Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Pairing Wine and Hotel Sales for a Fruitful Hospitality Career

TikTok, Mortgages, Mom-Life, and a Dose of “We’ll All Die One Day”, with Theoni The Lender

Theoni Rapo joins us on the season 1 finale of "Women Just Like You", a podcast full of career advice for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs.  Theoni’s career as a loan officer starting as a social media internship at a bank freshman year of college and she never went back, combining both interests to build her brand as Not Your Daddy’s Lender and disrupt the mortgage industry, get speaking gigs, and set-up multiple businesses to get to BILLIONAIRE status one day.  She’s now using TikTok and Instagram to generate leads for her mortgage business and has created an entire backend system to support going viral on her page @TheoniTheLender, which will be super helpful as her second child is due this summer and she’ll need to take some time off as her family grows.  Theoni also gets real with us about being a working mom, including the honest truth about maternity leave in her world and how hard it is to set boundaries while trying to grow her mortgage business. She shares her motivation with us and it’s a super inspiring discussion making me want to do what she’s doing after listening to this!  But more importantly, this interview will leave you thinking “If she can do it, so can I” which is the WHOLE point of this show.  Our conversation is full of: * The real honest truth about being a working mom and entrepreneur with a toddler in tow * Social media tips for building a top-notch personal brand people will take seriously * Educating consumers about the biggest purchase they’ll ever make, their home * How she thinks about social media as a lead generator for her mortgage business * Her approach to building out multiple businesses with her husband * And doing all that while prepping for baby #2 (it’s a girl!) Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Childhood Dreams 06:47 Career Journey and Starting in Mortgages 09:15 Role as a Mortgage Banker and Loan Officer 12:06 Benefits and Flexibility of the Job 13:19 Tips for Becoming a Loan Officer 23:05 Opportunities from Social Media Presence 28:02 Advice for Women Getting Active on Social Media 31:07 Diversifying Platforms 32:20 Starting with One Platform 33:16 Differentiating Platforms 34:38 Navigating News and Changes 35:57 Transparency in Real Estate Commissions 37:33 Lead Generation on TikTok 38:37 Adapting and Pivoting in Real Estate 39:56 Balancing Work and Motherhood 40:55 Preparing for the Next Phase 45:13 Aspirational Goals 46:30 Asking for Help 49:39 Motivation and Inspiration 55:31 Future Career and Goals 59:32 Favorite Inspirational Quote The things we chat about! Audrey’s photoshoot with Christina Gavin Photography (SF Bay Area) @christinagavinphotography  Theoni’s photoshoot with Lena Nikolaj (New Jersey / New York, but travels!) @lenanikolaj  We Croak app: https://www.wecroak.com/ You can connect with Theoni at:  @theonithelender on Instagram and TikTok  trapo@annie-mac.com [trapo@annie-mac.com] notyourdaddyslender.com/links [https://notyourdaddyslender.com/links] linkedin.com/in/theonirapo/ [http://www.linkedin.com/in/theonirapo/] You can find Audrey at: ⁠www.audreyutchen.com⁠ [http://www.audreyutchen.com] ⁠linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen/] @audreythecareerwoman on Instagram and YouTube  Join the distribution list to get behind-the-scenes content about the making each episode, along with monthly career development recommendations:  ⁠https://shorturl.at/begnv⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=ezaq6yg4ZIiaDAX7BMLdeA&d=1200096524780060] ---------- "Women Just Like You" is a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs. Join Audrey on Wednesdays to hear from women just like you: not a new professional but not at the top of the ladder just yet, and learn what they are up to at this exact stage of their career journey.  Theme music is “Dance of the Violins” by F-777, usable under Creative Commons.

From Astronaut to Aspiring Data Scientist, with Katherine Bell

Katherine Bell, a data analyst at Asana, joins us this week on “Women Just Like You”, a podcast full of career advice for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs. Katherine’s journey from wanting to be an astronaut as a kid to a pivotal player in data analytics shows the impact continuous learning and transformation can have on your career journey. She dives into her switch from urban planning to data analysis, emphasizing the importance of embracing new challenges -- like branching out as a consultant -- and the instrumental role of feedback in career growth. Katherine and I met through a career development program that pairs women at our company Asana with other women in the middle of their careers to support each other in achieving great things. Katherine shares her immediate goal of upleveling into a data scientist and her broader aspirations that just might include a graduate degree one day! Our conversation is full of: * The shift from urban planning to embracing the complexities of data. * The significance of feedback and open dialogues with supervisors. * Setting realistic short-term and ambitious long-term career goals. * Why continuing education might be a crucial step for career advancement. * Encouraging other women to pursue their career goals relentlessly. * And laughing a lot along the way! Chapters 00:00 Childhood Dream of Becoming an Astronaut 01:42 Transition from Urban Planning to Data Science 02:31 Transition from Urban Planning to Data Analysis 06:23 Career Path and Transition to Data Science 11:42 Challenges and Learning Experiences 12:47 Decision to Attend a Data Science Bootcamp 21:42 The Role of Data Science in Urban Planning 22:10 Navigating a Temporary Lateral Move 25:18 Unofficial Internship as a Data Scientist 31:42 Advice for Women in the Middle of Their Careers 33:15 Leveraging Feedback and Peer Input 38:24 Short-Term and Long-Term Career Goals 41:42 Closing Remarks and Takeaways You can connect with Katherine at:  www.linkedin.com/in/kathmbell/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathmbell/] You can find Audrey at: ⁠www.audreyutchen.com⁠ [http://www.audreyutchen.com] www.⁠linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen/] @audreythecareerwoman on Instagram and YouTube  Join the distribution list to get behind-the-scenes content about the making each episode, along with monthly career development recommendations:  ⁠https://shorturl.at/begnv⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=ezaq6yg4ZIiaDAX7BMLdeA&d=1200096524780060] ---------- "Women Just Like You" is a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs. Join Audrey on Wednesdays to hear from women just like you: not a new professional but not at the top of the ladder just yet, and learn what they are up to at this exact stage of their career journey.  Theme music is “Dance of the Violins” by F-777, usable under Creative Commons.

Deanne Bhamgara: Bridging the Gap between Business and Technology in RevOps

Deanne Bhamgara, a Revenue Operations and Salesforce CPQ systems expert, is this week’s episode on Women Just Like You, a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs.  Deanne grew up in Nigeria, started her career in marketing in India, and later transitioned to revenue operations in California where she became a liaison between users and technology. She emphasizes the importance of community and learning from others, as well as taking leaps of faith and pursuing additional qualifications or testing out different job structures (think leaving a full-time role for a contract job). She encourages women to pursue a career in RevOps and offers tips for getting started, such as joining a bootcamp and finding a supportive community. Deanne also highlights how women are the perfect type of people to work in RevOps because of our natural communication and collaboration skills!   Listen to our conversation, which shares how Deanne’s childhood dream of becoming a pilot turned into her role in technology today! Our conversation is full of: * Having a global mindset * How to connect the dots between seemingly unrelated roles * Staying motivated even after you fail * Building a supportive community during times of change * The nuances between full time, contract, and apprenticeship roles * When to pursue additional qualifications * Being a woman in RevOps * And navigating when to speak Hindi, English, or a combination of the two! Chapters 00:00 Childhood Dreams and Global Perspectives 09:45 Career Journey and Marketing Experience 11:57 Transition to Revenue Operations 20:04 Bridging the Gap Between Marketing and IT 25:15 Pursuing Additional Qualifications 28:50 The Power of Certification and Community 30:30 Different Job Structures: Full-Time, Contract, and Apprenticeship 32:44 Responsibilities and Career Development in Full-Time Roles 34:04 Building Community and Networking Opportunities 36:19 Women in the Rev Ops World 40:30 Tips for Pursuing a Career in Rev Ops 43:02 Career Paths After the Bootcamp 46:16 Career Outlook and Learning Opportunities 50:01 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace 53:42 Every Day as a Personal Practice for Self-Betterment You can connect with Deanne at:  www.linkedin.com/in/deannebhamgara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/deannebhamgara/] You can find Audrey at: ⁠www.audreyutchen.com⁠ [http://www.audreyutchen.com] www.⁠linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen/] @audreythecareerwoman on Instagram and YouTube  Join the distribution list to get behind-the-scenes content about the making each episode, along with monthly career development recommendations:  ⁠https://shorturl.at/begnv⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=ezaq6yg4ZIiaDAX7BMLdeA&d=1200096524780060] ---------- "Women Just Like You" is a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs. Join Audrey on Wednesdays to hear from women just like you: not a new professional but not at the top of the ladder just yet, and learn what they are up to at this exact stage of their career journey.  Theme music is “Dance of the Violins” by F-777, usable under Creative Commons.

