SHIFT with Elena Agar (Elena Agaragimova)

I had the incredible opportunity to chat with Hannah MacDonald-Dannecker on the "Shift with Elena Agar Podcast" to discuss her journey, experiences, and passion for mentoring the next generation. From her early days as a substitute teacher in Florida, where she discovered her love for working with high schoolers, to her current role with the Better Together Group of Companies, every step has been a learning experience. One key takeaway? The importance of guiding Gen Z as they transition into the workforce. On the podcast, we dove deep into: ✨ The importance of diverse age representation in the workplace. ✨ Building effective communication between managers and Gen Z employees. ✨ The value of personal branding and being intentional in one’s career. ✨ How to hire, maintain, and motivate Gen Z employees by understanding their unique needs and aspirations. If you are eager to learn more about managing generational differences, promoting career growth, and fostering meaningful workplace relationships, don't miss this episode! Time Stamps: 00:00 Traveled a lot, shifted business, moved. Transformational journey. 04:18 Family business: Work opportunity with emotional ties. 07:32 Sub teaching in Florida, surprised by students. 11:27 Challenges of young adults entering the workforce. 15:03 Valuable mentorship shapes successful career development. 16:01 Effective communication key for manager-Gen Z relationship. 22:08 Intentional planning, personal branding, and sharing knowledge. 25:01 Sharing link to understand Gen Z, flexibility. 26:25 Flexibility is key for Gen Z employees. 32:47 Children's book series on male-dominated industries. 33:58 Encouraging kids to explore career opportunities early. 37:31 Reflecting on purpose and motivation, embracing change. Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannah-kay-macdonald/ Website: https://bettertogethergroup.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of SHIFT- Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Amal Ravindran - co-founder of Selfstarter is a video-first job board collecting applicant's creative input and feedback at scale, by enhancing candidate experience for product-driven tech SMEs  

About Amal Ravindra: Co-Founder at Selfstarter. Amal has worked in various organization in the area of digital marketing prior to making a jump to create Selfstarter! He   Connect with him on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amalravindran/  

Visit their website: https://selfstarter.ae/

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. 

Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents. 

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar 

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with my dear friend, partner in crime, a person who keeps me in check - my business partner & mentor - Ivan Palomino - we discuss the impact our work has on our mental health & what happens when you reach burn out stage, who are the people that will support you through such change & what does it take to be courageous to let go of well paying corporate job and jump into the world of entrepreneurship.

About Ivan:

Founder & ManagingPartner at Bessern Founder  of  Bessern –helping organizations enhance  Learning,  Performance  &  Well-Being  through Technology and Neuroscience.18  years  in  corporate  as  a  marketeer  with  proven  track  record  and  passion  for  innovation  and  human development. Hands-on experience in Corporate Transformation& People’s Development: Accountable for a global talent accelerator program aiming to transform an international corporation with more than 60’000 employees.Ivan is a co-founder of 3 startups: 2 in technology and one in eco-clothing. He has lived in Switzerland, Peru, Spain and the UAE.

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Theresa Lear Levine - EFT Master Practitioner and Energy Coach. We discuss the science behind EFT which stands for Emotional freedom technique  - it is an alternative treatment for physical pain and emotional distress. It’s also referred to as tapping or psychological acupressure. This episode was especially personal to me because I have recently discovered more alternative ways to manage stress, anxiety and life's ups and downs, and a lot of has to do with our energy and how we process information, overcome trauma & much more. There are very practical ways to get started and you might be surprised at results you can get.   

About Theresa: Theresa lives in Davidsonville, Maryland with her husband Jeff and their 4 boys. As an entrepreneur with a background in psychology, nutrition and fitness, she has been helping women work on various aspects of their mental and physical health for over 25 years.  Her struggles with ADHD, trauma, and the chaos and overwhelm of being a mompreneur with big goals and responsibilities led her how to cultivate the success, clarity, and inner peace that used to feel so elusive to her. Using a unique blend of Energy, Psychology, EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques) Tapping and Strategy, Theresa empowers other mompreneurs to overcome anxiety, distractions, and limiting patterns so they can feel happy, present, and fulfilled as they align their beliefs, actions, values and vision for the business and daily life!  

www.becomingmoreme.com 

LinkedIn: /theresalearlevine 

Instagram: @theresalearlevine  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Ruvi Makuni - a Global Workplace Wellness Specialist and a Certified Stress Master and Resiliency Coach who is passionate about supporting organizations and busy professionals to thrive in their careers without sacrificing their health. After seeing the detrimental impacts of stress on professionals, Ruvi’s primary focus and specialty has turned to helping busy professionals manage stress and prevent burnout. Through one-on-one Coaching, Corporate Workshops and personalized stress risk assessments, Ruvi helps professionals identify how stress may be impacting them physically, emotionally and behaviorally and what actions to take one day at a time. In this compelling conversation, Ruvi Makuni, a certified Stress Master and Resiliency Coach, delves into the critical topic of stress management and resilience for professionals. We explore practical strategies to identify and mitigate stress's impact on health and work performance, offering valuable insights for individuals and organizations alike. Ruvi's expertise shines a light on the path to a healthier, more successful career. Get in touch with Ruvi: www.fitactivetoned.com About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode, I chat with Jess Galica - a beacon of structured thinking and people management, whose insights are shaping the way we see the pursuit of success as women. Have you ever felt lost amidst the stars of your career path? Jess's journey and the platform "Reclaim Your Career" might just be the gravity assist you need to get back on course. We'll navigate the challenges women face in the workplace, from biases and hurdles to the often-unseen impact of caregiving responsibilities. You'll hear how women of color and those with marginalized identities experience these obstacles even more acutely and why it's critical to address systemic issues, not just individual efforts, to foster true change. Get ready to reframe your perspective on success with Jess's thought-provoking questions and discover how to navigate work-life balance with intention. And of course, there’s a therapeutic exercise that might just untangle some of those self-limiting stories we tell ourselves, which I can't wait to share with you. Timestamps: 00:00 Regretful of not following own aspirations earlier. 06:25 Pressure on women to have it all. 10:29 Women face challenges in workforce and caregiving. 14:16 Writing goals, distilling insights, caring about people. 16:44 "Prioritize over balance, accept it won't feel good." 21:34 Success in career as a generalist, not specialist. 24:50 Parenthood brings calm, clarity, and prioritization skills. 26:52 Parenthood improves boundary-setting and boosts productivity. 30:19 Embracing and challenging personal stories for growth. About Jess: Jessica Galica is the bestselling author of Leap: Why It's Time to Let Go to Get Ahead In Your Career. Before publishing Leap, Jess spent 15 years building a successful corporate career at some of the world's most prestigious companies like Apple, Bain, and Siemens. In 2020 she began researching and writing about women's experiences in the workplace, as she craved a more authentic and purposeful career after stepping into motherhood. Today Jess works as a leadership and career coach and speaks to organizations about building meaningful careers, advancing women, and the delicate balance between life and work. She holds an MBA from MIT's Sloan School of Management and lives in Boston where she is a mom to two young children. Connect with Jess: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessgalica/ Website - https://www.reclaimyourcareer.co/coaching Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In today’s episode, we're delving deep into the world of business culture, mental health, and personal growth with our special guest, Spencer. Join us as we explore how prioritizing positivity and swiftly eliminating negativity can revolutionize a company's environment. We’ll discuss the often-overlooked importance of handling toxic high performers, the critical role of mental and physical well-being, and the transformative power of community involvement and volunteering. Spencer shares his remarkable journey from overcoming clinical depression to achieving personal growth through physical challenges and community work. Together, we critique traditional educational and corporate systems, emphasizing the value of resilience, diverse experiences, and practical skills over conventional success metrics. We'll also hear about Spencer’s proudest achievement, a documentary on human trafficking, and his insights on the future of education and hiring practices. With reflections on technological advancements, social media's impact, and the importance of empathy in leadership, this episode promises profound lessons for both personal and professional development. So, tune in as Elena and Spencer challenge the status quo and inspire you to redefine your path to success. Time stamps: 00:00 Transformation in 2012: From arrogance to kindness. 04:51 Facing dilemma: empathy in business versus profit-driven. 07:59 Recruitment relies on genuine character, not performance. 10:19 Hard work should influence rewards fairly. 15:08 Proving doubters wrong defines personal resilience. 19:31 Acquired diverse skills, enabling financial independence worldwide. 22:22 Work experience may be more valuable than university. 26:39 Quick decision-making despite fear of mistakes. 27:15 High risk tolerance shapes personal success perception. 32:12 Volunteering choices significantly impact company dynamics. 35:24 Belonging, purpose, impact—key for employee engagement. 37:10 Winners culture: positivity, support, authenticity over slogans. 40:55 Training unites everyone on equal mission. 44:41 Realizing self-responsibility transformed my negative mindset. 46:31 Future integrates tech into bodies, losing control. 50:07 Passionate about storytelling and making impactful change. 52:49 Parents thrive socially in Cyprus, enjoying life. Connect with Spencer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/spencerlodge/ Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/64Er62l2ijdUaZfED6ZHIW Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Candy Messer - profitability advisor working with entrepreneurs to help them have successful businesses. Candy shares her knowledge around starting a business, mistakes to avoid, and keeping your financials in check. If you are a new or aspiring business owner or an experienced entrepreneur looking to elevate your business, this episode is for you!  

About Candy: Candy Messer is a profitability advisor working with entrepreneurs to help them have successful businesses.  Experienced in bookkeeping since 1998, Candy understands the stresses business owners face and offers customized services to meet their varying needs.  Her company energizes entrepreneurs by removing  the burden of  compliance tasks as well identifying issues preventing higher profitability. As a result of using her services, clients have peace of mind and the freedom to do what they love.    

Candy is co-author of Business Success With Ease and Navigating Entrepreneurship and is the host of the  “Biz Help For You” podcast which can be found on YouTube, as well as multiple podcast channels.  Candy has been married since 1992 to her husband Garth and they have a son, daughter, son-in-law, and two grandsons. When not running her company, Candy enjoys reading, crocheting, logic puzzles and spending time with friends and family.  

Website: www.abandp.com  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/CandyMesser 

LinkedIn : http://www.linkedin.com/in/candymesser 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AffordableBookkeepingandPayroll 

Download our Free Guide to Financial Lingo: https://bit.ly/3bMO9V4 

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, we dive deep into fitness, wellness, and personal growth. In today's episode, Elena is joined by Anastasia “Stasi” Grenfell - Co-Founder + CEO of Victress MVMT, a passionate entrepreneur and expert in women's health and fitness. Stasi shares her journey of overcoming hormonal imbalances, the inception of her innovative fitness business, and the importance of tailored wellness programs for women. We'll explore the significance of recognizing hormone-related symptoms like fatigue, cravings, and irregular periods, and discuss prevalent conditions such as PCOS and endometriosis. Stasi talks about her organization, Victress MVMT, which partners with clinicians to support women facing hormonal challenges. Elena and Stasi also touch on the societal norms impacting our health choices, the benefits of cutting out toxins like alcohol and caffeine, and how customized fitness routines can make a significant difference in women's lives. Plus, Stasi reveals her personal insights on motherhood, entrepreneurship, and the future of women-centric fitness solutions. Tune in for an inspiring conversation packed with practical advice and empowering stories! Time Stamps: 00:00 Victress: holistic, evidence-based fitness for strong females. 04:50 Starting is crucial; progress isn't always perfect. 08:39 Providing vital resources for women's hormone health. 10:52 Meds not for lifetime; chronic issues exceptions. 15:51 Behavior change essential for weight maintenance success. 17:29 Hormone imbalance symptoms vary widely, including fatigue. 19:39 Many people normalize feeling tired and stressed. 24:33 Motherhood, entrepreneurship parallel; embracing uncertainty, adapting. 25:58 Valuing teamwork, time management, and supportive partnerships. 32:05 Importance of female community for support and understanding. 33:11 Boutique fitness primarily targets women, emphasizes adaptability. 38:45 Older adults may benefit more from weightlifting. 39:57 People enjoy exercise for its euphoric effects. Connect with Stasi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anastasiagrenfell/ Visit Website: https://victressmvmt.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victressmvmt/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/victressmvmt/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Taz Rajabali  - Global HR & Talent Acquisition Leader & Entrepreneur - focusing on one simple philosophy when it comes to hiring practice - by placing the right people in the right roles, with the right support, we can create successful companies & happy communities.   

About Taz: His passion is to ensure the right people are in the right roles and receive the right support.  By doing so, they create successful companies and happy individuals and communities.  

Taz created Melius Consulting in 2021 after a near-30yr global career in corporate HR to achieve this.  They partner with clients and candidates alike to redefine how hiring is conducted and ensure everyone comes out winning.  

Links: www.meliusconsulting.me 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tazrajabali/ 

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Janine Esbrand - the founder of Career Change Makers - who brought tons of insights around making a successful career change and demystifying some aspects around career change. Janine believes you can have a career that you are excited about, one that truly aligns with who you are as a person and gives you the opportunity to make the type of impact only you can make in the world. Tune in to learn more!   

About Janine: Janine Esbrand is the founder of Career Change Makers, a coaching and consulting company which helps high-achieving women increase career fulfillment and helps companies to nurture and develop their female talent.  Janine is also a TEDx Speaker who brings her passion for career development and advancement to organisations and conferences around the world through dynamic keynote presentations.  When she is not coaching or speaking, Janine can be found spending time with her husband and 2 young children or traveling.  

Career Change Maker podcast: https://careerchangemaker.buzzsprout.com/

Career Change Maker website: https://www.careerchangemakers.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work.  Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Aaron Golub - entrepreneur & keynote speaker & former athlete with a story to tell! We talked about his journey as the first legally blind athlete to play football in a Division 1 game & how he found his way and thrived in adversity. He shared his mindset and practice approach to maintain the drive & determination no matter what the obstacles may be. Tune in to hear his story!   

About Aaron: Aaron became the first legally blind athlete to play football in a Division 1 game when he was at Tulane University.  He was a captain in his senior year, and went on to also become an NFL free agent.  Aaron never let his limited vision get in the way of his success.  Aaron’s grit, determination and effort enabled him to earn a spot on the Tulane team, and the respect of his teammates, coaches and fans. Aaron began playing football in seventh grade and worked extremely hard to get where he is today.  His goal is to show others that it doesn’t matter what they are fighting or what their perceived limitations are; anything is achievable with hard work and tuning out the judgment of others.  His planning, passion and perseverance enables him to be successful. Aaron has paved the way for others with disabilities, and shown that the impossible is possible.   

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of SHIFT- Getting out of your comfort zone! I sit down with Chelsea Robberson - Founder of Lealyn Growth - an advocate for education for the future; she empowers school and education-related business leaders to evaluate processes, set strategic goals, & propel their mission forward.  We talk about strategies for the future of education, addressing challenges in the education system today, applying the whole student approach to learning and much more.   

About Chelsea: Founder of Lealyn Growth, education advocate, podcaster, speaker. Her roles over the years allowed her to build new programs that pushed the assumed limits of what a classroom should look and function like, what teachers should focus on and learn, and what a school environment should feel like overall.  Since this spark ignited, she has become (overly) passionate about disrupting the status-quo of education through whatever avenue she is able and pushing forward the mission of others with this same thinking.  

This has allowed her to work as a School Director, revamping schools from the inside out, partner with innovative schools and education-related businesses to better reach their audience through clarifying their message, provide professional development, and serve on boards and leadership teams in strategic and operations focused roles.  

Company website: https://www.lealyngrowth.com/  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents. 

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar 

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Michelle S. Gollapalli - an internationally accredited fundraising professional with over 24 years of experience in a variety of fields such as public broadcasting, healthcare, diversity, equity and inclusion youth services, disabilities, and education. Michelle’s most recent position was as the Vice President of Diversity, Inclusion & Development at ECRI Institute, in PA. Before that, she served as Vice President of Development and Executive Director of the Jefferson Health Foundation – New Jersey, part of the erstwhile Kennedy Health System in South Jersey, now known as Jefferson Health-New Jersey. Prior to joining the Foundation, Michelle worked as Chief Development Officer for Bancroft, where she oversaw Development, Marketing and Communications, and Admissions. Ms. Gollapalli has mentored many professionals in the area, most recently as a regular panelist for the Philadelphia Business Journal’s Mentoring Monday. She is also a published author with an undergraduate triple major in English Literature, Psychology and Journalism and an MBA in Marketing from the Mount Carmel Institute of Management in India. She received her Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) credential in 2004 and in 2010 was awarded the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP®) certification from the American College in Bryn Mawr, PA. Michelle was honored as one of Philadelphia’s 40 under 40 by the Philadelphia Business Journal and received the distinction of being one of the 2014 “Women to Watch” by the South Jersey Biz magazine. In 2015, the Garden State Council of NJ named her as one of their “Women of Achievement” and South Jersey magazine deemed her to be one of the “Super Women of 2014”- an accolade she won again in 2016. The March 2019 Issue of South Jersey Biz magazine featured her as one of the Best in Healthcare for the Region. Connect with her on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mgollapalli/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

Transitioning from being a peer to a manager is a crucial step in many people's careers, as it often comes with new responsibilities, challenges, and opportunities. While being a peer means working alongside colleagues as equals, being a manager requires leading and guiding a team towards common goals. This shift requires a different set of skills, such as communication, delegation, decision-making, and people management.

