Welcome to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, Elena sits down with Tamika L. Mason—a dynamic leader in the HR and talent consulting space—to talk all things career pivot, entrepreneurship, and the evolving world of people strategy. Tamika shares her journey from aspiring engineer to bank manager, nonprofit leader, and ultimately founder of her own talent consulting firm. Together, Elena and Tamika discuss the realities of shifting careers, the leap of faith that comes with starting your own business, and why people-centered organizations are set up to thrive—even in uncertain markets.From navigating the challenges of middle management to the impact of AI and technology on HR, this conversation dives deep into how organizations can truly support their teams and adapt for the future. Whether you're thinking about making a bold move in your own career, or you just want practical advice on building strong, values-aligned workplaces, this episode is full of insider insights and actionable takeaways. Grab your headphones and let’s get inspired to shift—together!Time stamps:00:00 From Banking to HR Passion09:49 "Choosing Independence to Build"11:48 People-Focused Leadership Strategies16:35 Challenges in Growing People Management18:57 Employee Feedback and Connection Gaps24:22 Clients Navigating AI Adoption27:34 "Corporate Adaptation vs Startup Pace"30:50 Navigating Market Uncertainty34:00 "Scrappy Team, AI Focus"35:56 Empowering Young EntrepreneursConnect with Tamika on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamikalmason/Website: https://buildingformission.com/Invite Tamika to Speak: https://buildingformission.com/speaker/ 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 to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, we dive into the inspiring journey of Chantell Preston, a trailblazing leader with over 30 years in the healthcare space. Hosted by Brandon, this conversation uncovers Chantell’s unique path—from an unexpected pivot into healthcare to building more than 65 hospitals across the country and founding transformative companies like Mentis Neurorehabilitation.Chantell shares insights from her career in facility development, her passion for empowering women, and her evolving approach to leadership in a constantly changing workplace. We talk about embracing emotional intelligence, navigating male-dominated industries, and the balance of authenticity with professional presence. Plus, you’ll hear Chantell’s practical tips for time management as a working mom, the importance of transparency in times of crisis, and her excitement around her new podcast, Get Real, Get Results, and upcoming book reframing the “nine lies” women are taught about success.If you’re curious about modern leadership, work-life integration, and finding your authentic voice at work, you won’t want to miss this episode. Get ready for a conversation packed with wisdom, honesty, and actionable advice!Time stamps:00:00 Building Hospitals and Careers03:45 Empowering Women in Leadership08:20 "Embracing Authenticity Over Persona"10:04 "Emotional Intelligence in Relationships"15:00 "Integrated Leadership and Relationships"19:20 Leadership Amid COVID Uncertainty21:06 "Leading by Example"23:22 Leadership Through Listening and Collaboration29:29 Prioritizing Self-Care Daily30:06 Time-Saving Hacks and Prioritization33:15 "Chantelle Preston: Inspiring Connections"Connect with Chantell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantellpreston/Website: https://www.chantellpreston.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 to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, Elena sits down with Corinne Gavlinski, founder of the GAV Group, to explore the concept of "lazy leadership" and what it truly means to lead with intentionality. Corinne shares her transformative journey from finance to healthcare to executive coaching, revealing pivotal moments—what she calls “identity jolts”—that redefined her approach to leadership and personal growth. Together, they unpack the everyday (and often unglamorous) habits that set high-impact leaders apart, the power of servant leadership, and the importance of investing in relationships and communication. Corinne also dives into practical strategies for avoiding the pitfalls of reactive leadership, building authentic connections in an age of relentless change, and holding yourself accountable as a leader. Tune in for candid stories, real-world advice, and a refreshing take on how great leadership starts with the small choices we make every day.Time stamps:00:00 "Redefining Career and Purpose"05:35 "From Ambition to Servant Leadership"06:41 "Lazy Leadership: Distracted Intentions"12:23 Leadership, Communication, and Connection13:27 "High Impact Leadership Essentials"20:11 "Leadership Mindset Shift Explained"24:24 The Impact of Long-Term Leadership25:49 Debriefing Builds Trust30:38 "People-Centered Leadership Drives Success"32:02 "Leadership Growth Through Self-Awareness"36:16 "Prioritizing In-Person Connections"38:11 Grateful Farewell ConversationConnect with Corinne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinnegavlinski/Website: https://www.thegavgroup.