Today's episode of Elevate Your Career is a recast of a conversation between Nicole and the hosts of the Women in Tech Trailblazers podcast. During the conversation, Nicole shares her journey and challenges in a sector where women are significantly underrepresented. The discussion openes with Nicole's extensive accolades and her efforts in spearheading initiatives aimed at empowering women through leadership programs and mentorship. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity and resilience...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole focuses on essential interviewing techniques, particularly for virtual interviews, emphasizing the importance of preparation. She recommends researching the organization and its employees via LinkedIn and social media to understand their backgrounds and values. Understanding common interview questions—like those about weaknesses or handling unexpected changes in project scope — is crucial. Nicole stresses the need to think through these...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Lucy Donaldson, Vice President of Technology, whose journey epitomizes resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. Born overseas to Portuguese immigrants in the UK and later moving to Canada, Lucy's upbringing was filled with transitions that shaped her into the formidable leader she is today. Despite her parents not having a university education, Lucy became the first in her family to graduate from university, setting...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole explores the impactful world of single-sex education, particularly focusing on the experiences of women from Lorena, a distinguished all-girls school. The episode showcases the narratives of notable alumni, including Dr. Emily Blodget, an associate professor at UC Irvine, and a board certified health specialist for infectious diseases, Vickie Chao, a law partner at a private practice, Gabriella Brignardello, the vice president of Fika...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Dr. Ron Glickman, Chief Information Officer at Trader Joe's and the author of 'Lead for a Change.' Ron shares his extensive experience in leadership and the importance of adopting a relational approach over a transactional one in professional environments. He emphasizes the value of giving back, drawing from his personal journey and the mutual coaching experiences he's had, including with the host. Ron's belief in the power of...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Manna Kadar, the CEO and founder of Manna Kadar Beauty. During the conversation, Manna shares her journey and the profound influence of her mother's resilience and strength. Her story transcends the conventional definitions of success, focusing instead on the broader spectrum of life's achievements and the beauty of overcoming adversities. It's a testament to the enduring spirit of perseverance and the ability to create a...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Romir Bosu, as he shares his profound journey and the philosophies that have underpinned his success in the corporate world. He emphasizes the importance of humility and a relentless quest for knowledge, advocating for a mindset where asking questions and admitting ignorance is not a sign of weakness but a strength. The conversation highlight how this approach has not only helped him grow personally and professionally but has also...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Todd Vande Hei, CEO of Stark, as he dismantles the myth of work-life balance, advocating instead for work-life integration as the true path to success. He shares his holistic approach to life, emphasizing the importance of integrating career, wealth, family, spirituality, and health. Todd's journey from a self-proclaimed mullet-styling entrepreneur to retiring in his mid-30s, and later facing significant challenges that led to the...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Judith Apshago, the Chief Digital Officer of Amtrak and a celebrated CIO, to explore Judith's remarkable journey through the tech world. From her early days at the Department of Defense, interacting with four-star generals and leading innovative work that earned her team the prestigious Hammer Award from the Clinton-Gore administration, to her more recent work partnering with business leaders to transform business processes...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Sharon Peters, a dynamic mother, wife, and C-suite executive in a global organization. Sharon shares her journey through various career phases, highlighting the challenges and successes she experienced. They explore Sharon's initial years working in retail and technology, her stint as a consultant at a major firm, and her eventual return to a more stable role in retail technology. She emphasizes the importance of balancing...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Kim Jones, CEO of Kim Jones Alliance and a transformational career coach, in a dynamic discussion on the state of women in the workplace, debunking prevalent myths and examining the findings of a recent McKinsey report. They explore the persistent underrepresentation of women in leadership and tackle misconceptions about women's ambitions, addressing how societal expectations and biases shape women's career trajectories. The...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Troy Arnsten, co-founder and president of the globally renowned affordable luxury brand Voluspa. Troy shares his journey from humble beginnings to creating a fragrance empire. They discuss his early experiences, from his first job as a teen in a quirky role to his transition from a mechanical engineer to a risk-taking entrepreneur in the fragrance industry. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and adaptability in...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Jenny Moshea, a trailblazing C-level executive and the sole income provider for her family throughout her career. Jenny shares her unique journey, emphasizing the importance of curiosity, asking questions, and not being afraid to seek clarification in the professional world. She reflects on her experience of transitioning from various roles, including sales, management consulting, and technology project management. Her story...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Nick Szymanski, exploring his remarkable journey from an uncertain college graduate to a successful CIO. Nick shares insightful anecdotes about his early career struggles, including a pivotal moment when he was pushed into the workforce by his mother's practical wisdom. His story takes you through the transformative experiences that shaped his work ethic and professional outlook, highlighting the importance of mentorship,...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Kristin Leffel, who shares her journey from being a small-town girl in Kansas City to becoming a model and actor in California, and eventually founding her own company. The discussion explores Kristin's early career, her experiences in reality TV, and her transition to entrepreneurship. Kristin discusses her background, including her stint on "Temptation Island," her move to California, and her initial attempts at modeling and...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Laura Schwab, a trailblazer in the automotive industry, to share her remarkable journey. Laura's story begins in Louisville, Kentucky, where her competitive spirit was first ignited on the tennis courts. This drive propelled her to a tennis scholarship at the University of Notre Dame, setting the stage for her future successes. After a brief stint in law school and working various jobs in California, Laura's path took an...

