Career Leadership Podcast

Donna Serdula & Isaiah Hankel
  • 5.0 (1)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Career Leadership, Get Empowered with Donna and Isaiah is the essential podcast for professionals looking to take control of their careers. Hosted by Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel, this series dives deep into the strategies and insights needed to stay empowered and embrace change in the modern workplace. Our discussions are designed to offer actionable advice for anyone aiming to navigate their professional journey with confidence. From making bold moves and climbing the corporate ladder to finding fulfillment in your current role, we provide the guidance you need to lead your career path towards purpose, passion, and success. Join us to transform your professional life.

  1. Harnessing Career Growth: Leadership, Grit, and Personal Branding Insights with Donna and Isaiah

    11/22/2024

    Harnessing Career Growth: Leadership, Grit, and Personal Branding Insights with Donna and Isaiah

    In this episode of 'Career Leadership,' Donna Serdula and Isaiah delve into the intricate dynamics of career growth and leadership in today's evolving professional landscape. Donna kicks off the conversation with a personal check-in, reflecting on the challenges many of us face during the holiday season, particularly when balancing family and professional responsibilities. Isaiah shares relatable insights about the cyclical nature of dealing with children’s sicknesses during this time, setting a warm and engaging tone for the episode. As the dialogue progresses, they address the perennial issue of work ethic among younger generations entering the workforce. The conversation brings out diverse perspectives on how modern educational systems and societal influences shape youth expectations and readiness for professional environments. They stress the irreplaceable value of hands-on experience, internships, and the sometimes controversial stance on unpaid internships, highlighting how these opportunities can cultivate a robust work ethic and practical skills. Donna and Isaiah explore the tension between the idealism often held by fresh graduates and the pragmatic needs of businesses, especially in an era where AI and automation are transforming job roles. They discuss the importance of adaptability, resilience, and the willingness to tackle menial tasks with a positive attitude. The advice centers on how young professionals can stand out by demonstrating gratitude, eagerness to learn, and a readiness to contribute from day one. The episode also covers leadership strategies that seasoned professionals can employ to mentor and guide new entrants effectively. They share practical tips on building a personal brand, the significance of expressing genuine interest in potential employers, and strategic approaches to networking on platforms like LinkedIn. Towards the end of the conversation, the discussion broadens to the impact of societal values on professional behavior and leadership. Donna and Isaiah reflect on the historical shifts in work perceptions and the constant, timeless value of hard work and dedication. They encourage listeners to seek growth opportunities actively, embrace challenges head-on, and maintain a balance between striving for stability and welcoming the adventure of uncertainty in their careers. For those looking to bolster their leadership skills and career trajectory, this episode is a treasure trove of insights. Donna's conversational style, paired with Isaiah’s candid perspectives, provides a comprehensive guide to navigating and excelling in the professional world. Whether you're a new graduate stepping into your first role or a seasoned leader aiming to inspire your team, the nuggets of wisdom shared in this episode are sure to resonate and inspire actionable change.

    22 min
  2. Mastering Year-End Reflections: Boost Your Career Leadership and Focus

