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.