In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins interviews Ani Filipova, an accomplished banking executive turned change coach. Ani shares her inspiring journey from growing up in communist Bulgaria to becoming a leader in international banking. She discusses the importance of courage and change in her life and how she helps others navigate their own transformations. Ani emphasizes the significance of building a personal brand and creating a portfolio career, allowing individuals to explore multiple income streams while pursuing their passions. She also highlights the necessity of investing in oneself and the power of community support in achieving career goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ani Filipova's Journey

03:51 From Iron Curtain to International Banking

08:11 Courage to Change: Ani's Personal Drive

14:18 Helping Others Embrace Change

20:16 The Power of Community and Support

22:32 Transitioning from Corporate to Portfolio Career

27:14 Building a Personal Brand for Success

30:28 Building Your Personal Brand

33:25 Strategies for Effective Personal Branding

38:31 Creating and Monetizing Your Offer

44:47 Exploring the Five Pillars of a Portfolio Career

46:42 The Role of AI in Career Development

48:20 The Importance of Continuous Growth and Learning

Ani Filipova helps professionals design intentional, flexible careers and is currently inviting listeners to join the waitlist for her Portfolio Career Accelerator—a program built for those ready to create multiple income streams and a career that adapts with them.

Join the waitlist here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1thkmph_EwRxLGfuL9muCsRir1uKDdF2nXYeI7X_1oSA/edit

Connect with Ani:

Email: afli62465@gmail.com

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

Website: https://changeispossible.co.uk

Today’s episode is sponsored by ConvertKit, the email marketing platform built for creators who want to grow their audience and turn it into income. Learn more at https://convertkit.com

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins speaks with career coach Shelly Piedmont about the intricacies of navigating the job market. Shelly shares her journey from HR to coaching, emphasizing the importance of articulating one's value in job applications and interviews. They discuss the UMAP tool for career clarity, the significance of networking, and strategies for overcoming fears related to applicant tracking systems. Shelly also highlights the need for job seekers to adapt to the evolving job market and the importance of personal branding. The conversation concludes with insights on feedback in the hiring process and the value of maintaining a strong professional network.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Career Coaching and Shelly's Journey

03:44Understanding the Importance of Articulating Value

06:13The UMAP Tool: Finding Your Unique Value

09:02Developing a Job Search Strategy

11:20Navigating the Modern Job Market Challenges

13:46Overcoming Fears of Rejection and ATS

16:33Strategies for Effective Networking and Job Applications

33:25Networking and Job Application Strategies

34:46The Impact of Rejection Letters

35:05Feedback in the Interview Process

45:41Marketing Yourself for Career Success

51:53Lessons from a Mentor

53:41Hiring Practices and Job Clarity

Loved today’s episode? Connect with our featured guest, Shelley Piedmont, and explore how she helps professionals navigate their careers with clarity and confidence.

Email: spiedmont@mycareergps.com

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

Website: https://www.mycareergps.com

Special thanks to Jobscan for supporting today’s show. Jobscan helps job seekers optimize their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to get past applicant tracking systems and land more interviews.

Learn more: https://www.jobscan.co

Follow, connect, and take the next step in your career journey.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins interviews Terrence Wright, founder and CEO of Wright People Solutions, LLC. They discuss the evolving landscape of HR, focusing on the importance of genuine partnerships over traditional policing methods. Terrence shares his journey from corporate HR to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, emphasizing the need for a people-centered strategy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of talent acquisition, the impact of AI on HR practices, and the significance of building trust within organizations. Terrence provides insights into creating a positive workplace culture and the necessity of having a solid people strategy for business success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Visionaries in HR 03:43 Terrence Wright's Journey and Passion for Small Businesses 06:25 Defining Small Business and Its Challenges 09:08 Tailored Solutions for Small Business Needs 11:58 Transitioning from Education to HR Leadership 14:26 Creating Award-Winning Workplace Cultures 17:22 Empowering Employees Through Genuine Partnership 19:38 Building Trust in HR Relationships 22:21 The Future of HR: Partnership vs. Policing 24:53 Navigating Career Growth and Organizational Challenges 30:52 Navigating Career Transitions 32:54 The Evolution of HR Roles 36:37 The Value of HR in Talent Acquisition 40:44 Understanding Job Market Dynamics 46:23 The Importance of Succession Planning 49:31 Adapting to Different Work Environments 54:45 The Impact of AI on HR 59:50 Embracing AI Responsibly

