In today’s conversation, Elena sits down with Stephen Seidel—entrepreneur, creative connector, and founder of the Seidel Agency and Gents Journey—to explore the power of transformation in our personal and professional lives.From his early days navigating family dynamics as a people pleaser, to engineering at Penn State, to a bold career shift into acting and pioneering YouTube content creation, Stephen’s journey is packed with pivotal moments and unexpected turns. Stephen opens up about what led him to start his own agency, his experiences being laid off, and how embracing creativity became an essential part of his career.The conversation dives deep into self-awareness, personal branding, and the challenges of showing up authentically in today’s world of content creation. Stephen also shares the intimate story behind Gents Journey, a men’s mental health collective born out of personal grief, change, and the quest for meaningful connection. With tools like the Journey Deck, he’s helping men—and leaders from all walks of life—spark deeper conversations and build genuine relationships.If you’ve ever struggled with vulnerability, wondered how to stay true to your mission, or simply want to hear inspiring stories about resilience, creativity, and human connection, this episode is for you. Tune in as Elena and Stephen discuss practical advice, powerful anecdotes, and the importance of embracing the shifts that shape who we are.Time stamps:00:00 Pursuing Empowerment Beyond Acting05:25 Citizen Journalism's Evolution06:54 Cultivating Authentic Leadership Presence11:08 Surviving Alone: A Zoom Story13:35 Breaking Stereotypes: Deep Conversations18:49 Engaging Audiences Through Micro Posts23:00 Male Loneliness and Connection Solutions26:36 Empathy and Purpose-Driven Marketing29:52 Vision Board Creation Guide30:49 "Embracing Self-Awareness Journey"36:41 Passion-Driven Success and Growth37:55 "Two Decades to Success"Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenseidel/Company website: https://theseidelagency.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

Today, Elena sits down with Dr. John A. King, founder of the Give Them a Voice Foundation and a passionate advocate for trauma recovery and anti-trafficking work. In this candid and deeply moving conversation, John opens up about his own journey—from surviving years of childhood abuse and discovering his true heritage, to nurturing relentless resilience and finding purpose in advocacy.John shares how a single, quiet moment among blooming daffodils unlocked a flood of childhood memories and ultimately led him to reshape his life from the inside out. Together, Elena and John explore what it truly means to heal, the importance of self-advocacy and supportive community, and why authentic conversations around trauma—especially male trauma—matter now more than ever.Plus, John offers practical advice for those starting their recovery journey, discusses the challenges of working in the fight against human trafficking, and reveals why the grace of a second chance is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give—to others and ourselves.Whether you're a survivor, an ally, or someone looking to better understand trauma's impact, this conversation will move, inform, and inspire you.Time stamps:00:00 Discovery of Aboriginal Heritage04:59 "Define or Refine: Your Choice"09:48 Childhood Trauma and Silence13:28 "Lust for Talent, Not Person"16:52 "Daily Routine for Mental Health"18:51 Blue Light Disrupts Sleep Habits23:51 "Documentary Journey to Book Lessons"24:36 "Phoenix Collective's Mind Fire Challenge"30:48 Offering Hope Through Personal Struggles34:29 Living a Beautiful, Impactful Life35:25 Grateful for Podcast OpportunityConnect with Dr. John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnaking/Personal website: https://drjohnaking.com/Foundation website: https://drjohnaking.com/gtavf/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Jonathan Shroyer, CEO and founder of Quimby, to explore the future of customer experience powered by AI and large language models. Jonathan shares his unique journey from growing up in rural Texas with a passion for technology, through pivotal roles at major companies like Microsoft and Postmates, to founding innovative startups focused on transforming customer service.The conversation dives into how customer expectations have shifted over the decades, why customer service often feels broken, and how smart, human-centered AI tools—like Quimby—are reshaping industries, starting with gaming. Jonathan unpacks the evolving role of LLMs, not as replacements for humans, but as powerful partners that enable customer service agents to be more productive and satisfied in their work. Plus, you’ll hear about the broader impact of AI in industries like e-commerce and hospitality, strategies for keeping customers engaged, and the challenges and opportunities of building and scaling technology-driven businesses.If you’re interested in the intersection of technology, customer experience, and business innovation, you won’t want to miss Jonathan’s insights, practical examples, and thoughtful advice for leaders, HR professionals, and builders everywhere. Stay tuned for a compelling dive into how AI is shaping the customer experience of tomorrow!Time stamps:00:00 Unique Career Journeys05:02 Customer