Cupalo Conversations

00:00 Introduction and Inception of Skip Round

02:33 The Broken Job Search Process

05:03 Resume Limitations & Resume Etiquette

07:58 AI Coach for Interview Preparation

11:07 Human Psychology and the Job Search Process

13:32 The NAIL Framework for Successful Job Searching

16:30 The Importance of Goal Setting & Continuous Introspection

21:10 Career vs. Job: Serving a Purpose

24:35 Acres of Diamonds & Self Awareness

27:09 Downsides of Using LinkedIn for Job Searching

29:14 Taking Control of Social Media Platforms

30:29 Magic of Contributing to LinkedIn32:52 Challenges of Being a Solopreneuer & the Generosity of Others

35:13 Challenges and Support of Being a Solo Founder

35:56 The Importance of Human Connection

In this insightful episode of Cupalo Conversations, host Lauren Hannon sits down with Pranay Joshi, the visionary founder of Skip Round. The episode delves into the innovative solutions Skip Round offers to job seekers, aiming to revolutionize the job application and interview preparation process.

From crafting custom resumes and cover letters to providing an AI-powered coach for interview preparation, Skip Round equips users with the essential tools to succeed.

Pranay discusses the flaws in the current job search process and how Skip Round aims to address these issues. He emphasizes the need for adaptability and storytelling in interviews and points out the limitations of traditional resumes.

Pranay introduces the Nail Framework, which focuses on Networking, Introspection, Learning, and Applying. This holistic approach to job searching encourages job seekers to build connections, understand themselves better, continuously learn, and apply their knowledge effectively. The conversation delves into the psychological aspects of job searching, emphasizing the importance of goal setting and introspection. Pranay shares how Skip Round incorporates AI to provide interview practice and prompts for introspection, helping users prepare mentally and emotionally for their job search.

The episode concludes with a discussion on the power of human connection. Pranay talks about his mission to make the world feel smaller and sweeter by helping people find jobs they love and connecting them with opportunities that resonate with their purpose.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone in the job market or those interested in the future of job search technologies. Pranay Joshi's passion for helping people find their ideal careers shines through, making this an engaging and motivational conversation.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

00:00 Journey from Engineering to Motivational Speaking

05:40 Navigating Health Challenges and Financial Preparedness

11:30 Stigma & Shame Around Having a Disability

14:26 The Power of Your Subconscious Mind

22:13 Making Money & Building Wealth Are Different Skill Sets

23:31 Making Peace with Negative Thoughts

26:15 Ullas's Definition of Wealth: Happiness, Health, and Money

28:31 To All Women Listeners: Be Better Stewards of Your Money

In this enlightening and very candid episode of the Cupalo Conversation podcast, host Lauren Hannon sits down with Ullas Perez, a seasoned technology leader with a remarkable career journey. From leading engineering teams and boasting an impactful seven-year tenure at The Boeing Company, the discussion takes a poignant turn as Ullas opens up about the unexpected health crisis that derailed her career.

After coming into contact with black mold, Ullas suffered from chronic health issues that ultimately forced her to leave the workforce. Despite this challenging setback, Ullas and her husband were financially prepared, thanks to her disability insurance coverage, which helped them navigate the financial turmoil.

Throughout the episode, Ullas emphasizes the importance of financial and emotional preparedness in facing life's harsh realities, such as job loss, income loss, sickness, and death.

She passionately discusses her mission to help others create a life of abundance and purpose through motivational speaking and financial education. By sharing her personal experiences and insights, Ullas aims to empower listeners to proactively plan for uncertainties and build resilience in the face of adversity.

Tune in to this episode for a heartfelt conversation that blends personal storytelling with practical advice on navigating the unpredictable challenges of life.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

00:00 Mateo's Journey from Law to Outsourcing

09:14 The Main Pain Points for Leaders in Technology

11:57 Advantages of a Near Shore Staffing Model

13:45 Thriving Tech Scene in Latin America

18:24 Correlation Between US Economy & Latin American Talent

23:02 Compensation Discrepancy Between Onshore & Offshore Talent

25:35 Behind the Scenes: Staff Augmentation Sales Role

33:03 Professionalism & Innovation at Xseed

In this engaging episode of Cupalo Conversations, Lauren Hannon talks shop with Mateo Bervejillo, the CEO of Xseed Solutions, to explore the burgeoning field of nearshore staff augmentation and its impact on the tech industry. Xseed Solutions is known for providing top-tier Latin American talent, and Mateo shares his insights on why this region has become a hotspot for tech talent.

