Your Career GPS

In this episode, career coach Karen Ayoub shares invaluable insights on navigating early career challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategically positioning yourself for growth. She discusses how to navigate the feelings that come with misalignment and how to work through a change of direction or position. Discover practical tips on internal mobility, networking, personal branding, and embracing change to accelerate your career journey. 

Key Topics: 

• Signs you need a career change

• Internal mobility strategies

• Networking and relationship building

• Overcoming imposter syndrome

• Personal branding and visibility

Karen Ayoub helps early-career professionals land their next role or secure a promotion. She specializes in helping these talented young professionals overcome self-doubt and impostor syndrome to be able to articulate their value and strengths.

Her background is in biomedical engineering, and she currently works as a senior project manager at a global, publicly traded medical device company in New Jersey. Karen completed her MBA and a professional coaching certificate from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.

Karen is familiar with the corporate world through both her own internal moves and experience with the hiring process when she was a talent scout for early talent at her company. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, having held a few leadership positions in employee resource groups.

She shares her insights on career development, networking, the job search, and overcoming impostor syndrome through her LinkedIn posts.

Karen is based in New Jersey, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, listening to podcasts, hiking, and going to museums!

Connect With Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenayoub/

Karen’s website: fromseedtobloom.com

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. 

www.minttobecareer.com 

This episode features Kathleen Dylaski, founder of Education Design Lab, discussing the future of higher education, the impact of AI on careers, and how students can future-proof their skills. Kathleen shares insights from her extensive background in education reform, her recent book 'Who Needs College Anymore,' and practical advice for navigating the evolving job market.

Key topics

• The decline of traditional college degrees and alternative pathways

• The impact of AI on the job market and skills required

• Strategies for students to stand out and succeed in a competitive environment

Guest Info: 

Kathleen deLaski is the founder and board chair of the Education Design Lab, which works with colleges, states, and employers to design shorter, more targeted forms of higher education. She is the author of “Who Needs College Anymore?” by Harvard Education Press, a bestselling book on Amazon. Kathleen serves as a senior advisor for Harvard's Project on the Workforce and teaches higher ed redesign at George Mason University. She serves on several boards, including Credential Engine and the advisory board of the Taubman Center for Cities and States at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She also manages the deLaski Family Foundation, a national grant-maker in education reform and education mobility. Kathleen has been named to Washingtonian Magazine’s list of top policy influencers each year from 2022 to 2025.

Earlier in her career, as an executive at Fortune 500 company Sallie Mae, Kathleen founded their award-winning corporate foundation. She was a television correspondent for ABC News, covering the White House and foreign affairs, a consumer product developer in the early days of AOL, and, in the Clinton administration, the first woman to serve as chief Pentagon spokesperson.

Website: https://eddesignlab.org/bio/kathleen-delaski-2/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-delaski-1089012b/ 

Book: https://www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org/

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. 

In this episode, Brad Minton interviews Tony Yang, a former Amazon recruiter, to uncover insider tips on how job seekers can stand out in a competitive market. They discuss the impact of AI on hiring, crafting authentic stories, and strategic job search tactics for 2026.

Key Takeaways:

• The impact of AI on job applications and interviews
• How to craft authentic and compelling stories for interviews
• Strategies for effective resume writing and interview preparation

• Be intentional and strategic in your job search in 2026.
• Own your narrative and be authentic during interviews.
• Use AI as an augment, not a crutch, in preparing for interviews.
• Keep resumes simple, focused, and impactful with 3-5 bullets per role.
• Focus on your genuine enthusiasm and energy in interviews.
• Avoid over-reliance on frameworks like STAR; be natural and confident.
• Apply to roles strategically, considering reposts and application volume.
• Set daily goals for job applications to stay motivated.
• Showcase your curiosity and potential, even if you don't meet all qualifications.
• Authenticity and human connection remain key in interviews.

