Professional Humans

episode 65: what if you had time, space & permission to think big?

In this episode of Professional Humans, Elli and Jenna sit down with Matt Stahl and Stiles Anderson, co-founders of Ascent Community. The conversation explores how their organization evolved from Studio E to become a holistic development program centered around four key elements: wellness, adventure, connection, and pursuit. Matt and Stiles share their personal journeys of realizing that traditional success wasn't bringing fulfillment and how they created Ascent to help high-achieving individuals find balance through intentional practices, community support, and structured reflection. Their approach includes innovative "recalibrations" (not retreats!) designed to help members step back from the daily grind and reconnect with what truly matters. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone feeling stuck in relentless pursuit mode while neglecting other essential aspects of life. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ellirader.substack.com [https://ellirader.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

episode 64: what if work is stifling your creativity?

Jenna & Elli, with their guest Amy Brown, explore how traditional work structures can stifle innovation and harm employee well-being, making a compelling case for prioritizing results and impact over hours logged. Through personal experiences and industry insights, they unpack the crucial role of trust in the workplace and challenge leaders to reimagine what success truly means. Whether you're a manager looking to transform your team culture or an employee seeking more autonomy, this conversation offers fresh perspectives on creating workplaces that embrace diverse working styles while building more equitable and productive environments for everyone. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ellirader.substack.com [https://ellirader.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

episode 63: what if you built the wrong network?

Jenna and Elli talk with Pablo Alejo as he delves into the art of building a meaningful professional network over his 25-year career. Pablo shares insights on moving beyond transactional networking by focusing on authentic human connections, stressing the importance of nurturing client relationships and understanding business needs in creative work. He candidly discusses his journey through industry changes, the value of specialization, and addressing network gaps when considering entrepreneurship.  Links: Chris Do [https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/] Pablo Alejo [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pablitoalejo/] Book: Never Eat Alone [https://www.amazon.com/s?k=never+eat+alone&hvadid=693947252853&hvdev=c&hvexpln=67&hvlocphy=9019644&hvnetw=g&hvocijid=14983288690935588701--&hvqmt=e&hvrand=14983288690935588701&hvtargid=kwd-810128585&hydadcr=24660_13611807&tag=googhydr-20&ref=pd_sl_5xgoz2dm15_e_p67] This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ellirader.substack.com [https://ellirader.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

episode 62: what if you need work to be different?

elli and jenna dive into what it looks like to carve your own career path, however circuitous that may be, in order to honor the time and focus you have for your family. there are many barriers that get thrown into your career path when you become a parent - limited flexibility, less access to networking and on the job opportunities, biases and stigma, and of course child care costs....but what we focused on in this episode is risk taking as it relates to your career path. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ellirader.substack.com [https://ellirader.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

episode 61: what if you got laid off? (w/ Clinton Forry & Carrie Bucko)

Jenna and Elli dig into both the emotions and the tactical response to being laid off with guests Carrie Bucko and Clinton Forry. Great insights and advice not only for folks who have been laid off, but also some tips for those who might be anxious it could happen in their current role. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit ellirader.substack.com [https://ellirader.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]