Mentor Moments with Alex Quian

Kelly Thomas, Career & Mindset Coach, Kelly Thomas Coaching

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 19 Oct 2021 16:30:29 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Kelly Thomas. She is a career and mindset coach and founder of Kelly Thomas Coaching. In her role, she provides career and life coaching to professionals in corporations, start-ups, and entrepreneurs who are seeking help navigating challenging times.

During this episode, we discussed a number of topics including how to cope with mental stressors, the effects of the pandemic on anxiety, and much more.

To receive a free 20-minute consultation with Kelly, email kelly@kellythomascoaching.com and include "Better Together" in the subject line.

Christa Brown-Sanford, Partner, Baker Botts

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Wed, 8 Sep 2021 15:47:33 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Christa Brown-Sanford. She is a Partner at Baker Botts and the Deputy Chair of their Intellectual Property Department.

During this episode, we discussed a number of topics including how COVID has affected the legal industry, blazing trails for others, and more.

Scott Bonneau, VP, Global Talent Attraction, HR Analytics, and HR Technology, Indeed

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Wed, 1 Sep 2021 00:44:50 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Scott Bonneau. He is the Vice President of Global Talent Attraction, Human Resources Analytics, and Human Resources Technology for Indeed, the #1 job site in the world.

During this episode, we discuss how COVID has and will continue to change the job market and the workplace and how you can navigate these changes.

Elizabeth Bryant, VP, Southwest Airlines University, Southwest Airlines

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 16:43:20 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Elizabeth Bryant. She is the Vice President of Southwest Airlines University at Southwest Airlines. In her role, she provides executive leadership for Employee learning and Development at Southwest Airlines. She provides strategic direction and oversight for regulatory training and Leadership and Employee Development Programs.

During this episode, we discuss the importance of continuous learning and how that can help shape your career.

Thomas Rajan, VP, Global Talent and Total Rewards, American Airlines

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 17 Aug 2021 15:38:21 +0000

For the premiere of season 2, we were joined by Thomas Rajan. Thomas is the Vice President of Global Talent and Total Rewards for American Airlines. In this role, Thomas leads the design, execution and operations of all compensation, benefits, and employee health programs, as well as overseeing talent acquisition, performance management and people analytics in support of a global workforce powering the world’s largest airline.

During the episode, we discuss the effects COVID-19 has had on the hiring landscape and how young people can navigate these new challenges to succeed in their career.

Arjun Dugal, CTO, Financial Services, Capital One

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 12 Jan 2021 19:42:01 +0000

Capital One is hiring! Visit the link below to see current job openings and apply today.

https://www.capitalonecareers.com/

Faye Iosotaluno, CSO, Match Group

alex@alexquian.com (Young Leaders for Change) — Tue, 5 Jan 2021 17:21:58 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Faye Iosotaluno. She is the Chief Strategy Officer at Match Group. In her position, she oversees strategy, consumer research, and new business growth for their global portfolio of dating products such as Match, Tinder, OkCupid, and more. Prior to joining Match Group, Ms. Iosotaluno served as the Vice President of Strategy & Business Development at SoundCloud and the Vice President of Digital Business Development at Viacom Media Networks, among other leadership roles. During this episode, we discussed topics such as the process of getting people on board with your strategies, the importance of liberal arts in business, and more.

Best Advice of Season 1

alex@alexquian.com (Young Leaders for Change) — Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:02:07 +0000

With the New Year right around the corner, we took this episode to reflect on some of the best pieces of advice from Season 1. This episode features clips from interviews with Cynt Marshall (CEO, Dallas Mavericks), Dolf Berle (CEO, Topgolf), Stephen Bohanon (CSSO, Alkami Technology), and Dr. Sejal Hathi (Resident Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital).

Carla Rosenberg, Senior Vice President, SPORTFIVE

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 22 Dec 2020 16:52:26 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Carla Rosenberg, the Senior Vice President of Charity & Events Management at SPORTFIVE, a global sports and entertainment agency. In her role, Ms. Rosenberg provides philanthropic expertise to more than 250 athlete clients looking to build or enhance their charitable activities. She brings many years of experience in the sports industry, having previously worked at organizations such as the Texas Rangers, the Dallas Stars, and other agencies. During this episode, we discussed topics such as goal setting, finding mentors, and more. This episode was sponsored by Alkami Technology, an award winning digital banking software company. Alkami serves upwards of 160 financial institutions and empowers more than 10 million users to make the most of their financial futures. Learn more by visiting alkami.com!

