Episodes

  • Growth, Adaptability, and Solving Big Problems: Teresa Cain on Building Success with a Growth Mindset

    Growth, Adaptability, and Solving Big Problems: Teresa Cain on Building Success with a Growth Mindset
    Jan 28 2025
    In this episode of That Pivotal Moment of Change, we talk with Teresa Cain—Product & UX Leader and best-selling author of Solving Problems in Two Hours and Next-Gen Product Management. Teresa shares her career journey, from breaking into the product world to leading impactful teams in the tech space. She discusses the power of mentorship, embracing a growth mindset, and staying versatile to overcome challenges like career transitions and the rise of AI in tech. Packed with actionable advice, Teresa also explores how to prioritize innovation, navigate change, and build lasting success in today’s evolving landscape.
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    42 mins
  • Episode 1: Bob Schwartz on Purpose, Risk, and the Power of Networking

    Episode 1: Bob Schwartz on Purpose, Risk, and the Power of Networking
    Nov 19 2024
    In this episode, Bob reflects on how a creative upbringing, a passion for design, mentorship, and the power of networking paved his path from hands-on design to impactful leadership. From overcoming career setbacks to cultivating meaningful connections, Bob delivers powerful insights on embracing risks, staying true to your values, and uncovering the “why” behind your work. Discover how he’s leveraging design thinking and innovation to transform education for first-generation college students and underserved communities. With humor, humility, and unforgettable lessons—like making work enjoyable and balancing ambition with humanity—Bob’s story is an inspiring guide for anyone navigating the twists, turns, and transformations of their career.
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    38 mins
  • The Meta-Mission of Leadership: Jack Teuber on Trust, Mentorship, and Crafting a Career You Want

    The Meta-Mission of Leadership: Jack Teuber on Trust, Mentorship, and Crafting a Career You Want
    Dec 3 2024
    In this episode of That Pivotal Moment of Change, Jack Teuber shares the story of his remarkable career journey, spanning from Capitol Hill journalist to leading PwC’s in-house creative agency during a transformative era for digital innovation. Jack offers a wealth of insights on understanding the "meta-mission"—the overarching purpose that drives success—and how aligning individual goals with organizational needs can create meaningful impact. He delves into the critical role of building trust and fostering mentorship, both as a mentee and as a leader empowering others to grow. Jack also reflects on pivotal moments where setbacks became opportunities, emphasizing the value of adaptability, self-awareness, and advocating for what you want in your career. Through examples from his 32 years at PwC and his post-retirement pursuits, Jack highlights lessons on leadership, embracing change, and crafting a fulfilling career path. Whether you’re a leader navigating challenges or someone seeking inspiration to shape your own journey, this episode offers actionable wisdom and timeless lessons on transformation and purpose-driven leadership.
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    49 mins
  • Episode 3: Listening, Learning, and Leading: Authentic Relationships and Bright Spots with Susie Hall

    Episode 3: Listening, Learning, and Leading: Authentic Relationships and Bright Spots with Susie Hall
    Dec 10 2024
    In this episode of That Pivotal Moment of Change, we sit down with Susie Hall, President of Community and Customer Engagement at Aquent, to explore the transformative power of kindness, curiosity, and authentic relationships in leadership. Over her 25-year journey, Susie has mastered the art of building relationships and building community, most notably through Inside Out, a safe space for senior in-house creative leaders to connect and grow. Susie shares candid insights into the lessons she’s learned, including how asking the right questions, truly listening, and embracing moments of discomfort have shaped her career. From finding "bright spots" in challenging situations to fostering trust and collaboration, Susie’s wisdom offers practical takeaways for professionals at every stage of their journey. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or someone passionate about creating connections, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring stories to help you lead with purpose and empathy. Tune in for an engaging conversation about growth, resilience, and the enduring impact of relationships in the workplace.
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    34 mins
  • Episode 4: Building Bold Futures: Catt Small on Diversity, Craft, and Personal Growth

    Episode 4: Building Bold Futures: Catt Small on Diversity, Craft, and Personal Growth
    Dec 17 2024
    In this episode, Catt Small, a staff designer and founder of the Games Devs of Color Expo, shares her journey from graphic design to UX mastery. She reflects on her growth as a designer, emphasizing the importance of empathy, adaptability, and building strong relationships in shaping exceptional user experiences. Catt also discusses the power of community and how her passion for gaming inspired her to create a platform celebrating diverse voices in the industry. With valuable insights on navigating career twists and honing your craft, this episode is a treasure trove for designers and creatives at any stage of their journey.
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    44 mins
  • Episode 5: Paul Strike on Leadership, Empathy, Strategy, and Execution

    Episode 5: Paul Strike on Leadership, Empathy, Strategy, and Execution
    Jan 7 2025
    This week, I’m thrilled to welcome Paul Strike, a UX and digital experience leader who has spent over a decade shaping transformative design strategies. In our conversation, Paul takes us on a journey through his career, starting as a creative high schooler passionate about set design and evolving into a leader in the design and digital experience space. Paul shares pivotal moments from his career, including founding a human-centered design consultancy, stepping into leadership roles that required balancing empathy and strategy, and navigating the often challenging dynamics of corporate culture. We dive into how he turned failures into opportunities for growth, his co-creative approach to leadership, and the importance of curiosity, communication, and collaboration in designing meaningful experiences. Packed with insights into the future of design amidst technological and societal shifts, this episode offers a masterclass in resilience, adaptability, and leading with impact.
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    41 mins
  • Episode 6: Richard Dalton on Smarter Teams, Feedback, Seamless Design, and Visionary Leadership

    Episode 6: Richard Dalton on Smarter Teams, Feedback, Seamless Design, and Visionary Leadership
    Jan 14 2025
    In this episode of That Pivotal Moment of Change, Richard Dalton, Head of Design for Consumer at Verizon, reflects on the twists and turns that shaped his remarkable career. From navigating career pivots to embracing leadership lessons, Richard shares how surrounding himself with smarter people, rethinking feedback, and designing for end-to-end customer experiences have driven his success. Packed with actionable insights on growth, innovation, and resilience, this episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking inspiration from life’s pivotal moments.
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    36 mins
  • Episode 7: Finding Your North Star: Lessons in Growth, Purpose, and Impact from Connor Joyce

    Episode 7: Finding Your North Star: Lessons in Growth, Purpose, and Impact from Connor Joyce
    Jan 21 2025
    In this episode of That Pivotal Moment of Change, we explore the inspiring journey of Connor Joyce—researcher, author of Bridging Intention and Impact, and influencer. Connor shares how he navigated setbacks, embraced change, and discovered his North Star. He discusses the "Four Idols" framework (money, power, pleasure, fame), which has shaped his career perspective, and emphasizes the importance of a growth mindset in turning challenges into opportunities. Connor also shares insights on the evolving role of user research and the influence of AI in the tech landscape. Whether you’re seeking clarity, recovering from a setback, or exploring new opportunities, this episode delivers valuable lessons and actionable advice to help you move forward with purpose.
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    42 mins