    11/17/2024

    Mastering Year-End Reflections: Boost Your Career Leadership and Focus

    In this insightful episode of 'Career Leadership', hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah engage in a thought-provoking conversation about the challenges and opportunities that come with the end of the year. They start off with reflections on how the close of the year impacts both personal and business budgets, and the importance of strategic thinking as the old year wraps up and the new one begins. Isaiah shares his perspective on the significance of thought energy and focus, and how directing one's energy towards personal and professional growth can make a substantial difference. Donna reflects on past experiences in sales and the importance of planning and budgeting towards year-end, providing listeners with practical advice on making the most out of their remaining budget to set up for a strong start in the new year. A central theme of the discussion revolves around the wisdom found in Ayn Rand's 'The Fountainhead', particularly in relation to the power of control and focus. Isaiah highlights the value of logic and focus in achieving one's goals, while also acknowledging the distractions that can derail us. The conversation delves into the idea of evading reality and how crucial it is to remain grounded and realistic to achieve success. Listeners will also appreciate Donna's insights on the role of productivity in morality. By drawing connections between well-made products and moral goodness, she offers a fresh perspective on personal and professional responsibility. The discussion further explores how staying informed about industry trends, like the impact of AI, is essential for maintaining competitiveness. Towards the end of the episode, both hosts emphasize the importance of balancing consumption and creation on social media, highlighting the moral obligation to produce valuable content that can positively influence others. This episode is a must-listen for professionals seeking to enhance their leadership skills, manage their career strategies effectively, and navigate the complexities of the modern business world with a clear, focused mind. Join Donna and Isaiah as they share powerful lessons on focus, logic, and the essence of moral productivity in a rapidly changing world.

    16 min
  3. Mastering Career Growth: Leadership, Prioritization, and Personal Branding Insights

    11/10/2024

    Mastering Career Growth: Leadership, Prioritization, and Personal Branding Insights

    In this enlightening episode of 'Mastering Career Growth,' hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah delve deep into the intricacies of managing career and personal growth. The conversation kicks off with a warm introduction, setting the stage for a profound discussion on leadership, prioritization, and personal branding. Episode Highlights: 1. Handling Life’s Fires and Priorities Isaiah and Donna discuss the overwhelming nature of life and work, drawing insights from Stephen Covey’s quadrant of urgent vs. important tasks. They explore strategies for navigating through the constant 'fires' and maintaining focus on larger goals. 2. Overcoming Overwhelm and Maintaining Focus Donna shares valuable tips on how to stay calm and focused amidst chaos. Her advice includes practical steps such as exercise, hydration, and acknowledging that it's normal to struggle with balance when life seems like a whirlwind. 3. The Importance of Offloading Tasks In a segment inspired by Michael Michalowicz’s 'Pumpkin Plan,' the hosts emphasize the necessity of offloading non-essential tasks to foster growth and efficiency. Donna highlights the significance of periodically reassessing one’s workload to eliminate tasks that aren't contributing to overall goals. 4. Brain Dumping for Clarity Donna explains a recent 'brain dump' exercise she did with her husband to organize overwhelming tasks into a manageable list, offering listeners a technique to achieve mental clarity and reduced stress. 5. Productivity Techniques and Mental Clarity Isaiah introduces the concept of 'Getting Things Done' (GTD) by David Allen. The discussion revolves around offloading mental tasks onto paper to free up mental space and enhance productivity. 6. Balancing Expansion and Contraction Isaiah and Donna talk about the dynamic nature of career growth, likening it to business cycles of expansion and consolidation. They underline the importance of knowing when to push forward and when to scale back to maintain balance. 7. The Power of Choice and Self-Care Here, Isaiah reminds listeners of the importance of personal choice and self-care in professional life. He urges professionals to recognize their autonomy in deciding what they pursue and emphasizes the need to avoid burnout by making conscious choices. 8. Harnessing Defiance for Personal Growth In a motivating segment, the hosts discuss how defiance and selfish motivation can fuel significant personal and professional achievements. 9. Navigating Corporate Responsibilities Donna and Isaiah offer strategies for professionals in corporate settings to manage increasing responsibilities and maintain visibility, emphasizing the art of saying no and effectively negotiating priorities with managers. 10. Effective Project Management Strategies Drawing from personal experiences and industry best practices, the hosts share essential project management strategies to ensure workload balance and sustained productivity. Final Thoughts: The episode is packed with actionable insights and strategies tailored for professionals aiming to enhance their leadership skills and career trajectory. Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or academic, Donna and Isaiah's practical advice will help you navigate the complexities of modern professional life.

