The job market is changing at an unprecedented pace, driven by the rise of artificial intelligence and evolving workforce demands. In this episode of The Social Capital Guy Podcast, host Bevon Joseph sits down with Rick Benbow, Regional Vice President – West at Western Governors University, to explore how these changes are impacting careers, education, and the pathways to success.

Rick shares his unique insights into the critical role of social capital, mentorship, and networking in navigating today’s workforce challenges. He also highlights the importance of programs like WGU’s Tech Impactors Network in bridging the gap for underserved communities and preparing the next generation of professionals for the AI-driven future.

Whether you're a student, parent, or educator, this episode is packed with actionable advice and fresh perspectives to help you stay ahead in a rapidly evolving career landscape.

🎧 Tune in to discover:

• How AI is transforming industries and career expectations.
• The power of social capital in unlocking opportunities.
• Strategies for preparing young professionals for the future of work.

🎙️ About Our Guest:
Richard L. Benbow, III, MBA, MA is the Regional Vice President (West) of Western Governors University, America’s first and largest competency-based university. With a passion for innovation and education, Rick leads initiatives to provide underserved adult learners with access to affordable, high-quality education.

Follow Rick:

• LinkedIn: Rick Benbow
• WGU Website: wgu.edu
• Tech Impactors Network: Tech Impactors Network

🎧 Follow The Social Capital Guy Podcast:

• Instagram: @TheSocialCapitalGuy
• LinkedIn: Bevon Joseph
• Website: Thesocialcapitalguy.com

Welcome to the second season of The Social Capital Guy Podcast.

In this captivating new episode, I have the pleasure of reuniting with my longtime friend and fellow Trinidadian, Ian Douglass. We share a rich history, stretching over two decades, including my formative Wall Street years working together at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE). Our paths from Trinidad to Wall Street embody a journey of ambition, perseverance, and the transformative power of connections.

This discussion delves deep into the evolution of diversity in the financial sector, contrasting our early experiences with the current landscape. We reflect on our personal and professional growth, emphasizing the indispensable role of mentorship and the profound impact of nurturing relationships within the business realm. Ian's invaluable contribution to the Greenwood Project, facilitating annual visits for mentees to the NYSE, highlights the significance of exposing young minds to the world of finance.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone, from recent graduates to seasoned professionals, who values the essence of social capital and is keen on understanding the dynamics of networking and relationship-building in achieving success.

Tune in to engage with us as we navigate the intricacies of the professional world and unravel the potential of social capital. Subscribe to The Social Capital Guy Podcast on platforms like Spotify, Anchor, Apple, Amazon, and more to partake in more enriching conversations. Also, ensure to visit my website and subscribe to my blog for continuous updates.

#TheSocialCapitalGuyPodcast #YourNetworkIsYourNetWorth #GetSocialCapitalRich #PassionProject #SocialCapital #Networking #Podcast #BusinessRelationships #TickTok

Welcome to Season 2 of The Social Capital Guy Podcast!

Hey everyone, it's Bevon here! I'm thrilled to announce the latest episode of The Social Capital Guy Podcast. In this episode, we're diving into a topic that's a game-changer for both aspiring and seasoned professionals: the crucial role of first impressions and the mastery of soft skills.

Episode Highlights:

• Unpacking the importance of soft skills in the global job market.
• Discovering how AI and technology are reshaping professional skill-building.
• Sharing key strategies for educators and parents to empower our future leaders.

Join me in this enlightening discussion as we explore how these skills are not just about career development, but about building a robust and diverse social capital. Whether you're a young graduate, an experienced professional, or someone passionate about mentorship, this episode has insights for you.

Tune in now and let's navigate the nuances of the professional world together!

For more enriching conversations subscribe to ⁠The Social Capital Guy Podcast⁠ on Spotify, Anchor, Apple, Amazon, and more. ⁠Also, visit my website to subscribe to my blog. ⁠

#TheSocialCapitalGuyPodcast #YourNetworkIsYourNetWorth #GetSocialCapitalRich #PassionProject #SocialCapital #Networking #Podcast #TickTock

As Karina Reyes' mentor, it is my distinct pleasure to introduce a financial professional whose career exemplifies both growth and a commitment to excellence.

Karina excels as a Financial Representative at Northwestern Mutual-Chicago, a position she has held since 2021. In this role, she has applied her considerable skills in Relationship Building, Financial Analysis, and Financial Planning to serve her clients and make meaningful contributions to her firm. This follows her initial tenure as an Associate Financial Representative, marking a rapid progression in her career trajectory.

Having mentored Karina, I can attest to her unyielding dedication to professional development. She holds licensures in Illinois Life and Health Insurance, emphasizing her commitment to continual learning and expertise in the financial sector. Furthermore, as an active member of the Sustained Action for Equality Task Force at Northwestern Mutual, Karina ardently supports initiatives for diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry.

