vital to the longevity of one’s professional career.
If you’re an aspiring or a seasoned leader, you don’t want to miss out on this insightful episode. Tune in now to learn the necessary skills in becoming a dependable and amazing leader!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Monique Dawkins LinkedIn
In this episode, Andrea Henderson, a veteran in the talent acquisition space, joins me to share the impact of acquiring sponsors throughout her career, the power of networking, and how she identified and leveraged opportunities available through her connections. We also discussed the lesser-known details about talent acquisition such as recruitment processes, measuring candidate experience, recruiter incentives, and so much more.
Tune in to this episode today to start gaining more opportunities to get promoted and build a successful corporate career!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Andrea Henderson LinkedIn
In this episode, Rob Cocks, VP of Sales for Vimeo North America, and I discuss the biases in recruiting and how Rob has worked to overcome them by creating a more diverse and inclusive team. We also dive deep into Google's interview process, with a particular focus on General Cognitive Ability (GCA).
Tune into this episode as we explore these topics and uncover new insight into how the workplace can become a more inclusive and fair environment for all.
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Rob Cocks LinkedIn
Looking to give your career a boost? In this SYCK Podcast episode, career coach Sonal Bahl shares some practical tips to help you supercharge your professional growth. She also offers insights into the power dynamic in job acquisition and how to ask the right questions at the right time. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career pivot, Sonal's advice is sure to inspire you. Tune in now to learn more!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Sonal Bahl LinkedIn
Sonal Bahl Website
In this SYCK Podcast episode, Nadia shares her inspiring story of how she managed to be successful in her leadership role at Google and her personal venture as an executive career coach.
Learn how Nadia shifted her focus on the important measures of successes and her valuable tips for self-improvement. Tune in now!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Nadia Carta LinkedIn
Nadia Carta Instagram
Nadia Carta Website
In this SYCK Podcast episode, Joe and Alan discuss what sparked the idea for ExecThread and how it helps top-notch professionals find their perfect executive-level job.
Tune in to find out how ExecThread's extensive network can help you access the “hidden job market” and more opportunities to seek higher roles!
Links Mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Joe Meyer LinkedIn
ExecThread
Are you struggling to get offers after you interview with the hiring manager? In this episode of the SYCK podcast, Danielle Hughes, owner of More than Words Copy, joins me to discuss how to build your personal brand and actually use it to successfully win the job!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Danielle Hughes LinkedIn
More than Words Copy
Still skeptical that networking can lead to long-term career success? In this episode of the SYCK podcast, Steve Dalton, best-selling author of The 2-Hour job search, joins me to discuss the science of networking and how to use it successfully to get the job you want.
Tune in now to learn how to leverage the power of networking!
Links mentioned in the episode:
SYCK Career Podcast
Alan Stein Linkedin
XLR8R Newsletter
Steve Dalton LinkedIn
Steve Dalton Website
Are you aiming for a promotion at work but don't know how to make it happen? Alan Stein and Maya Grossman, in this podcast episode, discuss the step-by-step process on how to get promoted.
Maya shares her insights from her 15 years in the corporate world which included 10 promotions and she explains why earning trust is one of the most important things that will help you climb up the ladder. She also lays out practical tips on how you can advocate for your own promotion without being overly salesy.
Listen to the SYCK Podcast with Maya Grossman now and take your career success into your own hands today!
IN THIS EPISODE
- [02:40] What are advocates and how are they different from mentors?
- [6:48] How to find the right people to advocate for your promotion
- [8:43] What to do when you don’t have your manager’s support
- [12:06] How to push back against your manager’s objections about your promotion
- [15:18] Dealing with difficult conversations with manager if you are uncomfortable in communicating directly
- [21:05] Advocating for yourself in the workplace without being salesy
- [27:14] Alan and Maya discuss the timeline of promotions
- [29:35] Maya’s thoughts on promotions and compensation
- [33:15] The driving forces of people aiming for a promotion
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Being good at your job doesn’t equate to promotion. Aside from being exceptional at what you do, you need to get people to advocate for your promotion, especially your manager.
- Tough conversations are necessary to grow your career. If you can’t go out of your comfort zone to deal with them, don’t expect to reap the rewards of your hard work.
RESOURCE LINKS:
SYCK Career Podcast
Maya Grossman LinkedIn
Maya Grossman Website
BIO:
Maya is a Career Success Coach, 2x VP of marketing, and a best-selling author.
She was promoted 10 times in 15 years and worked for companies like Microsoft and Google and now she teaches ambitious professionals how to make quantum leaps in their careers and earn high 6 figures, without working harder.
Malorie Nicole is a leading coach in performance, mindset, and success for entrepreneurs and business leaders. With a focus on helping others achieve clarity of mind, powerful energy management, and unshakable leadership, she has worked with hundreds of clients and dedicates thousands of hours each year to coaching and mentoring others.
In this episode, Malorie will be discussing how shifting our mindset can lead us towards creating the life we desire and achieving our professional goals. She will be providing insight into developing the right attitude that allows us to take action with discipline and reach success. We will also learn how to develop a growth mindset and establish self-identity so that we can become more confident in pursuing our dreams no matter what challenges come our way.
Tune in today to the SYCK Career Podcast with special guest Malorie Nicole. You’ll leave this episode feeling empowered and ready to make real changes in your life to reach your highest potential. Watch the full episode now by clicking on the link in the comment section.
IN THIS EPISODE
- [05:20] Malorie discusses where people often struggle with in trying to achieve their goals.
- [7:34] How emotional management can help individuals get back on track after experiencing disappointing situations.
- [10:02] Malorie explains how establishing one’s identity drastically changes a person’s approach in dealing with rejections and limitations.
- [14:43] Malorie shares her experience working with underprivileged clients.
- [20:00] The power of journal writing
- [31:30] How can people approach others for advice
- [34:13] The right intention for seeking someone’s advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Successful people develop a strong identity and have an impressive capacity for emotional management.
- Many individuals struggle with fear of rejection that prevents them from striving for their ambitions.
- Surrounding yourself with people who understand and support your goals will change how consistently you take action and follow your plan.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Career Podcast
Abudantly Clear Podcast
Malorie Nicole LinkedIn
Malorie Nicole Website
BIO:
Malorie Nicole is a leading coach in performance, mindset, and success for entrepreneurs and business leaders. With a focus on helping others achieve clarity of mind, powerful energy management, and unshakable leadership, she has worked with hundreds of clients and dedicates thousands of hours each year to coaching and mentoring others. As the host of the Forbes #1 rated show "Abundantly Clear Podcast" and author of the upcoming book "The Abundance Decision", Malorie has helped countless individuals unlock their full potential and achieve their biggest visions.
Alan and Corinna met back in 2016 after Alan got canned by Google. Corinna was working for Amazon then, and Alan was interviewing for a role on her team. Silly Alan shared way too much information about why exactly he was no longer at Google. Alan thought his transparency blew his chances at Amazon, but in fact he got rejected from that role for other reasons.
Whether you're in the job market for the first time or you're looking to make a career change, Alan Stein and Corinna Calhoun have the advice you need to navigate the current job climate. Corinna is a tech veteran who has worked for Amazon and Microsoft, and she'll be sharing her insights on how to leverage intention and mindset to make the job search process more successful.
Tune in today and learn how you can increase your success and be more resilient in your job search.
IN THIS EPISODE
- [02:29] The three different backdrops in Corinna’s tech career that shaped her perspective and leadership style.
- [08:45] How Alan’s shared way too much information with Corinna back in 2016.
- [13:55] Corinna shares how narratives impact people and their careers.
- [18:23] Double loop learning
- [20:53] How job seekers or anyone in general should deal with failures and rejections.
- [27:46] What you can do to improve even if you don’t get feedback from your interviewer.
- [41:25] The difference between Amazon and Microsoft interview process.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The narrative you believe about yourself impacts how you internalize failure and rejections.
- Changing the narrative you tell yourself requires you to be aware of your thoughts and behavior that reinforces that narrative.
- Having a person, whether it be a coach or a friend, to help you in your job search process and hold you accountable at all times, can significantly increase your chances of success.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Career Podcast
Corinna Calhoun LinkedIn
BIO:
Corinna Calhoun has twenty-seven years of leadership experience in technology companies from start-ups to Fortune 50’s, including Microsoft and Amazon. She is a proven leader of healthy, high-performing teams that solve complex problems at scale, with deep expertise in marketing, customer success, and operations. Currently, she leads an executive coaching and organizational effectiveness consulting business, working with clients from Microsoft, T-Mobile, Amazon, and other technology companies. Corinna graduated cum laude with distinction from Barnard College, Columbia University, with a Bachelor of Arts in European History. She will graduate with a Master of Science in Organization Development (MSOD) from Pepperdine University in the summer of 2023. She is an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation and is currently completing her certification as a Positive Intelligence Coach (CPQC). In her spare time, Corinna is a volunteer crisis counselor for The Trevor Project, an avid exerciser (all kinds!), a lifelong learner (currently learning to speak French), a traveler, a wife, and a mom to an amazing 12-year-old son.
Hady Mendez, previously a Director of Equality for Salesforce (Slack business unit), joins Alan Stein to discuss the recent wave of layoffs. Hady shares her personal story of how she was able to get back on her feet after receiving the news of her layoff.
This episode also dives into a discussion on how to build resilience when dealing with challenging situations, offering invaluable advice to anyone looking to make a career change or better manage their professional lives.
Tune in now to learn how to navigate through layoffs with confidence.
IN THIS EPISODE
- [02:32] Hady shares how she got laid off from Salesforce.
- [06:43] Your layoff is not always about your performance.
- [08:06] Hady’s mindset, process, and next steps after the layoff became official.
- [13:14] How Hady is preparing herself to land a better opportunity.
- [14:18] How Hady’s diverse network helped her in the job search process.
- [22:40] Diversity in Salesforce’s workforce
- [33:44] Advice to people who were laid off
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Graciously helping others can reward you in the most unexpected times such as a sudden layoff.
- Taking the time to process your layoff and reflecting on the situation while keeping your health, diet, and sleep in check should be a priority before you look for your next role.
- Many people are willing to help those in need, especially in these difficult times. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Career Podcast
Hady Mendez LinkedIn
Hady Mendez Instagram
I AM REMARKABLE
BIO:
Equality for a major tech firm, held multiple customer-facing roles in high tech and financial services, served as a leader across various Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), volunteered as an international champion for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women, and served as Community School Director
at an elementary school in the South Bronx.
Hady’s academic credentials include a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from Manhattan College, plus graduate certificates in eBusiness and eCommerce from NYU and NJIT, respectively. She also holds a Family Development Credential from the University of Connecticut. Hady’s additional advocacy work has her serving as a member of the NY Advisory Board at Room to Grow, a nonprofit organization based in the South Bronx. Hady also serves on the Board of Pan Peru USA, an organization whose mission is to empower low income women in rural Peru. Hady is a founding member of nFormation, a welcoming community by women of color for women of color. In her free time, Hady is an amateur street art photographer and an avid podcast listener.
Waziri Garuba is the founder of Harlem Labs. Before starting Harlem Labs, Waziri spent almost a decade working at Wall Street firms Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley. Currently, Waziri leads and advises corporate executives towards strategic moves to enhance the workplace. Since 2013, he has influenced many CEOs to be authentic with their employees, creating a relationship where the employee feels valued. In addition, Waziri gives us an intimate view of how you can thrive in your job. Tune in today to hear this enthusiastic, fast-moving conversation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:52] Waziri shares his educational and business background and his relationship with Tony Hsieh, the founder of Zappos, and others who influenced his career
- [16:49] Waziri explains why he choose Columbia Business School and describes his time on Wall Street
- [25:05] Waziri speaks of himself as the Nigerian tech guy and what technology should accomplish
- [39:46] What it’s like working with his wife in her business, Urban Root
- [53:15] The importance of taking an earnest interest in others
- [59:06] Waziri suggests books that a CEO should read
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Employees need to have authentic conversations with their bosses. You are not in the right job if you can’t have that relationship.
