Show Notes

In this mini-series,  we hear how the COVID-19 virus is impacting and changing colleges and universities.  For this bonus episode, I interview graduating college senior Anne Cox.  Anne is a Digital Media Innovation major in the School of Journalism and Mass Communication at Texas State University.  You might recognize Anne from our trailer - she's the audio engineer and multimedia editor for this podcast.  

Key takeaways

• Some graduating college seniors face an uncertain future
• Find a company or organization you want to work for, try and get in at any level, then move up
• Recognize and value essential workers at all levels
• Practice self care during this time
• You can find a story everywhere you look
• Use free time to update your LinkedIn profile, resume and portfolio
• Embrace technology

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast.  You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam

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Business goes Virtual with Scott Carson

Business is changing.  Because of the Coronavirus or COVID-19, everyone is thinking virtual.  We're teaching, shopping, working and connecting online.  On this episode, I interview Investment Entrepreneur Scott Carson about ways to take traditional business meetings and conferences and turn them into virtual money making events. 

Scott Carson is known as the Note Guy.  He's founder and CEO of We Close Notes, a Texas-based real estate investment company that buys distressed assets on residential and commercial properties from banks and hedge funds.  Over the last few years, Carson has become an expert in online meetings.  Scott canceled a conference with low attendance and turned it into a successful virtual summit.  He's a savvy entrepreneur, business coach and podcaster.  

Key Takeaways

• Don't cancel your in person meeting, instead create a virtual, online summit
• Online meetings and virtual summits are easier than most people think
• The best thing you can do is start doing something online 
• "You've got to evolve in today's markets with everything that is going on or you are going be extinct, out of business and working for somebody else."
• Listen and you'll learn a little known fact about Scott Carson

"And so if there's a way for you to serve a need, or be able to solve a problem then you've got something there, and I think that's the beautiful thing about online, summits,  live streams. If you're answering an issue, solving a problem even if it's for one person."  
                                                                                  - Scott Carson

 Resources
 
 We Close Notes
The Note Closers Show Podcast
Scott Carson's LinkedIn contact 

You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @judyoskam
and Twitter @judyoskam

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If you love soccer, you'll enjoy listening to my interview with Dave Simeone.  He is the technical director for the Red River National Professional League, United States Club Soccer.  

You'll hear Dave's perspective on what passionate soccer fans call the 'beautiful game' and the changing soccer landscape.  Simeone is an expert on the development of soccer in the United States.  

Please make sure you listen to the end of our conversation- you're in for a real treat.  You might learn something new about Dave Simeone.  

Conversation Topics

• Growth and development of soccer in the U.S. 
• Soccer connections like John Cossaboom, Schellas Hyndman, Carla Overbeck, Becky Burleigh, The Agoos brothers
• The sporting industry is a people business
• Bonnie Raitt 

Resources:

• Soccer Development Strategies 
• Red River National Professional League 

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast.  You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam  

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Interdisciplinary Artist Elisa Jimenez

This episode features my interview with Elisa Victoria Jimenez – one of the most unique human beings I’ve ever met.  I interviewed Elisa in New York in late 2019.  My daughter, Danielle, worked with her as part of her internship with the New York Arts Program.  A solo entrepreneur for more than 25 years, Elisa Jimenez decided at the age of 15 that her life would be her greatest work of art. She's interested in the relationship between art, life and humanity.  

If you follow fashion - you might recognize Jimenez from her work with celebrity clients like Cher, Courtney Love, Sarah Jessica Parker, Serena Williams and more.  She makes spontaneous… on-the-spot couture, sewing with monofilament or fishing line.   Over the years, her designs have graced the pages of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar and Elle.  Elisa is also a Project Runway alum.  Her creative roots run deep - she’s the daughter of  famed designer and fine artist Vicky Balcou and the late internationally known sculptor Luis Jimenez. 

Key Takeaways

·      Where you spend your money matters.

·      Change is the only constant.

·      Learn about business and then you tweak it so it’s socially relevant.  

·      Empathy is a lost art.
 

