Your Career GPS

Brad W. Minton

In this bi-monthly episodic series, host Brad W. Minton serves as the GPS to Gen Z students and young adults ready to find their fit and make their mark on the world through their careers. He helps aspiring professionals develop a stronger career identity and navigate the sometimes complicated journey of career development. Throughout this series, Brad and other hosts bring together experts in the field of career exploration, growth and development, personal branding, networking, job searching, resume writing, interviewing and salary negotiation.

  1. Ep. 122 Grip The Wheel: Overcoming The Fear Of Personal Branding (with Marita McCahill)

    2H AGO

    Ep. 122 Grip The Wheel: Overcoming The Fear Of Personal Branding (with Marita McCahill)

    In this episode Brad sits down with Marita McCahill who shares her insights on overcoming fear and embracing failure as essential components of personal and professional growth. She emphasizes the importance of stepping outside one's comfort zone and saying yes to new opportunities, which can lead to significant development and new experiences. All of these things can positively impact one's personal brand and storytelling. She discusses how to take those important steps of defining your brand and stepping out of your comfort zone to start creating content that reflects your values. Key takeaways Don't let fear paralyze you.Some of the best learning moments are when you fail.Step up to new things, even when uncomfortable.Growth happens outside your comfort zone.Embrace failure as a learning opportunity.New friendships can emerge from taking risks.Professional growth requires stepping into the unknown.Opportunities often lie beyond familiar boundaries. Guest Info: Marita McCahill is a personal-branding strategist, content creation specialist, and educator with more than 20 years of experience in marketing and communications across professional-service organizations. She is the founder of getCAREERcurious, an online community empowering Gen Z and early-career professionals to build purpose-driven careers. In her role as an adjunct instructor at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS), she teaches digital marketing and social media strategy, helping students turn their personal brand into career capital. Drawing on her background leading client relationships, project teams, digital campaigns, and reputation management for major providers, Marita brings real-world insight into how personal branding works in both corporate and entrepreneurial settings. Website: https://www.getcareercurious.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maritamccahill/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@getcareercurious This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career, LLC. www.minttobecareer.com

    32 min
  2. Ep. 121 Your AI Copilot: Navigating The Evolving Tech Landscape (with Jeremy Schifeling)

    12/23/2025

    Ep. 121 Your AI Copilot: Navigating The Evolving Tech Landscape (with Jeremy Schifeling)

    In this conversation, Jeremy Schifeling discusses the importance of identifying personal strengths, leveraging unique human abilities, and the role of AI in enhancing productivity. He emphasizes the significance of building relationships and community as essential elements in navigating personal and professional journeys. Key takeaways Start with strengths to identify unique value. Unite with unique human abilities like communication and storytelling. Reinforce efforts with relevant AI tools. Avoid using AI just for the sake of it. Finish with fellowship and community support. Relationships are crucial for personal growth. Build relationships before you need them. Prepare for future challenges with a supportive network. Collaboration enhances individual capabilities. Embrace the shared journey of humanity. Guest Info: Jeremy Schifeling has devoted his career to helping others succeed in theirs. From teaching kindergarten in Brooklyn to recruiting top students at Teach For America to leading education marketing at LinkedIn, he’s touched the lives of millions of people at every stage of their journeys. Along the way, he’s published the best-selling LinkedIn and ChatGPT for Job-Seeking books on Amazon, served as a career coach for military veterans at Shift.org and MBA students at the University of Michigan, and produced the most-viewed video in LinkedIn’s history. Website: https://www.thejobinsiders.com/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/schifeling/  Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B00AB7IEX2

    35 min
  3. Ep. 120 Fueling Up: Leveraging LinkedIn For Early Career Growth (with Melissa Grabiner)

    12/09/2025

    Ep. 120 Fueling Up: Leveraging LinkedIn For Early Career Growth (with Melissa Grabiner)

