When You Grow Up Podcast
44 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 9 ratingsThis podcast is a collection of interviews with regular folks like you and me, at various points in their personal and professional journeys. It's for anyone seeking inspiration to embark on a new career, finally start the project they've been thinking about, or pursue meaningful work outside their job. In each episode you'll hear common themes of the pursuit of financial satisfaction, emotional fulfillment, and personal/professional growth.
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Episodes
Episode 35: Jennifer Westbrook, To help others thrive in what they’re called to do
February 21, 2022 19:00 - 57 minutes - 39.2 MBJennifer Westbrook practiced corporate law for 12 years before devoting her expertise to helping small businesses succeed. Through her writing, web design, and guidance, she gives a voice to other entrepreneurs. She knows everyone she works with defines “thriving” differently and makes it a point to understand their goals from the beginning. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Jennifer’s website: https://www.jenwestwriting.com/ The Five Love Languages: How to Exp...
Episode 34: Bob Mina, Continuously learning and accepting change, Part 2
February 12, 2022 05:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBJust a few of the things I’ve learned from Bob Mina: Don’t wait–give that thing a try, because you don’t know what’s coming next Be present “You are more than your career; you are a person with a career.” The rough patches you persevere through will define you Thank you to Bob Mina for taking the time to share your journey with me and When You Grow Up Podcast. Part 2 rounds out the standard episode questions. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: What is Dragon...
Episode 33: Bob Mina, Continuously learning and accepting change, Part 1
January 08, 2022 05:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBWhen I first spoke with Bob Mina to prepare for this interview, he said to me about his unexpected career journey, “You don’t necessarily end up where you’re aiming, so just be present where you are”. Bob earned 2 degrees in Psychology, and he’s now a Senior Information Center Analyst at Christiana Care Health System. In Part 1 of this interview, we talk about his professional journey, including how he reacted to getting laid off at 41. We also address imposter syndrome, and how it may actua...
Episode 32: Aletta Rochat, Rockstar
December 25, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBHow important is our ability to speak well? How can past failures be an asset in a job interview? What’s the secret to answering interview questions and landing your dream job? Aletta Rochat is the co-Founder of Interview Survival Guide, an interview coaching duo offering online courses, from the fast-track to Mastery-level training. We talk about Aletta’s journey to becoming a master speaker, and how she came to be an interview and speech coach. A few references you may be interested in r...
Episode 32: Aletta Rochat, Rockstar
December 25, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes - 39 MBHow important is our ability to speak well? How can past failures be an asset in a job interview? What’s the secret to answering interview questions and landing your dream job? Aletta Rochat is the co-Founder of Interview Survival Guide, an interview coaching duo offering online courses, from the fast-track to Mastery-level training. We talk about Aletta’s journey to becoming a master speaker, and how she came to be an interview and speech coach. A few references you may be interested in r...
Episode 31: Fred Tippet, "Rich, lol!"
December 18, 2021 05:00 - 55 minutes - 38.4 MBFred Tippet is a retired union electrician, and now drives with Uber to keep himself busy. In this episode I learn about the steps to becoming a tradesperson, the benefits to tradespeople of being part of a union, and what a parachute rigger is. Fred Tippet and I were strangers until this summer, when my friends and I loaded up into his Uber during a bachelorette celebration in Delaware. Conversation was easy and I was surprised to hear that Fred plays World of Warcraft, a very popular comp...
Episode 30: Antonia Landi, striving for fulfillment
December 11, 2021 05:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBDo you want to be able to be 100% yourself at work? Are you happy with a boring job? Why is there stigma around changing jobs frequently? Antonia Landi works at AVIV Group as Senior Product Manager in Product Operations. We met through an event hosted by Product-Led Alliance, an organization I recently became aware of. Antonia spoke at the Product Ops Summit about the topic of building internal tools for your team. I was intrigued by her journey to becoming a Product Manager. A few referen...
Episode 29: Mark Tarnapoll, CRO of early stage health technology company
December 01, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBHow did a certified dietician end up in sales? Is cold calling dead? What can we do to prepare ourselves now for potential challenges to our confidence later? Mike Tarnapoll is an account executive at HubSpot, but his journey there was different than you might imagine. He and I discuss what it takes to switch industries early on in your career, the value of an MBA in his context, and some excellent role models. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Dharmesh Shah, Ch...
