Pivot with Purpose

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle, and today I have the privilege to hangout with Melisa Valdez for a LIVE episode! Melisa is a Host, Movement Coach, and Actor known for her vibrant energy and captivating presence. In the sports world, Melisa has made her mark as the In-arena host for the Boston Celtics, engaging fans and ensuring unforgettable experiences. Her hosting talents have also been showcased in major events for prestigious brands such as NBA, Red Bull, NAACP, New Era, Concepts, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, FazeClan, Embrace Boston, and more! Melisa also has a background in professional dance and has graced the world stage, performing on tour with various major musical artists. Her passion for dance has also led her to become a certified dance fitness instructor. With over a decade of experience in the fitness industry, she has crafted an inclusive approach that inspires change and empowerment. She was born and raised as a proud Afro-Latina in the Dominican Republic and her roots are always at the forefront of her work. I am so inspired by Melisa and her journey of authenticity and career pivots, so let's jump into our conversation!

Topics Covered:
• Melisa's multifaceted career as an entertainment host, movement coach, and dance instructor.
• Melisa’s mission to encourage authenticity through movement and dance.
• Overcoming rejection and the importance of perseverance in achieving your dreams.
• The impact of mentorship in Melisa’s journey and the value of surrounding oneself with supportive and inspiring individuals.
• Establishing boundaries in both personal and professional life.
• Nuances of advocating for fair compensation and standing firm on one's worth, valuable advice for navigating salary negotiations and freelance opportunities.
• Finding fulfillment in life, prioritizing self-care, and embracing flexibility and growth in pursuit of personal and professional goals.

Melissa's journey exemplifies the transformative power of authenticity, resilience, and self-awareness. By embracing your true self, setting boundaries, and advocating for your worth, you can pave the way for meaningful success and purpose. Connect with her via her website or social media!

Melisa’s Links:
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.melisavaldez.com
Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/missmelivaldez/
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/melisavaldez

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am sitting down with the wonderful Jennifer Desrosiers! Jennifer is a multi-passionate entrepreneur, business coach, and public speaker. She has a B.S. in Architectural Engineering, and held executive positions focused on massive revenue generation and growth before shifting her career from “Corporate America” to the wellness industry. Jennifer is notably the founder and CEO of LANEY & LU, an inspired eatery in Exeter and Portsmouth, NH, PALETTE, an experiential food and gifting company, and GINGER FOX, an artisan bakery in Stratham, NH. As the founder of ALTITUDE, Jennifer also creates elevated experiences in hospitality and live events inspired by connection and contribution. She is known for creating progressive team cultures, and profitable operations, and has an unwavering commitment to giving back. I am so excited to dive into her journey with you and discuss creating a thriving community through health and wellness!

Topics Covered:
(02:10) Jennifer discusses her experiences and goals for 2024, including strategic growth and balancing personal wellness with business demands.
(04:35) Jennifer’s journey from corporate business development to the health and wellness industry, including her struggles with health and how it led to the major career pivot.
(11:42) Jennifer's transformative health journey, discovering the Paleo diet, and how changing her diet and lifestyle led to the creation of her first restaurant.
(25:49) The importance of creating a positive brand experience, setting high standards and maintaining consistency in the service industry.
(28:17) The realities of business growth in the hospitality industry and the importance of adapting to different markets.
(39:27) Recognizing patterns and making difficult decisions for business success.
(53:16) Significance of financial literacy for small business owners.

Jennifer Desrosiers' story is a testament to the power of following your passion and prioritizing health and community when pivoting. She has so much knowledge to share with business owners, connect with her on Instagram to follow her journey and learn about coaching opportunities!

Jennifer’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferldesrosiers/

Connect with Jennifer’s Businesses!
ALTITUDE: @ALTITUDECOMPANIES | WWW.ALTITUDECOMPANIES.COM
LANEY & LU: @LANEYANDLU|  WWW.LANEYANDLU.COM
PALETTE: @PALETTEGRAZEBOARDS | WWW.PALETTEGRAZEBOARDS.COM
GINGER FOX: @GINGERFOXBAKERIES | WWW.GINGERFOXBAKERY.COM

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to Pivot With Purpose, I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am joined by Sophie Jones, CEO and Founder of Sophie Jones Sacred Coaching. She is a distinguished business coach and breathwork facilitator, assisting entrepreneurs and professionals in overcoming limiting patterns that hinder personal and professional growth. Sophie faced adversity in her early twenties as a victim of human trafficking and undeterred. After immersing herself in personal development, she obtained her real estate license and became a top producer in four different cities. In 2018 Sophie had a pivotal moment where she embraced sobriety and discovered the profound impact of breathwork. Now she helps entrepreneurs achieve success from within. I am so honored to share Sophie’s journey with you all and discuss the importance of authenticity in building a personal brand!

