Embrace the Squiggle: Change happens. Growth is a choice.

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine tackle two impactful listener questions that highlight the challenges of leadership and the importance of work-life balance. 💡 Leadership Challenges : Listener 1 writes in about how to handle inaccurate data from colleagues that’s impacting her reports and reputation. Colleen and Kristine share strategies for: Communicating effectively...

Colleen and Kristine sit down with Emmy Award-winning producer, journalist, and author Shirley Neal to explore careers, creativity, and the power of perseverance. 🌍 Shirley shares her journey from TV writing and production to authoring her debut book, Afrocentric Style: A Celebration of Blackness & Identity in Pop Culture. The discussion dives into: ✨ Navigating career challenges and followi...

Have you ever had a boss who is just checked out? Colleen and Kristine delve into the challenges of disengaged leadership and its impact on teams. They explore how overburdened and under-trained leaders can unintentionally harm team dynamics and productivity. The discussion includes strategies for effective communication, the importance of weekly feedback, and the value of hiring complementary ski...

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine sit down with Ja'Milla Lomas, a dynamic professional whose career is as multifaceted as her talents. From dreaming of becoming a cardiovascular surgeon ballerina to thriving in communications and community service, Ja'Milla's journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of finding your true purpose. B...

Were you a theatre kid? Do you think you have used your theatre kid skills in your squiggly career? This week we speak with Shannon Herber to discuss her squiggly career journey from musical theatre and her pivot into the music industry. Shannon’s story is a testament to the power of adaptability, continuous learning, and embracing life's unexpected turns. Shannon is the Founder & Chief C...

This episode is a celebration of squiggles and commitment! We went all in on this podcast, and it has been such a pleasure to make this squiggly podcast for you all. This episode not only a celebration, but also includes a focus on navigating internal promotions, building networks, and leveraging mentorship and sponsorship. We also discuss the differences between mentorship and sponsorship and sha...

This episode of Embrace the Squiggle Dawn Creighton shares her squiggly path starting from her childhood dreams of being in cosmetology to her diverse roles in banking, sales, nonprofit management, and community outreach. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, following one's gut, and valuing personal experiences and connections above material possessions. Dawn Creighton i...

Did you have a dream job that once you got it, you actually didn’t like that much? This episode is for you. This week on Embrace the Squiggle we hear from Joan Perreault, who discusses what its like to have a dream job for 15 years that ends up not being everything she thought it would be. They explore the importance of leadership in job satisfaction, tips for identifying the right leader during a...

This episode of Embrace the Squiggle asks the question, do you really need that fancy degree?  Elissa Unton shares with us about her non-linear career path. Elissa shares insights from her roles in valuation, investor relations, and her experience launching a successful advocacy project for homeless support. They delve into the value of networking, the importance of finding work that leverages one...

This episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine discuss OOO (aka out of office) and reflect on the importance of preparing for time off. They share strategies for leaders and team members to ensure smooth operations during absences, such as clear communication, setting boundaries, and delegating tasks. If you’re about to take some time off, this episode is for you! And if you don't...

This week Colleen chats with Jess Colson, a dynamic professional with a background in higher education fundraising, sports management, and nonprofit leadership. A lover of all things sports, Jess chooses to invest her time into running a successful softball training company, NWS Fastpitch, and advocating for equity for women in the sports industry. After thousands of casual conversations between f...

This episode of Embrace the Squiggle Kim Isil gets coached LIVE! Kim reached out to us on TikTok and we are so happy to dig into her career squiggle with you live. Kim shares her unconventional career journey from aspiring veterinarian to becoming a flight attendant for the military, and later moving into HR and recruiting, Kim's story is filled with unexpected twists and turns. The discussio...

This week on Embrace the Squiggle we get into confidence and how to ind your most confident self! Suzanne Parker Joins us to share her dynamic career journey from music education to nonprofit leadership. Suzanne shares all about her evolving career path that led her to the nonprofit sector. They discuss Suzanne's impactful work with Girls Inc., an organization dedicated to empowering young gi...

