Two Marketing Moms: Recent Episodes
Kelly Callahan-Poe & Julia McDowell
You are not alone! Navigate the jungle gym of marketing and advertising career advancement with two pros (and moms) that have decades of work + life strategy to share. With hosts Kelly Callahan-Poe and Julia McDowell.
In this episode, Kate Crane — founder of Direction Over Perfection and former DoorDash and OpenTable exec — joins us to share the job search skills no one taught you but everyone needs. We learn how she teaches young people to “fish”, the art of asking for advice instead of help, why professional development should start sophomore year of college, and how you really should be using AI in your job search. These are skills for your first job search, your fifth, and every pivot in between.
Most brands don't lose because they're inferior. They lose because they're indistinguishable. In this episode, Kelly sits down with John Gumas, President of Commit Agency and one of the country's leading authorities on Challenger Brand Marketing® — to talk about the one thing most marketing skips entirely: real Discovery. Not research that produces data, but the kind of deep, uncomfortable questioning that surfaces why customers actually choose one brand over another. If you've ever inherited a positioning you didn't build, sat through a workshop that went nowhere, or been told the answer to your brand problem is just more budget — This is the conversation that should happen before any brief gets written.
Neal Foard breaks down the human psychology of persuasion, why people buy on emotion and justify on logic, and how the fundamentals of great advertising storytelling apply to every pitch, presentation, and conversation you'll ever have. We talk about why life gets easier when people like you, why the best brands celebrate their customers instead of themselves, and why in the age of AI, storytelling isn't just a nice-to-have — it's your greatest competitive advantage. Plus, Neal shares his platform Conspiracy of Kindness and why the most persuasive stories aren't about selling at all.
The career ladder was never a guarantee — but for a long time, it was a map. Now the map is gone. McKinsey estimates 375 million workers will need to switch occupational categories by 2030. The World Economic Forum says 44% of core skills will be disrupted within five years. The world of work evolved. The systems we use to evaluate careers didn't. That gap is where capable people get stuck. In this episode, author and career coach Samantha "Sam" Sloan Alvita walks us through her four-part framework — Recognize, Initiate, Serve, Evolve — and makes the case that the professionals who come out ahead aren't the best predictors of the future. They're the ones who learn to read better signals, sooner.
They built the careers. They climbed the ladder. And then, at 50-something, they walked away — and started something of their own. Gen X women now make up 69% of women business owners in America, and research shows that founders over 50 are nearly twice as likely to build successful companies as founders in their 30s. So what's driving this wave, and what does it actually take to make the leap? Brand strategist Sue Kirchner has spent 25+ years building her own independent practice. In this episode, she breaks down the business models worth considering, the financial and emotional realities nobody warns you about, and why everything you've built in your career so far is your greatest competitive asset. If you've ever wondered what life on your own could look like, this one's for you.
Christine Blosdale — The Expert Authority Coach™ — joins Kelly Callahan-Poe to tackle the real reason talented marketing and advertising professionals stay invisible: not lack of skill, but lack of positioning. With 25+ years of experience building brand visibility for entrepreneurs and thought leaders, Christine shares her 5-step Expert Authority Framework to help you go from best-kept secret to unmistakable. No hustle required — just clarity, confidence, and a few smart moves.
In this episode, Kelly sits down with Javier Lozano, Jr., Founder of Bolder Media Co. and Fractional CMO. Javier breaks down exactly what "going fractional" means, how it differs from consulting or agency work, what kind of companies need it and when they finally make the call, and what senior marketers need to have in place before they can make the leap — including the non-negotiable skills, and why right now might be the best window yet to build a career on your own terms.
Zander Sprague — TV host, award-winning author, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, and self-described "God of Enthusiasm" — has built his life's mission around helping people make the EPIC choices that create an EPIC life. For Zander, EPIC isn't just a buzzword: it stands for Every Pilgrimage Involves Commitment, and his own pilgrimage began in the most painful way imaginable — with the murder of his sister. Rather than letting that tragedy define his limits, he let it define his purpose. In this conversation, Zander unpacks why "someday" is sabotaging your career, how to stop fearing failure and start planning for it, and why the path to your most EPIC professional life begins with exactly one step forward. Whether you're stuck at a crossroads, recovering from a setback, or just waiting for the "right time" to make your move — this episode is your permission slip to start.