In this short episode, I give some practical advice on how to make this transition smoother.

Get in touch for a free 30 mins exploration call with me - Calendly - https://calendly.com/elenaagar/30min

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Terri Rahman - a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, as our guest. About Terri: Terri Rahman is a Certified Integrative Nutrition Health Coach, dedicated to empowering individuals to take control of their health by focusing on gut health so they can lead fulfilling lives, free from chronic disease, and maximize their vitality while aging youthfully. With a lifelong interest in health and wellness, Terri considered herself healthy but noticed declining energy levels and increasing anxious thoughts in her forties, prompting her to dig deeper into the topic. Through extensive research, Terri discovered the transformative power of food as medicine and its profound impact on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Recognizing the lack of awareness among healthcare professionals and the general population regarding the connection between nutrition, lifestyle choices, and quality of life, Terri became determined to spread this crucial knowledge. Terri's personal journey focused on improving her own health. She successfully reversed an underactive thyroid, reduced food sensitivities, eliminated chronic anxiety, and restored her energy levels—all through nutrition and lifestyle changes without relying on medication. These transformative experiences brought joy and happiness to her life, reigniting her passion to share this knowledge and help others improve their well-being through diet and lifestyle adjustments. With over 30 years as a social worker, Terri redirected her energy toward health coaching, aligning her professional career with her passion for healthy living. She finds immense fulfillment in supporting and guiding individuals ready to prioritize their health, live optimally, and become their best versions. Terri's expertise lies in restoring gut health and reducing inflammation in the body, which she considers fundamental to overall well-being. She goes beyond dietary recommendations, showing clients that good health encompasses more than just food or body size. Instead, she guides them to adopt sustainable habits aligned with their unique goals, leading to a vibrant, purposeful life filled with passion and positive well-being. Terri firmly believes that health is the cornerstone of a fulfilling life. Without good health, one cannot fully enjoy or appreciate other aspects of life. Through her coaching, she empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being, equipping them with tools and knowledge to make lasting, positive changes. By embracing the transformative power of nutrition and lifestyle, Terri inspires her clients to live life to the fullest and embrace a future of vibrant health and well-being. Connect with Terri: Website: https://territotalhealth.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terri-rahman-9423ba237/ Instagram: td_rahman1 About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today, we dive deep into the world of genetic health and personal wellness with our special guest, Elwin. Join us as Elwin shares his transformative journey from battling chronic health issues and addiction to thriving through a healthy lifestyle. Discover how slow enzyme activity affected his stress responses, leading to profound revelations about his genetic predispositions. We'll explore his experiences with chronic pain, the pivotal role of genetic testing, and the remarkable improvements in his health after addressing root digestive issues. Elwin's story is not just about overcoming personal health challenges; it's about understanding the broader implications of genetics on our well-being. We'll also touch on the shortcomings of conventional healthcare practices, the significance of holistic approaches, and the importance of hormone optimization for overall quality of life. Elena also shares her personal experiences with genetic and nutritional testing, emphasizing the need for proactive health exploration. Together, they call for a shift in attitudes towards deeper wellness assessments and discuss the potential downsides of healthcare monopolies. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation filled with practical advice, personal anecdotes, and a vision for a healthier future. Don't forget to stay till the end for a special offer on genetic testing services and to hear Elwin's inspirational question during extreme adversity. Let's dive in! Time Stamps: 00:00 Experiencing impact of healthy vs. unhealthy lifestyle. 05:28 Struggling drug addict rethinks purpose and lifestyle. 09:39 Overcoming victim mindset, shaping destiny through genetics. 11:29 Surprised by accurate psychic insights, unexpected helpful. 13:30 Preventative mindset, relief in avoiding inherited illness. 19:29 Healthy diet deficient in key nutrients led to health issues. 21:55 Interest in health, fertility, and aging concerns. 25:57 Coffee depletes body of essential minerals. 27:03 Stimulants can worsen stress imbalance in some. 31:51 Government and companies collude, neglecting public health. 33:12 Health companies altering viruses, focus on money. 39:18 Inadequate thyroid treatment, limited medical intervention. 43:10 Optimal hormone levels vital for overall health. 46:48 Importance of hormone levels for overall health. 50:37 Use genetics for baseline health understanding. 52:56 Wide range of topics covered in book. 55:09 Ask "What can I do right now?" Connect with Elwin: https://feelyounger.net/pages/about-founder Check out great content on his channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCpdr4pJjMvcra_fSk1erdHQ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of The Shift with Elena Agar - I chat with Anna Grabow - a Business Mentor & Sales Coach dedicated to helping new entrepreneurs make their first big sales online. She started her online marketing career on the sales team of a large coach, being mentored by Tony Robbins former VP of Sales, and brought in $200K in 4 weeks. From there she worked closely with the CEO of a marketing agency that takes online companies from $1M in revenue to over $10M+. Next, she was hired as the Head of Growth and Marketing for a big performance coach. Now, she runs her online mastermind and gets to help anyone get started online. She is also the host of the podcast The Premise of Purpose where she interviews entrepreneurs on how they found their purpose and continue to live it everyday. You can learn more at https://annagrabow.com/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Ahmed Subaie - Co-Founder of AKG - helping find solutions to improve the lives of kids diagnosed with Autism. We discuss how tech can help kids with autism and their parents to be more informed and create tailored made approaches for their specific child. Being baed in the Middle East, we also look at cultural differences and how that impacts families in different parts of the world.   

About Ahmed: a Cofounder & CEO of AKG App which focuses on developing gamified solutions to help improve the lives of kids diagnosed with Autism, and allow parents and professionals to be more engaged and informed objectively on their progress.​ He is a passionate person in the world of entrepreneurship with 12 Years of experience as entrepreneur Cofounder of many several start-ups. Driven by ambitions of creating great solutions that helps people facilitate their daily lives.  

He is also a Cofounder of Efhes & Founder of costartup.net  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Ramy Eissa. Ramy's work experience is with reputable companies on both the agency & client side. He started his career in a regional marketing agency, ROI ME, handling some of their biggest clients. He then moved to the client side by joining JTI's brand team, followed by Mr Jeff & Nestlé's coffee team. Three years ago, he relocated to Canada, where he initially joined MYCourier as the Operation manager and is now holding the role of Chief Operating Officer. In this insightful episode, we sit down with Ramy to explore his remarkable journey through diverse roles in the marketing and operations fields. Ramy takes us from his early days managing major clients in a regional marketing agency to his transition to the client side with JTI and Nestlé. He shares his experiences relocating to Canada and assuming leadership as the Chief Operating Officer at MYCourier. Join us as we discuss career transitions, international moves, and the invaluable lessons Ramy has learned along the way. About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Brian Bogert - a passionate performance coach, motivational speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader.   Brian teaches how to leverage radical authenticity and awareness to create the intentional life you’ve been dreaming of, but have struggled to create on your own. His revolutionary strategy—embrace pain to avoid suffering—has helped individuals, groups and entire companies break beyond their normal to achieve the success in life and business that they’ve always wanted. If you want to create a life of no limits, this episode is for you! Tune in for more!   

About Brian: Brian a passionate performance coach, motivational speaker, business strategist, top sales professional and philanthropic leader who believes in helping growth-minded individuals achieve the best version of themselves: their most authentic selves.  

Get in touch with Brian: https://brianbogert.com/  

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, I chat with Kamina Singh - Founder of HumanUPtions. We're diving deep into the intersection of education and the professional world with the founder of HumanUPtions, Kamina, a visionary dedicated to bridging the gap between university life and the corporate sphere. We'll explore the importance of infusing education with real-world experience, the role of colleges in readying students for the job market, and how events can supercharge job readiness. Our dialogue will venture into how Kamina transitioned from the structured environment of a major company like Northrop Grumman to the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, and what vital lessons about resilience and vision she has to share from that journey. Kamina will uncover the untapped potential of mentorships, internships, and how her organization is working to create meaningful connections for students from all walks of life. We'll discuss the upcoming event at Civic Hall in New York City that promises to enthrall attendees with AI insights and career transitioning strategies from the classroom to the boardroom. So, if you're passionate about making a difference for the future generations, if you believe in the transformative power of guidance, and if you think it's high time we reevaluate our educational approaches – this is the episode for you. Stay tuned as we take this enlightening journey with Kamina, right here on Shift with Elena Agar. Time stamps: 00:00 Connected via LinkedIn or mutual acquaintance, impressive networking. 04:11 Created Human Options to help underserved students. 06:53 Schools should outsource career guidance for students. 11:15 External perspectives enhance relevance and competitiveness. Embed curiosity. 14:06 College advertising oversells its value, but falls short. 18:07 Entrepreneurship requires taking full responsibility and persistence. 19:51 Society's attraction to sensational content affects education. 23:34 Schools should require career prep courses for credit. 26:31 Expose students to real-world work experiences. 29:47 Worked with big companies, government, and interns. 34:22 Discussion on preparing for job opportunities and mentorship. 37:27 Elena offers mentorship for career preparation. 39:54 Grateful for the opportunity, see you soon. Connect with Kamina: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kamina-s-8b41665a/overlay/photo/ Website: https://www.humanuptions.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - in this two part podcast episode I sit down with Dustin Miller 🧠PolyInnovator 🎥 OmniContent Creator 🎙️Host of The Polymath PolyCast - to discuss entrepreneurship, content creation, future of education and the cool thing he is building - Modular Degree System: a do it yourself, with help, framework for a modern approach to education.

About Dustin Miller: As an aspiring #polymath, Dustin created #PolyInnovator as a foundational means to build out the various careers he wants out of life (A #Polymath of #Innovation if you will). He is on a mission to create a Modular Education Platform to revolutionize how we approach education as whole. #ModularDegree 🎓  🎙️ Dustin is the Host of #ThePolymathPolyCast where he interviews #multidisciplinary people.  😁 Website: http://www.polyinnovator.space/

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Alissa Daire Nelson - a true catalyst for personal and organizational transformation. Alissa is not only the Founder and CEO of Daire 2 Succeed, but she's also a certified Professional Coach with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds a myriad of certifications in strengths, facilitation, well-being, and positive change. Her impressive background spans healthcare, coaching, and even coaching a high school gymnastics team. Join us as we dive into Alissa's multifaceted journey, from healthcare professional to coach, author, and host of the Maximize Your Strengths podcast. Discover how she helps organizations create workplaces where leaders and employees thrive together, and how she believes in the inherent awesomeness of individuals and teams. Alissa's story is one of empowerment, growth, and the belief that we are all capable of achieving greatness, especially when we work together. Prepare to be inspired and equipped with the tools to unlock your own potential. About Alissa: Founder and CEO of Daire 2 Succeed, established in 2014. She is a certified Professional Coach (PCC) with the International Coaching Federation (ICF) and holds certifications in Strengths Strategy, Xchange Facilitation, Creating Positive Change, Team Momentum™, and PERMAH™ Workplace Wellbeing. She’s the host of the Maximize Your Strengths podcast, author of From Frustrated to Frickin’ Awesome: Four Steps to Achieve the Success You’re Wired For and has been featured regularly on TV news, and on podcasts from all over the globe. Her rich background includes serving in healthcare for over a decade, as a Registered Dietitian (RD) and a Registered Nurse (RN). She is the head coach of Minneapolis Washburn's High School Gymnastics team. She’s a devoted wife and mother of two teenage daughters. Most importantly, she believes you and your team are frickin' awesome. And she believes that we are better together. Through facilitation, interactive training, and group and individual coaching, with all levels of the organization, Alissa and the amazing team at Daire 2 Succeed work with organizations to create workplaces leaders and employees are proud to work in. Connect with Alissa: Business FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Daire2Succeed Business Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/daire2succeed/ Business Twitter: https://twitter.com/daire2succeed Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alissadairenelson/ Business LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/daire2succeed/ About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Michelle Mercier - Business Coach/Consultant, a Dare to Lead™ Trained professional, the host of the top ranked podcast The Resilient Entrepreneur. We chat about the work she is doing to put humanity back in business and the . We also discuss adversity & things we can do on individual level to build resilience and manage life's ups and downs.   

About Michelle: Michelle A. Mercier is a Business Coach/Consultant, a Dare to Lead™ Trained professional, the host of the top ranked podcast The Resilient Entrepreneur as well as a sought-after speaker. She has 20+ years of corporate and professional experience. Michelle has worked with a wide range of different businesses –from nationally acclaimed non-profits to enterprise level corporations like PayPal. Today, she primarily works with high achieving leaders, entrepreneurs & executives to create an incredible business strategy coupled with an effective personal development plan.  

Website: https://michelleamercier.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of The Shift with Elena Agar - I chat with J Orisha, founder of (Teaching Harmony) Expanding Minds LLC, (TH)XM, specializes in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility consulting and coaching. J holds two master's degrees and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Public Sociology, focusing on anti-racist research methods. Her current work centers on the oral histories of Black and Brown folks' connections to their sense of belonging within city spaces. Get in touch Website: thxm.co LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/j-thxm/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

Welcome to another insightful episode of Shift with Elena Agar Podcast. In this episode, Elena welcomes back Brandon Busteed, an expert in higher education, learning, and corporate connections. Together, they dive into the evolving landscape of work and education, discussing topics such as the shift towards valuing work-based experience, the importance of broad education coupled with specific skills, and the necessity for ongoing upskilling and reskilling in today's workplace. Brandon shares his perspectives on the future of education, emphasizing the need for relevant, experiential learning opportunities and long-term thinking in shaping the next generation of talent. Join Elena and Brandon as they explore the challenges and opportunities in the changing world of work and education, offering valuable insights for both individuals and organizations alike. Time stamps: 00:00 Quality experiential education through iconic brand partnerships. 04:19 Industry defined by short-term niche thinking issue. 08:34 "Work integrated learning connects classroom with workplace." 12:45 Higher education needs to prepare for jobs. 14:58 Reconsider higher education for hands-on blue-collar jobs. 17:42 70 million boomers retiring, jobs without college. 22:55 Co-op student becomes head of marketing. 24:53 Benefits of being a generalist in AI. 28:03 Growing in career brings complex, mind-blowing lessons. 33:19 Future blurs learning and work, more training. 35:50 Workplace learning should be integrated during workdays. 37:59 Grateful for your presence and contribution. Connect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/busteed/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of The Shift with Elena Agar, I chat with you Varun Anand - an internationally renowned PMP trainer with more than 10 years of extensive work experience as a Program/Project Manager. His expertise encompasses a dynamic range of industrial domains such as E-Commerce, Automobile, Non-Profit, Mortgage, Infrastructure, Education, Insurance and Telecommunication. He is a business strategist who has managed a wide variety of multimillion-dollar projects focused on aligning business goals with technology solutions to drive process improvements, competitive advantage and bottom-line gains. Varun’s PMP training simulator EduHubSpot is widely recognized among the PMP aspirants. Varun completed his Engineering Management Master’s degree from University of Maryland, Baltimore County (Maryland, USA). Varun’s professional career involved companies such as eBay, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Infosys and Genpact, where he became an asset for corresponding project teams by adding value through his profound expertise. Through his knowledge and a passion for education, he has trained thousands of people and has consequently gained wide respect in the project management industry. Varun’s extroverted personality is expressed in his day-to-day attitude of living life to the fullest. Apart from being exceptional at PMP training, he is an ardent fan of watching movies and traveling with friends. To know more about him, feel free to directly get in touch with him: Website: www.eduhubspot.com Linkedin Profile: Varun Anand Email: varun.anand@eduhubspot.com About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Nicole Lewis-Keeber - a business therapist and mindset coach. She opened up my eyes on how our entrepreneurial journey had a start potentially way before we even decide to go into business; that certain part of our lives might have had a profound effect on how we do business and how we view our business. I found it interesting how in my own business - I use some of my past experiences to fuel my work - but I also realized that it might not always be the healthy route and in fact, the alternative could be a more effective way forward.  

