Make Minutes Matter

Karen Gilhooly
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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. 6d ago

    Your Tribe Is Your Strategy: Brie Temple on Leadership, Loss, and What Really Matters | Talkify

    Karen Gilhooly and Brie Temple, Chief Commercial Officer at Talkify, pick up right where they left off, and this time, the conversation goes even deeper. Brie opens up about what it actually takes to lead at scale, managing 2,500 outbound sales agents across international BPO operations, and the labor, safety, and cultural realities most leaders never see. She also gets candid about the partnership behind the career: the intentional choices she and her husband made so her ambition could thrive, and why the support system behind a high performer rarely gets talked about. From there, the conversation turns to culture. Brie makes the case that the same swipe-right mentality reshaping dating has quietly infected hiring and loyalty at work, and why that should worry every leader paying attention. She brings that same honesty to the debate over matchmaking versus algorithms, explaining why AI still can't replicate human chemistry and how Talkify's new Arrows platform is built to keep human intelligence at the center of digital convenience. Brie and Karen also dig into the trades renaissance, the opportunity gap in skilled work, and why AI's disruption of white-collar jobs should have more leaders questioning college as the only path to purpose. Brie offers a sharp warning about AI as an echo chamber: a tool that's only as accurate and unbiased as the humans feeding it, and what that means for anyone making decisions with AI-generated data. The episode's most human moments come toward the end. Brie reflects on why the ability to receive feedback gracefully is a harder, rarer skill than giving it, and shares the desk-pounding leadership mistake she still cringes about today. She closes with her most personal disclosure yet: a family mental health crisis that had her commuting by plane every week for seven months and the tribe principle it taught her about why your circle is your most important strategic asset. This is a conversation about what actually holds a leader and a life together. Don't forget to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about leadership, relationships, and making every moment count. Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly's book, The Three Bucket Leader: https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 Executive Producer: Matthew “MoJo” Jones; Editor: Nathan Wheatley; Associate Producer: Xavier Adetula; Filmed at Wolff Island Studios in Brooklyn, NYC 0:00 Introduction & Welcome Back 0:48 Brie's Leadership Role at DirecTV 1:28 Managing International Teams & Travel 1:51 Partner Support & Career Flexibility 3:21 The Value of Skilled Trades 5:15 Disposable Culture vs. Meaningful Relationships 5:59 Talkafi & Old-Fashioned Matchmaking 6:23 Automation in Recruiting vs. Human Connection 7:22 AI in Matchmaking — Algorithms vs. Human Connection 9:13 AI's Limitations & the Risk of Misinformation 10:14 Tech Adoption Cycles & Human Progress 14:56 Leading a Team at Talkafi 19:46 The Art of Giving & Receiving Feedback 21:19 Brie's Biggest Leadership Mistake 22:22 The Desk-Pounding Wake-Up Call 24:31 Closing Advice: Surround Yourself with Your Tribe 26:35 Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. Jul 7

    How to Lead Through Rejection, Grief, and Human Connection | Brie Temple | Talkify

