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Career Spotlight

Career Spotlight

By: Software Oasis
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About this listen

 Looking to transform your career or break into tech without traditional experience? Career Spotlight is your weekly guide to navigating successful career transitions in today's dynamic job market. Host Michael Bernzweig, founder of Software Oasis, brings you practical strategies and inspiring stories from B2B consulting and SaaS professionals who have successfully pivoted their careers. Each episode delivers actionable advice on breaking into tech, building transferable skills, and landing opportunities in today's most promising industries. From career changers to recent graduates, discover proven pathways to launch your new career without expensive degrees or years of experience. Get insider tips on resume building, interviewing, networking, and positioning yourself for success in tech and business roles. Whether you're considering a career change or seeking advancement, this podcast provides the roadmap you need. Subscribe now to join thousands of career changers and get weekly guidance on transforming your professional future.© 2025 Software Oasis, LLC Career Success Economics Education
Episodes
  • Right Track Admissions: Hamada Zahawi on Planning Your Future

    Right Track Admissions: Hamada Zahawi on Planning Your Future
    Jun 26 2025

    In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig interviews Hamada Zahawi, founder and CEO of Right Track Admissions. They discuss Hamada's journey from law to admissions consulting, the challenges students face in applying to universities, and the importance of planning and profile development. The conversation also covers economic factors affecting education, alternatives to traditional degrees, and maximizing the college experience through networking and personal growth. Hamada shares insights on current trends in admissions, advice for international students, and the significance of personal narratives in applications. The episode concludes with reflections on travel and personal growth.

    Takeaways

    • Hamada transitioned from law to admissions consulting after the 2008 economic crisis.
    • Right Track Admissions helps students with weaker profiles gain admission to top schools.
    • Telling an effective story can outweigh poor standardized test scores.
    • Planning and profile development are crucial for students applying to universities.
    • Economic conditions significantly impact job markets and education costs.
    • Vocational training and micro-credentialing are becoming more valuable than traditional degrees.
    • The SLASH approach helps maximize the college experience: Social, Leadership, Academics, Study Abroad, Health.
    • Networking and relationships formed in college can be invaluable for future opportunities.
    • Students should be resourceful in seeking financial aid and scholarships.
    • International students should consider applying to a broader range of institutions.

    Sound Bites

    • "Finding your own personal path is valid."
    • "Planning is the key to success."
    • "You never know what you're gonna get."

    Chapters

    • 00:00 Introduction to Career Spotlight and Guest Background
    • 02:44 Hamada's Journey: From Law to Admissions Consulting
    • 05:44 Challenges Students Face in University Applications
    • 08:37 The Shift in Education: Alternatives to Traditional Degrees
    • 11:36 The Importance of Skills and Adaptability in Education
    • 14:26 Maximizing College Experience: The Slash Method
    • 17:39 The Value of Relationships and Experiences in Education
    • 23:48 Navigating College Financial Aid
    • 28:34 Seizing Opportunities in Admissions
    • 32:10 The Impact of International Students on Admissions
    • 37:06 The Importance of Curiosity in Personal Growth

    -> Career Stalled?

    • Earning $40K-$90K+ in tech is possible. Explore 10 in-demand career paths with 1M+ job openings.
    • Fast-track tech career courses – no experience or degree required!

    Start Free Course

    https://softwareoasis.com/start-free-course

    -> Subscribe to our Fan Newsletter and Get ahead in your B2B tech career.

    Weekly data, trends, analysis, interviews, and insights to your inbox every Tuesday. Unsubscribe at any time.

    https://softwareoasis.com/newsletter

    -> Join our Patreon

    https://softwareoasis.com/patreon

    What can you expect from our Patreon?

    By becoming a patron, you're investing in your own success and unlocking a range of exclusive benefits, including:

    • Exclusive Content: Bonus episodes, extended interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and early access to recordings.
    • Direct Influence: Suggest topics, ask questions for guests, and participate in polls to shape the future of the podcasts.
    • Personalized Advice: Patrons get access to group Q&A sessions with me, Michael Bernzweig.
    • Community Access: Join a private channel to connect with other listeners.
    • Software Oasis Free Course Access: Get access to one free course from Software Oasis's trending tech and career courses, valued at $249 to $399.
    • Weekly Fan Newsletter: Packed with exclusive insights, updates, and curated resources.
    Show More Show Less
    44 mins
  • Network Concierge's Susan Collins: Navigating Career Transitions

    Network Concierge's Susan Collins: Navigating Career Transitions
    Jun 4 2025

    In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig of Software Oasis interviews Susan Collins, an executive coach and founder of the Network Concierge. They discuss Susan's journey into coaching, the evolution of career coaching, and the diverse range of clients she works with. The conversation explores the challenges of navigating career transitions in a changing market, the importance of networking, and actionable steps for individuals considering a career change. Susan shares success stories from her coaching practice, emphasizes the need for different actions to achieve growth, and provides insights into entrepreneurship and the common blind spots faced by high-performing individuals.

    takeaways

    • Susan Collins transitioned from talent acquisition to coaching.
    • Many individuals struggle to see their own career potential.
    • Risk tolerance is essential in today's job market.
    • Networking is crucial for career transitions.
    • Asking for help is a key step in career changes.
    • Exploring adjacent career opportunities can be beneficial.
    • Growth requires different actions, not just effort.
    • Entrepreneurship involves resilience and support.
    • Financial planning is important for aspiring entrepreneurs.
    • Self-awareness helps in overcoming blind spots.

    Sound Bites

    • "I didn't see myself being a coach."
    • "People just didn't see their own potential."
    • "You have to have a little more risk tolerance."
    • "Asking for help is crucial."
    • "There's always a way."
    • "You have to step back and say, I've been holding on."

