033 | From Remedial Writing to Career Journalism with Keldy Ortiz

Imagine a world where your zip code doesn't predict your lifespan, where gun violence is not the norm, and where every voice in the fight for safety is heard. José Alfaro ,  the Director of Latinx Leadership and Community Engagement at Everytown for Gun Safety, reveals his transformative journey on our latest podcast episode. From dreams of space exploration to the stark realities of urban streets, Jose's life is a landscape of bold decisions and profound mentorship that have shaped his mission to uplift marginalized voices in the battle against gun violence. 

Our conversation with José is a tapestry woven with the threads of heritage, struggle, and resilience. He speaks candidly about the summer that forever altered his trajectory, the cultural shock of collegiate life juxtaposed with rough New York beginnings, and the pivotal moments that nearly saw him enlist in the Navy. His story exemplifies how the powerful influences of spirituality and ancestry guide our choices and forge our paths. By sharing his encounters with black liberation intellect and his commitment to community service, José's insights cut to the core of what it means to serve and elevate those around us.

As we trace José's steps from SIT Graduate Institute to the frontlines of political activism, his narrative is a masterclass in the pursuit of purpose-driven work. His ascension to leadership roles in mobilizing Latinx communities and his personal revelations about negotiating fair compensation without forsaking mission alignment are as instructive as they are inspiring. José's openness about his own salary in the social sector is as much about transparency as it is about empowerment. Join us to hear how one man's life is a testament to the belief that every step we take can lead to a greater good.

When dreams of being a sports agent took a detour into the halls of academia, Dr. Daniel Kelly II didn't just adapt; he flourished. Embark on a captivating journey with us as our distinguished guest, Dr. Kelly, Academic Director at NYU's Preston Robert Tish Institute for Global Sport, unveils the twists and triumphs that led him to becoming a pillar in the sports education field. His story is a rich tapestry, woven with threads of mentorship, resilience, and the importance of strategic networking, offering an insider's look at what it takes to cultivate future leaders in the dynamic landscape of global sports.

Picture yourself sitting in an NYU classroom, but instead of a lecture, you're part of a conversation that spans continents and disciplines, led by Dr. Kelly. His tales from international studies to brotherhood in Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity bring home the impact of a global perspective and the strength found in community. These experiences not only shaped his professional path but also provide a blueprint for growth that resonates with anyone seeking to make their mark in the world of sports or beyond. As he shares the core lessons of navigating the industry, the takeaways extend far beyond the classroom walls—they’re life lessons in leadership, adaptability, and the pursuit of passion.

Dr. Kelly's narrative culminates in a discussion about the 'personal board of directors,' a concept that revolutionizes the way we think about our support networks. He dismantles the myth of the underpaid professor, revealing the unexpected financial rewards that can come from a career in academia—when seasoned with a dash of consulting and a sprinkle of grants. His guidance on building genuine connections and the value of humility in learning from our missteps is both grounding and galvanizing. Join us for a masterclass in molding a career path that's as lucrative as it is fulfilling, led by a mentor who's walked the walk and is eager to share the map.

Ever imagined how selling burritos could lead to running your own consulting firm? Meet our guest, Bacilia Angel, CEO of Meliora Advisors, who shares her incredible journey from rural Arizona to the helm of her own company. Born into humble beginnings, Bacilia’s story is an inspiring tale of sheer determination, passion, and the pursuit of dreams. She takes us through her early life, the math and science honors program that sparked her interest in engineering, and her diverse career experiences from a call center analyst to a senior consultant at a process improvement consulting firm. 

Bacilia has an impressive ability to maximize her skills and experiences, and she shares how she used her engineering background to help improve processes at a US Airways call center, saving the company money. She later transitioned into the healthcare consulting field, where she further strengthened her expertise. Bacilia also emphasizes the powerful role of mentorship in career growth and the importance of mentorships in her journey, shining a light on her current role at MITRE.

Bacilia’s journey is not just a story of personal triumph, but also a testament to her commitment to making a difference. She unveils her unique approach to tying numbers to government initiatives, the challenges of pursuing an MBA while being a single mom and working full-time, and her decision to start her own business. Bacilia also details the process of creating the Multicultural Employee Resource Group at MITRE, sharing her passion for fostering a sense of belonging among employees and improving diversity and employee engagement. Join us for this engaging conversation with a leader who is truly making waves and driving people-oriented changes.

Ever wondered how a technology giant navigates the fluid and unpredictable terrain of the tech industry? Or how they prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in their global strategy? Join us as we have an insightful conversation with Maurice Wiggins, currently Head of Global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Google. He opens up about his experience in human resources, strategic development, and the unique tasks he undertakes. He also shares his role in crisis management and the ways he aligns people strategy with business strategy.

This episode is much more than a career story, it dives into Maurice's personal journey, his college years, and his decision to attend an HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities). His experiences have shaped his career trajectory and are an integral part of his role as a transformational leader. We also delve into his bold career moves and academic pursuits that took him from Florida to New York, through various cities, overcoming challenges with determination and resilience. From achieving his dream of attending Columbia University to transitioning from a consulting role to a tech career, Maurice's journey is one of constant learning and adaptability. 

Lastly, we tackle the often controversial topic of compensation in the tech industry. We explore the many factors that influence salary and the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Maurice shares his favorite resources for personal and professional growth, offering valuable advice for navigating the tech industry and securing fair compensation. This episode is an enlightening and inspirational conversation that offers guidance to all - those already in tech, and those considering making the leap. Tune in for a wealth of insights from someone living and breathing the tech industry every day.

Join us in this episode as Sofia Mohammed, an experienced educator, shares her incredible journey from teaching in Harlem to becoming a school principal and then transitioning into the ed-tech space. Hear how the challenges of the pandemic sparked a creative shift, leading Sofia to break into the tech industry and contribute her unique perspective. 

From being a school principal to leading educational organizations, Sofia reflects on the valuable skills educators bring to the table in the ever-evolving world of technology. Tune in to discover the highs, lows, and transformative moments in Sofia's career, and how she is now building something new as part of the Raspberry Pi Foundation in the United States. Don't miss the insightful conversation on leadership, career transitions, and the exciting fusion of education and technology.

Follow Sofia Mohammed;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofmoh/ 

Recommendations:

• Books
  • Lean in: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead by Sheryl Sandberg

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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048 | Building a Better Future in Education with Sofia Mohammed

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code, we take a journey through the dynamic world of marketing with industry veteran Michael Lewis, the man behind the marketing insights at WhatsApp. Michael shares valuable insights from his diverse career, from his humble beginnings in a family of lawyers and social workers to his influential roles at giants like Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo, and Nestlé and his exciting transition into tech. 

Listen as we explore his unique approach to navigating the industry, his experiences in market research, the value of his graduate degree, and his successful leadership strategies. This episode is a treasure trove of lessons and wisdom for professionals navigating the ever-evolving marketing landscape.

Follow Michael Lewis;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mslewis

Recommendations:

• Podcasts:
  • The Daily Podcast
  • Wall Street Journal Podcast
  • Pivot Podcast by Kara Swisher and NYU Professor Scott Galloway
• Articles
  • Google News
  • New York Times 
  • Wall Street Journal
• Books
  • The House of Morgan by Ron Chernow

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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047 | Leading Marketing Insights at Large Organizations with Michael Lewis

In this inspiring episode of Career Cheat Code, we delve into the world of higher education with Aleschia Johnson-Velasquez, the Executive Director of Summer Session and Continuing Studies at Barnard College. Aleschia takes us on her remarkable journey from a small liberal arts college in Amish country to Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs, offering insights into the strategies and maneuvers she used to navigate the challenging landscape of higher education. With a wealth of experience under her belt, Aleschia shares her strategies for creating innovative summer programs, negotiating impressive salaries, and harnessing the power of mentorship. The conversation takes a heartwarming turn as she shares the wisdom imparted by her grandmother and the significance of listening to your inner voice. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that promises to leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

FollowAleschia Johnson-Velasquez;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aleschia/

Recommendations:

• Book
  • Stop Being Niggardly: And Nine Other Things Black People Need to Stop Doing by Karen Hunter
  • Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi 
• Television Shows
  • Insecure
  • A Different World

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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046 | Behind the Scenes of Higher Education with Aleschia Johnson-Velasquez

Welcome to another episode of the Career Cheat Code podcast. In today’s episode, we explore the incredible journey of Janice Haughton. From aspiring pediatrician to the Community and Citizenship Department director at Turner Construction Company, Janice's path is nothing short of extraordinary. Listen in as we delve into her remarkable career trajectory, starting from her early work at a nonprofit organization to her significant role in the construction industry, fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for young people and minority businesses. Hear about her most impactful projects and the valuable lessons she has learned along the way. 

Don't miss out on this enlightening conversation that offers fresh insights into community engagement and the construction industry.

Follow Janice Haughton;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janice-haughton-1142683/

Recommendations:

• Programs
  • Tools and Tiaras
  • ACE Mentor Program
  • Turner School of Construction Management
• Books
  • What Got You Here Won't Get You There: How Successful People Become Even More Successful by Marshall Goldsmith
  • Multipliers: How the Best Leaders Make Everyone Smarter by Liz Wiseman
  • Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment by Carla A. Harris
• Podcast
  • NPR
  • TEDTalks 
  • CBS  Sunday Morning

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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045 | Building Community in Construction with Janice Haughton

Welcome to a new episode of Career  Cheat Code. In today’s episode, Paola Martinez, from Catholic Charities of New York, discusses her role in strategic program development and her unique approach to planning her workweek. Paola also discusses her role in supporting small businesses and immigrant communities. The episode concludes with Paola sharing an inspiring story of a mentee who will participate in New York Fashion Week. Join us on this fascinating journey and discover how bringing joy to our work can inspire others.

Follow Paolo Martinez;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paola-martinez-99a9b062/

Recommendations:

• Books: 
  • What's the Message?: Bible Basics for Busy People by Kevin Sullivan
  • Free Private Cities: Making Governments Compete For You by Titus Gebel

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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044 | A Life of Impactful Community Advocacy with Paolo Martinez

Want to discover the secrets behind driving economic growth in a city? Neal Richardson, the President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation, joins us to shed light on this topic. Neal's inspiring journey from North St. Louis City to the pinnacle of a vital economic development organization is a testament to his unwavering determination to create economic justice.

Neal guides us through his transition from managing hospitals to becoming a commercial real estate broker and finally moving on to US Bank and provides deeper insight into his role at the bank. As VP, he spearheaded the bank's social impact investing for women, people of color, and low-income communities. Hear the impactful story of how his team's efforts led to a drastic increase in investment in black banks, businesses, and communities.

But that's not all. Neal and his co-founder, Michael Wood, founded Dream Builders, a non-profit organization that empowers young people from underserved communities. They share the challenges they faced, the significance of delegation and creating systems to empower others, and the joy of seeing people who felt left behind now have access to opportunities. This episode concludes with Neal's journey to becoming the President and CEO of the St. Louis Development Corporation and his mission to scale impact and create economic justice. Listen in to be inspired and learn about meaningful change and economic growth in the city of St. Louis.

Follow Neal Richardson;

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neal-richardson-mba-1b279128/

Recommendations:

• Programs
  • Dream Builders 4 Equity
  • St. Louis Development Corporation
• Books
  • A CEO Only Does Three Things: Finding Your Focus in the C-Suite
  • The Lazy CEO’s Guide to Success

Please Rate & Review on your listening platform. 

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043 | Journey to Economic Justice with Neal Richardson