The Generalist Advantage

Julie Lavergne
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THE FUTURE BELONGS TO GENERALISTS What exactly does that mean? Join Julie Lavergne as she dissects the unique skills, mindset, and the edge that Generalists have on navigating complex problems. If picking a single lane feels uncomfortable, if your light needs to shine brighter, or even be seen, this show is for you.

  1. E46: From $300K to $5M: Scaling a Nonprofit Like a Startup with Allan Reesor-McDowell.

    13 H FA

    E46: From $300K to $5M: Scaling a Nonprofit Like a Startup with Allan Reesor-McDowell.

    Why Listen: You want to lead like a founder—even if you’re not in tech.  Episode Description:   What does it really take to lead a small, mission-driven organization through massive growth? In this conversation, we speak with Allan Reesor-McDowell, Executive Director at the John Howard Society of Ottawa, about his earlier experience rapidly scaling Matthew House Ottawa from a tiny charity into a multi-million-dollar, multi-program organization. Allan shares how embracing his generalist mindset, rather than chasing expertise, helped him prioritize, pivot, and make smart decisions that enabled sustainable growth. For anyone navigating leadership in uncertain times, especially within nonprofits or systems under pressure, this episode explores how broad thinking, strategic listening, and confident humility can be powerful levers for change.   Key Highlights:   Being Agnostic: Why being agnostic to tools and approaches allowed Allan to adapt quickly and lead effectively through organizational change.  Smart Growth: How Allan helped scale Matthew House Ottawa from 3 to 55 staff and $300K to $5M in budget, using agile planning and resourceful outsourcing.  Decision-Making: The importance of reversible decisions, risk management, and knowing when to pause versus push forward.  Outsourcing Strategy: How fractional expertise (e.g., HR, finance) enabled big capabilities on a small budget.  Confidence with Humility: Balancing imposter syndrome with clarity on the value of broad-based competence, and leading without needing to be the expert.   About Allan Reesor-McDowell:  Allan grew up in Canada but work, studies and travel led him for many years to the US, Haiti, and England as well as to more than 60 countries throughout Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Latin America. Allan has served in leadership and governance roles in politics and nonprofits, including serving on the boards of the Social Housing Registry of Ottawa, The Alliance to End Homelessness Ottawa, the Canadian Council for Refugees and currently sits on the board for the Ottawa Community Foundation.  Allan currently serves as Executive Director of John Howard Society of Ottawa. He holds an MSc in Development Studies from SOAS, University of London and was a recipient of the Forty Under 40 award in 2021.   Find Allan Here LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/reesormcdowell/  Website:  Welcome - John Howard Society of Ottawa  Other links:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/john-howard-society-ottawa/   Find Us  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/     Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    39 min
  2. E45: The Org Chart Is Dying: What Comes Next with Joseph Logan.

    24 SET

    E45: The Org Chart Is Dying: What Comes Next with Joseph Logan.

    Why Listen: You’re tired of permission-based culture and curious about systems built on trust and autonomy. Description:   Is the traditional org chart on its last legs? In this provocative conversation, organizational futurist Joseph Logan challenges the foundations of how we've structured work for the last 150 years. Drawing on his journey from a senior pharma executive to partner at Jumpsuit, Joseph explains why centralized, hierarchical models no longer serve today’s complexity—and how distributed intelligence, autonomous teams, and bossless organizations offer a viable path forward. We explore the historical roots of the org chart, the forces accelerating its decline (think AI, hybrid work, and portfolio careers), and what a post-org chart operating system might look like. This episode offers a powerful lens for generalists and leaders ready to work with, not against, the future.   Key Highlights:   The Death of the Org Chart: Why the 150-year-old model of organizational hierarchy is breaking under the weight of AI, hybrid work, and portfolio careers.  From Control to Consent: How permission-based systems are giving way to decentralized, consent-based collaboration.  Bossless Doesn’t Mean Leaderless: The distinction between removing gatekeepers and cultivating distributed leadership.  The Emergent OS: A new organizational “operating system” that leverages decentralization, diversity, and real-time feedback loops.  Generalists Rising: Why generalists are well-positioned to thrive in the shift away from rigid roles toward adaptive, principle-driven work.   About Joseph:  Joseph Logan, partner with Jumpsuit, envisions a world without bosses. In his working creating the conditions for vibrant, adaptive organizations with activated communities at Jumpsuit, the team lives what it believes. Joseph coaches leaders who are leaning into the future of adaptive, responsive work in a new, post-mechanistic age.   Find Joseph Here  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephlogan/  Website: https://www.jumpsuitagency.com/  Other links: Jumpsuit Patreon (posts to livestreams, etc.) https://www.patreon.com/c/Jumpsuiters/posts   Find Julie Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/    Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    46 min
  3. E44: Andrew Waitman on the Power of Generalists: Lessons from Scaling a $100M SaaS Company.

