Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious

Episode 24: Recruiting Executively

Episode 24: Recruiting Executively Senior HR Executive, Hally Cowden talks adventures in franchise ownership and executive recruiting Ever wonder what owning a fitness franchise entails? How about the ins-and-outs of helping people find their next job opportunity? Former corporate HR executive and current executive recruiter, Halley Cowden [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdcowden/] discusses her career trials, tribulations, and triumphs on the Career Adventurer Podcast. After spending nearly 20 years at P&G, Halley sought a change. She decided to make a career out of her passion for fitness and became a franchise owner nine months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic. She learned out how to keep a business focused on community connection afloat at a time when social distancing was the norm. She also learned that another pivot was in order. Serendipitously, one phone call lead to a new career as an executive recruiter. Halley shares her wisdom on career pivots, mentorship, the importance of note-taking, and more built on 20+ years of experience in multiple fields. 00:54 - The Journey into Executive Recruiting 03:17 - Challenges and Insights in Recruiting 07:25 - From Corporate to Fitness Franchise 15:30 - Mentorship and Personal Growth 22:06 - Balancing Career and Family 23:26 - Coaching and Career Advice 25:38 - Networking Tips for Job Seekers 26:34 - Helping Others in Their Career Transitions 27:32 - The Importance of CRM in Job Hunting 29:25 - Overcoming Career Fears and Owning Your Story 32:27 - Making Work More Adventurous and Engaging 36:05 - Comparing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Rewards 40:56 - Maintaining Purpose and Growth in Your Career This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com [https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious

Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious Van Lai-Dumone, CEO of worksmart Advantage, talks unlocking creativity in the workplace. Why is creativity a crucial skill in today's workforce, and how can it be harnessed for professional development? In this episode of the Career Adventurer Podcast, host Paul Fisher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgfisher/] welcomes Van Lai-Dumone [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanlaidumone/], founder and CEO of worksmart Advantage [https://www.worksmartadvantage.com/]. Van's diverse background spans roles from a daily method bar practitioner to leading sales at GlaxoSmithKline. She is a certified Lego Serious Play [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Serious_Play] practitioner, bringing a unique blend of creativity and team development into the corporate environment. With a background as a Vietnamese refugee, Van offers a unique perspective on courage and taking the leap to pursue one's passions. She discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for creativity, while navigating various obstacles. She highlights her transition from corporate roles to founding her own company, focusing on integrating creativity into leadership and team development programs. One compelling aspect is her work with The Honor Foundation [https://www.honor.org/], using creative methodologies like Lego Serious Play to assist special forces operators transitioning to civilian careers. Major themes in this episode include the role of creativity in problem-solving, the importance of taking creative risks, and the power of following one’s passion despite societal expectations. 00:35 - Meet Van Lai-Dumone: Founder and CEO of Work Smart Advantage 01:19 - The Journey of Work Smart Advantage 02:43 - The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace 03:55 - Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving 05:06 - The Power of Lego Serious Play 06:26 - Personal Reflections on Creativity and Career 15:39 - Overcoming Challenges and Rejections 20:46 - Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help 22:03 - The Journey of Opening a Bar Studio 23:22 - Lessons from Business Failures 24:37 - Challenges in Selling Yourself 28:06 - The Power of Experience in Business 31:03 - Working with The Honor Foundation 35:11 - Reflecting on the Journey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com [https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 22: Aging Strong

Aging Strong: Hugo Mendez’s Journey from Corporate to Fitness Entrepreneur In this episode of Career Adventurer, we delve into the inspiring journey of Hugo Mendez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugomendez1/], founder and CEO of Age Strong [https://agestrongtraining.com/], a fitness training company dedicated to helping men over 40 achieve better health and longevity. Hugo shares his transition from a corporate life at Nestle to becoming a certified kettlebell instructor and entrepreneur. He discusses building a brand from scratch, tackling imposter syndrome, and the importance of aligning business aspirations with personal values. Hugo also reveals the origins and philosophy behind Age Strong, emphasizing the concept of proactive aging and the significance of resilience and connection in entrepreneurship. Tune in to hear about Hugo’s personal and professional transformations, the mentors who guided him, and his vision for the future of Age Strong. 01:27 - The Birth of Age Strong 06:35 - Building a Brand and Overcoming Doubts 10:55 - Key Influences and Mentors 14:21 - Choosing Kettlebell Training 15:54 - Creating Your Courage Corner 17:42 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 18:31 - Transforming Lives Through Fitness 20:21 - Building a Brand from Scratch 22:11 - Embracing Entrepreneurship 26:39 - Navigating Career Paths and AI 30:15 - Future of Age Strong This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com [https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 21: Seeking Sukha

Episode 21: Seeking Sukha Former Hollywood Exec and Startup Founder, Steven Puri discusses finding career happiness from pain This episode of the Career Adventure Podcast delves deep into the story of Steven Puri [https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-puri/], the founder of Sukha [https://www.TheSukha.co/], a productivity startup designed to help people reclaim their time. Steven harnesses his extensive experience as a Hollywood executive to create innovative solutions for remote work. He shares insights on how pain and curiosity fuel meaningful pursuits and discusses how storytelling techniques enhance productivity far beyond the entertainment industry. Moreover, Career Adventurer [http://www.careeradventurer.com] host, Paul Fisher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgfisher/] and Steven cover AI's role in amplifying human potential, the importance of focusing on core tasks, and the enduring principles of effective work habits. Don't miss this episode packed with behind-the-scenes stories, personal anecdotes, and practical wisdom. 00:31 > Meet Steven Puri: From Hollywood to Productivity Startup 01:47 > The Role of Pain and Curiosity in Career Transitions 02:51 > Steven's Journey: From Tech Startups to Sukha 04:01 > Building Sukha: A Productivity Tool with a Purpose 05:20 > The Story Behind the Name 'Sukha' 12:06 > Challenges and Feedback in Building Sukha 18:21 > Steven's Hollywood Background and Career Shift 21:39 > Hugh Jackman: The Nicest Star 22:05 > People and Products: A Universal Truth 26:30 > The Core of Storytelling 29:39 > Overcoming Productivity Challenges 35:13 > The Rewards of a Career in Film 37:34 > Coolest Movie Experience 40:46 > Final Thoughts and Future Connections This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com [https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Episode 20: Uncage Your Bird

Uncage Your Bird Nikkia Reveillac [https://www.nikkiareveillac.com/], Founder of Birds Uncaged and Sr. Insights Executive, talks about unleashing what's inside you. In this episode of Career Adventurer, Paul Fisher [https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgfisher/] interviews Nikkia Reveillac [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiareveillac/], a former senior insights executive at top companies like Netflix, Twitter, and Colgate-Palmolive. Nikkia shares her journey from corporate success to founding Birds Uncaged [https://www.birdsuncaged.com], an initiative driven by her creative and entrepreneurial spirit. She discusses the importance of being a whole-brained professional in the age of AI, balancing analytical and creative skills, and making personal vows. Nikkia also delves into her personal experiences with career changes, the role of spirituality, and the significance of being present. The conversation touches on practical insights for personal growth, professional development, and the value of aligning one's work with their true calling. 00:57 - Nikkia's Professional Journey 01:57 - Transition to Birds Uncaged 04:11 - Challenges and Reflections 07:13 - Career Shifts and Personal Growth 12:22 - Spirituality and Self-Discovery 24:57 - Discovering Inner Confidence 26:17 - Aligning Passion with Profession 29:27 - Embracing Creativity and Authenticity 34:52 - Parenting and Life Lessons 37:47 - The Importance of Presence 42:59 - Infusing Creativity into Everyday Life This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com [https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]