ResponseABLE with Professor Nikki James

How Use Your Passion as a Guide with Yolisa Palesa Tsoaeli

Yolisa Palesa Tsoaeli is a photographer, storyteller, and UX designer, but she is also so much more. At her core, Yolisa has a passion for people which is revealed in all of the work that she does. In this episode, Yolisa and Nikki sit down in Cape Town to discuss Yolisa's journey so far, her reflections on being two years post-grad, and her hopes for the future. Yolisa's vivacious spirit is contagious and any passionate or creative person will benefit from hearing her story.  To connect with Yolsia and hear more about her work, check out her LinkedIn [http://www.linkedin.com/in/yolisa-palesa-tsoaeli]. Also, follow her on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/little_miss_photographer1] to stay up to date on her photography journey! To learn more about ResponseABLE, check out the website www.responseable.org [https://www.responseable.org/] or follow Professor Nikki James on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkijames1/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drnikkijames/#]. ResponseABLE is produced and edited by Northeastern Alumni Nora Shepard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/]. For more from Nora, subscribe to Good Disaster [https://gooddisaster.substack.com/] on Substack or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/].

How to Choose a Path of Service with Barry Lewis

Barry Lewis is an architect from London turned social-entrepreneur based in Cape Town, South Africa. He is the founder of UBU Homes, an organization which creates fireproof, bullet-resistant, thermally efficient homes and spaces of belonging. In their conversation, Nikki and Barry discuss Barry's switch from commercial work to impact work in architecture and Barry shares how he found himself in Cape Town after being born and raised in north London.  To connect with Barry, connect with him on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-lewis-04893870/]. Also, learn more about UBU's story and work so far at https://www.ubu.bz/ [https://www.ubu.bz/].  To learn more about ResponseABLE, check out the website www.responseable.org [https://www.responseable.org/] or follow Professor Nikki James on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkijames1/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drnikkijames/#]. ResponseABLE is produced and edited by Northeastern Alumni Nora Shepard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/]. For more from Nora, subscribe to Good Disaster [https://gooddisaster.substack.com/] on Substack or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/].

Practicing Excellence in Sales and Beyond with Liana Christy

Liana Christy is a Massachusetts native and distinguished professional in the dental sales industry. In this episode, Nikki and Liana sit down to discuss how Liana knew this was the right path for her and the steps that led her to success. Mentorship, trust, and building confidence one day at a time all emerge as themes in Liana's story.  To stay connected with Liana and learn more about her journey, connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/lianachristy/].  To learn more about ResponseABLE, check out the website www.responseable.org [https://www.responseable.org/] or follow Professor Nikki James on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkijames1/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drnikkijames/#]. ResponseABLE is produced and edited by Northeastern Alumni Nora Shepard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/]. For more from Nora, subscribe to Good Disaster [https://gooddisaster.substack.com/] on Substack or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/].

What Makes a Candidate Great? From 2 POVs

This week Nikki has on a former student (Aishu) as well as her employer (Robin), who is also a great friend of Nikki's. Robin and Aishu both work for the New England Employee Benefits Council (NEEBC [https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://www.neebc.org/&ved=2ahUKEwjPpbPS5MaUAxUdFVkFHSmGLUoQFnoECBYQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1Istlhpr8rzlQyc4ZVKlXa]), a non-profit that educates, supports, and even sponsors employees and employers across the region.  The conversation highlights both sides of the hiring journey an is especially valuable given Robin's career in HR and Aishu's exceptional outlook and variety of work experiences so far. Everything from practical tips, to perspective shifts, and hearing other people's stories will be beneficial to job seekers, students, and even those later in their career who are looking to derive more meaning from work.  Connect with Robin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/robinantonellis/] and Aishu [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aishwarya-palaniyappan-04ab45180/] on LinkedIn to hear more from them. Also, follow the out the NEEBC [https://www.linkedin.com/company/newenglandemployeebenefitscouncil/] page to stay up to date on their mission!  To learn more about ResponseABLE, check out the website www.responseable.org [https://www.responseable.org/] or follow Professor Nikki James on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkijames1/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drnikkijames/#]. ResponseABLE is produced and edited by Northeastern Alumni Nora Shepard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/]. For more from Nora, subscribe to Good Disaster [https://gooddisaster.substack.com/] on Substack or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/].

Using Your Voice in the Music Industry and Beyond with Teona Zak

Teona Zak is an LA-based singer-songwriter who graduated from Boston's Berklee College of music in 2023. Her story involves grace, grit, and a decision to be in the right place at the right time. In this episode, Nikki and Teona chat about life on the East and West coast, unpacking how there is a purpose for both. They also discuss what it's been like for Teona to experience  the music industry from so many different angles—from a student, to an assistant, and more recently releasing her own music.  Both figuratively and literally, Teona is a role model for young people looking to find their voice. She believes in taking risks and honing one's craft, all while being joyfully authentic along the way.  Follow Teona on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/teonazak?igsh=MWY4Z2g5bWp3cG1ncQ==] and check out her EP, To Be Loved [https://open.spotify.com/album/5vovVhRhb08tcRm5bH4dSm?si=miw03NrdR8aXRDkFcef0Mg].  To learn more about ResponseABLE, check out the website www.responseable.org [https://www.responseable.org/] or follow Professor Nikki James on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkijames1/] or Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/drnikkijames/#]. ResponseABLE is produced and edited by Northeastern Alumni Nora Shepard [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/]. For more from Nora, subscribe to Good Disaster [https://gooddisaster.substack.com/] on Substack or connect with her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/norashepard/].