The Underswell with Derek Sabori

The Underswell with Derek Sabori

By Derek SaboriBusinessEntrepreneurshipEducationSelf-ImprovementCareers
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The Underswell with Derek Sabori episodes

  • 🎸 Dream Big and Do Something About It: The Creative Journey of Anthony Small

    This week on The Underswell LIVE!, I sit down with musician, arts advocate, columnist, and community connector Anthony Small—a man who has spent his second act building meaning, identity, and impact through music, storytelling, and arts engagement.

    From tech sales to releasing his first studio album at 60, from working in minor league baseball to co-executive producing a new documentary on the legendary Los Lobos, Anthony’s story is a masterclass in reinvention. His life’s work now spans songwriting, curating music for community events, arts advocacy, multicultural music education, and creating opportunities for emerging artists.

    🎙️Anthony opens up about the flashpoints that changed his trajectory:

    • His wife Bonnie’s breast cancer diagnosis
    • Caring for parents with Alzheimer’s
    • His own kidney cancer journey
    • The moment he realized he needed to pursue work that filled his heart

      • 🎸In a show first, he performs two original songs live on the show—Don’t Give Up and Nice Girl—both deeply personal pieces that reflect his belief in resilience, hope, and the emotional power of music.

      We also explore:

      • The making of his album El Viejo
      • Why he curates spaces for young artists to grow
      • The story behind the upcoming Los Lobos documentary
      • His years writing “Dana Point Rocks”
      • Finding identity and belonging through the arts
      • The “underswell” that keeps him going

        • Why Listen? If you’re exploring creative work, navigating a career shift, or seeking deeper purpose, Anthony’s story is a powerful reminder that your life’s best chapters can begin at any age—and that showing up with heart can open doors you never imagined.

        Links Anthony Mentioned:

        • Anthony Small - https://anthonysmallmusic.com/
        • Anthony Small on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-small-40019111/
        • Dana Point Rocks, November 2025 - https://www.picketfencemedia.com/danapointtimes/soapbox/dana-point-rocks-muchas-gracias-dana-point/article_4a89b8c6-0ef5-4f35-a321-75d2ad8cb244.html
        • Truly Pizza - https://www.trulypizza.com/
        • El Viejo, by Anthony Small - https://open.spotify.com/artist/4YauWw1iTj0mgpwAeqhF8k?si=grGoH5THR0CtCRE7PpeioQ
        • Native Sons, Los Lobos Doc - https://madpixfilms.com/los-lobos-film/
        • Arts Orange County (ArtsOC) - https://artsoc.org/
        • Redo Market - https://www.redomarket.com/
        • City of Dana Point Arts Ambassadors - https://www.danapoint-arts.com/ambassadors
        • The Cheech - https://riversideartmuseum.org/visit/the-cheech/
        • LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes - https://lapca.org/exhibition/a-great-day-in-east/
        • Dolores Huerta documentary - https://www.pbs.org/independentlens/documentaries/dolores-huerta/

          • Music🎵 by Lidérc

          Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at www.theunderswell.com/livewithderek 

          1 hr 7 min
        • ♻️ Navigating a Changing Sustainability Landscape with Monika Kumar

          This week on The Underswell, I sit down with Monika Kumar — sustainability advisor at Ichcha (“a wish”) and former Sustainability Finance Specialist at The World Bank — for a deep, energizing, and deeply human conversation about what it really takes to drive impact in today’s complex sustainability landscape.

          At first glance, it may appear to be so, but Monika’s story is anything but linear. Starting as an activist with NYPIRG, shaped by an international upbringing across Ethiopia, India, and the U.S., and refined through graduate work at Yale and a career in global development, she’s now blending sustainability, social impact, and grounded guidance across multiple arenas — including her family’s artisan-focused textile brand, Ichcha.

