MTMG's #ConnectToWork

MTMG

We know firsthand that a resume can't capture a person's full potential. Drawing from our own experiences with career transitions, we're creating a free platform where talented professionals can share their authentic stories through our podcast infrastructure. By connecting these conversations with our network of recruiters and executives, we're helping bridge the gap between great people and great opportunities. It's our way of strengthening our community, one story at a time.

  1. 10. FEB.

    MTMG's ConnectToWork with Eli Shuster: Building Human-Centered Federal Solutions

    In this episode of MTMG’s ConnectToWork, Eli Shuster sharesinsights from more than two decades designing and leading complex federal solutions. He explains why technical excellence alone is never enough—and how understanding the human dimension is critical to winning and delivering atscale. Eli discusses leadership under pressure, trust-driven collaboration, and how emerging technologies like AI must be paired with governance and empathy. This conversation highlights what it truly takes to build solutions that perform, endure, and earn stakeholder confidence. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡 Why the “human solution” matters as much as the technical architecture in federal programs🎯How trust, calm leadership, and collaboration drive winning outcomes at scale✅How AI and automation can enhance—notreplace—human expertise when applied responsibly Key Quotes: 🎤 “Being technically right isn’t often enough—there’s always a human factor that has to be addressed.”🎤“It takes a team to win, and sometimes the best solution is a combination of everyone’s ideas.”🎤“AI isn’t here to replace your job—it’s here to make you more efficient if we use it correctly.” Meet The Interviewee: Eli Shuster is a federal solutions architecture leader withover 22 years of experience translating complex mission requirements into executable, compliant, and cost-realistic technical approaches. He has led multi-billion-dollar federal simulation bids, enterprise modernization strategies, and high-stakes delivery efforts across commercial, federal, andinternational environments. Known for his calm presence, collaborative leadership style, and ability to bridge technical and human needs, Eli consistently builds trust with teams and stakeholders alike. Preferred Next Role:Eli is interested in senior federal solutions architecture or chief architect leadership roles where he can guide complex, mission-critical programs, mentor teams, and shape platform-centric, experience-first solutions. Books, Music, or Podcasts Referenced:The Five Dysfunctions of a Team and leadership lessons inspired by Theodore Roosevelt. How to Connect 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eli-shuster📧Email: etshuster@gmail.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories toinspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share ✔️ Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    16 Min.
  2. 16.11.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork w/ Bridget Griffith – Driving Field Marketing Goals Through Vision, Synergy, and Strategy

    Senior marketing leader Bridget Griffith shares howadvocating for her team became a defining leadership lesson and why the words “innovative, authentic, positivity” consistently describe her approach. She explains how field marketing is evolving into a strategic growth engine—movingtoward hyper-local personalization, tighter digital integration, and pipeline-level ROI—while never losing the human connection that in-person experiences create. Bridget also discusses how passion projects like travel planning and community fundraisers sharpen the same muscles she uses at work: resourcefulness, detail management, and empathetic leadership. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡 How advocating for your team improves morale and outcomes. ✅Where field marketing is headed: hyper-local, digital-integrated, and ROI-tied.🎯Why passion projects outside work build resilience, creativity, and empathy on the job. Key Quotes: 🎤 “My job as a leader is to shine the spotlight on my team, not myself.” 🎤“Innovative, authentic, positivity.” 🎤“Field marketing is evolving from event execution to a strategic growth engine.” Meet The Interviewee: Bridget Griffith is a senior field marketing and marketingoperations leader with 20+ years across education, healthcare, and hospitality, including executive-level leadership at Bright Horizons overseeing global teamsand initiatives that grew brand awareness and improved lead quality. She’s consulted for education and travel organizations, delivering measurable winssuch as a 20% CPA reduction and 44% pipeline growth. Preferred Next RoleA leadership position that blends team-building, cross-functional collaboration, and field marketing strategy—leveraging her experience and terminal degree to drive growth and culture. Referenced ResourcesDare to Lead by Brené Brown. How to Connect 🔗 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/bridget-griffith 📧Email: griffithfam5@msn.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories toinspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share ✔️ Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    11 Min.
  3. 06.08.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with David Mack – Scaling Human-Centered Web Experiences with React and Front-End Innovation Guest

