Making the Grade Podcast

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S4 EP 36 | Creating Meaningful Connections: A Conversation with Zheina

Have you ever wondered how to build meaningful connections while balancing a busy career, personal life, and multiple community projects? On this episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia sits down with her friend Zheina, a go-to-market leader at Technis and co-founder of Gather, to talk about her journey from Bulgaria to the United States, her career transition into tech, and her passion for bringing people together. They also discuss how Zheina manages her many commitments, builds professional communities, and creates space for the people and experiences that bring her joy.

We talk about:

• Zheina’s journey from Bulgaria to the United States and her transition from education and nonprofits into tech
• How Gather and the Bulgarian Professionals Network bring people together through genuine connections and professional community
• Managing multiple commitments with Google Calendar, meeting notes, prioritization, and learning to set boundaries
• Recognizing personal capacity, trusting others, and balancing productivity with rest and self-care
• Finding joy in new opportunities, collaboration, and building relationships that extend beyond work

Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, community builder, or someone looking to create more meaningful relationships, this episode offers insights on networking, time management, personal growth, and building a life around the things that matter most.

Guest Spotlight

Zheina | Go-to-Market Leader at Technis & Community Builder

Zheina is a go-to-market leader at Technis, where she helps retailers, commercial real estate companies, and large events use data to improve customer experiences and operations. Originally from Bulgaria, she has lived in several countries and built a career spanning higher education, study abroad, nonprofits, and technology.

Outside of her professional role, Zheina is a co-founder of Gather, a Boston networking community, and the Bulgarian Professionals Network in Boston. She also co-leads the Boston chapter of Retail Women in Tech and is a member of Women Applying AI. Through these communities, she brings people together, encourages collaboration, and creates opportunities for meaningful connections.

Socials:

LinkedIn: Zheina Pramatarova

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

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In this episode, Christine sits down with Matt Quinlan, a Massachusetts and New Hampshire Realtor and team leader of Quinlan Homes at Classified Realty Group.

Matt shares how his background in early childhood education and psychology shaped his approach to real estate, why education is such an important part of guiding clients through major decisions, and how he built a business centered on relationships, referrals, and trust.

The conversation also explores Matt’s commitment to community building through networking events and workshops that connect local business owners and professionals. Rather than focusing on sales pitches, Matt believes in creating genuine relationships and making thoughtful introductions that benefit everyone involved.

Christine and Matt also discuss goal setting, executive functioning, the challenges of balancing family and business, and the importance of knowing when to ask questions or rely on trusted professionals. Matt shares how gathering information, building a strong support network, and being comfortable saying “I don’t know, but I know where to find the answer” have helped him grow throughout his career.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Matt’s journey into real estate and how his education background influences his work
• The importance of educating clients through stressful real estate decisions
• Building a business through relationships, referrals, and community
• Creating networking events that focus on genuine connections
• The value of surrounding yourself with trusted professionals
• Goal setting and working toward business growth
• Executive functioning challenges when balancing family and business
• Knowing when to ask for help and find the right answers
• Why small business owners benefit from shared knowledge and collaboration

About Matt Quinlan

Matt Quinlan is a Massachusetts and New Hampshire Realtor and team leader of Quinlan Homes at Classified Realty Group. He has helped clients buy and sell more than 370 homes across 103 towns. His approach is centered on relationships, referrals, and educating clients throughout the real estate process. He is also passionate about community building and creating opportunities for local business owners and professionals to connect and learn from one another.

Connect with Matt:

https://www.qrealtorma.com/

https://www.facebook.com/share/1JwgEjsdz4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/qrealtorma/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

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Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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S4 EP 54 | Taking a Chance, Finding Your Creative Path & Building a Career on Your Own Terms: A Conversation with Chris

Have you ever wondered what it takes to build a creative career while balancing family life, freelancing, and the many demands of everyday life? On this episode of Making the Grade podcast, Christine sits down with her husband, freelance animator and motion designer Chris, to talk about his journey into motion design, transitioning from agency work to freelancing, managing creative projects, and finding ways to work that fit how he functions best. They also share a more personal look at Chris's life, including his relationship with Christine, their family, and how they have supported each other through career changes, entrepreneurship, and the different seasons of life.

We talk about:

• Chris's journey into motion design and becoming a freelancer
• Taking the leap from agency work and building a career on his own terms
• Managing creative projects, productivity, and different work styles
• Balancing freelancing, marriage, family life, and raising two young children
• Taking chances, embracing uncertainty, and finding what works for you

Whether you're a creative, freelancer, entrepreneur, or parent, this episode offers practical insights on productivity, work-life balance, and creating a career that works for you.

