Career Can Do

Communication is one of those things we all think we’re doing well… until we realize we’re not being fully understood. In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth sits down with Pamela McCown to talk about how developing real communication and leadership skills can completely shift your personal and professional life. Pamela shares how her journey began at Chase Bank and unexpectedly led her to Toastmasters International, where she eventually stepped into a global leadership role. What stands out in this conversation is how much of communication comes down to simplicity. Pamela explains how easy it is to use language that doesn’t connect, especially when you’re speaking to people from different backgrounds. Learning how to slow down, listen, and make your message clear is what really makes an impact and increases the changes of the other person really hearing what you’re saying. Mary Ann also shares her own experience of joining Toastmasters when she was nervous about giving a speech, and how quickly that turned into something much bigger. Being encouraged to step into leadership early on pushed her outside of her comfort zone, but it also helped her grow in ways she didn’t expect. That’s a theme throughout the episode, that sometimes other people see something in you before you see it yourself. At the end of the day, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t happen in isolation. Being part of a community that supports you, challenges you, and helps you build real skills can make a huge difference. Resources Pamela McCown on Toastmasters Houston | Annual District Conference - April 2026 | LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

When did everything start feeling so loud? The goals, the pressure, the constant push to keep going. This episode of Career Can Do slows things down in the best possible way. Mary Ann is joined by Elle Ballard, founder of Women of the World Network, for a conversation that feels more like a deep exhale than a career lecture. Elle shares how her journey from the corporate world to community building led her to create a global space where women can connect, share their stories, and grow with intention. They talk about how the idea of success changes over time. For Elle, it’s no longer about chasing external milestones at the expense of everything else. Real success, she explains, has to include inner fulfillment, energy, and alignment across all areas of life. When those pieces are out of sync, something always feels off. Elle also opens up about the new direction she’s taking with her work, bringing in more mind-body practices inspired by her own transformation through movement. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, restoring vitality, and finding your spark again - especially if you’re feeling burned out or stuck. When Mary Ann asks what one small shift could help someone move forward, Elle keeps it simple. Pause. Get quiet. Ask better questions. As she says, “I think it’s important to take time to pause, actually, and just go back to your voice.” Making space to check in with yourself can be more powerful than any big plan. Resources Elle Ballard on the Web | LinkedIn | Women of the World Network Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

