Shows
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelLeading Through Fun, Chaos & Team Support with Erin McKoneIn this episode, Erin McKone breaks down what real leadership looks like when everything is changing at once. From high-pressure situations to team-wide chaos, Erin shows how fun, personality, and presence can completely shift team dynamics.
We talk about leadership, team dynamics, fun at work, high-pressure situations, team support, micromanagement, effective leadership, and workplace culture.
Erin shares how she kept her team grounded through major transitions: playing music, staying lighthearted, leading by example, and showing up not as a micromanager… but as the extra set of hands he...
2025-11-1334 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelUnapologetic Disruption in the Workplace with Dr. V BoykinIn this powerful episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sits down with Dr. V Boykin, author of "Unapologetically Disruptive: Hard Lessons, Simple Truths" for a raw conversation about what it really means to be authentic, bold, and unapologetic in corporate spaces.
Dr. V opens up about being let go during one of the most vulnerable times in her life and how she turned that setback into her comeback. From rebuilding her career to reclaiming her voice, she shares hard-earned lessons on authenticity, social capital, privilege, and how t...
2025-11-0649 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelBuilding Connection Through Community with Erica FinleyIn this episode, host Laura Colón sits down with Erica Finley, a professional storyteller and community builder in the tech industry, to explore how authenticity, storytelling, and connection shape meaningful careers.
From her journey moving from the Midwest to New York City, to building thriving communities within tech, Erica shares how being a “professional fangirl” led her to a career fueled by curiosity, creativity, and human connection.
If you’re passionate about career growth, community building, authenticity, or carving your own path in the tech industry, this ep...
2025-10-2342 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelNice Doesn’t Cut It: Why Assertiveness Wins in the Workplace - Featuring Ivna CuriAre you avoiding tough conversations? Is fear of speaking up holding you or your team back? In this episode, Laura Colon sits down with communication expert Ivna Curi to explore the power of bold, assertive communication and how it can transform careers, teams, and organizational culture.
Ivna shares her personal journey from being a quiet, people-pleasing professional to a global voice advocating for assertiveness, leadership, and speaking up. Together, we dive into:
🔹 Why silence can destroy trust and lead to burnout
🔹 How saying no with c...
2025-07-0946 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelGlenn May Is Open to Work: Building Trust in Customer SuccessIn this episode, we explore how to go beyond the label of "technical expert" and become a trusted advisor. Glenn dives into his journey from customer service to solutions engineering, highlighting how listening, trust, and accountability transform customer relationships. From data security to communication under pressure—this conversation is a blueprint for anyone in customer-facing or technical roles.
🔑 Topics Covered:
• Balancing technical skills with human connection
• Turning around difficult customer relationships
• Why data security and governance matter
• Communicating with honesty and transparency
2025-07-0239 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelDan Rivera is Open to Work: From Training the Elite to Training for What’s NextDan Rivera is open to work, and he’s bringing over 20 years of leadership, mentorship, and training experience to the table. In this powerful episode, Dan shares his journey from military service to global instruction to empowering people through knowledge, storytelling, and purpose.
He opens up about transitioning from doing to teaching, the cultural lessons he's learned, and why mentorship, gratitude, and preparation are essential to personal and professional growth. If you're navigating your own career pivot, Dan’s story will inspire you to own your expertise and embrace what’s next.
...
2025-06-1845 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelStop Applying. Start Attracting: Career Design with Lindsay MustainAre you ready to stop applying and start attracting opportunities? In this episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, career coach and hiring expert Lindsay Mustain shares her powerful strategies for career design, personal branding, and becoming the Candidate of Choice in today’s job market.
With over 10,000 hires and a million resumes reviewed, Lindsay unpacks:
* Why most job search strategies are broken
* How to optimize your resume for instant impact
* The power of intentional career design
* Building a standout pe...
2025-06-1153 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelBeyond the Chalkboard: Making the Move to Tech Sales with Patrice SilagiIn this episode of Open to Work Beyond the Label, Laura Colon interviews Patrice Silagi, a former teacher who successfully transitioned into tech sales. Patrice shares her inspiring journey, discussing the mindset shifts required for her career change, the doubts she faced, and the importance of building a supportive network. She emphasizes the transferable skills from teaching to sales and offers valuable advice for those considering a career pivot. Patrice's story serves as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling stuck in their current job, proving that with determination and the right mindset, a fulfilling career change is possible.
2025-06-0432 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelAvigail Lutwak is Open to Work: Mastering Marketing Through Storytelling, Strategy & AuthenticityIn this episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colon sits down with Avigail Lutwak, a seasoned leader in brand marketing.
Avigail opens up about her path through leadership, career transitions, and how staying true to your values fuels lasting success. She shares how personal branding, social media, and storytelling are not just tools, but transformative forces in building connections and driving results.
They explore the balance between creativity and data in marketing, the dynamics of empowering teams, and why understanding the customer journey is key to driving au...