Grant Moise, Publisher, The Dallas Morning News

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 15 Dec 2020 21:21:43 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Grant Moise. He serves as the eighth publisher of The Dallas Morning News, one of the top ten newspapers in the country. He has served as its publisher since February 2018, but is a veteran of The Dallas Morning News and its parent company, A.H. Belo, having previously served in a variety of leadership roles and has overseen business strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and monetization of its digital assets. During this episode, we discussed a variety of topics including setting goals to climb the corporate ladder, building the right circle of friends, and more. This episode was sponsored by Alkami Technology, an award winning digital banking software company. Alkami serves upwards of 160 financial institutions and empowers more than 10 million users to make the most of their financial futures. Learn more by visiting alkami.com!

Dr. Sejal Hathi, Resident Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital

alex@alexquian.com (Young Leaders for Change) — Tue, 8 Dec 2020 17:01:26 +0000

Dr. Sejal Hathi is a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital and clinical fellow on the faculty of Harvard Medical School. Dr. Hathi has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable communities in the United States and globally - over the last decade, she founded and led two social enterprises advancing women’s rights and agency, which have served women across 6 continents and 100 countries. Dr. Hathi is also the host for Civic Rx, a podcast to inspire conversation about how to build a healthier and more just society. During this episode, we discussed a variety of topics including how to cultivate meaningful professional connections, earning respect as a young professional, and more. This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

Stephen Bohanon, Co-founder and CSSO, Alkami Technology

alex@alexquian.com (Young Leaders for Change) — Tue, 1 Dec 2020 19:33:06 +0000

Stephen Bohanon is the co-founder and Chief Strategy and Sales Officer for Alkami Technology, an award winning digital banking software company. Stephen has an extensive financial services background including roles at Catalyst Consulting, Metavante, ACI Worldwide, and Advanced Financial Solutions. In 2009, he co-founded Alkami Technology, Inc., which he ran from his home and later an apartment turned office above a Coldstone Creamery for 9 years. Present-day Alkami has become a flourishing 5-floor, 600+ employee operation in the heart of Plano, Texas, and now serves upwards of 160 financial institutions and empowers more than 10 million users to make the most of their financial futures.

Stephen’s entrepreneurial optimism and ability to manage and take risks have propelled Alkami’s mission. By creating one of today’s leading digital banking solutions, small to mid-sized banks and credit unions can compete with the progressive demands of online banking, and in turn, transform the way consumers manage their financial future.

This episode was sponsored by JSX, a hop-on jet service offering short-haul flights between Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, and Texas. JSX has been a long time sponsor of our nonprofit, and we are grateful for their support!

Kelvin Smith, General Counsel, Big 12 Conference

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 17 Nov 2020 17:52:49 +0000

This episode, we were joined by Kelvin Smith, Executive Associate Commissioner - General Counsel at the Big 12 Conference. He has many years of experience in the field of sports, having previously served as the Vice President of Business and Legal Affairs for Learfield IMG College, one of the largest sports marketing companies. Kelvin is also a graduate of the Harvard Law School and Stanford University.

During this episode, Kelvin shared some of his experiences that led him to where he is today, advice on how to research and become familiar with knowledge you're unfamiliar with, making decisions, and more.

Mandy Price, Co-founder and CEO, Kanarys, Inc.

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 10 Nov 2020 23:04:21 +0000

This episode features Mandy Price. She is the co-founder and CEO of Kanarys, Inc., a technology platform that helps companies and their employees collaborate to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces. Prior to starting Kanarys, Ms. Price was a corporate attorney, and earned her law degree from the Harvard Law School.

During this episode, we discuss ways that you can get a true understanding of a company's culture, become more aware of issues related to diversity and inclusion, and more.

Kevin Horan, Chief Corporate Soul Officer, JSX

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 3 Nov 2020 23:19:48 +0000

This episode features Kevin Horan. He is the Chief Corporate Soul Officer at JSX. In his role, Kevin leads the Human Resources team focused on supporting its crew members, and leads many of JSX’s social impact initiatives. Kevin brings more than 30 years of experience in aviation, having held positions at carriers such as Pan American, American Airlines, and US Airways.

During this episode, we discuss how intern and entry-level candidates can stand out in the workplace, the importance of have an entrepreneurial mindset regardless of your career path, and more.

JSX is currently hiring! Learn more about their open positions by visiting jsx.com/careers.

Victor Boschini, Chancellor, Texas Christian University

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 27 Oct 2020 16:28:51 +0000

This episode features Dr. Victor Boschini. He is the Chancellor of Texas Christian University, a position which he has served in since 2003. Prior to his time at TCU, Dr. Boschini served as the President of Illinois State University, and has many years of experience in higher education.

During our conversation, we discussed how young people can maximize their college experience, take yourself out of your comfort zone to grow, and more.

