Make Minutes Matter

Karen Gilhooly

Welcome to the Make Minutes Matter podcast, hosted by Karen Gilhooly, where each episode is dedicated to igniting passion and purpose in the workplace. Are you a senior leader striving to reignite enthusiasm among your team? Perhaps you're a manager seeking to unify and empower your staff. Or maybe you're an individual craving a renewed sense of fulfillment in your career. Join me as we delve into insightful conversations and practical strategies that will empower you to make every minute count. Together, we'll uncover the keys to fostering a dynamic and engaged work environment where everyone thrives. Don't miss out on the inspiration and tools you need to reignite your professional fire. Subscribe to Make Minutes Matter on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform today, and let's make every moment in your career truly matter.

  1. 10/07/2025

    What It Takes to Reinvent Your Career | Lessons from Zara Watson-Young & Sean Young

    Join us for part two of our engaging conversation with Zara and Sean from Watson and Young. In this episode, we delve into the importance of taking risks, entrepreneurial inspirations, and the journey of building a business. Learn how Zara's creative background and Sean's organizational skills played crucial roles in their success. We also discuss overcoming career ruts, managing anxieties, and the transformative power of listening to your inner voice. Plus, Zara and Sean share valuable tips for those looking to liberate themselves from unfulfilling careers. Don't miss their inspiring story of turning passion into a thriving intellectual property firm. About Zara Watson-Young and Sean Young Zara and Sean are the powerhouse husband-and-wife team behind Watson & Young PLLC, a premier law firm dedicated to protecting entrepreneurs’ brands at the highest level. After seeing too many founders lose the rights to names and businesses they built from nothing, they set out to create a firm that does more than file paperwork, they defend legacies and secures the future of brands. Zara is a fierce advocate in trademark law, known for giving founders the confidence to scale without fear of copycats. Sean brings sharp strategy and precision to every trademark search, filing, and enforcement matter, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Together, they’ve protected more than 900 brands across the globe. While raising two daughters, they continue to build a practice rooted in family, faith, and legacy, with one mission: to safeguard what matters most so visionary founders can thrive. Connect with Zara Watson-Young and Sean Young at Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 Reflecting on Life's Risks 00:17 Introduction to Zara and Sean 00:28 The Building Blocks Concept 00:57 Zara's Entrepreneurial Journey 02:00 The Birth of a Content Creator 02:58 COVID's Impact on Creativity 04:17 Sean's Contribution and Systems 05:07 The Importance of Organization 07:40 Balancing Career and Personal Life 10:58 The Wake-Up Call 16:17 Embracing Risk and Purpose 17:59 Conclusion and Farewell

    19 min
  2. 09/16/2025

    All In: The Risky Path to Building a Dream Business with Zara Watson-Young & Sean Young

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, host Karen Gilhooly interviews Zara Watson-Young and Sean Young from Watson & Young PLLC, an intellectual property firm based in New York City. They discuss their unique career journeys, highlighting the challenges and risks they faced in transitioning from less fulfilling law careers to creating their own successful practice.  Zara shares her initial passion for special education law and her ultimate pivot to intellectual property to protect content creators, while Sean recounts his arduous time in housing court and his eventual leap into joining the family business.  Their stories emphasize the importance of taking risks, being 'all in,' and demonstrating to their children what it means to be passionate and alive in the workplace. About Zara Watson-Young and Sean Young Zara and Sean are the powerhouse husband-and-wife team behind Watson & Young PLLC, a premier law firm dedicated to protecting entrepreneurs’ brands at the highest level. After seeing too many founders lose the rights to names and businesses they built from nothing, they set out to create a firm that does more than file paperwork, they defend legacies and secures the future of brands. Zara is a fierce advocate in trademark law, known for giving founders the confidence to scale without fear of copycats. Sean brings sharp strategy and precision to every trademark search, filing, and enforcement matter, ensuring no detail is overlooked. Together, they’ve protected more than 900 brands across the globe. While raising two daughters, they continue to build a practice rooted in family, faith, and legacy, with one mission: to safeguard what matters most so visionary founders can thrive. Connect with Zara Watson-Young and Sean Young at watsonandyoung.com/ Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 Introduction: Time and Career Reflections 00:22 Meet Zara and Sean 01:18 Zara's Journey into Law 05:36 Sean's Career Path 09:34 Taking the Leap: Building Watson & Young 20:25 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    21 min
  3. 08/26/2025

    How to Build a Thriving Business Through Smart, Authentic Networking with Wayne Brown

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly sits down with Wayne Brown to explore the critical role of authentic networking in both personal and professional life. Wayne shares how focusing on authentic networking helped him build his successful company, The Walker Group. From starting with no clients to partnering with major banks and fintechs, Wayne emphasizes the importance of giving first and receiving second. The conversation also delves into overcoming career roadblocks, taking calculated risks, and growing through connections. Wayne's insights offer invaluable advice for those looking to enhance their networking skills and build meaningful relationships. Be sure to tune in for practical tips on how to get started with effective networking today! About Wayne Brown Wayne Brown is the Managing Partner of The Walker Group, a boutique FinTech Consulting Company. Starting a company in 2007, at the outset of financial crisis was no easy task. The Walker Group sits at the intersection of FinTech, banks and payment processors. From the beginning to now, The Walker Group has helped hundreds of companies launch and promote their product to new customers, partner with banks and expand to other global markets. Whether directly through our partnerships or throughout clients we have connected FinTechs and positioned them for growth with some of the largest global banks, regional banks and credit unions. Connect with Wayne Brown via email at wbrown@walkergroupnyc.com  Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 The Importance of Networking  00:34 Overcoming Career Roadblocks  01:46 Starting a New Business  02:54 The Value of Networking  07:13 Wayne’s Journey Building the Walker Group  13:11 Helping Others Through Networking  15:46 Success Stories from Networking  18:04 Personal Reflections on Networking  19:12 The Importance of Taking Risks  20:52 Leveraging Past Experiences  24:52 Building a Strong Network  28:09 Conclusion and Contact Information

    29 min
  4. 08/19/2025

    How to Recognize When It's Time to Leave a Job and Start Fresh with Wayne Brown

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly welcomes accomplished business professional and dear friend Wayne Brown. They delve into Wayne's journey from the early days of electronic banking to his current entrepreneurial ventures. Wayne shares valuable insights on embracing change, the importance of courage, relationships, and curiosity, and how his pioneering work in digital payments parallels today's rapid technological advancements. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with lessons on career growth, feedback, and making a meaningful impact. And be sure not to miss Part 2 for more of Wayne's tricks of the trade! About Wayne Brown Wayne Brown is the Managing Partner of The Walker Group, a boutique FinTech Consulting Company. Starting a company in 2007, at the outset of financial crisis was no easy task. The Walker Group sits at the intersection of FinTech, banks and payment processors. From the beginning to now, The Walker Group has helped hundreds of companies launch and promote their product to new customers, partner with banks and expand to other global markets. Whether directly through our partnerships or throughout clients we have connected FinTechs and positioned them for growth with some of the largest global banks, regional banks and credit unions.  Connect with Wayne Brown via email at wbrown@walkergroupnyc.com  Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 Introduction: Embracing Change and Opportunity 00:24 Meet Wayne Brown: A Journey Through Time 01:18 The Birth of Electronic Banking 04:35 Navigating Rapid Change and Innovation 10:50 Lessons Learned: Courage, Relationships, and Curiosity 14:14 The Importance of Feedback and Adaptability 17:41 Conclusion: All Things with Purpose

    20 min
  5. 08/12/2025

    The #1 Leadership Mistake When Using AI in the Workplace with Heather Bellini

    In this insightful episode, Karen Gilhooly sits down with Heather Bellini to discuss the transformative impact of AI in the workplace, strategies for effective leadership, and the importance of embracing change. Heather shares her perspective on integrating AI tools into the workplace, the importance of constructive feedback, and what personal and professional successes truly look like. Tune in for valuable tips on navigating today's evolving work environment. About Heather Bellini Heather is the President and Chief Financial Officer at InvestCloud, a global leader in financial software and digital wealth management solutions. Prior to InvestCloud, she served as CFO at a cybersecurity software firm Deep Instinct and spent nearly 10 years as a Partner at Goldman Sachs, where she covered the Software & Select Internet Sector and led the Technology Research Group.  In 2020, Heather was named one of Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance. Connect with Heather on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bellini-6177a/ Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 Introduction: The Rise of AI in Business 00:48 Effective Team Leadership and Constructive Feedback 02:17 Embracing Change and Innovation 06:56 AI's Impact on Business Operations 15:11 Personal Reflections and Career Highlights 17:27 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    18 min
  6. 08/05/2025

    Wall Street Veteran to Visionary CFO: Lessons in Leadership & Change with Heather Bellini

