Has your job ever been eliminated unexpectedly? In this episode, career coach Anne Baker joins host Alan Stein to tackle the often-stigmatized world of "outplacement" services and share a bold new vision for helping displaced employees relaunch their careers.

Drawing from her decades of experience in the corporate world, Anne discusses why mass layoffs are becoming more common in the age of AI, and why being let go is no longer the career "scarlet letter" it once was. They also dive deep into what's broken with traditional outplacement support, from inconsistent coaching quality to outdated approaches, while exploring modern solutions for what they call career "re-acceleration."

Tune in to learn why traditional outplacement services need reimagining and how companies can better support their departing employees.

Tired of letting nerves sabotage your career opportunities?

In this episode, communication coach Nausheen Chen reveals her journey from being a brand manager to becoming an expert public speaking coach, sharing how she went from "faking" confidence to truly embodying it. Alan and Nausheen dive deep into the two biggest blockers to effective communication - nerves and delivery - while offering practical strategies to overcome them.

Tune in now!

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Get in touch with Nausheen: www.speaking.coach

From Google AdWords to YouTube and cutting-edge AI research, Tom Leung's storied career at tech giant Google spans over a decade.

In this episode of the Steer Your Career Podcast, host Alan Stein delves into Leung's journey as a top-rated product management director and his unique insights into Google's challenging interview process. Tom shares how the company's hiring practices have evolved, what sets product management interviews apart, and why even exceptional performers aren't immune to layoffs in today's tech landscape.

Tune in now to gain a rare insider's perspective on building a successful career!

Today’s guest on the SYCK Podcast is seasoned recruiter and interview coach, Margaret Buj. We cover a lot of ground in this episode, starting with how recruiters use keywords in LinkedIn to find candidates. Margaret talks about the top things that should be on your resume and how to make yourself more attractive to recruiters. We also talk about how to prepare for interviews with a recruiter versus hiring manager. With close to 20 years of international recruiting experience, Margaret has a lot of SYCK advice to share and I’m excited for job seekers to hear this conversation! 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:55] Margaret explains her Talent Acquisition role and how she pursues candidates for niche roles
• [11:15] Is it important to submit applications early and how recruiters use LinkedIn to find candidates
• [16:50] How important is company experience and how referrals play into your job search
• [28:16] What recruiters look at on a resume
• [36:20] How to prepare for a screening call with the recruiter
• [41:52] What job seekers should not do and advice for improving your resume

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• It is really important to have relevant keywords, job titles, and sectors listed at the top of your resume and LinkedIn profile in order to get a recruiters’ attention.
• If you have only worked for less known companies, be sure to include one line explaining what the company does or the complexity of the organization as a way to help the recruiter better understand your competency or experience.
• As a job seeker, don’t rely solely on job boards. Be proactive and use multiple methods to improve your job search like targeting your top companies and connecting with decision makers and recruiters.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Margaret Buj is an experienced Talent Acquisition Manager and Interview Coach who helps job seekers to get hired, promoted and paid more. She has 17 years of experience recruiting for global tech companies and tech start-ups across Europe & the US (including Expedia, King, VMware, Microsoft, Avanade, Typeform, Mixmax), and in the last 16 years, she's successfully coached over a thousand people worldwide to get the jobs and promotions they really wanted. She's worked with professionals at all levels in private (across multiple industries, mostly technology and FMCG) and public sector (including NGOs, UN jobs, education).

Margaret has spoken at career events & conferences and has done training sessions and workshops in London, Monaco, Athens & Saudi Arabia. Her advice has been featured in FoxBusiness, BuiltIn, GOBanking Rates, Management Today, Financial Times, Management Today and CIO Magazine. 

Margaret Buj Website
Margaret Buj on LinkedIn

I’m excited to have Brittany Williams on our latest edition of Steer Your Career with Kadima (SYCK) podcast! Brittany is a Georgia native and has worked primarily in marketing and advertising helping brands refine their voice and better connect with their targeted audiences. Recently with the help of Kadima, she landed her first job at a tech company! Alan and Brittany talk about how she used informational interviews to build relationships and get hired on at a tech startup. They also discuss how to deal with rejection, being a black woman in tech, and cultural differences of working at a startup versus an older, more established organization.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:00] Brittany’s personal tagline: Keep creating and keep evolving
• [04:17] Interviewing with Tik Tok and pursuing a job at other tech companies
• [10:60] Informational interviews through LinkedIn and how to manage rejection or lack of response
• [17:06] How Brittany landed the job at Supernatural
• [22:45] Unique perspective of being a black woman in a large tech company
• [32:22] Culture differences of working for a tech company and Brittany’s SYCK tips

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Informational interviews are a great way to build relationships and grow your network. Start with reaching out to first-degree connections on LinkedIn or make connections with people you have some kind of commonality with – like the same Alma Mater or worked for the same company.
• Try to end your informational interview with, “Thank you for taking the time to tell me about your company. Is there anything I can do to help you?” - Alan
• Being personable goes a long way in accelerating your career. People are a lot more willing to help you if they like you and they think a job is a good fit based on personality because skills can be taught.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Brittany Williams is a Georgia native with a background in English literature. She has worked primarily in marketing and advertising for companies like Delta Air Lines, The Home Depot, VR fitness app Supernatural, and is currently a Web Content Editor at Apple. Brittany would describe herself as a creative problem solver with a hybrid skillset of copywriting, content editing, content strategy, and UX writing. She helps various brands across multiple industries build and refine their voice, style, and tone, and help them better connect with their targeted audiences. She also runs her own freelance writing and editing business, Written Works, LLC, where she provides content strategy, writing and editorial support to small businesses. When she's not working, Brittany enjoys hiking, hitting a brewery, and being a kid again with fellow improvers. 

