Professional Launch

Ricot Aladin
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Our passion is to help young professionals launch their careers and find mentors by learning from leaders and experts. Our podcast hopes to inspire and ignite your professional journey. Early career professionals can hear about the path of those at a point of accomplishment. And, experienced professionals can feel a get of re-ignition of that same inspiration as they learn about other speakers and people of the community. Support this channel to help us bring purpose-driven mentorship to under-connected young professionals

  1. 08/07/2025

    Professional Launch Episode 15- Trent Lee, Founder of Compass Leadership Advisors

    Ricot Aladin welcomes back Trent Lee, founder of Compass Leadership Advisors and Vistage Chair, for a deep, energizing conversation on what it takes to lead with purpose. Trent opens up about the isolation CEOs often face, the power of strategic peer groups, and why mentorship is never one-sided.  From startup struggles to boardroom breakthroughs, Trent shares personal stories, top challenges CEOs face (spoiler: it’s people and isolation), and how aligning personal values with business goals can make or break leadership.  With his signature blend of insight and humor, Trent offers unforgettable advice: “Every business needs three things: an executive coach, an operating system, and a peer group.” This is more than a business chat — it’s a roadmap to intentional leadership and building something that lasts.

    38 min

  2. 08/07/2025

    Professional Launch Episode 16 - Kellie Carlson, VP of HR

    In this episode, Ricot Aladin welcomes Kellie Carlson to discuss how young professionals can proactively partner with HR departments to unlock career opportunities within their organizations. Kellie shares her own nontraditional career journey into HR, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-advocacy, and ongoing personal growth. Key Takeaways:  Career Journeys Aren’t Linear: Kellie’s path from customer service to VP of HR involved mentorship, returning to school, and continuous learning. She encourages professionals to embrace nontraditional paths and stay focused on forward movement. The Power of Mentorship: Kellie highlights how finding a good mentor (hers was an HR director) helped shape her career. She urges professionals to seek guidance and not be afraid to ask others for help or advice.  HR Is a Resource, Not Just Policy Enforcers: Many employees view HR as the “rule enforcers,” but Kellie stresses that HR is there to support employees’ growth and career ambitions. Employees should reach out for career conversations and development planning.  Visibility Without Self-Promotion: Getting involved in volunteer opportunities, mentorship programs, or internal committees is a great way to stand out and connect with HR in a positive, productive way.  Approaching Tough Conversations: When facing challenges (e.g., with a supervisor), HR can help coach employees on how to navigate conversations effectively, rather than simply stepping in to "fix" things.  Career Pathing & Development: Kellie explains how her company offers structured career paths, employee resource groups, and opportunities like shadowing and training to help employees grow and feel a sense of belonging.  Advice for Young Professionals: Always research a company thoroughly before applying or interviewing. Take time after onboarding to revisit benefits and development opportunities. Don’t be afraid to network with leaders—even executives. Keep performing well in your current role while expressing interest in new opportunities.

    40 min

  3. 07/25/2025

    Professional Launch - Bryan Wilburn

    In this episode of Professional Launch, Ricot Aladin sits down with Bryan Wilburn — a powerhouse fundraiser and president of St. Monica Montessori — to unpack the secrets behind his monumental achievement: raising over $40 million for a non-profit mission.Bryan shares how his journey began as a missionary, what he learned from leading one of the largest Newman Center capital campaigns in the country, and why real fundraising is less about events and bake sales, and more about deep relationships and radical honesty.Together, Ricot and Bryan dive into:The mindset needed to lead long-term fundraising effortsWhy rejection is essential to professional growthHow to build donor trust without being weird 🙃Creating a mentorship culture and leading by exampleThe underrated power of wearing a tie 👔And what it means to leave a lasting leadership legacyOh — and yes, Bryan reveals why lemonade stands and bake sales won't cut it when you’re chasing million-dollar goals. 🍋💸