A former Greenwood Project Scholar, Karina gained significant experience during the 2019 NYC Wall Street Tour and furthered her credentials as a featured panelist on the 2020 Women of Wall Street event. Her perspectives on finance are enriched by diverse experiences and educational initiatives, making her a multifaceted professional.

Before transitioning to the financial industry, Karina cultivated her skills as a Bilingual Collections Specialist at Afni, Inc., where her linguistic abilities served as an invaluable asset, particularly in today’s global economy.

Karina is an alumnus of Illinois State University and resides in Chicago, where she aligns her community involvement with the high standards she maintains in her professional life.

To connect with Karina, visit her LinkedIn profile ⁠here⁠.

For more enriching conversations with professionals like Karina, subscribe to The Social Capital Guy Podcast on Spotify, Anchor, Apple, Amazon, and more. This episode was filmed on location at C47 Work and Experiment Lounge, Southside Chicago, and proudly sponsored by Northwestern Mutual - Chicago. Also, visit my website to subscribe to my blog.

#TheSocialCapitalGuyPodcast

#YourNetworkIsYourNetWorth

#GetSocialCapitalRich

#PassionProject

#SocialCapital

#Networking

#Podcast

#TickTock

Get ready for an awe-inspiring episode of The Social Capital Guy Podcast! Join me, Bevon AKA The Social Capital Guy!, as I sit down with two extraordinary individuals, Hayes Bynum and Christopher Holloway, for an enlightening exploration of their remarkable journeys and the profound influence of social capital and mentorship in creating a lasting legacy. Both have been mentees of mine for a few years.

During this captivating conversation, Hayes and Christopher share invaluable insights into the transformative power of social capital. They recount personal stories that highlight the guidance and support they received from their network, and how it propelled them to new heights both personally and professionally. Their experiences serve as a testament to the incredible impact social capital can have on our lives.

As we delve into the heart of mentorship, we uncover the pivotal role it played in shaping their careers and fostering a sense of purpose. Hayes and Christopher discuss how their mentors influenced their growth and instilled in them the confidence to overcome obstacles and embrace new opportunities. Through their journeys, they demonstrate how mentorship can empower individuals to make a profound and lasting impact.

Together, we emphasize the significance of actively engaging with the world, nurturing curiosity, and leveraging social capital to create positive change. We delve into the art of building networks and discuss practical strategies for cultivating meaningful relationships that can contribute to your own success and the success of those around you.

Join us in this inspiring episode of The Social Capital Guy Podcast, where we showcase the incredible results of mentorship and explore the power of social capital in creating a lasting legacy. Prepare to be motivated as we unlock the secrets to unleashing your true potential, overcoming challenges, and making a meaningful impact in your own life and the lives of others.

Don't miss this unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the power of mentorship and social capital. Tune in to The Social Capital Guy Podcast and embark on a transformative journey alongside Hayes Bynum, Christopher Holloway, and myself. Get ready to unlock your potential, create a lasting legacy, and make a positive difference in the world.

Your moment is now. Let's forge a legacy together. - Tick Tock!

Career Advice: Staying Ahead of the Game with Emerging Tech (AI)

In this episode, Bevon chats with Matt Stephenson.

Matt Stephenson is the CEO and Co-Founder of Code2College, an Austin, TX-based nonprofit that is building a national network of diverse, college-going technical talent. Through its skills-based, volunteer-driven program model, high school students – who are primarily Black, brown, and girls – develop coding and professional skills, gain exposure to a variety of STEM industries through case competitions and workshops, and build competence, confidence, and a deep network through mentorship relationships with industry volunteers.

In Fall of 2016, Matt launched Code2College as a pilot in two Austin area schools serving 30 students, but the organization has since served nearly 2,000 students. And last year, amidst the pandemic, Code2College accelerated its national scale and now delivers programming in 15 cities across the country including Minneapolis, Philadelphia, Denver, Houston, Atlanta, and Charlotte.

Under Matt’s leadership, Code2College has become the national leader in preparing girls and students of color for STEM undergraduate majors and careers through paid, technical high school internships. These highly competitive technical internship placements continue to be one of Code2College’s key differentiators as these students are able to launch their careers in software engineering, AR/VR, and other technical fields at leading companies including Atlassian and VMware prior to entering college.

Matt started his career in K12 education as a high school math teacher and Leadership Fellow, at Achievement First Public in New Haven, CT. He has served as an Associate Partner at NewSchools Venture Fund, as well as the Director of Finance for KIPP Austin Public Schools. Prior to his stint in education, Matt was an Analyst at Goldman Sachs as well as an Internship Program Manager for Sponsors for Educational Opportunity. Matt holds a M.B.A. in Entrepreneurial Management from The Wharton School and a BS in Finance and Information Systems from the Stern School of Business at New York University.

• Website - https://code2college.org/
• Instagram - @code2college
• Twitter - @code2college
• Fb - @code2college
• LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/code2college/
• Email - hello@code2college.org