Topics Covered:
(02:12) Sophie’s life-changing pivot of escaping human trafficking in her early twenties and how this traumatic experience led her first real estate business.
(10:29)] Sophie’s challenges of finding meaningful connections and the impact of her trauma on her ability to build relationships.
(16:41) The importance of slowing down and getting honest with oneself through and authentic connections with others and therapy.
(24:58) Sophie’s experience in the Houston real estate market.
(28:27) The struggle many people face in finding clarity in their careers and how to break free from subconscious programming to achieve true clarity.
(32:15) The transformative power of breathwork.
(45:10) Simplify, simplify, simplify in marketing and messaging.
(55:21) Overcoming misconceptions and understanding the true essence of personal growth programs.

Sophie's story is a powerful reminder that no matter how difficult our past, we have the strength to pivot, and thrive with our purpose! If you want to learn more from Sophie check out her Step Out of Survival Course.

Sophie’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_sophie.jones/
Website: https://sophiejonessc.com/
Step Out Of Survival Course: https://sophiejonessc.my.canva.site/step-out-of-survival-method
Application to work with Sophie: https://www.honeybook.com/widget/sophie_jones_sacred_coaching_llc_210426/cf_id/6202f6425fa0ab10967f96dc
Book a Breathwork Session: https://sophie-jones-sacred-coaching.mykajabi.com/offers/A4pCba2Y/checkou

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome to Pivot With Purpose, where we dive into the art of career transitions and finding your professional footing. I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I am joined by strategic advisor, keynote speaker, podcast host, and bestselling author of Remarkable Retail and Leaders Leap, Steve Dennis! Steve has been named a top global retail influencer by multiple organizations, and his thoughts on the future of shopping are regularly shared in his role as a Forbes Senior Contributor, as well as through other media, including CNN, The Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg. As a sought-after keynote speaker, Steve has delivered talks on six continents, sharing his unique perspective on what it takes to reignite customer growth in a world of unrelenting change and shifting consumer preferences. Steve is President of SageBerry Consulting, where he has advised dozens of brands on their growth strategies. Prior to founding Sageberry, he was chief strategy officer and SVP, of multichannel marketing at the Neiman Marcus Group. In this episode, I am so excited to share Steve's story of transitioning from the corporate sphere to inspirational leadership. Together we’ll talk about Steve’s lessons learned, leadership tips, and insights from the dynamic world of retail and luxury brands. Let’s get started!

Topics Covered:

(01:33) Steve’s role in strategic advisory for retail consumer brands and his early experiences in retail and understanding consumer behavior.
(07:00) Lessons from Steve’s time at Sears, dealing with challenging situations during the rise of the internet and e-commerce.
(12:30) Steve’s pivot to Neiman Marcus and his adaptation to the luxury retail environment.
(18:07) The Importance of hiring for soft skills and diversity of experience.
(27:11) Why companies fail to act on market trends and the psychological barriers such as fear and ego that keep them stuck.
(33:49) Tips for current and aspiring leaders on developing essential skills like vulnerability, empathy, and the importance of building trust within teams.
(52:27) The importance of companies being proactive and ready to lead.
(54:14) Career advice for those feeling stuck.

The business landscape is always rapidly changing, and standing still is the riskiest move of all! As leaders we need to embrace vulnerability, take calculated risks, and foster an environment where trust and innovation can thrive. 

Want to learn more from Steve? Check out the Remarkable Retail Podcast!

Steve’s Links: 
Website: https://stevenpdennis.com/ 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpdennis
Twitter/X: https://twitter.com/StevenPDennis
Buy His Book “Leaders Leap”: https://stevenpdennis.com/leaders-leap/
Remarkable Retail Podcast: https://stevenpdennis.com/podcast/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to the Pivot With Purpose podcast, where we delve into the art of career transitions and finding your professional footing. I’m your host Meghan Houle and today I get to sit down with Danielle Stead Blanton! Danielle is an attorney and business operations strategist, working with early-stage businesses to provide the strategies, systems, and resources to grow and scale legally compliant, operationally efficient, and financially thriving businesses that create impact in clients' lives. Using her past experience as a D1 collegiate athlete, Nike-sponsored marathon runner, corporate attorney, and angel investor, Danielle has worked with hundreds of business owners across the globe to scale their business of their dreams, on their terms. She currently lives in her native Los Angeles with her husband, one-year old son, and husky!

In this episode, Danielle shares her personal journey of hitting rock bottom not once, but twice, and how she found the strength to rise from those experiences. From facing legal battles to dealing with betrayal, I’m so excited for the valuable insight and encouragement in this conversation for anyone who has faced adversity in their journey!

Topics Covered:

(02:15) Balancing mom life and business hustle.
(07:11) From law to fitness to entrepreneurship: Danielle shares her journey from law school to corporate attorney to fitness instructor to entrepreneurship.
(19:05) Building a purpose-driven business: Danielle discusses her current focus on supporting female-founded businesses in the wellness and fitness industry, offering comprehensive services to help them thrive.
(38:55) Handling disruptive employees, emphasizing the importance of clear employee contracts.
(51:31) Finding Strength in Rock Bottom.
(53:58) Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship: Tips and advice for individuals making the leap from a corporate job to entrepreneurship.
(56:34)  The importance of authenticity and joy in business, and how titles and prestige don't define success.

