This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast

This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast
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Welcome to Kaleidoscope Career with your host, Helen Jonsen. Picture a kaleidoscope. Inside, it's made up of multiple pieces of colored glass that get twisted and turned to create unique images. Many of us have a long list of skills, interests, and passions, and when we move them around, we create a variety of combinations, even as the fundamentals stay the same. On this podcast, we will meet leading women across various industries and learn their secrets on how to build a successful kaleidoscope career.

  1. The Power of Lauree Ostrofsky: When a Brain Tumor Forces a Twist

    12/22/2025

    The Power of Lauree Ostrofsky: When a Brain Tumor Forces a Twist

    Meet Lauree Ostrofsky Support for This Kaleidoscope Career comes from Divine Asset Management, a woman-owned firm advising individuals, families, and business owners on long-term strategies that align wealth with values. Explore more at WorkWithDivine.com In this episode of Kaleidoscope Career, host Helen Jonsen sitsdown with Lauree Ostrofsky, an empathetic coach and business consultant with a compelling story of resilience and transformation. Lauree shares her personal battle with a brain tumor at 28, which led her to shift her focus from public relations to becoming a speaker, author, and entrepreneur. Find Lauree at https://www.simplyleap.com/ Lauree is the accidental founder of the Hudson Valley Women in Business membership community, which has now become a non-profit continuing to serve thousands of women members. With her optimistic approach, Lauree emphasizesthe importance of authenticity, community building, and continuous personalgrowth. The episode also features a fun lightning round where Lauree reveals her favorite books, dream destinations, and more.   00:00 A Life-Changing Diagnosis 00:47 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Career 01:42 Meet Lauree Ostrovsky 02:23 Lauree 's Career Journey 06:11 Balancing Work and a new family unit 10:07 The Power of Authenticity in Business 11:29 Early Career and Education 14:38 A Major Life Twist 21:26 Founding Hudson Valley Women in Business 28:54 The Power of Community 30:46 Turning a Hobby into a Business 32:44 Transitioning Leadership 33:46 Personal Reflections and Changes 37:36 Speed round: Fun and Personal Questions 45:21 Passion Projects and Final Thoughts ***This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast is a production of helen jonsen media, llc. Online Course: Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders  (link here) A practical communication course for leaders who want to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks, including your passion statement, talking points, personal stories, and your go-to talk that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Code: COMMAND15 Discount: 15% off enrollment https://genconnect-courses.thinkific.com/courses/Command-the-Room-The-Signature-Remarks-Toolkit-for-Leaders?ref=6311fe   Speakers: Learn more about Innovation Women  https://www.awin1.com/cread.php?awinmid=96435&awinaffid=2281255&ued=https%3A%2F%2Finnovationwomen.com%2Fjoin%2F Affiliate Disclosure The show notes contain affiliate links. helen jonsen media may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.   https://www.divineassetmgt.com/workwithdivine

    50 min
  2. EdTech Innovator Betsy Corcoran on Making Choices & Seizing Agency

    12/02/2025

    EdTech Innovator Betsy Corcoran on Making Choices & Seizing Agency

    In this episode of This Kaleidoscope Career, host Helen Jonsen interviews former Forbes Executive Editor, Technology Betsy Corcoran, an innovator at the intersection of education and technology. Support for This Kaleidoscope Career comes from Divine Asset Management, a woman-owned firm advising individuals, families, and business owners on long-term strategies that align wealth with values. Explore more at WorkWithDivine.com ABOUT THIS EPISODE & BETSY CORCORAN A former Silicon Valley Bureau Chief for Forbes and a seasoned tech journalist, Betsy's career has evolved to focus on the impact of AI and technology in education. She explains how being a mother, involved in her children’s lives, played a role in her decision to enter the unknown.   BETSY discusses her journey from journalism to cofounding EdSurge, and her current role with PlayLab AI, a nonprofit building AI infrastructure for teachers and students. Her passion for storytelling, Helping others in education, and deep collaboration in tech innovation are central themes. The episode features a speed round where Betsyshares her love for open water swimming, her musical aspirations, and the desire to make a meaningful difference in the world.   00:00 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Careers 01:21 Meet Betsy Corcoran: Innovator inEducation and Technology 02:04 A Day in the Life of Betsy Corcoran 04:19 Betsy's Journey from Journalism toEducation Technology 14:16 The Birth of EdSurge & Family Considerations 23:13 Betsy's Current Endeavors and Future Plans 23:35 Speed Round: Getting to Know Betsy 28:41 Betsy's Board Positions and Contributions 33:15 Final Thoughts and Reflections 35:22 Conclusion Additional Notes: Future Fluent futurefluent.net Playlab.ai Consulting firm: http://www.ledelabs.com New Harmony Line https://newharmonyline.org/ DesignTech High School https://www.linkedin.com/school/design-tech-high-oracle/ Project Ollie https://www.linkedin.com/company/project-ollie/ LEARN MORE Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders, presented by Helen Jonsen A practical communication course for leaders who want to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks, including your passion statement, talking points, personal stories, and your go-to talk that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Code: COMMAND15 Discount: 15% off enrollment https://genconnect-courses.thinkific.com/courses/Command-the-Room-The-Signature-Remarks-Toolkit-for-Leaders?ref=6311fe AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: The show notes contain affiliate links. helen jonsen media may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

