Pathfinders Podcast: Navigating Your Career Map with a Personal Board of Advisors

This episode of the Pathfinders Podcast features Anthony Wallace, Vice President and General Manager of North America at Shalom, who brings nearly three decades of experience across leading pharmaceutical and healthcare organizations, including Merck, Novartis, GlaxoSmithKline, and Sandoz. Wallace shares a career journey shaped by resilience, lifelong learning, and an unwavering commitment to creating impact through leadership. Originally aspiring to be a professional hockey player, Wallace shifted gears early in life, driven by a desire to build a better future after losing his father at a young age. With a degree in accounting from Penn State and an MBA in marketing from Indiana Wesleyan, he began his career in auditing before making a pivotal move into healthcare. That transition, fueled by curiosity and the encouragement of mentors, led to a career where purpose and impact have taken center stage. In this conversation, Wallace discusses the importance of creating a Career Map—one that evolves over time and aligns functional experiences with long-term goals. He highlights the role of a Personal Board of Advisors in providing honest feedback, identifying blind spots, and helping navigate major career decisions. Wallace also shares how mentorship has influenced his own development and why he is intentional about mentoring others, emphasizing that effective mentorship requires structure, mutual commitment, and clear expectations. The episode also explores Wallace’s philosophy on work-life integration, including a personal story that reshaped how he balances professional responsibilities with being present for his family. His approach to leadership centers on developing businesses, building people, and making a measurable difference—whether inside the organization or across the healthcare industry. For organizations looking to engage and retain top talent, Wallace emphasizes the strategic value of investing in employee development through mentorship and structured growth pathways. His message is clear: when employees see a future within the company, they are more likely to stay and thrive. This episode offers actionable insights for HR leaders, executives, and professionals focused on long-term growth, leadership development, and building purpose-driven careers.

In this powerful episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm talks with Rob Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran and HR leader whose career has spanned an extraordinary range of experiences—from underground coal mines to boardroom strategy. Rob’s professional journey didn’t follow a straight line. After growing up in a challenging environment with no clear blueprint for success, he pursued college, then shifted course to serve in the Marines. It was there, by the needs of the Corps, that he first stepped into a personnel administration role, unwittingly launching a career in HR that would later define his civilian life. When he left the military, Rob faced the same uncertainty many veterans experience in transitioning to the civilian workforce. He took on several retail and HR roles before making a bold move: working as an underground coal miner to support his family. That decision, while unconventional, led to an unexpected breakthrough: a hiring manager saw HR experience on his résumé and called him in for a corporate HR interview instead. That single conversation became a turning point, opening the door to a new chapter of professional development and leadership in the HR space. Throughout the episode, Rob reflects on the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and strategic growth. He shares how informal mentors from his time in the military helped shape his thinking, and how having a long-term goal, becoming a senior HR leader by 2027, has guided his choices ever since. He encourages younger professionals to embrace discomfort, stay flexible, and use a “career map” to track their development. Rob also emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting that map, both as individuals and alongside trusted mentors or a personal board of advisors. Rob’s story is not just about upward mobility; it’s about resilience, transformation, and paying it forward. Now working on career navigation strategies inside his organization, he’s helping others build their own maps, showing that meaningful progress is possible, no matter how unexpected the path may be. His journey is a reminder that success is not always linear, and that leadership often comes from those who’ve learned to lead themselves through the hardest of transitions.

In this inspiring episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm sits down with Divya Divakaran—award-winning HR strategist, author, fashion designer, and unapologetic champion of people-first leadership. Together, they explore how mapping your career journey and building a personal board of advisors can transform your professional path. Divya shares her unconventional leap from aspiring finance professional to HR trailblazer, reflecting on the power of curiosity, lateral learning, and strategic mentorship. She breaks down her approach to building high-performing teams, scaling impact in both startups and enterprises, and helping organizations design career pathways that actually retain talent. You’ll also hear the story behind her book From Paper Pushers to Strategic Partners, her take on why HR belongs in the boardroom, and why she believes leadership has nothing to do with titles—and everything to do with action. Whether you’re an HR leader, business executive, or curious career climber, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge how you think about growth, culture, and people strategy. Tune in to learn how to turn talent into traction—and HR into a strategic superpower.

