Audrey French on Choosing to Have Kids and Start a Family

In Chapter 13 of 18 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Audrey Parker French answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing As Your Experience Grows?" French shares how her aspirations are shifting beyond leaving her company and getting married to starting a family. She notes that she already has captured her flag professionally and found fulfillment starting a company. She now aims to capture her flag by becoming a mother. Audrey Parker French is an entrepreneur who co-founded CLEAResult, an energy management consulting firm she helped grow to #144 on the 2010 Inc. 500 list of fastest-growing private companies and then sell to General Catalyst Partners. She currently volunteers as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and teaches children's choir. She graduated from Wake Forest University and lives with her husband in Austin, Texas.

Bijoy Goswami on Why Not to Set Goals and Measure Outcomes

In Chapter 19 of 19 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, leadership philosopher Bijoy Goswami answers "What Goals are You Setting as You Look to What Comes Next in Your Career?" Goswami shares why he does not use goals and milestones to assess performance and motivate progress. He finds goals to be limiting and instead focuses on a journey focused neither on safety nor outcome.

Bijoy Goswami is a writer, teacher, and community leader based in Austin, Texas. He develops learning models to help individuals, organizations and communities live more meaningfully. Previously, he co-founded Aviri Software after working at Trilogy Software.  Goswami graduated from Stanford University.

Why to See Yourself Through the Eyes of Others

In Chapter 6 of 19 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, innovation strategist Hammans Stallings answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing As Your Experience Grows?" For Stallings, his aspirations are constantly informed by the accumulation of experiences. To better understand how he is showing up in the world, he relies on seeing himself through the eyes of family, friends and colleagues to get feedback and counsel.

Hammans Stallings is a Senior Strategist at frog design. Previously he worked in strategy at Dell and investment banking at Stephens. He earned an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, a MS in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas and a BA in Economics and Psychology from the University of Virginia.

How to Plan Your Future by Aligning Your Passions

In Chapter 8 of 19 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, innovation strategist Hammans Stallings answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" He notes that while you cannot control your past you can take steps to create experiences that will shape your future. He finds places where his passions align and plans his goals around the possibilities that exist at that juncture.

Hammans Stallings is a Senior Strategist at frog design. Previously he worked in strategy at Dell and investment banking at Stephens. He earned an MBA from the Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, a MS in Technology Commercialization from the University of Texas and a BA in Economics and Psychology from the University of Virginia.

How Passion for Buildings Fuels Real Estate Development Career

In Chapter 6 of 18 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, real estate developer Brett Goldman answers "How are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" Walking around in his free time, Goldman always looks at buildings and wonders. He wonders how they were designed and he wonders how they were built.  In his real estate work, Goldman learns to appreciate construction and the various contributing trades and contractors that take a building from design to reality.

Brett Goldman is a Real Estate Acquisitions Director at Triangle Equities in New York City.  He holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Real Estate Development from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

Brett Goldman on What It Takes to Be a Real Estate Investor

In Chapter 18 of 18 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, real estate developer Brett Goldman answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing as Your Experience Grows?"  After nearly 20 years working in real estate, Goldman finds what he has learned about developing real estate - from understanding economic markets to learning building zoning and construction project management - is now more transferable than ever to real estate investing.

Brett Goldman is a Real Estate Acquisitions Director at Triangle Equities in New York City.  He holds a BA in General Studies from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Real Estate Development from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation.

Jason Anello on Writing a Life Goals List to Guide Career

In Chapter 1 of 20 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, creative director and Manifold ad agency co-founder Jason Anello answers "What Role Has Reflection Played in Shaping Your Personal Growth?"  Anello always tries to slow down and reflect at different points in his life.  He shares an example from college, when he wrote a list of seven life goals and how he has worked toward achieving them in his life. 

Jason Anello is a founding partner and creative director at Manifold Partners, an award-winning creative advertising agency.  Previously, Anello worked in creative leadership roles at Yahoo!, Ogilvy & Mather, and Digitas.  A passionate foodie and traveler, he runs the Forking Tasty food blog and supper club series.  He earned a BFA from University at Albany.

