Angela is joined by Professor Ilan Kelman, Professor of Disasters and Health at University College London, to explore an unconventional and impactful career path. Ilan shares how he stumbled into the field of disaster prevention through graduate studies, his transition from development work to a PhD funded by an insurance company, and why he ultimately chose to stay in academia. He offers an honest look at what it's really like to be a university professor (balancing challenging, rewarding teaching with research that connects knowledge to real-world societal needs) and how engaging with students helps keep his work grounded in people's lives and livelihoods. To learn more about Ilan, visit his website.

Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com, or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com.

Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast

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Angela sits down with Dani Dotterosa, a Benefit Auctioneer and gala fundraising consultant, to explore the unconventional path that led her into the world of fundraising galas and live auctions. Dani shares how a collection of side hustles and a chance coffee meeting with a former Denver Bronco–turned–auctioneer launched her career on stage with a mic in hand. She explains the difference between liquidation auctioneers and benefit auctioneers, the key skills that make a great auctioneer and event coordinator, and why confidence, quick thinking, logistics, and a heart of gold all matter in this field. Dani also offers thoughtful advice to young adults who feel unsure about their career direction, encouraging them to "get the car moving," bring excellence to every role, and seek mentorship from professionals already doing the work they're curious about.

Learn more at her website AuctionsByDani.com!

Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com, or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com.

Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Angela sits down with Robyn Anderson, CEO of Jam AI and an AI consultant/educator, to explore how an uncertain start in marketing and public speaking led her to the forefront of the AI revolution. Robyn shares her non-linear career journey from fitness-focused marketing assistant to agency founder, and how recognizing AI's potential in 2023 transformed her work. She and Angela break down practical entry points into AI—learning it, teaching it, and building with it—along with tactical tips for using tools like YouTube, ChatGPT, and Gemini to find mentors and skill up fast. Robyn also talks about the power of community through groups like Women of AI, managing anxiety and comparison in a fast-moving field, and why she recommends commission-only sales roles to young adults to build the communication and relationship skills that technology can never replace.

Subscribe to RE-Focus Careers for more in-depth career insights with Angela Stephens. Discover productivity tools and focus-friendly resources at www.time2refocus.com, or book career coaching at www.refocuscareers.com.

Listen to all episodes and catch the sister podcast, RE-Focus with Angela, at www.refocuscareers.com/podcast

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.