2025-05-2743 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelHannah Pencek is Open to Work: From Sales Rep to Empowered Servant LeaderIn this episode, Laura Colón sits down with Hannah Pencek, a powerhouse sales leader known for her servant leadership and people-first approach. Hannah shares her inspiring career journey, from entry-level sales to leadership.
We dive into the real, raw experiences that shaped her leadership style, why sensitivity is her superpower, how empathy drives performance, and the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader. Hannah also offers wisdom on continuous learning, talent management, and the importance of staying true to your values.
Whether you're an aspiring leader o...
2025-05-2042 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelNot Just a Title: Dana Ward on Purpose, Faith & Showing Up FullyIn this soul-nourishing episode, host Laura Colón sits down with the incredibly grounded and wise Dana Ward, whose journey from program coordinator to personal trainer is anything but linear. Dana opens up about what it really means to not be defined by your job title and why your value goes so much deeper than what’s on your resume.
With a unique blend of humility, humor, and hard-earned insight, Dana shares the power of building strong support systems, how her faith guides her during uncertainty, and why consistency and game planning are non...
2025-05-1443 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelResilient Growth with Amy Leigh LooperIn this powerful episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, Laura Colón sits down with resilience and leadership expert Amy Leigh Looper to explore the often-overlooked toll of burnout and how to rise above it. Amy shares details from her personal journey as they dive into what it truly means to build high-performing, resilient teams without sacrificing well-being. Amy offers practical advice for navigating career transitions, honoring your needs, and leading with compassion and clarity.
Whether you're in a season of change, leading others through uncertainty, or simply s...
2025-05-0731 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelResilient Growth with Amy Leigh LooperIn this powerful episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, Laura Colón sits down with resilience and leadership expert Amy Leigh Looper to explore the often-overlooked toll of burnout and how to rise above it. Amy shares details from her personal journey as they dive into what it truly means to build high-performing, resilient teams without sacrificing well-being. Amy offers practical advice for navigating career transitions, honoring your needs, and leading with compassion and clarity.
Whether you're in a season of change, leading others through uncertainty, or simply seeking more balance, this episode will inspire y...
2025-05-0731 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelGrounded, Then Soaring: Alisha Colón-Marinelli on Turning a Layoff into a LaunchpadIn this heartfelt episode of Open to Work Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sits down with her sister, Alisha Colón, to explore her inspiring career pivot from healthcare to human resources. Alisha opens up about being laid off during the pandemic, the emotional toll it took, and how she found strength through family, self-reflection, and persistence. She shares practical advice for job seekers, from the power of networking to the importance of authenticity and research in the interview process. Alisha’s story is a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, resilience and faith can lead to g...
2025-04-2925 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelJames Scott is Open to Work: Proven EX/CX Leader Bridging People and TechnologyIn this inspiring episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colon sits down with James Scott, a seasoned technology leader whose journey from music to tech showcases the power of adaptability, purpose, and community. James shares his proudest career moments and the pivotal lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the deep connection between employee experience and customer outcomes.
They explore what it means to lead with responsibility, why asking for help is a strength, and how aligning technology with business goals creates meaningful impact. James opens up about the role...
2025-04-2226 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelAngela Salazar is Open to Work: Where Leadership Development Meets Purpose and PeopleIn this heartfelt episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón welcomes Angela Salazar, a leadership development expert known for her philosophy of leading with love. Angela takes us through her career journey and shares powerful insights on recognizing potential in others, cultivating talent, and the essential role of mentorship and coaching in building strong leaders.
Together, they explore why personal accountability is at the heart of career growth, how diversity drives innovation, and how constructive feedback—when delivered with care—can transform both individuals and organizations. Angela’s approac...
2025-04-2233 min
Open to Work: Beyond the LabelOpen to Work: Beyond the Label - PilotIn the premiere episode of Open to Work Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sets the stage for a podcast rooted in empowerment, storytelling, and personal growth. She shares the inspiration behind launching the show, opening up about the vulnerability and courage it takes to navigate career transitions. Laura invites job seekers and those in transition to embrace their stories, shift the narrative around being “open to work,” and connect through shared experiences. This episode is a heartfelt call to step into the spotlight, find strength in community, and turn periods of uncertainty into moments of transformation.
2025-04-2108 min
Go Fact YourselfEp. 123: Listener Tournament Finals: Lyn Fortman & Patrick ParkerThis podcast is made possible by our beloved MaxFun Members and is part of the annual #MaxFunDrive! To find out how you can contribute to the show and earn great gifts for as little as $5 a month go to Maximumfun.org/join. Plus, listen to find out how YOU could be a guest on Go Fact Yourself!And… Join Helen & J. Keith on Twitter for an “Ask Us Anything” on Wednesday, March 29 at 1pm PT (4pm ET). @gofactyourpod It’s a beautiful day in the #MaxFunDrive – The latest edition of Go Fact Yourself!Get rea...
2023-03-281h 33