The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Season 2, Episode 2 - Elaine Montilla on Amplifying Voices and Redefining Success in Tech

The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Season 2, Episode 4 - From Fired to Hired: Job Acquisition in a Brutal Market with Alan Stein

In this episode of The Tenacity Co., Sharlene sits down with Alan Stein, founder of Kadima Careers and former leader at Google, Meta, Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has been fired five times, bounced back each time with bigger roles and better pay, and now teaches ambitious professionals how to treat their job hunt like job acquisition, not aimless job searching. Alan breaks down what to do in the first 24–48 hours after a layoff, how to avoid getting stuck in sunk costs (“I’ve been here 20 years, I can’t start over”), and why you should always be looking, even when you’re happily employed. Alan also shares concrete strategies for answering “Why did you leave your last role?”, sharpening your interview skills fast, negotiating for more money without losing the offer, and rebuilding your network and resume after a long stint at one company. If you’re unexpectedly job searching or you just want to be ready before the tap on the shoulder this episode is your playbook. In this episode, you will learn about : Ditch the sunk cost mindset. Time spent in a role or industry is not a life sentence. Stop over-valuing what you’ve already invested and start investing in where you want to go next. Shift from “job search” to “job acquisition.” Don’t wander. Decide what you want to acquire (role, level, type of company), then build a proactive plan to go get it. Always Be Looking (ABL). Keep your resume updated, LinkedIn tuned, and “open to work” quietly on for recruiters before a layoff hits. Practice interviewing by taking low-stakes interviews regularly. Negotiate every offer (respectfully). Most companies expect negotiation and will not rescind an offer if you ask thoughtfully. Know your BATNA (plan B) and your minimum acceptable number before you start the conversation. Update your assets quickly, then move on. Get to an “objectively perfect, subjectively good enough” resume (no typos, clear impact, quantified results). Use LinkedIn strategically show trajectory, highlight strong brands or titles, and start reconnecting with your existing network via a downloaded contacts list. Resources: If you are interested in hosting your own podcast, check out buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649]

The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Season 2, Episode 3 - Career Growth, Confidence & Bold Pivots with Barbara Campbell

In this episode of The Tenacity Co., we dive into the story of someone who has personally changed the trajectory of my career, Barbara Campbell. Barb is a global leader with 13+ years in tech, currently directing customer escalation leadership at a major SaaS company. She’s built high-impact programs, led global teams, and become a go-to mentor inside her organization. But here’s the twist: while her day job is rooted in tech leadership, Barb’s true calling emerged through mentoring and coaching. Today, she’s also a career coach with Kadima Careers helping professionals land dream roles, build confidence, and make bold career transitions. We talk about how she discovered coaching “accidentally,” why accountability matters more than anything, and how to show up confidently during interviews and career transitions. Whether you’re pivoting into tech, looking to grow inside your current role, or trying to figure out what’s next this episode is full of real strategies, encouragement, and wisdom. In this episode, you will learn about : * Your true career path often reveals itself through action, not planning, as Barb discovered when informal mentoring organically became her professional calling. * Accountability is the foundation of growth. Barb explains that the most successful clients follow through, take action, and treat coaching like a commitment. * Career pivots don’t have to be linear. Barb moved from sports marketing into tech, proving your background doesn’t limit your future opportunities. * Coaching isn’t one-size-fits-all Barb personalizes her approach based on each person’s needs, whether that’s LinkedIn, branding, interviewing, or confidence building. * Your personal brand forms long before you job search, and the way you show up daily at work, in conversations, and in leadership moments shapes your opportunities. Resources: If you are interested in hosting your own podcast, check out buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649]

The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Season 2, Episode 2 - Elaine Montilla on Amplifying Voices and Redefining Success in Tech

In this episode of The Tenacity Co., I sit down with Elaine Montilla — visionary tech leader, TEDx speaker, and founder of 5xMinority. From the Dominican Republic to the C-Suite, Elaine has built a career marked by resilience, humility, and impact. We talk about her journey, her mission to amplify underrepresented voices in tech, and what it means to lead with both excellence and heart  In this episode, you will learn about : * Elaine’s inspiring path from the Dominican Republic to the executive suite * Lessons from 20+ years in higher education and tech leadership * The mission behind 5xMinority and how she’s driving inclusion in tech * Why humility and approachability matter, even at the top * The power of authentic leadership and lifting others as you climb Resources: If you are interested in hosting your own podcast, check out buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649] Check out the products used to make this podcast! Laptop used for recording https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya [https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya]  Mic Used for recording  https://amzn.to/3XEN31A [https://amzn.to/3XEN31A] Double screen for efficiency on the go https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj [https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj]

The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Season 2, Episode 1- From Layoffs to Leadership: Adam Broda on Visibility and Career Pivots

In this episode of The Tenacity Co, I sit down with Adam Broda, career coach and founder of Broda Coaching, to talk about the realities of job searching and pivoting in today’s competitive market. Adam shares how his coaching journey began during a season of uncertainty, the biggest mistakes he sees job seekers make, and why visibility — not just resumes or referrals — is now the secret to landing senior-level roles. We also dive into the mindset shifts needed to push through rejection, build momentum, and stay resilient when the process feels overwhelming.  In this episode, you will learn about : * Adam’s pivot story: how parental leave + COVID layoffs at Boeing sparked his coaching business * The evolution of job searching: resumes → referrals → visibility as the new differentiator * Why referrals have dropped in effectiveness (from 15% to <3%) * Mistakes job seekers make when using outdated strategies * Building visibility creatively, even without social media * The challenges of role-to-role pivots in today’s market (especially at senior levels) * Mental exhaustion and mindset: handling rejection, focusing on controllable goals, and using the “flywheel of momentum” * Adam’s one piece of advice for anyone feeling stuck in their career Resources: If you are interested in hosting your own podcast check out buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649] Check out the products used to make this podcast! Laptop used for recording https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya [https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya]  Mic Used for recording  https://amzn.to/3XEN31A [https://amzn.to/3XEN31A] Double screen for efficiency on the go https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj [https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj]

The Tenacity Co. Podcast – Episode 8: Success Loves Action: Your 30- Day Tenacity Challenge Starts Now

In this final episode of The Tenacity Co, we’re diving into why starting today—not tomorrow or next year—is the key to reaching your goals. We introduce The 30-Day Tenacity Challenge, a step-by-step plan to help you take meaningful action and build resilience. You’ll learn: * How to set a goal that truly matters to you. * The power of starting now to build momentum and stay motivated. * A simple framework to keep yourself on track with SMART goals, accountability, and perseverance. This isn’t just about dreaming big—it’s about taking the first step and committing to 30 days of growth. Whether it’s a personal or professional goal, this challenge will help you prove to yourself that you’re capable of incredible things. Don’t wait for the perfect time—start today and make progress toward the future you want. Let’s finish strong together! Get the 30 day challenge template, here!  https://share.hsforms.com/2Z66SIxcPR72yPQc4aFGAUA55rvd [https://share.hsforms.com/2Z66SIxcPR72yPQc4aFGAUA55rvd] Resources: If you are interested in hosting your own podcast check out buzzsprout! https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649 [https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=2352649] Check out the products used to make this podcast! Laptop used for recording https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya [https://amzn.to/4elT4Ya]  Mic Used for recording  https://amzn.to/3XEN31A [https://amzn.to/3XEN31A] Double screen for efficiency on the go https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj [https://amzn.to/4e9Klbj]