SHIFT with Elena Agar

On this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, we welcome back Aysha Alawadhi for a powerful conversation about transformation in the people and HR space. It’s been over two years since Aysha ’s last appearance, and a lot has changed—both in her personal journey as a mom and in her approach to holistic wellbeing and talent development. Elena and Aysha dive into insights from the recent Unleash Conference in Vegas, where buzzwords like AI and the "future of work" took center stage, but the real focus was on the human side of change.Together, they explore why wellbeing is so much more than gym memberships, how mental agility is fast becoming a non-negotiable skill, and the importance of making learning a truly integrated, lifelong pursuit. Drawing from her own experiences, Aysha shares how pushing outside your comfort zone—whether climbing a mountain or navigating tough feedback—can radically boost your personal and professional growth.You’ll also hear practical advice for HR leaders, tips on fostering transferable skills, and honest reflections on the challenges and rewards of change. Whether you’re in HR, leadership, or just passionate about helping people thrive, this conversation is full of actionable takeaways and inspiration for embracing the shifts ahead.Time stamps:00:00 "Unleash 2025: AI and Human Element"04:03 Integrating Work-Life Skills07:42 Adapting to Change in Tech10:18 Cultivating Growth in Diverse Work Environments15:16 Crafting Your Career Story17:52 Unexpected Lessons in Leadership22:58 Organizational Culture Implementation Issues24:16 Relentlessly Seek Feedback29:25 Sports Build Resilience32:22 "Social Skills for Career Growth"36:18 Embrace Learning and Flexibility37:01 Embrace Fear to Unlock PotentialConnect with Aysha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aysha-alawadhi-ms-gphr/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 Steven Puri—an accomplished entrepreneur whose career has taken him from engineering and Academy Award-winning film production to tech startups and, most recently, wellness innovation as the founder of the Sukha Company. Steven shares his unique journey from coding in his childhood, to producing special effects for blockbuster films like Independence Day, to leading at major Hollywood studios, and eventually pivoting to focus on productivity, wellness, and the science of flow.Together, Elena and Steven explore the real-life challenges of balancing ambition, hustle, and well-being. They discuss Steven’s personal struggles with procrastination and overwhelm, his lessons from both success and failure, and how a thoughtful, data-driven approach informed the creation of his company and its productivity tools. Along the way, they dive into the importance of self-awareness, mindfulness (inspired, in part, by yoga), community, and even healthy competition in driving both personal and professional growth.Whether you’re a leader searching for actionable strategies, someone struggling with productivity, or just curious about the intersection of creativity, technology, and wellness, this episode is packed with insightful stories and advice you can use right away. Tune in for an episode full of honest reflection, practical wisdom, and plenty of inspiration!Time stamps:00:00 Bridging Tech and Film at USC03:32 "Rethinking Career: Engineering Shift"07:39 Confronting Procrastination and Self-Awareness12:37 Hustle Versus Balance Debate13:55 Work-Life Balance Perspectives19:34 Vice Principal's PhD Journey22:49 "Understanding Flow States"23:37 Discovering "Flow" in Action29:52 Creating Conditions for Creative Leadership31:44 Expanding Creative Possibilities Together33:39 Generative AI Enhances Performance36:50 Flow State Productivity App Features40:11 "Why Do You Pay Me?"Connect with Steven on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri-b0714436/Company website: https://www.thesukha.co/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 this episode, Elena sits down with Nana Twumasi, an accomplished publisher with a rich background in both editing and building imprints within the book industry. Nana shares her fascinating journey from aspiring novelist and photo researcher to leading her own publishing imprint, Balance, under the Hachette Book Group umbrella. Together, they dive deep into the realities of the publishing world—breaking down how books get made, the role of numbers and business acumen behind each title, and why most books won’t top bestseller lists (but that doesn’t mean they’re not successful).Nana opens up about what publishers are really looking for in a potential book or author, especially in nonfiction and the personal growth space. She also unpacks the long timelines, the importance of marketing versus the quality of the work, and gives us a candid look at how trends, technology, and even AI are reshaping the industry. Whether you’re dreaming of writing your own book, curious about how publishing really works, or just passionate about storytelling, this episode is packed with practical insights and honest advice straight from the heart of book