Gen X Amplified is the premier podcast dedicated to the powerful generation between the boomers and millennials.
The podcast features valuable insights and conversations with Gen X leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs including: Jon Fortt, Lindsey Pollak, Tara Jaye Frank, Carmine Gallo, Ada Calhoun, Melissa Proctor, and many others.
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076: Chauncey Zalkin On Culture, Creativity, and Being a Gen X Woman in Today's World
Wednesday, October 9, 2024 • Duration 59:51
On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin.
As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.
During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today's world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career.
In this episode, Chauncey and I unpack:
Chauncey's inspirations and motivations for her writing and creativity
Why Chauncey decided to launch the Actual People podcast
Chauncey's experiences living in New York during the early 2000s and the golden age of hip-hop
Why publishing a novel (or two) is her ultimate dream
Chauncey's very candid and powerful "Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What's Next As Gen X" episode of her podcast
Chauncey's passions for observing culture through a Gen X lens
Why Chauncey prefers to work with startups as opposed to larger companies and career pursuits of becoming a CMO
Chauncey Zalkin is a writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, former multi-agency brand strategist, and most recently VP then SVP of Marketing at tech startups establishing brand architecture, cross-channel, cross-funnel messaging and operationalizing marketing and building processes for success.
She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast "Actual People", which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.
In this podcast, Chauncey opens up about her own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic.
Chauncey got her start observing culture as founder of a pre-blog era blog called Girl on the street, was nominated for a webby and got some press in places like Teen People, Trace magazine, NY Post, Daily News and then went on to join the ad world at the height of cripsin porter + bogusky's success, and went on to work at 2 other agencies over her career. going into advertising, she's not sure that was the right choice.
She is a writer first and foremost, former multi-agency brand strategist, owned a brand documentary agency which she loved and did for companies like beyond meat and timex, and then went on to be a senior executive marketer for startups. she's since leaned back into pure content and story for herself and select clients that she feels are meaningful in the context of today's culture and building the future.
Her substack is https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/ and her website is www.chaunceyzalkin.com.
Actual People can be found wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
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075: Ebony Flake on Writing for ESSENCE and Creating a Career Path of Purpose
Wednesday, October 2, 2024 • Duration 47:40
For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men's print Issue.
The story was titled "Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite" and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone.
Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn't wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery.
In this episode, Ebony and I unpack:
Ebony's discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path
Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE
The various lessons from Ebony's corporate and leadership experience that became valuable throughout her journey
Why she is a passionate advocate for the experiences and opportunities of the underrepresented, particularly black women in corporate and entrepreneurship
Why Gen X is the generation that is well suited for meaningful leadership in today's ever-changing world of work
Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond.
Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries.
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074: Stephen Bailey On Connecting All Leaders to Their Future Potential Through ExecOnline
Wednesday, September 25, 2024 • Duration 39:58
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by Stephen Bailey, Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of ExecOnline, a corporate training company that partners with the world's top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations.
ExecOnline is on a mission to connect all leaders to their future potential by disrupting and democratizing corporate learning.
Some of ExecOnline's Partner schools include Stanford, Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, UVA Darden School of Business, Columbia, Duke, MIT-Sloan, Yale, and others.
In this episode, Stephen and I unpack:
Stephen's career journey from "recovered lawyer" to startup founder and eventually becoming the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline
The "aha moment" from Stephen's experience as the CEO of a previous startup that led to launching ExecOnline
Many of the high-impact initiatives the ExecOnline team are currently focusing on
Why there is a meaningful difference between mentoring and learning
The impact of large language models and generative AI on the learning economy
Stephen is the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline, a B2B corporate training company that partners with the world's top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations.
Its mission is to connect all leaders to their future potential by disprupting and democratizing corporate learning.
When Stephen launched ExecOnline, his vision was to combine the engagement of traditional on-campus and role-based applied learning — with the convenience and scale of an online experience—for all levels of leadership.
Therefore, creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership pipeline within the world of work.
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073: Daisy Auger-Domínguez On Going From Burnout to Lighting a Path for Leading with More Joy
With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out.
In this episode, Daisy and I discuss:
Daisy's inspirational professional journey to becoming a seasoned executive in media
Daisy's own personal experience and motivation that sparked the desire to write Burnt Out to LIt Up.
