Feeling drained by the job hunt? You're not alone—and thisepisode is for you.
In this powerful conversation, we sit down with Lauren Celano, careerstrategist and CEO of Propel Careers, to explore the realities of job search burnout. We talk abouthow to recognize the signs, strategies to stay mentally and emotionallyresilient, and how to avoid the trap of endlessly applying to online postings.
Lauren shares practical ways to uncover “hidden”opportunities and how to build meaningful career momentum, even when the searchfeels stagnant. Whether you’re early in your environmental or science career ormaking a mid-career pivot, this episode is packed with wisdom and actionableadvice.
🎧 You’ll learn:
· How to spot early signs ofburnout (and what to do about it)
· Tips to stay grounded andhopeful during long searches
· Smart strategies to tap intothe hidden job market
· How relationship-building canunlock your next opportunity
💡 This episode is amust-listen for job seekers who want to feel empowered, not exhausted.
Connectwith Lauren on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn:in/laurencelano/
Connectwith Jose!
💼 LinkedIn:/jose-almanzar-esq
📷Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney
🎵 MusicCredit - Kwae: 📷Instagram: @kwaemusic
🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram:@logic9uy_art
📢DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast isnot attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by thepodcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by thepodcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions oftheir employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not enteringinto an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host ortheir guests.
In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Pete Rose, Director of Stakeholder Relations at Hydro-Quebec, North America's largest producer of renewable energy. Pete shares his incredible journey, from working at UNICEF and the Government of Quebec to working for a global leader in the renewable energy sector.
We dive into:✅ Pete’s path into the renewable energy industry✅ The concept that every job can be a green job with the right mindset✅ His surprising love for Saturday Night Live (SNL) 🌐✅ Valuable insights for anyone pursuing a sustainability career
Pete’s story is a testament to how diverse experiences can lead to a fulfilling career in sustainability. Whether you’re passionate about renewable energy, career growth, or just curious about green careers, this conversation is packed with inspiration.
🎧 Listen, learn, and be inspired. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Green Collar Careers content!
#GreenCollarCareers #SustainabilityCareers #RenewableEnergy #CareerJourney #HydroQuebec #StakeholderRelations #GreenJobs #SustainableCareers #EnvironmentalLaw #ClimateChangeCareers #ClimateChange #GreenJobs
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Introduction
01:09 – The Pete Rose Name
03:13 – Pete’s Career Background
07:05 – Champlain-Hudson Power Express Project
10:18 – What Does Hydro-Québec Do?
13:04 – What Does Pete Do For H-Q?
15:14 – Pete’s Educational & Experience Background
21:10 – $40M “Green Economy Fund”
29:10 – Anything Can Be A Green Job
35:54 – Advice for Young Professionals
45:25 – Advice for Experienced Professionals
48:46 – Resources
53:14 – Pete the Movie & SNL Buff??
49:00 – Final Words
Connect with Pete on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn: in/peter-rose-003b8/
Connect with Jose!
📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney
💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic
🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art
📢 DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.
In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Dusten Hendrickson, real estate developer and founder of Mailbox Money Real Estate and Private Equity, for an inspiring conversation about sustainable building, entrepreneurship, and personal growth.
Dusten shares his incredible journey from working as a roofer to becoming a business owner, offering valuable insights on self-awareness, learning from failure, and creating market-affordable, sustainably designed homes.
Whether you’re considering a career pivot or passionate about sustainability in real estate, this conversation is packed with wisdom and motivation!
✨ In this episode, we explore:
✅ How self-awareness shapes career paths
✅ Learning through trial, error, and failure
✅ Integrating sustainability into real estate development
#GreenCollarCareers #Sustainability #RealEstateDevelopment #CareerJourney #Entrepreneurship #GreenBuilding #AffordableHousing #SustainabilityCareers
TIMESTAMPS
0:00 - Introduction
4:10 - Business Background
9:26 - Building Efficiency Measures
13:03 - Energy Efficiency Measures
20:21 - Early Childhood
23:08 - Educational + Professional Background
28:27 - Advice to Younger Self
33:10 - Opportunities in Green Real Estate
36:05 - Advice to Experienced Professionals
39:53 - Learning From Mistakes & Failure
41:23 - Final Words of Advice
42:33 - Parenting Discussion
Connect with Dusten on LinkedIn!
💼 LinkedIn: /dusten-hendrickson/
Connect with Jose!
📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney
💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic
🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art
📢 DISCLAIMER:
Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.
