Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter

076: Chauncey Zalkin On Culture, Creativity, and Being a Gen X Woman in Today’s World

On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin [https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/]. As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People [https://chaunceyzalkin.com/], which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today’s world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career. In this episode, Chauncey and I unpack: * Chauncey’s inspirations and motivations for her writing and creativity * Why Chauncey decided to launch the Actual People podcast * Chauncey’s experiences living in New York during the early 2000s and the golden age of hip-hop * Why publishing a novel (or two) is her ultimate dream * Chauncey’s very candid and powerful “Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What’s Next As Gen X“ episode of her podcast * Chauncey’s passions for observing culture through a Gen X lens * Why Chauncey prefers to work with startups as opposed to larger companies and career pursuits of becoming a CMO * And more! Chauncey’s Personal Theme Songs “Clean Slate” by M Ward [https://youtu.be/ukCdelCF5lY?si=hlVbEf_kBnwh5v87] “The Final Countdown” by Europe (Honorable Mention) [https://youtu.be/9jK-NcRmVcw?si=BmcyB90QWeyKRp55] About Chauncey Chauncey Zalkin [https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/] is a writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, former multi-agency brand strategist, and most recently VP then SVP of Marketing at tech startups establishing brand architecture, cross-channel, cross-funnel messaging and operationalizing marketing and building processes for success. She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast “Actual People”, [https://chaunceyzalkin.com/] which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. In this podcast, Chauncey opens up about her own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic. Chauncey got her start observing culture as founder of a pre-blog era blog called Girl on the street, was nominated for a webby and got some press in places like Teen People, Trace magazine, NY Post, Daily News and then went on to join the ad world at the height of cripsin porter + bogusky’s success, and went on to work at 2 other agencies over her career. going into advertising, she’s not sure that was the right choice. She is a writer first and foremost, former multi-agency brand strategist, owned a brand documentary agency which she loved and did for companies like beyond meat and timex, and then went on to be a senior executive marketer for startups. she’s since leaned back into pure content and story for herself and select clients that she feels are meaningful in the context of today’s culture and building the future. Her substack is https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/ and her website is www.chaunceyzalkin.com. Actual People can be found wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

075: Ebony Flake on Writing for ESSENCE and Creating a Career Path of Purpose

For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ebonyflake/] Business Journalist for ESSENCE. [https://www.essence.com/authors/ebony-flake/] What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men’s print Issue. The story was titled “Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite” and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone. Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn’t wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery. In this episode, Ebony and I unpack: * Ebony’s discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path * Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE * The various lessons from Ebony’s corporate and leadership experience that became valuable throughout her journey * Why she is a passionate advocate for the experiences and opportunities of the underrepresented, particularly black women in corporate and entrepreneurship * Why Gen X is the generation that is well suited for meaningful leadership in today’s ever-changing world of work * And more! Ebony’s Personal Theme Song “Sweet Life” by Frank Ocean [https://youtu.be/y14F2RQW7h4?si=pBkzU0-Ao8HsGDsp] About Ebony Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond. Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries. Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm. Ebony’s writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers. Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

074: Stephen Bailey On Connecting All Leaders to Their Future Potential Through ExecOnline

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by Stephen Bailey,  [https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenbbailey/]Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of ExecOnline, [https://www.execonline.com/] a corporate training company that partners with the world’s top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. ExecOnline is on a mission to connect all leaders to their future potential by disrupting and democratizing corporate learning. Some of ExecOnline’s Partner schools include Stanford, Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, UVA Darden School of Business, Columbia, Duke, MIT-Sloan, Yale, and others. In this episode, Stephen and I unpack: * Stephen’s career journey from “recovered lawyer” to startup founder and eventually becoming the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline * The “aha moment” from Stephen’s experience as the CEO of a previous startup that led to launching ExecOnline * Many of the high-impact initiatives the ExecOnline team are currently focusing on * Why there is a meaningful difference between mentoring and learning * The impact of large language models and generative AI on the learning economy * And more! Stephen’s Personal Theme Song “Right Above It” (feat. Drake) by Lil Wayne [https://youtu.be/b0wbCtrGjXA?si=K8B0zLmuBHrpmFlu] About Stephen Bailey Stephen is the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline, a B2B corporate training company that partners with the world’s top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. Its mission is to connect all leaders to their future potential by disprupting and democratizing corporate learning. When Stephen launched ExecOnline, his vision was to combine the engagement of traditional on-campus and role-based applied learning — with the convenience and scale of an online experience—for all levels of leadership. Therefore, creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership pipeline within the world of work. ExecOnline has been named to the Global Silicon Valley EdTech 150, and also recognized as a “Technology Company to Watch” by Forbes. Prior to ExecOnline, Stephen served as the CEO of Frontier Strategy Group (FSG), a software and information services business. He grew FSG from an early-stage start-up to a company that served nearly half the Fortune 500 across a range of international markets and business functions. Prior to his role as CEO, he was FSG’s first Chief Product Officer. Before joining FSG, Stephen was an associate in the venture capital and private equity group of WilmerHale. Stephen is also the Board Chair of the Truman Center for National Policy and member of the Board of Prospect Schools, a charter school network in NYC. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Emory University and holds a JD from the Yale Law School. Stephen has been an EdTech pioneer and champion of the “learning economy” ever since he recognized the vast leadership gap many years ago.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

