The Beers & Careers Podcast

Dave Nelson, Director of Annual and Leadership Giving

Host Mark and his long-time friend Dave Nelson discuss the significance of non-linear career paths and personal experiences in discovering one's passion. Mark reflects on their shared high school experiences and how they shaped their lives. Dave shares his journey from construction to tech sales and eventually into philanthropy. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, resilience, and aligning work with personal values. The conversation highlights the evolving nature of work and life, the power of faith and spirituality, and the fulfillment found in serving others and building meaningful connections.

 

Click here to connect with Dave on LinkedIn

Lauren Jones, Career Journey pt. 2

We reconnect with Lauren Jones, owner of Leap Advisory Partners, to discuss her career journey and the lessons learned from a challenging merger in 2024. Lauren shares the emotional impact of the failed merger, emphasizing the importance of relationships, clear expectations, and staying true to oneself. She reflects on the value of support networks, the necessity of clear communication, and the power of authenticity in professional settings. She wants fellow leaders and entrepreneurs to know there is evolution and success on the other side of failure. The episode underscores personal growth through adversity and offers actionable insights for navigating complex career challenges.

 

Click here to check out her LinkedIn

Click here to know more about Leap Advisory Partners

Biplab Chaudhuri, CEO & Company Owner

Mark engages in a lively discussion with Biplab, a seasoned entrepreneur in staffing and technology consulting. Biplab shares his journey from emigrating to America to starting multiple businesses, including his early days working from a friend's basement. The conversation covers his morning routine and the importance of staying informed. He also reflects on the value of diverse perspectives, the evolving landscape of education, and the significance of resilience in entrepreneurship!

 

Click here to connect with Biplab on LinkedIn

Amanda Ross, Managing Director at Bank of America

Mark engages with Amanda Ross, Managing Director at Bank of America, who shares her non-linear career journey and transition into teaching. Amanda discusses her early career path in sales and people leadership and how she leveraged those skills to build a teaching portfolio focused on change management, organizational behavior and the art of communication.  She highlights generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the evolving expectations of younger employees. Amanda also reflects on the importance of setting goals, stepping outside your comfort zone and always keeping an eye on self-development.

 

Click here to connect with Amanda on LinkedIn

Mark Manuel, Co-Founder of Industrial Marketing

Mark Manuel shares his extensive experience in sales and marketing within the manufacturing industry. He discusses his early jobs, the significance of networking, and the evolution of marketing strategies. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior and leveraging data for successful marketing. The episode offers valuable insights into adapting to market changes and the critical role of relationships in business success.

   

Click here to connect with Mark on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Mark’s company

Rachel Stevenson, Teacher

Rachel Stevenson, a teacher with a knack for athletics, shares her journey into education and her experiences in teaching and coaching. She offers her insights on parenting as an educator. Rachel talks about her teaching philosophy, highlighting the importance of forming connections with students. The conversation also touches on her personal interests, like her favorite drinks and her dedication to fitness. Rachel reflects on how technology is impacting education and the balance between personal growth and family life. This episode offers a glimpse into Rachel's life and career.

 

 

Nisarg Shah, Head of TPM at Google

Nisarg Shah recounts his journey from India to the U.S. in 2006 for his master’s degree. He discusses the influence of education and family values on his career, his experiences in the tech industry, and the importance of a positive inner circle. He shares his interest in staying abreast with AI technologies and discusses how AI can improve human lives. He also talks about the importance of focusing inward and on well-being after facing challenges at his recent role. The episode covers themes of discipline, personal and professional growth, the impact of one’s social circle, and experiences at companies like Amazon, Facebook and Google.

Click here to connect with Nisarg on LinkedIn

Lauren Jones, Founder of Leap Advisory Partners

Lauren Jones discusses her career shift from the staffing industry to entrepreneurship, her passion for technology, and her role in a collaborative book project. She reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the importance of human connections in job recruitment, and the influence of technology on the industry. LJ shares her personal growth, including her involvement in wildlife rehab and the importance of gratitude and giving back. The conversation touches on her partnership with another company, her decision to start a business later in life, and the joy and challenges of parenting.

 

Click here to connect with Lauren on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Leap Advisory Partners

Jamas LaFreniere, Technology Sales Executive

Jamas LaFreniere discusses his career trajectory from EMC to Dell, highlighting the cultural and operational changes post-acquisition. He reflects on the personal significance of working at EMC and being part of the largest tech merger of all time. Jamas also delves into the challenges of account management and the impact of COVID-19 on sales dynamics, noting the shift to virtual meetings and the loss of in-person interactions. During the conversation, Jamas opens up about his daughter's rare disease, sharing how it has shaped his perspective on work-life balance and the importance of resilience.

 

Click here to connect with Jamas on LinkedIn

Click here to learn more about Sophie’s Hope Foundation

Tye Jordan, Regional Director at Cinch I.T.

Tye Jordan, Regional Director at Cinch I.T., shares his varied career path and how he balances being a business owner and father. He admires Plato's philosophy and reminisces about his first job as a paperboy. Tye discusses his journey from selling Magic: The Gathering Cards to vacuum cleaners before unintentionally becoming the go-to IT guy, leading to his current position. He highlights the value of hard work in hiring, community involvement, and personal growth through fitness challenges. Despite starting his business at the onset of the pandemic, Tye and his partner adapted and expanded their franchise nationwide. The episode delves into Tye's diverse career, community service, and the philosophy that guides his life.

 

Click here to connect with Tye on LinkedIn 

Click here to learn more about Cinch IT