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly sits down with Brie Temple, Chief Commercial Officer at Talkify, one of America's largest matchmaking platforms. Bri oversees every customer-facing function and leads with a philosophy rooted in human connection. Brie's path to the C-suite is anything but linear. She set out to become a marriage counselor, fell into sales, and climbed the ranks at companies like DirecTV. Eventually, she came full circle, landing at a matchmaking company where her belief in the power of relationships shapes everything she does. This conversation goes deep. Karen and Brie candidly explore the things most leaders never say out loud. They discuss how growing up with an emotionally or physically absent parent quietly shapes who we become as professionals. They examine why radical transparency can backfire when it transfers anxiety instead of confidence. And they explore what it actually means to be responsible not just for your team, but for what they bring home to their families at night. Brie also pushes back on the checklist culture that dominates modern matchmaking and modern hiring. She makes a compelling case that friendship and genuine compatibility matter more than any list of requirements. In one of the episode's most quietly profound moments, she offers a thought on grief that will stay with you long after the episode ends. This is a must-listen for anyone who has ever wondered whether their "detour" was actually preparation. It's also for anyone who wants to lead in a way that leaves people better than they found them. Don't forget to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about leadership, relationships, and making every moment count. Resources Learn more about Tawkify here: https://tawkify.com/ Article: Brie Temple Of Tawkify On How To Navigate Our Complicated Modern World To Find Love Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly's book, The Three Bucket Leader: https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 Chapters 0:00 - Introduction: Relationships & the "Secret Sauce" of Tough Times 0:38 - Guest Intro: Brie Temple, CCO at Talkifi & Eros 1:30 - Brie's Path: From Psychology to Sales (and Back to Matchmaking) 4:45 - Growing Up with an Absent Father & How It Shaped Her Relationship Goals 15:35 - Career Turning Point: Lessons from DirecTV & Transformative Leadership 17:00 - The Weight of Leadership: Decisions Impact Families, Not Just Employees 18:09 - Leaders' Responsibility: Protecting What Employees Bring Home 19:57 - Outro & Where to Follow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jun 16

    How to Handle Career Rejection (And Why It Might Be Redirecting You) | Sarah Murrow | Allianz Trade

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly continues her conversation with Sarah Murrow, President & CEO of Allianz Trade Americas, diving into a more personal side of her story. Part 1 explored the landscape (https://youtu.be/Omz0Gv9Wd6w). Part 2 focuses on the journey. Sarah reflects on her career, starting with a cold rejection from Allianz Trade (then Euler Hermes) in 2003, to receiving a life-changing Friday afternoon phone call in 2016 that uprooted her family and took them to Paris. What unfolded between those moments, and everything that followed is a powerful lesson in how embracing intentional discomfort can lead to a career most people only dream of. Karen and Sarah candidly discuss topics leaders rarely voice aloud: the self-doubt that accompanied a global role she didn't feel prepared for, the complex decision to ask her spouse to become a stay-at-home dad for their two daughters in a foreign country, the resistance she encountered while advocating for equal paternity and maternity leave in the UK, and the deeply emotional moments they shared while reflecting on the unwavering support of their husbands, their true partners in every sense. This episode also delves into rejection as an opportunity, how missed promotions can redirect you toward the right path, and what it really means to show commitment to a company before they've fully committed to you. Sarah offers straightforward yet profound advice for early-career professionals: every day, challenge yourself to step into discomfort. Growth doesn't occur during easy moments. It comes from the ones you willingly face head-on. This is a must-listen for anyone who's ever faced rejection and wrestled with whether to move on or try again. Because sometimes the path forward is clear, and other times it requires persistence and resourcefulness. Don't forget to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more inspiring conversations about leadership, reinvention, and making every moment count. Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly's book, The Three Bucket Leader: https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This show is produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co) with Matthew "MoJo" Jones as Executive Producer and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. For sponsorship opportunities, email podcasts@rainbowcreative.co 00:00 Introduction – "How Do You Have It All?" 03:10 Getting Rejected & Coming Back Stronger 07:00 Karen's Similar Rejection Story at Citi 12:00 When Rejection Is Actually a Gift 14:30 Moving to Paris – A Bold International Move 18:00 London Years: Growth, COVID & the UK CEO Role 23:30 Implementing Equal Paternity Leave in the UK 27:30 The Stay-at-Home Spouse & Shifting Family Roles 32:00 Role Modeling Equality for the Next Generation 36:00 Advice for Young Professionals: Get in the Growth Zone 42:00 Making Minutes Matter at Home – Board Games & Family Time 44:30 Closing Thoughts & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. May 20