- Work at a job that leaves you fulfilled at the end of the day. Your kids won’t remember your title, but they will remember the impact you make on them.
- Managers who say they can’t keep talent are likely managers who don’t value their employees.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Podcast - SYCK
LinkedIn - Waziri Garuba
Website - Harlem Labs
BIOGRAPHY:
Waziri Garuba is the Founder and CEO of Harlem Labs, where he acts as the “Leader’sSherpa” to the visionaries, initiators, and teams he has navigated through roadblocks for the past seven years.
His work with key leaders in organizations led him to focus on defining the right strategies for CEO’s and Executive decision-makers to maximize their impact on the audiences they serve. Before his role in strategic leadership advisory, Waziri spent almost a decade working at Wall Street firms Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs, and Morgan Stanley.
He received his MBA at Columbia Business School in 2009. After business school, he worked as a consultant on projects in Las Vegas and Sao Paulo before eventually relocating to Austin, TX, where he launched his advisory firm in 2013. Waziri serves on the board of Fundr.AI, Columbia Business School’s African-American-Alumni-Association, and as an Advisor to the National Black MBA (Austin Chapter) and ManagementLeadership for Tomorrow (Southwest) leadership. In addition, Waziri keeps busy at home with a wife, a 7-year-old, and his 5-year-old twins.
Carolina Lasso is originally from Columbia, Bogata, South America. She advanced through mega companies like American Express and Google and discovered that those positions did not give her joy. Carolina is passionate about self-help, self-development, meditation, and mindfulness and so Carolina searched for principles to live by and has written a book, The Path to Flourishing. The discussion today applies to anyone who has a job, wants an advancement in their career, or is discouraged about life. These are principles that anyone can cultivate. Carolina’s life changed, and she wants to share these principles with the world.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:00] Carolina’s background
- [15:14] She begins to write a book about principles she has cultivated that changed her life
- [19:21] Immigrants or minorities in the world of tech
- [25:31] Seven principles that changed Carolina’s life
- [37:00] The role of female managers
- [48:55] Principles as they apply to immigrants or any minority
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Take a step away from your job if you need to do some self-care or deep exploration of your life. First, explore the things that give you joy and pursue those. Then take action in your career so that it can be aligned with your life purpose.
- Perspective can be deceptive. It can be the way we explain our situation or the story we tell ourselves about what is happening in our lives. What we focus on is essential.
- Female leadership is lacking in the corporate workforce. The word “female” doesn’t equate to just women but rather the empathy and caring a female brings to the table. Workers want to be appreciated.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Podcast - SYCK
Facebook - Carolina Lasso
LinkedIn - Carolina Lasso
Twitter - Carolina Lasso
Website - Carolina Lasso
BIOGRAPHY:
Carolina Lasso is the Marketing Director at SIY Global, author of the Amazon bestseller The Path to Flourishing: Seven Principles for a Joyful, Fulfilling, and Purposeful Life, and the creator of the Spanish language personal development platform, Plenitud. Passionate about creating practical tools to help organizations and individuals flourish, Carolina combines her business background with her passion for personal development as a teacher, marketer, and consultant. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business from the University of Maryland, an MBA from New York University, and has worked at Google, American Express, and Telemundo. Carolina is a certified Search Inside Yourself teacher, mindfulness facilitator, and marketing instructor. She enjoys oil painting, Latin dancing, spending time with her family in her native Colombia, and discovering new places around the world.
Stacey Staaterman is a leadership and career growth coach. Her background is diverse. She has a marketing and advertising magazine industry background but went out on a limb to begin her coaching career and has experienced success and satisfaction. Today Stacey outlines her journey from working for a magazine published by American Express and describes when at a national sales meeting, she heard the ‘future does not fit in the containers of the past.’ The “light bulb” went off for her. She wasn’t in the right “container.” Tune in today to find out if you are in the “container” right for you and hear Stacey’s insights and strategies for career growth and success.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:45] Stacey shares her passion as a career coach and her history at American Express
- [09:35] Leaving American Express and taking an unknown career path: tech or coaching
- [17:57] Why you shouldn’t stay in a position where you feel trapped
- [21:06] Engineering your exit package
- [31:32] What is success in life
- [40:39] Stacey advises ways to accelerate your career
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Engineer your exit before you leave a company. Ask former employees what their exit package was and work from a position of knowledge.
- Twenty-five and thirty years ago, a person accepted a position at a firm and stayed their entire career. That doesn’t happen anymore. Keep your skills fresh where you are because you never know when your company will change product or direction.
- Prepare your resume with more than skills, knowledge, job history, etc. The resume should include other attributes like motivations, leadership behaviors, and career goals.
RESOURCE LINKS:
Podcast - SYCK
Facebook - Stacey Staaterman
LinkedIn - Stacey Staaterman
Twitter - Stacey Staaterman
Website - Stacey Staaterman
BIOGRAPHY:
STACEY STAATERMAN LEADERSHIP & CAREER GROWTH COACH
Stacey Staaterman is a PCC-level Certified Professional Coach (Leadership, Career). Recognized by BUSINESS INSIDER as one of the Most Innovative Coaches, Stacey works with people seeking more fulfillment, happiness, and reward from their career and professional pursuits. Stacey is a regularly featured leadership and career expert appearing in Forbes, Fortune, Men's Health, and The Wall Street Journal. She is also a member of the FORBES Coaches Council.
Stacey has coached people at Google, Amazon, New York University, American Express, SIRIUS/Pandora, Chanel, Random House, LVMH, Travel + Leisure, Saks Fifth Avenue, Prudential, Consumer Reports, Fortune, Post Foods, Inc. Magazine, Marsh & McLennan, MIT, Random House, Blackstone, Deloitte, Legal Zoom, Bloomberg Media, and EY.
Before becoming a professional coach and consultant, Stacey held leadership positions in the advertising and media industry for more than 20 years – with American Express (Travel+Leisure, Food & Wine, Departures), Time Warner, Fast Company, Meredith Corporation, and Scholastic. Stacey received her B.S. in Advertising from Syracuse University (S.I. Newhouse School of Communications) and earned additional credentials through IPEC Coaching, Marshall Goldsmith Inc., Kickstart Your Edge Leadership Coaching, and Rutgers University.
Stacey is also an active community volunteer. She is Vice Chair of the Board for West Essex YMCA in Livingston, New Jersey, and serves as the Character Development Officer with Curtiss-Wright Composite Squadron in the New Jersey Wing of Civil Air Patrol. She lives with her husband and teenage daughter in New Jersey.
Jared Crain retired from a brilliant 20-year military career and then hit the “Unemployed Wall.” after leaving the military. Rather than accept defeat, he blazed a trail of gathering the tools he needed to get into the civilian workforce. In his new role as Director of Workforce Development at Salesforce, he assists service members in communicating with employers to obtain the position they seek. Today Jared tells how the culture of the military and the mindset of service members are the polar opposite of what corporate America is recruiting. He doesn’t stop there, though. He shares how to overcome roadblocks to a civilian job.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:58] Jared shares his upbringing in a military family and his desire to follow in those footsteps, and the serendipitous way of finding the position at Salesforce
- [17:00] The paradigm shift in candidating for a job and questions often asked
- [24:22] Overcoming the feeling of self failure
- [37:10] Jared describes his transition to the tech field at Salesforce
- [47:05] He tells about his wife's job and how that formed what he did not want for his career
- [51:14] Advice for SYCK listeners
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The culture in the military is vastly different than that of corporate America. Therefore, when a person leaves the military to find a civilian job, they are not on the same playing field as someone without military experience.
- The military values people who can multi-task and move seamlessly from one position to another. Corporate America wants to hire specialists in their field. They are not looking for multitaskers.
- The mindset of career military veterans is to give the team or another person credit for a particular task. Instead, in an employment interview, a recruiter is looking for the achievements of the individual, not the group.
RESOURCE LINKS:
SYCK - Podcast
Jared Crain - LinkedIn
Bio:
Helping individuals and organizations reach their optimal level of performance, and I truly love helping leaders and teams recognize where their issues lie and what steps they can take to get to where they want to go. I believe that service to others is the greatest calling, and that seeing the success of those you’ve aided is the best reward possible.
Jeremy Schifeling is a master at mastering LinkedIn. Today you will learn the secrets only someone who has worked for Linkedin can share. Adapting methods, you will hear today, will make the difference between being found by a recruiter and being passed over for another candidate. The tips you will listen to are for all levels of users of this site. LinkedIn can work even better for you when you have the right tools in your kit. Don’t miss this enlightening discussion about something you may have thought you had figured out!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:34] Jeremy’s background at LinkedIn. His book is titled Conquer LinkedIn. Get your Dream Job. Own Your Future
- [06:42] Being found on LinkedIn and working on the algorithm. How important is posting your picture
- [11:45] The bias of your job history and breaking into the “golden” companies
- [17:28] Finding unique connections on LinkedIn and how to use the 300 characters wisely
- [36:29] Jeremy’s best tips for making LinkedIn work for you
- [46:00] Diversity or lack thereof on LinkedIn
- [48:48] Free offer for the book review
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The key to being found on LinkedIn is your profile. The key to your profile is using keywords that enable recruiters and networkers to see you. Therefore, you need to be strategic.
- To break through barriers and obtain positions at organizations like Facebook and Google is to know someone and be referred. Don’t be afraid to ask someone in those organizations for a referral. They receive a finding fee when you are hired. So you will not be a bother.
- LinkedIn offers interview prep for the specific industry of interest. Watch the recording and analyze the areas needing improvement.
RESOURCE LINKS:
SYCK - Podcast
Jeremy Schifeling - Facebook
Jeremy Schifeling - LinkedIn
Jeremy Schifeling - Twitter
Conquer LinkedIn. Get Your Dream Job. Own Your Future - Book
BIO:
Jeremy Schifeling has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he’s touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he’s published the best-selling LinkedIn book on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn’s history. He currently leads marketing at Khan Academy and shares his thoughts on Break into Tech, a site for anyone who wants to launch a tech career.
Book: https://amzn.to/3hlVKci
Website: http://www.breakinto.tech
Amit Goyal has answered the career question of, ‘where do you want to be in 5 years?’ He is the Senior Director of Global Partnerships, Sales & SMB Strategy at News Break after advancing quickly at American Express and Google. He has a passion for solving problems and building diverse, high-performing teams. Amit will share his insight into how to move up the corporate ladder, including looking at other companies for advancement. Amit will also answer what employers are looking for in candidates from his perspective at News Break.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:00] Amit shares his background
- [06:10] Three tips that advanced Amit’s career mobility
- [11:59] How important is your leader or manager to your job
- [15:10] Stepping back from the position to pursue an MBA or go part-time
- [27:49] What makes a candidate stand out in the interview process
- [33:47] Career advice for SYCK listeners
KEY TAKEAWAYS: * A growth mindset about your career and pushing yourself into various challenges is critical to upward mobility within an organization or your profession. * Education is essential to one's career skills and abilities, but the networking and strategic contacts developed there can be beneficial in the future. * A desire to do the work you are performing plays an intricate part in job success. You must be interested in what you spend your time doing to be a top performer.