Guest Spotlight

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer

Chris is a Boston-based freelance animator and motion designer with over a decade of experience creating work for a wide range of clients. His projects have appeared on television, in theaters, at tech conferences and sports stadiums, and even on President Biden’s Twitter feed. A creative problem solver and team manager, he takes projects from start to finish while balancing animation, production, and client collaboration.

Outside of work, Chris is Christine’s husband and a father of two young children. He has supported Christine throughout her freelance journey while navigating their different work styles and sharing an office. He has also helped shape Making the Grade behind the scenes, from the original podcast logo and visual identity to the MTG Frameworks rebrand.

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

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Have you ever wondered what it really takes to build a business while balancing family life, leadership, and your own well-being? On this episode of Making the Grade podcast, Georgia sits down with her husband, entrepreneur and deVINE Naturals co-founder Sergey Kuperman, to discuss his journey from sales to entrepreneurship, growing deVINE Naturals from a single storefront into multiple retail locations, and how systems, habits, and self-care have shaped both his business and personal life.

We talk about:

• Building and growing deVINE Naturals from one storefront to multiple retail locations
• Leading a growing team through delegation, trust, and intentional systems
• How organization tools like Trello and simple habits reduce overwhelm and improve collaboration
• Balancing entrepreneurship, marriage, and fatherhood while protecting what matters most
• Why self-care, movement, and wellness are essential for productivity and leadership
• Learning to adapt, embrace change, and grow through every season of business and life
• Practical strategies for entrepreneurs looking to build sustainable habits without burning out

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, team leader, or someone navigating a busy season of life, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, organization, delegation, work-life balance, and creating systems that support both your business and your well-being.

Guest Spotlight

Sergey Kuperman | Co-Founder, deVINE Naturals

An entrepreneur and co-founder of deVINE Naturals, Sergey has helped grow the Boston-based wellness brand from a single storefront into multiple retail locations, an online marketplace, and a wholesale operation. Passionate about leadership, innovation, and wellness, he shares how building strong systems, empowering a team, and prioritizing personal well-being have helped create a business that continues to grow while adapting to life's changing seasons.

Website: deVINE Naturals

Socials: devine_naturals | s_kupe

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Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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Season 4, Episode 52 Brendan Nixon

In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia and Christine sit down with Brendan Nixon, founder of Homes by Brendan Nixon and a top-producing Boston-based realtor with over $50 million in sales. Known for building his business through authentic relationships, creative content, and community-driven events, Brendan shares his journey from a cubicle SEO job he hated, to a sales role at Toast, through a pandemic layoff, and into a thriving full-time real estate career rooted in who he truly is.

This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients and collaborators connected to MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how mindset, systems, and executive function strategies support both their personal and professional growth.

Brendan talks about letting go of the "right way" to do real estate, embracing his naturally extroverted and creative personality, and building a business that actually fits his life. He shares how going from cold calling burnout to value-driven outreach and event hosting transformed not only his pipeline but his relationship with his work. He also opens up about a major personal transformation losing 104 pounds, prioritizing his health, and building systems that support long-term consistency.

Throughout the conversation, Brendan reflects on the power of giving yourself permission to be yourself, trading hustle culture for sustainable habits, and how breaking big goals into bite-size daily priorities changed everything for him.

We Talk About:

• Building a real estate business rooted in relationships, referrals, and authentic content
• Moving away from cold calling to value-driven, event-based outreach
• How executive function systems like the "Big Three" daily priorities support focus and follow-through
• The power of self-awareness in finding the work style that actually works for you
• Creating intentional guest experiences through community events and curated gatherings
• Why giving yourself permission to be funny, creative, and real is a business strategy
• Health, habit change, and the personal transformation that runs alongside professional growth
• Hitting 1 million views in 90 days by finally letting go of the "realtor mold"

Whether you're an entrepreneur, real estate professional, or someone navigating burnout and searching for a more sustainable way to grow, this episode offers practical insights on goal setting, outreach, content creation, and building a business and life that actually feels good.

Guest Spotlight

Brendan Nixon | Realtor & Content Creator, Homes by Brendan Nixon

A top-producing Boston-based realtor with over $50 million in sales, Brendan Nixon has been full-time in real estate for nine years. A Bryant University marketing graduate and Connecticut native, Brendan is based in Watertown, Massachusetts and is known for blending genuine personality with smart strategy, hosting community events, creating viral real estate content, and building a brand that feels nothing like the typical realtor playbook. When he's not closing deals, you'll find him weightlifting, running half marathons, fishing, or working on stand-up comedy.

