Learning to Hear the Hard Stuff

Honest feedback can be difficult to hear—and valuable to your growth. Leadership coach Michael Kublin shares how a tough assessment changed his career and explores how self-awareness, coaching, and accountability can help you become a more effective leader.

Ayush Kapoor and John Navia share how their consulting internships challenged their assumptions about being ready for the workplace. Through meaningful relationships, curiosity, and increasing responsibility, they discovered where they could contribute and what they wanted from their careers. Hear their advice on pursuing opportunities despite self-doubt, learning through experience, and balancing professional ambition with personal values.

There's more to building a photography business than what happens behind the camera. In this episode of Business Edge, entrepreneur Mindi Westhoff shares how she transitioned from financial journalism to pursuing her passion for photography, adapted when unexpected challenges arose, and learned valuable lessons along the way. Discover how flexibility, resourcefulness, and professional growth can help you navigate a career that doesn't always go according to plan.

What does it take to leave the stability of a corporate career and become a successful business owner? Alpha Kappa Psi alumnus Michael Chambers Heer shares his experience taking over a struggling insurance agency, navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship, and building a business rooted in trust and integrity. Along the way, he discusses the importance of ethical decision-making, professional relationships, and the lifelong value of Alpha Kappa Psi membership.

What does it take to successfully change industries, stand out to recruiters, and build a career that reflects your values?In this episode of Business Edge, Lexie Delgado shares lessons from a career that has taken her across industries, roles, and cities. She discusses her work in talent sourcing at Uber and offers practical perspectives on diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, including how professionals can advocate for others and help create environments where people feel they belong.Lexie also shares how transferable skills helped her move into the technology industry, what recruiters look for on LinkedIn, and why job seekers should be intentional about the skills and experiences they highlight. She also discusses the inspiration behind Causa y Cultura, her cultural and social awareness project, and reflects on the importance of staying grounded in your values when navigating workplace challenges.In This Episode00:20 — Meet Lexie Delgado and hear about her professional background01:30 — Talent sourcing at Uber and incorporating diversity, equity, and inclusion02:49 — Making recruiter outreach more personal and effective03:36 — How professionals can take greater responsibility for inclusion in the workplace06:09 — Learning about cultures and perspectives different from your own07:08 — Lexie’s career journey and transition across industries10:40 — Career resilience and developing multiple sources of income12:40 — What recruiters look for on LinkedIn profiles14:06 — Using skills, keywords, and job descriptions to improve your visibility15:02 — The story and purpose behind Causa y Cultura17:18 — Navigating workplace challenges while staying true to your values20:37 — Final reflections on using your values as a professional guide

In this episode of Business Edge, Chrissy Vasquez sits down with Chris Ratterman, CEO of Shady Rays, to discuss values-driven leadership, entrepreneurship, and what it means to do business the right way. Chris shares how gratitude, customer service, philanthropy, and ruthless prioritization have shaped Shady Rays’ growth, while offering practical advice for young professionals on standing out, learning continuously, leaning into weaknesses, and making decisions with integrity.

What do triathlon training and career transformation have in common? A lot more than you'd think. In this episode recorded live at Alpha Kappa Psi’s 62nd Convention, John Werner joins host Chrissy Vasquez for a thoughtful conversation on embracing change, leaning into your strengths, and redefining your identity at every stage of life. From engineering school to wealth management—with a pit stop as an unofficial barista—John’s journey is anything but linear. He shares what it means to “test drive” new paths, the value of strategic thinking (in both triathlons and careers), and how to find connection in and outside the workplace. Whether you're pivoting in your profession or planning for life after retirement, this episode reminds us that growth is always possible—and sometimes, it starts with lacing up your shoes.

In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, special guest Jennifer Kuhn speaks about her experience taking over her family’s business with her brother during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses topics such as her values (both as an individual and as a business owner), how her relationship with her brother has changed throughout their time running a business together, and being a woman in a male-dominated field.

In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, we’re touching back in with a guest from a former season of the podcast! Special guest Jennifer Raiford, featured in season 4 episode 4 titled “Cyber Security in a Digital World,” is back to discuss how her philosophy has changed in the past few years since her initial podcast appearance. She speaks about how bringing your authentic self to your job can help you find a family at work.

In this episode of the Business Edge podcast, special guest Richard McVay discusses his career path and how he started Dart'em Up, his small family business. He discusses his values of giving back to the community and explains exactly how he does this as a business owner. He also explains how helping others can come back around to help you in your own times of need!