In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Craig Kapper, Executive Vice President of Irvine Technology Corporation.

In this fascinating conversation, you'll learn how, in today’s rapidly evolving landscape, professionals and organizations alike face unprecedented challenges when it comes to evaluating talent. New technologies have changed how candidates present themselves, making it increasingly difficult to discern genuine skills from polished façades. This shift has forced hiring managers to rethink traditional interview methods and look deeper into the authenticity behind resumes and conversations.

Nicole and Craig explore the subtle signals that can reveal whether a candidate truly possesses the expertise they claim. From spotting delays or scripted answers during interviews to recognizing the telltale signs of AI-assisted responses, you'll discover practical strategies that can save valuable time and resources. The conversation also highlights how cultural fit and adaptability have become even more critical in an environment where artificial intelligence can level the playing field in unexpected ways.

This episode offers a nuanced perspective on balancing innovation with integrity, empowering those responsible for hiring to navigate this new terrain with confidence and discernment.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The impact of AI on recruitment and hiring, such as the fact that 75% of resumes are AI-enhanced, with 30-50% being misrepresentations or outright falsehoods.

• The issue of AI-enhanced resumes, and the difficulty of differentiating between genuine candidates and those using AI tools.

• How the use of real-time voice command tools that can generate answers for candidates can be a red flag.

• The importance of behavioral interview techniques and cultural fit in the AI hiring world.

• Why businesses should avoid relying solely on AI tools for information, as they may provide inaccurate data.

• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Craig Kapper is the Executive Vice President at Irvine Technology Corporation, bringing over 25 years of leadership experience in technology talent solutions and strategic operations. He began his career in 1995 as a District Sales and Operations Manager at Winston Tire Co., where he managed a \$60 million budget and led a team of nearly 400. In 2001, he joined Robert Half, where he spent nearly two decades as a District President and later as Managing Director of National Technology Accounts, partnering with top global companies to deliver technology and creative talent solutions. At Irvine Technology Corporation since 2023, Craig oversees consulting, contracting, direct placements, and project-based IT services. He studied Business Administration and Management at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Resources:

Craig's LinkedIn

Irvine Technology Corporation

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Elevate Your Career podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Susan Lindner.

In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Susan explore a crucial skill that often gets overlooked in professional settings: the art of meaningful communication. They reveal how turning facts into stories—with real challenges and wins—makes messages stick. By focusing on the journey rather than just the destination, they reveal how stories create connection and stick in people’s minds far longer than typical resumes or elevator pitches ever could.

You'll discover the importance of tailoring messages to different audiences. Starting with clear, accessible language and gradually layering in complexity, they illustrate how to engage listeners at any level of understanding. This method ensures that even the most technical ideas become approachable and intriguing, sparking curiosity and opening doors for deeper conversations.

This episode invites you to rethink how you share your own stories, using them as bridges to connect with others and advance your ideas in more impactful, human ways.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Susan's initial interest in foreign languages, influenced by her ability to eavesdrop on conversations in different languages.
• Why she quit her job at Sloan Kettering Cancer Hospital to pursue her dream of working in Thailand, inspired by Busta Rhymes' philosophy of always pursuing Plan A.
• The founding of her own PR firm and later a social media agency, working with startups to help them communicate their innovations effectively.
• The importance of understanding the audience's pain and gain, and framing stories in a way that resonates with them.
• Why job seekers need to focus on the impact of their work and the outcomes achieved, rather than just listing tasks and responsibilities.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Susan Lindner is the Founder and CEO of Innovation Storytellers, a leading innovation storytelling consulting firm. She is a highly sought-after keynote speaker, workshop leader, messaging strategist, storytelling coach, and the world’s leading expert on innovation storytelling.

Susan draws from her initial experiences as an anthropologist and international aid worker in rural Thailand in the 1990s, where she shared stories that helped at-risk populations disproportionately affected by AIDS to slow the virus’ spread. Today, as a 20-year communications expert, she is committed to using those same storytelling skills to inspire innovation leaders everywhere to become incredible storytellers and ensure that their innovations get the resources, runway, and recognition they deserve.

Susan is the host of Innovation Storytellers, a weekly podcast that takes the mystery out of how to communicate breakthrough ideas to the people who matter most. Every week, Susan interviews top global innovation leaders from companies like Amazon, Bloomberg, Cisco, Corning, and Tesla about the stories that moved their innovations past the boardroom, lab, and production line and into our everyday lives.

Susan speaks at global conferences, consulates, and trade organizations. She has worked with C-level leaders and teams from over 60 countries at Fortune 100 companies like GE, Corning, Citi, AT&T, Arm & Hammer on their innovation storytelling strategies. The result? Those innovation leaders become incredible storytellers who go on to change the world. Susan is driven to ensure every breakthrough idea reaches its finish line through powerful stories that connect to every listener and power that brilliant idea...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Steve Heckler, Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, as well as the author of So... You Want To Be A Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager.

