Elevate Your Career

What if your entire life could pivot on a bold decision you never saw coming? Join Nicole McMackin as she sits down with serial entrepreneur and visionary, Liz Zaborowska, a first-generation American whose family’s journey from communist Poland to her success in Silicon Valley is anything but ordinary. In this exclusive episode, Liz uncovers the mindsets, unexpected hardships and surprising “mirac...

What does real success look like when your journey starts with nothing and every win must be carved from grit, risk, and self-belief? On today’s episode, Nicole McMackin has an unfiltered conversation with tech leader Dan Van Tran, whose immigrant story, relentless drive, and radical authenticity reveal surprising lessons behind true career elevation. From teaching himself to read at age three, to...

Are you tired of feeling undervalued, burned out, or disconnected at work, wondering if technology can actually help you feel seen, empowered, and inspired? This electrifying episode features Nicole McMackin in conversation with award-winning author and AI innovator Sheryl Anjanette. They explore the game-changing launch of Parsley 360, a revolutionary, emotionally intelligent AI "pocket coach" wi...

What if every setback you face is a launching pad to unstoppable strength? In this episode, Nicole McMackin sits down with Dr. Lovelie Moore, a trailblazing cybersecurity leader who journeyed from foster care and profound adversity to national impact and thought leadership. Through hard-won lessons, faith, and the surprising wisdom of Whitney Houston, Lovelie reveals how she rewired her mindset fr...

Ever wonder what it takes to excel as a leader when your path is unconventional? In this episode, Nicole McMackin interviews Carmella Cassetta, an accomplished healthcare CIO, to explore the realities behind career advancement, overcoming internal challenges, and the true meaning of giving back. Carmella’s journey from humble beginnings challenges the idea that success requires a traditional backg...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by George Bock, Chief Information Officer for Generali Global Assistance. You're invited into a conversation about navigating change, innovation, and uncertainty in today’s evolving world. The discussion touches on the importance of resilience, forward-thinking leadership, and the ability to see challenges not as roadblocks bu...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Nikki Myers, entrepreneur and founder of Loushia, and Kenny Hall, a former homeless drug addict and now the founder of Carts for Christ, a business repairing and selling go-karts. In this heartfelt conversation, Kenny shares his deeply personal story of struggle, resilience, and transformation. He reflects on moments of fea...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Alison Fragale, professor at the Kenan-Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina, an organizational psychologist, speaker, and author of Likeable Badass: How Women Get the Success They Deserve. In this conversation, Alison recounts an unexpected moment from her past that reshaped how she viewed a personal...

Today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast is a recast of an episode of The Edge of Excellence podcast, in which Nicole joined entrepreneurs Shawn Baldwin, Michael Caito and host Matt Stewart as they explore the lessons learned from their personal and professional journeys. Nicole, Micahel and Shawn reflect on the importance of finding your voice, embracing mistakes as opportunities for gr...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Christine Sandman Stone is a keynote speaker, trusted advisor, and author of *The Modern Management Mentor.* During the conversation, Nicole and Christine explore the evolving landscape of management and leadership. They explore how vulnerability and honesty can transform team dynamics, emphasizing the power of openly ackno...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Craig Kapper, Executive Vice President of Irvine Technology Corporation. In this fascinating conversation, you'll learn how, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, professionals and organizations alike face unprecedented challenges when it comes to evaluating talent. New technologies have changed how candidates present them...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Susan Lindner. In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Susan explore a crucial skill that often gets overlooked in professional settings: the art of meaningful communication. They reveal how turning facts into stories—with real challenges and wins—makes messages stick. By focusing on the journey rather than just the de...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Steve Heckler, Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, as well as the author of So... You Want To Be A Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager. In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Steve explore the subtle yet powerful dynamics that shape how professionals connect, communicate, and evolve w...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Jim Palermo, former Chief Information Officer at Red Hat, a leading provider of enterprise open source solutions. During this fascinating discussion, Nicole and Jim explore the intersection of emerging technologies and the future of human society, focusing on an area of innovation that promises to revolutionize industries a...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Christine Merrow, a dynamic, inspiring professional who has built an extraordinary career while embracing her journey with dyslexia. In this compelling conversation, Christine shares a deeply personal journey shaped by early challenges and unexpected roadblocks that ultimately forged a unique lens through which she sees the...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Jenna Williams, a friend and co-worker who has undertaken a unique journey into stoicism, a philosophy that has significantly impacted her career and personal life. During the conversation, Nicole and Jenna dive deep into the world of personal growth, exploring how one mindset shift can radically alter the way we perceive a...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Windy Sampson, a member of the Women in Leadership program. During the conversation, Windy and Nicole discuss self-discovery, career growth, and the desire to give back to others. Windy reflects on how focusing on one's strengths and passions can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success. She shares her ent...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Laura Hemenway, an accomplished advisor and consultant to Fortune 500 companies. During the conversation, Laura shares insights on navigating an environment where perception and bias play a powerful role in shaping opportunities. With years of experience in a demanding and ever-evolving field, she reflects on the subtle and...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Patrick Ball, Founder and CEO of S1 Ventures. During the conversation, Patrick shares personal insights on shaping a strong financial mindset, emphasizing the power of long-term planning and strategic decision-making. A compelling story about a family investment approach illustrates how small, intentional actions can lead t...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Russell Wolf, an esteemed expert in organizational behavior and leadership strategy. During the conversation, Nicole and Russ explore how traditional norms have evolved, particularly regarding the balance between personal and professional life. As organizations redefine what it means to be productive and engaged, a key chal...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Lori Darley, author, coach, and corporate trainer, as well as the Founder and CEO of Conscious Leaders, LLC. Throughout the episode, Lori takes you on a journey through personal experiences that have shaped her perspectives on resilience, leadership, and personal growth. Through moments of hardship and self-discovery, she u...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Siddharth Sharma, founder of Select Smart, a professional development and leadership coaching business. During the conversation, Siddharth and Nicole explore the subtle dynamics that shape professional environments, particularly as they intersect with individual confidence and cultural norms. Through thought-provoking anecd...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Heather Costa, the Director of Technology Resilience at the famous Mayo Clinic. The conversation explores Heather's transformative journey, emphasizing the power of self-awareness, adaptability, and playing to one's strengths. Through reflective anecdotes and insightful analogies, Nicole and Heather discuss the importance o...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Russell Wolf, an esteemed expert in organizational behavior and leadership strategy. Nicole and Russell explore a topic that's often seen in a negative light but can be leveraged for personal growth and career advancement. They challenge the conventional understanding of workplace dynamics and explore how navigating challen...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Russell Wolf, an esteemed expert in organizational behavior and leadership strategy. During the conversation, Russell and Nicole dive into the nuanced challenges of achieving professional success without succumbing to burnout. They reflect on the pressures of the holiday season and the mental reset often associated with Jan...