Power Up with Mentors- : Discussion with Marisa Blackshire of Bloom Energy | Green Collar Careers Podcast
In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Marisa Blackshire, Vice President of Environment & Regulatory Law at Bloom Energy, for an insightful and uplifting conversation about mentorship, career flexibility, and diversity in environmental law.
Marisa shares her incredible journey from aspiring professional to industry leader, offering invaluable advice on navigating career transitions, embracing opportunities, and the power of mentorship in shaping the next generation of environmental professionals. Whether you're just starting out or a seasoned expert, this conversation is packed with wisdom and inspiration!
✨ In this episode, we explore: ✅ The importance of mentorship and paying it forward ✅ Why being flexible in your job search opens unexpected doors ✅ Career advice for young and experienced professionals alike
#GreenCollarCareers #EnvironmentalLaw #Sustainability #Mentorship #CareerGrowth #DiversityInLaw #Podcast #GreenCareers #SustainabilityCareers
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction02:10 - Marisa’s Childhood04:02 - Early Legal & Environmental Interests05:30 - Early Career & Education10:52 - Law School Interests12:57 - Mentorship Programs20:51 - Seeking a Mentor22:38 - Mentee Etiquette26:22 - Advice for Young Professionals29:28 - Advice for Experienced Professionals34:12 - Marisa’s Role at Bloom Energy40:53 - Diversity in Environmental Law43:01 - Final Words
Connect with Marisa on LinkedIn! 💼 LinkedIn: /marisa-blackshire-esq
Connect with Jose! 📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art
📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.
In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Mary Gerding, Managing Director of Environmental Risk at Hylant. We dive into her journey into environmental insurance, what it’s like to navigate risk assessments in the environmental space, and how the industry plays a crucial role in the cleanup of contaminated sites.
Mary shares valuable insights into the skills needed to succeed in this field, the challenges of environmental risk management, and how aspiring professionals can break into the industry. Whether you're considering a career in environmental insurance, looking for inspiration, or just interested in how risk management influences the environmental space, this conversation offers a unique and informative perspective.
🎧 Join me as we explore the intersection of environmental risk, insurance and green careers!
TIMESTAMPS
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:04:56 - Environmental Insurance 101
00:06:15 - Professional Background & Journey: Admin to Expert
00:15:30 - Breaking into the Environmental Industry
00:25:44 - Advice for Seasoned Professionals
00:28:59 - Final Thoughts & A Special Movie Recommendation
Connect with Mary on LinkedIn
💼 LinkedIn: /mary-gerding-8a6b4440/
Connect with Jose!
📷 Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney 💼 LinkedIn: /jose-almanzar-esq
🎵 Music Credit - Kwae: 📷 Instagram: @kwaemusic 🎨 Logo Credit - Leo: 📷 Instagram: @logic9uy_art
📢 DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests, or their employers. The views expressed by the podcast host and their guests are their own and do not reflect the opinions of their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship or any other relationship with the host or their guests.
In this episode of Green Collar Careers, I sit down with Will Kellermeyer, an attorney and policy advisor at the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. We dive into his journey into environmental law, what it’s like to work in government policy, and the impact of legal frameworks on sustainability efforts.
Will shares valuable insights into the skills needed to succeed in this field, the challenges of shaping environmental regulations, and how aspiring professionals can break into the industry. Whether you're considering a career in environmental law, looking for inspiration, or just interested in how policy decisions affect our environment, this conversation offers a unique and informative perspective.
🎧 Join me as we explore the intersection of law, policy, and environmental protection!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Introduction
02:20 Background
06:20 Early Career
10:05 Enviro Interests
15:34 Advice for Young Persons
21:23 Importance of Self Assessment
25:20 Advice for Seasoned Professionals
30:36 Final Words
-----------------------------------
Connect with Will Kellermeyer on LinkedIn
/williamkellermeyer/
-----------------------------------
Connect with Jose!
Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney
LinkedIn: / jose-almanzar-esq
-----------------------------------
Music Credit: @kwaemusic (Insta)
Logo Credit: @logic9uy_art (Insta)
-----------------------------------
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests or their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship with the host or their guests.
