Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter

Adrion Porter | Founder, Mid-Career Mastery
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Gen X Amplified is the premier podcast dedicated to the powerful generation between the boomers and millennials. The podcast features valuable insights and conversations with Gen X leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs including: Jon Fortt, Lindsey Pollak, Tara Jaye Frank, Carmine Gallo, Ada Calhoun, Melissa Proctor, and many others.

  1. 078: L. Michelle Smith on Leadership, the Black Church, and Thriving in Your Magical Middle

    Mar 18

    078: L. Michelle Smith on Leadership, the Black Church, and Thriving in Your Magical Middle

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by bestselling, award-winning author, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and certified global executive coach, L. Michelle Smith. L. Michelle is the founder and CEO of no silos communications and the creator and host of The Culture Soup Podcast®, heard in over 70 countries. She has spent over 25 years helping leaders do the deep, transformational work that moves the needle — making VP before 30 and SVP before 40. She is also the author of the powerful and timely new book "Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church," published by Amistad/HarperCollins in collaboration with JVL Media — the company co-founded by Academy Award and EGOT-winning actress Viola Davis, Julius Tennon, and Lavaille Lavette. In this episode, L. Michelle and I discuss: L. Michelle's remarkable professional journey — from making VP before 30 and SVP before 40, to running her own agency for nearly a decade, to becoming one of the most sought-after leadership strategists and executive coaches in the country The two pivotal moments that sparked the book — including a stunning black-and-white photograph handed to her by her mother on the eve of Thanksgiving, and a question asked after a keynote that garnered 25 million social media impressions The Call & Response Leadership Revival Framework — built on three pillars: history and culture, applied science, and leadership theory — and how those three work together Why this is emphatically NOT a faith-based leadership book — and why that distinction matters deeply The ten leadership lessons spanning three domains — Self, Relationships, and Impact — and how each one is anchored in neuroscience and positive psychology The central tension of the book: can the Black Church still sustain the leadership pipeline it once produced? How the book speaks directly to mid-career professionals navigating what I call the "Magical Middle" — and which leadership lesson they most often overlook And so much more!   L. Michelle's Personal Theme Song "Mama Said Knock You Out" by LL Cool J Resources L. Michelle Smith's Website/Book Hub About L. Michelle Smith L. Michelle Smith is a bestselling, award-winning author, Fortune 100 C-Suite advisor, and certified global executive coach who operates at the apex of science, culture, and heart-centered leadership. She is the founder and CEO of no silos communications llc, a media and consulting company that develops high-performing executive leaders, with a specialty in women and women of color. Positive psychology and neuroscience-informed, and credentialed by the International Coaching Federation, she runs an international coaching and consulting practice where she works with professionals and organizations to create learning and coaching experiences that inspire exceptional lives and leadership. She has more than 25 years as an award-winning strategic communicator, making VP before the age of 30 and SVP before 40. She ran her own agency for nearly a decade, serving clients from Fortune 500 companies across industries. She is the creator, executive producer, and host of The Culture Soup Podcast®, heard in 70+ countries, which debuted at #6 on Apple Podcasts in a business category. Her second show, Her Next Power Move, delivers evidence-based leadership insights on Substack. Her new book, Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church (Amistad/HarperCollins, in collaboration with JVL Media), is already a bestseller — and one of the most important leadership books of the year.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

    45 min
  2. 077: Debra Whitman On Longevity, Purpose, and Thriving in the Second Fifty