073: Daisy Auger-Domínguez On Going From Burnout to Lighting a Path for Leading with More Joy

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am speaking with global leader, speaker, workplace strategist Daisy Auger-Domínguez, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/daisyaugerdominguez/] who is the author of the book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People.” [https://www.amazon.com/Burnt-Out-Lit-Up-Reignite/dp/1394254296/ref=sr_1_1] With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. In this episode, Daisy and I discuss: * Daisy’s inspirational professional journey to becoming a seasoned executive in media * Daisy’s own personal experience and motivation that sparked the desire to write Burnt Out to LIt Up. * My Mid-Career Mastery LinkedIn newsletter [https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/6871795309106749440/] article titled “Why Gen X Women Experience Burnout and What Companies Should Do About It”  [https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-gen-x-women-experience-burnout-what-companies-should-porter-7oj3e/]that spotlighted Daisy and her book * The state of the overall burnout epidemic in today’s world of work * Daisy’s key insights on how leaders should approach managing self-care, while also addressing the external systemic dynamics that are the cause of burnout for many professionals * How the book is particularly relevant to mid-career and Gen X professionals. * And more!   Daisy’s Personal Theme Songs * “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz [https://youtu.be/0nBFWzpWXuM?si=_1xRRWPto1Puliw9] * “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony [https://youtu.be/YXnjy5YlDwk?si=OsYkRI3tDYXGtoKb]   About Daisy Auger-Domínguez Daisy’s career spans across 20 years of shaping the future of work by transforming organizations with purpose and passion. Recently, Daisy served as Chief People Officer at Vice Media, where she led diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact practices for global teams across 25 countries. Previously, Daisy was the Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Viacom, where she led the strategic development and operational execution of talent acquisition across global properties. Before her stint at Viacom, Daisy delivered her DEI magic as an executive at other leading brands including Google, Disney ABC Television Group, Warnermedia, and Moody’s Corporation. Daisy thought leadership and perspectives have been published in Harvard Business Review, IDEAS.TED, Hispanic Executive, The New York Times, Forbes, and Adweek. Her professional and civic contributions have also earned recognition by multiple platforms including being named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women” in People en Español. She also received the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award. Daisy is also an advisor to startups and social impact organizations. She serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and St. Ann’s Warehouse. Daisy is a phenomenal, fabulous, and fearless leader of indomitable impact — who is determined to challenge all of us to elevate “inclusion” exceptionalism. And her undeniable voice will continue to help create the equitable change the world needs — at this moment and beyond.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!   Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

072: Ian Schafer On Building Ensemble with Issa Rae and the Impact of AI for Creators

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianschafer/] repeat guest [https://adrionporter.com/ian-schafer-on-purpose-culture-and-business-transformation/] and friend of the podcast, for another round of “Gen Xceptional” wisdom and inspiration. Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble [https://theensemble.co/], a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities. In this episode, Ian and I unpack: * Ian’s experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic * The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble * Why Ensemble’s mission is focused on creators from underrepresented communities * The overall state of the creator economy, especially in the age of AI * Why mid-career professionals (i.e, Gen X) can thrive and create value in the creator economy based on their seasoned experience and expertise, coupled with deep knowledge and unique insights. * And more! Ian’s Personal Theme Song * “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest [https://youtu.be/WHRnvjCkTsw?si=beor8UqGjWj_BRyo] About Ian Schafer Ian is an award-winning global brand, marketing, advertising, and sports & entertainment entrepreneur and executive. He is and currently the Co-Founder of Ensemble [https://theensemble.co/], a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian is also a strategic advisor to ROCK THE BELLS, [https://rockthebells.com/home] the preeminent voice for classic and timeless hip-hop founded in 2018 by LL Cool J. Also, Ian is the co-founder of ON_Discourse, owner of Queensboro FC, and an advisor to Accelerator. Previously, Ian Co-Founder & CEO of Kindred, a membership organization that’s on a mission to build a more equitable society by advancing the actions of today’s leaders. Prior to launching kindred, Ian was the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of Deep Focus, a transformative advertising agency that eventually he sold to Engine Group in 2015. Before he began his entrepreneurial journey with Deep Focus, Ian worked at Miramax Films as the VP of New Media, where he learned many lessons on the power of content and innovation. Previously, Ian started his career as a Sr. Account Executive at i-Traffic, which was one of the first digital agencies in the world. In 2015, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, named one of “100 People Who Make Advertising Great” by the 4A’s in 2017, and was also named named a “Media Maven” by Advertising Age.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!