SHIFT with Elena Agar – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode, we are joined by our special guest, Dr. Laura Gallaher, where she dives into the complexities of her journey in organizational psychology and the power of self-awareness and self-acceptance. In this episode, Laura shares her fascinating career path, from her academic pursuit of psychology to her impactful work with leaders at NASA following the Columbia shuttle accident. Discover how Laura's experience and insights have led to her passion for promoting radical self-acceptance among high achievers. Together, Elena and Laura explore the significance of psychological safety in teams, the importance of self-reflection for leaders, and how embracing self-acceptance can accelerate personal and professional growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical advice and real-world examples designed to inspire and empower you on your journey of self-awareness.Take the self-acceptance quiz: https://www.gallaheredge.com/sa-quiz-lpConnect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd/Website: https://www.gallaheredge.com/Time stamps:00:00 Columbia Disaster: Foam Impact Issue06:36 Radical Self-Acceptance Journey09:26 Flexible Leadership Mindset11:41 "Discussing Self-Acceptance Quiz"16:55 Letting Go of Crisis Mode18:21 Embracing Crisis for Self-Acceptance24:05 Self-Awareness and Social Media24:48 "Self-Image in Digital Era"30:44 Self-Acceptance Enables Self-Awareness34:09 "When Is Personal Growth Enough?"35:42 Self-Acceptance Fuels Self-Improvement38:24 Building Self-Acceptance MusclesFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have the dynamic Jabari Young as a guest. We dive deep into the world of journalism and media, anchored by Jabari's compelling journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to the prestigious platforms of Forbes and CNBC. Throughout their engaging conversation, Jabari shares his inspiring career story, detailing the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his unique educational experiences and early professional struggles. We discuss the importance of seeing different environments and how visualizing success can ignite a strong internal drive. Jabari opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, especially being away from his young daughter. Moreover, the dialogue touches on the evolution of media, the significance of hard work, and the underrated value of traditional jobs. Jabari also highlight the emergence of Forbes BLK, a platform dedicated to celebrating black excellence in business, and the powerful role of mentors in personal and professional growth. Whether you're a young professional seeking guidance or someone interested in the transformative power of media, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom from two seasoned experts. Tune in and get ready for a conversation that promises to leave you inspired and motivated! Connect with Jabari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabari-young-25b59970/ Check out ForbesBLK: https://www.forbes.com/forbesblk/ Time stamps: 00:00 Busing Changed My Life Trajectory 04:38 Growing Up a Knucklehead 06:56 "Trust the Process of Growth" 11:40 From Work to Life Lessons 12:37 Value of Working-Class Jobs 17:27 Career Move Decision for Family 22:01 Embracing the 40s: Golden Years 24:34 Journalism Journey: From Spurs to Oregon 26:17 San Antonio's Transformative Impact 30:47 Forbes BLK Platform Launch 33:29 Celebrating Diverse Success Stories 36:50 "Skilled Trades: Future Millionaires" 39:21 Pursuing Financial Freedom 44:44 Pay It Forward and Learn 47:35 Trusting Your Own Judgment 50:35 Teamwork and Interdependence Insight Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of wealth management and financial planning with Dave Armstrong, co-founder of Monument Wealth Management and host of the "Off the Wall" podcast. Dave brings a wealth of experience, from his early career as a U.S. Marine Corps officer to transitioning into the finance sector where he now guides clients through the complex landscape of financial health. We'll explore the difference between financial advisors and wealth managers, discuss the evolving role of technology in financial advice, and outline key strategies for cash management and investment. Dave shares his candid, no-nonsense approach to financial management and emphasizes the importance of finding the right advisor who genuinely matches your needs. He’ll also touch on his podcasting journey, both as a marketing tool and a personal creative outlet, sharing insights on the industry's shift towards comprehensive financial advice. Whether you’re just starting out in your financial journey or looking to optimize your wealth management strategy, this episode promises to deliver valuable insights. Time stamps: 00:00 Passion for finance led to career change. 07:09 Critical of others' decisions; entrepreneurial motivation grew. 09:24 Prophetic, direct style: appreciated for honesty. 14:04 Determine money goals before choosing financial advisor. 15:23 Define financial goals for effective money management. 19:43 Managing wealth requires tailored financial advice. 24:19 Future uncertain; market corrections inevitable. Plan wisely. 26:35 Project cash needs; consider selling equity assets. 30:50 Invest in S&P 500 for diversified exposure. 34:15 Podcast started as a creative blog alternative. 37:21 "What is your financial planning process?" 38:49 Are they genuine advisors or just salespeople? 41:55 Fee compression stresses big wealth management firms. Connect with David Armstrong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarmstrong/ Website: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Jennifer Hart - an ICF-certified leadership coach, OD/communication consultant, and facilitator with a talent for building relationships and aligning expectations among diverse individuals, organizations and interests. Jennifer founded Intelektularo to help organizations bridge the gaps between leadership, culture and communication. Jennifer brings a multifaceted perspective and more than a decade of senior leadership experience to her practice, including a strong track record of building motivating environments and managing diverse global teams. With a style described as supportive and “gently challenging,” Jennifer coaches clients from all walks of life through a wide range of topics, beginning with self-initiated strategies to “survive,” and working towards breakthroughs to “thrive.” A versatile facilitator, she has also led scores of communication, leadership, and team-building training initiatives around the world. Jennifer is an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at American University’s School of Public Affairs, where she teaches leadership and team development courses to select professional cohorts. She also volunteers at a Whole New Doctor, a program based out of Georgetown University that empowers medical students to increase resiliency and emotional intelligence through medical school and beyond. An International Coaching Federation Professional Certified Coach, Jennifer earned a certificate from American University’s Leadership Coaching for Organizational Performance program. She is trained/certified in a number of assessments and methodologies that support her coaching practice. Jennifer earned a BA from American University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies. She speaks advanced Mandarin and French, maintains a working knowledge of Spanish and speaks basic Italian and Indonesian.

Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/coach-jennifer-hart/ About your host:

From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs.

Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape.

Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally.

When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations.

Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice.

Connect with Elena:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Shayna Bergman - who is a passionate, results-oriented coach who empowers motivated individuals to unlock their potential. She has a proven track record of helping people to achieve deeper meaning and fulfillment in their personal and professional lives through authentic leadership and clarity of purpose. With a focus on parents in executive and leadership positions, Shayna challenges her clients to look deeply at themselves by reflecting on their values, dreams, limiting beliefs and inner critics. She then helps them create an action plan that inspires breakthroughs and leads to sustainable change. Known for her perceptiveness, insights and ability to speak the truth to leaders at all levels, Shayna’s most successful clients are those who are dedicated to evolving their best selves and fostering that growth in others. Social Media: @ShaynaBergmanCoaching on Insta and Facebook LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shayna-priluck-bergman/ Website: https://shaynabergman.com/ Free Guide 5 Ways to Cure Your Imposter Syndrome: https://shaynabergman.com/free-guide/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Dave Phelan. After working for 3 years in the corporate world, Dave quit his full-time job to launch a mobile application. After scaling to over 50k users, he started working with other startups to build their mobile app and websites to grow their business called Founders Approach. 7 years later, this business has built over 200 products for different clients across different industries. He has continued to explore side ventures throughout this time, such as a podcast called "Why I Quit" which interviews people who quit their 9 to 5 to follow a different career path. Get in touch with Dave: www.FoundersApproach.com About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Crista Grasso - the go-to strategic planning and systems expert for online businesses when they want to scale. Known as the "Business Optimizer", Crista has the ability to quickly cut through noise and provide clarity on the core things that will make the biggest impact to scale a business simply and sustainably. She is the founder of the Lean Out Method, creator of the Lean Business Scaling System, and host of the Lean Out Your Business Podcast. Connect with Crista: Website: https://www.leanoutmethod.com/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/lean-out-your-business-podcast/id1551252558 About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Jennifer Simpson - who's been in seats at many tables. As a private debt & equity investor, a COO and CFO partnering with business leaders on their strategic plans, and as founding executive director of a multinational leadership development program, she learned the ropes on how to invest in and operate businesses as well as develop talent with an eye for economic growth and positive impact. Most recently, Jennifer led the effort to raise a new venture debt fund at Anzu Partners, focused on companies with breakthrough industrial technology and other game-changing forces. She was also the founding executive director of the Aspen Finance Leaders Fellowship focused on improving public trust in the global finance industry, now with over 100 Fellows in 20 countries. In finance she has been a private equity and debt investor at The Gladstone Companies, a banker in middle market leveraged lending as well as head of the investment committee for small business at National City Bank, debt arranger at LBO firm Morgenthaler Partners, and CFO/COO of a national environmentally-focused foundation. She began her career as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army’s Medical Service Corps. Jennifer serves on the board of the North Carolina Museum of Art Foundation and the board of Slingshot Coffee Company. Jennifer studied economics for her Bachelor's Degree from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania where she was also a leader in the Army ROTC and her MBA is from Case Western Reserve University. About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Erin Duffy - a Career Transformation and Stage Presence Coach. She works with mid-career business professionals and leaders who struggle feeling fulfilled and confident and want to step into their personal power and advance their career. She helps them to clarify and own their unique personal story. She believes our own stories hold the very insights that can transform our lives. In her highly curated programs, her clients develop a richer personal narrative by clarifying the stories behind their life experiences. She then helps them to use the personal power of their story to catapult their career journey. It is tapping into the same stories that also supercharges their personal brand and stage presence. After 25 years of managing dual careers, as a senior executive at a creative agency by day and simultaneously as a singer/actor by night, she yearned to combine her dual tracks. Out of that journey of search and discovery she found an insightful way to take the best of both and create her uniquely transformative programs and formed her company, InspirationSQRD. Her curated programs have enabled her clients to expand their horizons, remain faithful to their core values, and realize their aspirations. • Her "Own Your Story - Change Your Life" program enables her clients to clarify the stories behind their life experiences, personal values, traits, and skills. They also pinpoint their non-negotiables. They then use these insights as a compass to chart new career and life options. • Her "Stage Presence, Readiness, and Delivery" program enables her clients to tap into their personal insights borne out of their life stories to create a unique personal brand, a more impactful delivery, and a deeper connection with the audience. She loves guiding her clients to get clear on what they want, step into a more powerful version of themselves, and lead a more fulfilling career and life. Erin, of course, has a deep passion for all things theater and film. Ask her for a recommendation anytime and she will go on and on about the best thing to see next. Get in touch with Erin: Schedule a 30-minute 1:1 -https://inspirationsqrd.kartra.com/calendar/30-minute_session LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin--duffy/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inspirationsqrd/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Joe Motes - Director of Talent AcquisitionSENTA Partners. Joe leads the development and implementation of hiring strategies and processes to facilitate high-quality recruitment of clinicians, non-clinicians, and support services. Joe brings over 10 years recruiting experience having led large enterprise recruitment programs focused on hiring multiple skillsets and disciplines. He brings a broad range of knowledge with recruiting experience in Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Information Technology, Human Resources, Finance, Executive recruiting, Manufacturing and Operations. He is a United States Army veteran and has lived most of his life in Northeast GA. He earned his Executive MBA from Kennesaw State University, with a B.s. in Human Resources Development from Southwestern College in Winfield, KS. He spends his leisure time in activities with his children, listening to Podcast, and training in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Connect with Joe on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephmotes/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova