SHIFT with Elena Agar

SHIFT with Elena Agar

By Elena AgaragimovaBusinessEntrepreneurship
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SHIFT with Elena Agar episodes

  • Episode 193 - What does it take to truly understand and transform workplace culture?

    Today, we have the privilege of chatting with Tom Schin, a seasoned expert in workplace culture and dynamics. Tom's fascinating journey began as a math major before transitioning to anthropology, and eventually carving out a notable career in HR and leadership across various sectors. We'll delve into his experiences in talent acquisition and leadership development, leading to his passion for helping businesses build better workplace cultures.

    Together, we'll explore the intricacies of recognizing and evaluating company culture, especially during tough times, and the pivotal role of leadership in shaping and maintaining these environments. Tom also sheds light on the significance of continuous learning, balancing accessibility with time management, and the evolution of workplace norms toward more supportive and civil interactions.
    This episode promises deep insights into navigating personal challenges within the workplace, fostering open communication, and the importance of managerial training, including the often-overlooked middle manager. We'll also touch on the growing conversation around mental health, resilience, and the shift towards a well-rounded employee wellbeing strategy.
    Time stamps:
    00:00 Career evolution from academic publishing to HR.
    06:21 True colors show during tough times.
    08:44 Middle managers need support to lead effectively.
    12:59 Managing emotional intelligence amid busy schedules.
    14:26 Guide discussions, observe, and wisely assert boundaries.
    17:09 Adaptability connects AI to human stories effectively.
    21:32 Support employees patiently through good and bad.
    25:51 Persistence and balance: try independently before seeking help.
    29:33 Organizations focus on wellbeing, resilience, and engagement.
    30:43 Mental health stigmas fading, discussions increasing gradually.
    34:16 Why not prioritize continual learning and growth?
    Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schinnn/
    Company website: https://buildbetterculture.com/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    37 min
  • Episode 192 - Mastering Sales: Early-Stage Discovery and Handling Rejections

    Welcome to another insightful episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Brendan McAdams, a seasoned sales expert and coach for startups and entrepreneurs. In this episode, we dive deep into Brendan's approach to building successful products and mastering the sales process. Brendan shares invaluable advice on how to navigate the challenging journey of creating and selling new solutions, highlighting the importance of early-stage discovery, continuous customer conversations, and overcoming rejections.

    We'll explore the mindset that founders need to harness, learn about Brendan's intriguing career path from English literature to enterprise sales, and discuss key principles from his latest book, "Salescraft." Brendan also emphasizes the importance of genuine, transparent communication in building trust and the pitfalls of offering discounts in lieu of demonstrating value. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned founder, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your sales strategy and product development process.
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Sales skills are learned, not always natural.
    03:12 Motivated by criticism, improved writing skills.
    08:42 Create comfort for open communication and engagement.
    11:30 Put customers in problem-solving, decision-making roles.
    13:02 Be genuine, honest, and collaborate as partners.
    17:22 People value solutions over price, spend willingly.
    21:19 Wrote "Salescraft" and "Sales Launch" on B2B selling.
    25:01 Focus on mindset; founders must leverage expertise.
    26:14 Learned to simplify ideas for new audiences.
    29:05 Clarify product benefits; responsibility lies on you.
    32:11 Hope you sell many copies; interesting content.
    Connect with Brendan:
    https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmcadams/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    34 min
  • Episode 191 - Embracing Career Uncertainty and Growth with Meghan Slipka

    In this episode, I am joined by the insightful Meghan Slipka. With a rich background in psychology and extensive experience in leadership roles, Meghan now channels her expertise into helping others navigate their career paths as a certified coach.

    Listen in as Meghan shares her journey from working in the nonprofit and corporate sectors to becoming a solo entrepreneur and coach. We'll explore the unexpected twists in her career, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and the value of maintaining flexibility and adaptability in today's ever-changing job market.
    Meghan also delves into her wellness practices, including her dedication to yoga, and offers practical advice on managing stress and cycles of productivity. Moreover, she'll discuss the significance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning careers, and how to evaluate if your current role aligns with your personal strengths and values.
    Stay tuned as we dive deep into these topics and provide invaluable insights for anyone looking to enhance their career and personal growth.
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Mindset, awareness, flexibility, yoga started my journey.
    05:03 Support inspired me to help others professionally.
    07:25 Being open to career possibilities is beneficial.
    11:22 People struggle to identify and commit to values.
    14:42 General skills often apply across multiple roles.
    16:50 Regretted not seeking mentorship early in career.
    20:49 Realized coaching impact then pursued certification, business.
    26:27 Balancing work and seasons alleviates entrepreneurial pressure.
    27:35 Taking breaks is essential, not shameful.
    Connect with Meghan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanslipka/
    Website: https://www.meghanslipka.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanslipkacoaching/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    32 min
  • Episode 190 - The Power of Authentic Networking

    Today, we have a great conversation lined up with our special guest, Manny Loyden - HR Champion + Community Advocate - whose journey spans continents and industries. Manny shares his incredible career story, from his beginnings in Colombia to becoming a fitness education counselor and transitioning into the exciting world of HR technology. Despite facing challenges and making significant shifts in his career, Manny's passion for people and wellness has remained at the core of his journey.

    In this episode, Manny discusses the evolving nature of networking, the importance of authentic human connections in sales, and how he's thriving in his current role. He also opens up about his personal growth and the power of staying true to oneself. Tune in as Manny offers valuable insights on adding value in professional relationships and shares his excitement for upcoming events like the Disrupt HR AZ movement. Don't miss this inspirational and thought-provoking episode
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Became fitness counselor supporting global health education.
    03:44 Left home job, joined Loud Rumor, helped fitness brands.
    08:11 Monetized passion for health, wellness, helping others.
    12:57 Focus on authentic connections, avoid transactional interactions.
    15:42 Genuine attention sought amidst overwhelming information overload.
    17:54 AI's impact debated in talent development field.
    20:57 Optimization drives progress and increases job opportunities.
    25:19 Embracing authenticity increased confidence and community engagement.
    26:37 Excited for Disrupt HR events and programs.
    Connect with Manny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-loyden/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    29 min
  • Episode 189 - The High Costs of Perfectionism and How to Manage Them with Self-Compassion

    In this, episode, we're diving deep into the complex world of perfectionism, especially its impact on creativity and leadership. Our distinguished guest, Sanela Lukanovic, Co-Founder of Seldom, Senior Leadership and Life Coach, shared profound insights on how perfectionism can be both a driving force and a debilitating obstacle for leaders.

    Sanela discusses the paradox of perfectionism, spotlighting how it often stifles creativity and innovation in leadership roles, yet can be crucial in specific tasks. She opens up about her personal journey of separating self-worth from achievement and the pitfalls of comparing oneself to others during career transitions.
    Sanela Lukanovic brings her expertise in executive coaching to the table, emphasizing the importance of self-compassion in managing perfectionism. She shares her own evolution from a perfectionist corporate persona to a more authentic, self-compassionate leader. Sanela also offers actionable advice on how leaders can nurture their teams without succumbing to self-criticism and burnout.
    Together, we explore the damaging effects of negative self-talk, the subconscious nature of self-criticism, and the necessity of aligning with one's core values. Whether you're struggling with career decisions, battling perfectionism, or simply looking for inspiration to lead with more confidence and purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips.
    Don't miss this enriching discussion on how to transform perfectionism from a detriment into a tool for genuine growth and leadership excellence. Tune in now!
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Chose economics over psychology due to advice.
    04:49 Childhood ambitions versus adult career and self-doubt.
    08:43 Corporate success didn't bring lasting happiness or fulfillment.
    10:13 Career change seekers often struggle with self-comparison.
    13:22 Ask, "Do I want this and why?"
    16:54 Intentionality in balancing potential success and sacrifice.
    21:34 Perfectionism misunderstood, hindering rather than aiding excellence.
    23:27 Perfectionism hinders decisiveness; affect on leadership.
    27:09 Perfectionism stifles creativity; leaders must be flexible.
    30:19 Overworking leads to burnout and self-stagnation.
    35:50 Self-criticism isn't productive or beneficial.
    38:40 Abandoning perfectionism for bravery and peace.
    40:29 Balance self-compassion with pursuing excellence for growth.
    43:26 Thank you for reducing our self-criticism.
    Connect with Sanela: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sanelalukanovic-executivecoach/
    Website: https://www.selfdom.life/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    45 min
  • Episode 188 - Navigating Career Shifts: Insights from an Entrepreneurship Journey

    In this episode, I am joined by Danial Tokath, an entrepreneur who transitioned from a high-stakes engineering career to a bold new path in business. Danial's journey from managing a multi-million dollar portfolio in the corporate world to founding his own company, aptly named 'N,' is a riveting tale of courage, faith, and relentless pursuit of passion.