          Together we explore:

          • Sustainability as a rigorous, technical discipline
          • Why today’s sustainability leaders must understand economics, risk, regulation, and how to speak the language of CEOs and CFOs.
          • Why every role can be a sustainability role Monika shares how impact is created from every seat — not just “sustainability teams.”
          • Collaboration > competition Her World Bank experience reinforces that systems change happens when we share knowledge, align goals, and work collectively.
          • Leadership buy-in as the catalytic force
          • Building resilient business models requires fluency in financial value, risk, and ROI — full stop. 
          • Careers that bend, pivot, and persevere Visa barriers, global politics, economic instability — Monika opens up about navigating obstacles with adaptability and persistence.
          • Hope as a professional strategy
          • Progress is slow, messy, and nonlinear. But hope, resilience, and community keep this work alive.

            • It’s a rich episode for career builders, emerging sustainability pros, and anyone looking to integrate purpose and impact into their work.

            Links:

            • Monika on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/monikakumar/
            • Her family brand, Ichcha - https://www.ichcha.com/ (Biggest Shop Small sale of the year going on)
            • The latest on SB253 and SB 261 - https://ww2.arb.ca.gov/our-work/programs/california-corporate-greenhouse-gas-ghg-reporting-and-climate-related-financial
            • Global Footprint Network, Footprint Calculator - https://www.footprintnetwork.org/resources/footprint-calculator/
            • Books she recommends right now: The Ministry for the Future, by Kim Stanley Robinson - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/50998056-the-ministry-for-the-future Blood Over Bright Haven, by M.L. Wang - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208430658-blood-over-bright-haven?ref=nav_sb_noss_l_22

              • Music🎵 by Lidérc

              Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at www.theunderswell.com/livewithderek

              1 hr 9 min
            • ⚒️ Jesse Colin Jackson - Art, Architecture, Engineering & Technology: Building an Open-Ended Career in Academia

              Guest: Jesse Colin Jackson — Artist, Designer, Professor, Associate Dean, Executive Director, and Relentless Builder of Ideas

              Some careers unfold in a straight line. Jesse Colin Jackson’s career is more like one of his sculptures—layered, iterative, unexpected, and quietly brilliant once you step back and take in the whole form.

              In this conversation, Jesse, a Canadian-born artist/designer/engineer-turned-academic leader, shares the unconventional path that took him from civil engineering… to art school… to architecture school… to a faculty career at UC Irvine where he now serves as a Professor of Electronic Art & Design, Associate Dean of Research & Innovation, and Executive Director of the internationally recognized Beall Center for Art + Technology.

              We cover a lot of ground—creativity, curiosity, sabbaticals, building things that don’t exist yet, learning how to manage your energy, what college really offers students today, and the underrated value of wandering into the unknown and working hard even when you don’t know where it’s all leading.

              This episode is a goldmine for students, young creatives, mid-career explorers, and anyone who’s ever wondered: How do you build a meaningful, original career when you’re interested in everything?

              💡Some Highlights + One-Liners from Jesse

              • “Design thinking and art thinking? Same thing—designers just have clients.”
              • “I didn’t plan on being an artist. I didn’t plan on being a professor.”
              • “Iteration beats perfection. Generate lots of ideas fast—don’t labor over one perfect thing.”
              • “The sabbatical isn’t a vacation. It’s stepping away to think, imagine, and start something new.”
              • “Energy in → outcomes out. Hard work compounds, even when you don’t see it right away.”
              • “Students think professors aren’t nervous. Most are. Teaching is performance.”
              • “Don’t confuse what you’re good at with what actually feeds you.”
              • “You can’t predict where opportunities will come from. Don’t treat life like a transaction.”
              • “Some of the things you do for fun will end up shaping your career more than the things you did ‘on purpose.’”

