From his early days in higher education to his transition into Learning and Development within the financial services sector, mike knox reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his path and the unexpected turns that led him to found the Mattering Lab, an organization dedicated to delivering customized leadership and team development training, primarily within the video game industry. In this conversation, we explore themes of lifelong learning, transparency in career goals, and the power of failure as a catalyst for growth. mike also shares his passion for creating inclusive spaces where others can thrive, his philanthropic work with Gamers for CHOC and WIGI, and his ongoing mission to cultivate a more connected and compassionate gaming community. Whether you are navigating your own career crossroads or seeking inspiration from a story grounded in purpose and possibility, this conversation is a reminder that chance can be one of our greatest teachers.
👉Connect with mike knox:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mike-knox
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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As the world of work continues to evolve, Logan Currie is on a mission to explore how AI is transforming career development. As the Co-founder and COO of Careerspan, an AI-powered career guidance and talent matching platform, Logan shares insights on learning, adaptability, and the future of work. She dives into navigating uncertainty in entrepreneurship, the importance of building a strong professional presence, and how embracing planned happenstance can open unexpected opportunities. Logan’s journey highlights how technology, reflection, and human connection shape modern career paths.
👉Connect with Logan Currie:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/logan-currie
https://www.tiktok.com/@loganlearning
💻Learn More About Careerspan:
Careerspan is completely free! It helps you turn your experience into a compelling story, matches you with fitting roles, gives you a personalized “fit score,” and uses AI coaching to showcase your real skills and achievements—so you stand out beyond your résumé.
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From her early love of problem-solving to her current role leading investment operations at Sozo Ventures, Lauren MacDonald reflects on the chance moments that shaped her career. She shares insights on leveraging a math background in the business world, and how a pivotal friendship sparked her path into venture capital. Today, Lauren is focused on strengthening communication and operations within global teams, all while emphasizing the importance of finding your zone of genius. Join us as we explore how curiosity and connection influenced Lauren's career path and leadership growth.
👉Connect with Lauren MacDonald:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/macdonaldlaurenv
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Born in Guatemala to a working-class family and raised in South Los Angeles, Elmer G. Roldan’s story is one of resilience, community, and purpose. As a teenager, he was recruited to participate in a unity organization for Black and Brown communities, which sparked a lifelong commitment to social justice, setting him on a path toward educational equity, leadership, and public service. Today, Elmer serves as Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Los Angeles (CISLA). He reflects on the personal and systemic barriers he has overcome, the profound influence of family and community, and the motivations driving his candidacy for Los Angeles City Council District 9. Join us as we explore the pivotal planned happenstance moments that have defined Elmer’s path and the insights he offers to anyone seeking their own calling.
👉Connect with Elmer G. Roldan:
https://www.instagram.com/elmerforcd9 https://www.cislosangeles.orghttps://www.instagram.com/cislosangeles
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From unpaid intern to entrepreneur, Shannon Keefe shares her journey shaped by moments of planned happenstance that ultimately led to founding her practice, Integrate Nutrition. Previously a Wellbeing Manager at Dolby Laboratories, Shannon brings unique insight into the importance of prioritizing health in both personal and professional contexts. She reflects on the discipline required to balance personal responsibilities with career growth. From modeling hard work for her children to building community connections, Shannon’s story is a powerful reminder that career paths are rarely linear, and that adaptability, persistence, and a commitment to lifelong learning can open doors to unexpected opportunities. Tune in to discover how Shannon is shaping the future of nutrition and wellness, and why wellbeing should be at the center of both individual lives and organizational strategy.
👉Connect with Shannon Keefe:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/shannonkeefe
https://www.integratenutrition.org
https://medium.com/@integratenuthttps://www.instagram.com/integrate__nutrition
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Celebrate with hosts Karissa Sorenson and Priscilla Vallejo as they mark their one-year podcast anniversary! In this special episode, they share personal and professional updates, reflect on lessons learned, and offer practical career advice. From the power of lifelong learning to navigating today’s evolving job market, Karissa and Priscilla explore how networking, reflection, and growth can shape your career journey. Plus, get a sneak peek at the exciting lineup of guests coming your way!
👉Connect with Karissa: www.linkedin.com/in/kcsorenson
👉Connect with Priscilla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillavallejo
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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On the verge of a career pivot into higher education, Marianne Matarese chose to remain in the corporate world, continuing to grow and evolve her professional journey. Now a Lead, Career Development at Indeed, she shares how chance events have shaped her path from recruitment to onboarding, talent development, and employee experience. Marianne dives into the pivotal role mentorship has played in her career growth and opens up about navigating professional ambitions while embracing life as a new mom. She reflects on the importance of flexibility, self-care, and setting small, achievable goals during major life transitions, including her creation of a supportive community for career development professionals. Tune in for an authentic conversation about embracing unexpected turns, building meaningful connections, and redefining career success on your own terms.