About Nicole Lewis-Keeber: a business therapist and mindset coach who works with entrepreneurs to create and nurture healthy relationships with their businesses. She's a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a Masters in Social Work and has a rich and varied experience as a therapist. Certified in Brené Brown’s Dare To Lead™ methodology, she's also been featured on numerous media outlets including Fast Company and NPR for her work in breaking the stigma of mental health and business ownership. She writes and speaks about the impact of small t trauma on businesses but her biggest, more important work is in combining therapeutic processes with business coaching to help entrepreneurs build emotionally sustainable & financially stable businesses    

Learn more: https://nicole.lewis-keeber.com/links/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, our host Elena welcomes Thomas Richard as her guest, diving into the intriguing world of cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance. Join them as they explore the importance of communication skills in the industry, the benefits of starting small in your career, and the rising demand for cybersecurity professionals. Discover Thomas's insights on recruitment strategies, the mindset of ethical hackers, and the power of building relationships in the cybersecurity field. Stay tuned for a conversation filled with valuable advice, industry insights, and personal strategies for success. Time stamps: 00:00 School wasn't too interesting, but loved security. 05:01 Effective relationship-driven recruiting methods still relevant today. 06:38 Networking and recruiters crucial for job search. 09:45 Balanced work routine with occasional longer days. 14:53 Consider smaller enterprises for easier career entry. 18:34 Unpaid work prepares for better jobs later. 22:39 Stand out by being genuine and kind. 26:26 Increasing demand due to supply chain attacks. 27:41 Humans are fascinating, damaging the internet. 32:07 Experience brings immunity and improved coping skills. 36:14 Intense hot yoga helps me relax. 37:17 Using virtual assistants to regain work-life balance. 40:07 Reflect on actions to achieve future happiness. Connect with Thomas on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaspropen/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Olga Feingold - a seasoned professional management coach, consultant, and trainer with a distinctive approach shaped by a decade as a wilderness guide and Outward Bound instructor. From the Florida Everglades to the boardrooms of major corporations, Olga shares her experiences in teaching leadership development and building strong teams. With awards such as the CEO Award at ZoomInfo and the President's Award at Outward Bound, Olga's unique training style has left a lasting impact, earning praise for its effectiveness. Join us for an insightful conversation as we delve into the intersection of leadership, wilderness wisdom, and the quest to bridge the gap in corporate coaching. ------ ***Note: In this episode, there was an unintentional error in reference to a known professor. We apologize for any confusion and want to clarify that the correct name is Ethan Mollick, not Pollock. We appreciate your understanding and hope you enjoy the rest of the episode.Here's the book that was referenced in the episode: https://designingyour.life/ ------ About Olga: A professional management coach, consultant and trainer with a unique, fresh, style based on her background spending a decade as a wilderness guide and Outward Bound instructor. After emigrating to the United States as a young child, Olga quickly discovered a love of the great outdoors and a fierce determination and optimism that would drive her throughout her life to take risks, remain true to core ethical values, and build strong teams and family ties wherever she went. For the past 17 years, Olga has taught leadership development, first as an experiential educator and then as a professional trainer. She’s worked in education, fintech, biotech, manufacturing, SAS, B2B, and marketing. She’s won awards like the CEO Award at ZoomInfo for excellence, the President’s Award at Outward Bound for bringing out the best in herself and others, and the SPOT Award at Analog Devices for creating exemplary programming. She often receives feedback such as “this is so wildly different from other trainings I’ve received in my 25+ year career,” “this training was actually useful,” and “wow, you really know how to apply the concepts.” Olga spent a decade teaching leadership development through Outward Bound’s experiential learning model in the Florida everglades, Colorado Rockies, Boston Harbor, Sub-Saharan Africa, and South America, using Outward Bound’s foundation of training the mind to be strong. In the decade that she oversaw Outward Bound’s programming, she facilitated CEOs, principals, school administrators, and business school students. Her career went from managing ten teenagers at a time to managing a department of six products and a department that at its largest held over 100 people. She began looking outside herself for knowledge. Olga was invited to attend training from some of the biggest management brands to folks at Harvard and even large corporate legends. She became immersed in the management sections of the bookstore. While each held nuggets of important information, She found they fell short. She realized there was a gap in the corporate sector for a true understanding of how to effectively coach teams to the greatness she was experiencing at Outward Bound and she wanted to fill it. She is currently pursuing an MBA from UNC Kenan Flagler Business School. She holds a coaching certificate from the Neuroleadership Institute. A certificate in Leadership from UC Berkeley, a certificate in management & leadership from Boston University. As well as certificates in talent management from McLean & Co, transformational DEI from the Greater Boston City of Commerce, Evaluation Design from Endicott College and a DiSC certification. Connect with Olga: https://www.linkedin.com/in/olgafeingold/

In this episode of Shift - in this two part podcast episode I sit down with Dustin Miller 🧠PolyInnovator 🎥 OmniContent Creator 🎙️Host of The Polymath PolyCast - to discuss entrepreneurship, content creation, future of education and the cool thing he is building - Modular Degree System: a do it yourself, with help, framework for a modern approach to education.  

About Dustin Miller: As an aspiring #polymath, Dustin created #PolyInnovator as a foundational means to build out the various careers he wants out of life (A #Polymath of #Innovation if you will). He is on a mission to create a Modular Education Platform to revolutionize how we approach education as whole. #ModularDegree 🎓  🎙️ Dustin is the Host of #ThePolymathPolyCast where he interviews #multidisciplinary people.  😁 Website: http://www.polyinnovator.space/  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents. 

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar 

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Today, we're diving deep into the art of effective communication and the transformative power it holds across various contexts—from families and organizations to broader societal scenarios like preventing conflicts. As you know I am a passionate advocate for learning design, leads the discussion with insights on how understanding people at a deeper level and asking the right questions can dramatically improve interactions. Joining me is my guest Camron Brewer, who shared his perspectives on communication, AI technology, and the nuanced challenges and opportunities of growing businesses. We explore how AI is revolutionizing multimedia content creation, the importance of strong branding in marketing and learning, and the essential role of empathy and creativity in delivering custom learning solutions. Camron also opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, from his inspiration at Utah Valley University to founding his company, Key Learning. Camron discusses the emotional and practical aspects of managing a team, refining business processes, and embracing AI tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney to stay ahead in the industry. Get ready for an enlightening conversation on balancing technology with human strategy, the importance of introspection, and the reality of building and managing a successful business. Time stamps: 00:00 Started elearning company, now 50-person multimedia team. 05:28 Solving communication for diverse, industry-agnostic clients. 06:43 Custom creative solutions for client learning needs. 12:22 Design impacts learning and effective memory retention. 15:06 Generate curiosity to maintain learner's attention. 17:17 Work on business, not in it; streamline processes. 19:26 Define processes for effective delegation and growth. 24:14 Exploring AI advancements and job implications. 28:56 Embrace E-learning and AI despite initial fears. 32:51 Effective communication is a powerful skill. 33:50 Words often fail; seek understanding differently. Connect with Camron: https://www.linkedin.com/in/camron-b-b9aa88b5/ Website: https://keylearningstudios.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Melissa Guller - a course creator, podcast producer, and the CEO of Wit & Wire. We discuss running an online business as a solopreneur, the world of podcasting, and how she balances her life and running a business, all while maintaining her mental wellbeing and energy.  

About Melissa: Melissa Guller is a course creator, podcast producer, and the CEO of Wit & Wire, where she helps online business owners build their authority and reach a wider audience through podcasting. She’s produced multiple Top 50 podcasts, hosted over 100 podcast episodes, and her podcast Everything is Teachable topped the charts as the #2 Career Podcast in America. Bigger picture, Melissa loves to teach entrepreneurs. She’s a top-rated instructor at General Assembly NYC and on Skillshare, and she previously worked full-time for Ramit Sethi and Teachable. To date, she’s helped nearly 2,000 podcasters through her Wit & Wire programs, and she’s on a mission to help more diverse business owners earn money online doing work they love.

Website: witandwire.com  
YouTube: witandwire.com/youtube
Podcast: witandwire.com/podcast  
Instagram: instagram.com/witandwire  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. 

Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this installment, our host Elena is joined by the insightful Vit, a guest with a deep background in tech and a passion for continuous learning and growth. Together, they delve into the vital topic of soft skills and their increasing relevance in today's ever-evolving workplace. As they share personal experiences, discuss the impact of AI on project management, and explore the future of work, listeners are treated to a candid conversation filled with valuable insights and thought-provoking perspectives. Join Elena and Vit as they navigate the intersection of technology, personal growth, and career development in this engaging and enlightening episode. Time stamps: 00:00 Came for summer, learned English, pursued education. 06:06 Appreciates balance between creative and analytical thinking. 09:27 AI boosts productivity, but leads to job loss. 11:48 Excited outlook on future of relationships and technology. 16:15 Struggle with skills, soft over technical growth. 20:15 Start a podcast, learn and grow consistently. 21:51 Interested in diverse career stories and growth. 25:47 Questioning the value of certain professional certifications. 28:02 Build skills, seek opportunities, and take initiative. 32:43 Early podcasts, apologies, then rapid progress ensues. Connect with Vit on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vit-lyoshin/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Millree Williams, Owner and Founder of Willekop Consulting and Coaching, is passionate about helping high-achieving leaders of nonprofit and education organizations thrive and improve the quality of their lives! As a business communications and marketing strategist, Millree consults closely with small business owners to position their organizations to attract, expand and retain their business lines with effective brand, storytelling, and messaging platforms. As a certified career and life coach, Millree also partners with nonprofit and education leaders and successful mid-career professionals to help them unblock and then successfully navigate the barriers between them and their personal and career goals. As a trained thinking and accountability partner, he helps clients open up, discover blind spots, gain clarity, see a bigger picture, and work through stumbling blocks to generate new ways of accomplishing their goals. His goal is to help his clients work through difficult choices and try on new perspectives to become their best selves – both professionally and personally. To this adventure, Millree brings a successful, 20-year track record of leading results-oriented strategic communications and public affairs teams in education and social justice nonprofits. In his spare time, Millree serves on the Board of Forty Plus of Greater Washington, where he helps mature professionals successfully navigate the challenging times in their lives – either career or life changes. He also tutors seniors in reading and writing. Millree can be reached at millree@willekop.com, or at https://www.willekop.com/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

Welcome back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast. In today's episode, we're excited to introduce Emma, a trailblazing professional whose journey is nothing short of extraordinary. Initially setting her sights on LA to reunite with her sister, Emma mastered the art of sales and achieved her American dream in 2015. Beyond her corporate success, Emma transformed a personal traumatic experience in 2016 into a passion for mindfulness and meditation. She leveraged these practices to establish the Apprentice project, a unique educational resource integrating job-seeking skills with mindfulness and meditation. Join us as we dive into Emma's multifaceted career, from her beginnings in Manchester's graduate recruitment scene to her pivotal role at LinkedIn, her travels around the world, and her ground-breaking work in neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). We'll explore how Emma's challenges, insights, and innovative approaches are shaping the future for the Gen Z and Gen Alpha workforce, and how she's pioneering new strategies to help companies attract and retain young talent. We'll also hear about her best-selling book, "The Graduate Bible," and her upcoming work focused on the Alpha generation. Plus, we'll discuss the impact of AI technology in various professions and the evolving landscape of personal branding and career preparation. Whether you're an executive dealing with distraction and overwhelm or a young graduate seeking direction, Emma's story is filled with invaluable insights and inspiration. So, tune in, and let's shift our perspectives together. Time stamps: 00:00 Left Australia due to father's sickness, won vouchers. 05:59 Serendipitous encounter leads to successful business partnership. 07:25 Grief led to depression, then a job. 10:41 Morning routine: set intention, be present, happy. 13:23 Be compassionate, use timer, focus on thoughts. 18:53 Processing billions of bits, brain deletes, distorts, generalizes. 22:19 Grateful for impactful teachers, aiming for positivity. 23:56 Demonstrate value, connect, and learn IMA. 26:30 Graduates need passion, focus, and self-awareness. 30:02 Focused individual pursued passion, landed gaming job. 33:48 Members first philosophy, valued and trusted platform. 37:34 Sister lawyer, mom imaginary, value college experience. 41:33 Contemplating legacy and life's uncertain timeline. 42:37 Look forward to follow and chat again. Connect with Emma on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmavites/ Her book: https://theapprenticeproject.com/the-graduate-bible/ Website: https://theapprenticeproject.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, I chat with Scott Dettman - CEO & Board of Directors at Avenica. We'll be exploring the crossroads of career paths, the power of unlocking human potential, and the transformative world of employment with our insightful guest. Scott's journey takes us from his roots in Milwaukee, through the uncertainties of a post-2009 job market, to the pivotal moment of turning down a legal career, based on a realization that he was more suited to shaping laws rather than practicing within their confines. His passion for data and connecting people to meaningful work eventually led him to take over a company just before the onslaught of COVID, where he faced and overcame significant business challenges. At Avenica, Scott leads an innovative approach to career launching, harnessing tools like the Halo assessment and prioritizing personal stories over standard resumes. We'll discuss Avenica's unique process, their quest to find the elusive narrative behind each candidate's resume, and how they are training their team to approach hiring with empathy and a focus on potential rather than just experience. Join us as we analyze the addiction to traditional resume formats, the inefficiencies in current recruitment algorithms, and Scott's prediction of a workforce demanding multifunctional skills in an AI-driven age. And of course, we'll tap into the continuous learning mindset with Scott sharing how ChatGPT, an AI technology, played a role in his being listed as a finalist for a prestigious award. Tune in to hear about the shift towards the age of the consumer candidate, the potential future of multifunctional roles, and reflections on continuous development. We'll see how Scott's perspectives on transformation and his mission to redefine the employment landscape might just change the way we think about our own career trajectories. So, get ready for a thought-provoking discussion that might just inspire you to reassess your own resume and career path. Connect with Scott: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scottdettman/ Website: https://avenica.com/ Time stamps: 00:00 Realized job process flaws, aims to improve. 06:18 Stay a beginner, stay excited about work. 09:22 Decided to make a career leap at 31. 10:21 Seeking new challenges, considering moving to Europe. 13:58 Bias in recruitment needs better predictive data. 17:48 Overcoming hardships shapes resilient, strong individuals. 20:18 Automated process ensures better fit for hiring. 27:11 Partnerships for tailored skills development and assessment. 30:57 Acquisition of modern data-driven headhunting firm. Future-focused. 32:11 Improving system, translating human potential into impact. 36:05 Insurance industry struggles with attracting young talent. 40:29 Emphasizes the need for continual learning and adaptation. 41:32 Revolutionary impact of tools on professional practices. 46:39 Seek motivation within for fulfilling life purpose. 48:24 Scott, thank you for the inspiration. Let's schedule a part two soon. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Orsi Urban - a career strategist and talent development professional. She lives and breathes expat life, currently living in Milan, Italy. Having studied and worked in 6 countries in 3 continents, she grew from the pains and gains of building a global career. In her work, she is passionate about supporting professionals to reach their next career step aligned with their life goals. She has a bias towards action, and leading a conscious and  regret free life.   

When she's not working, you will find her hiking around the Apls with friends, and trying to master Italian cooking.   

Get in touch:  

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/orsiurban/ 

Website: https://www.luminacoaching.org/ 

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ 

 Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode, I am joined by Danial Tokath, an entrepreneur who transitioned from a high-stakes engineering career to a bold new path in business. Danial's journey from managing a multi-million dollar portfolio in the corporate world to founding his own company, aptly named 'N,' is a riveting tale of courage, faith, and relentless pursuit of passion. In this episode, we dive deep into Danial's philosophy on taking risks, overcoming fears, and the importance of family and faith. We explore the profound impact his move from Dubai to Jordan had on his family, the resilience they built, and the remarkable successes his children achieved along the way. Danial also shares his invaluable insights on the significance of storytelling in business, the power of social media, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship amidst technological advancements. Join us as we discuss the highs and lows of his professional journey, the lessons learned from his pivot to entrepreneurship, and his unwavering belief that it’s never too late to start anew. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for inspiration and practical advice, Danial's story will motivate you to align with your purpose and take bold steps towards a fulfilling life. Connect with Danial: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danial-tokath/ Website: https://www.nds.ae/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode - we discuss how change can drive us forward and what do we do to make change work for us. The change that is unexpected is just as natural as the planned one. It is important to acknowledge that is a natural part of life and often something we might not necessarily want or be ready for, but we certainly need. It is needed because it creates an opportunity for growth, opening our eyes to new way of life or approaching things.