    Mar 11

    077: Debra Whitman On Longevity, Purpose, and Thriving in the Second Fifty

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by globally recognized economist, author, and thought leader on aging and public policy, Debra Whitman. Debra serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, where she leads the organization's research, policy analysis, and global advocacy on issues shaping the future of aging. She is also the author of the powerful and timely new book "The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond." In this episode, Debra and I discuss: Debra's remarkable professional journey — from growing up in eastern Washington state to shaping national aging policy on Capitol Hill and leading AARP's world-class research and advocacy enterprise The personal inflection point, including a frightening health scare involving her husband, that inspired her to write The Second Fifty The 7 big questions of midlife and beyond that serve as the foundation of the book — from "How long will I live?" to "How will I die?" The Yale research behind why people with a positive view of aging live 7.5 years longer, and what Gen Xers can do right now to shift their mindset The real cost of internalized ageism and how our own language may be limiting our potential Why purpose is one of the most powerful drivers of healthy longevity — and how to find it no matter where you are in your career The stark disparities in how Americans age — and why telling the whole story of aging matters Why Gen Xers need AARP just as much — if not more — than the generations before us And more!   Debra's Personal Theme Songs "Closer to Fine" by Indigo Girls "Get Up, Stand Up" by Bob Marley "Rise Up" by Andra Day   About Debra Whitman Debra Whitman is one of the nation's foremost voices on aging, longevity, and public policy, and a tireless champion for the millions of Americans navigating the second half of life. As Executive Vice President and Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, Debra leads the organization's Public Policy Institute, a preeminent think tank, along with its global thought leadership team, brain health research division, and Office of Policy Development. Before joining AARP, Debra built a distinguished career shaping aging policy at the highest levels of government. She served as Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, where she helped craft landmark legislation impacting millions of Americans. She also held research positions at the Social Security Administration and the Congressional Research Service, and received a fellowship that placed her on the healthcare staff of Senator Ted Kennedy. Debra holds a PhD in economics from Syracuse University, where she specialized in public policy and aging, with support from the National Institute on Aging. Her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond, brings together decades of research, expert interviews, and deeply personal storytelling to help readers navigate longevity, health, purpose, finances, and legacy with clarity and confidence. Debra is a true change maker, one whose work is not only reshaping how we think about aging, but actively making it easier for all of us to age well in America. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

    34 min
  3. 076: Chauncey Zalkin On Culture, Creativity, and Being a Gen X Woman in Today's World

    10/09/2024

    076: Chauncey Zalkin On Culture, Creativity, and Being a Gen X Woman in Today's World

    On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin. As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today's world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career. In this episode, Chauncey and I unpack: Chauncey's inspirations and motivations for her writing and creativity Why Chauncey decided to launch the Actual People podcast Chauncey's experiences living in New York during the early 2000s and the golden age of hip-hop Why publishing a novel (or two) is her ultimate dream Chauncey's very candid and powerful "Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What's Next As Gen X" episode of her podcast Chauncey's passions for observing culture through a Gen X lens Why Chauncey prefers to work with startups as opposed to larger companies and career pursuits of becoming a CMO And more! Chauncey's Personal Theme Songs "Clean Slate" by M Ward "The Final Countdown" by Europe (Honorable Mention) About Chauncey Chauncey Zalkin is a writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, former multi-agency brand strategist, and most recently VP then SVP of Marketing at tech startups establishing brand architecture, cross-channel, cross-funnel messaging and operationalizing marketing and building processes for success. She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast "Actual People", which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. In this podcast, Chauncey opens up about her own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic. Chauncey got her start observing culture as founder of a pre-blog era blog called Girl on the street, was nominated for a webby and got some press in places like Teen People, Trace magazine, NY Post, Daily News and then went on to join the ad world at the height of cripsin porter + bogusky's success, and went on to work at 2 other agencies over her career. going into advertising, she's not sure that was the right choice. She is a writer first and foremost, former multi-agency brand strategist, owned a brand documentary agency which she loved and did for companies like beyond meat and timex, and then went on to be a senior executive marketer for startups. she's since leaned back into pure content and story for herself and select clients that she feels are meaningful in the context of today's culture and building the future. Her substack is https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/ and her website is www.chaunceyzalkin.com. Actual People can be found wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    1 hr
  4. 075: Ebony Flake on Writing for ESSENCE and Creating a Career Path of Purpose

    10/02/2024

    075: Ebony Flake on Writing for ESSENCE and Creating a Career Path of Purpose

    For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men's print Issue. The story was titled "Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite" and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone. Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn't wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery. In this episode, Ebony and I unpack: Ebony's discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE The various lessons from Ebony's corporate and leadership experience that became valuable throughout her journey Why she is a passionate advocate for the experiences and opportunities of the underrepresented, particularly black women in corporate and entrepreneurship Why Gen X is the generation that is well suited for meaningful leadership in today's ever-changing world of work And more! Ebony's Personal Theme Song "Sweet Life" by Frank Ocean About Ebony Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond. Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries. Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm. Ebony's writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers. Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    48 min
  5. 074: Stephen Bailey On Connecting All Leaders to Their Future Potential Through ExecOnline

