Transferable Skills

Britany Klenda shares her path from architecture during the recession to corporate real estate and occupancy planning. Her shift brought on her skills, such as, data analysis, dashboards, and change management for workplace strategies. Britany discusses how parenthood challenged her hyper work mindset and how her role now blends human needs with space-usage data to guide clients on future workplace decisions. She also shares details about her family’s crisis when her son Bennett’s behavioral changes and led to discovering he had a brain tumor, surgery, rehab, radiation, and chemotherapy, followed by ongoing disabilities and care. The importance of community support, pediatric cancer foundations, and the importance of awareness and giving matter so greatly.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Britany Klenda: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britany-glim-klenda-37090237/
• SAS Architects & Planners: https://sasarch.com/
• JLL: https://www.jll.com/en-us/locations/chicago
• Between Two Kingdoms: https://www.amazon.com/Between-Two-Kingdoms-Suleika-Jaouad/dp/0399588582
• Ronald McDonald House: https://ronaldmcdonaldhousechicago.org/central-dupage-hospital/
• Violet Foundation: https://www.violet-foundation.org/
• Cals Angels: https://www.calsangels.org/
• Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation: https://curethekids.org/
• Camp One Step: https://camponestep.org/
• JCC Chicago Sunrise Day Camp: https://www.sunrisedaycamp-chicago.org/
• Dragonfly Foundation - https://dragonfly.org/
• Bear Necessities: https://bearnecessities.org/
• Special Spaces: https://specialspaces.org/
• Make-A-Wish: https://wish.org/illinois
• Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago: https://www.luriechildrens.org/

September is Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month - a time to honor the incredible strength of children battling cancer, remember those we've lost, and raise awareness of the urgent need for more research, better treatments, and stronger support for families. Every act of kindness matters. You can make a difference by:

• Donating blood. During Bennett's treatment, he needed more than 30 blood transfusions. Blood donors truly help save lives.
• Volunteering with a pediatric cancer foundation to support children and families throughout their journey.
• Preparing meals for families staying at the Ronald McDonald House, giving them one less thing to worry about during an incredibly difficult time.
• Hosting a fundraiser to support research and family assistance programs through childhood cancer organizations.
• Sharing our story to raise awareness. Every conversation, post, and share helps shine a light on the need for more research, more support, and more hope.

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Welcome and Show Introduction

00:19 Early Career Connections

01:36 Finding Architecture Passion

03:44 Time Management Lessons

06:13 Recession Work Pressure

08:01 Shift to Corporate Planning

10:33 JLL Consulting Basics

12:35 Hot Desking Change

15:06 Data Meets Human Needs

17:41 Dashboards During COVID

18:25 Family Crisis Begins

22:10 Diagnosis and Aftermath

24:12 Grief Without Words

25:20 Facing High Stakes Surgery

26:13 Hospital Chaos and Breaking Down

27:00 Handing Him to the Surgeon

28:08 Rehab Radiation and Chemo Marathon

29:59 Friends Who Show Up

32:48 After Treatment New Normal

36:27 Living With Fear and Perspective

39:14 Finding Community and Camps

42:28 Work Support and Hidden Strength

44:30 Paying It Forward for New Parents

45:50 Pediatric Cancer Awareness Call

47:11 Closing Thanks and Fight Ahead

Karen Peditto shifted from photojournalism to working in food systems and eventually farming. Karen describes how smartphone cameras changed the photojournalism landscape, how social anxiety pushed her away from traditional reporting, and how AmeriCorps at a Pittsburgh food bank led her into food policy, access, and program management. Eventually, she joined Wagner Farm, using communication and education skills to support a modern diversified growing operation and public learning.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Karen Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenannbullock/
• Mike Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeditto/
• Episode with Mike: https://open.spotify.com/episode/62nCCV2jjKlid5n17sk4pK
• USDA: https://www.ams.usda.gov/sites/default/files/media/What%20is%20Organic.pdf
• Wagner Farm: https://glenviewparks.org/facilities/historic-wagner-farm/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro

00:28 Early Farm Mornings

01:05 Photojournalism Dreams

02:02 Smartphones Change Everything

06:40 Ethics and Privacy Lines

09:05 Still Taking Photos

11:22 Anxiety and Career Pivot

13:11 AmeriCorps and Food Studies

15:59 Food Bank Disillusionment

20:22 Farm Stand Program Impact

24:44 Quitting and Farm Truck Foods

28:15 Eggs and Food Education

29:11 Egg Yolk Truths

29:36 Label Marketing Myths

30:57 Ethics And Flavor

32:39 Why Local Food Struggles

35:07 CSA Explained

37:22 From Mom To Farm Job

41:01 Inside Wagner Farm

44:03 Garlic Lesson Moment

45:05 Talking To Strangers

47:24 Why Wagner Farm Rocks

49:34 Flower Field Wins

52:36 Baking Dreams Ahead

54:31 Final Thanks And Wrap

Andy Feltovich shares his journey from being a Financial Analyst to specializing in Men's Health and Fitness, and discusses his podcast 'Orthodox Apostasy', the importance of purpose and calling, and how his background in finance has equipped him with unique skills for his current role as a health and performance coach.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Andy Feltovich: https://www.linkedin.com/in/feltovichfit/
• Gerald Norby: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geraldnorby/
• FeltovichFit: https://www.youtube.com/@feltovichfit
• Orthodox Apostasy Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/4ZVztaBmHseeXFLMwZBhuY
• How to Lie with Statistics: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0393310728
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome