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Steven Rothberg - Founder, Chief Visionary Officer of College Recruiter, and podcast host. We talked about his entrepreneurship journey of over 20 years + some exciting facts around current and future education trends, as well as what corporates are looking for in fresh graduates and how to stand out as a student and/or fresh graduate.   

About Steven: his entrepreneurial spirit was evident from an early age. Disciplined in fifth grade for selling candy during math class and in college for running a massive fantasy hockey league, he managed to channel his passions into something more productive after graduate school.   A fully recovered lawyer, he founded the business that morphed into College Recruiter and now, as its Chief Visionary Officer, help to create and refine the company’s strategy and leads its business development efforts.  

He's been widely quoted by local, regional, national and international media including NBC Nightly News, MSNBC's Dylan Ratigan Show, U.S. News & World Report, Bloomberg, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, FOX & Friends, and CNN. I kept hearing that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, so he co-founded and is the co-host of the JobBoardGeek Podcast, the only podcast about the business of connecting candidates and employers.  

He was named by Mashable as one of the 20 top people for job seekers to follow on Twitter, Fast Company magazine as a "Top 50 online influencer", LinkedIn as having a profile in the top one percent most viewed, and TAtech as one of the top 100 influencers in the talent acquisition industry.  

He may be reached at Steven@CollegeRecruiter.com.  

Website: https://www.collegerecruiter.com/advertising

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenrothberg/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work.  Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Today, we have the privilege of chatting with Tom Schin, a seasoned expert in workplace culture and dynamics. Tom's fascinating journey began as a math major before transitioning to anthropology, and eventually carving out a notable career in HR and leadership across various sectors. We'll delve into his experiences in talent acquisition and leadership development, leading to his passion for helping businesses build better workplace cultures. Together, we'll explore the intricacies of recognizing and evaluating company culture, especially during tough times, and the pivotal role of leadership in shaping and maintaining these environments. Tom also sheds light on the significance of continuous learning, balancing accessibility with time management, and the evolution of workplace norms toward more supportive and civil interactions. This episode promises deep insights into navigating personal challenges within the workplace, fostering open communication, and the importance of managerial training, including the often-overlooked middle manager. We'll also touch on the growing conversation around mental health, resilience, and the shift towards a well-rounded employee wellbeing strategy. Time stamps: 00:00 Career evolution from academic publishing to HR. 06:21 True colors show during tough times. 08:44 Middle managers need support to lead effectively. 12:59 Managing emotional intelligence amid busy schedules. 14:26 Guide discussions, observe, and wisely assert boundaries. 17:09 Adaptability connects AI to human stories effectively. 21:32 Support employees patiently through good and bad. 25:51 Persistence and balance: try independently before seeking help. 29:33 Organizations focus on wellbeing, resilience, and engagement. 30:43 Mental health stigmas fading, discussions increasing gradually. 34:16 Why not prioritize continual learning and growth? Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schinnn/ Company website: https://buildbetterculture.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Mark Metry - Forbes Featured Social Anxiety Coach, Mental Health professional, Certified Nutrition Coach| TEDx Speaker & Author. Mark has been featured on over 250+ podcasts and media like Forbes, Mindvalley, Influencive, Inc Magazine, Huffington Post, Fearless Motivation, Spartan and many others. His podcast, Humans 2.0. In total, his thoughts, views, podcasts, and videos have been viewed over 50+ Million times. His podcast hit #96 of the top podcasts in the world with Tim Ferriss, NPR, Lewis Howes & Gary Vaynerchuk. He is an international (virtual) speaker at conferences, schools, and Fortune 500’s delivering meaningful & transformative current edge applicable knowledge through speaking engagements, panels, host, MC, workshops, and more. To connect with Mark, follow his social media: LinkedIn @MarkMetry Twitter @markymetry Instagram @markmetry About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with a colleague and friend Fernanda Martinez - and we talk about what happens when you leave a 'perfect life' , marriage, family, and start over in a new country, leaving all that you know behind...completely changing the trajectory of your future.   

About Fernanda: Fernanda grew up in South-Africa in a multi-cultural home (thanks to Argentinian and Portuguese parents). After completing a postgraduate degree in Public Health & spending a number of years working with NGO’s in Africa, she relocated to Portugal where she began her journey into self improvement and changing her approach to life.

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, I chat with Shannon Talbot - Author of Breaking Free: Stop Holding Back, Start Being You | Keynote Speaker | Performance Coach | The Happiness Expert. Shannon shares her personal tale of self-sabotage born from a fear of success, a story so many of us can resonate with. We grapple with the question: Why do we lose our curiosity and fearlessness as we climb the ladder of life? This conversation takes us through the impact of societal pressures, the importance of trusting our intuition, and the roles gender dynamics play in how we tackle these fears. But that's not all. Shannon walks us through her own transformative journey—a transformation that's comparable to a home renovation, messy but entirely necessary. She's here not just to narrate but to offer guidance, sharing insights from her book "Breaking Free" and prompting us to consider what we want to feel good about when looking back on our lives. So, brace yourselves as we step into this empowering conversation, which will not only inspire but equip you to make those tough decisions and change the spaces that no longer serve you well. Let's get ready to break free from the chains of fear and step up into the life we deserve. Time Stamps: 00:00 Becoming manager and mom, struggling with stress. 05:22 Realizing the importance of mental health help. 09:14 Embrace dreams and happiness, stop waiting. 12:28 Confront fear with worst and best case scenarios. 15:13 Let go of fear and take action. 17:19 Prepare for worst, minimize risk, consider alternatives. 20:29 Fear of success and self-sabotage in clients. 24:56 Advice: Trust yourself, don't let fear hold you. 26:52 Difficulty in leaving unsupportive environments impacting success. 31:09 Men face same obstacles, hide struggles better. 33:42 Reflect on life choices before death. Connect with Shannon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannon-talbot-mba/ Her website: https://shannontalbot.com/ Her book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CQRMBC3T?asc_campaign=5c9ce24bfe15f0f4dd0828262c328c53&asc_source=01GRXJEDJ827CJHX3R3R7DB4DN&tag=namespacebran320-20 Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

A culture of innovation can be a difference between success and failure in today’s competitive environment. The key to fostering a culture of innovation and creativity are some things we previously discussed such as establishing trust, vulnerability, and empathy with and among your employees. These practices must be adapted in day to day work and engraved in organization’s culture. According to recent Accenture study, over 90% of executives think innovation is key to their business success. A major challenge for any organization is how to build a culture of innovation. There are many strategic ways to influence the flow of innovation and ideas at the organizational level. I talk about some of those ways in this episode.

Today, we're diving into the intricate landscape of job applications, career support, and the transformative power of AI in recruitment. Our guests, Logan Currie and Vrijen Attawar, join us to share their inspiring journey as co-founders of Career Span, a platform revolutionizing the way we approach career coaching and job matching. We'll explore cultural differences in job applications, the inefficiencies of traditional resumes, and the burgeoning reliance on AI tools like ChatGPT. Logan and Vrijen share candid experiences from their startup journey, emphasizing the importance of resilience, trial and error, and maintaining strong professional relationships. Together with our host, Elena, we discuss the challenges and future of recruiting, the significance of upskilling, and the ethical implications of AI in the job market. We also touch on personal stories of bravery, entrepreneurship, and the ever-evolving understanding of risk. Time stamps: 00:00 A supportive career companion and mentor role. 04:29 Sought scalable coaching; AI realized the dream. 07:34 Cultural priorities impact self-presentation through resumes. 13:19 Hiring Ilsa accelerated product development significantly. 15:34 Entrepreneurship involves risk, learning, and humility. 20:38 Trusted resource for personalized advice and achievements. 23:59 Collaborative honesty helps overcome personal overcorrections. 27:52 Proactive choices stem from self-reflection and understanding. 31:46 Tech advancements challenge future business planning uncertainty. 36:13 Networking and resume tailoring essential for branding. 37:16 Central repository with AI for recruitment insights. 41:51 Job applications burden candidates with unclear expectations. 46:18 Closing presentation skills gap for job seekers. 48:46 AI supplements, not replaces, human coaching effectiveness. 51:47 AI career coach enhances resume with soft skills. 54:11 Contact us via MyCareerSpan; founders on LinkedIn. Connect with Logan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-currie/ Connect with Vrijen: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vrijenattawar/ Company website: https://www.theapply.ai/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, we discuss Resilience and strategies for bulking it; it is based on our REWAC model - Resilience, Embracing Change, Wellbeing, Ambiguity, and Creativity - that can help you manage yourself through challenging times

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Devin Price. He is a passionate cybersecurity leader, writer, educator, and content creator with over eight years of professional technology experience. He holds a master's degree in Management Information Systems and has expertise in systems analysis, application security, penetration testing, and vulnerability management. For the past five years and counting, he has been working in the information security field helping organizations manage security risks. He is currently acting as a security technical program manager at Microsoft. In 2022, he was honored in the inaugural "Cybersecurity 40 under 40" class of 2022 by Top Cyber News Magazine. His thoughts on cybersecurity as well as his career in tech have been published in multiple publications, such as the United States Cybersecurity Magazine, Top Cyber News Magazine, and by NowSecure, Inc. In August 2023, Devin was accepted as a member of ForbesBLK, a Forbes community for Black entrepreneurs, professionals, leaders, and creatives. When he is not working, Devin enjoys speaking with both technology & cybersecurity professionals as well as those interested in breaking into either field on his "Talking Tech Podcast" YouTube channel." Check out his podcast: https://youtube.com/@TheTalkingTechPodcast?si=0GqbmX6bEbmnTmdO Connect with Devin on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pricedevin/ In our engaging podcast episode, Devin Price, a distinguished cybersecurity leader and educator with over eight years of tech experience, delves into the dynamic world of cybersecurity. We explore his journey, expertise, and insights in areas such as systems analysis, application security, penetration testing, and vulnerability management. Devin, recently recognized in the "Cybersecurity 40 under 40," reveals the evolving landscape of cybersecurity and offers invaluable advice for both seasoned professionals and those aspiring to enter this field. Join us as we unravel the intricacies of cybersecurity and tap into Devin's wealth of knowledge to navigate this vital domain. About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Marques Ogden - International Keynote Speaker, Business Coach, Former NFL Player, Author, Podcast Host of “The Get Authentic With Marques Show” - on how to stay true to yourself among adversity and life's ups and downs.   He shares his story as a former NFL player and business owner who went from 8 figures to $8.25/hour by not accepting responsibility for his role in failing in his first entrepreneurial venture.  

About Marques: Growing up in a single parent home with a father that inspired perseverance and fairness, Marques Ogden learned how to define his values and set goals. Ogden attended Howard University from 1998-2002 where he played Division I football. He then followed his dream and his brother Jonathan’s footsteps, eventually getting drafted into the NFL in 2003. Overall, he played for 5 years as an offensive lineman with the Titans, Bills, Ravens and Jaguars. Even during the off season, Ogden helped train football players in Europe, both physically and mentally.  

_____ 

In his podcast, each week, he interviews amazing people who've achieved the success they've always aspired to achieve by overcoming obstacles and adversities that stood in their path! Tune in below to learn more!  

Website: https://marquesogden.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-authentic-with-marques-ogden/id1633323257

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbROb_i2Ef3mr6OFoBOFjuQ/featured?view_as=subscriber 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work.  Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Charles Williams - educator with a mission to change the way we educate our youth & prepare them for the future of work. We chat about importance of social and emotional skills at an early age, about importance of making connections with students and teachers at the schools as a leader, and what the future of education might look like.   

About Charles: Charles Williams has been an educator for more than 15 years serving as a teacher, a mentor/lead teacher, an assistant principal, and a principal for urban students in grades K-12. He also serves as an equity advocate through his work with Great Expectations Mentoring, Chicago Public School's Office of Equity, and The City of Chicago's Equity Office. Charles is the host of The Counter Narrative Podcast, a show designed to challenge the dominant narrative that often negatively portrays our disenfranchised populations. He is also the co-host of Inside the Principal's Office, a bi-monthly show featuring educational leaders from around the world. After presenting at numerous events including nationwide conferences, educational workshops, and fundraising events, Charles decided to launch CW Consulting - an organization committed to delivering personalized keynotes, workshops, and consulting services focused on helping institutions to unlock their potential and delivering results.  

Learn more here: https://linktr.ee/_cwconsulting  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Today, we're diving deep into the intricacies of decision-making, risk, and career development with our esteemed guest, Steve Mann. With an impressive track record in finance and a bold entrepreneurial spirit, Steve shares invaluable insights from his career journey—from commercial banking in Baltimore to strategic roles at Microsoft, and now, venturing into disruptive innovations and startups. In this episode, Steve and Elena unpack the art of risk assessment, the importance of achieving clarity before making decisions, and how over-analysis can hinder opportunities. Steve's approach to financial analysis, focusing on income statements and balance sheets over CEO reports, offers a fresh perspective for aspiring professionals. We also explore the significance of mentorship, personal development, and the delicate balance between technical expertise and effective management. Steve’s reflections on his career shifts, decision-making processes, and passion for innovation provide a roadmap for anyone looking to navigate the complex world of tech and finance. So, whether you're aiming to grow in your career, embrace entrepreneurial challenges, or simply understand the dynamics of effective decision-making, this episode promises to deliver crucial takeaways and thought-provoking discussions. Tune in to learn from Steve’s experiences and get inspired to make your own impactful decisions. Time Stamps: 00:00 Banking career: commercial lending, GE Capital, MCG 04:56 Shift from Microsoft to personal entrepreneurial pursuits. 07:45 Intimidated by analytical finance skills, lacking creativity. 13:19 Assessing credit risk involves uncertainties and assumptions. 15:24 Entrepreneurial upbringing fostered risk-taking mentality. 17:56 Desire for decision-making and entrepreneurial involvement. 21:26 I just want to create, not be CEO. 25:04 Companies struggle with talent after 50 employees. 30:32 CEOs' decisions impacted by unexpected inflation trends. 34:15 Tech sector favors generalists over specialists. 35:41 Develop diverse mentorships: broaden perspectives, expand opportunities. 40:55 Assess impacts of acting and not acting. 42:09 Tim Ferriss's the cost of inaction approach Connect with Steve: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swmann/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In today's episode, we are thrilled to have the dynamic Jabari Young as a guest. We dive deep into the world of journalism and media, anchored by Jabari's compelling journey from the streets of North Philadelphia to the prestigious platforms of Forbes and CNBC. Throughout their engaging conversation, Jabari shares his inspiring career story, detailing the pivotal moments that shaped his path, including his unique educational experiences and early professional struggles. We discuss the importance of seeing different environments and how visualizing success can ignite a strong internal drive. Jabari opens up about the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, especially being away from his young daughter. Moreover, the dialogue touches on the evolution of media, the significance of hard work, and the underrated value of traditional jobs. Jabari also highlight the emergence of Forbes BLK, a platform dedicated to celebrating black excellence in business, and the powerful role of mentors in personal and professional growth. Whether you're a young professional seeking guidance or someone interested in the transformative power of media, this episode is packed with insights, humor, and wisdom from two seasoned experts. Tune in and get ready for a conversation that promises to leave you inspired and motivated! Connect with Jabari on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jabari-young-25b59970/ Check out ForbesBLK: https://www.forbes.com/forbesblk/ Time stamps: 00:00 Busing Changed My Life Trajectory 04:38 Growing Up a Knucklehead 06:56 "Trust the Process of Growth" 11:40 From Work to Life Lessons 12:37 Value of Working-Class Jobs 17:27 Career Move Decision for Family 22:01 Embracing the 40s: Golden Years 24:34 Journalism Journey: From Spurs to Oregon 26:17 San Antonio's Transformative Impact 30:47 Forbes BLK Platform Launch 33:29 Celebrating Diverse Success Stories 36:50 "Skilled Trades: Future Millionaires" 39:21 Pursuing Financial Freedom 44:44 Pay It Forward and Learn 47:35 Trusting Your Own Judgment 50:35 Teamwork and Interdependence Insight Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Elyse Wagner - Co-Founder and Chief Wellness Officer. We discuss the importance of food on our overall wellness, mind/body connection, and how each body needs an individual approach to live a healthy, quality life. Elyse shared her personal story of health and what helped her make the change necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle and how she now helps others do the same! This was a very insightful discussion and I think it can add value to anyone who is on the journey of understanding their bodies more, leading an overall healthier lifestyle and just generally wanting to be better.   