    37 min
  3. Molly Tschang: Leadership Lessons from a Career Well-Lived

    11/24/2025

    Molly Tschang: Leadership Lessons from a Career Well-Lived

    Season 3/ In this enlightening episode of Kaleidoscope Career, host Helen Jonsen delves into the dynamic career journey of Molly Tschang, CEO of Abella Consulting and founder of Say It Skillfully, Inc. Molly shares her career evolution from aspirations of marine biology to chemical engineering, and from key roles in companies like DuPont, IBM, and Cisco Systems to her impactful work in leadership consulting and the NGO NetHope. Highlighting her unique ability to connect and foster safe spaces for authenticity, Molly discusses how to handle failure, leverage strengths, and pursue passions. The episode also touches on her philanthropic efforts, particularly with Save the Children and Community Solutions. Helen and Molly enjoy a light-hearted speed round, revealing Molly's love for tennis and her admiration for tennis great RogerFederer, and Seinfeld!   00:00 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Career 01:09 Meet Molly Chang: A Kaleidoscope Career 02:10 Early Career and Education 05:18 Transition to IBM 15:40 Joining Cisco Systems 18:50 Philanthropy and Nonprofit Work 25:08 Empowering Myself at Cisco 25:36 Discovering Executive Coaching 27:42 Leaving Cisco and Starting My Consultancy 28:30 Meeting Marshall Goldsmith 28:52 The Birth of 'Say It Skillfully' 30:18 The Importance of Communication 45:14 Navigating the Pandemic as an Introvert 47:37Passion Projects and Final Thoughts FIND MOLLY: LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/mollytschang/ Say It Skillfully, Inc. https://www.sayitskillfully.com/ Nonprofits: Community Solutions https://community.solutions/ NetHope https://nethope.org/ More from helen jonsen media A NEW Online Course from Helen Jonsen in production with GenConnectU and LinkedIn LearningCommand the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders  A practical communication course for leaders who want to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks, including your passion statement, talking points, personal stories, and your go-to talk that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Learn more here. Discount Code: COMMAND15 15% off enrollment Affiliate Disclosure The show notes contain affiliate links. helen jonsen media may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

    51 min
  4. Writing the Playbook That Hasn't Been Written: Jory Des Jardins

    11/11/2025

    Writing the Playbook That Hasn't Been Written: Jory Des Jardins

    Join host Helen Jonsen in conversation with Jory Des Jardins, long-considered a Silicon Valley innovator, including advice for entrepreneurs and those adding optionality to their work lives.In this episode, the co-founder of BlogHer and Optionality and currently leading CANDOR Partners, Jory, talks about her entrepreneurial journey in Silicon Valley. She discusses how she manages her multifaceted career, balancing work and family, and her passion projectsfocused on mental health and the future of work. She reflects on the impact of BlogHer in revolutionizing influencer marketing and offers advice on navigating herkaleidoscope career. Jory also shares insights into the importance of creatingflexible and meaningful work environments, writing the playbooks for things that need to be normalized, and the role of emerging technologies like AI. The episode delves into her passion for writing, her love for storytelling, and her current projects aimed atupskilling professionals and promoting brain health. Learn more about Jory on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/jorydesjardins/

