Bridging Skills | How Teaching Prepared Swietenia For A Tech Career Pivot Beyond The Job Title

42:53

(00:00) - A Personal Tragedy: Turning Pain into Power (01:04) - Introduction to the Podcast: Beyond the Job Title (02:53) - Journey into Tech: The Transition from Full-Time Parent to Health Coach (03:19) - The Decision to Take a Career Break: Balancing Parenthood and Professional Life (08:48) - Returning to the Workforce: The Unexpected Path to Customer Success (22:06) - Dealing with Stress and Anxiety: A Personal Story (23:56) - The Power of Meditation and Intuition (24:29) - Confronting Imposter Syndrome (28:51) - The Importance of Mentorship and Building a Network (35:49) - Sharing Personal Stories and Overcoming Tragedy (41:03) - Career Advice and Final Thoughts Episode Summary Tanya’s journey through personal tragedy, career breaks, and a triumphant return to the tech industry is nothing short of inspiring. Here are 4 highlights from our conversation: 🎙️ Turning Tragedy into Triumph Tanya shares the heart-wrenching story of losing her father in a car accident, a day after returning from studying abroad. This pivotal moment led her to write "The Unthinkable," a story about finding the hidden gifts life offers, even amidst trauma. Her tale is a testament to the human spirit's resilience and the transformative power of acceptance and gratitude. 🚀 From Full-Time Parent to Customer Success Maven After a six-year hiatus dedicated to full-time parenting and becoming a health coach, Tanya leaped back into the tech world, landing in the field of customer success. She discusses the challenges of re-entering the workforce, the strategies that helped her succeed, and how her background in wellness unexpectedly became her edge in tech. 💡 Mentorship, Diversity, and Building Effective Teams Tanya also delves into the importance of mentorship, embracing diversity, and the art of building inclusive, effective teams. Her approach to leadership—listening for the minority voice and fostering an environment where everyone is heard—is a lesson in empathy and empowerment. 📚 A Story of Courage and Career Transformation This episode is a must-listen for anyone facing career transitions, seeking mentorship, or simply looking for a dose of motivation. Tanya's story is a powerful reminder that with courage and a willingness to reach out, incredible growth is possible. Don't miss out on this profound conversation. Tune in to learn, grow, and be inspired. Remember, your journey is unique, and your voice matters. 🎧 Listen now and join us on this transformative journey at Beyond the Job Title. To staying resilient and grateful, Cesar Romero P.S. If Tanya's story resonates with you or you have your own experiences to share, we'd love to hear from you. Shoot me an email or reach out via LinkedIn. Tanya’s Bio Tanya is a results-oriented professional with a strong track record in enhancing customer satisfaction and retention. She excels in leading high-performing teams, specializing in delivering superior support and driving revenue growth. Her expertise lies in devising customer success strategies that align with business objectives and improving the end-to-end customer journey, often exceeding retention and satisfaction targets. An adept communicator, Tanya is committed to building strong client relationships, ensuring their success through the strategic use of data-driven insights for continuous improvement in customer experience. She currently manages a portfolio with an Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) of $38 million across 140 accounts, achieving an average Net Revenue Retention (NRR) rate of over 100%. Leading a team of six strategic Customer Success Managers, she empowers them to meet their objectives and progress in their careers. Tanya's mission is to foster world-class customer success organizations that emphasize value, satisfaction, and loyalty, making significant strides in achieving business goals through dedicated customer success efforts. Referenced Gainsight: https://www.gainsight.com/ Anthony Kennada: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akennada/ Book | Nothing But The Truth So Help Me God: 73 Women on Life's Transitions: https://www.amazon.com/Nothing-But-Truth-Help-God/dp/098837546X Connect With Tanya LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanyastrauss/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
From Retail to Tech: Annie’s Journey of Growth and Resilience 51:37

