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.

Unlock the secrets of high-impact leadership with Chris Pienkowski, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership development expert. In this eye-opening episode, Chris shares transformative insights on building confidence, developing emotional intelligence, and creating a winning mindset that can revolutionize your career trajectory. Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and drive unprecedented success in your organization?

Guest Bio:

Chris Pienkowski is the Founder and President of Straight Arrow Coaching, a leadership development firm focused on small and mid-sized growing American companies. With over 25 years of experience, Chris has started and run four companies, led turnarounds of regional and national organizations, and coached small business owners through critical growth stages. His expertise in systemizing and scaling operations makes him a valuable asset to leaders aiming for exponential growth.

Content sample:

1. Discover Chris's unique "Winning List" system for daily productivity and goal achievement.

2. Learn the power of "conviction and caring" in leadership and how it can transform team dynamics.

3. Explore Chris's unconventional approach to annual personal planning that revolves around birthdays instead of New Year's resolutions.

4. Learn the key attributes that create successful leaders.

Key Takeaways:

1. [01:13] The importance of having clear career goals and building specific skill sets for long-term success.

2. [03:42] The crucial difference between confidence and cockiness in leadership, and how it affects team dynamics.

3. [07:50] Developing emotional intelligence (EQ) as a key predictor of leadership success.

4. [20:45] Implementing the "Winning List" system to boost daily productivity and achieve long-term goals.

5. [25:59] The value of personal annual planning on your birthday to set meaningful goals for the year ahead.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "The greatest predictors of success for leaders is number one, a level of confidence, believing that you can achieve the goals that you've set out for yourself, for your organization."

2. "Your EQ, you can continue to build and develop throughout your entire life. So that is a skill that you can always be working on, always be raising your emotional quotient."

3. "Do something tough every day and you'd be surprised at the results."

Suggestions:

Ready to transform your leadership approach? Start by implementing Chris's "Winning List" system in your daily routine. For more insights on leadership development and coaching, connect with Chris Pienkowski on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispienkowski/.

For more insights on career evolution and growth, connect with Jolie Downs 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 we conclude this episode, we challenge you to reflect on your own leadership style. How can you incorporate Chris's insights into your daily routine? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us with suggestions for future leadership topics you'd like us to explore on Career Wanderlust.

Embark on a journey of career transformation with Christine Nyirjesy Bragale, an internationally accredited business communicator and award-winning public affairs strategist. In this enlightening episode, Christine shares invaluable insights on navigating the complexities of professional growth, redefining success, and mastering the art of effective communication.

Guest Bio:

Christine Nyirjesy Bragale is the Director of Communications at FHI 360, a global nonprofit dedicated to improving lives worldwide. With a rich background spanning journalism, international development, and corporate communications, Christine brings a wealth of experience to her role. Her multilingual skills and passion for storytelling have made her a formidable force in the world of strategic communication.

Content Sample:

1. Discover the power of viewing your career as a "jungle gym" rather than a ladder, opening up new possibilities for growth and fulfillment.

2. Learn how to transform critical feedback into a powerful tool for personal and professional development.

3. Explore the concept of "Positive Intelligence" and how it can reshape your inner dialogue and boost your confidence in challenging situations.

Key Takeaways:

1. [05:55] Embrace continuous learning and adaptability as cornerstones of career success.

2. [13:41] Understand the impact of purpose-driven work in nonprofit organizations and how it can lead to personal fulfillment.

3. [25:26] Master the art of active listening and asking thoughtful questions to enhance communication and build stronger professional relationships.

4. [31:35] Utilize the concept of "Positive Intelligence" to combat self-doubt and imposter syndrome in the workplace.

Memorable Quotes:

1. "Your career is only as successful as what you did today."

2. "I'm not dumbing you down. I'm making you intellectually accessible to people who don't have your expertise."

3. "A career is not a ladder. It's a jungle gym."

