The Tech Less Podcast

In this episode, I answer the question "should I stay or should I go" referring to your current job. At the crux of the answer is understanding deep-down the kind of role and environment you need to feel supported and to feel good/thrive. You will leave this episode with a framework to take that decision into your own hands - with confidence!

In this episode I share my two favorite resources that have been incredibly healing in learning about managing my own energy to live more peaceful days. I also take you through an audit of where you spend your time so you can identify what is draining versus energizing, and what to do about it.

If you're on the hamster wheel of life and sensing there has to be another way, this is for you.

Resources:

• Learn more about Kate Northrup and her book Do Less at https://katenorthrup.com/book/
• Learn more about Human Design and Dr. Nicole at https://linktr.ee/ngarritano

In this episode of Season 2, we unpack the four core limiting beliefs that hold us back from reaching out goals.

Key Takeaways

• Our mindsets and beliefs have immense power to lead us towards our goals or derail us
• The 4 core mindset limiting beliefs are: overwhelm, perfectionism, not feeling enough, and comfort/busyness
• Use the ABC (Activating event, Belief, Consequence) model to understand how beliefs influence emotions/behaviors
• The key is recognizing limiting beliefs, pausing before reacting, and choosing an empowered response

Topics

The Power of Mindset

• Mindset is the #1 factor in achieving goals
• Beliefs can propel us forward or sabotage our efforts
• We often have learned self-limiting beliefs that hold us back

The 4 Core Mindset Blocks

• The overwhelm story: "I don't know where to start"
• The perfectionist story: "It's not perfect yet, I'm afraid to fail"
• The "not enough" story: Doubting capabilities and worth
• The comfort story: "I'm too busy, I don't have time"

Using the ABC Model

• A = Activating event (e.g. client request)
• B = Belief/inner talk track (e.g. "I'm incompetent")
• C = Consequence/behavior (e.g. overworking, missing plans)
• Understand this cycle to intercept and change consequences

Hitting Pause

• When triggered, pause before reacting from old beliefs
• Take a break, re-evaluate from a calmer mindset
• Decide on an empowered response aligned with your values

Key Takeaways

• Identify personal values and envision your ideal life to gain clarity on priorities
• Let go of limiting beliefs and self-doubt holding you back
• Take small daily actions to reclaim your spirit and feel more alive

Topics

Guided Visualization Exercise

• Imagine your ideal life 3 years from now
• Envision your dream job/work situation that aligns with your values
• Reflect on what you love most about this vision and what's different from current reality
• Consider what you need to let go of to make room for this new life

Reclaiming Yourself

• Identify 3 things you have control over that you can do daily to feel more alive
• Become aware of limiting mindsets like fear, perfectionism, and self-doubt

After years struggling to maintain an enjoyable work-life balance (aka integrating life and work), in 2021 I learned the systems to get back my identity and time, and improve my life satisfaction from a D- to an A. Now I want to help other underpaid and overworked tech professionals shorten the learning curve to living and earning more. In this Mini-Series, I unpack the reasons why we struggle to have a healthy workload (that are within our control) and give you systems to help you identify what you want from life, how work fits into that, and how to make meaningful change to enjoy life more without sacrificing your performance/income.

If and when you're ready, here's how I can help:

1. Subscribe to this podcast for tips and tricks on navigating your career and wellbeing in the tech industry
2. Follow me on LinkedIn for content on career growth, delivery excellence, and work-life balance
3. Apply to partner with me 1:1 to improve your satisfaction with life and work (LinkedIn DM)

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilerust/

Michael Brandwein of Artichoke Consulting discusses how prioritizing end user enablement throughout the project lifecycle leads to happier clients and higher success rates.

Learning Outcomes:

1. Discover Artichoke Consulting's methodology for keeping end users at the heart of implementation projects.
2. Learn strategies for setting clear expectations with stakeholders upfront to avoid issues down the line.
3. Get tips for involving end users consistently through discovery, prototyping, and adoption tracking.

Reasons to Listen:

1. Gain insights on effective change management and user adoption best practices.
2. Learn how to improve communication and deliverables for more efficient project execution.
3. Hear firsthand experience balancing work and personal life as a consultant.

Michael has been an IT consultant for 12 years, starting at Accenture, NetSuite, Oracle, and then working for smaller firms. He started his own firm, Artichoke Consulting, in 2021 to focus on end user enablement.

Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-brandwein/

Website: https://www.artichokeconsultingllc.com/

This episode explores how to embrace your multifaceted self through meaningful career development. Guest Cee Reel shares lessons from their non-linear career path and how to value diverse experiences. Listeners will learn tools to craft a fulfilling career aligned with their authentic self.

