Reshma Saujani's story is one of resilience, reinvention, and bold leadership. In this episode, we dive into her transformation from a lawyer with political ambitions to a social entrepreneur redefining what it means to lead with purpose. As the founder of Girls Who Code, Reshma has not only challenged the tech industry’s gender norms but has also reimagined success through the lens of failure, identity, and intentional courage.

Through candid reflections on her upbringing as the daughter of Indian refugees and her struggles with imposter syndrome, Reshma reveals how rejection became the catalyst for her most impactful work. She shares how embracing vulnerability, setting boundaries, and redefining leadership on her own terms allowed her to build a movement that empowers the next generation of women in technology. Her journey reminds us that success rarely follows a straight path—it’s the missteps that often shape our greatest breakthroughs.

Listeners will walk away with powerful insights on choosing bravery over perfection, the importance of mental health in mission-driven work, and how redefining traditional notions of leadership can lead to meaningful change. Reshma’s story is not just inspiring—it’s a call to action for anyone seeking to lead with authenticity and create space for others to rise.

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Welcome to this exciting episode of our podcast, where we delve into the inspiring story of Fawn Weaver, a trailblazer in the world of whiskey and social justice. Fawn’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary, beginning with her challenging childhood and evolving into a powerful narrative of resilience and purpose. Today, she’s celebrated as the founder of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, a brand that not only stands out for its quality but also for its profound mission to honor history and empower communities.

Throughout this conversation, we explore how Fawn Weaver dared to break barriers in the traditionally male-dominated whiskey industry. Her relentless dedication and vision have transformed Uncle Nearest into a globally recognized brand, but her impact goes far beyond business. She has dedicated herself to restoring the legacy of Nathan Nearest Green, the first African-American master distiller, shedding light on a forgotten chapter of history and ensuring that his contributions are celebrated and remembered.

Fawn’s leadership style embodies empathy, community, and a deep sense of purpose, making her a truly transformative figure in both her industry and the broader social justice movement. Her story is a testament to the power of storytelling, perseverance, and making a positive difference. Join us as we uncover the compelling journey of Fawn Weaver and learn how her passion and resilience continue to inspire change across industries and communities alike.

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Welcome to this episode of Career Stories, where we dive into the remarkable life of Bessie Coleman, a true trailblazer in the world of aviation. Bessie's journey is nothing short of inspiring — from her humble beginnings in Texas to soaring through the skies as the first Black and Native American woman to earn a pilot’s license. Despite facing significant obstacles rooted in both her race and gender, she refused to be confined by societal limitations and instead flew beyond them, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations.

In this episode, we explore how Bessie's unwavering determination took her across the Atlantic to train in France after being rejected in the United States. Her story is a powerful testament to perseverance and grit — she became a sensation in the U.S., refusing to participate in segregated events and advocating for equality in aviation. Her vision extended beyond her own achievements, as she aspired to open a flight school to empower Black aviators and inspire others to pursue their dreams regardless of societal restrictions.

Bessie's legacy endures today, reminding us that rejection and adversity are often just detours on the road to success. Her courageous stand against discrimination, her relentless pursuit of her passion, and her ability to transform setbacks into opportunities continue to inspire countless individuals. Join us as we celebrate her story and uncover the lessons it offers about resilience, self-belief, and the importance of choosing oneself against all odds.

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Welcome back to Resume Assassin's summer series, Career Stories, where we explore the inspiring lives of hidden figures and quiet disruptors who have made a lasting impact on the world. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Emily Warren Roebling, a woman whose quiet resilience and brilliance literally changed the New York City skyline. Despite never holding an official title or formal engineering degree, Emily stepped into a role of monumental importance, demonstrating leadership, determination, and ingenuity in a heavily male-dominated field.

Her story begins in the quaint town of Cold Spring, New York, where her education and upbringing fostered a curious and ambitious mind. From her early days, Emily showed she was not content to sit on the sidelines—her love for learning and her resilience would set the stage for her remarkable contributions. When tragedy struck her family during the construction of the Brooklyn Bridge, Emily’s role evolved from supportive wife to de facto chief engineer, all while navigating societal expectations that would have otherwise dismissed her from such a pivotal role.

Today, Emily Roebling’s legacy is a testament to the power of perseverance, resourcefulness, and courage, especially for women breaking barriers long before the concept of women’s empowerment gained mainstream traction. Her story reminds us that sometimes leadership looks like quietly carrying the weight when no one else is willing, and that true influence often happens behind the scenes. So stay tuned as we dive deeper into Emily’s inspiring journey, and explore what her story can teach us about resilience, advocacy, and making a lasting impact, no matter the circumstances.

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Welcome to another episode of Career Stories—where we spotlight extraordinary lives that often go unnoticed. In today’s episode, we’re diving into the fascinating journey of Dr. Harold Malmgren, a name that may not ring immediate bells but whose fingerprints are all over major moments in American history. From the hardships of the Great Depression to the corridors of power in Washington, Malmgren’s story is one of quiet influence and remarkable insight.

Dr. Malmgren served as a trusted advisor to four U.S. presidents, shaping national and global economic policy during some of the 20th century’s most turbulent times—including the Cold War. In this conversation, we explore how his early experiences fueled a lifelong commitment to strategic problem-solving and diplomacy. His unconventional beliefs often set him apart, yet they also earned him a unique kind of respect in circles where conformity was the norm.

Whether you're fascinated by history, intrigued by behind-the-scenes power players, or simply love a good story of resilience and purpose, this episode offers rich perspective. Tune in to hear how Dr. Malmgren’s voice helped steer the nation through defining moments—and what his career can teach us about navigating complexity with courage and clarity.