Brittany Willaims on LinkedIn

I’m excited and a little star struck to have Russ Laraway on the SYCK Podcast today! Russ has had a diverse 28 year operational management career at several companies including Google and Twitter and is the author of the book, When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think. Russ and I highlight a few of the key concepts from his book and how the best managers create happy teams that deliver the best results. Russ shares two simple behaviors that managers need to be doing and how employees can coach their bosses to be better. Russ also throws out his number one career tip for listeners.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:59] Russ’ career journey and management experience 
• [08:57] Russ’ management playbook and the “Big 3” of improving leadership
• [18:39] What management behaviors lead to the best team results
• [32:44] Helping people in leadership and coaching your boss 
• [46:10] How to respond to negative management and understand you’re reporting to
• [49:46] Russ’ best career advice

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Better management means more engaged employees. More engaged employees deliver better results. The way for managers to improve is through direction, coaching and career. 
• The two main things a manager can do is 1) Gve specific, sincere and frequent coaching and praise that clearly defines team standards. 2) Asking your team for hard and challenging feedback.
• The best thing to do for your career is to establish a long term career vision. Don’t be short-sighted and just look for the next job. Determine what the dream job is and start working toward that long term vision in a very proactive and intentional way. 

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Russ has had a diverse 28 year operational management career. He was a Company Commander in the Marine Corps before starting his first company, Pathfinders. From there, Russ went to the Wharton School, and then onto management roles at Google and Twitter. He then co-founded Candor, Inc., along with best selling author Kim Scott.

Over the last several years, Russ served as the Chief People Officer at Qualtrics, and is now the Chief People Officer for the fast-growing venture capital firm, Goodwater Capital, where he is helping Goodwater and its portfolio companies to empower their people to do great work and be totally psyched while doing it. 

Over his career, Russ has managed 700 person teams and $700M businesses -- facing a vast array of leadership challenges along the way. He's the author of the book When They Win, You Win: Being a Great Manager Is Simpler Than You Think.

Paul Bauer is on the SYCK Podcast today for our latest edition of SYCK Tricks! Paul is a seasoned recruiter who has connected and hired hundreds, if not thousands, of people while working for companies like Amazon, Expedia, and Salesforce. Paul shares his insider knowledge about what recruiters are looking for and how to differentiate yourself among other candidates. We talk about his current role at GoPuff, best practices for negotiation, and what NOT to say when you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:15] How changing jobs helps to accelerate your compensation and why Paul was drawn to a career in recruiting
• [09:42] What differentiates someone or makes them stand out to recruiters
• [15:53] Paul’s current role at Go Puff and how it differs from past roles
• [22:40] What metrics and specific goals do recruiters use to measure success
• [28:19] Internship conversions and how a recruiter sorts through thousands of resumes 
• [41:35] Good negotiation practices and advice for getting a job in tech

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The average professional has five to seven careers in their lifetime made up of closer to 12 to 15 jobs. If done the right way, changing jobs can actually help to accelerate your career and increase your compensation.
• When you reach out to a recruiter on LinkedIn, don’t forget to attach your resume. It’s one less step that they have to do to help you.
• Recruiters need to be slow to hire and quick to fire. They don’t waste energy on the wrong hire or someone who’s not performing at where they need to be. Paul recommends leaders focus their energy on their top performers who often get overlooked because they're doing great. 

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Paul is a Seattle-based recruiting manager and founder of RPB Careers LLC. He started career coaching in 2011 and has been recruiting for Fortune 500 companies like Northwestern Mutual, Amazon, Expedia Group and Salesforce since 2014. He earned his Masters in Education from Indiana University, Bloomington and a Bachelors of Science in Psychology from Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky.  

Paul enjoys partnering with clients who are in their first 15 years of professional work (out of university or equivalent) and has worked with clients in various sectors. He thoroughly enjoys working with clients who are making a career shift and looking to articulate transferrable skills. Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time hiking, volunteering and with his friends and family. 

I’m excited to have Kimberlynn Hunter on the SYCK Podcast today! With leadership skills developed and tested during her 20+ years’ experience in the U.S. Army, she recently pivoted into the corporate world and is working at Cognizant, one of the top consulting firms in the world. We talk about the challenges she faced in her job search after retiring from the army and she addresses some of the common misconceptions that veterans face when re-entering the civilian workforce. Kim shares helpful advice for fellow veterans on how to use storytelling to leverage their military skills and experience and she addresses the importance of networking and building civilian relationships.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:34] Kimberlynn’s army career experience, pivoting to a non-leadership role and common roadblocks that veterans face
• [24:00] Navigating the job search after the military and MBA program
• [34:30] How to leverage relationships and the military as an alumni group
• [39:57] What does networking mean and how to build relationships 
• [41:29] How to build influence and transition from military to corporate world
• [45:01] How to accelerate your career 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Corporate networking is opposite from networking in the military. Veterans should try to get acquainted with corporate and civilian professionals before retiring by attending professional events or growing their LinkedIn network. 
• Storytelling is really important for veterans. Not only just for interviews, but it makes you more relatable and while skills are important, stories are what endear you to people.
• Believe in yourself and what it is you think you wanna do. Don't limit yourself because you never know what opportunities might come about or who you might meet that could help you find your next dream opportunity.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Kimberlynn Hunter lives in the Dallas, Texas Metroplex and is a 2021 graduate of the Cox School of Business’ Executive MBA program at Southern Methodist University. Currently, she’s an Organizational Change Management Senior Consultant, at Cognizant where she specializes in Strategic Communications and Salesforce transformations. Professionally, she considers herself a strategist, an Organizational Development practitioner, one who sees the big picture and translates key details at every level of the organization. With leadership skills developed and tested during her more than 20 years’ army experience, she’s pivoted into the corporate world to share her insights and gain new perspectives. She’s constantly seeking ways to be an organizational multiplier by creating opportunities for everyone around her to expand, grow, and add their unique value.  A background in logistics with specialization as a Transportation Strategic Planner, Procurement Program Manager, and Director of more than 500 individuals provided a solid leadership and operations foundation. One of her passions is mentoring and developing those in the early career demographic. She’s been able to give back through programs at SMU as well as in the DFW community. She’s also a board member of GloComX and Lotus Village United. In her spare time, she loves to travel, meet new people, collect art, and spend time with friends and family.

