The Bullpen : Fin, Tech, and Recruiting

Work isn’t supposed to be your whole life—and Gen Z is making the workforce confront that in real time.In this episode of The Bullpen, Sonia and Misty sit down with Rishma Khimji, the Chief Digital Officer at Harry Reid International Airport (and the airport’s first CDO), for a powerful conversation on leadership, self-advocacy, community, and what modern work culture should look like.Rishma shares her journey from an immigrant-family upbringing and an early career pivot, to tech leadership in major public institutions—and now leading modernization efforts at one of the busiest airports in the country. Along the way, she breaks down why self-advocacy is a learned skill (especially for women), why networking is career insurance, and why quality of life isn’t a “perk”—it’s the point.This episode is equal parts real talk and roadmap: for women in tech, for leaders building culture, and for anyone trying to create a career that leaves room for an actual life.What we cover:Gen Z and work-life balanceWhy younger generations want to live more than they work—and why that mindset isn’t laziness, it’s clarity.Rishma’s path into tech leadershipFrom biomedical engineering ambitions to a dual degree in economics and computer science—and how her career evolved from there.The moment that changed everythingWhen a professor told her she “didn’t have the personality” for engineering—and how she reframes that experience today.Self-advocacy as a learned skillWhy we assume people already know how to speak up—and why that assumption disproportionately impacts women.The power phrase: “Tell me more about that.”How to pause, redirect, and reclaim power in moments of doubt or dismissal.Community as a career strategyWhy opportunities come from relationships, how influence travels through rooms you’re not in, and why Vegas is a big city with small-town connections.Networking for introvertsSimple, doable steps: one event a month, one new connection, one conversation at a time.Personal branding (especially on LinkedIn)Why visibility matters, why “bragging” is actually strategy, and how early-career professionals can stand out.Public service + technology as an equalizerHow Rishma approaches tech as a way to increase access, equity, and community impact.Modernizing Harry Reid International AirportWhat’s ahead: innovation, infrastructure upgrades, and creating a seamless, unmistakable Vegas experience for travelers.Women supporting women in techWhy competition is learned—and how changing the culture starts with women choosing collaboration instead.Connect with Rishma:https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishmakhimji Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Remote work sounded like the dream—until the cracks started showing.In this episode of The Bullpen, Sonya and Misty dig into the real conversation companies and candidates are having in 2025: remote vs onsite vs hybrid—and why fully remote isn’t the long-term solution many thought it would be.From productivity and integrity to culture, collaboration, and career growth, this is an honest, no-fluff breakdown from the recruiting side of the table.What we cover:Why fully remote was a “necessary evil,” not a forever fixHow COVID forced the shift—and why many companies are now pulling back.Remote work vs real productivityWhat employers are actually seeing when it comes to output, accountability, and innovation.Culture, collaboration & the human factorWhy teams lose momentum, creativity, and connection when everything goes dark-screen and chat-based.Hybrid as the middle groundWhen flexibility works—and when it becomes a liability for both employees and employers.The integrity issue no one wants to talk aboutDouble-dipping jobs, blurred boundaries, and why remote trust has limits.Why candidates are holding out—and what it’s costing themStaying unemployed while waiting for “remote-only” roles in a tightening market.Getting dressed matters (yes, really)The psychological and professional value of separating home life from work life.Who actually gets to decideWhy companies—not candidates—ultimately set the rules when they’re paying the salary.Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Career paths aren’t linear—and sometimes the biggest pivots lead to the most aligned chapters.In this episode of The Bullpen, Sonia and Misty sit down with Rhonda Lemke, a longtime tech leader turned real estate professional, to talk about resilience, reinvention, and how tech skills translate far beyond IT.From infrastructure leadership and cloud consulting to navigating layoffs, data literacy, and building a real estate business in Las Vegas, Rhonda shares what it actually looks like to shift careers without losing yourself—or your edge.This is a candid conversation about adapting in changing markets, trusting transferable skills, and redefining success on your own terms.What we cover:Rhonda’s journey from tech to real