The state of the overall burnout epidemic in today's world of work
Daisy's key insights on how leaders should approach managing self-care, while also addressing the external systemic dynamics that are the cause of burnout for many professionals
How the book is particularly relevant to mid-career and Gen X professionals.
Daisy's career spans across 20 years of shaping the future of work by transforming organizations with purpose and passion.
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072: Ian Schafer On Building Ensemble with Issa Rae and the Impact of AI for Creators
Tuesday, September 10, 2024 • Duration 45:02
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, repeat guest and friend of the podcast, for another round of "Gen Xceptional" wisdom and inspiration.
Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae.
Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product.
Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities.
In this episode, Ian and I unpack:
Ian's experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic
The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble
Why Ensemble's mission is focused on creators from underrepresented communities
The overall state of the creator economy, especially in the age of AI
Why mid-career professionals (i.e, Gen X) can thrive and create value in the creator economy based on their seasoned experience and expertise, coupled with deep knowledge and unique insights.
Ian is an award-winning global brand, marketing, advertising, and sports & entertainment entrepreneur and executive.
He is and currently the Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae.
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071: Denise Hamilton on Being Indivisible and Why Now is the Time for Gen X to Shine
Tuesday, September 3, 2024 • Duration 49:04
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a very special episode featuring an amazing "Gen Xceptional" chat with Denise Hamilton.
Denise is a nationally recognized Diversity & Inclusion leader, and is the Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women.
She is also the author of the bestselling book "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future" During this episode, Denise and I spent time unpacking her professional story, the timeless gems from her book, and also her passionate call-to-arms for Gen Xers!
Whether it's remote work, AI or a diversifying workforce, today's leaders need new skills to navigate our rapidly changing world. Denise leverages her 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 organizations like AOL and CBRE to provide solutions that support employees and the bottom line.
Clients have said Denise's superpower is the ability to have the most challenging discussions and come out the other side with solutions and a positive direction. She uses this gift to lead workshops, design education programs, and coach senior leaders. The goal is to empower individuals and teams to mine and close the gender gap, understand differences, resolve conflict, and become better allies.
Her clients include household names, like Meta, Apple, ExxonMobil, Hines, Amazon, Shell, the United Nations, and the WNBA.
Denise has been featured on NPR, Forbes, FOX, Huffington Post, CBS, NBC and on many other outlets.
Denise's Personal Theme Song Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!
070: Cate Luzio On Pivoting from Executive to Entrepreneur and Launching Luminary
Monday, September 2, 2024 • Duration 52:05
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition, featuring my conversation with Cate Luzio —who is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies.
Cate is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies, which she launched and self-funded in 2018.
Luminary's mission is to address the systemic challenges impacting women across all industries and sectors—while also up-lifting, up-skilling, and propelling women forward through all phases of their professional journeys.
Members of Luminary reflect a multigenerational and intersectional community of intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and organizations including UBS, JPMorgan Chase, Unilever, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and others.
As CEO, Cate achieved a significant milestone for the business as Luminary recently announced their acquisition of The Cru, the enterprise peer-coaching service founded by Tiffany Dufu that places women in small accountability cohorts.
And Tiffany also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in this #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series.
Cate's Personal Theme Song Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!
069: Tara Jaye Frank On Becoming a Waymaker and Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity
Tuesday, October 4, 2022 • Duration 51:15
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have yes…another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition. And it's with my good friend, the fabulous and phenomenal Tara Jaye Frank.
Which in my opinion Is a MUST READ for all workplace leaders today.
Without question.
About Tara
Tara is an equity strategist, speaker, C-Suite advisor, and the President and CEO of TJF Career Modeling LLC — where she partners with executives to create learning experiences that advance critical culture and leadership goals.
Prior to charting her course as an entrepreneur, Tara was a corporate executive at one of the most beloved consumer brands in the world, Hallmark Cards, Inc.
Tara actually began her 20+ year career at Hallmark as a greeting card writer, where her gift as a powerful wordsmith and storyteller inspired many people during special and celebrated life moments.
However, Tara's growth and trajectory at Hallmark was limitless, and also history making.
During her tenure, Tara advanced to become the youngest person in Hallmark's history to be promoted into executive management…
And also the company's very first African-American female vice president.
Tara's Waymakers Theme Song Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!