    In this candid conversation, veteran front‑end developerDavid Mack walks us through the pivotal moments that shaped his 16‑year career at Amwell—from abandoning Flash to spearheading React‑based ecosystems that scaled during telehealth’s biggest surge. He reflects on the power ofadaptability, the importance of accessibility, and how hobbyist microcontroller projects keep his problem‑solving sharp. Listeners will come away with tactical insights on staying relevant, building for users, and thriving through rapid industry change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡 Adapting your tech stack before disruption hits✅Creating scalable, accessible React ecosystems that empower teams🎯Turning hobbyist electronics into professional critical‑thinking skills Key Quotes: 🎤 "You gotta pay attention to industry standards."🎤"I make sure that the project isn't just done—it's done right, it's done well."🎤"Developers who survive will combine deep technical experience with adaptability." Meet The Interviewee: David Mack is a seasoned front‑end developer and creativetechnologist who spent more than 16 years shaping accessible, user‑centered digital experiences at Amwell. He built React‑powered CMS tools, led WCAG‑alignedaccessibility initiatives, and guided scaling efforts that supported a 300 % surge in provider demandduring COVID‑19 and Amwell’s IPO. Preferred Next Role: David is seeking a senior front‑endposition with a strong React focus where he can collaborate with cross‑functional teams to build performant, accessible interfaces that put users first. Referenced Resources: 10% Happier by Dan Harris How to Connect 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidjmack2008📧 Email: david@mackstudiopro.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories toinspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story. ✔️ Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️ Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them!   Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share ✔️ Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️ Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️ Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    9 Min.
  4. 27.07.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with Kathleen LaRocque: Scaling SaaS & IoT Platforms Through Visionary Product Leadership

    Former KORE Wireless VP of Product Management KathleenLaRocque has led multi-million-dollar SaaS and IoT launches, migrated 25 million-plus subscribers onto a new platform in under 90 days, and steered revenue-driving product lines across global markets. In this conversation she shares how curiosity, data-driven decision-making, and unflappable calm power her approach to building products that delight customers and scale fast. You’ll also hear how painting fuels her creativity, why “exciting detours” beat roadblocks,and where AI is taking product management next. What You’ll Learn in This Episode 💡 Turning “obstacles” into innovation accelerators✅Building data foundations that make AI truly useful🎯Staying poised under pressure—and why it wins executive trust Key Quotes 🎤 “Obstacles are really just exciting detours.”🎤“Remaining calm in challenging situations is absolutely important.”🎤“The foundation of that future is, in fact, the data.” Meet The Interviewee Kathleen LaRocque is a seasoned product executive who’staken products from idea to global scale across SaaS, IoT, and telecom. Her leadership style blends hands-on technical fluency with a passion for cross-functional collaboration and customer-centric innovation. Preferred Next Role: A product-leadership post in agrowth-focused organization—SaaS, AI, FinTech, or other emerging-tech—where innovation and inclusive culture thrive. Books & Media Referenced: Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey, Bits and Pieces by Whoopi Goldberg, Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell. How to Connect 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kathleenlarocque📧Email: kmlarocque14@gmail.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories toinspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share ✔️ Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    23 Min.
  5. 27.07.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with Colleen Faria: Strategic Talent Acquisition Across GovCon, Tech, and Aerospace

    In this episode, Colleen Faria shares her journey fromrecruiting assistant to senior talent acquisition leader for mission-critical contracts in defense, tech, and humanitarian sectors. With over 14 years of experience, she discusses building cleared pipelines, launching her own consultancy, and the future of recruitment in an AI-enhanced world. Colleen also opens up about personal growth, mentorship, and staying resilient through professional transitions. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:💡How creative sourcing and compliance coexist in high-stakes recruiting✅Why networking matters before you need it🎯The mindset shift needed to thrive in the evolving AI recruiting landscape Key Quotes:🎤"I love recruiting and I plan to do that for the rest of my career."🎤"You have to hone your skills both while employed and while in transition."🎤"AI won't replace recruiters—it will elevate what we do." Meet The Interviewee:Colleen Faria is a strategic talent acquisition specialist with a track record of sourcing top-tier talent across aerospace, government contracting, and tech. She's led recruitment efforts for organizations like The Providencia Group, Blue Origin, and Leonardo DRS, managing everything from DHS contracts to lunar landing programs. Preferred Next Role:Colleen is seeking a remote leadership or senior-level recruiting role focused on building agile, people-first teams in technology, government contracting, or aerospace. She’s also open to consulting opportunities via her business, TalentStack LLC. Referenced Media:Podcast: The Diary of a CEO How to Connect🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/colleen-faria/📧Email: colleenefaria@yahoo.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward MissionWith ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories to inspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share✔️Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    7 Min.
  6. 14.07.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with Marc Hubbard – Driving Revenue Through Servant Leadership and Global Sales Strategy

    From American-football pitches in Europe to C-suites onthree continents, Marc Hubbard has spent 20 years turning data-driven insights into record-breaking revenue. In this conversation he reveals why failures taught him more than wins, how servant leadership scaled his teams, and why AIis reshaping retail analytics faster than most brands realize. Listeners will hear practical tips on coaching, customer-centric selling, and balancing family, fitness, and high-growth targets. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:💡How to “make your own luck” by pairing hard work with customer empathy✅A simple framework (Why / Why Now / Paper Process) that accelerates enterprise deals🎯Ways AI and digital-shelf pressure are rewriting the rules for retail and CPG revenue Key Quotes:🎤“I’ve learned more from the failures than the successes.” 🎤“You kind of make your own luck in sales—the harder you work, the more it pays off.” 🎤“It’s not about you; it’s about what you’re going to do for the customer.” Meet the Interviewee:Marc Hubbard is an accomplished sales executive who has led high-performing teams at Vizit, PriceSpider, Stackline, Lucid, Advantage Group International, and more, consistently beating multimillion-dollar targets and winning“Salesperson of the Year” twice. He combines a data-first mindset with servant leadership, international experience, and a passion for coaching the next generation of sellers. Preferred Next RoleMarc is seeking a leadership position in sales or account management—ideally VP, CRO, or GM—where he can manage a team serving global brands and retailersin SaaS or data-driven environments. Books, Music & Podcasts ReferencedTerry Pratchett novels, The Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, MEDDIC / MEDDPICC, and The Challenger Sale for sales methodology inspiration. How to Connect🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marc-hubbardLinkedIn📧Email: Not publicly shared at guest’s request; please connect via LinkedIn. MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward MissionWith ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories to inspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share✔️Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    8 Min.
  7. 09.07.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with Thomas Forkan: How Empathy, Resilience, and Strategy Transform IT Leadership in Public and Private Sectors

