This week on the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete Schramm is joined by Vince Console, COO of ProMark and a Pittsburgh native with over 40 years of leadership experience in HR, operations, and organizational development. Known for his big personality, bigger heart, and relentless focus on people, Vince brings a mix of humor, humility, and hard-earned wisdom to this conversation about what it takes to build a meaningful career and help others do the same. Vince’s journey didn’t follow a straight line—and that’s exactly what makes it valuable. From aspiring teacher to steel plant supervisor to HR executive and coach, Vince shares how personal loss, well-timed advice, and a willingness to say “yes” opened doors he never expected. Along the way, he found success by developing others, stepping into leadership roles early, and learning just as much from poor managers as he did from great ones. In this episode, Pete and Vince explore what it means to lead people with dignity and intention. They talk about the early days of Vince’s career in union-heavy environments, where “management by intimidation” was the norm and why Vince chose a different path. They unpack the pivotal moment when a leadership opportunity in HR landed in his lap, and how he grew that into a thriving career by putting people at the center of every decision. Listeners will also hear how Vince became a mentor and advisor to many, and why he believes the concept of a Personal Board of Advisors, both formal and informal, is essential to career growth. Whether it was tough feedback from an executive or a heartfelt push from a high school biology teacher, Vince credits key people along the way for helping him stay grounded and keep growing. As COO of ProMark, Vince now helps organizations support their people through leadership development, coaching, and outplacement services. He explains how concepts like career mapping aren’t just helpful—they’re necessary in today’s multigenerational workplace. Employers who invest in showing employees where they can go, and how to get there, build more trust, engagement, and long-term success. For HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone navigating change, this episode is packed with practical insights and powerful reminders: say yes to opportunities, treat people well, surround yourself with good advisors, and don’t underestimate the value of doing the work alongside others. Vince’s story is a testament to leading with authenticity—and building a legacy one relationship at a time.

On this episode of the Pathfinders Podcast, we’re joined by the incredible Holly McElwain, an organizational consultant, psychometric expert, and founder of Brave Woman Project. Holly’s career journey is anything but linear. She went from growing up on a farm and dreaming of being a child psychologist, to training as a middle school teacher, to leading school assemblies out of a 12-person van, to entrepreneurship, and now to executive coaching. Holly shares how her career maps evolved; not by always knowing what she wanted, but by knowing what she didn’t want. Along the way, she built a powerful personal board of advisors, leaning on mentors from all chapters of her life, including former professors, nonprofit leaders, and business executives. We get into a deep discussion about feedback, psychometric assessments, and how the right tools (with the right science behind them) can transform both individual growth and organizational effectiveness. Holly’s no-nonsense approach is a masterclass in aligning values, behaviors, and data to drive real change at work. Plus, we dig into the origin story of her nonprofit, Brave Women Project (BWP): a community created during the pandemic to support women in leadership navigating mental health, grief, and career challenges. If you care about feedback, mentorship, retention, and building cultures that actually support people, you’re going to love this conversation.

In this episode, Pete Schramm sits down with Jeff Hancher — veteran, former Fortune 500 executive, leadership podcast host, and founder of Jeff Hancher Enterprises. From humble beginnings in a one-light Pennsylvania town to leading a thriving consulting practice, Jeff shares how grit, mentorship, and a commitment to service shaped every step of his journey. His story began with dreams of becoming a truck driver, a path he eventually took with Cintas Corporation after serving in the U.S. Army. That “seasonal job” lasted 24 years and led to 10 promotions, thanks to what Jeff calls his earliest career plan: “work hard and get great results.” But Jeff also reveals what that plan lacked — intention. After missing out on a major promotion, a mentor handed him the book Career Warfare, opening his eyes to the importance of personal branding, mentorship, and strategic planning. That moment sparked a new chapter: actively building a personal board of advisors and seeking feedback from leaders he admired. He credits much of his growth to mentors like Dan Billy, who didn’t just teach him sales strategies, but practical insights like the difference between a suit coat and a sport coat — and how to lead with both humility and polish. Now, Jeff leads a firm specializing in executive coaching, sales strategy, and leadership development — and he’s on a mission to “pay forward” what so many mentors gave to him. His new book, Firm Feedback in a Fragile World, launches June 2025. It’s designed to help leaders master the art of delivering challenging feedback without damaging trust — a skill Jeff calls essential for the future of leadership. His mantra? Be soft on people, hard on standards, and never stop growing. He also shares one of his top tactical tips: send personalized, under-60-second video messages on LinkedIn to reach out to potential mentors or leaders. It’s how he landed connections with top names in leadership, and it works. Jeff closes by urging organizations to shift from checkbox-driven mentorship to true engagement. Career mapping, when done right, isn’t about compliance — it’s about clarity, confidence, and creating cultures where people grow with intention. His advice is simple but powerful: “Leaders are busy — so make mentoring something they get to do, not something they have to do.” Whether you’re leading a team, looking for your next move, or searching for the right guide to help you level up, this episode is packed with insight you can put into action.

