Elevate Your Career

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Meghan Weeks, recent graduate of the University of California and IT Manager for the city of Long Beach, California. During the conversation, they explore the challenges and strategies for women in IT leadership roles. They emphasize the importance of confidence, fearlessness, and continuous learning. Women are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, apply for roles even if they don't meet every qualification, and assert themselves in meetings to ensure their contributions are recognized. Meghan highlights the value of professional networks and proactive networking, suggesting that women set goals for networking events to make meaningful connections and create opportunities for themselves.

The conversation touches on the need for women to recognize and address biases in the workplace. They discuss the importance of having difficult conversations with supervisors about unequal treatment or pay discrepancies, emphasizing the need for a calm, unemotional approach focused on seeking solutions and understanding. Meghan also stresses the importance of negotiation, noting that women often settle for less when it comes to salary and benefits. They encourage women to push back and ask for what they deserve, whether it's a higher salary, more vacation time, or flexible work arrangements.

They also offer advice to women starting out in their careers, emphasizing resilience and the importance of building a strong professional network early on. They stress the value of having mentors and peers to support and guide them through challenges. Overall, the episode serves as a rallying call for women in IT to advocate for themselves, push boundaries, and strive for the success they deserve in their careers.

Join Nicole and Meghan for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Why women in IT leadership roles often face challenges related to confidence and assertiveness.
• The importance of fearlessness and continuous learning when seeking success in IT careers.
• Why women should apply for roles even if they don't meet every qualification, and speak up in meetings to ensure their contributions are recognized.
• The value of building a strong professional network and attending networking events as part of an IT career.
• Why it's important for women to recognize and address biases in the workplace, and to have calm, unemotional conversations with supervisors about unequal treatment or pay discrepancies.
• The importance of developing negotiation skills to allow women to advocate for themselves in terms of salary, benefits, and work arrangements.
• Why resilience and the early building of a professional network are key factors for success for women starting out in IT careers.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Meghan's LinkedIn

Today's episode of Elevate Your Career is a recast of a conversation between Nicole and the hosts of the Women in Tech Trailblazers podcast.

During the conversation, Nicole shares her journey and challenges in a sector where women are significantly underrepresented. The discussion openes with Nicole's extensive accolades and her efforts in spearheading initiatives aimed at empowering women through leadership programs and mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and resilience for women striving to elevate their careers in technology, highlighting the need to maintain one's true self amidst professional challenges.

Throughout the episode, Nicole discusses her innovative approaches to overcoming barriers for women in tech, such as her cost-free career development programs which have significantly impacted women's advancement in the industry. These programs, coupled with her leadership, have facilitated a 71% elevation rate for participants, showcasing her commitment to actionable change. Nicole's strategy involves not just addressing the challenges women face but also actively creating solutions that foster an inclusive environment. This proactive stance is reflected in her personal story of choosing a tech career over law, driven by her desire to make a substantial impact.

The conversation also explores the broader implications of mentorship and networking in enhancing career trajectories for women. Nicole stresses the transformative power of having a supportive network and mentors, particularly highlighting her involvement with the Young Presidents Organization which helped her initiate a women-focused subgroup. Nicole also offers advice to women aiming to amplify their influence in tech, urging them to define and cultivate their personal brand and to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Her insights not only shed light on the hurdles women encounter but also illuminated pathways to leadership and success in the tech industry.

Join Nicole, Jordan and Tiffany for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Nicole champions authentic leadership and the importance of staying true to oneself in the male-dominated tech industry.
• How mentorship plays a critical role in career development, with insights from studies showing that women with mentors are 55% more likely to advance in their careers.
• The challenges women face in tech, such as lack of visibility and mentorship, and the various solutions Nicole has implemented through her initiatives.
• Nicole’s approach to facing fears and building confidence, especially in public speaking and leadership roles.
• The importance of creating networks and how these relationships can help propel women’s careers in technology.
• How women can build and manage their professional brand to increase their influence in the tech sector.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole focuses on essential interviewing techniques, particularly for virtual interviews, emphasizing the importance of preparation. She recommends researching the organization and its employees via LinkedIn and social media to understand their backgrounds and values. Understanding common interview questions—like those about weaknesses or handling unexpected changes in project scope — is crucial. Nicole stresses the need to think through these responses beforehand, highlighting the importance of acknowledging weaknesses while also detailing strategies used to address them, demonstrating both self-awareness and proactive problem-solving.