068: Zephrine Hanson On Farming and Managing Your Mental Health at Midlife
Tuesday, September 6, 2022 • Duration 44:55
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have a great and important conversation with Zephrine Hanson.
Zephrine is a veteran, farmer, story amplifier, and the founder of Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project that offers small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients that are lovingly grown and sustainably sourced.
During this episode, Zephrine and I discuss her personal story — which includes a beginning career in the military, how she got into lavender farming, and her insights and advice on managing one's mental health.
Particularly as a 40-plus professional, business owner, parent, and community builder.
About Zephrine
Born and raised in San Fernando Valley California, Zephrine enlisted in the Air Force immediately after graduating high school.
With a background in media communications and journalism, she served as a public affairs and medical photographer stationed in Germany and Texas.
After medical retirement from the Air Force in 2004, Zephrine shifted to freelance photography, returned to college for communications. With the resounding support of her partner, the Hansons packed up and moved to Denver, CO in 2016 where she embraced a calmer, holistic lifestyle.
Finally enjoying some space to breathe, Zephrine took advantage of veteran programs including The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) consortium at UCLA, the Veterans to Farmers program in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), and the Veterans' Path mindfulness and yoga training in Colorado.
In 2017 she began planting seeds and nurturing people through Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project offering sustainable farming solutions and small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients lovingly grown and conscientiously sourced.
Zephrine's Personal Theme Song Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!
067: Kim Alexis Newton On Hallmark, Quilting, and Why It's Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams
Tuesday, August 30, 2022 • Duration 54:17
On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by the wonderful and amazing Kim Alexis Newton.
Kim is a former Hallmark Cards Inc. corporate executive, quilt artist, board member, and also my fellow Vanderbilt Business School alumni! She is also one of the featured phenoms in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn.
During this episode, Kim and I chat about her 20-plus years experience working for Hallmark Cards – which was her dream job coming out of business school. And also why and how she decided to leave corporate after many years to pursue her dreams of creating magic and meaningful impact with her art.
About Kim
Kim is a seasoned global marketing executive, board director, advisor, quilt artist, and entrepreneur.
She is also the creator of the Intentional Pause™ Project, a media, product and experience platform helping women embrace "pausing" as a powerful way to achieve their dreams.
Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Kim spent 20+ years as an executive leader for one of the most iconic brands in the world, Hallmark Cards. During her Hallmark tenure, Kim directly influenced global corporate strategy, and led transformation across a $4B diversified portfolio of top brands.
She has also been recognized multiple times as a top African-American in corporate America.
However, it was toward the end of her stint at Hallmark when Kim reached a mid-career "malaise" inflection point. — and felt complacent, unsatisfied, and overwhelmed with an empty feeling of unfulfilled dreams.
Therefore, Kim transformed that feeling of malaise into mid-career "mastery" — and began maximizing her impact on the world by bringing to life all of her passions including an art studio, The Intentional Pause™ Project, and her line of special handcrafted gift quilts positioned as extraordinary keepsakes for self or others.
Kim's Personal Theme Song Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!
Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm.
Ebony's writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers.
Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
ExecOnline has been named to the Global Silicon Valley EdTech 150, and also recognized as a "Technology Company to Watch" by Forbes.
Prior to ExecOnline, Stephen served as the CEO of Frontier Strategy Group (FSG), a software and information services business.
He grew FSG from an early-stage start-up to a company that served nearly half the Fortune 500 across a range of international markets and business functions. Prior to his role as CEO, he was FSG's first Chief Product Officer.
Before joining FSG, Stephen was an associate in the venture capital and private equity group of WilmerHale.
Stephen is also the Board Chair of the Truman Center for National Policy and member of the Board of Prospect Schools, a charter school network in NYC.
He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Emory University and holds a JD from the Yale Law School.
Stephen has been an EdTech pioneer and champion of the "learning economy" ever since he recognized the vast leadership gap many years ago.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Recently, Daisy served as Chief People Officer at Vice Media, where she led diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact practices for global teams across 25 countries.
Previously, Daisy was the Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Viacom, where she led the strategic development and operational execution of talent acquisition across global properties.
Before her stint at Viacom, Daisy delivered her DEI magic as an executive at other leading brands including Google, Disney ABC Television Group, Warnermedia, and Moody's Corporation.
