Your Career, Unscripted

Jane Cortez
  • 5.0 (16)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Join Columbia MBA grad, writer, and former actor Jane Cortez as she interviews business leaders and rising professionals on their career paths. She shares stories and advice to inspire you to build a career on your terms, and not anyone else's. @janebernhard

  1. Sarah Bond - President of Xbox - The only person you can ever beat is your younger self

    11/12/2025

    Sarah Bond - President of Xbox - The only person you can ever beat is your younger self

    Sarah Bond is the President of Xbox, and I am beyond honored to have her as this week’s guest on Your Career, Unscripted! For some context: when I was brainstorming dream guests, Sarah immediately came to mind. I had seen many of her talks on gaming, leadership, and empathy, and found them deeply impactful. Reaching out felt like a stretch, but I’ve learned it’s always worth pushing yourself to try to make a connection anyway. Huge thanks to Shawn Layden for the intro—and to Sarah for graciously joining me to share her story. Sarah discusses: How the only person you can ever beat in life is your younger selfThe lightbulb moment she had after her daughter was born—and how it drove her to impact the world her daughter was walking out intoThe importance of recognizing that every single day, you re-earn credibility with your teamHer experience getting the Activision Blizzard King deal confirmed—how she led the team through the process, wrote them a note before the decision came out, and ensured the sentiment of their work would persist no matter the outcomeA moment with Satya Nadella that influenced her leadership styleCareer advice on taking up space I learned so much from Sarah before I ever met her—and had a lot of self reflection and sharing to do after we spoke. I highly recommend listening to this episode if you’re looking for career inspiration, advice on self-confidence, stories on leadership and negotiation, and insight into the different chapters of her career—alongside so much unique and helpful advice. Sarah - thank you for the kindness, time, inspiration, and advice. It was an honor. Listen below and follow me @Jane Bernhard for more career stories!

    43 min
  2. Jill Furman - Theatrical Producer - I was in the room where it happened

    09/03/2025

    Jill Furman - Theatrical Producer - I was in the room where it happened

    Hamilton hits theaters this Friday! On this week’s episode of Your Career, Unscripted, I spoke with Broadway Producer Jill Furman, who was there from the very early days of Hamilton. She shared what it was like recognizing Lin-Manuel Miranda’s genius early on in 2003 when she saw an early version of In the Heights for the first time, to the beginning days of Hamilton, to the unforgettable White House moment with Chris Jackson as George Washington singing to President Obama in his final term in office. This interview was a bit surreal for me. Hearing the personal stories behind the creation of my favorite shows—and getting advice on career uncertainty, confidence, and pushing beyond your comfort zone—from Jill - a person whose career I could not admire more - meant so much. 🎧 Listen to hear her story, the journeys behind In the Heights and Hamilton, and career wisdom from a truly generous, authentic, and compelling voice - who was in the room where it happened.

    48 min
  3. Suba Vasudevan - Mozilla.org & Mozilla Corp - The best leadership is deeply human

    07/22/2025

    Suba Vasudevan - Mozilla.org & Mozilla Corp - The best leadership is deeply human

    Suba Vasudevan is COO of Mozilla.org and SVP at Mozilla Corp - and I am honored to have interviewed her for Episode 16 of Your Career, Unscripted and to share her story and career advice! With 22+ years of global leadership across technology, AI, trust & safety, and advertising, Suba Vasudevan is responsible for leading Mozilla’s operational strategy to bring better, more relevant products to new audiences. Suba spent well over two decades leading small and large teams in strategy, operations, analytics, customer support and trust & safety. She has nurtured and expanded critical global organizations within Meta (formerly Facebook), driving innovation and trust. Prior, she advised clients across industries at KPMG’s Advisory Services and began her career as a journalist in India, exploring the intersection of technology and business. She has a Master’s degree in Information Systems from Texas A&M, and a Bachelor’s in Computer Engineering from Mumbai University. For several years, Suba served as a Board Member for Mainspring Schools, a local non-profit in Austin, Texas for children from underprivileged families, leading their Strategic Planning Committee and demonstrating her commitment to community and inclusion-focused initiatives. Listen to her talk about: why she used to think leadership meant having the answers, and how she now sees it as creating the conditions for others to ask better questionsher work evolving Mozilla from a 25-year-old legacy organization into a future-ready company—while staying true to its open-source rootshow to handle feedback you don’t like (or don’t agree with)what really gets people promotedthe power of accountability, honesty, and proactively seeking feedbackThank you Suba for the opportunity to learn from you and collaborate! Be sure to check out Suba’s Substack If you'd like to support, please like, comment, and share this with your network! To set up a career consulting session with me, message me on LinkedIn @Jane Bernhard, MBA

