Elevate Your Career

On today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole talks to Stefanie Causey, OCM Leader, Enterprise Operations and Services Quote-to-Cash Transformation at IBM and a long-time member of the HMG Strategy Community. Stefanie won the HMG Global Leadership Institute's 2023 Leadership Award for the second time. She also participated in a panel discussion at the HMG CIO Summit with Hunter Mueller, founder of HMG Strategy.

They discuss Stefanie's background, highlighting her resilience and drive. She reflects on her journey, including overcoming challenges as a single mother and finding support in her husband, who encouraged her educational and career advancement. Despite facing stereotypes and biases, especially in male-dominated fields, Stefanie believes that self-belief and pushing beyond societal expectations are key to her success.

They explore the nuances of leadership and change management, sharing Stefanie's unique approach that combines traditional methods with innovative strategies. She advocates for understanding the psychological aspects of organizational change, emphasizing the need to balance logic with empathy. Her experiences in various industries have shaped her leadership style, encouraging a blend of analytical thinking and emotional intelligence. This balance, she suggests, is crucial for effective change management and leadership in today's complex business environment.

Nicole and Stefanie explore the theme of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership. Stefanie shares her transformation from emulating male leadership styles to embracing her true self, which significantly advanced her career. She advises leaders to acknowledge their weaknesses and complement them with strong teams, promoting a culture of vulnerability and authenticity.

Join Nicole and Stefanie for an insightful conversation about overcoming fear and uncertainty in the workplace and cultivating your network throughout your career.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Stefanie's early challenges as a single mother and how her husband's support was instrumental in her returning to education and advancing her career.

• The power of resilience and having a strong support system, particularly when facing societal stereotypes and biases.

• Stefanie’s unique blend of traditional and innovative strategies in leadership and change management.

• Why understanding the psychological aspects of organizational change is crucial, requiring a balance of logic and empathy.

• The importance of recognizing personal weaknesses and building strong, complementary teams as well as a culture that values vulnerability and authenticity.

• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

Stefanie Causey LinkedIn

In this episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Russ Wolf, the head of delivery at Irvine Technology Corporation. They discuss key aspects of job searching, focusing on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job application strategies. They discuss the importance of having a clear idea of desired job roles and tailoring resumes and LinkedIn profiles to showcase one's capabilities and accomplishments. He compares a resume to a movie trailer, designed to elicit interest from potential employers by highlighting key achievements.

Nicole and Russ explore the specifics of resume writing, advising on the use of action-driven words and the inclusion of clear, quantifiable achievements. They stress the necessity of consistency between a resume and a LinkedIn profile, noting the importance of an active LinkedIn presence in attracting recruiters. Russ suggests that candidates should also include relevant extracurricular activities and internships, especially for recent graduates. He advises against overloading resumes with irrelevant information, as this can detract from a candidate's genuine skills and achievements.

The conversation shifts to the etiquette of following up after job interviews, with Russ recommending a balance between persistence and patience. He advocates for taking initiative in the job search process, such as reaching out to connections or directly to employers, but warns against being overbearing. He also shares his personal mantra on taking risks and seizing opportunities, likening it to a baseball game where one must not let the fear of striking out prevent them from swinging at potential opportunities.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Why a resume should captivate potential employers by succinctly highlighting key achievements.
• The importance of including relevant extracurricular activities and internships to compensate for limited work experience.
• Why maintaining consistency between a resume and a LinkedIn profile is vital to ensuring a coherent professional narrative.
• Keeping a balance between persistence and patience when following up after job interviews.
• Russ' personal mantra about not letting the fear of striking out keep one from swinging.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

In this episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Jane Saccaro, a CEO, executive coach, and speaker with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organisations formulate, communicate, and mobilize to achieve a shared vision. They discuss the significance of listening and building strong relationships within a workspace to foster trust and competence. Jane offers her approach to negotiation, aiming to simplify the process and alleviate discomfort when asking for more money.

Nicole and Jane discuss her journey from growing up in the Midwest with leadership tendencies to becoming a CEO, highlighting her experiences of deep listening and peer counselling during high school, which shaped her understanding of human connection. Jane pursued a major in economics and a minor in psychology, which led her to strategic consulting at Bain and Company, where she learned the importance of relationship-building and credible demonstration of competence. After Bain, she transitioned to eToys.com, embracing the challenges of a new industry and climbing up from an associate product manager to a leadership role during the internet bubble era. 

They discuss Jane's move to Princess Cruises, where she faced the challenge of being one of the few women in a male-dominated environment. She emphasises the importance of relationship-building both shipboard and within the office. Jane also discusses her time in Zurich, Switzerland, where she decided to move into the social sector, aiming to find meaning in her hard work. She prepared by educating herself in various aspects of nonprofit management. Upon returning to the States, she joined Kasem, a small but promising nonprofit.