What happens when a marketer walks into a boardroom speaking the wrong language? Behavioral marketing strategist and CMO Rich M. Smith unpacks why the gap between marketing and the C-suite isn't a personality conflict — it's a predictable cognitive phenomenon. Rich breaks down how loss aversion, outcome bias, and WYSIATI quietly sabotage marketing budgets, and what it takes to translate your strategy into the language of revenue, risk, and growth. From his 6-part CEO Translation Layer to the monthly meeting that builds more trust than any dashboard, this is a masterclass in making marketing make sense where the decisions get made.
What if your audience personas told you not just who people are, but how they actually make decisions? In this episode, Kylee Ingram, co-founder and CEO of Wizer, explores decision intelligence, cognitive diversity, and the seven decision profiles that shape how people process information, weigh risk, and act. She unpacks why traditional personality tools fall short, how bias and groupthink weaken decisions, and what marketers can learn from understanding the different ways people decide. It’s a practical conversation about smarter communication, better strategy, and why the right voices in the room matter more than ever.
Most people wait until something goes wrong — a layoff, a bad review, a gut feeling that something's off— before they think about their career. But what if you treated it like your health, with regular checkups before the symptoms get serious? In this episode, executive coach Wes Ehnert of Vertical Path Coaching & Consulting breaks down what a career checkup actually looks like: auditing your materials and brand, benchmarking your market value, setting meaningful goals, and always having a Plan B. Whether you're early in your career, mid-transition, or just overdue for a gut check, this conversation will help you take an honest look at where you are — and where you're headed.
What if the key to your success at work isn't on any performance review? Executive and leadership coach M. Nora Bouchard introduces the concept of Hidden Metrics — the internal gauges built around your values, strengths, and what truly drives you, not your boss's KPIs or your company's SMART goals. Nora breaks down her simple equation for uncovering yours, tackles whether you should ever share them with your supervisor, and explains why defining what matters most to you is actually the fastest path to delivering the results your company demands.
Tom Martin, author of The Invisible Sale, reveals his three-step framework for crafting pitches that get to "yes"—building authority, architecting your "Yellow Brick Road" to guide audiences effortlessly, and mastering the language of influence. He breaks down the science of persuasion and shares how professionals can navigate the confidence tightrope when presenting to decision-makers.
Gal Borenstein, creator of the GUARDIAN Digital Trust Framework™, reveals how brands can build resilience in the age of misinformation. With $800 billion in e-commerce influenced by fake reviews and deepfakes threatening credibility, we discuss practical strategies for establishing transparency, ensuring accountability, and fostering authentic trust with both customers and employees.
Learn from Life & Career Coach Sophia Mikelionis why putting life before work isn't just semantics—it's a complete reframe of how ambitious women can lead without burning out. Sophia shares the common traps that keep high-achievers stuck, how to build non-negotiables that actually stick, and why self-leadership (not burnout recovery) is the missing piece in sustainable success.
🎙 Insider Tips to Land Your First Job — What New Grads Need to Know
Landing your first job after college can feel overwhelming — especially when there’s a gap between how prepared students believe they are and what employers actually see. In Episode 79 of the Two Marketing Moms Podcast, career expert and author Beth Hendler-Grunt breaks down exactly how new grads can stand out, get noticed, and get hired fast.
Here are the big takeaways:
- Start With Skills — Not Job Boards
Before applying anywhere, identify your top three core skills (hard skills > soft skills) and be ready to back them up with examples. Knowing what you’re good at brings clarity — and employers hire solutions, not majors.
- Networking Beats Applying Cold
80%+ of jobs come from referrals, not one-click applications. Use the LinkedIn Alumni Tool, reach out to recent grads, ask for conversations (not jobs), and follow up regularly. People help people.
- Internships Matter — But Be Flexible
Traditional internships are competitive and limited. Look beyond big brands — local companies, micro-internships, project work, and professor referrals count too. Experience > prestige.