Kimberlynn Hunter on LinkedIn

Earlier this year, I had a great conversation with Keith Powell and Ricky Robinson on their podcast, C-CRETS, and today I want to reshare it with you. I’m a longtime listener of C-CRETS, a career advice podcast for people of color with C-suite ambitions from hosts who’ve been there. We talked about diversity in the technology industry and how my own personal experience advocating for BIPOC and female employees in Big Tech led me to start Kadima. Keith and Ricky share some really important statistics on the current representation levels of BIPOC and female employees within this industry. I also walk through six steps you can take to begin a career in technology.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:55] Alan’s career journey and fighting for opportunities for BIPOC employees
• [16:60] The breaking point and why Alan started Kadima Careers
• [25:10] Why care about providing opportunities for BIPOC
• [28:01] Receipts on representation in the tech industry
• [32:58] What can BIPOC and female employees do to be ready for Big Tech jobs
• [36:09] How to survive and thrive in Big Tech companies 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Companies are looking to hire BIPOC employees. Make them aware that you are BIPOC or female in a subtle way with a link to your LinkedIn photo or make specific references on your resume about involvement with any diversity organizations or HBCUs.
• Define your career goals and start by creating a target list of companies where you want to work.
• Always negotiate for more. Remember, the first offer is not the last offer. So you can negotiate for more because you deserve more.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Keith Powell

Keith Powell is a Chief Operating Officer in private education with over 20 years of corporate experience in the U.S. and Canada. Most of his career, Keith led global Finance and Operations functions for Fortune 1000 companies in the automotive, chemical, consumer and commercial goods, e-commerce, and smart home industries. 

After getting a taste of the top of Corporate America, Keith joined a start-up private equity firm, took a shot at an e-commerce start-up, and began advising entrepreneurs on start-ups, including working with the family of Golden State Warriors legend, Al Attles, on various philanthropic and business ventures. Keith also has deep roots in philanthropy - sitting on numerous local, state, and national Boards over the past 20 years.

Keith was the “first” or the “only” quite often climbing the corporate ladder. Having mentored and coached hundreds throughout his career, Keith continues to share practical, digestible advice to underrepresented employees as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Keith also holds an MBA from the Kelley School of Business in Indiana. 

Ricky Robinson

Ricky Robinson is a 25+ year Human Resources Executive. His career has afforded him leadership roles in Human Resources for some best-in-class global organizations spanning industries from commercial goods, retail, smart home industries and med tech.

Ricky is extremely familiar with being the “Sole Brother” on the Executive Leadership Team quite often challenging diversity, inclusion and unconscious bias issues within Corporate America, as an advocate and sponsor for underrepresented groups. He also advocates for several philanthropic causes with Board service at Attles Center for Excellence (ACE), Ability Now Bay Area and the Mary Valle Foundation.

Having spent his career as a mentor and coach, Ricky continues to share the tips and tricks that help underrepresented employees reach their full potential as a co-host of C-CRETS, which is a career advice platform offering career coaching services, online courses and topical content through blogs and a podcast. Ricky also holds a Master's Degree in Organizational Communications from San Francisco State University. 

C-CRETS website

C-CRETS LinkedIn

C-CRETS Facebook

C-CRETS Instagram

Today, I’m talking with the Chief Creative Officer here at Kadima Careers, Jay Cross, about how job descriptions are created at big tech companies and beyond. We are spilling the SYCK truth about the generalized and arbitrary requirements that most job listings have and how women are more likely than men to disqualify themselves based on the description. I’m sharing my best secrets and tips from my time as a hiring manager so you can better understand the process and accelerate your career by applying for jobs even when you might not fit all of the requirements.  

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [07:580] The static nature of job descriptions 
• [12:43] Alan’s experience with applying at Google without meeting all of the job description requirements
• [22:27] How job descriptions are created and what that means for you
• [26:59] What role do referrals play
• [37:05] Advice for those wanting to apply to roles that don’t perfectly match their experience 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Most job descriptions are static even though the role evolves over the course of time. Recruiters copy and paste from previous roles and only about 50 to 70% of the description will align with what the current role is supposed to be.
• Think about the risk and the return on investment of applying for a job. There's very little downside of applying for a job that you think you're potentially a fit for. The worst thing that happens is not getting any response or getting a quick rejection.
• Focus on the company you want to work at, then focus on the roles that leverage your strength and apply!

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Jay is an experienced writer, researcher, and marketer who loves asking The Naive Question: "If we weren't already doing it this way, is this the way we would start?" In the past, Jay was Ramit Sethi's Senior Direct Response Copywriter at I Will Teach You To Be Rich, as well as the Director of Copywriting at Kettle & Fire, the world's fastest-growing bone broth company. He also started an information publishing business showing self-motivated college students how to earn a bachelor's degree in 1 year or less. Jay is currently the Chief Creative Officer at Kadima Careers.

Amelia Noël is a Certified Life and Career Coach, Columbia MBA and host of the Breaking Free from the Grind podcast where she helps clients create lives they f*cking love! On today’s episode of the SYCK podcast, I’m talking with Amelia about her impressive career pivots from marketing to finance to coaching. She shares SYCK advice on intentionally building your network and etiquette for meeting with people. She also talks through how she helps her high achiever clients overcome common mental blocks related to burnout, imposter syndrome, and perfectionism. I learned a lot from this episode and I’m excited to share it with you today!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [05:20] Amelia’s early career and how she pivoted from marketing to finance 
• [10:40] How to build your network and increase the likelihood that you’ll land the meeting/interview
• [16:50] Etiquette for meeting with people and cold outreach tips and tricks
• [26:44] How Amelia helps her high achieving career-minded clients
• [40:56] How to overcome negative mindsets and find a job you f*cking love
• [47:29] How to get over the fear of doing new things and move forward in your career

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• All it takes is one connection to get closer to your dream school or job. When you meet with them, care about what the person is saying and ask them if there is anyone else that you should meet. 
• Always write a thank you note after every interaction and make your thank you note seem personal - reference a detail from the interaction so it feels more custom and heartfelt.
• The fear of doing new things is one of the biggest mental blocks for people. Our thoughts create the emotions we feel. When you are feeling afraid, ask yourself “What am I so afraid of?” and get really clear on what exactly your fears are. 