    48 min
  5. Lisen Stromberg on Work, Pause , Thrive in the Now of Work

    10/28/2025

    Lisen Stromberg on Work, Pause , Thrive in the Now of Work

    In this episode of `This Kaleidoscope Career`, host Helen Jonsen interviews Lisen Stromberg, a successful author, entrepreneur, and advisor. They discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with non-linear career paths, especially for women balancing work and caregiving roles. Lisen shares insights on her approach to time mastery, theimpact of workplace culture, and the importance of collaborative change. The conversation also touches on her personal experiences,favorite activities, and passionate advocacy for reproductive rights and humanrights. To wrap up, they delve into the broader societal changes needed to support a more inclusive and supportive work environment.   00:00 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Careers 00:26 Meet the Host: Helen Jonsen 01:18 Guest Introduction: Lisen Stromberg 02:13 A Day in the Life of Lisen Stromberg 04:22 The Concept of Social Impact Entrepreneurship 05:57 The Kaleidoscope Career and Motherhood 06:55 Lisen's Personal Journey and Career Challenges 11:21 The Scandinavian Model and Family Caregiving 15:37 Current Trends and Future Outlook for Women in the Workforce 23:26 Addressing Burnout and Toxic Workplaces 27:43 Navigating Toxic Work Environments 29:54 Introducing My New Online Course 30:37 Balancing Fun and Family 33:28 Exploring Hobbies and Passions 35:22 Dream Destinations and Travel Goals 42:58 The Impact of Elder Care on Careers 47:38 Advocating for Important Causes 49:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections Lisen’s Books Intentional Power: The 6 Essential Leadership Skills forTriple Bottom Line Impact https://amzn.to/47och9l Work, Pause, Thrive: How to Pause for Parenthood WithoutKilling Your Career,  https://amzn.to/3J2lJah Recommended author: The First, the Few,the Only: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America  Deepa Purushothaman (Author)https://amzn.to/42Rzlf9   Online Course from Helen Jonsen in production with GenConnectU and LinkedIn Learning Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders  A practical communication course for leaders who want tospeak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks, including your passion statement, talking points, personal stories, and your go-to talk that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Code: COMMAND15 Discount: 15% off enrollment https://genconnect-courses.thinkific.com/courses/Command-the-Room-The-Signature-Remarks-Toolkit-for-Leaders?ref=6311fe This Kaleidoscope Career is a production of helen jonsen media https://helenjonsen.com/ For an expanded conversation, join us on This Kaleidoscope Career on Substack. As a free subscriber, you will receive insider tips and stories to help you build your unique career. More paid perks coming! https://substack.com/@thiskaleidoscopecareer *The show notes contain affiliate links. helen jonsen media may earn a commission from purchases at no extra cost to you.

    52 min
  6. Sherice Torres: A Coast-to-Coast Career from Viacom to Stanford and Big Tech in Between.

    10/13/2025

    Sherice Torres: A Coast-to-Coast Career from Viacom to Stanford and Big Tech in Between.

    In this episode of 'This Kaleidoscope Career,' host Helen Jonsen welcomes Sherice Torres, a seasoned chief marketing officer with experience spanning Google, Meta, cryptocurrency, and electric vehicles. Sherice shares the twists and turns of her extensive career, including her recent sabbatical, 'Project Lotus,' which she used to reclaim joy and redefine success.  Sherice explains her recent kaleidoscope includes Lotus Leadership Group and her new role at Stanford Graduate School of Business. They discuss the challenges faced by women in industry, particularly women of color, and the importance of a supportive network.  Sherice highlights her love for coaching, impactful career advising roles at Stanford, and influential reading favorites.  Find Sherice on LinkedIn —— A NEW Online Course from Helen Jonsen in production with GenConnectU and LinkedIn Learning Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders  A practical communication course for leaders who want to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks, including your passion statement, talking points, personal stories, and your go-to talk that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Register here Code: COMMAND15 Discount: 15% off enrollment Podcast Timeline: 00:00 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Careers 01:22 Meet Sherice Torres: A Career of Twists and Turns 04:14 From Nickelodeon to Google: Career Highlights 07:13 Balancing Family and Career Moves 11:19 Navigating Big Tech and Personal Challenges 17:55 Burnout and Rediscovering Self 21:18 The Reality of Being a Working Mom 27:50 Balancing Career and Family 28:41 The Importance of Asking for Help 32:30 Project Lotus: Reclaiming Joy 36:49 Starting Lotus Leadership Group 38:16 New Role at Stanford Business School 42:42 Speed Round: Fun and Hobbies 47:15 The Power of a Women's Network 48:37 Passion Projects and Giving Back 51:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts For Charity: Jack Kent Cook Foundation Breakthrough Silicon Valley Sherice talks about these authors: Jasmine Guillory (for fun) Toni Morrison (to honor and meet) Maya Angelou (to honor and meet)  Sherice belongs to Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

