Job searching is hard. Repeated rejection is even harder.

If you've experienced ghosting, multiple final-round interviews, or countless "we went with another candidate" emails, this episode is for you.

In this solo episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole Roberts explores what repeated rejection actually does to your confidence, why talented professionals begin interviewing defensively without realizing it, and how to rebuild the calm confidence that employers notice.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why rejection is data, not identity

• How repeated rejection affects your mindset and nervous system

• What defensive interviewing looks like (and how to avoid it)

• Why "paused" or "recalibrated" roles usually aren't about you

• A practical rejection recovery ritual to help you move forward

• How to shift from "I hope they like me" to "Is this the right opportunity for me?"

Whether you're actively interviewing or supporting someone who is, this conversation will help you walk into your next interview with greater clarity and confidence.

🎙️ Listen to the podcast: https://pod.link/1810621657

📝 Interested in sharing your career story on Amplify Your Signal? Apply here:

https://wkf.ms/42Fuwod

👩‍💼 Connect with Nicole Roberts:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrobertshr

🌐 Learn more about People Solutions Group:

https://www.peoplesolutionsgroup.com

If this episode encouraged you, please like, subscribe, and share it with someone navigating a career transition.

#InterviewTips #JobSearch #CareerAdvice #Leadership #CareerTransition #ExecutivePresence #PersonalBrand #Confidence #AmplifyYourSignal

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole Roberts sits down with executive transformation leader Chris Sprague to explore why the biggest barriers to change aren't technology—they're leadership behaviors.

Drawing on nearly two decades of experience leading enterprise transformations in Fortune 100 organizations, Chris shares practical lessons about guiding organizations through complex change, building psychological safety, developing high-performing teams, and creating cultures where people feel empowered to speak up.

The conversation also explores how artificial intelligence is creating new opportunities for leadership development by focusing on measurable behavior change instead of simply checking the box on training completion.

Whether you're an executive, HR leader, change management professional, or someone navigating your own leadership journey, this episode is packed with actionable insights on leading people through change.

In this episode, you'll learn:

Why transformation starts with people—not technology

How to navigate the "messy middle" of organizational change

Why psychological safety is essential for innovation and transformation

The leadership behaviors that make or break change initiatives

How AI could reshape leadership development

Why measuring behavior change matters more than measuring training hours

How leaders can create cultures built on trust, accountability, and collaboration

Why Chris believes we're asking the wrong questions about AI

If you enjoyed this conversation, please like, subscribe, and share this episode with someone leading change in their organization.

Connect with Chris Sprague

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christopher-sprague-enlumagroup/

🌐 Enluma Group: https://enlumagroup.com

Connect with Nicole Roberts

🌐 People Solutions Group: https://peoplesolutionsgroup.com

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrobertshr/

🎤 Interested in Being a Guest?

Are you a job seeker, executive, or professional in transition with a story to share? I'd love to hear from you.

Apply to be a guest on Amplify Your Signal:

https://wkf.ms/42Fuwod

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole Roberts reconnects with Jennifer Humphrey, a healthcare operations executive whose leadership journey began as a frontline therapist and evolved into overseeing operational strategy, workforce development, and organizational growth across multiple states.

Together, they explore what operational excellence really means, how great leaders remove obstacles so their teams can thrive, and why building trust, communicating the "why," and creating psychological safety are essential for leading through change.

Jennifer also shares valuable lessons on navigating today's challenging job market, translating transferable skills into new opportunities, and approaching career transitions with confidence and resilience.

Whether you're an emerging leader, an experienced executive, or someone navigating your own career journey, this conversation offers practical insights on leadership, operational strategy, and leading with both purpose and compassion.

Episode Chapters

00:00 – Introduction to Operational Leadership
03:27 – Lessons from Our Kids
07:24 – Pivotal Moments in Leadership Philosophy
12:01 – Understanding Operational Excellence
14:46 – Building Scalable Systems with the Human Element
17:05 – The Importance of Consistency in Outcomes
21:35 – Creating a Safe Space for Feedback
22:33 – Leadership Under Pressure
27:51 – Communicating Impact and Transferable Skills
30:59 – Navigating the Job Search Experience
36:36 – Embracing New Opportunities
38:28 – Unique Perspectives from Frontline Experience

Connect with Jennifer Humphrey

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-humphrey-ma-lpcc-s-hrs-251239b1

Connect with Nicole Roberts

🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nrobertshr to connect and find the link to the guest intake form.

🎙️ Enjoyed this conversation? Follow Amplify Your Signal so you never miss an episode, leave a review, and share this episode with a colleague or friend who is leading through change or navigating their next career opportunity.

Join us next time as we amplify voices, elevate stories, and support each other… one episode at a time.

What does it really mean to create a people-centered hiring experience?

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole Roberts sits down with strategic talent acquisition leader and Toussaint Talent founder Tiffany Toussaint for a candid conversation about leadership, recruiting, candidate experience, and the evolving realities of today’s job market.

Together, they discuss why talent acquisition should be viewed as a strategic business partner—not a transactional support function—and how organizations can create hiring experiences that are both operationally effective and deeply human.

In this episode:

• Why talent acquisition is the heartbeat of an organization
• How to build high-performing and scalable TA functions
• The importance of recruiter and hiring manager partnership
• Where organizations are falling short on candidate experience
• How curiosity, accountability, and collaboration strengthen teams
• The realities of navigating today’s difficult job market
• How organizations can optimize recruiting processes without losing the human element

Connect with Tiffany Toussaint:
Website: https://www.toussainttalent.net/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tiffanytoussaint/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toussainttalent/

Episode Chapters
00:00 The Heartbeat of Talent Acquisition
04:36 Building Effective Talent Acquisition Functions
09:33 The Role of Strategic Partnership in TA
14:52 Enhancing Candidate Experience
18:54 Bridging the Gap with Hiring Managers
23:26 Fostering Curiosity and Passion in Teams
26:42 The Power of Collaboration and Inclusivity
28:47 Navigating the Job Market Challenges
34:05 Improving Talent Acquisition Strategies
40:51 Core Values in Leadership
45:39 Optimizing Recruiting Processes
50:23 Creating People-Centered Hiring Experiences

Every week, we dive into the journeys of individuals navigating career transitions — from job searches to reinventing careers, transitioning to solopreneurship, or seeking motivation. Nicole draws on her 20+ years of HR experience and personal resilience to offer practical insights and valuable advice. Along the way, she invites friends, experts, and coaches to share their wisdom, helping listeners move forward with confidence.

This podcast is more than just stories — it’s about creating a supportive community where voices are amplified, and people are encouraged to keep moving forward, no matter what stage they’re at in their career journey. Whether you’re job hunting, changing careers, or looking for inspiration, Amplify Your Signal is here to give you the support and visibility you need.

Subscribe now and join Nicole as she amplifies voices, elevates stories, and helps you take the next step in your career — one episode at a time.

Welcome to another episode of Amplify Your Signal, the podcast where we go beyond the resume to elevate the stories and experiences of professionals navigating the job market. In this episode, host Nicole Roberts is joined by Mark Fagan, an experienced engineer and leader in product development and innovation.

Mark shares his journey from chemical engineering to embracing AI and emotional intelligence in technical roles. He also discusses the importance of company culture, how AI is reshaping industries like medical devices and pharmaceuticals, and how emotional intelligence can make a significant difference in leadership and team dynamics.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing continuous learning, including diving into AI certifications.

• The importance of company culture and innovation in shaping a fulfilling career.

• How emotional intelligence and strong team dynamics play crucial roles in success.

• The power of recognition, feedback, and building trust within teams.

• Mark's perspective on managing high-pressure situations in product development, especially in regulated industries like pharmaceuticals and medical devices.

Resources:

• Nailed It by Matthew Marvin: Buy on Amazon

• Prey Series by John Sandford: Buy on Amazon

Connect with Mark:

• Mark's LinkedIn: Mark Fagan LinkedIn

Remember to subscribe, rate, and review to amplify the voices of job seekers and professionals in transition!

Join us next time as we continue to amplify voices, elevate stories, and support each other…one episode at a time.

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole sits down with Pamela McWhorter — an award-winning copywriter, medical storyteller, and creative force who has spent nearly two decades shaping narratives for brands across finance, healthcare, and pharma.

Behind the impressive portfolio is a woman writing a new chapter — one rooted in vulnerability, reinvention, and the courage to step into the unknown.