- Quality > Quantity in Applications
Spraying resumes everywhere rarely works. Instead, target 10 companies + 10 people at each (The 10/10 Rule) to build real momentum and relationships that lead to offers.
- Your Resume is a Tool, Not Your Golden Ticket
Employers skim resumes in six seconds, scanning for metrics, relevant experience, and clarity. Tailor your resume, pair it with a strong LinkedIn profile, and never rely on Easy Apply alone.
If you're a student or new grad breaking into the workplace, this episode is your roadmap to confidence, clarity, and job-search traction. Watch, listen, take notes — then start reaching out and building your network today.
Beth Hendler-Grunt Contact Information
https://nextgreatstep.com/
https://nextgreatstep.com/book/
https://nextgreatstep.com/resources-for-students-graduates-parents/
https://www.facebook.com/nextgreatstep/?fref=ts
https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethhendlergrunt/?locale=en_US&trk=tyah
https://www.instagram.com/next_great_step/
Learn more on TwoMarketingMoms.com. #jobsearch #advertising #marketing #insidertips #newgrad #newgraduate #networking
Feeling stuck on the career merry-go-round—same routines, same results, going in circles? Dr. Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, USA Today bestselling author of Now, Near, Next, shares her powerful framework to help high-achieving women stop waiting to be "ready" and start intentionally designing what's next. Learn how to identify when your career no longer fits, remove guilt from ambition, and get off autopilot to build the bigger playground you deserve.
Merry Korn, author of Fired to Inspired, shares how she transformed being fired into building a 1,300-employee social enterprise and reveals her three-pillar framework for turning career setbacks into breakthroughs.
Too many women still question whether they’re “good enough” to lead. In this episode, leadership expert Liz Weber—author of Don’t Let ’Em Treat You Like a Girl and What Women in Leadership Need to Stop Doing—shares how to quiet self-doubt, stop hesitating, and consistently show you belong at the table by leading with confidence, clarity, and conviction.
In this episode, Daria Rudnik, author of CLICKING and executive coach, reveals why the traditional "leader as hero" model is broken and shares her 5-pillar framework for building self-sufficient teams that thrive through disruption. She explains how to use AI as a connector rather than a replacement for human thinking, why most leaders unknowingly create bottlenecks, and the practical first steps to move from overwhelm to sustainable leadership success.
The Movie Trailer MindsetWhat if you could transform your business introduction from forgettable to unforgettable in just 10 seconds?
In this episode of the Two Marketing Moms Podcast, host Kelly Callahan-Poe sits down with Aurora Winter, bestselling author and TV producer, to explore how Hollywood storytelling techniques can revolutionize the way entrepreneurs communicate.
Ditch the Boring Introduction
Most entrepreneurs introduce themselves with a predictable formula: "Hi, I'm [name] and I run [type of business]." But Aurora reveals a more powerful approach—start with drama and high stakes.
Instead of leading with your credentials, paint a vivid picture of transformation. Show the dramatic problem your clients face and the remarkable results you deliver. Only then do you introduce yourself as the mentor who made it happen.
The Three-Brain Blueprint
Aurora breaks down the neuroscience behind memorable messages, explaining how effective communication must engage three levels of the brain:
- The Croc Brain (Foundation) - Captures attention with novelty and drama
- The Midbrain (Walls) - Builds trust through social proof and testimonials
- The Cerebral Cortex (Roof) - Delivers the logical details and ROI
Skip the foundation, and your entire message collapses. Most well-educated professionals make the mistake of jumping straight to logic without first grabbing attention.
Paint the Hell and the Heaven
Don't tiptoe around your client's pain points. Aurora emphasizes the importance of clearly illustrating the "hell before your help" and the "heaven afterwards." This contrast creates urgency and helps prospects understand what's truly at stake—not just for their business, but for their family, their future, and their legacy.
Your Story is Your Superpower
The biggest mistake business owners make? Thinking their message is about them. Aurora reminds us that effective storytelling is always about the client's transformation. Share the authentic hero's journey—complete with struggles and breakthroughs—because there is no compelling story without the struggle.
Ready to Transform Your Message?