    In this episode, Brad W. Minton speaks with Melissa Grabiner about leveraging LinkedIn for early career professionals. They discuss the importance of having an optimized LinkedIn profile, engaging with the platform, and networking effectively to enhance job search success. Melissa shares practical tips on how to stand out to recruiters, the significance of being proactive in job searching, and the value of building connections. The conversation emphasizes the need for young professionals to take charge of their career paths and utilize LinkedIn as a powerful tool for growth and opportunity. Key takeaways LinkedIn is essential for job seekers, especially young professionals.Engagement on LinkedIn can significantly increase visibility to recruiters.A strong profile photo and personalized banner are crucial for attracting attention.Using keywords in your profile can help recruiters find you more easily.Networking is often more effective than applying to job postings.Reaching out to decision-makers can lead to job opportunities that aren't advertised.Being proactive in your job search can set you apart from other candidates.Utilizing LinkedIn Learning can enhance your skills and profile.It's important to share your personal story in your LinkedIn profile.Life is too short to be unhappy at work; seek a fulfilling career.Guest Info:With more than two decades of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, Melissa Grabiner is widely recognized as a leading strategist and thought leader in the field. She has built a strong reputation for her expertise in Talent Acquisition and has cultivated a LinkedIn following of over 470,000 professionals. Melissa is ranked the #2 Female LinkedIn Creator globally and the #1 HR Creator in the United States.In the past year, her content has generated over 100 million post impressions and almost 2 million post engagements, underscoring her influence as a top voice in the HR and TA spaces. Her thought leadership extends beyond social media, with features in prominent publications including Market Watch, Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, and Indeed Business. She is also a sought-after podcast guest and frequently hosts LinkedIn Live sessions. Her expertise has been spotlighted twice on the iconic Times Square Billboard in New York City.Melissa spent 18 years at Baxter Healthcare, where she led Talent Acquisition for the company’s largest global business unit—later acquired by Takeda Pharmaceuticals. Under her leadership, Melissa and her team received numerous awards, including recognition as the highest-performing global HR team at both Baxter and Takeda.Beyond her corporate achievements, Melissa is a passionate Job Search Coach, helping professionals enhance their resumes, optimize LinkedIn profiles, and refine their job search strategies, with perfect testimonials and ratings from every client (over 500). Melissa also works as a Talent Acquisition consultant for companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries and serves as a Business Advisor to three startup organizations.Melissa holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a certified yoga instructor and fitness enthusiast. She lives in Chicago with her husband and their two sons.Website: https://topmate.io/melissagrabiner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissa-grabiner/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career. www.minttobecareer.com

    35 min
  4. Ep. 119 Full Power: Building Momentum In A Tough Job Market

    11/25/2025

    Ep. 119 Full Power: Building Momentum In A Tough Job Market

    In this episode, host Brad Minton and guest Jeremy Tudor discuss the current turbulent job market, particularly for Gen Z. They explore the importance of communication skills, the need for differentiation in a competitive job landscape, and how to leverage AI responsibly in job searches. Jeremy emphasizes the significance of building skills beyond formal education and offers practical advice for navigating the complexities of career development. Key takeaways The job market is currently turbulent, especially for young job seekers.Communication skills are crucial for success in interviews.Many jobs are lost not due to resumes but during the interview process.Gaining skills in your twenties is essential for future career success.Demonstrating skills through actions is more impactful than listing them on a resume.Video can significantly enhance job applications and increase engagement.AI should be used as a tool to assist, not replace personal input in job applications.Job seekers should not give up on their career paths despite challenges.Career paths are often non-linear and require adaptability.Building a unique value proposition is key to standing out in a crowded job market.Guest Info: Jeremy Tudor has 16+ years of experience in Human Resources and Talent Acquisition, spanning startups, non-profits, global corporations, and government agencies. Most recently, he served as Talent Acquisition Manager for the State of North Carolina, leading recruitment technology and policy for a workforce of 100,000+. Previously, he built the recruitment function for the Special Olympics World Games Los Angeles 2015 and supported international recruiting and mobility within a global corporation. Jeremy has interviewed and hired thousands of professionals, giving him deep insight into what employers look for. He created the Career Brand Story™ method, helping candidates land jobs they love, and as a certified behaviorist in DISC and 12 Driving Forces, he equips people and teams to communicate effectively and grow professionally. Website: https://jeremytudor.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeremytudor/ Career Brand Story This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