Pamela shares:

• How roller coasters (literally) helped her push past fear and expand her comfort zone
• What it was like bringing humor into healthcare through the “Migraine Newsroom Live” concept
• The impact of AI on copywriting — and why emotion, nuance, and humanity still matter
• How agency life has evolved and what she still carries from those in-person creative rooms
• What authenticity looks like in a remote-first world and on platforms like LinkedIn
• The realities of navigating a creative career in a changing landscape — without losing your voice

✨ Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Vulnerability
01:45 Embracing Fear: Roller Coasters and Personal Growth
03:13 Innovative Storytelling in Healthcare
06:48 The Impact of AI on Copywriting
10:19 Reflections on Agency Life
12:54 Navigating Remote Work and Authentic Connections
14:59 The Evolving Job Search Landscape
17:51 The Role of AI in Recruitment
20:00 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations
26:47 Amplify Your Signal YouTube Outro

✨ Connect with Pamela

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/pamelamcwhorter/
Portfolio: pamelamcwhorter.com

If this episode resonated, please follow, rate, and share to amplify Pamela’s story.

Join us next time as we amplify voices, elevate stories, and support one another… one episode at a time.

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, host Nicole Roberts sits down with HR leader John Hudson to share his story beyond the resume. With over 25 years of experience leading people-first workplaces, John opens up about being laid off for the first time in his career, navigating burnout, and finding clarity about what comes next.

Together, Nicole and John explore:

• The emotional and mental impact of job loss—even for seasoned HR pros
• Why taking time to rest can be a vital part of career transitions
• The lessons John learned about empathy and leadership from his earliest layoff experiences
• How he’s approaching his job search with both openness and intentionality
• The importance of redefining success in the next chapter of life and work

John’s perspective is a reminder that career pivots, while challenging, can open doors to new opportunities and help us lead with purpose.

Connect with John Hudson: LinkedIn

Amplify Your Signal shares the real stories of job seekers beyond the resume. Follow and subscribe so you never miss an episode!

In the debut episode of Amplify Your Signal, we dive into the career journey of Jamie Amis, an HR professional who made the leap from a police officer in the UK to an HR leader in the United States. Jamie shares his unique career transition, how he built meaningful relationships through networking, and the valuable lessons he’s learned over the years working in diverse industries like hospitality, manufacturing, tech, and more.

Key Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Career Transition: How Jamie navigated his move from police work in the UK to HR roles in the U.S.

• Networking in HR: The power of connecting with professionals and building a strong network, especially in Cincinnati’s HR community.

• Empathy and Leadership: The importance of bringing your authentic self to work and leading with empathy.

• Building Strong Teams: Insights on mentorship, learning, and growing within HR teams, and why culture matters.

• Employee Recognition: Jamie discusses how recognition programs can foster a positive workplace culture.

• Imposter Syndrome: Overcoming self-doubt and gaining confidence in HR leadership.

People and Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

• Wendy Kovar: LinkedIn

• Tamiko Ware Mauldin: LinkedIn

• Jack Lyons: LinkedIn

• Jen H.: LinkedIn

• Shawna Meyer: LinkedIn

• Christian Kolb: LinkedIn

• Aaron Puckett: LinkedIn

• Nick Morrow: LinkedIn

• Brandi Coburn: LinkedIn

• Tameika Moore: LinkedIn

• Chani Barley Deitmaring: LinkedIn

• Deborah Gentry Davis: LinkedIn

• Lisa Rexroat Steele: LinkedIn

• Meaghan Ryan: LinkedIn

• Andrew Wexler: LinkedIn

• Joel Manby: LinkedIn

• Kevin Smith: LinkedIn

• Steve Browne: LinkedIn

• Tom Mobley: LinkedIn

• Melanie Booher: LinkedIn

HR Resources:

• HRNet: Visit HRNet

• Cincy SHRM: Visit Cincy SHRM

Jamie Amis’ Advice for Career Growth and Networking:Jamie shares his journey of building an HR career through the power of networking and professional connections, particularly in the Cincinnati HR community. He emphasizes how relationships drive success, especially in HR, and encourages listeners to actively engage in their professional networks. Jamie also talks about how HR professionals can grow by learning from each other and supporting one another, regardless of the stage they’re in their career.