RESOURCE LINKS: Podcast - SYCK Linkedin - Amit Goyal
BIO:
Amit's career consists of deep BD and partner-management experience from years scaling businesses globally at Google, American Express and in the start-up space most recently at News Break, an AI-driven news aggregator app. Highlights include doubling a multi-hundred million dollar portfolio, influencing cross-functionally to launch $100M+ in partner capabilities and executing over 50 enterprise wide deals w/ tier 1 partners across travel, news, automotive, local commerce and financial services verticals. Amit has been recognized by senior leadership and C-suite execs for his strong, consistent OKR performance, delivering against strategic roadmaps and, investing in and retaining top talent and championing DEI initiatives. Amit brings a rare combination of end-to-end experience across both ads and commerce with direct experience building marketplaces, supporting customers and reducing friction between buyers and sellers.
Belen Wagaw has had unprecedented upward mobility in her career in the corporate world. After leaving those positions, she began career coaching. Belen’s other venture is assisting executives in developing their brands on Linkedin. She has developed excellent interpersonal skills, self-awareness, and a career philosophy that you will find motivational. Today, she will share her thoughts on “making corporate” work for you. Find out how your uncomfortable job situations can be your pathway to success.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:45] Belen’s corporate job history
- [10:36] Leading a team when you are also a team member. Managing people
- [18:52] The importance of your manager advocating for you. What makes a great manager vis-a-vis a lousy manager
- [35:53] Belen describes her career coaching business as well as the business she is co-founding to assist people in creating their brand on Linkedin
- [43:10] How a black woman succeeds in the workplace
- [45:40] Advice for the SYCK listeners
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Be inspired by the managers who push and support you. Walk away from those willing to accept the status quo and want to drag you down with them.
- Auditing your environment is critical. People begin to act like and listen to the people they are surrounded by in the company.
- Skills, social networking, and salary are three essential things that are takeaways from a corporate relationship. You can “Make Corporate” work for you if you understand how to achieve and work those three things.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Belen Wagaw - Facebook
Belen Wagaw - Linkedin
Belen Wagaw - Twitter
Belen Wagaw - Website
Dr. Nayla Bahri is an executive coach and co-host of The Inside Job Podcast. It is possible to have the “perfect” job and a fulfilling relationship with your job. Whether you have been in your position for a day or 30 years, you will benefit from this honest and enlightening conversation about pursuing a position that meets your needs. Success can be measured in many ways and today you will hear how to experience more satisfaction in your career choice. You won’t want to miss this podcast.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [1:40] Nayla discusses how her business coaching differs from others
- [6:09] Start with ‘What do I want or need’ not what company do I want to work for and then ask other critical questions
- [11:52] The lies we tell ourselves
- [16:22] Upward mobility vs. personal desire or preference
- [22:00] The importance of networking
- [30:00] Pier pressure vs. misalignment of the job, vs. success
- [42:13] Achieving your goals
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- There are many types of career coaching. The style of today's guest is to know yourself before you can find the “perfect” job. That is achieved by self-awareness found by asking the right questions of yourself through coaching.
- It is very easy to fall into the trap of traditional success. What is expected of me? What does my position say about me? Instead, seek the position that gives you a fulfilling career and life. Most people need to work. It may as well be at a job you enjoy.
- There is vocabulary that is bantered around which may leave a detrimental impression when one is seeking a career move. Focus on words, people, and thoughts that leave you inspired, not discouraged.
RESOURCE LINKS:
SYCK - Podcast
Nayla Bahri - Facebook
Nayla Bahri - Linkedin
Nayla Bahri - Twitter
Nayla Bahri - Website
Nayla Bahri - The Inside Job Podcast
BIO:
Dr. Nayla Bahri is an executive coach, educator, facilitator, and co-host of The Inside Job Podcast. Her mission is to help everyone she collaborates with create their ideal relationship with work, one that lets them thrive, experience more satisfaction and flow, and deliver excellence.
SHOW NOTES:
Bonnie Davis, a partner at HuWork, is here today to discuss facilitating workplaces where employees are valued and excel, and businesses thrive. Bonnie shares her views on the importance of career coaching for all levels of management. Her passion is to develop leaders and those they lead and to enhance the “people side” of organizations. If you are a manager, employee, or seeking work, there are valuable tips you will not want to miss. Join us today for this thought-provoking discussion.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [2:00] Bonnie discusses her educational and career choices
- [7:00] Becoming a manager - The pros and cons - Desire or Obligation
- [12:25] The performance review
- [19:00] The unseen challenges a manager faces
- [26:55] Creating an environment where employees are not defeated but grow
- [30:27] Asking the right questions
- [38:38] Valuable tips regarding your career path and growth
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Performance reviews are critical for employees to understand their strengths and weaknesses. However, the employee can be defeated at the onset if the right questions are not asked or if the question triggers a flight or fight mode in the employee.
- An employee may think they want to rise to the level of manager, however, when they arrive they learn all the responsibilities and activities involved in the manager's position that is purely “managerial” and have nothing to do with the work or tasks they once enjoyed.
- Unfortunately, many managers focus on the areas in which an employee needs improvement and just take for granted their strengths. Building up an individual's strengths and acknowledging those can be one of the most important details of a performance review.
RESOURCE LINKS:
SYCK - Podcast
HuWork - Website
Linkedin - Bonnie Davis
Twitter - Bonnie Dave HuWork Team
Website - Marcus Buckingham Company
BIO:
Bonnie Davis is a partner at HuWork, a company she founded to help to create more human, inclusive, and meaningful workplaces where people and businesses thrive. As a speaker, consultant, team facilitator, writer, and executive coach, Bonnie follows her passion for driving growth. Her work develops leaders, enhances culture and employee engagement, helps teams work better together, and guides successful outcomes on the “people side” of organizations across various industries.
Bonnie’s experience spans working for and with Fortune 500 companies, teaching at universities, owning her own business, speaking at conferences, writing for Forbes.com, and doing lots of volunteer work. She is also on the coaching and facilitation faculty for The Marcus Buckingham Company. Because she is a geek who loves to learn, Bonnie has collected a bunch of degrees and certifications.
Bonnie lives in Denver, Colorado where she loves "non-competitive" time outdoors and being goofy with her husband and teenage children.
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
- MA, Organizational Psychology | Columbia University
- BA, Psychology and Business Administration | American University
- Leadership Certificate, Diversity, and Inclusion | Cornell University
- Coaching Certification (CPCC) | Coaches Training Institute
- Coaching, Mentorship & Facilitation Certifications | The Marcus Buckingham Company
- Leadership Architect & 360 Coaching Certification | Korn Ferry (Lominger)
- Facilitation Certification | The Facilitators Studio
- Certified Virtual FacilitatorTM | International Institute for Facilitation
Tori Stevens, the founder of EvolYOUtion, helps clients step into their power to go after their careers. She gives tips about building relationships with those who can help you in the future. In today’s episode, she talks about creating a life of intention and finding a job with the end goal in mind. Tune in today to learn how to create a legacy and take control of your situation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [4:13] Tori Stevens introduces herself.
- [6:21] What is Tori’s perception of intentionality?
- [13:20] Tori explains how to begin with the end in mind.
- [19:35] How does Tori help people crystalize their goals to get what they want?
- [23:09] How does Tori’s experience in talent acquisition flow into her career now?
- [27:11] How do you create an authentic relationship with no strings attached?
- [32:25] Tori talks about a negative experience she had reached out to someone and why that hasn’t stopped her.
- [39:23] How to leave the victim mentality behind.
- [44:37] How to change your thoughts to make traction on them.
- [49:00] SYCK trick to help people to accelerate their careers.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Thinking about where you want to go and your goals are vital before you talk and walk. Begin with the end in mind. What legacy do you want to leave behind?
- When you give away your power to a manager or someone else to decide what career you should chase, you let someone else determine your future.
- Most people are happy to connect! Don’t wait until you are desperate to ask for help! Start building relationships now, and look for mentors or support. Develop podcasts, books, etc., so you have something to share.
RESOURCE
EvolYOUtion Website
Tori@EvolYOUtion.net
Tori’s LinkedIn
Tori’s Instagram
BIO:
Tori Stevens is someone people either love or don’t know what to do with. That is because she will hold up the mirror to your life and help you learn how to ask the hard questions about what is happening internally to get your authentic self to show up externally. Tori won’t change your life because that is on each of us as individuals. What she will do is give you the intangible tools to ensure that tangible results show up in your career and life. Tori builds self-awareness and self-trust in others through her company evolYOUtion where she coaches individuals, consults teams, speaks at conferences, and hosts her own podcast. The entrepreneurial spirit has always been core to Tori, but she didn’t take the full leap until 2018, when she founded evolYOUtion on her own. Prior to that, Tori was planting the seeds of significance in others by working in talent development in higher education and corporate settings. Her own evolution started at Central Michigan University, where she received her Bachelors in Communication and her Masters in Educational Leadership. Over the past 15 years, Tori has interviewed over 40,000 individuals and managed thousands, from interns to executives. Tori takes all that experience and puts it into her community of Evolvers to ensure that everyone can hold themselves accountable to be the change they wish to see. You can find Tori either on her boat (hosting Boat & Coach), with her horse, or exploring the Carolina's with her dogs and fiancé.
Today we are joined by Ricky Robinson to discuss chasing your dream career and how to make moves that fit with your plan. Ricky talks to us about intentionality when considering where you want to go with your job. We dive into the 2-year rule of thumb and how to know when it's time to make the next move. We also touch on locking in your ideal role as a woman or BIPOC and what to look for when interviewing with a company. Tune in today for great tips about creating your ultimate career trajectory.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [1:20] Ricky talks to us about his upbringing and career life.
- [5:25] How did Ricky climb up the corporate chain, and what challenges did he experience as a black man?
- [12:03] What is the difference between a mentor and a sponsorship?
- [14:36] How did changing careers help Ricky climb into higher roles?
- [19:06] The 2-year rule of thumb.
- [22:48] Any regrets about moving around or negativity when changing jobs due to moving often?
- [26:58] How has Ricky been intentional about finding the next role?
- [29:17] What is C-crets?
- [33:49] What advice does Ricky have to people facing judgment and prejudice against women and BIPOC?
- [38:45] Where has Ricky seen initiatives that are actually acted upon?
- [41:50] Knowing that the game is flawed, what advice does Ricky have for people to push their careers forward?
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- What are the things you like to do? What brings you joy? Take those items and look for a career that allows you to match your desires with your long-term job.
- Your resume has to separate you from your peers. Show your value proposition and what you can do. It’s essential to know your market value and be intentional about your time frame to reach your career goals.
- People want to be aligned with people who get the job done. They want the A and B players.
- Be intentional and identify the goals that you want for yourself.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Ricky Robinson
Ricky Robinson is a 25+ year Human Resources Executive. His career has afforded him leadership roles in Human Resources for some best-in-class global organizations spanning industries from commercial goods, retail, smart home industries and med tech.
Ricky is extremely familiar with being the “Sole Brother” on the Executive Leadership Team quite often challenging diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias issues within Corporate America, as an advocate and sponsor for underrepresented groups. He also advocates for several philanthropic causes with Board service at Attles Center for Excellence (ACE), Ability Now Bay Area and the Mary Valle Foundation.
Having spent his career as a mentor and coach, Ricky continues to share the tips and tricks that help underrepresented employees reach their full potential as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Ricky also holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Communications from San Francisco State University.
