When we are little, we all dream big. We start as blank slates with open minds and imagine grand futures. For most of us, somewhere along the way we learn limits disguised as realism. Our dreams evolve, and we often trade-in big dreams for seemingly more obtainable ones. Thankfully, Brian Quinn did not.

From working as a bench chemist for the Philadelphia Police Department to leading global hiring strategy for QVC, Jennifer has gained a lot of personal experience and offers insight about making a huge career shift. Learn how she knew it was time to change, how she went about exploring various opportunities, and what ultimately led her to a career that fulfills her.

Melinda grew up, as many of us do, balancing the tightrope of wanting to be accepted and wanting to be exceptional. She chose exceptional, and is now accepted into an elite group – best selling authors. As the Small Biz Lady, America’s #1 Small Business Expert, inspired by Oprah, she has built a media empire.

Jim is Vice President of Corporate Communications at Unisys. Do you think as a young boy he aspired to be in corporate communications? No. He was just an avid reader and enthusiastic writer. Listen to our interview to hear what Jim would tell his young self about his dreams of being a writer and the corporate success he would eventually achieve.

Tim is Director at the Philadelphia Microsoft Technology Center and has enjoyed an 18-year bi-coastal career with Microsoft. He learned very early in his career what it took to rise to the occasion of opportunities and has been able to exploit a rare combination of skills to create a brand for himself that has led to amazing career opportunities.

Berlinda’s father must have known what he was doing when he encouraged Berlinda, now and Producer at Fox29 in Philadelphia, and her sister to read the newspaper and discuss how a story could be more positive. He planted a seed that became a calling. What does a calling feel like?

Julie was raised in an environmentally conscious home, and had a penchant for writing about how we can save the planet from as young as 4th grade. Like most graduates, she was uncertain which direction she should take her career, especially since had decided that a career in law was not for her.

Emily “fell into” recruiting and HR, as most people in it do. She had some traditional corporate jobs, but is now leading the people movement at one of the hottest digital marketing companies on the rise, Seer Interactive, as Director of Employee Development. Move over, tradition.

Morgan was very hopeful as a young girl. So, like most of us, the “real world” was a bit crushing. She made what most would consider valiant attempts to land a job that fulfilled her and enabled her to make the big contribution she’d always wanted to, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that, in those jobs, her growth and her contribution were ultimately stifled.

John has had the privilege of working in the Philadelphia Phillies organization for 15 years after graduating from Ursinus College with a degree in Math and Computer Science. Now a Coordinator of Retail Merchandising, John has enjoyed the excitement of the industry and the organization, including being able to ride on a float in the World Series parade.