Episode 29: Mike Tarnapoll, CRO of early stage health technology company
December 01, 2021 00:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBHow did a certified dietician end up in sales? Is cold calling dead? What can we do to prepare ourselves now for potential challenges to our confidence later? Mike Tarnapoll is an account executive at HubSpot, but his journey there was different than you might imagine. He and I discuss what it takes to switch industries early on in your career, the value of an MBA in his context, and some excellent role models. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Dharmesh Shah, Ch...
Episode 28: Ashlee Braxton, An Innovator
November 20, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWhat’s the difference between a coach and a mentor? Who would benefit from coaching, and how do you know it’s “working”? How do we manifest change in our lives? In Episode 28, I speak with Ashlee Braxton about the answer to these questions. I’ve never had a coach myself, and wanted to learn what it’s all about! Ashlee is a creative career coach. Ashlee has been a leading executive in the music industry, a corporate professional in Paris and now an entrepreneur in Barcelona. She's never bee...
Episode 27: Natalie LePera, Study Responsible Scientist in Neuropsychopharmacology
November 06, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.5 MBNatalie LePera graduated from Temple University in the winter of 2019, just a few months before COVID-19 led to the loss of m`any job opportunities. She has since worked in a few different companies, finding the right opportunity for her. Natalie is gaining experience in pharmacy research, working her way to some day earning a graduate degree in neuroscience/neuropharmacology or neuropsychopharmacology, a very neat field! In this episode, Natalie and I catch up about what it was like to find...
Episode 26: Leena Desai, a better version of herself, Part 2
October 30, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBWhat can you do to create safety while traveling? How might you plan a big trip with a new friend? In the continuation of the previous episode, Leena Desai tells me about her recent trip to Iceland, where she hiked the trail to see the ongoing flow from the Fagradalsfjall volcano; and shares her next travel destinations. For the 25th and 26th episodes of When You Grow Up, I interviewed a dear friend of mine who inspires me to be a strong, independent and kind person. Leena Desai and I met s...
Episode 25: Leena Desai, a better version of herself, Part 1
October 23, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBHave you ever traveled solo? Has discrimination impacted your job prospects? How do you face personal or professional challenges? For the 25th episode of When You Grow Up, I interviewed a dear friend of mine who inspires me to be a strong, independent and kind person. Leena Desai and I met several years ago when she was traveling for work. She is a Clinical Research Associate at Clinipace, where she oversees clinical research for new drugs and treatments in hematology oncology. I have chan...
Episode 24: Jeremy Cline, Help people find shared experiences/purpose
October 16, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 44.3 MBIn this episode of When You Grow Up Podcast, I’m interviewing another podcaster! Jeremy Cline produces the Change Work Life Podcast, which at the time of this writing has 109 published episodes. His podcast is for professionals in their mid-life, with 20-25 years left before retiring, who aren’t happy with their working life. He interviews people who’ve been through pretty radical career changes, or various types of coaches. I also ask Jeremy about the value of networking. A few referen...
Episode 23: Stephanie Leishman, To love perfectly, understand all things, gain all knowledge
October 09, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBHave you ever struggled with imposter syndrome? Is growing up and growing old the same thing? Do we create better things when we do them for someone else? Stephanie Leishman and I talk about pride, love, and purpose. This may be one of my most vulnerable episodes yet and I’m so grateful to share it with you. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Apiarity, https://www.apiarity.com/ Read Rowing Your Boat by Chieko Okazaki or watch/listen: https://www.youtube.com/w...
Episode 22: Alexandria Kachurak, To be happy in the job she has
October 02, 2021 04:00 - 46 minutes - 32 MBAlex Kachurak studied public health and epidemiology at Temple University. She worked in the Center for Obesity Research and Education there for over 6 years under an excellent leader and manager, but she knew she needed to try something different in order to grow, so she took a chance on an unexpected industry for someone with her degree--she left the public health research world for a role in pharmaceutical research. Now, she and a colleague speak with other Temple University public health...
Episode 21: Nathaniel A. Turner, JD, MALS, Naeem's Father/Humanity Propulsion Engineer
September 25, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBHow can we possibly begin to solve the big problems we face today, like illiteracy, poverty, and underprepared young people? I’m joined by Nathaniel A. Turner, author of Raising Supaman, It’s a Jungle out there, Stop the bus, and co-author of The Amazing World of STEM. Nate shares his perspective on parenting and its impact on the future for not only our children, but the community at large and policies that affect many people. He really got me thinking about the type of parent I want to be...