Guest Info:

Tony Yang is a former Principal Recruiter and Bar Raiser at Amazon for 9 years who’s spent time inside the hiring process, reviewing resumes, running interviews, and sitting in the debriefs where decisions actually get made. He’s seen how candidates are really evaluated and what gets said behind the scenes. Now, as the Founder of Liminality, he mentors students, early-career and industry professionals—helping them understand how hiring actually works so they can be clear, tell better stories, and turn interviews into offers. 
Website: https://liminality.services/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyyang409/

This podcast was brought to you by Mint To Be Career.

www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad Minton interviews Bogdan Zlatkov, an ex-LinkedIn insider and career strategist, to uncover proven strategies for job seekers to optimize their resumes, navigate applicant tracking systems, and land interviews faster in a competitive market. Key topics include:

• Resume optimization techniques
• Applicant tracking system (ATS) best practices
• Effective job application strategies in 2026
• How to lean into what makes you different

Guest Info:

Bogdan Zlatkov is an ex-LinkedIn insider and author of the Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting, ranked #1 on Google. Currently at GrowthHackYourCareer, Bogdan has helped over 1,500 job seekers find their dream jobs using proven data-driven strategies. He works with award-winning coaches, best-selling authors, and Forbes-Council members to uncover the best job search tips that will get you hired faster.

growthhackyourcareer.com

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career

www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, expert Kayla Ihrig demystifies LinkedIn, sharing practical strategies to leverage the platform for career growth, networking, and personal branding. Discover how to overcome resistance, create authentic content, and build meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities.

Key concepts covered:

• Overcoming resistance to LinkedIn
• Creating authentic and engaging content
• Building a strong professional profile
• Networking and outreach strategies
• Leveraging LinkedIn for career opportunities

Guest Info:

Kayla Ihrig is a writer for HubSpot, GoDaddy, and Success Magazine and a LinkedIn enthusiast. LinkedIn has brought her clients, media features, friends and a book deal, despite having fewer than 4,000 founders. Today she's going to demystify the internet's most misunderstood platform so you can go get your slice of the LinkedIn pie. 
Website: https://writingfromnowhere.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-ihrig/

The podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC.

www.minttobecareer.com

Host Brad Minton invites Gabriel DeSanti on the podcast who shares his journey of exploring unconventional careers, reimagining internships, and empowering others to discover their true passions through hands-on experiences and innovative platforms. Key concepts:

• The importance of early career exploration and trying different trades
• Innovative approaches to internships and job shadowing
• The role of content creation in redefining career paths
• Common threads among successful, fulfilled professionals
• The value of ownership and experimentation in career development

Guest Info:

Gabriel DeSanti is an award-winning content creator, visionary storyteller, and Co-Founder of Staj. Known as the builder of the world’s longest résumé, Gabriel brings unparalleled authority to the exploration and celebration of the world’s most overlooked, unconventional, and extraordinary careers. With a digital presence that reaches over 1.5 million followers, he shines a spotlight on hardworking individuals across industries—partnering with global powerhouses such as the NHL, Remitly, and the City of Las Vegas to champion the value of every job.

Through Staj, Gabriel is redefining the traditional internship by creating immersive, hands-on job-shadowing experiences that offer real-world exposure and daily access to diverse career paths. His work not only challenges outdated career narratives but also empowers millions to embrace nontraditional routes, pursue meaningful work, and discover purpose in what they do every single day.

Website: gostaj.com

TikTok: @gabriel.desanti

Instagram: @grabriel.destanti

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-desanti/

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC

In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Kevin Fedor, a marketing entrepreneur who shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of work ethic, and the need for confidence in business. Kevin emphasizes the significance of taking action over perfection and discusses the concept of setting goals without strict deadlines. He encourages young entrepreneurs to find their 'North Star' and focus on actionable steps to achieve their dreams.

Guest Info:

Kevin Fedor is a marketing entrepreneur who started his first business from his college dorm room and has been building companies ever since. Over the past decade, he’s founded and scaled multiple agencies, managed multi-million-dollar ad budgets, and helped brands and founders grow through digital strategy, paid media, and personal branding.

Kevin is especially passionate about helping students see entrepreneurship as a real, viable career path - not just a buzzword. Having built businesses while still in school, he brings a grounded, honest perspective on what it actually looks like to start early, learn fast, and grow a career into adulthood.

Through his work developing the brands of hundreds of founders and companies, Kevin helps young professionals think practically about leverage, credibility, and opportunity - whether they choose to build their own business or create optionality inside someone else’s. His approach blends strategy, execution, and real-world lessons without the fluff.

Website: https://www.followspike.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fedor/

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC

www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton speaks with career coach Nicolette Hemingway about the importance of building confidence in young professionals.

