Today I welcome Andy Ellis, partner at Wild Ventures, to discuss career journeys, leadership challenges, and the essence of inclusion in the workspace.

 Andy shares his unique professional path from his time at Akamai Technologies to the Air Force and beyond, offering insights into leadership and personal development. 

We also explore the dynamics of hiring for startups versus established companies, the importance of engaging and retaining talent, and strategies for effective management. 

Additionally, Andy talks about his book, '1 Percent Leadership,' and how it distills essential leadership lessons into practical advice.

00:00 Introduction

00:23 Guest Introduction: Andy Ellis

00:58 Andy's Career Journey

02:09 Life Lessons and Early Jobs

03:42 Family and Financial Lessons

05:52 The Importance of Inclusion

07:00 Writing the Leadership Book

09:13 Leadership and Inclusion Insights

14:43 Interview Tips and Personal Development

20:26 The Role of Interviews: Saying No

20:44 Navigating the Interview Process

21:26 Interviewing Founders vs. Executives

22:20 The Startup Ecosystem and Team Dynamics

23:30 Hiring Executives for Immediate Needs

24:37 Challenges in Talent Sourcing and Leadership

30:31 The Importance of Team Alignment

31:35 Developing Future Leaders

35:16 Mismanagement of Expectations

39:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Learn More About Andy Ellis: https://www.linkedin.com/in/csoandy/

Today I am joined by Alex Chausovsky, Director of Analysis and Consulting at the Bundy Group. The discussion delves into the implications of the post-2024 election landscape on the market, including economic trends, the labor market, and industrial shifts. 

Alex shares insights on his career journey from market intelligence to economic forecasting and talent strategy, emphasizing the importance of data-driven decision-making in business. The episode also covers strategies for companies to attract and retain talent, the impact of remote work, and the necessity for businesses to adapt to evolving economic conditions. 

The conversation underscores the importance of treating employees as partners to enhance engagement and retention.

00:00 Introduction

01:52 Alex Chausovsky's Career Journey

07:51 Economic Landscape Post-2024 Election

18:40 Impact of Policies on Business and Labor Market

22:39 Labor Market Challenges in Construction and Agriculture

24:02 The War for Talent: Strategies for Companies

26:01 Navigating the Competitive Landscape for Professionals

26:46 Adapting Hiring Processes for Efficiency

27:48 The Importance of Communication and Transparency

29:38 Remote Work and Workforce Stratification

40:53 Treating Employees as Partners

43:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Learn More About Alex Chausovsky: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexchausovsky/

Today, I sat down and interviewed Norma Tirado-Kellenberger, CHRO of Access Community Health Network. We discuss the unique career transitions Norma has made across multiple C-suite roles, emphasizing the importance of flexibility, trust, and leadership. 

The conversation delves into how talent management, personal relationships, and fostering a strong organizational culture have influenced her career, exploring the significance of asking the right questions, building trust, aligning team goals, and the emotional connection needed to drive organizational success.

00:00 Introduction

00:54 Norma's Career Journey

03:33 The Importance of Relationships in Leadership

04:40 Leadership and Asking the Right Questions

08:26 Curiosity and Flexibility in Leadership

22:34 Respectful Disagreement and Trust

29:04 The Power of Purpose and Emotional Connection

35:08 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Learn More About Norma: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normatiradokellenberger/

Today, I sat down with Steve Busby, founder and managing partner of Slate Point Partners and discussed the critical elements for achieving effective revenue operations in today's evolving market. 

Steve emphasizes the importance of aligning company culture, processes, and technology with revenue goals. The conversation covers the role of cross-functional communication, the significance of onboarding and employee engagement, and how to overcome challenges in large and small organizations. 

Steve also shares insights on measuring hard-to-quantify aspects like employee belief in core values and management's role in fostering a customer-centric approach.

