The Beers & Careers Podcast

Bob Boudreau, former CEO of Winter Wyman and a leader in the staffing world, shares his inspiring career journey and his new childcare venture with his daughter. In this conversation, Bob talks about lessons he’s learned like staying curious, being adaptable, and building trust. He discusses working with family, why play is vital for kids, and how values like integrity and transparency shape his leadership. Packed with wisdom and r...

Amal shares her transformative 15-year journey in medical device sales and her transition to becoming a leadership coach 8 years ago. She opens about the emotional challenges she faced along the way, including a battle with anxiety and a life-altering moment when she blacked out while driving on route 93. Highlighting the importance of emotional well-being in leadership, Amal explores the critical distinction ...

Host Mark and his long-time friend Dave Nelson discuss the significance of non-linear career paths and personal experiences in discovering one's passion. Mark reflects on their shared high school experiences and how they shaped their lives. Dave shares his journey from construction to tech sales and eventually into philanthropy. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, resilience, and align...

We reconnect with Lauren Jones, owner of Leap Advisory Partners, to discuss her career journey and the lessons learned from a challenging merger in 2024. Lauren shares the emotional impact of the failed merger, emphasizing the importance of relationships, clear expectations, and staying true to oneself. She reflects on the value of support networks, the necessity of clear communication, and the power of authenticity in professional...

Mark engages in a lively discussion with Biplab, a seasoned entrepreneur in staffing and technology consulting. Biplab shares his journey from emigrating to America to starting multiple businesses, including his early days working from a friend's basement. The conversation covers his morning routine and the importance of staying informed. He also reflects on the value of diverse perspectives, the evolving landscape of education, an...

Mark engages with Amanda Ross, Managing Director at Bank of America, who shares her non-linear career journey and transition into teaching. Amanda discusses her early career path in sales and people leadership and how she leveraged those skills to build a teaching portfolio focused on change management, organizational behavior and the art of communication.  She highlights generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the e...

Mark Manuel shares his extensive experience in sales and marketing within the manufacturing industry. He discusses his early jobs, the significance of networking, and the evolution of marketing strategies. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior and leveraging data for successful marketing. The episode offers valuable insights into adapting to market changes and the critical role of relationships in busine...

Rachel Stevenson, a teacher with a knack for athletics, shares her journey into education and her experiences in teaching and coaching. She offers her insights on parenting as an educator. Rachel talks about her teaching philosophy, highlighting the importance of forming connections with students. The conversation also touches on her personal interests, like her favorite drinks and her dedication to fitness. Rachel reflects on how ...

Nisarg Shah recounts his journey from India to the U.S. in 2006 for his master’s degree. He discusses the influence of education and family values on his career, his experiences in the tech industry, and the importance of a positive inner circle. He shares his interest in staying abreast with AI technologies and discusses how AI can improve human lives. He also talks about the importance of focusing inward and on well-being after f...

Lauren Jones discusses her career shift from the staffing industry to entrepreneurship, her passion for technology, and her role in a collaborative book project. She reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the importance of human connections in job recruitment, and the influence of technology on the industry. LJ shares her personal growth, including her involvement in wildlife rehab and the importa...

Jamas LaFreniere discusses his career trajectory from EMC to Dell, highlighting the cultural and operational changes post-acquisition. He reflects on the personal significance of working at EMC and being part of the largest tech merger of all time. Jamas also delves into the challenges of account management and the impact of COVID-19 on sales dynamics, noting the shift to virtual meetings and the loss of in-person interactions. Dur...

Tye Jordan, Regional Director at Cinch I.T., shares his varied career path and how he balances being a business owner and father. He admires Plato's philosophy and reminisces about his first job as a paperboy. Tye discusses his journey from selling Magic: The Gathering Cards to vacuum cleaners before unintentionally becoming the go-to IT guy, leading to his current position. He highlights the value of hard work in hiring, community...

Melynda Gallagher, co-owner of Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company, recounts her transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges of starting the business, the balance between coffee and beer offerings, and the creation of a community-focused space. The conversation touches on the operational aspects of the brewery and roasting company, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and future plans f...

Luiz DaCosta shares his journey from Brazil to the US, detailing his transition from early work in healthcare to launching a successful cleaning business amidst economic adversity. He emphasizes the importance of valuing employees, building customer relationships, and the role of family in business. Luiz also discusses the challenges of labor shortages and his commitment to community impact. The conversation concludes with Luiz exp...

Meredith Guerrero, CEO of the Colorado Longitudinal Study, discusses her career pivot and the transformative experience of studying abroad. She shares her journey from marketing to leading a nonprofit focused on health research, emphasizing her desire for a stronger social purpose in her work. With her fearless choice to turn down her dream job at Prada, she exemplifies a maverick who follows the beat of her own heart. It's a testa...

Host Mark interviews Lou Holcomb, head of contingent workforce at UKG. They discuss Lou's career journey from the army to HR, her experiences with burnout, and the importance of authenticity and personal well-being. Lou shares insights on leadership, the transition to remote work, and the value of mentorship. She emphasizes the need for empathy in leadership, continuous personal and professional improvement, and the importance of t...

In this episode of Beers and Careers, host Mark Agostinelli interviews Nick DiBlasi, Senior Manager at ServiceNow. They discuss Nick's career journey from a criminal justice major to sales enablement, his role at ServiceNow, and the importance of mentorship and self-discovery. Nick shares his experiences in various jobs, the influence of sports and fitness on his career, and his transition to ServiceNow. The conversation also cover...

Mark interviews Robert Craven, the founder and CEO of ScalePassion. They discuss Rob's favorite drinks, his first job, favorite quotes, and favorite books. Rob shares his experience as a multiple-time CEO and his passion for helping founders scale their businesses while integrating social impact. They also delve into the concept of conscious leadership and the importance of authenticity, self-awareness, and meditation in the busine...

Our host is joined by Casey Jacox, a true jack-of-all-trades. From being a collegiate athlete to becoming a speaker, podcaster, sales and executive coach, and author, Casey's career path is anything but ordinary. Casey dives deep into the importance of vulnerability and belief in achieving success. He shares his valuable insights on value-based selling, negotiation skills, and finding the perfect balance betwe...