C-CRETS website
C-CRETS LinkedIn
C-CRETS Facebook
C-CRETS Instagram
A strong work ethic and courage to take opportunities can pay off. Brandon Middleton has worked for multiple big tech companies like Cisco and Microsoft. He currently works for Amazon AWS and also is a co-founder of Trillicon Valley, a media and design collective for the benefit of youth and community inspiration. In today’s episode, Brandon discusses how he landed his jobs and why he shifted to different companies. He also shares his experience of being a black man in big tech. Tune in to hear some great advice!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [05:07] How Brandon landed his jobs
- [13:02] Many tech companies have programs to help employees get their MBAs
- [23:39] Brandon explains how his proactive approach comes from his natural entrepreneurial spirit
- [31:18] How being black impacted Brandon in his career
- [39:48] Why has Brandon transitioned to so many different companies
- [48:34] Brandon shares SYCK advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Look into the perks different tech companies have. Many offer assistance with MBAs or continuing education.
-
If the door is cracked open a bit, push through the door to take the opportunity.
-
Be yourself and care about others. Your career involves relationships and focusing on people and allowing people to know you is an important aspect of networking.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Brandon Middleton Instagram
Trillicon Valley LinkedIn
Trillicon Valley Website
Stanford Community College Instagram
Trillicon Valley Twitter
BIO:
Brandon Middleton is a proud graduate of UC Berkeley (MBA) and the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign (ECE) and has a passion for education and creatively engaging students. In the last 17 years, he has been an engineer at Cisco, a Sales guy at Microsoft, a Director of BD at Slalom Consulting, and now a Web3 BDM at AWS.
brmiddle
Moving six times in seven years, Keith Powell was willing to do what it took to take advantage of opportunities to advance his career. Kieth has a passion for helping under-represented employees succeed and uses his 20-plus years of corporate experience to coach those individuals to achieve their potential. On today’s episode, Keith talks with Alan about being a black executive in the tech world. He shares his career journey, gives advice on steps to take for career advancement, and offers valuable input on promotions and career changes. You don’t want to miss this episode!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [05:02] Keith speaks about his career journey and how being black had an impact
- [18:57] Keith’s role and how he is a DEI warrior
- [21:30] Advice to navigate an uneven playing field
- [25:05] How to help people understand their value
- [31:06] Changing the percentages of under-represented people in groups
- [39:06] Personal examples of effective negotiations
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Be excellent in your role but also get involved in other projects and show you are willing to work hard and excel in those too. Overperform.
-
Align your passions with your companies to gain visibility.
-
Networking is important and sponsorship is make or break.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
C-CRETS Website
C-CRETS LinkedIn
C-CRETS Facebook
C-CRETS Instagram
Keith Powell LinkedIn
Email: Keith@C-crets.com
BIO:
Keith Powell is a Chief Operating Officer in private education with over 20 years of corporate experience in the U.S. and Canada. For most of his career, Keith led global Finance and Operations functions for Fortune 1000 companies in the automotive, chemical, consumer and commercial goods, e-commerce, and smart home industries. After getting a taste of the top of Corporate America, Keith joined a start-up private equity firm, took a shot at an e-commerce start-up, and began advising entrepreneurs on start-ups, including working with the family of Golden State Warriors legend, Al Attles, on various philanthropic and business ventures. Keith also has deep roots in philanthropy - sitting on numerous local, state, and national Boards over the past 20 years. Keith was the “first” or the “only” quite often climbing the corporate ladder. Having mentored and coached hundreds throughout his career, Keith continues to share practical, digestible advice to underrepresented employees as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses, and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Keith also holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business in Indiana.
The two hurdles to finding a job are getting your foot in the door and doing well in the interview to land the job. Today, Alan talks with Aline Lerner who is the founder and CEO of Interviewing.io. She works with software engineers and other professionals, helping them practice interviews (especially technical), giving feedback, and providing mentorship. In this episode, they discuss the main biases of hiring and how to fight those biases. Tune in to learn about more resources for interview preparation.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:41] Experiences of inefficiencies and unfairness in hiring
- [06:12] The power of referrals
- [20:52] Less spoken bias- technical interview practice gap
- [24:21] How an individual can try to fight biases
- [31:37] Resources for interview preparation
- [42:02] Aline offers advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- 2 issues that are unfair in hiring are that 1- resumes don’t tell the story and aren’t the best way to find a candidate and 2- it is incredibly difficult for a hiring manager and candidate to connect at the right time.
- Biases in hiring often come from an initial resume profile or an unfair advantage in technical interview practice.
- Interviewing.IO is a great resource to prepare for interviews, receive mentorship, and get feedback.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Aline Lerner Email
Leetcode
BIO:
Aline Lerner is the founder and CEO of interviewing.io, an anonymous mock interview & recruiting platform that has helped tens of thousands of engineers practice technical interviewing and land their dream jobs. Before interviewing.io, Aline worked as an engineer, ran hiring at Udacity, and wrote a lot of angry stuff about hiring on the internet. Her data-driven posts about how typos matter more than pedigree, how resumes are a low-signal filtering tool, and how technical interview performance is non-deterministic have been read by millions of people, and her work has been featured in Forbes, the Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, NPR, and more.
With more than a decade working at Google, Viktoriya Massand is the perfect person to share her success with others about working at Google. Viktoriya is known for her willingness to roll up her sleeves and get work done with a great attitude. On today’s episode, she recalls her time working with Alan. They discuss promotions, their mutual love for Google, and company reorganizations. Tune in to hear interview tips, ideal candidate qualities, and lessons Viktoriya has learned along the way.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:47] Viktoriya shares her background and recalls her time working with Alan
- [16:47] Accepting the position and negotiations
- [28:54] Viktoriya explains why she was in her different roles
- [34:58] Alan and Viktoriya discuss promotions
- [47:14] Why Viktoriya has chosen to stay at Google for so long
- [57:47] The parts of her job she loves so much she would do for free
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Choose the company you want to work for and get your foot in the door. You can network and apply within to get to the position you want.
- Being self-motivated and having the ability to get things done is important at Google. They give you the responsibility.
- You don’t always have control of the role you are in. You do have control of the work you do in the role, the attitude you have doing it, and the communication that you have with your supervisors.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Viktoriya Masand LinkedIn
BIO:
Viktoriya Masand grew up in Kiev, Ukraine, and came to the US after high school with her family. Viktoriya’s family settled in Indianapolis, IN, where she attended Purdue University and Indiana University Kelley School of Business and worked at Sallie Mae, a financial services company.
Viktoriya moved to California in 2011 to work at Google where she works with top ChromeOS partners to optimize their applications for Chromebooks. Before moving to ChromeOS, Viktoriya launched and led a global co-sell program for ~200+ technology companies that build their businesses on Google Cloud Platform. Viktoriya loves spending time with her two sons who are the loves of her life. Together, they love to read, color, play and learn!
Your career doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. In today’s episode, Alan is joined by Nirupa Umapathy who was very successful in corporate life for 14 years. Now, she subscribes to a different work model but continues to invest. She is her own boss and is working for equitable social change by founding Salons For Life. Nirupa recalls her journey, enforces the value of networking, and explains what recruiters are looking for. Tune in as she shares financial and career advice to increase your career happiness.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:43] Nirupa shares her experience of being a woman on the predominantly male trading floor
- [13:32] “Your network is your asset” Nirupa dives into networking: her definition, examples, and stories of networking
- [21:01] What is SEO?
- [32:40] Nirupa explains recruiting and offers some tips
- [48:09] The importance of investing in yourself
- [01:00:04] Nirupa shares financial and career advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Networking is really relationship-building. It should be authentic. You should reach out and update. Those relationships are the most important.
- You need to know when to cut your losses and move on. That self-awareness will help you be more content.
- It is okay to move beyond the mold of tradition. You can have more than one career path in life. Your path does not have to look like others’ paths
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Nirupa Umapathy LinkedIn
Salons For Life Website
Radical Everything Website
The 10 Rules of Happiness Amazon
The Forty Rules of Love Amazon
The Forty Rules of Love Bookshop
The Power of Habit Amazon
The Power of Habit Bookshop
On Being Podcast
Designing Your Life Amazon
Designing Your Life Bookshop
The Tim Ferriss Podcast
Influence Amazon
Influence Bookshop
BIO:
Nirupa Umapathy is a writer, investor, and social entrepreneur, who pivoted from a traditional corporate career in financial services to pursue a life-work framework, motivated by mission and equitable social change. Nirupa is a co-founder of a creative learning community called Salons for Life, which designs creative playdates for adults with competing claims on time and headspace. Nirupa writes non-fiction with a focus on exploring trauma, burnout, and post-traumatic growth, especially corporate burnout. Nirupa deploys her financial services background in her private investments, where she is actively leaning into an ESG-based framework. Nirupa was last a Managing Director at Whitebox Advisors and Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where she covered institutional investors for fixed income and structured products. As a first-hand witness to the 2008 financial crisis, Nirupa believes that a life-work framework informed by governance and values-driven decision-making is critical and that outcomes must be designed for multiple stakeholders. A forever free spirit, Nirupa funds her joy through travel, community building, and the creative and healing arts.
Dennis Shultz has played a role at multiple big tech giants for more than 25 years. From Rackspace, Samsung, and Dell to his current role at Microsoft, he has taken many career opportunities that have come his way. Another significant role that Dennis plays is the Executive Director for Blacks in Technology. Today, Alan and Dennis discuss career changes, lessons learned, and how being black impacted Dennis in these big-tech roles. Tune in as Dennis shares advice from his experiences.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [04:42] Dennis talks about factors of success and failure he experienced in his roles
- [09:05] Decisions that drove Dennis to change careers
- [17:58] How Dennis got involved in the Blacks in Technology Foundation
- [21:32] Dennis shares about challenges of being a black man in technology
- [27:36] Details about Bitcon 2022
- [32:02] Advice from Dennis on what to do and what not to do in a career
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is okay to move jobs and have multiple careers. It can be hard to disappoint people, but you have to consider yourself first when considering moving careers.
- Know yourself and be confident in what you can do. Be intentional about your decisions.
- You need other people. Mentors can help you and it is better to lean on others than try to do it alone.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Dennis Shultz LinkedIn
Blacks in Technology Website
Bitcon Information
When They Win, You Win book mentioned on Amazon
BIO:
Dennis Schultz is the Executive Director of the Blacks In Technology Foundation, an organization that boasts the largest network for Black technology professionals with over 65 chapters in 17 countries. Dennis has over 25 years of experience in the technology industry serving in a variety of roles including, enterprise sales, business development, customer success, and consulting. Dennis’ experience includes time at tech’s most respected brands such as Dropbox, Gartner, Samsung, Dell, Lenovo, Rackspace Technology, VERITAS Software, APC, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise to name a few. Currently Dennis works at Microsoft helping major corporations with digital transformation.
Today, Alan is joined by a corporate champion who has worn many hats, but each hat was focused on bettering people and company culture. LaToya Jordan has used her passion for developing others in roles such as Global Mentoring and Employment Development at Pfizer as well as Director of Talent Management and Diversity at JetBlue Airways. As founder of Lead By Design Lab, she continues to work with huge names. In this episode, she shares the importance of having mentors, how being a black woman impacted her in her role, and insight into corporate performance-rating systems. Listen in as LaToya gives advice on how to accelerate career advancement.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [06:47] LaToya shares how she got her fellowship with Pfizer
- [16:32] Advice on how to approach someone you want to mentor you, outside of the mentoring program
- [26:01] LaToya’s goals at Jet Blue in her role as head of talent and diversity
- [32:22] LaToya speaks about how being a black woman impacted her role as head of diversity
- [47:26] Advice for workers to influence their performance rating
- [51:23] LaToya offers advice for those looking to accelerate their careers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is important to have diversity in mentors and to have more than one. They should have different things to offer you.
