Giant Steps with Leilani Brown (formerly Your First Job)

What career advice is actually worth listening to — and what should you ignore?In this episode of Giant Steps with Leilani Brown, we switch things up and kick off the conversation with a rapid-fire career game. Jirah puts Leilani in the hot seat, firing off a mix of open-ended and “this or that” questions — no overthinking allowed.As Leilani answers on the spot, she shares her most honest, practical, and experience-backed advice on careers, success, and navigating the workplace. From defining your own version of success to choosing flexibility over rigid career paths, each question unlocks a lesson that cuts through common career myths and overused advice.The fast-paced format keeps the conversation candid, insightful, and engaging, while revealing how instinct, self-trust, and adaptability play a major role in building a career that lasts.Whether you’re early in your career, navigating a pivot, or rethinking your next move, this episode delivers clear, grounded guidance without the fluff.If you’re tired of vague advice and ready for real perspective, this episode is for you.The best career advice Leilani has ever received — and why it still mattersStructured career paths vs. creating your ownHow to make smarter career decisions without overcomplicating themWhich popular career advice is overrated — and what actually worksLessons learned from real experience, not theoryWhy trusting your instincts is a skill you can strengthen over timeLeilani Brown — Author, career coach, and founder of Giant Steps LLC.Leilani helps professionals navigate transitions, build resilience, and make intentional career decisions in a rapidly changing world.Leilani Brown / Giant Steps LLC🌐 Website → https://giantstepsllc.com📷 Instagram → @giantstepsllc🎁 Free Resource: The Giant Steps Year-End Reset Guide™ — a guided workbook to help you reflect on your year, clarify what matters most, and set intentional goals for what’s next.👉 Download it at giantstepsllc.com👉 https://resetguide.giantstepsllc.com/Each week, Giant Steps with Leilani Brown explores the human side of work, leadership, and growth. Through candid conversations and practical insights, the show helps listeners navigate career transitions, build confidence, and move forward with purpose.✨ If this episode resonated, please like, comment, and share.📩 Join the community → https://giantstepsllc.com/contact📚 Explore Leilani’s books → https://giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more → https://giantstepsllc.com#GiantSteps #CareerAdvice #Reinvention #CareerGrowth #NewYearReset #IntentionalLiving #ProfessionalDevelopment

When trust breaks down at work, how do teams communicate when communication no longer feels safe? How do leaders rebuild confidence, clarity, and connection in a constantly shifting workplace?In this episode of Giant Steps with Leilani Brown, Leilani sits down with Minda Harts, bestselling author, workplace consultant, and keynote speaker, to explore how to create workplaces where people feel seen, supported, and respected. Minda shares her groundbreaking Seven Trust Languages® framework, a practical approach to rebuilding communication, restoring belonging, and fostering trust in teams and organizations.Whether you’re a leader trying to build a healthier, more human workplace or an employee navigating environments where you feel unheard, this conversation provides actionable strategies to strengthen trust, communication, and collaboration.In This Episode:Why trust is collapsing inside organizations and how to rebuild itThe Seven Trust Languages® and how they transform workplace communicationCommon misconceptions leaders have about trust, safety, and belongingHow employees can advocate for themselves when they feel overlookedSmall, daily behaviors that determine whether a team thrives or falls apartInsights from Minda’s own career journey, from executive assistant to bestselling author, consultant, and filmmakerGuest Minda Harts – Minda Harts is a bestselling author, workplace consultant, and sought-after keynote speaker who is revolutionizing how organizations build trust. Through her groundbreaking Seven Trust Languages® framework, she helps leaders and teams create cultures where trust becomes their greatest competitive advantage.As the author of The Memo, Right Within, You Are More Than Magic, and her latest Talk to Me Nice: The Seven Trust Languages for a Better Workplace, Minda has empowered thousands to build stronger workplace relationships and navigate professional challenges with confidence.Her impact spans boardrooms and conference stages worldwide, with companies like Nike, Google, Best Buy, and Zoom calling on her to drive meaningful change through trust-building strategies. She's been recognized by LinkedIn as the #1 Top Voice in the Workplace and by Business Insider as one of the top 100 People Transforming Business. In addition to her speaking and consulting work, Minda is shaping future leaders as an NYU assistant professor and founder of The Memo LLC. When organizations want to transform their communication through trust, they call Minda Harts. 💬 Connect Leilani Brown Website → giantstepsllc.com Instagram → @giantstepsllcMinda Harts Website → mindaharts.com LinkedIn → linkedin.com/in/mindaharts Instagram → @mindaharts YouTube → Official Minda HartsResources🎁 Free guide: Your Next Giant Reset™ — a step-by-step resource for navigating loss and layoffs and planning your comeback. 👉 Download it at https://resetguide.giantstepsllc.com/#page=1