On this episode of the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete sits down with Colleen Capel, founder of Leap Leadership Solutions, and a true people-first leader. Colleen’s career didn’t start with a plan to land in HR. In fact, she wanted to be an actress named Tess. But life had other plans, and her first role in talent acquisition changed everything. Colleen shares how she built a career focused on culture, talent, and leadership, and how along the way, she began forming her Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). It didn’t happen overnight or through formal asks, but through intentional relationships and mutual trust. She breaks down the difference between mentors and sponsors, how to approach mentorship with clarity, and why the right relationships can change the course of your career. We also dive into the power of a Career Map, where your roles, skills, achievements, education, and yes, the fun stuff, all connect to tell your story. Colleen explains how she mapped her own journey and why every professional, no matter their level, should be doing the same. And of course, we talk about her leap into entrepreneurship. On March 16, 2024, a leap year, Colleen launched Leap Leadership Solutions to help companies develop leaders, build cohesive teams, and engage employees in meaningful ways. It’s the culmination of everything she’s learned about leadership that lasts. This episode is filled with practical takeaways for HR leaders, career climbers, and anyone building a more intentional professional path.

On this episode of Pathfinders, Pete talks with Zane Zumbahlen, a former IBM executive, current CPO, and lifelong space enthusiast whose career path is anything but ordinary. Zane dreamed of becoming an astronaut but pivoted from physics to people. That path led him to roles at IBM, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and beyond, each shaped by moments of reflection, feedback, and mentorship. Pete and Zane explore the Career Matrix, a powerful way Zane mapped his growth across business functions and leadership styles. He also shares how an early tough performance review became a turning point, helping him shift from reactive to strategic leadership. A big theme in this episode: the Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). Zane still leans on his IBM brain trust and emphasizes that trusted voices are critical for navigating transitions. He’s also passionate about helping people see their future clearly. Because when employees understand where they’re going, engagement and performance follow. Zane gets real about speaking up, owning your story, and turning vulnerability into strength. Whether you’re leading change or managing your own growth, this episode is a playbook for building trust, clarity, and confidence at every level of your career.