- In order to be seen as a valuable employee and receive good performance ratings, make sure that other people see your work, not only your direct boss.
- To accelerate your career, it’s important to take opportunities that come your way and build up your experience.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Lead By Design Lab Website
LaToya Jordan LinkedIn
Lead By Design Lab Instagram
Lead By Design Lab Facebook
BIO:
Named one of Black Enterprise’s 2018 Corporate Diversity Executives, LaToya Jordan has spent over 15 years as a human capital strategist providing business and professional development counsel, executive coaching, training, and workshops to business leaders, employees, students, and community-based organizations. She has worked with leaders and teams in corporate, nonprofit, and university settings including Peloton, Uber, Cigna, TMobile, Mitsubishi, Swiss Re, Michigan State University, Grand Valley State University, NJ LEEP, The Columbus Foundation, United States Postal Service, and the NAACP Brooklyn Branch. Supporting executives in unique, human-centric ways through leadership coaching, team development, and organizational effectiveness is a foundational aspect of LaToya’s work.
Prior to launching her boutique consulting practice in 2019, Lead By Design Lab, she was the Director of Talent Management and Diversity at JetBlue Airways where she developed strategies to support the employee lifecycle including performance management, succession planning, emerging talent programs, and diversity initiatives. Before joining JetBlue, LaToya led global mentoring and employee development at Pfizer, Inc. LaToya is also an adjunct professor at Columbia University teaching team development and Stanford University teaching design thinking. She received her Ph.D. from Columbia University in Social-Organizational Psychology.
On today’s episode, Alan moves away from talking Big Tech to hear from Naama Bloom, who also turned down an offer from Big Tech. Naama Bloom has spent over two decades as a marketing executive for numerous companies, including founding her own startup. She methodically makes career decisions with a matrix of criteria. Listen in as Naama shares her career journey, how she makes decisions, and advice for others in their careers.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:27] Some of the problems Naama solves on a daily basis
- [06:26] Naama’s thought process on leaving media to go to business school
- [12:24] Naama recalls her journey with American Express
- [24:51] The commercial that went viral at her startup
- [33:07] The decision matrix Naama was looking for in job
- [42:23] Advice from Naama for people in their careers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- One of the most important things when looking for/ accepting jobs is knowing what criteria is important to you.
- It is wiser to be quiet until you have something beneficial to say instead of just speaking to be heard.
- If you feel like you can do more, it actually shows a great work ethic to ask for more work.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Camp Gyno Commercial
Naama Bloom LinkedIn
Naama Bloom Twitter
BIO:
Naama Bloom is a 20-year marketing executive who has worked at corporations large and small. Over her career, she spent time at American Express, Zulily, and as a founder of HelloFlo, a women's health company that she built and later sold to She Media. She is currently the CMO of TrueML, a fintech software company dedicated to improving the lives of people in debt.
Starting with Google 6 weeks before the IPO, Kara Gabay has a wide band of experience and knowledge from the last 17 years at Google. She has recently started her own coaching practice. In this episode, Kara recalls her journey of getting to Google and the moves within the company over the years. Having interviewed many candidates, she shares knowledge on internal vs external interviews, how the process works, and tips for preparing for the meeting. Tune in as Kara shares advice on how to be proactive in your career.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [07:30] Kara talks about going through the IPO as a new Google employee
- [11:39] An explanation of how levels work at Google
- [23:02] Differences in interviewing internally vs externally
- [29:24] Kara and Alan discuss calibration
- [39:58] Kara shares how some employees stood out to gain promotions
- [50:03] Kara offers advice for people trying to control of their career
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Feel comfortable asking your manager for direct feedback, more work, or different opportunities to perform well.
- Know your strengths to present a strong personal brand to coworkers and management.
- It is important to network vertically as well as horizontally. Your manager’s peers need to learn your strengths as well.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Kara Gabay's Coaching Website
Kara Gabay LinkedIn
BIO:
Kara Gabay has over 25 years of corporate experience, including over 18 years at Google where she primarily ran strategy & operations for various sales orgs. In her most recent role at Google, she focuses on leadership enablement - helping managers become stronger leaders. In addition to Google, she runs her own coaching practice with a focus on individual coaching, team dynamics, group coaching and 360 assessments. You can learn more about her coaching style at BYOBeacon.com. Kara has a BA from SUNY New Paltz. In 2020, she received her coaching certification from the Hudson Institute of Coaching. She is a Member of ICF (International Coaching Federation) with her ACC (Associate Certified Coach). She lives in the Hudson Valley with her husband, two teenage daughters and their Boston Terrier.
Determined to receive prestigious job offers from his preferred companies, Harold Pietri was very strategic in the steps he took to get there. Harold finished his undergrad work in Venezuela before moving to the United States to get his MBA. He wasn’t done traveling yet though as he applied to his dream company in Spain to stand out and worked hard to end up back in the states. Now, Harold is an Enterprise Account Executive at Amazon Web Services. In this episode, Harold shares his journey and some strategies he used to get multiple job offers (in multiple fields), and some advice to others working towards their dreams.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [00:57] Harold shares some of his job background and how he knows Alan
- [09:57] Interview tips for people who have a wide range of experiences (multipotentialites)
- [13:15] Harold’s story of moving from Venezuela to the United States
- [27:56] How Harold went about securing other job offers as leverage
- [33:10] How Harold chose AWS over other job offers
- [45:40] Advice for students in MBAs to get internships and job offers
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- You have to spread your net wide and work hard to land a good job. It takes preparation, creativity, networking, and effort in the job search.
- Having multiple diverse experiences can be beneficial for your job, but you have to be creative and know how to market yourself to show you are specialized as well.
- There is more than one path to get to where you want to be. It can take some creativity and thinking outside the box to get there.
BIO:
Harold Pietri is currently an Enterprise Account Executive at Amazon Web Services. He recently graduated with his MBA from The University of Rochester's Simon Business School, where he specialized in Technology Consulting, Strategy & Pricing. He's owned and operated businesses in e-commerce and retail, and worked as Chief Sales Marketing Officer for a digital marketing agency in LATAM. Harold believes in a breadth of experiences and following your curiosity.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
"Multipotentialite" TED Talk
“Great on the Job” book by Jodi Glickman
Harold Pietri LinkedIn
Simon Business School Website
It is extremely difficult to win the game if you do not know the rules. In this episode of the SYCK podcast, Chantel George highlights the importance of learning the unwritten rules in sales and moving up the ladder as not only a woman but also a black woman. She is the founder of Sistas in Sales, a blossoming 6000+ member organization that enables and advocates for black women and women of color in sales to accelerate their careers. Chantel shares the value of ERGs, networking, and strategies to promote higher success. Tune in to hear her best piece of advice for listeners.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [05:47] Why Sistas in Sales was created
- [10:27] Obstacles women of color face in sales
- [16:40] The value of ERGs and how they have benefited Chantel
- [27:23] Unspoken corporate politics
- [35:06] Strategies to learn rules and advance
- [39:18] Sistas in Sales conference details
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Women of color are under-represented in sales. Learning the spoken and unspoken rules of the business is essential for success.
- There are unspoken rules in corporate politics. Sistas in Sales creates a community for women of color to come together and expose the rules and advocate for career advancement.
- Finding like-minded people to advocate with and be transparent with is so important.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCK Podcast
Sistas in Sales Website
Alan Stein LinkedIn
Chantel George LinkedIn
SYCK Twitter
Chantel George Twitter
BIO:
Chantel George is the founder of Sistas In Sales (SIS) - the largest global organization for women of color in sales. She founded Sistas In Sales out of a determination to promote, support, and encourage women of color in sales across all industries. Sistas In Sales partners with Fortune 500 companies, tech start-ups, and consulting businesses to help them attract, hire and retain women of color sales professionals. SIS also provides world-class training, networking opportunities, and above all else, sisterhood for this underrepresented community.
Today’s guest on the SYCK Podcast is seasoned recruiter and interview coach, Margaret Buj. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, starting with how recruiters use keywords in LinkedIn to find candidates. Margaret talks about the top things that should be on your resume and how to make yourself more attractive to recruiters. We also talk about how to prepare for interviews with a recruiter versus hiring manager. With close to 20 years of international recruiting experience, Margaret has a lot of SYCK advice to share and I’m excited for job seekers to hear this conversation!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:55] Margaret explains her Talent Acquisition role and how she pursues candidates for niche roles
- [11:15] Is it important to submit applications early and how recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates
- [16:50] How important is company experience and how referrals play into your job search
- [28:16] What recruiters look at on a resume
- [36:20] How to prepare for a screening call with the recruiter
- [41:52] What job seekers should not do and advice for improving your resume
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- It is really important to have relevant keywords, job titles, and sectors listed at the top of your resume and LinkedIn profile in order to get a recruiters’ attention.
- If you have only worked for less known companies, be sure to include one line explaining what the company does or the complexity of the organization as a way to help the recruiter better understand your competency or experience.
- As a job seeker, don’t rely solely on job boards. Be proactive and use multiple methods to improve your job search like targeting your top companies and connecting with decision makers and recruiters.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Margaret Buj is an experienced Talent Acquisition Manager and Interview Coach who helps job seekers to get hired, promoted and paid more. She has 17 years of experience recruiting for global tech companies and tech start-ups across Europe & the US (including Expedia, King, VMware, Microsoft, Avanade, Typeform, Mixmax), and in the last 16 years, she's successfully coached over a thousand people worldwide to get the jobs and promotions they really wanted. She's worked with professionals at all levels in private (across multiple industries, mostly technology and FMCG) and public sector (including NGOs, UN jobs, education).
Margaret has spoken at career events & conferences and has done training sessions and workshops in London, Monaco, Athens & Saudi Arabia. Her advice has been featured in FoxBusiness, BuiltIn, GOBanking Rates, Management Today, Financial Times, Management Today and CIO Magazine.
Margaret Buj Website
Margaret Buj on LinkedIn
I’m excited to have Brittany Williams on our latest edition of Steer Your Career with Kadima (SYCK) podcast! Brittany is a Georgia native and has worked primarily in marketing and advertising helping brands refine their voice and better connect with their targeted audiences. Recently with the help of Kadima, she landed her first job at a tech company! Alan and Brittany talk about how she used informational interviews to build relationships and get hired on at a tech startup. They also discuss how to deal with rejection, being a black woman in tech, and cultural differences of working at a startup versus an older, more established organization.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:00] Brittany’s personal tagline: Keep creating and keep evolving
- [04:17] Interviewing with Tik Tok and pursuing a job at other tech companies
- [10:60] Informational interviews through LinkedIn and how to manage rejection or lack of response
- [17:06] How Brittany landed the job at Supernatural
- [22:45] Unique perspective of being a black woman in a large tech company
- [32:22] Culture differences of working for a tech company and Brittany’s SYCK tips
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Informational interviews are a great way to build relationships and grow your network. Start with reaching out to first-degree connections on LinkedIn or make connections with people you have some kind of commonality with – like the same Alma Mater or worked for the same company.
- Try to end your informational interview with, “Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your company. Is there anything I can do to help you?” - Alan
- Being personable goes a long way in accelerating your career. People are a lot more willing to help you if they like you and they think a job is a good fit based on personality because skills can be taught.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Brittany Williams is a Georgia native with a background in English literature. She has worked primarily in marketing and advertising for companies like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, VR fitness app Supernatural, and is currently a Web Content Editor at Apple. Brittany would describe herself as a creative problem solver with a hybrid skillset of copywriting, content editing, content strategy, and UX writing. She helps various brands across multiple industries build and refine their voice, style, and tone, and help them better connect with their targeted audiences. She also runs her own freelance writing and editing business, Written Works, LLC, where she provides content strategy, writing and editorial support to small businesses. When she's not working, Brittany enjoys hiking, hitting a brewery, and being a kid again with fellow improvers.