When everything you’ve built—your career, your business, your personal life—suddenly falls apart, how do you begin again?In this episode of Giant Steps with Leilani Brown, Leilani sits down with Sabena Miller, corporate training consultant, instructional designer, and entrepreneur, to explore how to rebuild and reinvent your life after profound loss.Sabena shares her approach to resilience and reinvention—a method built through real-life experiences of career disruption, personal tragedy, and business collapse. Together, they discuss how to rise stronger when everything seems lost, how to transform grief and uncertainty into growth, and how to rebuild confidence and purpose along the way.Whether you’ve experienced a major personal or professional setback, or simply want to strengthen your ability to navigate life’s unexpected challenges, this conversation will help you see that reinvention is not just possible—it’s an opportunity to create a more empowered, purpose-driven future.In This Episode:Sabena’s journey from the trading floors of the New York Stock Exchange to running her own businessThe personal and professional losses that shaped her resilienceHow to turn grief, uncertainty, and disruption into catalysts for growthPractical strategies for rebuilding your career, business, and personal lifeMindset shifts and habits that help you move forward when everything feels lostSabena Miller –  Sabena Miller is a leadership consultant, speaker, and founder of KairosXP™, where she helps teams and organizations strengthen communication, build trust, and elevate performance. Known for her practical, energizing style, Sabena teaches leaders how to break down silos, improve cross-department collaboration, and create workplaces where people thrive. With consulting experience across construction, financial services, telecom, beauty, healthcare, and more, she brings real-world insight to every stage or workshop. Sabena also leads corporate training projects as a curriculum architect and creative consultant, designing experiences that empower teams to learn and lead with clarity.Leilani Brown Website → giantstepsllc.com Instagram → @giantstepsllcSabena Miller Website → www.KairosXP.com LinkedIn → Sabena Miller Instagram → @Kairos.xp Guest💬 ConnectResources🎁 Free guide: Your Next Giant Reset™ — a step-by-step resource for navigating loss and layoffs and planning your comeback. 👉 Download it at https://resetguide.giantstepsllc.com/#page=1 

Facing job loss is stressful — emotionally, professionally, and financially. In this episode, Leilani Brown talks with Mike Daniels, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP®, about how to approach career transitions with clarity and confidence. From understanding your cash flow and applying for unemployment to managing retirement accounts and planning Social Security, Mike provides practical steps to stabilize your finances and protect your long-term future. In This Episode:How to evaluate household finances after a job lossApplying for unemployment benefits and understanding COBRA vs. ACA health insuranceHandling retirement accounts strategically: 401(k), 403(b), TSP, pensionsThe Rule of Fifty-Five for penalty-free withdrawals for employees 50+Social Security insights and claiming strategiesManaging debt and cash flow during career transitionsKey financial habits and resources to build long-term resilienceGuest: Mike Daniels, CFP®, ChFC®, RICP® — Senior Financial Advisor at Financial Focus Group, specializing in retirement planning, risk management, tax strategies, and wealth preservation.💬 Connect with Mike Daniels:YouTube → Mike Daniels CFPLinkedIn → Michael V. DanielsEmail / Phone → Available for personal consultationResources: 🎁 Free guide: Your Next Giant Reset™ — a step-by-step guide to navigating layoffs and career transitions. 👉 Download at giantstepsllc.com

Welcome to Giant Steps with Leilani Brown!Season 3 kicks off with something big—a new name and an expanded vision. What started as Your First Job was built to guide early-career professionals. But our audience has grown, and so has the conversation.In this episode, Leilani shares why the show is now called Giant Steps with Leilani Brown, and what that means for you. From your first role to bold pivots and reinventions, this season is about the whole career journey. You’ll hear real stories, practical insights, and everyday inspiration from leaders, innovators, and everyday people who turned challenges into opportunities.Because big change doesn’t happen overnight—it starts with a single step, a spark, and one amazing conversation.🎧 Tune in and take your next giant step.

