Can We Get Coffee?

You're going to want your no-spill tumbler for your coffee with this episode. Our conversation with Bay Area real estate mogul Sara Werner-Costa leads us on the journey of what it takes to take the leap of faith and be an entrepreneur, with the highs and lows along the way. Sara shares her experience with burning out, learning who your first hires need to be, and the power of being your authentic self (leopard print pants optional). Maryam gives us insight into her company, and she and Sara compare notes on going into business with family. Greg and Sara connect on being introverts who need to play extrovert roles, and Greg finds a way to compare himself to Tony Stark and Iron-Man.

We get coffee with Navid and Vassiliki Khonsari, founders of iNK Stories, the Brooklyn-based award-winning production company that is earning global acclaim for their gaming and VR experiences. Joined by Northwestern University student Rui Xin Oh, we hit start and dive in. We talked about what it takes to make impactful immersive content, and what it takes to drive true engagement with an audience. How does an independent studio thrive in an era of blockbuster games in a profit-driven world, and how does a young professional weigh boutique vs big firm for starting their career? Anyone interested in interactive media, or looking to join an industry that’s early in the adoption curve, should pour a fresh cup and come join us.

Being a "global citizen" is definitely a square on a game of buzzword bingo, but what does it actually mean? Greg sits down with Northwestern Student Giordana Bido for a conversation with Brazilian entrepreneur Jaqueline Gil to talk about living and working abroad; how to broaden your understanding of other cultures; and why learning another language is for more than just conversations. Jaque shares insights into the role your own roots play when you live abroad, along with how the concept of roots no longer needs to be physical. Join us as we find out how to have a positive impact on a global community.

Building an online brand, capitalizing on name recognition, growing your following – these are critical building blocks for athletes for generating income and amplifying their voices. This is about recognizing opportunities, and taking advantage of them. Greg sits down with Northwestern journalism student Yahya Salem for a conversation with TJ Ciro, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships at Opendorse. We address issues including NCAA athletes being able to earn through marketing themselves, the growth and importance of social media activism, the science of social media analytics, and authenticity in the era of branded and sponsored content. TJ shares things he wish he had done early in his career, and Yahya tries to get TJ to commit to hiring him after graduation.

Throughout your career, the only certainty is that change is constant. Whether you stay in your field, or switch between industries, you’ll be expected to adapt and be resilient. Greg sits down with Lauren Glassberg, of ABC Eyewitness News in New York City, to discuss how to identify, embrace, and thrive in such a fluid environment. Joined by co-host Sarah Shaath, we cover the core elements of adaptability, how you can differentiate yourself in a world full of generalists, and costs that come with progress. Lauren shares with us her take on work-life balance and privacy, and the importance being humble while earning your stripes. Sarah reflects on her decision to pursue a master’s degree in a field outside of journalism. Greg’s respect for Lauren continues to grow as she reveals her appreciation for the late Tom Petty.

Welcome to Can We Get Coffee. We kick off season 1 on August 31st. CWGC speaks with people across industries, joining us from North and South America, Europe, Middle East, and Asia, for conversations that students and young professionals can learn from as they look to start their careers.