Brittany Willaims on LinkedIn
I’m excited and a little star struck to have Russ Laraway on the SYCK Podcast today! Russ has had a diverse 28 year operational management career at several companies including Google and Twitter and is the author of the book, When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think. Russ and I highlight a few of the key concepts from his book and how the best managers create happy teams that deliver the best results. Russ shares two simple behaviors that managers need to be doing and how employees can coach their bosses to be better. Russ also throws out his number one career tip for listeners.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [05:59] Russ’ career journey and management experience
- [08:57] Russ’ management playbook and the “Big 3” of improving leadership
- [18:39] What management behaviors lead to the best team results
- [32:44] Helping people in leadership and coaching your boss
- [46:10] How to respond to negative management and understand you’re reporting to
- [49:46] Russ’ best career advice
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Better management means more engaged employees. More engaged employees deliver better results. The way for managers to improve is through direction, coaching and career.
- The two main things a manager can do is 1) Gve specific, sincere and frequent coaching and praise that clearly defines team standards. 2) Asking your team for hard and challenging feedback.
- The best thing to do for your career is to establish a long term career vision. Don’t be short-sighted and just look for the next job. Determine what the dream job is and start working toward that long term vision in a very proactive and intentional way.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Russ has had a diverse 28 year operational management career. He was a Company Commander in the Marine Corps before starting his first company, Pathfinders. From there, Russ went to the Wharton School, and then onto management roles at Google and Twitter. He then co-founded Candor, Inc., along with best selling author Kim Scott.
Over the last several years, Russ served as the Chief People Officer at Qualtrics, and is now the Chief People Officer for the fast-growing venture capital firm, Goodwater Capital, where he is helping Goodwater and its portfolio companies to empower their people to do great work and be totally psyched while doing it.
Over his career, Russ has managed 700 person teams and $700M businesses -- facing a vast array of leadership challenges along the way. He's the author of the book When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think.
Paul Bauer is on the SYCK Podcast today for our latest edition of SYCK Tricks! Paul is a seasoned recruiter who has connected and hired hundreds, if not thousands, of people while working for companies like Amazon, Expedia, and Salesforce. Paul shares his insider knowledge about what recruiters are looking for and how to differentiate yourself among other candidates. We talk about his current role at GoPuff, best practices for negotiation, and what NOT to say when you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:15] How changing jobs helps to accelerate your compensation and why Paul was drawn to a career in recruiting
- [09:42] What differentiates someone or makes them stand out to recruiters
- [15:53] Paul’s current role at Go Puff and how it differs from past roles
- [22:40] What metrics and specific goals do recruiters use to measure success
- [28:19] Internship conversions and how a recruiter sorts through thousands of resumes
- [41:35] Good negotiation practices and advice for getting a job in tech
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The average professional has five to seven careers in their lifetime made up of closer to 12 to 15 jobs. If done the right way, changing jobs can actually help to accelerate your career and increase your compensation.
- When you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, don’t forget to attach your resume. It’s one less step that they have to do to help you.
- Recruiters need to be slow to hire and quick to fire. They don’t waste energy on the wrong hire or someone who’s not performing at where they need to be. Paul recommends leaders focus their energy on their top performers who often get overlooked because they're doing great.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Paul is a Seattle-based recruiting manager and founder of RPB Careers LLC. He started career coaching in 2011 and has been recruiting for Fortune 500 companies like Northwestern Mutual, Amazon, Expedia Group and Salesforce since 2014. He earned his Masters in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.
Paul enjoys partnering with clients who are in their first 15 years of professional work (out of university or equivalent) and has worked with clients in various sectors. He thoroughly enjoys working with clients who are making a career shift and looking to articulate transferrable skills. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time hiking, volunteering and with his friends and family.
I’m excited to have Kimberlynn Hunter on the SYCK Podcast today! With leadership skills developed and tested during her 20+ years’ experience in the U.S. Army, she recently pivoted into the corporate world and is working at Cognizant, one of the top consulting firms in the world. We talk about the challenges she faced in her job search after retiring from the army and she addresses some of the common misconceptions that veterans face when re-entering the civilian workforce. Kim shares helpful advice for fellow veterans on how to use storytelling to leverage their military skills and experience and she addresses the importance of networking and building civilian relationships.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:34] Kimberlynn’s army career experience, pivoting to a non-leadership role and common roadblocks that veterans face
- [24:00] Navigating the job search after the military and MBA program
- [34:30] How to leverage relationships and the military as an alumni group
- [39:57] What does networking mean and how to build relationships
- [41:29] How to build influence and transition from military to corporate world
- [45:01] How to accelerate your career
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Corporate networking is opposite from networking in the military. Veterans should try to get acquainted with corporate and civilian professionals before retiring by attending professional events or growing their LinkedIn network.
- Storytelling is really important for veterans. Not only just for interviews, but it makes you more relatable and while skills are important, stories are what endear you to people.
- Believe in yourself and what it is you think you wanna do. Don't limit yourself because you never know what opportunities might come about or who you might meet that could help you find your next dream opportunity.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Kimberlynn Hunter lives in the Dallas, Texas Metroplex and is a 2021 graduate of the Cox School of Business’ Executive MBA program at Southern Methodist University. Currently, she’s an Organizational Change Management Senior Consultant, at Cognizant where she specializes in Strategic Communications and Salesforce transformations. Professionally, she considers herself a strategist, an Organizational Development practitioner, one who sees the big picture and translates key details at every level of the organization. With leadership skills developed and tested during her more than 20 years’ army experience, she’s pivoted into the corporate world to share her insights and gain new perspectives. She’s constantly seeking ways to be an organizational multiplier by creating opportunities for everyone around her to expand, grow, and add their unique value. A background in logistics with specialization as a Transportation Strategic Planner, Procurement Program Manager, and Director of more than 500 individuals provided a solid leadership and operations foundation. One of her passions is mentoring and developing those in the early career demographic. She’s been able to give back through programs at SMU as well as in the DFW community. She’s also a board member of GloComX and Lotus Village United. In her spare time, she loves to travel, meet new people, collect art, and spend time with friends and family.
Kimberlynn Hunter on LinkedIn
Earlier this year, I had a great conversation with Keith Powell and Ricky Robinson on their podcast, C-CRETS, and today I want to reshare it with you. I’m a longtime listener of C-CRETS, a career advice podcast for people of color with C-suite ambitions from hosts who’ve been there. We talked about diversity in the technology industry and how my own personal experience advocating for BIPOC and female employees in Big Tech led me to start Kadima. Keith and Ricky share some really important statistics on the current representation levels of BIPOC and female employees within this industry. I also walk through six steps you can take to begin a career in technology.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:55] Alan’s career journey and fighting for opportunities for BIPOC employees
- [16:60] The breaking point and why Alan started Kadima Careers
- [25:10] Why care about providing opportunities for BIPOC
- [28:01] Receipts on representation in the tech industry
- [32:58] What can BIPOC and female employees do to be ready for Big Tech jobs
- [36:09] How to survive and thrive in Big Tech companies
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Companies are looking to hire BIPOC employees. Make them aware that you are BIPOC or female in a subtle way with a link to your LinkedIn photo or make specific references on your resume about involvement with any diversity organizations or HBCUs.
- Define your career goals and start by creating a target list of companies where you want to work.
- Always negotiate for more. Remember, the first offer is not the last offer. So you can negotiate for more because you deserve more.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Keith Powell
Keith Powell is a Chief Operating Officer in private education with over 20 years of corporate experience in the U.S. and Canada. Most of his career, Keith led global Finance and Operations functions for Fortune 1000 companies in the automotive, chemical, consumer and commercial goods, e-commerce, and smart home industries.
After getting a taste of the top of Corporate America, Keith joined a start-up private equity firm, took a shot at an e-commerce start-up, and began advising entrepreneurs on start-ups, including working with the family of Golden State Warriors legend, Al Attles, on various philanthropic and business ventures. Keith also has deep roots in philanthropy - sitting on numerous local, state, and national Boards over the past 20 years.
Keith was the “first” or the “only” quite often climbing the corporate ladder. Having mentored and coached hundreds throughout his career, Keith continues to share practical, digestible advice to underrepresented employees as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Keith also holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business in Indiana.
Ricky Robinson
Ricky Robinson is a 25+ year Human Resources Executive. His career has afforded him leadership roles in Human Resources for some best-in-class global organizations spanning industries from commercial goods, retail, smart home industries and med tech.
Ricky is extremely familiar with being the “Sole Brother” on the Executive Leadership Team quite often challenging diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias issues within Corporate America, as an advocate and sponsor for underrepresented groups. He also advocates for several philanthropic causes with Board service at Attles Center for Excellence (ACE), Ability Now Bay Area and the Mary Valle Foundation.
Having spent his career as a mentor and coach, Ricky continues to share the tips and tricks that help underrepresented employees reach their full potential as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Ricky also holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Communications from San Francisco State University.
C-CRETS website
C-CRETS LinkedIn
C-CRETS Facebook
C-CRETS Instagram
Today, I’m talking with the Chief Creative Officer here at Kadima Careers, Jay Cross, about how job descriptions are created at big tech companies and beyond. We are spilling the SYCK truth about the generalized and arbitrary requirements that most job listings have and how women are more likely than men to disqualify themselves based on the description. I’m sharing my best secrets and tips from my time as a hiring manager so you can better understand the process and accelerate your career by applying for jobs even when you might not fit all of the requirements.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [07:580] The static nature of job descriptions
- [12:43] Alan’s experience with applying at Google without meeting all of the job description requirements
- [22:27] How job descriptions are created and what that means for you
- [26:59] What role do referrals play
- [37:05] Advice for those wanting to apply to roles that don’t perfectly match their experience
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Most job descriptions are static even though the role evolves over the course of time. Recruiters copy and paste from previous roles and only about 50 to 70% of the description will align with what the current role is supposed to be.
- Think about the risk and the return on investment of applying for a job. There's very little downside of applying for a job that you think you're potentially a fit for. The worst thing that happens is not getting any response or getting a quick rejection.
- Focus on the company you want to work at, then focus on the roles that leverage your strength and apply!
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Jay is an experienced writer, researcher, and marketer who loves asking The Naive Question: "If we weren't already doing it this way, is this the way we would start?" In the past, Jay was Ramit Sethi's Senior Direct Response Copywriter at I Will Teach You To Be Rich, as well as the Director of Copywriting at Kettle & Fire, the world's fastest-growing bone broth company. He also started an information publishing business showing self-motivated college students how to earn a bachelor's degree in 1 year or less. Jay is currently the Chief Creative Officer at Kadima Careers.
Today on the SYCK Podcast, I am really excited to have one of my team members on the podcast, Kelly O'Brien. Kelly has worked with us at Kadima for the last year while she was finishing her MBA at Simon Business School (the #1 most diverse MBA program in the country!). She has a lot of recent insight on the interview process, so we dig deep into some common questions and misconceptions about interviewing. We discuss what big tech companies are looking for in a candidate, how to nail your “narrative,” and share some really practical tips for answering behavioral-based questions.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:15] What do big tech companies look for in candidates
- [04:35] How to translate resume experience into to a narrative
- [11:12] Preparing for interview analytical and case study questions
- [16:05] How to prepare for an interview
- [23:06] Preparing for behavioral based interview questions
- [39:54] What happens behind closed doors after an interview
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- When sharing about yourself, keep it to 3-4 minutes and answer the following questions: What brought you to the company? Why this role? What’s something personal about yourself?