1 year назад51:37

51:37

Episode Summary In this enlightening episode, we dive into the world of career transitions and the unique challenges that come with breaking into the tech industry. Our guest, Annie, shares her wealth of experience and the support systems that Recast Success provides to help career transitioners break into tech. We discuss the importance of mentorship, community, and the critical role of customer success in reflecting a diverse customer base. Annie takes us on a journey through her own career pivot into tech, highlighting the moment a register crash at a retail job sparked her interest in technology and operations. She candidly shares the struggles she faced, from overcoming imposter syndrome to recognizing the value of her unique perspective as a career transitioner. We also explore the broader issues of diversity in tech and the need for more inclusive representation, especially in customer success roles. Annie emphasizes the importance of aligning with a company's mission and finding the right cultural fit, sharing insights on how to ask the right questions and identify the best environment for personal growth. Annie's story is a testament to the power of resilience and adaptability. Her experiences as a native sign language speaker and her diverse background, from living on a farm to being a chef's apprentice, have all contributed to her unique approach to customer success and leadership in tech. As we wrap up the episode, Annie leaves us with valuable lessons on seeking out opportunities that allow us to shine, pushing beyond our comfort zones, and the significance of taking calculated risks for personal and professional development. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. And if you find it valuable, please consider sharing it with your network. Together, we can inspire and empower underrepresented professionals in the tech industry. (00:00) - Episode Teaser: Career Transitions in Tech (00:52) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (02:44) - Diversity in Tech and Customer Success (04:12) - Annie's Journey into Tech (13:12) - The Importance of Mentorship and Community Support (26:47) - Moving and Adapting: A Founder's Journey (28:27) - The Sacrifices of Founding a Startup (29:21) - The Reality of Founding Companies and Venture Capital (31:32) - Navigating Gender Bias and Discrimination in Tech (35:04) - The Birth and Evolution of Recast Success (39:17) - The Future of Tech and Underrepresented Professionals Annie’s Bio Annie Dean's career trajectory is marked by over 12 years of experience in corporate strategy, B2B go-to-market strategies, entrepreneurship, and operational leadership, establishing her as a pivotal senior executive amidst rapid organizational growth and success. Her advisory role spans across software and technology-enabled services companies, where she also takes on fractional leadership positions such as CEO, COO, and VP/Head of Customer Success for multiple startups, alongside serving on the boards of various startups. Dean leverages her profound expertise in SaaS recurring revenue, customer success, change management, and innovation to drive growth and scalability in competitive markets. Before her ascent in the tech industry, Dean accumulated over 10 years of significant leadership and wholesale experience in the big-box retail sector. Despite lacking a college degree and grappling with a poor work-life balance, feeling entrapped within her circumstances, she made a bold move to pivot her career. In 2011, Dean embarked on a new journey in the tech realm, starting from an entry-level role at Cisco. Her determination and skillset propelled her rapid advancement in the customer success domain, underscoring her resilience and adaptability. In addition to her professional endeavors, Dean has dedicated over a decade to mentoring, co-founding RecastSuccess to foster diversity in the Customer Success talent pool through mentorship, education, and community engagement. Her leadership prowess contributed to four notable exits, ranging from a $50M Series A acquisition to the monumental $26.2BN LinkedIn/Microsoft deal. Transitioning from a lifetime in the Bay Area, Dean is now humorously navigating life on a micro-farm in the Sierra Foothills. A native sign-language speaker, she immerses herself in reading, national speaking engagements, frequent podcast appearances, and a profound love for nature, blending a rich professional legacy with a vibrant personal life. Referenced RecastSuccess: https://www.recastsuccess.com/ Connect With Annie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anniedean/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

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Building a Strong Network and Finding Opportunities | Aaron's Path into Tech 52:51