RESOURCE LINKS

SYCKpodcast.com

BIO:

Amelia Noël is a Master Certified Life and Career Coach, Columbia MBA and host of the Breaking Free from the Grind podcast. She helps people working in finance and consulting stop overworking and feel better at work. After spending 10+ years working in investment banking and consulting, Amelia developed her Breaking Free from the Grind 1:1 coaching program and corporate workshop series using a unique mindset and skillset-based approach that allows her clients to permanently break free from the grind of their own careers – and, ultimately, create lives they f*cking love.

Connect with Amelia for more coaching tools, tips and strategies that will help you stop overworking and feel better at work. For more information on how to work with Amelia, check out the links below and go to her website to schedule a free 1:1 coaching consult today.

Amelia Noël on Instagram
Amelia Noël on LinkedIn
Amelia Noël Website
Amelia Noël on Facebook

Today’s SYCK Podcast guest, Anthony Hernandez, has 14 years of experience across marketing, sales, and product for companies like Google, Royal Caribbean, and Amazon Prime. Anthony and I talk about how he has navigated changing jobs frequently and honed his skill set to add value to any team. Anthony addresses the age-old question of whether it's detrimental to your career to job hop, the benefits of mentorship programs, and how introverts can overcome their networking fears. Don’t miss Anthony’s wealth of knowledge about staying motivated in your job search and growing your career. 

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [03:28] Anthony’s career and honing the narrative of your career
• [011:07] Pros and cons to of switching jobs frequently and how to address recruiters’ questions
• [29:02] Benefits of mentorship programs and tips for finding more networking and mentorship opportunities
• [43:32] How to reach out to people and improve networking skills
• [49:31] Don’t turn off job search mode and which companies are on Anthony’s list
• [59:28] Anthony’s pop advice and inspiration

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Although job titles are important, it's even more important that you hone what your core skill set is and how you add value to a company.
• Three ways to improve your networking skills: 1) Overcome the belief that you will be a burden to someone when reaching out to them with career questions or for mentorship. 2) Be active on LinkedIn. Post articles and chat with people who are at companies that you’re interested in. 3) Seek out conversations with people in your industry. It doesn’t have to be transactional. Just ask questions or make a new connection.
• Never stop communicating, reaching out, and networking with people. You never know when the next job opportunity will present itself and how important a referral can be.

RESOURCE LINKS

SYCKpodcast.com

BIO:

Anthony has 14 years of experience across marketing, sales, and product. Most recently he helped launch facial recognition at Royal Caribbean across 8 countries, supported movie and tv studios at Amazon Prime Video, and is now working to improve the buying experience at OpenSea. He is currently enjoying Miami and is excited to help support the next generation of young adults getting into tech! 

• Linkedin
• Twitter

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [07:10] Introduction to Anyel and how she chose her location and target companies
• [13:36] Being a Black women in leadership positions and the purpose of Employee Resource Groups
• [21:08] Job search length, referrals and using LinkedIn for job searching
• [22:13] Interview, negotiation phase and how to address compensation questions
• [45:24] Types of questions to ask as a candidate 
• [50:21] Reflecting on the process and what motivates and inspires Anyel

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Employee Resource Groups are great for creating communal spaces for underrepresented groups and opportunities for allies of those groups to spend time learning with them. 
• When a recruiter asks you what your compensation expectations are, rather than tell them your number, ask what the budget is for the position. Then you’ll know if it meets your expectations without showing your cards and potentially underselling yourself.
• About 30% of people selected for first round phone screens are employee referrals, so be sure to utilize your network when looking at big tech jobs.

RESOURCE LINKS

SYCKpodcast.com

BIO:

Anyel Albury is a Growth Leader with experience in a variety of areas from Finance/Sales at a Fortune 100 Company, Management Consultant, and now in Tech.  While she grew up in the Bahamas, today she resides in Austin, TX where she leads global, cross-functional teams, including sales, marketing, data science, and product to build program strategies and drive business growth at Meta (formerly Facebook). She holds an MBA from Wake Forest University and is skilled in leadership, team building, strategic planning, and building collaboration. Her hobbies include trying new restaurants and traveling!

Anyel Albury LinkedIn

In this episode, Alan sits down with serial entrepreneur Peter Groverman to discuss the intricacies of managing a portfolio career. From AI consulting to global exports, Peter shares his experiences juggling multiple ventures and offers valuable insights on building relationships, seizing opportunities, and making an impact.

Tune in now to learn how to diversify your professional life and maximize your potential!

I love acronyms and this episode title fits right in. JAM Session stands for Job Acquisition Method. These are straight shooting, no-holds-barred conversations about how to get great jobs at the world's best tech companies. Today's conversation is all about the application process. I answer common questions like how to use referrals, how to follow up after an interview, and how long the average recruitment process takes. Get ready for some great advice on how to land a great job at the world’s best tech companies!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:01] How long is the recruitment process
• [03:18] How to know what level of role to apply for
• [04:60] Best times of the year to apply
• [06:37] Apply or reach out for a referral first 
• [07:45] Referrals: How many is too many?
• [09:34] Follow up timeline 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Kadima method teaches job seekers to cast a wide net by choosing 40+ target companies, building out a network at those companies, then searching and applying for relevant opportunities. If recruiters are talking to a handful of people, why shouldn’t job seekers do the same?
• You want to apply quickly, within the first week or two of the job posting.  If you don't apply within those first couple of weeks, you most likely won’t be considered for one of these great opportunities.
• The best time to follow up is the day before or the day after the recruiter said they would reach out. And it's always good to act energized and make the company think that they're your number one choice.

RESOURCE LINKS

SYCKpodcast.com

Jane Chung Hoffacker is co-founder and CEO of Incredible Dream, a modern game studio that's taking players on fantasy adventures through tabletop games. For over a decade, Jane has led teams to extend AAA gaming franchises to new genres, markets, and mediums. She has gone from the trenches on the Guitar Hero franchise to launching League of Legends in key international markets and most recently to producing the award-winning animated series Arcane. At Incredible Dream, Jane is chasing her dream of creating the most sought-after gaming experiences that connect communities and foster inclusion.