    53 min
  7. Vicki Johnson, Ph.D. –Using Fellowships as Career Stepping Stones

    09/30/2025

    Vicki Johnson, Ph.D. –Using Fellowships as Career Stepping Stones

    Early and mid-career fellowships, entrepreneur accelerators, and fully-funded higher ed programs can be huge stepping stones in any career. For Dr. Vicki Johnson, they have provided skill-building experiences around the world and laid the groundwork for her entrepreneurial move into helping others do the same, ProFellow.com. Learn more about This Kaleidoscope Career as Helen Jonsen interviews Vicki and together they offer advice and takeaways in a world of disruption and unexpected change. Exploring Kaleidoscope Careers with Helen Jonsenand Dr. Vicki Johnson About Vicki https://www.drvickijohnson.com/ Social https://www.linkedin.com/in/vjohnson1/ About ProFellow https://www.profellow.com/about-us/ New Book: Pitch Your Potential Book pre-order. ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Pitch-Your-Potential-Formula-Opportunities/dp/1394328265⁠ Season 3, Episode 1 (Sept. 2025)   00:00 Introduction: Solving Problems Creatively 00:26 Welcome to Kaleidoscope Career 01:24 Meet Dr. Vicki Johnson 02:03 A Day in the Life of an Entrepreneur 02:55 Early Career and First Fellowship 03:49 Impact of 9/11 and Emergency Management 06:02 Exploring Fellowships and GlobalOpportunities 08:55 Navigating Career Challenges andOpportunities 13:49 Building ProFellow and Family Life 20:05 Joining the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center 22:51 The Value of Entrepreneurship for Women 23:28 Pandemic-Induced Relocation to Oregon 26:05 What is ProFellow? 28:19 ProFellow's Commitment to Privacy andCommunity 30:20 Personal Passions and Family Life 32:50 Speed Round: Fun and Personal Questions 37:39 Pitch Your Potential: The Book 40:26 Advice for Women and Caregiving Challenges 43:43Final Thoughts and Farewell ------------- From Helen Jonsen Online Course from Linkedin Learning:  Command the Room: Develop Your Signature Remarks Toolkit for Leaders  A practical communication course for leaders who want to speak with clarity, confidence, and impact. Learn to craft your Signature Remarks—your go-to messages that help you show up, stand out, and lead. Code: COMMAND15 Discount: 15% off enrollment https://genconnect-courses.thinkific.com/courses/Command-the-Room-The-Signature-Remarks-Toolkit-for-Leaders?ref=6311fe

    46 min
  8. Catarina Dolsten: From Medicine and Global Maternal Health to Healing Companies

    06/25/2025

    Catarina Dolsten: From Medicine and Global Maternal Health to Healing Companies

    In this episode of This Kaleidoscope Career, host HelenJonsen interviews Catarina Dolsten, a medical doctor turned management consultant, Catarina shares her journey from practicing medicine in Sweden to her work in maternal and child health in Sub-Saharan Africa and Bangladesh,and eventually founding the Aktum Group in the United States. Learn More about Catarina Dolstenon Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/crdolsten/ And at Aktum Group https://www.aktumgroup.com/   Throughout the conversation, Catarina emphasizes theimportance of curiosity and adaptability in navigating career changes. She also discusses her experiences moving a family to a new country,  the cultural differences she observes, and howher throughline in diagnostics, analytics, and a love for people has propelled her into organizational management. This insightful conversation highlights how one can blenddiverse skills and experiences into a fulfilling and dynamic career.   00:00 The Importance of Curiosity 00:30 Introduction to Kaleidoscope Career 01:26 Meet Catarina Dolsten 02:07 Early Career in Sweden 04:15 Transition to the United States 07:37 Working in Nonprofits 13:48 Founding the Aktum Group 21:57 Navigating the Pandemic as an Entrepreneur 26:29 The Problem with Long Meetings 27:53 Speed Round: Fun and Interests 29:28 Dream Destinations and Food Adventures 31:05 Hobbies and Cultural Interests 34:46 Reflections on Career and Life Lessons 42:27 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Favorite Book: The Slave (a classic from 1962) https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-slave-isaac-bashevis-singer/1102949794

    45 min
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About

Welcome to Kaleidoscope Career with your host, Helen Jonsen. Picture a kaleidoscope. Inside, it's made up of multiple pieces of colored glass that get twisted and turned to create unique images. Many of us have a long list of skills, interests, and passions, and when we move them around, we create a variety of combinations, even as the fundamentals stay the same. On this podcast, we will meet leading women across various industries and learn their secrets on how to build a successful kaleidoscope career.

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  • Creator
    This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast
  • Show Website
    This Kaleidoscope Career Podcast