Former pharmacy technician turned front-end developer at SAS, Maude Simpson, shares the story of their non-linear career journey and the planned happenstance moments that shaped it. Maude opens up about embracing imperfection, confronting self-doubt, and taking action like pursuing a coding bootcamp even when the path ahead felt uncertain. They highlight the power of support systems, the influence of unexpected allies, and the importance of challenging negative self-talk throughout the process. Whether you are navigating a career shift, battling imposter syndrome, or simply trying to move forward in uncertain times, this episode is for you!

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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From his early days in higher education to his transition into Learning and Development within the financial services sector, mike knox reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the unexpected turns that led him to found the Mattering Lab, an organization dedicated to delivering customized leadership and team development training, primarily within the video game industry. In this conversation, we explore themes of lifelong learning, transparency in career goals, and the power of failure as a catalyst for growth. mike also shares his passion for creating inclusive spaces where others can thrive, his philanthropic work with Gamers for CHOC and WIGI, and his ongoing mission to cultivate a more connected and compassionate gaming community. Whether you are navigating your own career crossroads or seeking inspiration from a story grounded in purpose and possibility, this conversation is a reminder that chance can be one of our greatest teachers.

👉Connect with mike knox:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-knox

https://matteringlab.com 

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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As the world of work continues to evolve, Logan Currie is on a mission to explore how AI is transforming career development. As the Co-founder and COO of Careerspan, an AI-powered career guidance and talent matching platform, Logan shares insights on learning, adaptability, and the future of work. She dives into navigating uncertainty in entrepreneurship, the importance of building a strong professional presence, and how embracing planned happenstance can open unexpected opportunities. Logan’s journey highlights how technology, reflection, and human connection shape modern career paths. 

👉Connect with Logan Currie:

⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-currie⁠

⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@loganlearning⁠ 

💻Learn More About Careerspan:

https://mycareerspan.com⁠ 

Careerspan is completely free! It helps you turn your experience into a compelling story, matches you with fitting roles, gives you a personalized “fit score,” and uses AI coaching to showcase your real skills and achievements—so you stand out beyond your résumé.

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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From her early love of problem-solving to her current role leading investment operations at Sozo Ventures, Lauren MacDonald reflects on the chance moments that shaped her career. She shares insights on leveraging a math background in the business world, and how a pivotal friendship sparked her path into venture capital. Today, Lauren is focused on strengthening communication and operations within global teams, all while emphasizing the importance of finding your zone of genius. Join us as we explore how curiosity and connection influenced Lauren's career path and leadership growth.

👉Connect with Lauren MacDonald:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/macdonaldlaurenv 

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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Born in Guatemala to a working-class family and raised in South Los Angeles, Elmer G. Roldan’s story is one of resilience, community, and purpose. As a teenager, he was recruited to participate in a unity organization for Black and Brown communities, which sparked a lifelong commitment to social justice, setting him on a path toward educational equity, leadership, and public service. Today, Elmer serves as Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA). He reflects on the personal and systemic barriers he has overcome, the profound influence of family and community, and the motivations driving his candidacy for Los Angeles City Council District 9. Join us as we explore the pivotal planned happenstance moments that have defined Elmer’s path and the insights he offers to anyone seeking their own calling.

👉Connect with Elmer G. Roldan:

https://www.elmerroldan.com 

https://www.instagram.com/elmerforcd9 https://www.cislosangeles.orghttps://www.instagram.com/cislosangeles  

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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From unpaid intern to entrepreneur, Shannon Keefe shares her journey shaped by moments of planned happenstance that ultimately led to founding her practice, Integrate Nutrition. Previously a Wellbeing Manager at Dolby Laboratories, Shannon brings unique insight into the importance of prioritizing health in both personal and professional contexts. She reflects on the discipline required to balance personal responsibilities with career growth. From modeling hard work for her children to building community connections, Shannon’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear, and that adaptability, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Tune in to discover how Shannon is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness, and why wellbeing should be at the center of both individual lives and organizational strategy.

👉Connect with Shannon Keefe:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkeefe

https://www.integratenutrition.org

https://l.bttr.to/EfTIq

https://medium.com/@integratenuthttps://www.instagram.com/integrate__nutrition

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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Celebrate with hosts Karissa Sorenson and Priscilla Vallejo as they mark their one-year podcast anniversary! In this special episode, they share personal and professional updates, reflect on lessons learned, and offer practical career advice. From the power of lifelong learning to navigating today’s evolving job market, Karissa and Priscilla explore how networking, reflection, and growth can shape your career journey. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting lineup of guests coming your way!

👉Connect with Karissa: www.linkedin.com/in/kcsorenson 

👉Connect with Priscilla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillavallejo 

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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On the verge of a career pivot into higher education, Marianne Matarese chose to remain in the corporate world, continuing to grow and evolve her professional journey. Now a Lead, Career Development at Indeed, she shares how chance events have shaped her path from recruitment to onboarding, talent development, and employee experience. Marianne dives into the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career growth and opens up about navigating professional ambitions while embracing life as a new mom. She reflects on the importance of flexibility, self-care, and setting small, achievable goals during major life transitions, including her creation of a supportive community for career development professionals. Tune in for an authentic conversation about embracing unexpected turns, building meaningful connections, and redefining career success on your own terms.

👉Connect with Marianne Matarese:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenwithpurpose

https://topmate.io/greenwpurpose

https://bio.site/greenwithpurpose

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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As a former transfer student from Rio Hondo College to Portland State University, Jennifer Reyna's growth mindset opened the door to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. From starting her career in hospitality and banking to breaking into SaaS (Software as a Service) at Squarespace, Jennifer’s journey has been shaped by intentional curiosity and chance events. Now a Program Manager at Medallia, she shares the key lessons that shaped her career, including how earning a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification accelerated her growth and why building strong relationships is essential for success. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on taking strategic risks and embracing change to find the right path for you!

👉Connect with Jennifer Reyna:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferreyna 

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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From guiding whitewater rafting trips to leading initiatives in environmental education, nonprofit fundraising, and corporate social impact at Autodesk and LinkedIn, Seth Chanin’s career path is a powerful example of planned happenstance in action. Now a real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, Seth candidly shares how he overcame self-judgment during his career transition and redefined his sense of purpose beyond the traditional 9-to-5. He offers valuable insights on building authentic relationships, fostering community, and finding both flexibility and fulfillment in real estate. Tune in as we explore the intersection of business and impact, and the many ways purpose can evolve throughout your career.

👉Connect with Seth Chanin:

https://sethchanin.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-chanin/

https://www.instagram.com/seth_chanin/

📧Contact Us: [email protected] 

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