Episode 2 | SharpHR Real Talk: Careers After College with Chase Harding & Madeline Straub

Episode 2 | SharpHR Real Talk: Careers After College with Chase Harding & Madeline Straub

What does life really look like after college graduation? In this episode of SharpHR Real Talk: Careers After College, Karen talks with graduating business administration students Chase Harding and Madeline Straub about the reality of entering the workforce, job searching, networking, grad school decisions, and the pressure many students feel to have everything figured out immediately after graduation. Together, they share honest thoughts about fears, expectations, preparation strategies, and what success means to them one year from now. If you are a student, recent graduate, or parent supporting someone through this transition, this conversation offers encouragement, perspective, and practical insight. SharpHR Real Talk: Careers After College features real conversations about careers, growth, uncertainty, and finding your path after graduation. Music licensed through AudioJungle for use in this podcast and accompanying content.

Episode 5 | SharpHR Second Chapter: A Bold Leap Into Book Bar Life

Devon Powers built a meaningful career as a nurse practitioner, but reached a point where she wanted more balance and something different in her life. In this episode, she shares what it took to step outside her comfort zone and open BestCellar Book Bar in Clarence, New York, while continuing her work in healthcare. We talk about the reality of balancing two very different paths, the challenges of starting a business, and what it looks like to create something new without leaving everything behind. If you have ever felt pulled toward something more, but weren’t sure how to make it work, this conversation will stay with you.   Music used in this episode is licensed through AudioJungle.

Episode 1 | SharpHR Real Talk: Careers After College with Sophia Call

Welcome to the first episode of SharpHR Real Talk Careers After College. In this episode, I sit down with Sophia Call, a SUNY Geneseo graduate who shares her honest journey from college into the professional world. Sophia’s path did not follow a straight line, and that is exactly why this conversation matters. We talk about what it was really like navigating college without having everything figured out, the challenges of breaking into the job market after graduation, and the unexpected setbacks that come with that transition. Sophia also shares her experience working in a fast paced real estate environment, where she developed strong operational and leadership skills, before making a bold pivot into freelance branding and design. Today, she helps high performing professionals build brands that reflect who they truly are, not something that feels forced or disconnected. This is a real conversation about confidence, risk, resilience, and figuring things out as you go. If you are a student, recent graduate, or early in your career, this is for you.   Music licensed from AudioJungle. License available upon request.

Episode 4 | SharpHR Second Chapter: Every Step Led Him Here

Sometimes your career only makes sense when you look back. In this episode of SharpHR Second Chapter, I sit down with John Adams to talk about how every step in his career journey led him to exactly where he is today. What once felt like separate experiences now come together in a way that truly fits. We also talk about his business, The Too Tall Franchise Guy, where he helps people explore business ownership and find franchise opportunities that align with who they are and what they want next. If you’ve ever thought about owning your own business but didn’t know where to start, this conversation will give you a better understanding of the process and what to consider. This episode is about trusting your path, seeing the value in your experiences, and being open to what your next chapter could look like. 🎵 Music used with a valid license from AudioJungle.

Episode 3 | SharpHR Second Chapter: From Compliance to Creativity - Building a Second Chapter

In this episode of SharpHR Second Chapter: Unforgettable Career Stories, Karen Sharp-Price sits down with Kelsey Beck, who began her career in Human Resources but knew fairly early on that she wanted to explore a more creative path. After years working in HR roles that required precision, compliance, and managing complex responsibilities, Kelsey discovered her passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Through hands-on learning, certifications, and building a personal blog to document her transition, she began creating a new professional identity grounded in creativity, strategy, and connection. In this conversation, Kelsey shares how she navigated the decision to leave a stable career path, the practical steps she took to build marketing skills while still working in HR, and how transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and internal communications helped bridge the gap between two very different professions. This episode explores what it looks like to trust your instincts, develop new skills, and intentionally build a second chapter that aligns more closely with who you are. 🎵 Music used with a valid license from AudioJungle.