Refocus Careers

Discovering a Career in Disasters and Health With Ilan Kelman

Angela is joined by Professor Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, to explore an unconventional and impactful career path. Ilan shares how he stumbled into the field of disaster prevention through graduate studies, his transition from development work to a PhD funded by an insurance company, and why he ultimately chose to stay in academia. He offers an honest look at what it's really like to be a university professor (balancing challenging, rewarding teaching with research that connects knowledge to real-world societal needs) and how engaging with students helps keep his work grounded in people's lives and livelihoods. To learn more about Ilan, visit his website [https://www.ilankelman.org/]. Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com [https://www.time2refocus.com/], or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com [https://www.refocuscareers.com/]. Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast [https://www.refocuscareers.com/podcast] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Becoming a Benefit Auctioneer with Dani Dotterosa

Angela sits down with Dani Dotterosa, a Benefit Auctioneer and gala fundraising consultant, to explore the unconventional path that led her into the world of fundraising galas and live auctions. Dani shares how a collection of side hustles and a chance coffee meeting with a former Denver Bronco–turned–auctioneer launched her career on stage with a mic in hand. She explains the difference between liquidation auctioneers and benefit auctioneers, the key skills that make a great auctioneer and event coordinator, and why confidence, quick thinking, logistics, and a heart of gold all matter in this field. Dani also offers thoughtful advice to young adults who feel unsure about their career direction, encouraging them to "get the car moving," bring excellence to every role, and seek mentorship from professionals already doing the work they're curious about. Learn more at her website AuctionsByDani.com [http://auctionsbydani.com/]! Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com [https://www.time2refocus.com/], or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com [https://www.refocuscareers.com/]. Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast [https://www.refocuscareers.com/podcast] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Finding Your Path in AI with Robyn Anderson of Jam AI

Angela sits down with Robyn Anderson, CEO of Jam AI and an AI consultant/educator, to explore how an uncertain start in marketing and public speaking led her to the forefront of the AI revolution. Robyn shares her non-linear career journey from fitness-focused marketing assistant to agency founder, and how recognizing AI's potential in 2023 transformed her work. She and Angela break down practical entry points into AI—learning it, teaching it, and building with it—along with tactical tips for using tools like YouTube, ChatGPT, and Gemini to find mentors and skill up fast. Robyn also talks about the power of community through groups like Women of AI, managing anxiety and comparison in a fast-moving field, and why she recommends commission-only sales roles to young adults to build the communication and relationship skills that technology can never replace. Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com [https://www.time2refocus.com/], or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com [https://www.refocuscareers.com/]. Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast [https://www.refocuscareers.com/podcast] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Chelsea Suitos on Bold Pivots and Career Wins

Angela sits down with Chelsea Suitos, Head of Partnerships & Business Development at Spree AI, for a candid look at her impressive career journey—from the world of athletics to key roles at Meta, TikTok, TEMU, and now Spree AI. Chelsea opens up about how her family inspired her career pivot, how she landed her role at TEMU, and the lessons she learned from facing failure head-on. With tips on applying to jobs, mastering the perfect handshake, and advice for young adults navigating career uncertainty, Chelsea brings practical wisdom and motivating energy to anyone charting their own path. Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com [https://www.time2refocus.com/], or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com [https://www.refocuscareers.com/]. Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast [https://www.refocuscareers.com/podcast] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

NEBC's Terence Murphy on Life, Leadership, and Lending a Hand

Angela welcomes back Terence Murphy, President Emeritus and Administrator of the New England Buying Consortium, for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the bookstore shelves. Terence shares his unique journey from serving in the army to becoming a key figure in the academic retail world, and why he still finds his job both meaningful and fun. He also reflects on how booksellers can serve as everyday mentors for students navigating mental health challenges, and offers thoughtful advice for young people torn about whether to pursue higher education. Plus, if you've ever considered a path in politics, Terence shares practical tips on how to get involved and make an impact. Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com [https://www.time2refocus.com/], or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com [https://www.refocuscareers.com/]. Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast [https://www.refocuscareers.com/podcast] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.