    11 SET

    E44: Andrew Waitman on the Power of Generalists: Lessons from Scaling a $100M SaaS Company.

    Why Listen:  If you’re in growth mode and want to learn from a generalist who’s DONE it. Description:  In this special two-hour conversation, Andrew Waitman—former CEO of Assent, Order of Ottawa inductee, and one of Canada’s most respected business leaders—reflects on his decade transforming a 25-person startup into a $100M ARR global SaaS powerhouse. Speaking candidly about his journey from engineer to venture capitalist to CEO, Andrew shares how being a generalist shaped his leadership, decision-making, and foresight in an era of rapid technological disruption. From balancing specialists with generalists, to navigating AI adoption, to building cohesive cultures that scale, Andrew offers hard-earned lessons on leadership, resilience, and the art of seeing patterns before others. This episode is both a masterclass in business growth and a deeply personal exploration of adaptability, humility, and the mindset required to thrive in uncertain times.  Key Highlights:   Generalist mindset: How Andrew leveraged curiosity and adaptability across industries to become a successful leader and investor. Leadership as orchestration: Why CEOs act as conductors, aligning specialists into cohesive strategies that create lasting impact. Resilience and risk: Lessons on financing, decision-making, and managing trade-offs in fast-growing businesses. Foresight in disruption: How generalists anticipate trends in AI, regulation, and global markets before they become mainstream. Culture and cohesion: Why team cohesion is the “magic ingredient” that determines whether companies scale or stall.  About Andrew: Andrew Waitman is the Executive Chairman and former CEO of Assent, where he transformed a 25-person startup into a global SaaS leader with more than $100M in annual recurring revenue and unicorn valuation. Recognized as 2024 CEO of the Year and inducted into the Order of Ottawa, Andrew is widely regarded as one of Canada’s most respected technology executives. His leadership at Assent not only drove exponential growth but also positioned the company as a trusted partner for organizations navigating complex supply chain sustainability and compliance challenges.  Before Assent, Andrew served as CEO of Pythian, where he drove rapid international expansion and established the company as a leader in data and analytics services. He also held senior leadership roles at Celtic House Venture Partners and Entrust, contributing to IPOs, global growth strategies, and portfolio success stories. In addition, Andrew has served on multiple boards helping to shape Canada’s innovation economy. Across these roles, he has consistently demonstrated foresight, execution, and the ability to scale organizations through disruption while building strong, cohesive teams.  Find Andrew Here  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrewwaitman/ Website:  https://www.assent.com/

    1 h 47 min
  4. E43: What Do You Really Want? The Generalist’s Guide to Redesigning Work with Anna Lundberg.

    3 SET

    E43: What Do You Really Want? The Generalist’s Guide to Redesigning Work with Anna Lundberg.

    Why Listen: You’ve outgrown the career script you were handed—and you’re ready to write your own. Description:What if success wasn’t something you climbed toward—but something you defined for yourself? In this candid conversation, Anna Lundberg shares how she walked away from a high-prestige corporate role to build a career shaped by freedom, flexibility, and values-alignment.  Founder of One Step Outside, Anna now helps others do the same—especially those who’ve outgrown linear paths and want more than a title or a ladder. Together, we explore how generalists are uniquely wired to design portfolio careers, navigate reinvention, and step outside the scripts that no longer fit.  If you’re craving space to ask what you really want from work and life, this episode opens the door.  Key Highlights:   Redefining Success: How to move beyond prestige, performance, and external markers to define success for yourself. From Corporate to Coaching: Anna’s journey from brand strategist to helping others design flexible, values-driven careers. The Myth of Linear Progress: Why career changes often feel like steps “backward” and how to reframe them. Portfolio Careers: Embracing variety, autonomy, and multiple income streams as a strength — not a fallback.  About Anna:  Anna Lundberg is the founder of One Step Outside®, where she helps experienced professionals and business owners reimagine what success really looks like - beyond the conventional 9 to 5.  A former Procter & Gamble marketing executive, Anna left corporate life in 2013 and has since built a body of work dedicated to helping others design more fulfilling, flexible, and sustainable careers. She’s the author of Outside of the 9 to 5, host of the Reimagining Success® podcast, and creator of the Business Accelerator for solopreneurs.  Her work is grounded in the belief that success isn’t truly success if it comes at the cost of your health, identity, or family life - and that there’s a more human, more intentional way to build a business, lead a team, or navigate a career transition.   Find Anna Here  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaselundberg/  Website: https://onestepoutside.com/  Other links: https://annaselundberg.com/   Find Julie  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/     Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    41 min
  5. E42: Navy SEALs for Business with Casey Woo.

    27 AGO

    E42: Navy SEALs for Business with Casey Woo.

