Shows
Tip That ScaleB3: HiatusIt's August and the summer is almost over. Where did the time go?
We are taking a hiatus from the podcast to enjoy the rest of August before everyone starts to embrace all things Fall that comes with September.
What can you do while we are relaxing? Catch up on Tip That Scale and listen to any podcast you may have missed.
See you soon!2023-08-1801 minTip That ScaleEp 32 - Personal Branding and Positioning for the PivotWe know our skills, talents, and expertise can transfer to many roles and departments. Hooray for flexibility and options. Unfortunately, it's not always easy for others to see and understand how your experience is transferrable to another role. So you have to paint the picture and tell your story. It starts with your elevator pitch and personal branding statement.
Nichole and AJ are giving you a new way to answer the question, "What do you do?"
Find Tip That Scale (@tipthatscale) on Instagram and Twitter.2023-08-1128 minTip That ScaleEP 31: Stop the ScamsJob scams and scams, in general, are becoming more and more prevalent. High unemployment due to layoffs and an unequal number of jobs has given rise to job scams targeting those searching for new opportunities.
But job scams are nothing new; however, how scammers reach victims gets more sophisticated as technologies improve. Don't be a victim.
Resources:
Job Scams (Federal Trade Commission, Consumer Advice)
Common Scams and Crimes (Federal Bureau of Investigations)
Fake Job Scams Are Becoming More Common—Here’s How To Protect Yourself (Forbes)
Job scams powered by ChatGPT coul...2023-08-0429 minTip That ScaleEp 30: Opposing Views Part 2The conversation Nichole and AJ had in Episode 29 began with differing positions on capitalism and socialism, but there was much more to discuss.
Listen to the 2nd part of Opposing Views and consider your thoughts on these hot topics. How do you feel?2023-07-2836 minTip That ScaleEp 29: Opposing Views Part 1Nichole and AJ, while often on the same page about some topics, find themselves in opposite corners on many topics discussed in this episode.
Brought to you by capitalism and socialism, both of which are at the heart of this conversation.
Resources:
Statistics of Income for 1933 (IRS)
CPI Inflation Calculator (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
Guide to Capitalism: 4 Characteristics of Capitalism (MasterClass)
Socialism (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy)
Socialism vs. Capitalism: What's the Difference? (MasterClass)
COVID-19 pandemic massively set back learning, especially for high-poverty areas (PBS)
The Impact of the First Year of the COVID-19...2023-07-2137 minTip That ScaleEp 28: Know Before You GoTo be prepared, you don't have to be a boy or girl scout.
We learn from an early age that there are some things you need to know before you go. It's mostly research, but sometimes, it requires us to go deeper, depending on the situation. Inflation and its effect on your standard of living, salary expectations, opportunities for promotion, and a company's plan for the future are just a few things you should know before you go.
Tip That Scale co-hosts are Nichole Wesson and Amit (AJ) Modi.
2023-07-1431 minTip That ScaleEp 27: Remote, Hybrid, or Onsite?Employers are calling employees back to the office, and many employees are not happy about it.
After several years of remote work as an option, it seems to slowly being going the way of the dodo bird, but why? We share our thoughts on what companies are doing and breakdown the possible reasons for these new policies.
Resources:
Remote Work Statistics and Trends in 2023 (Forbes)
How Remote Work Can Impact Employees' Mental Health (Forbes)
Micromanaging Your Remote Workers? Own It, Then Fix It (Gartner)
Building Social Capital When You Work Remotely...2023-07-0724 minTip That ScaleA Career Path to PR, with Claire WilbanksIt's time to hear a new voice. That's why PR and publicity are in the world of communications.
Claire Wilbanks, a recent university graduate with a degree in Communications, visits Tip That Scale to talk with Nichole about her current journey to a career in PR. Claire shares where she started, why smart PR is essential, and why this career path is so important to her. She also shares some insight on the entertainment industry, some of the world's biggest "stars," and a "did you know" about the happiest place on earth.
R...2023-06-3041 minTip That ScaleEp 25: It's time for some straight talk!“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing."
Sometimes you have to get into it, no matter the outcome. In this episode, we are sharing some straight talk and covering several topics that hinge on some of our personal feelings about what's going on right now.
It's less about layoffs, although it's mentioned. Instead, we discuss contributing factors to where we are today and who may be responsible.
Resources:
Undercover Boss (CBS.com)
Estimated value of paintings by Vincent Van Gogh (Ch...2023-06-2342 minTip That ScaleEp 24: From Career Shifts to EvolutionsWe are exploring career shifts, transitions, and changes. Don't think this is a replay of Episode 7: Career Transitions and Changes (Feb 3, 2023).