👉Connect with Marianne Matarese:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/greenwithpurpose
https://topmate.io/greenwpurpose
https://bio.site/greenwithpurpose
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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As a former transfer student from Rio Hondo College to Portland State University, Jennifer Reyna's growth mindset opened the door to unexpected and rewarding opportunities. From starting her career in hospitality and banking to breaking into SaaS (Software as a Service) at Squarespace, Jennifer’s journey has been shaped by intentional curiosity and chance events. Now a Program Manager at Medallia, she shares the key lessons that shaped her career, including how earning a PMP (Project Management Professional) certification accelerated her growth and why building strong relationships is essential for success. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on taking strategic risks and embracing change to find the right path for you!
👉Connect with Jennifer Reyna:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferreyna
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From guiding whitewater rafting trips to leading initiatives in environmental education, nonprofit fundraising, and corporate social impact at Autodesk and LinkedIn, Seth Chanin’s career path is a powerful example of planned happenstance in action. Now a real estate agent with Golden Gate Sotheby’s International Realty, Seth candidly shares how he overcame self-judgment during his career transition and redefined his sense of purpose beyond the traditional 9-to-5. He offers valuable insights on building authentic relationships, fostering community, and finding both flexibility and fulfillment in real estate. Tune in as we explore the intersection of business and impact, and the many ways purpose can evolve throughout your career.
👉Connect with Seth Chanin:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/seth-chanin/
https://www.instagram.com/seth_chanin/
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Seeking a more sustainable career, Rubi Martinez embraced planned happenstance by taking a bold leap into tech. Her journey—from working with children with autism to completing an intensive coding bootcamp—led her to Google, where she now drives impactful change as a Program Manager, leading end-to-end product launches. As a first-generation Mexican American woman in tech, Rubi shares her experiences navigating the industry, organizing DEI initiatives like an International Women’s Day conference, and overcoming challenges along the way. Tune in as we explore resilience, career pivots, and the power of community in shaping a fulfilling tech career.
👉Connect with Rubi Martinez:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitzirubimartinez/
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From interning at the Happiest Place on Earth to making his mark in the video game industry, Derek Sorenson, Service Reliability Engineer at Sony PlayStation, knows firsthand how planned happenstance can shape a career. He shares the pivotal moments that opened doors, his experience with layoffs, the risks and rewards of working at a startup, and valuable insights on recognizing your own risk tolerance. Tune in for a candid conversation on the twists and turns of career decision-making and the unexpected opportunities along the way.
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From navigating burnout in higher education to balancing family responsibilities, Kristine Cody shares how unexpected moments of planned happenstance became pivotal in shaping her career in learning and talent development. Now a Staff Development Consultant at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Kristine discusses how fostering meaningful professional relationships has been key to her growth, and how her commitment to continuous learning drives her future goals. Tune in for practical strategies on finding your professional sweet spot and thriving in your career!
👉Connect with Kristine Cody:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristine-cody
📧Contact Us:
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For those in a position to help, please join us in donating to reputable organizations that are meeting the immediate and long term needs of those impacted by the LA wild fires.
Verified GoFundMe Fundraisers:
https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/wildfire-relief/california#/
Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation:
California Fire Foundation:
https://cpf.salsalabs.org/cff-donation/index.html
Y.M.C.A. of Metropolitan Los Angeles:
http://www.ymcala.org/community-response
Pasadena City College Community Relief Fund:
https://www.pasadena.edu/fireupdates/donate.php
Pasadena Humane Society:
https://give.pasadenahumane.org/give/654134/#!/donation/checkout
American Humane Society:
https://www.americanhumane.org/
Baby2Baby:
https://donate.baby2baby.org/give/648067/#!/donation/checkout
World Central Kitchen:
https://wck.org/relief/california-fires-jan25
LA Regional Food Bank:
https://www.lafoodbank.org/fire/
National Day Laborer Organizing Network/Pasadena Community Job Center:
https://secure.actblue.com/donate/lafires2025
Direct Relief:
https://www.directrelief.org/2025/01/as-southern-california-fires-rage-medical-aid-en-route/
Discover how a series of planned happenstance moments transformed Tammy Tseng Dulla’s career trajectory—from aspiring occupational therapist to corporate professional at Target, and ultimately, to a flourishing Live Event Artist & Calligrapher. As the founder of Ink & Innuendos, Tammy has carved out a unique niche specializing in live events, brand activations, and experiential marketing, partnering with clients such as Fenty Beauty, Prada, and even the Emmys. Tammy opens up about navigating unexpected health challenges, the power of community and support, and the journey of finding true happiness and self-worth. She shares her insights on evolving as a small business owner, overcoming obstacles, and manifesting big dreams. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a creative, or someone seeking inspiration, this conversation will leave you motivated to embrace the unexpected and turn your passions into a reality.
**A Note from Tammy Regarding LA Fires**
The amount of loss and devastation is truly insurmountable. Knowing our community here in Los Angeles, I am truly grateful and humbled to be a part of this city. Our specific industry of creators and small business owners is an absolutely hard-working community full of life and love, and my heart breaks given this tragedy. For those in a position to help, please consider donating to the Search Foundation to support creatives who have been affected by the disaster.