Nicole also explores the technical aspects of virtual interviews. She advises candidates to ensure their technology is tested, usernames appear professional, and backgrounds and attire are suitable for the interview setting. Personal presentation tips include minimal hand movements and controlled speech pace to counteract nervousness. Additionally, Nicole warns against common pitfalls such as using oversized headphones or looking up answers during the interview, as these can be detected by monitoring technologies. She emphasizes making a positive first impression, advocating for a professional and courteous demeanor throughout the interview.

Nicole covers the post-interview phase, encouraging thoughtful engagement with the interviewer by asking insightful questions and avoiding redundancy. She suggests sending personalized thank-you notes to all involved in the interview process, including a direct note to the hiring manager’s supervisor, to stand out as a memorable and considerate candidate. She emphasizes the importance of knowing oneself and seeking alignment with the company’s values, advising against pursuing unsuitable opportunities merely out of necessity. Her guidance aims to equip candidates with strategies to not only succeed in securing the role but also to ensure it is the right fit for their career goals and personal values.

Join Nicole for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How to thoroughly research a company and its employees using LinkedIn and social media to better understand the culture and values of the organization.
• The types of questions frequently asked in interviews, such as explaining your biggest weakness or handling unexpected changes in projects.
• Tips on ensuring your technology works smoothly, presenting a professional background, and dressing appropriately for video interviews.
• The importance of controlling your speech pace, minimizing hand movements, and being aware of the visual impression you make in a virtual format.
• How to handle the close of the interview, including what questions to ask that reflect your insight into the role and the company.
• The best practices for following up after an interview, including the recommendation to send personalized thank-you notes to everyone involved.
• The significance of knowing yourself and what makes you happy in your career, and the importance of choosing opportunities that align with your values.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Lucy Donaldson, Vice President of Technology, whose journey epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Born overseas to Portuguese immigrants in the UK and later moving to Canada, Lucy's upbringing was filled with transitions that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Despite her parents not having a university education, Lucy became the first in her family to graduate from university, setting the stage for a career that would span continents and industries. Her early years in technology and marketing laid a foundation for understanding customer service and the importance of clear communication, which she credits for her success in subsequent roles.

Lucy's career trajectory took a significant turn when she moved back to the UK, leveraging her unique background to secure a position at Dell. This move underscored her ability to adapt and thrive in new environments, utilizing her differences as strengths in the interview process. Her stint at Dell was just the beginning, as she soon transitioned to the financial services sector, where she continued to climb the ladder, eventually leading to a transformative role at Lloyds Banking Group. Here, Lucy contributed to a major digital transformation project, showcasing her ability to lead and innovate within the rapidly evolving financial industry.

The final chapter of Lucy's journey brought her to the United States, where, despite starting from scratch again in terms of her career and financial profile, she managed to secure a strategic position at Western Union. This role capitalizes on her extensive experience in technology and financial services, highlighting her adaptability and leadership skills in a global context. Throughout the episode, Lucy emphasizes the importance of taking risks, being comfortable with discomfort, and the invaluable learning experiences gained from working in diverse environments. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience, strategic risk-taking, and the importance of building a supportive network, offering valuable lessons for anyone looking to elevate their career.

Join Nicole and Lucy for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Lucy used her unique background and perspectives to stand out in the job interview process.
• How overcoming numerous transitions and challenges from a young age shaped Lucy into a resilient and adaptable leader.
• How living and working across different countries enriched Lucy's career, as well as lessons on the benefits of international experiences for personal growth and professional opportunities.
• Lucy's unconventional career path from marketing roles in small technology companies to becoming a Vice President of Technology, the non-linear nature of career progression and the importance of transferable skills.
• Lucy's transition to the financial services sector, where she led significant digital transformation initiatives, as well as the value of embracing industry shifts and new opportunities.
• The challenges and strategies of starting over in a new country, including building credit and professional networks from scratch.
• How building professional relationships and learning from others can propel your career forward.
• The importance of being willing to take risks and step out of comfort zones for career advancement.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Lucy's LinkedIn

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole explores the impactful world of single-sex education, particularly focusing on the experiences of women from Lorena, a distinguished all-girls school. The episode showcases the narratives of notable alumni, including Dr. Emily Blodget, an associate professor at UC Irvine, and a board certified health specialist for infectious diseases, Vickie Chao, a law partner at a private practice, Gabriella Brignardello, the vice president of Fika Ventures, a seed stage venture capital firm, and Juliana Shain, an entrepreneur, social media marketer and journalist. They share their transformative journeys from the classrooms of Lorena to their prominent positions in diverse professional fields. The discussion centers on the unique benefits of single-sex education in fostering confidence, leadership, and a profound sense of community among its students.

