In this episode of 'Drowning in the Tech Talent Pool,' John converses with Adriana Cowdin, a notable personal branding expert, executive career coach, and entrepreneur celebrated among the top 1 percent of women's small business owners in America. They discuss the importance of overcoming adversity, the impact of personal branding in career development, and strategies for job hunting in the modern landscape. Adriana shares her journey from being ousted at 17 to climbing the corporate ladder and facing immense health challenges, emphasizing resilience and adaptability. The conversation also delves into practical advice for individuals at various career stages, including leveraging one’s achievements to enhance their personal brand, understanding the nuances in coaching across different career levels, and the significance of aligning personal and business values for meaningful career progression. 00:00 Welcome to the Tech Talent Pool: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Underdogs 00:47 Introducing Adriana Cowdin: A Journey of Resilience and Success 02:34 Adriana's Story: From Hard Knocks to Executive Coaching 03:27 Embracing Challenges: Health Battles and Personal Triumphs 05:42 Creating Memories and Defining Personal Brand 09:05 The Essence of Personal Branding in Career Development 11:26 Navigating the Job Market: Strategies for Personal Branding 18:52 Practical Tips for Enhancing Your Personal Brand 24:34 Nostalgia for Old Tech and Learning Curves 25:16 The Evolution of Communication and Learning 26:11 Adapting to Modern Job Market Expectations 27:58 The Realities of AI in the Workplace 28:53 Navigating Applicant Tracking Systems and Personal Branding 34:41 The Importance of Cultural Fit in Job Searches 39:48 Leveraging Personal Branding for Career Success 44:44 Passion for Knowledge Sharing and Legacy Follow us: LinkedIn Instagram Find Out More at SBR2TH Learn More About Adriana Cowdin