Career Wanderlust

Morgan McLintic built a global communications empire from a 10-person startup operating out of a boss's house in the UK, grew the US presence of Team Lewis to 250 people and $35 million in revenue, and is now doing it all over again with his own boutique firm, Firebrand. In this conversation, Morgan shares the hard-won lessons behind his remarkable journey - from arriving in America with one...

What if getting sick enough to face death became the catalyst for discovering how to truly live? Meet Melissa Baker, a tenacious entrepreneur who transformed 500+ clinical appointments, 21 ER visits, and years of undiagnosed autoimmune illness into a purposeful business that's literally cleaning up the way we think about health and home environments. Melissa shares how dropping from 133 to 10...

In this transformative episode, we sit down with Amina Salami , founder and CEO of Good Apparel - a Los Angeles-based modest fashion brand for the cute, the covered, and the curvy. Amina's journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship is a masterclass in staying true to yourself while building something meaningful. Guest Bio Amina Salami is the visionary behind Good Apparel, creating...

Cat Colella Graham didn't just secure the first and only trademark for "employee experience" in 2005 - she built an entire career philosophy around turning uncertainty into opportunity, transforming organizational cultures through the power of strategic communication, and proving that the most fulfilling professional journeys rarely follow a straight line.  Guest Bio Cat Colella Gra...

What if the very career setback that feels like your biggest failure is actually the launching pad for your greatest success? Keith Willis, Executive Coach and Leadership Development Expert, reveals how embracing feedback, swallowing your pride, and viewing "failures" as feedback can transform your career trajectory in ways you never imagined. Guest Bio Keith Willis, President of Core Ma...

What if the secret to PR success wasn't found in a boardroom, but on a baseball diamond? Adam Cormier, a seasoned PR executive with over 15 years of strategic communications experience, reveals how a teenage lesson about "keeping an even keel" became his compass for navigating everything from crisis communications to career transitions. Could the mindset that helped him survive 60 g...

Meet Alan Dunton, a 25-year communications industry veteran who has navigated everything from the pre-internet era to today's AI-powered future, and discovered that curiosity, authenticity, and strategic relationship-building are the true currencies of career success. This episode will transform how you approach professional growth and redefine what it means to build lasting influence in an e...

Jeff Koo is a senior communications professional and VP of Technology at Shift Communications, with over 18 years of experience building high-performing teams and developing programs that empower the world's most innovative tech companies. His impressive client roster spans from early-stage startups like Dropcam to growth companies such as Shopify, to global enterprises including SAP, OnePlus...

What if the very challenges threatening to derail your career are actually the golden opportunities you've been waiting for? Today's guest, Noah Dye, transformed 25 years of agency experience, into launching his own successful PR agency. His journey reveals how embracing uncertainty and viewing setbacks as stepping stones can unlock extraordinary career transformation. Guest Bio Noah Dye...

Intimidated in the boardroom? Learn how this senior communications strategist overcame imposter syndrome to climb the ranks at Fortune 500 tech companies, and discover the game-changing advice that can transform your career trajectory today. Guest Bio Meet Sylvie Tongco, VP of Corporate Communications and senior-level communication strategist with nearly two decades of experience navigating the te...

From TV news reporter to Snapchat executive to HR leader—Trisha Nicolas' career journey proves that following your heart (without losing it) can lead to unexpected success. Join us as she reveals how embracing discomfort, maintaining integrity, and staying eternally curious transformed her professional path in ways she never imagined.  Guest Bio Trisha Nicolas is a multimedia content executiv...

In this insightful episode of the Career Wanderlust podcast, host Jolie Downs sits down with communications maestro Robert Collins. Robert is a senior marketing and communications executive with over 20 years of experience in the B2B and consumer tech industries. He has launched and managed marketing programs for global giants including Cisco, HubSpot, SAP, Oracle, Salesforce, Sony Electronics, an...