publishing. Tune in for a conversation that’s both eye-opening and inspiring!Time Stamps:00:00 Editorial Journey at Jossey-Bass05:02 Callisto Media's Rapid Publishing Innovation09:33 Bestsellers Fuel Publishing Success12:18 Bestseller Success: Marketing vs. Quality16:16 Publishing Success: Assessing Potential Books19:32 Sustaining Book Visibility Beyond Release21:43 Supporting Authors: Process and Timelines24:59 December Book Release Planning27:58 Publishing Obstacles for OB GYNs31:32 AI Usage Disclosure in Creative Works33:39 "Fears of AI Impact on Learning"37:20 Conflicted Reader's Routine40:16 "Balance Imprint Overview"Connect with Nana on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nanaktwumasi/Company website: https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/Personal website: https://nanakt.com/about-nanakFollow 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 this episode, Elena reconnects with Millree Williams, a certified career and retirement coach, for an eye-opening conversation about what it really means to transition into retirement in today’s rapidly changing world. As more baby boomers cross the traditional retirement age—and as economic shifts and workplace uncertainties push some to consider retiring earlier than planned—Millree shares his insights into the unique challenges facing professionals over 40 and beyond. But this isn’t about financial planning. Instead, Elena and Millree dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, why purpose and identity matter so much in this new chapter, and how individuals – no matter their age - should always be considering the many chapters of their lives. How organizations can better support employees as they prepare for life after work. And, finally, why this support benefits the organization’s bottom line. Whether you’re years from considering retirement or it’s coming up fast, this episode is sure to inspire you to think intentionally about your next chapter and begin equipping you with ideas for navigating the path ahead. Tune in for a candid, uplifting look at how to design a fulfilling retirement—and why it’s never too early to start planning for what comes next.Time stamps:00:00 Navigating Career Transition After 4003:59 Retirement Coaching Challenges07:45 Life Transitions as Novel Chapters10:09 Shifting Job Market and Retirement Challenges14:50 "Plan for Career Change Early"18:47 Employee Well-being and Succession Benefits20:05 Retirement: Employees as Brand Ambassadors23:47 "Supporting Aging Workforce Talent"28:58 Prioritizing Time with Aging Parents30:45 Redefining Retirement for Non-Professionals35:03 "Gratitude for Discussing Key Topic"Connect with Millree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millreewilliams/Website: https://www.willekop.com/Email: [email protected] 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, we welcome the insightful Zeev Wexler, a digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience. Zeev discusses the transformative power of AI and its rapid integration into our daily lives, emphasizing the shift from mere technological curiosity to essential tool for efficiency and growth. He shares his journey into AI, starting with his fascination for marketing automation, leading to a deeper understanding and advocacy of AI's potential. Zeev likens AI to revolutionary technologies like fire and electricity, stressing it as a tool we discovered rather than invented. Throughout the conversation, Zeev addresses common fears about AI, its adoption in various industries, particularly its potential in enhancing business processes and personal productivity. He emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting to AI to harness its benefits, rather than being left behind. Tune in to explore AI's role in reshaping how we approach tasks like content creation, sales, and even personal growth.Time stamps:00:00 Podcast on AI and Tech Shifts04:38 Rapid AI Adoption Outpaces Smartphones08:53 Personalized Health Tech and AI Acceptance10:54 Embracing Technology at Any Age13:21 AI: Enhancing Efficiency, Not Replacement17:59 "Maximizing Time with AI"20:21 "Building Consistent Pipeline Strategy"23:53 AI Tool Accelerates Research and Writing28:15 AI Authenticity in Speech Mimicry30:43 AI Implementation Challenges & Starting Points32:08 Custom AI for Business Growth35:43 Creative Ideas Transformed into Contest39:58 "AI Amplifies Expertise, Not Skill"Connect with Zeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeevwexler/Visit website: https://www.wexlermarketing.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