00:28 Andy's Podcast and Philosophy

02:24 The Concept of Laziness and Perfectionism

05:31 Purpose and Calling Framework

09:02 Andy's Career Journey

19:55 Transition to Men's Health and Performance

28:36 The Screen Framework and Coaching Philosophy

32:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Dr. Keren Hulkower regals us with many stories of his days working in labs and into his career transition from biochemistry to becoming a medical fiction author. Dr. Hulkower discusses his new book 'Early Detection,' his experiences in both the scientific and writing communities, and how his scientific background influences his creative writing. He also shares personal anecdotes, offers insights into the publishing process, and talks about the challenges and rewards of balancing a scientific career with a passion for writing. Intriguingly, the episode includes mentions of gastrointestinal research and explores the competitive nature and politics of laboratory research.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Keren Hulkower: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keren-hulkower-37819710/
• Erick Mertz: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erickmertzwriting/
• https://www.isaakhulkowerllc.com/
• Great Stories Don't Write Themselves: https://www.amazon.com/Great-Stories-Dont-Write-Themselves/dp/1440300852
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:07 Guest Introduction: Dr. Keren Hulkower

00:24 Journey into Medical Fiction Writing

00:52 Challenges and Triumphs in Writing

02:15 Balancing Science and Writing

03:41 Support Systems and Writing Process

04:43 Publishing and Editing Insights

08:48 Career in Biomedical Engineering

09:42 Early Scientific Interests

19:58 Competitive Nature of Scientific Research

20:24 Challenging Research Methods

21:36 Standardizing Cancer Diagnosis

23:17 Data Manipulation Scandals

24:29 Theranos and Proficiency Testing

26:36 Navigating Lab Politics

29:02 Adapting to New Research Fields

34:55 Balancing Writing and Research

41:51 Future Endeavors and Teaching

Mara Smith, former CPA and attorney turned founder of Inspiro Tequila, discusses leadership, parenting, and what really transfers across professional and personal life. Rather than following a single linear trajectory, her journey defines how hard skills (law, accounting, strategy) and so-called “soft” skills (empathy, decisiveness, adaptability) compound over time. She also helps clarify and explain key differences between various types of tequila. The conversation also touches on the challenges Mara faces as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry, her commitment to quality and authenticity, and the role of empathy and leadership in her entrepreneurial journey.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Mara Smith: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mara-smith-inspiro/
• Mark Bromberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markbromberg/
• Inspiro: https://inspirotequila.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:17 Understanding Tequila Varieties

01:52 Mara's Career Journey: From Law to Business

03:41 Balancing Family and Career

05:27 Transition to Entrepreneurship

14:14 Challenges and Success in the Tequila Industry

21:29 Balancing Parenting and Leadership

22:37 Direct Feedback and Clarity in Leadership

24:19 Tequila Entrepreneurship and Family Dynamics

29:50 Building a Brand from Scratch

30:53 The Inspiration Behind the Brand Name

33:14 Guilty Pleasure Jobs and Organizational Skills

37:32 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections

Julie Irving shares her skills journey from working in radio ad sales to transitioning into pharmacy and healthcare marketing. Fun times hearing about her strategies for success amid the COVID-19 pandemic while working at a major pharmacy brand on their marketing team.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Julie Irving: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julieirving/
• Efrem Epstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/efremepstein/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:39 Julie's Early Career in Radio

05:45 Transitioning to Marketing

08:53 Marketing Strategies and Roles

13:23 Healthcare Marketing Challenges

25:36 Navigating the Job Market

27:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Jeremy Geller joins us to discuss his journey, deciding whether to follow in his family's footsteps or carve his own path. His story delves deep into battling addiction and achieving ten years of sobriety, becoming a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor (CADC) and pursuing a master's in social work. We talk about the challenges of overcoming addiction, finding personal identity, the importance of community and connection, and how Jeremy applies his life experiences to being a coach and counselor. Additionally, the episode explores the broader implications on mental health and the importance of support and communication. 

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Jeremy Geller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremy-geller-9a822987/
• Johann Hari: https://www.ted.com/talks/johann_hari_everything_you_think_you_know_about_addiction_is_wrong
• Rat Park: https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/what-does-rat-park-teach-us-about-addiction
• Chris Herren: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chris_Herren
• Phil Jackson: https://medium.com/@petraivanigova/the-zen-of-phil-jackson-inside-the-mind-of-the-nbas-most-unique-coach-5240bfdcedf6
• Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Beacon-Classics/dp/080701883X/https://www.amazon.com/Mans-Search-Meaning-Beacon-Classics/dp/080701883X/
• Viktor Frankl and Crabbing: https://alearningaday.blog/2015/03/29/viktor-frankl-and-crabbing-the-200-words-project/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:55 Jeremy Geller's Background and Career

01:36 Journey to Sobriety

03:16 Struggles with Family Expectations

06:13 Understanding Addiction and Recovery

16:29 The Role of Community and Connection

19:09 Challenges in Treating Addiction

28:36 Struggles with Moderation and Goal Setting

29:24 Continuous Improvement and Overcoming Addictions

31:56 The Concept and Challenges of Social Work

40:21 Balancing Coaching and Personal Development

43:55 Engaging Youth in Conversations about Substance Abuse

48:28 The Importance of Positive Reinforcement in Coaching

57:18 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Mike Peditto is a former recruiter who has transitioned into a well respected and influential job search influencer. Mike shares his journey from working at Kaplan Test Prep, moving into recruiting, and eventually becoming a full-time content creator. He discusses his experience with job seeking, the importance of creating relatable content, and the challenges and strategies in today's job market. Mike also sheds light on the often misunderstood ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems) and the nuances of the hiring process.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Mike Peditto: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mpeditto/
• https://mikepeditto.com/
• Mike’s Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FJX996XF
• RealisticRecruiting: https://www.tiktok.com/@realisticrecruiting?lang=en
• What Is an Applicant Tracking System (ATS): https://www.jobscan.co/blog/8-things-you-need-to-know-about-applicant-tracking-systems/
• How Salary Range Works: https://www.tiktok.com/@realisticrecruiting/video/7548851206374968590
• Dave Weinberg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dweinberg/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

00:16 Editing Challenges and Podcasting Insights

00:41 The Importance of Authenticity in Content Creation

09:54 The Journey to Becoming a Content Creator

25:41 Recruitment Industry Insights

32:52 Digital Footprint and Online Behavior

39:19 The Power of Storytelling in Career Journeys

40:40 Navigating Career Challenges and Building a Personal Brand

42:32 From Content Creation to Career Opportunities

46:05 The Realities of Job Searching and ATS Systems

56:57 Effective Resume Tips and Job Search Strategies

01:03:29 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Job Searching

01:15:57 Final Thoughts and Words of Wisdom

Jen Martensen shares her journey from a college newspaper music critic to becoming a Fractional Chief Operating Officer. Discover the behind-the-scenes world of music production, the evolution of the indie music scene, and the transferable skills that led Jen to work with top artists and manage successful projects in the digital marketing and operations world. Learn about project management, the intersection of creativity and business, and how to leverage fundamental skills across industries.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• Jen Martensen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenmartensen/
• Brooke Saucier: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brookesaucier/
• Stage Magazine: https://www.stagemagazine.org/
• Barry Bongiovi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-bongiovi-abb4281b/
• The Triangle Constraint: https://www.projectmanager.com/blog/triple-constraint-project-management-time-scope-cost
• Backline Business Consulting: https://www.backlinebusiness.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia
• X: https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: https://get.descript.com/transferableskill
• Sign up for our newsletter: https://shorturl.at/WDrfT
• Want to be a guest on the show?: https://shorturl.at/umZ2l

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Introduction to Transferable Skills

00:34 Jen Martensen's College Beginnings

03:10 Early Career in New York City

06:34 Learning the Recording Studio Ropes

08:11 Mentorship and Growth at Power Station

13:01 Project Management Fundamentals

16:59 Balancing Creativity and Business

17:32 The Importance of Contracts in the Music Industry

20:25 Freelancing and Personal Connections

22:29 Navigating the Digital Revolution

25:08 Transitioning to Digital Marketing

32:23 Founding Backline Business Consulting

36:01 Defining Business Phases and Roles

37:27 Exploring Future Career Aspirations

40:42 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

David Strulowitz shares his perspectives on emotions as a breadcrumb trail to understanding our inner selves. By recognizing and analyzing our feelings, we can gain valuable insights for both personal growth and business innovation. Join us as we discuss how self-awareness can enhance our decision-making and the potential pitfalls of judgment in our interactions.

▬▬▬▬▬ Resources ▬▬▬▬▬

• David Strulowitz: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-strulowitz-a43aa2b/⁠⁠
• The Body Keeps The Score: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Body-Keeps-Score-Healing-Trauma/dp/0143127748⁠⁠
• Dark Side of the Light Chasers: ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Side-Light-Chasers-Reclaiming/dp/0340819057⁠⁠
• Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/cacklemedia/⁠⁠
• TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@cacklemedia⁠⁠
• X: ⁠⁠https://x.com/CackleMediaLLC⁠⁠
• YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@CackleMedia⁠⁠
• LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/cacklemedia/⁠⁠
• Support the pod when signing up for Descript / SquadCast: ⁠⁠https://get.descript.com/transferableskill⁠⁠
• Sign up for our newsletter: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/WDrfT⁠⁠
• Want to be a guest on the show?: ⁠⁠https://shorturl.at/umZ2l⁠⁠

▬▬▬▬▬ Timestamps ▬▬▬▬▬

00:00 Understanding Your Feelings

00:11 The Power of Self-Awareness

00:32 Applying Emotional Insights

01:02 Judgment and Its Implications