Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter

Adrion Porter | Founder, Mid-Career Mastery
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Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter Podcast

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

    3 DAYS AGO

    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
  2. 071: Denise Hamilton on Being Indivisible and Why Now is the Time for Gen X to Shine

    SEP 3

    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
  3. 070: Cate Luzio On Pivoting from Executive to Entrepreneur and Launching Luminary

    SEP 2

    070: Cate Luzio On Pivoting from Executive to Entrepreneur and Launching Luminary

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition, featuring my conversation with Cate Luzio —who is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies. And Cate is also one of the shining stars I previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Cate Luzio Cate is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies, which she launched and self-funded in 2018. Luminary’s mission is to address the systemic challenges impacting women across all industries and sectors—while also up-lifting, up-skilling, and propelling women forward through all phases of their professional journeys. Members of Luminary reflect a multigenerational and intersectional community of intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and organizations including UBS, JPMorgan Chase, Unilever, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and others. As CEO, Cate achieved a significant milestone for the business as Luminary recently announced their acquisition of The Cru, the enterprise peer-coaching service founded by Tiffany Dufu that places women in small accountability cohorts. And Tiffany also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in this #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series. Prior to launching Luminary, Cate cultivated a two-decade successful career as a financial services executive leading global multibillion-dollar businesses. Most recently, Cate served as Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, where she managed more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Prior to HSBC, she was Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London. Cate initially began her career in China working in tech and then relocated to Latin America with Bank of America to work across both consumer and wholesale banking. No stranger to reward and recognition, Cate was named as American Banker’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Banking’ multiple years in a row, and is a three-time Financial Times Global Diversity Champion, and a two-time Yahoo Finance Diversity Hero. Cate also serves on the National Board for Girls Inc., is a WE.NYC mentor, and sits on the Boards of Pomp & Whimsy and WaterAid. Having pivoted from a notable career as a financial services corporate leader to become a fearless force championing women in the workplace, Cate stands as a testament to transformative leadership. Cate’s Personal Theme Song “Welcome to the Jungle”, by Guns N’ Roses 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!

    52 min
  4. 069: Tara Jaye Frank On Becoming a Waymaker and Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity

    10/04/2022

    069: Tara Jaye Frank On Becoming a Waymaker and Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have yes…another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition. And it’s with  my good friend, the fabulous and phenomenal Tara Jaye Frank. And we are going to be unpacking her latest and greatest book The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Which in my opinion Is a MUST READ for all workplace leaders today. Without question. About Tara Tara is an equity strategist, speaker, C-Suite advisor, and the President and CEO of TJF Career Modeling LLC — where she partners with executives to create learning experiences that advance critical culture and leadership goals. She is also the author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Prior to charting her course as an entrepreneur, Tara was a corporate executive at one of the most beloved consumer brands in the world, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Tara actually began her 20+ year career at Hallmark as a greeting card writer, where her gift as a powerful wordsmith and storyteller inspired many people during special and celebrated life moments. However, Tara’s growth and trajectory at Hallmark was limitless, and also history making. During her tenure, Tara advanced to become the youngest person in Hallmark’s history to be promoted into executive management… And also the company’s very first African-American female vice president. But after a mid-career pivot and wonderful life-changing event, Tara’s current “post-Hallmark” career has definitely been filled with meaning, purpose, and massive impact. And as a passionate voice and champion for inclusion, Tara truly cherishes the power of community. When she’s not giving candid and transparent advice on fee negotiation and pay equity to underrepresented speakers… Tara is always on brand — delivering timeless value across a variety of subjects to her audience. That is being fabulous and phenomenal over 40. Tara’s Waymakers Theme Song “Made a Way, by Travis Greene 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!