Jason Anello on Finding Happiness Blending Work and Play

In Chapter 5 of 20 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, creative director and Manifold ad agency co-founder Jason Anello answers "How are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?" Anello finds he is happiest as a well-rounded person who draws no line between working and playing, professional and personal. Jason Anello is a founding partner and creative director at Manifold Partners, an award-winning creative advertising agency.  Previously, Anello worked in creative leadership roles at Yahoo!, Ogilvy & Mather, and Digitas.  A passionate foodie and traveler, he runs the Forking Tasty food blog and supper club series.  He earned a BFA from University at Albany.

Jason Anello on How Aspirations Get More Money Motivated

In Chapter 20 of 20 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, creative director and Manifold ad agency co-founder Jason Anello answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing As Your Experience Grows?" As a creative, Anello shares how his aspiration has always been to make work like play. As he builds a company, he becomes more aware of how making money can also be an aspiration and help him make a greater difference in his work.  He finds challenge reconciling his creative mindset and money motivation.

Jason Anello is a founding partner and creative director at Manifold Partners, an award-winning creative advertising agency. Previously, Anello worked in creative leadership roles at Yahoo!, Ogilvy & Mather, and Digitas. A passionate foodie and traveler, he runs the Forking Tasty food blog and supper club series.  He earned a BFA from University at Albany.

Mike Germano on Aspiring to More Than Making Money

In Chapter 17 of 20 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, Carrot Creative social media agency CEO Mike Germano answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing as Your Experience Grows?"  Germano finds many people in his life tell him he is successful - from his parents to his wife to his peers to his industry.  He finds that defining success is not about reaching these respective expectations as end points but seeing them as new starting points on his aspirational journey. 

Mike Germano is co-founder and CEO of DUMBO Brooklyn-based social media agency Carrot Creative.  Previously, Germano ran for and was elected to public office in Connecticut.  He is a graduate of Quinnipiac University. 

Phil McKenzie on How Life and Career Goals Can Support Each Other

In Chapter 10 of 18 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, entrepreneur Phil McKenzie answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?"  To McKenzie, his personal and professional lives inform one another and thrive off one another.  He brings personal well-being approaches, such as mindfulness and presence, into his work and finds ways for life and career goals to support each other. 

Philip L. McKenzie is the Founder and Global Curator of Influencer Conference, a global content platform that brings together tastemakers in the arts, entrepreneurship, philanthropy and technology to discuss the current and future state of influencer culture. Prior to that, he was Managing Partner of influencer marketing agency FREE DMC and an equities trader at Goldman, Sachs & Co.  He earned an MBA from Duke University and a BBA from Howard University.

Cathy Erway on How to Find a Literary Agent Right For You

In Chapter 5 of 17 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, writer and healthy food advocate Cathy Erway answers "What Advice Do You Have for Writers Looking to Build a Literary Agent Relationship?"  Erway notes the two literary agent sources, the sole proprietor agent and the literary agency.  She gives advice on how to build a relationship with the agency and its agents that is in line with your long-term career goals as a writer. 

Cathy Erway is a Brooklyn-based author, part-time cook, freelance writer, radio host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy.  Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  She earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College.

Cathy Erway on Getting Inspired Interviewing People You Admire

In Chapter 9 of 17 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, writer and healthy food advocate Cathy Erway answers "How Has Interviewing People You Admire Informed Your Own Career Ambition?"  By hosting a weekly radio show on Heritage Radio Networks, Erway is able to bring on guests she admires and learn from the conversation.  Erway shares an example of how cookbook author Lukas Volger has inspired her by sharing ways to make money from your food passion, be it writing or other media. 

Cathy Erway is a Brooklyn-based author, part-time cook, freelance writer, radio host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy.  Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  She earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College.

Cathy Erway on How Aspirations Change as Experience Grows

In Chapter 12 of 17 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, writer and healthy food advocate Cathy Erway answers "How Are Your Aspirations Changing as Your Experience Grows?"  When she published her first book, Erway thought she would always be an author and travel the country speaking.  Over time she shifts her writing career aspirations to be more local and community driven around New York City. 

Cathy Erway is a Brooklyn-based author, part-time cook, freelance writer, radio host and teacher focused on healthy food advocacy.  Her first book, "The Art of Eating In" developed from her blog "Not Eating Out in New York".  She earned a BA in creative writing from Emerson College.

Andrew Epstein on Setting Work Expectations When Starting a Family

In Chapter 16 of 23 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, charter school CFO Andrew Epstein answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?"  Epstein speaks to the work-life balance he is struggling to better understand.  As his career aspirations grow as a higher education executive, so do his family aspirations to start a family.  This is the challenge he now faces in his late 30s. 

