She was denied stress leave. Her workplace gaslit her. Now she's a bestseller and a top coach.In this powerful episode of Ambition Aligned, nurse leader-turned-entrepreneur Sara Fung shares how she walked away from a toxic healthcare system, built a thriving business from scratch, became a top podcast host (The Gritty Nurse), and hit #1 on Canada’s bestseller lists—all while raising kids and recovering from burnout.We unpack:Why leaving for less money can give you more lifeThe dark reality of healthcare work culture (pump rooms on toilets, toxic “leadership”)How Sara used podcasting and community to rebuild her careerTurning burnout into a platform for change—and profitPractical mindset shifts for stuck professionals (in any industry)If you're a high performer trapped in a job that’s breaking you—this conversation will shift something in you.🔗 Connect with Sara:Website: www.sarafung.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/saramfung/Career coaching: https://www.thernresume.com/Podcast: www.grittynurse.comBook: http://harpercollins.ca/9781443468718/the-wisdom-of-nurses/🔗 Connect with Devon:devoncoombs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/👇 Like, comment, and subscribe if this resonated with you.#Leadership #BurnoutRecovery #CareerChange #Nursing #AmbitionAligned

Everyone knows the numbers are off. But no one’s talking about why.In this explosive conversation, Blake Oliver — CPA, founder of Earmark CPE, and host of the #1 accounting podcast in the world — joins Devon Coombs to expose the hidden crisis destroying trust, ethics, and sustainability in the accounting profession.We unpack:Secret time sheets and the lies firms rewardHow burnout is built into the system by designWhy CPE and training have become a jokeRevenue recognition games that inflate earningsThe cultural rot infecting public accounting—and how to fix itThis isn’t just for CPAs. If you’ve ever worked in a broken system, felt punished for telling the truth, or wondered why honest people burn out… this episode will hit home.🎧 Watch, share, and subscribe for more truth-driven leadership convos.🔗 More at: devoncoombs.com🔗 Connect: linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs#accounting #burnout #leadership #cpa #ethics

Get a 25% discount on TABot's AI Software using the code DEVON25.In this episode of Ambition Aligned, I sit down with Nina and Harton—two high-achievers who left lucrative careers at Google and Big 4 firms to build TA Bot, an AI-powered co-pilot for technical accountants.We talk about:Why they walked away from stability to chase purposeHow they’re using fine-tuned AI to save hundreds of hours in audit and memo prepThe shocking truth about AI hallucinations in accounting (and how they fixed it)What it really takes to start a lean startup in a regulated spaceHow Series B+ CFOs and controllers are using their tool for real ROITheir journey is equal parts practical, emotional, and inspiring—a must-watch for anyone interested in leadership, innovation, or entrepreneurship in the AI era.📩 Interested in partnering or joining the beta? Visit https://www.tabot.info🌐 Learn more at: devoncoombs.com🔗 Connect with me: linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs#Leadership #AccountingAI #StartupLife #AuditTech #AmbitionAligned

Most promotions come with a dangerous lie: you’re ready.In reality? You're stepping into a role you were never trained for.In this episode of Ambition Aligned, executive coach Kent Frazier (ex-Korn Ferry, Cargill, Buffalo Wild Wings) breaks down why top performers often fail upward—and what to do instead.We explore:Why being good at your job makes you a bad managerThe invisible shift from contributor to leaderOptics vs. outcomes: the trap of trying to “look” successfulHow to win influence before you “need” itThe 90-day playbook every new leader should followIf you've been recently promoted—or are gunning for it—this is the conversation you can’t afford to skip. No fluff. No theory. Just real talk from the trenches of leadership development.🎧 Subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share with a new leader who needs this!📍More from Kent: kent.coach.com🌐 More from Devon: devoncoombs.com🔗 Connect on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs#leadershipdevelopment #newleaders #promotiontrap #executivecoaching #ambitionaligned

