In this episode of the Shift podcast, we sit down with Brandon J. Hurst, a dynamic entrepreneur and franchise owner with a unique journey from his Southern upbringing in Atlanta to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. Elena dives deep into Brandon's inspiring story, exploring his early sparks of entrepreneurship and his love for leadership. Brandon shares how his unexpected path from aspiring lawyer to a prominent figure in the Chick-fil-A brand taught him invaluable life lessons about resilience, vision, and dedication. The conversation delves into Brandon's passion for personal development, his profound wisdom on being intentional, and the importance of knowing one’s purpose. From childhood tales of selling pickles to managing a team of 175 individuals, Brandon's story is a testament to crafting opportunities and leading with purpose. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, vision, and the power of staying true to your why. Join us for a profound discussion that promises to inspire and challenge your view on success and purpose.Time Stamps:00:00 Entrepreneurial Pickle Adventure05:19 Career Crossroads: Law or Accounting?08:13 Dreams of Chick-fil-A Franchise Reality12:12 Reevaluating Career Expectations14:40 Value All Work Experiences17:34 "Vision and Team Dynamics Mastery"23:23 Accidental Diminishers in Leadership26:14 "Growth, Stability, and Mission Focus"30:32 "Understanding Midlife Crisis Causes"31:06 Uncovered Purpose: Beyond Traditional Learning35:40 Aligning Purpose with Daily WorkConnect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hurst-bjh/overlay/photo/ Visit website: https://brandonjhurst.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this enlightening episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, we are joined by the insightful Rob Lion, a professor at Idaho State University and an expert in leadership development and high performance. Rob shares his academic and professional journey, shedding light on the intricacies of talent acquisition, the psychology behind workplace performance, and the critical elements that contribute to both individual and organizational success. We delve into the challenges of predicting a good fit in the recruitment process, the importance of psychological safety, and the nuances of leadership consistency. Throughout the conversation, Rob offers valuable perspectives on balancing work demands with personal peace and the underestimated power of understanding one's truth. Join us as we explore these thought-provoking concepts and uncover practical strategies for thriving in today's dynamic work environment.Time stamps:00:00 Path to Leadership and High Performance05:00 Understanding Work Psychology for Success08:47 "Wish List Approach to Hiring"12:21 Optimizing Talent Acquisition15:46 Extroverts and Personal Branding Dynamics18:20 Fostering Empathy in New Workplaces22:08 Basketball Bias in Hiring Practices24:13 Resilience in Changing Times27:40 "Promoting a Psychologically Safe Workplace"29:46 Finding Personal Peace in Nature34:37 Translating Wisdom for Young Professionals38:19 Influence of Actions Over Words40:48 "Perception vs. Reality"Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlion/Visit website: https://blackriverpm.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, where we're diving into an inspiring journey with our guest, Chidi Asoluka. Growing up as the child of Nigerian immigrants in New Jersey, Chidi was expected to follow the traditional career paths of a doctor or lawyer. Despite his early interests in poetry and storytelling, a serendipitous encounter during a job interview shifted his trajectory towards education. He has since dedicated his life to empowering youth and fostering innovation in the education space.This conversation explores Chidi's pioneering work with NewComm, an initiative that creates dynamic learning ecosystems for young students by bridging gaps between industry leaders and academia. Through NewComm, Chidi is redefining education by focusing on community empowerment and engagement, breaking down barriers to success. From tackling food insecurities to nurturing small businesses, students are encouraged to take active roles in their communities with the robust support of local mentors.Join us for an engaging conversation about transforming education, inspiring the next generation, and how one impactful exchange can lead to a life of meaningful change. Tune in to learn about Chidi's vision for educational reform and the future of community-led learning.Time stamps:00:00 Path to Artistic Self-Discovery05:28 Unorthodox High School Experience07:44 Quantifying Non-Traditional Educational Outcomes12:23 Education: Today's Civil Rights Movement14:40 Community-Driven Education Reform19:23 Reimagining School Access in NYC20:43 Transforming Spaces into Design Studios24:28 Youth Empowerment Through Industry Partnerships27:43 Mentorship and Youth Engagement Benefits32:09 Evolving Leadership: From Solo to