    Finding Purpose in the Path: Aligning Your Values, Strengths, and Career

    Welcome to the first “Best Of” Episode of Make Minutes Matter! In this episode you will hear from a powerful panel of leaders and coaches who explore what it truly means to find purpose and fulfillment in your career. From aligning core values over mere job performance to the dangers of coasting through life on autopilot, our guests share raw personal stories and hard-won wisdom. Whether you're a manager struggling to inspire your team or an individual questioning your path, these conversation offers actionable insights on living and leading with intention. Make sure to dive deeper and watch or listen to each episode! Conversations led by our host, Karen Gilhooly | Leading With Purpose Karen connects the dots between personal purpose and team-level leadership, noting that great management means helping every person feel valued and operating in their strengths. She warns that leaders who skip this work will see the cost reflected directly in low engagement scores and disengaged teams. Karen also offers a sobering reflection on the trap of coasting by pointing out that time is finite. Guests Clips Summaries John Paguaga - John’s First Appearance | Values Over Skills John opens with the memorable "hole in the street" parable. This is the idea that the most powerful guide isn't the expert or the authority, but the friend who has been in that same dark place and knows the way out. He reflects on his own journey of using lived experience as a compass for helping others. John emphasizes that aligning your work with your core values, not just your skills, is the true key to sustainable fulfillment. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/6Qp2Ke83shg  Listen to John’s Episode on Apple Podcasts HERE Watch or Listen to John’s Episode on Spotify HERE Karen Dixon | When Employees Feel Invisible Karen shares a coaching story about a remote employee who feels invisible and irrelevant to his own manager—a vivid example of how poor one-on-one culture erodes trust and engagement. She highlights how the expectation gap between managers and employees has widened in the remote work era, and how small moments of (dis)connection compound over time. Karen underscores that when employees feel like they don't matter, no amount of process or policy fills that void. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FltiPqa4JD4  Listen to Karen’s Episode on Apple Podcasts HERE Watch or Listen to Karen’s Episode on Spotify HERE Bryan Schneider | Reconnecting Teams to Why Bryan brings 20+ years of organizational experience to the question of why large institutions struggle to sustain meaningful change—arguing it comes down to patience and the willingness to keep telling the story. He stresses that purpose-driven leadership requires going beyond ego and continuously reconnecting the team to the why behind their work. When that "why" can't be clearly answered, Bryan believes it's not only acceptable but necessary to pause and reevaluate the direction entirely. Watch on YouTube (Part 1: HERE https://youtu.be/ffrJ1QBK230  ) & (Part 2: HERE https://youtu.be/BFIBBWqauCg  ) Listen to Bryan’s Episode on Apple Podcasts: Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE Watch or Bryan’s to Karen’s Episode on Spotify Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE Ray Pendleton | Purpose Through Struggle Ray draws on the Greek myth of Erite—the fork in Hercules' path—to illustrate how the "easy road" of power and glory without struggle ultimately leaves people hollow and unhappy. He argues that the struggle itself is inseparable from the satisfaction, and that getting what you think you want without earning it in a meaningful way ruins both the person and those around them. It's a powerful reminder that purpose is found in the journey, not just the destination. Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8fC2tdahYM4  Listen to Ray’s Episode on Apple Podcasts: HERE Watch or Listen to Karen’s Episode on Spotify HERE Marie Letko | Curiosity Creates Calling Marie brings an energizing perspective rooted in lifelong curiosity—waking up every day asking "what can I learn today?" and finding that mindset transformative in her work with clients. She advises young professionals to stop waiting for the perfect job and instead journal across every role they hold, looking for the through-line of what genuinely energizes them. For Marie, that thread was always people—and recognizing it early (or even late) is what turns a career into a calling. Watch on YouTube (Part 1: HERE: https://youtu.be/R_36d2WiEUE  ) & (Part 2: HERE https://youtu.be/dGPvM1VtDt4  ) Listen to Marie’s Episode on Apple Podcasts: Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE Watch or Listen to Marie’s Episode on Spotify Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE These episodes were produced by Rainbow Creative with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Senior Producer, Stephen Selnick as the Founding Senior Producer, Edited by Nathan Wheatley and Graphic Design by Mohamed Naser. Best of Post Production Produced by Nicholas Peters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Apr 28

    22 Years, One Company: The Career Strategy No One Talks About

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly sits down with Sarah Murrow, President & CEO of Allianz Trade Americas, for a candid conversation about what it really takes to build a meaningful, long-term career in a world that often rewards constant movement. Sarah shares her 22-year journey with one company, spanning continents, roles, and leadership levels, not as a story of staying put, but of constantly evolving. From saying yes to uncomfortable opportunities to leading a major IT transformation she initially got wrong, her experience offers an honest look at growth, missteps, and the mindset required to lead at the highest level. Karen and Sarah explore the hidden “equity” professionals build over time; credibility, relationships, and influence, and why walking away from it isn’t always as simple as it seems. They also unpack the tension between stability and ambition, the reality of leading through constant change, and why caring deeply about your work remains one of the most underrated competitive advantages. Throughout the episode, they reflect on navigating leadership as women in traditionally male-dominated industries, focusing less on barriers and more on what it actually takes to earn, and own, your seat at the table. This episode is for anyone questioning whether to stay or go, push forward or pivot. Because building a career isn’t about following trends, it’s about making intentional choices that compound over time. Be sure to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about leadership, reinvention, and making every minute count. Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly’s book, The Three Bucket Leader:https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 This show is Produced by Rainbow Creative (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/)  with Matthew “MoJo” Jones as Executive Producer, and Nathan Wheatley as Editor. For sponsorship opportunities email podcasts@rainbowcreative.co  0:00 – Introduction: IT transformation failure & the people lesson 0:26 – Welcome & Guest Introduction 0:49 – Building a career at one organization for 22 years 2:49 – Advice for choosing the right company 10:13 – Advice for new joiners: say yes, stay curious, take risks 17:52 – Breaking the glass ceiling in insurance & trade finance 20:52 – The importance of caring about your work & finding purpose 23:51 – Leading through disruption, change fatigue & new joiners 26:22 – The biggest career failure: people-first transformation 30:49 – The power of admitting mistakes & storytelling as a leader 32:41 – Your first 6 months in a new role: ask every question 34:25 – Outro & Follow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Apr 7

    Knowing When It’s Time to Move On: Second Acts, Background Acting, and AI’s Impact

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly welcomes back John Paguaga for a candid conversation about knowing when it’s time to move on, whether from a long career or a role that no longer brings energy or impact. Together, they explore the moment when meaningful work begins to feel like obligation, and how self-awareness helps you decide whether to refresh your path or pivot before burnout affects your brand. John shares how he evaluates engagement through three “buckets,” recognizing when the spark starts to fade. After leading 250 New York City tours and serving more than 2,500 guests, he chose to step away at the 18-month mark, valuing positive reviews and meaningful impact as his true currency. That decision opened the door to an unexpected second act in background acting, landing roles in film, television, and commercials, and ultimately earning SAG eligibility. Karen and John also discuss the rapid rise of AI, comparing it to the early internet and examining how it may reshape education and entertainment. While some roles may disappear, new opportunities will emerge for those willing to adapt, learn, and lean into their strengths. Throughout the episode, they emphasize timeless skills: knowing your values, communicating with respect, seeking to understand others, and embracing mentorship across generations. This episode is for anyone sensing their fire dimming or considering a second act. Reinvention isn’t a one-time leap, it’s an ongoing practice of awareness and courage. Be sure to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about leadership, reinvention, and making every minute count. Dive deeper and check out Karen Gilhooly’s book, The Three Bucket Leader: https://a.co/d/08vuNA9 Produced by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and edited by Anthony Parisi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Mar 10

    Why So Many Professionals Feel Trapped in Their Careers - Career Wisdom from John Paguaga

    In this episode of Make Minutes Matter, Karen Gilhooly welcomes back John Paguaga for a candid conversation about recognizing when it’s time to step away from a decades-long career and navigating the uncertainty of what comes next. After more than 40 years in the workforce, John shares the moment he realized “the rat race needed one less rat,” reflecting on the kind of exhaustion that doesn’t come from physical fatigue but from years of responsibility, pressure, and constant motion. Together, Karen and John explore the power of self-awareness, understanding your core values, and identifying your true strengths as the foundation for reinventing yourself, whether that means evolving within your current role or stepping into an entirely new chapter. John opens up about the difficult but necessary process of acknowledging when something no longer feels aligned, and the courage it takes to admit that change may be the right path forward. The conversation dives into what it really means to feel “on fire” in your work, why authentic recognition matters, and how many professionals quietly wrestle with the tension between obligation and fulfillment. He also shares the unexpected turns of his post-retirement journey, from searching online for “fun things to do for early retirees” to becoming a New York City tour guide, eventually leading 250 tours for more than 2,500 visitors. Yet even in that new chapter, John describes the moment he recognized the spark had faded again, reminding listeners that reinvention isn’t a one-time decision but an ongoing process of listening to yourself and adapting. This episode is a must-listen for professionals approaching retirement, contemplating a career transition, or simply wondering if there’s more to life than the daily grind. Be sure to subscribe to Make Minutes Matter for more conversations about purpose, reinvention, and making every minute count. 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 (https://www.rainbowcreative.co/_) with Executive Producer Matthew “MoJo” Jones and edited by Anthony Parisi. CHAPTERS 00:00 Rat Race Reflection 00:28 Welcome Back John 00:55 Knowing When Its Time 04:01 Reinvent Where You Are 04:53 Self Awareness Basics 07:10 Man In The Mirror 09:21 Mentors On Bookshelves 09:53 Catch The Fire Moments 14:14 Recognition Fuels Fire 15:39 Second Act After Retirement 18:09 Googling A New Purpose 21:06 Tour Guide On Fire 23:21 Part Two Teaser Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Feb 24

    How AI is Transforming Legal Careers & The Value of Making Mistakes

    Make your next 30 minutes count with new episodes delivered to your inbox. Click here: https://karen-gilhooly.kit.com/makeminutesmatter1 In Part 2 of this Make Minutes Matter conversation, Karen Gilhooly continues her thoughtful discussion with Darryl Chiang, Director in Google’s Legal Department, shifting the focus toward growth, failure, and the evolving realities of modern legal careers. Darryl offers a candid look at how artificial intelligence is reshaping professional development, not as a replacement for judgment, but as a powerful tool that accelerates learning and frees up space for deeper, more strategic thinking earlier in one’s career. Together, they unpack the importance of curiosity and asking questions, and why AI can serve as a judgment-free environment for developing confidence before stepping into high-stakes conversations. Darryl reflects on the balance between “book smarts” and “street smarts,” emphasizing that real professional wisdom is built at the intersection of theory, lived experience, and mistakes. He challenges the myth of linear career progression, arguing that detours, lateral moves, and even failures often create stronger leaders with clearer values and better judgment. The conversation also explores why today’s professionals need permission to fail, how memorable missteps shape ethics and integrity more than easy wins, and why broad, non-linear experiences often lead to more grounded decision-making. Throughout, Darryl reinforces the idea that growth rarely looks perfect on paper — and that’s exactly the point.This episode is a must-listen for legal professionals, managers, and anyone navigating career development in an AI-driven world. It’s a reminder that progress isn’t about avoiding mistakes, but about learning how to use them. Connect with Darryl Chiang on LinkedIn and be sure to subscribe for more conversations that make every minute matter. Connect with Darryl on LinkedIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darryl-chiang-63524/ This podcast was Produced by Rainbow Creative with Executive Producers Matthew "MoJo" Jones, and Editors Anthony Parisi and Yuval Yosha of Big Fable. Graphic Design by Mohamed Naser. Filmed at Wolff Studios in Brooklyn, NYC Introduction (0:00) Law School vs. Real World Practice (0:47) How AI Shortens the Learning Curve (2:07) AI as a Tireless Associate (4:02) Asking Questions Without Fear (5:25) AI and Job Satisfaction (7:46) Super Intelligence by 2027 (8:27) Book Smarts vs. Street Smarts (10:48) The Firetruck Story (12:58) Teaching Through Mistakes (19:25) Career Trajectories and Lateral Moves (30:58) Closing Thoughts (38:30) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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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.

Information

  • Creator
    Karen Gilhooly
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    30
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Karen Gilhooly