1 year назад52:51

52:51

Episode Summary In this episode, we feature the incredible story of Aaron, an underrepresented professional in the tech industry. Aaron shares his journey of growing up in McAllen, navigating personal challenges, and ultimately making a pivot into tech. His story is inspiring and showcases the power of resilience and self-discovery. After initially pursuing a pre-med track in college, Aaron realized that medicine was not his true passion. He made the pivot into tech sales and found fulfillment in a startup environment. He emphasizes the importance of self-reflection, knowing one's worth, and seeking opportunities to network and build relationships. Aaron also highlights the power of community and the impact it can have on personal and professional growth. Throughout the episode, Aaron shares valuable insights and advice for underrepresented professionals looking to advance in their careers or make a career pivot. He encourages individuals to be intentional in their networking efforts, seek out mentors, and embrace opportunities for personal and professional development. Aaron's story serves as an inspiration for others to overcome challenges, find their passion, and create their own path to success. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as we enjoyed recording it. And if you find it valuable, please consider sharing it with your network. Together, we can inspire and empower underrepresented professionals in the tech industry. (00:00) - The Importance of Networking and Intentionality (01:05) - Introduction to the Podcast and Guest (03:33) - Aaron's Early Life and Challenges (04:47) - Overcoming Personal Trauma and Building Empathy (07:21) - The Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Development (09:35) - The Decision to Pivot Away from a Medical Career (13:21) - The Impact of Relationships and Personal Growth (21:14) - The Journey into Tech and the Value of Diverse Experiences (25:25) - The Challenges and Rewards of a Sales Career (26:16) - The Importance of Selling and the Role of SDR (26:57) - Resilience and Mindset in Sales (27:30) - Transitioning into Tech and Dealing with Imposter Syndrome (28:22) - The Power of Self-Reflection and Personal Struggles (30:21) - The Importance of Self-Worth (31:17) - The Impact of Social Media on Self-Worth (32:17) - The Influence of American Dream and Material Success (34:00) - The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships (41:06) - The Power of Community and LinkedIn Presence (49:38) - Closing Thoughts and Advice for Underrepresented Backgrounds Aaron’s Bio Aaron Barreiro leverages over six years of experience in revenue and customer service leadership, primarily within the SaaS and startup sectors, to drive significant growth and operational excellence. As the current lead for GTM and Customer Success at Poseidon, Aaron has been pivotal in refining sales processes and enhancing customer engagement, demonstrating a tangible impact on revenue and market positioning. His tenure at Concord Project Technologies Inc. showcased his ability to manage full-cycle sales opportunities and client relationships on a global scale, including a key enterprise contract with Shell. In addition to his corporate achievements, Aaron founded 1Strive, focusing on leadership development across all educational and professional levels. His role with Colorwave underscores his commitment to diversity and access in the innovation industry. Aaron also contributes to Herald, assisting brands in messaging, branding, and growth marketing to achieve their strategic goals. Aaron holds a Bachelor of Science in Pre-Medical Biology from The University of Texas-Pan American and is proficient in Spanish. His certifications include Recruiting Foundations, Negotiation Skills, Social Media Marketing, and Establishing Credibility as a Speaker, reflecting his diverse skill set and dedication to professional development. Aaron is passionate about building communities, remote work's social impact, and sharing insights on LinkedIn, encouraging meaningful discourse on innovation and societal impact. Referenced Poseidon: https://www.useposeidon.com/ Book | The Alchemist: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416 Book | The One Thing: https://the1thing.com/book/ Color Wave: https://www.thecolorwave.org/ Connect With Aaron LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaronbarreiro/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

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Do The Job Before You Ask For It and 9 Other Lessons From The First Twenty Episodes 11:38

1 year назад11:38

11:38

Episode Summary Part two of sharing one lesson from each of the first twenty episodes. Enjoy! (00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Be Open To Opportunities | Mindaugas Petrutis (02:43) - Doing The Job I Wanted Before I Had The Job | Jen Allen-Knuth (04:28) - You Don't Need to Ask For Permission | Albert Chun (05:17) - Your Career Is Not Your Career | Hannah Brotherthon (06:29) - Think About What Has Helped You Get to Where You Are Today | Ashna Patel (07:30) - Be Willing to Pivot | Emma Lo (07:54) - Identify The Things That You Don’t Want | Maria Joyner (08:52) - Embrace The Learning Curve | Swietenia Palacios (09:32) - Take Control Of Your Story | Julie Fox (10:18) - Go, Have Fun, And Pull Your Friends Along | Matt Wilson (11:01) - Outro Referenced The Future Demands Nonlinear Careers With Coho’s CEO, Mindaugas Petrutis | BJT13: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/the-future-demands-nonlinear-careers-with-coho-s-ceo-mindaugas-petrutis-bjt13 Unlocking Authenticity, Longevity, and Growth in Your Career Path with Jen Allen-Knuth | BJT14: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/unlocking-authenticity-longevity-and-growth-in-your-career-path-with-jen-allen-knuth-bjt14 Charting Success: Lessons from Albert's Transformational Path in Education and Startups | BJT15: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/charting-success-lessons-from-alberts-transformational-path-in-education-and-startups-bjt15 Growing And Thriving Through Transitions: Insights from Ashna's Transformative Experiences | BJT16: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/growing-and-thriving-through-transitions-insights-from-ashnas-transformative-experiences-bjt16 Empathetic Connections | Hannah's Approach to Life And Customer Success: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/empathetic-connections-hannahs-approach-to-life-and-customer-success Emma Lo's Journey from Cancer Labs to Business Success: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/emma-los-journey-from-cancer-labs-to-business-success Bridging Skills | How Teaching Prepared Swietenia for a Tech Career Pivot: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/bridging-skills-how-teaching-prepared-swietenia-for-a-tech-career-pivot Know Your Worth and Achieve Your Goals | Julie Fox's Journey in the Tech Industry: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/know-your-worth-and-achieve-your-goals-julie-foxs-journey-in-the-tech-industry Matt Wilson Reflects on Balancing Adventure, Entrepreneurship, and Being the Best Dad Possible: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/matt-wilson-reflects-on-balancing-adventure-entrepreneurship-and-being-the-best-dad-possible 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

