SHIFT with Elena Agar

Welcome back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Lidia Axe, a dynamic guest whose journey takes us from her early days in Moscow, working part-time at a beer company, to building a successful corporate career at PwC, and ultimately, venturing into entrepreneurship and coaching. Lidia shares candid stories about how chance encounters shaped her career, the challenges (and realities) of building a brick-and-mortar business while raising a family, and what it really means to find fulfillment beyond climbing the corporate ladder.Together, Elena and Lidia dive deep into topics like generational differences in social skills, overcoming the fear of starting over, and why sometimes the best path forward is unlearning what the world has taught us and staying true to ourselves. Lidia's perspective on redefining success—shifting from outcome-based metrics to impact and connection—offers both inspiration and practical advice for anyone navigating their own career shift or considering starting something new.This conversation is packed with real-life insights, laughter, and the kind of honest advice you can’t find in textbooks. Whether you’re early in your career, thinking about a pivot, or looking for courage to step outside your comfort zone, Lidia’s journey and Elena’s thoughtful questions will leave you motivated to embrace your next shift. Time stamps:00:00 "Journey to PwC: Overcoming Recruitment"04:54 Unexpected Networking Opportunities07:42 Career Exploration at PwC11:59 Encouraging Real Connections Over Digital13:25 Grateful for Flexible Work Opportunities19:27 "Mama's Dream: Partnership & Business"22:00 Importance of Business Scalability26:10 Passion for Helping Solopreneurs27:10 Embracing New Beginnings33:09 "Value Every Individual's Impact"36:23 Accepting Different Lifestyles38:58 Unlearning for True Self-Discovery40:35 The Joy of Daring Adventures46:44 "Embracing Moving Meditation"48:44 Inspired Coaching Journey Amidst Challenges52:54 Inspirational Impact Through Storytelling54:57 "Awaiting Travel Experiences"Connect with Lidia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lidia-chmel/Website: https://getitdonecoaching.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/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In today’s conversation, Elena sits down with Saad Bin Shafiq, a relentless serial entrepreneur whose journey takes us from a tiny Himalayan village in Pakistan to scaling companies, overcoming failures, and building innovative products in the heart of the tech world. Saad shares how he went from selling peanut butter sandwiches as a kid, to navigating scholarship life abroad, working every job imaginable, and ultimately founding Nodes.inc—a hiring platform that’s turning heads in the recruitment space.This episode is packed with authentic insights about the entrepreneurial journey: the real grit behind “overnight success,” the invaluable lessons that come from failure, and the mindset required to keep building, no matter how tough things get. Saad opens up about the drive rooted in family, why passion is sometimes overrated, and how listening to customers can transform not just products, but entire businesses. Whether you’re deep in your founder journey, or just dreaming of your first venture, Saad’s story will motivate you to think bigger and stick with it—even when no one’s watching.Plus, Elena and Saad dive into the future of recruiting technology, including how AI is making hiring smarter and simpler, and what that means for both companies and job seekers. It’s a conversation full of actionable advice, entrepreneurial energy, and a reminder that the journey to success is never a straight line.Tune in, share with your fellow builders, and get ready to shift your mindset with Saad Bin Shafiq!Time stamps:00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey with Saad Shafiq03:08 Childhood Ambitions to Entrepreneurship09:12 From Consultant to Automation with GPT10:31 Unexpected Entrepreneurial Success Story12:59 "My Transformative Elite School Experience"17:46 Embracing Independence Through Wealth21:15 Customer-Centric Product Development25:02 AI-Driven Talent Matching System26:12 Candidate Feature Launch with Fit Score29:01 Evaluating Technical Screens and Inclusivity32:07 Think Bigger, Achieve MoreConnect with Saad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saad-bin-shafiq/Website: https://nodes.inc/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/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In this episode, Elena sits down with Matt Gjertsen, founder of Better Everyday Studios and former SpaceX learning and development leader—who also happens to be an Air Force veteran and pilot. Together, they dive into the world of talent and leadership development, exploring what really makes effective training stick in corporate environments (and why most companies are still getting it wrong!). Matt shares his unique journey from being a space-obsessed kid, piloting refueling jets, to shaping learning cultures at some of the world’s most innovative companies. They discuss practical strategies for creating impactful training, why behavioral change—not just classroom learning—matters most, and the realities of shifting from high-level corporate roles to entrepreneurship. Whether you’re an HR/L&D pro, business leader, or someone dreaming about launching your own venture, this conversation is packed with actionable advice, honest insights, and a few fun stories from inside the cockpit. Don’t miss it!Time Stamps:00:00 Air Force Journey to Astronaut03:32 Competitive Peer Ranking Journey09:25 "From Air Force to SpaceX Success"12:25 Focus on Behavior, Not Outcomes14:50 Environmental Influence on Behavior18:07 Rethinking Training: Identifying Real Issues22:06 Building Client Relationships Strategically24:21 Leadership and Management: Contextual Actions27:12 Soft vs. Hard Skills Dilemma30:16 Delegating Authority as a Pilot35:35 Career Success vs. Personal Fulfillment38:17 Reevaluating Personal Values42:40 Connect on LinkedIn, Explore Better EverydayConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthewgjertsen/Website: https://bettereverydaystudios.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/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In this episode, Elena reconnects with Andy Lipshultz, a dynamic voiceover talent whose professional journey is anything but ordinary. Andy—who previously joined the podcast a couple of years ago—shares his experience navigating career changes across vastly different industries, from the music business and banking to technology and now, a thriving independent voiceover career having voiced commercials and corporate narration for partners like Google, Lego and Bridgestone alongside fun animation, games, audio dramas and audiobooks.Elena and Andy dive into the realities of career pivots: how to recognize when it’s time for a change, redefine what success means, and take calculated risks while balancing life’s responsibilities. They candidly discuss overcoming fear, staying curious, and finding the courage to start over—even when it means taking a step back to ultimately leap ahead. If you’re considering a new career path, interested in entrepreneurship, or curious about the world of voice talent, this episode is packed with practical advice, relatable stories, and fresh inspiration. Tune in for actionable tips and a dose of motivation from someone who has reinvented himself time and time again!Time Stamps:00:00 Career Change Insights with Andy03:53 Career Journey: Tech to Voiceover07:32 Path to Music Industry Success11:52 Success Through Core Identity Recognition14:12 Adapting to Career Changes17:58 Dual Path Life Planning23:45 Courage and Curiosity in Decision-Making24:26 Cultivating Courage and Curiosity28:21 Minimize Risk Through Education33:53 Resilience Through Adversity34:58 Coping with Layoffs and Identity37:51 Voiceover Marketing and CoachingConnect with Andy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysaysit/Visit website: https://www.andysaysit.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andylipshultz/Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@andysaysit 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/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

