Not everyone gets lucky enough to have the best sister-in-law ever — someone you can laugh with, vent to, and shamelessly overshare with. That’s where we come in. We’re Briana and Cambria Steel, two women in tech, and if it wasn't obvious, sisters-in-law. We may have been brought together by a man, but we sure as hell aren’t reliant on one. Think of us as your coven as we navigate life — the good, the messy, the meaningful, and all the cringe-worthy moments in between.
Through honest conversations, we’ll share our different perspectives, learn and grow right alongside you, and dive into the topics that matter most — from finance and career to fashion, women’s health, and everything in between. At the heart of it, this is about expanding our knowledge, finding connection, and tackling the chaos of life while laughing the whole way through.
LeTísha Shaw, former Senior Director of Product Marketing and Head of E-Commerce at UserTesting, joins me to talk about navigating career pivots with creativity and courage. From engineering to marketing, LeTísha shares how building transferable skills, embracing ambiguity and seeking mentorship helped her design a career fueled by curiosity and action.
Key Takeaways:
(02:20) Diverse career paths can blend technical and creative skills.
(05:45) Career pivots often happen through small, cumulative moments.
(07:15) Experimentation and persistence are crucial for successful transitions.
(09:45) Building new skills through projects and volunteering opens doors.
(11:10) Start doing the work you want, even unofficially.
(14:18) Untapped fields offer space for innovation and growth.
(16:00) Lifelong learning keeps work engaging and dynamic.
(16:45) Don’t wait for permission — empower yourself to act.
(17:49) Mentors reflect strengths and encourage authentic leadership.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/letishashaw/
UserTesting | LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/company/usertesting-com/
UserTesting | Website
https://www.usertesting.com/
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
Dr. Hanna Tannenbaum, Psychological Associate at Live Better Psychotherapy, joins me in exploring the challenges and rewards of career changes, balancing financial and personal fulfillment, and strategies for handling difficult personalities in professional environments. She also shares her dynamic career path, from studying fine art and pre-med to working in private practices specializing in adults, neurodiverse children and personality disorders.
Key Takeaways:
(01:44) Dr. Tannenbaum’s work spans adults, neurodiverse children and emerging tech consulting.
(06:45) Working at a homeless shelter inspired her to pursue psychology.
(07:40) Therapy work allows deeper engagement with trauma, aligning with her values.
(09:26) Pursuing a PsyD involved sacrifices but provided essential training.
(13:01) Narcissism often stems from early childhood experiences.
(15:32) Workplace strategies to deal with narcissists include setting boundaries and seeking support.
(19:46) Career decisions should be made in a regulated emotional state.
(22:19) Identifying workplace dissatisfaction requires examining external stressors.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/hanna-tannenbaum-260489151/
Nancy McWilliams on narcissism -
https://nancymcwilliams.com/
https://livebetterpsych.com/
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
In this episode, Amy Hee Kim, Executive Director of EnCorps, STEM Educator Programs, explores the intersection of life purpose and professional career. She discusses nonprofit work, tackling burnout, fulfillment and the importance of mission alignment. She describes EnCorps’ work helping STEM professionals become teachers, particularly in under-resourced communities. She also gives advice for people looking to shift careers into the nonprofit sector.
Key Takeaways:
(02:13) Amy’s mission at EnCorps is to bring STEM professionals into education.
(03:32) Nonprofit success metrics focus on measurable impact.
(07:09) Timeline realities of research pushed Amy toward immediate impact.
(10:24) Importance of mission alignment in maintaining resilience.
(11:46) Amy reflects on her impact through fellows and teachers.
(14:59) Believe in students’ potential, regardless of background.
(16:00) Financial and alignment considerations to shift careers to teaching or nonprofit.
(17:58) Test your interest through volunteer work before transitioning careers.
(19:25) Nonprofits are looking for quantifiable skills.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-hee-kim-b6507b7/
EnCorps -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/encorps-stem-teachers/
https://www.technovation.org/
EnCorps -
https://encorps.org/
Girl Scouts of the USA - STEM Programs -
https://www.girlscouts.org/en/activities-for-girls/for-every-girl/stem-activities-science-technology-engineering-math.html
https://illinois.edu/
University of Chicago Physical Chemistry Department -
https://chemistry.uchicago.edu/research/physical-chemistry
Kiva -
https://www.kiva.org/
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
Head of Inbound Marketing at Tonkean, Daniel Moore, joins me on this episode. We discuss his journey from a content writer to a marketing leader, the importance of patience in writing and understanding audience needs. Daniel also shares his experience in securing writing gigs and the significance of genuine knowledge in crafting impactful content.
Key Takeaways:
(03:34) Relocation of the Oakland A's highlights issues in the sports industry.