Ashley Madrigal: Using Mindfulness to Navigate a Tech Layoff

On the fifth episode of “Women Just Like You”, we are joined by Ashley Madrigal!  Ashley is a first generation latina who was hired as a recruiting coordinator on the spot after college, and has spent every year since trying out different parts of the Human Resources world until she was laid off several months ago during a tech layoff.   Ashley has faced challenges and had to advocate for herself throughout her career and emphasizes the importance of asking questions, networking, and being resourceful in career development. Her involvement in employee resource groups (ERGs) has had a significant impact on her career progression, allowing her to advocate for fair compensation and secure a title change as well as given her opportunities outside of her day job.  Audrey and Ashley spend a good amount of the conversation chatting about how Ashley has navigated her layoff, what she’s looking for in her next role, and how she’s practicing mindfulness every day. Our conversation is full of: * Why you should network within your company and be your own brand * How self-reflection, continuous learning, and pursuing passions are important for career development Being a latina in tech * The impact of ERG involvement on career growth * What factors to think about when looking for a new role * Why you need to learn your no is just as important as your yes * #standonbusiness  * And how family can be the support system you need to get through the tough times! You can find more information about Don Miguel Ruiz’s four agreements that Ashley talked about at www.miguelruiz.com/the-four-agreements Chapters: 0:00 Childhood Dreams and Career Beginnings 04:37 Navigating High School as a First-Generation Latina 09:58 Career Journey and Learning to Say No 13:50 Looking for the First Job as a First-Generation College Student 15:44 Pivoting Within a Company and Advocating for Yourself 21:30 Navigating Layoffs and Reflecting on Career 24:42 Importance of ERGs and Company Culture 32:04 Approaching Time Between Jobs and Navigating Layoffs 34:51 Taking Time to Re-Energize 35:37 Factors to Consider in a New Job 36:57 Importance of Manager Connection 37:32  Setting Expectations with Managers 38:42 Asking Questions and Evaluating Job Opportunities 40:35 Inclusivity, Growth, and Employee Benefits 41:26 Trusting the Journey and Embracing Rejection 42:44 The Importance of Mindfulness and Nervous System Regulation 43:46 The Experience of Being a Latina in Tech 47:00 Career Aspirations in HR and Personal Branding 48:15 Advice for Women in the Middle of Their Careers 51:03 Inspirational Quotes and Sayings You can connect with Ashley at:  @flowithashley on Instagram and TikTok  @ashleyy_madrigal on Instagram www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-madrigal-778337113/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-madrigal-778337113/] You can find Audrey at: ⁠www.audreyutchen.com⁠ [http://www.audreyutchen.com] ⁠linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen/] @audreythecareerwoman on Instagram and YouTube  Join the distribution list to get behind-the-scenes content about the making each episode, along with monthly career development recommendations:  ⁠https://shorturl.at/begnv⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=ezaq6yg4ZIiaDAX7BMLdeA&d=1200096524780060] ---------- "Women Just Like You" is a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers directly from women in the middle of theirs. Join Audrey on Wednesdays to hear from women just like you: not a new professional but maybe not a VP just yet, and learn what they are up to at this exact stage of their careers.  Theme music is “Dance of the Violins” by F-777, usable under Creative Commons.

Jennie Kaplan Woodson: Pairing Wine and Hotel Sales for a Fruitful Hospitality Career

On the fourth episode of “Women Just Like You”, we are joined by a woman climbing the ranks of hospitality sales, who happens to be one of my best friends! Round of applause for Jennie Kaplan Woodson, a saleswoman thriving in the San Francisco hospitality industry.  She can sell you room blocks, event space, and even sell the wine to pair with your food for your trip to the CIty By The Bay.   Jennie has spent the last 9 years working her way up the food chain in hospitality sales and taking ownership in her career growth.  She juggled restaurant, catering, and event jobs down in San Diego before moving to Sonoma to sell the Hyatt from initial inquiry to closing the final tab at a hotel that was central to wine country tourism. Then she moved to San Francisco to sell her DREAM property, the Hyatt Regency on Embarcadero, before the pandemic took it all away 4 weeks later.  She didn’t panic and instead used the covid layoff to learn more about wine, and is now combining her love for both industries into a fruitful career marrying Hyatt hotel sales during the week with wine sales in Sausalito on the weekend.  Listen to our fun conversation between two besties chatting about hustling in their jobs and even how a good set of nails can define your day!     Our conversation is full of: * How to advocate for yourself in career conversations * Succeeding in both hotel sales and wine sales * Using layoffs to dial in on what you love * Dreaming big and setting your sights on what comes next * Bringing other women up the ladder with you  * And doing what besties do - supporting each other along the way! Chapters: 00:00 Childhood Dreams and Career Beginnings 09:13 Career Path in Hospitality Sales 20:08 Navigating Layoffs and Job Changes 24:29 Exploring the Wine Industry 26:17 Exploring Wine Certifications 27:21 Advice for People Facing Layoffs 28:08 Doing Something Exciting 29:17 Taking a Pause and Reflecting 30:31 Choosing Between Wine and Corporate Sales 33:01 Advocating for Yourself 34:03 Empowerment through Advocacy 36:20 Negotiating for a Promotion 39:59 The Impact of Hospitality Sales 42:44 Career Aspirations in Global Sales 45:22 Continual Growth in the Middle of Your Career 47:12 Being a Boss Lady You can connect with Jennie at:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniekaplanwoodson/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniekaplanwoodson/] You can find Audrey at: ⁠www.audreyutchen.com⁠ [http://www.audreyutchen.com] ⁠linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/audreyutchen/] @audreythecareerwoman on Instagram and YouTube  Join the distribution list to get behind-the-scenes content about the making each episode, along with monthly career development recommendations:  ⁠https://shorturl.at/begnv⁠ [https://form.asana.com/?k=ezaq6yg4ZIiaDAX7BMLdeA&d=1200096524780060] ---------- "Women Just Like You" is a career advice podcast for women in the middle of their careers from women in the middle of theirs. Join Audrey on Wednesdays to hear from women just like you: not a new professional but maybe not a VP just yet, and learn what they are up to at this exact stage of their careers.  Theme music is “Dance of the Violins” by F-777, usable under Creative Commons.