“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/

"Dive into it, go with the flow, make a splash. What’s the harm in going for a swim?”

In this episode, I chat with Sabrina Rose, a professional mermaid at Aquarium Restaurant, as she shares her unique journey from aspiring marine biologist to living her dream as a mermaid performer. Sabrina opens up about her childhood near the water in Michigan, how a chance encounter with Keith Urban set her on a new and unexpected path, and her big shift from music and audio engineering to mermaiding.

We discuss the importance of letting go of rigid career expectations, how Sabrina found purpose in the water, and why she believes your job should never define you. Sabrina also reflects on her experiences with building a business, finding community, and staying true to her passion, no matter how unconventional it may seem.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:40) Sabrina's creative upbringing

(03:44) Changes in the current of career

(07:58) Diverse job experiences

(08:47) Finding identity beyond career

(10:13) Becoming a professional mermaid

(18:54) Working as a mermaid

(19:47) Balancing mermaiding with life

(21:43) Memorable moments and interactions

(26:41) Splashing advice for aspiring mermaids

Connect with my guest:

Sabrina’s 1st email: partyyourworld@gmail.com

Sabrina’s 2nd email: mermaidsabrinarose@gmail.com
Sabrina’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidsabrinarose/

Explore Aquarium Restaurant: https://www.aquariumrestaurants.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 have to leverage your network and build strong relationships."

In this episode, I sit down with LaToya Davis, Executive HR Business Partner at Kimberly-Clark, to explore her transformative journey from a small town in Indiana to becoming a trailblazer in corporate HR.

LaToya shares how her upbringing, shaped by her hardworking single mother and a close-knit family, set the foundation for her drive and success. We discuss the pivotal moments that guided her career, including her unexpected path to Purdue, her time at Johnson & Johnson, and her recent transition to Kimberly-Clark. She also opens up about her experiences with career pivots, the importance of self-reflection, and how she’s learned to embrace change and give herself grace throughout her journey.

Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(01:30) Early life and family values

(03:46) Breaking barriers in the workforce

(07:33) Educational journey and college decisions

(11:08) First jobs and early career

(17:52) Transition to corporate HR

(25:28) Career advice and life changes

(26:23) Pursuing an MBA at Purdue

(27:50) Internship at Johnson & Johnson

(33:53) Career transitions and family life

(36:46) Moving to Dallas and joining Kimberly-Clark

(44:48) Work for the next generation

Connect with my guest:

LaToya Davis on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/latoyandavis/

Explore Kimberly-Clark: https://www.kimberly-clark.com/en-us/

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/

“Work hard and be kind.”

In this episode, I sit down with Mike Cunningham, president and CEO of Cunningham Restaurant Group, to explore the personal values and humble beginnings behind a thriving restaurant empire.

We discuss how Mike grew up as the youngest of nine in a working-class family and shaped his approach to business and leadership. From bussing tables at age eight to opening his first yogurt shop, Mike’s story is one of persistence, creativity, and community commitment. He reflects on his early interest in architecture, the lessons he learned from building his first restaurant Boulder Creek, and why every CRG concept is designed to make people feel like they’re on vacation.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro

(01:52) Mike's early aspirations and career beginnings

(07:27) Transition to management and move to Indianapolis

(11:15) From frozen yogurt to restaurants

(15:15) The birth of Boulder Creek and CRG's expansion

(22:49) Menu development and culinary team

(24:41) Dining out and restaurant culture

(33:47) Work hard, be kind

Connect with my guest:

Mike Cunningham on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-cunningham-6a73a26a/

Explore Cunningham Restaurant Group (CRG): https://www.crgdining.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/

"Don't let anyone pigeonhole you into one path."
In this episode, I sit down with Rafael Sanchez, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact Officer at Old National Bank. Rafael takes us through his unconventional journey from Puerto Rico to law school and eventually corporate leadership.

We discuss the role of mentorship, community engagement, and how career reinvention can drive societal change. Rafael also talks about launching Indiana’s first minority depository institution, aimed at bridging the wealth gap and empowering underserved communities. He shares his perspective on leadership, imposter syndrome, and the importance of asking for what you want, regardless of the odds.

Timestamps:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:55) Rafael’s early life and influences
(03:46) Journey to law school
(04:57) Career in law and transition
(12:13) Community involvement and networking
(19:26) The role of a CEO
(20:14) Becoming the Chief Impact Officer
(21:07) Launching Generations Community Bank
(22:08) Challenges and goals of the new bank
(25:19) Paving your own path

Connect with my guest:
Rafael Sanchez on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rafaelsanchezindy/
Explore Old National Bank: https://www.oldnational.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/

Curious about what it's really like to do someone else's job?

I'm Ami Graves, and in The People of Work, I sit down with people from all walks of life - nurses, entrepreneurs, artists, teachers, and more - to share the real stories behind their careers. We talk about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

This podcast is about the human side of work: finding purpose, navigating chaos, and building a career that matters. If you’re feeling stuck or just love authentic stories, The People of Work is for you. Tune in, one story at a time.