AccessCo Leaders Career Conversations

AccessCo Leaders
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Careers

AccessCo Leaders is a student-centered interview podcast where future leaders connect with today’s executives. Each episode features student-led conversations that spotlight individuality, leadership journeys, and real-world pathways to success. Designed to build confidence and interviewing skills, the series creates meaningful connections between emerging leaders and the professionals who inspire them. Perfect for: • Students exploring careers • Teachers and mentors supporting youth leadership • Executives who want to give back • Anyone who loves authentic, purpose-driven conversations The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations.

  1. 1d ago

    Sincerity & Showmanship

    Jonathan Harrar, a major in the US Army JAG Corps, shares his journey from law school to serving as a defense attorney for soldiers. He emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work and being sincere in your approach. Students express their interest in law and seek advice on pursuing a legal career. The conversation with Jonathan Harrar, a US Army JAG officer, provided valuable insights into the life and work of a complex litigator. Jonathan shared his experiences, challenges, and advice for aspiring attorneys, emphasizing the importance of skills, relationships, and time management. He also highlighted the similarities between professionals from different backgrounds, encouraging students to pursue their goals with confidence. Takeaways Diverse Legal Experience: Jonathan's career journey includes roles as a district attorney, national security attorney, prosecutor, and defense attorney, showcasing the breadth of legal experience available in the military.Passion and Sincerity: Jonathan emphasizes the importance of finding joy in your work and being sincere in your approach, highlighting the value of doing work that you would do for free.Exploration and Flexibility: Students are encouraged to dabble, take risks, and explore different areas of law before making a decision, emphasizing the value of reading, writing, and being open to swerving in their career paths. Skills and relationships are crucial for successProfessionals from different backgrounds are more similar than they seem Chapters 00:00 Jonathan's Diverse Legal Experience06:14 Exploring Different Areas of Law15:53 Persuasion and Authenticity in the Courtroom25:07 Advice for Aspiring Attorneys31:26 A Day in the Life of a Complex Litigator42:59 Military Justice System vs. Civilian Courts

    49 min

  2. May 28

    Lessons En Route to CIO

    The conversation with John O'Brien from Scrub Daddy covers his career growth and learning journey, as well as insights into balancing work and personal life. John shares his experiences, lessons learned, and the impact of his personal and professional choices on his career. The discussion provides valuable insights for students and professionals alike. The conversation with John covers a range of topics including his passion for hockey, starting a business, dealing with change, time management, exploring different career paths, and supporting animals. John's insights provide valuable advice for students as they navigate their own career journeys. Takeaways Career growth through learningBalancing work and personal life Passion for HockeyStarting a BusinessDealing with ChangeTime ManagementExploring Different Career PathsSupporting Animals

    42 min

  3. May 26

    Diversity in Engineering & Advocacy

    The conversation covers diverse engineering fields, career path and education, innovation and modernization, and entrepreneurship and business management. Shaneka Odom shares her journey, experiences, and insights, providing valuable advice and encouragement to the students. The conversation with Shaneka Odom, Deputy Division Administrator with the Federal Highway Administration, highlighted the importance of innovation at the federal level and the modernization of infrastructure. It also provided insights into preparing for college and transitioning to college life. Takeaways Diverse Engineering FieldsCareer Path and EducationInnovation and ModernizationEntrepreneurship and Business Management Importance of InnovationPreparing for College

    37 min

  4. May 21

    The More Points of View, The Better

    The conversation with Yvonne Martinez covers her role as a senior manufacturing engineer at DSM Ferminich, her journey from Mexico to Pennsylvania, her experience in middle school and high school, and her side business as an entrepreneur. The Q&A session with students explores topics related to engineering, career choices, and work-life balance. The conversation covers diverse career paths and the importance of problem-solving and innovation. It explores career interests, challenges in engineering, interest in engineering, overcoming self-doubt, mentorship and inspiration, medical field aspirations, and interest in business and marketing. Takeaways Engineering as Problem SolvingBalancing Passion and Career Diverse Career PathsProblem-Solving and Innovation

