On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Porter (Creative Director and Board Game Designer/Publisher for Chris Couch Games). Porter breaks down his journey to becoming a Creative Director and finding the best way for him - including his experience from both corporate to entreprenurial settings.

Key Highlights

• How he began his path to a career of a creative designer
• Becoming a board game designer and publisher
• Managing the time between his work as a creative designer and a publisher
• What role failure has played in his life - and how it's helped him find success
• Why building community is incredibly important
• The power of hello and acknowledging others
• How to create a great Kickstarter experience through customer service
• The difference between honesty and transparency

And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Chris' Links:

• LinkedIn
• Chris Couch Games

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chris Alexander, Senior Director of Digital Communications at NYU School of Global Public Health. Chris has spent more than a decade in higher education and has experience as a podcaster, content creator and integrated marketer.

Key Highlights

• The role internships play in finding what you want (or don't want to) do
• What it's like to experience different roles in a large university
• The value of creating a professional portfolio
• How integrated marketing has played a role in his career and he has helped build brand(s)

And of course, learn why Chris socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Chris' Links:

• LinkedIn

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Nikki Sunstrum, CCMP—a globally recognized leader who has developed and leveraged communications and engagement to create significant impact in both government and higher education.

Key Highlights

• How her experience in government (including as an elected city council person for the city of Portland) impacted her professional perspective

• Why it's important to level the playing field and bring the right people to the table

• Her experience as an industry leader in higher education

• Why you should "never abandon strategy" and how "content" has evolved since she began her career

And of course, learn why Nikki socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Nikki's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Website

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

In a very special episode of Why I Social, we explore the Power of AI. In three previous episodes, guests Theresa Portratz, Michael Katz and Maria Duran discussed their own unique perspectives and insights on the impact of AI. Please take a listen to their full episodes at the links below (Spotify) Theresa Potratz Michael Katz Maria Duron

Links (LinkedIn Profiles)

• Theresa Potratz
• Michael Katz
• Maria Duron

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS), who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role. [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared]

Key Highlights

• What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization

• The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program

• Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer

And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Celeste's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week’s episode of Why I Social, Chris has a conversation with Celeste Russell (SMS) who serves as social media manager for the National Institute for Social Media and OMCP. Russell has worked her way from intern to her current role at the organization and even has the opportunity to work with the current class of interns in her present role.  [Editorial Note: The previous episode left in a bit of audio that was not originaly intended for the final episode. An update was made on 9/23 at 9:30 p.m. to the audio shared] 

Key Highlights

• What it has meant to go from intern to her current role in the organization

• The value of the internship experience and what it means to build a strong internship program

• Why her experience in theatre has benefited her career as a marketer 

And of course, learn why Celeste socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Celeste's Links: 

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend 
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor  The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals.  Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast.  Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Philip Wilkerson (Podcast Producer, Employer Engagement Consultant) to discuss his podcast (Positive Philter) and his role as Employer Engagement Consultant at George Mason University in Career Services. Philip's interest in connecting with people helped him develop criticial skills that allowed him to launch his podcast in 2017. This week's business topic: Building A Brand as a Practioner

Key Highlights

• The unique challenges in developing new skills and why it is important to pursue professional growth

• How Philip collaborates to develop, build, and promote his podcast

• The idea of "failing forward" and building RESILIENCE

• The importance of kindness

And of course, learn why Philip socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Philip's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Positive Philter
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] Editorial Note: At the time of this recording, Chris calls the episode Why I Social's 20th of Season 2. This is, instead, episode 21. About our sponsor The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Casey Cornell (Founder - The Pool Journals and OPE Brands) to dig into the life of a consultant in the gig economy. From building brands to customer loyalty, Casey has been involved in every aspect of the marketing experience - before becoming founder of his own consulting business.

Key Highlights

• A deep dive into the gig economy and life as a consultant

• The gamification of social media

• The importance of customer loyalty in marketing

• The pros, cons and challenges of start-up life

• The value of organic social and referrals in closing business deals

And of course, learn why Casey socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Casey's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with returning guest Ryan Pena (Senior Marketing Leader, NMDP), a digital strategist and educator with a passion for helping individuals and organizations tell their stories more effectively through social media and emerging technologies. He expands upon what he's been up to since his original appearance on Why I Social - and more about his role as Senior Marketing Leader at NMDP.

Key Highlights

• Why starting as a self-taught marketer fueled his curiosity and built the foundation for his social media expertise.

• Why storytelling, done well, can cut through even the noisiest online spaces

• The importance of building genuine relationships, not just "connections," online

And of course, learn why Ryan socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Ryan's Links:

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

On this week's episode of Why I Social, Chris sits down with Chaim Shapiro, a career services professional, speaker, and LinkedIn strategist with a deep passion for helping others navigate their professional journeys.

Chaim shares the winding road that led him into career services—despite being told not to pursue a career in education and explains why talking someone out of their passion can be one of the biggest disservices you can do.

Key Highlights

• Why a visit to Universal Studios' backlot tour became a surprisingly profound (and slightly depressing) moment

• How Chaim's early love for sports didn't translate into a career—but helped shape how he helps others explore overlooked opportunities

• The importance of helping people create new opportunities—even in industries and roles that don't exist yet

• How adaptability has been key to his work in career development and higher education

Chaim also provides practical advice about:

• Using LinkedIn effectively and what changes he loves (and a few he doesn't)

• Why mentorship and curiosity are foundational to building a meaningful career

• The most rewarding aspects of working in career services and the impact of truly seeing a student's potential

And of course, learn why Chaim socials on this week's episode of Why I Social!

Chris' Links

• LinkedIn
• Learn more about Flowsend
  • Get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.

Read and Subscribe to the latest Why I Social Newsletter [LinkedIn] About our sponsor: The National Institute for Social Media (NISM) empowers marketing professionals to elevate their social media expertise through industry-recognized certification. NISM provides comprehensive training designed to build confidence, credibility, and credentials while fostering a global community of practice and collaboration among social media professionals. Learn more about how you can advance your career at https://nismonline.org/ The Why I Social theme song was created by Benjo Beats and may not be used outside of this podcast. Did you know you can get 30% off your first 3 months of Flowsend.AI using SOCIALCHRIS referral code. Sign up today.