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 to another inspiring episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today’s guest is Joyce Kyles, a speaker, author, and leadership consultant whose thoughtful approach to both personal and professional growth has impacted countless lives. In this conversation, Elena and Joyce dive into Joyce’s two transformative books, What Color Is Your Elephant? and Create Yourself, exploring the difficult but essential work of introspection, personal accountability, and workplace wellness.Joyce shares her journey from an early passion for writing and teaching to building a career centered on helping others thrive by processing life’s challenges. Together, Elena and Joyce unpack what it really means to address the "elephants in the room"—both personally and collectively—whether in our relationships, workplaces, or within ourselves. They talk candidly about the importance of active listening, creating spaces for honest dialogue, and why organizations must cultivate cultures that truly support employee well-being.From actionable tips for HR leaders, managers, and employees to practical advice on taking ownership of your career and self-care routines, this episode is packed with wisdom and encouragement. Whether you’re looking to improve your team’s productivity, navigate uncertainty in your career, or simply pause and reflect on your own growth, Joyce’s insights provide the tools and motivation to help you transition, transform, and thrive.Tune in for a heartfelt discussion that will have you rethinking how you show up for yourself—and for those around you.Time stamps:00:00 "Joyce's Journey Through Writing"05:03 "Heart and Growth Through Writing"08:11 "Confronting the Inner Elephant"12:17 Trauma-Informed Leadership and Wellness15:15 The Mental Toll of Uncertainty19:15 Toxic Workplace to Healthier Management20:49 Creating Welcoming, Engaging Workspaces23:57 Work-Life Balance and Leadership28:40 Utilize Company Resources for Growth29:55 "Ownership of Career & Life"35:50 "Reflection on Being Still"36:53 "Pause, Reflect, Prioritize Health"41:40 Navigating Sensitive Conversations Effectively46:59 Address Workplace Issues Openly48:10 "Connect with Joyce Kyles"Connect with Joyce on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joycekyles/Website and books: https://www.joycekyles.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 today’s episode, Elena sits down with Michael Berlingo, founder of Starteryou, a platform designed to bridge the gap between education and early career experience for students. Michael opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, starting from his high school reselling days to launching a company that’s redefining how young people access work opportunities. Together, Elena and Michael dive into the challenges Gen Z faces when entering the workforce, the failures of traditional career centers, and the evolving needs of students and employers alike. You’ll hear firsthand how Starteryou empowers students to build real-world skills, experiment with different industries, and confidently step into their professional lives—all while bypassing outdated resume requirements. Whether you’re a student, a parent, an educator, or an employer curious about the next generation of workers, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and practical advice. Let’s dig in!Time stamps:00:00 "Reselling Pallets and Storage Units"05:43 Navigating Careers Without Networks07:23 Schools Fail Career Preparation10:26 Flexible Student Ambassador Opportunities14:41 "Personalized Job Application Platform"17:09 "Targeted Student Job Opportunities"19:46 "Tech Interns: Build Versatile Skills"23:31 Revolutionizing Student Career Readiness28:57 "Lessons from Starting a Company"30:32 "Partnering with StarterU Students"Connect with Michael on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mblingo/Starteryou Website: https://linktr.ee/starteryouLinkedin company pagehttps://www.linkedin.com/company/starteryou/Starteryou Events Pagehttps://luma.com/starteryou?k=cStarteryou Newsletterhttps://substack.com/@starteryouFollow 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 to another episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today, Elena sits down with Federico Rodriguez, an executive coach and the creator of "Emploneur," a game-changing movement designed to revolutionize the traditional world of work. Federico shares his unique journey from aspiring engineer to hospitality leader to entrepreneur, weaving together lessons from leading large teams, launching his own businesses, and coaching professionals across the globe. Together, Elena and Federico unpack the outdated model of employment, discuss why so many employees are stuck in a cycle of working paycheck to paycheck, and explore how "emploneurship" offers a smarter, more prosperous way forward for both individuals and organizations.If you've ever wondered how to combine the security of employment with the limitless growth potential of entrepreneurship—or how mastering financial literacy and business acumen can profoundly impact your career—this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Whether you're a go-getter