In a job market that's tougher than ever, standing out is the name of the game — especially for Gen Z. In this episode, branding guru and Gen Z career expert Jade Walters shares proven strategies about how to crush your early career. From her unconventional journey (like landing her dream job with a TikTok resume) to her no-nonsense approach, host Mark Williams uncovers and discusses her go-to strategies for job seekers to get noticed.

What you'll learn:

• How to build a personal brand online that turns heads
• Secrets to crafting a resume and portfolio that screams "hire me!"
• Mastering job applications — and how to bounce back from rejection
• Why finding the right work-life balance and company culture really matters
• The best platforms and resources for scoring killer career opportunities

If you're fresh out of school or thinking about transitioning career paths, this episode is packed with actionable tips to help you rise above the noise and land your next great opportunity ASAP.

Jade Walters is a May 2021 Howard University graduate with a B.S. in Health Education, concentration in Maternal and Child Health. Postgrad, Jade relocated from NYC to Chicago to join Tik Tok's advertising team as a Client Solutions Planner, eventually pivoting to work full-time as an employer branding consultant at WayUp, working closely with corporate early career recruiting teams.

Walters is also the founding editor of the early career resources blog, The Ninth Semester, the go-to platform for a community of over 200,000 students and recent graduates. Jade's content includes personal career anecdotes, lessons she’s learned along the way, and entry-level career resources and paid opportunities for her audience as they navigate their early career journeys.

You can find Jade on LinkedIn, Tik Tok, Instagram, YouTube, and her website.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

70% of workers consider micromanagement the biggest red flag in the workplace and 46% identify it as something that would cause them to leave their job, according to a recent survey. Micromanagement can easily trap leaders, stifling team growth and creating bottlenecks to success. So why is it so common to end up with a micromanaging boss?

In this episode, host and CEO Mark Williams opens up about his journey from controlling every decision to trusting and empowering his team. Joined by entrepreneurial coach Katie Richardson, we dive into the mindset shifts and strategies needed to move from micromanager to empowered leader.

We discuss how to balance guidance with autonomy, recognize micromanagement habits and foster a culture where your team takes ownership and drives results. For seasoned execs and emerging leaders alike, this episode offers the tools to evolve when you need to learn how to stop micromanaging and start empowering your team to reach their full potential.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

In this episode, ER physician Dr. Tamara Beckford shares strategies for managing stress and preventing burnout in the high-pressure environment of the emergency room. She discusses the importance of self-awareness, recognizing stress triggers and using tools like the "pause" method to regain focus and control. Dr. Beckford also offers leadership advice, explaining how skills developed in the ER can be applied to corporate settings. She provides guidance for new employees on navigating high-stress environments, advocating for change and prioritizing mental wellbeing. Whether in healthcare, business or any fast-paced field, this episode offers valuable insights for building resilience and staying calm amidst chaos.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

Feeling like a fraud? Imposter syndrome can hold you back, especially as a young professional. In this episode, digital strategist Raysean Ricks shares his journey to confidence, offering tips to overcome self-doubt and own your achievements. Learn how to promote your personal brand authentically, handle feedback and showcase your talents with self-assurance. It’s time to silence your inner critic and embrace your unique value.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

Running a family business can be both rewarding and challenging. In this episode, Mark Williams sits down with the Battaglia family - Joseph, Joey, and Nicky - to explore the unique dynamics of their multi-generational insurance enterprise. The Battaglias candidly discuss the ups and downs of working so closely with loved ones. They share how they navigate strong-willed personalities, occasional disagreements, and the blurred lines between personal and professional roles. Yet, they also reveal the deep trust, collaboration, and unwavering dedication that comes from building a business alongside family. From learning the ropes as teenagers to now leading the company together, the Battaglias offer a glimpse into the realities of a true family operation. Listeners will gain insights on fostering an inclusive culture, setting ambitious goals, and finding the balance between family and work. Ultimately, this episode showcases how embracing the dynamics of a family business can lead to remarkable success.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

In today's business world, it’s tempting to overlook toxic behaviors in high performers. But culture expert Pam Nemec explains that a strong company culture is key to long-term success and sometimes letting go of a "star" is necessary. Pam shares her insights on balancing individual performance with organizational culture, drawing from her own experience with a toxic high performer. This episode challenges you to rethink what drives success and how to foster an environment where employees thrive.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

In today's episode, we explore the power of failure and how it can be a catalyst for growth and success. Join host Mark Williams and guest Nicole Bensen as they delve into the importance of creating a psychologically safe environment where employees feel empowered to take risks and learn from their mistakes. Discover strategies for motivating teams and boosting morale, even when resources are limited. Embrace the power of "failing forward" and unlock the full potential of your team.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark

In this episode, Mark Williams and leadership expert Tom Collins explore the science behind effective leadership. Tom shares research-backed insights on the key differences between management and leadership, emphasizing that true leadership involves influencing others to achieve mutual goals. He outlines the four critical components of leadership - character, competence, caring, and communication - and explains how these skills can be developed. The discussion covers strategies for fostering a culture of shared leadership, empowering all employees, and redefining success for leaders beyond just metrics. Listeners will gain a framework for becoming more impactful and influential leaders.

Website: ⁠Mark Williams
Social: ⁠LinkedIn
Check out Mark's Book: ⁠Lead, Don't Manage: 12 Lessons in Creating a Leadership Culture Based on Core Values
Speaking Engagements: ⁠Book Mark