  IN THIS EPISODE:

• [02:49] Jane’s educational background, entrepreneurial activities and her career journey
• [16:10] Collaboration within the gaming industry and how to deal with those who don’t work well with others
• [21:30] Self advocacy and a growing career at Riot 
• [32:36] Making a difference as a leader and how to encourage diversity
• [43:40] Career challenges as a minority female
• [47:27] Advice for minorities in navigating career challenges
• [51:50] Jane’s favorite books and podcasts for career growth

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The biggest thing you can do for your career is to be somebody that other people really want to work with. It doesn't matter if you're the best at anything in particular. People won't remember what you did to them. They'll remember how you made them feel and how you helped the project succeed overall. 
• Representation does matter. Having diverse views, especially at top leadership and management levels does make a difference. If you have more diversity at the top, it will more likely lead to more diverse hires in that next layer, which will bring in more diversity in that next layer.
• How to overcome challenges in your career: Get good at self-advocacy. Leverage your network. Practice public speaking to establish your areas of expertise.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Jane Chung Hoffacker is co-founder and CEO of Incredible Dream, a modern game studio that's taking players on fantasy adventures through tabletop games. For over a decade, Jane has led teams to extend AAA gaming franchises to new genres, markets, and mediums. She has gone from the trenches on the Guitar Hero franchise to launching League of Legends in key international markets and most recently to producing the award-winning animated series Arcane. At Incredible Dream, Jane is chasing her dream of creating the most sought-after gaming experiences that connect communities and foster inclusion.

Jane Chung Hoffacker on LinkedIn

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Eric Hudson, who used to be an interview bar raiser at Amazon. Amazon is known for being one of the most rigorous interviewers in the tech industry; each interview loop at Amazon includes a calibrated interviewer called a bar raiser, whose role is to ensure that the bar of talent is consistently raised across the company, regardless of team or function. Since he’s no longer at Amazon, Eric is going to share the truth about the tactics Amazon uses, how they calibrate, how they assess talent, and how to negotiate to get the best offer. If you can interview successfully with Amazon, you can interview successfully pretty much anywhere. Tune in to learn how to ace an Amazon interview! IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:21] Who is a bar raiser and how to become one?
• [09:38] What does the Amazon hiring process look like?
• [20:29] Behind the scenes of the debriefing sessions at Amazon.
• [33:18] How is negotiation in Amazon’s hiring process different from other companies?
• [40:26] Focus on the impact you make during your interview.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Amazon's culture is driven by the bar raisers and through the hiring process. Bar raisers are gatekeepers into the Amazon culture and it’s challenging just to become a bar raiser.
• Amazon privileges hiring good people quickly over hiring the best person for the job, and they strongly believe in not hiring the wrong person for the job. It's not a hiring process, it's a risk mitigation process.
• The big thing to focus on is the examples that you share in a behavioral interview. Focus on creating transformational examples and not transactional ones. Think about the most critical moments in your career and the moments you’re most proud of.

LINKS MENTIONED:

Syckpodcast Website

BIO:

Eric Hudson is an Executive Coach and Recruiting Leader. In his personal life, he enjoys traveling and learning about different cultures. The pandemic ended that hobby but he's about to set course for Cancun this month and the EU this summer. Eric is a big foodie and loves Texas BBQ, steak, and sushi whenever he gets the chance. He's a big football fan and on a fall weekend it's hard to get away from the TV.  Eric really enjoys coaching people and helping them achieve their goals. Watching them land their dream job and income is something that never gets old.

Eric's LinkedIn Profile

• Alan Stein LinkedIn
• Kadima Careers LinkedIn
• Kadima Careers Twitter
• Kadima Careers Facebook
• Kadima Careers Instagram
• Kadima Careers YouTube

Fabian and I talk about the actions we can take to increase diversity in our own companies and how to grow your professional network in both quantity and quality.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [04:34] Fabian’s entrepreneurial and professional background
• [11:20] Alternative career interests
• [25:19] Diversity at Google and creating Black Tech Mecca
• [33:58] Google’s response to racial issues and Fabian’s experience 
• [39:13] What actions can individuals take to increase diversity in their circles and companies
• [45:00] How to grow your network in quality and quantity
• [52:00] Best career advice and book recommendations

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Fabian created Black Tech Mecca out of a desire to use data for social change. It started as a company survey and expanded to include cities and communities as a way to use data to inform better programming and resources for underrepresented and underserved groups. 
• Companies need to be aware and provide support for their leaders who are working to make social and racial justice progress. It is extremely taxing and if there isn’t adequate support from top leadership, it can lead to burnout. 
• Don't necessarily chase a particular title or role. Instead focus on what problems you're passionate about solving. Always maximize your options and don’t limit your potential by your decision making. 

RESOURCE LINKS

syckpodcast.com

BIO:

Fabian Elliott is the past President and Chief Executive Officer of Black Tech Mecca, Inc. and currently a Customer Experience Lead at Google Cloud Africa. Black Tech Mecca helps cities assess racial equity in the local tech sector and surface fresh insights that accelerate measurable growth. BTM developed a proprietary SMART BTE City Assessment Framework consisting of 39 key indicators and 120 metrics spanning K-12, Higher Education, Corporate, and Entrepreneurship pillars which has been deployed in three major cities funded by Google, NBC-Comcast, and the Knight Foundation. In his role at Google Cloud, Fabian helps bring the best of Google Cloud to their largest African customers on their Digital Transformation journeys.

Prior to launching BTM, Fabian led the revamp, revitalization, and rebrand of Google's black employee group in which he completed his term as inaugural appointed Global Co-Chair back in 2015. In this role, Fabian co-chaired the 10-person leadership team responsible for the 700+ membership across the company and the 14 chapters spanning the globe including London, Dublin, and Sao Paulo.

Fabian is recognized by Builtin Chicago as one of the Top 50 Tech Influencers to follow, 2016 Porsche Power 30 Under 30 in Technology, Chicago Defender 2017 Newsmaker Award – Technology, 2017 Black Enterprise Modern Man 100, and 2019 Museum of Science and Industry Black Creativity Innovator. His work with Black Tech Mecca has been featured in Ebony, Black Enterprise, The Chicago Tribune, Comcast Newsmakers and other media outlets.

Fabian Elliott on LinkedIn

Fabian Elliott Instagram

https://www.blacktechmecca.org

• [04:45] Barb shares about her first career in sports marketing, lessons learned from earlier jobs and her first role at Salesforce
• [17:05] The seniority levels of Salesforce and Barb’s move to working with internal stakeholders 
• [22:20] Maternity leave benefits and the reasons why Barb has stayed at Salesforce for a decade now
• [31:28] Volunteer mentoring at Cal State San Marcos and leadership coaching at Salesforce
• [39:40] The skill of asking for things in your career, facing rejection and gaining confidence
• [48:12] The most common career obstacle that people face
• [51:34] Best practices for job applications and virtual interviews and common derailers for candidates

• Coaching/mentoring  breaks down barriers and titles of bureaucracy. Everybody needs a coach, no matter how senior you are. Coaching and being coached allows people the opportunity to flourish, change and pivot. 
• Actively ask for feedback. When you get it, ask questions and get specific about making it measurable so you can constantly be improving your skills and moving forward in your career. 
• Gain confidence by advocating for your needs in your job. Start by asking for something small and work your way up. There’s always the fear of rejection but that's life and people are going to judge you, no matter what you do. So just do it anyway! 

RESOURCE LINKS

Professional Trouble Maker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Syckpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/

https://twitter.com/kadimacareers

https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer

https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg

BIO:

Barbara Campbell is a result-oriented professional with 15+ years of experience as a trusted advisor for large enterprise customers and Fortune 500 brands. She spent the first part of her career in sports marketing, working on promotions for licensed sponsor activations in the professional sports and entertainment industry. Moving from sports to technology was a big shift, but a welcome one. Being hired onto the world's #1 CRM platform, Salesforce, Barb would get to work with customers on developing their SaaS adoption strategies. This eventually led to a desire to resolve complex customer issues in global escalations, where she has now built and manages a team of escalation managers in North America. Barb's other passion lies in coaching and high-impact teaming facilitation, which she leverages at Salesforce and as an Executive in Residence at California State University San Marcos. She truly believes any job can be your #dreamjob if you design it that way.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbcampbell

• [02:03] What do big tech companies look for in a candidate to hire them? 
• [03:52] Do I need to invest in an MBA or CS degree?
• [05:45] Thoughts on investing and learning niche areas like cloud computing, cyber security, and data science
• [06:45] The game plan for a non-technical person who wants to get into big tech
• [8:00] What non-technical roles in big tech pay the most? 

• What do big tech companies look for in a candidate to hire them? Relevant titles and experience, company name recognition, progression/promotions, quantifiable impact, and a strong educational background. 
• You don’t have to have to invest in niche tech areas or have an MBA to get hired at a leading tech company. Look at what you're strong at and leverage that strength to get into the company. Then let those companies pay you to learn specific skills.
• Two thirds of roles at tech companies are non-technical. The best way for a non-technical person who wants to get into a top tech company is to build an authentic network of people within those companies.

RESOURCE LINKS

Syckpodcast.com

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/

https://twitter.com/kadimacareers

https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer

https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg

BIO:

Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.

Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees. 

Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.

His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.

Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.

Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.

RESOURCE LINKS

Professional Trouble Maker by Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Syckpodcast.com

Company Website kadimacareers.com 

Kadima LinkedIn Page 

Linkedin.com/in/alanjstein

Twitter.com/alstein35 

• [01:39] Who you want to know in HR 
• [03:55] What recruiters are looking for in high quality talent
• [15:04] Have you been rejected from a job application, here’s how to be considered for the next opening
• [17:49] How to improve your chances of getting the job in your experience. 

• If you are rejected from a job, ask follow up questions, Find out how often new roles are released and try to have informationals with hiring managers that can connect you with other teams before a role opens up.
• Improve the chances of getting hired by applying as soon as a job is posted. Tip: Turn on notifications in LinkedIn to be alerted when your top companies post new jobs. 
• After applying, research to find the right hiring manager to connect with and tell themyou’re interested in the position. Utilize your connections!
• In your interview, it’s really important to be clear, prepared, intentional, and as articulate as possible!

RESOURCE LINKS

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/

https://twitter.com/kadimacareers

https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer

https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg

BIO:

Marissa Blake has 12 years of professional experience across Retail Management, Healthcare Administration, Sales, and HR/Talent. She's learned firsthand what it takes to pivot careers and loves helping others do the same. She is a Neurodivergent person who proudly accepts that she lives with dyslexia and ADHD. She firmly believes these contribute to her strengths and superpowers. More importantly, it's motivated her to advocate for equitable and inclusive work and learning environments.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblake0805

• [00:40] What is the SYCK podcast about?
• [02:04] More about Alan Stein’s background and how he got here
• [03:51] Alan’s career path and experience with recruitment and diversity 
• [13:47] What makes the SYCK podcast different from other career podcasts? 
• [17:29] Preview of what types of episodesthat SYCK will have

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Alan’s goal is to accelerate 1 million careers by 2040. He hopes the SYCK podcast will help people steer their careers in the direction that they want.
• Alan has a passion for recruiting and providing opportunities for underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid talent. In a single year, Alan interviewed over 225 people and grew his team to be the second largest team at Google. While at Facebook, he was able to increase the diversity of his team from 40% diverse to 86% diverse.
• People are a sum of four different characteristics when it comes to career success: privilege, luck, talent, and effort. The biggest factor that overrides the first three is effort. Anyone can learn, grow and create opportunities to achieve their goals. 
• Networking is not about using people. It's about building relationships that are mutually beneficial. Out of Alan’s 29 jobs, 24 of them happened because of who he knew and not what he knew. 

RESOURCE LINKS

SYCKpodcast.com

BIO:

Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.

Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees. 

Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.

His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.

Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.

Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.

RESOURCES:

C

https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanjstein/

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kadimacareers/

https://twitter.com/kadimacareers

https://www.facebook.com/kadimacareer

https://www.instagram.com/kadimacareers

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN_kDPq7iNPAfjPZMj10STg

Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done. 

Bio:

Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.

Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees. 

Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.

His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.

Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.

Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.

linkedin.com/in/alanjstein

• twitter.com/alstein35  (Personal Website)
• kadimacareers.com  (Company Website)

https://www.linkedin.com/company/79634371/admin/ (Kadima LinkedIn Page)

Discover the secrets to landing your next great job and negotiating like a pro with former Amazon bar raiser Eric Hudson. In this episode, Alan Stein and Eric delve into the strategies that set successful job seekers apart in today's competitive market.

Discover effective networking techniques, learn how to craft impactful behavioral stories, and gain insights on navigating the negotiation process with confidence. Eric shares valuable tips on everything from securing interviews to finalizing your compensation package. Whether you're actively job hunting or looking to advance your career, this episode offers practical advice to help you in your professional journey.

Tune in now to elevate your job search skills and steer your career towards success!

Ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes in recruitment?

In this episode, Alan Stein dives deep into the recruiting and hiring process with Hatu Kanu, uncovering the intricacies of how recruiters work to find the perfect fit for open roles. They discuss how recruiters compile shortlists, manage stakeholder expectations, and the key metrics that define their performance. Hatu also sheds light on the balancing act between finding the right candidates and maintaining an efficient hiring process.

Tune in to gain a better understanding of recruitment and what it takes to bring top talent into an organization.

In this episode, Founder & CEO of Kadima Careers, Alan Stein, asks podcast interview questions he never thought he would ever ask anyone. His guest, Dr. Vrnda ‘V’ Boykin, leans into vulnerability for one of the first times and shares how her former life as a single mom, stripper, and a convict taught her to overcome adversity and succeed on her own terms. She says: “Shame is a huge motivator. . .and nightmares are fuel.”

Ever wondered what really sets you apart in a job interview?

In this episode, Alan Stein is joined by career expert Mark Beal to dive into a compelling conversation about the critical role of soft skills. They discuss how these skills not only land you the job but also help you stand out among candidates with similar hard skills. Mark shares his insightful perspective on the importance of consistent curiosity and the power of asking questions to open doors to new opportunities.

They also explore practical advice for students and professionals looking to elevate their career game. From resume tips to mastering interviews, Mark's real-world examples are sure to leave you inspired. Tune in now!

In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein and Beth Granger delve deep into the secrets of LinkedIn success. They uncover actionable strategies for leveraging the platform to build meaningful connections, cultivate relationships, and achieve your professional goals. 

In this episode, our Founder and CEO Alan Stein delves deep into the world of spiritual intelligence and quantum leadership with Kadima Careers coach, Amy Lynn Durham. They explore Amy Lynn's journey from corporate executive to spiritual intelligence coach, uncovering how she transformed her leadership style and cultivated authentic connections in the workplace. From navigating crisis management to redefining success beyond competition, Amy Lynn shares valuable insights on how to align your career with your authentic self and make wise, compassionate decisions even in times of stress.

In this episode, I am joined by Lee McKiemann, a staff software engineer at Google. Lee shares his career journey, starting from working at small companies to joining major tech giants like Amazon, Meta (Facebook), and Google. Lee also opens up about being diagnosed with autism and how it has influenced his career and perspective on neurodiversity in the tech industry. Throughout the conversation, Lee's passion for his work shines through as he shares insights and anecdotes, featuring moments of info-dumping that highlight the depth of his expertise and enthusiasm.

Tune in to hear Lee’s inspiring journey and gain valuable insights into neurodiversity in the workplace.

In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, I sat down with Robynn Story to delve into the intricacies of navigating the modern job market. From the evolving dynamics of the recruitment process to the importance of crafting impactful resumes and cover letters, we explored practical strategies for job seekers to stand out in a competitive landscape. Robynn shared invaluable insights on the significance of networking, the role of coaching in enhancing interview performance, and the necessity of maintaining professionalism throughout the job search journey.

Tune in to gain actionable tips and valuable advice to navigate your career path effectively. Don't miss out on unlocking the secrets to securing your next job.

Can being too humble hurt your job search? In Korean business culture, it might be the norm – but Western recruiters see things differently.

In this episode, Alan sits down with Grant Sundbye, and they explore the challenges Korean professionals face in international job searches, from cultural differences in resume writing to LinkedIn optimization. They also discuss the contrasts between Korean and Western job search approaches and insider tips for standing out in interviews.

Tune in to discover how cultural understanding and effective communication strategies can bridge the gap between Eastern and Western professional environments, and learn actionable tips you can apply to your own job search.

In this episode,  I dive into insightful conversations on career development with Richa Bansal, founder of Pink Careers. We explore powerful strategies to advance your career, from strategic self-promotion to owning your narrative in the workplace.

Discover how to:

✅ Strategically Self-Promote: Learn how to effectively advocate for yourself and leverage your accomplishments without feeling salesy.

✅ Take Control of Your Career: Understand the importance of being proactive and driving your career trajectory.

✅ Navigate Career Transitions: Gain valuable insights into transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship while aligning with your values and goals.

Tune in to gain actionable tips and inspiration to steer your career towards success. Don't miss out – listen now and take charge of your professional journey!

In this episode, I am joined by Ethan Evans, a former executive at Amazon who now helps train leaders to become executives. Ethan shares his experience at Amazon and his focus on developing people's careers. Ethan also discusses his insights on managing up and managing down, the importance of building relationships with leaders, and the balance between focusing on team needs and leader needs. And most importantly, he spills some powerful tips that candidates can use to get better results in interviews.

Tune in now to gain valuable lessons and insights from former Amazon exec Ethan Evans!

In this episode, Annie Ma-Weaver, a former colleague of mine, shares her illustrious career path at Google spanning 14 years. She discusses her diverse roles and transitions within the company, from support to partnerships, management, sales ops, business development, and finally product management. 

Annie emphasizes the importance of being deliberate and proactive in shaping one's career, paying attention to areas of investment and personal growth. She also highlights the significance of maintaining ambition and pushing forward, even while raising young children.

Tune in to hear Annie Ma-Weaver's inspiring journey at Google and gain valuable insights for shaping your own career path!

In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Ex-Googler and executive coach Nicholas Whitaker to explore strategies for navigating toxic work environments and taking charge of your career. 