How do you go from losing your eyesight and sleeping in a freezing buildings in the fetal position... to becoming a global tech leader and bestselling author?In this unforgettable Ambition Aligned episode, Ravi Prakash shares the raw truth behind his rise—from arriving in the U.S. with $0 and no family, to leading $8M+ digital transformation programs at Salesforce, and writing Safar, his powerful book on resilience and self-mastery.A Harvard Executive Leadership alum, Ravi has worked in 15+ countries, built high-performing teams, and inspired thousands as a keynote speaker. But his story begins with hunger, humiliation, and relentless hope.We cover:How to lead when the odds are stacked against youWhy executive presence is often BS—and what actually mattersThe hidden power of libraries, discomfort, and real human connectionWhy joy comes before money—not the other way aroundHow to turn your worst winters into your strongest weapons📘 Grab Ravi’s book Safar: www.journeywithravi.com🔗 Connect with Ravi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ravi-prakash1/🎯 Connect with Devon: devoncoombs.com🙏 If this story moved you, please like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs it.#leadership #resilience #immigrantstory #ambitionaligned #careerjourney

AI can write your pitch—but it can’t fix your people problems.In this episode of Ambition Aligned, I sit down with Vladimir Baranov, a founder coach and former CTO/COO who helps technical founders get unstuck and lead with clarity. Vladimir has mentored YC and TS startups, and he specializes in helping brilliant engineers grow past their blind spots—before they burn out or stall their companies.We cover:Why tech founders cap their own growthHow AI is being misused as a crutch instead of a coachThe power of emotional intelligence in scaling teamsWhy self-awareness is the most underrated founder advantageWhat to do when your team hits 10, 50, or 100—and starts breakingWhether you lead a startup or a scaled org, this is a masterclass in real leadership—not just technical skill.🎯 Subscribe for raw conversations on ambition, leadership, and impact.🌐 devoncoombs.com🌐https://humaninterfaces.co/🔗 https://www.linkedin.com/in/devoncoombs/🔗https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladimirbaranov/#TechLeadership #FounderCoach #AIinBusiness #EQvsIQ #AmbitionAligned

Join Devon Coombs from Google Cloud and executive coach Larry Jacobson as they dive deep into effective job search strategies and interview techniques for experienced professionals. Larry shares insights from his 15 years as a technical hiring manager for major companies like Snap and Amazon. Learn how to optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile, master the skill of networking, and handle interview questions with confidence. Whether you're seeking a new job, a promotion, or aiming to improve your interview skills, this episode offers valuable advice to help you succeed.00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 Mindset Shift for Job Seekers03:50 Understanding the Interview Process06:45 Optimizing Your Resume and LinkedIn08:22 Networking Strategies: Inside Out13:05 Networking Strategies: Outside In19:29 Overcoming Mental Blocks and Goal Setting23:43 Preparing for Job Interviews24:08 Preparing for Job Interviews: The Right Mindset25:19 Crafting and Polishing Your Stories25:49 Effective Use of Writing Prompts28:12 Adapting to Unexpected Interview Questions28:42 The Importance of Honesty in Interviews31:48 Answering 'Tell Me About Yourself'35:41 Closing the Interview: Asking the Right Questions38:57 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Advice

Feeling lost in your career or life? 🤯 In this powerful interview, Devon Coombs from Google Cloud sits down with Nadia, Google's Head of Data Analytics, to uncover the secrets to personal and professional transformation. Nadia shares her inspiring journey from overcoming mental health struggles during COVID-19 to finding her true purpose and embracing her authentic self.Discover practical strategies to:🎧 Tune into your inner voice and intuition. 📝 Use reflection and journaling for self-discovery.🔥 Transform pain into power through intentionality.🌈 Embrace your unique traits and authenticity in the workplace. 🗣️ Leverage your voice to create impact and align with your genius zone. 🛡️ Protect your energy from "energy vampires" and raise your vibrational state.✨ Manifest your desires and align with your life's purpose. This video is a must-watch for anyone seeking:Career transformationPersonal growth and self-discoveryTools for overcoming challengesStrategies for finding purpose and meaningJoin us as Nadia reveals her insights on self-coaching, awareness, and the power of high vibrations. Don't miss the rapid-fire questions at the end!Timestamps:00:00 Facing Your Demons: The Path to Transformation00:44 Introducing Devon Coombs and Nadia01:41 Nadia's Journey: From Island Life to Google03:19 Listening to the Inner Voice05:18 The Power of Reflection and Journaling08:55 COVID Challenges and Personal Transformation17:50 Embracing Authenticity and Mental Health26:19 Using Your Voice to Transform26:45 Identifying Your Genius Zone27:50 Protecting Your Energy28:16 Self-Coaching and Awareness30:07 The Power of High Vibrations31:22 Manifesting Your Desires34:34 Aligning with Your Purpose43:30 Intentional Decision Making47:00 Rapid Fire Questions