Terrence is also releasing free downloadable resources on his social platforms to help small and mid-sized businesses establish the right foundation for effective HR practices. If you’re a business owner, leader, or people manager, this is a valuable resource you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Terrence:

Email: info@wrightpeoplesolutions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-wright-472098a/

Website: https://www.wrightpeoplesolutions.com

This episode is sponsored by Thinkific—the all-in-one platform for creating, marketing, and selling online courses. Whether you’re a coach, creator, or business owner, Thinkific makes it easy to turn your expertise into impact and income.

Learn more at thinkific.com

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins speaks with Lisa L. Baker, founder of Ascentum, about leadership, coaching, and the importance of aligning strengths, passions, and purpose to discover one's area of greatness. Lisa shares her GROW framework for sustainable success, the significance of having a coach, and how to navigate corporate challenges. They discuss the shift from success to significance and the importance of building supportive teams while embracing change in the job market. Lisa also offers free resources for leaders looking to build confidence and break barriers.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Vision and Leadership

02:18Discovering Personal Greatness

05:59The Area of Greatness Framework

10:28The Importance of Purpose

12:40Choosing the Right Tribe

12:52The GROW Framework Explained

19:10The Role of Executive Coaching

20:27Finding the Right Coach

22:59The Importance of Accountability in Coaching

27:26Transformative Coaching Experiences

31:29Overcoming Barriers to Action

33:10The Power of Team Support

35:56Living with Purpose and Intent

38:07Rebranding for Growth and Significance

41:09Navigating Loneliness and Busyness in Leadership

45:53Adapting to Change in the Job Market

49:41The Importance of Self-Assessment and Purpose

52:26Moving from Success to Significance

Want to continue the conversation and learn more from Lisa? Connect with her here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-l-baker Website: https://ascentim.com Email: lbaker@ascentim.com

This episode is sponsored by LinkedIn Learning—your destination for expert-led courses in leadership, business, and technology. Learn at your own pace and build skills that move your career forward.

Explore more at learning.linkedin.com

In this conversation, Curtis Jenkins and Vidhyu Rao explore the significance of having a family playbook, the essence of transformation, and the importance of building a supportive tribe and culture. Vidhyu shares insights on navigating change, the role of authenticity in leadership, and the impact of community engagement. They discuss the balance between work and personal commitments, emphasizing the need for presence in all endeavors. The conversation culminates in the connection between music and leadership, highlighting how listening and emotional awareness are crucial for effective leadership.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to People First Transformation

03:42The Essence of Transformation

06:37Building Trust and Community in Change

09:05Misconceptions About Change Management

13:35Misconceptions About Change

19:33Building a Supportive Tribe

21:23Understanding Client Value

25:04The Importance of Authenticity

30:01Community Engagement and Impact

32:21Balancing Work and Community

34:40The Intersection of Music and Leadership

36:17The Concept of a Family Playbook

37:07The Maestro Analogy in Leadership

37:32Faith in the Universe

39:48Building a Purpose-Driven Business

42:25The Importance of Organizational Culture

45:01Navigating AI and Human Connection

We invite you to connect with our podcast guest, and continue the conversation beyond the episode. Vidhyu brings a thoughtful, people-first perspective to leading change and transformation, helping organizations navigate complexity with clarity and purpose. Learn more about her work and connect with her on LinkedIn at

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

or reach out directly via email at

vidhyu@kandha.co

You can also explore Kandha Consulting Corp at https://www.kandha.co

to discover how her team delivers tailored solutions in program management, change enablement, and workforce strategy—empowering organizations to move through transformation with confidence and impact.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins and Tracey Del Moral discuss the essence of marketing strategy, personal branding, and authentic storytelling. They explore how understanding your 'why' and setting a strong foundation can differentiate brands and individuals in the market. Tracey shares her journey from corporate roles to founding TDM and Company, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in building connections.