Danielle's journey reminds us that setbacks are not the end of the road, but an opportunity for growth and transformation! Want to learn more from Danielle? Check out her podcast, “She Vs World”!

Danielle’s Links:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielle.stead/
Book a Strategy Session: https://calendly.com/dsstead/1-1strategysession?month=2024-05
She Vs World - top rated podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/1IvcNlAEVZfprY7PhdHrIM
Doing Success Boldly Community: https://www.daniellesteadblanton.com/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome back to the Pivot With Purpose podcast, where we delve into the art of career transitions and finding your professional footing. I’m your host Meghan Houle and today, I’m joined by Amy Kapolnek who stands as the visionary Founder & Strategic Advisor behind ‘the fwrd group’! 

The fwrd group is a boutique strategic consulting firm guiding early-stage, forward-thinking companies in consumer goods and services from concept to capital. With an illustrious career spanning 17 years, Amy has left an indelible mark. She has been the driving force behind the development of brands, the successful launch of new products, and the acceleration of business growth. Noteworthy achievements include orchestrating the launch of Gucci Beauty and Burberry Perfumes with Coty, spearheading the rebranding of Olay and introducing new products with Pantene under the Procter & Gamble umbrella, crafting the brand creation and strategy for Our Tone Band-Aid within the portfolio of Johnson and Johnson, and creating growth strategies to expand medical aesthetic spa locations with AIREM. Committed to championing and supporting women, Amy serves as a Business Mentor to early stage companies within the XRC Ventures' portfolio as well as female leaders and budding entrepreneurs. I’m so excited to jump into our conversation!

Topics Covered:

(02:35) Amy’s Journey: From Fashion to Entrepreneurship. Amy landed a job in fashion wholesale before realizing the need for a pivot.
(06:52) The Challenges of Entrepreneurship: The importance of resilience, mindset, and embracing failure as a part of the journey.
(14:53) Navigating Partnerships: The significance of aligning with the right people and opportunities, as well as recognizing toxic partnerships and the importance of boundaries.
(24:36) Success Unleashed: Amy shares her personal need for events catering to female leaders and entrepreneurs and her vision and motivation for “success Unleashed”. Overview of the three workshops: evolving mindset and habits, self-marketing for visibility and opportunities, and strategies for building wealth.
(37:59) Connecting and Community Building: The significance of networking, learning from others, and celebrating achievements together.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join "Success Unleashed" and unlock your potential for success in New York City on May 17th! Events like these help to achieve power, purpose, and passion in our personal and professional lives!

Amy’s Links: 
Website: www.thefwrdgroup.com
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykapolnek/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amykapolnek/
May 17th, 2024 NYC event SIGN UP: https://thefwrdgroup.com/events-success-unleashed-empowering-female-leaders-and-entrepreneurs

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Welcome to the Pivot With Purpose podcast, where we delve into the art of career transitions and finding your professional footing. I’m your host Meghan Houle and in this season of the podcast I’m excited to continue exploring the dynamic world of career pivots with real stories and expert insights. Today, I’m sitting down with Maggie Elentukh, VP of Global Communications and Brand at TripleTen, an edtech company offering beginner-friendly online boot camps with one of the best post-program employment rates in the industry. TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot. Join us as we discuss how to successfully pivot into the tech industry and why you should consider a TripleTen bootCamp!

Topics Covered:

(7:36) Aligning Career with Purpose: The importance of aligning career choices with personal values. Maggie's experience transitioning from corporate to mission-driven work.
(16:56) Tech Career Transition: Demystifying tech careers and distinguishing industry vs. job roles. The growing appeal of tech bootcamps for professionals seeking career switches.
(26:02) Embracing flexibility, upskilling and avoiding pressure in career transitions.
(32:17) Exploring success stories and testimonials from TripleTen Bootcamp graduates.
(40:00) Externship Opportunities and Industry Partnerships: How TripleTen collaborates with companies to provide externship opportunities, bridging the gap between education and real-world experience.
(50:00) Maggie’s advice for career changers, embrace change and take the first step toward your goals.

With a TripleTen boot camp, career transitions become less daunting, and you can navigate change with purpose and confidence! Considering a shift to tech? Take the first step today!

Maggie’s Links:
TripleTen LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/school/tripleten/
TripleTen Website: https://tripleten.com/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/

Meghan Houle Method Career Community & Recruitment Resources:

LinkedIn

Meghan Houle Instagram

Pivot with Purpose Instagram

Book a Call With Meghan

Subscribe to the Pivot with Purpose Blog

Season 6 Sponsor TripleTen

TripleTen's boot camps turbocharge your journey into the world of tech, equipping you with the cutting-edge skills needed for a game-changing career pivot.  

Ranked at the top of the charts, Tripleten’s programs in Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, Business Intelligence Analytics, and Data Science are the ultimate launchpad for your career transformation. Learn more about TripleTen: https://tripleten.com/