Steer Your Career Podcast
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“Steer Your Career Podcast is hosted by Alan Stein, Founder and CEO of Kadima Careers. Kadima helps underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid professionals land high-paying jobs at the world's best tech companies.
Join Alan each week as he interviews amazing professionals in the tech industry and beyond. They'll talk about their career journeys and what they've learned, including some SYCK Tricks to help you accelerate your career.
Kadima was founded by Alan Stein to address the inefficiencies, biases, and illogical hiring processes that hinder great candidates from achieving great careers. Alan has a unique perspective as a top 1% hiring manager and top 1% candidate with a proven record of scaling global operations. He is now sharing his insights and expertise to effectively and efficiently accelerate people’s careers. His methods and advice have empowered people to land amazing jobs at Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, Dell, and more.
Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done.
Bio:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
Join Alan each week as he interviews amazing professionals in the tech industry and beyond. They'll talk about their career journeys and what they've learned, including some SYCK Tricks to help you accelerate your career.
Kadima was founded by Alan Stein to address the inefficiencies, biases, and illogical hiring processes that hinder great candidates from achieving great careers. Alan has a unique perspective as a top 1% hiring manager and top 1% candidate with a proven record of scaling global operations. He is now sharing his insights and expertise to effectively and efficiently accelerate people’s careers. His methods and advice have empowered people to land amazing jobs at Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, Dell, and more.
Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done.
Bio:
Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.
Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.
Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.
His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
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What if the very thing you're avoiding in your job search is exactly what you need to pursue? Jill Schulman reveals why running toward your fears—not away from them—is the secret to accelerating your career. In this episode, Alan and Jill dive deep into the science of bravery and its practical applications for job seekers. You'll discover how to develop a "warrior mindset" by adding one simple word to your self-limiting beliefs, learn why you can actually generate positive emotions on demand to fuel your success, and master the networking question that doubles your chances of getting meaningful connections. Ready to steer your career with courage? Tune in to the full episode now!
🎙️ What if one decision could completely transform your career and your life? When Alon Bochman found himself stuck, frustrated, and job hunting without results, he took a leap of faith on a different approach. In this episode, Alan reconnects with one of Kadima’s earliest clients to share how Alon pivoted from stalled consultant to tech leader at companies like Microsoft and Google. 💡 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why applying online isn't the path to landing top roles, and what to do instead How Alon overcame his fear of networking and built powerful industry connections The measurable and immeasurable returns of investing in career coaching Tune in to hear how strategy, structure, and persistence helped reshape one career, and how it can do the same for yours.
What if you knew exactly what recruiters see when they look at your resume? In this episode, Alan sits down with veteran tech recruiter Margaret Buj, who has spent 20 years recruiting for industry giants like Microsoft, Cisco, Expedia, and VMware. Margaret breaks down her exact screening process—from the "several seconds" she spends scanning for relevant headlines and quantifiable achievements, to why she won't contact candidates without metrics, and how to "connect the dots" to make your fit obvious when your background isn't a perfect match. Tune in to discover why treating your career search like a "submit and wait" game is killing your chances, and learn the systematic approach that actually gets you noticed by recruiters and hiring managers.
In this episode of the Steer Career podcast, Alan sits down with James Gunaca, a product management expert and Kadima coach. James details his extensive career journey spanning roles at Amazon and other tech giants, offering insights into the pivotal decisions leading him to international opportunities. Learn how James navigated organizational challenges, market shifts, and personal aspirations to become a successful career coach. Tune in for valuable career advice and lessons on resilience and growth in the tech industry.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Jenna Minieri, a branding expert and Kadima coach who also works with displaced professionals at an outplacement company. She reveals the most common pitfalls that keep qualified candidates from getting noticed, shares the essential elements every resume and LinkedIn profile must have to pass the six-second screening test, and explains why the old job search playbook no longer works in 2025. Tune in to discover the strategies that separate successful job seekers from those who struggle for months, and learn how to position yourself as the obvious choice for your next role.
In this episode, host Alan Stein talks with Keith Anderson, founder of Career Alchemy, about making successful career pivots and standing out in competitive job markets. Keith shares his journey from earning less than $30,000 as a professor to securing prestigious roles at top tech companies through strategic networking and his "value validation projects". They discuss how to effectively conduct informational interviews, the importance of authenticity in your job search, and the challenges and rewards of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship.
True leadership isn't about being nice. It's about being kind, honest, and challenging people to reach their full potential. In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Dave Kline, former Bridgewater Associates leader turned management consultant, to explore the radical transparency that shaped Dave's leadership philosophy. Dave shares insights from his decade at Bridgewater, where feedback was constant and unfiltered, revealing how this approach built stronger teams despite its intensity. Learn how Dave and his wife are now helping managers through their management accelerator programs that have already transformed over 1,200 leaders. Tune in now!
In this episode, host Alan Stein sits down with Jeff Sipe, a seasoned technical recruiter with 5+ years at Google and 15+ years of recruiting experience. They dive into practical interview techniques including Jeff's CFAS method for answering hypothetical questions, the one-minute rule for "tell me about yourself," and the psychology behind making memorable first impressions in interviews. Tune in now!