    33 min
  5. Ep. 118 Shifting Gears: How To Drive Career Readiness on Day One ( with Jessica Roffe)

    11/11/2025

    Ep. 118 Shifting Gears: How To Drive Career Readiness on Day One ( with Jessica Roffe)

    In this episode of You Career GPS podcast, host Brad W. Minton welcomes career coach Jessica Roffe to discuss essential career development strategies for Gen Z and young professionals. They explore the importance of early career reflection, common missteps in career planning, the significance of developing transferable skills, and the value of building a professional network. Jessica emphasizes that students should take advantage of college resources and not feel pressured to have everything figured out. The conversation highlights the need for continuous self-reflection and exploration in one's career journey. Key Insights Discussed: Start thinking about your career early in college.Switching majors is normal and can be beneficial.Reflect on every experience to learn and grow.It's okay to pivot and change paths.Take advantage of career resources at your college.GPA is just one small part of your resume.Networking can open doors to opportunities.Alumni are often willing to help current students.Soft skills are crucial for job success.You don't have to have everything figured out. Guest Info: Jessica Roffe is a seasoned higher education administrator, instructor, and career coach. As the Founder of Career Beginnings LLC, she provides personalized career coaching and group workshops for college students and young professionals, guiding them through the often-complex early stages of their careers. Jessica equips her clients with the skills and strategies needed to achieve career readiness and long-term success. As a Certified Career Services Provider through the National Career Development Association and Associate Director with twelve years of experience working at the University of Maryland, Jessica has advised thousands of students and taught courses like Choosing Your Major and Career. Her dedication to teaching excellence earned her the Robert H. Smith School of Business; Distinguished Teaching Award, recognizing her for achieving top teaching evaluations. She holds an MA in Higher and Postsecondary Education from Columbia University’s Teachers College and a BA in Psychology from the University of Maryland, College Park. Jessica’s coaching is driven by her passion for helping students and young professionals achieve career happiness and financial success. She is a trusted resource for navigating career challenges such as finding internships and jobs, building strong personal brands, resumes, and LinkedIn profiles, networking effectively, and excelling in interviews. Jessica also specializes in helping clients identify their interests, strengths, and values, empowering them to explore careers that align with their unique traits. Website: https://career-beginnings.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-roffe/ This podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career www.minttobecareer.com

    29 min
  6. Ep. 117 Off The Beaten Path: Telling The Story Of Non-Linear Careers (with Steph Gillies)

    01/29/2025

    Ep. 117 Off The Beaten Path: Telling The Story Of Non-Linear Careers (with Steph Gillies)

    In this episode, Brad W. Minton and career story coach Steph Gillies discuss the challenges faced by young professionals in navigating career anxiety and the pressure to specialize. They explore the importance of embracing multi-passionate career paths and how to craft a compelling career story that reflects one's authentic self. Steph shares insights on resume writing, the relevance of diverse experiences, and strategies for presenting oneself effectively in job applications. The conversation emphasizes that every experience is valuable and can be framed to highlight transferable skills, encouraging listeners to embrace their unique journeys. Key takeaways: Young professionals often feel anxiety and pressure in their careers. The traditional notion of specializing in one career is outdated. Most people's career paths are not linear; they are often messy. It's important to normalize non-linear career paths. Resumes should highlight relevant experiences, including volunteer work. Education can be framed as work experience for new grads. Authenticity is key in job applications and interviews. Having multiple resumes can help tailor your story for different roles. Every experience can be made relevant to your career goals. You can change your career at any age. Guest Info: Steph Gillies is a Career Story Coach, focused on helping multi-passionate professionals embrace their authenticity and design their career story. Having had 32 jobs in 15 years, Steph mastered the job search process and gained valuable insights into how to align passions with career paths.   After being laid off from what she thought was her dream job in 2020, she started resume writing and career coaching. Since then, she has helped over 1000 people discover their purpose and create a career story that truly reflects who they are. Guest Links: Website LinkedIn Podcast

    36 min
  7. Ep. 116: Revving Engines: The Career Power Skills That Matter (With Dr. Deb Samuels-Peretz)

    01/15/2025

    Ep. 116: Revving Engines: The Career Power Skills That Matter (With Dr. Deb Samuels-Peretz)