Aurora's book Turn Words Into Wealth provides a complete blueprint for leveraging Hollywood storytelling and neuroscience to turn your ideas into influence and income. Learn more at turnwordsintowealth.com.
Key Takeaway: Stop leading with credentials and start leading with drama. Your next introduction could be the one that changes everything.
Aurora Winter Contact Information
- Turn Words-to-Wealth starter library and a video masterclass on how to attract capital, clients, and media coverage.: https://turnwordsintowealth.com
- Aurora Winter Website: https://www.aurorawinter.com
- Same Page Publishing: https://www.samepagepublishing.com
- Marketing Fastrack: The Little Book That Launched a New Business by Aurora Winter- on Amazon: https://a.co/d/8xrIglK
- Turn Words Into Wealth: Blueprint for Your Business, Brand and Book by Aurora Winter - on Amazon: https://a.co/d/7RRkVYb
- Magic, Mystery, and the Multiverse Book 1 Amazon: https://a.co/d/5cmA6Um
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/AuroraWinter
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/AuroraWinter
- Linktree: https://linktr.ee/AuroraWinter
MovieTrailerMindset #TurnWordsIntoWealth #HollywoodStorytell
In this episode, Dr. David G. Smith reveals why 96% of women see real progress in gender equality only when men are actively engaged as allies—and why the biggest barrier isn't #MeToo fears, but outdated zero-sum thinking that equity for women means loss for men. From addressing the mentor hesitation to exploring how fair share caregiving at home unlocks workplace equity, David offers a practical roadmap for leaders ready to move from performative allyship to meaningful action.
Entrepreneurs don’t burn out from working hard—they burn out from working against their natural energy flow. In this episode, Joanna Zhang reveals how aligning your mindset, vibration, and soul purpose creates clarity, calm, and sustainable success.
Learn how to own your value at work by communicating your impact, setting healthy boundaries, and leading with confidence—without burning out.
Former $350M sales executive turned resilience coach Genevieve Skory explains why high-achieving women remain trapped in frustrating patterns despite their success, revealing that most don't need more strategy—they need more safety. She shares her three-step Resilience Mapping™ framework to rewire your nervous system and build a business that feels like sustainable growth instead of a constant battle.
Learn how to navigate life’s challenges with confidence by strengthening three core muscles: capacity, communication, and community. Building these skills now equips you to handle future crises—whether personal or professional—with clarity and resilience.
In this episode, we talk about how life’s biggest transitions can actually help you reset — letting go of what’s no longer working and rising stronger, with more clarity, courage, and purpose.
In this episode, you’ll learn how to build authentic connections that open doors to new opportunities and growth. Discover a practical method for navigating relationships with confidence—so you can increase visibility, influence, and impact without feeling fake or salesy.
Discover how small, intentional actions help you uncover your unique superpower, build confidence, and take meaningful steps toward your career goals with special guest Dr. Christiane Schroeter.
High-performing professionals don’t have to choose between high pay and purpose. This episode explores how to reverse-engineer your career and job search to find work that aligns with your values, strengths, and income goals with special guest Rachel Spekman.
This episode unpacks the real reasons women are often overlooked for leadership roles—and how to change that. You’ll learn the five key areas to focus on before pursuing a promotion, how to overcome self-sabotage, and how to confidently communicate your value and advocate for the role you deserve with special guest Rosie Zilinskas.
Learn how to turn generative AI into your ultimate thinking partner, chief of staff, and second brain—saving time, money, and mental bandwidth with special guest Marnie Wills.
Discover how to regulate your nervous system, reduce stress, and elevate your executive presence using science-backed strategies. This episode breaks down practical steps any leader can take to strengthen composure, confidence, and overall effectiveness in high-pressure environments with special guest Dr. Lizette Warner.
This episode explores why marketers must move beyond execution to become trusted strategic advisors. Learn how to spot when you’re stuck in “order-taker” mode, and how to use tools and AI to elevate—not replace—your role. Whether you’re starting out or leveling up, you’ll get practical insights to lead with strategy, not just tactics from special guest Sara Nay.
Episode Descriptor:
Learn how to strengthen your thought leadership platform on LinkedIn by clarifying your message, increasing your visibility, and boosting your credibility to level up your influence and grow your authority with special guest Kelly Schuknecht.