    40 min

  4. 07/24/2025

    Professional Launch - Simone Wai

    In this episode, Ricot Aladin sits down with Simone Wai, a community builder and the visionary force behind Folkways, a Fargo-based nonprofit, who shares how her background in marketing evolved into a mission to foster connection, belonging, and economic vitality.They dive into Campus FM, an innovative mentorship and media program connecting college students with the community through paid content creation, helping them build skills, find jobs, and stay rooted locally. Simone also reflects on the power of mentorship, the courage to start imperfectly, and the importance of letting go of projects when their time has passed.This episode is a masterclass in social impact, creative risk-taking, and the beauty of bringing people together.Themes: Community building, mentorship, arts + gathering, career launching, social entrepreneurship, student engagement, nonprofit leadership🎙️ “Running events is like opening and closing a business in one day.” – Simone Wai

    39 min

  5. 07/24/2025

    Professional Launch - Tony Anderson

    In this episode of Professional Launch, Ricot sits down with Tony Anderson, the tech-savvy solutions manager from Photon Phi, to introduce an emerging wireless communication technology: LiFi (Light Fidelity). Unlike traditional WiFi, LiFi uses infrared light for data transfer—offering ultra-secure, high-speed connectivity that can’t be hacked, jammed, or even detected. Tony explains how this breakthrough addresses the looming “spectrum crunch” in the U.S. and complements existing WiFi infrastructure, especially in healthcare, education, and enterprise spaces.Beyond the tech talk, Tony shares powerful reflections on mentorship, community service, and leadership growth, drawing from his experience with Clay County Pheasants Forever and his 20+ year tech journey. This episode is packed with insights for young professionals eager to innovate, lead, and make a local impact.

    38 min

  6. 07/12/2025

    Professional Launch - Hans Grafstrom

    In this episode, Ricot Aladin sits down with Hans Grafstrom, the CEO of Grafstrom Construction, to explore his unlikely journey from a turbulent early adulthood to leading a thriving construction company with over 50 employees. Hans shares how his business began as a way to make ends meet—and how grit, mistakes, and a deep belief in personal growth turned that hustle into a full-scale operation. 💥 Highlights include: Hans' raw and powerful reflection on going from defendant to courthouse builder The unplanned origin story of Grafstrom Construction How to turn chance encounters into career-changing opportunities Why hiring for energy and positivity matters more than technical skill Honest insights into mentorship, learning from mistakes, and the messy business of leadership Real talk on firing, feedback, and building a values-based team The role books, bedtime, and golf play in Hans' personal growth routine 💡 "Never lose your curiosity." That’s Hans’ advice to every young professional—and he’s living proof that consistent growth and the willingness to ask questions can change everything. 🎯 Whether you’re launching your career, leading a team, or mentoring others, this episode is packed with wisdom, humor, and heart. 🔥 Plus: Learn how Professional Launch is building a new mentoring platform to connect students with local professionals. Sign up to volunteer at professionallaunch.org!

    40 min

  7. 07/11/2025

    Professional Launch - Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner

    In this insightful and inspiring episode of Professional Lunch, Ricot sits down with Sheriff Jesse Jahner to explore the values, challenges, and personal journey that define leadership in law enforcement. With a rich professional history and a passion for service, Sheriff Jahner shares wisdom that extends far beyond the badge.

    39 min

  8. 07/11/2025

    Professional Launch - Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald

    In this insightful and inspiring episode of Professional Launch, host Ricot Aladdin sits down with Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, Vice President of Research and Creative Activity at North Dakota State University (NDSU). From her accidental start in linguistics to leading cutting-edge research initiatives, Dr. Fitzgerald shares her vibrant career journey and the values that guide her leadership. She dives into the power of resilience, the role of failure in personal growth, and the transformative impact of mentorship and undergraduate research. Whether you’re a new grad navigating the job market or a student exploring career paths, this episode is packed with honest wisdom and actionable advice. Expect empowering stories, practical tips for standing out, and a compelling case for the value of listening, curiosity, and doing your homework. Plus, learn how language connects deeply to identity and community in her powerful reflections on revitalizing Native American languages.

    35 min
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About

Our passion is to help young professionals launch their careers and find mentors by learning from leaders and experts. Our podcast hopes to inspire and ignite your professional journey. Early career professionals can hear about the path of those at a point of accomplishment. And, experienced professionals can feel a get of re-ignition of that same inspiration as they learn about other speakers and people of the community. Support this channel to help us bring purpose-driven mentorship to under-connected young professionals

Information

  • Creator
    Ricot Aladin
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    17
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ricot Aladin
  • Show Website
    Professional Launch