Jamie’s candid conversation covers leadership, the value of mentorship, and his personal commitment to giving back to the HR community. If you’re in HR or any career transition, Jamie’s story is a reminder that success comes from both professional development and the relationships you cultivate.

Episode Highlights:

• Overcoming career challenges and making bold career moves.

• The importance of creating and maintaining an HR network in your community.

• How empathy and authentic leadership can transform the workplace.

• The impact of mentorship and personal development in HR.

  
  

Connect with Jamie Amis:

• LinkedIn: Jamie Amis LinkedIn

Listen, Subscribe, and Share:Don’t forget to subscribe to Amplify Your Signal for more inspiring stories from job seekers, professionals in transition, and HR leaders. Share this episode with anyone who’s navigating a career change or looking for inspiration in their HR journey.

#CareerTransitions #HRLeadership #NetworkingInHR #JobSearch #HRCommunity #PeopleStrategy #EmployeeRecognition #ImposterSyndrome #CareerGrowth #HRTech #MentorshipInHR #ProfessionalNetworking #LeadershipDevelopment #CincinnatiHR #PeopleFirstCulture #HumanResources #JobSeekerSupport #AmplifyYourSignal

In this clip from Amplify Your Signal, Jamie Amis discusses the importance of the "why" behind every decision in HR and leadership. Understanding the reasoning behind decisions not only builds trust but also helps align teams and create lasting impact.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• The power of clear communication when making decisions

• Why explaining the "why" can turn skeptics into supporters

• How transparency fosters a more engaged and unified team

Tune in to learn how you can implement this powerful approach in your own leadership and decision-making processes.

#DecisionMaking #HRLeadership #LeadershipDevelopment #TransparentLeadership #TrustInLeadership #PeopleStrategy #HRCommunity #CommunicationInHR #LeadershipTips #EmployeeEngagement #PeopleFirstCulture #AmplifyYourSignal

What you’ll learn:

• What “creative recovery” looks like in real life—and how teaching Pilates and making jewelry helped rebuild confidence and community.
• How to separate competence from confidence during a job search (a powerful lens Natalie credits to coach Pat Romboletti).
• Practical ways to redefine productivity and identity after leaving full-time work.
• How to rebuild a network from scratch—and why the 20 Minute Networking Meeting approach works.
• Lessons from consumer branding that strengthen your personal brand and storytelling.
• Making brave career decisions: saying no to misaligned roles to protect impact and mental health.
• Why agility—physical, mental, and emotional—is a leadership advantage at any age.

Natalie also shares how she guides legacy retailers from catalog-heavy models to true multi-channel ecosystems—bridging strategy to flawless execution across digital, brand, and creative teams.

Resources mentioned:

• Pat Romboletti — Bulletproof Your Career
• The 20 Minute Networking Meeting — Book link
• Simon Sinek — The Infinite Game

Tune in for an honest, encouraging conversation filled with practical takeaways for anyone navigating change, leading transformation, or rewriting their definition of success.

In this solo episode of Amplify Your Signal, I share one of the hardest but most freeing lessons I’ve learned: courage isn’t about being fearless. It’s about showing up anyway, even when you’re scared. From navigating a layoff and a breast cancer diagnosis just days apart, to starting a business while in treatment, and now facing new transitions, I’ve discovered that bravery often looks like doing it afraid.

If you’ve ever hesitated to take the next step in your career—or in life—because of fear, this episode is for you. I open up about resilience, community, and practical job search strategies while reminding you that you are never alone in your journey.

Topics We Explore

• Facing job loss and health challenges with resilience
• Starting a business while in treatment
• Finding strength in community and connection
• Why “doing it afraid” is just as brave as being fearless
• Encouragement for job seekers in transition
• Practical job search and networking strategies

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Amplify Your Signal
• 01:38 Facing Adversity: Job Loss and Health Challenges
• 05:33 Starting a Business Amidst Challenges
• 09:14 Building Connections and Community
• 14:44 Encouragement to Overcome Fear
• 16:47 Job Search Strategies and Networking
• 18:51 Amplify Your Signal YouTube Outro

Connect with Nicole Roberts
linkedin.com/in/nrobertshr

Want to Share Your Story?
If you’d like to be a guest on Amplify Your Signal, I’d love to feature you. Fill out this short form to get started: Guest Intake Form

Follow Amplify Your Signal wherever you listen to podcasts.