In this episode, we are giving you a new spin and insights about career shifts from a new perspective, with a glimpse into our personal journey.
Resources:
4 Steps to Making a Successful Career Change (HBR)
How to Prepare for a Career Change: Step-By-Step Guide (Coursera)
StrengthFinders 2.0 from Gallup by Tom Rath
What Color Is Your Parachute? by Richard N. Bolles
Designing Your Life: How to Build a Well-Lived, Joyful Life...2023-06-1634 minTip That ScaleEp 23: The talent acquisition and recruiting job marketA business function that flooded the job market because of layoffs is talent acquisition and recruiting. Six to nine months in, what's available for recruiting professionals?
Most would believe this group has an inside scoop on hiring, but is that reality?
RESOURCES:
SHRM - The Society of Human Resources Management
SHRM HR Jobs
The U.S. added 339,000 jobs in May. It's a stunningly strong number
#talentacquisition #recruiting #HRBP #HRfunction
2023-06-0926 minTip That ScaleEp 22: Use what you can to get what you needSometimes we need help, and that help comes in many forms. For some, it's a tribe that will hype you up. For others, it's breaking through barriers of shame and embarrassments. For all, it's making sure we protect ourselves with the tools to overcome.
Let's talk about vulnerability, success, self-awareness, and being honest with ourselves about what we need.
RESOURCES:
George Carlin - Stuff (YouTube)
Happiness Study (Princeton University)
The Science of Well-being (Coursera & Yale University)
The Power of Vulnerability | Brené Brown (TED)
The Call to Courage | Brené Brown (Netflix)
The Auto...2023-05-2640 minTip That ScaleEp 21 - Bonus: Meditation Experience with Amy ReedmanPrioritize your mental health. Maintain mental clarity. Use meditation to help you cope with stress and anxiety. Breathe.
Enjoy this bonus episode, a meditation experience from Amy Reedman, Wellness Coach and Consultant.
Be sure to listen to our conversations with Amy in Episode 21: Prioritizing self-care in stressful times
#meditation #meditationexercise #breathe #mindfulness #wellness #selfcare #MentalHealthAwareness
2023-05-1913 minTip That ScaleEp 21: Prioritizing self-care in stressful times, a conversation with Amy ReedmanNavigating emotional well-being post-layoff and self-care strategies for job seekers are vital components of mental health.
We're talking to Amy Reedman, Wellness Coach and Consultant, on this episode of Tip That Scale. Amy has over 20 years of experience in wellness and self-care. Her work and instruction can help us all to better manage our mental health in times of stress and uncertainty.
Episode 21 -Bonus: Meditation Experience**
RESOURCES:
Meet Amy Reedman
The Blending Bar (Website)
The Blending Bar (Instagram)
Essential Oil Supports for Better Sleep
What are the Best Essential Oils?Mental Health Awareness Month
...2023-05-191h 00Tip That ScaleEp 20: AJ's Layoff StorySince we launched Tip That Scale, we've wanted to hear and share layoff stories. Not to cause more harm but to empower you and to help others.
Well, we're finally doing it. And it makes sense the first layoff story we share is one of ours.
You can share your layoff story with us, and we will share it on a future episode of Tip That Scale.
Please DM us on Instagram or Twitter or email us the subject line, My Layoff Story.2023-05-1208 minTip That ScaleEp 19: The "Work" In NetWORKingThere's a lot of chatter on the web about networking. We are often encouraged to network when we experience a layoff or when we want to change career direction, but are we doing it right?
Is it networking or is it just more work? Listen to Nichole Wesson, Ron Brantley, and AJ Modi as they uncover the answer.
Resources:
The secret to great opportunities? The person you haven't met yet (TED)
How to ask for help -- and get a "yes" (TED)
Learn to Love Networking (HBR)
Networking: What It Is...2023-05-0532 minTip That ScaleEp 18: Shh, don't tell LinkedIn, we're talking about LinkedInOne thing we all have in common whether you are in a junior role, mid-career, or an executive is that we all have a LinkedIn profile. To be more specific, LinkedIn has over 900M members in more than 200 countries and territories worldwide (About LinkedIn). You can only imagine how challenging it can be to be everything to everybody with those numbers.
Ron, AJ, and Nichole are talking about some of the challenges of LinkedIn as a platform for job seekers and recruiters.
Resources:
LinkedIn - Company Page
LinkedIn...2023-04-2832 minTip That ScaleEp 17: Insights on Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS)Few job seekers know the ins and outs of applicant tracking systems or ATS, but almost every organization has one. They can help a recruiting team manage candidate submissions. They can also be challenging to get around, through, over, and under.
In this episode of Tip That Scale, Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley talk about the ATS and share their thoughts and experiences with this area of recruiting and talent acquisition.