Service Evolution: 1998-202007:04 "Customer Focus vs. Shareholder Value"13:51 "Quimby: Personalized Player Engagement"15:12 AI-Powered Gaming Personalization Tool19:30 AI-Powered Game Notification Strategy22:50 "Prioritizing Signal Over Noise"27:31 Discovering Personal Career Strengths30:18 Discovering Personal Career Motivation33:26 AI's Wild West: Promise and Caution36:48 "Quimby's Future and Accessibility"Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefcxofficer/Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quimbi/services/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In today’s episode, Elena sits down with Asher King Abramson, founder of Warmer Jobs, to tackle one of the toughest challenges facing job seekers: breaking through the noise of today’s job market. Asher shares his own winding journey from psychology major and accounting intern to bootcamp instructor, software engineer, and entrepreneur. He dives into why networking—and specifically, warm referrals—can make all the difference in landing your next role, especially when cold applications just aren’t cutting it anymore.Elena and Asher discuss why so many of us underutilize our networks, the mental blockers that keep us from reaching out, and the practical ways Warmer Jobs is reshaping how candidates tap into their connections. You’ll get actionable insights into the power of referrals, clever strategies for making meaningful outreach, and a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a product that might just fix what’s broken in recruitment today.If you or someone you know is on the job hunt or just curious about how tech is changing the hiring landscape, you won’t want to miss this episode. Time stamps:00:00 Career Guidance and Following Dreams04:08 "Seeking Career Guidance"10:17 Rethinking Job Application Processes12:10 Overcoming Networking Fears16:03 "Prefer Warm Network Connections"20:47 "Warmer Jobs: Beyond Cold Applications"23:14 "Hidden Power of Personal Networks"27:50 Effective Networking for Job Seekers28:51 Creative Ways to Add Value32:58 "Brilliant Job Search Advice"Connect with Asher on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akingabramson/Warmer Jobs website: https://warmerjobs.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In this episode, Elena is joined once again by sales expert Brendan McAdams for a practical, deep-dive conversation perfect for anyone looking to sharpen their sales skills—especially startup founders and entrepreneurs. Brendan shares the story of his unconventional path into sales, how his English degree became a surprising asset, and the invaluable lessons he’s learned working with everyone from Fortune 500s to early-stage innovators.Together, Elena and Brendan break down why true curiosity and understanding your customer’s real problems are at the heart of successful selling—not slick pitches. They discuss actionable strategies for building relationships and credibility, the difference between selling an idea inside a company versus to external clients, and the essential role of persistence, follow-up, and empathy in the sales process. Whether you’re launching a new product, growing a company, or simply negotiating at work, this episode is packed with tactical advice and real-world examples that will inspire you to approach sales with confidence and authenticity.Stay tuned to hear about Brendan’s new projects, including his upcoming book and work with accelerators, and get ready to transform the way you think about sales as a career—and as a super skill for life.Time stamps:00:00 Effective Sales Tip: Focus on Client05:35 Sales as a Universal Skill06:44 Collaborative Influence Over Direct Selling12:47 Starting to Sell Tech Product13:16 Empathic Communication Strategy19:19 Optimal Weekly Sales Reach-Outs19:59 B2B vs. B2C Sales Strategy24:27 Effective Outreach for Investor Engagement26:46 Optimizing Sales Response Time30:41 "Learn from Industry Peers"34:02 Connect with Brendan on LinkedInConnect with Brendan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendanmcadams/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

In today’s episode, Elena sits down with career strategist and HR expert Kate Sargent for a candid and practical conversation about navigating career transitions in today’s fast-changing world. With a wealth of experience ranging from high-level talent acquisition at top brands like Allbirds and The North Face to building her own thriving HR consulting business, Kate brings a truly real-world perspective to the challenges—and opportunities—of changing lanes, industries, or even striking out on your own.Together, they unpack essential strategies for anyone contemplating their next move: how to figure out what you want, how to keep your options open, and why everyone should always be “parallel pathing” their career. Kate shares her signature “bucketing exercise” for clarifying skills, demystifies the power (and pitfalls) of using AI tools like ChatGPT in the job search, and gives actionable networking tips—from making cold connections on LinkedIn to finding your “A-team” allies.If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or just ready for a fresh start, you’ll walk away from this conversation with a toolkit of advice, a dose of motivation, and a reminder that community and generosity can be game-changers