                • 🎙️What We Talk About

                — How Jesse blended engineering, art, and architecture into a single creative lens

                — Why dropping out (or being asked to leave) can become the best learning moment of a career

                — What running a campus bike co-op taught him about leadership, collaboration, and creativity

                — The value of iteration, restlessness, and trying a lot of things

                — How AI is reshaping creativity—and what students should really be focused on right now

                — Why college still matters (and what people misunderstand about its purpose)

                — Advice for new grads entering the workplace

                — His “underswell”: that open-ended need to build, explore, and make things that didn’t exist before

                — The Beall Center for Art + Technology, UCI’s Arts + campaign, and the role of art as a form of inquiry

                — His next big projects, including the delightfully ambitious curb machine artwork

                🎧 Why Listen: Jesse’s story is a reminder that careers are long, winding, and much more malleable than we tend to believe. Your degree doesn’t define you. Your first job doesn’t define you. The things you build, explore, and put your energy into over time—that’s what shapes a career. For anyone navigating change, uncertainty, or a path that doesn’t quite fit the standard template, this episode offers both comfort and a spark. There’s wisdom here. And some very quotable insights.

                🔗 Links & Resources:

                • Jesse Colin Jackson: https://jessecolinjackson.com/about and https://art.arts.uci.edu/jesse-colin-jackson
                • Beall Center for Art + Technology: https://beallcenter.uci.edu
                • Claire Trevor School of the Arts at UCI: https://www.arts.uci.edu/arts-campaign

                  • Music🎵 by Lidérc

                  Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at https://www.theunderswell.com/livewithderek 

                  1 hr 5 min
                • 🌎 Karimah Hudda — Transformative Leadership & Flourishing Futures

                  My guest this week, Karimah Hudda, has lived and worked across 40+ countries, guided by a lifelong commitment to equity, purpose, and human flourishing. She’s helped shape the sustainability agendas of some of the world’s most recognized organizations — from Fairtrade and Mondelez to Nike — and today leads IllumineEarth, a purpose-driven leadership and systems-change consultancy that helps executives, teams, and changemakers thrive from the inside out.

                  In my rich and expansive conversation with Karimah, she shares stories, frameworks, and deeply personal lessons from her global journey — from her roots in India to boardrooms and farms around the world. Her message: true sustainability begins with people.

                  In this episode, we talk about:

                  • Her Underswell — that thing under the surface that drives her and powers her commitment to the work she does.
                  • Lessons from Fairtrade — how smallholder farmers and artisans shaped her lifelong philosophy on equity and shared humanity.
                  • The evolution of corporate sustainability — from grassroots ethics to enterprise leadership and what’s needed more than ever.
                  • Moving beyond compliance — why regulation matters but heart-led leadership matters more.
                  • The human side of sustainability — how to avoid burnout, find joy, and practice “personal flourishing.”
                  • The call to align personal purpose with organizational systems — bridging people and planet for a flourishing future.
                  • What she’s learned from her work with Gen Z and why she believes her best is yet to come.

                    • 💬 Memorable quotes:

                    “We’re all born to purpose — we’re just trained out of it.”

                    “Once you go see, you cannot unsee. You cannot un-care.”

                    “Flourishing means humanity and nature coexisting in equilibrium.”

                    “Stay unreasonable. Stay untainted. The world needs you as you are.”

                    Listen to this episode if you’re: 

                    • A sustainability or purpose-driven leader balancing impact with well-being.
                    • A professional seeking to align personal values with career choices.
                    • A student or early-career changemaker looking to build courage, clarity, and community.
                    • Curious about the next era of leadership — one built on empathy, imagination, and shared humanity.

                      • About Karimah: Karimah Hudda is a transformative leadership expert, systems change catalyst, and founder of IllumineEarth. A graduate of Oxford University and the University of Washington, she has led sustainability and supply chain initiatives for global brands and continues to mentor the next generation of leaders. Learn more at linkedin.com/in/karimahhudda.

                      Music🎵 by Lidérc

                      Links mentioned in the show:

                      Links to share:
                      • Karimah Hudda - https://www.linkedin.com/in/karimahhudda/
                      • Illumine.earth - https://www.illumine.earth/
                      • IUCN World Conservation Congress - https://iucncongress2025.org/
                      • University of Oxford - https://www.ox.ac.uk/
                      • University of Washington - https://www.washington.edu/ 
                      • Doctors Without Borders - https://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/
                      • SBTs - https://sciencebasedtargets.org/ 
                      • CSRD - https://www.csrdreadiness.com/ 
                      • Salute - South Asian Leaders Unite To Empower - https://www.salute.community/ 

                        • Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at theunderswell.com/livewithderek

                        1 hr
                      • ⚡️From Surf to Strategy: Steve Tully on Leadership, Lightening in a Bottle, & Playing Offense with Your Career

                        This week, I sit down with Steve Tully, a seasoned executive whose career spans more than three decades in the surf and consumer products industries. From leading at Quiksilver, Roxy, Vix Swimwear, and Neff Headwear to mentoring emerging leaders and coaching executives through pivotal transitions, Steve’s story is one of humility, reinvention, and service.

                        In this conversation, Steve shares how he built a career rooted in integrity, mentorship, and curiosity — and why he believes surrounding yourself with great people is the real key to success. As a former president-level leader turned executive coach, Steve now helps others navigate their next chapters with clarity and confidence.

                        📋 In This Episode:

                        • For Emerging Leaders: Why emotional intelligence and curiosity matter as much as hard skills — and how to make yourself invaluable on any team.
                        • For Mid-Career Professionals: Why reinvention is a lifelong skill and how to “retire to something, not from something.”
                        • For Executives & Founders: How personal growth drives organizational growth, and why staying humble and coachable keeps you relevant.
                        • For Anyone in Career Transition: Why “playing offense” with your career — building your network, crafting your narrative, and creating a personal board of directors — is key to staying ahead of change.

                          • 💬 Memorable Quotes:

                          • “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”
                          • “Decisions are made by those who show up — sometimes that means physically, but often it means mentally.”
                          • “Play offense with your career. Don’t wait for change to happen to you.”
                          • “When things are going really good, be grateful and humble. When things get tough, make the hard decision — sooner is better.”
                          • “Your company isn’t who you are. It’s just where you work.”

                            • Listen To This Episode If... You’re a career builder, mentor, or leader who wants to stay adaptable and inspired. Whether you’re seeking your next role, stepping into leadership, or redefining what success looks like, this one’s filled with timeless, practical wisdom.

                            🎵 Music by Lidérc 🔗

                            Links:

                            Steve on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevetully/

                            SRTully, & Associates - https://srtully.com/

                            SDSI, San Diego Sports Institute - https://www.sdsportinnovators.org/

                            LCAD, Laguna College of Art & Design - https://www.lcad.edu/

                            The First 90 Days - https://hbr.org/books/watkins 

                            💬 Inquire about being a guest on The Underswell at theunderswell.com/livewithderek

                            56 min
                          • 👍🏽 Saying Yes to Opportunity: Dr. Brian Komoto on Building a Career of Service, Leadership & Legacy

                            What happens when you say yes to opportunity—even when you don’t see the full path ahead? In this episode of The Underswell w/ Derek Sabori, I chat with Dr. Brian Komoto, PharmD—President & CEO of Komoto Healthcare, President of the UCSF Alumni Association, and Alumni Regent at the University of California.

                            Brian’s career began with a leap of faith: buying a small community pharmacy in Delano, CA, with his wife and newborn son in 1981 almost immediately after receiving his PharmD. From those humble beginnings, he built a thriving healthcare network serving thousands across California’s Central Valley. His secret? A relentless focus on people, community, and continuous learning.

                            Throughout the conversation, Brian shares how his early mentors shaped his mindset, why he still sees himself as both teacher and student, and how the best leaders “listen first, act second.” He reminds us that leadership isn’t about titles—it’s about leaving things better than you found them.

                            🔑 Key themes & lessons:

                            • Say yes to opportunity—even before you feel ready. Brian’s regent appointment came as a surprise, but his curiosity and courage opened doors he never imagined.
                            • Leadership begins with listening. Understanding your community’s real needs comes before designing solutions.
                            • Mentorship multiplies impact. Teaching others is how you keep learning.
                            • Challenge the status quo (this is something he learned at UC Berkeley). As Brian says, “Never be satisfied with how things have always been done.”
                            • Get involved and give a little. There’s something magical that happens when you commit to helping and serving others (especially those in your community).
                            • Enjoy the ride. “Smile,” he says. “When I grab the door handle to walk in, it’s showtime.”

                              • 💬 Memorable quotes:

                              • “When the pressure mounts, that’s a call to action.”
                              • “Education is what’s left after you’ve forgotten everything.” (Brian's Dad)
                              • “Find something that makes you passionate—then it’s no longer a job.”
                              • “When you give, you receive much more back.”
                              • “Smell the roses while you’re walking through them. Don’t worry about the thorns, they’re going to be there no matter what.”

                                • 👂 Listen to this episode if:

                                • You’re exploring career pivots or leadership growth. Y
                                • ou want to blend professional success with community impact.
                                • You’re curious how to scale a business without losing its heart.
                                • You believe that a meaningful career is measured in legacy, not titles.

                                  • 🔗 Links:

                                  Connect with Brian on LinkedIn

                                  About Komoto Healthcare

                                  About the University of California Board of Regents

                                  Music by Lidérc.

                                  🎧 Subscribe to The Underswell for more stories on purpose, resilience, and the lessons beneath the surface. Inquire about being a guest at theunderswell.com/livewithderek.

                                  58 min
                                • 🏄🏼‍♂️ From Surf to Sales to Sotheby’s: Nicolai Glazer on Building Trust, Discipline & the Long Game

                                  In this episode of The Underswell w/ Derek Sabori, I sit down with Nicolai Glazer — Global Real Estate Advisor at Pacific Sotheby’s International Realty, former sponsored surfer, textile sales entrepreneur, and lifelong independent builder.

                                  Nicolai’s career has spanned multiple industries, but the throughline is clear: trust, discipline, and a commitment to becoming the best version of himself so he can serve others. From his early textile hustle during the heyday of the action sports industry to his major pivot into real estate, Nic reflects on the lessons that shaped him and the advice he now passes on to the next generation of career builders.

                                  What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

                                  • The importance of relationships — “Being a good person, taking care of the people around you, and presenting yourself in a professional manner is what leads to long-term success.”
                                  • The grind behind real estate — why it’s not as simple as getting a license and selling a house, and how running a business is about much more than commissions.
                                  • Discipline as a secret weapon — how martial arts, surfing, and daily practice built habits that carried into entrepreneurship.
                                  • The power of patience — “It takes 10+ years to become an ‘overnight success.’ Give yourself time.”
                                  • Reputation is the long game — why protecting your name and work ethic matters more than short-term wins.
                                  • Financial wisdom for young professionals — know the value of your money, start saving early, treat it like training, and set yourself up to buy real estate sooner than you think.
                                  • Experience is everything — “In any business, there’s no substitute for experience.”
                                  • Becoming the best version of yourself — how health, wellness, slowing down, and choosing who you spend time with shape your growth.

                                    • Memorable Quotes:

                                    “Every morning you wake up unemployed—you decide what you’re going to do with your day.”

                                    “It’s not about how much money you make, it’s about how much you save; know the value of your money.”

                                    “In any business, there’s no substitute for experience.”

                                    “You have an opportunity to do things that you don’t think are possible.”

                                    “Only when I’m the best version of myself can I truly help others be the best version of themselves.”

                                    Listen to this episode if…

                                    • You’re considering real estate or entrepreneurship and want a real look at what it takes.
                                    • You’re navigating a career pivot and wondering how to carry your reputation into a new field.
                                    • You’re early in your career and need straight talk on getting going, networking, and discipline.
                                    • You want inspiration on how to align personal growth with professional success.

                                      • Links mentioned in the show:

                                      Nicolai Glazer - https://nicolaiglazer.com/

                                      Nicolai Glazer, Realtor (YouTube) - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpJuv8aaaqn0F5MoCqlmcoQ

                                      Nicolai Glazer Real Estate Group - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicolaiglazerrealestategroup/

                                      Disc Assessment - https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc

                                      🎵 Music by Lidérc

                                      💻 Inquire about being a guest on the show at theunderswell.com/livewithderek

                                      1 hr 2 min
                                    • ✨ From Keys to Kitchens to Clients: Greg Ehrlich’s Career of Connection

                                      This week on The Underswell, I sit down with Greg Ehrlich, Director of Business Development at MiiR, former professional musician, private chef, and full-time connector. Greg has lived three very different careers, but as he shares, there’s a common thread running through all of them: people, relationships, and authenticity.

                                      Greg’s story is packed with candid lessons, honest reflection, and plenty of one-liners that career-builders can carry forward. From the chaos of cold-calling and touring the world with Allen Stone, to private cheffing in Idaho, and now building partnerships with brands like Nintendo and The Sphere in Las Vegas, Greg has navigated pivots with resilience and self-awareness.

                                      Memorable Quotes from Greg:

                                      • “Everything I’ve landed in my career has come through the power of connection.”

                                      • “Sometimes keeping a passion as a creative outlet is more fulfilling than turning it into your profession.”

                                      • “Be prepared to get lucky—when opportunity knocks, you need to be ready to answer.”

                                        In this conversation, you’ll hear Greg talk about:

                                        • Networking is everything – Nearly every opportunity Greg landed came from intentional, genuine connections.
                                        • Passion vs. profession – Sometimes keeping a creative outlet (like cooking) separate from work makes it more fulfilling.
                                        • Self-awareness as strategy – Success comes from aligning your career with your temperament and values.
                                        • Resilience in pivots – Each transition—music, food, sales—brought transferable lessons that continue to pay off.
                                        • Authenticity wins – Sales is easier (and more sustainable) when you believe in the product and the people behind it.
                                        • The importance of “being prepared to get lucky” when opportunities arrive.
                                        • Why finding the “why behind the why” can keep your career both meaningful and sustainable.

                                          • Greg is thoughtful, funny, and real about the challenges of building a career that doesn’t fit neatly into a straight line. Whether you’re just starting out or rethinking your next move, his journey is proof that pivots aren’t detours—they’re part of the path.

                                          About Greg Ehrlich:

                                          Greg is Director of Business Development at MiiR, where he builds entertainment and co-branded partnerships. He’s also a former professional musician and private chef.

                                          Learn more about him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ehrlich/.

                                          Some other links from the show:

                                          • That viral Allan Stone Video - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z4Hy6kp5kIs
                                          • MiiR - https://www.miir.com/ (A premium lifestyle and apparel brand with a social and environmental mission.
                                          • Kara Lawson, Duke coach: Handle Hard Better - https://youtu.be/oDzfZOfNki4?si=l9XVEvbPZkDtM_4U

                                            • 🎵 Music by Lidérc.

                                            👉 Inquire about being a guest on the show at theunderswell.com/livewithderek.

                                            1 hr
                                          • 🚀 How to Have a Life Beyond Your Dreams: Alfred Ricci on Resilience, Career Longevity & Redefining Success

                                            In this episode of The Underswell, I sit down with Alfred Ricci, Vice President of Strategic Relations at Alchemus, a Human Capital Management professional, and UC Irvine alum. Alfred’s story reads like a motivational playbook—equal parts raw honesty, practical advice, and lived experience.

                                            Alfred’s path wasn’t easy. At just 14, he walked away from a broken home, entered the foster system, and decided to take control of his own destiny. From there, he built a life and career that far surpassed anything he could have imagined: international consulting roles, global banking, executive leadership, and now, a soon-to-be beachside retirement.

                                            But what makes Alfred’s story so powerful is how he frames it—not as a highlight reel, but as a set of lessons anyone can apply.

                                            💬 What we talk about:

                                            • Redefining Success & Life Philosophy: Why your past does not define you—your heart and mind do.
                                            • Overcoming Adversity: From foster homes to international consulting, how Alfred used hardship as training for resilience.
                                            • The Power of Education: How degrees, trade schools, and lifelong learning serve as “keys” that open unexpected doors.
                                            • The Consulting Advantage: Why saying yes (and volunteering to travel) can fast-track your growth and broaden your worldview.
                                            • Emotional Intelligence & Burnout: The skills Alfred wishes he had earlier, and why EQ is critical for career longevity.
                                            • Career Longevity & Evolution: What it takes to reinvent yourself, pivot industries, and thrive at different stages of life.
                                            • Life Beyond Your Dreams: How to ask the right questions, put in the hard work, and recognize when the universe is opening a new door.