This week on the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete Schramm welcomes John Bernatovicz, entrepreneur, author of HR Like a Boss, and founder of Willory, a leading HR and payroll staffing and consulting firm. John’s career kicked off with a dream of professional golf (he even beat Tiger Woods once!). But after realizing he wouldn’t break into the top 1%, he pivoted, first into sales at ADP, then into building a business that merges people, purpose, and performance. Pete and John dig into the Career Map and the Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). John breaks down his PBA, from his golf coach and therapist to his leadership mentor and family circle, sharing how each one brings perspective and keeps him grounded. We talk about accountability, building systems that outlive you, and John’s belief that leadership is a process of showing up consistently, getting better at the basics, and never shortcutting the fundamentals. He also shares how HR Like a Boss went from book to national movement, giving HR professionals the recognition and influence they deserve. This episode is a must-listen for HR pros, founders, or anyone trying to improve just 1% every day.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re talking with Jason Seiden who is a successful entrepreneur, communication consultant, and published author about his unique career journey and the lessons he’s picked up along the way. As a kid, Jason had two big dreams: becoming a plastic surgeon and finding ways to eliminate plastic waste. But life had other plans. After studying business at Wharton, Jason took a leap into entrepreneurship during the early days of the internet. While his peers headed for consulting or Wall Street, Jason joined a small e-commerce business in 1994, diving headfirst into the uncharted waters of the digital world. Entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. Jason faced his fair share of stress and hurdles, but his commitment to growth and learning kept him moving forward. His personal board of advisors, mentors, and guides were game changers who not only offered advice but held him accountable for taking action. Jason credits their insights and his ability to execute as key factors in his success. After years of hustle, Jason achieved a successful exit when his business was acquired. Looking back, he shares the importance of celebrating small wins along the way and staying resilient when times get tough. But Jason didn’t stop there. As the executive producer of RollingStone.com and author of two career-focused books, he’s carved out a niche in communication consulting, helping others bridge personal and professional communication with the wisdom he’s gained from his entrepreneurial journey. Jason’s key takeaway is to build your personal board of advisors, act on their guidance, and celebrate those small wins to keep yourself motivated and moving forward.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re sitting down with Grant Harris, founder and president of GTH Consulting, LLC, and a certified diversity executive. Grant’s career journey is all about growth, mentorship, and making workplaces more inclusive for everyone. Grant’s love for reading, writing, and thinking led him to study psychology as an undergrad and later earn an MBA in organizational development psychology. Early in life, his high school coach became one of his most impactful mentors, teaching him the value of learning from others while giving back in return which is a lesson Grant’s carried with him throughout his career. He’s a big believer in creating a personal board of advisors, a trusted group to guide and challenge you along your career path. While Grant’s early roles didn’t directly involve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), his experiences in education, marketing to underprivileged students, and management consulting helped him see the importance of fostering inclusive environments. Over time, he became a certified diversity executive and founded GTH Consulting to help organizations implement effective DEI strategies. Grant also dives into the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. In one of the podcast segments, he interviews KD, a certified diversity executive and autistic leader. KD shares his own journey, highlighting the role of certifications, continuous learning, and how his lived experiences shape his leadership style. It’s an inspiring look at what’s possible when workplaces value inclusion and support. Grant’s key takeaway? Focus on being 1% better every day. Lean into lifelong learning, build authentic relationships, and stay open to opportunities as they can take your career and impact to the next level.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we’re talking with John Oliverio, VP of HR at Audia International, about his career journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From physical therapy to HR leadership, John’s path is a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and the power of relationships. John started out studying psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and began his career in physical therapy. After nine years at Ames Department Store, he made a pivot, stepping into an HR administrator role at Nicholson Construction which set the stage for his career in HR. It wasn’t just a job change to John, it was a mindset shift. Encouraged by a friend, John joined the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which became a game-changer for expanding his network and opening doors to new opportunities. With guidance from mentors, he eventually landed his current role at Audia International. Throughout his career, John has leaned on mentorship to grow. Leaders like Michelle, Dr. Audrey Morrell, Linda, Amy Lynn, Phyllis, and Vince played key roles in shaping his development and reinforcing his commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. John’s advice? Create your career map and build your personal board of advisors who help you navigate challenges and chart your path. And don’t forget the importance of balancing work and personal life. Community involvement and experiences outside of work can equip you with valuable skills that propel your career forward. When it comes to career transitions, John says this: Be true to yourself, embrace change, and learn from every experience, good or bad.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re joined by Heather Holland who is a seasoned HR and DEI professional who’s carved out an impressive career at companies like Mars Inc. and TC Energy. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and staying open to new opportunities. Heather didn’t start out dreaming of a career in HR. She originally set her sights on becoming a lawyer, but after being rejected from law school twice, she paused to reassess. That’s when she discovered her passion for HR and labor relations which would shape the rest of her career. After earning her bachelor’s in Communications, Heather went on to complete a master’s degree in HR and Labor Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her first job, a shared role conducting food safety inspections for the City of Milwaukee, might not sound like the start of an HR career, but it taught her crucial skills: adaptability, communication, and flexibility. Heather’s early HR experience came in a supervisor role at a steel foundry, where she learned to navigate complex labor relations issues and deepen her industry knowledge. Along the way, she actively sought out mentors across various industries and roles, a practice she still champions today. Her advice? Approach mentorship intentionally, know your goals, and outline how both parties can gain value from the relationship. Now a passionate advocate for workplace culture and DEI, Heather emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces and taking charge of your career. She believes organizations that prioritize DEI see greater success, and individuals who stay strategic and open to new paths find work that truly excites them. Her key takeaway is to be intentional and trust the balance between planning and instinct. Lean into opportunities that light you up and take your career to the next level.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we’re diving into the incredible journey of Sarah Reynolds, Chief Marketing Officer at HR tech company HiBob. From dreaming of becoming a marine biologist to becoming a trailblazing marketing leader and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Sarah’s story is one of resilience, growth, and authenticity. Growing up in a rural area, Sarah struggled to see a path into the tech world. After studying history and languages, they explored culinary school and even worked as a private chef. Their pivot into tech came unexpectedly when they took a job as an office administrator at their father’s startup. That’s where the spark for tech ignited. From there, Sarah built a remarkable career, moving into business development within edtech and then finding their groove at UKG in product marketing. Along the way, they became a champion for inclusive workplaces—spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, can show up authentically. As a non-binary executive, Sarah shares personal insights into the challenges that trans and non-binary professionals face, like the fact that many still feel unable to come out at work. Despite those challenges, Sarah’s leaned into the power of mentorship, growth, and building a “career map” with the support of a personal board of advisors. By showing up as their full self, Sarah’s found success and fulfillment while creating spaces for others to thrive. Their story is an inspiring example of how authenticity, connection, and an intentional approach to career development can make all the difference.