About Elyse: Elyse Wagner has always been a questioner, motivated to discover what’s possible when you’re really, truly in your soul purpose. For her, that purpose is to help others take ownership of their health. She first embraced this calling while in graduate school at Bastyr University, when she was diagnosed with celiac disease. In struggling with her diagnosis, she realized that she had always known, intuitively, that certain foods were creating “brain fog,” bloating, and mood swings. So she made the empowering decision to become the CEO of her health and tapped into the motivation to change her lifestyle.  Elyse healed her mind and body by applying the knowledge she was learning in her master’s program: that food and a positive mindset are the most powerful medicine. It became clear to her that she was called to empower others to choose health and educate them on how to achieve wellness.  

After earning a dual master’s degree in holistic nutrition and clinical psychology, Elyse began practicing as a certified nutritionist and licensed mental health counselor. In 2013, she founded My Kitchen Shrink, Inc. and joined Dr. Scheinbaum at Feed Your Mind Wellness, LLC as a Health Coach, where they connected over their shared belief in the transformative power of Functional Medicine coaching.  Elyse always hoped to make a powerful impact on the world through health education. Founding FMCA and serving thousands of students as part of the Functional Medicine movement is the manifestation of a lifelong dream.  “Sandi and I share a passion for teaching, inspiring, and empowering like-minded professionals to become effective coaches. FMCA provides an educational framework that embodies the perfect blend of mind, body, and spirit. It’s not just a program, it’s a movement, and I’m honored to have the opportunity to guide your personal and professional growth. This is what I’m here to do, what I need to do. This is my purpose.”  

Elyse is the author of Smoothie Secrets Revealed: A Guide to Enhance Your Health and co-author of Functional Medicine Coaching: How to Be Part of the Movement That’s Transforming Healthcare. 

Website: https://functionalmedicinecoaching.org/elyse-wagner/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Michael Anthony - Founder of Think Unbroken, best-selling author, award-winning speaker, podcast host, coach, and advocate for adult survivors of childhood trauma. Trauma Warrior: Following his profound "Mirror Moment," he embarked on a journey of self-actualization and mindset training to craft the life he truly desired. It has been a lifelong endeavor to arrive at the position he finds himself in today. Trauma Mentor: By cultivating the right mindset and unwavering dedication, he has achieved a state of unparalleled happiness, vitality, and self-love, unlike any previous point in his life. His aspiration is to share the invaluable wisdom and tools he has gathered along this journey with the world, enabling others to embark on a similar path of transformation. The once-lost, isolated, and fractured young boy he used to be has evolved into an unbreakable individual. Connect with Michael: https://www.thinkunbroken.com/childhood-trauma-life-coach-michael-anthony Portfolio of work: https://linktr.ee/michaelunbroken In this impactful podcast episode, Michael shared a powerful journey from surviving unimaginable child abuse to becoming an inspiring advocate for survivors. The discussion revolved around the profound idea that sometimes life thrusts us into roles we didn't choose, but through resilience and unwavering determination, we can transform our pain into strength. He emphasized that mindset is the key to overcoming the darkest of challenges and how, despite the absence of shortcuts, one can reclaim their life About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Michael O'Brian. As a near-death cycling accident survivor, former corporate executive, endurance athlete, qualified meditation teacher, and creator of the Pause Breathe Reflect Meditation and Gratitude app, Michael brings a unique perspective to any corporate event or podcast. On July 11th, 2001, Michael experienced a life-altering event that shattered his worldview; he was struck head-on by a speeding SUV while cycling. Today, Michael refers to this as his "Last Bad Day", and has gone from barely surviving to thriving, and even recently cycled across the country, averaging 87 miles per day, on a brand new total knee replacement. Today he's on a mission to ripple something worth rippling: Help 100,000 people in 2023 start a mindfulness and gratitude practice and help individuals and businesses stress less, perform better, and live more. Michael's approach to mindfulness is straightforward, relatable, and geared to those who don't think they have time or believe they can't do it. He believes a "slow is fast," mindful approach is needed today to help us accomplish hard things tomorrow. Get in touch: Website: https://www.michaelobrienshift.com/ Mindfulness app: https://www.pausebreathereflect.com/ Facebook, Instagram, YouTube:  @pausebreathereflect  About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Rachel Cossar - Virtual Sapiens Co-Founder and CEO, body language and presence expert. We discuss ways we can be more engaging with our online audience and what her company is doing to help people get real time feedback on their virtual presence and communication style. This is a topic that is relevant to all of us as we spend more and more time online with our teams, audiences, and customers.   

About Rachel: Rachel Cossar is a body language and presence expert with a unique background in nonverbal performance in extremely high-pressure contexts. For 15 years, she trained and competed as a Rhythmic Gymnast on the Canadian National Team. From this career, she joined the Boston Ballet, performing lead roles in front of thousands of audience members and on stages across the globe. With experience as a major gift fundraising professional at Harvard University and New England Conservatory, Rachel applies her programmatic content to elevate the human experience both in person and virtually. Rachel leads highly experiential workshops both in-person and virtually through CFB, as a leadership presence facilitator with Ariel Group and Mobius Executive Leadership. Most recently, Rachel Co- Founded Virtual Sapiens, a machine learning based platform designed to make quality communication and presence coaching more accessible to rising and established professionals. Her programs have helped meet the needs of executives, consultants, sales teams, hospitality professionals and political figures among others.

Virtual Sapiens Website
Virtual Sapiens on LinkedIn
Sidekick demo

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Carlos Alvarenga - independent researcher, author, and coach. We chatted about his research and work on the rules of persuasion. Having rich experience in the world of business and leadership, Carlos brings insightful information about how the world's greatest communicators convince, lead, and inspire. One chat you don't want to miss. Tune in!   

About Carlos: Carlos Alvarenga is an independent researcher, author, and coach. He is also a Senior Research Fellow and Adjunct Professor at the Robert H. Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland. Prior to writing full time, he was the Executive Director of World 50 Labs, the member-innovation team at World 50, Inc. Before World 50, he was a Principal in Ernst & Young’s Advisory Practice and, earlier, a Managing Director at Accenture.  

Links: Author/coach page: https://www.carlosalvarenga.com/

Newsletter on persuasion: https://carlosalvarenga.substack.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Marc Stoecker - a Learning and Development Specialist & a coach - who has created a life of service through his coaching career, helping individuals overcome obstacles that get in a way of getting where we want to go. We chat about his experience as a coach and what drove him to pursue coaching & how peer coaching helped him as well in his individual career growth as well. If you are interested to learn about how coaching can help you and your career or becoming a coach yourself, this episode is for you.

About Marc: Marc Stoecker is a Learning and Development Specialist with 20 years of combined experience in training and development both instructor lead in the classroom and with online. He has a masters in instructional design from George Mason University, with a focus on online, experiential learning projects and content development.  He leverages multimedia development software in making his client's dreams a reality.

Marc holds two coach certifications: the Certified Professional Co-active Coach (CPCC) through CTI, and the Associated Certified Coach (ACC) through the International Coaching Federation. He's currently participating in another certification program focused on Positive Intelligence. Marc is currently coaching one-on-one clients from a variety of backgrounds and specializes in career development.  He is also developing and co-developing a handful of workshops on coaching and soft-skill topics with the goal of creating a suite of workshops, webinars and weekend retreats, all available upon request to be facilitated or co-facilitated. He considers himself a nextgen coach, feeling comfortable leveraging technology in his coaching and also loves injecting creativity into the process.

Marc helps his clients break through the obstacles that seem to be holding them back in life, personally and professionally and get critical insights to get unstuck and achieve a more fulfilling life.

Connect with Marc: prismofpurpose.com

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down for a conversation with Dorothy Dalton, a global talent management strategist, workplace futurist, and founder of 3Plus International. With a career spanning discrimination, inequality, exclusion, and bullying, Dorothy shares her expertise in creating gender-balanced, diverse, and inclusive workplaces. As a seasoned HR consultant, executive search specialist, and certified coach, she discusses the importance of bias-managed recruitment, psychologically safe workplace cultures, and strategies for mitigating resistance to change. Tune in to explore the future of work with a true visionary in the field. About Dorothy: Dorothy is the Founder of 3Plus International, which offers strategic and operational consulting services to organizations building gender balanced, diverse and inclusive workplaces to achieve business success. She has run hundreds of international executive search assignments, and as a certified Coach and Trainer has supported thousands of individuals to reach their potential. Connect with Dorothy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorothydalton/ About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Andre' Thomas and Todd Levinson - co-hosts of the Healing Race podcast. In this powerful episode, Andre' and Todd join me on a remarkable journey into the heart of racial dialogue. For the first 25 years of their friendship, they never broached the topic of race, but now, they've embarked on a mission to explore the complexities of race relations in the U.S. Their discussions are raw, unfiltered, and marked by radical openness, honesty, and empathy. In this episode, we dive into their personal experiences and motivations behind launching Healing Race, shedding light on the importance of engaging in candid conversations about race and just sharing our thoughts and questions around this topic. This conversation that doesn't shy away from difficult topics and strives for understanding, respect, and healing. About Andre': Andre' Thomas is a tech enthusiast with over 20 years of experience in operational process improvement, product development, and data analytics. His passion for collaboration, conversation, and racial diversity led him to start The Healing Race Show with Todd Levinson as a means of inspiring people to see beyond difference and come together to create a more connected world. About Todd: Todd Levinson is the co-host of Healing Race and co-founder of MATR, a new tech start-up looking to bring meaningful conversations to social media. Todd was previously the Director of Programs and Strategy at Civic Genius, where he designed community programs aimed at fostering a more solution-oriented, less partisan politics. He has also worked on workforce policy at the local, state and national levels, focusing on how to help Americans get jobs and gain the skills necessary to advance their careers. Previously, Todd was a consultant and professional speaker for over 9 years, leading personal and professional development seminars for audiences across North America. He has also worked with the United Nations, where he helped lead a conflict resolution effort that guided civil society and government leaders from conflict-affected islands in the Pacific to develop joint solutions to further peace and development in their islands. Recently, he studied and taught moral and political psychology at the University of California, San Diego. Watch Healing Race on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@healingrace3491 Listen on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/healing-race/id1699319058 About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Cheryl Fischer is a Mindset & Life Coach, host of the podcast OMG Teach Me, and an entrepreneur in social selling and wellness. In this episode, we dive into the incredible journey of Cheryl Fischer - from her diverse career spanning airline pricing to teaching and corporate training, Cheryl's common thread is her passion for teaching and making a positive impact. Discover how she breaks down complex concepts into understandable pieces and shares invaluable mindset, success, and health principles that are often missing from traditional education. Join us for an inspiring conversation about life, learning, and living well. About Cheryl: She has had a varied career from airline pricing to high school teaching to corporate training, and one constant theme has run through all of it - the desire to teach and make a difference. Cheryl is always looking for ways to break huge and overwhelming concepts into understandable pieces so that all of us have the benefit of learning the mindset, success, and health principles that we usually don't learn in school. Cheryl is a wife, a mom of two twenty-something kids, and can often be found on her front porch reading a book and enjoying a glass of wine. Connect with Cheryl at OMG Teach Me Podcast on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn and grab your free seven days of secrets to living well by subscribing at www.bit.ly/omgteachmepodcast. Instagram: www.instagram.com/omgteachmepodcast Facebook: www.facebook.com/omgteachme LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/omgteachmepodcast About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Ebehi Diaz - an architectural designer based in Atlanta, GA. With over 6 years of experience in the design and construction industry, she has worked with architecture firms in Lagos, Miami and Atlanta gaining experience in the profession. Ebehi is a self motivated designer who believes that good design contributes to the well-being of a community. She has a vast knowledge of various architectural programs which help her effectively design and produce drawings for commercial, healthcare, educational, aviation, civic, commercial, multifamily and retail projects. Currently working towards becoming a licensed architect in Georgia and Florida, Ebehi searches for clients and communities that challenge her knowledge of architecture. Her passions for design and community development led her to create a design podcast and studio - Layers of Design, a platform where designers, architects and artists alike share their stories and experiences in the design field. Layers of design participate in competitions that explore solutions to issues within different communities, host events that spark conversations and inspire the community through volunteer experiences. Going into its 4th year, Layers of Design is working with different community leaders to facilitate programs that enhance their surroundings through design. Aside from building Layers of Design, Ebehi works at an engineering firm as a designer on industrial projects and sits on the board of directors of AIA Atlanta and NOMA Atlanta as the Communications Director and Professional Development Director respectively. She enjoys reading, hiking and traveling. Link to website / podcast: https://www.layersofdesign.online/ Link to Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/layersofdesign_/ About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

Bringing empathy into your leadership style will also create a healthier environment for those around you and influence others to follow by example. As a leader, it is your responsibility to foster an atmosphere where people can feel heard, respected, and open in their communication. By creating a safe space for your teams to open up, you further encourage a culture where employees can thrive and grow together. When employees feel valued and accepted, they are motivated to bring the best of their work to the table and take ownership in creating a thriving business for all. In this episode, I give you some tips on ways to enhance empathy and vulnerability in your leadership style.

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Laban Ditchburn - World's Best Courage Coach, Author, Speaker - to talk about facing adversity, tackling addiction, & becoming unstoppable no matter what life throws at you.   An exemplar and a revolutionary, he revels in unabashedly sharing what he’s learned: how to conquer the demons you don’t know you have, and how to be unstoppable in getting to where you want to be.   Laban’s debut and internationally acclaimed book “Bet on You” is a “can’t put down” must-read with its raw, real, hilarious, and inspiring message of hope.   

About Laban: A child badly affected by divorce, poverty and dysfunction, Laban sought validation and escapism in all the wrong places. But through self-discovery and a ton of hard work, he conquered the full gamut of addiction—alcohol, sex, gambling, drugs, and negative self-talk.   More interestingly, by finding and removing the root cause of his need to escape, giving up these addictions has been almost effortless. Today, he defines the word transformation.  Losing sixty pounds of body fat and replacing it with thirty pounds of muscle mass and bone density, Laban also found a cure for his “incurable” auto-immune disease.   His mental health, cognitive function, and ability to handle, recover and thrive from extreme physical challenges, all have improved exponentially.    

Physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally in charge of his own destiny, Laban’s journey continues to inspire those ready to change their lives.   An exemplar and a revolutionary, he revels in unabashedly sharing what he’s learned: how to conquer the demons you don’t know you have, and how to be unstoppable in getting to where you want to be.  These days he gets his fix from the madness of ultra-marathon running, smashing the glass-ceiling of limiting beliefs and the demolition of a hot carnivore BBQ.  Continuing his writing, inspiring and transformational speaking, Laban is living his purpose as The World’s Best Courage Coach.   

He lives in the beautiful Riviera Maya of Mexico, with the woman who is responsible for his limitless approach to life, his soon to be wife, the bravest person he knows and the future mother of their giant brood of children, Anna.  

Website: https://labanditchburn.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work.  Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Today, we have an extraordinary guest joining us—Heather Moyes, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and a dynamic coach known for her unique path to athletic excellence. Believe it or not, Heather didn't start training for sports until she was 27, busting the myth that it's ever too late to chase your dreams. Heather shares her inspiring journey from playing rugby with Canada's national team to breaking records at a bobsled testing camp—all while juggling a master’s degree in occupational therapy. In this episode, Heather dives deep into the concept of shifts—both in perspective and performance—aligning perfectly with the ethos of our podcast. She explains how she empowers individuals and organizations to achieve sustainable high performance without compromising their well-being. Heather also sheds light on the importance of recovery as a strategy for success, deconstructs societal glorification of busyness, and advocates for a balanced, value-driven life. Prepare to be inspired by her wisdom on taking intentional breaks and her exciting plans for rejuvenating retreats in exotic locales like Morocco. Tune in to discover insightful strategies for balancing high performance with mindful rest, and learn what it truly means to live a fulfilled, regret-free life. Don't miss this empowering conversation! Connect with Heather on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-moyse%E2%9C%A8-oly-bsc-mscot-15976550/ Website: https://www.heathermoyse.com/ Follow her on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathermoyse/ Get her book: https://www.amazon.com/Redefining-Realistic-Perspective-Potential-Story/dp/1775097226 If you are interested in learning more about any of her upcoming retreat experiences, click this link to add your name to the list: https://heather-moyse.kit.com/fbea9a282d Time stamps: 00:00 Late Bloomer's Journey to Success 04:41 Athletic Testing and Sled Trials 08:42 Discovering Personal Fulfillment 12:59 "Emphasizing Recovery for Progress" 16:37 "Micro Recovery for Mindfulness" 20:02 Athlete Recovery and Off-Season Breaks 21:38 Retreats for Sustainable Performance 24:39 "Subtle Mindset Shifts" 29:24 Identify Energy Deficiencies Affecting Life 32:50 Annual Retreats for Recharging 33:36 Embracing Rest: Overcoming Workaholism Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - I sit down with Charlie Oliver - Entrepreneur, Technologist, Futurist to talk about the future of organizations and talent, the role tech is playing, the gap between universities and the real world of work & the adversity of entrepreneurship.   