    09/25/2024

    074: Stephen Bailey On Connecting All Leaders to Their Future Potential Through ExecOnline

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by Stephen Bailey, Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of ExecOnline, a corporate training company that partners with the world's top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. ExecOnline is on a mission to connect all leaders to their future potential by disrupting and democratizing corporate learning. Some of ExecOnline's Partner schools include Stanford, Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, UVA Darden School of Business, Columbia, Duke, MIT-Sloan, Yale, and others. In this episode, Stephen and I unpack: Stephen's career journey from "recovered lawyer" to startup founder and eventually becoming the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline The "aha moment" from Stephen's experience as the CEO of a previous startup that led to launching ExecOnline Many of the high-impact initiatives the ExecOnline team are currently focusing on Why there is a meaningful difference between mentoring and learning The impact of large language models and generative AI on the learning economy And more! Stephen's Personal Theme Song "Right Above It" (feat. Drake) by Lil Wayne About Stephen Bailey Stephen is the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline, a B2B corporate training company that partners with the world's top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. Its mission is to connect all leaders to their future potential by disprupting and democratizing corporate learning. When Stephen launched ExecOnline, his vision was to combine the engagement of traditional on-campus and role-based applied learning — with the convenience and scale of an online experience—for all levels of leadership. Therefore, creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership pipeline within the world of work. ExecOnline has been named to the Global Silicon Valley EdTech 150, and also recognized as a "Technology Company to Watch" by Forbes. Prior to ExecOnline, Stephen served as the CEO of Frontier Strategy Group (FSG), a software and information services business. He grew FSG from an early-stage start-up to a company that served nearly half the Fortune 500 across a range of international markets and business functions. Prior to his role as CEO, he was FSG's first Chief Product Officer. Before joining FSG, Stephen was an associate in the venture capital and private equity group of WilmerHale. Stephen is also the Board Chair of the Truman Center for National Policy and member of the Board of Prospect Schools, a charter school network in NYC. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Emory University and holds a JD from the Yale Law School. Stephen has been an EdTech pioneer and champion of the "learning economy" ever since he recognized the vast leadership gap many years ago.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    40 min
  6. 073: Daisy Auger-Domínguez On Going From Burnout to Lighting a Path for Leading with More Joy

    09/17/2024

    073: Daisy Auger-Domínguez On Going From Burnout to Lighting a Path for Leading with More Joy

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am speaking with global leader, speaker, workplace strategist Daisy Auger-Domínguez, who is the author of the book "Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People." With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. In this episode, Daisy and I discuss: Daisy's inspirational professional journey to becoming a seasoned executive in media Daisy's own personal experience and motivation that sparked the desire to write Burnt Out to LIt Up. My Mid-Career Mastery LinkedIn newsletter article titled "Why Gen X Women Experience Burnout and What Companies Should Do About It" that spotlighted Daisy and her book The state of the overall burnout epidemic in today's world of work Daisy's key insights on how leaders should approach managing self-care, while also addressing the external systemic dynamics that are the cause of burnout for many professionals How the book is particularly relevant to mid-career and Gen X professionals. And more!   Daisy's Personal Theme Songs "La Vida Es Un Carnaval" by Celia Cruz "Vivir Mi Vida" by Marc Anthony   About Daisy Auger-Domínguez Daisy's career spans across 20 years of shaping the future of work by transforming organizations with purpose and passion. Recently, Daisy served as Chief People Officer at Vice Media, where she led diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact practices for global teams across 25 countries. Previously, Daisy was the Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Viacom, where she led the strategic development and operational execution of talent acquisition across global properties. Before her stint at Viacom, Daisy delivered her DEI magic as an executive at other leading brands including Google, Disney ABC Television Group, Warnermedia, and Moody's Corporation. Daisy thought leadership and perspectives have been published in Harvard Business Review, IDEAS.TED, Hispanic Executive, The New York Times, Forbes, and Adweek. Her professional and civic contributions have also earned recognition by multiple platforms including being named one of the "25 Most Powerful Women" in People en Español. She also received the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award. Daisy is also an advisor to startups and social impact organizations. She serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Brooklyn Children's Museum, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and St. Ann's Warehouse. Daisy is a phenomenal, fabulous, and fearless leader of indomitable impact — who is determined to challenge all of us to elevate "inclusion" exceptionalism. And her undeniable voice will continue to help create the equitable change the world needs — at this moment and beyond.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!   Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    48 min
  7. 072: Ian Schafer On Building Ensemble with Issa Rae and the Impact of AI for Creators