Welcome to another episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today’s conversation, host Elena sits down with Andrew Barry, founder of Curious Lion, to dig into the evolving world of people, talent, and learning in the workplace. Andrew shares his journey from corporate life at KPMG in South Africa and the U.S. to the bold leap of starting his own company focused on transforming how individual contributors and leaders learn and grow. Together, Elena and Andrew explore the realities of entrepreneurship, lessons learned from the frontline of corporate learning and development, and why peer-to-peer, cohort-driven learning is essential in the age of AI and rapid change. Whether you're a leader, L&D professional, or someone looking to maximize your career potential, this episode is packed with actionable insights about fostering agency and adaptability among teams. Get ready to shift your thinking about learning at work!Time Stamps:00:00 From Trainee to Trainer Abroad03:48 Startup Transition from Big Company09:36 Learning Through Journey and Destination12:39 "AI's Role in Learning Evolution"15:40 "Super IC Roles Emerging"17:03 Rise of AI Generalists22:16 Leading Without Authority in Tech23:48 Cross-Functional Skill Building28:09 Event Management for Career Growth30:03 Embrace Generalist Skills Over Specialization33:08 Enthusiastic Chat with AndrewConnect with Andrew on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realandrewbarry/Company website: https://curiouslionlearning.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 back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Candice Mitchell, a powerhouse in the world of talent and learning development. Candice shares her unique journey into the L&D space, highlighting how she chose the field from the very beginning—unlike many who “fall into” the profession. With 18 years of experience building talent strategies across organizations of all sizes, Candice offers a behind-the-scenes look at how she helps companies create thriving, future-focused learning cultures from scratch.The conversation dives into the realities facing modern organizations: when is the right time to invest in L&D, how AI is reshaping learning functions, and why “whole-person capability” is the new cornerstone for business success. Candice shares actionable advice for L&D professionals to amplify their business impact, including why it’s crucial to move beyond traditional content creation towards strategic business partnership and how to keep talent development relevant in the age of automation.