These successful young women unanimously attribute their professional success and personal growth to the supportive and focused environment of Lorena, highlighting the absence of gender-based biases and the encouragement of academic and extracurricular excellence. They reminisce about the deep, lasting friendships formed, the individual attention from dedicated faculty, and the empowerment they felt being part of a community where being smart and ambitious was celebrated. The narrative vividly illustrates how the absence of the opposite gender allowed them to discover their identities and capabilities without distractions, leading to a strong foundation of self-assurance and leadership skills that have propelled them in their careers.

As Lorena faces the threat of closure, the alumnae passionately discuss their efforts to save the school, emphasizing its significance not just as an educational institution, but as a nurturing community that has been instrumental in shaping the lives of countless women. The episode poignantly concludes with a call to action for support and investment to preserve Lorena's legacy, underscoring the enduring impact of single-sex education on personal development, career trajectory, and the cultivation of supportive female networks. Through their stories, the guests illuminate the profound and lasting influence of attending an all-girls school, offering a compelling argument for the value and necessity of single-sex education in today's diverse and evolving societal landscape.

Join Nicole and her guests for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How attending an all-girls school like Lorena can significantly influence career trajectories and personal development, fostering confidence and leadership skills essential for professional environments.
• An exploration of the environment at Lorena, which prioritized academic excellence and extracurricular involvement without the distractions of a co-ed setting, leading to heightened self-assurance and leadership opportunities for women.
• Testimonies from alumni about the profound connections made during their time at Lorena, and the school's role in forming supportive networks that continue to benefit them both personally and professionally.
• How the solidarity among students and faculty at Lorena provided a unique and empowering educational experience.
• An urgent call to action to save Lorena from closure, highlighting the school's importance not just as an educational institution but as a beacon of empowerment for young women.
• How their experiences at Lorena went beyond academic learning, focusing on personal growth, identity formation, and the development of values like independence, supportiveness, and the courage to pursue their dreams.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Dr. Ron Glickman, Chief Information Officer at Trader Joe's and the author of 'Lead for a Change.' Ron shares his extensive experience in leadership and the importance of adopting a relational approach over a transactional one in professional environments. He emphasizes the value of giving back, drawing from his personal journey and the mutual coaching experiences he's had, including with the host. Ron's belief in the power of relational dynamics underpins the conversation, illustrating how building genuine connections can lead to more meaningful and impactful leadership.

Ron explores the backstory of his decision to write a book, inspired by the lessons he's learned through his career and the encouragement of peers. His teaching role at Cal State LA and the subsequent push towards earning a doctorate to validate his non-scholarly approach to leadership education played a pivotal role in this. The book, intended as a practical toolkit for leaders at any stage, encapsulates his research and personal insights on leadership being a learnable skill, not limited by innate traits.

Reflecting on personal influences, Ron credits his grandfather's journey to America and his own efforts to fulfill the American Dream as a significant motivation behind his achievements. He discusses the current political landscape's challenges and stresses the importance of effectiveness over being right. Ron's commitment to helping others, as evidenced by his involvement with Camp Kesem and women's leadership programs, highlights his belief in the transformative power of leadership to not just advance individual careers but also make a broader societal impact.

Join Nicole and Ron for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The distinction between relational and transactional leadership styles.
• Ron's path to authoring a leadership book, influenced by his experiences teaching at Cal State LA and pursuing his doctorate.
• Actionable advice on how to apply leadership lessons to your career and personal development.
• The critical role of compromise in leadership and politics, emphasizing the need for effectiveness over being right.
• The personal influences on Ron's leadership philosophy, including the impact of his grandfather's immigrant experience and the legacy of striving for the American Dream.
• Ron’s unique method of reflection and relaxation through smoking cigars, illustrating the importance of finding personal ways to reflect and strategize about one’s life and career.
• The fulfillment derived from engaging in projects that help others, such as leading a charity for children whose parents have been affected by cancer and contributing to women's leadership programs.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Ron's LinkedIn

Lead for a Change book

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Manna Kadar, the CEO and founder of Manna Kadar Beauty. During the conversation, Manna shares her journey and the profound influence of her mother's resilience and strength. Her story transcends the conventional definitions of success, focusing instead on the broader spectrum of life's achievements and the beauty of overcoming adversities. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and the ability to create a fulfilling life despite facing significant challenges.