- There are three stages of interviews and within each stage there are four phases. First is rapport building. Second is your narrative. The third part is the meat of the interview, where questions are coming towards you. The fourth phase is you asking questions of the interviewer.
- For behavioral based questions, remember the STAR acronym: situation, task, action, and result.
- Have a list of 10 to 15 things that you're proud of, that you can easily leverage and apply to a range of interview questions.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
Amazon's Leadership Principles
BIO:
Kelly O'Brien is an urbanist and strategist who cares deeply about the intersection of technology and social equity. She recently graduated from Simon Business School at the University of Rochester with her STEM MBA and will begin the leadership development program at Discover Financial Services in Chicago this fall. She is also a Fulbright research grant alumna and obtained her MS in Urban Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in May 2020 as a Distinguished Graduate Fellow. She is dedicated to making the world a better place for ALL people, not just those for whom the platform was designed.
Kelly O'Brien LinkedIn
Amelia Noël is a Certified Life and Career Coach, Columbia MBA and host of the Breaking Free from the Grind podcast where she helps clients create lives they f*cking love! On today’s episode of the SYCK podcast, I’m talking with Amelia about her impressive career pivots from marketing to finance to coaching. She shares SYCK advice on intentionally building your network and etiquette for meeting with people. She also talks through how she helps her high achiever clients overcome common mental blocks related to burnout, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. I learned a lot from this episode and I’m excited to share it with you today!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [05:20] Amelia’s early career and how she pivoted from marketing to finance
- [10:40] How to build your network and increase the likelihood that you’ll land the meeting/interview
- [16:50] Etiquette for meeting with people and cold outreach tips and tricks
- [26:44] How Amelia helps her high achieving career-minded clients
- [40:56] How to overcome negative mindsets and find a job you f*cking love
- [47:29] How to get over the fear of doing new things and move forward in your career
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- All it takes is one connection to get closer to your dream school or job. When you meet with them, care about what the person is saying and ask them if there is anyone else that you should meet.
- Always write a thank you note after every interaction and make your thank you note seem personal - reference a detail from the interaction so it feels more custom and heartfelt.
- The fear of doing new things is one of the biggest mental blocks for people. Our thoughts create the emotions we feel. When you are feeling afraid, ask yourself “What am I so afraid of?” and get really clear on what exactly your fears are.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCKpodcast.com
BIO:
Amelia Noël is a Master Certified Life and Career Coach, Columbia MBA and host of the Breaking Free from the Grind podcast. She helps people working in finance and consulting stop overworking and feel better at work. After spending 10+ years working in investment banking and consulting, Amelia developed her Breaking Free from the Grind 1:1 coaching program and corporate workshop series using a unique mindset and skillset-based approach that allows her clients to permanently break free from the grind of their own careers – and, ultimately, create lives they f*cking love.
Connect with Amelia for more coaching tools, tips and strategies that will help you stop overworking and feel better at work. For more information on how to work with Amelia, check out the links below and go to her website to schedule a free 1:1 coaching consult today.
Amelia Noël on Instagram
Amelia Noël on LinkedIn
Amelia Noël Website
Amelia Noël on Facebook
Today’s SYCK Podcast guest, Anthony Hernandez, has 14 years of experience across marketing, sales, and product for companies like Google, Royal Caribbean, and Amazon Prime. Anthony and I talk about how he has navigated changing jobs frequently and honed his skill set to add value to any team. Anthony addresses the age-old question of whether it's detrimental to your career to job hop, the benefits of mentorship programs, and how introverts can overcome their networking fears. Don’t miss Anthony’s wealth of knowledge about staying motivated in your job search and growing your career.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [03:28] Anthony’s career and honing the narrative of your career
- [011:07] Pros and cons to of switching jobs frequently and how to address recruiters’ questions
- [29:02] Benefits of mentorship programs and tips for finding more networking and mentorship opportunities
- [43:32] How to reach out to people and improve networking skills
- [49:31] Don’t turn off job search mode and which companies are on Anthony’s list
- [59:28] Anthony’s pop advice and inspiration
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Although job titles are important, it's even more important that you hone what your core skill set is and how you add value to a company.
- Three ways to improve your networking skills: 1) Overcome the belief that you will be a burden to someone when reaching out to them with career questions or for mentorship. 2) Be active on LinkedIn. Post articles and chat with people who are at companies that you’re interested in. 3) Seek out conversations with people in your industry. It doesn’t have to be transactional. Just ask questions or make a new connection.
- Never stop communicating, reaching out, and networking with people. You never know when the next job opportunity will present itself and how important a referral can be.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCKpodcast.com
BIO:
Anthony has 14 years of experience across marketing, sales, and product. Most recently he helped launch facial recognition at Royal Caribbean across 8 countries, supported movie and tv studios at Amazon Prime Video, and is now working to improve the buying experience at OpenSea. He is currently enjoying Miami and is excited to help support the next generation of young adults getting into tech!
I’m very excited to have Anyel Albury as our guest on the SYCK podcast! Anyel is here to share about her 8-month long job search and transition from financial services into a strategy role at Meta (formerly Facebook)! We chat about the importance of employee referrals and what the interview and negotiation phases look like at top companies like Facebook, Amazon, and Salesforce. Don’t miss this peek into what it takes to make the leap into big tech! IN THIS EPISODE:
- [07:10] Introduction to Anyel and how she chose her location and target companies
- [13:36] Being a Black women in leadership positions and the purpose of Employee Resource Groups
- [21:08] Job search length, referrals and using LinkedIn for job searching
- [22:13] Interview, negotiation phase and how to address compensation questions
- [45:24] Types of questions to ask as a candidate
- [50:21] Reflecting on the process and what motivates and inspires Anyel
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Employee Resource Groups are great for creating communal spaces for underrepresented groups and opportunities for allies of those groups to spend time learning with them.
- When a recruiter asks you what your compensation expectations are, rather than tell them your number, ask what the budget is for the position. Then you’ll know if it meets your expectations without showing your cards and potentially underselling yourself.
- About 30% of people selected for first round phone screens are employee referrals, so be sure to utilize your network when looking at big tech jobs.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCKpodcast.com
BIO:
Anyel Albury is a Growth Leader with experience in a variety of areas from Finance/Sales at a Fortune 100 Company, Management Consultant, and now in Tech. While she grew up in the Bahamas, today she resides in Austin, TX where she leads global, cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, data science, and product to build program strategies and drive business growth at Meta (formerly Facebook). She holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and is skilled in leadership, team building, strategic planning, and building collaboration. Her hobbies include trying new restaurants and traveling!
Anyel Albury LinkedIn
I love acronyms and this episode title fits right in. JAM Session stands for Job Acquisition Method. These are straight shooting, no-holds-barred conversations about how to get great jobs at the world's best tech companies. Today's conversation is all about the application process. I answer common questions like how to use referrals, how to follow up after an interview, and how long the average recruitment process takes. Get ready for some great advice on how to land a great job at the world’s best tech companies!
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [01:01] How long is the recruitment process
- [03:18] How to know what level of role to apply for
- [04:60] Best times of the year to apply
- [06:37] Apply or reach out for a referral first
- [07:45] Referrals: How many is too many?
- [09:34] Follow up timeline
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The Kadima method teaches job seekers to cast a wide net by choosing 40+ target companies, building out a network at those companies, then searching and applying for relevant opportunities. If recruiters are talking to a handful of people, why shouldn’t job seekers do the same?
- You want to apply quickly, within the first week or two of the job posting. If you don't apply within those first couple of weeks, you most likely won’t be considered for one of these great opportunities.
- The best time to follow up is the day before or the day after the recruiter said they would reach out. And it's always good to act energized and make the company think that they're your number one choice.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCKpodcast.com
Jane Chung Hoffacker is co-founder and CEO of Incredible Dream, a modern game studio that's taking players on fantasy adventures through tabletop games. For over a decade, Jane has led teams to extend AAA gaming franchises to new genres, markets, and mediums. She has gone from the trenches on the Guitar Hero franchise to launching League of Legends in key international markets and most recently to producing the award-winning animated series Arcane. At Incredible Dream, Jane is chasing her dream of creating the most sought-after gaming experiences that connect communities and foster inclusion.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [02:49] Jane’s educational background, entrepreneurial activities and her career journey
- [16:10] Collaboration within the gaming industry and how to deal with those who don’t work well with others
- [21:30] Self advocacy and a growing career at Riot
- [32:36] Making a difference as a leader and how to encourage diversity
- [43:40] Career challenges as a minority female
- [47:27] Advice for minorities in navigating career challenges
- [51:50] Jane’s favorite books and podcasts for career growth
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- The biggest thing you can do for your career is to be somebody that other people really want to work with. It doesn't matter if you're the best at anything in particular. People won't remember what you did to them. They'll remember how you made them feel and how you helped the project succeed overall.
- Representation does matter. Having diverse views, especially at top leadership and management levels does make a difference. If you have more diversity at the top, it will more likely lead to more diverse hires in that next layer, which will bring in more diversity in that next layer.
- How to overcome challenges in your career: Get good at self-advocacy. Leverage your network. Practice public speaking to establish your areas of expertise.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Jane Chung Hoffacker is co-founder and CEO of Incredible Dream, a modern game studio that's taking players on fantasy adventures through tabletop games. For over a decade, Jane has led teams to extend AAA gaming franchises to new genres, markets, and mediums. She has gone from the trenches on the Guitar Hero franchise to launching League of Legends in key international markets and most recently to producing the award-winning animated series Arcane. At Incredible Dream, Jane is chasing her dream of creating the most sought-after gaming experiences that connect communities and foster inclusion.
Jane Chung Hoffacker on LinkedIn
In today’s episode, I’m joined by Eric Hudson, who used to be an interview bar raiser at Amazon. Amazon is known for being one of the most rigorous interviewers in the tech industry; each interview loop at Amazon includes a calibrated interviewer called a bar raiser, whose role is to ensure that the bar of talent is consistently raised across the company, regardless of team or function. Since he’s no longer at Amazon, Eric is going to share the truth about the tactics Amazon uses, how they calibrate, how they assess talent, and how to negotiate to get the best offer. If you can interview successfully with Amazon, you can interview successfully pretty much anywhere. Tune in to learn how to ace an Amazon interview! IN THIS EPISODE:
- [04:21] Who is a bar raiser and how to become one?
- [09:38] What does the Amazon hiring process look like?
- [20:29] Behind the scenes of the debriefing sessions at Amazon.
- [33:18] How is negotiation in Amazon’s hiring process different from other companies?
- [40:26] Focus on the impact you make during your interview.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Amazon's culture is driven by the bar raisers and through the hiring process. Bar raisers are gatekeepers into the Amazon culture and it’s challenging just to become a bar raiser.
- Amazon privileges hiring good people quickly over hiring the best person for the job, and they strongly believe in not hiring the wrong person for the job. It's not a hiring process, it's a risk mitigation process.
- The big thing to focus on is the examples that you share in a behavioral interview. Focus on creating transformational examples and not transactional ones. Think about the most critical moments in your career and the moments you’re most proud of.
LINKS MENTIONED:
Syckpodcast Website
BIO:
Eric Hudson is an Executive Coach and Recruiting Leader. In his personal life, he enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. The pandemic ended that hobby but he's about to set course for Cancun this month and the EU this summer. Eric is a big foodie and loves Texas BBQ, steak, and sushi whenever he gets the chance. He's a big football fan and on a fall weekend it's hard to get away from the TV. Eric really enjoys coaching people and helping them achieve their goals. Watching them land their dream job and income is something that never gets old.