    Chapters

    • 00:00Introduction to Career Coaching and Susan's Journey
    • 02:51The Evolution of Career Coaching and Client Diversity
    • 06:11Navigating Career Transitions in a Changing Market
    • 09:04Actionable Steps for Career Transitions
    • 12:00The Importance of Networking and Skill Development
    • 14:58Success Stories: Transformations Through Coaching
    • 17:47Growth Requires Different Actions
    • 21:10Entrepreneurship: The Journey and Its Challenges
    • 23:48Finding Balance in Career Decisions
    • 26:51Blind Spots in High-Performing Individuals
    • 29:59Conclusion and Resources

    -> Career Stalled?

    • Earning $40K-$90K+ in tech is possible. Explore 10 in-demand career paths with 1M+ job openings.
    • Fast-track tech career courses – no experience or degree required!

    Start Free Course

    https://softwareoasis.com/start-free-course

    -> Subscribe to our Fan Newsletter and Get ahead in your B2B tech career.

    Weekly data, trends, analysis, interviews, and insights to your inbox every Tuesday. Unsubscribe at any time.

    https://softwareoasis.com/newsletter

    -> Join our Patreon

    https://softwareoasis.com/patreon

    What can you expect from our Patreon?

    By becoming a patron, you're investing in your own success and unlocking a range of exclusive benefits, including:

    • Exclusive Content: Bonus episodes, extended interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and early access to recordings.
    • Direct Influence: Suggest topics, ask questions for guests, and participate in polls to shape the future of the podcasts.
    • Personalized Advice: Patrons get access to group Q&A sessions with me, Michael Bernzweig.
    • Community Access: Join a private channel to connect with other listeners.
    • Software Oasis Free Course Access: Get access to one free course from Software Oasis's trending tech and career courses, valued at $249 to $399.
    • Weekly Fan Newsletter: Packed with exclusive insights, updates, and curated resources.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
  • VDS Digital's Ginny Delaitre on Crafting Social Media Strategies

    VDS Digital's Ginny Delaitre on Crafting Social Media Strategies
    Jun 4 2025
    In this episode of Consulting Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig of Software Oasis interviews Ginny Delaitre, founder and CEO of VDS Digital Agency. They discuss Ginny's journey from mobile app development to creating a full-service marketing agency, focusing on the importance of understanding client needs and the evolving landscape of mobile apps and social media marketing. Ginny shares her unique strategies for engaging clients through storytelling and emphasizes the significance of selecting the right platforms for effective audience engagement. In this conversation, Ginny discusses the effective use of LinkedIn for B2B marketing, emphasizing the importance of genuine engagement over viral tactics. She highlights the need for a structured marketing strategy, particularly for small to mid-sized companies, and shares insights on integrating AI into marketing efforts. Ginny also talks about her journey in developing proprietary tools to enhance her agency's efficiency and service offerings.TakeawaysGinny Delaitre transitioned from mobile app development to marketing.VDS Digital Agency offers comprehensive marketing strategies.Marketing requires ongoing effort and long-term client relationships.Mobile apps are evolving; web apps are becoming essential.Storytelling is crucial for social media engagement.Clients should focus on genuine content rather than AI-generated posts.Understanding your audience is key to effective marketing.Select social media platforms based on where your audience spends time.Don't expect all social media posts to reach a wide audience.Invest in platforms that align with your business goals. LinkedIn is crucial for B2B marketing success.Genuine engagement is more effective than viral tactics.Marketing should focus on nurturing relationships.Building a marketing strategy takes time and effort.AI can enhance marketing but must be used correctly.Proprietary tools can provide a competitive edge.Small to mid-sized companies benefit from agency services.Effective marketing requires collaboration across departments.Consistency in branding is essential in marketing.Marketing is a long-term commitment.Sound Bites"Social is clearly where it's at.""Marketing is always ongoing.""Social media is both ways.""LinkedIn is really the space.""AI is helping me in my work.""People are using AI the wrong way.""I'm building my own SaaS product.""Creating proprietary tools is key."Chapters00:00 Introduction to VDS Digital Agency and UX Marketing01:53 Navigating Client Needs and Marketing Strategies06:12 The Evolution of Mobile Apps in Marketing12:05 Social Media Strategies and Storytelling17:53 Choosing the Right Platforms for Your Audience22:19 Maximizing LinkedIn for B2B Success27:58 The Importance of Genuine Marketing32:42 Building Effective Marketing Strategies36:22 Navigating AI in Marketing41:10 Creating Proprietary Tools for Efficiency -> Career Stalled?Earning $40K-$90K+ in tech is possible. Explore 10 in-demand career paths with 1M+ job openings.Fast-track tech career courses – no experience or degree required!Start Free Coursehttps://softwareoasis.com/start-free-course-> Subscribe to our Fan Newsletter and Get ahead in your B2B tech career.Weekly data, trends, analysis, interviews, and insights to your inbox every Tuesday. Unsubscribe at any time.https://softwareoasis.com/newsletter-> Join our Patreonhttps://softwareoasis.com/patreonWhat can you expect from our Patreon?By becoming a patron, you're investing in your own success and unlocking a range of exclusive benefits, including:Exclusive Content: Bonus episodes, extended interviews, behind-the-scenes content, and early access to recordings.Direct Influence: Suggest topics, ask questions for guests, and participate in polls to shape the future of the podcasts.Personalized Advice: Patrons get access to group Q&A sessions with me, Michael Bernzweig.Community Access: Join a private channel to connect with other listeners.Software Oasis Free Course Access: Get access to one free course from Software Oasis's trending tech and career courses, valued at $249 to $399.Weekly Fan Newsletter: Packed with exclusive insights, updates, and curated resources.
    Show More Show Less
    39 mins
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