Get ready to discover Candice’s practical frameworks, fresh perspectives on the future of work, and her heartfelt advice for professionals eager to make their mark in a changing talent landscape. Whether you’re an HR leader, L&D practitioner, or simply curious about the future of work, this episode will inspire you to shift your mindset and unlock new potential for your organization and your career.

Time Stamps:00:00 Discovering a Career in L&D

03:57 "Niche in Learning Development"

06:33 Recognizing Workforce Complacency Signs

09:36 "Adopting AI in Workforce Training"

14:12 Abandon Content, Embrace Strategy

16:11 Technology-Driven Learning Strategies

20:30 Emphasizing Human Skills Over AI

25:06 Strategic Talent Development Impact

26:09 Workforce Planning and the Infinity Loop

30:10 "Retain Talent, Increase Value"

Candice Mitchell is the founder and CEO of Talent Collective and the USA Today bestselling author of Choose You: For the People Who Refuse to Disappear. With nearly 20 years inside corporate People and L&D functions, she helps Learning & Development leaders move from reactive order-takers to strategic business partners.

She's the creator of the Talent Development Academy and hosts the Capability Edge podcast.

Website: https://talentcollective.orgLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicemitchelltcInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/candice_mitchell_msc/Podcast: Capability Edge

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 back to another episode of Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today, Elena sits down with Damon Lembi, CEO of Learnit, to explore the art of personal reinvention and leadership through change. From living the dream as a Division 1 baseball star to weathering career-ending injuries and building a thirty-year legacy in the learning and development industry, Damon shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey.In this candid conversation, Elena and Damon discuss the power of having a “learn it all” mindset, the realities of overcoming imposter syndrome, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing workplace. Damon opens up about starting his business career as a receptionist at his family’s company, working his way up, and navigating challenges like economic downturns and generational shifts in the workforce.Whether you’re a leader seeking ways to future-proof your team, someone who’s struggled with self-doubt, or simply fascinated by unconventional career paths, this episode is full of real-world insights, actionable frameworks, and inspiring stories that will help you thrive in your own personal and professional shifts.Time Stamps:00:00 Entrepreneurial Journey Beginnings05:21 Receptionist Start Surprised by Business World08:40 Generational Work Ethic Differences13:19 Embracing a Growth Mindset16:01 "Saying Yes to Overcome Fear"20:26 "Public Speaking Confidence Through Practice"24:09 "Passion Essential for Job Success"26:27 Gratitude and Personal Responsibility31:10 Leadership Mistakes: Listening Before Acting33:50 Intentional Reading and Application37:49 "Leaders: Always in the Making"Connect with Damon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damonlembi/ Company website: https://www.learnit.com/Podcast: [pod.link/1714645917]The Learn-It-All Podcast Website: https//www.TheLearnItAllLeader.com The Learn-It-All Leader: https://a.co/d/5oebQ6a Instagram @damonlembi Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/damonlembi Youtube: @thelearnitallpodcast X: @damonlembi 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 back to Shift with Elena Agar! In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Dr. Michael Durnin—a dynamic leader whose journey spans college football coaching, higher education administration, and a deep commitment to mentoring others through life’s inevitable chaos. Together, they dive into the art of navigating challenges and setbacks, sharing practical strategies and personal stories that reveal how embracing chaos can actually make us stronger.You’ll hear Mike’s unique perspective on building resilience, the importance of community and connection, and why learning to stay calm is a skill worth cultivating. Elena and Mike discuss the value of embracing imperfection, supporting each other, and holding on to purpose—no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re a young listener facing uncertain times or just looking for guidance on tackling life’s curveballs, this episode is packed with valuable insights you’ll want to keep in your back pocket. Time Stamps:00:00 Podcast Mentorship Access05:08 "Chaotic Leadership: Embracing Chaos"07:11 "Embracing Calm on Unexpected Journeys"12:14 Pre-Birthday Existential Crisis Cycle14:56 Embracing Chaos for Growth18:53 Empowering Wheelchair Camp Experience23:33 "Mindset Resilience Process"25:47 Vision and Purpose: Key Lessons28:33 "Determined Ironman Resolve"32:55 "Learning and Laughter's Importance"35:34 Honoring Elaine's Transformative ShowConnect with Mike on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-durnin-dmin-49903017/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 back to Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, Elena sits down with Janelle Miller Moravek, an executive director, mental health advocate, and seasoned nonprofit leader who unexpectedly found her calling in the world of behavioral health. Together, they dive into the complexities of accessing mental health care, exploring why the behavioral healthcare system can be so fragmented and challenging to navigate compared to physical healthcare.Janelle shares her personal journey from fundraiser to advocate, discusses the growing shortage of qualified mental health professionals, and highlights innovative solutions that are emerging in communities—from embedding therapists in schools and workplaces to the rise of new support spaces like "living rooms." The conversation touches on the critical influence of family, childhood resilience, and how factors like food, sleep, and unstructured downtime play into our overall well-being.Elena and Janelle also examine the tough realities of provider burnout, the staggering economic impacts of mental health issues, and the new frontiers in treatment, including alternative therapies and the importance of professional guidance. If you’re curious about the state of mental health care, how to support loved ones, or even considering a role in this vital field, this is a must-listen episode packed with practical insights, resources, and real talk about making mental healthcare better for everyone.Time Stamps00:00 "Importance of Mental Health Advocacy"03:41 Behavioral Health Literacy Gap09:00 Addressing Service Accessibility Issues10:41 Hidden Costs of Childcare on Work14:19 Anxiety and Adaptation Challenges19:19 Mental Health Progress Since 1960s23:26 Mental Health Screenings and Checkups25:59 Behavioral Health Workforce Opportunities27:55 Mental Health Screenings OnlineConnect with Janelle on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janelle-miller-moravek-903a815b/Website: https://linktr.ee/yfc_libertyvilleFollow 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