Related Content:

1. Book: "Positive Intelligence" by Shirzad Chamine - Dive deeper into the concepts of mental saboteurs and how to overcome them. https://amzn.to/3VTeVPC

Suggestions:

Ready to transform your career journey? Subscribe to the Career Wanderlust Podcast for more inspiring stories and actionable advice. Follow Christine Nyirjesy Bragale on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/christinebragale/ to stay updated on her insights in strategic communication and international development. For more on career evolution and growth, connect with Jolie Downs 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 we conclude this episode, we invite you to reflect on your own career journey. How can you apply Christine's insights to your professional life? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to us with suggestions for future topics you'd like us to explore on Career Wanderlust.

In this transformative episode, Eric Nehrlich, a certified coach and former Google Chief of Staff, shares his unique journey from engineering to executive coaching. With a passion for helping leaders become more conscious and purposeful, Eric offers invaluable insights on navigating career inflection points and redefining success on your own terms. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with practical strategies to embrace change and step into your power.

Guest Bio:

Eric Nehrlich began his career as an Engineer and Product Manager in the tech industry before joining Google, where he excelled as Chief of Staff, helping Google leaders drive greater performance. Driven by his passion for empowering leaders to become more conscious and purposeful, Eric became a certified coach and founded his own executive coaching business, Too Many Trees. He now works with clients worldwide, guiding leaders to step into their power. Eric is also the author of "You Have a Choice: Beyond Hard Work to Meaningful Impact," where he shares the strategies that have proven most effective for himself and his executive clients.

Content Sample:

In this episode, Eric shares his profound "relax" approach to career growth, emphasizing that it's okay to take a different path and lean into your unique superpowers. With his engaging storytelling style, he recounts a pivotal moment in his early career that led him to focus on leadership and business, ultimately shaping his journey as an executive coach. Eric also delves into the transformative power of creating collective ownership of a vision, a key attribute of great leaders.

Key Takeaways:

[02:49] Embrace a "relax" approach to career growth and lean into your unique superpowers

[06:11] Experiment and try new strategies when old ones no longer work

[12:04] The golden thread of great leadership: creating collective ownership of a vision

[20:42] Recognize that you always have a choice, even if it means accepting the consequences

[25:58] Develop the superpower of translating experiences to effectively communicate with diverse teams

Memorable Quotes:

"It's okay to take a different path. There's no one right thing; you're not behind. But figure out what's going to lean into your superpowers, what makes you great, what makes you different. And that's going to be what eventually separates you."

Suggestions:

Subscribe to the Career Wanderlust podcast for more inspiring stories and practical advice from industry leaders. Follow Eric Nehrlich on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehrlich/ and check out his coaching services at Too Many Trees http://toomanytrees.com.

This session was hosted by Jolie Downs with Paradigm, for more insights into career evolution and growth, 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 we wrap up this thought-provoking conversation with Eric Nehrlich, take a moment to reflect on your own career journey. What inflection points have you faced, and how can you embrace change to redefine success on your own terms? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below, and let us know what topics you'd like to explore in future episodes. Remember, you have a choice in shaping your career path. What will you choose?

April Conyers, a seasoned strategic storyteller with over 15 years of experience in the communications industry, shares her transformative insights on navigating career changes and nurturing professional relationships. As the current Vice President of Global Communications at Sword Health and a former VP at Brew PR, April's unique background and wealth of knowledge will leave you feeling inspired and equipped to tackle your own career challenges.

Guest Bio:

April Conyers has been a leading force in the communications industry for more than 15 years, specializing in technology and business. Currently serving as the Vice President of Global Communications at Sword Health, April has also held pivotal roles at Omaze and Postmates, where she skillfully led external communications through the company's acquisition by Uber. Prior to her tenure at Postmates, April topped Business Insider's list of the 50 best public relations people in the tech industry in 2014 as a Vice President at Brew PR.