Partnership37:28 Defining Personal Core Values38:55 Establishing Core Values Now?Connect with Chidi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casoluka/Visit website: www.newcommproject.orgFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, host Elena Agar sits down with Jerry Chen, a young entrepreneur who is transforming the landscape of mentorship through his innovative platform, Latte. Jerry shares his inspiring journey from contemplating a traditional finance career to catching the entrepreneurial bug, fueled by his own experiences in mentorship programs. The conversation delves into the challenges and surprises he faced while building his startup and the importance of aligning with one's strengths as a founder. Jerry explains how Latte addresses the gaps in student mentorship by focusing on preparation, matching, and empowerment, even leveraging AI to support mentees. As the discussion unfolds, Jerry touches on the evolving role of mentorship in higher education and its potential future with AI. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a professional in higher education, or curious about mentorship's impact on careers, this episode offers valuable insights and actionable advice from Jerry's personal and professional experiences. Tune in to explore the exciting shift in mentorship with Latte!Time stamps:00:00 Interning at Startups: Biggest Surprise?03:28 "Focus and Delegate for Success"09:08 Emerging Platforms Revolutionize Startups09:47 Understanding the Gen Z Experience14:58 Valuing Human Mentorship Over AI17:39 Mentorship Platform Challenges20:31 Need for External Validation23:26 Networking Sparks Tech Collaboration27:10 Higher Ed's ROI Challenge31:13 Evolving Higher Education Dynamics32:04 "Starting Early Career Networking"Connect with Jerry on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/literallyjerry/Visit Website: https://www.latteconnect.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to another riveting episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, I dive deep into the world of emotional intelligence with the incredible guest - Nada Lena Nasserdeen, Founder of Rise Up For You.In this episode, Nada shares her transformative journey from being an international performer to becoming a thought leader in emotional intelligence. Discover how soft skills shape our interactions, influence our leadership abilities, and impact our career paths.Key Highlights:-Nada's career journey and the pivotal moments that set her on the path of emotional intelligence.-The importance of self-awareness, self-management, and the impact of accurate self-assessment.-Practical steps to enhance your emotional intelligence in everyday life and leadership.-Overcoming impostor syndrome and building unwavering self-confidence.Powerful insights on commitment, motivation, and personal growth.Whether you're striving for personal growth or enhancing your leadership skills, this episode is packed with invaluable advice and actionable tips.Time Stamps:00:00 Soft Skills Key to Success05:56 Recognizing Untapped Potential08:26 Building Emotional Intelligence Through Self-Awareness12:47 "Choose Your Hard"15:26 15-Minute Daily Silence Ritual17:28 Communication Barriers and Leadership Impact21:37 "Courageous Feedback for Leadership Growth"25:02 Living Life to Die Empty27:43 Embrace Fear, Choose Action32:20 Mindful Presence ImpactConnect with Nada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadalena/Visit website: https://www.nadalena.com/Listen to her podcast: https://www.riseupforyou.com/podcastFree resource - Confidence Coaching Quiz: https://www.riseupforyou.com/confidencequizFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! 🎙️ In this episode, I chat with Devin Sizemore, a dynamic entrepreneur whose career journey spans from marketing agencies to the creation of an innovative cat cafe. Devin shares insights from his early years, revealing how his innate entrepreneurial spirit has driven him toward diverse ventures.Key topics discussed in this episode include:-Devin’s entrepreneurial beginnings and formative experiences-The core values that guide his business endeavors-Strategies for overcoming rejection and leveraging connections-Insights from Devin's book, "Connection Expansion"-The art of networking and fostering powerful connections-Sustaining energy levels as a busy entrepreneur-The importance of mentors and maintaining focus on personal and business goalsDevin also shares details about his mission to foster one million connections through the Amplified Connection Expansion Society (ACES) and provides practical tips on how to elevate your networking game.Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Devin’s experiences and discover actionable strategies to enhance both your personal and professional life!Time Stamps:00:00 "Born Entrepreneur"04:16 Balancing Business Emotions and Opportunities07:20 "Keep It Simple: The Key"10:04 Rethink Networking: Value-Driven Referrals14:09 Networking Success for Aspiring Podcaster19:18 Energy Cycles and Burnout Stages19:53 "Sustaining Energy in Busy Lives"22:56 "Network Marketing: A Mentorship Pathway"27:13 Leveraging Industry Connections and Knowledge32:37 Scaling Success Through Event Strategy34:49 "Reflect on Your Why"Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dpsizemore/Visit Website: https://milliondollarauthor.io/Order the book the Connection Expansion Book: https://a.co/d/290PJjqFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of "Shift with Elena Agar Podcast," Elena sits down with Kristin Kenney, a renowned strategist and the secret weapon for many leaders. Throughout their conversation, Kristin delves into her unique career journey, influenced by her upbringing with a logical, strategic father in military intelligence and an accomplished therapist mother. She shares how she transitioned from roles in marketing and finance to founding her company, becoming a guiding force for ultra high net worth individuals and leaders dealing with complex life and business challenges.The discussion explores essential strategies for having difficult conversations, building career-advancing relationships, and the importance of dreaming big to overcome impostor syndrome. Kristin elucidates the power of mindset, self-awareness, and daily practices like journaling to enhance productivity and well-being. With insights on how leaders can embrace stillness, self-care, and being the author of their own lives, Kristin provides actionable advice for listeners at all career stages.Join Elena and Kristin as they explore the intricacies of personal and professional growth, touching on practical tools and the empowering nature of self-discovery. Whether you're a young professional or an established leader, this episode offers valuable lessons on resilience, accountability, and dreaming beyond limits. Don't miss out on Kristin's transformative insights that could shift how you approach your personal and professional aspirations.Time stamps:00:00 Bridging Wealth and Family Dynamics05:58 Strategic Outcomes in Conversations09:54 Define Your Career Aspirations10:59 Aim Purposefully to Achieve Success16:29 Daily Self-Care Commitment19:06 Organize and Manage Your Thoughts23:22 Empowerment Through Self-Validation25:09 Successful Leaders Prioritize "No" and Time Blocks28:50 Prioritize Time for Joyful Living30:56 Embrace Rejection; Keep Moving Forward34:34 "Formative Influences Before Age Seven"36:48 Morning Silence for Inner Clarity40:18 Self-Reflection for Personal GrowthConnect with Kristin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristin-kenney/Website: https://www.thehighergear.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, we are joined by our special guest, Dr. Laura Gallaher, where she dives into the complexities of her journey in organizational psychology and the power of self-awareness and self-acceptance. In this episode, Laura shares her fascinating career path, from her academic pursuit of psychology to her impactful work with leaders at NASA following the Columbia shuttle accident. Discover how Laura's experience and insights have led to her passion for promoting radical self-acceptance among high achievers. Together, Elena and Laura explore the significance of psychological safety in teams, the importance of self-reflection for leaders, and how embracing self-acceptance can accelerate personal and professional growth. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical advice and real-world examples designed to inspire and empower you on your journey of self-awareness.Take the self-acceptance quiz: https://www.gallaheredge.com/sa-quiz-lpConnect with Laura on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-gallaher-phd/Website: https://www.gallaheredge.com/Time stamps:00:00 Columbia Disaster: Foam Impact Issue06:36 Radical Self-Acceptance Journey09:26 Flexible Leadership Mindset11:41 "Discussing Self-Acceptance Quiz"16:55 Letting Go of Crisis Mode18:21 Embracing Crisis for Self-Acceptance24:05 Self-Awareness and Social Media24:48 "Self-Image in Digital Era"30:44 Self-Acceptance Enables Self-Awareness34:09 "When Is Personal Growth Enough?"35:42 Self-Acceptance Fuels Self-Improvement38:24 Building Self-Acceptance MusclesFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have the dynamic Jabari Young as a guest. We dive deep into the world of journalism and media, anchored by Jabari's compelling journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to the prestigious platforms of Forbes and CNBC.

In this episode, we are thrilled to have Alex Walker, an expert in leadership development, join us. Alex brings a unique approach to leadership, meeting clients at the intersection of need and novelty. In this episode, Alex shares her journey into the world of leadership coaching, starting from her early days as a resident assistant in college to her extensive experience in various industries, including culinary schools, manufacturing floors, and financial institutions.