Season Trailer - Giant Steps with Leilani Brown ABOUT THE SHOWGiant Steps with Leilani Brown (formerly Your First Job, the podcast)Imagine what you could accomplish if you just take that first step. You could land your dream role. Shift a company culture. Redefine an industry.That’s the spirit of Giant Steps with Leilani Brown. On each episode, author, speaker, and CEO Leilani Brown sits down with leaders, innovators, creators, everyday people, and trailblazers to uncover the pivotal decisions, bold reinventions, and daring choices that turned ordinary careers into extraordinary lives.Whether you’re just starting out, ready to make a career move, or looking to reinvent yourself, you’ll find both information and inspiration here. Big change doesn’t happen overnight—sometimes it starts with a single step, a small spark, and one amazing conversation at a time.Watch on YouTube and listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart Radio, Audible and everywhere.   SHOW TRAILER/INTROBig change doesn’t happen overnight.  Sometimes it starts with a single stepThat why I am excited to host leaders, innovators and great thinkers and everyday people, sharing their stories and practical insights you can use right now.Wherever you are in you are in your journey, whether you are just starting out, looking to make a pivot, or ready to reinvent yourself.You’ll find both information and inspiration right here.This is Giant Steps, and I am Leilani Brown.

Brenda Mallory, a former chair of the White House Council on Environmental Quality, joins Your First Job LIVE to discuss her journey from aspiring child psychologist to environmental lawyer. She highlighted her early exposure to environmental issues at the Connecticut Commission on Human Rights, where she worked on affordable housing and zoning laws. Mallory emphasized the importance of diverse perspectives in policy-making and shared her experience as the first Black leader of the Council on Environmental Quality. She advised the Class of 2025 to cultivate networks and be flexible in their career choices, emphasizing the long-term impact of decisions. Mallory is currently reflecting on her next steps, aiming to contribute meaningfully to environmental and diversity issues.ABOUT BRENDABrenda Mallory has had a 40-year career in Environmental Law and policy, spending roughly half her time at an environmental law firm serving public and private sector clients and the other half working in the Federal government in Senior roles at the White House Council on Environmental Quality and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Ms. Mallory was confirmed by the United States Senate on April 14, 2021 and sworn in as the 12th Chair of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ). As Chair, she advised President Biden on environmental and natural resources policies, sustainability, climate change, conservation and environmental justice, all designed to improve, preserve, and protect public health and the environment for all America’s communities. Throughout her career, she has championed policies for cleaner water, cleaner air, and the removal of toxic pollutants from the places people live, work, and play and worked to create strong and inclusive working environments.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Leilani Brown and Maxwell Heller discuss the intricacies of his dual career as a master fundraiser and drag performer. Maxwell, also known as Miz Cracker, shares his journey from reluctantly trying drag for the first time to becoming a successful performer. He emphasizes the importance of passion, experimentation, and balancing work with personal life. Maxwell also reflects on the evolution of drag, its cultural significance, and the challenges of monetizing it. Leilani and Maxwell discuss the value of unpaid internships, the importance of knowing oneself, and the need for a steady income to sustain passion projects. Maxwell is currently taking a step back to focus on personal growth and family.ABOUT MIZ CRACKERMiz Cracker is a New York City drag queen—and a writer, foodie and comedienne. She launched her drag career in 2011 while participating in marches for marriage equality in Times Square. She went on to compete in RuPaul’s Drag Race Season Ten, landing a spot in the top five and becoming a fan favorite. She later appeared in RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season Five, landing a spot in the top 3. Today, she tours the world with her one woman shows; delights fans on her YouTube channel; lectures on drag at top universities; writes for publications like Slate, ArtForum, Vice and GQ; engages nearly 1.5 million followers across social media; and tells the stories of incredible women through her interview podcast, She’s a Woman.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Jesse Beckom III joins YFJ host Leilani Brown to discuss his diverse career journey, from urban planning to competitive bobsledding and tech roles at eBay, Teespring, and Atlassian. He emphasizes the importance of agility and continuous learning and highlights the transferable skills from sports, such as teamwork and resilience, to his professional life. He shares his early experiences, including selling snow in Chicago, which taught him the value of precision and independence. Jesse also stressed the significance of community involvement and mentorship, particularly for student-athletes transitioning to professional careers.ABOUT JESSEOriginally from Chicago, Illinois Jesse is the youngest and only male child of five siblings. His mother was a nurse and his late father was a 27-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department. Jesse Beckom III is a Senior Go-to-market Program Manager at Atlassian. He has over a decade of experience in driving high-impact programs and campaigns, taking them from strategic conception to execution. At Atlassian, Jesse served as the first Global Chair of the company’s inaugural Black Employee Resource Group. Jesse is a former member of the USA Bobsled  National Team where he competed in World Cup Races and World Championships for 12 years and was the Chair of the Athlete Advisory Committee. Jesse currently serves as a member of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Ethics Committee.