The Blue Room Podcast

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The Blue Room Podcast is your front-row seat to the heart of our company culture. Hosted by Lorainne Ladd, our Talent Acquisition Director, each episode features candid conversations with employees across departments. From inspiring career growth stories to unforgettable workplace moments, this podcast celebrates the people who make our company thrive. Whether you're a prospective candidate, a curious listener, or part of our team, you'll get an inside look at how we nurture talent, foster innovation, and build a workplace where everyone belongs. Tune in to hear real voices, real stories, and the real culture behind our success.

  1. 11/26/2025

    Morgan Wright's Journey: From Entry-Level to Leadership at alliant

    Join host Lorraine Ladd as she sits down with Morgan Wright, Associate Director in alliant's R&D team, for an inspiring conversation about career growth and leadership. Morgan shares her eight-year journey from an entry-level position to leading a top-performing team, all while expecting her first baby! In this episode, Morgan discusses:The power of embracing discomfort for professional growthBuilding lasting client relationships and team successLeading through major milestones (including tax season!)Her team's incredible achievement of delivering the most value to clients for multiple quarters Morgan's advice? Know your strengths AND weaknesses—understanding both is key to continuous growth, both professionally and personally. Whether you're starting your career journey or looking to level up, Morgan's insights on staying true to yourself while pushing boundaries will resonate with anyone committed to excellence.

    9 min

  2. 11/25/2025

    From Bankruptcy Court to Tax Law: Lakia' McCline's Amazing Journey at alliant

    Meet Lakia' McCline, Senior QC Attorney at alliant! In this episode of The Blue Room Podcast, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Lakia' to explore her incredible transition from practicing bankruptcy law to leading a team at alliant. Discover what makes Lakia's team thrive, why she can't live without TikTok, and her secret to staying on top of her game. Whether you're considering a career in tax law or curious about what it takes to succeed at a dynamic consulting firm, this conversation offers valuable insights into professional growth, mentorship, and finding your voice in a new environment. Key Takeaways:The importance of being an active participant in your workplace communityHow flexibility and calendar management drive successWhat personalities thrive in fast-paced legal environmentsWhy investment in people matters most Join us for an inspiring conversation about career transformation, leadership, and making your journey count!

    8 min

  3. 11/24/2025

    From Engineer to R&D Leader: Grant McNeill on Grit and Growth at alliant

    In this episode of The Blue Room, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Grant McNeill, Associate Director in alliant’s Research & Development practice. With over nine years at alliant, Grant shares how he transitioned from engineering to consulting, what makes R&D work so dynamic, and how his team leverages AI to boost quality and efficiency. They dive into:What a day in R&D consulting really looks like (race car parts in the morning, breweries in the afternoon!)The importance of learning, teamwork, and “friendly competition”Overcoming the shift from engineering’s step-by-step mindset to big-picture problem solvingRapid-fire fun: coffee vs. energy drinks, tacos vs. pizza, and moreAdvice for career changers: don’t be limited by your past experienceWho thrives on the R&D team: grit, drive, and flexibility We’re hiring! If you’re a motivated problem-solver who adapts quickly and loves learning, consider joining our R&D practice (R&D Consultants and R&D Associates).

    8 min

  4. 11/22/2025

    First Job to Associate Director: McKenzie Findley on “Running Into the Fire”

    Host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Associate Director McKenzie Findley to unpack what “Education & Awareness” really means at alliant—and how her team drives business strategy to empower sales, elevate acquisitions, and fuel rapid growth. In this episode:What Education & Awareness does: sales enablement, better leads, social, email, and marketing collateralMcKenzie’s career journey: first job out of college → two promotions in four yearsThe mindset that accelerates growth: “run into the fire,” get comfortable being uncomfortableCulture and perks: onsite gym, strong team bonds, and international collaborationRapid-fire favorites: TikTok, sweet snacks, football (Roll Tide!), and… pizza foreverWe’re hiring for McKenzie’s team: fun, proactive, ambitious teammates who want to build a career and a work family Key quotes:“Everything feels better when you’re winning together.”“Feel the fear—and do it anyway.” Interested in joining the team? We’re growing fast—come build with us. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Blue Room conversations!