Andrea Williams, COO, College Football Playoff

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 20 Oct 2020 16:06:34 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Andrea Williams. She is the Chief Operating Officer of the College Football Playoff and a veteran of the college sports space, having previously served as the Commissioner of the Big Sky Conference, the associate commissioner for the Big Ten Conference, and was the first director of the Big Ten football championship game.

During our conversation, we discussed topics such as seeking out feedback and constructive criticism, managing projects that can feel overwhelming, and more.

Cynt Marshall, CEO, Dallas Mavericks

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 13 Oct 2020 16:01:01 +0000

This episode features Cynt Marshall, CEO of the Dallas Mavericks, a position she’s served in since 2018. She is the first black female CEO in the NBA, and she has led the Mavericks organization to a number of successes, including making significant, positive changes to the workplace culture. Prior to being the CEO of the Mavericks, Cynt enjoyed a 36 year career at AT&T, which included a 4-year stint as the company’s Chief Diversity Officer.

During this episode, we discuss topics such as being authentic in the work place, the importance of blazing trails and setting an example for those that come after you, and more.

Dolf Berle, CEO, Topgolf

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 6 Oct 2020 14:17:11 +0000

This episode features Dolf Berle, the CEO of Topgolf Entertainment Group, a global sports entertainment company. In his role, Mr. Berle is instrumental in driving strategic thought for the company and rallying the entire brand to connect people in meaningful ways. He has many years of experience as an executive, having previously served as the President and COO of Dave & Busters, the President of Lucky Strike Lanes, and the COO of House of Blues. Outside of his professional career, he is a dedicated athlete, who recently competed on American Ninja Warrior and is the world pole vaulting champion for men in his age bracket. He also serves on the National Board of Directors for the Make a Wish Foundation and the USA Track & Field organization.

During this episode, we discuss making an impression as an entry-level employee, finding your purpose and companies that align with that, and more.

Jin-Ya Huang, Founder, Break Bread, Break Borders

Tue, 29 Sep 2020 05:39:14 +0000

In this episode, we were joined by Jin-Ya Huang. She is the founder of Break Bread, Break Borders, a social enterprise that provides catering services and hires exclusively refugee women, empowers them economically, and promotes unity through storytelling and culture. For her work, she has been recognized as a Presidential Leadership Scholar. She is also a celebrated artist and designer, with years of experience working with fashion companies such as Fossil, JCPenney, and Neiman Marcus.

During our conversation, we discussed being inclusive of other perspectives, serving your community, and more.

Benjamin Vann, CEO & Founder, Impact Ventures

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:00:01 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Benjamin Vann. He is the CEO and Founder of Impact Ventures, a Dallas-based startup accelerator dedicated to eliminating social and economic barriers facing underestimated women and entrepreneurs of color. Mr. Vann brings over a decade of experience in corporate finance, banking, philanthropy, and public affairs, and is driven to mentoring students and other entrepreneurs.

During this episode, we discuss some of the challenges facing minorities pursuing professional success, building your social capital, setting goals, and more.

Christiana Yebra, CEO, Vouch

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:52:11 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Christiana Yebra. She is the Chief Executive Officer of Vouch, a Dallas-grown dating app founded by Bachelorette alum, Sean Lowe. Christiana is a recognized thought leader on everything about millennial business and culture, and frequently champions causes related to women’s empowerment, especially in business and STEM-related fields.

During this episode, we discussed how to build meaningful connections with others, the importance of curating your online presence, and more.

Jeff Cheney, Mayor, City of Frisco

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:49:15 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Jeff Cheney. He is the Mayor of Frisco, Texas, a position which he has served in since 2017. Under his administration, Frisco was recognized as the fastest growing city in America and voted the #1 best place to live by Money Magazine. He is also a co-founder of the Cheney Group, a residential realty firm.

During this episode, we discussed the importance of prioritizing goals, how to accept feedback graciously, and more.

Ossa Fisher, President & COO, Istation

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:46:35 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Ossa Fisher. She is the President and Chief Operating Officer of Istation, an award-winning education technology company that serves over four million students across the world. Prior to becoming the President and COO, Ossa served as the Chief Marketing Officer of Istation, and has years of experience being a leader in the technology and finance sectors.

During this episode, we discuss setting goals and staying on top of them, elevating your personal brand, serving the community, and more.

Bill Cawley, CEO, Cawley Partners

alex@alexquian.com (Alex Quian) — Sun, 13 Sep 2020 20:10:06 +0000

This episode, I was joined by Bill Cawley. He is the chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Cawley Partners, a full-service commercial real estate company. Bill is a veteran in the Dallas real estate market, having launched and bought several firms over the decades of his career.

During this episode, we discussed the importance of finding the right balance between working and your personal life, building drive and grit, and more.