In this episode, Alan Stein sits down with Kristi Coulter about her bestselling book "Exit Interview," exploring how she navigated Amazon's male-dominated environment while battling imposter syndrome. Kristi shares candid insights about the company's frugal approach to employee well-being, strategies for women to claim their seat at the table, and why diverse teams make better business decisions than homogeneous ones. Tune in now to discover how to own your career path even in the most challenging environments!
The reality of software engineering for the 99% who don't work at Big Tech ❓ In this episode, Alan sits down with John Crickett and talks about the differences between software engineering at Big Tech versus where most engineers actually work. They also discuss why interview practices like LeetCode make sense for companies receiving thousands of applications but are often counterproductive elsewhere, and why people skills become more critical than technical skills for career advancement. Tune in to gain valuable perspective on building an engineering career outside the Big Tech bubble.
In this episode, Alan sits down with Dexter Zhuang, founder of Money Abroad, to explore the fascinating journey from traditional corporate roles to building a portfolio career. Dexter shares his experience transitioning from tech giants like Dropbox to international ventures in Singapore, and finally to creating his own path. They also dive deep into relationship building, cold outreach strategies that actually work, and how to make successful career transitions across countries. Tune in to learn how to design your own path while maintaining the lifestyle you desire!
Has your job ever been eliminated unexpectedly? In this episode, career coach Anne Baker joins host Alan Stein to tackle the often-stigmatized world of "outplacement" services and share a bold new vision for helping displaced employees relaunch their careers. Drawing from her decades of experience in the corporate world, Anne discusses why mass layoffs are becoming more common in the age of AI, and why being let go is no longer the career "scarlet letter" it once was. They also dive deep into what's broken with traditional outplacement support, from inconsistent coaching quality to outdated approaches, while exploring modern solutions for what they call career "re-acceleration." Tune in to learn why traditional outplacement services need reimagining and how companies can better support their departing employees.
Tired of letting nerves sabotage your career opportunities? In this episode, communication coach Nausheen Chen reveals her journey from being a brand manager to becoming an expert public speaking coach, sharing how she went from "faking" confidence to truly embodying it. Alan and Nausheen dive deep into the two biggest blockers to effective communication - nerves and delivery - while offering practical strategies to overcome them. Tune in now! -- Get in touch with Nausheen: www.speaking.coach
Can being too humble hurt your job search? In Korean business culture, it might be the norm – but Western recruiters see things differently. In this episode, Alan sits down with Grant Sundbye, and they explore the challenges Korean professionals face in international job searches, from cultural differences in resume writing to LinkedIn optimization. They also discuss the contrasts between Korean and Western job search approaches and insider tips for standing out in interviews. Tune in to discover how cultural understanding and effective communication strategies can bridge the gap between Eastern and Western professional environments, and learn actionable tips you can apply to your own job search.
Can a single mentor relationship transform your entire career trajectory? In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, Omar Halabieh, Director of Software Development at Amazon Middle East and Africa, shares his journey from software manager to director, emphasizing how strategic mentorship played a pivotal role in his advancement. From securing his first mentor through an interview connection to leveraging these relationships for major career decisions, Omar provides practical advice on finding mentors, maintaining productive relationships, and standing out as a candidate in today's competitive job market. Discover why curiosity remains his top career advice and how investing in relationships before you need them can make all the difference. Listen to the full episode to learn how to build your own powerful mentorship network.
Tired of sending countless job applications into the void? There's a better way to land your next tech role, and it doesn't involve submitting another resume. In this episode, Alan sits down with Anemari Fiser, a former ThoughtWorks leader and tech career coach, to unpack the strategies for effective networking and career growth. Whether you're actively job hunting or building your professional network for future opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to take control of your career. Tune in now!
In this episode, Alan sits down with Al Dea, founder of The Edge of Work and a leadership development expert. Al uncovers the critical mindset shifts and skill gaps that many of today's leaders need to address to effectively guide their teams in our rapidly evolving workplace. Al explores the crucial transition from individual contributor to manager, highlighting why technical prowess alone isn't enough for leadership success. He delves into the importance of developing 'human skills' and how leaders can scale their impact across larger teams. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to refine your managerial approach, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your leadership game. Tune in now to discover how you can bridge the leadership gap and unlock your team's full potential!
In this episode, Alan Stein, founder of Kadima Careers sits down with Nik Zechner, and shares his experiences working at tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Salesforce. He reveals valuable tips on landing jobs at these coveted companies and discusses the power of networking, preparation, and perseverance in career advancement. Tune in now to gain priceless career advice from a tech industry veteran and learn how to take control of your professional journey.
Ever wondered what really happens behind closed doors during performance reviews at top companies? In this episode, Jason Rudman, former American Express leader and current Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer at BECU, join Alan Stein to pull back the curtain on corporate calibration processes. From navigating team dynamics to overcoming imposter syndrome, Jason shares candid insights from his journey through the ranks at Amex. Tune in now to understand corporate performance management and charting your own path to success.
Is your education truly preparing you for the complexities of the modern workplace? Join Alan as he explores career development and decision-making with Casey Dai, founder of Expanded Skills. They discuss the limitations of traditional education in equipping professionals for real-world challenges, the importance of developing critical thinking skills, and Casey's innovative approach to decision-making training for volatile industries.
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