In this powerful episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole sits down with her longtime friend Renée Robson to explore the hidden toll of chronic stress and trauma in the workplace—and how leaders can respond with care, authenticity, and intention.

Renée shares her courageous journey from a career in HR and organizational leadership to becoming a trauma-informed educator and consultant. Together, they unpack the physical and emotional impact of sustained stress, why breath is your nervous system’s best ally, and how organizations can either heal—or harm—the people within them.

If you’ve ever felt unseen, overwhelmed, or unsure whether your workplace values your wellbeing, this conversation is for you.

• 00:00 – Introductions
• 01:20 – Renee's Journey from HR to Trauma-Informed Leadership
• 04:00 – Understanding Stress Responses and Trauma
• 05:37 – Chronic Stress Impacts 50% of the Working Population
• 07:44 – The Principles of Trauma-Informed Leadership
• 12:32 – Responding vs. Reacting in Stressful Situations
• 15:05 – The Hidden Costs of Stress in the Workplace
• 17:46 – Normalizing Mental Health Support in Organizations
• 24:44 – Message to Those Feeling Stuck, Overwhelmed, Unseen
• 26:52 – Final Thoughts on Mental Health and Self-Care
• 28:21 – Green Flags for Healthy & Supportive Leadership
• 30:05 – Where Does the Organization Spend Its Money?
• 30:23 – Connecting with Renee
• 31:44 – Words of Encouragement

• LinkedIn
• Website
• Instagram

If this episode resonated with you, please consider subscribing, rating, or sharing with a friend who might need it. Your signal matters—and we’re here to help you amplify it.

Join us next time as we amplify voices, elevate stories, and support each other… one episode at a time.

Recruiting strategist Rachel Kitty Cupples joins Nicole to talk about building human-centered hiring—from writing clearer job posts to creating inclusive interviews and balancing tech with judgment. We dig into neurodiversity, today’s job-search realities, and practical shifts any team can make today to improve candidate experience.

Guest: RecruitingSHEro.com | Rachel on LinkedIn

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction to Rachel Kitty Cupples
• 01:15 Humorous Interview Stories
• 08:34 The Impact of Neurodiversity on Recruiting
• 13:59 Shifting Mindsets in Recruitment
• 19:12 Current Job Search Realities
• 19:50 The Importance of Networking
• 22:04 Tech in Hiring: Efficiency vs. Humanity
• 24:59 AI in Recruitment: Opportunities & Challenges
• 33:01 Ethics & AI: Misinformation and Privacy
• 35:56 Inclusive Hiring: The Human Element

Referenced: Illinois’ Wellness and Oversight for Psychological Resources Act (HB 1806) banning AI as a therapist. Read more.

In this episode, Nicole Roberts is joined by the incredible Stephanie Hancock, an experienced HR leader and coach. They discuss career transitions, the importance of people-first leadership, and how HR professionals can foster innovation and create a psychologically safe work environment. Stephanie reflects on her career journey, shares lessons from layoffs, and offers advice on building strong teams and effective succession planning.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Stephanie’s HR Career Journey: From nonprofit to e-commerce and beyond.
• Career Transitions: Lessons learned from layoffs and leadership challenges.
• Building a People-First Leadership Style: Emotional intelligence and active listening in leadership.
• Succession Planning: Why it’s crucial for HR professionals to develop strong talent pipelines.
• Advice for HR Leaders: Tips for leveling up in your HR career.

Resources Mentioned:

• The Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam
• Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• The Dichotomy of Leadership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
• Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
• Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes

Podcast Recommendation:

• The Unusual Suspects with Malcolm Gladwell and Kenya Barris

Connect with Stephanie Hancock:

• Stephanie Hancock on LinkedIn

Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review Amplify Your Signal on your favorite podcast platform! Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and continue to bring you valuable conversations on leadership, career transitions, and personal growth.

Thank you for tuning in!

Guest: Lindsay Patton — LinkedIn

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, I sit down with Lindsay Patton—journalist-turned-freelancer and social media strategist—to talk about building a career that honors both your creativity and your health. Lindsay shares candidly about living with chronic migraine, how freelancing lets her align work with her brain, and why healthy endings can be worth celebrating. It’s a warm, honest conversation for anyone navigating what’s next and craving more freedom and self-trust.