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole chats with Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks, President and CEO of ECOS, a company that manufactures eco-conscious cleaning products powered by plants. Kelly has made significant contributions to environmental sustainability through her company's eco-friendly products. During the discussion, she reflects on her journey, her Greek heritage and early life challenges, including her father’s migration to the U.S. and her mother's influence. She discusses her...

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole chats with Clara Paye, founder and CEO of UNiTE Food. Clara outlines her entrepreneurial journey, initially joining her family's plumbing distribution business and eventually leading the company. This foundational experience gave her insights into various business facets. Clara's entrepreneurial spirit was ignited when she noticed a gap in the wellness industry, particularly in the protein bar market, leading to the inception of UNiTE...

In today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole is joined by Nicolette Myers, the founder of Loushia, a children's equestrian clothing brand. Nicolette shares her journey from a small-town upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur. She discusses how she navigates fear and uncertainty, viewing these emotions as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. She also reflects on her early career in technology, where she faced gender bias, yet consistently proved her capabilities...

On today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole talks to Stefanie Causey, OCM Leader, Enterprise Operations and Services Quote-to-Cash Transformation at IBM and a long-time member of the HMG Strategy Community. Stefanie won the HMG Global Leadership Institute's 2023 Leadership Award for the second time. She also participated in a panel discussion at the HMG CIO Summit with Hunter Mueller, founder of HMG Strategy. They discuss Stefanie's background, highlighting her resilience...

In this episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Russ Wolf, the head of delivery at Irvine Technology Corporation. They discuss key aspects of job searching, focusing on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and job application strategies. They discuss the importance of having a clear idea of desired job roles and tailoring resumes and LinkedIn profiles to showcase one's capabilities and accomplishments. He compares a resume to a movie trailer, designed to elicit interest from potential...

In this episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Jane Saccaro, a CEO, executive coach, and speaker with over two decades of experience helping individuals and organisations formulate, communicate, and mobilize to achieve a shared vision. They discuss the significance of listening and building strong relationships within a workspace to foster trust and competence. Jane offers her approach to negotiation, aiming to simplify the process and alleviate discomfort when asking for more...

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Dan Lader, CIO at Sodexo Worldwide Home Care and an avid cyclist. They discuss his journey through the tech industry, the evolution of his career, and the strategies that have helped him navigate job transitions effectively. He begins by recounting his decision to enter the technology field after realising law school was not his calling, despite his parents' wishes and his engineering background. He joined AMS (American Management...

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Rachel Lockett, C-suite executive coach, keynote speaker and acclaimed author of "The Technology Doesn't Matter: Prioritizing the People in IT Business Alignment," where she unpacks the intricacies of leadership and collaboration to align technology and business. Rachel shares her journey from a high school actress to a seasoned IT professional and eventually becoming the CIO for the Polaroid companies. Initially determined to pursue...

On today's episode of Elevate Your Career, Nicole talks to Johnathan Keith, a former professional athlete who has made an incredible transition into the world of high-tech entrepreneurship. Johnathan is currently the CEO and CTO of JDR Security Solutions. He shares his career trajectory, highlighting the profound impact of his upbringing, his move into corporate America, and ultimately his leap into the technology industry. He shares the story of how he landed his first job and how that first...