00:00 Introduction

00:38 Meet Steve Busby: Founder of Slate Point Partners

00:59 Understanding Revenue Benchmarking

04:44 The Importance of Culture in Revenue Operations

05:25 Aligning Sales, Marketing, and Customer Service

08:37 Challenges in Implementing Revenue Operations

16:57 The Role of Cross-Functional Training

18:23 Revenue Operations in Small vs. Large Companies

21:07 Overcoming Resistance to Change

29:17 Key Indicators for Revenue Operations

34:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Find Out More at SBR2TH: https://www.sbr2th.com/podcast/

Learn More About Steve: linkedin.com/in/steve-busby-8a1a826

Today I get to speak with Alec Lazarescu, VP of Engineering with a deep focus on conversational AI and NLP. 

Alec shares his journey, from stumbling upon conversational AI at a 2016 event to creating a successful meetup group and working on AI-based messaging. We cover the current state and future potential of AI, including its limitations, practical applications, and its profound impact on both job seekers and hiring processes. 

Alec provides insights into the importance of human oversight in AI applications, the challenges of integrating AI into traditional systems, and the evolving landscape of skills needed to thrive in the AI industry. 

00:00 Introduction

00:58 Alec's Journey into Conversational AI

02:59 The Current State of AI in 2024

04:51 AI's Limitations and Human Oversight

05:49 AI in Recruitment and Job Applications

11:53 Challenges and Ethical Considerations in AI Screening

14:00 Skills and Mindset for a Career in AI

24:21 Future of AI and Its Impact on Work

34:11 Personal Insights and Future Plans

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Today I interviewed Yosef Haas, the Vice President of Product at ShipHero. Haas shares his journey from being a computer programmer in the early 2000s to developing advanced e-commerce and warehouse management systems. 

We discuss the rapid evolution of technology, specifically the role of AI and its impact on the job market and business operations. Haas also provides insights into effective talent acquisition strategies emphasizing the importance of networking, referrals, and building trust within remote teams. 

The conversation touches on the changing nature of work and the importance of understanding foundational technology shifts.

00:00 Introduction

00:34 Yosef Haas' Journey to Ship Hero

02:53 Evolution of Technology in E-commerce

04:42 Impact of AI and Future Job Market

06:57 Challenges and Opportunities in Remote Work

29:05 Hiring Strategies and Talent Acquisition

33:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Today, I sat down with Katee LaPoff, CTO of Oak View Group. Katee shares her career journey, from humble beginnings in Texas to her current leadership role. She emphasizes the importance of community, introspection, and continuous self-improvement. 

Katee recounts pivotal moments, including valuable lessons from setbacks and the influential mentorships that helped shape her path. We talk about topics such as talent development, the impact of criticism, and the necessity of evolving with technology. Katee’s story is a testament to resilience, the importance of support systems, and the power of intentional growth.

00:00 Introduction 

01:33 Katee LaPoff's Career Journey

03:09 Early Life and Inspirations

04:11 Navigating the Tech Industry

05:36 Embracing Change and Growth

08:09 Challenges and Support Systems

13:04 Reflections on Failure and Success

13:53 Mental Toughness and Resilience

19:02 Career Path and Development

21:08 Moving to Colorado and Early IT Career

22:24 First Job in IT and Rapid Technological Changes

23:44 Climbing the Corporate Ladder

25:27 Facing Professional Challenges and Feedback

27:52 Personal Growth and Leadership Lessons

35:04 Reflecting on Career and Mentorship

37:09 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

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Today we talk to Stephen Diorio, Executive Vice President Growth Strategy at Green Thread, Managing Director at The Revenue Enablement Institute and Author "Revenue Operations" with profound expertise in revenue enablement and operations. This engaging discussion explores Stephen’s background, the evolving nature of job roles in the tech industry, and the increasing importance of digital skills and data-driven decision making. 

We cover the transformation from traditional sales models to modern data-centric approaches, emphasizing the interdisciplinary nature of growth and the need for a holistic understanding of marketing, sales, finance, and analytics. 

