Career Starter with Ashley Misquitta

Ashley Misquitta
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Are you a business school student eager to break into your dream job and fast-track your career? Tune in twice a month as we interview top business professionals who reveal the insider tips, strategies, and secrets that took them from aspiring grads to industry leaders. Whether you're prepping for your first big interview or looking to accelerate your success in your role, this podcast will give you the real-world insights and advice you need to make your mark. Hit "play" and start your journey to career success today!

  1. What Senior Leaders Really Look For in Interviews

    FEB 10

    What Senior Leaders Really Look For in Interviews

    Send a text What does it actually take to build a successful career in marketing, and what do most students learn too late? In this episode of The Career Starter Show, Sarah-Jane Martin (Managing Partner, Chief Talent Officer and Associate General Counsel at Sprott Inc) shares the lessons she learned the hard way.   S.J. (Sarah-Jane) talks about how her thinking about creativity, data, and decision-making evolved, what she wishes she’d known earlier in her career, and where students commonly misjudge what employers value. We also dig into interview advice for early-career candidates, including how to demonstrate judgment, curiosity, and business thinking (not just skills), and how to stand out without trying to sound “perfect.”  If you’re preparing for marketing, business, or strategy roles, this episode will help you think like a hiring manager. 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    53 min
  2. The Hidden Psychology of Getting Hired (with Susan Gygax)

    12/18/2025

    The Hidden Psychology of Getting Hired (with Susan Gygax)

    Send us a text Want to stand out in your job search? In this episode of The Career Starter Show, Ashley Misquitta sits down with Susan Gygax, a talent acquisition leader who has hired for multi-billion-dollar companies. Susan breaks down why STAR stories are outdated, how recruiters actually evaluate candidates in 2025, and the LinkedIn mistakes that quietly cost students interviews. You’ll learn the 5 core business problems behind every job, how to craft interview answers that resonate, how to spot red and green flags on your own LinkedIn profile, and how to navigate interviews when the interviewer is inexperienced. If you’re a business-school student or early-career professional trying to get hired — this episode is a masterclass. 🎯 What You’ll Learn - Why STAR answers can make you sound rigid and outdated - The people-skills hiring managers prioritize in 2025 - How to read a job posting for the real problem you’re being hired to solve - The LinkedIn signals that get you shortlisted - How to follow up after a weak interview - A mindset shift that puts your career progress back in your control 📕 Chapters: 00:00 Intro 00:55 Why STAR Stories Fail in 2025 02:17 What Hiring Managers Really Look For Now 07:50  Susan’s Background: 28 Years in Talent Acquisition 13:00  Find the Story Thread Behind Every Job 14:09  5 Core Problems 16:59  Problem: Not Getting Interviews 18:38  Fix Your LinkedIn: Green Flags Recruiters Love 23:14 The Trust Recession: Why Proof Matters More Than Ever 24:27 Should You Message Recruiters? (The Real Answer) 35:50 Handling Inexperienced Interviewers L 🔗 Connect with Susan Gygax  “You are your only determining factor” Spectacle Talent Partners LinkedIn: Susan Gygax  📚 Book Recommendations: Unreasonable Hospitality  Simon Sinek’s books Range by David Epstein,  📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    54 min
  3. Why Stories Get You Hired (Not Your Resume)

    08/28/2025

    Why Stories Get You Hired (Not Your Resume)

    Send us a text Why most people are bad at interviews and how YOU can be different. In this episode, bestselling author and master storyteller Matthew Dicks breaks down the surprising science behind storytelling, attention, and trust. Learn how to stand out in job interviews by telling stories that connect. Discover why most interview answers are forgettable and how to make yours unforgettable. Plus: Find out why we talk about frogs in E.T.! Sign up for our weekly newsletter  Chapters 00:00 Intro  01:01 From Spielberg Critiques to Moth Champion  06:12 How Storytelling Builds Instant Trust  10:05 Confidence Can Be Taught  16:55 🎯 How to Build Your Story Bank  24:45 Homework for Life: The Habit That Changes Everything  33:40 🎯 Nail Your Interview With a Great Story  40:25 🎯 How to Use Humor Without Falling Flat  46:25 🎯 Want to Stand Out? Be the Zebra  55:05 The One Slide Tip That’ll Make You Look Like a Pro  01:01:35 The Pop-Tart Rule (And Other Storytelling Mistakes)  🎤 Podcast Recommendations: The Moth Podcast:   ( on Youtube) Matt recommends listening to The Moth to naturally absorb the structure and rhythm of great stories. “You start to pick up on strategies almost without trying.” Speak Up with Matthew and Elysha Dicks 📚 Book Recommendations: Storyworthy by Matthew Dicks A must-read guide to becoming a better storyteller—whether you’re on a stage, in a meeting, or in a job interview. Packed with actionable strategies like “Homework for Life” and the “5-second moment,” it’s one of the most practical storytelling books out there. Ashley directly endorses it as a must-read. “Everyone should read it… then reread it every couple of years.” Matt also references it when explaining concepts like the five-second moment and Homework for Life. 📣 Connect with Matthew Dicks: https://matthewdicks.com/ 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    1h 7m
  4. Top Marketing Exec Reveals How Students Get Hired

    08/09/2025

    Top Marketing Exec Reveals How Students Get Hired

    Send us a text Melissa Wilson drops a truth bomb on every student dreaming of a marketing job: passion isn’t enough—proof is. As the National Head of Marketing & Communications at Doane Grant Thornton LLP, Melissa’s hired students, mentored grads, and built teams across Canada. In this episode, she reveals the 3 traits that make early-career candidates irresistible: curiosity, follow-through, and cultural fit. If you want to break into marketing without experience—or even without an internship—this is your blueprint. Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter - https://ashleymisquitta.com/?page_id=2749 CHAPTERS 00:00 - Introduction 01:01 - The Real Job of a Marketer 04:38 - Why Passion Isn’t Enough 07:11 - What Makes Students Stand Out 10:40 - Can You Learn Marketing in School? 15:00 - How to Get Experience Without a Job 20:55 - Pro Tips from a Top Recruiter 25:08 - The Follow-Up That Got the Job 28:18 - Marketing with AI and Data 34:42 - Your Questions, Answered 39:15 - Final Advice: Stay Curious --- 📚 Book Recommendations:  Think Again by Adam Grant  https://www.amazon.ca/Think-Again-Grant-Adam/dp/0753553910 Change by JohnP. Kotter: https://a.co/d/dDxxCgq 📩 Connect with Melissa: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-wilson-24a7b238/ 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    1 hr
  5. Don’t Miss Your Shot: Insider Advice from a Campus Recruiter

    06/26/2025

    Don’t Miss Your Shot: Insider Advice from a Campus Recruiter

    Send us a text If you’re watching this in your second year, you may already be behind. Finance recruiting doesn’t wait. It starts early—and moves fast. In this episode of the Career Starter Podcast, I sit down with Laura Kay (https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laurakay3108), who leads campus recruiting at National Bank, to break down exactly: - When you need to start preparing (hint: yesterday) - What separates offers from rejections - How students unknowingly disqualify themselves - The small things that make a big impression If you want a summer internship in investment banking, sales & trading, or equity research, you can’t afford to wing it. 🎧 Start watching now. Your future competition probably already has. CHAPTERS 00:00 - 🎬 Teaser: Don’t Miss Your Shot 00:01:29 - Laura’s Role and the Growth of Campus Recruiting   00:04:35 - What Students Ask in Coffee Chats   00:05:43 - When to Start Recruiting (It’s Earlier Than You Think)   00:08:55 - Use Chats to Explore Other Finance Paths   00:10:30 - The First-Year Student Who Stood Out   00:13:45 - Didn’t Land It? Do the Right Things Next   00:17:38 - About clubs  00:19:52 - Be Proactive and Make the Connection Clear   00:22:30 - Laura’s Advice to First-Year Students   00:24:17 - Write on LinkedIn 00:25:01 - Stock Pitches    00:27:22 - You Have to Love the Industry to Last   00:27:30 - What Looks Good for Different Finance Roles   00:28:30 - Financial Modelling Is Becoming a Must-Have   00:29:32 - Grades help Narrow Down the Applications   00:34:34 - Go Beyond Membership: Build Real Experience   00:36:00 - Your Internship Is a Four-Month Job Interview   00:39:01 - How to Build Referral-Worthy Relationships   00:40:33 - A Referral Is Their Reputation on the Line   00:42:32 - “I Like a Good Cover Letter” (When They Matter)   00:48:50 - If You Don’t Know the Answer, Say So   00:50:53 - How Recruiters Use LinkedIn (And Why You Should Too)   00:53:10 - Why Basic Coding Knowledge Is Gaining Importance   00:54:45 - How Students Shoot Themselves in the Foot   00:56:32 - Send the Thank You Note (Seriously)   00:58:36 - Just Get Your Foot in the Door   01:10:00 - Thank You & Closing Remarks 🎤 Podcast Recommendations: Business Breakdowns Acquired Odd Lots Invest Like The Best Connect with Laura Kay: https://ca.linkedin.com/in/laurakay3108 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    1h 11m
  6. The Networking Conversation That Changed Everything