(06:17) Patience and stepping away from work offer valuable perspective.
(07:38) Persistence and good stories are key to securing writing gigs.
(14:32) Bridging the gap between technical and non-technical aspects in marketing.
(16:44) Finding and learning from technical experts enhances your work.
(17:05) Understanding audience problems is crucial for providing tangible value.
(18:15) Readers can quickly detect a lack of genuine understanding.
(19:25) You’ve got to just make the jump and do it.
Resources Mentioned:
Tonkean -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tonkean/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-h-moore/
https://www.fastcompany.com/
https://www.crunchbase.com/
https://www.businessinsider.com/
https://www.theringer.com/
https://www.theatlantic.com/
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
Amy Kawahara joins me to share insights from her role as Senior Producer at Expedia Group. In this episode, Amy delves into the intricacies of producing high-caliber commercials, her experiences working with top-tier talent and the importance of understanding every facet of your job.
Key Takeaways:
(00:00) Amy discusses her work with the NBA and talents like Nikola Jokić and Jimmy Butler.
(03:14) Producing is 90% problem-solving and 10% babysitting; Amy explains the day-to-day responsibilities.
(05:07) Amy reflects on her time producing live news, emphasizing the fast-paced nature of the industry.
(06:11) She shares her experience working on an iPhone spot with The Rock.
(09:30) Amy talks about her preference for working behind the camera and how it suits her skill set.
(11:23) The challenge of burnout in production and the importance of taking breaks.
(13:22) The value of learning every aspect of your job to better communicate and collaborate with team members.
(15:25) Inspiration can come from anywhere — movies, TV shows and even museum visits.
(19:06) Amy emphasizes the importance of everyone being a good fit on her teams.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/amykawahara/
Expedia Group | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/expedia/
Expedia Group | Website -
https://www.expediagroup.com/
Central European University Press -
https://ceupress.com/
NBA -
https://www.nba.com/
iPhone -
https://www.apple.com/iphone/
The Rock -
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0425005/
https://www.nba.com/player/203999/nikola-jokic/bio
https://www.nba.com/player/202710/jimmy-butler/bio
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
In this episode, I welcome Kareem Abulaban of Kiaro, a seasoned Creative Director. Join us as we delve into the nuances of creative careers and how to navigate the vast opportunities beyond the conventional paths.
Key Takeaways:
(03:32) Kiaro specializes in video and motion graphics across the US.
(06:35) Kareem shares the fulfillment he finds in his creative work.
(08:15) The transition from tech to video production was inspired by corporate changes.
(14:32) Kareem advocates starting in corporate video to build diverse skills.
(17:15) Don’t restrict client work to one niche for creative growth.
(20:28) Balancing creativity with client expectations and objectives.
(23:26) Advice for new professionals in the video and production industry.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareemabulaban/
Kiaro | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/kiaro-tv/
Kiaro | Website -
https://www.kiaro.tv/
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
On this episode, I'm joined by Merry Carole Powers, Creative Director for Sustainability, Purpose and DEI at Deloitte and author of "The Great Human Rebrand." Merry Carole shares her journey from creative writing to leading creative initiatives at a global consultancy, and we dive deep into the themes of her book which challenges us to rethink how we approach our careers and lives.
Key Takeaways:
(04:09) Mastery of job-specific skills and applying personal abilities professionally are crucial for career success.
(07:40) A pivotal moment at Ronald McDonald House reshapes Merry Carole's perspective on the power of marketing and creativity.
(09:55) Finding purpose in your career by aligning personal strengths and values with professional roles.
(12:31) Merry’s book explores how societal labels manipulate behavior and advocates for a deeper understanding and deconstruction of these labels to reveal our true individuality and humanity.
(16:24) The aim of Merry Carole’s book is to empower individuals to see beyond societal labels.
(17:37) Embracing your innate skills and individuality can guide your career path more effectively than conforming to traditional job roles and descriptions.
(21:36) Leadership versus management and the importance of developing human diversity and fostering team growth.
Resources Mentioned:
Merry Carole Powers - https://www.linkedin.com/in/merry-carole-powers-92849a8/
Deloitte - https://www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte/
"The Great Human Rebrand" by Merry Carole Powers - https://www.amazon.com/Great-Human-Rebrand-Labels-Humanity-ebook/dp/B0CJYNNQ28
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace #purposedrivencareer
In this episode, George Kramb, Co-Founder and CEO of PatientPartner joins me to share his unique career journey. He successfully transitioned from medical device sales to launching a startup aimed at connecting patients for better healthcare experiences. His story is filled with inspirational tips and practical advice for anyone looking to make a significant career shift or start their own venture.
Key Takeaways:
(02:06) George’s unconventional path to becoming a founder and his motivation for starting PatientPartner.