    09/10/2024

    072: Ian Schafer On Building Ensemble with Issa Rae and the Impact of AI for Creators

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, repeat guest and friend of the podcast, for another round of "Gen Xceptional" wisdom and inspiration. Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities. In this episode, Ian and I unpack: Ian's experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble Why Ensemble's mission is focused on creators from underrepresented communities The overall state of the creator economy, especially in the age of AI Why mid-career professionals (i.e, Gen X) can thrive and create value in the creator economy based on their seasoned experience and expertise, coupled with deep knowledge and unique insights. And more! Ian's Personal Theme Song "Electric Relaxation" by A Tribe Called Quest About Ian Schafer Ian is an award-winning global brand, marketing, advertising, and sports & entertainment entrepreneur and executive. He is and currently the Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian is also a strategic advisor to ROCK THE BELLS, the preeminent voice for classic and timeless hip-hop founded in 2018 by LL Cool J. Also, Ian is the co-founder of ON_Discourse, owner of Queensboro FC, and an advisor to Accelerator. Previously, Ian Co-Founder & CEO of Kindred, a membership organization that's on a mission to build a more equitable society by advancing the actions of today's leaders. Prior to launching kindred, Ian was the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of Deep Focus, a transformative advertising agency that eventually he sold to Engine Group in 2015. Before he began his entrepreneurial journey with Deep Focus, Ian worked at Miramax Films as the VP of New Media, where he learned many lessons on the power of content and innovation. Previously, Ian started his career as a Sr. Account Executive at i-Traffic, which was one of the first digital agencies in the world. In 2015, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation's Hall of Achievement, named one of "100 People Who Make Advertising Great" by the 4A's in 2017, and was also named named a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    45 min
  8. 071: Denise Hamilton on Being Indivisible and Why Now is the Time for Gen X to Shine

    09/03/2024

    071: Denise Hamilton on Being Indivisible and Why Now is the Time for Gen X to Shine

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a very special episode featuring an amazing "Gen Xceptional" chat with Denise Hamilton. Denise is a nationally recognized Diversity & Inclusion leader, and is the Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women. She is also the author of the bestselling book "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future" During this episode, Denise and I spent time unpacking her professional story, the timeless gems from her book, and also her passionate call-to-arms for Gen Xers! About Denise Hamilton Denise Hamilton is an author, speaker and consultant who focuses on the people side of change. She is also the author of the bestselling book "Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future." Whether it's remote work, AI or a diversifying workforce, today's leaders need new skills to navigate our rapidly changing world. Denise leverages her 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 organizations like AOL and CBRE to provide solutions that support employees and the bottom line. Clients have said Denise's superpower is the ability to have the most challenging discussions and come out the other side with solutions and a positive direction. She uses this gift to lead workshops, design education programs, and coach senior leaders. The goal is to empower individuals and teams to mine and close the gender gap, understand differences, resolve conflict, and become better allies. Her clients include household names, like Meta, Apple, ExxonMobil, Hines, Amazon, Shell, the United Nations, and the WNBA. Denise has been featured on NPR, Forbes, FOX, Huffington Post, CBS, NBC and on many other outlets. Denise's Personal Theme Song "I'm Every Woman" by Chaka Khan Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

    49 min
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4.9
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About

Gen X Amplified is the premier podcast dedicated to the powerful generation between the boomers and millennials. The podcast features valuable insights and conversations with Gen X leaders, professionals, and entrepreneurs including: Jon Fortt, Lindsey Pollak, Tara Jaye Frank, Carmine Gallo, Ada Calhoun, Melissa Proctor, and many others.

Information

  • Creator
    Adrion Porter | Founder, Mid-Career Mastery
  • Years Active
    2015 - 2026
  • Episodes
    78
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Adrion Porter
  • Show Website
    Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter