Advice from a Pro

This episode features a very amiable and inspirational professional that I know, Stephanie Strickland. Stephanie and I have known each other for years. Our relationship grew from being cubicle neighbors in an electronics contract manufacturing company. I wanted to interview her because she has an admirable quality that others strive to achieve. Not to mention she is the Jane of all corporate trades. From being a Receptionist at a medical facility to Senior Program Manager at an electronics contract manufacturing company, Stephanie had her fair share of challenges and made choices that evolved her perspective. The incredibly unique quality she formed during these challenges has made her become the successful businesswoman she is today.  

The upcoming holiday season is among us, but it causes us anxiety when we get back to the motions of work shortly after. I intentionally created this short episode called, Jekyll and Hyde Energy, because it highlights one of my lessons I teach in my professional virtual workshops. It is a key lesson that we should be mindful of and can practice during our holiday downtime before getting back to the grind.    

In this past year alone, there are a higher number of ads targeting current working and aspiring professionals to prepay for courses and earn a certificate online. In this episode I talk the three main categories of certifications that are out there, their number one sales pitch, and steps on how to think carefully before prepaying anything.

This is my first podcast featuring a good friend of mine and guest professional, Sema Taheri. Sema is an exceptionally talented, intelligent, successful, all yet humble 32-year-old woman. Originally from Wisconsin, she ranked cum laude in Loyola University of Chicago where she earned her Bachelor’s in Science in Psychology. Following up with that achievement, she also studied in the field of research in criminal justice while obtaining her Masters in Loyola University of Chicago. Writing over 8 publications and attending over 5 guest lectures, her passion led her to make an impact in Rochester, New York to work for Measures for Justice as the Director of Research Operations. To top it off, she recently earned a PhD in Criminology and Justice Policy from Northeastern University.  

In this episode, we talk about Sema’s personal challenges when she achieved these milestones in her life. From small town vibes disappearing to feeling the imposter syndrome, we explore Sema’s life lessons that was not taught to her in any textbook.  

In this week’s episode, I talk about the duality of independence. No, not our nation’s independence, but our personal, emotional, and mental independence. While there is a euphoric, exciting, and almost thrilling feel to achieve independence, I am focusing the attention on its dark, ugly twin sister. The side where you must make decisions and accept responsibility. No one truly enjoys this side, but in this episode I give tips on how to identify and diminish the fears we have when we make decisions. 

Yes...my very first episode! I chose to talk about this because validation is not a popular daily practice but it is crucial in order to build positive and meaningful relationships with others. I talk about the definitions and differences of each term and steps on how to practice validation in everyday life. Check it out and let me know what you think!  

This is a brief introduction explaining what this podcast, Advice from a Pro, is about.