Stephen outlines the foundation of a successful revenue operations strategy, stressing the importance of understanding the 'math of growth' and designing efficient commercial models. 

The episode provides insight into how both small and large companies can leverage these concepts to stay competitive in the rapidly changing tech landscape.

00:00 Introduction

00:47 Stephen’s Diverse Background and Revenue Enablement

02:01 Evolution of Sales and Marketing

04:26 The Digital Transformation of Sales

10:30 The Changing Job Market and Skill Requirements

13:10 Revenue Operations and Organizational Structure

24:44 The Importance of Commercial Architecture

35:11 Talent Acquisition and Development

41:19 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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John Light talks with Sarah Brown, a marketing executive and author of 'Lead Upwards,' a book addressing the roles and challenges of joiners in startups and the VC space. Sarah shares her background and the motivation behind writing her book, emphasizing the importance of growth, learning opportunities, and building meaningful relationships in the startup ecosystem. The discussion covers a range of topics including the unique culture of startups, the gap in resources for non-founder employees, and strategies for personal and professional growth in fast-paced startup environments. Both John and Sarah explore the nuances of leadership, the value of understanding board member perspectives, employee recognition beyond titles and compensation, and the significance of aligning personal goals with company growth. The conversation also touches on the importance of graceful departures and the power of empathy and connection in driving productivity and success in the tech industry.

00:00 Intro

00:25 Introducing Sarah Brown: Author and Marketing Executive

00:58 The Genesis of the Podcast and Its Mission

02:21 Sarah's Journey in the Startup Ecosystem

02:52 The Unique Challenges and Opportunities for Startup Joiners

05:30 Navigating Career Growth in the Startup World

06:49 Cultural Fit and Adaptability in Startups

08:00 The Impact of Market Dynamics on Talent Acquisition

15:14 Strategies for Personal and Professional Growth

18:32 The Dynamics of Leaving and Joining New Ventures

21:11 Maintaining Professional Relationships and Graceful Exits

22:53 Navigating Career Transitions and Notice Periods

23:37 The Importance of Graceful Exits and Preparing for Sudden Departures

24:26 Empathy in Difficult Conversations and Personal Loss

27:38 Understanding and Valuing Empathy in Business and Personal Growth

34:55 Exploring the Impact of Recognition and Growth Opportunities at Work

38:55 The Journey of Writing and the Next Steps After 'Lead Upward'

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In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' John converses with Adriana Cowdin, a notable personal branding expert, executive career coach, and entrepreneur celebrated among the top 1 percent of women's small business owners in America. They discuss the importance of overcoming adversity, the impact of personal branding in career development, and strategies for job hunting in the modern landscape. Adriana shares her journey from being ousted at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder and facing immense health challenges, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. The conversation also delves into practical advice for individuals at various career stages, including leveraging one’s achievements to enhance their personal brand, understanding the nuances in coaching across different career levels, and the significance of aligning personal and business values for meaningful career progression.

00:00 Welcome to the Tech Talent Pool: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Underdogs

00:47 Introducing Adriana Cowdin: A Journey of Resilience and Success

02:34 Adriana's Story: From Hard Knocks to Executive Coaching

03:27 Embracing Challenges: Health Battles and Personal Triumphs

05:42 Creating Memories and Defining Personal Brand

09:05 The Essence of Personal Branding in Career Development

11:26 Navigating the Job Market: Strategies for Personal Branding

18:52 Practical Tips for Enhancing Your Personal Brand

24:34 Nostalgia for Old Tech and Learning Curves

25:16 The Evolution of Communication and Learning

26:11 Adapting to Modern Job Market Expectations

27:58 The Realities of AI in the Workplace

28:53 Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems and Personal Branding

34:41 The Importance of Cultural Fit in Job Searches

39:48 Leveraging Personal Branding for Career Success

44:44 Passion for Knowledge Sharing and Legacy

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