About Charlie: Charlie’s years of experience in the trenches of media include working in advertising in New York at such media goliaths as BBDO Worldwide and Condé Nast, to producing sitcoms and dramas at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Dreamworks and Oscar-award winning indie production companies, to event management at the Sundance Film Festival.  After spending several years in corporate law in document review at global firms (White & Case, Clifford Chance and Wachtel Lipton, to name a few), Charlie segued seamlessly into tech and new media as a web video producer where she co-created and co-produced experimental video projects such as an 8-hour live webathon for the 2008 presidential election and numerous web video series. Soon thereafter, Charlie launched ArtofTalk.tv (a site that brought the vast world of tv, web and radio talk shows online to Users in bite-size video snippets of debates and interviews in social media).  In 2009, Charlie launched Served Fresh Media™ (a New York-based company) where her team provides digital marketing strategy, event management, product development, and senior management advisory for companies. Clients Served Fresh Media has worked with include IBM, New York Press Club, Cognizant, Digital Flash, Digital Realty, Tierpoint, and It’s About Time, among others.  

January 2017, Charlie launched Tech 2025 — a community and platform for professionals to learn about the next wave of disruptive, emerging technologies and to facilitate discourse about the impact of these technologies on society with an emphasis on problem-solving. Having produced over 80 events since they launched, coupled with providing professional services, Tech 2025 has quickly gained a reputation for helping professionals and companies to understand and embrace emerging technologies and the whirlwind changes they bring, and to strategize for the future impact of accelerating innovation.  

Personal Website: https://charlieoliver.co/ 

Company Website: https://www.tech2025.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Today, we have a great conversation lined up with our special guest, Manny Loyden - HR Champion + Community Advocate - whose journey spans continents and industries. Manny shares his incredible career story, from his beginnings in Colombia to becoming a fitness education counselor and transitioning into the exciting world of HR technology. Despite facing challenges and making significant shifts in his career, Manny's passion for people and wellness has remained at the core of his journey. In this episode, Manny discusses the evolving nature of networking, the importance of authentic human connections in sales, and how he's thriving in his current role. He also opens up about his personal growth and the power of staying true to oneself. Tune in as Manny offers valuable insights on adding value in professional relationships and shares his excitement for upcoming events like the Disrupt HR AZ movement. Don't miss this inspirational and thought-provoking episode Time Stamps: 00:00 Became fitness counselor supporting global health education. 03:44 Left home job, joined Loud Rumor, helped fitness brands. 08:11 Monetized passion for health, wellness, helping others. 12:57 Focus on authentic connections, avoid transactional interactions. 15:42 Genuine attention sought amidst overwhelming information overload. 17:54 AI's impact debated in talent development field. 20:57 Optimization drives progress and increases job opportunities. 25:19 Embracing authenticity increased confidence and community engagement. 26:37 Excited for Disrupt HR events and programs. Connect with Manny: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manny-loyden/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Nickolas Natali - an American entrepreneur, podcast host, and actor. He went from 60K in student loan debt to debt-free in 11 months while living in a 1986 Chevy Suburban. Nickolas Natali is a podcast influence and network building expert. Today Nick runs a top-ranked podcast, The Nickolas Natali Show, that has over 140 episodes and has been listened to in over 30 countries around the world. Podcast guests range from celebrity guests to A-list influencers. Nick’s successes in coaching and teaching come from his ability to break down seemingly complex tactics into easy to follow step-by-step processes."  

Links:  The Nickolas Natali Show - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-nickolas-natali-show/id1454542200

Website: NickolasNatali.com 

Nick's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickolasnatali/ 

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.   

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

Welcome to another episode of "Shift with Elena Agar Podcast!" In today's enlightening conversation, we're joined by Jeremy Blain, a thought leader at the forefront of organizational transformation. Jeremy is here to challenge longstanding notions about leadership, emphasizing that the smartest people in the room have not been leaders for a long time. Together, we delve deep into the critical mindset shift and restructuring needed within organizations to pivot towards performance support. We explore the pressing need for leaders to focus on individual well-being, the importance of empathy towards employees, customers, and the planet, and the challenges leaders face in adapting to a rapidly digitalizing world. Jeremy shares his personal journey, including a transformative experience with medical burnout, and underscores the value of asking oneself "Am I happy?"—especially for those in leadership roles. We'll also unpack why traditional HR systems often fall short in catering to modern workforce dynamics and discuss the necessity of frameworks like "OpenHR." Lastly, Jeremy highlights the pivotal role of AI and digital ecosystems in unleashing employee potential and driving innovation. Stay tuned for a thought-provoking episode that promises to leave you rethinking leadership in the digital age. Time stamps: 00:00 Specialist focusing on digital transformation and leadership. 05:49 Only 2% of CHROs believe in leadership. 07:49 Key skills for digital leaders in unknown territory. 11:23 Traditional HR not ready for modern workforce. 13:46 Leaders need to invest more in generative AI. 18:26 Leaders must prioritize long-term growth over operations. 23:57 Unleashing power for leaders is still relevant. 25:41 Encouraging distributed leadership, unlocking potential beyond tradition. 30:24 Focus on well-being, pausing, and self-care. 32:09 Leadership needs to focus on personal well-being. 35:34 Acknowledging unhappiness, finding importance in happiness. Connect with Jeremy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremyblain/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/PerformanceWorksInternational Podcast: https://rethinkleadership.buzzsprout.com/ Website: https://performanceworks.global/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of SHIFT- Getting out of your comfort zone! I sit down with a colleague and friend Fernanda Martinez - we have a very open, informal chat about processing trauma, loss, emotional and physical effects of 2020. If you had a tough time during 2020, this episode might be relatable to you.

About Fernanda: Fernanda grew up in South-Africa in a multi-cultural home (thanks to Argentinian and Portuguese parents). After completing a postgraduate degree in Public Health & spending a number of years working with NGO’s in Africa, she relocated to Portugal where she began her journey into self improvement and changing her approach to life.

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Tawanda Chirenda - Founder of Becoming a Willing Student, an education company for smart, fun and caring young adults who want more from their lives and careers. We discuss the gaps that exist between higher education and the world of work - and what institutions can do to ensure that we are preparing students for the future.   

About Tawanda: Tawanda is the Founder of Becoming a Willing Student, an education company for smart, fun and caring young adults who want more from their lives and careers. An educator, speaker and coach, Tawanda is on a mission to help young adults discover, develop and master their authentic voices so they can lead and inspire their best teams at work and in life. With a passion for authenticity and engagement, he brings a bold, fresh and holistic approach to professional development.  

Website: https://www.becomingawillingstudent.com/

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, I chat with Brian Aquart - podcaster, healthcare professional, marathon runner, father, husband and much more! You might remember him from his remarkable work in healthcare education and AI, but today, Brian is here to share with us his incredible journey since he last joined us. He's been hitting the ground running, literally and figuratively, as he takes on the challenge of completing the six major marathons. Having conquered Berlin, he's now setting his sights on the sprawling streets of Chicago, all with a noble cause in mind. Raising money for the treatment of childhood trauma, Brian embodies the spirit of movement and gratitude. But it's not all about the races. Brian's dedicated to making waves in the healthcare industry, from establishing the Northwell School of Health Sciences to educating the future workforce about the AI revolution. We'll dive into the intricacies of upskilling in the AI space and the intriguing balance between technology and traditional skills. In this episode, we're also touching on deeply personal themes—fear and consistency, struggles with chasing social media metrics, and the deeper value of genuine storytelling. Prepare to explore the human tendency for cynicism, the significance of staying present, and the joys of authentic connections, both in-person and online. And before we forget, did you know Brian's podcast is in its thrilling third season? He's transforming the content landscape with mental health discussions and is set on uncovering the 'whys' behind pivotal career moves. Get ready for a reflective session where we ponder the one question we should often ask ourselves, "Why am I doing this?" This is an episode full of inspiration, insight, and stories that matter—the essence of what Shift with Elena Agar podcast is all about. So tighten those laces, listeners, as we jump into the heart of performance, talent, well-being, and growth. Connect with Brian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianaquart/ Podcast, website and much more: https://linktr.ee/whyileft Time stamps: 00:00 Season two episode sparked positive mental health conversation. 05:12 Global unity in impact, not waiting for moments. 08:56 Cynicism and presence in good and bad times. 11:33 Celebrating 40th year with 40 races. 14:41 Focus on gratitude, longevity, and mobility training. 16:35 First time in Berlin, fascinating history, great experience. 21:52 Healthcare offers diverse opportunities with increasing demand. 23:53 AI access control and privacy in healthcare. 26:33 Anticipating disruption in workforce and talent development. 31:16 Fear about overusing technology, need for balance. 35:12 Searching for purpose, not just chasing numbers. 38:25 Networking and natural connections lead to opportunities. 39:48 Podcast host builds real connections with guests. 44:19 Evolution of show to focus on transitions. 46:51 I will make time to celebrate with you Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

When we think of investments, we often think of putting money into stocks, bonds, or real estate. But there's another kind of investment that's just as important, and that's the investment we make in ourselves through exercise. Exercise is a daily investment that can pay dividends not only for our overall wellbeing, but for our career success as well.

Want to grow your career & improve your wellbeing? Get in touch for a free 30 mins exploration call with me - Calendly - https://calendly.com/elenaagar/30min

Welcome to another insightful episode of "Shift with Elena Agar Podcast." Today, we are thrilled to have Barry, a veteren of the music industry turned marketing expert, join us for an in-depth conversation on maintaining integrity in creative work and the importance of balancing physical and mental well-being. Barry shares invaluable advice on the significance of brand recognition, the evolving role of CEOs in brand messaging, and why authenticity is key in recruiting and retaining top talent. In this episode, Barry dives into his five-step branding process, underscores the value of personal and company branding, and reveals how companies can keep their brand fresh and relevant. We also explore how technological advancements have impacted customer experience and service quality in the US. Barry's passion for creativity and differentiation shines through as he discusses his transition from music to marketing and the lessons he's learned along the way. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the creative or marketing space, Barry's insights on celebrating strengths, targeting the right audience, and being genuine are sure to inspire. Plus, stick around as Barry offers advice for young marketers eager to make their mark. You won't want to miss this engaging and enlightening discussion. Tune in now! Time stamps: 00:00 Identify, accept, and honor brand's significance. 03:54 Brands and people making a positive impact. 07:11 Customer experience shapes brand perception and loyalty. 10:41 Trust, brand recognition, and generational differences in hiring. 14:51 Leader's role: cheerleader, rally people daily, selfless. 18:48 Thorough brand analysis reveals unique industry perspective. 22:08 Positive change involves discovering, not creating, brand. 25:39 Authenticity and humility attract the right clients. 28:53 We challenge, not cater, to arrogant brands. 32:27 Uphold integrity in creative work, maintain standards. 35:48 Reach me at labov.com or barrylabove.com. 38:47 Celebrate strengths, embrace confidence, leverage them effectively. Get the book: https://www.barrylabov.com/books Connect with Barry: https://www.barrylabov.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Negativity is not the only perspective. It is easy to get into the negative zone when ambiguity hits us close to home, but this is an opportunity to see things from a fresh perspective and even perhaps start over. By dwelling on what has happened and what the effects were only paralyzes us to stay in the same place, while using our creativity and exploring different possible perspectives and outcomes for the future will allow us to create the future we want and can thrive in. This is the best time to take transformative measures.

In today’s conversation, Elena is joined by Jocelyn Sandstrom, an insightful guest whose journey of personal growth and transformation offers profound wisdom on leading a balanced and fulfilling life. In this episode, we dive deep into the core motivations behind needing change and self-care, emphasizing the importance of carving out time for oneself amidst parental guilt and everyday pressures. Jocelyn and Elena explore strategies to prevent burnout, the significant impact of having mentors, and the necessity of maintaining intimate relationships through planned activities like date nights. We also discuss setting effective boundaries to prevent energy leakage, the power of aligning one's actions with long-term visions and goals, and the continuous nature of personal growth. Elena shares her fascinating experiences of living in twelve different countries, which contributed to her self-discovery and the cultivation of present mindfulness. Listen in for actionable steps on creating a balanced and enjoyable life, avoiding the traps of societal pressures, and harnessing the power of collective consciousness through awareness of morphic fields. Learn from Elena's insights on how to transform social media engagement through authentic energy and how personal and relational growth must be seen as a joyous, ongoing evolution. Tune in to discover how you can live a life that feels like a continuous vacation, learn to set boundaries that respect your truths, and maintain a forward-thinking mindset that keeps you motivated and aligned with your goals. Join us for this transformative episode and take the first step towards a more present, energized, and fulfilled version of yourself. Time Stamps: 00:00 Living in different countries allows self-discovery. 04:56 Living life as a continual, conscious vacation. 09:00 Loving the process makes success inevitable and magnetized. 09:50 Stay energized: attract opportunities, avoid stress, align actions. 13:49 Post with intention and alignment, not obligation. 15:58 Collective consciousness: shared beliefs influence your behavior. 20:04 Awareness and grounding turn sensitivity into superpower. 23:42 Priorities and boundaries shape balanced, fulfilling lives. 27:31 Growth changes relationships; it's a challenging process. 32:08 Quantum alignment attracts our future desires effortlessly. 34:48 Transmute adversity into your superpower through perspective. 37:13 Free mastermind signup to maintain inspiration. Connect with Jocelyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jocelyn-luko-sandstrom-4789882a/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jocelynlukosandstrom/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jocelynluko YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jocelynsandstrom/playlists Website: https://www.jocelynsandstrom.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Today, we dive into the inspiring journey of Dr. Susan Burns, the President of the University of Mount St. Vincent. We explore the university's solid financial standing, innovative partnerships, and their crucial role in supporting first-generation students and those facing housing instability. Listen in as Dr. Burns shares her vision for accessible education, the importance of networking and career readiness, and how her institution is tackling the evolving job market. From launching Seton College to integrating cutting-edge programs like AI, this episode delves into the holistic approach to education, ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Tune in to hear how the University of Mount St. Vincent is not just educating students but transforming lives and communities. Time stamps: 00:00 Shifted studies, taught, mentored; embraced academic administration. 04:35 Experience and mentorship benefit me and institution. 09:29 Diverse, supportive education at Mount St. Vincent. 13:24 Holistic student development at Mount St. Vincent. 16:51 Dual advisor system guides students' career paths. 18:11 Advisors support academic, career readiness, leadership development. 23:14 Integrating students into values-focused learning experiences. 27:37 Bachelor's degrees desired despite not required in jobs. 30:35 AI will radically transform the education ecosystem. 35:18 First-generation students' education impacts family, community. 38:05 Certificates supplement degrees, offer practical experience. 41:41 Loans are beneficial; increase institutional aid available. 43:34 University of Mount St. Vincent's impactful programs. Connect with Dr. Burns: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susanrburns/ Visit the website: https://mountsaintvincent.edu/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - I chat with Dr. Terrence Johnson - a licensed professional counselor, former professor, creative and much more! We chat about his path to finding purpose and drive to make a change necessary to live a life of meaning. He shares his own journey and his work with others - which is quite inspiring, heart warming and insightful.   

About Dr. Terrence Johnson: the co-founder of iProgress, LLC in Jackson, MS, currently living in Gallatin, TN. A licensed professional counselor, former professor, writer, creative, introvert, and life-long New Orleans Saints fan. A Mississippi State graduate with degrees in psychology and counselor education. He is also a Mississippi College graduate with a Doctorate in Professional Counseling.   