On this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, Elena welcomes Mariam Matin, an inspiring entrepreneur and the founder of Forward, for an in-depth conversation on the realities of today’s job market and the world of social impact careers. Mariam shares her personal journey from her early fascination with building things as a kid, to corporate roles in digital marketing and product management, and eventually to co-founding her own nonprofit, Second Day, aimed at guiding top talent toward sustainable social impact work.Together, Elena and Mariam dive into the challenges of working in the nonprofit sector—debunking myths about nonprofit funding, discussing the struggles of underfunded organizations, and the importance of paying for talent to drive real change. They also tackle the modern messiness of recruiting: from copy-pasted job descriptions and the endless application numbers game, to the rise of AI-powered application bots and the confusion caused by tools like LinkedIn’s Easy Apply.Mariam explains the mission behind Forward, her new platform built to make hiring and job searching more efficient, intentional, and skills-based—for both candidates and recruiters. The pair also touch on generational shifts in the workplace, the social challenges faced by Gen Z job seekers post-pandemic, and the crucial need for mentorship and support. This episode is packed with honest insights and actionable ideas for anyone navigating hiring, job searching, or building a career with impact. Tune in to hear why now is the time for a smarter, more human approach to work.Time Stamps00:00 Career Crossroads: Seeking Impact06:23 Hiring Challenges for New Graduates09:17 "Society's Social Good Priority Problem"11:24 "Underfunding Hinders Complex Problem Solving"14:59 Evolving Hiring Practices Needed18:21 Interview Email Etiquette Guidance22:49 AI Bots Increasing Misplaced Job Applications25:01 AI Overreliance on LinkedIn30:16 Optimized Job Seeker Profiles31:07 Improving Job Application Preparedness36:40 Evolving Social Skills in Graduates39:01 Bridging Generational Gaps41:01 Job Recruitment Tool ExcitementConnect with Mariam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariam-matin/Join Forward: https://forwardjobs.io/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