In this episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm sits down with Matt Thomas, a talent development leader whose career is grounded in purposeful growth, people-first leadership, and a knack for building thriving teams. From his early days organizing sports leagues and working construction, Matt developed a deep respect for hard work and teamwork. These two values would ultimately shape his career philosophy. His winding educational journey, from Cincinnati State to Xavier University, helped him zero in on a passion for leadership and management, ultimately swapping out a marketing focus for a more human-centered business path. His motto, “Don’t assume what you want—go experience it,” frames his entire professional evolution. Matt’s story emphasizes the power of career mapping—a deliberate process he first implemented back in 2008. Rather than chasing job titles or climbing for the sake of prestige, Matt coaches individuals to pursue alignment with their skills, values, and passions. He walked listeners through the nuts and bolts of crafting a career map: reflecting on strengths, identifying the type of company and team culture that energizes you, understanding your ideal scope of responsibility, and defining success beyond a title. That clarity, he says, empowers professionals to act with purpose and gives organizations a reliable way to grow talent from within. He also stressed the importance of surrounding yourself with a Personal Board of Advisors (PBA)—mentors, peers, and leaders who challenge your thinking, expand your perspective, and help you stay accountable. For Matt, this included a tough-love uncle, a first boss who exemplified empathetic leadership, and trusted colleagues who helped him sense-check big decisions. These guides didn’t give him answers; they asked better questions. When paired with a strong career map, this mentorship ecosystem helps professionals navigate change and growth with more intention, and far less guesswork. For companies, the business case is clear: structured development boosts retention, improves succession planning, and reduces costly turnover. Matt framed this as a strategic decision, not just a cultural one. When employees understand where they’re going and how to get there, organizations benefit from deeper engagement and better performance. “It’s cheaper to build talent than to buy it,” he emphasized. Whether you’re early in your career or reevaluating your next move, Matt’s practical wisdom, backed by years of lived experience, is a masterclass in sustainable professional growth.

This week on Pathfinders, Pete Schramm sat down with Michelle Orbovich-Williams, a talent and organizational development leader whose story is a masterclass in resilience, clarity, and career agility. From early dreams of becoming a marine biologist (or an NSYNC backup dancer!) to juggling nursing school while working full-time in retail, Michelle’s journey is marked by courageous pivots and purposeful growth. Her turning point came when she realized she was more energized by developing people than clinical care. This prompted her to switch paths and step fully into the world of HR. Michelle’s early experiences at Bath & Body Works, and a well-timed StrengthsFinder assessment, opened the door to leadership and talent development. Encouraged by a store manager who became a career champion, and later, mentor Randy Egolf, Michelle moved into learning and development roles at Victoria’s Secret and Alliance Data. She credits her evolution to a trusted personal board of advisors, including Dr. Brenda Jones, Mike from Cardinal Health, and Susan, who each offered guidance at key career inflection points. Their questions, encouragement, and accountability helped her navigate relocation, grief, and career transitions with intention. Today, Michelle serves as Manager of Talent Development and Leadership at ZOLL Cardiac Management Solutions, leading strategies that support over 3,000 mission-driven employees. She champions the 70/20/10 learning model—and adds a personal twist: learning isn’t complete until you teach it forward. Her approach to L&D emphasizes human connection, microlearning, and aligning personal growth to business impact. Whether you’re early in your career or navigating change midstream, Michelle’s story is a reminder that career development is rarely linear, and that’s okay. Michelle left listeners with two essential takeaways: build resilience and agility as your career superpowers, and invest in a community that lifts you personally and professionally. Empowering your people with a career map and a personal board of advisors isn’t just good for individuals—it’s transformative for organizations. When employees feel seen, supported, and clear about their growth? That’s when your culture truly comes alive.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we are joined by the one and only Cindy Gordon, Chief People Officer at Madison Energy Infrastructure. Cindy takes us on a wild, thoughtful, and inspiring career journey that includes wanting to be a dump truck driver, a fashion designer, AND a pro wrestler. (Yes, a triple threat if there ever was one.) Cindy shares how she navigated her career using curiosity, courage, and a willingness to follow what felt interesting, even when the path wasn’t linear. From studying psychology, nutrition, and zoology, to building her career at McKinsey over 15 years across roles in HR, recruiting, and professional development, Cindy crafted her own map by chasing what lit her up. We dig into how she transitioned from consulting into leadership at startups like Oscar Health and Policygenius, before starting her own consulting practice. Now, as the first-ever CPO at Madison Energy Infrastructure, she’s building a people-first function from the ground up. Cindy shares practical advice on building your personal board of advisors, battling burnout before it beats you, and the importance of asking for help; not as a sign of weakness but as a tool for growth. She drops wisdom on the power of reflection, proactive networking, and how even small wins can create big impact. Oh, and she’s also on an eternal quest for the world’s best chocolate chip cookie, croissant, and Neapolitan pizza. (New Yorkers, you’ll want to take notes!)

