In this episode of SharpHR Second Chapter: Unforgettable Career Stories, Karen Sharp-Price sits down with Kelsey Beck, who began her career in Human Resources but knew fairly early on that she wanted to explore a more creative path.

After years working in HR roles that required precision, compliance, and managing complex responsibilities, Kelsey discovered her passion for storytelling and digital marketing. Through hands-on learning, certifications, and building a personal blog to document her transition, she began creating a new professional identity grounded in creativity, strategy, and connection.

In this conversation, Kelsey shares how she navigated the decision to leave a stable career path, the practical steps she took to build marketing skills while still working in HR, and how transferable skills like communication, problem-solving, and internal communications helped bridge the gap between two very different professions.

This episode explores what it looks like to trust your instincts, develop new skills, and intentionally build a second chapter that aligns more closely with who you are.

🎵 Music used with a valid license from AudioJungle.

In this episode of SharpHR Second Chapter, I’m joined by Michael Olinger, often referred to as MO, who spent 24 years in funeral services as a licensed funeral director and manager before beginning a new chapter as a financial advisor.

Michael shares what it was like to step away from a profession deeply tied to identity, service, and responsibility — and how he found his way back to himself in the process. This conversation explores the emotional weight of long careers, the quiet signals that something has shifted, and the courage it takes to choose a different path after decades in one role.

This is an honest, reflective story about listening inward, redefining purpose, and trusting yourself enough to begin again.

🎵 Music used with a valid license from AudioJungle.

She spent years shaping the news. Then she chose a completely different path. This episode we explore a powerful career shift from news executive producer to legal assistant and the courage behind that decision.

🎵 Music used with a valid license from AudioJungle.

Do you have a son or daughter in 8th-12th grade? Have you thought about college yet? Are you or your child stressing out about the college application process? Listen to this episode of SharpHR Career Corner as we learn from Mike Broderick who owns Advantage College Planning of Buffalo on what you can do to help your family get organized as you start to get ready to look at colleges.

Reach out at - 716-473-1557 or Advantage College Planning of Buffalo

Introduction by David Bittner, Independent Producer - David Bittner, LLC - Music provided by: Konstantin Kasyanov - Relaxed Inspiring Corporate

Personal branding is an important part for not only the job seeker but anyone working. What do you want to be known for in your career circle? What do people say about you when you aren't around? What are your top 5 values? These are just a few points Ben talks about in this episode of creating your own personal brand.

https://realbusinessconnections.com/

Introduction by David Bittner, Independent Producer - David Bittner, LLC - Music provided by: Konstantin Kasyanov - Relaxed Inspiring Corporate

Have you ever heard of manifesting your thoughts to get the results you want? Could you actually manifest your unique purpose to reach your career goals? SharpHR Career Corner had a fascinating conversation with Whitney Sullivan, leadership coach, as she explained how we can do exactly that.

Whitney Sullivan - https://www.linkedin.com/in/whitneyhsullivan/

Introduction by David Bittner, Independent Producer - David Bittner, LLC - Music provided by: Konstantin Kasyanov - Relaxed Inspiring Corporate

Tabitha Sweeney focuses on body image, worthiness, and manifestation & abundance with her clients. Learn more about each of these important pieces in building one's self-confidence. We had an interesting conversation about Tabitha's career journey.

Introduction by David Bittner, Independent Producer - David Bittner, LLC - Music provided by: Konstantin Kasyanov - Relaxed Inspiring Corporate

Tabitha Sweeney - tabitha@vitalitybuffalo.com

SharpHR Career Corner had the pleasure of sitting down with Juweria Dahir to learn about her career and life story. Juweria is one of those people who has a vision of a better place for her children and she is doing something about making that happen here in the Buffalo, NY area. After hearing about her accomplishments you will understand why she has earned so many distinguished accolades. Enjoy!

Introduction by David Bittner, Independent Producer - David Bittner, LLC - Music provided by: Konstantin Kasyanov - Relaxed Inspiring Corporate