Cee Reel is a design generalist and authenticity coach who helps both brands and leaders tell their stories in a genuine and playful way. In a business world where authenticity and true human connection are rare elements, Cee helps creatives, multipotentialites and anyone who feels too weird for the workplace learn to recognize and value themselves as pure gold.

Learning Outcomes:

• Understand what it means to be a "multi-potential light" and how to recognize your varied strengths and interests.
• Discover strategies for communicating your unique value to potential employers in a clear, compelling way.
• Gain insight on evaluating company culture and roles to determine the best career fit for your well-being and growth.

Reasons to Listen:

• Navigate feeling like you don't fit the standard mold or that your creativity is undervalued in tech
• Gain confidence to explore opportunities outside your main expertise
• Find ways to bring more playfulness, learning and joy into your work

Visit CultivateYourWeirdness.com to learn more about Cee Reel's coaching programs for embracing your multifaceted strengths and creating positive change from any role.

Cee’s Linked: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-reel

Michael Burton shares how vulnerability and authenticity have helped him build successful teams and trusted relationships. He discusses the importance of storytelling for consultants and emphasizes gradual progress through consistency and small wins.

April and Michael also explore building confidence through preparation, goal-setting, and embracing challenges both professionally and personally.

Michael is an entrepreneur with a passion for building and scaling professional services businesses. He has over two decades of experience in the industry and has held recent leadership positions at ExactTarget, Salesforce, and Lev.

In 2016, Michael joined Lev and quickly grew the company into the top global Salesforce consultancy for marketers. In less than four years, he took the company to a high eight-figure enterprise valuation through a successful acquisition by global strategic integrator, Cognizant.

Michael is now the CEO and co-founder of Stitch, a Braze consulting partner. Stitch is a rapidly growing company that is helping brands of all sizes engage their customers through Braze.

3 Key Learnings:

1. Share your authentic story and point of view to build credibility and connections with clients and colleagues.
2. Focus on consistency through small daily wins rather than only big successes to achieve gradual, sustainable progress.
3. Set intentional goals and push yourself outside your comfort zone to build self-confidence over time through practice and experience.

3 Benefits of Listening to this Episode:

1. It provides tangible strategies for building trust with clients through vulnerability, authentic storytelling, and focusing on their needs from day one. This can help professionals strengthen relationships and win more business.
2. Listeners learn approaches for developing self-confidence and public speaking abilities over time through goal-setting, preparation, and pushing outside their comfort zone. This is useful for career growth.
3. The emphasis on consistency, small wins, and embracing challenges both professionally and personally provides perspective that can help professionals combat stress and stay motivated long-term. This focus on well-being and gradual progress is applicable for many areas of life.

Resources:

• Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaeldburton
• Check out Stitch: https://www.linkedin.com/company/stitchcx/posts/?feedView=all and https://www.stitch.cx/

In this episode, April Rust interviews Bradley Rice, founder of Talent Stacker, about his journey in the Salesforce ecosystem and lessons learned in building a successful career and business. Bradley discusses overcoming self-doubt, lifestyle design principles, and how to align your work with your values for long-term success and fulfillment.

Key Learnings:

• Tough decisions lead to an easier life through compounding benefits over time in areas like health, finances, relationships, and career success.
• Design your life around a few core values and activities rather than societal expectations of success. Focus on quality time with family and meaningful work.
• Overcoming self-doubt is an ongoing process; surrounding yourself with a supportive community helps sustain success.

Reasons to Listen:

• Gain career inspiration and guidance from Bradley's story of breaking into and thriving in the Salesforce industry.
• Learn practical lifestyle design tips to find fulfillment and balance in your work.
• Discover free mentorship resources through Talent Stacker to advance your Salesforce career.

Learn more about Bradley Rice and Talent Stacker:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bradforce/
• Website: https://www.talentstacker.com/now - free 5 day challenge
• Trailblazer Mentorship: https://trailblazermentorship.com/
• Podcast: https://talentstacker.com/ts-salesforce-for-everyone-podcast

In this episode, April Rust and guest Alec Dorner explore the concept that what drains your cup might also be able to fill it. We explore using mindset tips and tools to set healthy boundaries with your work.

Alec is a proud husband and father of a one and a half year old (and new baby boy on the way!) He's also the creator of Flow Analyzer, a Salesforce AppExchange product that scans flows for violations of best practices. He’s also the founder of Force for Change, a 100% pro-bono consulting firm on a mission to help Nonprofits free up time and capital by leveraging the power of Salesforce.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/alec-dorner

Website: forceforchangeconsulting.com

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/alecdorner

Flow Analyzer: https://appexchange.salesforce.com/appxListingDetail?listingId=a0N3u00000QvsN2EAJ