On this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, we welcome Scott Zimmerman, a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in sales and the life insurance industry. Join Elena and Scott as they explore Scott's journey from holding minimum wage jobs to discovering his passion for sales through a transformative training camp he attended at the age of 19. They delve into the crucial role of sales in business and the valuable life lessons Scott has learned from his extensive career. From debunking common misconceptions about life insurance to highlighting its significance, Scott provides insights into this often misunderstood field. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that underscores the power of relationship-building and authenticity in thriving as a salesperson, and how embracing change and continuous growth are essentials for a successful career in life insurance. Whether you're considering a future in sales or simply curious about the world of insurance, this episode has something valuable for everyone.Time stamps:00:00 Sales: Essential Lifelong Skill03:24 Sales Approach: Asking, Not Pushing06:29 Insurance for Car Loan Relief11:53 Cultural Perspectives on Elder Care15:28 Navigating Unpredictability as You Age18:57 Insurance Policy Payout Misconceptions22:45 "Custom Insurance Brokerage Solutions"25:22 Ageless Passion and Energy27:58 "Decline in Young Sales Talent?"30:22 Monetization and Contact InquiryConnect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12/ All other links: https://linktr.ee/scottzimmerman 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 the latest episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, where we're diving deep into the art of leadership with our distinguished guest, retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch. With over 40 years of dedicated service in the Army, Oak brings a wealth of experience and insights into leadership that are not only earned but also shared through his book, "Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be." In this episode, Oak shares personal stories from his extensive career and breaks down the essence of servant leadership. We talk about the importance of mentorship, accountability, and setting the right example for others to follow. Whether you're in the military or the corporate world, there are lessons here about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement within your team that you won’t want to miss. Join us as we explore how to leave a lasting legacy through effective leadership.Time stamps:00:00 "Influential High School Mentors"06:43 Reevaluating Mentorship and Reverse Roles08:46 Leadership Insights from ROTC Experience11:37 Leadership Lessons from General Winfield14:41 Navigating Modern Workplace Challenges19:34 "Balancing Counseling: Positive and Problem-Solving"20:47 "Band-Aid Solutions in Management"23:58 Reluctance to Share Knowledge28:22 Realizing Leadership Exhaustion31:27 Influence Through Small Decisions34:02 Mind Career Growth Early39:07 Balancing Individuality and Teamwork40:01 "Personal Insights Enhance Project Assignments"44:49 Corporate Burnout Hinders Youth Leadership46:52 "Management by Walking Around"50:20 Legacy of Strong Leadership54:39 "Strive for Continuous Improvement"Connect with Oak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/Website: https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/ Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952037107/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=your+leadership+legacy+oakland+mcculloch&qid=1613223913&s=books&sr=1-1Follow 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're joined by the inspiring Bofta Yimam, a trailblazing journalist and Emmy-winning news anchor. Bofta shares her journey from being a first-generation American captivated by the world of journalism to becoming a prominent leader in the field. Despite challenges like breaking into the competitive world of broadcast news and landing her first job, Bofta's relentless pursuit of her dreams and her commitment to upskilling herself made her a success.We delve into her experiences covering major events, her achievements including winning an Emmy for impactful storytelling, and her transition into entrepreneurship. Bofta also addresses the challenges leaders face in building their personal brand, especially in the digital age, and offers practical tips to overcome self-doubt and maintain consistency in communication. Whether you're a parent, a young professional, or someone navigating a career pivot, this conversation is filled with valuable insights and advice that can help guide you in your journey. Join us for a captivating conversation about resilience, ambition, and the power of creating your own opportunities.Time stamps:00:00 "First-Gen Inspiration: Journalism Ambition"04:10 Unexpected Path to TV Success08:26 "Adapting and Thriving in New Cities"11:58 "Kimberly's Law: Catalyzing Change"15:12 Challenges Women Face in Confidence16:39 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety20:48 Maximize Engagement with Content Quality24:08 LinkedIn Content Strategy Tips28:12 Career Reevaluation During Hard Times28:52 Rethinking Choices in Remote Work32:49 Investing in Personal Growth36:42 Reflections on Loss and Self-Discovery39:08 "Overcoming Ruts with Positivity"42:03 Action Over ComplaintsConnect with Bofta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boftayimam/Personal website: https://boftayimam.com/ Company website: https://storylede.com/contact/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 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