They discuss strategies for understanding personal skills, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the comparison game. Nicolette emphasizes the significance of networking, mentorship, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve career growth. The conversation also highlights the value of seeking feedback and the necessity of patience in career development.

Guest Info: 

Nicholette Hemingway is a native of Myrtle Beach, SC and resides in the Metro Area of Warner Robins, GA. She is the Owner and Operator of Nike H Speaks LLC, which provides career coaching services, interview preparation training, résumé writing training, document, and letter writing, along with reviewing and writing résumés. Nicholette has spoken on several in-person and virtual stages, talking about interviewing with Confidence; The ABCs of Interviewing; Celebrate the Small Wins; and Depression and Women of Faith. Nicholette connects with her audiences by being relatable and transparent, because she’s been in their places.

Nicholette believes that everyone has a story that only they can tell, so that is why it is important to let your voice be heard. Nicholette is an Amazon #1 Best Seller and has self-published 3 books, and they can all be found on Amazon. Nicholette has a passion for putting pen to paper, and God has graced her with the ability to write books that are captivating, inspiring, and informative to readers. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. Nicholette has 1 beautiful daughter and 1 adorable grandson.

Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway 

Website: http://www.nikehspeaks.com 

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

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton explores the power of intuition as an internal “GPS” for navigating career and life decisions amid uncertainty. He’s joined by intuitive consultant Jenn Cohen, who shares her journey from a pre-law college path to a 27-year career in the entertainment industry at companies like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, and WarnerMedia—decisions she credits largely to trusting her intuition.

Jen reflects on how personal loss heightened her awareness of intuition, how misalignment in high-pressure corporate environments ultimately led her to leave the industry, and how she now helps individuals and organizations reconnect with their inner guidance.

Together, Brad and Jen discuss analysis paralysis, balance between logic and intuition, recognizing alignment through the body, and practical tools young people can use to slow down, create space, and make more grounded, aligned career decisions.

Guest Info:

Jenn Cohen has always been fascinated by the power of intuition. Her journey into understanding this deeper, intuitive space began in her early 20s after a personal experience following the death of her father inspired her curiosity of how intuition would guide her life. Throughout her 27-year career in the Entertainment Industry—collaborating with major studios like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, IMAX, and WarnerMedia—Jenn discovered that some of the most impactful decisions often stemmed from intuition. Her unique approach and insights not only set her apart but also led to career advancements and recognition in a highly competitive field.

After stepping away from the corporate world, Jenn embraced her calling as an intuitive consultant, applying her skills to help both individuals and organizations unlock their potential. Today, she empowers clients—from individuals to executives to entire teams—with practical tools to gain clarity, recognize blind spots, and make decisions aligned with their goals. Jenn’s programs and coaching sessions are designed to cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and enhance productivity, creativity, and connection in professional settings.

Jenn’s work supports individuals and companies alike, creating pathways for growth by blending intuitive insights with actionable strategies. She is dedicated to helping her clients break through self-imposed barriers, trust their inner voice, and achieve greater fulfillment in both personal and professional realms.

Website: https://www.jenncohenintuitive.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-cohen-intuitive-consultant/

This podcast brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC

www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode Brad sits down with Marita McCahill who shares her insights on overcoming fear and embracing failure as essential components of personal and professional growth.

She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities, which can lead to significant development and new experiences. All of these things can positively impact one's personal brand and storytelling.

She discusses how to take those important steps of defining your brand and stepping out of your comfort zone to start creating content that reflects your values.

Key takeaways

• Don't let fear paralyze you.
• Some of the best learning moments are when you fail.
• Step up to new things, even when uncomfortable.
• Growth happens outside your comfort zone.
• Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.
• New friendships can emerge from taking risks.
• Professional growth requires stepping into the unknown.
• Opportunities often lie beyond familiar boundaries.

Guest Info:

Marita McCahill is a personal-branding strategist, content creation specialist, and educator with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications across professional-service organizations. She is the founder of getCAREERcurious, an online community empowering Gen Z and early-career professionals to build purpose-driven careers.

In her role as an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), she teaches digital marketing and social media strategy, helping students turn their personal brand into career capital. Drawing on her background leading client relationships, project teams, digital campaigns, and reputation management for major providers, Marita brings real-world insight into how personal branding works in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings.

Website: https://www.getcareercurious.com/

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

Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@getcareercurious

This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC.

www.minttobecareer.com