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What would happen if you bet on yourself? and 9 other lessons from the first ten episodes 14:31

1 year назад14:31

14:31

Episode Summary Sharing one lesson from each of the first ten episodes. Enjoy! (00:00) - Intro (01:29) - Always be searching for gaps | Katie Penner (02:21) - Life will put you back in your place | Dev Sim (02:53) - Learn to tell good stories | Zach Horvath (04:00) - What happens if you get laid off? | Kris Hughes (05:40) - When you care people will care about you | Angelique Bolding (08:00) - You can figure it out | Danielle Martin (08:59) - Don’t compare yourself to others | Danny Luu (10:13) - Bet on yourself and start a personal project | David Nebinski (11:31) - Are you out of alignment? | Amanda Horvath (12:51) - You are qualified | Carrie Melissa Jones (13:54) - Outro Referenced Dev Sim: Workplace Longevity, Cambodian Heritage, & Bodybuilding | BJT03: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/dev-sim-workplace-longevity-cambodian-heritage-bodybuilding-bjt03 Living A Great Story: Unveiling Zach's Creative Journey and Entrepreneurial Spirit | BJT04: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/living-a-great-story-unveiling-zachs-creative-journey-and-entrepreneurial-spirit-bjt04 Pivoting with Purpose: Kris' Entrepreneurial Journey | BJT05: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/pivoting-with-purpose-kris-entrepreneurial-journey-bjt05 Angelique Bolding: The Power of Connection, Meaningful Relationships, and Community | BJT06: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/angelique-bolding-the-power-of-connection-meaningful-relationships-and-community-bjt06 Work-Life Integration: Navigating Motherhood and Career Growth with Katie Penner | BJT07: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/work-life-integration-navigating-motherhood-and-career-growth-with-katie-penner-bjt07-696d3995-4803-4215-aba8-16f6537737c2 Conquering Imposter Syndrome, Overcoming Self-Doubt, and Embracing Challenges with Danielle Martin | BJT08: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/conquering-imposter-syndrome-overcoming-self-doubt-and-embracing-challenges-with-danielle-martin-bjt08 Authenticity And Positivity at Work and Home: Aligning Your True Self for Success with Danny Luu | BJT09: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/authenticity-and-positivity-at-work-and-home-aligning-your-true-self-for-success-with-danny-luu-bjt09 Picking Yourself: Building Your Body of Work And Unlocking Growth Opportunities with David Nebinski | BJT10: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/picking-yourself-building-your-body-of-work-and-unlocking-growth-opportunities-with-david-nebinski-bjt10 Living Authentically and Following Alignment at All Costs with Amanda Horvath | BJT11: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/living-authentically-and-following-alignment-at-all-costs-with-amanda-horvath-bjt11 Creating Spaces For Belonging And Connection With Carrie Melissa Jones | BJT12: https://www.beyondthejobtitle.com/episodes/creating-spaces-for-belonging-and-connection-with-carrie-melissa-jones-bjt12 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Lessons From Recording The First 25 Episodes 16:32

1 year назад16:32

16:32

Episode Summary My thoughts and reflections on recording the first 25 episodes. (00:00) - Intro | simplicity and consistency (03:07) - Gratitude (04:28) - On getting started (05:21) - Developing the podcast concept (07:50) - Simplicity (10:06) - On finding guests (11:27) - Opportunity for improvement (13:24) - Find community (15:55) - Outro 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
From Underrepresented to Unstoppable | Jahn Karsybaev's Entrepreneurial Journey 40:18