“Keep change as your best friend, Elisa,  and the unknown as your constant lover.  If you know this about life, you will be better for it.”  – Words of wisdom from mother Vicky Balcou to daughter Elisa Jimenez.  

 Resources 

Elisajimenez.com

@elisajimeneznyc

https://shor.by/ElisaJimenez

You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram @judyoskam and Twitter @judyoskam

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In this episode,  I talk with Chair Stylist Wendy Conklin.  Wendy created her company, Chair Whimsy, in 2012. She designs custom, one-of-a-kind  chairs and shares her expertise consulting and teaching online classes. During our interview, we talk about her journey and how she changed her career and her life.  You'll also learn a little known fact about Wendy and hear a couple of her expert tips and practices.

"When you get more miserable and more miserable it’s easier to make the switch.  I don’t think you make that switch until your misery is greater than the fear of the unknown." 
      - Wendy Conklin

What do you hope your daughters learn from your journey? 

“I really hope, more than anything, that they see that life is about an adventure and not to be afraid of taking calculated risks, not to be afraid of change - if it be in their career or their life.” – Wendy Conklin

Key Takeaways:

• Take on challenges to keep growing
• "Courage is different than fear. You can have a lot of fear and still act in a courageous way."
• Think abundance and not scarcity
• Adopt some form of meditative practice
• Invest in a business coach
• Feedback is important

"Pattern mixing and color coordination are kind of my superpower and I enjoy it." 

Resources:

• Chair Whimsy
• Chair Whimsy Etsy Shop

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast.  You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam  

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In this episode,  I interview Emmy Award-Winning Journalist Lynn Walsh.  Lynn is assistant director of the Trusting News Project. 

Discussion topics

• Advice for journalists and news consumers
• Engagement roles in journalism
• The future of journalism
• The importance of your personal brand

Resources:

• Trusting News Project  

You can connect with me on Instagram or Twitter @judyoskam  or email me at [email protected] 

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This episode features Stacy Johnson.  Stacy is the founder and CEO of Central Texas Table of Grace, an emergency center for children and teens in the foster system who have nowhere else to go.  Stacy talks about her own journey through the foster system and how she beat the odds and changed her life.  I found her story inspiring and motivating.  

Key Takeaways

• The creative vision behind Central Texas Table of Grace
• The book that changed Stacy’s life
• The importance of setting goals
• How you can partner with Central Texas Table of Grace

Resources:

• Central Texas Table of Grace
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens by Sean Covey
• Make Your Bed: Little Things that Can Change Your Life…and Maybe The World by Admiral William H. McRaven (Ret)

For more information, please contact: 

Stacy Johnson, Founder/CEO
Central Texas Table of Grace
[email protected]
Office (512) 244-4335
Fax (512) 717-6336
Post Office Box 52
Round Rock, TX 78680

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast.  You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam   

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 In this episode,  I talk with Anthony ONeal about how students can change their future by earning a debt free degree.  ONeal is the author of the best-selling book, Debt Free Degree: The Step-by Step Guide to Getting your Kid Through College Without Student Loans.  

“The caliber of your future is determined by the choices you make today” – Anthony ONeal 

Key Takeaways:

• Tips for college visits
• Identify a profitable major
• Consider community college or a gap year
• The importance of financial literacy
• Internships and negotiation
• Valuable routines, systems and relationships
• Everyone should have a plan

Resources:

• Debt Free Degree:  The Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Kid Through College Without Student Loans
• Downloads and resources to avoid student debt

Please share, subscribe and review this podcast.  You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam  

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We're excited to bring you Stories of Change and Creativity.  This interview podcast features interesting insights from professionals who inspire, educate and motivate.  In this trailer, Audio Engineer Anne Cox and Producer Judy Oskam talk about the focus of the podcast. 

You can connect with me via email at [email protected] or on Instagram and Twitter @judyoskam
 

Hi Friend - If you’re enjoying Stories of Change and Creativity, make sure to follow, rate, and leave a 5-star review—it helps more people discover the show.