Eric's LinkedIn Profile
- Alan Stein LinkedIn
- Kadima Careers LinkedIn
- Kadima Careers Twitter
- Kadima Careers Facebook
- Kadima Careers Instagram
- Kadima Careers YouTube
Today on SYCK, I’m interviewing long-time Googler, Fabian Elliott, who has ten years of tech experience and who has leveraged data to further social justice education and change through his company Black Tech Mecca. He is opening up about his wild ride at Google, his entrepreneurial mindset and learning the balance of work and family. Fabian speaks about his experience with diversity at Google and his role in revitalizing Google's black employee group. He also speaks to the difficulties and rewards in leading social equity conversations at the height of racial tensions in 2020. Fabian and I talk about the actions we can take to increase diversity in our own companies and how to grow your professional network in both quantity and quality.
IN THIS EPISODE:
- [04:34] Fabian’s entrepreneurial and professional background
- [11:20] Alternative career interests
- [25:19] Diversity at Google and creating Black Tech Mecca
- [33:58] Google’s response to racial issues and Fabian’s experience
- [39:13] What actions can individuals take to increase diversity in their circles and companies
- [45:00] How to grow your network in quality and quantity
- [52:00] Best career advice and book recommendations
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Fabian created Black Tech Mecca out of a desire to use data for social change. It started as a company survey and expanded to include cities and communities as a way to use data to inform better programming and resources for underrepresented and underserved groups.
- Companies need to be aware and provide support for their leaders who are working to make social and racial justice progress. It is extremely taxing and if there isn’t adequate support from top leadership, it can lead to burnout.
- Don't necessarily chase a particular title or role. Instead focus on what problems you're passionate about solving. Always maximize your options and don’t limit your potential by your decision making.
RESOURCE LINKS
syckpodcast.com
BIO:
Fabian Elliott is the past President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Tech Mecca, Inc. and currently a Customer Experience Lead at Google Cloud Africa. Black Tech Mecca helps cities assess racial equity in the local tech sector and surface fresh insights that accelerate measurable growth. BTM developed a proprietary SMART BTE City Assessment Framework consisting of 39 key indicators and 120 metrics spanning K-12, Higher Education, Corporate, and Entrepreneurship pillars which has been deployed in three major cities funded by Google, NBC-Comcast, and the Knight Foundation. In his role at Google Cloud, Fabian helps bring the best of Google Cloud to their largest African customers on their Digital Transformation journeys.
Prior to launching BTM, Fabian led the revamp, revitalization, and rebrand of Google's black employee group in which he completed his term as inaugural appointed Global Co-Chair back in 2015. In this role, Fabian co-chaired the 10-person leadership team responsible for the 700+ membership across the company and the 14 chapters spanning the globe including London, Dublin, and Sao Paulo.
Fabian is recognized by Builtin Chicago as one of the Top 50 Tech Influencers to follow, 2016 Porsche Power 30 Under 30 in Technology, Chicago Defender 2017 Newsmaker Award – Technology, 2017 Black Enterprise Modern Man 100, and 2019 Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Innovator. His work with Black Tech Mecca has been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise, The Chicago Tribune, Comcast Newsmakers and other media outlets.
Fabian Elliott on LinkedIn
Fabian Elliott Instagram
https://www.blacktechmecca.org
We are excited to welcome the first guest of the SYCK Podcast, Barbara Campbell! Barb is a result-oriented professional with 15+ years of experience as a trusted advisor and Sr. Manager at Salesforce. Today, she and Alan talk about her first career in sports marketing, how she made the leap into technology and the lessons she learned along the way. Tune in as we talk about the importance of networking when making a career pivot, how to give and get feedback in individually effective ways, and whether or not to include a cover letter in your next job application. IN THIS EPISODE: * [04:45] Barb shares about her first career in sports marketing, lessons learned from earlier jobs and her first role at Salesforce * [17:05] The seniority levels of Salesforce and Barb’s move to working with internal stakeholders * [22:20] Maternity leave benefits and the reasons why Barb has stayed at Salesforce for a decade now * [31:28] Volunteer mentoring at Cal State San Marcos and leadership coaching at Salesforce * [39:40] The skill of asking for things in your career, facing rejection and gaining confidence * [48:12] The most common career obstacle that people face * [51:34] Best practices for job applications and virtual interviews and common derailers for candidates
KEY TAKEAWAYS: * Coaching/mentoring breaks down barriers and titles of bureaucracy. Everybody needs a coach, no matter how senior you are. Coaching and being coached allows people the opportunity to flourish, change and pivot. * Actively ask for feedback. When you get it, ask questions and get specific about making it measurable so you can constantly be improving your skills and moving forward in your career. * Gain confidence by advocating for your needs in your job. Start by asking for something small and work your way up. There’s always the fear of rejection but that's life and people are going to judge you, no matter what you do. So just do it anyway!
RESOURCE LINKS
Professional Trouble Maker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Syckpodcast.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/
https://twitter.com/kadimacareers
https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer
https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg
BIO:
Barbara Campbell is a result-oriented professional with 15+ years of experience as a trusted advisor for large enterprise customers and Fortune 500 brands. She spent the first part of her career in sports marketing, working on promotions for licensed sponsor activations in the professional sports and entertainment industry. Moving from sports to technology was a big shift, but a welcome one. Being hired onto the world's #1 CRM platform, Salesforce, Barb would get to work with customers on developing their SaaS adoption strategies. This eventually led to a desire to resolve complex customer issues in global escalations, where she has now built and manages a team of escalation managers in North America. Barb's other passion lies in coaching and high-impact teaming facilitation, which she leverages at Salesforce and as an Executive in Residence at California State University San Marcos. She truly believes any job can be your #dreamjob if you design it that way.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbcampbell
Let’s have our first of many JAM Sessions on the SYCK Podcast. Today’s JAM Session, short for Job Acquisition Method, is about how to land a great job at the world’s best tech companies. I’m talking through your burning questions and frustrations about how to get your foot in the door when you’re not technical or don’t have the right network connections. Get a better idea of what tech companies are looking for and hear actionable, insightful advice that you can start using immediately to accelerate your career! IN THIS EPISODE: * [02:03] What do big tech companies look for in a candidate to hire them? * [03:52] Do I need to invest in an MBA or CS degree? * [05:45] Thoughts on investing and learning niche areas like cloud computing, cyber security, and data science * [06:45] The game plan for a non-technical person who wants to get into big tech * [8:00] What non-technical roles in big tech pay the most?
KEY TAKEAWAYS: * What do big tech companies look for in a candidate to hire them? Relevant titles and experience, company name recognition, progression/promotions, quantifiable impact, and a strong educational background. * You don’t have to have to invest in niche tech areas or have an MBA to get hired at a leading tech company. Look at what you're strong at and leverage that strength to get into the company. Then let those companies pay you to learn specific skills. * Two thirds of roles at tech companies are non-technical. The best way for a non-technical person who wants to get into a top tech company is to build an authentic network of people within those companies.
RESOURCE LINKS
Syckpodcast.com
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/
https://twitter.com/kadimacareers
https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer
https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg
BIO:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
RESOURCE LINKS
Professional Trouble Maker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones
Syckpodcast.com
Company Website kadimacareers.com
Kadima LinkedIn Page
Linkedin.com/in/alanjstein
Twitter.com/alstein35
This episode is jam-packed with SYCK tricks that will help you accelerate your career in an efficient and effective manner. Today on the SYCK Podcast, Alan is asking Sr. Talent Advisor Marissa Blake about her tips and advice for applying and interviewing with your top companies. We go behind the scenes of what the hiring funnel looks like for recruiters and what recruiters are looking for in high quality talent. Marissa also shares her top three tips for how to improve your chances of getting your dream job. Don’t miss out on these SYCK tricks! IN THIS EPISODE: * [01:39] Who you want to know in HR * [03:55] What recruiters are looking for in high quality talent * [15:04] Have you been rejected from a job application, here’s how to be considered for the next opening * [17:49] How to improve your chances of getting the job in your experience.
KEY TAKEAWAYS: * If you are rejected from a job, ask follow up questions, Find out how often new roles are released and try to have informationals with hiring managers that can connect you with other teams before a role opens up. * Improve the chances of getting hired by applying as soon as a job is posted. Tip: Turn on notifications in LinkedIn to be alerted when your top companies post new jobs. * After applying, research to find the right hiring manager to connect with and tell themyou’re interested in the position. Utilize your connections! * In your interview, it’s really important to be clear, prepared, intentional, and as articulate as possible!
RESOURCE LINKS
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/
https://twitter.com/kadimacareers
https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer
https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg
BIO:
Marissa Blake has 12 years of professional experience across Retail Management, Healthcare Administration, Sales, and HR/Talent. She's learned firsthand what it takes to pivot careers and loves helping others do the same. She is a Neurodivergent person who proudly accepts that she lives with dyslexia and ADHD. She firmly believes these contribute to her strengths and superpowers. More importantly, it's motivated her to advocate for equitable and inclusive work and learning environments.
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblake0805
Alan Stein is no stranger to the nuances of the job search or switching careers. He is now in his sixth distinct career in recruitment with an emphasis on increasing team diversity, and has had 29 jobs with 21 different companies. On the SYCK (Steer Your Career with Kadima) Podcast, Alan will leverage his experience at companies like Google, American Express, Facebook and Salesforce to help listeners accelerate their careers and land their dream job. The SYCK podcast will feature conversations with guests who have experienced success, rejection, and failure. Listen in as he shares insight and “syck” tricks on how to network, earn more money, and have a better work-life balance. IN THIS EPISODE: * [00:40] What is the SYCK podcast about? * [02:04] More about Alan Stein’s background and how he got here * [03:51] Alan’s career path and experience with recruitment and diversity * [13:47] What makes the SYCK podcast different from other career podcasts? * [17:29] Preview of what types of episodesthat SYCK will have
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Alan’s goal is to accelerate 1 million careers by 2040. He hopes the SYCK podcast will help people steer their careers in the direction that they want.
- Alan has a passion for recruiting and providing opportunities for underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid talent. In a single year, Alan interviewed over 225 people and grew his team to be the second largest team at Google. While at Facebook, he was able to increase the diversity of his team from 40% diverse to 86% diverse.
- People are a sum of four different characteristics when it comes to career success: privilege, luck, talent, and effort. The biggest factor that overrides the first three is effort. Anyone can learn, grow and create opportunities to achieve their goals.
- Networking is not about using people. It's about building relationships that are mutually beneficial. Out of Alan’s 29 jobs, 24 of them happened because of who he knew and not what he knew.
RESOURCE LINKS
SYCKpodcast.com
BIO:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
RESOURCES:
C
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/
https://twitter.com/kadimacareers
https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer
https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg
“Steer Your Career with Kadima” is a podcast hosted by Alan Stein, Founder and CEO of Kadima Careers. Kadima helps underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid professionals land high-paying jobs at the world's best tech companies. Join Alan each week as he interviews amazing professionals in the tech industry and beyond. They'll talk about their career journeys and what they've learned, including some SYCK Tricks to help you accelerate your career. Kadima was founded by Alan Stein to address the inefficiencies, biases, and illogical hiring processes that hinder great candidates from achieving great careers. Alan has a unique perspective as a top 1% hiring manager and top 1% candidate with a proven record of scaling global operations. He is now sharing his insights and expertise to effectively and efficiently accelerate people’s careers. His methods and advice have empowered people to land amazing jobs at Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, Dell, and more. Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done.
Bio:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
linkedin.com/in/alanjstein
Websites * twitter.com/alstein35 (Personal Website) * kadimacareers.com (Company Website)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/79634371/admin/ (Kadima LinkedIn Page)