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Graduates, this one’s for you! In this special crossover episode, YFJ host Leilani Brown joins Sonia Marta of The Smarta Podcast to share essential advice for anyone taking their first career steps. Leilani highlights the significance of relationships, initiative, accountability, and adaptability. Leilani shares her book "Campus to Career," which offers practical tips for recent graduates. She stresses the need for effective communication, self-management, and digital literacy. Leilani also discusses the impact of social media on mental health and the value of lifelong learning. She concludes with advice on building networks and overcoming imposter syndrome.ABOUT SONIAA changemaker and an award-winning author, Sonia Marta wrote and self-published her first poetry collection, Oracol (2018) at the age of 10. Next came her most acclaimed story by teachers and the international community, The Rapping Astronaut (2020), an award-winning children's book, along with Bucharest City Tour, a Trip with Sonia (2020). In 2023, Marta co-authored Women Leading the Way (2023), a collection of stories of successful women launched at the London Book Fair (LBF23').Sonia Marta's projects kickstarted her journey as a role model, travelling all over the globe to speak to over 5,000 children, students, and parents about the importance of self-improvement and the importance of education. Her mission, inspiring the youth to follow their dreams, brought about her recognition at the Women Changing the World Awards Gala (2023), where she won Silver in the category Young Women Changing the World. She is the host of The SMARTA Podcast, a biweekly show on leadership with executives and bestselling authors exploring how to achieve your dream life.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Leilani Brown interviews Eric Ryan, a serial entrepreneur known for brands like Method and Welly. Ryan discusses his early entrepreneurial aspirations, influenced by his family's automotive business. He emphasizes the importance of creating products that elevate everyday items and bring joy. Ryan highlights the significance of partnerships and capital, noting the pressure of using friends and family's money. He advises entrepreneurs to focus on cultural shifts and team dynamics. Ryan also stresses the need for adaptability and agility in startups, using AI as an example of transformative technology. He concludes with advice on maintaining a growth mindset and improving oneself.ABOUT ERICEric Ryan is an entrepreneur whose ventures have consistently redefined the consumer landscape. As the creative force behind method, he made eco-friendly cleaning products a household staple, blending sustainability with style. With OLLY, he revolutionized the vitamin aisle, making wellness both accessible and appealing. Welly, his next innovation, introduced a beauty-forward approach to first aid, transforming mundane health essentials into desirable lifestyle accessories. In the realm of retail, his venture Cast reimagines the experience of shopping for fine jewelry, marrying artisan craftsmanship with a joyful shopping ethos. Not resting on his laurels, Ryan recently launched Tandy, a candy brand that is not only better for you but also bring functional benefits to everyone’s favorite treat.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Adam Lowry and the host discuss Adam's career journey, emphasizing his transition from chemical engineering to climate impact consultancy. Adam, President of Lowry Climate Group and co-founder of Method, highlights his work at the Carnegie Institute for Science, where he managed a climate model predicting climate change impacts. He shares the story of co-founding Method to create sustainable cleaning products, which was later acquired by SC Johnson. Adam stresses the importance of voting for climate action and the responsibility of businesses to address their environmental footprints. He advises aspiring entrepreneurs to persist through challenges and to take advantage of available resources, noting that entrepreneurship today carries less risk than it did in the past.ABOUT ADAMAdam Lowry is a former climate scientist and the founder of several mission-driven businesses, including Method Products, Ripple Foods, and Sugarbreak, all public benefit corporations. He builds businesses with sustainability designed at their core, so that their growth produces positive social and environmental impacts. The companies he has started saved megatons of GHG emissions, 100 billion gallons of water, thousands of tons of plastic waste, and created hundreds of green manufacturing jobs on four continents; all while creating nearly a billion dollars in shareholder returns.His companies have been named #7 on the Inc 500 list of fastest growing private companies in the US; #16 on Fast Company's Fast 50 World's Most Innovative Companies; and twice named to the Global CleanTech 100.More recently, he has shifted his focus to building companies and projects with the potential for gigaton and gigawatt scale, including work with the US government and companies pioneering the next generation of climate positive technologies. The scope of that work runs the gamut, from team, to operations, to strategy, to financing, and everything in between, building the proper foundations for performance over the long term.📌 ABOUT YOUR FIRST JOB PODCASTYour First Job is a podcast brought to you by Giant Steps, LLC, a company working at the intersection of Strategy, Culture, Career, and Education. 🔔 LIKE, SUBSCRIBE & SHARE! If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more career insights.📩 Join our community: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/contact...📖 BOOKS BY LEILANI BROWN: https://www.giantstepsllc.com/books🌐 Learn more about Giant Steps, LLC → GiantStepsLLC.com