    Why Listen: You’ve met people who just “get it done”—this episode explains who they are and why they matter. Description: What if generalists weren’t just versatile professionals—but a distinct breed of business operator, like Navy SEALs for the corporate world? In this high-energy conversation, Casey Woo—high-growth CFO, CEO, and founder of the Operators Guild—shares his unique framework for understanding generalists as “scalers”: multidimensional, mission-driven individuals built for complexity, speed, and constant change.  Drawing on military analogies, deep operational insight, and his upcoming book, Casey offers a language and lens for generalists who’ve long struggled to define their value. Whether you’re a shapeshifter trying to find your place or a leader trying to spot hidden talent, this episode gives powerful clarity to an often-misunderstood role.  Key Highlights:    Scalers: Why generalists are best understood as “scalers” who thrive in speed, ambiguity, and early-stage environments. Corporate Breed Theory: Casey’s idea that generalists aren’t trained—they’re born, like dogs of a particular breed. The Artist Analogy: Why generalists are business artists—creative, multidimensional, and mission-driven. Just-Enough Mastery: How generalists operate like Navy SEAL medics—deep enough to be dangerous, but designed for adaptability, not specialization. The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing Strategy: Why generalists often need to "play the role" of a traditional title (like CFO) to get in the door—then transform the system from within.  About Casey:  Casey Woo is a seasoned public market investor turned high-growth technology COO/CFO, with over two decades of experience guiding companies through the complexities of scaling. Having served as a 6x CFO and 2x COO, Casey has led businesses across various industries and stages, from early-stage startups to pre-IPO powerhouses. His expertise spans software, hardware, marketplaces, eCommerce, and more, with a proven track record in driving strategic growth, optimizing operations, and securing successful exits.   As a leader, Casey is deeply committed to building and scaling companies that grow fast and smart. His strategic approach focuses on aligning vision with execution, ensuring that every initiative is prioritized for maximum impact. Beyond his executive roles, Casey is co-founder and CEO of the Operators Guild, a community of 1000+ top operators, where he shares his insights and mentors the next generation of business leaders.   Casey’s passion for strategic planning and performance management has made him a sought-after advisor and investor, helping startups navigate the challenges of hyper-growth with precision and confidence. Find Casey Here  LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/caseywoo/  Website:  https://www.operators-guild.com/  Other links: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-operators-guild/  Find Us  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/    Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    47 min
  6. E41: The Future of Hiring in Canada: Why Skills Matter More Than Credentials with Stepan Arman.

    21 AGO

    E41: The Future of Hiring in Canada: Why Skills Matter More Than Credentials with Stepan Arman.

    Why Listen:  If you’re navigating AI and automation in recruitment, this conversation helps you cut through the hype and focus on skills-based assessment—so you can hire smarter, faster, and fairer.   Description:   I sit down with a senior director at Indeed to unpack the promise—and the practicalities—of skills-first hiring in today’s Canadian labour market. We cover what’s broken about degree and tenure “gatekeeping,” how HR and hiring managers can align around measurable competencies, and where AI can actually de-risk evaluation instead of adding noise. Along the way, we talk tenure gains when degree screens are dropped, why learning & development is a top decision driver for applicants, and how generalists can finally be seen for transferable strengths. If you care about better matches, fairer access, and making hiring simpler and smarter, this one’s for you.   Key Highlights:   Skills-first hiring: Hire for demonstrable capability, not proxies like degrees or minimum years.   Market context: Unemployment is up; openings are down—prime time to widen talent pools and revisit screens.   Data points: 78% of job seekers weigh L&D heavily; ~32% report barriers from degree/years requirements; dropping degree screens has been linked to ~20% longer tenure.   AI in TA: Only ~27% of Canadian employers use AI in hiring; used well, it can standardize and scale skill assessment.   HR & hiring managers: Define “what good looks like,” agree on risk tolerance (e.g., the “70/30 fit”), and test for competencies early.     About Stepan:  As a Senior Director at Indeed, Stepan Arman is at the forefront of bringing the company's vision and strategy to life. His experience managing teams that work directly with both job seekers and employers gives him a unique and insightful perspective into the world of work. With a decade of leadership in human resources, spanning everything from small businesses to global organizations, Stepan has developed a deep understanding of the challenges facing both sides of the workforce. He has a proven track record of partnering with countless companies to solve their most complex problems, whether it's developing workforce strategies, strengthening culture, or enriching the employee experience    Find Stepan Here  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stepanarman/  Website: indeed.ca  Find Us  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/     Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    49 min
  7. E40: Owning Your Value Without Credentials: A Generalist’s Guide to Confidence and Connection with Lynn Ladd.

    12 AGO

    E40: Owning Your Value Without Credentials: A Generalist’s Guide to Confidence and Connection with Lynn Ladd.

