Four Lessons and a Question from a Master Mentor: Kelli Parsons, CEO of Avoq

A Cinderella Story Updated: Hannah Robinson

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2283079/fan_mail/new] Hannah Robinson is a College of Charleston Communication graduate from the class of 2017. At the age of 7, she played a younger version of Hilary Duff in the movie “A Cinderella Story.” Today, Hannah is a business strategist, brand consultant, and founder of HVR STUDIO, a boutique consulting and creative studio built at the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and meaningful connection. She earned her MBA in International Management and has worked across 45 countries, helping businesses and brands of all sizes reach their full potential. In her words: “At the heart of my work is a simple belief: meaningful growth is built through resilience, adaptability, and human connection.” Hear what Hannah has to say about overcoming fear, listening to mentors, and taking a leap of faith at pivotal moments. https://charleston.edu/martin-center/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcharleston.edu%2Fmartin-center%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMartinTR%40cofc.edu%7C3e344018625941c3917508dcc1f31db6%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C638598497122137684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l5BTZqUz0Du6DYqBe7bI7z06wSxgzlNB9rLKLUAFLCc%3D&reserved=0]

Mentorship in Creative Spaces: Featuring Jayme Host, Dean of the School of the Arts

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2283079/fan_mail/new] Ever heard of Ludwig Beethoven? Probably so. But how about Joseph Haydn? He was Beethoven's mentor. Ever heard of Michelangelo? Yes? Well, how about Domenico Ghirlandaio? You guessed it, he was Michelangelo's earliest mentor when his most famous student was just 13. The world of art is filled with mentors, going back to Socrates, who mentored Plato in ancient Greece. In this episode, we will explore the role of mentorship in the arts world with Dr. Jayme Host, the dean of the School of the Arts at the College of Charleston. She and some of her colleagues and students will describe how mentors have shaped them as performers, painters, musicians, and dancers. Oh, and one final question: Who was Lady Gaga's most famous mentor? None other than the legendary crooner, Tony Bennett. https://charleston.edu/martin-center/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcharleston.edu%2Fmartin-center%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMartinTR%40cofc.edu%7C3e344018625941c3917508dcc1f31db6%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C638598497122137684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l5BTZqUz0Du6DYqBe7bI7z06wSxgzlNB9rLKLUAFLCc%3D&reserved=0]

Lessons from a Presidential Award Recipient: Featuring David Byrd

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2283079/fan_mail/new] What does it take to win a Presidential Award? Can you speak at Commencement and still admit your failures? How do you snag and keep that first job? David Byrd has the answers. At the College of Charleston’s Spring Commencement ceremony, David was a featured speaker as a recipient of the college’s Presidential Award for Scholarship, Leadership, and Service, the highest award given to undergraduates. He is an Honors College graduate who has received numerous other awards and recognitions. In the fall, he will start a position as an analyst at Dimensional Fund Advisors in Charlotte. Listen to hear more from David about the role mentors (including his mom) have played in his unparalleled success. https://charleston.edu/martin-center/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcharleston.edu%2Fmartin-center%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMartinTR%40cofc.edu%7C3e344018625941c3917508dcc1f31db6%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C638598497122137684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l5BTZqUz0Du6DYqBe7bI7z06wSxgzlNB9rLKLUAFLCc%3D&reserved=0]

Charting Your Own Course: With Reganne Nowell, McKinley Pollard, and Sydney Long

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2283079/fan_mail/new] You're about to make the transition from college to career, and you're probably getting more well-meaning advice than you can handle. Parents, grandparents, friends, coaches, and professors are all eager to pass along words of wisdom to you. But wouldn't you rather hear from people who have made that transition themselves? What do they have to share? In this episode, you will hear from three College of Charleston graduates—two from the class of ’22, Reganne Nowell and McKinley Pollard, and one from the class of ’24, Sydney Long. All three were Martin Scholars, and they’ve been highly successful in very different ways.  Hear how they did it and what they recommend as you approach one of the biggest transitions you will ever face. https://charleston.edu/martin-center/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcharleston.edu%2Fmartin-center%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMartinTR%40cofc.edu%7C3e344018625941c3917508dcc1f31db6%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C638598497122137684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l5BTZqUz0Du6DYqBe7bI7z06wSxgzlNB9rLKLUAFLCc%3D&reserved=0]

Getting Ready for Launch: Lancie Affonso's Tips for Soon-to-Be Graduates

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2283079/fan_mail/new] Commencement. It means a beginning, but for some, it's a scary end to their time in college. In just a few days, the College of Charleston Class of 2026 will walk across the stage at the historic Cistern Yard and receive their diplomas. As they're about to launch into this new world, how should they be preparing? Lancie Affonso says they should be focusing on adaptability, soft skills, and storytelling. He has years of experience helping students prepare for the world beyond graduation. A College of Charleston graduate, class of 1996, Lancie has worked at the college as a professor, an advisor, and a shepherd for hundreds of young women and men. Listen to his suggestions on how to get ready for launch. https://charleston.edu/martin-center/ [https://nam11.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcharleston.edu%2Fmartin-center%2F&data=05%7C02%7CMartinTR%40cofc.edu%7C3e344018625941c3917508dcc1f31db6%7Ce285d438dbba4a4c941c593ba422deac%7C0%7C0%7C638598497122137684%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=l5BTZqUz0Du6DYqBe7bI7z06wSxgzlNB9rLKLUAFLCc%3D&reserved=0]