In this eighth episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interviewed Ryan McPherson, Chief Sustainability Officer for the University at Buffalo. In this interview, Ryan and I discuss his early introduction to the environment, how his career has evolved into working in the sustainability space, the importance of informational interviews and leveraging your institutional networks. I enjoyed really speaking with Evan. I know you’re going to love this episode. Enjoy! ----------------------------------- TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 03:10 Childhood & Education 06:11 Early Career 10:09 Sustainability Work 22:55 Advice for Early Professionals 30:10 Advice for Seasoned Professionals 35:35 Resources 40:30 Final Words ----------------------------------- Resources discussed in this episode: University at Buffalo’s Sustainability Page: https://www.buffalo.edu/sustainability.html NY Times Climate Forward: https://www.nytimes.com/column/climate-fwd Green Biz: https://www.greenbiz.com/ Rich Roll Podcast: https://www.richroll.com/all-episodes/ ----------------------------------- Connect with Ryan McPherson on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-a-mcpherson-212a0218/ ----------------------------------- Connect with Jose! Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-almanzar-esq/ ----------------------------------- Music Credit: @kwaemusic (Insta) Logo Credit: @logic9uy_art (Insta) ----------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host, their guests or their employers. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship with the host or their guests.
In this seventh episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interviewed Evan van Hook, Chief Sustainability Officer for Viridi. In this interview, Evan and I discuss his educational and career journey, the importance of finding Your Happy Place, and challenges that come with decarbonizing our economy and societies. I enjoyed really speaking with Evan. I know you’re going to love this episode. Enjoy! ---------------------- TIMESTAMPS 0:00: Introduction 02:15 Background 12:40 Mobilizing for Environmental Work 20:45 Find Your Happy Place 26:30 What Does a CSO Do? 38:00 Advice for Students 40:00 Advice for Professionals 43:45 Resources 44:15 Final Words ---------------------- Connect with Evan van Hook on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/d-evan-van-hook-167aa8228/ ---------------------- Connect with Jose! Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-almanzar-esq/ ---------------------- DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host or their guests. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship with the host or their guests.
In this sixth episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interviewed Jonathan Nwagbaraocha, in-house Environmental, Health and Safety Counsel at Xerox.
In this interview, Jonathan and I discuss his educational and career journey, the importance of being flexible as you’re starting in your career, and how to use your confidence and skills to overcome impostor syndrome. Jonathan also provided great advice to aspiring environmental professionals and discussed the importance of building out your network. I learned a lot from Jonathan - I think you're going to like this episode. Enjoy!
---------------------- TIMESTAMPS
0:00: Introduction
05:30 Educational Background
06:25 Initial Environmental Interests
08:45 Early Career
15:50 Getting to Xerox
17:45 Skills for Green Careers
20:15 Advice for Recent Grads
22:40 Building Your Network
27:25 Advice for Experienced Professionals
31:10 Additional Resources
33:20 Final Words ----------------------
Resources from Episode:
https://diversegreen.org/ (Green 2.0)
https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/publications/year_in_review_home/ (ABA SEER Year In Review) ---------------------- Connect with Jonathan Nwagbaraocha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jnwagbaraocha/
---------------------- Connect with Jose! Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-alma...
----------------------
DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this podcast constitutes legal advice. This podcast is not attorney advertising. Nothing said in this podcast is endorsed by the podcast host or their guests. By listening to this podcast, the listener is not entering into an attorney-client relationship with the host or their guests.
In this fifth episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interviewed Lauren Celano, the Founder and CEO of Propel Careers. Propel Careers is a life science search and career development firm focused on connecting talented individuals with startup and entrepreneurial life sciences companies. Lauren has recruited for dozens of the nation's most innovative life sciences organizations to help them hire talent. As part of her work, she has also coached thousands of students, postdocs, medical residents and professionals to advance their careers. During this interview, Lauren and I discuss her educational and professional background, how the life sciences intersect with environmental issues, and how she helps people at all stages of their careers land their dream jobs. Lauren also shares incredible insights and practical advice for job seekers, like setting up your personal "board of advisors", tips on how to effectively "cold outreach" for informational interviews, and how to find your calling by doing an exercise she calls"loved it/loathed it". Lauren really dropped fantastic knowledge for all of us in this interview. I think you're going to love it! Enjoy! ---------------------- Connect with Lauren Celano on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencelano/
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Connect with Jose! Linktree: linktr.ee/jalmanzar Website: josealmanzaresq.com Instagram: @jose_environmental_attorney LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-alma... Email: jose@josealmanzaresq.com
In this fourth episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interviewed ESG and sustainability attorney, Christine Uri. Christine is the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Sustainability Officer for one of the largest ESG and Sustainability consulting firms in the country. She is also a "Top 100 Voice in ESG" on LinkedIn and a prolific content creator on that platform. Christine’s work is fascinating and involves helping companies develop and implement corporate sustainability strategies. Christine also counsels on the legal risks in the ESG space, and educates other attorneys and professionals on sustainability issues. Over her 15+ year career, Christine has advised start-ups, tech companies, nonprofits and global enterprises. I has also led multiple functions including legal, human resources, health & safety, sales operations and data governance. In this episode, Christine and I discuss her less-than-direct path to the practice of law, her work in helping companies address the challenges brought on by climate change, and her passion to make this planet a better place to live. We also dive into some practical strategies for green job seekers and discuss the importance of taking purposeful action. I think you’re going to really like getting to know Christine through this episode. Enjoy!
