The Underswell with Derek Sabori

The Underswell with Derek Sabori

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The Underswell with Derek Sabori episodes

  • From MySpace to Mastery: Lindsay Mauch on Building a Purpose-Driven Career in Digital Media

    In this episode, I sit down with Lindsay Mauch—founder and CMO of LTM Digital, co-host of the Dose of Social podcast, and longtime social media strategist—to explore her 20+ year journey through the evolving landscape of digital media. From her roots in action sports media and her days at MySpace, to running her own thriving agency while staying present as a mom, Lindsay shares honest insights on what it takes to build a sustainable and values-aligned career.

    We talk networking, building agency life around lifestyle, learning from failures, and so much more.

    Lindsay’s story is a blueprint for anyone building a purpose-driven path in digital, storytelling, and entrepreneurship.

    🔑 Key Takeaways:

    • The Power of Networking: Lindsay has been using LinkedIn for over 20 years and was an early believer in connecting with every real-life contact. That long game continues to pay off.
    • Agency Life with Intention: LTM Digital was born from Lindsay’s desire for flexibility and freedom as a mom. Twelve years later, she's built a business around her life—not the other way around.
    • From MySpace to Substack: Social media may evolve, but the core of Lindsay’s work—community and storytelling—has remained constant. The platforms change; the purpose stays true.
    • Know When to Bring in a Pro: The Dose of Social podcast delivers bite-sized advice for small businesses managing social themselves. Lindsay emphasizes when to DIY and when to delegate.
    • Lessons from a Hard Fall: After scaling her team for a big client project that unexpectedly ended early, Lindsay learned the importance of contract terms and protecting your business when scaling quickly.
    • Intentional Career Building: Lindsay’s path wasn’t accidental. She accumulated deep experience at places like MySpace and Fabletics before launching on her own. “Get that corporate experience first,” she says—then take the leap.
    • Social Media is Just the Tool: Lindsay reminds us not to get overwhelmed by the tech—Instagram, TikTok, Substack, Notion. What matters is the story you’re telling and who you’re showing up for.
    • Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs (especially moms): You can do things your own way. Define your why and stay true to your vision—even if it’s not the traditional route.
    • 📣 Mentions + Shoutouts:

      • Lindsay on LinkedIn
      • LTM Digital
      • Dose of Social Podcast
      • Lindsay Mauch on Substack
      • Follow Lindsay on Instagram
      • Music by Lidérc.

        #careeradvice #careerjourney #digitalmarketing #entrepreneur #mom #advice

        47 min
      • From Action Sports to Tech Sales: Reinventing Your Career with Confidence – featuring Courtney Oman

        What do you do when your life takes a hard left?

        (This episode was recorded live on 3/28/2025)

        In this episode of The Underswell, I reconnect with longtime friend and former action sports colleague Courtney Oman, now a thriving Senior Account Executive in the tech space. From her early days at Oakley and Volcom to selling ERP software in the life sciences sector, Courtney shares a bold, honest, and empowering story of career reinvention.

        After becoming a single mom in a new city, Courtney realized the career she once loved no longer fit her life.

        What followed? A hard reset. No real plan B. No job lined up. Just courage, clarity, and a calendar deadline to make it all work.

        She didn’t just pivot—she transformed.

        💡 What You'll Hear in This Episode: 

        • Why Courtney walked away from the familiar world of product development and fashion - How she built a sales career from scratch (with no tech background!)
        • The power of thick skin, self-advocacy, and betting on yourself
        • What to do when your plan doesn’t go to plan (and why that’s totally okay)
        • Navigating career changes, parenting teens, and staying open to what’s next 🔥
        • 🔥 Highlights:

          • “My job was to go find a job.” – on quitting without a backup plan
          • How a fashion degree, grit, and storytelling helped her stand out in a software sales interview
          • The difference between being creative and being resourceful
          • Why you should always ask yourself: “What’s the worst that could happen?”
          • 🎧 Who Should Listen:

            • Career changers and pivot-curious professionals
            • Anyone feeling stuck or undervalued in their current job
            • Parents juggling ambition and flexibility
            • Young professionals building resilience and exploring options
            • Sales pros and aspiring account executives
            • 🔗 Links & Resources:

              • Connect with Courtney Oman on LinkedIn
              • Learn more about Strategic Information Group and internship opportunities
              • Explore Derek’s School of Understanding
              • Build your Professional Podcast Profile
              • Music by Lidérc.

                #careers #careerpivot #workingmom #salescareer #careeradvice #timeforareset

                44 min
              • Live! March 21, 2025 - Kaveri Marathe: Values, curiosity, sabbaticals and a novel

                In this episode, I sit down with ESG consultant and writer Kaveri Marathe to talk about her unconventional career journey—from journalism to sustainability consulting to entrepreneurship and now novel writing.

                Kaveri shares what led her to take a sabbatical in Lisbon, her thoughts on AI's role in ESG reporting, and key lessons from launching a textile recycling startup. Tune in for insights on career pivots, living by your values, and designing a work-life that fits you.

                Topics we cover include:

                • Navigating career pivots and building a values-aligned resume
                • Taking a sabbatical and moving abroad to fuel creative work
                • The evolution of ESG and sustainability writing
                • How AI is impacting the future of ESG reporting
                • Lessons from launching a clothing recycling startup
                • Advice for young professionals considering study or work abroad
                • Finding meaning, curiosity, and balance in your work life
                • Three key takeaways for early-career professionals:

                  1. You don’t need to have it all figured out—exploring different paths can lead to unexpected and rewarding opportunities.
                  2. Building a career around your personal values creates a strong foundation for long-term satisfaction and resilience.
                  3. Embracing curiosity, even in uncertain times, can guide your next steps and help you stand out in a changing job market.
                  4. Thanks for checking out the show!

                    Learn more at www.theunderwell.com

                    Music by Lidérc.

                    #careers #sustainability #livingabroad #lisbon #careeradvice #studyabroad

                    48 min
                  5. Live! March 14, 2025 - Careers take time, networking is key, a look back at Volcom

                    This week I discuss career development and offer advice based on my diverse job experiences. Additionally, the episode features a spontaneous guest appearance from a former student, James Kelly, who discusses his entrepreneurial journey in AI-driven design, and thanks to an audience prompt, I take some time to reflect on my time at Volcom and the recent challenges faced by Liberated Brands.

                    Here are some of the topics we touched on:

                    • Career Building Takes Time and Consistent Effort
                    • The Power of Saying "Yes" and Getting Out of Your Comfort Zone
                    • The Value of Networking and Building Relationships
                    • Career Paths Can Be "Unintentionally Intentional" and Involve Reinvention
                    • Learning from Every Experience, Even Negative Ones
                    • Entrepreneurial Spirit and Late Entrepreneurship
                    • A discussion with Guest James Kelly on AI design and Entrepreneurship
                    • A light Reflection on Volcom's Unique Culture and the Evolution of the Surf Industry
                    • Her are some links you might appreciate:

                      • Guest: James Kelley - https://jamesbecreating.framer.ai
                      • Professional Podcast Profiles - www.theunderswell.com/ppp
                      • Vizcom AI 3-D Design - https://www.vizcom.ai/
                      • Connecting Things Speaker Series - https://www.connecting-things.co/ 
                      • Vizcom AI 3-D Design - https://www.vizcom.ai/
                      • New Arc AI Design - https://www.newarc.ai/ 
                      • School of Understanding sustainability training - https://www.theunderswell.com/sou 
                      • Thanks for checking out the show! Learn more at www.theunderwell.com

                        Music by Lidérc.

                        #careertalk #careerdevelopment #careerpathways #careerconversations #careerpivot #entrepreneurship #podcasting #networking

                        45 min
                      • Michael "Doshi" Doshi | Next-gen materials, circular economy, strategic partnerships, project management

                        🎙️Professional Podcast Profile | Michael “Doshi” Doshi

                        Meet Doshi, a skilled relationship-builder and strategic partnership developer looking to apply his expertise at a mission-aligned organization in the circular economy.

                        Building authentic relationships comes naturally to Doshi, and his diverse resume spans content creation, talent agent, plastic pollution research, and next-generation biomaterials. Doshi’s main focus is landing a role in strategic partnerships or project management at an innovative materials company in the circular economy.

                        Tackling circularity, plastic pollution, and the innovation and adoption of sustainable materials has become Doshi’s personal mission. His stories of tenacity, perseverance, and relationship-building are inspiring and are currently at work leading him to his next opportunity.

                        Thanks for tuning in - I hope you’ll dive in and learn more about Michael Doshi (but you can call him Doshi).

                        Doshi’s 15-Point Bio👇

                        • ▶️ Status: Seeking new opportunities.
                        • ▶️ Location: Currently resides in Waialua, HI
                        • ▶️ Relocation: Willing to business travel, not interested in relocating.
                        • ▶️ Work mode: Hybrid/remote, able to work with clients anywhere.
                        • ▶️ Seeking: To help next-generation materials companies form lasting partnerships across the value chain by crafting interpersonal relationships.
                        • ▶️ Special interests: Next-gen materials, circularity, plastic pollution, innovation, biomaterials.
                        • ▶️ Specialty: Interpersonal relationships, strategic partnerships, versatility, client success.
                        • ▶️ Ideal industry: Circular economy, materials innovation, plastic pollution solutions.
                        • ▶️ Education: BA, Marketing
                        • ▶️ Former employers: Mango Materials, The 5 Gyres Institute, Algalita Marine Research, Gnarly Beach Cleaner (self)
                        • ▶️ Dream role: Head of partnerships or client success at an Innovative materials company in the circular economy
                        • ▶️ Words to live by: “Hard work always pays off, and if I start to feel like it's not, then I'm not learning and growing as much as I can from the current situation that I'm in.”
                        • ▶️ Something you might now know about Doshi: Has been on an expedition to the South Pacific to do microplastic sampling in the South Pacific Gyre and used to wear a necklace with a vial of microplastics from the South Pacific as a reminder of the importance of the work he does.
                        • ▶️ Colleagues would describe Doshi as: An adaptable and quick learner who always gives off positive vibes.
                        • ▶️ Contact Info: Michael “Doshi” Doshi on LinkedIn or [email protected]
                        • Doshi’s call-in and shout-out: “I'd like to call in organizations to have a conversation with me and consider someone with a diverse career background as mine, as a candidate to join their All-Star team. And, I would like to give a shout out (gratitude) to anybody who's had a networking meeting with me or informational interview with me during this transition phase I'm in!”

                          Music by Lidérc.

                          #nextgenmaterials #circularity #partnerships #projectmanagement #circulareconomy  #consultant #innovation #clientrelationships #plasticpollution #communication #networking

                          28 min
                        • Geoff Koboldt | Operational excellence consulting, career coaching, resume & LinkedIn optimization

                          🎙️Professional Podcast Profile | Meet Geoff Koboldt

                          Visit his website, and you’ll learn that he’s an entrepreneur working seamlessly on two tracks:

                          As a business consultant, Geoff is an AI-curious operations wizard and a lean Six Sigma black belt who helps clients maximize net income and clean up their operations.

                          As a career coach, he assists clients with resume writing, LinkedIn optimization, and interview preparation.

                          What I learned during our conversation, though, is that Geoff genuinely enjoys helping others and is driven by others’ success. So whether it’s efficiency gains in your business operations or getting that pay raise, Geoff is someone you want in your corner.

                          A networking master with hundreds of projects and testimonials under his belt, Geoff has quantifiable and qualitative results that highlight his worth - and he’s currently taking on new clients.

                          Thanks for tuning in - I hope you’ll dive in and learn more about how Geoff Koboldt can help your business or career.

                          Geoff’s 15-Point Bio👇

                          • ▶️ Status: Seeking new coaching and consulting clients and opportunities.
                          • ▶️ Location: Currently resides in Corona Hills, CA
                          • ▶️ Relocation: Currently, not interested in relocating.
                          • ▶️ Work mode: Hybrid/remote, able to work with clients anywhere.
                          • ▶️ Seeking: To make a difference in people’s lives. Geoff is a bold servant leader seeking to help elevate people's livelihoods and get their careers on track, make them more money, and get them to a place where they are more fulfilled in their roles.
                          • ▶️ Special interests: AI, efficient and effective communication, maximizing net profits through 'lean' + 'Six Sigma' operational execution.
                          • ▶️ Specialty: Continuous improvement, networking, resumes, operational efficiency, career coaching, resume writing, interview prep, job search, and LinkedIn optimization.
                          • ▶️ Ideal client industry/role: Operations/supply chain, information technology (IT), sales, marketing, and project management.
                          • ▶️ Education: In addition to once being an award-winning MBA professor himself, Geoff has a BS in Chemistry, an MBA, and certificates in lean, six sigma, project management, and AI.
                          • ▶️ Former employers: Koboldt Consulting (self), Acuity Brands, Rose Tarlow Melrose House, BambooBuddy LLC (owner), Dark Horse Distribution, Inc, Milgard Windows and Doors, General Motors
                          • ▶️ Dream role: Director, VP, SVP of Operations or Fractional COO role, at Fender Guitars because, well, it’s Fender, and because of his love of guitars and music.
                          • ▶️ Words to live by: “Roll up your sleeves and get dirty with the frontline workers. They are the closest to the business.”
                          • ▶️ Something you might now know about Geoff: Music is a big part of Geoff’s life. While he once flew on a plane with Ringo Starr of the Beatles, he’s seen more than 1,000 bands live and was a guitarist in a band that played nearly 100 shows a year in the late 90s, which was “super fun and awesome.”
                          • ▶️ Colleagues would describe Geoff as: Smart, curious, and fun.
                          • ▶️ Contact Info: LinkedIn and koboldt.com
                          • Geoff’s call out: “Yes, it is a brutal tough job market… There's simply a lack of humanity. I think we just need to get back to kindness and empathy and compassion.”

                            Music by Lidérc.

                            #resume #careercoach #operations #interviewprep #careers #AI #consultant #salesoptimization #projectmanagement #consultant #communication #networking

                            27 min
                          • John DiGregorio | Leadership, FP&A, strategy, IT operations, entertainment industry, education

                            🎙️Professional Podcast Profile | John DiGregorio

                            Meet John DiGregorio, a passionate and driven leader who thrives in dynamic and complex environments. Based in Los Angeles, CA., John has a strong background in finance and information technology, and a proven track record delivering strategic insights, process improvements, and business solutions to global organizations like Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and most recently, Liberated Brands.

                            He’s currently seeking new opportunities.

                            I found John to have an inspiring outlook on leadership and relationship building. I also appreciated his clear-eyed approach to business operations and can easily see him in action as a problem-solver; someone who - as he puts it - is always able to see the forest for the trees.

                            As you’ll hear in our conversation, John sees himself as a valuable asset who is adaptable, a people person, and always willing to do the job that has to get done. And I don’t doubt any of that.

                            Thanks for tuning in - I hope you’ll dive in and learn more about John DiGregorio.

                            John’s 15-Point Bio:

                            • ➡️ Status: Seeking new opportunities.
                            • ➡️ Location: Currently resides in the San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles, CA
                            • ➡️ Relocation: Willing to commute, hoping he doesn’t have to relocate.
                            • ➡️ Work mode: Hybrid, greatly appreciates working in person with his team.
                            • ➡️ Seeking: A team atmosphere in a fast-paced, ever-changing environment.
                            • ➡️ Special interests: Leadership, FP&A, strategy, or IT operations role.
                            • ➡️ Specialty: Problem-solving, leading teams, unflappable, willing to do the work.
                            • ➡️ Ideal industry: Entertainment industry, education, consumer goods, specialty brand.
                            • ➡️ Education: Bachelor of Science, Finance and Information Technology Management
                            • ➡️ Former employers: Liberated Brands, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount Pictures
                            • ➡️ Dream role: “Somewhere people are struggling to see the forest through the trees, where they're expanding, where they're building, they're implementing new systems, they're integrating with a new acquisition. They've got a private equity partner or a big chairman that they've got to report back to. I like being able to take all the chaos and wrangle it back down, put it back in the bottle, put the genie back in the bottle.”
                            • ➡️ Words to live by: “Good, better, best, never let it rest until your good is better and your better is the best.”
                            • ➡️ Something you might now know about John: He’s the host of his own podcast with a long-time friend, called Bigger and Louder with Anthony and John
                            • ➡️ Colleagues would describe John as: Humble. Eager to understand and always willing to let others lead and give credit where credit is due.
                            • ➡️ Contact Info: LinkedIn
                            • Shout out to: “Sarah Griffin, Sony Pictures Entertainment and Tony Augi, ViacomCBS (formerly Paramount), who really did help me put into perspective some of the things that we mentioned about the people, about being unflappable, whether it's a forecast variance, a process or a person, how to manage that with, you know, in some cases, grace.”

                              Music by Lidérc.

                              #finance #Financeanalysis #FP&A #management #careers #education #entertainment #specialitybrands #consumergoods #IT #operations #community

                              26 min
                            • Justin Carven | Circular economy, manufacturing, sustainable materials management, organic waste

                              Professional Podcast Profile | Justin Carven

                              Meet Justin Carven, a waste reduction, circular economy, and regenerative business specialist based in Portland, OR. Throughout his career, Justin has developed creative and resourceful approaches to challenging problems and honed skills in a variety of areas, including:

                              • Business strategy
                              • Product development
                              • Mechanical design
                              • Sales and marketing
                              • Financial planning
                              • Supply chain management, and more.
                              • Driven by a passion for sustainability, Justin is looking to land somewhere where he can develop innovative solutions to support regenerative business practices and a circular economy. As discussed here, that’s done by integrating the right strategy and working collaboratively. He believes strongly that strong financial targets can be met while achieving equity, resilience, and environmental stewardship.

                                Thanks for tuning in. I hope you’ll keep Justin in mind for Project Manager · Director of Sustainability · Consultant · Sustainability Specialist · Waste Management Specialist roles.

                                Justin’s 15-Point Bio:

                                • ☑️ Status - Seeking new opportunities.
                                • ☑️ Location: Portland, OR
                                • ☑️ Relocation: Not ideal, but would consider for the right opportunity
                                • ☑️ Work mode: In-person, hybrid, remote
                                • ☑️ Seeking: A role where he can help companies innovate solutions to support regenerative business practices and advance into the circular economy.
                                • ☑️ Special interests: Circular economy, manufacturing, sustainable materials management, organic waste and packaging mitigation
                                • ☑️ Specialty: Systems thinking, sustainability-focused, identifying strengths in others
                                • ☑️ Ideal industry: Food & beverage, CPG packaging
                                • ☑️ Education: Bachelor’s in Mechanical Design/Sustainability, Master of Liberal Arts, Sustainability Studies
                                • ☑️ Former employers: BEYOND Circular Solutions (self), Precious Plastic USA, Greasecar Vegetable Fuel Systems
                                • ☑️ Dream role: Operations and strategy for organic waste mitigation in the food service or food service packaging industry
                                • ☑️ Words to live by: Stay curious, stay out of your comfort zone and be open to challenging your status quo
                                • ☑️ Something you might now know about Justin: “I’ve got a passion for design… Back in high school, I had a guitar-building workshop in my basement and was heavily involved in woodworking and design.”
                                • ☑️ Colleagues would describe Justin as: Hands-on and collaborative. Able to quickly identify the right talent for a successful collaboration to get the job done.
                                • ☑️ Contact Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justincarven/, https://www.beyond-circular.com/
                                • Shout out to: Justin's cohort colleagues, professors, and staff at Harvard Extension School.

                                  Music by Lidérc. ​​

                                  #wastemanagement #sustainability #circulareconomy #management #careers #cpg #packaging #organicwaste #circularity

                                  20 min
                                • Annika Perry | Social impact, active lifestyle, marketing, events, management

                                  Professional Podcast Profile | Meet Annika Perry, a social impact, events, marketing, and communications specialist based in San Diego, CA. Annika has a proven track record in marketing and social impact. As she shares in her podcast profile, she has consistently designed and delivered transformative events and programs that inspire, engage, and catalyze meaningful, lasting change in organizations or communities.

                                  Annika is an energetic, curious, and optimistic professional looking for her next opportunity, ideally in the active/outdoor/social impact/sustainability space.

                                  With expertise in event management, corporate social responsibility, nonprofit partnerships, and sustainability communications, you’ll see that Annika is passionate about connecting with people and creating experiences that leave a lasting impact.

                                  Thanks for tuning in - I hope you’ll dive in and learn more about Annika Perry.

                                  Annika’s 15-Point Bio

                                  • Status: Seeking new opportunities.
                                  • Location: Currently living in San Diego, CA
                                  • Relocation: Willing to relocate for the right opportunity.
                                  • Work mode: Prefers hybrid work.
                                  • Seeking: A team environment with the opportunity for productive, focused work.
                                  • Special interests: Social impact, women’s empowerment, sustainability.
                                  • Specialty: Marketing, events, communications, project management.
                                  • Ideal industry: Active lifestyle, outdoor, B Corporation.
                                  • Education: Master's degree in social innovation at USD's Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies. Seattle University, Business Admin, specializing in marketing.
                                  • Former employers: thinkPARALLAX, Hinz Consulting, B Local San Diego.
                                  • Dream role: Social impact/events management/marketing at a values-aligned brand.
                                  • Words to live by: Never come to a manager with a problem; always come with a solution, and always lead with curiosity.
                                  • Something you might now know about Annika:  “I was a Division I swimmer and team captain at Seattle University.”
                                  • Colleagues would describe Annika as: An enthusiastic and optimistic team player who’s always ready to collaborate and bring out the best in people.
                                  • Contact Info: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annikaperr, or email at [email protected]
                                  • Shout out to: Annika’s past professors Paula Cordeiro Dammeyer Distinguished Professor of Global Leadership and Education at University of San Diego teaching social entrepreneurship and Juan Roche Global leadership consultant and academic at Kroc School at the University of San Diego, as well as Katherine Kubancik, M.Ed., Leadership & Career Development @ CU Athletics, Annika’s former asst. swim coach, Seattle U.

                                    Music by Lidérc.

                                    #careergrowth #newjobs #socialimpact #marketing #management #interview #careerjourney #womensempowerment #sustainability #eventsmanagement #projectmanagement

                                    21 min
                                  • New year, new show, new concept... Great conversations.

                                    Seeing talented professionals in tough situations has inspired the next chapter of my journey: using podcasting as a service to help professionals like you stand out.

                                    Podcast interviews often highlight CEOs, founders, and industry experts (guilty as charged). But I started asking myself, why stop there? Starting today, I’m introducing the Professional Podcast Profile: a personalized podcast interview showcasing YOUR story, skills, and aspirations. It’s more than a CV or LinkedIn profile—it’s your resume brought to life.

                                    Think of it as the interview before the interview—a tool to share with recruiters, peers, managers, or potential clients to get noticed for what makes you, you.

                                    Who benefits? ⚫️ Professionals: Here’s a platform to authentically showcase your journey and skills. ⚫️ Recruiters & Hiring Managers: Gain deeper insights into candidates before the first meeting. ⚫️ Young Professionals: Learn how careers are built brick by brick—not overnight.

                                    This idea stems from my love for storytelling and career conversations. Through my revamped podcast, The Underswell with Derek Sabori, we’ll explore what lies beneath a professional reputation: the lessons, effort, and experiences that shape careers. Featuring Captains of Industry, Experienced Career Navigators, and Early Career Starters, the show will offer relatable stories and insights for all stages of professional growth.

                                    If you're not expecting to be a Featured Guest, you're a candidate for the show if you’re: ⚫️ Frustrated by job search hurdles. ⚫️ Launching your entrepreneurial journey. ⚫️ Ready to share your career story.

                                    Stay tuned—more stories, lessons, and inspiration are coming your way soon. Hit me up at www.theunderswell.com!

                                    2 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.