1 year назад40:18

40:18

Episode Summary A conversation with Jahn Karsybaev about venture capital, startups, entrepreneurship, becoming a master connector, fundraising, growing up in Kazakhstan, turning your background into an advantage, and much more. (00:00) - Intro | become a master connector in your space (03:15) - Venture capital misconceptions (04:46) - Why launch Big Sky Capital now (09:11) - Advice for founders looking to fundraise (11:04) - Pre-qualifying a Venture Capital firm (13:03) - Growing up in Kazakhstan shaping Jahn’s entrepreneurial DNA (16:24) - Breaking into tech (18:59) - Turning a yes into a no (21:28) - Building your network in 2023 (26:14) - Overcoming imposter syndrome and turning your background into an advantage (29:11) - Evolving from an individual contributor into a leadership position (34:40) - Emerging trends in tech and SaaS (36:24) - Jahn’s recommended book (36:44) - Invest in yourself (38:23) - Jahn’s favorite quote (39:41) - Outro Jahn’s Bio Jahn Karsybaev is a former Technology Executive at Fortune 500 organizations. He is an experienced serial entrepreneur (2 exits) and angel investor. Currently, he is a Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Big Sky Capital - a $20M Fund investing in enterprise SaaS. Jahn holds degrees from the University of Montana, NSU and Harvard Business School. He is the founder of Ivy Podcast where he interviews global executives (President of Microsoft, CEO of Deloitte). Jahn is an experienced Board Director & Advisor, and currently serving on multiple company boards. His expertise in Technology & Fundraising has demonstrated proven track record with many global organizations. Referenced Ivy Podcast: https://ivypodcast.com/ Big Sky Capital: https://bigskycapital.co/ Connect With Jahn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahnibek/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/investwithjahn/?hl=en Email: AOGinvestments@gmail.com 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Finding Fulfillment in Creative Pursuits: Exploring the Intersection of Passion and Profession 34:12

1 year назад34:12

34:12

Episode Summary A conversation with Sagadat Ibrayev about growing up in Kazakhstan, the intersection of creativity and career, podcasting, embracing imperfection, and the importance of consistency in anything you do. (00:00) - Intro | consistency is the hardest part of creativity (02:13) - The good, the bad, it's life….you need to go through it (05:12) - Being a slacker paid off in unexpected ways (09:36) - Favorite Kazakh dish (12:03) - Kazakhstan is on the rise (15:03) - From hobby to podcast producer by chance (17:03) - Consistency is the key to success (21:02) - Embrace imperfection in a creative world, focus on creating rather than perfecting (26:06) - Podcast workflows (31:40) - Consistency and clear goals are important in podcasting (33:37) - Outro Sagadat’s Bio Sagadat Ibrayev is a dedicated professional in the field of podcast and video editing, currently serving as a key member of the team at Ivy Podcast in Almaty, Kazakhstan. With his top skills in English, Adobe Photoshop, and Adobe Audition, he contributes significantly to the technical aspects of creating audio and video content, ensuring high-quality production and seamless listener experiences. Sagadat’s journey with Ivy Podcast showcases his commitment to refining his craft in podcast and video editing, as well as providing marketing support. His role is instrumental in enhancing the content's appeal, making it more engaging and accessible to a broader audience. His journey from sales and procurement to podcast and video editing reflects his adaptability and eagerness to embrace new challenges, making him a valuable asset in the dynamic world of digital media. Referenced Ivy Podcast: https://ivypodcast.com/ Squadcast: https://squadcast.fm/ Descript: https://www.descript.com/ Jahn Karsybaev: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jahnibek/ Connect With Sagadat LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sagadat-ibrayev-32aa311a4/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Building Relationships and Advancing Your Career: Evan Williams' Journey in Customer Success 41:18

