“You don’t have to climb the corporate ladder to build a meaningful career.”

In this episode, I sit down with Abby Thompson, founder of Bloom Marketing, to explore her journey from growing up with two hardworking parents to carving her own path across corporate, higher education, and entrepreneurship. We talk about her decade at Rolls Royce, the lessons she learned through international travel and leadership roles, and how an unexpected layoff during COVID opened the door to new opportunities.

Abby also shares what it was like to build a student-run marketing agency at Butler University, the support system that carried her through a difficult career transition, and the bravery it takes to launch your own consulting business. From making Blizzards at Dairy Queen to building marketing foundations for clients, her story is one of resilience, reinvention, and the power of connection.

This conversation is full of practical wisdom on navigating career pivots, leaning on your network, and building a work life that truly fits the season you’re in.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:59) Zigzagging influences and interests growing up

(06:49) Gaining experience at Rolls Royce

(11:39) Work in rebranding Butler University

(14:26) How supportive networks help face career uncertainty

(17:19) Finding new opportunities through connections

(20:33) Launching Bloom Marketing

(22:35) Balancing work and family

(23:24) Exciting projects at Bloom Marketing

(26:07) Put yourself out there to create opportunities

Connect with my guest:

Abby Thompson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/abbythompson2/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“Your career is a jungle gym, not a ladder.”

In this episode, I sit down with Hollin Hart, brand marketing leader at Cummins Inc., to uncover the experiences, values, and resilience that have shaped her path in work and life.

We talk about Hollin’s early beginnings in South Bend, from babysitting and working at the Notre Dame bookstore to discovering her love for marketing through conversations, sports, and community connections. She reflects on her early ambitions of becoming a sports lawyer, her pivot into sales, and how those experiences prepared her for a successful career in marketing and communications.

Hollin shares what it means to translate complex ideas into clarity, the role of service and community in her professional journey, and how her faith and energy guide the way she shows up at work. We also discuss her perspective on balancing motherhood with a demanding career, why agility and partnership are critical, and how she’s turned imposter syndrome into a personal superpower.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:33) Hollin’s first work experiences

(03:54) Finding marketing in Ball State

(06:56) Roots in volunteer work and community involvement

(08:38) Starting a career in sales

(12:49) Journey to Cummins

(15:46) Three ways to balance career and motherhood

(20:02) Turning imposter syndrome into strength

(23:09) Marketing is about how people feel

(25:14) On creating a networking organization

(26:30) Lessons from a tug of war with work and life

(31:47) Professional growth is personal growth

(34:18) Leverage being new and thank your network

Connect with my guest:

Hollin Hart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hollinhartmba/

Explore Cummins Inc.: https://www.cummins.com/

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/

“You need to start a business so you can leave your job.”

In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Adeniyi, founder of AAA Solutions, and author of The Circle of Leadership, to explore his journey from growing up in an entrepreneurial home to building a consulting business focused on leadership, culture, and belonging. We talk about the impact of early internships, the lessons he carried from retail leadership at Aldi and Starbucks, and how a life-changing moment gave him the clarity to take the leap into full-time entrepreneurship.

Andrew also shares what it’s like to co-author a book with his 7-year-old son, how he’s using theater to spark courageous workplace conversations, and the not-so-sexy side of running your own business. This conversation is full of real talk about purpose, peace, and building a life that reflects who you are.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(00:58) Early work experience

(03:46) College and internships

(09:41) First corporate job at Aldi

(14:06) Kroger and Starbucks

(21:30) Writing “The Circle of Leadership”

(22:01) Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship

(25:02) Launching AAA Solutions and balancing DEI and workplace culture

(27:52) Mentors and guidance in professional life

(29:11) New book and new ventures

(33:36) Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

(36:01) Defining freedom and self-care

Connect with my guest:

Andrew Adeniyi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewadeniyi/

Explore AAA Solutions: https://www.aaasolutions.us/

Check out The Circle of Leadership: https://www.amazon.com/Circle-Leadership-Framework-Creating-Leveraging/dp/1641379081

Connect with me:

Ami Graves on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amigraves/
The People of Work on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepeopleofwork/

Explore The People of Work: https://www.thepeopleofwork.com/