Manna also delves into her professional growth, attributing much of her work ethic and focus to the principles outlined in Cal Newport's 'Deep Work.' This book, alongside her gratitude for the myriad opportunities presented by the USA, underscores her appreciation for focused effort and the potential for personal and professional development. Furthermore, her long-standing meditation practice is highlighted as a cornerstone of her well-being, providing her with clarity and peace amidst the chaos of entrepreneurship and personal trials.

Manna Kadar Beauty emerges as a brand that mirrors its founder's ethos, emphasizing efficiency, and multifunctionality in beauty products. Manna's commitment to giving back is evident in her involvement with Miracles for Kids, showcasing her dedication to community service alongside her business endeavors. The brand's presence in major retailers and its hands-on approach reflect a successful blend of innovative beauty solutions and genuine passion, marking Manna's journey as one of inspiration and impact.

Join Nicole and Manna for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Manna's mother's resilience shaped her understanding of success beyond financial achievements.
• How the book 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport can revolutionize your work efficiency by teaching the importance of minimizing distractions.
• Manna's gratitude for the opportunities in the USA and the potential for exploration and personal development.
• The profound impact of a long-standing meditation practice on personal well-being and how it can help maintain composure in stressful situations.
• Manna's involvement with Miracles for Kids and the initiative to secure annual donations, showcasing the importance of giving back to the community.
• Manna Kadar Beauty's focus on creating multifunctional, long-wear makeup that promises a complete application in seven minutes or less.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Manna's LinkedIn

Manna Kadar Beauty

Manna Kadar Beauty Instagram

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Romir Bosu, as he shares his profound journey and the philosophies that have underpinned his success in the corporate world. He emphasizes the importance of humility and a relentless quest for knowledge, advocating for a mindset where asking questions and admitting ignorance is not a sign of weakness but a strength. The conversation highlight how this approach has not only helped him grow personally and professionally but has also served as a force multiplier by enabling collaboration and innovation among his teams.

Romir and Nicole further explore the unique opportunities and challenges of doing business globally, particularly spotlighting the advantages present in the United States. With a passionate discourse on the American economic landscape, he outlines the vast potential for entrepreneurs and business leaders to capture a fraction of the trillions of dollars in annual economic exchange. Romir argues that success begins with providing value to others, a principle that requires resilience, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to one's vision amidst inevitable obstacles and competition.

Their conversation underscores the critical role of a supportive personal network, particularly the understanding and backing from family members. Romir candidly shares how a conducive home environment has been crucial to his success, allowing him the flexibility to navigate the demanding nature of his work. Through his story, Romir paints a vivid picture of the entrepreneurial spirit, marked by innovation, hard work, and the invaluable support of loved ones, as key ingredients for making a meaningful impact in the business world and beyond.

Join Nicole and Romir for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of being humble enough to admit what you don't know and the confidence it takes to ask for help.
• The unique economic and cultural advantages of doing business in the United States, including the vast market opportunity, common language, and shared values.
• The critical mindset shift from focusing on making money to providing genuine value to others.
• Why success in business requires hard work, resilience, and the willingness to keep pushing forward even when faced with significant challenges.
• How having a supportive family and social network can significantly impact your ability to succeed in business.
• Why a certain level of delusion, or unwavering belief in one's ability to succeed against the odds, is necessary for entrepreneurs.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark, as he dismantles the myth of work-life balance, advocating instead for work-life integration as the true path to success. He shares his holistic approach to life, emphasizing the importance of integrating career, wealth, family, spirituality, and health. Todd's journey from a self-proclaimed mullet-styling entrepreneur to retiring in his mid-30s, and later facing significant challenges that led to the founding of Stark, is a testament to his resilience and hardworking nature. His story highlights the crucial role health plays in achieving professional and personal success, underscoring Stark's mission to optimize health for peak performance across all areas of life.