A life excavator who writes a blog on Medium giving voice to those on the path to their purpose https://medium.com/@lifeexcavator.  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Kris Ward - the founder of the Win The Hour, Win the Day philosophy. In this episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with Kris Ward, a renowned expert in scaling businesses and the creator of the Win The Hour, Win The Day philosophy. Kris's journey is not only inspirational but also filled with valuable insights for entrepreneurs. After experiencing the loss of her husband, she returned to her role as a marketing strategist and was pleasantly surprised to find her business not just surviving but thriving in her absence. Kris Ward shares her secrets to building a successful business and the importance of creating a W.I.N Team (What Is Next) using her signature Super Tool Kits. She discusses her experiences being interviewed by prominent figures like Kevin Harrington from Shark Tank and James Malinchak from ABC's The Secret Millionaire. Kris also hosts her podcast, "Win The Hour Win The Day," where she engages in enlightening conversations with dynamic guests on various business topics. Tune in to this episode as Kris Ward provides valuable strategies and a fresh perspective on scaling your business, achieving your goals, and creating a winning team that can help you take your ideas to execution. About Kris: the leading authority in scaling your business. Kris is the founder of the Win The Hour, Win the Day philosophy. She helps entrepreneurs create their W.I.N Team (what is next) team using her signature Super Tool Kits so you can get your Idea to execution! After the loss of her husband, Kris returned full-time to her work as a marketing strategist. She was thankful to see that her business had not only survived her absence but was growing. Now, Kris has completely changed the landscape for entrepreneurs by sharing the successful practices that allowed her absence. Kris has been interviewed by one of the original sharks from Shark Tank, Kevin Harrington, and ABC’s The Secret Millionaire – James Malinchak. She has been featured on award winning podcasts, radio and TV shows throughout the world. You can hear Kris on her own podcast – Win The Hour Win The Day, where she has engaging conversations with dynamic guests covering a variety of business topics so you can get to your next win now! About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, I chat with Theresa Lear Levine - EFT Tapping Master, Hypnotherapist & Best-Selling Author, Speaker and Podcast Host. Theresa shared her journey toward transformative healing and self-worth. We dove deep into the effectiveness of Emotional Freedom Techniques in overcoming personal and entrepreneurial blocks, stressing the importance of intention, self-reflection, and evolving identity to achieve real change. Theresa also highlighted her aspirations for public speaking and elevating her business, along with her dedication to simplifying solutions to enrich lives. A truly inspiring session for anyone looking to enhance their personal and professional growth. Connect with Theresa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresalearlevine/ You can check out Theresa’s Book, BECOMING MORE ME- Tapping Into Success: Subconscious Secrets of an ADHD Entrepreneurial Mom, available on Amazon, and also get access to her Amazing Video Library of Private Tapping Sessions, including the one she did with me after the show (for FREE!) by visiting theresalearlevine.org More ways to connect with Theresa Lear Levine: Instagram @theresalearlevine Website theresalearlevine.com The Becoming More Me Podcast Becomingmoreme.com If you are interested in checking out Theresa’s Becoming More Me Signature Program offerings, Book a call with her by visiting http://gamechangingconversation.com and tell her that Elena sent you- she’ll hook you up with an extra month of free coaching calls and 1:1 support, valued at over $1k, just for mentioning my name! Time stamps: 00:00 Book "Becoming More Me" reveals personal journey. 03:25 Prioritized pleasure in writing and marriage improved. 10:02 EFT modality uses tapping for nervous system regulation. 10:45 Removing energetic blockages improved health and business. 16:44 Grew up with mom and dad influences. 19:19 Check in on feelings, tap into awareness. 23:46 Empowerment through action and self-reflection in relationships. 26:59 Becoming more and appreciating the present. 31:40 Life is a cycle of ups and downs. 33:15 Excited for new opportunities and business growth. 36:01 Focus on solutions, not problems, at work. 38:48 Expression of gratitude and anticipation for future interactions. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, I chat with Jasmine Bland Hawthorne - Speaker, Leadership Coach and Experienced Career Strategist helping women in the workplace shift their approach to their careers, so they can elevate their credibility, confidence and cash. In this enlightening episode, Jasmine, who has gracefully transitioned from corporate America to a passionate career in coaching and speaking, shares her insights on the simple, yet profound daily practices that bolster our physical and mental well-being. Prepare to be captivated by her tales of athletic discipline, her strategic climb through the corporate ladder with nine promotions in just fifteen years, and her revelatory "God said" moment that launched her into a life of service and communication. Together, we'll navigate the essence of well-being in leadership, the subtle art of vulnerability, and the magic of knowing and nurturing your team on an individual level. Jasmine's storytelling prowess, her embrace of imperfection, and her dedication to understanding generational strengths shine a light on the benefits of diversity and the power of intergenerational wisdom in our ever-evolving workplace. As we explore the transformative impact of remote work, mentorship, and the crucial act of self-questioning, you'll discover how to align your career path with your truest self. Join us on this inspiring expedition, as we learn from Jasmine's unique coaching technique that starts with a simple yet profound inquiry: "What do I want now?" Time stamps: 00:00 16 years in corporate America, 9 promotions. 05:51 Seek data, seek partnerships, embrace learning mindset. 09:24 Generations should exchange knowledge and understand each other. 11:56 Networking can be uncomfortable, share selectively. 13:56 Proactive approach to networking yields professional success. 18:58 Adults need to pause and self-reflect. 22:05 Maximize life by aligning with true self. 24:46 Simplify well-being with movement, sunlight, nutrition. 26:53 Leadership redefined: prioritize well-being and influence. 31:22 Born in LA, showcasing strengths and weaknesses. 35:08 Reassessing goals and desires for personal growth Connect with Jasmine: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminehawthorne/ Website: https://thevalleypearl.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Yoland Fraction - Founder of Lumière Learning Experiences, Learning and Development Champion, education advocate, community leader and podcast host.   In this episode, we discuss the much needed change that is happening around learning and development communities, how she works to develop the leaders of tomorrow and creating a community that brings all of us together. In her learning community, Yolanda created an engaging, fun, and knowledge sharing environment where professionals can be  a part of something bigger than our individual drives.  

About Yolanda: With a graduate degree in adult and organizational learning from Northeastern University and a bachelor’s degree in integrative studies in education from George Mason University, Yolanda Fraction uses learning and development as a strategic tool to create behavioral change, improving on-the-job performance and employee engagement. She is especially passionate about designing best-in-class leadership development programs to support high potentials, emerging leaders and people managers. Over the past 15 years, she has worked with for-profit and not-for-profit organizations to foster intellectual curiosity and promote a culture of continuous learning. She’s the founder of The Learning and Development Lounge, a podcast show and gathering space for talent development professionals to informally connect and support one another.  Website: https://yolandafraction.com/ 

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode, I chat with Kelly Mackin - the Co-Founder and CEO of Motives Met and the author of Work Life Well-Lived. We delve into her compelling career journey shaped by both her own and her mother's battle with toxic work environments. This narrative has led Kelly on a transformative path to California, where she immersed herself in human behavior research and ultimately founded MotivesMet, a well-being platform revolutionizing how we approach happiness and mental health in the workplace. Together, Kelly and I explore the critical intersections of psychology and behavioral science within corporate structures, emphasizing the need for systemic approaches to cultivate organizational wellness. Kelly opens up about the bravery it took to pivot her career direction and prioritize well-being—a lesson many of us can relate to in today's demanding work culture. Join us as we tackle topics like the evolving attitudes toward employee engagement, setting boundaries, and advocating for one's needs in a fast-paced world that often hampers self-reflection. Through a mix of personal anecdotes and professional insights, including Kelly's daily mind management rituals, this conversation is sure to resonate with anyone striving for balance and fulfillment. So tighten your earbuds and prepare to be motivated, as we discuss tangible steps to empower ourselves within our careers and beyond. It's an episode rich with actionable wisdom that you won't want to miss. Connect with Kelly: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-mackin-52793110/ Website: https://www.motivesmet.com/ Book: https://www.motivesmet.com/book/ Time stamps: 00:00 Company acquisition led to work deteriorating her well-being. 04:09 Exciting field, applying psychology to corporate world. 07:29 Organizations are rethinking employee well-being initiatives. 10:57 Gen Z pushing boundaries, work-life balance shift. 13:44 Motives Met focuses on human needs at work. 18:53 Changing needs and values over time. Be intentional. 22:07 Improve communication, advocate for needs, make changes. 24:45 Simplify leaders prioritize 28 human needs for culture. 28:26 Mental fortitude and resilience, diverse strategies for success. 32:11 Work happiness is complex, but manageable for leaders. 34:37 Daily routine includes mindful questioning and meditation. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Dina Scippa - Founder of Enough Labs - supporting women and girls in coaching on the intersections of leadership and confidence.  

About Dina: Dina Scippa - gender equality specialist turned certified life coach who supports women and girls in coaching on the intersections of leadership and confidence, is a seasoned trainer and facilitator, and is invited to speak regularly on radical self-acceptance, women’s empowerment and being enough. She hosts the internationally charted podcast Embracing Enough, which showcases the stories of women and girls and their journey to feeling confident. The podcast explores the stories that influence our collective experience and unpacks what it takes to embrace the belief that we are enough, just as we are.

As a certified life coach, a gender equality advocate, a feminist and an unwavering optimist, Dina feels that true confidence is grounded in radical acceptance of the belief that you are enough. Dina let her dream of working as Gender and Social Inclusion Adviser in the corporate world of international development consulting to pursue her passion to help women and girls find themselves through an authentic recognition and celebration of their own ability. She believes that once women accept the unwavering connection to the fact that they can do what they want to do, feel how they want to feel and be who they want to be in this world – it is then when she’s unstoppable.

With nearly two decades of experience working in some of the most exciting and demanding environments around the world (Afghanistan, South Sudan, Fiji, Peru and 25+ more), Dina is able to bring practical real-world experience to her coaching and speaking. It’s this fusion of first-hand experience, personal anecdotes and humor that enables her to connect so deeply with her audiences and create such inspiring and transformational appearances. Dina is a recognized expert and leader in the field of gender equality and women’s empowerment; and regularly mentors and coaches women and girls to step into their power, without compromising who they are or what they are looking to create in the world. Her goal is to help women and girls get in touch with what sets their souls on fire.  

Her mission: to give women and girls the space to explore the truth of who they are and embrace their inherent enoughness to counter all the reasons the world tells them they are not. 

If you want to learn more about Dina and her work with Enough Labs, head to https://www.enoughlabs.com or follow her on Instagram (@enoughlabs) or on LinkedIn here. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dina-scippa-founder-and-ceo-of-enough-labs-82b64a1a7/)  

About your host:  Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally.

As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs.

In this episode, I chat with Brandon Beachum - an entrepreneur, thought leader, author, and host of The Positive Head Podcast, as well as the late-night style talk show, Optimystic. We're diving into a cosmic discussion about the power of mindset, the necessity of life's contrasts, and the beautiful struggle of self-realization. Brandon will walk us through his transformative journey from a conservative Christian upbringing to embracing a spiritual path filled with synchronicity and growth. Together, we'll explore the idea that challenges are not here to hinder us but rather to serve as the canvases on which we paint our experiences of love and personal evolution. Brandon will share insights into how loving oneself as the universe does can shift our stories and encourage us to falter, learn, and ultimately thrive. Brandon's going to tell us about the mystical experiences happening at the Mystic Manor, his vision for the Positive Head podcast, and his book "The Golden Key," which comes with a little something special for our listeners. And, as we peel back the layers of our psychology and societal norms, we question the labels we often thoughtlessly assign to our states of being. From the power of the words we speak to the vibrations that connect us all, this episode promises to be a shift in perspective that could very well change the way you navigate your journey through the cosmos. Connect with Brandon: Brandon's Instagram: www.instagram.com/0ptimystic Positive Head Instagram: www.instagram.com/positive_head Facebook: www.facebook.com/PositiveHeadDotCom YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgT9_TLlVk52ydpLyY8SiLA Website: https://positivehead.com Time stamps: 00:00 East coast upbringing, now in California entrepreneur. 03:13 Traditional Christian upbringing leads to questioning beliefs. 07:23 Mindset change crucial for personal growth journey. 10:46 Finding perspective and resonance eases life's challenges. 14:19 Your story shapes your reality and experiences. 18:59 Manage your vibration to create positivity. 20:23 Discussing challenges and growth through vibrations and podcasts. 26:21 Profound understanding brings a transformative shift. 29:20 Encounter outside during COVID feels like a message. 31:57 Transitioning away from daily episodes after nine years. 35:11 Learn to love yourself and tell new stories. 38:21 Creating your truth, finding strength, inner growth. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to another insightful episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into the world of leadership development with our special guest, Aaron Trahan. Elena and Aaron discuss the challenges leaders face in addressing personal development and the importance of staying open to feedback and continuous improvement. Aaron shares three powerful strategies for combating complacency: out preparing, outworking, and outlearning. Together, they explore how leaders can set and maintain a standard of excellence, influence diverse teams, and manage themselves during tough times through transparency and openness. Aaron also emphasizes the importance of context, clarity, and accountability in achieving high performance. Tune in to hear about Aaron's inspiring career journey from business and marketing to becoming a senior executive and ultimately launching his own leadership development firm. He shares invaluable insights on the significance of coaching, the availability of coaching resources at various price points, and the transformative power of regularly asking, "How can I improve?" Join us in this enlightening conversation that highlights the essential role of personal development and proactive leadership in fostering a thriving organizational culture. Time Stamps: 00:00 Fast rise to leadership, learned from mistakes. 04:14 Guidance led to passion for mentoring and coaching. 07:16 Transition from sales to leadership requires training. 11:19 Success breeds complacency, posing continuous challenge. 16:04 Continuous learning and humility lead to success. 17:38 Establish standard, lead by example, communicate consistently. 22:53 Leaders acknowledge and learn from mistakes. 27:23 Building high performance teams: context, clarity, accountability. 30:08 Coaching offers disruptive force for personal development. 33:07 Coaching provides proactive acceleration, avoiding avoidable mistakes. 35:27 Spending on leisure vs. investment mindset. 38:50 The key question: "How can I improve?" Connect with Aaron on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-trahan-6135909/ Website: https://performancemindsetcoaching.co/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, I chat with Bert Zevzavadjian - 16 yrs @ Linkedin | Career & Sales Coach | Bert is a seasoned professional from LinkedIn with a profound passion for coaching and helping individuals maximize their potential. In this episode, we delve into the importance of career and life planning, the evolution of career paths, and the significant role of platforms like LinkedIn in professional development. Bert shares invaluable insights from his 17-year journey at LinkedIn and his work with the Do Work Project which aids athletes and professionals in transitioning through their careers. Elena and Bert discuss the challenges and opportunities in today's rapidly changing work landscape, emphasizing the need for adaptability, emotional intelligence, and the pursuit of passion. They also explore how personal and professional development has evolved, offering greater support compared to previous generations. Throughout this conversation, both Bert and Elena highlight the crucial role of curiosity, learning from diverse experiences, and the power of networking in shaping one’s career. Get ready to be inspired as Bert also touches on the essences of compassion, the vitality of family, and the constructive impacts of social media and e-learning in professional growth. This episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate their career paths with intention and insight. Connect with Bert on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bertzevzavadjian/ Time stamps: 00:00 Excited to share your inspiring career story. 03:54 Working with successful professionals, including athletes' transitions. 09:58 Parent of college-age kids discusses career assumptions. 12:18 Discover your strengths, value, and dreams. Pursue. 17:46 Planning for career and life decades ahead. 19:22 LinkedIn uses data to inform career paths. 22:21 17 jobs before 27 shaped my perspective. 24:59 LinkedIn: vital tool for networking and growth. 28:34 Struggling with motherhood and career expectations as a woman. 31:57 Prioritize family, be intentional in choices. 37:05 Exercising compassion, especially self-compassion, is crucial. 39:14 Exercise compassion, help others, pursue purpose. 42:36 Align life with gratitude and values daily. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift - I sit down with an entrepreneur on a mission - Moises Santos - to talk about future of education and what that future might look like for the generations ahead. 