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, host Karen Gilhooly sits down with Heather Bellini, President and CFO of InvestCloud. Heather shares her fascinating career journey, from working at Lehman Brothers, Citigroup, and Goldman Sachs to her current role. They dive into the importance of mentorship, the value of feedback, and the nuances of transitioning from being an advisor to a doer. Heather discusses her experience with transformational change, the significance of patience and discipline, and her insights on leadership and team building within a large organization.  About Heather Bellini Heather is the President and Chief Financial Officer at InvestCloud, a global leader in financial software and digital wealth management solutions. Prior to InvestCloud, she served as CFO at a cybersecurity software firm Deep Instinct and spent nearly 10 years as a Partner at Goldman Sachs, where she covered the Software & Select Internet Sector and led the Technology Research Group.  In 2020, Heather was named one of Barron's 100 Most Influential Women in U.S. Finance. Stay tuned for Part 2 for more in-depth insights from Heather Bellini's remarkable career and connect with Heather on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/heather-bellini-6177a/ Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.karengilhooly/three-bucket-leader This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Executive Producers Matthew Jones and Lauren Feighan, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts  00:20 Meet Heather Bellini: Career Beginnings  01:39 The Importance of Mentorship  03:01 Feedback and Perception  13:09 Transitioning to Corporate Life  18:30 Closing Remarks and Next Episode Teaser

    19 min
  7. 06/17/2025

    The Hidden Cost of Poor Communication: How to Fix It for Success! with Dr. Brian Glibkowski

    Join Karen Gilhooly for part two of her discussion with Dr. Brian Glibkowski, as they further delve into his Answer Intelligence (AQ) framework, designed to enhance communication in the workplace. Dr. Glibkowski explains the different types of answers—concepts, metaphors, theories, stories, procedures, and actions—that can be applied to 'what', 'why', and 'how' questions. Learn how proper communication using this framework can resolve workplace inefficiencies, boost engagement, and facilitate successful transformations. Don't miss this enlightening discussion on improving communication skills and the impact of poor communication on productivity. Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.truenorthcollab.com/three-bucket-leader 00:00 The Importance of Communication in Transformation Projects 01:05 Understanding the AQ Framework: What, Why, and How 04:55 Applying AQ in the Workplace: Real-World Examples 13:09 The Cost of Poor Communication: Time and Efficiency 15:39 Mastering AQ Skills: Techniques and Applications 20:40 Improving Communication for Better Outcomes 22:11 Conclusion This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Stephen Selnick as Senior Producer, Lauren Feighan as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.

    23 min
  8. 06/10/2025

    What Golf Instructors Can Teach You About the Art of Communication with Dr. Brian Glibkowski

    In this episode, Karen Gilhooly sits down with Dr. Brian Glibkowski, to delve into the groundbreaking concept of Answer Intelligence (AQ). They discuss the AQ framework, its significance in communication, and its application in various contexts like education, workplace, and sales. Learn how understanding both questions and answers can elevate your influence and communication skills. Dr. Glibkowski also shares insights from his study on top golf instructors, and how their techniques can teach us about effective communication. Tune in to discover how mastering AQ can make every conversation more meaningful. Dive deeper from the podcast and check out Host Karen Gilhooly's book - The Three Bucket Leader https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This book is for leaders who: ✅ Want to inspire their teams to be All-In. ✅ Need to reclaim their time and focus on what truly matters. ✅ Are ready to align their influence with purpose and lead with intention. If that's YOU, this book will change the way you lead. Download the first chapter for free at: www.truenorthcollab.com/three-bucket-leader 00:00 Introduction to Answer Intelligence 00:20 Meet Dr. Brian Grabowski 01:00 Understanding Answer Intelligence (AQ) 01:33 The Importance of Questions and Answers 03:32 The Role of Curiosity in Learning 04:49 Questions vs. Answers in Society 11:23 Golf Instructors and AQ 13:45 The Importance of Studying Your Craft 14:34 Effective Communication Skills 15:22 Defining Employee Engagement 19:12 Navigating Conversations with AQ 26:14 Conclusion  This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative Matthew Jones as Executive Producer, Stephen Selnick as Senior Producer, Lauren Feighan as Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor.

    27 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Make Minutes Matter podcast, hosted by Karen Gilhooly, where each episode is dedicated to igniting passion and purpose in the workplace. Are you a senior leader striving to reignite enthusiasm among your team? Perhaps you're a manager seeking to unify and empower your staff. Or maybe you're an individual craving a renewed sense of fulfillment in your career. Join me as we delve into insightful conversations and practical strategies that will empower you to make every minute count. Together, we'll uncover the keys to fostering a dynamic and engaged work environment where everyone thrives. Don't miss out on the inspiration and tools you need to reignite your professional fire. Subscribe to Make Minutes Matter on YouTube or your favorite podcast platform today, and let's make every moment in your career truly matter.