On this episode of Pathfinders, Pete Schramm sits down with Zuzel Priesto, a globally seasoned HR executive and co-founder of the People Advisory Group. With a career spanning continents, industries, and executive teams, Giselle brings a powerful perspective on the value of career mapping, mentorship, and embracing the uncomfortable moments that drive real growth. Starting with a chalkboard and an imaginary classroom, Zuzel’s passion for teaching evolved into a purpose-driven career in HR; one rooted in developing people and driving organizational effectiveness. From her early days in labor relations at Liz Claiborne to leading complex global HR initiatives at Ralph Lauren, she’s seen the power of pairing people strategy with business goals firsthand. In this episode, Zuzel and Pete unpack two cornerstone concepts of professional development: the Career Map and the Personal Board of Advisors. Zuzel shares how these tools helped shape her own path, from shifting out of accounting into HR, to stepping into international leadership roles, sometimes by choice, sometimes by surprise. Her story reinforces a powerful message: growth often starts when we say “yes” to the unknown. They dive deep into the importance of foundational HR experience (union environments, retail roles), the criticality of mentorship across functions, and how leaders can help their teams spot and seize career-defining opportunities. Whether you’re navigating M&A transitions, considering an overseas assignment, or building out mentorship programs at scale, Zuzel shares candid, practical insights that are as relevant for HR pros as they are for business leaders. Today, Zuzel is helping organizations of all sizes with end-to-end people strategy, from onboarding to succession planning, through the People Advisory Group. Her advice? Stay open. Stay curious. And surround yourself with trusted advisors who challenge and champion you at every stage of your journey. This is an episode full of real talk, relatable lessons, and a few global travel stories for good measure. For anyone mapping out what’s next, Zuzel’s story is a masterclass in leading with heart, strategy, and a global mindset.

On this episode of the Pathfinders Podcast, Amy Bouque, Chief People Officer at Kelly Services, joins Pete Schramm for an insightful conversation on what it means to lead, grow, and navigate a meaningful career. From her childhood dream of becoming an astronaut to forging a career in labor relations, HR, and people leadership, Amy’s story is rooted in resilience, intentionality, and relationships. She opens up about how early mentors, especially a fourth-grade teacher who saw her potential, shaped her journey. Amy shares how her career evolved through the support of former leaders, emphasizing the importance of nurturing relationships before you need them. Her personal board of advisors has played a pivotal role in every major transition. Amy and Pete dive deep into the power of a career map and how, even though Amy spent years helping others build theirs, she realized she hadn’t fully formalized one for herself. They explore how creating clarity around career goals, skills, and relationships strengthens teams and reduces costly, unwanted turnover across organizations. If you’re looking for advice on navigating change, investing in relationships, and designing a career, and a life, with meaning, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom, humor, and heart.