    In this conversation, Brad W. Minton and Deb Samuels-Peretz, PhD, discuss the critical importance of soft skills in the workplace, particularly for Gen Z. They explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the development of these skills, the key power skills needed for success, and the role of emotional intelligence, coachability, and critical thinking. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous learning and self-awareness, as well as strategies for leveraging soft skills in job applications and tailoring them to specific job opportunities. The conversation concludes with valuable career advice for young professionals entering the workforce. Key Takeaways: Soft skills are essential for workplace success. COVID-19 has hindered the development of social skills in Gen Z. Emotional intelligence encompasses empathy and self-awareness. Coachability is crucial for new graduates in entry-level positions. Critical thinking is necessary in an era of misinformation. Creativity thrives on collaboration and diverse perspectives. Job descriptions provide clues about desired soft skills. Continuous learning is vital for personal and professional growth. Soft skills can be highlighted in resumes and interviews. Employers value candidates committed to developing their soft skills. Guest Info: Dr. Deb Samuels-Peretz is Co-founder and VP of Learning and Development at TheRealMe, Inc. is a social scientist and consultant with a Ph.D. in curriculum and instruction from Boston College. Deb has prepared teachers at universities such as Boston University, Boston College and Brandeis University. Her specialties are adult learning and cognitive development, applied neuroscience and educational technology. At the RealMe Deb uses her expertise to help Gen Z upskill their soft skills so they can get hired at jobs they'll love.

    35 min
  8. Ep. 115 Turn Right: Hacking The 21st Century Job Search (with Alexander Florio)

    12/18/2024

    Ep. 115 Turn Right: Hacking The 21st Century Job Search (with Alexander Florio)

    In this episode of Your Career GPS Podcast, Brad dives into the challenges faced by young job seekers in today's market with guest Alex Florio, co-founder of Swob Inc. They discuss the inspiration behind Swab, a job search platform designed to simplify the job application process, emphasizing quality over quantity in job applications. The conversation explores shifts in the job market dynamics post-COVID, common resume mistakes, the role of AI in job searching, and key ingredients for success in landing jobs. Alex shares insights on effective communication and networking, highlighting the importance of tailoring resumes and utilizing available resources for job seekers. Key takeaways: The job market is challenging for young professionals. Swab was inspired by the inefficiencies in job searching. Quality job applications are more effective than quantity. COVID shifted the job market dynamics significantly. Many job seekers still make basic resume mistakes. AI can be a helpful tool but shouldn't replace human effort. Strong communication is crucial in the job application process. Networking can significantly enhance job search success. Tailoring resumes to specific roles is essential. Swab focuses on entry-level roles in high turnover industries. Guest Info: Alexander Florio is the co-founder of Swob Inc., the Tinder for jobs. In November 2017, Alexander and his sister, Stephanie, launched Swob App, a job search platform designed to simplify job searching and recruitment. Through the use of technology, people looking for a job can now search in the comfort of their own phone! Swob is the first of its kind to target job seekers and high-turnover industries such as retail and food service for part-time, seasonal, and full-time employment. In May of 2018, Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Mobile Canada awarded Swob as the first ever Canadian company to win the "Pitch To Rich" contest. Since then, Alexander has appeared on BNN Bloomberg, E-Talk, The Feed with Amber Mac, Omni TV, The Marilyn Denis Show, etc., and spoke at Elevate Tech Fest in Toronto. Alexander is passionate about entrepreneurship, and has worked with the WE organization as a mentor for the WE Incubation Hub Program, which empowers young social entrepreneurs to develop and launch their own social enterprise. Website: https://www.swobapp.com/about-us LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderflorio This Podcast is brought to you by Mint To Be Career LLC

    38 min
5
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

In this bi-monthly episodic series, host Brad W. Minton serves as the GPS to Gen Z students and young adults ready to find their fit and make their mark on the world through their careers. He helps aspiring professionals develop a stronger career identity and navigate the sometimes complicated journey of career development. Throughout this series, Brad and other hosts bring together experts in the field of career exploration, growth and development, personal branding, networking, job searching, resume writing, interviewing and salary negotiation.