OVERSHARING hosted by Mikhail Alfon

Mikhail Alfon

OVERSHARING features leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs willing to spill everything they've learned and experienced in this conquest called life. What will you learn? Will your perspectives be challenged? There's only one way to find out.

  1. Tom Gilmartin | Cheat Codes for Creatives

    17 JUN

    Tom Gilmartin | Cheat Codes for Creatives

    Tom Gilmartin helps students and early-career creative marketing minds gain an almost unfair advantage—not just in landing the roles they dream about, but in proving they belong, creating real impact, and setting the foundation for a career that fuels the soul. After 20+ years hiring and leading hundreds of creative + marketing minds in agencies and Silicon Valley, he can tell you—there’s a bit of a cheat code. The people who break in and thrive in the Industry don’t just have talent; they know how to stand out, get noticed, and navigate the system. In this episode of Oversharing, Mikhail Alfon sits down with creative industry veteran Tom Gilmartin—former Facebook/Instagram Creative Director and longtime ad agency leader—for an inspiring conversation on creativity, leadership, and breaking into the advertising world. Tom shares his journey from playing in garage bands and struggling with dyscalculia to leading iconic campaigns at agencies like Chiat\Day and at tech giants like Meta. They dive into career-defining moments, the importance of clarity and kindness in feedback, and how creatives today can thrive in a world powered by AI and fast content cycles. Connect with Tom: https://www.linkedin.com/company/gilmartin-career-launch-coaching https://www.gilmartincoaching.com  https://tomgilmartin.com Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Background 03:03 The Journey into Advertising 10:39 Influences and Mentorship 16:57 The Evolution of Creative Processes 27:33 The Importance of Honest Feedback 29:56 Navigating Hard Conversations 33:18 Innovative Campaigns: Merging Art and Marketing 40:30 Empowering the Next Generation of Creatives 51:43 Building Personal Brands for Career Success

    58 min
  2. Christopher Espinosa: Start with Good Enough

    02/07/2024

    Christopher Espinosa: Start with Good Enough

    Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the world of direct-to-consumer boxing brands with Christopher Espinosa, the founder of MK1 Boxing. Christopher shares his journey and provides valuable insights into various aspects of building a successful brand from the ground up. Whether you're an entrepreneur, marketer, or boxing enthusiast, this episode offers actionable advice and inspiration. Topics Covered: Product Development: Christopher discusses the meticulous process of developing high-quality boxing products that meet the needs of consumers and stand out in a competitive market. Influencer Marketing: Learn how MK1 Boxing leverages the power of influencers to reach a broader audience and build credibility within the boxing community. Facebook and Google Advertising: Get insider tips on how to effectively use Facebook and Google ads to drive traffic and increase sales for your brand. Email Marketing: Discover strategies for building and nurturing an email list to keep your audience engaged and informed about new products and promotions. Brand Building: Christopher shares his experience in creating a strong brand identity and the importance of staying true to your brand values. Discover MK1 Boxing: Explore MK1 Boxing's innovative products and learn more about their journey at MK1 Boxing's Official Website: https://www.mk1boxing.com/ Connect with Christopher Espinosa: Email: info@mk1boxing.com Instagram: MK1 Boxing Instagram: Wolf of Boxing Connect with Mikhail: Instagram: Mikhail Website: Blue Light Media Tune in to this episode to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to build a thriving direct-to-consumer brand in the competitive boxing industry.

    56 min
  3. Tyler Allgaier - Mental Health Hacks for Business Leaders

    05/06/2024

    Tyler Allgaier - Mental Health Hacks for Business Leaders

    In this episode, Mikhail Alfon reconnects with Tyler Allgaier, the President and CEO of Pitted Companies. Tyler shares the journey of growing Pitted from a college project to a suite of companies including Pitted Labs, Pitted Logistics, and Pitted Ventures. The discussion delves into the challenges of business leadership, the impact of rapid growth on mental health, and strategies for managing personal well-being while scaling a company. Key Topics Discussed: Introduction and Pitted Companies Overview Tyler's journey from college to leading Pitted Companies Expansion from Pitted Labs to Pitted Logistics and Pitted Ventures Growth and Leadership Evolution Transition from hands-on work to managing leaders Challenges of shifting to a leadership role and managing a larger team Building and Maintaining Company Culture Importance of in-office work for camaraderie and culture Focus on creating a supportive and engaging work environment Handling Rapid Growth and Employee Well-being Managing the expansion from less than 10 to 45 employees in three years Strategies for ensuring employee satisfaction and retention Mental Health and Personal Challenges Tyler’s personal experiences with mental health as a founder The importance of empathy and support within the company Balancing personal life and professional responsibilities Decision-Making and Delegation Delegating technical tasks and focusing on strategic decisions Importance of making quick, independent decisions as a bootstrapped company Future Plans for Pitted Companies Vision for continued growth and maintaining a people-focused culture Tyler’s goals for Pitted and the ongoing commitment to employee well-being Notable Quotes: "Leadership is about guiding your team through growth while ensuring everyone feels valued and supported." "Mental health should be a priority, not an afterthought, especially in a fast-growing company." "Stress doesn't come from hard work. Stress comes from avoiding what we know we need to face." - Jeff Bezos Connect with Tyler: Tyler@pittedlabs.com / https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerallgaier Connect with Mikhail: instagram.com/miqk

    38 min
  4. Bernice Chao: Visibility Mindset in the Work Place

    10/04/2024

    Bernice Chao: Visibility Mindset in the Work Place

    In this deeply inspiring episode, we're joined by the incredibly multifaceted Bernice Chao, a creative powerhouse whose journey breaks the mold in more ways than one. Bernice shares her unique path from growing up in an Asian immigrant household to making her mark in the competitive world of advertising and beyond.  Listeners will be captivated by Bernice's early realization of her passion for art, supported by her mother's unwavering belief in her talents, leading her to pursue a career that defies the typical expectations placed upon Asian American children. Her story is a testament to the power of nurturing one's passions and the courage to pursue an unconventional path. Bernice also delves into the nuances of navigating the workplace as an Asian American, shedding light on the challenges of breaking through the "bamboo ceiling" and the importance of visibility and representation. She discusses the formation of Asians in Advertising, a community initiative aimed at amplifying Asian voices in the industry, and shares actionable advice on finding mentors, advocating for oneself, and the significance of creating a supportive community. This episode is not just a story of personal success; it's a motivational guide that encourages listeners to embrace their identity, pursue their passions with tenacity, and the importance of carving out space for oneself in any field. Whether you're looking for inspiration, career advice, or just a compelling story, Bernice's journey from an immigrant child to a beacon of creativity and advocacy is sure to motivate and encourage listeners to break through their own ceilings. Connect with Bernice: https://www.bernicechao.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bernicechao/ https://www.instagram.com/hellobernice Connect with Mikhail https://www.instagram.com/miqk https://www.mikhailalfon.com

    43 min

About

OVERSHARING features leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs willing to spill everything they've learned and experienced in this conquest called life. What will you learn? Will your perspectives be challenged? There's only one way to find out.

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