Welcome back to the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast! In this episode, Elena reconnects with Millree Williams, a certified career and retirement coach, for an eye-opening conversation about what it really means to transition into retirement in today’s rapidly changing world. As more baby boomers cross the traditional retirement age—and as economic shifts and workplace uncertainties push some to consider retiring earlier than planned—Millree shares his insights into the unique challenges facing professionals over 40 and beyond. But this isn’t about financial planning. Instead, Elena and Millree dive into the emotional and psychological aspects of retirement, why purpose and identity matter so much in this new chapter, and how individuals – no matter their age - should always be considering the many chapters of their lives. How organizations can better support employees as they prepare for life after work. And, finally, why this support benefits the organization’s bottom line. Whether you’re years from considering retirement or it’s coming up fast, this episode is sure to inspire you to think intentionally about your next chapter and begin equipping you with ideas for navigating the path ahead. Tune in for a candid, uplifting look at how to design a fulfilling retirement—and why it’s never too early to start planning for what comes next.Time stamps:00:00 Navigating Career Transition After 4003:59 Retirement Coaching Challenges07:45 Life Transitions as Novel Chapters10:09 Shifting Job Market and Retirement Challenges14:50 "Plan for Career Change Early"18:47 Employee Well-being and Succession Benefits20:05 Retirement: Employees as Brand Ambassadors23:47 "Supporting Aging Workforce Talent"28:58 Prioritizing Time with Aging Parents30:45 Redefining Retirement for Non-Professionals35:03 "Gratitude for Discussing Key Topic"Connect with Millree on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millreewilliams/Website: https://www.willekop.com/Email: millree@willekop.comFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, we welcome the insightful Zeev Wexler, a digital marketing expert with over 20 years of experience. Zeev discusses the transformative power of AI and its rapid integration into our daily lives, emphasizing the shift from mere technological curiosity to essential tool for efficiency and growth. He shares his journey into AI, starting with his fascination for marketing automation, leading to a deeper understanding and advocacy of AI's potential. Zeev likens AI to revolutionary technologies like fire and electricity, stressing it as a tool we discovered rather than invented. Throughout the conversation, Zeev addresses common fears about AI, its adoption in various industries, particularly its potential in enhancing business processes and personal productivity. He emphasizes the importance of learning and adapting to AI to harness its benefits, rather than being left behind. Tune in to explore AI's role in reshaping how we approach tasks like content creation, sales, and even personal growth.Time stamps:00:00 Podcast on AI and Tech Shifts04:38 Rapid AI Adoption Outpaces Smartphones08:53 Personalized Health Tech and AI Acceptance10:54 Embracing Technology at Any Age13:21 AI: Enhancing Efficiency, Not Replacement17:59 "Maximizing Time with AI"20:21 "Building Consistent Pipeline Strategy"23:53 AI Tool Accelerates Research and Writing28:15 AI Authenticity in Speech Mimicry30:43 AI Implementation Challenges & Starting Points32:08 Custom AI for Business Growth35:43 Creative Ideas Transformed into Contest39:58 "AI Amplifies Expertise, Not Skill"Connect with Zeev on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zeevwexler/Visit website: https://www.wexlermarketing.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

On this episode of Shift with Elena Agar, we welcome Scott Zimmerman, a seasoned entrepreneur with over three decades of experience in sales and the life insurance industry. Join Elena and Scott as they explore Scott's journey from holding minimum wage jobs to discovering his passion for sales through a transformative training camp he attended at the age of 19. They delve into the crucial role of sales in business and the valuable life lessons Scott has learned from his extensive career. From debunking common misconceptions about life insurance to highlighting its significance, Scott provides insights into this often misunderstood field. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that underscores the power of relationship-building and authenticity in thriving as a salesperson, and how embracing change and continuous growth are essentials for a successful career in life insurance. Whether you're considering a future in sales or simply curious about the world of insurance, this episode has something valuable for everyone.Time stamps:00:00 Sales: Essential Lifelong Skill03:24 Sales Approach: Asking, Not Pushing06:29 Insurance for Car Loan Relief11:53 Cultural Perspectives on Elder Care15:28 Navigating Unpredictability as You Age18:57 Insurance Policy Payout Misconceptions22:45 "Custom Insurance Brokerage Solutions"25:22 Ageless Passion and Energy27:58 "Decline in Young Sales Talent?"30:22 Monetization and Contact InquiryConnect with Scott on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-zimmerman-9463a12/ All other links: https://linktr.ee/scottzimmerman Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to the latest episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, where we're diving deep into the art of leadership with our distinguished guest, retired Lieutenant Colonel Oakland McCulloch. With over 40 years of dedicated service in the Army, Oak brings a wealth of experience and insights into leadership that are not only earned but also shared through his book, "Your Leadership Legacy: Becoming the Leader You Were Meant to Be." In this episode, Oak shares personal stories from his extensive career and breaks down the essence of servant leadership. We talk about the importance of mentorship, accountability, and setting the right example for others to follow. Whether you're in the military or the corporate world, there are lessons here about fostering a culture of continuous improvement and engagement within your team that you won’t want to miss. Join us as we explore how to leave a lasting legacy through effective leadership.Time stamps:00:00 "Influential High School Mentors"06:43 Reevaluating Mentorship and Reverse Roles08:46 Leadership Insights from ROTC Experience11:37 Leadership Lessons from General Winfield14:41 Navigating Modern Workplace Challenges19:34 "Balancing Counseling: Positive and Problem-Solving"20:47 "Band-Aid Solutions in Management"23:58 Reluctance to Share Knowledge28:22 Realizing Leadership Exhaustion31:27 Influence Through Small Decisions34:02 Mind Career Growth Early39:07 Balancing Individuality and Teamwork40:01 "Personal Insights Enhance Project Assignments"44:49 Corporate Burnout Hinders Youth Leadership46:52 "Management by Walking Around"50:20 Legacy of Strong Leadership54:39 "Strive for Continuous Improvement"Connect with Oak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oakland-mcculloch-34293256/Website: https://www.ltcoakmcculloch.com/ Get his book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952037107/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=your+leadership+legacy+oakland+mcculloch&qid=1613223913&s=books&sr=1-1Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode, we're joined by the inspiring Bofta Yimam, a trailblazing journalist and Emmy-winning news anchor. Bofta shares her journey from being a first-generation American captivated by the world of journalism to becoming a prominent leader in the field. Despite challenges like breaking into the competitive world of broadcast news and landing her first job, Bofta's relentless pursuit of her dreams and her commitment to upskilling herself made her a success.We delve into her experiences covering major events, her achievements including winning an Emmy for impactful storytelling, and her transition into entrepreneurship. Bofta also addresses the challenges leaders face in building their personal brand, especially in the digital age, and offers practical tips to overcome self-doubt and maintain consistency in communication. Whether you're a parent, a young professional, or someone navigating a career pivot, this conversation is filled with valuable insights and advice that can help guide you in your journey. Join us for a captivating conversation about resilience, ambition, and the power of creating your own opportunities.Time stamps:00:00 "First-Gen Inspiration: Journalism Ambition"04:10 Unexpected Path to TV Success08:26 "Adapting and Thriving in New Cities"11:58 "Kimberly's Law: Catalyzing Change"15:12 Challenges Women Face in Confidence16:39 Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety20:48 Maximize Engagement with Content Quality24:08 LinkedIn Content Strategy Tips28:12 Career Reevaluation During Hard Times28:52 Rethinking Choices in Remote Work32:49 Investing in Personal Growth36:42 Reflections on Loss and Self-Discovery39:08 "Overcoming Ruts with Positivity"42:03 Action Over ComplaintsConnect with Bofta on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/boftayimam/Personal website: https://boftayimam.com/ Company website: https://storylede.com/contact/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this episode of the Shift podcast, we sit down with Brandon J. Hurst, a dynamic entrepreneur and franchise owner with a unique journey from his Southern upbringing in Atlanta to the bustling streets of Brooklyn, New York. Elena dives deep into Brandon's inspiring story, exploring his early sparks of entrepreneurship and his love for leadership. Brandon shares how his unexpected path from aspiring lawyer to a prominent figure in the Chick-fil-A brand taught him invaluable life lessons about resilience, vision, and dedication. The conversation delves into Brandon's passion for personal development, his profound wisdom on being intentional, and the importance of knowing one’s purpose. From childhood tales of selling pickles to managing a team of 175 individuals, Brandon's story is a testament to crafting opportunities and leading with purpose. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or someone looking for motivation, this episode is packed with insights on leadership, vision, and the power of staying true to your why. Join us for a profound discussion that promises to inspire and challenge your view on success and purpose.Time Stamps:00:00 Entrepreneurial Pickle Adventure05:19 Career Crossroads: Law or Accounting?08:13 Dreams of Chick-fil-A Franchise Reality12:12 Reevaluating Career Expectations14:40 Value All Work Experiences17:34 "Vision and Team Dynamics Mastery"23:23 Accidental Diminishers in Leadership26:14 "Growth, Stability, and Mission Focus"30:32 "Understanding Midlife Crisis Causes"31:06 Uncovered Purpose: Beyond Traditional Learning35:40 Aligning Purpose with Daily WorkConnect with Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brandon-hurst-bjh/overlay/photo/ Visit website: https://brandonjhurst.com/Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

In this enlightening episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, we are joined by the insightful Rob Lion, a professor at Idaho State University and an expert in leadership development and high performance. Rob shares his academic and professional journey, shedding light on the intricacies of talent acquisition, the psychology behind workplace performance, and the critical elements that contribute to both individual and organizational success. We delve into the challenges of predicting a good fit in the recruitment process, the importance of psychological safety, and the nuances of leadership consistency. Throughout the conversation, Rob offers valuable perspectives on balancing work demands with personal peace and the underestimated power of understanding one's truth. Join us as we explore these thought-provoking concepts and uncover practical strategies for thriving in today's dynamic work environment.Time stamps:00:00 Path to Leadership and High Performance05:00 Understanding Work Psychology for Success08:47 "Wish List Approach to Hiring"12:21 Optimizing Talent Acquisition15:46 Extroverts and Personal Branding Dynamics18:20 Fostering Empathy in New Workplaces22:08 Basketball Bias in Hiring Practices24:13 Resilience in Changing Times27:40 "Promoting a Psychologically Safe Workplace"29:46 Finding Personal Peace in Nature34:37 Translating Wisdom for Young Professionals38:19 Influence of Actions Over Words40:48 "Perception vs. Reality"Connect with Rob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertlion/Visit website: https://blackriverpm.com/ Follow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij

Welcome to this episode of the Shift with Elena Agar Podcast, where we're diving into an inspiring journey with our guest, Chidi Asoluka. Growing up as the child of Nigerian immigrants in New Jersey, Chidi was expected to follow the traditional career paths of a doctor or lawyer. Despite his early interests in poetry and storytelling, a serendipitous encounter during a job interview shifted his trajectory towards education. He has since dedicated his life to empowering youth and fostering innovation in the education space.This conversation explores Chidi's pioneering work with NewComm, an initiative that creates dynamic learning ecosystems for young students by bridging gaps between industry leaders and academia. Through NewComm, Chidi is redefining education by focusing on community empowerment and engagement, breaking down barriers to success. From tackling food insecurities to nurturing small businesses, students are encouraged to take active roles in their communities with the robust support of local mentors.Join us for an engaging conversation about transforming education, inspiring the next generation, and how one impactful exchange can lead to a life of meaningful change. Tune in to learn about Chidi's vision for educational reform and the future of community-led learning.Time stamps:00:00 Path to Artistic Self-Discovery05:28 Unorthodox High School Experience07:44 Quantifying Non-Traditional Educational Outcomes12:23 Education: Today's Civil Rights Movement14:40 Community-Driven Education Reform19:23 Reimagining School Access in NYC20:43 Transforming Spaces into Design Studios24:28 Youth Empowerment Through Industry Partnerships27:43 Mentorship and Youth Engagement Benefits32:09 Evolving Leadership: From Solo to Partnership37:28 Defining Personal Core Values38:55 Establishing Core Values Now?Connect with Chidi: https://www.linkedin.com/in/casoluka/Visit website: www.newcommproject.orgFollow Elena: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenaagaragimova/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elenaagaragimova/Website: https://elenaagar.com/Listen on:Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/shift-with-elena-agar/id1530850914Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5UKh6dWcuQwJlmAOqD8wij