In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig interviews Bradley Benner, founder of Semantic Mastery. Bradley shares his journey from being an electrician to becoming an SEO expert and entrepreneur. He discusses the evolution of SEO, the impact of AI on search and marketing, and offers insights on navigating career opportunities in local marketing. The conversation also covers the importance of choosing the right industry, building a holistic marketing agency, and the value of white label services. Listeners will gain actionable tips on validating industry viability and staying updated with trends in SEO and AI integration.

Takeaways

• Bradley transitioned from an electrician to an SEO expert.
• He founded Semantic Mastery to help others in local SEO.
• SEO has evolved beyond just search engine optimization.
• AI is changing the landscape of search and marketing.
• Choosing the right industry is crucial for success.
• Building a holistic marketing agency adds value to clients.
• Starting with white label services can ease entry into the market.
• Validating industry viability is essential for long-term success.
• Staying updated with trends in SEO and AI is important.
• Understanding client needs leads to better marketing outcomes.

Sound Bites

• "I fell in love with the process."
• "We named ourselves Semantic Mastery."
• "You can scale by geography."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Career Spotlight and Guest Background
• 01:02 Bradley's Journey from Electrician to SEO Expert
• 05:19 Transitioning to a Marketing Agency
• 08:12 Founding Semantic Mastery and Its Evolution
• 10:03 The Changing Landscape of SEO and AI
• 13:42 Career Opportunities in Local Marketing
• 19:18 Understanding Industry-Specific Marketing Needs
• 22:29 Choosing the Right Industry for SEO Success
• 24:09 The Importance of Specialization in Marketing
• 25:41 Navigating the SEO Learning Curve
• 28:18 Building a Business Around Marketing and Sales
• 33:15 Validating Industry Viability
• 39:23 Finding the Right White Label Provider
• 41:53 The Future of SEO and AI Integration

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In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig interviews Bill Kasko, the president and CEO of Frontline Source Group. They discuss the evolution of the staffing industry, the challenges faced during the startup phase, and the impact of technology on recruitment. Bill shares insights on building a company philosophy centered around people and service, the importance of adaptability in careers, and the recognition Frontline has received over the years. The conversation also covers the shift to remote interviews, the significance of job shadowing, and the role of skills-based testing in hiring. Bill emphasizes the need for effective communication and the future of technology in the recruiting space.

Takeaways

• Frontline Source Group specializes in high-end professional staffing.
• The recruitment industry has evolved significantly over the past 20 years.
• Technology has drastically changed the way resumes are submitted and processed.
• Bill's journey into recruiting began unexpectedly after 9/11.
• Building a company philosophy around people, process, and service is crucial.
• Adaptability is key in today's fast-changing job market.
• Recognition from industry accolades reflects the company's success.
• Remote interviews have expanded candidate pools significantly.
• Effective communication is essential in the hiring process.
• Skills-based testing can add value but should be approached carefully.

Sound Bites

• "Every day, I think we've seen it all."
• "It was about sending in your resume."
• "If they're late, I'm out, period."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Frontline Source Group
• 01:01 The Evolution of Recruitment Technology
• 07:06 Bill's Journey into Recruitment
• 12:20 Building a Staffing Agency: Lessons Learned
• 17:59 Achievements and Recognition in the Industry
• 21:34 Adapting to Remote Work During COVID
• 22:45 Expanding Recruitment Horizons
• 23:44 The Evolution of Interviewing Practices
• 25:43 The Impact of Ghosting on Recruitment
• 26:43 Key Principles for Reducing Bad Hires
• 30:34 The Role of Communication in Hiring
• 31:48 Pros and Cons of Outsourcing Recruitment
• 35:08 Job Shadowing and Its Importance
• 38:51 The Value of Skills-Based Testing
• 41:44 The Future of AI in Recruitment

-> Career Stalled?

• Earning $40K-$90K+ in tech is possible. Explore 10 in-demand career paths with 1M+ job openings.
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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.

This podcast focuses on igniting a career in UI/UX design, highlighting the abundant job opportunities, attractive salaries, and the skills needed to succeed in this field. Michael Bernzweig discusses the importance of building a strong portfolio, the potential for career growth, and the various educational paths available, including non-traditional learning options. He emphasizes the accessibility of UI/UX careers for individuals from diverse backgrounds and the flexibility of remote work in this industry.

Takeaways

• UI/UX design has a surplus of job openings.
• Starting salaries in UI/UX can be around $70,000.
• A strong portfolio is essential for job applications.
• Non-traditional candidates are attractive to employers.
• Career growth in UI/UX can lead to salaries over $100,000.
• Many organizations require UI/UX design skills.
• You can transition into UI/UX without formal education.
• Courses are available for a few hundred dollars.
• Remote work opportunities are abundant in UI/UX.
• Hands-on projects can enhance your portfolio.

Sound Bites

• "It's one of the interesting fields in tech."
• "You can really go at your own pace."
• "You can get started for free."
• Start Course Free https://softwareoasis.com/courses/

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to UI/UX Design Careers
• 02:52 Opportunities and Salaries in UI/UX
• 06:10 Skills and Portfolio Development
• 09:03 Transitioning into UI/UX Design
• 11:50 Long-term Career Path in UI/UX
• 15:13 Educational Paths and Resources
• 17:57 Real-world Applications and Job Market
• 20:45 Conclusion and Q&A

-> 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

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-> 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.

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-> Join our Patreon

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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.

This podcast discusses the vast job opportunities available in the IT industry, particularly for entry-level positions. It highlights the booming nature of the IT sector, the accessibility of training programs, and the potential for rapid career advancement without the need for traditional degrees. The speaker emphasizes the importance of skills over formal education and provides insights into various roles available in IT, along with resources for training and job support.

Takeaways

• Entry-level opportunities in IT are abundant and accessible.
• The IT industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years.
• Many IT roles do not require formal degrees or prior experience.
• Training for IT roles can be completed in just weeks.
• Salaries for entry-level IT positions start at $50,000 and can quickly rise.
• Self-motivated learners thrive in the IT field.
• Skills-based hiring is becoming the norm in tech companies.
• There are numerous affordable training options available.
• One-on-one coaching is provided to help with job placement.
• The demand for IT professionals is higher than ever.

Sound Bites

• "You can actually learn how to kickstart a career in IT."
• "Skills are more important than the actual degrees."
• "You can start for free and the cost is nominal."
• Start Course Free https://softwareoasis.com/it-course

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to IT Career Opportunities
• 03:14 The Booming IT Industry
• 06:07 Accessible Pathways to IT Careers
• 09:00 Types of Entry-Level IT Roles
• 11:48 Why Now is the Time to Transition to IT
• 15:11 Affordable Learning and Skill Development
• 18:02 Support and Resources for Job Seekers
• 20:59 Conclusion and Next Steps

-> 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.

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-> Join our Patreon

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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.

In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig interviews Kim Ades, the president and founder of Frame of Mind Coaching and Journal Engine Software. They discuss Kim's entrepreneurial journey, the significance of resilience in personal and professional life, and the transformative power of coaching. Kim emphasizes the importance of perspective in overcoming adversity and shares insights on thought mastery, emotional resilience, and the unique approach of her coaching methodology. The conversation also touches on the pros and cons of traditional employment versus entrepreneurship, the role of journaling in coaching, and the balance between personal and professional life.

Takeaways

• Resilience is crucial for success in any field.
• Emotional resilience can be developed like a muscle.
• Perspective plays a key role in how we handle adversity.
• Coaching should cover all aspects of life, personal and professional.
• Thought mastery is essential for achieving extraordinary goals.
• