Episode Description: 

On this episode of Growing the Middle, we’re talking about owning your expertise, pushing past imposter syndrome, and using strategic moves (like conferences!) to level up.

I’m joined by Jasmine Reynolds, an award-winning enterprise customer success executive and industry thought leader. With nearly two decades of experience, Jasmine has redefined customer success across life sciences and SaaS—proving that the right strategy, leadership, and mindset can transform careers and businesses alike.

In this conversation, we dive into:

🔥 Breaking free from complacency and staying challenged in your career

🔥 How networking and conferences can unlock new opportunities and higher salaries

🔥 The truth about customer success—and why it’s not just customer service

🔥 Building confidence & unmasking self-doubt in male-dominated spaces

Jasmine shares the exact steps she took to transition industries, land high-level roles, and make powerful career connections through conferences. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or unsure of your next move—this episode is for you.

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In this episode of Growing the Middle, Mariah Krystal sits down with Lauren LC Wells, founder of HerVival, a holistic wellness and personal development company dedicated to helping women prioritize their well-being. Lauren shares her incredible journey—from social services and healthcare to launching her own company—and why wellness is not just self-care but a vital career strategy.

They discuss navigating career pivots, overcoming burnout, and how perfectionism and procrastination hold us back from making necessary changes. Lauren also shares practical steps for self-discovery, rest, and balance in high-stress careers. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, this conversation is a must-listen!

Lauren is offering our listeners a complimentary one-month premium subscription to the Hervival membership. Use code GLOWUPNOW at https://hervival.co/membership to redeem.

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In this episode of Growing the Middle, Mariah Krystal sits down with JaNielle Walker, Senior Director of Partnerships at Rework Training, to discuss her incredible journey from retail and postal service work to breaking into tech and now leading corporate partnerships that create opportunities for diverse talent.

JaNielle opens up about navigating career pivots, the power of exposure, and how she leveraged community to accelerate her career growth. She also shares her experience as a Black woman in tech and a neurodivergent professional, discussing how her autism and ADHD impact the way she works, communicates, and sets boundaries.

They dive into imposter syndrome, self-advocacy, avoiding burnout, and breaking glass ceilings while staying true to yourself. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, embracing their neurodiversity, or learning to own their worth.

This episode is about the importance of self-advocacy, mental health, and creating a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.

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In this week’s episode (and the season one finale!!!), Mariah Krystal and Producer Steven reflect on their podcast journey, discussing their challenges and triumphs while creating this podcast.

They discuss the importance of overcoming fear, learning from experiences, and the value of community. The dynamic duo shares insights on lessons learned in podcasting, including the significance of preparation and the need for breaks.

Mariah also teases future plans, including workshops and new podcast themes, while celebrating their growth and the impact they hope to make.

And most importantly, Mariah thanks the listeners for all the support. There are exciting updates coming your way, so make sure to subscribe to our newsletter: authenticallyyoucoach.mykajabi.com/opt-in

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Success is never a solo journey. In this episode of Growing the Middle, Mariah Krystal sits down with her longtime friend and powerhouse, Carl C., to discuss the friendships that shape us. They dive into the value of having people who challenge you, support you, and remind you of who you are when self-doubt creeps in.

Carl shares his journey from Howard University to leading in media, advertising, and business development—working with ESPN, Disney, and The Trade Desk—while building a real estate portfolio on the side.

They explore imposter syndrome, career transitions, and the delicate balance of ambition, relationships, and self-belief.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re navigating your path alone, this episode is your reminder that the right friendships make all the difference.

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In this episode of Growing the Middle, Mariah Krystal sits down with Andrew Shapiro, a hiring expert who has spent over a decade navigating the evolution of recruiting, from startups to unicorns.

After witnessing firsthand how layoffs in 2020 and 2022 disrupted careers, Andrew left his job in 2023 to tackle a major gap—fixing the broken interview process for both candidates and hiring teams.

Together, they dive into:

✔️ Why hiring is fundamentally broken

✔️ The impact of layoffs & career pivots

✔️ How candidates can navigate a flawed system

✔️ Bias in interviews & why “polish” doesn’t equal potential

✔️ The importance of LinkedIn & networking for job seekers

✔️ How to do the job before you have it & stand out in hiring

Andrew is the founder of .community (www.shap.community/), an initiative helping candidates and interviewers master the hiring process. He’s also a startup advisor, mentor, and nonprofit board member.

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In this episode of Growing the Middle, we’re breaking down the power of a made-up mindset—how the way you think and the stories you tell yourself shape your career, goals, and success.

I’m joined by Kaivona Parker, a sales enablement expert, entrepreneur, and founder of KPA. With a career spanning tech sales, enablement, and even truck driving, Kaivona knows firsthand how shifting your mindset can open doors you never imagined.

We dive into:

• How mindset impacts goal setting and career growth
• Shaking off self-doubt and embracing your full potential
• The underestimated power of networking (and how a chance conversation changed her career)
• Why sales enablement is the key to high-performing sales teams
• How to transition into sales enablement (even from non-sales backgrounds!)
• The power of conferences and networking in career growth

Kaivona’s story is proof that confidence, adaptability, and owning your path can change everything. Whether you’re looking to pivot careers, step into your power, or simply rethink what’s possible—this episode is for you.

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This week on Growing the Middle, Mariah Krystal sits down with Ashlynn Raquel, a trailblazer in influencer marketing, to unpack the realities of being the first, the few, or the only in an industry that hasn’t always made space for diverse voices.

Ashlynn shares her journey from college to entrepreneurship, the challenges of navigating a predominantly white industry, and the power of trusting yourself when no blueprint exists. They also dive into setting boundaries, overcoming imposter syndrome and the pressure to always do more, and why authenticity is your greatest asset—both in business and in life.

This episode is about breaking barriers, building community, and owning your influence on your own terms.

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In this episode, host Mariah Krystal sits down with her Husband and Producer Steven, for a real and vulnerable conversation about how our work identities shape our self-identities—and, in turn, our relationships. 

They explore the themes of love, relati

onships, and personal growth. They share their journey of finding each other during a transitional period in their lives, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and dating with intention.

The discussion delves into the challenges of balancing work and personal life, the role of therapy in their relationship, and the dynamics of managing conflict and finances. This episode is raw, honest, and personal. If you’ve ever struggled with balancing career, identity, and relationships, this one’s for you.

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#GrowingTheMiddlePodcast #WorkIdentity #CareerTransitions #RelationshipsAndCareer #BalancingWorkAndLife

In this episode of the Growing the Middle podcast, Mariah Krystal and Jonah Alain discuss Jonah's journey from a childhood dream of being a businessman to his recent transition into tech sales.

They explore the importance of storytelling, networking, and community in achieving personal and professional growth. Jonah shares his experiences with re:WORK, a tech sales bootcamp, and emphasizes the significance of confidence, vision, and collaboration in overcoming challenges. 

This episode highlights the power of support systems and the need to embrace change and new opportunities as one navigates their career path. 

If you’d like to connect with Jonah, here are his links:

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Have comments on some of the topics we discussed? Have questions you'd like Mariah to answer on air? Let us know in the comments below!