Part II - Dr. Allison McWilliams, Assistant VP of Mentoring and Alumni Personal & Career Development at Wake Forest University, shares her journey and the evolution of Wake Forest’s innovative approach to career services. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intentional career planning, and holistic development for students and alumni.

In this episode, Bill and Jerry welcome Richard Magid, a seasoned entrepreneur, and Jarrett Birnbaum, a University of Maryland graduate who transitioned from corporate roles to full-time freelance photography. Jarrett shares his journey from studying public relations and working in software sales to discovering his passion for creative work. After being laid off during COVID, he explored real estate before fully committing to photography, eventually celebrating his first anniversary as a full-time entrepreneur.

The conversation dives into:

• Career pivots and entrepreneurial mindset: Jarrett’s decision to leave stable corporate jobs for creative freedom, and Richard’s reflections on his own leap from banking to entrepreneurship.
• Networking as a growth engine: Jarrett attributes nearly all his business to referrals and relationships, emphasizing authenticity over transactional networking.
• Core values and fulfillment: Both guests discuss how aligning work with personal values drives success and satisfaction.
• Luck vs. preparation: Jarrett and Richard agree that luck often comes from creating opportunities through effort and openness.

The episode offers practical insights on building a career in creative industries, leveraging networks, and embracing risk to pursue passion driven work.

In this first half of our two-part conversation with Richard Magid, founder of Soundboard Consulting and the Soundboard Angel Fund, we dive into his incredible journey from international finance and commodities trading to becoming a sought after executive coach and mentor. Richard shares candid insights on discovering core values, why alignment matters for career satisfaction, and how "small shifts" can lead to big results.

We explore practical strategies for young professionals to build self awareness early, develop empathy through curiosity, and ask the right questions during interviews to uncover company culture and values. Plus, hear the story of how Richard and Jerry first connected; proof that taking risks and putting yourself out there can change your life.

If you’ve ever wondered how to navigate career pivots or create a values driven path, this episode is packed with wisdom you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of Bill & Jerry’s Excellent Podcast: Spilling the Career Tea, we sit down with Lindsay Sosnik, an early career professional who shares her bold journey from finance student to relationship associate at Citibank. Lindsay talks about:

• Turning down a return offer from Bank of America to pursue her true passion.
• Navigating a two year rotational risk management program at Citi and pivoting into a client facing role.
• How she leveraged networking, preparation, and creativity, including building a personal portfolio, to stand out in a competitive market.
• The importance of confidence, initiative, and self marketing when breaking into new roles.
• Insights from Dr. Allison McWilliams on courage, differentiation, and why networking matters more than ever.

This episode is packed with practical advice for students and early-career professionals on taking calculated risks, creating a unique value proposition, and owning your career path.

🎧 Listen now to learn how Lindsay’s story can inspire your next big move!

Dr. Allison McWilliams, Assistant VP of Mentoring and Alumni Personal & Career Development at Wake Forest University, shares her journey and the evolution of Wake Forest’s innovative approach to career services. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, intentional career planning, and holistic development for students and alumni.

This episode includes:

Thoughts from her book Five For Your First Five, Allison outlines five essential areas for early career success:

• Doing Work Well: Show up, be reliable, and learn how to succeed in a professional setting.
• Building a Life: Manage time, finances, health, and hobbies—especially important for graduates used to structured schedules.
• Creating Community: Find mentors, sponsors, and peers who align with your values.
• Practicing Reflection: Seek and respond to feedback; treat every experience as data for growth.
• Planning What’s Next: Use what you’ve learned to make informed career moves—not perfect ones, but intentional ones.

Allison talks about Values-Driven Decision Making

• Graduates are encouraged to reflect on what matters most to them and align their work and life accordingly.
• Allison cautions against pressure to “find your passion” immediately, noting the privilege and complexity behind that narrative.

Permission to Be Happy

• It’s okay to stay in a job you love, even if it’s been years.
• Career paths are individual, and success should be defined by personal fulfillment, not external timelines.

Allison’s advice helps graduates navigate uncertainty, build confidence, and make intentional choices.

Her framework offers a practical roadmap for the first five years after college, blending career strategy with emotional intelligence.

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sophia, a senior at the University of Miami, who shares how she built a powerful network and used internships to explore and clarify her career path. Sophia reflects on how her background in competitive dance shaped her work ethic, discipline, and drive; qualities that translated seamlessly into her professional journey.

We explore how intentionality played a key role in her college choice and career development. Was it luck, or was she simply prepared and proactive? Sophia credits her success to preparation, guidance, and leveraging her network, not chance.

Strategist, Stephen Blum joins the conversation to connect Sophia’s journey to the Japanese concept of IKIGAI - the intersection of what you love, what you're good at, what the world needs, and what you can be paid for. Sophia’s story is a living example of this framework in action.

We also dive into:

• How a required sophomore - year career readiness course helped her gain clarity and confidence.
• The role of mentors and belief from others when she doubted herself.
• How she cultivated confidence through action, reflection, and support.

This episode is a must-listen for students navigating uncertainty, and for anyone who wonders whether confidence is something you’re born with or something you build.

In this motivating episode, Bill & Jerry welcome Stephen Blum, a seasoned strategic initiative leader and resident fellow at Yale University, for a deep dive into the art of career pivots, purposeful living, and building meaningful connections.

Steve shares his journey through two major career transitions, offering insights into how being intentional and open to what comes next can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths. The conversation explores the Japanese concept of IKIGAI—a framework for finding purpose—and how it can guide personal and professional decisions.

In this episode of Bill & Jerry’s Excellent Podcast, a/k/a Spilling the Career Tea, we continue our insightful conversation with Toni and welcome another inspiring guest, Leah, a recent graduate from the University of Miami.

Leah shares her unique experience of graduating during the COVID-19 lockdown and the challenges she faced in her job search and internships. As the former captain of the University of Miami co-ed cheer team, Leah discusses how networking and mentoring played crucial roles in helping her navigate the uncertainties of the job market. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship, both as a mentee and a mentor, and how these relationships have shaped her career journey.

Currently working as a senior associate in assurance at Price Waterhouse, Leah also talks about her passion for giving back. She actively mentors students who aspire to work in her field or are considering a move to New York City, offering valuable advice and support.

Tune in to hear Leah's inspiring story and gain insights on:

The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on recent graduates

The power of networking and mentorship in career development

Balancing professional growth with giving back to the community

Don't miss this episode filled with practical tips and heartfelt stories!