Andrew Epstein is CFO of the Ascend Learning Charter School Network.  Previously, Epstein was a finance executive at Democracy Prep Public Schools and an operations executive at Universal Music Group's Island Def Jam Records.  He is a former Teach for America corps member and middle-school science teacher.  He holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Andrew Epstein on Doing What is Best for Your Family and Future

In Chapter 23 of 23 in his 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, charter school CFO Andrew Epstein answers "What Steps are You Taking to Do What is Best for Your Family and Your Future?"  Epstein shares the struggle of finding a balance between aspiring more in his career to provide more for his family and managing time at work to be present at home.  He shares how he asks for help as he continues to seek that equilibrium. 

Andrew Epstein is CFO of the Ascend Learning Charter School Network.  Previously, Epstein was a finance executive at Democracy Prep Public Schools and an operations executive at Universal Music Group's Island Def Jam Records.  He is a former Teach for America corps member and middle-school science teacher.  He holds a BA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Kyung B. Yoon on Career Advice for Gen Y Women Professionals

In Chapter 7 of 17 in her 2013 Capture Your Flag interview, non-profit executive Kyung B. Yoon answers "How Are Your Personal Experiences Shaping Your Professional Aspirations?"  As a Wellesley student, Yoon remembers wanting to have it all.  Experience teaches her you can have it all but not have it all at the same time.  She advises young Gen Y female professionals to invest in careers early to gain educational credentials and work experience to provide negotiating and bargaining leverage later in life and career. 

Kyung B. Yoon is the executive director of the Korean American Community Foundation (KACF) in New York City.  An award-winning journalist and documentary film producer, Yoon earned an MA in International Relations from Johns Hopkins University and a BA in History and Political Science at Wellesley College.

Jullien Gordon on Increasing Business Coaching Sales and Impact

In Chapter 18 of 21 in his 2012 Capture Your Flag interview, business coach Jullien Gordon "How Are Your Career Aspirations Changing as You Gain Experience?"  Gordon shares how he has learned that while his consumers are individuals but his customers are organizations.  As a result, Gordon shifts his relationship building and sales strategy away from social media - LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, etc. - and toward organizational sales and outreach.  Jullien Gordon is a high performance coach and consultant to organizations, individuals and teams who want to increase employee performance, motivation, engagement and retention.  He earned a BA from UCLA, an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business, and a Masters of Education from Stanford University.

Transcript:

Erik Michielsen: How are your career aspirations changing as you gain experience?

Jullien Gordon: One of the biggest insights that I’ve had this year is that while my consumer is individuals, my customer is actually large organizations, whether that’s companies, non-profit organizations, conferences, or colleges. And up until this point I’ve been trying to get the hearts and the minds of individuals through videos, through Facebook, through my writing, through LinkedIn, et cetera. And when in fact—when I think about the greatest impact that my work has had, it’s been through organizations, whether that’s a large organization like PWC bringing me in, or some school, or some non-profit to speak at a large conference, that’s where I’ve had access to the most individuals, and so my shift in energy in 2013 is going to be focused on how to build relationships with those key decision makers and less about social media, less about trying to get individuals, because I will get individuals once I get through them.

I’d rather have 10 relationships with people in those key decision positions than relationships with a thousand individuals. Because those 10 relationships are gonna give me access to a thousand individuals or more. And so that’s a big shift for me because—yeah, it’s just a big shift for me as I think about what it’s actually gonna take to grow the business, it’s not as sexy as… It’s not as sexy, I mean the sexy route is almost like being in a music band and you see your Facebook fan page likes go up and all of a sudden you have 50,000 likes. But how many of those 50,000 people are actually buying your CD? Right?

And so when you think about the business model behind my work, while I have books, and there’s a margin, a slim margin on a book where I’ve actually been able to spread the work and actually get compensated fairly for the work that I do, it’s been through organizations and so that’s gonna take me on a completely different path in 2013 and probably onward, is that I’m gonna access individuals through larger organizations. So my presence in social media, the videos that I do, while they’re nice and it’s nice to see people comment and things like that, that’s not what’s driving the business model which sustains me to continue to do the work that I’ve been called to do in the world, then that has to change. And that’s been a hard realization to accept.