Resources:
8 Things You Need To Know About Applicant Tracking Systems
Adam Grant
What is ATS?Optimize Your Resume...2023-04-2141 minTip That ScaleEp 16: Post-production, an interview with James AlireJames Alire is someone you want to know.
James owns 5J Media, a media company that offers video production and editing, audio engineering, web services, and motion graphics. And, like so many, he was laid off from a corporate position in 2022.
In this episode, Nichole and AJ talk with James about his passion for IT and media production and how freelancing while working in a corporate role helped him navigate a layoff and stay focused on what he loves doing.
Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ro...2023-04-1447 minTip That ScaleEp 15: Everyone's talking about AI and ChatGPTYou can't turn anywhere without hearing about AI (and ChatGPT), and it's only the beginning.
Nichole and AJ have some thoughts about AI. The discussion was prompted by how job seekers are using ChatGPT in their job search. From there, the conversations expanded to include personal feelings, hope, some concerns. and questions on the impact of AI on the labor market.
How do you feel about AI and ChatGPT?
Resources:
GPTs are GPTs: An early look at the labor market impact potential of large language models
What is ChatGPT...2023-04-0721 minTip That ScaleEp 14: Embracing the DowntimeTip That Scale is back* this week after a much-needed break. Guess what we are talking about? You guessed it. We are talking about downtime and what it means to take a break.
It doesn't matter if you were laid off or are currently working. Everyone needs time to rest and reset.
Welcome to Tip That Scale, hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley. TTS is the podcast where our hosts help you tip that scale in your favor.
*Please note you will hear a few audio issues in thi...2023-03-3119 minTip That ScaleB2: Taking a breakWhat is Nichole saying about a break this week?
A lot of good things can come from a break. Let's take one and not be afraid to do what's best for us, whether in our personal lives, at a job, or from a podcast.
Resources:
Need a Break? 52 Ways to Do It--When You Need It Most
40 Ways to Give Yourself a Break
How to Take a Break from Work (and Why You Need To)
7 Ways to Recharge When You Need a Break
2023-03-2401 minTip That ScaleEp 13: Is it bias? No, it's racism.Racism is hard to deal with on any day. Consider what it feels like during a job search? It's one thing to be rejected because you aren't qualified. It's another level when your qualifications aren't the issue.
Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley, your Tip That Scale co-hosts are discussing racism and what the experience looks like in the hiring process.
Resources for Candidates:
Glassdoor
The Complete Guide to Researching a Company
America’s Best Employers For Diversity*
2022 Top 50 Companies For Diversity*
Resources for Recruiters and Employers:
EEOC: Rac...2023-03-1748 min
Tip That ScaleB1: The Younger Workforce EffectA younger workforce is influencing several factors in the job market. Whether it's remote and hybrid over in-office or the flexibility of the gig economy, younger workers are contributing to some significant changes in today's work environment and hiring.
This is bonus content and what didn't make it into Episode 12: Ageism and Your Job Search.
Tip That Scale is hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley.2023-03-1515 min
Tip That ScaleEp 12: Ageism and Your Job SearchAccording to the World Health Organization (WHO), "ageism has serious and wide-ranging consequences for people's health and well-being." Now, add ageism as an issue and barrier to financial security and the ability to manage day-to-day needs. An older workforce barred from the hiring process because of age is a major problem with significant repercussions.
Nichole, Ron, and AJ talk about ageism, how it shows up in the hiring process, and ways an older workforce can prevail against it.
Resources:
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) - Age Discrimination
Generational Differences in...2023-03-1042 min
Tip That ScaleEp 11: We want to schedule an interview"We want to schedule an interview."
Getting invited to an interview can be a long process. Unfortunately, due to the current market, it’s challenging to gain stats for how many applications submitted end up with an interview invitation. The market is that uncertain; nevertheless, we can always prepare and plan for when we get the interview invite.
Nichole, Ron, and AJ talk about interviews, what you should know, how to prepare, and how recruiters prepare.
Resources:
What is an Applicant Tracking Systems?
Boolean Search
Go...2023-03-0339 min
Tip That ScaleEp 10: What are your salary expectations?Recent layoffs have done more than affect the job market. It's affecting salaries and challenging many salary expectations.
The topic of salaries and pay stems from one of AJ's recent conversations. We're sure others are experiencing the same frustration and questions as they head into job pre-screens and interviews with recruiters. Does the advertised pay align with the requested requirements, responsibilities, and experience? We talk about it.
Tip That Scale is hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley.
Resources:
Salary.com
Salary Data & Career Research Center
Cost of Living Calculator
...2023-02-2434 min
Tip That ScaleEp 9: Our Life After The LayoffOne day you are working 40 hours or more, and the next, your daily calendar is wide open after the layoff.