Discover the transformative power of authenticity with Blair Broussard, a communications strategist who turned "being unapologetically human" from a personal mantra into a core company value. In this illuminating conversation, Blair reveals how embracing your true self—mistakes, questions, and all—can become your greatest professional superpower.   Guest Bio: Blair Broussard brings over...

From turning childhood chatter into a networking superpower to navigating the heights of corporate communications, Alex Ebanks shares transformative insights on authentic relationship building and career advancement. Discover how showing—not telling—became the cornerstone of her remarkable journey from agency life to Vice President of Communications with companies such as Microsoft and Essence Ven...

From profit-driven executive to purpose-driven educator: Mark Beal's transformation story reveals how 30 years of PR expertise became a mission to shape the next generation of communication leaders. Join us for an enlightening conversation about career evolution, Gen Z insights, and the power of turning experience into impact.   Guest Bio: Mark Beal is a distinguished public relations veteran...

 "You don't need all the answers to be valuable in the room." Discover how this powerful insight transformed Isobel Petersen's career from communications executive to Head of Talent Operations at Milltown Partners. Join us for an enlightening conversation about career pivots, emotional intelligence, and the courage to say "yes" to unexpected opportunities.   Guest Bio...

Discover how a chance conversation at a pool led to a three-decade career spanning Disney, daytime television, and digital media. Alan Locher's journey from ABC page to creator of The Locher Room demonstrates the power of speaking your dreams aloud and following unexpected opportunities.    Guest Bio: Alan Locher is a veteran communications and marketing professional with over 30 years of exp...

In this eye-opening episode of Career Wanderlust, we dive deep into the often-misunderstood art of interviewing. Discover why the most qualified candidate doesn't always get the job and learn the subtle yet powerful techniques that can transform your interview performance. Whether you're actively job hunting or preparing for future opportunities, this episode reveals the insider secrets...

Step into the world of influencer marketing with Danielle Wiley, a pioneering force who transformed her passion for digital content into Sway Group, one of the industry's most respected independent agencies. In this enlightening episode, discover how a former food blogger built a network of 50,000 influencers and revolutionized brand-creator partnerships. Whether you're an aspiring entre...

In this candid and enlightening episode of Career Wanderlust, we dive deep with Jeremy Murphy, a media veteran who's witnessed the transformation of journalism and PR from both sides of the desk. From his bold start as a teenage journalist ambushing Isaac Mizrahi for a quote to becoming CBS's Vice President of Communications, Jeremy shares how authenticity and humor have shaped his journ...

Discover the transformative power of resilience with Alex Moresco, a PR maverick who turned personal health challenges into a thriving healthcare communications career. How can adversity become your greatest asset? Tune in to find out! Guest Bio: Alex Moresco is the founder of Moresco Public Relations and Communications, specializing in healthcare PR. With a background in entertainment PR, Alex&ap...

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Natalee Gibson, PR maven and co-founder of Songue PR. In this episode, Natalee unpacks the secrets to thriving in the fast-paced world of public relations, offering sage advice on everything from handling workplace challenges to building a successful agency.   Content Highlights: 1. The power of honesty in job interviews and career advancement 2. Techn...

Discover the power of asking the right questions and pivoting careers with former journalist turned communications leader, Arik Hesseldahl. In this transformative episode, learn how breaking free from self-imposed career constraints can lead to unexpected opportunities and success.   Guest Bio: Arik Hesseldahl is a seasoned communications leader with over 20 years of experience as a business and t...

Unlock the secrets of career success with Janet Parker, a seasoned HR executive who's navigated the corporate landscape for decades. In this eye-opening episode, Janet shares transformative insights that will reshape how you approach your professional journey. Are you ready to discover the hidden keys to thriving in your career?   Guest Bio: Janet Parker is the Managing Director of Operations...

Unlock the secrets of high-impact leadership with Chris Pienkowski, a seasoned entrepreneur and leadership development expert. In this eye-opening episode, Chris shares transformative insights on building confidence, developing emotional intelligence, and creating a winning mindset that can revolutionize your career trajectory. Are you ready to elevate your leadership game and drive unprecedented...