In this fascinating conversation, Nicole and Steve explore the subtle yet powerful dynamics that shape how professionals connect, communicate, and evolve within their organizations. Steve offers a wealth of executive experience, sharing stories and insights from both high-stakes leadership roles and everyday workplace interactions.

You'll hear about moments in his own career where clarity, courage, and curiosity may have opened—or closed—the door to greater understanding. Through anecdotes and reflective commentary, Steve and Nicole examine what really happens beneath the surface of routine meetings, strategic decisions, and performance reviews.

Whether you're an emerging leader or a seasoned executive, this episode delivers thought-provoking takeaways that will stick with you long after the conversation ends.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Steve's career transition from IT to executive coaching, his experience as a former CIO, and his decision to pursue coaching due to difficulty finding another CIO job.
• The structure of his coaching business, including one-on-one coaching, team building, and communities of practice for various IT roles.
• The biggest misconceptions about becoming a manager, including the importance of desire and validation from others.
• The importance of creating a space for feedback and how to ask for and receive constructive feedback.
• The reluctance of employees to provide honest feedback to their supervisors and the need for managers to create an environment where feedback is welcomed.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Steve Heckler is an accomplished Executive Coach and President of Steve Heckler Associates, bringing over 35 years of executive leadership experience to his coaching and consulting practice. He has held key management and CIO roles at major organizations, including IBM, Activision, Bank of America, Sony Pictures Entertainment, and Health Net, and has been recognized for Outstanding People Management by IBM. Steve specializes in bridging the gap between IT and business leadership, mentoring senior executives across industries and global markets. His professional service includes leadership roles with the Professional Coaches and Mentors Association, the Southern California Society for Information Management, and Women in Technology International. Steve holds degrees from City College of New York and NYU, and is a Board-Certified Coach with certifications in DISC and Zenger Folkman 360 leadership assessments.

Resources:

Steve's LinkedIn

Steve Heckler Associates

So...You Want to Be a Manager: A Roadmap to Becoming a Great Manager

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Jim Palermo, Chief Information Officer at Red Hat, a leading provider of enterprise open source solutions.

During this fascinating discussion, Nicole and Jim explore the intersection of emerging technologies and the future of human society, focusing on an area of innovation that promises to revolutionize industries and everyday life. You'll learn about the potential risks and rewards of this rapidly evolving field, addressing concerns about its unintended consequences and how humanity might grapple with its power.

Hear how these innovations are already starting to affect key sectors like healthcare. Jim shares compelling stories of how technology is making strides in life-saving diagnostics and medical breakthroughs, offering hope for transformative change. The potential for this technology to alleviate long-standing problems and improve quality of life is examined with a mixture of awe and caution, recognizing both its promise and the urgent need for oversight.

With a focus on curiosity and adaptability, this episode suggests that future success will hinge on understanding the underlying structures of technology, data, and business processes—without necessarily needing to follow a conventional route through academia.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• How Jim's early exposure to computers and programming led him to pursue a career in computer science.
• The security challenges associated with AI, including the injection of bad prompts and data leakage
• The impact of AI on jobs, particularly in support roles, and the need for employees to adapt and develop new skills.
• The potential for AI to address pressing issues, such as healthcare and national debt, and the importance of responsible development.
• Why aspiring AI professionals should focus on full-stack engineering and developing skills in data models, data integrity, and business context.
• And much more...

Guest Bio:

Jim Palermo is the Chief Information Officer at Red Hat, a leading provider of enterprise open source solutions. As a global technology leader, he drives strategic IT transformations that align infrastructure with business objectives to accelerate innovation, fuel sales growth, and sharpen competitive advantage. With a blend of technical depth and business insight, Jim delivers strong ROI on technology investments. He has architected scalable, secure IT service delivery and implemented a technology roadmap focused on best-in-class products and platforms. Recognized with the 2023 CIO 100 Award and TBM Council’s Business Optimization Award, Jim has led major initiatives in hybrid cloud, automation, and AI. He also advises client CIOs through Red Hat’s Strategic Council, shaping product direction and modernizing global infrastructure to support future-ready, containerized cloud environments.

Resources:

Jim's LinkedIn

Red Hat

Disclaimer:

The views, information, or opinions expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily represent those of the Elevate Your Career podcast or its affiliates. The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Christine Merrow, a dynamic, inspiring professional who has built an extraordinary career while embracing her journey with dyslexia.

In this compelling conversation, Christine shares a deeply personal journey shaped by early challenges and unexpected roadblocks that ultimately forged a unique lens through which she sees the world. The dialogue opens a window into how formative experiences, once perceived as setbacks, can become a driving force behind resilience, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of growth.