Find Brendan:

Instagram: @homes_by_brendan_nixon

Upcoming Event Talked about in the Podcast:

Singles Only: Talk Birdy to Me — July 2026

A golf-themed singles event for ages 25–35 featuring live music, food, drinks, and driving range fun. Keep an eye on Brendan's Instagram for details!

About Making the Grade

Making the Grade is a podcast hosted by Georgia and Christine, co-founders of MTG Frameworks coaching. Each season, they sit down with clients, collaborators, and creatives to explore how mindset, executive function, and intentional systems support personal and professional growth. Season 4 highlights the real people doing the real work one goal at a time.

Take the Free Executive Function Personality Quiz: EF Style Quiz

Find us Here!

🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks                                                            🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

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In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Tammy Golson Fallon, founder of Tammy Golson Events and the Boston Planners Dining Club. Known for creating elevated weddings, corporate events, and curated industry experiences across New York City and New England, Tammy shares her journey from working in hospitality and at The New York Times to building a respected event planning business rooted in genuine connection, creativity, and thoughtful guest experiences.

This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients and collaborators connected to MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how mindset, systems, and executive function strategies support both their personal and professional growth.

Tammy talks about balancing entrepreneurship, motherhood, and the fast-paced nature of the events industry while staying grounded in authenticity and relationships. She shares how creativity, organization, and adaptability all play a role in executing seamless events and building meaningful industry connections through the Boston Planners Dining Club.

Throughout the conversation, Tammy reflects on the importance of collaboration over competition, staying true to your unique strengths, and creating systems that support both your business and personal life. She also shares practical habits, mindset shifts, and lessons learned from years in the luxury events industry.

We talk about:
 • Building a business rooted in relationships and word-of-mouth referrals
 • Balancing creativity, organization, and real-time problem solving
 • How executive function systems support event planning and entrepreneurship
 • The value of authenticity and finding your niche professionally
 • Creating intentional guest experiences through thoughtful details
 • Why collaboration and community matter in the events industry
 • Small habits and self-care practices that support long-term success

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone navigating career pivots and growth, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, organization, creativity, and building a business that feels aligned and sustainable.

Guest Spotlight
 Tammy Golson Fallon | Founder & Creative Director, Tammy Golson Events
 An event planner and creative director with a background in hospitality and luxury events, Tammy creates thoughtful weddings, corporate gatherings, and curated experiences while fostering connection and collaboration through the Boston Planners Dining Club.

Website: tammygolson.com

Socials: tammygolsonevents | bostonplannersdiningclub

Find us Here!
🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks                                                            🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Abel Castaneda, owner of APEX Advantage Bookkeeping, who brings over 20 years of experience in the financial industry. Based in Nebraska, Abel shares his journey from working in corporate finance to building his own bookkeeping business, driven by his passion for helping others understand and take control of their finances.

This episode is part of Season 4, where MTG Frameworks highlight clients who transform through 1:1 coaching. Each guest shares how executive function systems, goal-setting, and mindset have helped them grow personally and professionally.

Abel talks about the realities of running a business, balancing client work, productivity, and personal habits while continuing to grow. He shares how working with MTG Frameworks helped him reduce distractions, improve focus, and create systems that support both his business and daily life.

Throughout the conversation, Abel emphasizes the importance of relationships, listening, and simplifying complex financial topics so business owners can feel confident and supported. He also shares practical habits that have helped him stay productive and avoid burnout.

We talk about:

• Building better habits to reduce overwhelm and stay focused
• The impact of screen time and simple ways to stay more productive
• Why relationships and listening are key in business growth
• How executive function systems support consistency and clarity
• The value of simplifying finances for business owners
• Small daily habits that improve workflow and reduce stress

Whether you’re a business owner, high-performing professional, or someone looking to improve your productivity and organization, this episode offers practical insights on habits, mindset, and creating systems that actually work.

Guest Spotlight
Abel Castaneda | Owner, APEX Advantage Bookkeeping

A bookkeeping professional with 20+ years in the financial industry, Abel helps business owners stay organized, understand their numbers, and grow with confidence through simple, clear financial systems and support.

Website: apexadvantage.pro

Instagram: apex_advantagebookkeepingllc

Find us Here!
🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks                                               🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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In this episode of the Making the Grade Podcast, Christine and Georgia sit down with Maryanne Betso, a Certified Global Luxury Specialist with over 24 years of experience in real estate. Based in Connecticut, Maryanne shares her journey from corporate finance to becoming a successful real estate professional while raising three young children and building a long-term career in a highly competitive industry.