in a large corporate environment, a budding entrepreneur at heart, or someone craving more meaning and prosperity from your professional life, get ready for a conversation that challenges old assumptions and lays out a new roadmap for thriving in today’s ever-changing workplace.Time stamps:00:00 From Hospitality to Coaching Entrepreneur05:53 "Empowered Employees Through Finance"08:46 "Entrepreneurship: Employee-Expert Hybrid"12:39 Entrepreneurial Drive vs Employee Mindset16:49 Fixed Income, Growth Mindset Essential20:50 "From Success to Shared Prosperity"24:57 Targeting Aspiring Middle Performers28:49 Scaling Income for Motivation30:50 "Financial Growth for Employees"33:22 "The Cost of Daily Living"38:25 Money Mindset and Management Essentials42:14 "Reclaim Employee Pride Webinar"44:06 "Timing for Workplace Innovation"Connect with Federico on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fedrod/Website: https://stan.store/EmploneurFollow 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 conversation, Elena sits down with Stephen, co-host of the Modern People Leader podcast, to dive deep into the twists and turns of his remarkable career—from growing up in a Mexican-American family in Texas, to becoming an HR leader at powerhouse organizations like Ernst & Young and Goldman Sachs, and ultimately, to building innovative HR tech startups in a rapidly evolving industry.Stephen shares his candid story about entering HR almost by accident, navigating dot-com booms and busts, and transitioning from practitioner to entrepreneur. He opens up about the challenges and rewards of bootstrapping his own businesses, the lessons learned from the crowded HR tech world, and how curiosity, adaptability, and innovation have been the keys to his growth.Together, Elena and Stephen unpack what it truly means to be a “modern people leader” in a time when AI is transforming the workplace at breakneck speed. They explore the realities HR leaders face today, how organizations can (and must) rethink their approach to change, and why the future of work demands collaboration between HR and IT like never before.If you’re an HR professional, entrepreneur, or just curious about how work is changing in the age of AI, you won’t want to miss Stephen’s practical insights—and spicy predictions—on what the future holds for all of us. Time stamps:00:00 Podcast Host Shares Career Insights05:00 Starting Career in HR Consulting09:53 "Career Transition: Goldman to Texas"12:20 Entrepreneurial Lessons: From Idea to Exit16:48 Career Flexibility and Opportunity20:01 Evolving Role of Modern HR Leader22:42 "Aligning Employee Experience with Goals"26:55 AI Change Management Challenges for Companies29:32 AI Democratization and Legacy Challenges34:31 AI Development: Excitement and Fear37:30 AI Integration Strategy42:17 AI Solutions for Benefits and Performance44:13 Workforce Tech Collaboration Roadmap49:05 Future of Organizational Design: HR-IT CollaborationConnect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenhuerta/Check out the Modern Leader Podcast: https://www.modernpeopleleader.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 today’s episode, Elena sits down with Matt Poepsel, author of "Expand the Circle: Enlightened Leadership for Our New World of Work." Matt’s journey from a career in the Marine Corps to leading talent and workforce analytics in the business world gives him a unique perspective on leadership and talent development—and he’s here to share the practical lessons he’s learned along the way. Together, Elena and Matt dive into the shift from outdated, industrial-age leadership models to what Matt calls "enlightened leadership"—a mindset rooted in self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a deep commitment to truly caring for others.They explore how the future of work is demanding a fundamental shift in how we lead, especially against the backdrop of rapid technological change, remote work, and the evolving roles of HR and team leaders. Matt breaks down the importance of leaders being able to adjust, practice vulnerability, and foster trust, all while tapping into the full potential of their teams. Whether you’re an executive, an HR professional, or an aspiring leader feeling a little “hollow” with current leadership models, Matt’s fresh, compassionate approach might just be what you need. Stay tuned for a conversation packed with practical tips, thought-provoking insights, and a whole new vision for the future of leadership.Time stamps:00:00 Manager's Journey to Leadership Mastery05:06 Pandemic Midlife Crisis and Meditation09:52 "Prioritize Team Development Time"11:52 Preserving Team Energy16:28 Overcoming Leadership Fear17:25 Transparency and Vulnerability Build Trust23:27 HR Evolving into Strategic Consultants24:24 Empower HR as Strategic Partners28:36 Climbing the Purposeful Work Ladder33:40 Redefining Business Success Beyond Profit36:06 "Practical Leadership for All"38:03 Sharing Helpful Insights OnlineConnect with Matt on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattpoepsel/Buy the Book on Amazon: https://a.co/d/3L7x4VQWebsite: http://mattpoepsel.comFollow 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