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 Together, Elena and Federico unpack the outdated model of employment, discuss why so many employees are stuck in a cycle of working paycheck to paycheck, and explore how "emploneurship" offers a smarter, more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

In this episode, Elena sits down with Dr. Keith Keating—a powerhouse in learning and development, keynote speaker, and author of "The Trusted Learning Advisor" and "Hidden Value." From humble beginnings, dropping out of high school and working in fast food, Keith shares his journey into the L&D space, highlighting how overcoming early struggles and discovering a passion for teaching shaped his career. He delves into the evolution from being an "order taker" to becoming a trusted advisor, building credibility, and driving organizational value—reminding us that the heart of L&D is about solving people problems and adapting alongside rapid change. Plus, Keith offers practical insights on measuring impact, fostering resilience in organizations, and why sometimes less tech and more human connection is the key to meaningful learning. Whether you're a seasoned L&D leader or just starting out, this conversation is packed with actionable advice on creating real value in today’s organizations.Time stamps:00:00 Reconnecting with Former Boss04:22 Unexpected Job Offer: A Teaching Journey08:52 "Building Organizational Credibility"12:46 Choosing the Right Workplace Fit15:03 "Value Creation Compass: Four Directions"18:17 "Resilience and Evolution in L&D"21:41 Value-Centric Problem Solving25:01 Behavior Change Strategies in Organizations29:08 "Prioritizing Human Connection Over AI"32:04 "Keynote Reflections: Dev Learn Insights"Connect with Keith on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-keith-keating-1976963a/Website: https://keithkeating.com/Trusted Learning Advisor Book: https://www.thetrustedlearningadvisor.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 conversation, Elena sits down with Stephen Seidel—entrepreneur, creative connector, and founder of the Seidel Agency and Gents Journey—to explore the power of transformation in our personal and professional lives.From his early days navigating family dynamics as a people pleaser, to engineering at Penn State, to a bold career shift into acting and pioneering YouTube content creation, Stephen’s journey is packed with pivotal moments and unexpected turns. Stephen opens up about what led him to start his own agency, his experiences being laid off, and how embracing creativity became an essential part of his career.The conversation dives deep into self-awareness, personal branding, and the challenges of showing up authentically in today’s world of content creation. Stephen also shares the intimate story behind Gents Journey, a men’s mental health collective born out of personal grief, change, and the quest for meaningful connection. With tools like the Journey Deck, he’s helping men—and leaders from all walks of life—spark deeper conversations and build genuine relationships.If you’ve ever struggled with vulnerability, wondered how to stay true to your mission, or simply want to hear inspiring stories about resilience, creativity, and human connection, this episode is for you. Tune in as Elena and Stephen discuss practical advice, powerful anecdotes, and the importance of embracing the shifts that shape who we are.Time stamps:00:00 Pursuing Empowerment Beyond Acting05:25 Citizen Journalism's Evolution06:54 Cultivating Authentic Leadership Presence11:08 Surviving Alone: A Zoom Story13:35 Breaking Stereotypes: Deep Conversations18:49 Engaging Audiences Through Micro Posts23:00 Male Loneliness and Connection Solutions26:36 Empathy and Purpose-Driven Marketing29:52 Vision Board Creation Guide30:49 "Embracing Self-Awareness Journey"36:41 Passion-Driven Success and Growth37:55 "Two Decades to Success"Connect with Stephen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephenseidel/Company website: https://theseidelagency.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, we dive deep into the ever-evolving world of leadership, learning, and career transitions with the dynamic Mickey Fitch-Collins, PhD. From her unexpected beginnings as the youngest professional bass fisherman in the United States at age 14, to a vibrant career in higher education and corporate learning, Mickey brings an inspiring perspective on what it means to lead—often without a title.Joined by co-host Carlos, the conversation traces Mickey’s unique journey from running fishing seminars for audiences four times her age, to managing life-changing moments as a college student leader during 9/11, and eventually realizing her passion lies in helping others grow. Together, they explore the shift from traditional leadership models to more fluid, trust-based influence in today’s organizations, the increasing demand for continuous and microlearning, and the crucial role of human skills—like communication, emotional intelligence, and critical thinking—in navigating our fast-paced, tech-driven world.Plus, Mickey dishes out practical tips for adopting AI into your day-to-day and offers fresh insights on the future of work and learning. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, an L&D professional, or simply hungry for new ways to grow, this episode is loaded with actionable strategies and uplifting stories you won't want to miss!Time stamps:00:00 Early Public Speaking Success03:10 Leadership Journey in Higher Education08:08 College Maturity and Post-9/11 Realization12:34 Influence Beyond Job Titles15:38 Evolving Careers: From Jobs to Gigs16:52 Gen Z Career: Learning Priorities20:17 Embracing Micro Learning Solutions24:19 "Focus on Critical Thinking Skills"27:58 Emotional Intelligence and Self-Awareness31:49 Socratic Questioning Techniques Explained36:22 Starting with ChatGPT: A Personal Story37:30 Streamlining Decisions and Finding Wins42:00 "Learning as Strategic Partner"43:15 Leadership: People and Trust Focused46:45 Free 45-Day L&D WorkshopsConnect with Mickey on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mickeyfitchcollins/Company website: https://www.learnit.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

Today, Elena sits down with Dr. John A. King, founder of the Give Them a Voice Foundation and a passionate advocate for trauma recovery and anti-trafficking work. In this candid and deeply moving conversation, John opens up about his own journey—from surviving years of childhood abuse and discovering his true heritage, to nurturing relentless resilience and finding purpose in advocacy.John shares how a single, quiet moment among blooming daffodils unlocked a flood of childhood memories and ultimately led him to reshape his life from the inside out. Together, Elena and John explore what it truly means to heal, the importance of self-advocacy and supportive community, and why authentic conversations around trauma—especially male trauma—matter now more than ever.Plus, John offers practical advice for those starting their recovery journey, discusses the challenges of working in the fight against human trafficking, and reveals why the grace of a second chance is one of the most beautiful gifts we can give—to others and ourselves.Whether you're a survivor, an ally, or someone looking to better understand trauma's impact, this conversation will move, inform, and inspire you.Time stamps:00:00 Discovery of Aboriginal Heritage04:59 "Define or Refine: Your Choice"09:48 Childhood Trauma and Silence13:28 "Lust for Talent, Not Person"16:52 "Daily Routine for Mental Health"18:51 Blue Light Disrupts Sleep Habits23:51 "Documentary Journey to Book Lessons"24:36 "Phoenix Collective's Mind Fire Challenge"30:48 Offering Hope Through Personal Struggles34:29 Living a Beautiful, Impactful Life35:25 Grateful for Podcast OpportunityConnect with Dr. John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drjohnaking/Personal website: https://drjohnaking.com/Foundation website: https://drjohnaking.com/gtavf/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 Jonathan Shroyer, CEO and founder of Quimby, to explore the future of customer experience powered by AI and large language models. Jonathan shares his unique journey from growing up in rural Texas with a passion for technology, through pivotal roles at major companies like Microsoft and Postmates, to founding innovative startups focused on transforming customer service.The conversation dives into how customer expectations have shifted over the decades, why customer service often feels broken, and how smart, human-centered AI tools—like Quimby—are reshaping industries, starting with gaming. Jonathan unpacks the evolving role of LLMs, not as replacements for humans, but as powerful partners that enable customer service agents to be more productive and satisfied in their work. Plus, you’ll hear about the broader impact of AI in industries like e-commerce and hospitality, strategies for keeping customers engaged, and the challenges and opportunities of building and scaling technology-driven businesses.If you’re interested in the intersection of technology, customer experience, and business innovation, you won’t want to miss Jonathan’s insights, practical examples, and thoughtful advice for leaders, HR professionals, and builders everywhere. Stay tuned for a compelling dive into how AI is shaping the customer experience of tomorrow!Time stamps:00:00 Unique Career Journeys05:02 Customer Service Evolution: 1998-202007:04 "Customer Focus vs. Shareholder Value"13:51 "Quimby: Personalized Player Engagement"15:12 AI-Powered Gaming Personalization Tool19:30 AI-Powered Game Notification Strategy22:50 "Prioritizing Signal Over Noise"27:31 Discovering Personal Career Strengths30:18 Discovering Personal Career Motivation33:26 AI's Wild West: Promise and Caution36:48 "Quimby's Future and Accessibility"Connect with Jonathan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chiefcxofficer/Company page: https://www.linkedin.com/company/quimbi/services/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