In this powerful episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm talks with Rob Thomas, a Marine Corps veteran and HR leader whose career has spanned an extraordinary range of experiences—from underground coal mines to boardroom strategy. Rob’s professional journey didn’t follow a straight line. After growing up in a challenging environment with no clear blueprint for success, he pursued college, then shifted course to serve in the Marines. It was there, by the needs of the Corps, that he first stepped into a personnel administration role, unwittingly launching a career in HR that would later define his civilian life. When he left the military, Rob faced the same uncertainty many veterans experience in transitioning to the civilian workforce. He took on several retail and HR roles before making a bold move: working as an underground coal miner to support his family. That decision, while unconventional, led to an unexpected breakthrough: a hiring manager saw HR experience on his résumé and called him in for a corporate HR interview instead. That single conversation became a turning point, opening the door to a new chapter of professional development and leadership in the HR space. Throughout the episode, Rob reflects on the importance of self-awareness, mentorship, and strategic growth. He shares how informal mentors from his time in the military helped shape his thinking, and how having a long-term goal, becoming a senior HR leader by 2027, has guided his choices ever since. He encourages younger professionals to embrace discomfort, stay flexible, and use a “career map” to track their development. Rob also emphasizes the importance of regularly reviewing and adjusting that map, both as individuals and alongside trusted mentors or a personal board of advisors. Rob’s story is not just about upward mobility; it’s about resilience, transformation, and paying it forward. Now working on career navigation strategies inside his organization, he’s helping others build their own maps, showing that meaningful progress is possible, no matter how unexpected the path may be. His journey is a reminder that success is not always linear, and that leadership often comes from those who’ve learned to lead themselves through the hardest of transitions.

In this inspiring episode of Pathfinders, host Pete Schramm sits down with Divya Divakaran—award-winning HR strategist, author, fashion designer, and unapologetic champion of people-first leadership. Together, they explore how mapping your career journey and building a personal board of advisors can transform your professional path. Divya shares her unconventional leap from aspiring finance professional to HR trailblazer, reflecting on the power of curiosity, lateral learning, and strategic mentorship. She breaks down her approach to building high-performing teams, scaling impact in both startups and enterprises, and helping organizations design career pathways that actually retain talent. You’ll also hear the story behind her book From Paper Pushers to Strategic Partners, her take on why HR belongs in the boardroom, and why she believes leadership has nothing to do with titles—and everything to do with action. Whether you’re an HR leader, business executive, or curious career climber, this episode is packed with insights that will challenge how you think about growth, culture, and people strategy. Tune in to learn how to turn talent into traction—and HR into a strategic superpower.

On this episode of the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete sits down with Colleen Capel, founder of Leap Leadership Solutions, and a true people-first leader. Colleen’s career didn’t start with a plan to land in HR. In fact, she wanted to be an actress named Tess. But life had other plans, and her first role in talent acquisition changed everything. Colleen shares how she built a career focused on culture, talent, and leadership, and how along the way, she began forming her Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). It didn’t happen overnight or through formal asks, but through intentional relationships and mutual trust. She breaks down the difference between mentors and sponsors, how to approach mentorship with clarity, and why the right relationships can change the course of your career. We also dive into the power of a Career Map, where your roles, skills, achievements, education, and yes, the fun stuff, all connect to tell your story. Colleen explains how she mapped her own journey and why every professional, no matter their level, should be doing the same. And of course, we talk about her leap into entrepreneurship. On March 16, 2024, a leap year, Colleen launched Leap Leadership Solutions to help companies develop leaders, build cohesive teams, and engage employees in meaningful ways. It’s the culmination of everything she’s learned about leadership that lasts. This episode is filled with practical takeaways for HR leaders, career climbers, and anyone building a more intentional professional path.

On this episode of Pathfinders, Pete talks with Zane Zumbahlen, a former IBM executive, current CPO, and lifelong space enthusiast whose career path is anything but ordinary. Zane dreamed of becoming an astronaut but pivoted from physics to people. That path led him to roles at IBM, Cancer Treatment Centers of America, and beyond, each shaped by moments of reflection, feedback, and mentorship. Pete and Zane explore the Career Matrix, a powerful way Zane mapped his growth across business functions and leadership styles. He also shares how an early tough performance review became a turning point, helping him shift from reactive to strategic leadership. A big theme in this episode: the Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). Zane still leans on his IBM brain trust and emphasizes that trusted voices are critical for navigating transitions. He’s also passionate about helping people see their future clearly. Because when employees understand where they’re going, engagement and performance follow. Zane gets real about speaking up, owning your story, and turning vulnerability into strength. Whether you’re leading change or managing your own growth, this episode is a playbook for building trust, clarity, and confidence at every level of your career.