    19 min
  4. Elevate Your Career: Mastering Personal Branding and Media Engagement with Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel

    10/16/2024

    Elevate Your Career: Mastering Personal Branding and Media Engagement with Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel

    In this engaging episode of our podcast, join host Isaiah Hankel and career strategist Donna Serdula as they delve into the intricacies of the modern media landscape and its impact on leadership and professional growth. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights for professionals eager to elevate their career paths and leadership abilities. The conversation kicks off with Donna sharing her recent travels for speaking engagements across the United States, setting the stage for a broader discussion on the evolving nature of media consumption. Isaiah and Donna reflect on the enduring appeal of print media versus the burgeoning influence of digital platforms like podcasts. They explore the generational shifts in media preferences, using Donna's stepdaughters as a barometer for Gen Z's media habits. A significant portion of the discussion is dedicated to the transformative power of podcasting in today's political and professional arenas. Donna and Isaiah examine how long-form content, exemplified by in-depth podcasts, enables greater authenticity and transparency, allowing listeners to truly understand the personas behind the microphones. They highlight the unique value of in-person interactions, emphasizing that face-to-face meetings still hold unparalleled significance in building trust and forging meaningful connections. The dialogue takes a deeper turn as Isaiah and Donna discuss the importance of consistency and effort in personal and professional endeavors. Donna underscores the value of putting in the hard yards, noting that true progress often comes from sustained effort and the willingness to step out of one's comfort zone. Isaiah reinforces this by drawing parallels between career advancement and sales, encouraging listeners to become active participants in their career journeys rather than passive observers. As the episode concludes, Isaiah and Donna exchange thoughts on the future of media and professional networking. They predict a resurgence in localized, in-person interactions, driven by an increasing need for authenticity and trust in a digitally saturated world. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their leadership skills and career strategies. Tune in to gain actionable advice and valuable perspectives from two seasoned professionals who have successfully navigated the shifting tides of the modern media landscape.

    9 min
  5. Mastering Career Growth: Leadership, AI, and Personal Branding Insights from Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel

    09/11/2024

    Mastering Career Growth: Leadership, AI, and Personal Branding Insights from Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel

    In this episode of 'Career Leadership,' hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel delve into an engaging and thought-provoking discussion centered around contemporary career challenges, leadership strategies, and the impact of digital distractions on professional growth. Aimed at professionals seeking to refine their career trajectory and leadership prowess, this episode brings to light various pivotal topics. The discussion kicks off with an exploration of trending topics on social media and their relevance to personal and professional development. You'll hear about the 'Very Demure, Very Mindful' trend from TikTok, its humorous undertones, and how such viral content can penetrate even the most carefully curated digital spaces. This segues into a broader conversation on the 'newsification' of everything and the transformative role of entertainment and AI in career spaces. The episode takes an introspective turn as Donna and Isaiah reflect on the somber anniversary of 9/11, drawing parallels between historical events and their impact on today's work culture. This reflection serves as a backdrop for discussing vigilance, mindfulness, and the need for balanced decision-making in high-stakes environments. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the intricacies of job market realities, especially how to navigate and identify 'ghost jobs,' perform due diligence during job searches, and the importance of blending boldness with prudence. Emphasis is placed on actionable strategies for balancing meticulous research with decisive action to avoid perpetual stagnation or impulsive pitfalls. The conversation also highlights the significance of maintaining focus in an era of constant digital distractions. Isaiah and Donna share personal anecdotes and practical tips on how to manage digital consumption, including strategies like phone fasting and creating dedicated device-free zones to enhance productivity and mental clarity. Peppered throughout the episode are references to influential books and authors that have shaped the hosts' perspectives, providing listeners with a curated reading list to enhance their understanding of the discussed concepts. Notable mentions include books by Neil Strauss, Robert Green, and Jeffrey Gittimer, each offering profound lessons on power dynamics, counterbalance strategies, and sales excellence. As the episode draws to a close, the discussion returns to the critical theme of self-mastery and responsiveness, particularly in the context of job search strategies. Isaiah underscores the need for selective notification management to stay ahead in competitive job markets, while Donna reiterates the power of focused effort over scattered attention. Whether you're a seasoned professional or at the start of your career journey, this episode is packed with actionable advice, reflective insights, and motivational takeaways that will help you conquer your career challenges with a balanced and informed approach. Tune in for a journey through the nuanced landscape of career leadership with Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel.

