Monthly Archives: November 2021

An Immigrant’s Future Work Story

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Dan Smolen discovers Raj Subrameyer’s immigrant’s future work story.

Raj arrived in the United States for graduate study. He was an introverted Southern Indian student who pursued the lofty career goals that others expected him to follow.

Astonishingly, he applied for over 1,200 jobs and got but a handful of interviews. That’s when he decided to focus on his own happiness; he began a process of discovery which got him unstuck to start his own business.

Now, through his brand ChaiLatte Consulting, Raj helps tech careerists get unstuck for the future of work.

In a wide-ranging discussion, Raj:

  • Provides the unique value proposition of ChaiLatte Consulting, his own name-change, and the importance of having an “immigrant mindset.” Starts at 4:40
  • Recalls how he tapped his “inner extrovert” to help careerists. Starts at 8:32
  • Pushes against the [Southern Indian] cultural tenet of not questioning things. Starts at 13:25
  • Delves into the WHY of personal (career) branding. Starts at 26:27
  • Describes how immigrants to the US can overcome their disadvantages. Starts at 31:22
  • Offers his take on future of work opportunities. Starts at 39:01

Raj also describes his motivation to help others achieve career success:

“I wanted to help underdogs like me, who had the skill-sets, but were looking for guidance.”

With great cheer, Raj Subrameyer lives a rewarding immigrant’s future work story.

About our guest:

Raj Subrameyer earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology from Anna University and a Masters of Science in Software Engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology. Raj is the author of the book, Skyrocket Your Career. He lives and works in Chicago, Illinois.

EPISODE DATE: November 26, 2021

Social media:

– Facebook

– LinkedIn

– Twitter

– TEDx Talk (NEW!)

– YouTube

Get Philosophical for Work Success

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 28:54 — 39.7MB)

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Dan Smolen interviews Cristina DiGiacomo who wants people to get philosophical for work success.

An author, podcaster, and practical philosopher, Cristina draws on ancient insight to help people solve contemporary problems. And as the founder of MorAlchemy, she guides people with practical philosophy to lead happier, more purposed lives doing meaningful work.

Skeptics may not recognize the value to get philosophical for work success. But, for every stressor, difficult workplace relationship, and vexing business problem Cristina says:

“There’s a philosophy for that.”

In this episode, Cristina describes:

  • Her work through MorAlchemy and the idea of practical philosophy. Starts at 4:14
  • How she gets “high flyers” to settle their minds to embrace practical philosophy. Starts at 7:54
  • Overcoming skepticism. Starts at 12:24
  • Her reaction to Adam Grant’s article on languishing, and ways that practical philosophy helps to overcome languishing. Starts at 15:12
  • Participating in the collective goal of humanity. Starts at 21:31

Full interview starts at 2:52

Cristina believes people should get philosophical for work success. She says:

“Things like the handshake were born out of philosophical ideas. The norms that we take for granted in our society, of how we should interact with each other, all come from philosophy.”

About our guest:

Cristina DiGiacomo earned a Bachelors of Science in Communications from the State University of New York at Albany and a Masters of Science in Organizational Change Management from New School University. She lives and works in New York City.

EPISODE DATE: November 19, 2021

Social media:

– LinkedIn

– Website

– WiseUp! Book Author’s Page

– WiseUp! Podcast

What Drives Us to Work?

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 33:05 — 45.5MB)

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Dan Smolen interviews author Daniel Pink to discuss what drives us to work. Dan is The New York Times’ best-selling author of several books, including DRIVE: The Surprising Truth of What Motivates Us.

In good economies and bad, what drives us to work remains unchanged.

During the pandemic, millions in the American workforce adjusted to remote work. And a large share of them became part of The Great Resignation. Yet often, motivations drive us to work towards positive purpose and meaning.

In this episode, we discuss how:

  • Autonomy, mastery, and purpose motivations take root in our lives. Starts at 4:34
  • Corporate managers often believe that money is the only work-performance motivator. (It isn’t.) Starts at 7:37
  • The pandemic affects our thoughts. Starts at 13:16
  • Answering “what is my sentence?” can aid your purpose and meaningful work career goals. Starts at 24:32
  • Regret can help improve our lives and work. Starts at 28:30

What drives us to work is key to our success in the future of work.

About our guest:

Daniel Pink earned a Bachelor of Arts in Linguistics from Northwestern University and a Juris Doctorate from Yale Law School where he edited the Yale Law and Policy Review. Currently, he is writing a seventh book on the subject of regret. Daniel lives and works in Washington, D.C.

EPISODE DATE: November 12, 2021

Social media:

– Daniel Pink Website

– World Regret Survey

A Culture of Workplace Empathy

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Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 22:51 — 31.4MB)

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Dan Smolen uncovers a culture of workplace empathy with podcast guest Hannah Jew.

Hannah Jew (last name pronounced “Joe”) is an empathy building brand strategist for Scotts Miracle-Gro, the nation’s leading lawn and garden care company.

A culture of workplace empathy is central to how Hannah does her job; it helps drive value for consumers who rely on her company’s products to grow flowering plants and food from seed.

Hannah accepted employment at Scotts Miracle-Gro while pregnant with her second child. And her hiring manager there made Hannah’s onboarding a rewarding experience.

In this episode, Hannah describes:

  • Accepting a new job while expecting a child. Starts at 4:24
  • How management created for her a phenomenal maternity leave workaround. Starts at 6:35
  • The gendered workplace experience and its impact on female professionals.  Starts at 10:31

Hannah also answers the question: should “mom” be on a résumé? Starts at 19:01

Interview starts at 2:56

Hannah Jew experiences a culture of workplace empathy, a central value in the future of work.

About our guest:

Hannah Jew received Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science degrees in Advertising from the University of Texas at Austin. She lives and works in Columbus, Ohio.

EPISODE DATE: November 5, 2021

Social media and Published Work:

– Instagram

– LinkedIn

– Twitter

– Website (HannahJew.com)