As the new year begins, many of us start thinking about fresh starts. This episode of Career Can Do leans into what renewal actually looks like. Mary Ann is joined by Monnica Rose, Board President of Women of Visionary Influence, for a warm, thoughtful conversation about purpose, connection, and growing with intention rather than pressure. Monnica talks about how a true fresh start is not about becoming a brand-new version of yourself. It is about giving yourself space to grow, building confidence, and being deliberate about your personal development. She shares how WOVI supports that process by creating a place where women can pause, reflect, and learn from one another through mentoring, which she describes as the heartbeat of the organization. A big theme throughout the episode is connection. Monnica explains that renewed purpose is almost always rooted in relationships and community, reminding us that “no one does life alone.” Whether it is learning from someone who has already walked the path or being brave enough to ask for support, those connections help purpose take root and keep it moving forward. They also dive into career growth and what it really takes to stand out. Monnica encourages women to stop chasing perfection and instead focus on being visible, speaking up, and showing up as their authentic selves. Distinction, she says, comes from service and honesty, not from getting everything exactly right. Resources Monnica Rose on the Women of Visionary Influence (WOVI) | LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What do you do when the job you were sure was your “dream job” suddenly ends? That’s the spot Ashley Jablow found herself in, and she joins Chris Sandland on this episode of Career Can Do to talk about how that moment knocked the wind out of her and also ended up opening an entirely new path. Today, she runs Wayfinders Collective, but the journey there definitely wasn’t a straight line. Ashley shares how she gave herself 60 days to sort out her next move, only to reach the end of that timeline feeling totally stuck. Then, on a red-eye flight where she couldn’t sleep, the phrase “creative wayfinding” popped into her mind. She didn’t know exactly what it meant yet, but it captured the feeling of navigating life without a map. That idea eventually became the heart of the work she does now. One thing she and Chris laugh about is how people always say they want clarity, when really they’re hoping for certainty - and certainty just doesn’t exist. Ashley encourages people to take small steps instead of waiting for some big, perfect answer. You learn by moving. She also talks about how important it is to get out of your own head when you’re stuck. A coach once told her to put her job search away for a few weeks and do things that actually brought her joy. It sounded ridiculous at first, but it changed everything. Chris chimes in with his own version of that - taking ten minutes to clean something when his brain feels scrambled - because somehow that simple shift resets his whole mood. Ashley also shares the story behind her 100 Days of Designing My Life journals, a pandemic project that started with watercolor postcards and turned into guided reflection tools people now use all over the place. Resources Ashley Jablow on the Life Design School | Wayfinders Collective | LinkedIn | Instagram Chris Sandland on LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What happens when the world changes faster than the people leading it? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth talks with Dr. Donald McNeeley - CEO, professor, and longtime voice in the steel industry - about what great leadership really looks like when everything around you is shifting. With his trademark mix of humor and hard-earned wisdom, Dr. McNeeley breaks down why every leader needs a “North Star,” how to navigate major transitions without losing your footing, and why small mistakes can sometimes teach the biggest lessons. Dr. McNeeley isn’t shy about calling things as he sees them. “Not all apologies have to be accepted,” he says, warning that accountability matters more than empty words. He also challenges the idea that more productivity always means more progress, arguing that true leadership takes a balance of strategy, perspective, and heart. His advice for anyone rising through the ranks? Don’t be afraid to be wrong - just don’t stay wrong for too long. The two also dive into artificial intelligence, and Dr. McNeeley’s take might surprise you. He sees AI not as a threat, but as a tool that can free up leaders to do the work that really matters - mentoring, developing people, and thinking for the long haul. But he’s quick to remind us that no amount of data can replace intuition or human connection. Whether you’re leading a team, running a business, or just trying to stay adaptable in a world that won’t sit still, this one’s for you. Resources Dr. Donald McNeeley on Chicago Tube & Iron | Northwestern University Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What does it really take to shine in a job interview? According to Ramon Santillan, it’s not about memorizing canned answers or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about learning how to tell your story in a way that makes sense to the person on the other side of the table. Ramon is the founder of Persuasive Interview, and in this episode of Career Can Do he talks with host Chris Sandland about the unique challenges and strengths of neurodiverse candidates. Ramon explains that people who think differently, whether they have autism, ADHD, or another diagnosis, often struggle with interview questions that feel vague or misleading. A simple yes-or-no answer might feel right to them, while the employer is really looking for a full story. Ramon’s coaching helps candidates understand the “why” behind these questions and practice turning their skills into examples that resonate. He also reminds employers that good interviewing is a skill in itself. Too many strong candidates are overlooked because the questions don’t match the job. When hiring managers learn to ask better questions, they open the door to a wider pool of talent and often the very perspective their team needs most. Ramon shares one powerful success story of a student who went from being told he’d never make it to landing multiple offers and a career his family once thought impossible. For Ramon, moments like that are the reason he does this work. This episode is an inspiring look at how rethinking the interview process - on both sides - can create real opportunities and better results for everyone involved. Resources Ramon Santillan on Persuasive Interview | Persuasive Interview LinkedIn | LinkedIn Chris Sandland on LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

