About the Guest(s):

Melissa Walker

Melissa Walker is a dedicated HR professional and consultant with a rich history of leadership roles in talent acquisition and human resources. Known for her innovative approach in helping veterans transition into the workplace, Melissa started her company, Next Career, to make a meaningful impact by focusing on training and aligning veterans with corporate opportunities. With experience leading global teams and consulting for major organizations, she excels in HR business partnering, project management, and technical integrations, especially in AI solutions. Melissa is passionate about creating people-centric workplaces and leveraging her expertise to foster organizational growth.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of "Who You Know," host Trevor Houston sits down with Melissa Walker to explore the dynamics of job searching, networking, and evolving career landscapes. This episode is a heartfelt homage to Melissa for believing in Trevor during the early days of his career. As Trevor and Melissa retrace the journey from the inception of Melissa's show to her current job search phase, they delve deep into the challenges and strategies of landing full-time roles in today's corporate environment, prominently highlighting the importance of networking and leveraging one's personal brand.

Melissa shares candid insights into the difficulties of the modern job market, emphasizing how her extensive consulting experience, though valuable, poses unique challenges in returning to in-house roles. They discuss various job search methodologies, including leveraging AI tools across platforms such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor, and contemplate unconventional yet potent tactics such as launching personal podcasts and content creation to potentially boost inbound job opportunities. The conversation underscores reciprocity, networking, and the critical function of human connections in successfully navigating career transitions.

Resources:

• Melissa Walker LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamwalker/
• Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/
• Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv
• LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Introduction and Melissa's Career Goals

(1:31) Recap of How the Show and Relationship Began

(3:28) Melissa's Background and Career Path

(8:02) Challenges in Job Searching for Melissa

(10:09) Exploring Job Search Strategies and Networks

(15:26) Discussing Commission Jobs and Challenges

(19:35) Reverse Engineering the Job Search System

(25:35) The Role of Marketing in Career Search

(31:30) Concerns About AI and Its Implications

(43:24) The Dynamics of Human Element in Job Search

(49:20) Podcasting as a Job Search Tool

(1:00:08) Content Creation and Visibility Strategy

(1:09:10) Reciprocity and Networking for Job Search

(1:16:04) Addressing LinkedIn and Profile Optimization

(1:25:24) Closing Thoughts on Helping Others

About the Guest(s):

Nikki Duncan is a seasoned strategic operations and process project management leader known for her prowess in change management and streamlining organizational processes. With a career that spans various operational achievements, she has a knack for identifying inefficiencies, implementing solutions, and leveraging data for impactful business decisions. Nikki is also a prolific content creator with 23 published romance novels and is currently working on a cookbook to address food allergies.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of the "Who You Know" show, Trevor Houston sits down with Nikki Duncan to explore the evolving relationship between technology, particularly AI, and the human workforce. Nikki shares her optimistic belief that while AI offers efficiency, it will not replace the human element in businesses unless individuals choose not to adapt. They dive into how embracing change and leveraging AI can smooth out complexities in project management, giving listeners an overview of how Nikki's strategic insight helps companies streamline their operations and improve efficiency.

The conversation shifts focus to Nikki's career transformation journey as she pursues new opportunities post-COVID. She delves into her strategic job search methodologies, discussing her approach to making connections through LinkedIn, the creation of a compelling video resume, and developing engaging content. Throughout the episode, Nikki emphasizes the importance of personal branding and the power of content creation to land career-defining opportunities. Listeners gain valuable insights into utilizing modern tools and networking strategies to enhance one's job search success and professional relationships.

Resources:

• Nikki Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiduncanpmp/
• Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/
• Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv
• LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Nikki Duncan: The Lion Tamer of Strategic Operations

(4:07) Transforming Customer Experience Through Data-Driven Insights

(7:50) People-First Project Management

(9:42) Balancing AI Advancements and Human Roles

(14:55) Building Community and Trust During the Pandemic

(25:35) Nikki's Personal Brand and Overcoming ADHD Challenges

(31:43) Neurogum’s Rise: Joe Rogan Influence & Shark Tank Rejection

(33:24) Job Search Journey and Video Resume Success

(35:58) Video Resumes for Strategic Networking and Job Applications

(43:45) Finding the Right Company Fit & Overcoming Job Search Challenges

(53:48) Leveraging AI for Job Search and Deep Research

(56:58) Networking and Job Application Success Strategies

(1:01:57) Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth and Personal Branding

(1:09:07) Content Strategies for Networking and Job Opportunities

(1:15:35) Embracing Uncomfortable Growth Through Podcasting

(1:21:19) Balancing Book Writing and LinkedIn Presence

(1:25:39) Clear vs Clever Podcast Titles

(1:28:14) Understanding NFTs and Digital Art

(1:29:46) Leveraging Podcasts for Networking and Career Growth

About the Guest(s):

Trevor Houston - Trevor Houston is a dynamic host and motivational speaker known for his inspirational podcast, "Who You Know Show." With a strong background in sales, Trevor overcame personal and professional setbacks during the Great Recession to become a top producer in the automotive industry. He later transitioned into a successful career in financial services. Trevor passionately helps others navigate career transitions, emphasizing the importance of networking and personal branding.

Episode Summary:

In this riveting episode of the "Who You Know Show," host Trevor Houston delves into the powerful theme of turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. As a beacon of hope for those facing rejection and career transitions, Trevor shares his personal journey of overcoming adversity, illustrating how rejection can serve as a redirection to success. By tapping into his experiences of being fired during the Great Recession, Trevor offers profound insights into rebounding from professional hurdles and finding new pathways to success.

Throughout the episode, Trevor emphasizes the significance of shifting mindsets and leveraging personal stories for growth. He discusses the intricate process of transforming rejection into redirection and how these experiences can serve as pivotal moments for realigning one's career trajectory. With SEO keywords such as "career transition," "rejection," "job search," and "networking," Trevor highlights actionable strategies for overcoming professional setbacks and setting the stage for a successful and fulfilling career journey.

Resources:

Trevor Houston on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevorhouston/

Career Transition Summit: https://event.webinarjam.com/register/67/04404igv

LinkedIn e-book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://online.flippingbook.com/view/714118097/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Subscribe: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/who-ya-know-show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Trevor Houston is a licensed financial professional offering insurance/financial products through various carriers. For more info visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://cpwstrategies.com

Chapters:

(0:00) Turning Rejection Into Opportunity and Mindset Shifts

(2:13) Toxic Masculinity and Exciting Experiences at Harley Davidson

(5:13) Unjust Firing Amid Economic Turmoil and Workplace Deception

(10:33) Overcoming Rejection and Thriving in Career Transitions

(16:54) Turning Rejection Into Redirection and Purpose