In this episode of Office IQ, host Jeff Apfel chats with Alessandro Fard, founder of CreateApe, about his career journey and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Alessandro shares his transition from graphic design to UX design, emphasizing the importance of following your passion and not just chasing financial gain. He highlights pivotal moments, like challenging his boss to recognize his value and the power of storytelling in interviews. Alessandro's entrepreneurial journey and insights into resilience, work-life balance, and finding happiness provide valuable lessons for young professionals navigating their careers. His emphasis on flexibility, prioritizing joy, and not taking life too seriously offers practical advice for achieving success and fulfillment in both personal and professional spheres. Alessandro's authentic and relatable conversation with Jeff provides a wealth of material for further exploration of topics such as work-life balance, resilience, and finding happiness. If you're looking for inspiration to guide your career journey and achieve a fulfilling work-life balance, this episode with Alessandro Fard is a must-listen for valuable insights and practical advice.

Stay hungry. Even if you win in something, you get the job, you launch the company, you hit your first million. Stay hungry. If you're no longer hungry, you need to consider getting out of the game. - Alessandro Fard

Chapters:

(00:00:00) Alessandro's Early Career 

(00:07:02) Professional Growth 

(00:12:17) Departure from TrueCar 

(00:12:49) Flexible Work Hours and Adding Value 

(00:15:18) The Power of Storytelling 

(00:21:15) Learning and Growth at Lynda.com 

(00:23:15) Company Changes and Standing Up 

(00:27:22) Transition to Entrepreneurship 

(00:32:32) Evolution of CreateApe 

(00:35:49) Entrepreneurial Mindset 

(00:37:37) Learning from Mistakes 

(00:38:17) The Importance of Efficient Tools 

(00:41:21) Entrepreneurship 

(00:46:23) Future Plans for CreateApe 

(00:49:35) Words of Advice

Stay Connected:

https://www.officeintelligence.com

https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

In this episode of Office IQ, Amanda Phillips, shares her career journey from working in the mortgage business to becoming EVP of Compliance for ACES Quality Management. She discusses the significance of maintaining genuine relationships and developing a unique perspective, emphasizing the importance of admitting mistakes and learning from them. Amanda's experiences highlight the challenges faced by women in traditionally male-dominated industries like financial services and the changes that have occurred over the years. Her insights on the importance of fostering a supportive work environment and seeking opportunities for learning and development are valuable for professionals in any industry, making this episode a must-listen for professionals in male-dominated industries looking to overcome challenges and grow personally. Amanda's pragmatic approach to career choices and her determination to take risks provide an interesting perspective on navigating career paths and finding success. Her story showcases the intersection of different industries, demonstrating that one can find satisfaction by combining seemingly unrelated fields.

"I said, 'You may be willing to sell your soul for a comp check, but I'm not.'" ~ Amanda Phillips

Chapters:

(0:00) Amanda's Story + Career Journey

(18:24) LinkedIn and Networking

(20:52) Skills for Success

(25:32) Learning from Mistakes

(33:39) Importance of Sticking to Principles

(35:51) Challenges Faced by Women in a Male-Dominated Industry

(41:39) Interviewing Companies for Cultural Fit

(45:41) Understanding Interpersonal Dynamics in the Office 

Connect:

https://www.officeintelligence.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

In this episode of the Office IQ podcast, you'll hear from two Jeffs. Jeff Apfel is joined by his new co-host, Jeff Otto. In this episode, Jeff Otto shares his background and experience in the entertainment industry, as well as the two dive into the topic of work from home productivity. Otto shares his journey from film school to working as an assistant to a screenwriter and managing a Hollywood video store. He then freelanced for a video game and men's entertainment site before landing a full-time job at IGN, where he covered press junkets and interviewed celebrities in the movie industry. The conversation delves into Otto's transition from IGN to a startup called Reels Channel, the challenges they faced, and his eventual layoff. Throughout the episode, key themes of career transitions, corporate culture, and the realities of the entertainment industry emerge. Otto's experiences offer valuable insights for individuals looking to break into the entertainment industry or start their own business. So, if you're seeking inspiration and want to gain insights into the challenges and rewards of working in the entertainment industry, this episode is definitely worth a listen.

I knew sitting at a desk in the corporate job scene was not my bag. At all. - Jeff Otto

Chapters:

(0:00) Background and Early Career 

(3:21) Working at IGN 

(8:23) Working at Reels Channel 

(9:37) Corporate Environment and Layoffs 

(14:10) Starting a Business

(22:58) Transitioning from Freelance Work

(29:08) Factors Influencing Productivity 

(30:34) Office Atmosphere and Distractions 

(31:38) Office Culture and Distractions 

(32:47) Individual Differences in Working from Home 

(36:17) Loneliness and Lack of Interaction 

Connect:

https://www.officeintelligence.com

https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

In this episode of the Office IQ podcast, you'll hear from Albin Gielicz, a consultant who shares his career journey and valuable lessons learned along the way. Albin's story is inspiring as he began his career working in Russia shortly after the fall of communism. Albin's experiences highlight the importance of self-reflection, risk, continuous learning, and finding fulfillment in your career. His insights on workplace dynamics, the value of discomfort and disruption, and the benefits of seeking employment abroad offer practical advice for early career professionals seeking growth and advancement. Whether you're looking for motivation to step outside your comfort zone or seeking guidance on finding the right fit in a job, this episode is packed with valuable insights that can enhance your career development and advancement opportunities. Tune in to the Office IQ podcast to learn from Albin's journey and gain valuable tips for your own success.