This episode is part of Season 4, where we highlight clients, we’ve worked with through MTG Frameworks coaching. Each guest shares how executive function systems, structure, and mindset have helped them grow personally and professionally.

Maryanne talks about the realities of working in real estate balancing constant client demands, managing uncertainty, and staying productive in a field where success depends on long-term effort and organization. She shares how working with MTG Frameworks helped her refine her systems, stay accountable, and continue leveling up after decades in the business.

Throughout the conversation, Maryanne also shares practical habits and lessons she’s learned from over two decades in real estate, including the importance of listening, staying adaptable, and finding systems that work for you.

We talk about:

• The realities of working in real estate and why it requires long-term discipline
  
  
  
• How executive function systems help entrepreneurs stay organized and consistent
  
  
  
• Why accountability and structure matter when you work for yourself
  
  
  
• The importance of listening and problem-solving in client-focused careers
  
  
  
• What small personal habits (like taking calls on walks or writing quick notes) support productivity
  
  
  

Whether you work in real estate, run your own business, or are simply looking for ways to stay more organized and productive, this episode offers practical insights on mindset, systems, and building sustainable success over time

Guest Spotlight

Maryanne Betso | Certified Global Luxury Specialist
 Real Estate Professional with 24+ years of experience serving clients across Connecticut. Maryanne specializes in helping clients navigate complex real estate decisions with expertise, organization, and personalized service.

Website: maryannebetso.com

Instagram: mare_real_estate

Find us Here!
Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
Socials | @massteacherprep & @mtgframeworks                                                       

 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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In Season 4, Episode 48 of the Making the Grade Podcast, Christine sits down with Will, a financial planning and wealth management professional who helps individuals and families  approach retirement with clarity and confidence. Will began working with MTG Frameworks through executive function coaching and has since extended the support to a team member, integrating EF systems more fully into his business.

Will shares how he simplifies complex financial decisions, minimizes tax stress, and helps clients align their money with what actually matters to them. Drawing from behavioral finance, Stoicism, neuroscience, and his training as a superforecaster, Will explains how mindset, emotional regulation, and executive function plays a huge role in long-term financial success.

They talk about:

• How executive function impacts financial decision-making
  
  
• Reducing financial anxiety through clarity and systems
  
  
• Why behavior matters just as much as numbers in wealth planning
  
  
• Using foresight and discipline to navigate uncertainty
  
  
• Aligning money with personal values and long-term goals

Whether you’re planning for retirement, managing financial stress, or trying to make smarter long-term decisions, this episode offers practical insights and a fresh perspective on money, mindset, and planning for the future.

Guest Spotlight:
 Will | Financial Planning & Wealth Management Professional
 Focused on retirement planning, tax efficiency, and values-based financial strategies

Instagram: unstoppawill

Find us Here!
🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram |  @mtgframeworks                                                                                                         🎵Tik Tok l @mtgframeworks                                                                                                            🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

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In the Season 4 premiere of the Making the Grade Podcast, Georgia sits down with Catherine, a luxury travel advisor specializing in honeymoons, destination weddings, and thoughtfully designed leisure travel.

Catherine shares how she transitioned from mental health therapy into luxury travel, what really happens behind the scenes of travel planning, and why executive function skills like organization, flexibility, and emotional regulation are essential in high-demand, client-facing businesses.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why travel planning takes 40+ hours for the average person
• How executive function impacts entrepreneurs and service providers
• Avoiding burnout while managing constant task-switching
• Systems and brain hacks that actually work
• The truth about working with a travel advisor
• How Katherine flew around the world 3.6 times in one year

Whether you’re a business owner, planner, overthinker, or someone dreaming of stress-free travel, this episode is packed with practical insights and real-life strategies you can apply immediately.

Guest Spotlight:

Catherine | Luxury Travel Advisor
 Specializing in honeymoons, destination weddings & custom leisure travel
 Instagram: @buns_onthe_run
Website: Catherine Whitehouse | Wanderlust Jetsetter

Find out more about Making the Grade here

Learn more about Executive Function: https://makingthegradeproject.com/executive-function

Find us Here!
 🌐 Website | makingthegradeproject.com/blog/category/podcast/
📸 Instagram | @massteacherprep & @executivefunctionfix
🎧 Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)

Support the show

Chris | Freelance Animator & Motion Designer: Find his work and connect with him below:

Website: zuppa.tv

LinkedIn: (7) Chris Zuppa | LinkedIn

Follow Making the Grade!

Website | https://makingthegradepod.com/#home

Instagram | Making the Grade IG

Apple Podcasts | Making the Grade Podcast (Listen and give us a rating!)