    Why Listen: For anyone feeling pressured to “prove” themselves: Hear how to embrace your generalist strengths and connect meaningfully in any room. Episode Description: We explore how impostor syndrome shows up for generalists and what it takes to move past it—without losing the curiosity and humility that make generalists thrive. Lynn Ladd, Chief of Staff at OTUS Group and an active leader in the nonprofit sector, shares her journey from feeling “the person in the background” to being recognized as “the connector” in Ottawa’s nonprofit space. She offers practical networking strategies, advice for finding your professional “blue jeans” fit, and a reminder that invisible work can be the glue holding organizations together. Whether you’re navigating career transitions, seeking to build more authentic connections, or learning to own your value without the traditional credentials, this episode is packed with real-world wisdom.  Key Highlights: Impostor Syndrome: How lacking “fancy credentials” can impact confidence—and ways to counter it. Networking Skills: Why asking the right questions can spark meaningful connections. Finding Your Fit: Recognizing when an organization truly values your generalist strengths. Overcoming Self-Doubt: Building trust in your value through action and coaching. Invisible Work: Embracing and owning the behind-the-scenes contributions that make a difference.  About Lynn:  Lynn Ladd is Chief of Staff at OTUS Group, where she leads business growth and operations while helping clients—especially purpose-driven organizations—navigate finance and governance with confidence. A lifelong resident of Ottawa with a degree in Economics from the University of Ottawa, Lynn’s career spans leadership roles in retail, financial management, and the nonprofit sector, including her time at the Ottawa Board of Trade.    She’s is an active volunteer, serving on the board of KLEO and Kiwanis Air Cadet Squadron. She has recently been appointed to the Board of Planned Parenthood Ottawa, and the CDH2 Foundation of Canada.   When not working or giving back, she enjoys life with her husband, their Lab, two rescue cats, and regular visits with their grown kids in Calgary and Halifax.   Find Lynn Here:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lynnladd/  Website: https://nonprofitcfo.ca/   Find Us: Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/     Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    33 min
  8. E39: Breaking Social Norms with Samantha Stilwell.

    31 LUG

    E39: Breaking Social Norms with Samantha Stilwell.

    Why Listen: You’re craving work that aligns with your values. Episode Description:  Samantha Stilwell is a cultural anthropologist, consultant, flight attendant, and community builder—sometimes all at once. In this wide-ranging conversation, she opens up about discovering the concept of a “portfolio career” and how it validated the winding, multi-threaded path she’s chosen. We explore what it means to live intentionally without conforming to social norms, how to choose projects that align with a deeper mission, and why success doesn’t always look like scale. Whether she's decoding workplace dynamics in Kenya, building community with women founders, or flying across northern Quebec, Samantha shares how generalists can find purpose by following their own internal compass.  Key Highlights:   Portfolio Career: Samantha shares her discovery of the term and how it reframed her diverse experiences with intention and pride. Redefining Success: She describes how success has shifted from titles and outcomes to living fully and building human connection. Breaking Social Norms: From wedding planning to work structure, Samantha challenges expectations in favor of alignment and sustainability. Slow-Build Projects: She explains how to embrace longer timelines and lower visibility in order to maintain high quality and joy. Power of Small Moments: The episode emphasizes that micro-interactions, not just grand milestones, are where generalists often shine.  About Samantha:  Samantha Stilwell  is a cultural anthropologist by profession—meaning she’s a story-listener and a story-sharer. But the one story she’s still writing is her own career path. Flight attendant, consultant, keynote speaker, community builder, author—Samantha wears many hats (sometimes all at once), but her throughline is always the same: a deep curiosity about people and the cultures we create. Whether she's 35,000 feet in the air or speaking on a global stage, she brings an anthropologist’s lens to everything she does—helping others understand themselves, each other, and the world a little better.    Find Samantha  LinkedIn:  linkedin.com/in/samanthastilwell  Website:  culturedynamiq.com  Other links: incubateHER instagram and the calendar for our events Contribute to her book research,  the website  Find Julie  Connect with Julie on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-lavergne/   Follow the podcast’s LinkedIn page for next Episode release https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/the-generalist-advantage/?viewAsMember=true   Visit our Website https://8ballclarity.com/     Don’t forget to leave a 5* review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts – The more reviews, the bigger the impact.

    38 min
Elenco completo (46)

Descrizione

THE FUTURE BELONGS TO GENERALISTS What exactly does that mean? Join Julie Lavergne as she dissects the unique skills, mindset, and the edge that Generalists have on navigating complex problems. If picking a single lane feels uncomfortable, if your light needs to shine brighter, or even be seen, this show is for you.

Informazioni

  • Creatore
    Julie Lavergne
  • Anni di attività
    2024 - 2025
  • Puntate
    46
  • Classificazione
    Contenuti adatti a tutti
  • Copyright
    © Julie Lavergne
  • Sito web del podcast
    The Generalist Advantage

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