In this episode of 'This Kaleidoscope Career,'host Helen Jonsen is joined by Kym McNicholas, CEO of the Global PAD Association. Kym shares her remarkable career journey that spans from being ashy college student aspiring to become an athletic trainer, to becoming aprofessional water skier, sports, tech and business journalist, and now anadvocate for Peripheral Artery Disease awareness.

Global PAD Association

www.thewaytomyheart.org

The conversation delves deep into Kym’sexperiences in journalism, her pivotal moments, and the profound impact she ismaking in the field of global health. Listeners will be inspired by Kym’sunwavering passion, her bold transitions throughout her career, and hercommitment to saving lives through early diagnosis and awareness of PAD.

The episode also touches upon Kym’s personalanecdotes, including her transformative moments in broadcasting, her innovativeapproaches in healthcare advocacy, and her relentless drive to createmeaningful change in the world.

Kym McNicholas https://www.linkedin.com/in/kymmcnicholas/

00:00 Introduction to the Kaleidoscope Career

01:37 Meet Kym McNicholas: A Journey fromShyness to Broadcasting

02:32 Kym's Early Career: From Athletic Trainingto Radio

05:12 Breaking into Sports Journalism andBroadcasting

09:16 Transition to Business and TechnologyReporting

12:02 The Energy News Live Experience

16:56 From Local TV to Silicon Valley

21:45 Advocacy and the Global PAD Association

36:43 Personal Reflections and FutureAspirations

44:19Conclusion and Farewell

Navigating This Kaleidoscope Career with FranHauser

In this episode of 'This Kaleidoscope Career,'host Helen Jonsen converses with Fran Hauser, a bestselling author, keynote speaker, and bookstore owner.

She is passionate about helping women acceleratein their careers by writing, speaking, investing in women’s start-up ventures, and in book consulting.

Fran discusses her diverse trajectory, startingfrom her early days in accounting and evolving through various corporate roles at companies like Coca-Cola and Time Inc. where she was in the C-suite as head of digital.

She delves into her transition to startupinvesting, driven by a desire to support female entrepreneurs, and later becoming an author. Her first book 'The Myth of The Nice Girl' became a best seller and is still fueling conversations about women at work. Her third is expected later in 2025.

Fran also talks about her latest venture as abookstore owner and the importance of storytelling, community and family.

Helen and Fran explore the common themes andthrough lines that have guided Fran's journey, focusing on her advocacy for women and her passion for storytelling.

Find Fran here

Find Bedford Books here

Podcast timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Mission

00:27 Welcome to This Kaleidoscope Career

01:22 Meet Fran Hauser

01:44 Fran's Career Journey

03:23 Transition to Startup Investing

04:17 Writing and Advocacy

16:19 The Myth of The Nice Girl

22:13 Balancing Leadership and Authenticity

24:43 Book Bound Podcast and Bookstore

26:10 Reading Like Writers

26:41 Workshops and Bookstore Dreams

27:40 Opening the Bookstore in Record Time

29:42 Building Community and Author Networks

30:52 Navigating the Challenges of BookstoreOperations

34:41 Publishing Workshops and Programs

38:13 Speed Round: Fun and Personal Insights

41:17 Family and Personal Life

44:52 Advice for Women with Kaleidoscope Careers

47:30Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Nikki Green is a Life and Business Resiliency Expert who has worked in the international business industry for more than 20 years. Empowering young people to reach their full potential is her greatest passion, and as an inspiring keynote speaker, Nikki will motivate your organization or event attendees.

With her company, Green Chameleon Collective, Nikki has dedicated her life to assisting others in overcoming the fear of following their dreams. She has worked with several notable C-Level executives in top Silicon Valley companies. Nikki received double promotions in two different Fortune 500 companies and The Golden Microphone Award. A four-time published author, she hosts the podcast “Stand Up & Stand Out” and has been featured in USA Today, Podcast Magazine, and Authority Magazine.

Nikki earned her master’s in international business administration from California State University, Hayward. An avid traveler, she has visited more than 14 countries and over half of the United States. Nikki lives outside Chicago, where she enjoys running and has completed seven marathons, three ultras, and dozens of triathlons across three continents.

Find out more about Nikki at the Green Chameleon Collective

Bonnie fills us in on her version of This Kaleidoscope Career starting as an underpaid kindergarten teacher and landing in the C-suite of a med-tech company. She is now an expert on gendered ageism in the workplace, an executive and advocated for the advancement of women.

Learn more about Bonnie at Bonnie Marcus Leadership

https://bonniemarcusleadership.com/

And on Substack at Own Your Ambition

https://bonniemarcus1.substack.com/?utm_source=global-search

Not Done Yet (book) https://www.amazon.com/Not-Done-Yet-Confidence-Workplace/dp/1989603785

Bad Ass Women Podcast https://badasswomeninbusinesspodcast.com/

Bonnie shares her career journey, from teaching kindergarten to climbing the corporate ladder in healthcare, and ultimately becoming an advocate against gendered ageism.

They discuss her book, 'Not Done Yet,' and touch on her podcast 'Badass Women.'

Bonnie emphasizes the importance of advocating for oneself and staying visible in the workplace, and also shares her mantra: 'Own your ambition, own your talent, and stand in your power.'

00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome

01:22 Meet Bonnie Marcus: Career Journey and Insights

03:14 Bonnie's Early Career and Challenges

05:07 Transition to Business and Executive Roles

09:05 Becoming an Executive Coach

17:36 Gendered Ageism and Research Findings

24:49 Speed Round: Getting to Know Bonnie3

2:33 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Julie Cole is an award-winning entrepreneur, best-selling and award-winning author and media personality. As a lawyer who wanted out of corporate life she co-founded Mabel's Labels, to offer a solution to other moms needing to keep track of their kids' things. Not only did she and her three cofounders build a business started in her basement, she was an early adopter of social media and continues to be the face–often funny–of the company even after it was sold to a large conglomerate.

More about Julie here.

Navigating This Kaleidoscope Career: A Conversation with Jennifer BrownLearn more @ Jennifer Brown SpeaksIn this engaging episode, Helen interviews Jennifer Brown, a prominent speaker, author, and thought leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. Jennifer discusses her eclectic daily routine, her transformative journey from a nonprofit 'do-gooder' and classical singer to becoming a successful entrepreneur and leader.

She shares candid insights into her evolution and her pivot from music to inclusion consulting. With references to her books and influential figures like Frances Hesselbein and Peter Block, Jennifer elaborates on the complexities of privilege, the importance of inclusive leadership, and her dedication to creating safe, equitable workplaces. The conversation also delves into Jennifer’s personal life, including her love for nature in Woodstock and her advocacy for various social causes.

00:00 Introduction to Jennifer Brown

00:47 A Day in the Life of Jennifer Brown

03:52 Jennifer's Early Career and Musical Pursuits

07:44 Transition to Corporate and Consulting1

1:23 The Importance of Inclusive Leadership

18:01 Challenges and Opportunities in DEI21:24 Writing and Thought Leadership

22:09 Building a Brand and Writing Books

22:37 Embracing Your Voice and Experience

23:18 Overcoming Self-Doubt and Claiming Expertise

24:00 The Impact of Writing and Sharing Your Story

27:33 Speed Round: Influences and Inspirations

30:53 Speed Round: Personal Interests and Hobbies34:49 Speed Round: Quickfire Questions

38:46 The Importance of Social Action and Charity

40:27 Encouragement for Midlife Exploration

42:21 Final Thoughts and Gratitude