In this third episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interview Mark Johnson, an environmental engineer with Geosyntec Consultants. Mark is a Senior Principal at Geosyntec, a national environmental consulting firm. Mark has been an engineer in the environmental consulting space for over 25 years and specializes in environmental management, due diligence and site investigations for the commercial, industrial and public sector industries. In this interview, Mark and I discuss his educational and professional background, what drove him to work in the environmental space, what he does as an environmental engineer, and intangible characteristics he looks for when interviewing candidates to work at his firm. Mark and I also get into a deep discussion about why the environmental career is so diverse right now and he provides incredible advice for job seekers looking to enter the environmental professions. Make sure to listen for his "Goldilocks Approach" which I absolutely love! I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as I did recording it! Thank you!
In this second episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interview Cristina Garcia, the Founder of Latinxs in Sustainability, a group aimed at uniting Latinx-identifying professionals and students in the sustainability and STEM industry. The organization is determined to address and reduce the barriers that have led the STEM fields, and specifically the environmental and climate fields, to be among the least ethnically and racially diverse across all disciplines. Their goal is to establish and facilitate pathways for underrepresented and under-resourced Latinx communities in an effort to diversify the sustainability workforce. Cristina started the organization in 2017 to help address the lack of Latino representation in the sustainability and environmental space. She is a native New Yorker and holds a master's degree from the City College of New York in Environmental Engineering. Cristina believes it is critical to be intentional about programs and policies that will create high quality jobs that are accessible to all, especially historically marginalized and underrepresented groups. In this interview, Cristina and I discuss her educational and career journey, barriers to entry that many diverse professionals face when they want to work in the environmental space, the importance of mentors and community support, and resources for both recent grads and experienced professionals who want to break into the green careers space. I hope you enjoy listening to this episode as I did recording it! Thank you!
In this first episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast, I interview Kim Alcantara, Head of Legal at BetVictor, a UK-based online betting platform. Kim discuses her journey into sustainability, how she incorporates best-environmental practices into her company’s operations, and shares great resources and tips for people who want to become environmental professions. Enjoy!
Welcome to the Green Collar Careers Podcast!
In this 5-minute pilot clip, we preview and highlight what you can expect from each episode of the Green Collar Careers Podcast - candid tips, resources and solicited advice from environmental, sustainability and "green jobs" experts.
About the Green Collar Careers Podcast:
As a 20+ year environmental professional, I’ve learned a lot about environmental careers and have accumulated great relationships with environmental and sustainability-minded professionals. Over the last 10 years, something great has happened: more and more people have become inspired by the "climate movement" and have decided to enter the "green careers" space.
Unfortunately, I've also noticed one overriding theme: most people struggle to find their first “green” job, whether right out of college or even as experienced professionals.
But I also know that it takes just one opportunity - one door to be opened - for those who want to work in helping humanity and the planet.
So it’s my pleasure to announce the 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝘾𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙋𝙤𝙙𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙩! This platform will allow me to interview "green career" professionals and let them share their career journeys into the environmental and sustainability space.
Each episode will feature a different guest who will share resources and anecdotes on how other people can enter (or pivot) into this line of environmental and sustainability work.
My hope is that this podcast will encourage people to follow their passion, especially if that passion is working on improving and healing our planet.
This is an “all hands on deck” moment for our species and generation. There’s room for all professionals to be a part of it - regardless of levels experience and trades!
Make sure you subscribe so you don't miss any episodes!
About the host, Jose Almanzar, Esq.:
I'm an environmental attorney by trade. Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was an environmental scientist. And before that, I was a kid from New York City that fell in love with everything about the environment and our planet. I'm an immigrant from the Dominican Republic and moved to New York at an early age, but found my way into the environmental space as a teenager. I believe that we have the ability to heal the planet and course-correct our relationship with our beautiful Mother Earth and each other. Join me!