    9 min

  5. 11/21/2025

    From Associate to Chief of Staff: Ernesto Zermeno's alliant Story

    Join Lorraine Ladd, alliant Director of Talent Acquisition, as she chats with Ernesto Zermeno, Chief of Staff for our Business Development team, on the latest episode of The Blue Room Podcast! Ernesto shares his incredible journey at alliant, from starting as an associate to becoming a Chief of Staff and now helping with the hiring and training of new associates. He opens up about invaluable lessons learned, his dream office perk (doggy daycare, anyone?), and the advice he'd give his younger self on his first day. Get ready for some fun rapid-fire questions and insights into what makes his team thrive. If you're hardworking, love to have fun, and want to be the best version of yourself, Ernesto's team is looking for you!

    9 min

  6. 11/20/2025

    From Fear to Fire: Sara Khalifa’s 5-Year Rise at alliant

    In this Blue Room episode, host Lorraine Ladd sits down with Sara Khalifa, Director at alliant, to unpack her 5-year journey from hesitation to high performance. Sara shares how saying “yes” changed her career, the power of investing in people, leading with authenticity, and building high-performing teams. Highlights:Overcoming fear of failure and taking the leapRapid promotions and shifting from back-end to client-facingCore values: investment in people and iron-sharpens-iron cultureLessons for women in leadership: trust your gut and be yourselfTeam wins, mentorship, and growing new leaders Rapid Fire Fun:Florence, Italy fanRodeo over AstrosCoffee forever, sneakers alwaysWhitney Houston “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” as her life soundtrack Subscribe for more stories that inspire growth and grit. Your journey is yours—make it count.

    11 min

  7. 11/17/2025

    Inside alliant's QC Team with Stephen: Tax Law, Trivia & Building Trust

    Join host Lorraine Ladd in conversation with Stephen Shropshire, Quality Control Attorney at alliant, as he shares insights into ensuring tax credit compliance, building client trust through transparency, and fostering team culture through competitive trivia nights. Stephen discusses the evolving landscape of tax law, the importance of delivering honest answers—even when they're tough—and what makes a great QC attorney. From his six-year journey at alliant to his passion for R&D tax credits, discover how this team balances serious tax work with genuine camaraderie. Whether you're interested in tax law, team building, or career growth in consulting, this episode offers valuable perspectives on professional excellence and workplace culture.

    11 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    From Engineer to Director: Lauren Morris Rihani’s 8-Year Journey at alliant

    Join host Lorraine Ladd as she sits down with Lauren Morris Rihani, a newly promoted Director at alliant, to discuss her remarkable eight-year journey from engineer to leadership. Lauren shares the secrets behind her four promotions, navigating maternity leave while advancing her career, and why leaning into discomfort is key to growth. In this episode, discover: - How alliant's investment-focused culture drives professional and personal growth - The power of mentorship and learning from high performers - Balancing new motherhood with career advancement - Behind-the-scenes team celebrations and company culture - Practical advice for aspiring leaders Whether you're an engineer considering a career pivot, a professional seeking growth opportunity, or simply curious about what makes a high-performance culture thrive, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a successful career while staying true to yourself.

    11 min
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About

The Blue Room Podcast is your front-row seat to the heart of our company culture. Hosted by Lorainne Ladd, our Talent Acquisition Director, each episode features candid conversations with employees across departments. From inspiring career growth stories to unforgettable workplace moments, this podcast celebrates the people who make our company thrive. Whether you're a prospective candidate, a curious listener, or part of our team, you'll get an inside look at how we nurture talent, foster innovation, and build a workplace where everyone belongs. Tune in to hear real voices, real stories, and the real culture behind our success.

Information

  • Creator
    alliant
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    13
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 alliant
  • Show Website
    The Blue Room Podcast