Pete Schramm is the founder of Lattitude, a company that provides employee connection software and services. They focus on career mapping, engagement surveys, and building a personal board of advisors through mentorship. The company is based on the idea that individuals, just like companies, can benefit from having a diverse group of people guiding and supporting their growth and development. Pete suggests starting small with approximately eight people on your board and gradually growing from there. He also emphasizes the importance of setting expectations and goals for each.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re sitting down with Colton Hower, founder and CEO of POWER Marketing. Colton’s journey from college athlete to successful entrepreneur is all about adaptability, mentorship, and turning passion into purpose. A former Division One baseball player, Colton originally thought he’d end up in law. But during college, he discovered a love for journalism and media. After graduating, he jumped into his first role at a marketing agency, where he got hands-on experience in social media, PR, and advertising. Colton credits his time on the field for teaching him time management, prioritization, and how to thrive under pressure. His mantra? “Pressure is a privilege.” That mindset has fueled him throughout his career. During his time at the agency, he was guided by two key mentors: his boss, Matt, and a client, David. Their guidance shaped his approach to leadership and set the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset. After five years, Colton took a leap of faith and launched POWER Marketing. As CEO, he’s focused on scaling the business, building strong client relationships, and staying ahead of the curve in digital marketing and AI. His big goal? To hit 100 clients by year’s end. Colton’s secret to success? Having a personal board of advisors. He believes prioritizing relationships and having confidence in the journey are game-changers for personal and professional growth.