Leilani Brown and Kerry Chandler discuss Kerry's career journey, emphasizing the importance of first jobs and the value of unexpected opportunities. At her first job, she learned the significance of employee relations and the impact of company culture. She stresses the importance of aligning with a company's values and being an advocate for employees. Kerry advises job seekers to be honest about their employment transitions and to prepare thoroughly for interviews. ABOUT KERRYKerry is a highly accomplished HR business executive with experience in strategic planning, talent acquisition, performance management and organizational transformation. As a seasoned executive, Kerry has a unique combination of experiences in industries that include technology, sports, media, entertainment, telecommunications, and retail. She is a highly influential and effective leader with a record of achievements at some of the most admired organizations in the world. She is a trusted advisor who builds strong relationships with teams, CEOS and other C-suite leaders and board members. Kerry was most recently Chief People Officer at Bombas. She was recruited to this role as part of the company’s efforts to strategically prepare for its next stage of growth. At this highly reputable, early stage, mission-oriented company, Kerry was responsible for developing all aspects of the Human Resources function, including organizational design and learning, succession planning, total rewards, talent acquisition and employee relations. Her wealth of experience in the C-Suite served Kerry well in providing the necessary executive coaching and development to prepare this premium brand, B Corp, for continued growth and scale.In 2018, Kerry was recruited to become the Chief Human Resources Officer of Endeavor, a global leader in entertainment, sports and fashion, reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer. She was responsible for all Human Resources strategy and operations including talent acquisition, organization and talent development, performance management, compensation and benefits, diversity and inclusion, HR business partnerships, employee relations and budget for Endeavor worldwide. In 2020, Kerry’s leadership was instrumental to the company’s restructuring that was necessary as a result of the business impact of the COVID-19 global pandemic, and in 2021, Kerry was an important member of the executive team that took Endeavor public on the New York Stock Exchange. In 2015, she was recruited as Chief Human Resources Officer at Under Armour to restructure and build out the HR organization to meet the 15,000-employee company’s emerging competitive challenges. Under her leadership, she created a global HR organization to scale while leveraging talent, enhancing culture, and driving long-term organizational change. She led a team of 160 HR professionals across North America, Asia, Latin America and Europe. Notably, she was instrumental in restructuring benefits for a $34M+ savings to the company. During her tenure, she implemented executive-level succession planning, and was a valued partner to IT, Finance, and SAP partners on an HRIS implementation. As part of the companywide Operational Excellence initiative, she expertly and sensitively managed a difficult reorganization that saved $55M. She was previously the Global Head of Human Resources with Christie’s International, and the most senior Human Resources executive for the National Basketball Association (NBA), reporting directly to the NBA Commissioner. She led the sports enterprise through organizational transformation to become a more global business entity with strong culture and operating infrastructure including new NBA markets in China, India, Europe and Africa. The sports fan joined ESPN in 2000 as senior Vice President HR, then worked in various capacities at Disney.

