Elevator no. 176: Zach Joyner is a Senior Account Executive at LinkedIn, where he helps small to medium-sized businesses enhance their human capital strategies using cutting-edge recruiting tools and data-driven insights. With a solid background in talent acquisition and brand development, Zach focuses on aligning people strategies to drive business growth.

Before joining LinkedIn, Zach worked as an Enterprise Account Executive at the startup Multiverse, where he advanced diverse talent through innovative apprenticeship programs. His experience there reinforced his commitment to fostering talent and driving professional development.

In addition to his role at LinkedIn, Zach serves on the Alumni Board of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where he promotes alumni engagement. Outside of work, he enjoys playing tennis and has recently taken up padel at Padel Haus in NYC.

Sam and Parker were in Chicago this week to do something a bit different. Instead of sitting behind the mic's to record Elevation Nation Podcasts, they interviewed EY Talent leaders for a firm marketing initiative. As employees of EY, it was a full circle moment for Sam and Parker.

Elevator no. 179: Sami Gomez is the founder of Studio Sami, a web design studio building websites and brands for entrepreneurs and businesses. With over 8 years of digital marketing experience, Sami combines her strategic marketing knowledge with expert design skills to build epic brands and websites that drive sales. She has worked with both startups and billion-dollar companies including beauty brands like Ipsy and Boxycharm. Most recently, she designed the new Elevation Nation website and brand.

In this episode, Parker and Sam talk with Sami about her journey from college to entrepreneurship, the evolution of her brand, and the challenges she faced along the way.

02:57 - Sami's Journey to Entrepreneurship
06:07 - The Evolution of Studio Sami
08:58 - Navigating Early Career Challenges
11:57 - The Gig Economy and Side Hustles
18:05 - The Importance of Professionalism
21:02 - Embracing Youth in Business
27:08 - Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations
30:10 - Rapid Fire Questions
36:00 - Sami's Mental Motto

Parker and Sam reflect on their journey with Elevation Nation, discussing the origins of their podcast, the importance of mental fortitude, and their vision for the future.

00:00 - Introduction to Elevation Nation

03:07 - The Origins of Elevation Nation

06:04 - The Journey of Mental Fortitude

08:53 - The Future of Elevation Nation

11:55 - What's Elevating and De-Elevating This Week

Elevator no. 175: Faith Bergman is the founder of "Life with Intention Method", a mindset and life coaching program specializing in guiding individuals to discover their true needs, desires, and passions. By uncovering these vital components of their lives, individuals can spend more time on activities that bring them joy, while letting go of anything that doesn't serve them.

02:09 - Faith's Journey: Leaving a Miserable Job and Finding Passion

07:53 - Helping Clients Discover Their Direction and Purpose

12:07 - Shifting from a Negative Mindset to a Positive Mindset

16:09 - Taking Things Slow: The Power of Gradual Habit Change

19:21 - Quick Tip: Spending Time Alone and Being Present

21:52 - Faith's Hobby: Walking on the West Side Highway

25:00 - Faith's Mental Motto

Sam just turned 29 and is feeling a little off about it. Parker recently spent a weekend at a retreat center in Zion National Park.

Being back in both NYC and DC, Parker and Sam have a lot to debrief.

02:25 - Reflecting on Recent Experiences
04:11 - Sam's Discomfort with Celebrations
06:00 - Sam's Introspection and Avoidance of Celebrations
08:44 - Parker's Perspective on Celebrations
10:50 -Choosing What to Celebrate
13:03 - Parker Has a Frustration

Elevator no. 174: Leonard Armato created the Shaq brand for Shaquille O'Neal and the Golden Boy brand for Oscar De La Hoya and the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

He is the founder and CEO of Management Plus Enterprises (MPE), was the CMO of Skechers; President of Skechers Fitness; CEO of the AVP Pro Beach VB Tour; and regularly advises C-Suite executive on their brand and Web3 strategies. He is featured in the “30 for 30” ESPN documentary: “This Magic Moment” and the HBO "Shaq" documentary. He is also the contributing writer for Forbes.

03:18 - The Power of Personal Culture and Branding
07:18 - The Four P's: Play, Purpose, Potential, and Pay
12:55 - Embracing Failure and the Art of Pivoting
23:26 - The Rise of Women's Sports and the Potential of Volleyball
26:33 - Upcoming Projects and Conclusion