    In this episode, seasoned IT leader Thomas Forkan sharespivotal moments from a 15+ year career modernizing infrastructure across government and retail. Tom opens up about leading during crisis, the power of servant leadership, and learning empathy through personal growth. Listenerswill gain actionable lessons on decision-making under pressure, the importance of compassionate management, and how to translate technology investments into tangible business value. This episode is packed with practical wisdom for IT professionals and leaders seeking to drive meaningful change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡 How to make tough decisions and lead through IT crises✅Why empathy and servant leadership create stronger teams🎯Strategies for aligning IT modernization with real business outcomes Key Quotes: 🎤 "In the breach, I’ve got to make command decisions. I’ve got to be the voice in the group of how best to secure us."🎤 "The moment I learned true empathy was becoming a grandfather. I try to coach my team—your family comes first."🎤 "Let’s not chase the shiny toy—use cloud and AI because it’s right for the business, not just because it’s new." Meet The Interviewee About Thomas Forkan:Thomas Forkan is a strategic IT leader with over 15 years of experience driving transformation across both public and private sectors. With a track record of delivering measurable results—including $1.2M+ in cost savings and modernization initiatives for leading retailers—Tom excels in cloud migrations, disaster recovery, and building high-performing teams. Preferred Next Role:Thomas is seeking a senior IT leadership position (remote or in Tampa Bay) where he can lead transformative change, modernize infrastructure, and drive business impact. Referenced Books, Music, or Podcasts:Book: “Leading Geeks” (2003) – a management classic on praise mechanisms and leading technical teams. How to Connect 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-forkan/📧 Email: forkantomm@gmail.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories toinspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear your story.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share ✔️ Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️ Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️ Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    22 Min.
  8. 17.06.2025

    MTMG’s ConnectToWork with Marc Thaler – Building Global Campaigns, Culture, and Clarity in B2B Marketing

    Episode Synopsis: In this episode of MTMG's ConnectToWork, Marc Thaler shares his journey from journalist to global marketing leader. Marc reflects on the evolving job market, the value of staying grounded, and the power of leading with empathy. Listeners will gaininsights on how to stay focused during career transitions, lead high-performing creative teams, and build scalable systems that drive consistent communication.His lessons from running, mentorship, and writing reinforce the importance of controlling what you can control and showing up with purpose. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 💡How to lead creative teams with clarity and connection✅Why mindset matters more than skillset during career transitions🎯Using marketing systems to deliver global impact Key Quotes: 🎤 "Control what I can control: attitude, effort, and focus." 🎤 "If you don't have time to do it right, when will you have time to do it over?" 🎤 "Running is my reset. It's how I stay the best version of myself for others." Meet The Interviewee: Marc Thaler is a B2B marketing leader and former journalist with over a decade of experience in content strategy, editorial management, and global campaign leadership. He has directed content initiatives for major clients like Microsoft and IBM and built distributed creative teams across three continents. Marc is known as a "culture carrier," leading with empathy, structure, and purpose. Preferred Next Role:Marc is seeking a senior content or marketing leadership position focused on shaping editorial strategies, elevating team performance, and ensuring consistent, measurable impact across all communications. Books, Music, or Podcasts Referenced:"The Let Them Theory" by Mel Robbins"Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom How to Connect🔗LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcthaler/📧Email: marc.thaler@gmail.com MTMG’s Pay-It-Forward Mission With ConnectToWork, we amplify real career stories to inspire and connect professionals. If you or someone you know is navigating a career transition, we’d love to hear yourstory.✔️Want to be featured? Contact us at ConnectToWork@mtmg.eu✔️Know someone who could benefit from this episode? Share it with them! Let’s build a stronger professional community together. Subscribe & Share✔️Follow & Subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.✔️Leave a Review to help others find the show.✔️Share This Episode with colleagues & friends.

    16 Min.

Info

We know firsthand that a resume can't capture a person's full potential. Drawing from our own experiences with career transitions, we're creating a free platform where talented professionals can share their authentic stories through our podcast infrastructure. By connecting these conversations with our network of recruiters and executives, we're helping bridge the gap between great people and great opportunities. It's our way of strengthening our community, one story at a time.