Elevate Your Career

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Sharon Peters, a dynamic mother, wife, and C-suite executive in a global organization. Sharon shares her journey through various career phases, highlighting the challenges and successes she experienced. They explore Sharon's initial years working in retail and technology, her stint as a consultant at a major firm, and her eventual return to a more stable role in retail technology. She emphasizes the importance of balancing personal life with a demanding career, especially as a working parent. Her story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability required to thrive in fast-paced, ever-changing professional environments.

The discussion takes a deeper turn as Sharon discusses the complexities of being a working mother. She talks candidly about her decision to return to work after maternity leave and the societal pressures and personal doubts that accompanied this choice. Sharon's experiences reveal the intricate balance between professional aspirations and family responsibilities. Her journey underscores the significance of workplace flexibility and support for parents, particularly women, navigating career and family life.

Sharon reflects on her current role as a Chief Information Officer, a position she secured after facing setbacks and embracing new opportunities. She emphasizes the value of having mentors and coaches throughout one's career, discussing how they have helped her navigate various professional challenges. Sharon's story is inspiring and offers valuable insights into personal growth, professional development, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity. Her journey resonates with anyone striving to balance personal ambitions with familial responsibilities, while also seeking professional fulfillment.

Join Nicole and Sharon for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Sharon navigates the challenges of being a working parent, offering insights into managing professional ambitions while fulfilling parental responsibilities.
• How she transitioned from retail to technology and consulting, and eventually to a C-suite executive role, highlighting the importance of adaptability and continuous learning in career progression.
• The complexities of returning to work after maternity leave and the societal expectations surrounding working mothers.
• The significance of flexible work arrangements in supporting working parents, particularly in leadership roles.
• The value of having mentors and coaches throughout one’s career, and how they can guide and influence professional development and decision-making.
• Sharon's experiences of facing and overcoming setbacks in her career, and the importance of resilience and keeping an open mind to new opportunities.
• How self-confidence and self-belief play a crucial role in advancing to leadership positions.
• Sharon's role in digitizing colleague discount solutions in retail, and the impact of technology in modernizing traditional business processes.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Kim Jones, CEO of Kim Jones Alliance and a transformational career coach, in a dynamic discussion on the state of women in the workplace, debunking prevalent myths and examining the findings of a recent McKinsey report. They explore the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership and tackle misconceptions about women's ambitions, addressing how societal expectations and biases shape women's career trajectories. The conversation also touches on the nuanced challenges women face in tech and other male-dominated industries, highlighting the impact of microaggressions and the importance of fostering inclusive, supportive work environments.

Kim elaborates on her approach to career coaching, emphasizing the significance of developing new skills, professional networks, and personal practices for women. She explains how her work involves guiding organizations in implementing culture transformation solutions that champion diversity and inclusion, creating high-performing work environments. The discussion also underscores the importance of mentorship and sponsorship for women, and the role of organizational policies in advancing or hindering women's career progress.

Kim and Nicole critically examine the effects of remote work and the potential biases that might emerge with the shift back to office-based work. They discuss how this transition could disproportionately affect women and other underrepresented groups, emphasizing the need for companies to be mindful of diversity and inclusion in their return-to-office strategies. The conversation concludes with Kim offering insights on effective remote work practices and the importance of intentional communication and engagement in hybrid work environments.

Join Nicole and Kim for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Debunking the common misconception that women are becoming less ambitious, and why women, especially younger ones, are as ambitious as men but seek more flexibility in their careers.
• How microaggressions significantly impact women's career trajectories, affecting their confidence and willingness to take risks in the workplace.
• The ‘broken rung’ versus the ‘glass ceiling,’ illustrating how women face challenges in career advancement in the initial stages, not just at higher levels.
• The recent McKinsey study on the state of women in the corporate world and how various factors contribute to their underrepresentation in leadership roles.
• The biases and stereotypes women face in tech and STEM fields, and how these perceptions shape their career opportunities and growth.
• The importance of mentorship and advocacy in supporting women's career advancement, and how these relationships can influence their success.
• The impact of remote work on women's careers, the potential risks and benefits, and how companies can manage these changes to support diversity and inclusion.
• How to maintain engagement, culture, and effective communication in remote and hybrid work settings.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Kim Jones Alliance

Kim's LinkedIn

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Troy Arnsten, co-founder and president of the globally renowned affordable luxury brand Voluspa. Troy shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating a fragrance empire. They discuss his early experiences, from his first job as a teen in a quirky role to his transition from a mechanical engineer to a risk-taking entrepreneur in the fragrance industry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in the face of uncertainty and the challenges of starting a business in a market not yet saturated with products.

Troy and his partner’s bold move from Minnesota to California marked the birth of Voluspa, started with a mere $3,000. He recounts the initial struggles of establishing the brand, from hand-pouring candles in their garage to their breakthrough moment getting into Saks Fifth Avenue. His journey emphasizes the importance of innovation, quality, and maintaining a distinct niche in a competitive market. Troy's experience highlights the ups and downs of entrepreneurship, illustrating that the path to success is often paved with perseverance and a willingness to take calculated risks.

Troy offers invaluable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of diversity in income and client base, learned from a challenging phase in the business. He also discusses the evolution of Voluspa, focusing on team-building and creating a collaborative and creative work culture.

Join Nicole and Troy for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Troy's journey of overcoming challenges and the crucial role of perseverance in navigating dark days and uncertain times in business.
• How a mechanical engineer with a blue-collar background pivoted into the fragrance industry.
• How Troy and his partner started Voluspa in California with just $3,000.
• How Voluspa carved out a unique space in the competitive fragrance industry by focusing on luxury packaging, quality formulations, and targeting specific market segments.
• The importance of not over-relying on a few clients or income streams.
• Troy's approach to building a collaborative, creative, and agile team, and the importance of cultural fit and collective effort in driving a brand's success.
• The value of learning from failures and unsuccessful product launches as essential steps towards understanding the market and refining products.
• How personal success and brand success can be interlinked and how maintaining control over business decisions can lead to long-term growth and sustainability.
• Why Voluspa chose to manufacture in the U.S., and how they innovated with natural ingredients like coconut oil for a cleaner, sustainable product.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Voluspa

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Jenny Moshea, a trailblazing C-level executive and the sole income provider for her family throughout her career. Jenny shares her unique journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and not being afraid to seek clarification in the professional world. She reflects on her experience of transitioning from various roles, including sales, management consulting, and technology project management. Her story illustrates the power of persistence and self-belief in navigating career changes and pursuing passion-driven work.

Nicole explores Jenny's ascent in the world of technology and management consulting, discussing how non-technical backgrounds can bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to the tech industry. Jenny's approach to leadership, marked by genuine curiosity and respect for her team's expertise, highlights the significance of effective communication in technology roles. She emphasizes the value of stepping out of one's comfort zone and the importance of networking, sharing how these strategies helped her transition from consulting to corporate roles, ultimately leading her to a Director of IT position.

The episode culminates with Jenny's account of her rise to the role of CIO, a testament to her resilience and adaptability. She talks about the challenges and learnings from each career stage, stressing the importance of continuous learning and staying true to one's values. Her journey from an entry-level position to a C-level executive is not just motivational but also a blueprint for anyone aspiring to elevate their career.

Join Nicole and Jenny for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of asking questions and seeking clarity, showcasing how curiosity can be a driving force in career advancement.
• How Jenny navigated through diverse roles, from sales to technology project management, and how these transitions enriched her career path.
• How individuals from non-technical backgrounds can bring unique perspectives and skills to technology roles, enhancing innovation and problem-solving.
• Jenny's approach to leadership in technology, highlighting the significance of respect and effective communication in managing technical teams.
• The importance of taking risks and embracing discomfort in professional development, and how this approach can open up new opportunities.
• The pivotal role networking plays in career transitions, especially when moving from consulting to corporate roles.
• Jenny's journey to becoming a CIO demonstrates the need for resilience and adaptability in climbing the corporate ladder.
• The necessity of lifelong learning and maintaining personal values throughout one's career journey.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Jenny's LinkedIn

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Nick Szymanski, exploring his remarkable journey from an uncertain college graduate to a successful CIO. Nick shares insightful anecdotes about his early career struggles, including a pivotal moment when he was pushed into the workforce by his mother's practical wisdom. His story takes you through the transformative experiences that shaped his work ethic and professional outlook, highlighting the importance of mentorship, resilience, and the courage to step out of one's comfort zone. 

Nick and Nicole discuss the nuances of career advancement, emphasizing the significance of networking and seizing every opportunity for growth. He candidly discusses the challenges of balancing ambition with personal well-being, offering advice on prioritizing tasks and recognizing the importance of work-life balance. Nick's reflections on his journey are not only a roadmap for aspiring professionals but also a reminder that success is a multifaceted pursuit, requiring continuous learning, adaptability, and the humility to acknowledge one's limitations.

Nicole and Nick also explore the qualities that distinguish exceptional leaders. Nick advocates for curiosity, accountability, and the willingness to embrace challenges as pivotal attributes for anyone aiming to climb the corporate ladder. He stresses the importance of asking questions, learning from every situation, and owning up to one's mistakes as the cornerstones of effective leadership. Nick's story underscores the significance of genuine connections, continuous self-improvement, and the audacity to envision and achieve one's professional aspirations.

Join Nicole and Nick for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How overcoming initial career setbacks can shape a strong work ethic and resilience.
• The crucial role mentors play in career development, and how mentorship in New York significantly impacted Nick's professional journey.
• Nick's experiences of shifting from various roles, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and learning from diverse experiences.
• The importance of balancing professional aspirations with personal life, and the shift from a work-centric lifestyle to finding a healthier balance.
• How building and leveraging a professional network can open doors to new opportunities and career advancements.
• The significance of being curious and asking questions, demonstrating how this attitude can lead to greater understanding and career progression.
• How owning up to mistakes and learning from them is a vital trait for effective leadership.
• How taking on challenges outside of one’s expertise can be enriching and beneficial.
• How relationships, like with Nick's wife and family, can profoundly influence one's approach to work and life priorities.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Kristin Leffel, who shares her journey from being a small-town girl in Kansas City to becoming a model and actor in California, and eventually founding her own company. The discussion explores Kristin's early career, her experiences in reality TV, and her transition to entrepreneurship.

Kristin discusses her background, including her stint on "Temptation Island," her move to California, and her initial attempts at modeling and acting. She shares insights into the challenging nature of the acting industry and her eventual realization that this path might not be her future. Kristin then talks about starting a family and her decision to shift focus towards entrepreneurship, influenced by her mother's entrepreneurial spirit and her husband's business acumen.

The conversation then shifts to Kristins's latest venture, a pickleball accessory brand named 'Volée.' She recounts how the idea emerged from her passion for pickleball, a sport she discovered and fell in love with through a community of mothers. Kristin and her partners, realizing the potential in this fast-growing sport, decided to create multifunctional court and lifestyle bags. She discusses the challenges of finding a good manufacturer, the importance of networking in the industry, and how their brand has gained recognition even before its official launch. Kristin emphasizes the value of partnership in business, sharing responsibilities and visions with her partners, and the use of business organization techniques like EOS Traction for efficient management.

Join Nicole and Kristin for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The unpredictable nature of the acting industry and the realizations that led Kristin to pivot her career towards business.
• How Kristin's move from Kansas City to California opened new avenues, including her stint on "Temptation Island" and her eventual entry into the world of business.
• The importance of building professional relationships and how networking has played a crucial role in Kristin's entrepreneurial success.
• The creation of 'Volée', a pickleball accessory brand, and how identifying a niche market can lead to a successful business venture.
• The hurdles in finding a reliable manufacturer and the trial and error involved in producing high-quality products.
• The influence of family entrepreneurship and mentorship on Kristin's business decisions and mindset.
• How Kristin and her partners divide responsibilities and utilize different skills for the benefit of their business.
• Strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance, emphasizing the importance of personal time and family.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Volée website

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Laura Schwab, a trailblazer in the automotive industry, to share her remarkable journey. Laura's story begins in Louisville, Kentucky, where her competitive spirit was first ignited on the tennis courts. This drive propelled her to a tennis scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, setting the stage for her future successes.

After a brief stint in law school and working various jobs in California, Laura's path took an unexpected turn when she entered the automotive industry, initially through an internet car sales company. Her tenacity and willingness to learn from scratch led her to significant roles at Land Rover and eventually to becoming the first female president of a luxury auto brand, Aston Martin.

Throughout the conversation, Laura emphasizes the importance of being authentic and the value of mentorship in her career. Her story is a testament to not conforming to norms and finding success by being true to oneself. Nicole highlights Laura's humility, hard work, and her approachable yet effective leadership style that has made her a respected figure in the traditionally male-dominated automotive industry. As Laura navigates motherhood alongside her career, her journey continues to inspire, showcasing the power of resilience, embracing change, and breaking barriers.

Join Nicole and Laura for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How being true to oneself can lead to memorable and impactful contributions in any career.
• The importance of not conforming to traditional norms and expectations, especially in male-dominated industries, and how this approach can lead to success and recognition.
• How Laura dealt with feelings of inadequacy, especially in a field where she initially lacked expertise, and learn strategies to overcome your own imposter syndrome.
• How mentors can play a crucial role in career development, offering guidance, support, and opportunities to grow.
• Techniques for negotiating salaries and positions, and how to assert your worth and capabilities in professional settings.
• How Laura balanced significant career milestones with personal life events like motherhood.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Laura's LinkedIn

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole chats with Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO of ECOS, a company that manufactures eco-conscious cleaning products powered by plants. Kelly has made significant contributions to environmental sustainability through her company's eco-friendly products. During the discussion, she reflects on her journey, her Greek heritage and early life challenges, including her father’s migration to the U.S. and her mother's influence. She discusses her academic path, leading to UCLA, and her initial career choices, which were guided by a strong sense of social responsibility and a desire to make a positive impact.

Kelly shares insights into her varied professional experiences, including working in public relations and her stint as an executive director at the American Hellenic Council. These roles honed her skills in media, storytelling, and forming impactful connections. Joining the family business, Earth Friendly Products, she faced the challenge of making a mark in an established company led by her visionary father. She emphasizes the importance of earning respect as an employee first, rather than leveraging family connections. Her approach to leadership and growth involved respecting her team, understanding her role, and making calculated changes to scale the company.

Nicole and Kelly discuss the significance of communication and diversity in leadership, highlighting Kelly's initiatives in hiring a diverse and skilled team, reflecting the consumer base, and ensuring her company’s internal structure mirrors societal diversity. Discussing the dynamics of working in a family business, she shares personal anecdotes, including the challenges and learning experiences that shaped her leadership style.

Join Nicole and Kelly for this fascinating and eye-opening conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Kelly's Greek roots, the influence of her father's migration to the U.S. and her mother's impactful role in her life.
• Her transition from public relations to executive director at the American Hellenic Council, and how these roles cultivated her abilities in media, storytelling, and creating meaningful connections.
• Joining Earth Friendly Products and the challenge of establishing her identity in a company founded by her father.
• Strategies for effective leadership, including respecting the team and understanding her role.
• The importance of building a diverse team that reflects the company's consumer base and mirrors societal diversity.  
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole's LinkedIn

ECOS by Earth Friendly Products

Kelly's LinkedIn

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole chats with Clara Paye, founder and CEO of UNiTE Food. Clara outlines her entrepreneurial journey, initially joining her family's plumbing distribution business and eventually leading the company. This foundational experience gave her insights into various business facets. Clara's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when she noticed a gap in the wellness industry, particularly in the protein bar market, leading to the inception of UNiTE Food.

They explore the birth of UNiTE Food, born as it was out of the lack of diverse, culturally rich flavors in wellness products. Clara describes the product development process, which involved experimenting with ingredients in her kitchen and ensuring authenticity and quality. Her company's mission is to make wellness accessible and appealing to a broader audience, celebrating the diversity of tastes and cultures.

Nicole and Clara also discuss the challenges and strategies of balancing her roles as an entrepreneur and a mother. She believes in being fully present and engaged, whether with her children or at work. Encouraging curiosity and entrepreneurial thinking in her children, she integrates her personal and professional life, fostering a nurturing and learning environment. Looking ahead, Clara remains passionate about creating new and innovative flavors for her protein bars, driven by her curiosity and commitment to bringing diverse culinary experiences to the wellness industry.

Join Nicole and Clara for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The importance of believing in oneself to overcome obstacles and innovate in business.
• The significance of a strong, diverse network and its role in problem-solving and business growth.
• Clara's journey from contributing to her family's plumbing business to leading it, and eventually starting her own venture.
• The conception and growth of Unite Foods, emphasizing the need for inclusivity and cultural diversity in product development, especially in the wellness industry.
• Her approach to product creation, driven by personal need and curiosity, as well as methods for identifying and filling gaps in the market.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole's LinkedIn

UNiTE Food

Clara's LinkedIn

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Nicolette Myers, the founder of Loushia, a children's equestrian clothing brand. Nicolette shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses how she navigates fear and uncertainty, viewing these emotions as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. She also reflects on her early career in technology, where she faced gender bias, yet consistently proved her capabilities through hard work and determination.

They explore Nicki's transition from working in IT to launching Lousia with her daughter, Layla. The brand emerged from a need for stylish yet functional equestrian apparel for children. She emphasizes the importance of customer feedback in developing her products, highlighting her direct engagement with her clientele through social media. This customer-centric approach has been crucial to Loushia's success, distinguishing it from other brands in the market.

Looking forward, Nicolette discusses her plans for expanding Loushia's product range, including a line for boys and women's sizing, driven by customer demand. She shares valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, advocating for a growth mindset and emotional intelligence. Her story is not just about the creation of a brand, but about resilience, the power of listening to your audience, and the importance of balancing personal life with professional ambitions.

Join Nicole and Nicolette for this fascinating and inspiring conversation!

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How Nicolette perceives and utilizes fear as a catalyst for growth and opportunity in her entrepreneurial journey.
• Her shift from a technology-focused career to launching her own equestrian clothing brand, Loushia, and the challenges and rewards of this transition.
• How Nicolette navigated gender bias in her early career and how these experiences influenced her business approach.
• How she balances her personal life with her business, involving her daughter in the creation and growth of Loushia.
• Actionable advice and resources for those looking to start or grow their own business, including the importance of experience over formal education in some fields.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole's LinkedIn

Loushia