Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Amanda Layne Miller. Ever since she can remember, Amanda has been a fangirl. Now, she’s turned that passion into a career as a writer, filmmaker, comedian, and co-founder of Fangirl Central - a Black, queer, zillennial media company creating films, events, and content, and helping companies activate audiences and build fandoms. Fangirl Central has been featured in Vulture, Polyester Zine, Deadline, and the Paramount+ original documentary Larger Than Life: Reign of the Boybands. In our conversation, Amanda shares her vast industry experience - she’s developed an original sci-fi comedy feature with Netflix Animation, and has worked in writers’ rooms in both Los Angeles and Beijing, including The Morning Show (Apple TV+) and Woke (Hulu). She also talks about the ins and outs of working with her sister - notably their collaboration on the short film The Day I Didn’t Meet One Direction (2022), where it all began. Excuse my reach as I learn more about the mission behind her drive - and how you’re never too old, too young, or anything in between to be a fangirl.

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Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Isabel Sousa. Throughout her career, she has worked as a Business Analyst in both the healthcare and industrial sectors, and as a Product Owner of the Mosaico project—a common model for designing and developing digital public services focused on citizens and companies. She is now a Project Manager, furthering her work in digital transformation for the Portuguese government. While Isabel is an engineer with a master’s in Industrial Engineering and Management, she is also a cook with a deep passion for gastronomy that extends far beyond her home kitchen. She has sought out opportunities to nurture her curiosity for the craft. She even worked at her favorite restaurant on weekends—just for fun—and eventually developed and planned private events with chefs at the same establishment. Excuse my reach as I hear about Isabel’s work ethic and how she has balanced both her career and her passion for cuisine—folding them into her life with just a pinch of her unique flavor.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Alexis MacAdam. For the past 10 years, she has worked at Disneyland Resort - delighting 100+ guests per day through individual meet and greets, tailoring unique experiences, and using her communication and improv skills to provide seamless and memorable moments. Alexis graduated from the University of Southern California with a bachelor's degree in Theatre and a minor in Entertainment Industry and is now pursuing her MBA from Purdue University. In our conversation, Alexis shares where her love of performing began, tips on auditioning and adapting to the situation in front of her, and how she uses her degree in her role at Disney and beyond. Excuse my reach as I dive into the lessons she took from 'The Happiest Place on Earth' and how she used them to pivot her path - all while continuing to keep the magic alive.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Edon Molla. Whether in sports, business, or music, Edon has had an internal competitive mindset and a clear drive to continue to excel. He is an accomplished musician - having released both an album and multiple singles, and has had the opportunity to collaborate alongside well-renowned artists. While pursuing his music career, Edon has been working in digital media marketing and is getting his MBA at Columbia School of Business. In our conversation, Edon shares where his love of music began, his tips on growing in the industry, his dedication to his 9-5 profession and school, and how he’s managed it all. Through every career step taken or success point reached, he continues to strive for more - while still prioritizing the journey over the outcome. Excuse my reach as I hear how he has pivoted his passions and continued to reach new heights harmoniously.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Kaitlin DiSalvo. Since graduating from the University of Southern California with a degree in Business Administration and Management, Kaitlin has steadily advanced her career at Coach. In our conversation, she shares her journey through the company, starting as an assistant in Global Merchandising for Men’s Bags, Retail, and Runway to her current role as a Manager of Global Merchandising for Women’s Outlet Bags. Kaitlin gives us insight into her day-to-day, the cross-collaboration workflow, and the skills needed to excel in this profession. She has increased her industry knowledge, fostered meaningful working relationships, and taken on new, impactful responsibilities - all while remaining ever-grateful to have her dream job. Excuse my reach as I learn more about how she rose through the ranks and carved out her space in the fashion industry.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Brittany Ogletree. From the age of three years old, Brittany has had a natural love for beauty, makeup products, and creating. Since then, she has worked as a content creator, author, and entrepreneur - building her brand, Bri Beauty. In our conversation, Brittany explains the intricacies of the content creator space, from how to grow a following to insider tips on receiving consistent gifting. Brittany also gives us a deep dive into her brand - the mission, her goals for the company, and what she’s learned in the pre-launch phase. Excuse my reach as I hear how she turned her childhood passion into her full-time profession - all with beauty and grace.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Natalie Faber. She grew up loving all things Broadcast News, received her degree in Communication Studies and Mass Media and worked vigorously to make her dreams a reality. At the time of this interview, Natalie worked as a Broadcast Associate at CBS Evening News with Norah O'Donnell. Now, she is back where she wants to be - working local news at WCCO in her home state of Minnesota. In today's conversation, Natalie gives us a very realistic look into the world of working in broadcast - how she landed her role, the ins and outs of the job, the hard truths, and the most rewarding parts of this industry. Excuse my reach as I learn how she is shaping her career - her way, day by day.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Arlena Jackson, Founder and CEO of Elevation Ally, a career consulting agency for college women. Before founding her company, Arlena worked as a global communications executive for nearly 20 years - elevating well-renowned brands such as IBM, NASA, Emerson, and Salesforce. Now, she is a career coach, keynote speaker, advocate, and ally for job seekers, propelling more than 1,000 college women forward with actionable, time-proven coaching systems - and her work is ever-growing. Excuse my reach as I hear how her career has evolved and learn more about the concrete moves she has taken to pay it forward.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Melody Mohammadi, Associate Attorney at Buchalter, a full-service business law firm. Melody is an alumnus of the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business, where she studied Business Administration with a minor in Cinematic Arts. She then went on to pursue a job in consulting before ultimately deciding to attend Loyola Law School in Los Angeles. As a practicing attorney in commercial finance law, Melody is a creative problem solver who uses her expertise to communicate and connect with clients effectively and professionally. Excuse my reach as I learn how each distinct decision she made has led her to exactly where she is supposed to be.

Welcome back to Excuse My Reach! Today, our guest is Isaac Deol, Director of Digital Marketing and Creative Content & Artist Manager at Active Management, a full-service artist management firm, record label, and creative studio. Isaac has six years of experience managing artist-facing marketing projects in a content-driven landscape. He led digital marketing strategy and execution for Killer Mike's solo album “MICHAEL”, resulting in a category sweep at the 2024 Grammy Awards. Isaac is creative, analytical, and strategic in his work - and there is still so much more to come. Excuse my reach as I learn how he managed to turn his natural-born skill of facilitating creativity into a career in the music industry - all to the beat of his own.