Learn how to spot perfectionism’s triggers, push back on unhealthy norms, and build everyday practices for more sustainable, collaborative careers with special guest Dr. Jodi Vandenberg-Daves.
Learn how thought leadership—sharing your unique perspective—builds confidence, credibility, and visibility, helping women accelerate their careers with special guest Aquila Mendez-Valdez.
Learn how to break free from self-limiting patterns, quiet your inner critic, and show up with renewed confidence with special guest Tosca DiMatteo.
Learn practical strategies to overcome limiting beliefs, find your “true north,” and step into empowered leadership rooted in who you really are with special guest Varuschka Nagesar.
New graduates can learn how to craft resumes that highlight their real strengths without relying on gimmicks, AI shortcuts, or overly designed formats with special guest Amy L. Adler.
Marketing YOU: Selling Your Internship Storydives into how to turn your internship into career gold. Co-hosted by Imogen Stephens, we explore the real value of internships and how to translate your experience into a strong personal brand, standout resume, and confident LinkedIn presence.
In this episode, The ROI of Moms in the Workplace, author Heather Lane Powers (The Power Lane) explains why retaining moms at work is an economic imperative. We explore how outdated systems, rigid policies, and lack of childcare push moms out of specific workplaces—not the workforce itself. With compelling data and a $1.5 trillion opportunity at stake, Heather introduces the REVS framework and five levers for driving measurable change. Listeners will gain practical tools, policy insights, and a clear path to creating workplaces where moms—and the economy—thrive.
In this podcast with special guest Amos Gelb, you'll learn how to navigate the workplace with confidence by mastering the key elements of professionalism for those new to the workforce. We'll explore the vital connection between professionalism and hard and soft skills, showing how technical expertise is amplified by strong interpersonal abilities like teamwork, accountability, and emotional intelligence. Whether you're an intern or early in your career, this episode offers actionable insights to help you stand out, grow your skills, and build a foundation for success in any professional environment.
Learn how to unlock your productivity and creativity through meaningful connection and humor with award-winning showrunner, executive producer, and comedian Marta Ravin. Marta helps next-generation leaders find the secret sauce to leadership by embracing authentic leadership with a sense of humor.
Thomas Kemeny shares his journey as a copywriter and author of the book Junior: Writing Your Way Ahead in Advertising. Thomas provides tips on writing, presenting, and pitching, and explains why juniors are the lifeblood of an advertising agency.
In this episode, Karen F. Geiger, author of Storied Life Journal: Ancient Wisdom for Modern Living shares how journaling helps you design a life with more stories. Karen will cover the benefits of journaling as a regular practice and demystify the difficulty of journaling with helpful techniques and prompts to help you connect to the page and tell your own story.
In this episode, Bonnie Wan shares her journey as an advertising brand strategist and author of the book The Life Brief: A Playbook for No-Regrets Living. Modeled after the ad agency creative brief, the life brief is a playbook that will help readers unlock clarity in a part of life that matters most. You will learn Bonnie’s three-step practice with specific exercises to make your life brief a reality.
In this episode, Dr. Stefanie K. Johnson, PHD talks to us about her Wall Street Journal Bestseller Inclusify: The Power of Uniqueness and Belonging to Build Innovative Teams. You will learn the most transformative leadership skills of tomorrow, how to build stronger relationships with your team, practical strategies to become an Inclusifyer, and how Inclusifying is the key to innovation, growth, and success.
In this episode, Amy Saidman from Story District teaches us about storytelling. You will learn the biggest challenges facing storytellers, how to address them, the key elements of a good story, and tips to improve your storytelling skills.
Middle managers play a crucial role in organizations bridging the gap between top-level management and front-line employees. But it takes the right combination of skills, visibility, and strategic networking to help middle managers get noticed. Listen to host Kelly Callahan-Poe and special guest Carli Sidoti from Buttoned Up Consulting talk about the challenges of being a middle manager and learn tips to get noticed.
There are times when you feel stuck in your career and need a boost! Carli Sidoti, a brand and marketing strategist, talks about how she was able to get unstuck in her career with a big transition. Learn five ways to get unstuck in your career.
