Skills_First

Unlock the secrets to mastering communication as a STEM professional by tuning into our conversation with Neil Thompson, the founder of Teach the Geek. Neil's journey from product development engineer to communication coach offers valuable insights that could transform your career. Discover how Neil turned early presentation struggles and a failed Facebook webinar into a thriving online course that helps technical professionals captivate non-technical audiences. Learn why effective communication is crucial for career advancement and how storytelling can play a pivotal role in leadership, especially within nonprofit organizations.We'll also delve into the motivations driving Neil and others to enhance communication skills in STEM fields. Hear about the influence of strict upbringings on career paths and inspiring the next generation, particularly marginalized groups, to consider STEM careers. Plus, get practical advice on spotting bots on LinkedIn and a special shout-out to Luis Martinez and Christiana Russell of We the Plug for their impactful contributions. For those interested in apprenticeship opportunities, Neil shares invaluable experiences and tips on skill-first training. This episode is packed with actionable insights and inspiration for anyone looking to elevate their presentation skills.

What if you could completely reinvent your career and find your true calling in an entirely new field? Former pastor William Kevin Roxton did just that by transitioning into a successful career as a software engineer. Join us as William shares his remarkable story, highlighting the significant challenges he faced and the unwavering determination that fueled his journey from ministry to tech. Learn about the pivotal role his family played, the courage it took to start anew, and how he maintained his core values throughout this transformative process.Coding isn't just a technical skill; it's a gateway to personal and professional growth. William reveals how learning to code reignited his passion for lifelong learning and opened up countless networking opportunities. Discover the parallels between coding and non-technical hobbies like drumming, and gain insights into the importance of a growth mindset. William's story is a powerful testament to the idea that with grit and determination, anyone can master difficult skills and thrive in a new environment.Dedication, consistency, and a willingness to embrace challenges are essential for mastering any new skill. William's journey from novice to professional coder serves as an inspiring example. He also shares his aspirations of blending soft skills with technical expertise, recent learnings about the ServiceNow platform, and his efforts to support veterans transitioning to tech careers. We wrap up the episode with heartfelt gratitude for William's insights and a call to action for our audience to rethink hiring practices and share valuable content. Don't miss this episode filled with inspiration, practical advice, and a touch of humor.

Ever wondered how learning to code can transform your life and career? Join us for an inspiring chat with Bernadette Bolaños, a software apprentice at ServiceNow, as she shares her remarkable journey into the tech industry. Bernie discusses how coding has empowered her and highlights the critical need for representation in tech. She also provides a fascinating glimpse into her role on the UXRTB dev team, the thrill of her first corporate office visit, and how her previous work with survivors of sexual and domestic violence equipped her with invaluable skills for her new career. Her story is a powerful testament to the resilience and confidence required to combat challenges and imposter syndrome, making it a must-listen for anyone considering a career shift into tech.But that's not all—this episode also features the journey of another individual who found their passion for STEM through a pre-apprenticeship program, leading to full-time employment at ServiceNow. Their experience underscores the importance of diversity in tech and the unique perspectives that enrich customer-focused solutions. And for a delightful twist, stay tuned as Brittany shares her love for Nicaraguan cuisine, recommending her favorite snacks like gallo pinto and platanos, and the best spots in LA to savor these authentic flavors. This episode is a celebration of transformation, resilience, and the joy of discovering new passions.

Ever wondered how a high school speech teacher transforms into a tech industry leader? Meet Todd Basher, co-founder of New Rocket and our guest for this episode. Todd’s unique journey from humanities to tech illustrates the power of diverse backgrounds and self-taught skills. We delve into the expansive capabilities of ServiceNow, a low-code platform revolutionizing business functions from IT management to finance. Plus, we uncover why modern apprenticeships could be a game-changer in the consulting industry, bringing fresh perspectives and invaluable life experiences.More than just a career shift, this episode dives into the essence of lifelong learning and adaptability. Discover how apprentices can outshine traditional career paths through their passion and motivation. We also explore the science of timing through Dan Pink’s enlightening book "When," and highlight the remarkable determination of a colleague who embodies vision and grit. To top it all off, we wrap up with a lighthearted discussion about our favorite snacks—spoiler: there’s a lot of love for peanut M&Ms. Join us for an insightful and engaging conversation that promises to inspire and entertain!

What if you could transform your career from a grueling, heat-soaked job to a thriving position in tech, all during a global pandemic? Julian Gonzalez did just that. Join us as we discuss Julian's inspiring journey from being a smog technician in Fresno, California, to becoming a Development Consultant within the ServiceNow ecosystem. Despite facing countless rejections, Julian's determination to complete his associate's degree and seize a rare software development apprenticeship opportunity showcases the power of perseverance, mentorship, and non-traditional career pathways. Hear firsthand how Julian's experience in an accelerated coding program reshaped his problem-solving skills and productivity. He opens up about the financial and personal triumphs that came with his first paycheck from Uplift, and the pivotal role his mentor, Joshua Shapiro, played in his success. This episode also highlights the importance of skills-first hiring and innovative learning pathways in tech, alongside a fun reveal of Julian's favorite snack—Thai milk tea. Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the future of modern apprenticeships and how they can revolutionize lives and careers.

Can a global pandemic be the catalyst for discovering your true passion? Join us on this eye-opening episode of the Skills First podcast as we journey through Rosalyn from Pong's incredible transformation from a fourth-grade teacher to a software engineering apprentice at Pathways Consulting. Rosalyn talks about how her tech interests, which began with MySpace, resurfaced during the pandemic and led her to tackle the financial hurdles of tech boot camps. She candidly shares the steep learning curve, imposter syndrome, and the unique challenges she faced as a Black woman in a predominantly white and male industry, demonstrating the vital role of community support and representation.As Rosalyn dives deeper into her tech transition, she recounts her pivotal experience with the Creative Coder Careers program and the crucial support from G-Code. The episode unravels how a salaried apprenticeship became a game-changer for her, leading to intensive learning in JavaScript and React, and ultimately landing her a role at ServiceNow. She reflects on her personal and professional growth, highlights her latest tech accomplishments, and gives a heartfelt shoutout to her supportive colleague, Carrie. To wrap things up on a lighter note, Rosalyn shares her love for seaweed snacks. Don't miss this inspirational story of resilience, growth, and the power of chasing your dreams.

Get ready to uncover the secrets to building a successful tech career with our special guest Kanika Tolber, a powerhouse in the ServiceNow space and the visionary behind Career Rehab. Learn how an early passion for web development during the age of AOL instant messenger led Kanika to defy expectations and pursue computer science at Bowie State University, despite her mother's dreams of her becoming a pharmacist. Her journey didn't stop there; what started as a side hustle helping friends with job interviews and resumes blossomed into Career Rehab, a mission-driven organization dedicated to helping individuals redefine their personal brands and navigate career transitions in tech.We dive deep into the hurdles faced by underrepresented groups in the tech industry and discuss actionable strategies to overcome them. From Kanika's own evolution from SaaS and NET development to project management and technologies like Drupal and WordPress, you'll hear firsthand accounts of the triumphs and setbacks that shaped her path. Discover how continuous learning, showcasing projects, and effective interview communication can set you apart. Plus, hear about Kanika’s exciting vision for Career Rehab's future, including plans for a podcast and academy. Don't miss her insightful advice and be sure to check out her transformative book "Career Rehab: Rebuild Your Personal Brand and Rethink the Way You Work" for even more wisdom.

Arlen Hamilton, the trailblazing founder and managing partner of Backstage Capital, shares her profound journey as a Black, gay woman shaking up the venture capital industry—a domain long dominated by white males. Tune in to gain invaluable insights on the critical role of equitable access to venture capital in building generational wealth and how diverse VCs like Arlen are uniquely positioned to recognize and invest in overlooked opportunities. We also navigate through the challenges faced by underrepresented founders, especially in light of the backlash against inclusive initiatives. Arlen’s compelling story underscores the transformative power of inclusive investing and the immense potential it holds.On a lighter note, prepare for a heartwarming shout-out to Angel White, the culinary genius behind Angel White Cookies, whose homemade treats are becoming an Instagram sensation. We'll share our personal experience of being blown away by her delectable creations, which have already wowed notable figures and rappers alike. Discover why these cookies have earned the top spot on our favorite snacks list and why we're so thrilled to introduce you to Angel's delightful talent. Join us for an episode rich with inspiration, wisdom, and a dash of deliciousness.

How does one overcome skepticism and numerous barriers to achieve a successful career in aerospace engineering? Meet Jasmine LaFleur, an accomplished aerospace engineer at Collins Aerospace and co-founder of Greater Than Tech, who shares her remarkable journey from growing up in Flint, Michigan, to making a significant impact in the STEM field. You'll hear about how programs like Carrera for at-risk youth and her own determination propelled her forward, despite the odds. Jasmine's story is a testament to resilience and how early influences can shape one's path to success.Jasmine's path to becoming an aerospace engineer wasn't easy. As a first-generation college student, she battled academic challenges and personal hardships, including losing close family members. Listen as Jasmine recounts the pivotal moments that shaped her journey, from an inspiring ninth-grade college tour to the struggles of gaining acceptance into the University of Michigan's College of Engineering. Her experiences highlight the importance of removing barriers like GPA requirements to support individuals from underrepresented communities. Jasmine's internal motivation and unyielding passion for helping others underscore the broader mission of inclusivity in STEM.We also explore the crucial role of early affirmation and supportive environments in fostering STEM success. Jasmine offers insights into creating positive and collaborative atmospheres for young students, emphasizing the importance of community and key supporters. Additionally, we discuss how apprenticeships can revolutionize hiring practices by adopting a skills-first approach. Don't miss Jasmine's practical advice for businesses and her light-hearted nod to the evolution of technology in everyday pleasures like popcorn. This episode is packed with inspiration and valuable insights for anyone passionate about STEM and empowering the next generation.

Unlock the secrets to transforming lives through tech apprenticeships in this episode of Skills First, the Apprenticeship Playbook Podcast. Join us as we sit down with Vanessa Russell, the inspiring founding executive director of Love Never Fails, and dive into her journey from overcoming personal trauma to becoming a senior global sales leader at Cisco. Vanessa's story highlights the power of mentorship and the critical role of support systems in helping individuals from underserved communities thrive. Together with Mike Roberts, creator of the Apprenticeship Playbook, we discuss the troubling disconnect between job requirements and compensation for entry-level positions and how innovative tech education and apprenticeship programs can bridge that gap.We also explore the broader landscape of the tech industry, addressing the unrealistic expectations placed on entry-level hires and the benefits of fostering long-term loyalty through apprenticeship programs. Discover the importance of creating inclusive environments for diverse candidates with initiatives like the REDI curriculum, focusing on racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. To wrap up, we lighten the mood with a fun chat about balancing healthy eating habits with indulgence, reminding us all that moderation is key—even when it comes to our favorite snacks. Tune in for valuable insights, personal stories, and practical tips to navigate the evolving world of tech apprenticeships.