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In this episode, career coach Karen Ayoub shares invaluable insights on navigating early career challenges, overcoming imposter syndrome, and strategically positioning yourself for growth. She discusses how to navigate the feelings that come with misalignment and how to work through a change of direction or position. Discover practical tips on internal mobility, networking, personal branding, and embracing change to accelerate your career journey.  Key Topics:  Signs you need a career change Internal mobility strategies Networking and relationship building Overcoming imposter syndrome Personal branding and visibility Karen Ayoub helps early-career professionals land their next role or secure a promotion. She specializes in helping these talented young professionals overcome self-doubt and impostor syndrome to be able to articulate their value and strengths. Her background is in biomedical engineering, and she currently works as a senior project manager at a global, publicly traded medical device company in New Jersey. Karen completed her MBA and a professional coaching certificate from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University. Karen is familiar with the corporate world through both her own internal moves and experience with the hiring process when she was a talent scout for early talent at her company. She is passionate about diversity, equity and inclusion, having held a few leadership positions in employee resource groups. She shares her insights on career development, networking, the job search, and overcoming impostor syndrome through her LinkedIn posts. Karen is based in New Jersey, and in her free time, she enjoys traveling, reading, photography, listening to podcasts, hiking, and going to museums! Connect With Karen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karenayoub/ Karen’s website: fromseedtobloom.com This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career.  www.minttobecareer.com

This episode features Kathleen Dylaski, founder of Education Design Lab, discussing the future of higher education, the impact of AI on careers, and how students can future-proof their skills. Kathleen shares insights from her extensive background in education reform, her recent book 'Who Needs College Anymore,' and practical advice for navigating the evolving job market. Key topics The decline of traditional college degrees and alternative pathways The impact of AI on the job market and skills required Strategies for students to stand out and succeed in a competitive environment Guest Info:  Kathleen deLaski is the founder and board chair of the Education Design Lab, which works with colleges, states, and employers to design shorter, more targeted forms of higher education. She is the author of “Who Needs College Anymore?” by Harvard Education Press, a bestselling book on Amazon. Kathleen serves as a senior advisor for Harvard's Project on the Workforce and teaches higher ed redesign at George Mason University. She serves on several boards, including Credential Engine and the advisory board of the Taubman Center for Cities and States at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. She also manages the deLaski Family Foundation, a national grant-maker in education reform and education mobility. Kathleen has been named to Washingtonian Magazine’s list of top policy influencers each year from 2022 to 2025. Earlier in her career, as an executive at Fortune 500 company Sallie Mae, Kathleen founded their award-winning corporate foundation. She was a television correspondent for ABC News, covering the White House and foreign affairs, a consumer product developer in the early days of AOL, and, in the Clinton administration, the first woman to serve as chief Pentagon spokesperson. Website: https://eddesignlab.org/bio/kathleen-delaski-2/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleen-delaski-1089012b/  Book: https://www.whoneedscollegeanymore.org/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career.