This week on the Pathfinders Podcast, Pete Schramm welcomes John Bernatovicz, entrepreneur, author of HR Like a Boss, and founder of Willory, a leading HR and payroll staffing and consulting firm. John’s career kicked off with a dream of professional golf (he even beat Tiger Woods once!). But after realizing he wouldn’t break into the top 1%, he pivoted, first into sales at ADP, then into building a business that merges people, purpose, and performance. Pete and John dig into the Career Map and the Personal Board of Advisors (PBA). John breaks down his PBA, from his golf coach and therapist to his leadership mentor and family circle, sharing how each one brings perspective and keeps him grounded. We talk about accountability, building systems that outlive you, and John’s belief that leadership is a process of showing up consistently, getting better at the basics, and never shortcutting the fundamentals. He also shares how HR Like a Boss went from book to national movement, giving HR professionals the recognition and influence they deserve. This episode is a must-listen for HR pros, founders, or anyone trying to improve just 1% every day.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re talking with Jason Seiden who is a successful entrepreneur, communication consultant, and published author about his unique career journey and the lessons he’s picked up along the way. As a kid, Jason had two big dreams: becoming a plastic surgeon and finding ways to eliminate plastic waste. But life had other plans. After studying business at Wharton, Jason took a leap into entrepreneurship during the early days of the internet. While his peers headed for consulting or Wall Street, Jason joined a small e-commerce business in 1994, diving headfirst into the uncharted waters of the digital world. Entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. Jason faced his fair share of stress and hurdles, but his commitment to growth and learning kept him moving forward. His personal board of advisors, mentors, and guides were game changers who not only offered advice but held him accountable for taking action. Jason credits their insights and his ability to execute as key factors in his success. After years of hustle, Jason achieved a successful exit when his business was acquired. Looking back, he shares the importance of celebrating small wins along the way and staying resilient when times get tough. But Jason didn’t stop there. As the executive producer of RollingStone.com and author of two career-focused books, he’s carved out a niche in communication consulting, helping others bridge personal and professional communication with the wisdom he’s gained from his entrepreneurial journey. Jason’s key takeaway is to build your personal board of advisors, act on their guidance, and celebrate those small wins to keep yourself motivated and moving forward.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re sitting down with Grant Harris, founder and president of GTH Consulting, LLC, and a certified diversity executive. Grant’s career journey is all about growth, mentorship, and making workplaces more inclusive for everyone. Grant’s love for reading, writing, and thinking led him to study psychology as an undergrad and later earn an MBA in organizational development psychology. Early in life, his high school coach became one of his most impactful mentors, teaching him the value of learning from others while giving back in return which is a lesson Grant’s carried with him throughout his career. He’s a big believer in creating a personal board of advisors, a trusted group to guide and challenge you along your career path. While Grant’s early roles didn’t directly involve diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), his experiences in education, marketing to underprivileged students, and management consulting helped him see the importance of fostering inclusive environments. Over time, he became a certified diversity executive and founded GTH Consulting to help organizations implement effective DEI strategies. Grant also dives into the importance of embracing neurodiversity in the workplace. In one of the podcast segments, he interviews KD, a certified diversity executive and autistic leader. KD shares his own journey, highlighting the role of certifications, continuous learning, and how his lived experiences shape his leadership style. It’s an inspiring look at what’s possible when workplaces value inclusion and support. Grant’s key takeaway? Focus on being 1% better every day. Lean into lifelong learning, build authentic relationships, and stay open to opportunities as they can take your career and impact to the next level.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we’re talking with John Oliverio, VP of HR at Audia International, about his career journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way. From physical therapy to HR leadership, John’s path is a masterclass in adaptability, mentorship, and the power of relationships. John started out studying psychology at the University of Pittsburgh and began his career in physical therapy. After nine years at Ames Department Store, he made a pivot, stepping into an HR administrator role at Nicholson Construction which set the stage for his career in HR. It wasn’t just a job change to John, it was a mindset shift. Encouraged by a friend, John joined the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), which became a game-changer for expanding his network and opening doors to new opportunities. With guidance from mentors, he eventually landed his current role at Audia International. Throughout his career, John has leaned on mentorship to grow. Leaders like Michelle, Dr. Audrey Morrell, Linda, Amy Lynn, Phyllis, and Vince played key roles in shaping his development and reinforcing his commitment to lifelong learning and personal growth. John’s advice? Create your career map and build your personal board of advisors who help you navigate challenges and chart your path. And don’t forget the importance of balancing work and personal life. Community involvement and experiences outside of work can equip you with valuable skills that propel your career forward. When it comes to career transitions, John says this: Be true to yourself, embrace change, and learn from every experience, good or bad.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re joined by Heather Holland who is a seasoned HR and DEI professional who’s carved out an impressive career at companies like Mars Inc. and TC Energy. Her journey is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and staying open to new opportunities. Heather didn’t start out dreaming of a career in HR. She originally set her sights on becoming a lawyer, but after being rejected from law school twice, she paused to reassess. That’s when she discovered her passion for HR and labor relations which would shape the rest of her career. After earning her bachelor’s in Communications, Heather went on to complete a master’s degree in HR and Labor Relations at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her first job, a shared role conducting food safety inspections for the City of Milwaukee, might not sound like the start of an HR career, but it taught her crucial skills: adaptability, communication, and flexibility. Heather’s early HR experience came in a supervisor role at a steel foundry, where she learned to navigate complex labor relations issues and deepen her industry knowledge. Along the way, she actively sought out mentors across various industries and roles, a practice she still champions today. Her advice? Approach mentorship intentionally, know your goals, and outline how both parties can gain value from the relationship. Now a passionate advocate for workplace culture and DEI, Heather emphasizes the importance of fostering inclusive workplaces and taking charge of your career. She believes organizations that prioritize DEI see greater success, and individuals who stay strategic and open to new paths find work that truly excites them. Her key takeaway is to be intentional and trust the balance between planning and instinct. Lean into opportunities that light you up and take your career to the next level.