1 year назад41:18

41:18

Episode Summary A conversation with Evan Williams about his journey into customer success and lessons learned along the way. (00:00) - Intro | Build relationships and don’t be afraid to reach out (02:45) - Why Customer Success (08:02) - EQ in Customer Success | The Art of Reading the Room and Building Connections (10:58) - The Art of the Sales-to-Success Handoff | Ensuring Continuity and Delight for Customers (15:11) - Demonstrating Value | Connecting Usage to Business Outcomes for Successful Renewals (18:38) - Building a Customer Success Function (22:58) - From Mentee to Mentor | Paying It Forward in the Business World (25:21) - Being Your Authentic Self (26:55) - The Reward of Mentoring (28:35) - Step outside your comfort zone (32:08) - Challenges and Joys of Working Parents (34:49) - Favorite Book (36:23) - There’s Always More Going On Behind The Scenes (38:49) - Build your network (40:40) - Outro Evan’s Bio Evan Williams is a seasoned leader and strategic advisor, excelling in customer success within the realms of Cybersecurity, Professional Services, and EdTech, based in Orange County, California. His proficiency in Dashboards, Account Expansion, and Retention Management has carved his path in aiding companies to shield and enhance their revenue through methodical customer programs and strategic management. Currently serving as a Strategic Advisor and Fractional VP of Customer Success at Growth Molecules, LLC since December 2021, Evan works assiduously in management consulting and education. He collaborates with companies to engineer scalable growth through metrics-driven customer programs, spanning onboarding to adoption, renewals, and advocacy. His team also champions individuals aspiring to elevate their careers, providing them with the catalyst to reach their next professional milestone. In a world that's constantly evolving digitally, Evan Williams stands out as a pillar in customer success, combining his vast experience and specialized skills to pave the way for revenue growth and customer program optimization in companies while also lighting the way for aspiring professionals in the industry. Referenced Catalyst’s Coaching Corner: https://catalyst.io/community/coaching-corner Gainsight Essentials: https://essentials.gainsight.com/essentials-accelerator/ Book | Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins: https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Hurt-Me-Master-Your/dp/1544512279 Connect With Evan LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evanjeromewilliams/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Matt Wilson Reflects on Balancing Adventure, Entrepreneurship, and Being the Best Dad Possible 50:54

1 year назад50:54

50:54

Episode Summary A conversation with Matt Wilson about parenting, entrepreneurship, the state of the tourism industry post-pandemic, the impact of AI in travel, travel as a vehicle to reduce loneliness, and the power of living intentionally. Let's go Beyond The Job Title with Matt Wilson! (00:00) - Intro | Live intentionally and pull some friends along (03:16) - Evolving Your Personal Mission Statement (08:37) - Nomadic Parenthood (12:26) - Wanderlust with Kids (16:42) - What Matt Wilson Wants His Daughter to Remember (22:12) - Resilience During COVID" (30:55) - Jiu Jitsu and Community (36:55) - AI and the Future of Travel (47:40) - Intentional Living (50:17) - Outro Matt’s Bio Matt Wilson is Co-founder and CEO of the travel company for people ages 21-35 Under30Experiences, and author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook. Under30Experiences has been named number 801 on the Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in America and number 198 on Financial Times 1000 list of America's Fastest-Growing Companies. Matt was formerly the co-founder of the media site Under30CEO (Acquired 2016) and is the Host of the Live Different Podcast on Business, Travel, Health, and Performance. He has interviewed everyone from NBA Legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar to the President of Starbucks. Matt's writing is published in Forbes, Inc. Magazine, and The Huffington Post. He is part of the invite-only Young Entrepreneurs' Council (YEC) comprised of the world's most successful entrepreneurs 40 and younger, and the Newsweek Expert Forum. Matt is a shareholder of the Green Bay Packers. He hosts yoga and fitness retreats in his free time and his personal mission is to help people live more adventurous lives. Referenced Under30Experiences: https://www.under30experiences.com/ Digital Nomad Trips: https://www.digitalnomadtrips.com/ Millennial Travel Guidebook: https://mattwilson.co/millennial-travel-guide ChatGPT: https://chat.openai.com/ The All-in Podcast: https://www.allinpodcast.co/ Replika: https://replika.com/ Jasper: https://www.jasper.ai/ Dr. Peter Attia: https://peterattiamd.com/ Book | Rich Dad Poor Dad: https://www.amazon.com/Rich-Dad-Poor-Teach-Middle/dp/1612680194 Connect With Matt LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattwilsontv/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattwilsontv/?hl=en Website: https://mattwilson.co/ Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/live-different-podcast/id994018952 Email: matt@under30experiences.com 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Know Your Worth and Achieve Your Goals | Julie Fox's Journey in the Tech Industry 45:59