Colette Fortin, a divorce mediator turned business coach provides a framework for having difficult conversations that may change your perspective on how to view tough conversations. Learn the types of difficult conversations, different ways to view them, and how to get to the zone of yes using the model and continue the path forward.
Layoffs are a fact of life if you work in marketing or advertising. Marketing leadership coach and consultant Elizabeth Coluby shares her personal experience and tips on how to survive and thrive after a layoff.
In this episode, Kelly Callahan-Poe and Julia McDowell provide 5 entry-level interview tips for marketing and advertising jobs. Today employers take an average of 6-8 seconds to review a resume. While hard skills make up the majority of a resume, it’s the soft skills that make or break your ability to get hired. Learn the top 5 ways to sell yourself with a bonus 5 at the end of the episode.
In this podcast, Kelly Callahan-Poe chats with Sara Madera, a career coach for working moms about motherhood and ambition. They discuss the impact of kids on your career, tips for how to create success across work, life, and family, and why Sara has so many clients from the marketing/agency world.
In this episode, Kelly talks to Opeyemi Oluwole, Senior Vice President, Consumer Engagement at Teledoc Health and a Board Member at Stride. Opeyemi and Kelly discuss their mutual passion for mission-driven marketing and how marketers can be a force for good in the industry.
In this episode, Kelly talks to Cary Hatch, former CEO of MDB Communications about her 40-year passion as an advertising evangelist advocating for the power of communications to elevate the profile and stature of brands, causes, and organizations. Cary talks about her rise to become CEO and Owner of MDB Communications, provides her input on the state of the industry, and gives advice for women wanting to follow in her footsteps.
Alan Brown the Founder and Chair of DNA, an LGBTQ+ and minority-owned advertising agency, highlights the Project 47 Pledge, a vehicle for advertising agency leadership to commit to mentoring LGBTQ+ talent to aid in career advancement. Alan talks about the challenges workers face in finding sympathetic mentors and provides strategies for employers and employees alike to foster a culture of inclusiveness for LGBTQ+ employees.
In this episode, Kelly interviews Taylor Adams & Khendra Lucas from Mental Health America on workplace mental health. Taylor and Khendra share Mental Health America stats on the state of the mental health crisis in America and how COVID-19 has impacted mental health in the workplace. They share strategies on how to support colleagues who may be struggling and provide resources on how employers can create a mentally healthy and supportive work environment.
As an intern with Williams Whittle, Imogen Stephens shares the skills she learned on the job and her advice on how to get the most out of your internship.
In this episode, Julia interviews her life-long friend Keri Shull, successful entrepreneur and founder of the Keri Shull Team, the top-selling real estate team in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia area, about the power of vision boarding. Keri gets into the details of how you can create a vision board, apply it to all aspects of your life including your career, and make it manifest your accomplishments.
In our first episode with a marketing Dad, Julia and Kelly talk to Jason Teitler, Special Olympics Senior Vice President of Global Communications and Brand. Jason talks about his career on both the agency and client-side and shares his perspective on the importance of alignment in marketing and communications.
In this episode, Julia & Kelly talk about the most overused words in marketing and vote on which words are still relevant and which ones need to go. All marketing professionals have words and phrases that grate on them from the marketing funnel and flywheel to integrated and multi-channel marketing to digital.
In this episode, Kelly shares with Julia the story of her 2020 commitment to read a business book a week and shares her favorite authors, books, and quotes for inspiration.
In their 30th episode,Kelly and Julia are tackling the age-old question for marketing and advertising professionals – what’s better, agency side or in-house? There are pros and cons for both sides, so join in on the conversation to figure out what’s your best next move.
In this high energy episode, Julia & Kelly talk with Andrew Lawless, a certified High Performance Coach. Andrew guides us through the top five mistakes people make with their LinkedIn profile, the three guidelines to finding your niche, and the key information that should be highlighted in the ideal profile.
In this episode, Kelly & Julia chat with agency Creative Director Eva Day to learn How to Light Your Creative Spark. As a 30-year advertising agency vet, Eva shares how she manifests ideas with her creative posse, a sense of humor, and some good deeds as sprinkles of inspiration.