I moved to Moscow in 1995... about 3.5 years post-communism. - Albin Gielicz

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:25) Moving Abroad

(9:08) Diversity of Expat Community

(13:57) Leaving a Job Without a Plan

(19:31) Running for City Council and Finding a Consultant Role 

(28:32) Navigating Office Politics and Workplace Dynamics

(34:13) Advice for Early Career Professionals 

(43:35) Ways to Work Abroad

(45:51) Taking Risks and Trying New Things 

Stay Connected:

https://www.officeintelligence.com

https://www.youtube.com/youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

https://www.linkedin.com/linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

https://www.twitter.com/twitter.com/

In this episode of Office IQ, you'll hear from Jeremy Reed, a content and marketing executive with 25 years of experience. Jeremy shares his journey from starting as a music editor at a startup in the 90s to being a part of 2 successful IPOs and beyond. Jeremy shares advice and wisdom from his career that will help any young professional become successful in their career. Throughout the conversation, Jeremy and Jeff highlight the value of being entrepreneurial and the significance of relationships and networking. If you're looking to embrace entrepreneurship within your organization or are interested in startups, this episode of Office IQ is a must-listen.

I want to make sure that I do my task at hand, but I also want to see what other opportunities we could do to expand the company. - Jeremy Reed

Timstamps:

0:00 Introduction and Background

2:24 Building Relationships at Work

5:39 Starting His Own Business

9:35 Joining CitySearch

12:10 Startups, Equity and Going Public

27:08 Shifting Career Paths and Learning New Skills

35:18 Dealing with conflict or a Bad Boss

40:39 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence

41:47 Entrepreneurship within a Company

Connect:

Website: https://www.officeintelligence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officeintelligence/

In this episode of Office IQ, host Jeff Apfel sits down with Diana Santana to discuss her career journey and provide valuable insights for young professionals entering the workforce. Diana shares her experiences in sales and highlights the importance of adaptability, collaboration, and assertiveness in achieving career growth. One of the unique things about Diana is that she has spent her entire career with one company! She shares what she has learned along that journey as well as the value of continuous learning and the need to be confident and proactive in contributing to the team. Diana also delves into the topic of office politics, offering advice on navigating power dynamics and establishing strong relationships within the organization. Her story serves as an inspiration for listeners, showcasing the possibilities for success within a single company and the importance of finding a supportive work environment. Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, this episode of Office IQ is packed with valuable advice and insights to help you boost your confidence, assertiveness, and overall career growth.

Demonstrate your ability to be a problem solver and come to the table with solutions. - Diana Santana

Timestamps:

(0:00) Intro

(1:41) Diana's Background and Career Journey 

(10:25) Working Remotely and Competing with Established Players

(19:08) First Executive Meeting and Learning from It

(23:31) Navigating a Company's Reorganization

(32:26) Standing Out as a Salesperson

(35:10) Importance of Company Culture

(41:52) The Value of Mentors and Networking

(47:50) The Importance of Teamwork

(49:37) Navigating Office Politics

(53:31) Advocating for Yourself

Connect:

Website: https://www.officeintelligence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officeintelligence/

Welcome to Office IQ! In this episode, longtime friend Mike Edmond joins the podcast to share valuable insights and observations from his 25+ year career, particularly when it comes to working with young professionals just starting out. He emphasizes the importance of having a team-oriented mindset, understanding the bigger picture, and actively contributing beyond assigned tasks. Mike also dives into the often overlooked topic of office politics, providing tips on navigating these dynamics with situational awareness. Additionally, he offers advice on the interview process, stressing the significance of personality, character, and curiosity. If you're a young professional looking to excel in the workplace and achieve success, this episode of Office IQ is a must-listen. Mike's expertise and practical advice will help you navigate the complexities of the workplace and accelerate your career growth. 

It's not just about what you know, but also how likable you are. Building positive relationships and being someone that others want to work with is equally as important as your skill set. - Mike Edmond

Timestamps:

(0:00) Professional and Interpersonal Skills

(7:30) Long-Term Benefits of Building Relationships

(10:27) Driving Change and Inspiring Others 

(16:19) The Importance of Teamwork

(18:08) The Drive to Understand and Improve

(22:29) Overcoming Intimidation and Perception

(26:51) Situational Awareness

(33:07) Dealing with Difficult Colleagues

(34:37) Navigating Office Politics

(38:30) The Importance of Personality in Interviews

(43:59) The Value of Personality and Character

(50:43) Benefits of Listening

Connect:

Website: https://www.officeintelligence.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/office-intelligence-inc

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwspOHv5LS7v5d1n1gkIprQ/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/officeintelligence/

Welcome to Office IQ, a podcast about the things you need for a successful career that college probably never taught. This podcast is hosted by Jeff Apfel, who brings over two decades of experience in the tech industry, where I've worn many hats, including that of a lawyer, working on everything from product development to finance, HR to sales, and everything in between.

In this podcast, you’ll hear wisdom and stories from Jeff as well as an impressive list of guests. Jeff and these corporate executives and industry experts and here to help you navigate the intricacies of the corporate world and build a flourishing career.

In each episode, you'll gain valuable insights into the strategies and skills that have propelled individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries into leadership positions. We'll also delve into the complex tapestry of personalities you're likely to encounter in your professional life, equipping you with the tools to interact effectively and reduce workplace frustrations and stress.

If you're looking to supercharge your career, gain a better understanding of corporate dynamics, or unlock your true potential, hit that subscribe button, so you never miss an episode. Welcome to Office IQ - your guide to success in the corporate world.

Learn more at officeintelligence.com