The Afternoon Shift

What does it take to really reinvent your career? This week's episode features a detailed breakdown of exactly that. 

After decades of success as a Hollywood producer, and later blending entertainment and tech in Silicon Valley, Derek Stoops found himself at a crossroads. Not long after launching his own production company, the phone stopped ringing. Covid, combined with a reckoning across Hollywood, forced him to consider an entirely new path.

At first, ego got in the way, as it does for most of us. Derek had been a VP at Sony, pioneering production methodologies and international dealmaking. Letting go of that identity wasn’t easy. 

Step one was simply getting out from behind his computer. He leaned into an interest in energy and sustainability and put one foot in front of the other. A few key moves followed: taking a class, applying to a local incubator, and humbling himself enough to be vulnerable with friends about the uncertainty he was facing. That openness led to more conversations, and more conviction around his new direction.

He also realized that his Hollywood experience was more transferable than he thought. Like so many of us who have worked in marketing, media, sports, and entertainment, he was a problem-solver, used to being proactive and learning as he went.

In this conversation, Derek shares not only how he came to that realization for himself, but also the tactical moves you can apply to your own shift.

Today, Derek is firmly planted in the energy sector. He is developing both expertise and a team of collaborators who focus on commercialization of IP rooted in academia, among other things.

I’m grateful to Derek for the openness he brought to this discussion, and for his friendship and support.

If something here resonates, don’t hesitate to reach out to him as well.

Let’s keep making career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Derek on LinkedIn

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Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

By mid-career, Karen Kelly has reinvented herself more times than most people dare to dream.

From ad agency burnout in New York City, to scrubs and red tape as a speech pathologist, to moonlighting as a photographer, to running a seven-figure media business, to CMO and later President of a tech company, to volunteer community organizer and change-maker, to present day Co-Founder and CEO of Launch by Lunch, she has turned curiosity and resilience into her career compass.

In this conversation, Karen opens up about the roadblocks we create for ourselves, the power of listening to signals, and the surprising ways creativity and community can reshape what’s next. We dig into:

• Why “too many ideas” can be a superpower if you learn how to channel it.

• The moment she realized storytelling mattered more than the photo itself.

• Building a grassroots childcare solution in her hometown during the pandemic.

• Painkiller vs. vitamin thinking when launching new ventures.

• How to give yourself permission to pivot—and crystalize fleeting moments into something lasting.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by sunk costs, uncertain about your next season, or hesitant to put your work into the world before it feels ready, Karen’s story will give you both a framework and the encouragement to move forward.

Let’s keep making career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Karen on LinkedIn

Visit the website for her company, Launch by Lunch, to learn more about building with no-code tools and the community of leaders waiting for you to join them.

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

What is it really like to work in professional sports?

Most of us only see the highlights: the packed arenas, the high-profile players, the big sponsorships. 

But behind the scenes, sports is one of the most intense training grounds in business. It is relentless, unpredictable, and filled with lessons that few other industries can offer, especially for marketing and media pros. 

Chris DiPierro knows this world better than most. He spent 15 years in professional sports, culminating in his role as Director of Marketing for the Boston Bruins. 

After leaving sports, he translated those lessons into the corporate world as Head of Global Market Development and Strategic Partnerships at Wipro. 

And today, he is the Founder & CEO of Cozelo Marketing Company, the ultimate insider resource for brands that want to align their goals with the right property, unlock the right assets, and generate the best return. 

In this conversation, Chris and I explore the reality of working in sports: the highs, the chaos, the exhaustion, and incredible lessons, including  unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from his Bruins days - like the playoff moment when thousands of rally towels accidentally shipped to Austin instead of Boston.

We also talk about the current job market, the power of creative collabs, the mindset required to be an independent consultant, experimenting with AI, and much more.

If you have ever wondered what sports can teach us about resilience, creativity, and brand-building, this episode is for you.

Let’s keep making career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Chris on LinkedIn

Visit the website for his consultancy Cozelo, to learn more about how to work with him to make sure your partnerships perform.

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

If you’re leading a company, department, or team, this conversation is for you.