Content Sample:

In this episode, April shares her powerful strategies for making tough career decisions, including her highly effective pros and cons list method and the importance of having a supportive sounding board. With her captivating storytelling style, she reveals how activating her network during a challenging time led to an exciting new role in the health tech industry. April also emphasizes the significance of being an advocate for yourself and consistently tracking your achievements to fuel your professional growth.

Key Takeaways:

[05:24] The power of making pros and cons lists when facing career changes

[07:56] How nurturing genuine relationships can lead to unexpected opportunities

[13:16] The importance of being your own advocate and negotiating for your career goals

[15:14] Keeping a "kudos folder" or "humblebrag folder" to track your accomplishments

[21:15] Developing the superpower of being easygoing and able to talk to anyone

Memorable Quotes:

"Change is good. Most of the time, as scary as it is, change is really good and having an open mind."

"Nobody's going to do it for you. And even if you have the best boss in the world, they are not going to advocate for you and your career goals... I have found in my experience that you have to say, here's what I want. This is for my growth, I want this and negotiate the way."

"I am super easygoing, and I'm able to step into anything. And talk to anyone and I see that as being a superpower because it's not uncomfortable for me to do that."

Suggestions:

Follow April Conyers on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprilconyers/ to stay updated on her latest insights and accomplishments.

This insightful session was hosted by Jolie Downs with Paradigm, a voice 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:

As we wrap up this enlightening conversation with April Conyers, take a moment to reflect on your own career journey. What changes have you been hesitant to make, and how can you start advocating for your professional growth today? Share your thoughts and experiences with us in the comments below, and let us know what topics you'd like to hear about in future episodes.

🌟 Unlock the power of adaptability and resilience with Natalie Maguire, SVP of Global Communications at Giphy, as she shares her transformative journey to PR powerhouse. 💡 What if mastering the art of asking solution-focused questions could skyrocket your career and open doors you never thought possible?

Guest Bio:

Natalie Maguire is a PR News Top Women in PR honoree and currently serves as SVP of Global Communications at Giphy. With an impressive 14-year career spanning industries from nuclear energy to B2B and B2C tech, Natalie has honed her expertise in media relations, crisis management, executive thought leadership, and brand reputation at companies like Tapad and agencies advising clients such as Hewlett Packard, Pepsi, and MasterCard.

Content sample:

- Discover Natalie's game-changing approach to asking questions that lead to solutions, a skill that transcends industries and roles

- Learn how embracing imperfection and focusing on solutions helped Natalie overcome impostor syndrome and find her voice as an introvert

- Gain insights into leveraging adaptability and resilience to thrive through major company changes and advance your career

Key Takeaways:

1:35 - Master the skill of asking questions that lead to solutions to become an indispensable asset in any role or industry

7:11 - Combat impostor syndrome by realizing people aren't scrutinizing you as much as you think

13:15 - Respond to mistakes with solution-focused thinking and proactive problem-solving

18:30 - Embrace change as an opportunity and demonstrate adaptability and resilience to open doors for advancement

Memorable Quotes:

"If you can master a skill like this... it will open doors that you don't think exist."

"People aren't thinking as hard about you as you are... just say it."

"Leading with kindness, following with solutions is how I boil it down."

Related Content:

- Podcast: How to Be Awesome at Your Job - "Mastering the Art of Asking Questions" with Amii Barnard-Bahn

- Article: Harvard Business Review - "How to Ask Better Questions"

- Book: QBQ! The Question Behind the Question by John G. Miller

Call to Action:

For more career-transforming insights, subscribe to the Career Wanderlust Podcast and follow Jolie Downs on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/joliedowns/

For more from Natalie Maguire, connect on LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/in/natalie-maguire-24ba1a26/

If you're looking to build a rockstar marketing, PR, communications or sales team, connect with Jolie Downs and Paradigm Staffing at https://paradigmstaffing.com/

Please like, subscribe, and share this podcast if you enjoyed learning from Natalie's career journey!

Ending Note:

What one small step will you take today to start developing your adaptability and solution-focused mindset? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know what other career topics you'd like to explore in future episodes.