estateStarting in IT in the 90s, rising into leadership, and eventually pivoting industries after a layoff.Why resilience matters more than titlesHow career disruptions can become opportunities when you stay flexible and forward-looking.Transferable tech skills in real estateProject management, data analysis, CRMs, client discovery, and “reading the room” all showing up in a new industry.Data literacy in the real worldWhy having access to data isn’t the same as understanding it—and how misinformation affects both hiring and home buying.AI, security, and the TikTok dilemmaNational security concerns, social media realities, and navigating platforms you don’t fully trust (but still need).Relocating to Las Vegas: what people get wrongThe truth about living, working, schools, community, weather, and opportunity beyond the Strip.Why Vegas works for careers and familiesSports, education, outdoor life, dining, and why “Vegas culture” isn’t what outsiders think.The power of collaboration across industriesHow recruiting, lending, and real estate intersect—and why relationships still matter most.Connect with Rhonda:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/RealEstateRhondaNVConnect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

In this episode of The Bullpen, Sonya and Misty flip the script and bring on candidate-turned-IT-pro, David Arroyo, to share his journey—from almost taking on college debt he didn’t want, to finding Tech Impact, riding his bike to interviews, and landing his first full-time role with the help of a recruiter.This is the real story of what happens when someone shows up, does the work, and uses every resource available—mentors, community programs, and recruiting partners—to build a career in tech.What We Cover:From high school to IT without the debtHow David went from almost choosing cybersecurity college programs to discovering Tech Impact as a free, alternative path into IT.What Tech Impact actually provides16-week cohort model, CompTIA A+ prep, Cisco IT Essentials, internships, Friday professional development sessions, and why the soft skills were just as valuable as the technical ones.The internship that almost became a jobWhy the CTO wanted to keep him but couldn’t—and how that honest “we’d hire you if we could” moment became fuel instead of failure.Riding his bike to interviews (literally)David’s story of biking to his interview, meeting the hiring manager at Einstein Bros., and what really made him stand out as an entry-level candidate.The recruiter advantageHow working with Taurean Consulting Group helped him: resume support, interview coaching, market insight, and someone in his corner who could vouch for him.Taking action fast: the DMV storyThe day after his interview, David went straight to the DMV for his learner’s permit to prove his commitment—and landed his first full-time IT role because of it.Mock interviews that turned into ForbesHow a mock interview with a Workday employee led to an ongoing mentorship, a published internal story, and that story being picked up by Forbes.Finding your lane in techWhy David wishes he had specialized earlier, how he’s now diving into security and cryptography (including a free Stanford course), and why “keep learning” isn’t just a cliché.Networking in a “big small town” like VegasHow relationships with mentors, hiring managers, and community leaders (like Tech Impact, AITP, and past internships) kept opening doors, even years later.Connect with David:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-arroyo-11b05116aConnect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

A bad hire doesn’t just annoy your team — it drains your money, your time, and your sanity. In this episode of The Bullpen, Soic and Misty break down the real cost of getting the wrong person in the door, from the hard financial hit to the quiet damage it leaves across your culture and productivity.If you’ve ever shrugged and said “we’ll make it work,” this episode is your wake-up call.What we cover:How a bad hire can cost 30–40% of a first-year salary (and in some cases $240K–$850K 🤯)The hidden expenses leaders forget: recruiting, onboarding, training, turnover, and legal risksThe ripple effect on morale, burnout, and productivityWhy rushed interviews, untrained managers, and camera-off virtual meetings create bad hiresReference checks, background checks, and why “I don’t know if HR did that” is a problemHow to build a stronger hiring process so you stop kissing frogs and start finding real fitsKey Takeaways✨ Bad hires are expensive far beyond payroll✨ Strong hiring processes protect your bottom line✨ Managers need interview training more than they admit✨ Cameras ON and real conversations matter✨ Your recruiter is a strategic partner — use them✨ A little clarity upfront saves thousands laterHiring shouldn’t feel like gambling. With the right process, the right questions, and the right partnership, you can avoid the financial and cultural hit of a bad hire—and finally build a team that actually works.Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Social media gets a bad rap—doom scrolling, cancel culture, comparison traps. But what if we told you it could actually be the key to building real community, landing your dream job, and growing your business?In this episode, we sit down with Kassidy Lynne, founder of Kassidy Lynne Social, to talk about the good, the bad, and the occasionally terrifying world of social media marketing. From AI caption writers to the death of generic branding, we're covering everything you need to know about showing up authentically online—whether you're a business owner, job seeker, or just trying to figure out what the algorithm wants from you.What We Cover:The Good Side of Social: How sharing her grief story helped Kassidy build real community onlineAI for Social Media: When to use it, when to run away screaming, and the "10th grade level" trickPersonal Brand vs. Business Brand: Why you need a face (sorry, insurance agents)The Authenticity Factor: Why consistent branding matters more than you thinkNiching Down (or Not): When to focus and when it's okay to talk about everythingAssets 101: What you actually need before hiring a social media managerThe Sales Conversation: Why your social media manager can't guarantee sales (and anyone who does is lying)LinkedIn vs. Instagram: How to change your tone for different platformsJob Search Do's and Don'ts: What employers are really seeing when they Google youThe Doom Scroll Problem: How to curate your algorithm instead of letting it control youConnect with Kassidy :Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/kassidylynnesocialConnect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Welcome back to The Bullpen! Sometimes leadership isn't about being the boss—it's about being the person people actually want to follow. In this episode, we sit down with Charles Inglehart from Vision Technologies to talk about what real leadership looks like in today's workplace.From understanding what truly motivates your team (hint: it's not always money) to navigating remote work, trust, and the post-COVID chaos that nobody seems to have figured out yet—Charles brings practical wisdom from over a decade of leadership experience across program management and accounting operations.Plus, we dive into book recommendations, the power of investing in your people's dreams, and why "better, cheaper, faster" should probably be a tattoo.What We Cover:Personal, Professional, Financial Goals: Why great leaders focus on all three (not just the paycheck)The Trust Factor: How to manage remote teams without micromanaging their Teams statusBooks That Changed Everything: From "The Leader Who Had No Title" to "The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership"Dream Manager Philosophy: Investing in employees' personal goals (even if they leave)The Amazon Model: Teaching truck driving school to warehouse workers (and why that's brilliant)Post-COVID Reality Check: Why nobody knew how to manage remote work and we're all still figuring it outWhat Gets You Out of Bed: Why your family can't be your only motivation (and what should be)Better, Cheaper, Faster: The three levers you can pull in any business decisionDoom Scrolling vs. Leading: How to show up as a leader when the world feels like it's on fireConnect with Charles :linkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-inglehart-mba-a629524b/Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Sometimes you just need to laugh at the chaos. In this episode, we're sharing the most awkward, uncomfortable, and downright unbelievable interview stories from our combined 40+ years in recruiting.From profanity-dropping to drug usage confessions, sweaty bus rides in August Vegas heat to managers who forget who they're interviewing—this episode is proof that you truly cannot make this stuff up.Consider this your masterclass in what NOT to do in an interview (and a behind-the-scenes look at what recruiters actually see when we sit in on your interviews).What we cover:The "Stepped on My Tick" Incident: When a brilliant CCIE used profanity in front of a very conservative interviewerThe Smoking Gun: Never, EVER smoke right before an interview (especially in front of the building)The August Bus Story: Why you should always tell your recruiter if you need transportation in 110° Vegas heatThe Crystal Meth Confession: When "biggest challenge you've overcome" goes way too farManager Interview Fails: Camera angles, not reading resumes, and asking the same questions over and overThe Rating Scale Battle: Why refusing to answer "rate yourself 1-10" will tank your interviewHR's Missing Act: Why HR should sit in on technical interviews (but never does)Key Takeaways ✨ Never use profanity in an interview—we don't care how comfortable it gets, just don't ✨ Communication is everything—need a ride? Running late? Tell your recruiter! ✨ Some