1 year назад45:59

45:59

Episode Summary Get ready for an inspiring conversation about growth mindset, career transition, overcoming imposter syndrome, the power of mentors and feedback, and more. So sit back, relax, and let's dive Beyond The Job Title with Julie Fox! (00:00) - Intro | taking control of your own story (03:09) - Laid off while on maternity leave (09:10) - Shift from victim to growth mindset (12:21) - Transitioning into tech without tech experience (13:58) - Discovering customer success through mentorship (15:54) - Don’t let rejection stop you from what you want (22:01) - Nobody has all the answers (24:45) - Transitioning from an individual contributor to a leadership role (27:08) - Take a pay cut but have a plan for your next growth move (33:06) - The importance of team feedback for growth and improvement (34:44) - Scaling customer success (40:31) - closing (44:02) - Don't hesitate to seek help while on your journey (45:23) - Outro Julie’s Bio Julie Fox resides in Indiana with her husband and their two children. She currently holds the position of Senior Manager of Customer Success at FloQast, a premier company known for its accounting workflow automation software tailored specifically for accountants. Before joining FloQast, Julie served as the Manager of CS at Greenlight Guru. Outside the realm of technology, she has demonstrated her leadership capabilities by taking on significant roles, including those of VP of Services and Director of Operations. In 2023, Julie was honored as one of the Top 25 Creative Customer Success Leaders. With a forward-looking vision, she aspires to be part of speaking engagements and podcasts over the coming years and aims to mentor a greater number of individuals. Julie is not just an accomplished professional; she's a fervent leader with a dedication to scaling teams and nurturing individual growth. Connect With Julie LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-fox-1b05395a/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Bridging Skills | How Teaching Prepared Swietenia for a Tech Career Pivot 35:23

1 year назад35:23

35:23

Episode Summary Swietenia sheds light on the invaluable transferable skills she carried from her teaching days into her tech roles, emphasizing adaptability, resilience, and the art of continuous learning. By the episode's end, listeners are sure to be inspired by Swietenia's journey, recognizing the potential within to merge passions, skills, and drive to carve unique paths in any industry. (00:00) - Intro | Embrace The Pivot Learning Curve (03:21) - Discovering Her Love for Teaching (05:24) - From Educator to Tech Maven (09:58) - The Power Of Coaching and Self-awareness (16:20) - Embracing Change and the Learning Curve (18:57) - How Teaching Prepared Swietenia for a Tech Revolution (22:26) - You Don’t Have To Do It Alone (23:28) - Misconceptions About Coaching (26:06) - Growing in Resiliency, Authenticity, Self Compassion (29:01) - Journaling and The Power of Positive Self Talk (30:53) - Inclusive Leadership (32:38) - Rapid-fire Closing (34:11) - Be Present (34:46) - Outro Swietenia’s Bio Swietenia Palacios is a bilingual sales professional with a passion for tech and personal development. Serving as a Bilingual Account Executive at SpotOn, she customizes future-ready tech solutions for businesses. Previously a standout Sales Development Representative at BetterUp, she's also a Certified Life Coach with Dharma Coaching Institute, aiding individuals to find their true purpose. Before her tech journey, Swietenia demonstrated leadership as a High School Teacher with KIPP Texas Public Schools and was a part of Teach For America. An alumnus of The University of Texas at Austin's Red McCombs School of Business, Swietenia also enjoys traveling, yoga, and dancing. Connect with her for insights on emerging tech and wellness recommendations. Referenced BetterUp: https://www.betterup.com/ Julia Cameron’s Morning Pages: https://juliacameronlive.com/tag/morning-pages/ Five Minute Journal: https://www.intelligentchange.com/products/the-five-minute-journal Book | The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown: https://brenebrown.com/book/the-gifts-of-imperfection/ Quote | “I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” -Maya Angelou Connect With Swietenia LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swietenia-palacios/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Questioning Conventions | Maria Joyner's Path to Permaculture and Entrepreneurship 47:22