Bill Kennard, former FCC Chairman, joins YFJ to reflect on his trailblazing career in law, policy, and business. He shares his experience leading the E-Rate program under the Clinton administration, tackling the challenge of expanding internet access to schools and libraries. Kennard discusses the ongoing digital divide, including the “homework gap” that left 17 million students without broadband during the pandemic. He also explores the impact of social media on society, the power of mentorship, and why young professionals should take a proactive approach to career growth while staying mission-driven.ABOUT BILLWilliam E. Kennard has had a distinguished career in both the public and private sectors. He currently serves as a Co-Founding Partner of Astra Capital Management, a private equity firm. Before launching Astra, Kennard served as the US Ambassador to the European Union. Before serving as an Ambassador, Mr. Kennard was a Partner and Managing Director of The Carlyle Group, an asset management firm, where he led investments in the telecommunications and media sectors. Before joining The Carlyle Group, Mr. Kennard served as Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”). He began his public sector career as the FCC’s General Counsel.As FCC Chairman, Kennard became well known for advancing policies to help people most at risk of being stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. U.S. News & World Report dubbed Kennard a “consumer champion for the digital age.” He has received many honors and awards for his accomplishments, including honorary degrees from Howard University, Gallaudet University and Long Island University. Mr. Kennard currently serves as chairman of the board of directors of AT&T, Inc. He also serves on the boards of directors of Ford Motor Company and MetLife, Inc., and he is a trustee of Yale University.Mr. Kennard is a graduate of Stanford University and Yale Law School. In 2021, Yale Law School awarded him its Award of Merit, the school’s highest honor.ABOUT THE SHOWYour First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries.Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs.By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way.

Parker Harris, CTO and co-founder of Salesforce, joins YFJ to share his journey from a liberal arts background to co-founding one of the world's largest CRM platforms. He highlights Salesforce's evolution, emphasizing the importance of AI and the need for retraining to adapt to technological changes. Harris also addressed the shift to hybrid work post-COVID, noting the challenges of remote work on collaboration and early-career development.ABOUT PARKERParker Harris is the CTO of Slack and the Co-Founder of Salesforce. He oversees Slack’s world-class engineering team and sets the technical vision for the company. Parker is passionate about the power of cloud computing and its ability to help organizations digitally transform and become more customer- centric. Since co-founding Salesforce in 1999, Parker has had an indelible impact on the company — driving its technology strategy, championing customer success and innovation, and fostering an ecosystem of partners and advocates across the globe. Parker has spearheaded many technology initiatives at Salesforce that deliver productivity, reliability, and exceptional user experiences to companies at scale — notably, Hyperforce, the Salesforce Platform, and Lightning Experience. Before Salesforce, Parker co-founded cloud computing company Left Coast Software and worked at Metropolis Software, a pioneer in field sales force automation.ABOUT THE SHOWYour First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries.Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs.By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way.

YFJ host Leilani Brown announces the release of her new book, Your Next Giant Steps: 25 Practical Tips For Job Search Success. The book offers practical tips and a journal for job seekers. She emphasizes the importance of applying with intention, leveraging AI tools, and turning rejections into learning opportunities. Brown highlights that her previous book, "From Campus to Career," focuses on job retention, while this new guide addresses the initial job search.  Your Next Giant Steps is available for purchase on Amazon–get your copy today! And stay tuned for the Season 2 premiere on February 10. ABOUT LEILANI Leilani M. Brown is the founder and CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, a consulting firm specializing in strategy, culture, career, and education. She is the author of Your Next Giant Steps: 25 Practical Tips for Job Search Success, From Campus to Career: 25 Tips for Your First Professional Year and is the host of Your First Job, a podcast offering inspiration and information from some of the world’s most talented and accomplished people. Her insights on workforce development and inclusion have been featured in Newsweek, Fortune, and other leading outlets. Leilani holds a Bachelor’s degree from Middlebury College and a Master’s in Public Administration from NYU. ABOUT THE SHOW Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs. By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way. 

Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer at Pinterest, joins Your First Job to discuss her journey from law school to Lockheed Martin to the world’s largest visual search engine. She recounts her early days when a mentor inspired her to pursue the role of General Counsel. Walcott also highlights Pinterest's mission to inspire people and its initiatives like inclusive search features and the Youth Mental Health Corps. To learn more about Youth Mental Health Corps visit bit.ly/3OWvsOB Follow Atiya Walcott at @atiyawalcottfits for style inspiration! ABOUT WANJI Wanji Walcott is the Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer at Pinterest and is responsible for leading Legal, Compliance, Public Affairs & Policy, Philanthropy, ESG and Trust & Safety.As an experienced senior executive, Wanji advises the senior leadership and the board of directors and has extensive experience with corporate governance, fintech, technology & innovation, compliance, government relations, investigations, M&A, talent management, and diversity. Prior to joining Pinterest, Wanji served as Executive Vice President, Chief Legal Officer at Discover Financial Services. Wanji also served as Senior Vice President, General Counsel at PayPal and has also held positions at American Express, Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation and Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP.She is on the board of the Economic Club of Chicago, the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, the Chicago Botanic Garden and the Minority Corporate Counsel Association. Wanji also serves on the Frederick Gunn School board of trustees and on the Women’s Board of the Art Institute of Chicago. ABOUT THE SHOW Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs. By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way. 