Episode 20: Alina Ispas Montbriand, Curious & Passionate
September 18, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBWhat does it mean for you to take risks in your career? What’s it like to work for Google? How can you best prepare for maternity leave from your job? Alina Ispas Montriand recently left SAP to join Google as a Global Solutions Manager for Google Workspace. She earned an MBA from Wharton. Alina is one of those people who is always looking to grow. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Google Interview Prep - I would note that 2&3 on this list have been combined sinc...
Episode 19: Verónica Ayala Flores, A person of integrity
September 11, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.4 MBGrowth is good, but who typically gets left out when decisions about development are made? What does art have to do with equity? I loved this conversation about my hometown of Philadelphia; it broadened my understanding of issues faced by my and other communities, even beyond Philadelphia. Verónica Ayala Flores studied architecture at Temple University and is now Program Manager for the educational arm of the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, called Citizens Planning Institute. A f...
Episode 18: Mani Vaithiyanathan, Better than yesterday/Life-long learner
September 04, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBWhat’s the secret to finding work-life balance, whatever that means for you? Have you been missing travel? What can we do to become better than yesterday? Mani Vaithiyanathan shares his response to the #1 question he gets from mentees seeking guidance on professional development, and how he plans to meet his goal to visit 135 countries by the age of 50. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Ikigai, book, “Reason for being” a tool for finding your personal work-life ...
Episode 17: David Sauer, Entrepreneur/Creator of Jobs
August 28, 2021 04:00 - 46 minutes - 31.9 MBWhat are the benefits of buying a franchise, as opposed to starting a business from scratch? David Sauer has worked for big name companies like GE Healthcare, Siemens Healthcare, IBM, and SAP, but always wanted to run his own business. We discuss what he learned from working in corporate America and serving in the Navy Reserve, and what it's been like to run every piece of his new business. If you’ve dreamed of starting and operating your own business, have you considered buying a franchise...
Episode 16: Keisha Whatley, An Example/Someone to cause others to go for it
August 21, 2021 04:00 - 50 minutes - 35.1 MBWhat does community mean to you, and how do we create community? How can we support one another, and especially independent creators? Keisha Whatley shares her story of creating a community asset through the restoration of the Swain Building in the Philadelphia area, which will become a space for people to gather and interact with art, and for artists to learn and grow. Keisha talks about the importance of doing this work as a African American, Indigenous woman, and the paradox of getting me...
Episode 15: Deejay Ramundo, Knowledge Manager
August 14, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 43.4 MBIf you’ve ever clicked that little question mark icon in an application, read an instruction manual, or referenced a how-to guide, you’ve probably seen the work of a Technical Writer. In speaking with Deejay Ramundo, I’m reminded of the book The Giver by Lois Lowry because this role enables longevity and simplicity to complicated and complex processes. But, what happens when we’re not willing to ask questions to really understand? I love the advice Deejay shared for those who are unsure wha...
Episode 14: Tisha Taylor, Professional Artist/Painter
August 07, 2021 04:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBWhat can folks who are looking to start their own business do to be more prepared to get started? How important is it to network as an artist? Tisha Taylor wants to share her story to encourage others to start their business. She says of participating in an entrepreneurship class, “There’s nothing like getting more organized..and being around other people that are doing the same thing. That’s number one. And 2, figuring out what you’re doing wrong and what you can fix, it’s helpful.” Prior t...
Episode 13: Sara Hirschler, Making a difference for the world
July 31, 2021 14:00 - 1 hour - 44 MBWhat does it take to transform a forgotten neighborhood park into an asset for the community? How do you figure out what you’re drawn to, and then become a part of that industry? Sara Hirschler is the Marketing & Membership Manager at Fairmount Park Conservancy, a non-profit in Philadelphia. Sara played a significant role in transforming Clemente Park & Playground into a welcoming space where the community wants to gather. The Fairmount Park Conservancy is an organization I have admired for...
Episode 12: Sikemi Williams, PMP; Movie Producer
July 31, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 29.2 MBWhy might a brand use videos to capture our attention more so than pictures? How can someone in the spotlight manage to maintain a private life? Have you explored any Korean dramas lately? Sikemi Williams, PMP won a Mid-Atlantic Emmy in 2019 for her work on the CCPTV show Strange College. She’s a talented video producer with over 300 subscribers on YouTube. She is a Senior Project Manager at the non-profit organization Collaborative Solutions for Communities. Sikemi taught me, in this episo...