Colleen and Kristine explore time management techniques for leaders, discussing the challenges of delegating tasks, adjusting to new roles, and understanding personal time management styles. They share insights on setting effective boundaries, communicating clearly, and making productive use of resources. Tune in to discover strategies that help reclaim your time, master delegation, and boost effi...

This week on Embrace the Squiggle, Kristin Fichera joins us to share her experiences figuring out that her dream job was the first job she ever dreamed of. Her story involves significant life decisions and a pursuit of happiness that aligns with her own values. She highlights the importance of authenticity, networking, and making career decisions from a position of strength. Kristen's story i...

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Kristine and Colleen dive into an enriching conversation with longtime listener Laurel McLaughlin about the transformative impact of international experiences on empathy and career development. Laurel shares her journey from studying art history and teaching abroad to working in web communications at Clark University, highlighting the importance of creativi...

Colleen and Kristine speak with Ashley Tresoline who shares her career journey from aspiring figure skater to holistic personal chef and food educator with her business, Bella Foodie. Diagnosed with MS at 21, Ashley recounts her struggle and how she learned to leverage nutrition to manage her symptoms. She discusses her first job in finance, transitioning into entrepreneurship, and the importance...

Colleen and Kristine chat with Joy Hermansen about her journey from practicing law to navigating grief and ultimately finding her passion in nonprofit leadership and executive education. Joy shares insights on coping with loss, shifting career paths, and the importance of purpose in one's professional life. Listeners will hear about the power of volunteering, transferable skills, and the real...

A successful career squiggle is full of talking to people you know, making connections, and setting goals. Kristine and Colleen chat with Roxanne St. Pierre about her diverse career journey from communications to HR, her involvement in major events like the Winter Carnival and the Olympics, and her recent entrepreneurial venture into creating notebooks. Roxanne shares invaluable insights on career...

Facing a challenging career transition? This week Colleen and Kristine talk with Jessica Bacal about practical steps for those feeling stuck in their current jobs. Jess also shares her unique career journey, including her role at Smith College, authoring books on rejection and mistakes, and her thoughts on gap years for students. Jessica Bacal is the editor of two books, Mistakes I Made at Work (2...

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine speak with Andreea Parc about her unique career journey from Romania to New York City to prison! Andreea shares her profound experiences, including almost three years in federal prison, and how she rebuilt her life using her A.P.P.L.E. technique—Awareness, Perspective, Presence, Letting Go, and Empowerment. Join them as they uncover the...

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine delve into the concept of unlimited PTO, its implications for employees, and why it often benefits the company more than the employee. They offer essential advice on how to navigate job offers, especially with unlimited PTO clauses, and stress the importance of asking clarifying questions. The conversation shifts to the significance of...

This week on Embrace the Squiggle, Colleen and Kristine dive into an insightful conversation with Betty Rhodes, founder and CEO of She Speaks Coaching & Consulting. Betty shares her journey from law school to nearly two decades in public service, and eventually into the world of wine as a Certified Sommelier. They discuss the importance of clear communication from leaders in organizations, nav...

Colleen and Kristine dive into the squiggly career journey of Nancy Dussault Smith. With over 20 years in sales and marketing of high technology products, Nancy unfolds her transformative path from aspiring to work for the FBI, to leasing cars, and eventually spearheading the launch of the world-famous Roomba at iRobot. Listen in as Nancy shares insights on career pivots, the importance of self-aw...

In this episode of Embrace the Squiggle, hosts Colleen and Kristine engage with Kendra Porter, an image consultant and wardrobe stylist. Kendra shares her journey from childhood career dreams to her current role in fashion and personal branding. She discusses how clothing and style play a crucial role in personal branding, the importance of tailoring and fit, and how one's wardrobe can reflec...