F'ing Up

In this raw and heartfelt episode, we dive deep into the chaos of life, career, and self-discovery. From navigating societal pressures to figuring out how to rewrite the rules of success, this episode is a battle cry for anyone who feels like they’re “f’ing it up”.

Mishae Khan shares her journey of the immense pressures placed on immigrant children, the relentless pursuit of external validation, and the grind of trying to live up to...

Description:

This episode is a raw and unfiltered look at what happens when careers come to abrupt ends, rejection feels relentless, and self-doubt begins to creep in. From the business of professional sports to the emotional toll of career pivots, Lyle shares that resilience isn't about never falling—it's about getting back up, again and again.

Episode Takeaways:

• Coping with Rejection: Why hearing “no” is inevitabl...

During this episode with Ashley Chang, we dive deep into the  reality of work, growth, and the constant pressure to prove yourself. From job searches filled with self-doubt to leadership roles that come with unforeseen challenges, this episode unpacks the highs, lows, and everything in between.

Episode Takeaways:

• The Comparison Trap: How measuring yourself against others—especially polished success stories—can hold you ...

Description:

In this episode, we explore the raw and unfiltered realities of professional and personal setbacks. From struggling with career uncertainty and mental health challenges to the lingering effects of toxic work cultures, we uncover the lessons learned in the face of adversity. This conversation is a reminder that no one’s journey is perfect, and “figuring it out” is often the most powerful step forward.

Episode Takeawa...

Description:

In this episode, we unpack the complicated relationship between ambition, identity, and personal fulfillment. From workplace burnout to the challenges of navigating toxic cultures, and from grappling with misaligned goals to the pressures of leadership, this episode dives into the hard truths of career “success” and what it really means to thrive.


Episode Takeaways:

• Burnout and the Cost of Ove...

Tyler Schmoker brings a wealth of experience in operations management and supply chain strategy, having developed his expertise through a progressive career in the military and paramilitary sectors. In this episode, Tyler candidly shares the challenges he's encountered throughout his journey, including navigating corporate landscapes, accepting that he may not always be the most popular figure, and managing the constant uncert...

Charlie Gray has held some remarkable titles for some of the most well known tech companies. He’s been doused with great success. However, what you don’t see, by just looking at his LinkedIn or resume, are all the stops and starts. Charlie has many tales of being hired to grow a company only to turn around and shrink it, often forced to RIF himself. 

In this episode, Charlie shares vulnerably about those stops and starts, including ...

In this episode of F'ing Up, Deanne Rhynard speaks with Julia Arpag, co-founder and CEO of Aligned Recruitment. Julia shares her journey from being laid off during maternity leave and navigating challenging work environments, to ultimately founding her own successful tech recruitment firm. She reflects on growing up as the oldest of seven children, her college experiences, and the unconventional career path that shaped her pro...

Natalie Ferguson is a serial entrepreneur, having founded multiple successful companies, enabling her to find “success” quickly. Her journey wasn’t without strife. Early on she navigated an abusive relationship, which started in the workplace. It took a toll on her emotionally, mentally, and financially. It took years for her to get beyond the grips of that hold. Listen to her share her story during her episode of F’ing Up.

Abo...

Dan Griffin spent a year jobless. After a successful tech trajectory, Dan was laid off by Microsoft. He battled a brutal job market and had to reshape life in many ways to ensure care for his family. Shame, lack of income, and terminated health benefits were a few of the effects he had to navigate. Dan shares his unvarnished truth in his episode of F’ing Up. 

ABOUT DAN GRIFFIN

Dan Griffin has over 15+ years in the Talent Acquisi...

Sara Mauskopf is an intelligent woman, successful especially in the realm of Tech. She’s worked for companies like Google, Twitter and has gone on to found her own company. Though she had a fantastic trajectory, it has come with extreme challenges, particularly in her personal life. She struggled with finding her footing and identity as a mother and shortly after having her first child, her husband was diagnosed with cancer. Sara s...

Jane Boulware came from nothing. As one of five children, she was forced to grow up quickly and learn the importance of caring for herself. Not understanding what attending college really meant, she attended, setting the stage for her future. She rose quickly, creating a name for herself as a powerful leader in business. Eventually courted by Microsoft, she joined as one of very few female executives. While she earned her seat, she...

Austin Moore is a sales and recruiting rockstar, having helped countless people find work. He built his own business and witnessed his net worth climb at a rapid rate. Though he experienced highs in the working world, he’s had no absence of struggle - managing through challenges such as getting fired, addiction, conflicts with a co-founder, and choosing to walk away from a wealth building business in order to choose mental health. ...

Luke Coan is an accomplished Chef, working for many successful restaurants including a James Beard Award winning restaurant, The Publican. His journey has been one of grit. He struggled to find his way and contimplated suicide on numerous occasions. The kitchen became his saving grace, enabling him to grow both professionally and personally.

Trigger Warning

This episode discusses suicide and suicidal ideation. If you or someone ...

Laila Ghambari knows success. She worked her way up in the coffee world, from Barista to Executive, all without a college degree. She even competed in the US Barista Championship in 2014 and won. Though she worked her way to the top, her journey did not come without challenges, with experiences such as poor work culture and burnout. 

About Laila Ghambari

Laila Ghambari has nearly 20 years of specialty coffee experience. She won ...

Hunter Smith has experienced rocket ship success, both in the world of music and craft beer. Most recently, he built a brewing company and hospitality group that soared, until COVID hit. He found himself holding the pieces of a wildly successful venture that suffered the effects of something unexpected. 

About Hunter Smith

Hunter Smith is the founder and former President of Champion Brewing Company and Champion Hospitality ...

Arielle Kilroy is a successful CEO, spending time growing her career at companies like Sierra Club, Mozilla and Small Improvements. Though she has achieved the ultimate title, she didn’t have an easy road getting there. She encountered many bumps which taught her hard lessons, shaking her belief system at times.

About Arielle Kilroy

Arielle Kilroy is a co-founder and CEO at Dado, an Employee Experience Management startup. P...

Scott Landers grew up on a farm in Texas, forced to grow up quickly and tend to the needs of the farm. Some days that meant driving the tractor and some days that meant ditching the broken down tractor to walk 40 acres back home. This early education prepared Scott for hard work with grit and determination, but it didn’t come without its challenges as there was a learning curve when it came to working with others as opposed to alwa...

Kit Campoy has a successful career in retail, working for well known brands such as Anthropologie, Lucky Brand Jeans, Old Navy, and Tilly’s. She worked her guts out in each of her roles - dedicated to the core. With that level of dedication came a realization that working hard and long doesn’t always pay off. There were some tough realities she had to face in her journey.

About Kit Campoy

Kit Campoy spent 24 years...