Maybe the secret to becoming a better writer isn’t about writing harder, but about finding the right people to write with? In this episode of Career Can Do, Mary Ann Faremouth welcomes Alicia Richardson, CFO of the Houston Writers Guild, to share how this long-standing community has been helping writers sharpen their skills, connect with peers, and stay motivated in a sometimes lonely craft. Alicia talks about the Guild’s open-door approach - you don’t need to be a published author to join - and how that inclusivity sets it apart from many other writing groups. Members can dive into critique groups, attend year-round events, or take part in the highly anticipated fall conference, which offers everything from business and tax insights for writers to workshops on craft and inspiration. Whether you’re polishing your first short story or managing a full publishing career, the Guild creates space for writers to grow together. She also shares success stories of members who found their voice, built confidence, and went on to publish their work after benefiting from feedback and encouragement within the group. Beyond the technical skills, Alicia stresses the importance of simply talking with other writers, having people who understand the challenges and joys of writing can be the boost that keeps you going. Resources Alicia Richardson on Houston Writers Guild | LinkedIn Houston Writers Guild offers: Social Saturday: Weekly Zoom call at 10:00 a.m. CST on Saturdays - (except conference weekend). Sign up via website Social Saturday Lunch Bunch: Monthly in-person luncheon for writers. Houston Writers Guild Fall Conference 2025: - Dates: September 27–28 - Location: Rice University, Houston - Friday night (26th): Book launch for the anthology at Brazos Bookstore - Saturday (27th): Main conference day with keynote and multiple sessions - Sunday (28th): Half-day workshop with keynote speaker Wolf Moon Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What if the secret to great leadership wasn’t about having all the answers - but knowing the right questions to ask? In this episode of Career Can Do, host Chris Sandland sits down with Ken Smith, executive and leadership coach, founder of Bel Air Leadership, and a firm believer that leadership is less about telling and more about listening. Ken’s approach flips the old-school command-and-control style on its head, showing how “ask more, tell less” can transform not only the way you lead, but the way your team responds to you. Ken makes the case that true leadership isn’t about being born with some mystical charisma, it’s about building a toolkit of skills, and then putting them into practice. Whether you’re guiding a seasoned team through challenges or stepping into your very first management role, the same core principles apply: earn trust by giving trust, create accountability by setting clear expectations, and lean on feedback as the gift it truly is. As Ken puts it, “trust is gained by the inch and lost by the mile,” and the little moments - your consistency, your follow-through, your empathy - add up to big leadership wins. One of the most compelling parts of this conversation is Ken’s perspective on tough times. Anyone can lead when business is booming, but real leaders show up when the pressure’s on. He shares how staying deliberate, prioritizing people over busywork, and making space for meaningful one-on-one conversations can steady a team even in the middle of chaos. And for those who think they don’t need a coach? Ken draws a clear line between looking back to unpack the past and looking forward to sharpen your skills, making the case that even the best performers - from star athletes to seasoned executives - need someone in their corner. If you’ve ever wondered how to stop micromanaging without losing control, how to turn feedback into fuel for growth, or how to step up from “doing the work” to truly leading, this episode is packed with insight you can put into practice right now. Resources Ken Smith on Belair Leadership | LinkedIn | Email: [email protected]. Chris Sandland on LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What does it really mean to be a trailblazer? Elle Ballard, founder of Women of the World Network, joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to share how women from across the globe are coming together to support, uplift, and grow - together. Elle is hosting a special event on October 18th in Houston called Trailblazer Woman, designed to celebrate women who pursue their passions with courage and resilience. She explains how the WOW community has created a space for women to gain visibility, build lasting relationships, and share lessons from their journeys in life and business. “We can grow together faster,” Elle says, “if we have that circle that we can come to, that we can share, that we can just be in.” Mary Ann shares her own experience with WOW, including how contributing to the group’s collaborative books helped her land new opportunities and expand her reach. From speaking engagements and podcast features to powerful new friendships, WOW has helped her - and many others - step into their full potential. The upcoming event will feature speakers from diverse backgrounds, dancing, networking, and time for reflection as we begin to look toward the year ahead. Elle encourages women to come ready to connect, learn, and be inspired. Two things you’ll walk away with? New relationships that can grow into something meaningful—and fresh ideas to carry you into 2025 with clarity and confidence. Resources Trailblazer Woman Event in Houston - 18th of October Elle Ballard on LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)

What if making the world a better place was more than just a dream - and became your purpose? Dr. Tom Kelchner joins Mary Ann Faremouth on this episode of Career Can Do to share how a lifelong commitment to service led him from classrooms to community leadership, and now, to his newest role as District Governor for Rotary District 5890. After 33 years in public education, Tom found a new mission through Rotary - one that aligned perfectly with his passion for helping others. “Why do I serve? Because it’s needed,” he says. For Tom, service isn’t a side project. It’s a way of life. Rotary’s reach is massive, with 1.4 million members worldwide and initiatives that span from eradicating polio to addressing food insecurity and mental health. But the power of Rotary, Tom explains, is also local. Whether it’s mentoring students, helping veterans, or improving access to clean water, the impact is real and personal. Tom also highlights Rotary’s work with youth through programs like Interact and youth exchange, showing how service can start early and last a lifetime. Under his leadership, he hopes to grow membership, amplify support for veterans and trafficking awareness, and make Rotary more visible to the wider community. This episode is a powerful reminder that service isn’t just noble - it’s necessary. And joining an organization like Rotary might just be the start of something much bigger than yourself. Resources:Tom Kelchner on Rotary District 5890 | LinkedIn Mary Ann Faremouth on the Web | X (Twitter)