    06/12/2025

    The Networking Conversation That Changed Everything

    Send us a text McKinsey Consultant Rashi Kakkar reveals why "human skills" matter more than technical expertise in consulting. She shares her unique journey and the networking conversation that changed everything, breaks down the real interview process, and explains how consulting builds a high "metabolic rate" that accelerates your entire career. Essential insights for any business school student considering consulting. ** The opinions expressed by Rashi are her views and do not reflect the views of any organization mentioned in the show. CHAPTERS 00:00 - Intro & Rashi's Background 02:38 - What Drew Her to Consulting 05:25 - What Consultants Actually Do 08:58 - The Biggest Surprise About Consulting 11:39 - Why You Need Broad Skills (T-Shaped Career) 14:05 - The "Metabolic Rate" Advantage 19:45 - Why Ex-Consultants Succeed Everywhere 26:16 - Work/Life Balance Strategy 30:03 - Staffing & Project Selection 34:20 - What Makes a Stellar Resume 41:33 - Getting the Interview (Resume & Networking) 43:21 - Rashi's Networking Success Story 49:10 - Why McKinsey Doesn't Ask "Why Consulting?" 52:10 - The Interview Process Breakdown 55:10 - Case Interview Prep & Strategy 1:01:21 - The Secret to Standing Out in Interviews 1:09:37 - Career Takeaways & Final Advice 🎤 Podcast Recommendations: Reed Hoffman's "Blitzscaling" podcast (business building focus) Freakonomics podcast McKinsey podcast Deloitte podcast General business/tech news podcasts 📚 Book Recommendations: Never Enough by Jennifer Wallace The Good Enough Job by Simone Stolzoff To reach Rashi Kakkar: Threads| Twitter(X) | Newsletter | LinkedIn | BlueSky | Podcast   To see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here: https://a.co/dAb1jZf 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    1h 12m
  7. 15 Minutes a Day to Career Momentum

    05/22/2025

    15 Minutes a Day to Career Momentum

    Send us a text Sign up for our FREE weekly newsletter In this episode of the Career Starter Show, Ashley Misquitta sits down with Stephen Mostrom, founder of a content agency called Damn Smart and advocate for lifelong learning. Stephen shares how he built a standout career by committing to daily personal development and using online content to demonstrate credibility and skill. If you’re unsure how to build momentum in your job search or career, this conversation will show you how small daily actions—and a strategic online presence—can open big doors. Chapters 00:00:00 Intro 00:03:33 Starting in the 2008 Financial Crisis  00:07:08 What Happened at Silicon Valley Bank  00:10:45 How to Pivot with Purpose  00:14:21 The 'Develop Daily' Philosophy  00:17:56 Job Search Advice for Students  00:21:30 Career Experimentation = Career Clarity  00:25:06 Using Content to Build Career Credibility  00:35:48 What Great Managers Do Differently  00:43:00 The Future of Work and Adaptability  00:46:32 Job Search Advice for Students  00:50:07 The 'Develop Daily' Philosophy  🎤 Podcast Recommendations: Andy Storch Talent Development Hot Seat 📚 Book Recommendations Million Dollar Weekend by Noah Kagan Hidden Potential by Adam Grant 👀 Recommend Follow on LinkedIn Adam Broda Austin Belcak Reno Perry To see all the Career Starter Program book recommendations, click here: Connect with Stephen Mostrom Sign-up for Stephen's Newsletter: Develop Daily Newsletter sign-up  📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    1h 24m
  8. The Career Formula Every Business Student Should Know

    04/24/2025

    The Career Formula Every Business Student Should Know

    Send us a text In this episode of the *Career Starter Show*, I sit down with Garth Gibbes from Ivey Business School to unpack how students can build meaningful, standout careers right from school. We cover the importance of curiosity, how to approach networking, and the hidden habits of top-performing students. Whether you're an undergrad or MBA student, this conversation is packed with insights you can act on today. 🎯 Learn how to:   - Make the most of your business school experience   - Stand out to employers before you graduate   - Build a powerful, intentional career path   Garth's suggestions: London's LEDC Calgary's Economic Development Corporation Women in Capital Markets (now called VersaFI) Morrissette Entrepreneurship Center Canadian Association of Alternative Strategies and Assets (CAASA) SAP = System Analysis Program Development 🎤 Podcast Recommendation Work Life with Adam Grant: https://adamgrant.net/podcasts/work-life/ 📚 Book Recommendation The First 90 Days by Michael D. Watkins  📩 Subscribe for more episodes, and check out the free B-School Hub newsletter to get key takeaways from this and every episode. 📩 Sign up for our free weekly newsletter 📣 Connect with Ashley!!! LinkedIn, website, X P.S. To see all the Career Starter Program Book recommendations, click here:

    50 min
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About

Are you a business school student eager to break into your dream job and fast-track your career? Tune in twice a month as we interview top business professionals who reveal the insider tips, strategies, and secrets that took them from aspiring grads to industry leaders. Whether you're prepping for your first big interview or looking to accelerate your success in your role, this podcast will give you the real-world insights and advice you need to make your mark. Hit "play" and start your journey to career success today!

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