Topics We Explore

• Navigating career transitions with creativity and hope
• Designing work that aligns with how your brain works
• The realities of chronic illness at work (beyond “just a headache”)
• Healthy endings, mindset shifts, and letting clients “graduate”
• Worker-focused leadership and leading with empathy
• Finding energy and confidence in the job search
• Translating journalism skills into marketing, newsletters, and coaching

Episode Chapters
00:00 – Navigating Career Transitions with Creativity
01:34 – She’s Basically Snow White
04:30 – Aligning Work with your Brain
06:42 – Navigating Work with Chronic Pain
12:03 – Healthy Endings and Mindset Shifts
18:05 – Worker-Focused Leadership
23:43 – Job Search Insights and Personal Growth
23:52 – Job Search Experience
28:21 – Lindsay’s Message to Prospective Collaborators and the Community
31:08 – Connect with Lindsay

Connect with Lindsay Patton
blackstarcomms.com
LinkedIn

If Lindsay’s story resonated with you, subscribe, rate, and share this episode with someone navigating a transition. Your support helps us amplify voices and stories that matter.

Follow Amplify Your Signal wherever you listen to podcasts.

💡 Description:
In this powerful episode of Amplify Your Signal, host Nicole Roberts sits down with leadership speaker and founder of Three Ears Media, Kat Kibben, to explore how leaders can build resilient teams and navigate uncertainty with confidence. From van life revelations to workplace trauma, Kat shares stories from their book The Bounce Back Factor and offers actionable advice for showing up with integrity, compassion, and courage in leadership.

⏱️ Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Kat Kibben and Their Work
02:18 Lessons from Living in a Van: Leadership Redefined
03:46 The Birth of Three Ears Media: Necessity Over Inspiration
07:27 The Impact of Toxic Leadership on Personal Growth
10:36 Creating Psychological Safety in Uncertain Times
15:20 The Power of Believing in Change
17:16 The Consequences of Toxic Behavior in Organizations
20:11 Investing in People: The Key to Business Success
20:57 Understanding Layoffs: Trauma vs. Non-Trauma
22:36 Navigating Job Loss with Preparedness
23:33 How NOT to Do a Layoff
25:14 The Emotional Impact of Layoffs
26:25 Compassion in Layoff Conversations
28:36 The Importance of Human Connection
31:27 Unlearning Hustle Culture
37:23 AI has Entered the Chat: Preparing for the Future of Work
38:52 Lessons in Leadership Collaboration

📚 Resources:
– Learn more about The Bounce Back Factor: threeearsmedia.com/the-bounce-back-factor-book
– Connect with Kat on LinkedIn
– Subscribe to their newsletter: katrinakibben.com
– Follow on Instagram

🎧 Subscribe & Share:
If this conversation resonated with you, please rate, review, and share this episode. Your support helps us elevate voices and stories that matter.

Key Takeaways:

• Larry’s Journey: From aspiring rockstar to recruiter, Larry shares his unique career path and how he transitioned into recruiting.
• Job Search Strategy: Larry discusses the three key things he looks for in a job opportunity and how it guides his decision-making.
• Behavioral Interview Training: Larry explains why it's crucial for both candidates and hiring managers to master the STAR interview method.
• Hiring System Challenges: Common issues in hiring systems and Larry’s approach to fixing them.
• Networking: The power of networking in the job search and how Larry’s community helps him find opportunities.

Show Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction to Amplify Your Signal
• 01:44 - Larry Anderson's Journey from Rockstar to Recruiter
• 05:49 - Key Factors in Job Opportunities
• 07:51 - The Importance of Behavioral Interview Training
• 14:41 - Common Issues in Hiring Systems
• 17:35 - Navigating the 'Tell Me About Yourself' Question
• 20:53 - Using GenAI to Prepare
• 23:26 - Soft Skills Should Be Inferred
• 24:23 - Impactful Mentors in Larry's Career
• 26:28 - Resources for Continuous Learning
• 27:40 - Meeting Milo
• 28:40 - How We Can Help Larry
• 30:16 - Networking and Paying It Forward

Resources and People Mentioned:

• Alex Daniels
• Emily Forbes
• Trent Cotton
• Brian Fink
• Shannon Pritchett
• Dan Harten
• David Marr
• Aaron Lintz
• Atlanta Recruiter Community Meetup

Connect with Larry:

• Larry Anderson - LinkedIn

Episode theme: How storytelling powers strategy, connection, and career resilience.