In this episode, Brad Minton interviews Tony Yang, a former Amazon recruiter, to uncover insider tips on how job seekers can stand out in a competitive market. They discuss the impact of AI on hiring, crafting authentic stories, and strategic job search tactics for 2026. Key Takeaways: The impact of AI on job applications and interviewsHow to craft authentic and compelling stories for interviewsStrategies for effective resume writing and interview preparationBe intentional and strategic in your job search in 2026.Own your narrative and be authentic during interviews.Use AI as an augment, not a crutch, in preparing for interviews.Keep resumes simple, focused, and impactful with 3-5 bullets per role.Focus on your genuine enthusiasm and energy in interviews.Avoid over-reliance on frameworks like STAR; be natural and confident.Apply to roles strategically, considering reposts and application volume.Set daily goals for job applications to stay motivated.Showcase your curiosity and potential, even if you don't meet all qualifications.Authenticity and human connection remain key in interviews.Guest Info: Tony Yang is a former Principal Recruiter and Bar Raiser at Amazon for 9 years who’s spent time inside the hiring process, reviewing resumes, running interviews, and sitting in the debriefs where decisions actually get made. He’s seen how candidates are really evaluated and what gets said behind the scenes. Now, as the Founder of Liminality, he mentors students, early-career and industry professionals—helping them understand how hiring actually works so they can be clear, tell better stories, and turn interviews into offers. Website: https://liminality.services/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonyyang409/ This podcast was brought to you by Mint To Be Career. www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad Minton interviews Bogdan Zlatkov, an ex-LinkedIn insider and career strategist, to uncover proven strategies for job seekers to optimize their resumes, navigate applicant tracking systems, and land interviews faster in a competitive market. Key topics include: Resume optimization techniquesApplicant tracking system (ATS) best practicesEffective job application strategies in 2026How to lean into what makes you different Guest Info: Bogdan Zlatkov is an ex-LinkedIn insider and author of the Ultimate Guide to Job Hunting, ranked #1 on Google. Currently at GrowthHackYourCareer, Bogdan has helped over 1,500 job seekers find their dream jobs using proven data-driven strategies. He works with award-winning coaches, best-selling authors, and Forbes-Council members to uncover the best job search tips that will get you hired faster. growthhackyourcareer.com This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, expert Kayla Ihrig demystifies LinkedIn, sharing practical strategies to leverage the platform for career growth, networking, and personal branding. Discover how to overcome resistance, create authentic content, and build meaningful connections that open doors to new opportunities. Key concepts covered: Overcoming resistance to LinkedInCreating authentic and engaging contentBuilding a strong professional profileNetworking and outreach strategiesLeveraging LinkedIn for career opportunities Guest Info: Kayla Ihrig is a writer for HubSpot, GoDaddy, and Success Magazine and a LinkedIn enthusiast. LinkedIn has brought her clients, media features, friends and a book deal, despite having fewer than 4,000 founders. Today she's going to demystify the internet's most misunderstood platform so you can go get your slice of the LinkedIn pie. Website: https://writingfromnowhere.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayla-ihrig/ The podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC. www.minttobecareer.com

Host Brad Minton invites Gabriel DeSanti on the podcast who shares his journey of exploring unconventional careers, reimagining internships, and empowering others to discover their true passions through hands-on experiences and innovative platforms. Key concepts: The importance of early career exploration and trying different tradesInnovative approaches to internships and job shadowingThe role of content creation in redefining career pathsCommon threads among successful, fulfilled professionalsThe value of ownership and experimentation in career developmentGuest Info: Gabriel DeSanti is an award-winning content creator, visionary storyteller, and Co-Founder of Staj. Known as the builder of the world’s longest résumé, Gabriel brings unparalleled authority to the exploration and celebration of the world’s most overlooked, unconventional, and extraordinary careers. With a digital presence that reaches over 1.5 million followers, he shines a spotlight on hardworking individuals across industries—partnering with global powerhouses such as the NHL, Remitly, and the City of Las Vegas to champion the value of every job. Through Staj, Gabriel is redefining the traditional internship by creating immersive, hands-on job-shadowing experiences that offer real-world exposure and daily access to diverse career paths. His work not only challenges outdated career narratives but also empowers millions to embrace nontraditional routes, pursue meaningful work, and discover purpose in what they do every single day. Website: gostaj.com TikTok: @gabriel.desanti Instagram: @grabriel.destanti LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriel-desanti/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC

In this episode, Brad W. Minton interviews Kevin Fedor, a marketing entrepreneur who shares his journey into entrepreneurship, the importance of work ethic, and the need for confidence in business. Kevin emphasizes the significance of taking action over perfection and discusses the concept of setting goals without strict deadlines. He encourages young entrepreneurs to find their 'North Star' and focus on actionable steps to achieve their dreams. Guest Info: Kevin Fedor is a marketing entrepreneur who started his first business from his college dorm room and has been building companies ever since. Over the past decade, he’s founded and scaled multiple agencies, managed multi-million-dollar ad budgets, and helped brands and founders grow through digital strategy, paid media, and personal branding. Kevin is especially passionate about helping students see entrepreneurship as a real, viable career path - not just a buzzword. Having built businesses while still in school, he brings a grounded, honest perspective on what it actually looks like to start early, learn fast, and grow a career into adulthood. Through his work developing the brands of hundreds of founders and companies, Kevin helps young professionals think practically about leverage, credibility, and opportunity - whether they choose to build their own business or create optionality inside someone else’s. His approach blends strategy, execution, and real-world lessons without the fluff. Website: https://www.followspike.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-fedor/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton speaks with career coach Nicolette Hemingway about the importance of building confidence in young professionals. They discuss strategies for understanding personal skills, overcoming perfectionism, and navigating the comparison game. Nicolette emphasizes the significance of networking, mentorship, and maintaining a positive mindset to achieve career growth. The conversation also highlights the value of seeking feedback and the necessity of patience in career development. Guest Info:  Nicholette Hemingway is a native of Myrtle Beach, SC and resides in the Metro Area of Warner Robins, GA. She is the Owner and Operator of Nike H Speaks LLC, which provides career coaching services, interview preparation training, résumé writing training, document, and letter writing, along with reviewing and writing résumés. Nicholette has spoken on several in-person and virtual stages, talking about interviewing with Confidence; The ABCs of Interviewing; Celebrate the Small Wins; and Depression and Women of Faith. Nicholette connects with her audiences by being relatable and transparent, because she’s been in their places. Nicholette believes that everyone has a story that only they can tell, so that is why it is important to let your voice be heard. Nicholette is an Amazon #1 Best Seller and has self-published 3 books, and they can all be found on Amazon. Nicholette has a passion for putting pen to paper, and God has graced her with the ability to write books that are captivating, inspiring, and informative to readers. She has a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology and a Master’s Degree in Public Health Administration from the University of South Carolina. Nicholette has 1 beautiful daughter and 1 adorable grandson. Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/author/nhemingway  Website: http://www.nikehspeaks.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholetteh/

In this episode of Your Career GPS, host Brad Minton explores the power of intuition as an internal “GPS” for navigating career and life decisions amid uncertainty. He’s joined by intuitive consultant Jenn Cohen, who shares her journey from a pre-law college path to a 27-year career in the entertainment industry at companies like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, and WarnerMedia—decisions she credits largely to trusting her intuition. Jen reflects on how personal loss heightened her awareness of intuition, how misalignment in high-pressure corporate environments ultimately led her to leave the industry, and how she now helps individuals and organizations reconnect with their inner guidance. Together, Brad and Jen discuss analysis paralysis, balance between logic and intuition, recognizing alignment through the body, and practical tools young people can use to slow down, create space, and make more grounded, aligned career decisions. Guest Info: Jenn Cohen has always been fascinated by the power of intuition. Her journey into understanding this deeper, intuitive space began in her early 20s after a personal experience following the death of her father inspired her curiosity of how intuition would guide her life. Throughout her 27-year career in the Entertainment Industry—collaborating with major studios like DreamWorks, NBCUniversal, IMAX, and WarnerMedia—Jenn discovered that some of the most impactful decisions often stemmed from intuition. Her unique approach and insights not only set her apart but also led to career advancements and recognition in a highly competitive field. After stepping away from the corporate world, Jenn embraced her calling as an intuitive consultant, applying her skills to help both individuals and organizations unlock their potential. Today, she empowers clients—from individuals to executives to entire teams—with practical tools to gain clarity, recognize blind spots, and make decisions aligned with their goals. Jenn’s programs and coaching sessions are designed to cultivate a stronger sense of purpose and enhance productivity, creativity, and connection in professional settings. Jenn’s work supports individuals and companies alike, creating pathways for growth by blending intuitive insights with actionable strategies. She is dedicated to helping her clients break through self-imposed barriers, trust their inner voice, and achieve greater fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. Website: https://www.jenncohenintuitive.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenn-cohen-intuitive-consultant/ This podcast brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode Brad sits down with Marita McCahill who shares her insights on overcoming fear and embracing failure as essential components of personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities, which can lead to significant development and new experiences. All of these things can positively impact one's personal brand and storytelling. She discusses how to take those important steps of defining your brand and stepping out of your comfort zone to start creating content that reflects your values. Key takeaways Don't let fear paralyze you.Some of the best learning moments are when you fail.Step up to new things, even when uncomfortable.Growth happens outside your comfort zone.Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.New friendships can emerge from taking risks.Professional growth requires stepping into the unknown.Opportunities often lie beyond familiar boundaries. Guest Info: Marita McCahill is a personal-branding strategist, content creation specialist, and educator with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications across professional-service organizations. She is the founder of getCAREERcurious, an online community empowering Gen Z and early-career professionals to build purpose-driven careers. In her role as an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), she teaches digital marketing and social media strategy, helping students turn their personal brand into career capital. Drawing on her background leading client relationships, project teams, digital campaigns, and reputation management for major providers, Marita brings real-world insight into how personal branding works in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. Website: https://www.getcareercurious.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritamccahill/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@getcareercurious This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC. www.minttobecareer.com

In this conversation, Jeremy Schifeling discusses the importance of identifying personal strengths, leveraging unique human abilities, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships and community as essential elements in navigating personal and professional journeys. Key takeaways Start with strengths to identify unique value. Unite with unique human abilities like communication and storytelling. Reinforce efforts with relevant AI tools. Avoid using AI just for the sake of it. Finish with fellowship and community support. Relationships are crucial for personal growth. Build relationships before you need them. Prepare for future challenges with a supportive network. Collaboration enhances individual capabilities. Embrace the shared journey of humanity. Guest Info: Jeremy Schifeling has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he’s touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he’s published the best-selling LinkedIn and ChatGPT for Job-Seeking books on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans at Shift.org and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn’s history. Website: https://www.thejobinsiders.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schifeling/  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AB7IEX2

In this episode, Brad W. Minton speaks with Melissa Grabiner about leveraging LinkedIn for early career professionals. They discuss the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, engaging with the platform, and networking effectively to enhance job search success. Melissa shares practical tips on how to stand out to recruiters, the significance of being proactive in job searching, and the value of building connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for young professionals to take charge of their career paths and utilize LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity. Key takeaways LinkedIn is essential for job seekers, especially young professionals.Engagement on LinkedIn can significantly increase visibility to recruiters.A strong profile photo and personalized banner are crucial for attracting attention.Using keywords in your profile can help recruiters find you more easily.Networking is often more effective than applying to job postings.Reaching out to decision-makers can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.Being proactive in your job search can set you apart from other candidates.Utilizing LinkedIn Learning can enhance your skills and profile.It's important to share your personal story in your LinkedIn profile.Life is too short to be unhappy at work; seek a fulfilling career.Guest Info:With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, Melissa Grabiner is widely recognized as a leading strategist and thought leader in the field. She has built a strong reputation for her expertise in Talent Acquisition and has cultivated a LinkedIn following of over 470,000 professionals. Melissa is ranked the #2 Female LinkedIn Creator globally and the #1 HR Creator in the United States.In the past year, her content has generated over 100 million post impressions and almost 2 million post engagements, underscoring her influence as a top voice in the HR and TA spaces. Her thought leadership extends beyond social media, with features in prominent publications including Market Watch, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Indeed Business. She is also a sought-after podcast guest and frequently hosts LinkedIn Live sessions. Her expertise has been spotlighted twice on the iconic Times Square Billboard in New York City.Melissa spent 18 years at Baxter Healthcare, where she led Talent Acquisition for the company’s largest global business unit—later acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Melissa and her team received numerous awards, including recognition as the highest-performing global HR team at both Baxter and Takeda.Beyond her corporate achievements, Melissa is a passionate Job Search Coach, helping professionals enhance their resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and refine their job search strategies, with perfect testimonials and ratings from every client (over 500). Melissa also works as a Talent Acquisition consultant for companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and serves as a Business Advisor to three startup organizations.Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a certified yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their two sons.Website: https://topmate.io/melissagrabiner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-grabiner/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, host Brad Minton and guest Jeremy Tudor discuss the current turbulent job market, particularly for Gen Z. They explore the importance of communication skills, the need for differentiation in a competitive job landscape, and how to leverage AI responsibly in job searches. Jeremy emphasizes the significance of building skills beyond formal education and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of career development. Key takeaways The job market is currently turbulent, especially for young job seekers.Communication skills are crucial for success in interviews.Many jobs are lost not due to resumes but during the interview process.Gaining skills in your twenties is essential for future career success.Demonstrating skills through actions is more impactful than listing them on a resume.Video can significantly enhance job applications and increase engagement.AI should be used as a tool to assist, not replace personal input in job applications.Job seekers should not give up on their career paths despite challenges.Career paths are often non-linear and require adaptability.Building a unique value proposition is key to standing out in a crowded job market.Guest Info: Jeremy Tudor has 16+ years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, spanning startups, non-profits, global corporations, and government agencies. Most recently, he served as Talent Acquisition Manager for the State of North Carolina, leading recruitment technology and policy for a workforce of 100,000+. Previously, he built the recruitment function for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 and supported international recruiting and mobility within a global corporation. Jeremy has interviewed and hired thousands of professionals, giving him deep insight into what employers look for. He created the Career Brand Story™ method, helping candidates land jobs they love, and as a certified behaviorist in DISC and 12 Driving Forces, he equips people and teams to communicate effectively and grow professionally. Website: https://jeremytudor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytudor/ Career Brand Story This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode of You Career GPS podcast, host Brad W. Minton welcomes career coach Jessica Roffe to discuss essential career development strategies for Gen Z and young professionals. They explore the importance of early career reflection, common missteps in career planning, the significance of developing transferable skills, and the value of building a professional network. Jessica emphasizes that students should take advantage of college resources and not feel pressured to have everything figured out. The conversation highlights the need for continuous self-reflection and exploration in one's career journey. Key Insights Discussed: Start thinking about your career early in college.Switching majors is normal and can be beneficial.Reflect on every experience to learn and grow.It's okay to pivot and change paths.Take advantage of career resources at your college.GPA is just one small part of your resume.Networking can open doors to opportunities.Alumni are often willing to help current students.Soft skills are crucial for job success.You don't have to have everything figured out. Guest Info: Jessica Roffe is a seasoned higher education administrator, instructor, and career coach. As the Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, she provides personalized career coaching and group workshops for college students and young professionals, guiding them through the often-complex early stages of their careers. Jessica equips her clients with the skills and strategies needed to achieve career readiness and long-term success. As a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association and Associate Director with twelve years of experience working at the University of Maryland, Jessica has advised thousands of students and taught courses like Choosing Your Major and Career. Her dedication to teaching excellence earned her the Robert H. Smith School of Business; Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her for achieving top teaching evaluations. She holds an MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Jessica’s coaching is driven by her passion for helping students and young professionals achieve career happiness and financial success. She is a trusted resource for navigating career challenges such as finding internships and jobs, building strong personal brands, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles, networking effectively, and excelling in interviews. Jessica also specializes in helping clients identify their interests, strengths, and values, empowering them to explore careers that align with their unique traits. Website: https://career-beginnings.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-roffe/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

In this episode, Brad W. Minton and career story coach Steph Gillies discuss the challenges faced by young professionals in navigating career anxiety and the pressure to specialize. They explore the importance of embracing multi-passionate career paths and how to craft a compelling career story that reflects one's authentic self. Steph shares insights on resume writing, the relevance of diverse experiences, and strategies for presenting oneself effectively in job applications. The conversation emphasizes that every experience is valuable and can be framed to highlight transferable skills, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys. Key takeaways: Young professionals often feel anxiety and pressure in their careers. The traditional notion of specializing in one career is outdated. Most people's career paths are not linear; they are often messy. It's important to normalize non-linear career paths. Resumes should highlight relevant experiences, including volunteer work. Education can be framed as work experience for new grads. Authenticity is key in job applications and interviews. Having multiple resumes can help tailor your story for different roles. Every experience can be made relevant to your career goals. You can change your career at any age. Guest Info: Steph Gillies is a Career Story Coach, focused on helping multi-passionate professionals embrace their authenticity and design their career story. Having had 32 jobs in 15 years, Steph mastered the job search process and gained valuable insights into how to align passions with career paths.   After being laid off from what she thought was her dream job in 2020, she started resume writing and career coaching. Since then, she has helped over 1000 people discover their purpose and create a career story that truly reflects who they are. Guest Links: Website LinkedIn Podcast