    51 min
  5. 068: Zephrine Hanson On Farming and Managing Your Mental Health at Midlife

    09/06/2022

    068: Zephrine Hanson On Farming and Managing Your Mental Health at Midlife

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have a great and important conversation with Zephrine Hanson. Zephrine is a veteran, farmer, story amplifier, and the founder of Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project that offers small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients that are lovingly grown and sustainably sourced. And she also happens to be a fellow member of LinkedIn’s inaugural cohort of its Creator Accelerator Program! During this episode, Zephrine and I discuss her personal story — which includes a beginning career in the military, how she got into lavender farming, and her insights and advice on managing one’s mental health. Particularly as a 40-plus professional, business owner, parent, and community builder.  About Zephrine Born and raised in San Fernando Valley California, Zephrine enlisted in the Air Force immediately after graduating high school. With a background in media communications and journalism, she served as a public affairs and medical photographer stationed in Germany and Texas. After medical retirement from the Air Force in 2004, Zephrine shifted to freelance photography, returned to college for communications. With the resounding support of her partner, the Hansons packed up and moved to Denver, CO in 2016 where she embraced a calmer, holistic lifestyle. Finally enjoying some space to breathe, Zephrine took advantage of veteran programs including The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) consortium at UCLA, the Veterans to Farmers program in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), and the Veterans’ Path mindfulness and yoga training in Colorado. In 2017 she began planting seeds and nurturing people through Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project offering sustainable farming solutions and small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients lovingly grown and conscientiously sourced. Through Hampden Farms, Zephrine continued collaborations with the DBG to include earning her 300-hour Herbalism Certification. She now serves as a Self-Care Share Producer and Farmer for Chatfield along with being an instructor and ambassador for the Garden’s Veterans-to-Farmers program. Zephrine is a proud member of the Denver Metro Area’s chapter of MileHigh Farmers, the grassroots organization for farmers and farmer advocates. She is also lends her experience and voice to the Food Policy Cohort for LiveWell focused on overcoming inequitable access to healthy food and physical activity in Colorado. To better marry her passion for sustainable farming with drive for entrepreneurship and enterprise, Zephrine is actively pursuing Bunker Lab’s Veteran-in-Residence program. She continues to advocate and be a community influencer for Autism awareness and education joining the TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) board in February, 2020. When Zephrine is not changing the world one plant and person at a time, she enjoys epic LEGO builds with her three tween inventors and going down Google rabbit holes with her favorite tech nerd and beloved partner, Justin.   Zephrine’s Personal Theme Song “Control” by Janet Jackson   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
  6. 067: Kim Alexis Newton On Hallmark, Quilting, and Why It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams

    08/30/2022

    067: Kim Alexis Newton On Hallmark, Quilting, and Why It’s Never Too Late to Pursue Your Dreams

    On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by the wonderful and amazing Kim Alexis Newton. Kim is a former Hallmark Cards Inc. corporate executive, quilt artist, board member, and also my fellow Vanderbilt Business School alumni! She is also one of the featured phenoms in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. During this episode, Kim and I chat about her 20-plus years experience working for Hallmark Cards – which was her dream job coming out of business school. And also why and how she decided to leave corporate after many years to pursue her dreams of creating magic and meaningful impact with her art.   About Kim Kim is a seasoned global marketing executive, board director, advisor, quilt artist, and entrepreneur. She is also the creator of the Intentional Pause™ Project, a media, product and experience platform helping women embrace “pausing” as a powerful way to achieve their dreams. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Kim spent 20+ years as an executive leader for one of the most iconic brands in the world, Hallmark Cards. During her Hallmark tenure, Kim directly influenced global corporate strategy, and led transformation across a $4B diversified portfolio of top brands.  She has also been recognized multiple times as a top African-American in corporate America.   However, it was toward the end of her stint at Hallmark when Kim reached a mid-career “malaise” inflection point. — and felt complacent, unsatisfied, and overwhelmed with an empty feeling of unfulfilled dreams.  Therefore, Kim transformed that feeling of malaise into mid-career “mastery” — and began maximizing her impact on the world by bringing to life all of her passions including an art studio, The Intentional Pause™ Project, and her line of special handcrafted gift quilts positioned as extraordinary keepsakes for self or others.    Her first piece was actually given to Ms. Oprah Winfrey! Kim also has 20 years of non-profit board experience, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Big Lots Stores.  Kim is also a proud member of the The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at The Aspen Institute. She also received her BA in Accounting from Fisk University and her MBA from Vanderbilt University, and lives in Kansas City with her husband, Nikki, and their daughter Piper. Kim’s story is definitely a beacon of inspiration for anyone who is feeling stressed and stuck in their career… And who desires to weave together their purpose, passions, and professional experiences into a meaningful path forward at any age. Kim’s Personal Theme Song “Bigger” by Beyonce 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!