Daisy thought leadership and perspectives have been published in Harvard Business Review, IDEAS.TED, Hispanic Executive, The New York Times, Forbes, and Adweek.
Her professional and civic contributions have also earned recognition by multiple platforms including being named one of the "25 Most Powerful Women" in People en Español. She also received the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award.
Daisy is also an advisor to startups and social impact organizations. She serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and St. Ann's Warehouse.
Daisy is a phenomenal, fabulous, and fearless leader of indomitable impact — who is determined to challenge all of us to elevate "inclusion" exceptionalism.
And her undeniable voice will continue to help create the equitable change the world needs — at this moment and beyond.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product.
Ian is also a strategic advisor to ROCK THE BELLS, the preeminent voice for classic and timeless hip-hop founded in 2018 by LL Cool J.
Also, Ian is the co-founder of ON_Discourse, owner of Queensboro FC, and an advisor to Accelerator.
Previously, Ian Co-Founder & CEO of Kindred, a membership organization that's on a mission to build a more equitable society by advancing the actions of today's leaders.
Prior to launching kindred, Ian was the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of Deep Focus, a transformative advertising agency that eventually he sold to Engine Group in 2015.
Before he began his entrepreneurial journey with Deep Focus, Ian worked at Miramax Films as the VP of New Media, where he learned many lessons on the power of content and innovation.
Previously, Ian started his career as a Sr. Account Executive at i-Traffic, which was one of the first digital agencies in the world.
In 2015, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Hall of Achievement, named one of "100 People Who Make Advertising Great" by the 4A's in 2017, and was also named named a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age.
Thank you for listening!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Prior to launching Luminary, Cate cultivated a two-decade successful career as a financial services executive leading global multibillion-dollar businesses.
Most recently, Cate served as Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, where she managed more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Prior to HSBC, she was Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London.
Cate initially began her career in China working in tech and then relocated to Latin America with Bank of America to work across both consumer and wholesale banking.
No stranger to reward and recognition, Cate was named as American Banker's 'Most Powerful Women in Banking' multiple years in a row, and is a three-time Financial Times Global Diversity Champion, and a two-time Yahoo Finance Diversity Hero.
Cate also serves on the National Board for Girls Inc., is a WE.NYC mentor, and sits on the Boards of Pomp & Whimsy and WaterAid.
Having pivoted from a notable career as a financial services corporate leader to become a fearless force championing women in the workplace, Cate stands as a testament to transformative leadership.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
But after a mid-career pivot and wonderful life-changing event, Tara's current "post-Hallmark" career has definitely been filled with meaning, purpose, and massive impact.
And as a passionate voice and champion for inclusion, Tara truly cherishes the power of community.
When she's not giving candid and transparent advice on fee negotiation and pay equity to underrepresented speakers…
Tara is always on brand — delivering timeless value across a variety of subjects to her audience.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Through Hampden Farms, Zephrine continued collaborations with the DBG to include earning her 300-hour Herbalism Certification. She now serves as a Self-Care Share Producer and Farmer for Chatfield along with being an instructor and ambassador for the Garden's Veterans-to-Farmers program.
Zephrine is a proud member of the Denver Metro Area's chapter of MileHigh Farmers, the grassroots organization for farmers and farmer advocates. She is also lends her experience and voice to the Food Policy Cohort for LiveWell focused on overcoming inequitable access to healthy food and physical activity in Colorado.
To better marry her passion for sustainable farming with drive for entrepreneurship and enterprise, Zephrine is actively pursuing Bunker Lab's Veteran-in-Residence program.
She continues to advocate and be a community influencer for Autism awareness and education joining the TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) board in February, 2020.
When Zephrine is not changing the world one plant and person at a time, she enjoys epic LEGO builds with her three tween inventors and going down Google rabbit holes with her favorite tech nerd and beloved partner, Justin.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
Her first piece was actually given to Ms. Oprah Winfrey!
Kim also has 20 years of non-profit board experience, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Big Lots Stores.
Kim is also a proud member of the The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at The Aspen Institute.
She also received her BA in Accounting from Fisk University and her MBA from Vanderbilt University, and lives in Kansas City with her husband, Nikki, and their daughter Piper.
Kim's story is definitely a beacon of inspiration for anyone who is feeling stressed and stuck in their career…
And who desires to weave together their purpose, passions, and professional experiences into a meaningful path forward at any age.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
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