If you’re running your own consultancy, doing fractional work, or guiding clients in your role at an agency, you’re in the right place.

And if you believe in the power of self expression and the opportunity to make an impact by leaning into your own creativity, yes, this is a must-listen.

I met this week's guest, Deo Mwano, over 15 years ago.

He was still in school, but already making waves as a leader and creator. 

I can still remember being in the room, memorized, as he delivered his TedX speech and dance performance in 2011, sharing his incredible personal journey, and ultimately his mission to help inspire, motivate, and make a positive impact.   

Well, today he’s delivering on that mission as a creator, entrepreneur, consultant, advisor, tech founder, educator, choreographer, musician, community leader, father and so much more.  

We dig into concrete lessons for leadership, including a 3-step process Deo uses in his own work helping leaders: 1) Self Reflection 2) Validation 3) Adaptability 

We go through individual case studies of his work with specific individuals. 

We also go deep into a specific negotiation and how Deo stayed true to his values.

And of course we talk about his technology company, MirrorIM, and how he’s helping people tap into their intrinsic motivators to learn, grow, and change. 

But my favorite part is when Deo shares what motivates him to be so prolific in his own creative process, why he wants us all to remember the power and opportunity we have as creators, especially right now given the rise of AI. 

And finally, what it looks like when he’s in flow making music.  

This is a totally unique and valuable episode, and I’m extremely grateful to Deo for sharing his expertise and wisdom. 

Let’s keep making career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Deo on LinkedIn

Visit the website for his consultancy DMC, to learn more about how to work with him in a one-on-one or group setting

Check out Deo's tech company to help you and your company accomplish more: MirrorIM

Watch Deo's TedX Talk
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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

In a year of research on the nature of work and mid-career evolution, one word keeps surfacing: compassion.

Compassion for others, yes. But more importantly, self-compassion.

It's essential for sustained performance at work, and essential for navigating the messy middle of mid-career.

This week’s guest reinforces that idea and expands our understanding with both science and practical tools we can put to use.

 Heather Doyle Fraser is a publisher, author, entrepreneur, and coach who leads the Compassionate Mind Collaborative.

In our conversation, Heather explains the physiology of self-compassion and the “threat, drive, soothe” emotional regulation system that shape our daily experience:

 Threat – the fears of not being enough, of failing, of being judged.

 Drive – the fuel, values, and purpose that makes us want to do/create something

 Soothe – the comfort and self-care we can introduce into the equation

Heather shows how recognizing and balancing these forces supports both career growth and creativity.

She also shares tactical tools for creative output, from creating enough time, to shaping our physical environment, to cultivating a cognitive landscape where compassion leads instead of the critic.

We also dig into

• the vagus nerve and Theory Polyvagal theory
• comparisons between elite athletes and high performing leaders
• importance of cultivating curiosity
• how changing your state can help you find your flow
• the whiteboard shower hack
• Heather's family band
• our work together on my book Collaboration is King

Throughout our conversation the reminder is simple but profound: even the most seasoned leaders and creators wrestle with fear and doubt. What carries them forward is practice and support.

Let’s keep making career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Heather on LinkedIn
Visit her website to learn more about how to work with her in a one-on-one or group setting
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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

How do you find career clarity when everything feels uncertain?

Frank Hwang - now Senior Director of Marketing at Viking Range and formerly a brand and marketing leader at SharkNinja, Sperry, EF Education First, Timberland, Cannondale, and more - has navigated multiple transitions, including a recent move from full-time to consulting and back into a major leadership role.

In this candid and energizing conversation, Frank shares how he managed the uncertain months, questions around personal value and focus, the good, bad, and ugly of the modern hiring process, when to invest in personal business development, the mindset required to consult on your own, and how to identify a new role that feels aligned. 

Whether you’re considering a move, riding out a transition, settling into something new, or just wondering what’s next, this is a story you’ll relate to.

Thanks for being here.

Let's make career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Frank on LinkedIn.

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

He had a full client roster, was running paid media campaigns, and building lead gen systems before he could legally vote.

Aaron Wagenheim had already lived two distinct career chapters before most of us had even picked a major. 

First came digital marketing. 