Episode 11: Amanda Bukoski, Making things/Baker
July 18, 2021 00:00 - 37 minutes - 26 MBSummary: Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at a startup? Did you know that 1 in 8 women struggle with infertility, and 1 in 4 have a miscarriage? What can you learn working in the service industry that you probably won’t learn in school? Amanda Bukoski, Director of Operations at Dental Nachos, my friend and neighbor, discuss each of these. I admire Amanda for sharing her story about struggling with infertility. Fortunately, when we recorded this episode, Amanda and her husband w...
Episode 10: Mark McClure, Growing Personally & Emotionally/Learning
July 10, 2021 04:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBSummary: What would you like to do when you retire? Mark McClure retired last year from a career in IT, most recently as a solution consultant. In this episode, Mark shares his intentions for retirement, what it was like to travel solo at 23, and what he’s learned from digitizing thousands of his late mother’s photos. What would you like to do when you retire? Mark McClure retired last year from a career in technology, most recently as a solution consultant. In this episode he shares how he...
Episode 9: Rob Madden, Comedic Writer
July 03, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 30.2 MBRob Madden, Chief Creative Officer at Coinflip Marketing, says he’s still learning. In this episode, Rob reflects on becoming a father at a young age, losing friends and colleagues during the terrorist attacks on 9/11, and his personal growth in pursuit of his many passions. Rob Madden is the Chief Creative Officer at Coinflip Marketing, and pursues all of his passions without bias. He attended the United States Naval Academy and started his career in financial services right out of school....
Episode 8: Niki Weiss, Dr. Ruth Westheimer
June 26, 2021 04:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MBWhat’s your plan? Niki Weiss serves up a dose of guidance about how to plan 2-5 years ahead, a story about reinventing yourself, and why you should always be learning. Niki Weiss, PMP, SSM is Director and VP of Education on the Board of PMI-DVC, and a Senior Project Manager at Cigna Global. Among other roles prior to becoming a project manager, Niki was a massage therapist, in what she calls the healing arts. The breadth and depth of her experiences continues to expand as she pursues a Mast...
Episode 7: Kevin Bloom, Dad
June 19, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBSummary: For Kevin Bloom, family is of the utmost importance. Kevin and I discussed the values his parents taught him and his siblings, ones he’ll teach his soon-to-arrive daughter. We talked about the opportunities he’s had in financial services and how his skillset is growing in that industry today. Kevin is a Senior Internal Advisory Business Consultant & Team Lead at Cetera Financial Group. He graduated from University of Arizona with a BA in History & Political Science. When he was you...
Episode 6: Morgan Martin, Impactful
June 12, 2021 04:00 - 33 minutes - 23.4 MBSummary: Morgan Martin, CEO of CoApt Projects and Director of Operational Excellence at SCORE Mentors, and I discuss what it’s been like for her to build a business. She provides guidance on what to do if you’re looking to switch industries in your career, and how to prepare to start your own business, or spend time freelancing. I continue to hear about the importance of patience on my professional journey. Morgan really put it into perspective when she mentioned building a “portfolio” of ...
Episode 5: Indy Shome, Student of Humanity
June 05, 2021 15:00 - 41 minutes - 28.2 MBIndy Shome and I discuss his unique personal/professional journey, where his objective is to help cultivate more whole system-level thinkers to solve common problems in education and access to information. We talk about confirmation bias and the importance of hearing stories from a variety of perspectives. Indy is disrupting traditional education in the program where he teaches at Murrell Dobbins Career and Technical Education High School. He describes the program as relationship-centered,...
Episode 4: Shahzad Khohkar, Teacher/Coach/Dad
May 27, 2021 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBSummary: Shahzad Khokhar and I discuss the many things that make up a person, including family, what fuels you, and how you deal with setbacks. When you are open to learning from others, you will never be disappointed. Shahzad and I first connected in 2019 and hadn’t truly learned about one another until recently, when I asked if he’d join me as a guest on When You Grow Up. Thank you for your time Shahzad! Shahzad started his consulting company, araZach, in late 2019. He and his team are ...
Episode 4: Shahzad Khokhar, Teacher/Coach/Dad
May 27, 2021 18:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBShahzad Khokhar and I discuss the many things that make up a person, including family, what fuels you, and how you deal with setbacks. When you are open to learning from others, you will never be disappointed. Shahzad and I first connected in 2019 and hadn’t truly learned about one another until recently, when I asked if he’d join me as a guest on When You Grow Up. Thank you for your time Shahzad! Shahzad Khokhar started his consulting company, araZach, in late 2019. He and his team are p...