About Moises: Moises Santos is an entrepreneur on a mission to reform education. His journey began as a middle school teacher in the Bronx, where he experienced the inefficiencies and the limitations of education for 10 years. In that experience, a spark to reform education began. He left his career as a tenured teacher to begin the journey of building a school that reimagines education for both adults and children in the United States. Moises Santos is now the Co-Owner of a Human Transformation company called VidaProject. Driven to inspire individuals who seek to live their dream life, by expanding their mindset. With the first school for adult transformation and wellness, Moises and his partner Rances are building one of the most proven methods of creating life-lasting changes in individuals at scale.

www.vidaproject.com

www.dreamersmindset.com

@moises_movesalot

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Welcome to another episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! Today, we're joined by an inspiring guest, John Neral, a seasoned career coach dedicated to empowering mid-career professionals. With a 25-year career background in education and an impactful pivot to professional development and coaching, John brings a wealth of knowledge to our discussion. In this episode, John delves into the critical components of networking and job searching, emphasizing the power of personal branding and storytelling. He provides valuable insights on mastering work-life balance, informed by his personal experiences, and shares strategies for effective career ownership. We'll also explore John's approach to maintaining relevance in rapidly changing industries, his plans for future community initiatives, and the profound idea of confronting personal truths. Get ready to redefine your career journey with actionable tips and heartening anecdotes from a true expert in the field. Time Stamps: 00:00 Ownership mindset develops later in career. 05:34 Career satisfaction depends on "Four Fs." 07:12 Focus on helping organizations with valuable skills. 12:54 Confidence equates to competence, avoid overconfidence. 15:13 Importance of storytelling and personal branding in careers. 19:12 Networking often trumps tools in recruitment effectiveness. 23:35 Retina detachment led to life-changing realization. 26:03 Building partnerships, community for mid-career professionals. 29:03 Self-reflection: Confronting personal obstacles and growth. 32:43 Leaving helps gain perspective, even temporarily. Connect with John on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnneral/ Website: https://www.johnneral.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of wealth management and financial planning with Dave Armstrong, co-founder of Monument Wealth Management and host of the "Off the Wall" podcast. Dave brings a wealth of experience, from his early career as a U.S. Marine Corps officer to transitioning into the finance sector where he now guides clients through the complex landscape of financial health. We'll explore the difference between financial advisors and wealth managers, discuss the evolving role of technology in financial advice, and outline key strategies for cash management and investment. Dave shares his candid, no-nonsense approach to financial management and emphasizes the importance of finding the right advisor who genuinely matches your needs. He’ll also touch on his podcasting journey, both as a marketing tool and a personal creative outlet, sharing insights on the industry's shift towards comprehensive financial advice. Whether you’re just starting out in your financial journey or looking to optimize your wealth management strategy, this episode promises to deliver valuable insights. Time stamps: 00:00 Passion for finance led to career change. 07:09 Critical of others' decisions; entrepreneurial motivation grew. 09:24 Prophetic, direct style: appreciated for honesty. 14:04 Determine money goals before choosing financial advisor. 15:23 Define financial goals for effective money management. 19:43 Managing wealth requires tailored financial advice. 24:19 Future uncertain; market corrections inevitable. Plan wisely. 26:35 Project cash needs; consider selling equity assets. 30:50 Invest in S&P 500 for diversified exposure. 34:15 Podcast started as a creative blog alternative. 37:21 "What is your financial planning process?" 38:49 Are they genuine advisors or just salespeople? 41:55 Fee compression stresses big wealth management firms. Connect with David Armstrong on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidbarmstrong/ Website: https://monumentwealthmanagement.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, I chat with Amy Kates - Organization Designer. We’re diving into the intricate world of organizations and the nuanced challenges of modern leadership with a very special guest. So make sure to find a cozy corner, plug in your headphones, and get ready to explore the dynamics of creating healthy organizations. Our journey today takes us to the crossroads of structural alignment and personal growth, alongside my esteemed guest, Amy Kates. Amy brings with her a wealth of experience in organization design, equipped with insights from her work at Kates Kesler, and her progressive practice in organization design at Accenture. Together, we'll unravel the characteristics of a thriving organization, from a clear purpose and strategy to the congruency of day-to-day actions with overarching goals. But it’s not all about structures; it’s about the people. We’ll confront the current push for well-being amidst rising workplace stress and insecurity and discuss our roles as leaders in building trust and managing expectations. In a candid exchange, Amy reflects on the humanity we often overlook in senior leadership, sharing how crucial it is to slow down and recognize the "layers of leadership" essential for a collaborative and empowered organizational environment. And as we continue, remember one of the powerful questions that guide us: "What do I personally need to be more intentional about?" We'll explore how being intentional can shape our personal and professional growth. With Amy's return to private practice, we’ll uncover the challenges upcoming managers face in today's evolving culture and the significance of cultivating intentional relationships within complex systems. Connect with Amy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kateskesler/ Time stamps: 00:00 Passion for New York led to career. 03:13 Healthy organization requires clarity of purpose, strategy. 08:55 Rising managers reluctant, stress, Gen Z's concerns. 11:00 Practical management skills go beyond academic learning. 15:45 People can improve at leadership with practice. 18:42 Proactively build relationships through curated connections. 20:41 Understanding decision-making process as a leader. 24:49 Mid-level managers create systems for collaboration. 29:29 Organizational design: new perspectives, skills, growth. 31:27 Learning, teaching, and sharing knowledge at Accenture. 34:56 Confident, mindful consulting with a focus on generosity. 37:44 Benefits of executive coaching and personal growth. Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift, I chat with Leila Rezaiguia - an entrepreneur and executive coach. We discussed how coaching can have a huge impact on organizations and individual's growth. With her vast experience with big organizations across different parts of the world, she brings in some insightful points when it comes our individual and organizational growth. If you are exploring coaching as an option for you and/or your organization, tune in to this convo!   

About Leila: Leila is a highly sought-after multilingual Executive and Systemic Team Coach. She is renowned for her high energy, enthusiasm, passion, fun-loving nature, and her love for empowering, connecting and working with people from diverse cultures.   For 23 years, Leila has worked with leading organisations and individuals to enhance productivity, maximise performance, and accelerate growth. As an ICF Professional Certified Coach, Facilitator, ICF Mentor Coach and Mentor, Leila integrates cutting-edge learning techniques to deliver the most effective evidence-based solutions to her clients. She strives to help her clients from graduate to c-suite levels reach higher performance personally and professionally.  Leila is passionate about Coaching, Mentoring, Women in Leadership and Leadership Development and has created successful performance, coaching and mentoring cultures across different industries.  She is based in Dubai, UAE and leads both Kompass Consultancy & AoEC UAE.  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work.  Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

In this episode of Shift - Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with Nathan Biddulph - a neuro-skills coach - we discuss how his work with professional athletes using neuro-skills enhances performance. With research in how our brains operate, there is a lot of insightful things we can learn to apply in our daily lives, using neuro-skills.   

About Nathan: Nathan Biddulph is known as “The Original Neuro Skills Coach,” as he developed his original program from scratch after years of experience as Neuro Program Director for several world-renowned organizations. Nathan has developed programs for business executives, entrepreneurs, performing artists, students and athletes.  Nathan has coached one-on-one several high-profile clients, including: MLB All-Star First Baseman Josh Bell, Calder Trophy finalist & 2021 NHL Leader in 4 categories Alex Nedeljkovic, New York Yankees Starting Pitcher & Former USA Baseball Gold Medal Winner Jameson Taillon, First Team 2020 AHL All-Star & 2020 Defenseman of the Year Jake Bean, and Collegiate Baseball’s 2020 National Player of the Year Nick Gonzales. www.neuroskillscoach.com  

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.  

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar  

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova  

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber

Welcome back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In today's episode, we have a truly enlightening conversation with Esther, a seasoned expert in health and fitness with over two decades of experience. Join us as Esther delves into the essentials of managing energy intake, the crucial roles of protein and fiber, and the healthy balance between whole foods and convenient supplements. She shares her insights on gradual habit incorporation, body positivity, and the real risks associated with obesity. We also explore the significance of foundational habits for optimal exercise performance, the role of online communities in fostering healthy lifestyles, and the imperative of mindset work for sustainable change. Esther's holistic approach extends beyond just physical health, addressing the deeper psychological elements that underpin lasting fitness transformations. Elena and Esther's engaging discussion promises to inspire and equip you with practical tips to integrate health and fitness into your busy life seamlessly. Stay tuned for advice on harnessing social media for support, the reality of small daily movements, and the pivotal question of why personal health goals matter. Whether you're just starting your fitness journey or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode is packed with valuable insights you won't want to miss. Time stamps: 00:00 Transition from exercise science to behavior change. 06:09 Choosing movement over convenience is integral for health. 09:40 Prioritize fiber for a nutritious whole foods diet. 11:37 Promoting body acceptance while striving for health. 15:03 Food marketing profits from health trends, trade-offs. 17:31 Protein powder and bars add convenient nutrition. 23:18 Personal trainers bring science and encouragement. 25:24 Online communities can normalize healthy lifestyle changes. 28:53 Choose solutions instead of excuses for improvement. 31:40 Adapt workout to parenting, it's possible. 36:12 Accept imperfection, move on, no big deal. 38:49 Focus on "Why do I want to do this?" Connect with Esther on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/estheravant/ Website: https://estheravant.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Alka Bromiley - founder of Inspire2. Alka provides coaching, workshops, advice, and direction through mentorship for both individuals and businesses. She is a workshop facilitator and trainer. As a part of Inspire2 LLC, Alka owns and hosts the Changing Platforms podcast. Since it was launched in September 2021, this global podcast has released over 90 episodes and has an audience in over 55 countries. At the end of 2022, the podcast was in the top 5% most shared globally on Spotify and in the top 15% most followed podcasts on Spotify. Alka has over 2000 hours of experience in podcasting and trains individuals on the topic. Alka is also an award-winning motivational speaker. She is trained to compete, and she has won numerous international speech contests with Toastmasters International, a nonprofit educational organization that teaches public speaking and leadership skills. She has delivered speeches across the globe, from New Zealand to Dubai, as well as coached and mentored other speakers. Alka is a trained laughter practitioner! The combination of coaching and laughter has the power to alter lives for the better, and it's a proven fact that a thriving home and work environment both depend on happiness. Alka entwines the serious side of laughter into her workshops, creating a unique approach to learning and development. Of Indian heritage, Alka was born in Kenya and raised in England. She has lived and worked in England, Spain, Cyprus, Dubai, and now the USA. Her rich background provides an international flair and diversity to her storytelling and training delivery. Alka thrives on providing the best communication and service, and she focuses on helping people find happiness. Alka talks openly about her own experiences of abuse and domestic violence, as she believes that sharing one’s experiences of survival can help others make a positive change in their lives. Connect with Alka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/inspire2consulting/ Listen to her Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3tiB9dZPL6fuqqZDxz4c1f?si=15c649ddb1df4247&nd=1 About your host: From university lecture halls to global corporate boardrooms, Elena Agaragimova's journey epitomizes resilience. Her mission? To cultivate human potential, set up effective talent acquisition pipelines, and build transformative talent development programs. Elena doesn't merely train—she transforms. Whether engaging a bustling room of executives or leading a virtual session for tech aficionados, her insights ignite change. Colleagues and clients praise her knack for driving growth and empowering others, ensuring both individuals and organizations flourish in the competitive business landscape. Her enthusiasm for cognitive science enriches her strategies, reflecting her deep belief in the untapped potential of the human mind. As a current enrollee in a Cognitive Neuroscience Graduate Program, Elena broadens her understanding of how people learn, aiming to maximize effectiveness both personally and professionally. When Elena takes the stage to speak, her message resonates with audiences from New York to Dubai. As an entrepreneur, Elena co-founded Bloom Youth, a tech education platform that arms the next generation with essential future-ready skills. She also launched Bessern, a tech solution focused on enhancing productivity and well-being within organizations. Elena also hosts two podcasts. Shift with Elena Agar serves as an extension of her first book, helping people overcome the inertia found in comfort zones to make meaningful shifts in their careers and lives. Confessions of a Career Coach offers lighter but insightful fare, providing a behind-the-scenes look at her world and dispensing valuable career advice. Connect with Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

In this episode, I am joined by the insightful Meghan Slipka. With a rich background in psychology and extensive experience in leadership roles, Meghan now channels her expertise into helping others navigate their career paths as a certified coach. Listen in as Meghan shares her journey from working in the nonprofit and corporate sectors to becoming a solo entrepreneur and coach. We'll explore the unexpected twists in her career, the importance of embracing uncertainty, and the value of maintaining flexibility and adaptability in today's ever-changing job market. Meghan also delves into her wellness practices, including her dedication to yoga, and offers practical advice on managing stress and cycles of productivity. Moreover, she'll discuss the significance of mentorship, the challenges of transitioning careers, and how to evaluate if your current role aligns with your personal strengths and values. Stay tuned as we dive deep into these topics and provide invaluable insights for anyone looking to enhance their career and personal growth. Time Stamps: 00:00 Mindset, awareness, flexibility, yoga started my journey. 05:03 Support inspired me to help others professionally. 07:25 Being open to career possibilities is beneficial. 11:22 People struggle to identify and commit to values. 14:42 General skills often apply across multiple roles. 16:50 Regretted not seeking mentorship early in career. 20:49 Realized coaching impact then pursued certification, business. 26:27 Balancing work and seasons alleviates entrepreneurial pressure. 27:35 Taking breaks is essential, not shameful. Connect with Meghan: https://www.linkedin.com/in/meghanslipka/ Website: https://www.meghanslipka.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meghanslipkacoaching/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Listen on: Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar - I sit down with Mustafa Ammar - the founder and CEO of “The Passion MBA”, a global coaching company. He is also a life-coach who coached hundreds of professionals around the world to find their dream careers and build their dream businesses, by applying his coaching methodology “The Passion Blueprint”. Mustafa is also the author of the upcoming books “Time to Move On” & “The Passion Project”. Mustafa lived several career lives in one single life. He started his career as a pharmacist out of passion for chemistry, then he became an international diplomat out of passion for building bridges among different cultures and traveling the world, where he worked in China, Malawi and the United Nations. He then worked as an investment specialist at The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), where he was in charge of business development and bringing investments to various regions including Africa, The Middle East & Latin America. Mustafa successfully brought more than $1.1 billion worth of finance in infrastructure projects in the Middle East alone during his tenure at AIIB. Mustafa holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with distinction from Alliance Manchester Business School in the UK. He also holds another master degree in diplomatic studies & negotiations and BA in pharmaceutical sciences. For more information please visit: ThePassionMBA.com Instagram: @ThePassionMBA About your host: Elena is a talent development specialist & an education advocate. She started her career in higher education, having worked across various institutions, departments and regions, followed by a shift to corporations - where she creates learning journeys, builds effective talent acquisition pipelines, and develops talent development programs. Elena has a strong interest in how we can use science - particular Behavioral and Neuro sciences - to help people learn effectively, expand their mindset and overall grow personally and professionally. As an entrepreneur – Elena founded Bloom Youth - a tech education platform that prepares youth for the future - and co-founded Bessern – tech solution for productivity and well-being in organizations. When she is not leading talent transformation, she volunteers her time to help young students with their career development goals, as well as military veterans looking to make career transition to corporate jobs. Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

In this episode of SHIFT- Getting out of your comfort zone! - I sit down with a futurist & an author - John Sanei - to talk about how do we - as people - (and organizations) - can create the future we want vs being stuck in the past; how do we become comfortable with the unknown and actively become the person we need to be for our future. 

About John Sanei: futures strategist who combines human behaviour and future studies to create keynotes, masterclasses and books that help people, businesses and brands build the courage and clarity they need to forge the future they want. Over the years, he's had the privilege to share a stage with several internationally-acclaimed speakers, including Simon Sinek, Robin Sharma and Yuval Harari. John has also authored four bestsellers, and this year completing his fifth, fulfilling his goal to write one book a year to stay on top of global trends.

Connect with John on social media where he is always sharing his latest insights.

Website: https://johnsanei.com/

Social Media: @johnsanei

About your host:  Elena Agaragimova is the co-founder of Bessern (https://www.bessern.co/) 👉 We help people in corporations 🧑‍💼 to be more resilient and equipped with the skills that matters to thrive and be at their best at work. Bloom Youth (https://www.bessern.co/bloom-youth) 👉 We help students 🧑‍🎓 to get prepared for the future of work through our Bloom Youth Bootcamps - Bloom Youth is the first MENA Future of Education platform made for students to accelerate their talents.

Learn more about Elena: https://linktr.ee/ElenaAgar

Connect with Elena on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/elenaagaragi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elenaagaragimova

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX-tUIvseCy5SKgzkZuXv7Q?view_as=subscriber