In this episode of Pathfinders, we’re diving into the incredible journey of Sarah Reynolds, Chief Marketing Officer at HR tech company HiBob. From dreaming of becoming a marine biologist to becoming a trailblazing marketing leader and advocate for diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging (DEIB), Sarah’s story is one of resilience, growth, and authenticity. Growing up in a rural area, Sarah struggled to see a path into the tech world. After studying history and languages, they explored culinary school and even worked as a private chef. Their pivot into tech came unexpectedly when they took a job as an office administrator at their father’s startup. That’s where the spark for tech ignited. From there, Sarah built a remarkable career, moving into business development within edtech and then finding their groove at UKG in product marketing. Along the way, they became a champion for inclusive workplaces—spaces where everyone, regardless of their identity, can show up authentically. As a non-binary executive, Sarah shares personal insights into the challenges that trans and non-binary professionals face, like the fact that many still feel unable to come out at work. Despite those challenges, Sarah’s leaned into the power of mentorship, growth, and building a “career map” with the support of a personal board of advisors. By showing up as their full self, Sarah’s found success and fulfillment while creating spaces for others to thrive. Their story is an inspiring example of how authenticity, connection, and an intentional approach to career development can make all the difference.

Pete Schramm is the founder of Lattitude, a company that provides employee connection software and services. They focus on career mapping, engagement surveys, and building a personal board of advisors through mentorship. The company is based on the idea that individuals, just like companies, can benefit from having a diverse group of people guiding and supporting their growth and development. Pete suggests starting small with approximately eight people on your board and gradually growing from there. He also emphasizes the importance of setting expectations and goals for each.

On this episode of Pathfinders, we’re sitting down with Colton Hower, founder and CEO of POWER Marketing. Colton’s journey from college athlete to successful entrepreneur is all about adaptability, mentorship, and turning passion into purpose. A former Division One baseball player, Colton originally thought he’d end up in law. But during college, he discovered a love for journalism and media. After graduating, he jumped into his first role at a marketing agency, where he got hands-on experience in social media, PR, and advertising. Colton credits his time on the field for teaching him time management, prioritization, and how to thrive under pressure. His mantra? “Pressure is a privilege.” That mindset has fueled him throughout his career. During his time at the agency, he was guided by two key mentors: his boss, Matt, and a client, David. Their guidance shaped his approach to leadership and set the foundation for his entrepreneurial mindset. After five years, Colton took a leap of faith and launched POWER Marketing. As CEO, he’s focused on scaling the business, building strong client relationships, and staying ahead of the curve in digital marketing and AI. His big goal? To hit 100 clients by year’s end. Colton’s secret to success? Having a personal board of advisors. He believes prioritizing relationships and having confidence in the journey are game-changers for personal and professional growth.