Throughout this fascinating and insightful conversation, Jane provides insights into successful negotiation, stressing preparation and the importance of understanding one's worth and the company's position. She offers advice on advocating for oneself, having intentional conversations, and practicing good body language to remain connected and calm during negotiations.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• The transformative power of deep listening and empathy and Jane's early experiences with peer counselling in high school, which laid the foundation for her leadership philosophy.
• Jane's journey at Bain and Company, revealing how critical relationship-building and credibility are in establishing oneself as a young leader in a competitive environment.
• The importance of tenacity and adaptability, particularly during tumultuous times, like the internet bubble era.
• How her strategic approach to earning trust and forging strong relationships allowed her to succeed in a challenging, male-dominated  work environment.
• How Jane's time in Zurich brought clarity to her career trajectory, and how she derived fulfilment from aligning hard work with meaningful impact.
• Demystifying negotiation, particularly for women - preparation, knowing one’s value, understanding the employer's standpoint, and practicing confident body language.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

Jane Saccaro LinkedIn

Jane's website

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Dan Lader, CIO at Sodexo Worldwide Home Care and an avid cyclist. They discuss his journey through the tech industry, the evolution of his career, and the strategies that have helped him navigate job transitions effectively. He begins by recounting his decision to enter the technology field after realising law school was not his calling, despite his parents' wishes and his engineering background. He joined AMS (American Management Systems) for its broad industry exposure and speaks fondly of the solid network and orientation it provided, which were invaluable in his early career.

Dan reflects on the cyclical nature of the mortgage industry and his desire to avoid its instability, which led him to seek opportunities in different fields. He has a proactive approach to the job search using detailed organisation methods, such as using a spreadsheet to manage contacts and follow-ups, aiming for several meetings per day, and focusing on targeted opportunities within companies of interest. They also discuss the importance of building strong relationships and having empathy in professional settings.

Dan shares insights into the significance of mentorship and personal investment in one's career. He mentions the impact of executive coaching and the value of seeking informal mentors to gain fresh perspectives on challenges. He also touches on his reading habits and recommends a book on Elon Musk and Tesla, finding inspiration in their perseverance through adversity.

Join Nicole and Dan for this informative and enlightening conversation.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Dan's journey from engineering to technology consulting, highlighting the importance of following one's interests rather than predetermined paths.
• The benefits of comprehensive training programs like AMS 101 for college graduates entering the tech industry, and the importance of continuous learning and development.
• The importance of a robust professional network, as well as building and maintaining relationships within one’s industry.
• The need for professionals to proactively anticipate industry trends and adapt accordingly.
• Why organisation and focus during a job search has been vital for Dan's success.
• The value of prioritising relationships and networking over simply completing tasks
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole's LinkedIn

Power Play: Tesla, Elon Musk, and the Bet of the Century ebook

Dan's LinkedIn

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Rachel Lockett, C-suite executive coach, keynote speaker and acclaimed author of "The Technology Doesn't Matter: Prioritizing the People in IT Business Alignment," where she unpacks the intricacies of leadership and collaboration to align technology and business. Rachel shares her journey from a high school actress to a seasoned IT professional and eventually becoming the CIO for the Polaroid companies. Initially determined to pursue acting, she later turned her attention to computers, recognizing a more stable career path. Rachel humorously notes her ability to incorporate her marathon-running experience into conversations and reflects on her past as a radio disc jockey.

Her career in IT began unexpectedly when she was hired as a programmer, a job she felt unqualified for but ultimately excelled in, staying with the company for 14 years. Rachel candidly discusses her experiences with imposter syndrome, her approach to learning and growth, and the importance of leaning into challenges. She details how she became the CIO of Polaroid, emphasizing the power of courageous humility and the importance of mentorship. She shares insights into leadership, particularly the value of seeing fellow supervisors and managers as teammates rather than competitors.

Nicole and Rachel also discuss the correlation between autistic tendencies and interests in IT, shedding light on gender disparities and the high turnover in the industry. She highlights the need for business leaders to understand and accommodate neurodiversity to enhance productivity and inclusion. 

Join Nicole and Rachel for this enlightening conversation about career elevation and building trusting and effective relationships with fellow leaders.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Rachel's journey from a passion for acting to a fulfilling career in IT, driven by a desire for a stable and successful life.
• Embracing challenges, the phenomenon of imposter syndrome, and how taking risks led to career advancement.
• The challenge IT leaders face in being fully included in executive teams and the business side of operations.
• The impact of neurodiversity on the gender gap and turnover rates in IT.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole's LinkedIn

The Technology Doesn't Matter book

Rachel's LinkedIn

Rachel's Website

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Johnathan Keith, a former professional athlete who has made an incredible transition into the world of high-tech entrepreneurship. Johnathan is currently the CEO and CTO of JDR Security Solutions.