    19 min
  6. Age and Achievement: Embracing the Prime of Your Life

    09/04/2024

    Age and Achievement: Embracing the Prime of Your Life

    In this episode of Career Leadership, Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel discuss the intersection of age and achievement, emphasizing that life between the ages of 40 and 60 can be a period of peak success and influence. Donna celebrates her recent 50th birthday, sparking a conversation about societal views on aging and the importance of embracing milestones. Together, they explore the significance of showing up, taking calculated risks, and setting high standards for yourself at any age. They share powerful lessons learned from life experiences, such as naming your emotions, embracing failure as a part of growth, and ensuring that what you accept is aligned with what you truly deserve. This episode offers inspiration to continue pushing toward your dreams, regardless of age, and to use life's milestones as opportunities for growth and transformation. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:13 The Significance of September 01:01 Celebrating Milestones: Turning 50 02:16 Age and Success: Prime Time in Life 07:29 The Importance of Taking Risks 09:32 The Power of Showing Up 10:34 Naming and Controlling Your Feelings 12:18 Setting and Maintaining High Standards 15:14 Final Reflections and Farewell

    17 min
  7. The Power of Thoughtful Giving: Transform Your Career with Authentic Connection

    08/28/2024

    The Power of Thoughtful Giving: Transform Your Career with Authentic Connection

    In this inspiring episode of Career Leadership, Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel reflect on the life and teachings of John Rulon, author of Giftology, who revolutionized the concept of gifting with his focus on authenticity and thoughtfulness. They discuss the art of giving quality gifts, building meaningful connections, and why authentic effort is more important than quantity in networking. Learn how to enhance your professional relationships by focusing on personalized gestures, LinkedIn recommendations, and even the impact of sending a handwritten note. Donna and Isaiah also share tips on creating your “Dream 100” list to strategically advance your career. 00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:12 Remembering John Rulan 01:38 The Art of Gifting 05:32 Effort and Authenticity in Networking 10:37 The Impact of Personalized Effort 18:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    19 min
  8. Navigating Your Path to the C-Suite

    08/21/2024

    Navigating Your Path to the C-Suite

    In the latest episode of Career Leadership, hosts Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel explore what it takes to successfully navigate your career towards leadership roles, particularly in the C-Suite. They examine the importance of having a proactive career strategy, understanding the trends in your industry, and not just relying on opportunities to fall into your lap. The conversation covers the differences between professionals who find themselves in reactionary career positions and those who strategically plan their way to the top. Donna and Isaiah also touch on the challenges of executive roles, from the volatility of the C-Suite to the importance of measuring your progress and having a clear vision. Whether you're aiming for a high-level leadership position or just want to ensure your career is on the right track, this episode is packed with actionable advice and deep insights to help you lead your career with intention and success.

    24 min
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About

Career Leadership, Get Empowered with Donna and Isaiah is the essential podcast for professionals looking to take control of their careers. Hosted by Donna Serdula and Isaiah Hankel, this series dives deep into the strategies and insights needed to stay empowered and embrace change in the modern workplace. Our discussions are designed to offer actionable advice for anyone aiming to navigate their professional journey with confidence. From making bold moves and climbing the corporate ladder to finding fulfillment in your current role, we provide the guidance you need to lead your career path towards purpose, passion, and success. Join us to transform your professional life.

Information

  • Creator
    Donna Serdula & Isaiah Hankel
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Donna Serdula
  • Show Website
    Career Leadership Podcast