On this episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm interviews Brian Fishel, a seasoned executive with extensive experience in human resources and strategic business partnerships. Fishel shares his career journey, which began with aspirations to be either an athlete or a doctor. This desire led him to study biology in college, but his career ultimately took a different path. Fishel started his professional journey in HR at Taco Bell, where he gained valuable experience creating impactful learning opportunities. He then moved on to leadership roles at Pepsi, Pizza Hut, and Coca-Cola, excelling in navigating corporate environments while continuing to develop his expertise in talent management and strategic leadership. Along the way, he worked as a consultant before transitioning to corporate positions, which gave him a well-rounded perspective on business operations. Throughout his career, Fishel has been guided by mentors, including a guidance counselor, bosses, and colleagues, who provided him with advice and support during pivotal transitions. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and rapport in mentoring relationships, as well as the value of creating a personal board of advisors and a career map to set goals and achieve success. Fishel also reflects on his decision to leave a company in search of growth opportunities, acknowledging the trade-offs involved and the importance of thoughtful decision-making. He stresses the significance of being present, learning from others, and paying it forward. For him, speed is essential, but he cautions against rushing into decisions without considering their consequences. Fishel’s insights into leadership, mentorship, and career development offer practical advice for listeners navigating their own career paths.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re thrilled to sit down with Dr. Victoria Mattingly, better known as Dr. V. She’s the CEO of Mattingly Solutions, an expert in DEI, and an all-around rockstar in creating more inclusive workplaces. Dr. V’s journey started with a big decision early in her career: should she take a high-paying, six-figure job or accept a smaller internship that aligned with her long-term goals? With guidance from her personal board of advisors, she chose the internship. That one decision set her on a path of purpose-driven work that would lead her to where she is today. After earning her Ph.D. in organizational psychology, Dr. V gained hands-on experience at Amazon on their talent assessment team before diving into consulting. It was there she learned the ins and outs of organizational systems, which she now leverages as the CEO of Mattingly Solutions. Her company takes a data-driven approach to DEI, with equity at the core of everything they do, helping businesses create fair, thriving workplaces. Dr. V is passionate about DEI being integrated into talent management, leadership, and workplace culture. She believes that a representative workforce is not just a nice-to-have, it’s essential for success. During our conversation, she shares her journey from dreaming big to becoming an industrial/organizational psychologist and highlights the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career. We also explore topics like remote teams, burnout, and her book, Inclusalytics, which emphasizes the power of data-driven decision-making in creating inclusive environments. Dr. V’s insights will inspire you to approach DEI with intentionality, focus on equity, and always keep measurable impact in mind.

This week on Pathfinders, we’re diving into the incredible career journey of Aaron Brown, a global talent acquisition thought leader with over 20 years of experience. From his roots as the son of a basketball coach and dreams of engineering greatness, to taking a leap into recruiting, Aaron shares how his path evolved in unexpected and rewarding ways. Aaron takes us back to his time at Martin Marietta (now Lockheed Martin), where he played a key role in winning and staffing massive contracts—think hundreds of hires in 90 days—and even helped design a game-changing regional recruiting center. Talk about efficiency and innovation! We also explore Aaron’s personal philosophy on success. He emphasizes the power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with a personal board of advisors (PBA) to guide your career. Whether it’s mentoring job seekers or advising his daughter on navigating her own path, Aaron’s mantra is clear: map your career, stay hungry, and don’t let “best” get in the way of “better.” We don’t stop there. Aaron unpacks the role of AI in HR and recruiting, the need for balance between technology and human connection, and why leaders must stay intentional about investing in their people. Plus, you’ll hear some top-tier advice for job seekers—like why that personal touch on LinkedIn can make all the difference.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we sit down with Josh LeFebvre, whose career journey is nothing short of inspiring. What started as a dream of becoming a lawyer evolved into a thriving career in leadership development—a transition marked by key moments of mentorship, discovery, and growth. Josh began his professional path in political event planning, where he first tapped into the power of connection and organization. As his interests shifted, he leaned into his passion for learning and development, eventually carving out a niche in leadership development. His educational foundation at the Kelley School of Business was pivotal. It was there, during his MBA journey, that he encountered mentorship in its most impactful form—professors and peers who believed in him, challenged him, and guided his path forward. After graduating, Josh gained hands-on experience at H&E, a project management training firm. It was a space that not only allowed him to refine his skills but also prepared him for his current role as Director of Learning and Development at Kay Allison, a leading tech company.

On this episode, our host, Pete Schramm, sits down with Alexa Tsui, COO of G2Xchange, who shared her journey as a business development (BD) and capture professional, now turned COO. She discussed her work in government contracting, how she first got into this field, and her unique perspectives on business development. A key focus of this conversation was the importance of mentorship and networking. Alexa emphasized the value of preparation and effective communication in mentor-mentee relationships, sharing her own experiences with a great mentor who used open-ended questions to offer guidance. She also highlighted the benefits of reverse mentorship, which fosters learning across generations and brings fresh perspectives to organizations. Alexa emphasized the value of having multiple mentors and gave our listeners a peak behind the curtain into several of her own personal experiences that our audience could really learn from. Additionally, Alexa offered practical advice on building a strong network. She stressed the importance of making genuine connections, helping introverts feel comfortable in social settings, and ensuring that extroverts always try to include others. With a sense of humor as a helpful workplace skill, she encouraged kindness, generosity, and having fun while pursuing career goals. She concluded by sharing tips for succeeding in the GovCon industry and the importance of creating a plan and setting goals for mentorship relationships.

During the latest episode, host Pete Schramm interviewed guest Dave Pygon, president and founder of Pygon ONE Consulting, a Chicago-based firm. Pygon ONE focuses on mastering and tackling the complex challenges of soft skills, particularly leadership development, problem-solving, driving results, efficiency and effectiveness, and improved communication. Dave describes his diverse career journey, starting with his childhood dream of playing in the NBA. This dream eventually led to a career in sales and marketing. After working at companies like ADP and Alcon Labs, Dave found his true passion in consulting and leadership development. As the founder of Pygon ONE Consulting, he now helps leaders develop the skills necessary for success in business and life. Dave discusses the role of self-awareness and soft skills in professional growth. He also emphasizes the value of having a career map and building a personal board of advisors to guide you through challenging times. Dave reflects on his over twenty years of working with companies like ADP, Alcon, and Novartis, where he led teams and navigated complex challenges, including mergers and acquisitions. He provides tips for handling these transitions and the importance of remaining open-minded during change. In addition, Dave encourages listeners to invest in tools for professional growth, such as Lattitude and stresses the importance of staying positive and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on pessimistic thoughts. He concludes by reiterating the value of continuous learning, adapting to change, and building meaningful relationships each and every day.

In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, we feature an insightful conversation with Sam Thomeier and Chelsea Hamilton, two HR experts with extensive experience in the industry! They share their unique career journeys, discussing how they first entered the field and the lessons they've learned along the way. One of the key themes in this conversation is the importance of building a personal board of advisors (PBA) and the value of relationships in the workplace. Chelsea and Sam dive deep into their personal stories and unique backstories that have brought them to this point in their careers. Chelsea initially thought she would pursue being a doctor, but after earning a college degree and a master's she ultimately pivoted to HR. Sam, on the other hand, dreamed of becoming a rapper or an athlete before eventually finding his calling in human resources. The guests emphasize the importance of being self-aware and intentional when developing a career. They offer practical advice on how to receive feedback, remain true to yourself, and being eager to constantly learn and grow. Both Chelsea and Sam highlight the value of mentorship—whether through formal programs or informal guidance from trusted colleagues, friends, and family—and the role of a personal board of advisors in their professional success. Throughout the episode, they emphasize the significance of networking and building genuine relationships for career growth. Sam and Chelsea address common excuses people make for avoiding networking, such as feeling intimidated or viewing it as transactional. Both guests stressed the importance of giving and receiving feedback, seeing it as an opportunity for growth rather than criticism. They encourage listeners to embrace authenticity, be themselves, and view others as equals when building connections. Tune in to hear their valuable insights on career development, mentorship, networking, and how to build meaningful relationships in the workplace.

In this episode of the Pathfinders Podcast, we sit down with Lyndsay Dowd, a leader with over 25 years of experience in the corporate world, to discuss her career journey and insights into modern leadership practices. Lyndsay's path to success began early in life, as she aspired to be a motivator. In college, she studied sociology and women's studies, and during college, she got licensed to work in real estate. After a stint in interior design, her journey took a significant pivot to Boston, where she joined IBM and spent 23 years climbing the corporate ladder. During the show, Lyndsay dove deep into her background story and how her work at IBM shaped her thoughts on business and the importance of relationships. She shares how the skills she developed and the relationships she built at IBM helped her progress in many ways throughout her career. A key takeaway from her experience is the value of building a personal board of advisors and the support of mentors and advocates throughout one’s journey. During her time at IBM, Lyndsay learned invaluable lessons about leadership, the power of trust, and the importance of creating a culture of advocacy for employees. She also discusses a pivotal moment in her career when she was fired from a new role and realized that career security, rather than job security, was crucial for long-term success. This experience led her to start her own business (Heartbeat for Hire LLC - https://www.linkedin.com/company/heartbeat-for-hire/), focusing on helping people build modern leadership skills and irresistible culture. Lyndsay's newest venture as Chief Revenue Officer at Intry Careers she continues to lift others up. She provides a beautiful intersection of technology, AI, and the human touch to job seekers. She works with corporations with their Outplacement Alternative, job placement agencies with their patented resume technology, and career coaches and resume writers with Career Compass. She also emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and being able to offer your unique value proposition. In addition to her work at Intry Careers, Lyndsay is an advocate for diversity and has expanded her network by joining communities of like-minded professionals. Her efforts have led to speaking engagements at prestigious events, including Harvard, and even a billboard in Times Square. Today, Lyndsay spends her time podcasting, keynote speaking, and helping others develop the skills to lead in today’s fast-paced business world. Listen in as Lyndsay conveys how to create a fulfilling work experience that retains employees and fosters growth. Connect with her on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyndsaydowdh4h/

In this episode of the Pathfinders podcast, Pete sits down with Jesse McCree, a national thought leader in investing in human talent. With 15 years of experience across startups, consulting, education, workforce development, leadership, public policy analysis, and nonprofit management, Jesse currently serves as CEO of South Central PA Works. In this role, he oversees $15 million in annual federal and state resources aimed at connecting talent with opportunity. He is also a board member of the National Association of Workforce Boards. Jesse shares his career journey, beginning with his first job in a VISTA program and progressing to his current position. Along the way, he earned a master's degree in public administration and completed various certificate programs to enhance his skill set. He credits his personal board of advisors, including his father and several mentors, for providing crucial guidance and accountability throughout his path. Jesse stresses the importance of regularly connecting with these mentors and acting as a connector within his own network. The conversation highlights Jesse’s commitment to investing in employees’ growth and providing clear pathways for advancement. He discusses how employers and individuals alike benefit from aligning their values around pay, purpose, and opportunity. Throughout, Jesse encourages listeners to never give up on their potential and to continuously invest in their own development. The discussion also touches on the Pathfinders methodology and underscores the powerful role mentorship plays in professional success.

Brittany Martin, founder and CEO of BeKindWorks, shares her inspiring career journey on this episode of the Pathfinders podcast. Growing up, Brittany dreamed of becoming a librarian, and her love for research and appreciation for different cultures took root during her time in college, where she studied business and worked at the campus library. These early experiences equipped her with a very unique expertise, including research skills and a strong sense of curiosity. Brittany first began her professional journey at Target, where she worked with hundreds of people and learned the value of effort, self-challenge, and resilience. It was at this point in her career journey that she discovered her true passion for leadership development, joining the Pathfinders course to hone her skills. She later transitioned to roles at Anheuser-Busch and other corporations, where she gained valuable HR leadership experience. These roles not only prepared her for future challenges but also inspired her to think strategically about career growth. Driven to make a greater impact, Brittany eventually made the bold move from Connecticut to New York City and shifted from corporate HR to entrepreneurship. Today, as an independent consultant and strategic people leader, she emphasizes the importance of authenticity, kindness, and building a personal "board of advisors" to guide career development. Her philosophy is rooted in the "rule of threes," which has served as a guiding principle throughout her life and career. On the podcast, Brittany shares the five dimensions of career mapping and highlights how mentorship has played a pivotal role in her success. Through BeKindWorks, she continues to champion leadership development, encouraging individuals to lead with kindness and authenticity to create a meaningful impact in their own lives and the lives of others.

