Open to Work: Beyond the Label

One year ago, I took a chance. I started a podcast called Open to Work because I saw something that didn’t feel right in the professional world. Talented people were struggling to be seen. Hiring systems felt broken. And incredible professionals were getting overlooked. So I created a platform where people could share their stories, their struggles, and their resilience. What I didn’t expect… was...

In 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. Er...

In 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 setb...

In 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...

Are 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...

In 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 r...

Dan 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, grat...

Are 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 a...

In 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...

In 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 connect...

In 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 transitioni...

In 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,...

In 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...

In 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,...

In 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....

In 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, th...

In 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...