He shares his career trajectory, highlighting the profound impact of his upbringing, his move into corporate America, and ultimately his leap into the technology industry.

He shares the story of how he landed his first job and how that first step propelled him into technology and cybersecurity.

Johnathan delves into career-defining moments, including his influential work with the CDC during the Obama administration. You’ll learn more about his path to becoming a CISO.

Johnathan believes entrepreneurship is part of his core identity and delves into his decision to return to his entrepreneurial roots.

He also tells of a pivotal moment in his life and how this tragic event served as a strong reminder that one should not let stress overshadow one's life. He offers advice for people who want to follow in his footsteps, whether they are interested in a career change or aspire to a leadership position.

Johnathan also addresses concerns about AI and its potential impact on jobs.

Join Nicole and Johnathan for an enlightening conversation about securing your first job, transitioning careers, and achieving success as an entrepreneur.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• A fun fact about Johnathan. 
• How Johnathan actively promotes diversity and inclusion in the technology industry. 
• The importance of showcasing one's energy and enthusiasm during interviews.
• Exploring different opportunities within a company. 
• How entrepreneurship aligns with his core values and passion. 
• Rapid-fire questions about Johnathan. 
• And so much more…

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

Johnathan Keith LinkedIn

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Colleen Wolf, a seasoned C-level executive with nearly two decades of experience. As a CIO, Colleen is an inspiring leader in the tech industry. Colleen holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science from the University of Alberta.

Colleen shares her remarkable career journey, starting from her early days in programming at Intergraph to her roles at renowned companies like IBM and Mattel, eventually rising to the esteemed position of CIO. She will be sharing key principles that contributed to her successful career in the tech industry. 

Throughout the episode, you'll learn about the need to create an environment for courageous conversations in the organization, how curiosity played a pivotal role in her ascent to the CIO position, and the benefits of leveraging "other person's point of view" (OPPOV) to advance your career.

The conversation touches upon the common experience of imposter syndrome and self-doubt, with both Colleen and Nicole sharing personal stories. Colleen also discusses her approach to handling self-doubt. She emphasizes the need for continuous learning and adaptation of new technologies and industry trends. 

Finally, in the Fast Five segment, Colleen shares some quick insights. Plus, Colleen will share not just one, but two interesting fun facts about herself.

Join Nicole and Colleen for an enlightening and enjoyable conversation about navigating the corporate world, fostering a culture of courageous conversations, and the power of curiosity in driving a successful career in technology leadership.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Career elevation and courageous conversations.
• What inspired her to pursue a career in technology?
• How remote work and flexibility can benefit women in the workforce.
• A valuable strategy called O.P.P.O.V. 
• Fostering courageous conversations in the workplace. 
• Leveraging vendor partnerships. 
• A key piece of advice for individuals starting their careers.
• And so much more...

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

LinkedIn | Colleen Wolf 

The Elevate Your Career podcast is aimed at empowering individuals across various career stages. Your host is Nicole McMackin, CEO of Irvine Technology Corporation (ITC). This show explores the career journeys of various fascinating professionals, sharing insights and tools for career advancement. Nicole's own career, enriched by diverse experiences and lessons learned from successful individuals, inspired her to create the podcast. She grew up in a working-class family where her mother and godmother ran a private school, teaching her the importance of trust, work ethic, intellectual maturity, and communication. These early lessons shaped her understanding of leadership and success.

Initially aspiring to be an attorney, Nicole's path led her back to her family business, igniting a passion for teaching and guiding young minds. This experience expanded to career guidance and recruitment, aligning with her desire to help people find fulfilling careers. She realised her mission was not just to be an attorney, but to make an impact through career guidance. This show aims to share stories of success and failure, offering practical, actionable advice.

Throughout the episodes, you'll find practical tools for career advancement, diverse perspectives from guests across various industries, and raw, authentic storytelling without sugarcoating the challenges of success. This show targets individuals committed to self-improvement and career growth, especially supporting women's career advancement. It aims to impact lives by sharing career stories and lessons, offering insights and advice for professional development.

Enjoy!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• How the show will encourage empowerment through diverse career stories.
• How real-life stories highlight both achievements and setbacks, and offers a balanced perspective on career development.
• Nicole’s background in a family-run school, and how it instilled early lessons in trust, work ethic, and communication.
• Her shift from aspiring attorney to a career in teaching and recruitment.
• And so much more..

Resources:

Nicole McMackin LinkedIn

Irvine Technology Corporation