You'll discover how traits that some may view as limitations can, in fact, be powerful tools for innovation. Christine offers thoughtful insights into how unconventional problem-solving and emotional intelligence can make a profound impact in both professional and personal settings. Through experimentation, self-awareness, and a curiosity for emerging tools, she's learned to leverage her unique perspective to drive change, streamline workflows, and elevate team dynamics—often in ways others might not anticipate.

This episode is both a celebration of the power of difference and a quiet challenge to reconsider the assumptions we make about people’s potential. Whether you’re a parent, a leader, or simply someone navigating your own journey, there’s something here that just might reframe the way you see the world.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• Christine's diagnosis of dyslexia in third grade and the lack of awareness about the condition at the time.
• The Made by Dyslexia movement which views dyslexia as a superpower rather than a disability.
• The importance of finding a workplace that understands and supports individuals with dyslexia.
• The role of technology, particularly AI, in helping individuals with dyslexia manage their work.
• How Christine's ability to connect with people and understand their stories has been beneficial in her career.
• And much more...

Resources:

Made by Dyslexia

Irvine Technology Corporation

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Jenna Williams, a friend and co-worker who has undertaken a unique journey into stoicism, a philosophy that has significantly impacted her career and personal life.

During the conversation, Nicole and Jenna dive deep into the world of personal growth, exploring how one mindset shift can radically alter the way we perceive and tackle obstacles. They discuss a philosophy that emphasizes turning challenges into opportunities, offering insights on how to navigate life's complexities with resilience.

You'll hear about the power of self-awareness and the importance of taking control of one’s actions and perceptions, especially in the workplace. Jenna offers practical advice on how to maintain a consistent presence, whether dealing with professional relationships or personal goals, and emphasize the necessity of not waiting for external validation to find fulfillment.

This conversation is an invitation to explore the potential within each challenge and to develop the resilience to face whatever comes next.

If you've enjoyed this episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, be sure to leave a review and subscribe today!

Enjoy!

In This Episode You'll Learn:

• The philosophy of stoicism, a philosophy focused on living a virtuous life, making the best of bad situations, and using emotions to choose actions.
• Jenna's initial exposure to stoicism in college and how her life changed in 2024, leading her to seek solace in the practice.
• The importance of focusing on what is within one's control and letting go of external factors.
• How stoicism helps Jenna see obstacles as opportunities and use them as fuel for growth.
• The importance of consistency and showing up as the same person in the workplace.
• And much more...

Resources:

Jenna’s LinkedIn

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Windy Sampson, a member of the Women in Leadership program.

During the conversation, Windy and Nicole discuss self-discovery, career growth, and the desire to give back to others. Windy reflects on how focusing on one's strengths and passions can lead to both personal fulfillment and professional success. She shares her enthusiasm for volunteering, helping others grow, and developing educational initiatives that bridge cultural divides.

You'll discover insights into navigating the complexities of career development, especially for individuals without the benefit of a familial roadmap. Hear about the challenges faced by those who don't come from backgrounds with built-in mentorship or professional networks and stresses the need for access to resources that can help accelerate personal growth.

This episode provides a mix of practical advice and motivational insights, leaving you with a sense of how interconnected personal fulfillment and professional success can truly be.

Don't miss another episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Windy's academic success in China, including being number three in a city-wide college entrance exam and attending a top journalism school.
• The impact of her background on her career, including the challenges of being an outsider in male-dominated fields like IT and finance.
• The challenges of imposter syndrome and the importance of recognizing and addressing underlying issues.
• The role of podcasts and other resources in providing valuable information and guidance for career development.
• And so much more...

In today's episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast, Nicole is joined by Laura Hemenway, an accomplished advisor and consultant to Fortune 500 companies.

During the conversation, Laura shares insights on navigating an environment where perception and bias play a powerful role in shaping opportunities. With years of experience in a demanding and ever-evolving field, she reflects on the subtle and not-so-subtle challenges that come with breaking traditional expectations.

You'll discover the value of self-awareness and the necessity of finding advocates who recognize and support untapped potential. Hear how societal expectations often shape individual experiences and the ways in which persistence, courage, and mentorship can help break through long-standing barriers.

This discussion serves as a powerful reminder that real progress often comes from those willing to challenge the status quo and create a ripple effect of positive change.

Don't miss another episode of the Elevate Your Career podcast. Leave a review and subscribe today!

What You Will Learn In This Show:

• Laura's experience with global teams and the need to adjust to different time zones for meetings.
• Her involvement with the Society for Information Management (SIM) and SIM Women.
• The transition from Wang Laboratories to becoming a consultant and solving complex IT problems for various companies.
• The challenges of being a woman in the IT industry, including pay disparities and unconscious biases.
• And so much more...