    47 min
  4. Chris Melissinos - AWS - Nobody builds anything great by themselves

    06/07/2025

    Chris Melissinos - AWS - Nobody builds anything great by themselves

    Chris Melissinos is the Principal Evangelist for Video Games and Immersive Technologies at AWS, where he helps influence the next generation of game technology and offerings from AWS while also acting as a developer advocate, ensuring that the needs of game developers are met. Prior to AWS, he was the Chief Gaming Officer at Sun Microsystems, Inc., creator of the Smithsonian American Art Museum’s “The Art of Video Games” exhibition, Executive Director of Media and Entertainment for Verizon, and a founding board member of the Video Game History Foundation. Honored to have interviewed Chris on this week’s episode of Your Career, Unscripted! Listen to learn about… The different chapters of Chris’s career—from making copies for the sales team at Sun Microsystems, Inc., to leading games and immersive technology at AWSHow he got his foot in the door being an assistant, and used his time to propel his career forwardThe bold moment early in his career when he brought an idea straight to the CEO, was told the company was going in another direction, and pushed back—explaining why they were making a mistake. A month later, he was called to corporate to be the games person at Sun Microsystems, Inc. He later exited the company after 16 years as the Chief Gaming Officer and Chief EvangelistHow he’s learned to push to the limit—without overstepping itWhy he believes video games are a reflection of society, artists, and ourselvesA personal challenge in his career that has required real work to overcomeHis advice for breaking into the games industry todayWhat I appreciated most about this conversation was Chris’s commitment to learning, his drive to make the games industry better for artists, and the stories that shaped his path. Thank you, Chris, for giving me the opportunity to share some of your story and wisdom! Follow me @janebernhard for more career stories and advice! janebernhard.com

    51 min
  5. Yvoire S. Whittaker - Nike - I’m chasing my own happiness

    04/27/2025

    Yvoire S. Whittaker - Nike - I’m chasing my own happiness

    Very excited to share my interview with Yvoire S. Whittaker on this week’s episode of Your Career, Unscripted! Yvoire is a Brand Marketing Lead at Nike. I met Yvoire when we were classmates at Columbia Business School - and I have always been inspired by her authenticity, kindness, creativity, generosity, and drive to learn and connect. Born in Plano, Texas, raised with the richness of her Ghanaian roots, and shaped by world-class institutions and elite boardrooms—our guest is a force. She’s a first-generation Ghanaian-American woman who carries both her heritage and ambition with equal grace. She began her career solving complex problems as a human capital strategy consultant at Deloitte, then took a bold step—choosing to realign her path with her passions. That led her to Columbia Business School, where she pivoted into the world of brand marketing. And today, she’s not just in the room—she’s shaping the narrative.  She's a Brand Marketing Manager at Nike—one of the most iconic brands in the world—where she gets to fuse creativity, culture, and strategy at the highest level. But beyond the titles, she is someone who inspires through intentionality, cultural insight, and an undeniable drive to build brands that move people. Listen to learn about: How Yvoire let go of a path that didn’t feel true to her and reconnected with her passionsHer journey pivoting to business school and brand marketing at NikeHer advice for finding your next steps when you’re unsure of where you want to goHow and why she is building a career rooted in fashion, storytelling, and cultureHer Ghanaian roots and her passion for creating opportunity and giving backWhat life looks like now at Nike — and what she’s excited for nextHow to take the moments that bring you joy and translate it to a careerFavorite quote from Yvoire “My definition of success is listening to myself, trying new things unapologetically in the way that looks authentic to me, and chasing my own happiness - whatever that looks like.” Thanks Yvoire for sharing your story, advice, and heart - I learned a lot - and I am sure others will too! Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram and subscribe to my Substack to support my work in sharing these storieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-bernhard-mba/https://www.instagram.com/janebernhard/https://substack.com/@JANEBERNHARD

    39 min
  6. Andra London - BCG BrightHouse - The most transformative moments were the moments of transition

    03/24/2025

    Andra London - BCG BrightHouse - The most transformative moments were the moments of transition

    “The most transformative moments were the moments of transition.” Andra London is a Managing Director at BCG BrightHouse, where she harnesses the power of purpose and strategic storytelling to help organizations grow their people, profits, and impact. I am honored to have interviewed her on this week’s episode of Your Career, Unscripted! Her career advice has personally given me the perspective to zoom out and see the bigger picture - and I’m excited to share her advice and story in the hopes that the conversation helps you on your own career journey. Since 2016, Andra has led a country to define its national values, a major Canadian bank to set unprecedented sustainable finance goals, and iconic global organizations to articulate and activate their purpose. She also shares her expertise as a guest lecturer at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School. Before BCG, Andra’s marketing and brand experience spanned corporate, agency, start-up, and nonprofit – including years at The Coca-Cola Company, where she developed campaigns for The Olympic Games and FIFA World Cup. Andra’s work is driven by her belief that an organization’s success is rooted in its people. Listen as Andra shares… Her experiences as a leader at BCG BrightHouseWhat it was like to be Global Creative Director of The Coca-Cola CompanyHow moments of uncertainty can also be moments of possibilityHer experiences doing advertising campaigns for billion dollar brandsHow she looked to make her mark and shape something herselfHow you reconcile purpose and authenticity with company goals to drive revenueFavorite quote “You’re in the role. Put on the jacket” Thank you Andra for your wisdom, generosity, and kindness! Follow me on LinkedIn and Instagram and subscribe to my Substack to support my work in sharing these storieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-bernhard-mba/https://www.instagram.com/janebernhard/https://substack.com/@JANEBERNHARD