(06:03) Transitioning from medical sales to entrepreneurship, sparked by personal experiences.
(08:29) The origin story of PatientPartner, inspired by the need for patient connections in healthcare.
(10:22) Accessible patient networks and creating a supportive platform for healthcare experiences are vital.
(15:21) Parenting skills can prepare you for entrepreneurial challenges.
(17:34) The development and funding journey of PatientPartner, including overcoming early-stage obstacles.
(21:41) Launching a successful first product and securing significant investment.
(26:57) Balancing a full-time job while building a startup and the value of using off-hours effectively.
(29:22) The challenges of managing early-stage startup teams and making tough decisions.
Resources mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-kramb/
https://www.linkedin.com/company/patientpartner/
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
On this episode, I sit down with Roz Hajian, Performance Marketing Lead of Sleeper. Roz delves into her journey through the tech landscape, sharing the highs and lows of her career trajectory, and eventually landing her role at Sleeper.
Key Takeaways:
(00:53) An introduction to Roz and an overview of the current tech job landscape.
(02:05) Roz's experience of being laid off and her introspective unemployment journey.
(05:49) Roz’s role and responsibilities at Sleeper — managing ad spend and driving revenue.
(09:11) Roz's career shift from accounting to performance marketing and her growth within Kabam.
(14:54) The impact of remote work on career advancement and strategies to maintain visibility and engagement.
(20:25) Overcoming social anxiety in the post-work-from-home era.
(21:56) Moving into management roles in tech sales and advice on preparation and assessment for leadership.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rozhajian/
Sleeper | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/sleeperhq/
Sleeper Fantasy Sports App | Website -
https://sleeper.com/
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
On this episode of Career Diaries, I have the pleasure of speaking with Cambria Steel, Senior Account Executive of Snap, Inc. and former Team Manager and Lead Client Partner at X (formerly Twitter). Cambria delves into her illustrious career in tech, sharing invaluable insights on networking, transitioning between roles, and the critical importance of mental health and work-life balance.
Key Takeaways:
(02:13) Cambria’s role at Snap, with a focus on the Apple business and the dynamic nature of ad sales on social platforms.
(09:42) The significance of kindness and maintaining positive relationships throughout one's career, underscoring its impact on opportunities and personal growth.
(17:28) A pivotal networking moment at a banking conference, highlighting the power of solidarity and support among women in professional settings.
(26:15) Growing within the industry, from learning the ropes to handling major accounts like Apple — the importance of adaptability and continuous learning.
(33:10) Cambria’s approach to work-life balance — the value of personal well-being alongside professional ambition.
(37:10) Tips for climbing the career ladder, the necessity of clear communication with managers and the pursuit of continuous learning and development.
(39:18) The transition from sales to account management, diverse paths within the tech industry and encouraging professionals to pursue their interests.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cambriasteel/
Snap, Inc. | LinkedIn -
https://www.linkedin.com/company/snap-inc-co/
Snap, Inc. | Website -
https://snap.com/en-US
Snapchat -
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/snapchat/id447188370
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
On this episode of Career Diaries, I welcome Asha Aravindakshan, author of “Skills: The Common Denominator.” Asha shares her insights into navigating the complexities of career pivoting, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and leveraging transferable skills.
Key Takeaways:
(02:20) Asha’s background, education and early career.
(02:45) The unexpected career start of an internship and the decision to pursue stability.
(06:27) The concept of hindsight in career decisions and the value of reflecting on past choices and skill acquisition.
(09:16) The importance of hard work in your 20s and its long-term benefits.
(15:07) Asha’s strategic approach to identifying the right industry and role.
(19:36) Building a personal brand and the role of authenticity in career progression.
(24:12) Networking strategies that go beyond traditional methods.
(29:04) Storytelling is a crucial skill in today’s job market.
(31:33) Advice on the effectiveness of cold applying for jobs with a targeted approach.
Resources Mentioned:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashaa12/
“The Startup of You” by Reid Hoffman -
https://www.startupofyou.com/
OTTA -
https://otta.com/
Thanks for listening to the Career Diaries podcast with Briana Okyere. If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a 5-star review to help get the word out about the show. Email bri@careerdiariespodcast.com to get your burning career questions answered on the podcast, and be sure to subscribe so you never miss another conversation.
#CareerSuccess #MillennialCareer #ProfessionalDevelopment #YoungProfessional #Workplace
Welcome to the Career Diaries podcast, with host Briana Okyere. Where we laugh and learn with industry experts, talk through the highs and lows of their career journey’s and unlock the secrets to career success in any field.
If you’re a young professional seeking to pivot or advance in your career, then this is the show for you. Rest assured that you’re not alone in any challenges you may face — sharing our knowledge and our stories enables us all to thrive!