To donate: www.searchfoundation.org/give-help/
To apply for funding: http://www.searchfoundation.org/get-help/
Additional organizations to donate and/or volunteer:
American Red Cross
https://www.redcross.org/donate/donation.html/
California Fire Foundation
https://cpf.salsalabs.org/disasterrelief/index.html
The Dream Center LA
California Community Foundation
https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/
LA Fire Department Foundation
https://supportlafd.kindful.com/?campaign=1040812
Volunteer Collective
www.volunteer-collective.org/fire-assistance
Union Station Homeless Services
volunteer@unionstationhs.org
LA Regional Food Bank
volunteers@angelfood.org
Pasadena Humane
foster@pasadenahumane.org
Our Big Kitchen LA
info@obkla.org
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👉Connect with Tammy Tseng Dulla:
https://www.instagram.com/inkandinnuendos/
https://www.inkandinnuendos.com/
💻Features:
https://shoutoutsocal.com/meet-tammy-dulla-event-artist-calligrapher-founder-of-ink-innuendos/
https://canvasrebel.com/meet-tammy-dulla/
https://boldjourney.com/meet-tammy-dulla/
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Season Finale Alert! 🎉 Hosts Karissa Sorenson and Priscilla Vallejo wrap up the first season of Planned Happenstance with an exciting look back at their favorite moments. From insightful takeaways with industry professionals to behind-the-scenes, they share laughs, lessons learned, and what’s in store for Season 2 in 2025. Tune in for valuable career advice and a fun-filled conclusion to Season 1!
👉Connect with Priscilla: https://www.linkedin.com/in/priscillavallejo
👉Connect with Karissa: www.linkedin.com/in/kcsorenson
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From call center rep to corporate recruiter, Daniel Carlos shares his journey of seizing planned happenstance moments that elevated his career. Now an Early Career Recruiter for NBCUniversal, Daniel blends his passion for human resources and higher education to coach others in navigating professional paths in the entertainment industry. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong network of champions, knowing your worth, and staying mobile and open to new opportunities. Whether you're a student or professional looking to broaden your horizons, this conversation is packed with valuable insights to help you make bold moves and embrace unexpected opportunities with a curious mindset. Tune in to learn how to turn chance moments into career-defining opportunities!
👉Connect with Daniel Carlos.:
www.linkedin.com/in/danieljcarlos
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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After experiencing profound loss, Dr. Lorena Márquez shares her personal journey through grief and healing and how these experiences led her to embrace planned happenstance in her career. As the founder of I am Esperanza and creatress of Doctorahood — platforms dedicated to empower and amplify women of color, Lorena shares how she uses her story to inspire others to harness their inner strength and move forward with purpose. Tune in for a compelling conversation filled with resilience, hope, and practical advice in navigating the messiness of life.
👉Connect with Dr. Lorena Márquez.:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doctora-lorena-marquez
https://www.instagram.com/doctorahood_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==
https://www.iamesperanza.com/
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Known for his work in cultivating inclusive learning environments across diverse industries—visionary coach and workforce development trainer, Derrin Ford shares key moments of planned happenstance that ignited his consulting business and contract work. Derrin opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, finding confidence in packaging and protecting your own intellectual property, and building a personal "bank" of skills and knowledge that fuels long-term growth. Tune in for inspiring insights on investing in your most valuable asset—yourself.
👉Connect with Derrin Ford.:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/derrin-ford
https://www.dfordconsulting.com/
https://www.instagram.com/professordford_/?hl=en
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Upon taking a series of internships in the museum world—most notably at the Smithsonian Institution—Roshni D. Lal, Ph.D. reflects on the planned happenstance moments that brought her career full circle, combining her love for museums with career education. Roshni shares how the intersectionality of her identities shaped her career choices and emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning throughout her journey. Tune in for an inspiring look at the paths that lead to passion-driven work and the lessons learned along the way!
👉Connect with Roshni D. Lal, Ph.D.:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/roshni-d-lal-ph-d
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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Navigating the challenges of job loss to discovering new opportunities, Gareth Roberts shares the pivotal moments of planned happenstance that ultimately led him to land his dream job as a senior manager at Shopify. Gareth’s insights on networking, adapting to change, and thriving in the enterprise technology industry will leave you feeling motivated to pursue your goals. Tune in for practical advice in accelerating your career!
👉Connect with Gareth Roberts:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethoroberts
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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From leaving her stable engineering career to launching her entrepreneurial journey, Vivi Ton shares the pivotal moments of planned happenstance that shaped her path as a content creator and co-founder of Nectarine—a platform dedicated to making financial advice affordable and accessible. Along the way, she embraced the freedom and challenges of life as a digital nomad. Whether you're looking for the courage to pivot careers or exploring the world of remote work, Vivi offers entrepreneurial wisdom that will inspire you!
👉Connect with Vivi Ton:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/viviton
https://www.youtube.com/@vivitron
👉Connect with Nectarine:
https://www.instagram.com/hello_nectarine
👉Connect with Personal Finance Club:
www.instagram.com/personalfinanceclub
https://www.personalfinanceclub.com
📧Contact Us: chancecareerstories@gmail.com
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