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Curated Collection Of The Best Interviews From Across Our Network





Accounting For Entrepreneurs With Guest Chrystal Bernard

On today’s episode of career advancement, we were joined by  entrepreneur, Chrystal Bernard. Our topic for the day was about  how you can make the transition from being an employee to being an entrepreneur. We looked specifically at the accounting practices that can make this transition successful.

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Chrystal Bernard is a licensed CPA and operates an accounting practice based in Arlington, TX. The practice focuses not only on limiting one’s individual or business tax liability but educating each client on current and constantly changing accounting and tax provisions. As 60% of her client base is small business owners or individuals transitioning to self-employment, Chrystal’s practice offers full service accounting including bookkeeping and budgeting, payroll and business consulting.

During the show, we discussed the importance of proper record keeping and bookkeeping through simple online accounting system, the importance of the S-Corp tax structure for the small business owner and how to incorporate philanthropic efforts in business.

Chrystal and her husband are also founders of Believer’s Connection, a ministry focused on empowering believers to establish and maintain an intimate relationship with Jesus Christ through community fellowship.

Chrystal V Bernard CPA

Mobile: (214) – 490 – 1922

Fax: (817) – 394 – 5536

Email: cbernard@chrystalbernardcpa.com

Address:  1506 W. Pioneer Parkway Ste 101 Arlington, TX

 

Chrystal Bernard’s blog: www.chrystalbernard.com

Believer’s Connection: www.believersconnection.org

Companies Paying Off Student Debt and LinkedIn with Guest Komal Desai

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Komal Desai and Dr. Marilyn Carroll

On the June 18, 2016 episode of Career Advancement, we had university student Komal Desai join us for a discussion on companies offering to pay off student loan debt and Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn. We looked at the pros and cons of companies who are willing to pay off student debt, and what that means for the future of students are getting ready to graduate with their Bachelor’s Degree or Master’s. We also talked about what the new partnership between LinkedIn and the tech giant Microsoft means for the networking app.

The topic of companies offering to help take care of student loan debt, was inspired by an article published in Bloomberg. This article spoke to the idea of companies offering to help students pay off the tuition debt, something that is sweeping across this generation of graduates. Shedding light from the view of the company and the graduate, this article addresses the ins and outs of this new perk that may rapidly spread. Microsoft’s acquisition of LinkedIn has created some stirrings, venturing to ask the question of what this means for the most popular networking site. We took a look at the possible futures for LinkedIn and how it is currently being used as a networking source.

Komal Desai is currently a student at The University of Texas at Austin. She is working towards her Bachelor’s in Business Administration with a focus in Finance. Ms. Desai has played an active role in the startup community, working for Beautylish Boutiques based in San Francisco and Appspire.me in Austin.

Employers Paying Off Student Debt 

http://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-03-18/soon-your-employer-may-be-paying-back-your-student-debt?bcomANews=true

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/grade-point/wp/2016/02/18/is-it-time-to-abolish-federal-student-loans-this-group-says-yes/

Microsoft’s Acquisition of LinkedIn

http://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2016/06/23/linkedin-founder-eric-ly-on-microsoft-presdo.html

http://theweek.com/articles/630662/assessing-microsofts-linkedin-purchase

 

Reinventing Yourself with David Armstrong

On Sunday’s episode we were joined by special guest David Armstrong from Courtesy Nissan. Our topic today was about how to reinvent yourself, especially in a time when downsizing can threaten positions that we have and are available.

We covered a lot of different topics, focusing a lot on skills and education. However, one topic one that kept coming was diversifying your portfolio and skills. In a world that is globalized and interconnected, a diverse set of skills helps define yourself from everyone else.

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We looked at the power education plays in this ever changing world, and how the way we were educated needs to evolve to fit the needs of today. We also looked at how Mr. Armstrong reinvented himself by diversifying his skill set, learning these skills from the different jobs he worked. We also looked at what finding your niche means, and how to identify where you really need to be.  We also looked at the idea of niche marketing, and how that plays a role in inventing yourself. Mr. Armstrong touches on his own journey of figuring out where his niche is, and is past experience with acquiring different skill sets. Mr. Armstrong leaves us with some great insight on resilience and overcoming adversity, grit and determination, perseverance, and how to be tough and rough.

David Armstrong is a New Orleans native and is currently a sales consultant for Courtesy Nissan. Mr. Armstrong has a Master’s in Business Administration and Arts and Organizational Management as well as a  Seminary degree in Christina Education. Mr. Armstrong also holds a Bachelor’s in History and Political Science.