Mateo explains the advantages of nearshore staff augmentation, particularly for U.S. companies looking to scale efficiently. He highlights how this model offers not only cost benefits but also significant reductions in time zone and cultural barriers. Mateo emphasizes how shared values and business practices foster better collaboration and integration between teams from these regions.

The conversation delves into the rapid growth of the tech industry in Latin America. Mateo discusses how countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina have become key players in the global tech market, with a robust pipeline of skilled professionals.

Throughout the episode, Mateo Bervejillo provides valuable insights into the strategic advantages of leveraging Latin American talent for tech projects. He underscores the importance of geographic proximity, cultural closeness, and the interconnectedness of the economies in fostering a successful collaboration between the U.S. and Latin America.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of nearshore staff augmentation and the significant role that Latin American talent plays in the global tech ecosystem.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

00:00 Journey into Software Engineering

05:18 Coding Bootcamps Hot Take

10:04 FAANG Interview Process

14:30 Smaller Orgs Idolatry of FANNG Companies Dispelled

18:05 Are FAANG Engineers Really That Much Better?

25:57 The Role of Luck in A Successful Career

30:11 Andy's Advice For Those Seeking an Influencer's Advice

In this episode of Cupalo Conversations, host Lauren Hannon pulls back the curtain a little on the world of big tech with three-time FAANG engineer, Andy Wong. Despite his impressive software engineering career at Google, Amazon, and Meta/Facebook, what sets Andy apart is his unconventional background. As an English and Psychology major who transitioned into tech through a coding bootcamp, Andy offers a refreshing perspective on achieving success in the industry without a traditional Computer Science degree.

Andy humbly attributes much of his journey to luck and being in the right place at the right time, debunking the myth of overnight success. He shares invaluable insights on how to prepare for FAANG interviews, emphasizing the importance of leveraging online resources and staying persistent.

One of the most surprising revelations from Andy is the mutual admiration between startups and big tech organizations. While startups often idolize big tech, Andy reveals that the reverse is also true, shedding light on the symbiotic relationship between these entities.

Throughout the conversation, Andy demystifies the aura surrounding big tech, offering a refreshingly human perspective on what it's like to work in these renowned organizations. His circuitous journey from liberal arts to tech is not only inspiring but also a testament to the diverse paths one can take to achieve success in the industry.

Tune in to Cupalo Conversations for an insightful and approachable exploration of the FAANG world with Andy Wong.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

00:00 Introduction to Ghostwriting as a Career

07:03 In Ghostwriting Who Is the Author?

09:53 Adopting Another's Voice and SME

16:00 A LinkedIn Ghostwriter's Critique of LinkedIn

18:03 The Opaque and Ever-Changing Algorithm of LinkedIn

19:45 LinkedIn as a Tool, Not the End Goal

24:25 The Line Between Vulnerability & Oversharing on Social Media

30:38 Luck, an Essential Ingredient to Success in Business

32:57 Successful Marketing for Founders

In this episode of Cupalo Conversations, Lauren Hannon interviews Ben Wise the founder of Storyd a US-based ghostwriting studio that helps 7+ figure founders turn their expertise and stories into compelling LinkedIn content in as little as two hours a month.

Ben shocks audiences with the admission that, despite being a highly successful LinkedIn ghostwriter, he wouldn't be on LinkedIn (or any social media) if he didn't have to.

Social media platforms such as LinkedIn incentivize users to conform to algorithmically favorable personas, prioritizing superficial posts and contributions at the expense of true self-expression, high quality content, and meaningful interactions. Ben also calls attention to the platform's opaque and ever-changing algorithms as a source of frustration and disillusionment.