    35 min

  5. May 19

    Finding Your Medical Specialty

    Dr. Calvin Parker, a gastroenterology vice president at Wood Home Gastroenterology Associates, shares insights on his role, military experience, and the impact of his school involvement on his career. He discusses the challenges of explaining complex medical issues to patients, the increase in digestive health issues among younger patients, and the integration of AI and telemedicine in gastroenterology. Dr. Parker also addresses common misconceptions about digestive health and advises against the long-term use of energy drinks by youth. The conversation covers a range of topics including the impact of energy drinks, approach to digestive health, interventional biliary endoscopy, career plans and aspirations, importance of research in clinical practice, pursuing architecture and business, reflections on growth and leadership, and final words of wisdom from Dr. Parker. Takeaways Reinventing yourself and resilience are essential for career longevity.Integration of AI and telemedicine is transforming the field of gastroenterology. Importance of balanced approach to energy drinksUnderstanding the impact of diet on digestive health

    49 min

  6. May 14

    Illusions of Riches

    Jane Sobieski, a senior lead of commercial banking relationship manager at Wells Fargo, shares insights on financial independence, career journey, community involvement, and personal branding. She emphasizes the importance of building a personal brand and financial literacy, highlighting the impact of economic swings and the value of real estate as a side hustle. Jane's passion for community service and public speaking reflects her commitment to personal and professional development. The conversation covers topics related to wealth, modesty, skills for banking, consistency, drive, community service, politics, early banking experience, fraud protection measures, financial management, investing, and the transition to psychology and business. Key takeaways include the importance of financial independence and the value of empathy and vision in banking. Takeaways Financial IndependenceBuilding a Personal Brand Financial IndependenceEmpathy and Vision

    53 min

  7. May 12

    Charismatic Engineering

    The conversation with Javier Flores, President of DAS Everywhere, covers his background, education, achievements, interests, and the journey of starting and growing his company. It also delves into ethical considerations, challenges, and the impact of AI on the telecommunications industry. Javier's discipline, dedication, and leveraging of success for growth are key takeaways from the conversation. The conversation covers themes of personal growth, career exploration, networking, and the importance of hard work and authenticity. It delves into the experiences of high school students and their aspirations for the future, providing valuable insights and advice for their journey ahead. Takeaways Discipline and dedicationLeveraging success for growth Overcoming shynessExploring career pathsNetworking and relationship-buildingImportance of hard work and authenticity Chapters 00:00 Introduction and DAS Everywhere06:21 Positioning the Company and Contracts11:46 Transition from Puerto Rico to the United States18:25 Facing Challenges and Resilience23:41 Strategies for Company Growth and Marketing29:24 Standing Out and Overcoming Barriers36:00 Pursuing a Career in Medicine and Pediatrics41:23 Transitioning to College and Career Planning47:28 Interest in Aerospace Engineering and Space Exploration

    59 min

  8. May 7

    AI Can't Wipe a Booty

    The conversation with Nakayla Maloy, an ICU nurse at Mercy Hospital, covered various themes, including her career journey, shift scheduling, coping strategies, and the impact of AI in nursing. Nakayla shared insights into her experiences in high school, the lessons learned from playing soccer, and how they apply to her role as a nurse. Additionally, she provided advice for aspiring nurses, discussed patient advocacy, and shared her coping strategies for handling high-pressure situations in the ICU. The conversation with Nurse Nakayla Maloy covered a wide range of topics related to nursing, career paths, and personal development. Nakayla shared valuable insights and advice for aspiring nurses, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking, people skills, empathy, and grit. She also provided guidance on choosing a nursing program, dealing with difficult coworkers, and the significance of believing in oneself. The conversation highlighted the diverse skills and experiences required in the nursing profession, offering valuable lessons for students and educators alike. Takeaways ResilienceSelf-disciplineTeamworkEmotional resilienceAdvocacy for patients Critical thinkingPeople skillsEmpathyGritMilestones Chapters 00:00 Introduction and ICU Nursing05:02 Challenges and Coping Strategies in Nursing13:08 Time Management and Patient Advocacy19:09 Career Development and Skills28:19 The Skills of a Nurse36:17 Preparing for Nursing School41:25 Advice for Summer Jobs47:05 Believing in Yourself53:46 The Importance of Grit

    50 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

AccessCo Leaders is a student-centered interview podcast where future leaders connect with today’s executives. Each episode features student-led conversations that spotlight individuality, leadership journeys, and real-world pathways to success. Designed to build confidence and interviewing skills, the series creates meaningful connections between emerging leaders and the professionals who inspire them. Perfect for: • Students exploring careers • Teachers and mentors supporting youth leadership • Executives who want to give back • Anyone who loves authentic, purpose-driven conversations The views expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of their employers or affiliated organizations.

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