Brooks Reitz, a Charleston-based entrepreneur and restaurateur, joins host Leilani to discuss his entry and ultimate success in hospitality. Reitz emphasizes the importance of storytelling in his restaurants, drawing parallels to his early love for theater. He also shares insights on the challenges of running a restaurant group, including maintaining operations during the pandemic. Stay tuned and even get some early intel on Brooks’ latest endeavor in New Orleans! ABOUT BROOKS Brooks Reitz worked in restaurants from the age of 16, holding various positions before graduating college and becoming a Restaurant Manager. He moved to Charleston in 2007/8 and joined FIG as a server and bartender before being promoted to Manager. At 30, Reitz opened his first restaurant, Leon's Oyster Shop, which was followed by a string of others. ABOUT THE SHOW Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs. By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way.

Host Leilani welcomes Shari Hubert, Associate Dean of Admissions at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business to the podcast. Hubert discusses her career journey and the evolving landscape of graduate admissions. She also reflects on her early career in pharmaceutical sales, where she learned resilience and advocacy. This episode comes on the heels of the Fuqua School achieving gender parity in its full-time MBA program. ABOUT SHARI Shari Hubert is associate dean of admissions at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, where she is responsible for overseeing recruitment and admissions for their Daytime and Accelerated MBA, Weekend Executive MBA, Global Executive MBA, and six Specialty Masters’ Degree Programs. Prior to Fuqua, she was the associate dean of admissions for the Full-time and Evening MBA programs at Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business. Hubert has extensive experience in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, and entered higher education after working for the Peace Corps as director of recruitment within the Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection, the senior vice president of campus recruitment for Citi’s Global Bank in North America and as the manager of campus relations for GE. Immediately after receiving an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2000, Hubert worked as a consultant for The Boston Consulting Group, managed a leadership program for the Partnership for NYC and ran the United Way campaign at NBC. Finally, she began her career in sales and marketing at Merck and Co., Inc., after graduating with a bachelor's degree in French from Dartmouth College in 1992. ABOUT THE SHOW Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs. By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way. 

Leilani Brown interviews Francesca Hogi, aka "Dear Franny," about her career journey from law to dating expert. Francesca shares her experiences on Survivor, including being the first person voted off twice, and how it taught her to not internalize others' opinions. She discusses her transition to matchmaking and coaching, emphasizing the importance of self-love and mutual respect in relationships. Francesca also highlights her upcoming book, "How to Find True Love," which defines true love as a relationship with certain characteristics. Finally, Fran reflects on her first job as a babysitter–a gig so profitable, she had the makings of a childcare mogul! ABOUT FRANCESCA Francesca Hogi is an author,  coach, podcast host, TED speaker and love educator, among other things. Her passion is for helping people center love holistically in their personal and professional lives, as well as in business. As an internationally recognized and award winning love coach, Francesca disrupts the dating status quo with her passionately pragmatic expertise on navigating modern love and making true love inevitable. In her role as a consultant, she helps her clients tell better, more empowering stories about love inside their organizations and in marketing. She has designed and hosted bespoke events for Soho House, TED, and more. Prior to her love career, Francesca was an attorney and appeared on two seasons of the iconic reality TV show Survivor. She has a B.S. in Producing for Electronic Media from Syracuse University and a J.D. from The University of Michigan Law School. ABOUT THE SHOW Your First Job is a podcast hosted by Leilani M. Brown, CEO of Giant Steps, LLC, exploring the early career experiences of successful individuals across various industries. Each episode features in-depth interviews with established professionals, executives, and thought leaders who share the challenges they faced and the lessons they learned in their first jobs. By debunking myths about overnight success and showcasing diverse career paths, the podcast aims to inform and inspire the next generation of talent, encouraging them to embrace and learn from their own initial work roles and every step—and stepping stone—along the way.