In this episode, Julia & Kelly discuss the four categories that affect productivity; focus/clarity, organization, time management, and pace, and provide tips, tools, and hacks for each one.
In this episode, Julia & Kelly discuss the 5 ingredients for success in a client-agency relationship and how to navigate change when you know it's inevitable. They also talk about what to do when you have been sent in to "right the ship."
This special episode is dedicated to the people who helped us the most in our careers -- our professional journeys and our personal journeys -- our parents. As a working mom, Julia’s Mom talks about not letting others define you, doing what’s best for you and your family, and not undervaluing yourself. Kelly’s Mom, a former teacher, focuses on the concept of not being invisible and standing up for yourself. Julia’s Dad, both a sales and marketing professional and entrepreneur, talks about the challenges and mistakes he encountered in the workforce and how they turned into assets. Kelly’s Dad, a former telecommunications professional who started one of the first cell phone companies in the 80s, focused on how to become a value creator and a change maker.
In this episode, we interview Kelly Francis, a certified life/motivational coach, keynote speaker, and the founder of KellySUITE, a business created to mentor and motivate career women., Kelly overviews her goal setting process called the Prosperity Effect that provides a road map to help you achieve your goals faster. From breaking patterns and getting unstuck, to defining balance and prosperity in a whole new way, join us in this lively discussion.
In this episode, we interview Joann S. Lublin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist, leadership speaker, and author of the book Power Moms: How Executive Mothers Navigate Work and Life. Joann compares the first wave of power mom executives to the next generation, demonstrating how far working mothers have come—and how much further they'll need to go in a post-pandemic world. We talk about the distinctions between the two generations, how being a mom makes you a better boss, and life hacks for allaying mom guilt. We also learn how the younger generation of women use a concept called "work/life sway" to help them go with the flow between their professional and personal lives.
In this episode, we talk with Heidi Parsont, the founder of Torchlight Hire, a recruitment agency that places candidates in marketing, communications and creative roles. Heidi provides job candidates with advice on how to make your resume and LinkedIn profile stand out using personal branding. She also provides valuable insights into today's job market, the top marketing skills that employers value right now, and tips for young marketing professionals starting out.
In this episode, Julia talks with Eurah Lee, a fellow agency girl who also jumped ship and joined the creative gig economy as an entrepreneur. They talk about the value of internships and mentors, the difference between the DC and NYC agency environments, and how and when they made the move from agency to entrepreneurs. If you're contemplating your next career move, join them in a lively discussion.
In this episode, we talk with professional stylist Tara Luizzi from Tara Styles DC on how to build a working wardrobe when you're first starting out, navigating changes to your body (helpful hints for dressing the Mom-Bod), and getting the most out of investment pieces. We answer a lot of your (and our) burning wardrobe questions: Should you try out wardrobe styling boxes? Should you ditch the "nylons"? Do yoga pants work for casual Friday?
**And last, we talk about how you can create your own style and most importantly, use your wardrobe to help you feel confident and empowered to accelerate your career.
You can connect with Tara on her website http://www.tarastylesdc.com or on any social @tarastylesdc.**
In this episode, we talk about why you should and how you can develop your own personal brand. Become the "CEO of ME" and define your why, choose your platform(s), and start sharing your expertise alongside demonstrating your personality. Join us for a lively discussion on personal branding and the value it will bring to your career. We also pull out a long list of our favorite marketing professionals, including well-known and growing personal brands.
In this episode, we pull back the curtain on all the things you wondered about leadership coaching and why YOU need a coach of your own! Jill Rogers, an entrepreneur, Associate Certified Coach (ACC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and MOM, talks to us about her journey to becoming a coach, the principles of leadership coaching, and the impact coaching can have on your career trajectory.
In this episode, we learn about conscious leadership with business and self-transformation coach Kelly Campbell. Kelly explains how to harness and balance feminine and masculine aspects (not gender-based). By integrating these qualities, you can become a more receptive and collaborative version of yourself which leads to greater trust and more predictable, sustainable growth.
Kelly's downloadable resource can be found here!