stories don't belong in interviews—save the deep personal stuff for after you're hired ✨ Prep with your recruiter—we know the landmines and can help you avoid them✨ Managers aren't always great interviewers—but we can't coach them like we coach you ✨ Tech people are "interesting"—and we love you for it, quirks and all ✨ The job market is tough—let us help you navigate it without the embarrassmentLook, we're not here to shame anyone. Job searching is hard. Interviewing is stressful. And we've all had moments we wish we could take back.But after decades in this business, we've learned that preparation, honesty (within reason), and having someone in your corner who knows the landscape can save you from these career-limiting moments. The hardest times in life? Moving, divorce, and finding a job. Don't go through the job search alone.Whether you're a candidate who's bombed an interview, a hiring manager who needs interview training, or just someone who loves a good cringe story, The Bullpen is here to keep it real about what actually happens in the recruiting world.Ready to navigate your job search with professionals who've literally seen everything? Contact TCG—we promise not to let you step on your tick in an interview.Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Welcome back to The Bullpen! Today we're diving deep into the world of cybersecurity with longtime friend and cybersecurity professor Dr. Mack Jackson Jr from Vanderson Cyber Group. From AI-powered attacks to ransomware nightmares and the terrifying world of deepfakes—this episode will make you want to change all your passwords immediately.Dr. Mack teaches ethical hacking at two leading universities, runs a consulting business, and hosts "Cybersecurity Awareness TV." He's literally getting FBI alerts while driving to our studio. If that doesn't tell you how fast this landscape is changing, nothing will.Connect with Dr. Mack Jackson Jr:linkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mackjacksonjr/Website : https://mackjacksonjr.com/?brid=frZaiRJ_ACut2jMImrSc9wConnect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Grab the bull by the horns and dive into the world of augmented reality! In this episode, we sit down with Jeramie, a technologist who's been obsessed with AR for over a decade, to explore what augmented reality actually is, how it's being used today, and why we're just 2-5 years away from mainstream adoption.From Pokemon Go to surgical training, from the Las Vegas Strip to your living room—AR is already changing how we interact with the world around us. But what's the difference between AR and VR? Why did Google Glass fail? And what does this mean for the future of work, gaming, and even dating?Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.⁠https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/⁠New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!

Welcome to the very first episode of The Bullpen! We're kicking things off by sharing why we started Taurean Consulting Group, what makes our recruiting approach different, and why we decided to launch this podcast.If you've ever wondered what agency recruiting is really like—or why Las Vegas tech recruiting is its own unique beast—this episode is for you.What we cover:Why Taurean Consulting exists: Born from a desire to disrupt traditional recruiting and do things differently (without all the corporate red tape)Breaking the corporate mold: How working for big recruiting firms shaped us—and why we leftOur core values: Limitless, Bold, Empowered, Fun, and Partnership-drivenThe Vegas difference: Why recruiting in Las Vegas is nothing like recruiting on either coastWhy this podcast matters: Cutting through the misinformation on LinkedIn and beyondRecruiter confessions: From OG ai tools to lavender coffee, we're keeping it realKey Takeaways ✨ Small business recruiting allows for flexibility, creativity, and actually solving problems✨ We do all our work for free until we place you—because we believe in the partnership✨ Vegas has its own employment ecosystem, and we're here to help you navigate it✨ Honesty > perfection (even if you took down a hospital's life support system—true story)✨ After 60+ combined years in recruiting, we've seen it allBecause recruiting doesn't have to be robotic, transactional, or boring. We're here to have real conversations about jobs, careers, technology, and what's happening in the Las Vegas market—with some laughs along the way.Whether you're a candidate navigating a job search, a hiring manager trying to build a team, or just someone curious about the wild world of recruiting, The Bullpen is your space for honest, useful, and entertaining conversations.Connect with TCG:Ready to expand the realm of possible? Let's talk.https://www.taureanconsulting.net/search-las-vegas-it-and-tech-jobs/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/taureanconsulting/New episodes drop every Friday—subscribe so you don't miss out!