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In this episode, I take a closer look at one of the most complex and controversial public figures of our time—Donald Trump. But instead of getting political, I trace the story of his career from his early days in Queens to his rise as a real estate mogul and cultural brand. It’s a journey filled with bold decisions, high-stakes bets, and constant reinvention—and it offers surprising lessons for anyone thinking about personal branding and visibility.

As I unpack Trump’s path, I focus on how he used storytelling and self-promotion to build a persona that could withstand failure. Behind the headlines and bravado is a man whose success was never linear. His life was shaped by competition, risk, and a relentless need to be seen. And while I don’t admire everything he’s done, I think there’s value in examining how he crafted a public identity that has outlived many of the businesses attached to it.

If you’ve ever struggled with visibility or felt unsure about how to bounce back from failure, I hope this episode gives you something to think about. There’s power in rewriting your story—and in this conversation, I explore what it really means to own your narrative, even when things get messy.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

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In today’s episode of Resume Assassin’s Career Stories, we’re spotlighting a name that should’ve been in the headlines decades ago—Katherine Johnson. A brilliant mathematician, a Black woman in science long before it was “acceptable,” and the mind behind some of NASA’s most historic missions, Katherine helped shape space exploration as we know it. Her calculations weren’t just impressive—they were the difference between life and death for astronauts on missions like Apollo 11 and Apollo 13.

We take you back to the smoky control rooms of the 1960s, where every number had to be perfect and the stakes were literally out of this world. But while astronauts were being hailed as heroes, Katherine’s name stayed out of the spotlight. She worked in the background, asking the hard questions, pushing into spaces she wasn’t invited, and proving again and again that excellence can’t be ignored forever.

Katherine’s legacy is more than just numbers. It’s a reminder that your impact isn’t always visible right away—and that being behind the scenes doesn’t mean you’re not leading the mission. If you’ve ever felt like the hidden figure in your own story, this episode is for you.

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Welcome to my new podcast series, Career Stories, where we talk about the lives and achievements of some huge figures in history and discuss how we can use their example in our own lives!

For our first episode, we delve into the extraordinary life of Vera Rubin, a trailblazing astronomer whose groundbreaking work shed light on one of the universe's greatest mysteries: dark matter. Despite facing numerous obstacles, rejections, and hurdles along her path, Vera’s unwavering curiosity and relentless perseverance transformed our understanding of the cosmos. Her story reminds us that some of the most impactful contributions are made quietly, often in unseen moments of dedication and belief.

We explore how Vera’s journey exemplifies the importance of mentorship and meaningful partnerships in empowering the next generation of scientists. Her perseverance underscores a vital lesson: true impact often happens in the subtle, invisible efforts that drive progress forward. The episode highlights that remaining curious and persistent, even when faced with adversity, can lead to discoveries that change the way we see the universe—and ourselves.

Ultimately, Vera Rubin’s legacy teaches us that success is sometimes about leaving a trail for others to follow, and that the universe rewards those who believe in the unseen. Her story inspires us to stay committed to our own journeys, embrace the quiet moments of effort, and remember that even the most invisible work can have profound significance. Tune in to discover how curiosity, resilience, and mentorship continue to shape the future of science—and our understanding of the cosmos.

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In this special Resume Sidekick Podcast episode, I’m thrilled to introduce you to Resume Sidekick — the game-changing tool designed to transform how you approach your job search. Built for today’s competitive market, Resume Sidekick (resumesidekick.io) helps you craft standout resumes, personalized cover letters, and compelling LinkedIn profiles, all powered by smart, intuitive features. Whether you’re just starting out, making a career pivot, or aiming for that dream promotion, Resume Sidekick is here to give you the edge you need.

I’ll take you behind the scenes on why we built Resume Sidekick, what makes it different, and how it’s designed to support you, not just push out generic templates. We dive into the specific tools — from AI-powered resume optimization to tailored job match insights — and how they help you showcase your strengths in a way that truly resonates with hiring managers. If you’ve ever felt stuck staring at a blank resume screen or unsure how to position your experience, this episode is packed with practical insights.

Finally, I’ll share tips on how to make the most of Resume Sidekick, plus a sneak peek at upcoming features we’re excited to roll out. This episode isn’t just about a product; it’s about helping you take control of your career story and step confidently into your next opportunity. Tune in to hear how Resume Sidekick can become your trusted partner on the path to landing your next big role.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

Schedule a 15-minute call with Mary: https://calendly.com/resumeassassin/meet

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Connect with Mary: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mary-southern/

What do poker and recruiting have in common? More than you'd think—just ask Joe Sebok. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating journey of a former pro poker player who turned his ability to read people at the table into a powerhouse career in tech recruiting. From bluffing his way to millions to building teams for some of the most ambitious startups, Joe brings a fresh—and surprisingly transferable—perspective on decision-making, risk, and intuition.

After walking away from a high-stakes poker career in 2010, Joe faced what he calls his biggest gamble yet: starting over. But the same instincts that helped him calculate odds and call bluffs now help him identify the right candidates, predict cultural fit, and make hiring decisions with long-term impact. In this conversation, he breaks down how poker psychology maps perfectly onto the hiring process—and why casinos might actually show more loyalty than startups.

We also dig into the deeper life lessons Joe’s learned from both tables—the felt and the boardroom. He shares the exact moment he knew it was time to fold his poker career, his top strategies for job seekers looking to take control of their path, and the one trait that trumps skills in startup hiring (you might be surprised). Whether you're navigating your own career pivot or just love a good underdog story, this episode delivers insight, motivation, and a healthy dose of real talk.

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Update your Resume & LinkedIn Profile:

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Connect with Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joesebok/