1 year назад47:22

47:22

Episode Summary Conversation with Maria Joyner about her entrepreneurial journey, stepping outside your comfort zone, questioning things, moving to Costa Rica, and taking leaps of faith towards the life you want (00:00) - Intro | Don’t ask if it’s a good idea - just do it (04:14) - Entrepreneurial DNA (07:05) - Questioning Conventions (11:01) - Starting a Photography Business (15:24) - Following Mom’s Footsteps (16:33) - Costa Rican Awakening (18:24) - Rancho Margot Reflections (25:25) - Don’t Ask - Just Do It (28:37) - First Year Wisdom | Maria Joyner's Insights from Life in Costa Rica (36:54) - Practicing Stepping Outside Your Comfort Zone (37:54) - Using Travel As a Vehicle for Change (43:30) - The Most Important Lesson From Practicing Ultra-running (44:32) - Key to Spark Change | Identify The Things You Don’t Want And The Ones That Make You Feel Fulfilled (46:46) - Outro Maria’s Bio Maria Joyner is an entrepreneur and marketing technologist with a background in email deliverability, marketing automation, and scaling B2B startups. As the Marketing Automation Practice Lead, she brings years of Hubspot and marketing automation experience to help founders get the most out of their marketing technology stack. In early 2016, Maria relocated from Atlanta, GA, to Costa Rica in pursuit of a more balanced lifestyle and to embark on a permaculture project. Her journey led her through various regions, including San Carlos, Lake Arenal, and presently Playa Grande in Guanacaste. Maria actively participates in and hosts educational experiences to assist others in making substantial life changes. During her leisure time, she engages in ultramarathon running, photography, mentorship of tech startups, extensive travel, and writing endeavors. Referenced Under30Experiences: https://www.under30experiences.com/ Rancho Margot: https://www.ranchomargot.com/ Book | The Alchemist: https://www.amazon.com/Alchemist-Paulo-Coelho/dp/0061122416 Rich Roll: https://www.richroll.com/ Quote | “I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: "If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?" And whenever the answer has been "No" for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.” - Steve Jobs Connect With Maria LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariajoyner/ Email: maria@mariajoyner.com Quantum Leap: https://quantumleapcr.com/ FounderScale: https://founderscale.com/about-us/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you seek inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Emma Lo's Journey from Cancer Labs to Business Success 54:01

2 years назад54:01

54:01

Episode Summary Conversation with Emma Lo about her career journey. (00:00) - Intro | pivot and learn from your failures (02:40) - Emma’s childhood memories growing up in Taiwan (07:03) - Moving to Canada and becoming a cancer researcher (17:26) - Pivoting from cancer researches into business (21:27) - Emma’s love for photography (26:26) - It’s not enough to run experiments, you gotta tell the story (33:26) - Shifting identities; your titles and achievements don’t represent you (38:08) - Customer success is a trusted advisor (42:43) - Continuous learning and investing in yourself (48:23) - The power of what if (51:55) - Pivot and learn from your failures (53:26) - Outro Emma’s Bio Emma Lo is a dedicated professional with a strong commitment to prioritizing people and human well-being, transitioning from a background in cancer research to her current role as a successful businesswoman. With 13 years of experience as a results-driven revenue leader, Emma has consistently led customer success, marketing, and operations teams to achieve remarkable outcomes in high-growth industries. Her track record includes driving revenue growth, enhancing customer retention, and improving service offerings. Emma's leadership has been pivotal in building support, marketing, and customer success teams that embrace a customer-centric culture, contributing to revenue surpassing $35 million in a Series B-funded venture. She excels in developing and implementing customer-centric strategies, elevating revenue growth, and optimizing customer experiences. In addition to her impressive business career, Emma possesses over a decade of experience in healthcare research, collaborating effectively with patients, industry professionals, and clinical physicians in the fields of drug development and personalized medicine. Referenced Book | One Word That Will Change Your Life: https://www.amazon.com/Word-That-Will-Change-Expanded/dp/1118809424 Pavilion: https://www.joinpavilion.com/ Section 4: https://www.sectionschool.com/ Sales Impact Academy: https://www.salesimpact.io/ Connect With Emma LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-lo/ 🎙About The Podcast Join Cesar Romero, as he shares the stories of trailblazing underrepresented SaaS founders, executives, and professionals who have broken barriers and achieved remarkable milestones. Whether you're seeking inspiration, mentorship, or actionable strategies to advance your career, our podcast is your go-to resource. 🙏 Leave a Review If you enjoyed listening to the podcast, we'd love for you to leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help others discover the show :) https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-job-title/id1689335298 👋🏼Get In Touch Email or DM me with any feedback, ideas, or thoughts about the lessons you've learned from the episodes and I’ll personally give you a shout-out for tuning in. Where to find Cesar Twitter: https://twitter.com/iamcesarromero LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iamcesarromero/…

Beyond The Job Title | Underrepresented Career Stories

1
Empathetic Connections | Hannah's Approach to Life And Customer Success 47:28

2 years назад47:28