Working Your Way

Pursuing your dream job is rarely a linear path—just look at today’s guest Annie Costabile, a journalist with the Chicago Sun-Times covering the Chicago Sky WNBA team. Annie's journey into journalism was driven by an early realization of her dream career, yet it was not without its challenges. From navigating career setbacks to facing personal trials that tested her love for her work, Annie&#3...

I'm excited to introduce Michael Ulloa, an online personal trainer and nutrition coach who's redefining the fitness landscape with humor, compassion, and authenticity. Unlike the traditional fitness narrative of striving for perfection, Michael's approach on Instagram and TikTok is a breath of fresh air, combining expert advice with entertaining content that truly connects with his aud...

What does it take to break barriers and empower the next generation of female innovators? In this episode, we dive into the heart of innovation with Dr. Patrice Johnson, President and CEO of Project Scientist, a nonprofit transforming the future for underserved girls in STEAM fields. Dr. Johnson's journey is a testament to the power of passion and purpose in forging a more equitable world. Wit...

In today’s episode, part of our Career Questions series, we delve into the topic of leaving the corporate world to become self-employed or start an independent business. With many seeking autonomy and purpose beyond traditional jobs, and the instability spurred by recent layoffs, the allure of independence is on the rise. Currently, over 7 million people in the US are independent workers, with a m...

When Dan Ryan looked around the creative industry, he saw a lot of people that looked like him… and he knew things needed to change. The industry needed more diverse voices and lived experiences. So he took a leap of faith and started a nonprofit, InspireMSP. InspireMSP exposes youth to a full range of creative careers, especially youth who otherwise wouldn’t have access to opportunities to see th...

Priya Shah is the visionary behind 'The Simple Good,' a nonprofit that's painting the world with strokes of hope, resilience, and the universal language of art. Priya's journey from the structured lanes of corporate accounting to the vibrant world of social entrepreneurship is nothing short of inspiring. We're diving deep into Priya's narrative — from feeling out of place i...

This episode is unique because my guest, Matt Kuttan, is one-of-a-kind. You’d never accuse Matt of being inauthentic—he’s dynamic, daring, and always putting himself out there. His time in art school and the advertising industry showed him what it was like to be in environments where that level of energy and creativity is appreciated, and he leaned in fully. In this conversation, we talk about how...

From the executive office to behind her bar, Tiffany Welton's journey is anything but ordinary. Join us as we explore how this former corporate leader turned her savvy into success at RBF, Your Authentic Champagne Bar, a cozy yet vibrant spot nestled in the heart of North Carolina. Tiffany's mission is more than just creating a space for drinks and discussions—but that’s a story best told...

Welcome to our very first Career Questions episode of Working Your Way - a series where we dive into your most burning career questions and lay out how you can approach the answer in a way that works for you. Instead of focusing on a single guest story, today we're diving into a topic that's on many of our minds: the big 'Q' – quitting your job. Ever found yourself dreading work, w...

I’m excited to welcome my guest for this episode, Jen Thompson.  As the Chief Brand Officer at Japonesque, Jen has a hand in revolutionizing the beauty and wellness industry, integrating cutting-edge technology, and pioneering new product categories. For most of her adult life, she considered herself a careerist. But putting her career above all else meant giving up parts of herself she didn’t wan...

In today’s episode of "Working Your Way," I am thrilled to introduce a phenomenal guest, Jen Casimiro. Currently serving as the Head of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Prophet, a leading growth and transformation consulting firm, Jen has spent over a decade mastering the art of leadership development and fostering a sense of belonging. In our heartfelt conversation, Jen dives into the...

In today's episode of "Working Your Way," I'm excited to welcome Eduardo Placer. He's a beacon of inspiration—a former stage actor turned CEO and founder of Fearless Communicators, a public speaking and coaching company like no other. Eduardo embodies the soul of a “story doula,” nurturing and bringing to life the narratives of change-makers, innovators, women, people of color,...

Antonio Garcia isn't just any professional. He's a visionary, occupying the vital role of Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer at TXI. His career is a testament to the power of design and human-centered innovation. But there's more to Antonio than meets the eye – he's also the founder of Dadwell & Company, a unique podcast that offers a glimpse into the lives of men who are ba...

I'm thrilled to introduce Nneka Ude, a true multi-dimensional force in the world of business and creativity. Nneka holds the influential position of VP of Strategy at Arc Worldwide, while also shining as the owner and founder of LOVE DOT, a fashion company, and as an imaginative children's book author. Her story is a testament to the power of multi-passionate individuals in today's dyn...

Mallory Seisser is the owner of The Gilded Lily salon in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. She also teaches other salon owners nationwide how to better run their businesses as a professor at PIP University. In this past year, she's made the transition from behind the chair as a stylist to running her salon and teaching full-time.  In this episode, we talk about the bold moves she's...

In today’s episode, I’m incredibly honored to have Ekow Sanni-Thomas, the visionary founder of Inside Voices. This unique online platform offers a space where people of color can candidly review companies and discuss the real extent of their inclusivity. We're delving into Ekow's personal journey—the struggles, the victories, and everything in between. He opens up about his experiences wit...

Natasha Oliveras-Figueroa is not just any guest; she's a remarkable creative director at a major ad agency, a fiercely proud Puerto Rican, an amazing mother, and a dear friend who holds a special place in my heart. In our chat, we dive deep into the struggle of being silenced versus speaking up as Natasha shares insights from her own career. She tells the story of when she first got the impres...

We're diving into the multifaceted world of Tekisha Harvey, a dear friend and a true embodiment of what it means to have a 'portfolio career.' Tekisha doesn't just fit into one box – she gracefully juggles various roles, blending organizational responsibilities with her entrepreneurial spirit. In this episode, you'll get an intimate look into Tekisha's unique journey as the...

Welcome to the first episode of Working Your Way! This podcast is all about finding ways to be your authentic self at work – to show up as who you really are and thrive in the workplace because of it. Being you should feel natural, but when it comes to being yourself at work there’s a lot more complexity. In my own career journey, I found myself moving further away from who I truly was, leading to...

Today's workplace demands a lot from us, but our identities and well-being shouldn’t be up for negotiation. The truth is, embracing your individuality can actually be the key to building a successful career where you can thrive. On Working Your Way, you’ll dive into intimate conversations with leaders who have chosen to challenge the outdated standards and “shoulds” - from those who have shift...