Join us for an enlightening conversation with Natalee Gibson, PR maven and co-founder of Songue PR. In this episode, Natalee unpacks the secrets to thriving in the fast-paced world of public relations, offering sage advice on everything from handling workplace challenges to building a successful agency.

Content Highlights:

1. The power of honesty in job interviews and career advancement

2. Techniques for diffusing tense situations with clients and media

3. How to build a PR agency that prioritizes partnership over vendorship

4. The career-changing advice that set Natalee apart in the business world

5. How to turn mistakes into powerful learning opportunities

6. Strategies for overcoming career stagnation and toxic work environments

Key Takeaways:

[00:02:39] - The importance of treating deadlines as sacrosanct in business

[00:06:50] - Why overselling yourself in job interviews can backfire

[00:10:15] - Why taking ownership of mistakes quickly can strengthen relationships

[00:12:01] - Strategies for managing high-stress situations in PR

[00:15:08] - The value of industry mentors in recognizing your true potential

[00:19:16] - The importance of aligning PR strategies with broader business goals

Guest Bio:

Natalee Gibson is an award-winning writer and PR strategist with over 20 years of experience. As the co-founder of Songue PR, she leverages her extensive background in journalism and agency work to deliver exceptional results for clients across various tech-related industries.

This insightful session was hosted by Jolie Downs with Paradigm. For more information around career evolution and growth you can connect with Jolie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliedowns/

To connect with Natalee Gibson, you can find her here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataleegibson/

If you enjoy learning from others, please give us a like, subscribe, and share with a friend. If you are looking to add talent to your public relations, marketing, communications, sales, or business development team with the best talent, and quickly, check us out at paradigmstaffing.com.

What PR strategy from Natalee's playbook resonated most with you? Let us know in the comments!

Discover the power of asking the right questions and pivoting careers with former journalist turned communications leader, Arik Hesseldahl. In this transformative episode, learn how breaking free from self-imposed career constraints can lead to unexpected opportunities and success.

Guest Bio:

Arik Hesseldahl is a seasoned communications leader with over 20 years of experience as a business and technology writer for major media outlets including Recode, the Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, and Forbes. He has interviewed tech giants like Steve Jobs and Tim Cook, and later transitioned to corporate communications, leading SAP's 32-person global content and multimedia team for seven years.

Content Sample:

- Uncover Arik's innovative approach to problem-solving that led to a groundbreaking hologram presentation at a major tech conference.

- Learn the transformative realization that freed Arik from his self-imposed career limitations.

- Discover the unexpected way Arik landed his first corporate communications job within weeks of leaving journalism.

Key Takeaways:

1. [00:01:43] The importance of getting the story right in both journalism and corporate communications.

2. [00:05:16] Breaking free from self-imposed career constraints can open up new opportunities.

3. [00:11:47] Asking the right questions, even seemingly "dumb" ones, can lead to innovative solutions.

4. [00:17:43] Taking time to learn and adapt in a new role is crucial for long-term success.

5. [00:20:19] Cultivating healthy information consumption habits by avoiding cable news and focusing on quality sources.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "I didn't make a bargain with anybody. I didn't sign a contract with the world that said I had to be a journalist for the rest of my life."

2. "People don't ask the right questions enough... I'm not afraid of asking the impertinent question, the question that's likely to tick somebody off or the seemingly dumb question that a lot of other people might not be willing to ask."

3. "I can talk to almost anybody. Given the right set of circumstances... I can draw interesting nuggets out of them and then I can come back with interesting questions."

Related Content:

1. "The Art of Asking: Ask Better Questions, Get Better Answers" by Terry J. Fadem - A book that complements Arik's insights on the power of asking the right questions.

2. "Pivot: The Only Move That Matters Is Your Next One" by Jenny Blake - Explores career transitions and finding new opportunities, aligning with Arik's journey from journalism to communications.

Suggestions:

Subscribe to the Career Wanderlust Podcast for more inspiring stories of career evolution. Follow Arik Hesseldahl on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahess247/ to stay updated on his insights in communications and technology.

Host and Platform Information:

This insightful session was hosted by Jolie Downs with Paradigm, for more in career evolution and growth, you can connect with Jolie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliedowns/

If you enjoy learning from others, please give us a like, subscribe, and share with a friend. If you are looking to add talent to your public relations, marketing, communications, sales, or business development team with the best talent, and quickly, check us out at paradigmstaffing.com.

Ending Note:

What self-imposed limitations might be holding you back in your career? We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with career transitions in the comments. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we'll explore more fascinating career journeys and insights!

Unlock the secrets of career success with Janet Parker, a seasoned HR executive who's navigated the corporate landscape for decades. In this eye-opening episode, Janet shares transformative insights that will reshape how you approach your professional journey. Are you ready to discover the hidden keys to thriving in your career?

Guest Bio:

Janet Parker is the Managing Director of Operations at a national nonprofit, where she works with the executive team to implement vision and reach organizational goals. With a rich background in HR leadership at major companies like Time Warner Cable, Nextel Communications, and Starbucks, Janet brings a wealth of experience in supporting corporate functions across sales, marketing, engineering, legal, and operations.

Content Sample:

1. Uncover the vital importance of understanding your company's business dynamics beyond your specific role.

2. Learn the crucial difference between mentors and allies, and how to cultivate both for career advancement.

3. Listen to advice around the best ways to go about dealing with a termination.

4. Discover why taking calculated risks can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

Key Takeaways:

1. [00:01:36] Understand the business beyond your function to become a more effective problem-solver and leader.

2. [00:04:07] Cultivate allies who will advocate for you even when you're not in the room.

3. [00:08:10] Don't let self-doubt hold you back from applying for senior positions - you'll learn and grow into the role.

4. [00:16:26] When addressing performance issues, be clear about expectations and follow through consistently.

5. [00:20:02] Take more risks in your career - you can always course-correct if things don't work out as planned.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "You really have to understand the business, not just your function, but you have to understand what makes your organization tick."

2. "Allies are going to be advocating for you, even when you're not in the room and you don't know about it."

3. "I wish I had taken more risks. It's helpful to be thoughtful in your decision making and plan things out, but along the way in my career, I could have taken more risk."

Related Content:

1. "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck - Expand on the growth mindset concept Janet mentions.

2. "This Is Not The Life I Ordered" by Deborah Collins Stephens, et al. - Janet's recommended book for resilience and support.

3. Article: "The Importance of Understanding Business Dynamics in HR" - Dive deeper into Janet's first piece of career advice.

Suggestions:

Subscribe to the Career Wanderlust Podcast for more insightful conversations with industry leaders. Follow Janet Parker's work and connect with her on LinkedIn to continue learning from her wealth of HR experience. https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetparkerhr/

Host and Platform Information:

This session was hosted by Jolie Downs with Paradigm, for more on career evolution and growth you can connect with Jolie here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliedowns/

If you enjoy learning from others, please give us a like, subscribe, and share with a friend. If you are looking to add talent to your public relations, marketing, communications, sales, or business development team with the best talent, and quickly, check us out at paradigmstaffing.com.

Ending Note:

As you reflect on Janet's advice, ask yourself: What risks have you been hesitant to take in your career? How might embracing these opportunities lead to unexpected growth? Share your thoughts with us and join the conversation about career development and personal growth.