Jeff shares the origins of his storytelling craft (including writing The Aspie Teen’s Survival Guide and The Aspie College, Work & Travel Survival Guide), the mechanics of impactful media promos that move people to action, and the realities of today’s job search—plus practical networking and referral tactics you can use today.

What we cover

• Storytelling as a strategic skill across news, e-commerce, SaaS, and payroll tech
• Becoming a published author and writing for the autism community
• Designing promos that drive real-world impact
• Navigating hiring freezes, internal candidates, and assessments with confidence
• Networking systems, internal referrals, and mindset shifts that sustain momentum
• Collaboration, culture, and where Jeff wants to contribute next

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Storytelling and Strategy
• 02:25 The Journey of a Published Author
• 04:45 Impactful Storytelling in Media
• 07:03 Connecting Marketing and Storytelling Across Industries
• 10:04 Navigating Job Search Challenges
• 12:10 Communicating Value in Video Production and Digital Strategy
• 14:15 Building a Network and Job Search Strategies
• 16:23 When Assessments Enter the Process
• 18:13 Adding Assessments Earlier to Combat Bot Applicants
• 18:34 Understanding Culture Fit in Job Applications
• 19:01 Cutting Through the Noise — What's Working in Job Search
• 20:54 Job Seeking Tip — Internal Referrals
• 21:43 Lessons Learned in the Job Search Process
• 23:11 Shifting Perspective and Mindset
• 24:30 Jeff's Message to Future Employers, Collaborators, and our Community
• 26:25 The Value of Collaboration and Team Culture
• 27:58 Connect with Jeff!
• 28:42 Amplify Your Signal YouTube Outro

Connect with Jeff: LinkedIn

Listen & follow: Amplify Your Signal

Join us next time as we amplify voices, elevate stories, and support one another… one episode at a time.

This episode explores:

• 🎗️ What the journey of survivorship looks and feels like
• 💼 How to be an ally to cancer survivors in the workplace
• 🔄 What to consider when survivors are in career transition
• 🗣️ What survivors truly want you to know
• 🤝 How you can start being a better ally today

Whether you’re a leader, coworker, recruiter, or friend, this episode will help you show up with empathy, dignity, and respect.

💡 Call to Action:
If you know a survivor, reach out.
If you lead a team, examine how your culture supports health and healing.
And if you are a survivor, please know: You are more than your diagnosis.

Join us as we amplify voices, elevate stories, and support one another… one episode at a time.

Hosted by Nicole Roberts, Founder of People Solutions Group

#AmplifyYourSignal #CancerSurvivorsDay #Allyship #Resilience #CareerTransition #WorkplaceSupport #PeopleSolutionsGroup #HRCommunity

In this episode of Amplify Your Signal, Nicole Roberts sits down with Faiza Alam—music educator turned two-time founder—whose path from classical guitar to building and exiting a nationally operating music education company (twice) is a masterclass in discipline, sustainability, and people-first leadership.

Faiza shares what it really takes to bootstrap a business with zero funding, why alignment can become a founder’s strongest currency, how to intentionally design culture across a distributed team, and the mindset shift from “master doer” to “chief systems architect” that paved the groundwork for successful exits.

Connect with Faiza on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/faiza-alam-ba7640a6

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Faiza Alam's Journey
• 01:58 The Roots of Musical Passion
• 03:46 Defining Success and Sustainability in Business
• 05:49 Building a Business with Zero Funding
• 07:51 Evolving Company Culture in a Distributed Team
• 09:57 Mission-Driven Leadership and Scaling
• 11:34 Mission-Driven Scaling
• 14:01 Navigating Challenges During COVID-19
• 16:44 Discovering Values in the Next Chapter
• 18:01 Advice for Founders Transitioning Away
• 22:50 Experiencing the Job Market as a Founder
• 27:59 Closing Thoughts and Future Connections
• 30:02 Amplify Your Signal YouTube Outro

If this episode resonated: share it with your network and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s next.