Nicole and Todd explore the origins and evolution of Stark, a premier health service aiming to redefine the standards of healthcare by focusing on holistic and integrative approaches to health and wellness. His personal experiences with health challenges and his entrepreneurial spirit fueled the creation of Stark, which caters to individuals seeking not just longevity but a high quality of life. The episode sheds light on Stark's unique methodology, the "wheel of health," which considers the interconnectedness of various aspects of health, from mental well-being and hormones to body composition and gut health, aiming for a comprehensive improvement in health and well-being.

They also discuss the future aspirations for Todd and Stark. His commitment to exploring and pushing the boundaries of peak health personally, and his vision for Stark to impact a million lives by revolutionizing the healthcare system, reflect a deep-seated belief in the transformative power of optimal health. He challenges the conventional healthcare model, advocating for a proactive, preventive, and personalized approach that empowers individuals to take charge of their health. Through Stark, Todd aspires to instill a new understanding of health, not as the absence of disease but as a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being.

Join Nicole and Todd for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Why Todd believes the concept of work-life balance is outdated and how integrating work with other aspects of life — like health, family, and spirituality — leads to true success.

• Todd's entrepreneurial journey, from giving mullets in his dorm room to retiring in his mid-30s, facing significant life challenges, and how these experiences shaped his approach to health and business.

• The origins of Stark, an optimal health service for those seeking longevity and quality of life, and how Todd's personal health challenges and recovery inspired its creation.
• Stark's "wheel of health" methodology, which emphasizes a holistic view of health, considering mental well-being, hormones, body composition, and more as interconnected elements.
• How optimal health can enhance performance in every area of life, from career advancement to personal relationships, and why it should be a priority.
• Why Stark aims to revolutionize the current healthcare system by shifting the focus from treating sickness to promoting peak health and preventing disease.
• How facing and overcoming personal and financial failure taught Todd invaluable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of health as a foundation for recovery and success.
• Todd's personal health goals and Stark's ambitious plan to impact a million lives by educating people on the benefits of a proactive, preventive health model.
• The unique health challenges and opportunities that entrepreneurs face and how a focus on holistic health can be a game-changer for business leaders.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Judith Apshago, the Chief Digital Officer of Amtrak and a celebrated CIO, to explore Judith's remarkable journey through the tech world. From her early days at the Department of Defense, interacting with four-star generals and leading innovative work that earned her team the prestigious Hammer Award from the Clinton-Gore administration, to her more recent work partnering with business leaders to transform business processes through technology recognized in her receiving the CIO of the Year Orbie Award,  Judith's story is one of relentless curiosity, pioneering spirit, and the power of building strong relationships. Her down-to-earth demeanor and authentic approach shine through as she discusses the importance of creating a personal board of directors and how her innate curiosity propelled her to success.

Judith's career trajectory is a masterclass in seizing opportunities and the importance of networking. Transitioning from her role at the Department of Defense to leading technology initiatives in various industries, including biotech and mining, Judith's ability to adapt and excel in diverse environments underscores her exceptional leadership and problem-solving skills. Her strategic moves across different sectors, coupled with her commitment to process improvement and technology, illustrate a career built on innovation and a deep understanding of business needs.

A significant theme of this episode is the critical role mentorship and networking have played in Judith's career. From receiving guidance from key figures to leveraging connections for new opportunities, Judith emphasizes the value of mentorship, both as a mentee and a mentor. Her journey is not just a testament to her achievements but also highlights the importance of supporting others in their career paths. Judith's story is inspiring for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of the tech industry, demonstrating that with the right mindset and support network, it's possible to achieve great heights.

Join Nicole and Judith for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Judith Apshago successfully navigated her career through diverse fields from defense to biotech to transportation.
• How building strong relationships and having a personal board of directors can significantly impact your professional journey.
• The value of seizing opportunities and the positive outcomes of stepping out of your comfort zone.
• How Judith leveraged technology to drive process improvements and efficiency across various sectors.
• The importance of staying inquisitive and always seeking knowledge to fuel career growth.
• Judith's personal experiences in managing the demands of high-profile roles while prioritizing family.
• The impact of receiving prestigious awards, such as the CIO of the Year Orbie Award, on Judith's career and networking opportunities.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Judith's LinkedIn

Amtrak