    In this episode, we dive deep into Danial's philosophy on taking risks, overcoming fears, and the importance of family and faith. We explore the profound impact his move from Dubai to Jordan had on his family, the resilience they built, and the remarkable successes his children achieved along the way. Danial also shares his invaluable insights on the significance of storytelling in business, the power of social media, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship amidst technological advancements.
    Join us as we discuss the highs and lows of his professional journey, the lessons learned from his pivot to entrepreneurship, and his unwavering belief that it’s never too late to start anew. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for inspiration and practical advice, Danial's story will motivate you to align with your purpose and take bold steps towards a fulfilling life.
    Connect with Danial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danial-tokath/
    Website: https://www.nds.ae/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    38 min
  • Episode 187 - Transforming Women's Fitness: Insights on Hormonal Health and Entrepreneurship

    In this episode, we dive deep into fitness, wellness, and personal growth. In today's episode, Elena is joined by Anastasia “Stasi” Grenfell - Co-Founder + CEO of Victress MVMT, a passionate entrepreneur and expert in women's health and fitness. Stasi shares her journey of overcoming hormonal imbalances, the inception of her innovative fitness business, and the importance of tailored wellness programs for women.

    We'll explore the significance of recognizing hormone-related symptoms like fatigue, cravings, and irregular periods, and discuss prevalent conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Stasi talks about her organization, Victress MVMT, which partners with clinicians to support women facing hormonal challenges.
    Elena and Stasi also touch on the societal norms impacting our health choices, the benefits of cutting out toxins like alcohol and caffeine, and how customized fitness routines can make a significant difference in women's lives. Plus, Stasi reveals her personal insights on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the future of women-centric fitness solutions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical advice and empowering stories!
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Victress: holistic, evidence-based fitness for strong females.
    04:50 Starting is crucial; progress isn't always perfect.
    08:39 Providing vital resources for women's hormone health.
    10:52 Meds not for lifetime; chronic issues exceptions.
    15:51 Behavior change essential for weight maintenance success.
    17:29 Hormone imbalance symptoms vary widely, including fatigue.
    19:39 Many people normalize feeling tired and stressed.
    24:33 Motherhood, entrepreneurship parallel; embracing uncertainty, adapting.
    25:58 Valuing teamwork, time management, and supportive partnerships.
    32:05 Importance of female community for support and understanding.
    33:11 Boutique fitness primarily targets women, emphasizes adaptability.
    38:45 Older adults may benefit more from weightlifting.
    39:57 People enjoy exercise for its euphoric effects.
    Connect with Stasi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiagrenfell/
    Visit Website: https://victressmvmt.com/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victressmvmt/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victressmvmt/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    43 min
  • Episode 186: Finding Balance: Prioritizing Self-Care to Prevent Burnout

    In today’s conversation, Elena is joined by Jocelyn Sandstrom, an insightful guest whose journey of personal growth and transformation offers profound wisdom on leading a balanced and fulfilling life.

    In this episode, we dive deep into the core motivations behind needing change and self-care, emphasizing the importance of carving out time for oneself amidst parental guilt and everyday pressures. Jocelyn and Elena explore strategies to prevent burnout, the significant impact of having mentors, and the necessity of maintaining intimate relationships through planned activities like date nights.
    We also discuss setting effective boundaries to prevent energy leakage, the power of aligning one's actions with long-term visions and goals, and the continuous nature of personal growth. Elena shares her fascinating experiences of living in twelve different countries, which contributed to her self-discovery and the cultivation of present mindfulness.
    Listen in for actionable steps on creating a balanced and enjoyable life, avoiding the traps of societal pressures, and harnessing the power of collective consciousness through awareness of morphic fields. Learn from Elena's insights on how to transform social media engagement through authentic energy and how personal and relational growth must be seen as a joyous, ongoing evolution.
    Tune in to discover how you can live a life that feels like a continuous vacation, learn to set boundaries that respect your truths, and maintain a forward-thinking mindset that keeps you motivated and aligned with your goals. Join us for this transformative episode and take the first step towards a more present, energized, and fulfilled version of yourself.
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Living in different countries allows self-discovery.
    04:56 Living life as a continual, conscious vacation.
    09:00 Loving the process makes success inevitable and magnetized.
    09:50 Stay energized: attract opportunities, avoid stress, align actions.
    13:49 Post with intention and alignment, not obligation.
    15:58 Collective consciousness: shared beliefs influence your behavior.
    20:04 Awareness and grounding turn sensitivity into superpower.
    23:42 Priorities and boundaries shape balanced, fulfilling lives.
    27:31 Growth changes relationships; it's a challenging process.
    32:08 Quantum alignment attracts our future desires effortlessly.
    34:48 Transmute adversity into your superpower through perspective.
    37:13 Free mastermind signup to maintain inspiration.
    Connect with Jocelyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-luko-sandstrom-4789882a/
    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynlukosandstrom/?hl=en
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jocelynluko
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jocelynsandstrom/playlists
    Website: https://www.jocelynsandstrom.com/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    40 min
  • Episode 185 - Family Business Dynamics and Gen Z Workplace Strategies with Hannah MacDonald