David’s Contact Information: David Armstrong, MBA ; Courtesy

Nissan, Inc.; 1777 N. Central Expressway; Richardson, TX 75080

 

Platoon Sargent Lonnie C Virgil, Retired Military-The Five P’s of Career Readiness

Today we celebrate Memorial Day.  We are honored to have as our guest today, Platoon Sergeant, Lonnie Virgil.

Virgil was deployed three times to a war torn area three times. We thank all veterans for your service and the many sacrifices you made so that we could enjoy the freedoms we share.

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Our topic today was readiness.

Readiness is a number one priority of the United States Military.  Virgil discussed how readiness in the military prepared him for war and civilian life and how that readiness can help us in our career and life pursuits.

Recently I spoke to a group of honor students at a local university about the five P’s of career readiness, Positioning, Perseverance, Purpose, Passion, and Proximity.

We asked Virgil to share with us how the military prepared him for the five.

  • Positioning: Ensuring that I consistently prepared myself and my team with the right skills, and training to building said skills.
  • Perseverance: Being on the front lines of battle, I witness 1st hand the importance of continuing in the face of adversity.
  • Purpose: Knowing why you are there and acting on that purpose daily.
  • Passionate: About doing things right the first time when working a job.
  • Proximity- The military has taught me about being prepared and ready when its time.

Virgil also discussed how he used the benefits and knowledge of the five P’s(P5)  helped him to pursue future career goals.  Upon leaving the military he has earned two degrees Bachelor Degree in Psychology and a Graduate Degree in Information Technology Cyber Security. His goals are a career in Cyber Security.

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If you want to contact Lonnie Virgil, please contact our office at 214-301-1664 and we will provide Mr. Virgil with the information to contact you.

Your Next Career Destination-“Entrepreneur?” With Guests Vanessa Parker and Katerina Taylor

On the July 30, 2012 edition of Career Advancement Radio, our guests were Vanessa Parker and Katerina Taylor Co-founders of EntrepreneuHER an organization focused on empowering women entrepreneurs. The show’s topic was “Career Destination Entrepreneur.” We looked at factors such as decision making, no ideal is too small, the fear factors, and lifestyle. We concluded with many positive aspects of entrepreneurship to include: You determine your career destiny, creativity, originality, innovation, income potential, flexibility and freedom of choices.

Dr. Marilyn Carroll, Katerina Taylor, Vanessa Parker and Dana Barrett, (producer)

Kathrina Taylor is a Kansas native is a Business Strategy Consultant at Taylor Legacy Group. She has 14 successful years of progressive business and people development experience in the financial industry. Katerina is also owner of Smart Kidz Money Matters and has taught her own uniquely designed financial literacy youth curriculum across metro Atlanta.  She holds a bachelor’s Degree from Texas Wesleyan University in Marketing, and an MBA from Argosy University in Finance.

Katerina serves as Vice Chair for Young Professional Leaders of United Way and as aboard member for the United Way Strategic Marketing Committee. She serves as an inaugural member of the Georgia Piedmont College Finance & Banking advisory board. Katerina has been featured in the MSN Money article “9 Sneaky Tips for Saving More” and an article for the Examiner.com for “Entrepreneurs Seek to Balance the Balance Sheet”.  She was interviewed by the Gaebler an online Entrepreneur publication offering advice to new ntrepreneurs, and she was one of 15 speakers for a three day teleseries on “Raising Cash Savvy Kids” during Financial Literacy month in 2010.

In 2011 Katerina was interviewed by dailymarkets.com to talk about her 2011 financial New Year’s Resolutions. She was also interviewed by author Bill Hettinger for his newly released book Finance Without Fear, and in January 2011 shared her thoughts with American Express Open Forum on how businesses can give back to their communities and the people they
serve. Most recently Katerina was requested to provide feedback on an upcoming book on mentoring slated to be released in late Fall 2012. Katerina contact information is as follows:

Phone: (404)907-0135

Katerina@talyorlegacygroup.com

www.smartkidzmatter.com

Vanessa Parker and Katerina Taylor

Vanessa Parker is a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur”, Vanessa balances family and entrepreneurship with flare and a style all her own.  Garnering the attention of aspiring female business owners, Parker, created PinkBoss, Inc., a one-stop business boutique for women in need of that extra push of support from branding and marketing to website development. Vanessa Parker’s contact information is as follows:

Phone: (888)326-5550

www.thepinkboss.com

www.Entrepreneuher.com

Is $17,000 ++ waiting for you to change your career landscape?” Veterans Upward Bound Program

On the July 23, 2012 edition of Career Advancement Radio, the show’s topic was Educational Opportunities for Veterans “Is $17,000 ++ waiting for you to change your career landscape?”  Our panel of speakers included: Jacquelyn Willis-Walker, Educational Program Specialist Georgia State University, Marvin Hall –Acting Director Veterans Upward
Bound, Georgia and Bill Garvey Academic Advisor, Georgia Upward Bound Program. We discussed the Veterans Upward Bound Program and the most frequently asked questions.
The common theme throughout the discussion was the wonderful program opportunities available for Veterans interested in training and educational opportunities available to enhance their career possibilities in the employment arena. We especially touched on the high demand careers for veterans to choose from.

Dr. Marilyn Carroll, Bill Harvey, Marvin Hall, Jacquelyn Willis-Walker, and seated, Dana Barret, Producer

Throughout the show the panel provided information on Veterans educational benefits including Yellow Ribbon Participants, SOC Colleges and how to find them, Using the Post 9/11 GI Bill, Veterans Upward Bound Program, State Approving Agencies, as well as other important information including the top 10 fastest growing occupations for 2008-2018.
Marvin Hall – Acting Director Veterans Upward Bound Program, Army Veteran, MOS Medical Specialist. BA in Psychology, and presently am working on a Masters in dministration .As a medic I was attached to an infantry unit that stayed in the field. As I was about to exit the military, I was told that all the necessary people that needed to sign off on my paperwork were in the field. I was advised to sign a blank form but told that someone would get in touch with me and inform me of what benefits I was eligible for. Twenty years went by and I am still waiting for someone to call me.  That is why I like my job. This program provides information and assistance about college options. I have nworked for TRIO for a number of years and I am able to provide Veterans with information about getting into college.

Dr. Marilyn Carroll, Bill Harvey, Marvin Hall, Jacquelyn Willis-Walker, and standing Elizabeth Gordon, RadioX Manager

The Veterans Upward Bound program is designed to motivate and assist veterans in the development of academic and other requisite skills necessary for acceptance and success in a program of post-secondary education. The program provides assessment and enhancement of basic skills through counseling, mentoring, tutoring, and academic instruction in the core subject areas. The primary goal of the program is to increase the rate at which participants enroll in and complete postsecondary education programs.

www.gsu.edu/oeo/veterans_upward_bound.html
www.vetsguide.com

 

How to Super Charge Your Career with Sarah Hathorn

On the July 16, 2012 edition of Career Advancement Radio, our guest was Sarah Hathorn the show’s topic was “How to Super Charge Your Career?”  We discussed the importance of
branding, preparation and competing in the new economic environment, the importance of being prepared, flexible, and adaptable to change. Based on the experiences and expertise of both our guest and our host was the importance of finding professional resources to help job seekers and career changers through the maze of change experienced by many. The common theme throughout the discussion was preparation and positivity is the key to success in times of uncertainty and chaos.

Dr. Marilyn Carroll, Dana Barret, Producer, and Guest Sarah Hathorn

Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS is an internationally distinguished executive coach, corporate consultant, professional speaker, and the founding CEO of her own company, Illustra
Consulting. She has been featured in Forbes.com, Money Magazine, Chicago Tribune & The New York Times. In addition, she is a career acceleration and leadership presence expert, Hathorn created the innovative Predictable Promotion System™. The 10-step proprietary process fully prepares leaders for multidimensional mobility, whether they are moving upward or zigzagging their way to greater success through lateral and diagonal promotions. The system also provides recently promoted executives with the performance skills, psychological mindset, and sustainable confidence to guarantee that they thrive and excel.

Sarah Hathorn, AICI CIP, CPBS

Sarah served as a senior level executive for a Fortune 100 company for 25 years, and has more than 30 years of experience mentoring high potentials for rapid career advancement and
extraordinary success. Her tips, insights, and advice on professional presence, career acceleration, and executive leadership development have been featured on Forbes.com, NBC.com, The Huffington Post, and in numerous publications including the New York Times, Chicago Tribune, and Money Magazine. Click on the link for a free gift from Sarah: http://www.illustraconsulting.com

Sarah’s direct contact information is below:

sarah@illustraconsulting.com

678.528.1239 Office; 800.267.3245 Toll Free; 678.482.2967 Fax

Philanthropy, Giving that Gives Back! With Guests Marilyn Jentzen,VP, Thomson Reuters, Gloria Cartwright, UPS, Diana Waters, GACASA

On the July 9, 2012 edition of Career Advancement Radio, the topic of the Impact of Philanthropy on career, community, and personal success was our focus.  We discussed how the use of talent, skills, abilities, and giving help to save lives and change the communities where we live and work while impacting our unique value proposition as community leaders, career positioning, and talent acquisition opportunities.

The topic was based on an article in the July/August 2012 issue of Fast Company Magazine by Ellen McGirt titled, “The League of Extraordinary Women.” The article spoke to
how an unprecedented network of high achieving women from the world’s largest companies, innovative startups, philanthropic organizations, government and the arts have combined forces to change the lives of girls and women everywhere, women such as Alicia Keys, Hilliary Clinton, Pat Mitchell, Melinda Gates and others.

In the Photo, Producer, Dana Barrett, Gloria Cartwright, Diana Waters, Dr.Marilyn Carroll

Our guests (joining by phone from India) included Marilyn Jentzen, Vice President, Operations Center Strategy, Global Growth and Operations Thomson Reuters, (In the Studio) Gloria Cartwright, Corporate Organizational Development, UPS, and Diana Waters, Metro Atlanta CASA Project Manager, Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates,(GACASA ). Shared with our audience how they have teamed up with organization’s such as United Way, Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates and others to help change the impact of education, family, women and children in their communities.

In the photo, Diana Waters, Gloria Cartwright, and Arnita McCoy Dhaamin(Dr. Carroll’s Assistant)

The following information further details some of the organizations discussed during the show and a  list of upcoming events.

Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, Inc. (Georgia CASA) is a nonprofit organization which establishes and supports affiliate programs across the state that recruit, screen, train, and supervise CASA volunteers. Georgia CASA is committed to maintaining a network of well-administered, affiliate programs that operate independently
with mutual accountability, resulting in the highest level of advocacy for all of Georgia’s deprived children. Currently, 47 CASA programs exist in Georgia that are affiliates of Georgia CASA and members of the National CASA Association.

http://gacasa.org/

http://metrocasa.org/page183842.aspx

Email
or contact Diana Waters (dwaters@gacasa.org 404.874.2888)

Metro Atlanta CASA 5K Superhero Run (11/10/12)

Metro Atlanta United Way Women’s Leadership Council (WLC)

The mission of Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) is to mobilize women to become powerful philanthropists through advocacy, leadership and philanthropy.

  • July 25, 2012 9:00am-11:00am Cherokee County: Babies Born Healthy Baby Shower Brunch
  • December 6, 2012 Coffee and Community
  • Legacy  Awards August 25 at Marriott Gwinnett Place (11:00 – 1:00)
  • Women  and Philanthropy: Leading a Life of Purpose, October 4, 2012 6:30 – 8:30  at Georgia Public Broadcasting

WLC is comprised of more than 3,400 women whose leadership contributions to United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta totaled over $4,925,943.

http://www.unitedwayatlanta.org/womensleadershipcouncil.html

khearn@unitedwayatlanta.org

 

“Can Women Have it All?” Guest Karen Hilton, TRX, Inc. VP HR Services

Monday, June 25, 2012

On the June 25, 2012 edition of Career Advancement Radio, the topic of Women in Careers was our focus.  We examined the topic of whether or not it is possible to make it to the executive suite while simultaneously and successfully maintaining the roles of spouse, parent, caretaker, employee, leader, etc.. The topic was based on an article in the July/August 2012 issue of Atlantic Magazine by Anne-Marie Slaughter titled, “Why Women Still Can’t Have It All.”

Our guest, Karen R. Hilton, is Vice President, Human Resources for TRX, Inc. She shared her personal as well as professional thoughts on the topic.

Shown here: Guest Karen R. Hilton and Dr. Marilyn Carroll

Karen is responsible for providing global strategic human resources leadership in the U.S., the U.K., Germany and India. She leads with the philosophy that “People Matter”.  She oversees the development and implementation of global human resources, including recruitment, compliance, leadership and employee development, organizational development, benefits, payroll, compensation, employee relations, communications and culture.  TRX, Inc., a world leader in travel technology, has 20 software-as-a-service utilities and helps travel agencies, corporations, government agencies and other institutions maximize savings and efficiency through travel technology applications.

 


When not leading strategic human resources initiatives, Karen enjoys spending time with her family, music and scrapbooking.

Please note that though mentioned in the interview as Director of HR, Karen joined the company in June 2010, was promoted to Senior Director of HR in Feb 2011 reporting to Shane Hammond, President and CEO, and was then promoted in Feb of this year into her current role as Vice President of HR.