    54 min
  7. 066: Sunny Bonnell On Thriving as a RARE BREED at Work and in Life

    08/23/2022

    066: Sunny Bonnell On Thriving as a RARE BREED at Work and in Life

    We are back for another #FabulousOver40 edition of Gen X Amplified, featuring my chat with Sunny Bonnell, who is the co-founder and CEO of Motto — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Sunny is also the co-author of the bestselling book RARE BREED: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different (HarperCollins), which has been hailed as one of the most unique business books of its time and used by global teams everywhere. During our conversation, Sunny and I discuss her professional journey, her insights on thriving in mid-career, and also unpack the gems and nuggets of her book RARE BREED. And as mentioned, Sunny also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Sunny Sunny is a leadership and brand expert, speaker, and the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of MOTTO — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Along with her fellow MOTTO co-founder Ashleigh Hansberger, Sunny is also the author of the bestselling and highly praised book “RARE BREED: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different.” Through her agency and book, Sunny and team are on a passionate mission to create magnetic brand experiences for promising startups and companies, while also creating a world of rule-breakers and game-changers. Sunny has a very inspriational and unconventional professional journey. Growing up in the Appalachian mountains, Sunny started playing guitar at the tender age of eight, and also became a prominent bluegrass player by the time she was eleven. During her 20s while she was in college, Sunny then stepped out on faith, and launched MOTTO with $250 in order to create a disruptive and differentiated branding agency unlike many others in the industry. Through MOTTO, Sunny has worked with many top global brands such as Google, Microsoft, Hershey’s, and Twentieth Century Fox. A gifted storyteller and wordsmith, Sunny is a columnist for Inc. Magazine, and is a founding member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council. She has also been featured by a number of media outlets including Entrepreneur, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo!, The Breakfast Club, and more. Sunny is definitely thriving and winning during this meaningful stage in her career. And the presence of her passion, along with her always visible fedora, will continue to be felt by those who truly choose to change the world.   Sunny’s Personal Theme Song “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, by Sigrid   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!

    50 min
  8. 065: Erik Moses On Making History and the Power of Gen X Leadership

    08/16/2022

    065: Erik Moses On Making History and the Power of Gen X Leadership

    For this episode of Gen X Amplified, we’re back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside chat edition, featuring Erik Moses, who is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the Fiesta Bowl. He previously served as the President at Nashville Superspeedway, which is the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR. Erik is is also one of the recognized leaders in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. As mentioned in his spotlight, when Erik was named president of Nashville Superspeedway in 2020, it marked a watershed moment for representation — as he became the first Black track president in NASCAR history.  During this episode, Erik and I discuss his professional story, his thoughts on thriving as a seasoned professional in mid-career, and how he made race week at Nashville Superspeedway a “must-attend” destination in the Southeast Region. Please note that this interview was conducted prior to him being named the new Executive Director and CEO of the Fiesta Bowl. About Erik Erik Moses is the Executive Director/CEO of the Fiesta Bowl.  Also notable is Erik made history in 2020 when he became the first African-American NASCAR track president. Because of his successful leadership experience in the world of sports, events, and live entertainment, Erik was hired to revive and renovate the NASCAR track in Nashville— which had been closed since 2011. One of Erik’s grand achievements from the outset was hosting the track’s first NASCAR Cup Series during Father’s Day weekend in June. Erik started his career practicing law as an attorney, but then shifted gears to a variety of executive roles in sports and city government within the Washington D.C. area. Most recently, Erik served as the founding president of the DC Defenders, a member of the XFL professional football league. Prior to the XFL, Erik was SVP, Managing Director at Events DC, where he develop valuable partnerships with the NCAA, National Hockey League (NHL), MLB, PepsiCo and others. He also served as the CEO of the DC Sports & Entertainment, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development, and as Senior Counsel at AOL. Erik is a graduate of both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Carolina and Duke University School of Law. He is a member of the Washington Business Journal Leadership Trust — and was also named to its 2019 Power 100 list. Erik has also served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management Program for over 10 years. For much of his life and career, Erik has been the consummate “builder.” Whether it is building relationships, business deals, or a legacy of inspiration — Erik is always striving to render the biggest impact on others. And that includes building Nashville Superspeedway as not only the “must-attend” destination for NASCAR fans in middle Tennessee… But also expanding the narrative of NASCAR within diverse communities around the world. Erik’s Personal Theme Song “Public Service Announcement”, by Jay Z   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!

    53 min
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4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

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.

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