Episode 3: Kelly Taylor Stoner, Entrepreneur/Children's Book Author
May 23, 2021 11:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBKelly Taylor Stoner and I discuss her ongoing journey to becoming an entrepreneur, the purpose of personal branding, and the importance of taking career risks in order to grow. In this episode of When You Grow Up, I learn more about Kelly Taylor Stoner, PMP. Kelly graduated from Cabrini University with a BS in Marketing, then earned her Project Management Professional (PMP) certification in 2018 from the Project Management Institute (PMI). Kelly is taking on more leadership responsibility ...
Sudha Suryadevara, Urban Farmer
May 16, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBSummary: Sudha Suryadevara and I reflect on the personal and community impacts of volunteering, why she earned an MBA, and being open to new opportunities. In this episode of When You Grow Up, I learn more about Sudha Suryadevara. Sudha graduated from Temple University in 2005, with a BS in Sport and Recreation Management, and earned her MBA from Arcadia University in 2011. Now, she's the Chief of Staff for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. I admire Sudha for her passionate dedication to im...
Episode 2: Sudha Suryadevara, Urban Farmer
May 16, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBSudha Suryadevara and I reflect on the personal and community impacts of volunteering, why she earned an MBA, and being open to new opportunities. Sudha graduated from Temple University in 2005, with a BS in Sport and Recreation Management, and earned her MBA from Arcadia University in 2011. Now, she's the Chief of Staff for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. A few references you may be interested in reading more about: Philadelphia Tree Tenders Program: https://phsonline.org/programs/tree-p...
Episode 3: Sudha Suryadevara, Urban Farmer
May 16, 2021 16:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MBSummary: Sudha Suryadevara and I reflect on the personal and community impacts of volunteering, why she earned an MBA, and being open to new opportunities. In this episode of When You Grow Up, I learn more about Sudha Suryadevara. Sudha graduated from Temple University in 2005, with a BS in Sport and Recreation Management, and earned her MBA from Arcadia University in 2011. Now, she's the Chief of Staff for Philadelphia Parks & Recreation. I admire Sudha for her passionate dedication to im...
Amy Saunders, Happy/Counselor/Author
May 07, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBSummary: Amy Saunders and I talk about alternative ways to respond to the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up," the power of affirmations, and re/connecting with people. In this episode of When You Grow Up Podcast, @Amy Saunders and I reconnect. Amy graduated from Temple University in 2016 with a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Now, she’s balancing work at Bishop McDevitt High School and Cracker Barrel, while attending graduate school at Divine Mercy University. She...
Episode 1: Amy Saunders, Happy/Counselor/Author
May 07, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBAmy Saunders and I talk about alternative ways to respond to the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up," the power of affirmations, and re/connecting with people. I have always admired Amy for her perennial positivity, which permeates the groups she’s part of. Something in this episode that stood out to me personally was our discussion of how we decide where to spend our time, and not get stuck in the sometimes-toxic mindset that busy = productive. A couple references you may b...
Episode 1: Introducing "When You Grow Up"
May 07, 2021 19:00 - 1 minute - 1.02 MBWhen was the last time someone asked you what you want to be when you grow up? What would your answer be? Welcome to the first episode of the podcast When You Grow Up. I’m your host, Kaitlyn Luboff. I started this podcast to ask that question of as many people as I can, and share those stories with you. I’m interested in what folks choose to spend their time on, and how that changes over a lifetime. When do we really stop growing up anyway? Something I’m learning that’s surprised me is th...
Introducing "When You Grow Up"
May 07, 2021 19:00 - 1 minute - 1.03 MBWhen was the last time someone asked you what you want to be when you grow up? What would your answer be? Welcome to the first episode of the podcast When You Grow Up. I’m your host, Kaitlyn Luboff. I started this podcast to ask that question of as many people as I can, and share those stories with you. I’m interested in what folks choose to spend their time on, and how that changes over a lifetime. When do we really stop growing up anyway? Something I’m learning that’s surprised me is th...
Episode 2: Amy Saunders, Happy/Counselor/Author
May 07, 2021 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBSummary: Amy Saunders and I talk about alternative ways to respond to the question, "what do you want to be when you grow up," the power of affirmations, and re/connecting with people. In this episode of When You Grow Up Podcast, @Amy Saunders and I reconnect. Amy graduated from Temple University in 2016 with a BS in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Now, she’s balancing work at Bishop McDevitt High School and Cracker Barrel, while attending graduate school at Divine Mercy University. She...