Ben shares insights from his own journey navigating these platforms, from his initial foray into content creation on Quora and Upwork to founding his own ghostwriting business, Storyd. Throughout the episode, Ben emphasizes the importance of building trust with one's audience and staying true to oneself, even in the face of digital media pressures. He advocates for a marketing approach grounded in authenticity and customer satisfaction, rather than chasing fleeting success.

Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by algorithm-driven platforms like LinkedIn and a renewed appreciation for the power of authentic storytelling in building meaningful connections both online and offline.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

Sign up for "Cupalo Newsletter" (Lauren's email newsletter): https://cupalo.substack.com/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: / hannonlauren

Check out Cupalo's website: https://cupalo.io/

00:00 Katie's Journey: Holding Down 8 Jobs and Making $1 Million a Year

In this 21st episode of Cupalo Conversations, Lauren Hannon sits down with High Performance Coach Katie McIntyre from CareerSprout, who has helped countless individuals secure coveted $200k to $500k+ job offers at companies they admire and doing work they genuinely enjoy.

04:24 Sales as a Life Skill

10:41 Prospecting: Know Your Customer

15:35 Hierarchy of Purpose in Sales

18:52 Rapid Revenue Growth Consulting

29:24 Making Fire with Your Hands

33:35 To Entrepreneur Or To Not Entrepreneur. That is the Question.

In this episode of Cupalo Conversations Mickeli Bedore a former top sales performer for IBM, Oracle, & Verizon and 5x start up founder shares his journey into sales and emphasizes the importance of sales as a life skill. Mickeli emphasizes the importance of cultivating great communication skills and constantly practicing sales, just like any other sport or discipline. It's not something you're just born with and can set it and forget it.

He discusses the misconceptions and stigma surrounding sales and explains the mindset and approach to successful prospecting. He also highlights the significance of prioritizing your own needs and the needs of the customer over the product or service being sold.

The conversation explores the concept of making fire with your hands, which means being able to support yourself without depending on someone else. As a serial entrepreneur, Mickeli advises listeners to follow their calling which may be a 9to5 job, investing, or business ownership.

Tune in to learn more about the art and science of selling as well as what it means to make fire with your hands.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

Sign up for "Cupalo Newsletter" (Lauren's email newsletter): https://cupalo.substack.com/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: / hannonlauren

Check out Cupalo's website: https://cupalo.io/

01:05 Launching "Launch" a Social Media Business

03:07 The Challenges of Social Media for Business Owners

06:23 How to Grow an Audience on Social Media & Leverage Paid Advertising

12:02 Choosing the Right Social Media Platforms for Your Business

16:42 Leveraging Personal and Company Pages on LinkedIn

18:20 The Importance of Consistency in Social Media

23:22 Cultivating a Brand Voice

25:55 Misconceptions About Social Media

27:36 Looking Ahead and Exciting Opportunities

In this episode of Cupalo Conversations social media guru Diana Bagas, the innovative mind behind Launch Social Media, emphasizes the transformative potential of social media for individuals and businesses alike. Focused on harnessing the power of social media for business growth, personal branding, career advancement, and network expansion.

Diana shares invaluable insights tailored for both business owners and professionals eager to make their mark in the digital sphere. She encourages businesses to leverage the highly impactful (and low cost) paid advertisements on platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram. She highlights the importance of leveraging LinkedIn to level up in your career, get that promotion or that new job, by sharing meaningful content and becoming known as a valuable contributor in the marketplace.

While hiring a social media expert is an option (just give Launch Social Media a holla), Diana encourages listeners to seize control of their online presence and master the art of making a significant impact in the digital landscape.

Tune in to discover how to take the reins of your social media journey and make waves in your industry.

Connect with Lauren Hannon

Sign up for "Cupalo Newsletter" (Lauren's email newsletter): https://cupalo.substack.com/

Follow Lauren on LinkedIn: / hannonlauren

Check out Cupalo's website: https://cupalo.io/

00:00 Brandon's Introduction to Football

03:24 Transitioning from Craftsman to Manager