    43 min
  7. Michele Catano - Electronic Arts - If I don’t try, then I’ll never know

    02/24/2025

    Michele Catano - Electronic Arts - If I don’t try, then I’ll never know

    “If I don’t try then I’ll never know. ” Originally from Italy, Michele Catano is currently a Senior Product Manager at Electronic Arts, where he's working on a new game based on the famous The Sims IP. Michele came to the US in 2021, when he started his MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Previously, he has had a diverse set of experiences. Among many, he got his Engineering degree in Tokyo in 2016, worked in consulting between Asia and Europe for around 5 years and co-founded a MedTech startup in early 2020. I am very excited to share episode 12 of Your Career, Unscripted. What stood out to me in this conversation is Michele’s deep level of self-reflection — I’m grateful to share how that has shaped his journey. Listen to learn about… How his experiences living, working, and studying in Europe, Japan, and the U.S. shaped his perspective on his career and the way he approaches problemsHis experience navigating networking experiences and work as an introvert - and advice to those who are figuring out how to do the sameWhat it means to work on a game thats not released yetHow he didn’t know if being a PM would be the right fit, but also how he had to try to find outAdvice on breaking into gaming and product managementFinding balance between an interesting job and meaningful lifeFollow me on LinkedIn and Instagram and subscribe to my Substack to support my work in sharing these storieshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-bernhard-mba/https://www.instagram.com/janebernhard/https://substack.com/@JANEBERNHARD

    44 min
  8. Vicki Dobbs Beck - Lucasfilm & ILM - Be Opportunistic and Be Open

    02/04/2025

    Vicki Dobbs Beck - Lucasfilm & ILM - Be Opportunistic and Be Open

    Be Opportunistic and Be Open. Vicki Dobbs Beck is a veteran entertainment executive with more than 30 years of experience driving innovation and digital transformation in support of storytelling. In 2015, she co-founded Lucasfilm’s award-winning Immersive Storytelling Studio, ILMxLAB (now ILM Immersive), and has since been at the helm. Under Vicki’s leadership, ILM Immersive has produced a robust portfolio of groundbreaking experiences including CARNE y ARENA, directed by Alejandro Iñárritu and awarded a special Oscar by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; Vader Immortal: A Star Wars VR Series, winner of the PGA Innovation Award in 2020; and most recently, the Emmy award-winning “What If…? An Immersive Story” with Marvel Studios, the first-ever interactive Disney+ Original story for Apple Vision Pro. I am honored to have had Vicki on this week’s episode of Your Career, Unscripted (and to be able to interview Vicki for a second time). Thank you Vicki for your generous support and time throughout the years. If you are someone pursuing a career in media and technology and want to learn from an incredibly talented, kind, humble, and creative leader - this episode is for you. Learn about… Vicki’s journey cofounding Lucasfilm's immersive storytelling studio ILMxLAB (now ILM Immersive) and stories of hurdles along the wayThe benefit of “intrapreneuring” (setting up a new business inside of a large established company)Failing quickly and moving onThe process of creating worlds and characters that “felt authentically Star Wars”“Vader is probably the most iconic character in the Star Wars universe. So it was I think we were all humbled by the fact that Lucasfilm entrusted Vader with us in a unproven brand new space. And I think we were always very aware of that pressure” Listen to Your Career, Unscripted in all major podcast platforms and support Jane Bernhard! https://www.instagram.com/janebernhard/https://www.linkedin.com/in/jane-bernhard-mba/https://substack.com/@JANEBERNHARD This content is made possible thanks to the Texas Immersive Supporters! Consider making a small donation so we can provide more thought leadership content to our community! https://give.utexas.edu/?menu=OGPTII  Follow Texas Immersive!https://www.instagram.com/texasimmersive/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-immersive https://immersive.moody.utexas.edu/

    48 min
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About

Join Columbia MBA grad, writer, and former actor Jane Cortez as she interviews business leaders and rising professionals on their career paths. She shares stories and advice to inspire you to build a career on your terms, and not anyone else's. @janebernhard

Information

  • Creator
    Jane Cortez
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Jane Cortez
  • Show Website
    Your Career, Unscripted