Entrepreneur - Connor Pera: Sobriety changed my life, showing me what's possible

Entrepreneur - Connor Pera: Sobriety changed my life, showing me what's possible

Celeste sits down with Connor Pera, a father of two and the owner and president of The Print Authority. Connor shares his compelling journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), while his wife was expecting their first child. He opens up about his path, including feeling confused in college and how recovering from alcoholism ultimately served as a pivotal turning point, reshaping his career and fueling his entrepreneurial drive. In this episode, we discuss overcoming paralysis by analysis, bias towards action, motivation and the importance of self-reflection.

Entrepreneur - Karin Yuen: Build a Product that Solves a Problem and Centers the User

Celeste interviews Karin Yuen, co-founder of Arden Cove [https://ardencove.com/], a stylish anti-theft bag company. Karin shares her story, from her career transition to entrepreneurship, her business mindset, and the challenges faced during COVID-19. Karin’s passion for the product and her customer-centric approach are the keys to her success.  This episode dives into product differentiation, essential entrepreneurial mindsets, and strategies for overcoming imposter syndrome. Karin shares her wisdom on building a supportive community, balancing perfectionism with iteration, learning from setbacks, and leveraging your unique strengths. Tune in and get inspired to pursue your own dreams and build a thriving business! Arden Cove: https://ardencove.com/ [https://ardencove.com/]

Redfin Chief Economist - Daryl Fairweather PhD: Up your confidence by building your skills

Celeste interviews Daryl Fairweather PhD, Redfin Chief Economist and author of “Hate the Game: Economic Cheat Codes for Life, Love, and Work” [https://www.hatethegamebook.com/]. Daryl is the first Black woman to earn her PhD in economics from the University of Chicago.  Daryl Fairweather shares her journey of becoming a Chief Economist, emphasizing the importance of building skills, testing your abilities, and overcoming challenges. She recalls how she navigated her career, graduating from college during the Great Recession. Daryl discusses the importance of internal validation and self-worth rather than external validation.  She reveals her “why” is the legacy of her famous grandmother, Norma Merrick Sklarek, the first Black woman to be a licensed architect in New York state and California. Norma Merrick Sklarek was the first Black woman inducted into the American Institute of Architects.  Daryl discusses the role of AI and how people can adapt in the changing job market.