David is a great journalist who is dedicated to helping others succeed in life and business. He believes in the power of mentorship and surrounding yourself with a personal board of advisors to help you navigate blind spots and grow. He has a Monday morning newsletter that provides valuable advice and guidance for anyone looking to improve themselves. Pete encourages everyone to sign up and learn from David's wisdom. David Mcglennen is a speaker, author, and consultant who helps companies build trust and strengthen their leadership. He started his career in the insurance industry and eventually sold his business to a large insurance company. After this, he decided to shift his focus to leadership and create Impact Leadership Consulting. Mcglennen speaks at events and works with executives to help them become better leaders. He also takes an annual 30-day sabbatical to recharge and refocus. This practice has helped him be more David McLennan has always been passionate about flying and spent nearly a decade as a pilot before shifting to a career in music. However, he eventually found his way back to his roots in insurance, where he has been thriving for the last 32 years. Along the way, he has also started Impact Leadership Consulting, which focuses on helping emerging leaders make a positive impact in their careers. He emphasizes the importance of continuous learning, having a growth mindset, and taking time for mentorship. David Mcglennen is a leadership and growth expert who has helped companies all over the world. He has also owned multiple startup businesses and is a successful professional. In his personal life, he has been married for 35 years and is a father of five. Before his successful career, he aspired to be a musician and studied business administration in college. He has found his career niche in the insurance industry, where he has worked for 32 years.

Brad Kogut, a senior executive at Anywhere Real Estate, encourages junior employees to focus on building environments where people can engage in intellectual and curious discussions that lead to the best solutions. He shares his diverse career journey, which spans from roles in hotels and sports to his current position in real estate, including a leadership role in diversity, equity, and inclusion at WWE. A full-stack human resources professional, Brad’s experience includes talent acquisition, talent management, people analytics, diversity and inclusion, employee relations, and learning and development. Growing up, Brad dreamed of becoming a professional hockey player. He played the sport from a young age, attended a military boarding school where he first learned about servant leadership and went on to play college hockey on a full scholarship. After graduating with a degree in sports management, he began his career in hospitality and worked in various hotel roles before transitioning into HR. Starting his HR career as a coordinator at a resort in New Hampshire, Brad progressed through positions at Starwood and, eventually, Madison Square Garden. He credits an early career mentor, Lisa S, for teaching him about servant leadership and empowering his team. Brad believes in leading without a title and values emotional intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and agility. At Anywhere Real Estate, Brad emphasizes "work-life harmony" rather than balance and makes choices based on his priorities. Passionate about mentoring, he enjoys learning from other leaders and hosts a monthly HR roundtable with executive peers. He also values having a career map and a personal board of advisors for guidance. Brad’s career reflects his commitment to servant leadership and his focus on fostering an environment of growth and empowerment.

Rob Mercuri, a small business owner and member of the Board of Supervisors for the 28th district, is the guest on the Pathfinders podcast hosted by Pete Schramm. Rob shares his personal career journey and talks about his values and priorities in serving his community. He also discusses his time at West Point, his transition to civilian life, and his current work in finance and risk management. Robert Mercuri has been an influential leader and mentor for young professionals in Pittsburgh for many years. He has held various positions in the business community, including a board seat and mentorship role at a UI partner and working in the local UPS store. He has also been active in the local community, using his position at PNC to drive positive change. He is currently running for US Congress and believes that finding common ground is crucial for the country to move forward.

Bob, a successful businessman, shares his career journey which included working in sales, finance, and creating a platform to help job seekers. He reflects on the importance of teamwork and collaboration, and encourages people to follow their passion and find meaning in their work. In this interview, Bob Goodwin, founder of Career Club and Next Placement, discusses his career journey and the value of community and intentionality in career development. He also shares insights from his book recommendations and advice on taking ownership of one's attitude and actions. Bob Goodwin is a New York Times crossword puzzle addict and a sales executive. He studied finance in college and then worked for Xerox selling copiers. After becoming interested in computers, he left Xerox for a company called Donna Bradstreet, which is a credit bureau for businesses.: The speaker shares that they have a background in finance, sales, and marketing. They got their start in the tech industry at a small computer company before moving on to sales positions at Xerox and Dunn and Bradstreet. They then joined an online marketing agency in New York before realizing they wanted to start a tech company. They became interested in market research and consumer insights and spent the next 20 years in that field, learning a lot about sales, marketing, and networking.