How are Ron, AJ, and Nichole, the hosts of Tip That Scale, navigating their life after their layoff? Yes, they were laid off, too. Each has a unique approach to what they are doing now and their plans for the future. You may hear some tips that are perfect for you.
Like, rate, follow, and subscribe to Tip That Scale on your favorite podcast platform.
Tip That Scale is social! Follow @tipthatscale on In...2023-02-1741 min
Tip That ScaleEp 8: A Message for Companies and Corporate LeadershipWe can only hope the current downturn in the market that's influencing so many layoffs ends soon. But so much rests with corporate leadership.
Sometimes you can be too close to the problem that you can't see a solution. Ron, AJ, and Nichole discuss options for corporations and what they can do to prepare for the future.
Episode References:
Coach Carter (movie)
Three Differences Between Managers and Leaders (Harvard Business Review)
Health Action Alliance
2023-02-1038 min
Tip That ScaleEp 7: Career Transitions and ChangesNow may be the right time to consider a career transition or change. Your skills and experience may be ideal in other positions and departments outside of where you were previously. But where?
Nichole, Ron, and AJ share some ideas for Sales, Marketing, Talent Acquisition, and Technology professionals in approaching your job search. It may be time to pivot and look at other job opportunities that can benefit from your background and expertise.
Will you consider a career transition or change?
Resources:
Article: Why are so many tech companies laying people off...2023-02-0340 min
Tip That ScaleEp 6: Expand Your Job SearchAre you flexing and expanding your job search?
We've seen even more layoffs in greater numbers in the last month. It can be discouraging for the most optimistic job seeker, but we know companies are still hiring. Finding a new gig will require job seekers to expand their job search. We can't search for jobs in the same way anymore.
In Episode 6 - Expanding Your Job Search, Nichole, AJ, and Ron discuss ways to take your job search to the next level. You won't believe how much our hosts pack into this episode. General job...2023-01-2720 min
Tip That ScaleEp 5: Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View - Part 2Part 2 of Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View, but make sure you listen to Episode 4, Part 1.
In this episode, you learn more from AJ and Ron about the recruiter's responsibilities and challenges. Hear what they have to say about interviewing, how they approach it and what they look for in that interview screen. What role does a recruiter play as an ambassador of the organization? And, what are some of the specific issues facing recruiters today in light of layoffs and increased applicant responses?
Remember to rate, like, follow, and subscribe to Tip That Scale...2023-01-2017 min
Tip That ScaleEp 4: Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View - Part 1Have you ever wondered about what recruiters think about the hiring process?
As seasoned professionals in Talent Acquisition and Recruiting, Ron and AJ have seen it all and they share a bit about the process from their role in recruiting. It's not always what it's cracked up to be. Hearing from Ron and AJ will help you, as a candidate, understand what you are up against and how to navigate the hiring landscape. Topics from this discuss include job requisitions, job descriptions, interviews, and metrics.
This episode is Behind the Scenes: A Recruiter's View...2023-01-1231 min
Tip That ScaleEp 3: It's Time to Hustle!It's 2023, a new year, and it's time to hustle!
Things tend to be slower at the end of the year, especially with hiring and job searches. Recruiters and hiring managers take time off during the holidays to enjoy time with their families, so typically, you can only expect a few job postings or initial interviews. But it's a new year, and it's time to hustle after recharging over the break.
In this episode, AJ, Nichole, and Ron share some options available to you as you reinvigorate your job search for the new year. Some questions...2023-01-0652 minTip That ScaleEp 2: Why so many layoffs? What's happening?The number of layoffs we've seen over the last year is overwhelming. But why is it happening? What's the current landscape with hiring and what more can we expect?
AJ, Ron, and Nichole are talking about the "why" and share some actions you can take to learn more about your current employer and future ones. They also share some tips on how you can prepare.
Statistics mentioned in this episode:
* 5.1% increase in IT spend 2023 (Security and Risk Management, Cloud Migrations, Analytics, Automation, Customer Experience)
* 20% of all IT jobs...2022-12-2954 minTip That ScaleEp 1: The Launch and IntroductionsTip That Scale is LIVE! In this inaugural episode, learn more about Ron, AJ, and Nichole, the podcast hosts and why they decided to collaborate to launch a podcast. Hear their initial thoughts on the current market, what value they want to bring, and what's planned for for future episodes. 2022-12-2125 minTip That ScaleWelcome to the Tip That Scale PodcastWelcome to the Tip That Scale podcast.
Hosted by Nichole Wesson, AJ Modi, and Ron Brantley, Tip That Scale will help you tip that scale in your favor as we all navigate layoffs, career transitions, and the inevitable career and job pivot.2022-12-1601 min