                                              • 💡Memorable quotes from Alfred:

                                              “The very first step is knowing what you don’t want. The real work is asking—what do you want?”

                                              “Your past does not define you. Use it as fuel.”

                                              “Be willing to travel. Be willing to volunteer. Be willing to work hard. That’s how you discover a life you didn’t even know existed.”

                                              “Nobody owes you anything. If you want it, put in the work.”

                                              “Your heart and your mind decide who you are—not what’s out there.”

                                              Listen to this if you are:

                                              • A young professional wondering if you’ll ever “catch up.”
                                              • Considering consulting, HR, or international work.
                                              • Facing adversity and looking for proof you can rewrite your story.
                                              • Interested in how resilience and emotional intelligence shape career longevity.
                                              • Ready to learn how to truly create a life beyond your dreams.

                                                • Learn more about:

                                                Alfred Ricci at https://www.linkedin.com/in/alfredricci/

                                                Alchemus at https://alchemus.com/

                                                EQI 2.0 - https://ap.themyersbriggs.com/overview/EQ-i-20-8 

                                                🎵Music by Lidérc.

                                                Inquire about being a guest on the show at theunderswell.com/livewithderek.

                                                1 hr 6 min
                                              • 💪🏽 Resilience at 30: Drew Keske on Building a Career with Breadth Before Depth

                                                What does it look like to build a career with curiosity, creativity, and resilience—before you’ve even hit 30?

                                                On this episode of The Underswell, I sit down with Drew Keske, Manager at the K-Bar Ranch in Texas, handyman, project foreman, and supporter of sustainability and social entrepreneurship to find out. Drew brings a younger career perspective, but his story carries timeless lessons for anyone navigating their own path.

                                                Drew’s career has already wound through nonprofits, farming, business operations, event management, sustainability, and now—back to his roots on the family ranch. Along the way, he’s faced setbacks, seized opportunities, and learned how to balance dreams vs. reality with a thoughtful, intentional approach.

                                                In this conversation:

                                                • Coming full circle: Returning to the family business and what it’s like working alongside his dad.
                                                • Resilience & tenacity: He survived setbacks like a six-month battle with lupus and had his job literally washed away by Hurricane Helene in Asheville.
                                                • Breadth before depth: Why Drew chose to build a wide foundation of skills in his 20s before specializing in his 30s.
                                                • The crossroads: How he built a card game around the decisions we face in life—and how he’s navigated his own.
                                                • Being 30 in 2025: His generational perspective on AI, community, and career-building in uncertain times.
                                                • Not letting life overwhelm you: Finding perspective, fun, and gratitude—even when plans collapse.

                                                  • Timeless advice from Drew:

                                                  “Confidence comes through doing the work, just showing up.”

                                                  “Have engaged detachment: put in the work, but don’t cling to a specific outcome. Stay open to the doors that open for you.”

                                                  “Know what it means to do what it takes, remember to have fun, and take care of yourself.”

                                                  Drew’s story is proof that career-building isn’t about a straight ladder climb—it’s about resilience, curiosity, community, and creating your own path, one step at a time.

                                                  Can you guess what his Underswell is? What force underneath the surface, drives him to improve continuously? The answer is in the episode.

                                                  🔗 Connect with Drew on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewske/ 

                                                  Other links Drew mentions:

                                                  https://scotchisholm.com

                                                  https://joinhighland.com/

                                                  Music by Lidérc.

                                                  Inquire about being a guest on the show at www.theunderswell.com/livewithderek  

                                                  59 min

                                                About The Underswell with Derek Sabori

                                                From the publisher's feed

                                                Career-journey conversations that offer memorable advice and clear takeaways for your personal career development.