 Nicholas shares invaluable insights drawn from his experience, offering practical tips and empowering advice to help listeners thrive in challenging professional settings. From building a strong support network to understanding personal values and boundaries, Nicholas emphasizes the importance of preparedness, curiosity, and self-compassion in achieving resilience and success.

 Tune in now to gain actionable strategies for owning your career journey!

In this episode, I sit down with Jay Bowden, a former Sales Managing Director at Google with a wealth of experience in career growth and leadership development. From confronting tough feedback to embracing a mindset of continuous improvement, Jay shares invaluable lessons learned throughout his career journey. We delve into strategies for managing adversities, building strong professional relationships, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In this episode, I am joined by Kelsey Waldrop, a career strategist and coach, who shares the secrets to career success. From navigating internal mobility at Accenture to advising clients on strategic networking, Kelsey shares practical tips on setting clear goals, cultivating relationships, and negotiating effectively. We explore the importance of aligning personal values with career objectives and discuss the nuances of leveraging industry expertise to drive professional growth. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to thrive in your career and maxi

In this podcast episode, I sit down with Zubin Pratap, a lawyer turned software engineer, to explore the journey of intentional career progression and the importance of embracing multiple steps along the way. Zubin shares valuable insights on navigating career transitions, emphasizing the significance of direction over speed in achieving success. 

Tune in to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies from Zubin's inspiring journey. Don't miss out on this conversation—listen to the full episode now!

In this episode, I had an insightful conversation with Greg Roche, an introverted networker, who teaches other introverts how to network. Drawing from his personal experiences early in his career, Greg shares his tips and tactics for building authentic relationships and networking. Greg emphasizes the importance of building relationships one-on-one and focusing on mutual benefit. He also highlights the power of networking and referrals in the job search process.

Discover practical tips for building meaningful connections and leveraging the power of networking in your job search. Don't miss out on this episode - tune in now!

In this episode, I am joined by Dr. Ken Keis, an esteemed author and President & CEO of Consulting Resource Group International Inc., where he shares his journey from growing up on a dairy farm to becoming an author, speaker, and coach. He emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and offers tips on how to discover it. Dr. Keis also discusses the significance of clarity in making career decisions and the role of relationships in finding opportunities.

Want to work with passion? Dr. Keis reveals the secrets to purpose-driven success. Tune in to the episode now!

Get the freebie here: www.kenkeis.com/kadima

In this episode, I had the pleasure of having an insightful conversation with Dominick Namis, Head of Business Development at NeoPeople, where we discussed how to maximize your salary potential and helpful advice for negotiating your compensation. Drawing from personal experiences and industry insights, we explore the critical importance of salary negotiation, sharing actionable strategies to secure higher pay and  your financial growth.

If you're ready to take charge of your financial future and elevate your career, this podcast is a must-listen. Tune in now and equip yourself with the expertise to navigate salary negotiations and achieve unparalleled success in your professional journey.

Can a single mentor relationship transform your entire career trajectory?

In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, Omar Halabieh, Director of Software Development at Amazon Middle East and Africa, shares his journey from software manager to director, emphasizing how strategic mentorship played a pivotal role in his advancement.

From securing his first mentor through an interview connection to leveraging these relationships for major career decisions, Omar provides practical advice on finding mentors, maintaining productive relationships, and standing out as a candidate in today's competitive job market. Discover why curiosity remains his top career advice and how investing in relationships before you need them can make all the difference.

Listen to the full episode to learn how to build your own powerful mentorship network.

In this episode, Alan is joined by career therapist and coach Jessica Sweet. They discuss the role of mindset in career success, common mental obstacles like imposter syndrome, and strategies for overcoming them. Jessica also shares her proven strategies, offering invaluable insights into networking and brand alignment.

Prepare to reshape your career mindset and embark on a transformative journey with actionable insights and expert advice. Tune in now!

In this episode, Alan engages in a thought-provoking conversation with acclaimed author and business consultant Dory Clark, where they dive into the ever-evolving landscape of careers in the age of AI. Clark shares invaluable insights on strategic career navigation, emphasizing the need for individuals to take control of their professional destinies.

In this podcast episode, Shikhar Satchdev shares insights from his extensive job search experiment, where he went through the 250 application processes to get a deeper understanding of the job search. 

As a philosophy graduate who shifted to an entirely different industry, Shikhar discusses strategies for standing out, including value-added presentations and cold emailing. The conversation also touched on the benefits of an efficient application process and combining different job search approaches. 

Listen to the full episode for a deep dive into Shikhar's job search experiment and gain valuable tips you can apply to your job search to get a better chance at landing your next job. Tune in now!

In this episode, I sit down with Jennifer Dulski, a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and board leader. We unravel Jennifer's remarkable journey from a pivotal moment at Yahoo, where she realized she was in the wrong job, to making the bold decision of taking a step back in her career, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling trajectory. We explore the importance of consciously choosing the right path for yourself, navigating internal narratives, and finding true passion in your career.

Jennifer also shares valuable insights on how she ventured into board memberships. Her advice for aspiring board members, especially women, emphasizes the significance of starting small and gaining diverse experiences. 

Listen to the episode now to get practical advice on how to accelerate your career!

Mental health, once a topic shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding, has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, emerging from the shadows to occupy a central position in the corporate realm. Organizations have recognized that a healthy workforce is a productive workforce, and they are increasingly adopting initiatives to promote employee mental health. 

Embracing this shift towards prioritizing mental health is Newton Cheng, Director of Health + Performance at Google, who joins me today to share his personal journey with mental health and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way. 

In this episode, I am joined by Jeffrey Moss, the Founder and CEO of Parker Dewey, a company that bridges companies and students and makes the transition from college to career, as smooth as possible. We discuss the rise of micro-internships and how they are changing the way students and companies connect. Jeffrey shares his belief that micro internships should be a core part of both the university experience for learners and the recruiting process for employers.

In this episode, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Cutler, a senior software engineer who has journeyed from being an intern at Twitter to his current role at Qualified. Jordan generously shares his tactics and strategies, shedding light on how he successfully navigated his way to the top. Moreover, he will provide invaluable tips on negotiating compensation and offer practical advice on how to climb the career ladder and secure promotions.