Chapters:

00:00:00 Introduction to Branding and Marketing

00:00:38 Understanding Your Why

00:03:57 The Importance of Authenticity

00:08:32 Marketing Strategy and Positioning

00:14:45 Unique Perspectives in Branding

00:21:48 Excitement and Research in Marketing

00:27:56 Honesty and Relatability

00:48:11 Common Marketing Misconceptions

00:41:06 Personal Branding and Perception

00:51:15 Connecting with Tracey Del Moral

If you enjoyed this conversation with Tracey, we’d love for you to connect with her and dive deeper into her work. You can reach her on LinkedIn at

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

and explore more about her projects and services through her website at

https://tdmco.agency

She has a wealth of insights to share, and connecting with her is a great way to learn more about the impact she’s making.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, host Curtis Jenkins interviews Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, a leader in workplace culture and a paid comedian. They discuss the evolution of workplace culture, the importance of employee engagement, and the impact of COVID-19 on work environments. Theresa shares her insights on how organizations can create engaging workplaces, the role of AI in business, and the significance of networking and reputation management in career development. The conversation also highlights a success story of transforming a company's culture and the importance of leadership in fostering employee engagement.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Hi5 Performance and Its Mission

05:45 The Unexpected Journey to Comedy

08:28 Evolving Workplace Culture and Employee Engagement

11:16 The Impact of COVID-19 on Work Dynamics

13:44 Embracing AI in the Workplace

16:20 Navigating Generational Differences in Leadership

17:01 Managing Your Career Boat: A Nautical Approach

27:00 Navigating Job Security in Uncertain Times

29:04 The Importance of Relevance and Skills

30:51 Building a Strong Professional Network

33:48 Transformative Success Stories in Career Development

40:58 The Passion for Helping Job Seekers

46:26 Connecting and Engaging with the Audience

If you enjoyed today’s conversation, make sure to stay connected with our guest, Theresa. Her insights on growth, leadership, and navigating your professional path are just the beginning—and there’s much more you can learn from her work.

Reach out, follow her updates, and explore her upcoming projects through the links below:

Email: tkrallinger@comcast.net

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

Website: https://www.highfiveperformance.com/

And don’t miss her exciting new book arriving this fall, “Managing Your Career Boat,” a guide designed to help you steer your career with intention and confidence.

Stay connected and continue the conversation with Theresa today.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis welcomes Kenneth L. Johnson, a nationally recognized executive recruiter and diversity recruitment strategist. They discuss the importance of emotional intelligence in recruitment, the role of diversity in leadership, and the power of networking. Kenneth shares his journey from starting his own executive search firm to becoming a key figure in promoting diversity in the workplace. The conversation also touches on the significance of relationships in the age of AI and technology, and how to leverage these tools for career success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Kenneth L. Johnson

02:58 The Journey to Executive Recruitment

07:47 East Coast Executives: Expanding Talent Pools

11:07 The Importance of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

13:29 Expanding Beyond Financial Services

16:27 Building Relationships and Networking

19:02 Impacting Lives Through Career Development

20:49 Transitioning to New York City and TEDx Harlem

23:35 Reviving TEDx Harlem

26:26 The Evolution of the Kenneth L. Johnson Show

28:36 Navigating AI and Job Search

31:19 Building Relationships in the Age of Technology

33:43 The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Recruitment

35:23 Diversity and Inclusion in Talent Acquisition

37:06 Leveraging LinkedIn for Recruitment

40:13 The Power of Networking

42:49 The Urban League Jobs Network Show

46:42 Upcoming Events and Future Plans

If today’s conversation resonated with you and you’re looking to build a truly inclusive, high-performing team, make sure to connect with Kenneth Johnson. As the founder of East Coast Executives, Kenneth and his team specialize in diversity recruitment and talent solutions that help organizations attract, hire, and retain exceptional candidates.

Reach out directly at kjohnson@eastcoastexecutives.com, explore their services at eastcoastexecutives.com, or connect with Kenneth on LinkedIn at linkedin.com/in/kennethdiversityrecruitment.

Whether you’re growing your workforce, refining your hiring strategy, or elevating your DEI efforts, East Coast Executives is an outstanding partner to have in your corner.