    I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker on the "Shift with Elena Agar Podcast" to discuss her journey, experiences, and passion for mentoring the next generation.

    From her early days as a substitute teacher in Florida, where she discovered her love for working with high schoolers, to her current role with the Better Together Group of Companies, every step has been a learning experience. One key takeaway? The importance of guiding Gen Z as they transition into the workforce.
    On the podcast, we dove deep into: ✨ The importance of diverse age representation in the workplace. ✨ Building effective communication between managers and Gen Z employees. ✨ The value of personal branding and being intentional in one’s career. ✨ How to hire, maintain, and motivate Gen Z employees by understanding their unique needs and aspirations.
    If you are eager to learn more about managing generational differences, promoting career growth, and fostering meaningful workplace relationships, don't miss this episode!
    Time Stamps:
    00:00 Traveled a lot, shifted business, moved. Transformational journey.
    04:18 Family business: Work opportunity with emotional ties.
    07:32 Sub teaching in Florida, surprised by students.
    11:27 Challenges of young adults entering the workforce.
    15:03 Valuable mentorship shapes successful career development.
    16:01 Effective communication key for manager-Gen Z relationship.
    22:08 Intentional planning, personal branding, and sharing knowledge.
    25:01 Sharing link to understand Gen Z, flexibility.
    26:25 Flexibility is key for Gen Z employees.
    32:47 Children's book series on male-dominated industries.
    33:58 Encouraging kids to explore career opportunities early.
    37:31 Reflecting on purpose and motivation, embracing change.
    Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kay-macdonald/
    Website: https://bettertogethergroup.com/
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    39 min
  • Episode 184 - Mastering Mindset: Nick Klingensmith on Resilience and Personal Growth

    In this episode, Nick dives deep into the topic of resilience and how it cannot be explicitly taught but must be experienced. From his personal journey through significant adversity - overcoming cancer, battling alcoholism, surviving a harrowing car accident, and eventually thriving as a motivational speaker and coach - Nick shares invaluable insights on building resilience through incremental, controlled challenges.

    Key Takeaways: 💡 Resilience is built through experiences that help us develop a deep sense of purpose and capability. 🏃‍♂️ Nick's journey from feeling stuck to finding passion in Spartan races, which became pivotal in his transformation. 📚 An inspiring look at his second book, "Selling Inspired," which focuses on mindset and motivation, applicable to anyone looking to shed the past and set epic goals. 🔗 The importance of curating positive and educational content on social media, taking personal responsibility for technology use, and fostering quality relationships. 🤝 The significance of having a trusted network, often referred to as a "tribe" or "wolf pack," especially in challenging times.
    Nick's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-determination, and the impact of surrounding oneself with supportive and positive influences.
    Time stamps:
    00:00 Desire for change led to race commitment.
    03:08 Overcoming obstacles, finding freedom in nature.
    07:53 Struggling financially, faced with cancer and victimhood.
    11:45 Alcohol took control, life spiraled downward.
    14:03 Resilience, mindset, and choices create amazing outcome.
    18:07 Realizing survival doesn't mean overcoming adversity.
    19:59 Reflecting on hardships and embracing life's challenges.
    25:56 Social media gets bad rap, resilience matters.
    27:44 14 months ago, engaged with coaches, wanted to speak and coach. Lost job and needed change.
    30:12 Book on mindset, purpose, and living inspired.
    35:57 Identify influential people for advice and support.
    38:07 Personal responsibility for technology use is important.
    40:47 Agree on controlling access to harmful content.
    43:40 Focus on small, simple actions to start.
    Connect with Nick on website: https://www.stridemotivation.com/
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nklingensmith/
    His Book: https://www.stridemotivation.com/through-the-fire
    Follow 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/id1530850914
    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

    46 min

About SHIFT with Elena Agar

From the publisher's feed

Welcome to Shift with Elena Agar, real conversations about what it actually takes to build something.