WTF Is Up?

For-Profit or For-Impact?

For-profit, not-for-profit, for-impact...What's the difference anymore? We talk with former edtech exec and founder Matt Haldeman about building a cross-sector career, entrepreneurship pro tips, and whether non-profit products can be monetized. Summary: In this episode, Matt shares insights on leveraging capital in the non-profit space, managing career pivots, and blending mission with financial sustainability — valuable lessons for aspiring changemakers. Takeaways: * An impact-driven career is possible across sectors * Entrepreneurs must navigate various legal structures (non-profit, B-Corps, public benefit corporations, etc.), but these traditional lines are blurring * Early-stage founders must first focus on solving one person for one problem Chapters: 01:03 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=63s] - A black-and-white view of impact 02:24 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=144s] - From the classroom to corporate leadership 05:02 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=302s] - Inflection points and defining impact 07:56 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=476s] - Lessons from a successful entrepreneur's sector pivot 09:27 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=567s] - Advice for young professionals: planning versus adaptability 11:55 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=715s] - The importance of testing careers early 13:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=790s] - An impact investing thesis 16:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=996s] - The role of capital in scaling non-profit products and innovations 20:12 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=1212s] - Differences and similarities between non-profits and for-profit entities 22:45 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=1365s] - The future of blended models: Non-profit, B-Corps, and C-Corps 27:00 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=1620s] - Start small, solve for one, iterate 29:10 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbnrmf_TZSo&t=1750s] - Examples of innovative for-impact products

WTF is up with recruiting?

A behind-the-scenes look at the state of corporate recruiting and the hiring outlook for new grads and old grads alike! Summary: In this episode of "WTF is Up," Jeremy and Omar chat with William Chichester, a seasoned talent acquisition leader with 20 years of experience across industries from Target to Peloton. William shares insider insights on university recruiting, market trends, and practical strategies for job seekers navigating today’s competitive landscape. Takeaways: * AI is disrupting entry-level hiring, but we must separate reality from myth * Economic fluctuations drive hiring. Everything is cyclical * Networking as career cheat code: Practical tips for career starters to build relationships and stand out * Soft skills drive success Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to William Chichester: A career in talent acquisition 02:07 - Highlights of William’s diverse recruiting career including Target and Peloton 04:29 - The importance of attitude and mindset in career progression 06:43 - How university recruitment has evolved and the significance of core schools 09:03 - Impact of macroeconomic factors versus AI on hiring practices 11:13 - Similarities between today’s market and the 2008 financial crisis 12:26 - The relevance of college degrees in the current hiring landscape 14:28 - The "Silver Tsunami" and demand for blue-collar skills in the future 16:42 - Practical advice for students: leveraging university career services and networking 18:01 - Building a personal brand and relationship currency for job hunting 20:35 - Strategies for introverts to network effectively on LinkedIn 22:13 - Developing durable professional skills like resilience and empathy 25:12 - The critical role of empathy in talent acquisition and working relationships 28:48 - How to succeed in a tight job market with limited opportunities 30:52 - William’s personal story of overcoming barriers through networking and grit 34:47 - The importance of authentic relationship building over reliance on ATS 37:02 - Counterintuitive advice and “career cheat codes” for current students 38:57 - Using AI to craft personalized outreach and elevator pitches 42:22 - William’s final thoughts on resilience, patience, and taking control of your career 44:10 - Connecting with William for further insights Resources & Links: * ⁠⁠LinkedIn - William Chichester⁠⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/williamchichester/] * ⁠⁠Podcast: Bald, Bold, & Hired⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/episode/1fMabd7Pv2QRqiGtipDlfK] * ⁠⁠Book: "Linked"⁠⁠ [https://a.co/d/0dwFObvW] * ⁠⁠University of Virginia Career Services⁠ [https://career.virginia.edu/]

Who Moved My Career?

Real talk with longtime tech and nonprofit exec Nicole McNamara about job success, job loss, job security, job searching, and jobs as identity. Summary Omar and Nicole discuss her 25-year career journey, navigating corporate leadership, career pivots, and the emotional impact of job loss. She offers practical advice on self-awareness, storytelling, and adapting to the rapidly changing future of work, emphasizing the importance of human-centered skills in an AI-driven world. Takeaways * Self-awareness as a foundation for career growth * Storytelling as a tool for resilience and connection * "Mack Truck Moments” and the mindset needed to effectively navigate change Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicole McNamara's Career Journey 01:46 Pivots and Career Decisions 04:35 Reinventing Through Education 08:56 Navigating Job Loss and Identity 12:38 The Impact of Grief and Love on Career 15:38 Podcasting as a Tool for Healing 18:14 Lessons Learned from the Job Market 21:44 The Importance of Self-Discovery 24:40 The Future of Work and Career Management 30:16 The Shift in Corporate Loyalty 37:27 Preparing for Inevitable Career Changes Resources * Nicole McNamara's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicollemcnamara/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicollemcnamara/] * Future of Work Reports - World Economic Forum - https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-work [https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-work] * Storytelling in Career Development - Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-power-of-storytelling-in-career-development [https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-power-of-storytelling-in-career-development]

Unbreakable: AI-proofing your career

The cheat code for how professionals—and job seekers—can find success in an AI-driven world. (Spoiler: It’s all goes back to humans.) Summary Takeaways * AI is changing job roles, especially entry-level and technical positions. * There are four key skills you need amidst these changes. * Leveling up your skills involves mastering human connection, AI integration, and building support networks. * Show, don't just tell, your skills through proactive actions and storytelling. * Referrals have become even more valuable in an AI-saturated application process. * Diversify your income streams and career pursuits to build resilience. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Unbreakable: AI and Career Resilience 02:45 The Four Human and AI Skills for Success 05:37 Becoming an Indispensable Team Member 07:39 Job Search Strategies in the Age of AI 10:00 The Importance of Referrals and Trust 12:38 Connecting with Recruiters and Hiring Managers 15:23 Diversifying Your Career Options

How to Hack Work

Let’s hack work! Tips for getting ahead in a job (and getting the job in the first place), getting noticed, and getting in good with the people that matter most. About this episode: Summary In this episode, Omar and Jeremy discuss work hacks that can help individuals navigate their careers more effectively. They emphasize the importance of working smarter rather than harder, building relationships, and understanding what truly matters in the workplace. The conversation covers practical tips for networking, engaging with colleagues, and preparing for interviews, all while highlighting the significance of empathy and human connection in professional settings. Takeaways * Work smarter not (necessarily) harder. * Focus on what matters to your boss to prioritize tasks. * Building relationships through lunch invites can expand your network. * In-demand skills include communication and a proactive attitude. * Show your hunger and initiative by sharing work in progress. * Always aim to add value and solve problems independently. * Engagement in meetings is crucial; always contribute something. * Empathy is key in understanding your boss's challenges. * Use specific examples in interviews to demonstrate your capabilities. * Finding meaning in work enhances job satisfaction and performance. Chapters 02:31 Working Smarter, Not Harder 06:51 The Middle School Lunch Effect 10:14 In-Demand Skills and Attitude 11:56 Demonstrating Hunger and Initiative 15:35 Building a Positive Reputation 18:36 Engagement and Contribution 26:25 Empathy in the Workplace 28:38 Interviewing Faux Pas 36:52 Finding Meaning in Work