on your career journey. Stay tuned for real talk, practical tips, and inspiration to help you thrive in your work—and beyond.Time Stamps:00:00 From Law Aspirations to Talent Acquisition04:08 Guiding Career Transitions07:43 The Bucketing Exercise for Career Growth10:28 "Resume Overhaul Using AI"14:54 "Networking: Three Key Connection Types"18:46 LinkedIn Networking: Give Compliments First22:42 Follow-Up Wait Time: Three Weeks24:50 Networking: Engage, Connect, Practice29:01 Optimize LinkedIn for Quick Impressions30:05 Effective LinkedIn Profile Strategies33:46 Diversify Job Search Paths39:05 Generosity Flywheel: Collective Giving Movement42:08 Abundance Mindset Over Scarcity43:22 Supportive LinkedIn Consultations OfferedConnect with Kate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ksarge/Visit website: https://kjs.consulting/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

On this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, host Elena welcomes Catharine Montgomery, founder of Better Together Agency, for an unfiltered conversation about resilience, career pivots, and the ongoing challenges of building a purpose-driven business. Catharine opens up about her journey from growing up in Alabama, launching her career at large PR agencies, and pursuing her passion for social impact—all while navigating the harsh realities of workplace racism, toxic organizational cultures, and the unexpected pitfalls of working with investors.Catharine’s story is one of grit and reinvention: after experiencing blatant racism at a so-called progressive agency and successfully negotiating a buyout, she found herself at another crossroads when her business partners became obstacles rather than allies. Through each challenge, Catharine leaned on community, mentorship, and her unwavering commitment to using communications for social good. Together, Elena and Catharine unpack lessons learned about recognizing toxic work environments, the importance of knowing your worth, and staying grounded when starting over—sometimes more than once.Tune in for candid reflections, practical insights for founders (especially those working with investors), and real talk about resilience, authenticity, and the power of building a business that stays true to its mission. Whether you’re navigating your own career transitions or simply looking for inspiration, this episode will remind you that your story—and your impact—aren’t defined by your setbacks, but by how you choose to rebuild and move forward.Time stamps:00:00 "Agency Career Journey Shift"05:26 Starting a Social Impact Agency09:23 "Quitting Better Together"12:17 Realizing Microaggressions and Racism13:30 HR Challenges in Addressing Racism17:40 Structural Racism Needs Addressing21:41 "Diversity Misunderstood in Slack"25:17 Investor Decisions and Due Diligence26:25 "Stay Involved in Business Finances"30:09 Building Awareness for Community Impact33:31 "Reflecting on Starting the Agency"36:18 Reflecting on Entrepreneurial Beginnings39:26 Embracing Change and AI GrowthConnect with Catharine on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cnmontgomery/Website: https://thebettertogetheragency.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy

Welcome back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, Elena sits down with trailblazing executive Jennifer Langton, known for her remarkable career spanning finance, technology, and sports leadership—including 14 years at the NFL.Jennifer opens up about her unconventional journey, from being the only girl on an all-boys lacrosse team to breaking barriers in male-dominated industries. She shares invaluable career advice, lessons from the field that shaped her leadership style, and behind-the-scenes stories of driving transformative innovation in high-stakes environments. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, navigating the tech world, or simply looking for inspiration to own your story and ambition, Jennifer’s candid insights and practical strategies deliver a playbook for growth, resilience, and authentic connection. Get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom, real talk, and empowering takeaways!Time stamps:00:00 Connecting Through Data and Authenticity03:58 From Atari to NFL Strategy08:48 Transforming Youth Sports Safety Strategies13:55 Business School Inspired Leadership Journey16:01 "Authentic Connection Fuels Team Success"18:38 Financial Strategy: Lessons from Sports24:48 Building Trust Eases Change Fears28:19 Digital Athlete Data Management30:22 Building Trust through Authentic Leadership34:46 "Sports Roots to Safety Leadership"38:20 "Breaking Barriers Through Youth Sports"41:33 Building Trust Through Authentic Connection44:32 "Post-NFL Journey: Inspiring Change"48:25 Facing Giants: A Defining Moment50:12 "Breaking Barriers in Boys' Sports"52:32 Impactful Presentations Across Audiences56:16 "Impact Through Authentic Connection"Connect with Jennifer on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferlangton/Website: https://jenniferlangtoninc.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenny_langton/#Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wijIf you like this video, please like, subscribe, comment, and share! Your support is extremely valued! #careercoaching #careertips #careerresilience #futureofwork #careerstrategy