In this episode, we interview our very first guest, a powerhouse woman and new author, Katherine Wintsch. She is the founder and CEO of the Mom Complex, an agency that helps companies develop better products, services, and experiences for mothers. Her book Slay Like A Mother helps you identify your dragon of self-doubt and slay it so you can conquer motherhood and all the other facets of your life.
In this episode we provide tips to help you Manage Up. From adopting the preferred communication style of your boss, to understanding their priorities and making their job easier, managing up means building trust over time through a record of consistent performance.
We all make mistakes, but few talk about it. In our 12th episode titled “Failure”, we cover our biggest failures at work. From people and politics to decision-making abilities and misaligned expectations, we share the difficult lessons we learned and the stories that strengthened us.
As you build your career, getting advice seems like the best way to borrow "experience." And often the advice is exactly what you're looking for! But as we look back, we realize we've received a lot of bad business advice and, worse, sometimes didn't even know it. In this episode, we call out the worst business advice we've ever received and discuss how we turned them into learnings and growth.
In this episode about futureproofing your career, we dive into how you can become indispensable. Knowing change is always on the horizon, ensure that you will be marketable now and in the future. It starts with being introspective, and we [Kelly and Julia] are no stranger to business personality testing and how you can use the results to create value and longevity! We also drop some hot tips on how to become the top candidate for a job, a promotion, and how to translate that to a new hustle.
In this episode, we answer career advice questions from young marketing and advertising professionals. From how to ask for a promotion, to how long you should stay in a job, to the most important non-marketing skills we look for when hiring, to the advice we would give to our younger selves. This episode features 10 gems to guide young professionals.
In this episode, we talk about how being a mom has made us better in business. By providing perspective, flexibility, and adaptability, being a mom has increased our confidence, made us more empathetic, and helped us define balance in a whole new way as we prioritize what is really important.
In this episode, we reveal some of our secrets and insights into winning new business. From reading the room, to preparing a script, focusing 75% on solving their problem, to the importance of theatre and a gotcha insight, this episode has dozens of new business best practices and ideas. Our personal pitching stories of wins and losses and key takeaways including why we study comedians will inspire you for your next pitch.
In this episode, we reveal our top 10 mistakes in advertising and how to prevent them. From the easiest mistake of typos and not proofing to always have a plan B for technology hiccups, to listening and taking notes, to NEVER pitching unsolicited creative and avoiding office politics, you can learn from your mistakes before making your own!
In this episode, we advise you on how to advance your marketing knowledge while juggling kids, a family, your team, and your job. From having a regular practice of reading, attending webinars, events, getting involved in local and national groups with like-minded professionals and/or Mom’s groups, there are so many ways you can continue to learn innovative ideas on-the-job to keep you sharp.
In this episode, we go deep into the role of the account executive. From departmental, managerial, and individual account person goals, to specific day-to-day roles and responsibilities, and guidance on what to do when you don’t have billable work, this episode is a high-level account management training seminar. Our helpful takeaways include tips like thinking of your boss as a second client, knowing when and how to speak up, the importance of honesty, the hot potato rule, and more -- all to make you an indispensable account manager.
In this episode, we talk about our early years working and juggling kids and work, and finding our personal and professional tribes and support systems. From breastfeeding at work, managing childcare, to making your own rules without feeling guilty, we talk about our different approaches to juggling it all.
In this episode, we tackle the meaning behind “how to grow a pair of balls” in business, and ways you can address it while not being called the another B-word. This topic is of particular importance to women in the creative industry, as only 30% of marketing and advertising leaders are women, with only 12% of women in creative roles. You may have been told to “grow some balls” a time or two in your life, so we’ve identified some helpful takeaways from our experience for feeling empowered in the workplace: kill impostor syndrome with confidence, be brave and don’t fear getting uncomfortable, and always be selling yourself.
In our first episode, we talk about our start in advertising on different coasts, our different approaches which eventually led to holding the same position and area of expertise, and similar personal lives each with three kids and a dog. From the importance of job training, mentors, trusting your gut, and how the work world is a jungle gym, not a ladder, our stories zig and zag through each new phase of life.