Then came the pivot: helping high school athletes build personal brands before NIL had fully entered the mainstream.

That decision, and a relationship-first approach, shaped everything that followed.

Aaron chose to skip college and double down on what was already working. 

Now in his early twenties, he leads BYAWAGS Media, a content agency serving national brands, professional athletes, and local businesses. 

He's worked with top brands including GilletteLabs, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Timberland, Stanley, Slate Milk, Raising Cane’s, CVS, 7/11, and RedBull.

When we met at a startup event in Boston, I was struck by Aaron’s clarity and mindset.

While The Afternoon Shift is focused on mid-career and leadership, understanding how early career marketers and entpreneruers see the game right now is instructive. 

Especially for those of us navigating what’s next.

In this episode, we cover:

• Balancing preparation and posting
• The production-value paradox of personal content
• Working with athletes in the NIL era
• Why companies should support internal creators
• The evolution of influencer marketing
• Creativity, ego, and the curse of the marketer

Thanks for being here.

Let's make career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn & Instagram

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

Brad McNamara has created companies, built teams, and learned how to lead differently at mid-career.

We start this episode by diving into Brad’s unlikely journey from on-air personality at Boston’s top station to becoming an agency owner, to serial entrepreneur, and current CEO of a truly innovative healthcare startup.

We talk about the difference between running hard and running smart in mid-career, the power of improv, and how the mental game of sports shows up in life and business.

Brad shares lessons learned through agency life, startup growth, building in healthcare, and why he thinks influencers may eventually play a key role in the future of "food as medicine."

We also get into what it’s like to lead while raising a family, and how open communication with your partner becomes a critical part of navigating mid-career life. 

If you're leading a team (or thinking about your next big move), this one is full of practical insight and encouragement.

Thanks for being here.

Let's make career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Brad on LinkedIn

Check out his company, Morrissey Market

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

What if the way your brain works is actually your greatest strength?

In this episode of The Afternoon Shift, I talk with Lindsay Binette, founder of The Wavy Brain, a Neurodiversity Coaching & Advisory Practice supporting individuals and companies. We start with her dream career in marketing, leading culture-shaping campaigns for brands like Nike and Levi’s, before diving into her personal ADHD diagnosis and her bold pivot into entrepreneurship.

Lindsay shares practical tools for anyone navigating neurodivergence or working with neurodivergent teammates, along with a powerful reframe of what she calls “hobby hopping,” the tendency to start and stop creative projects. We also dig into how self-compassion can fuel your creativity and career growth.

Thanks for being here.

Let's make career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Lindsay Binette on LinkedIn

Check out her Neurodiversity Coaching & Advisory Practice, The Wavy Brain

Find the resources and tools we discussed, here

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher

Today we learn from growth marketing expert Anuj Adhiya and 16-year-old entrepreneur Sabrina Bhattacharjya as they challenge what it means to thrive in a rapidly shifting creative landscape.

Anuj, who literally wrote the book on modern growth marketing, opens up about the uncertainty he feels around AI and career evolution.

And his “reverse mentor” Sabrina, an entrepreneur and viral content creator recently profiled by The New York Times, teaches us how curiosity, and a fearless approach to AI experimentation can unlock new levels of creativity.

We also explore Sabrina’s take on:

• Influencer marketing
• What authenticity really looks like
• The power of social media translating to IRL
• Insights revealed by Spotify’s recommendation algorithm
• The future of work
• A Taylor Swift custom GPT 
• Business opportunities in Marvel fandom and sneaker culture
• Specific AI tools we should be experimenting with right now

This episode is packed with ideas to sharpen your creative leadership and keep you inspired in mid-career, no matter what’s next.

Thanks for being here.

Let's make career more of a team sport.

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Connect with Anuj on LinkedIn
Connect with Sabrina on LinkedIn

Check out Sabrina’s company Lexington250.com

Links discussed in this episode:

Replit
Lovable
ChatPRD

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Learn more about The Afternoon Shift and sign up for our free newsletter. (theafternoonshift.com)

Host: Brady Sadler

Let's connect on LinkedIn

Show Art: Kyle Mosher