Working in a corporation definitely has its perks, but at what cost?  In this episode, I chat with Dammy Oshodi to discuss her life and career journey, and how “thinking differently” can help you get what you want.  We discuss traveling abroad without breaking the bank, defining your values as you explore organizations, and getting from A to B even if the route you take is different than what you expect.

If you want to skip ahead:

01:03 - Dammy’s career story.

03:49 - Building confidence as you navigate change.

04:19 - Challenging yourself to think differently.

06:57 - Embracing increased perspective through travel.

08:53 - Tips to make traveling more affordable.

11:02 - Measuring your personal values against your employer’s values.

16:00 - Why you shouldn’t be married to the “how.”

Want to connect with Dammy?

Check out Dammy's blog! 
Connect with Dammy on LinkedIn

Job searching is hard, but standing out is even harder!  How can we make all that work worth it?  In this episode, I interview Kiran Kaur, an experienced recruiter and career-blog-writer that knows the in’s and out’s of the recruitment process.  Together, we peel back the curtain so that you know the steps needed to find jobs, get and nail the interview, and earn that job offer!

If you want to skip ahead:

01:11 - Kiran’s career story.

04:28 - Recruiting vs. Recruiting Operations.

07:15 - Relationship-building with your recruiter.

08:23 - Why your resume is your best tool.

11:01 - Implementing transferable skills to “sell yourself.”

11:30 - Using Chat GPT to build your resume.

13:21 - Interview questions to attract & inform.

18:15 - How to speed up and increase transparency of during your candidacy.

24:03 - Kiran discusses her blog, Coffee with a Professional

Want to connect with Kiran?

Instagram: @CoffeeWithAProfessional

LinkedIn: Kiran's LI Account 

How do we address our emotional health when everything else is happening all at once? In this episode, I interview Jamie Turner, an internally-recognized emotional intelligence expert, author, speaker, professor and more. Together, we discuss several tactics to address and manage stress and anxiety, and how young professionals can manage expectations without limiting their potential.

If you want to skip ahead:

01:57 - Jamie’s career story.

03:06 - Jamie’s ultimate goal of helping people.

04:08 - What we all have in common.

05:07 - Focusing on Mindset before Skillset.

07:53 - Common stressors for young people. 

12:33 - Dan’s take on young peoples’ role in the corporate world.

14:18 - The importance of speaking up when managing stress.

14:53 - Authenticity vs. Transparency.

16:14 - The downside to Transparency.

19:20 - Jamie’s #1 piece of advice to young professionals.

22:24 - Value that introverts bring to the table.

24:42 - Managing expectations as a young professional.

26:32 - How to manage anxiety in all aspects of life.

30:07 - How young professionals can handle hierarchical barriers at work.

31:48 - What 20 year old Jamie would love to know about present-day Jamie.

Want to connect with Jamie?  Find him at the following:

Jamie’s Websites:

YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@AskJamieTurner

TikTok - https://TikTok.com/@AskJamieTurner

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/askjamieturner/

Twitter - https://twitter.com/AskJamieTurner

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/askjamieturner/

“Networking” is a term we hear often, and it can be overwhelming to get good at it… especially if we’re not a natural.  In this episode, I interview Justin Peters, a successful relationship-builder and the host of “The Struggle is Real” podcast.  In this conversation, Justin and Dan dive into several reasons why Networking is so beneficial, and how to make it easy to develop Networking as a skill.  

If you want to skip ahead:

01:24 - Justin’s career story.

07:06 - Why Networking is important, how to develop it as a skill.

08:31 - How to get around barriers with minimal (yet effective) effort.

12:39 - How to stay organized when Networking.

21:05 - Networking is just “relationship-building,” similar to dating.

35:54 - What 20 year old Justin would love to know about present-day Justin.

39:38 - How Justin can help our listeners!

Want to connect with Justin?

My career started in 2016, with very different goals and responsibilities compared to today (2023).  In this solo episode, I discuss the various chapters and life changes that have taken me from Sports & Higher Ed to a new life and career chapter in Tech.

If you want to skip ahead:

00:26 - My first job post-college.

01:50 - Leveraging my minor.

03:03 - Reconsidering my path.

03:32 - My first salary position in Austin, TX.

04:38 - Pursuing and leveraging my master’s degree.

05:00 - Transferring my skills & experience to a new industry.

07:17 - How my story can continually help people.

In the first episode of Career Focus, I discuss my life in college and the various changes, challenges and successes that led to me graduating with confidence.

If you want to skip ahead:

00:29 - About Me

01:48 - My college major & minor

02:38 - Freshman & Sophomore years

03:24 - Part-time work when in-school

03:40 - Junior & Senior years

06:28 - Benefits to getting involved on-campus

06:46 - My internships

Welcome to Career Focus! Take a listen to hear what CF is all about.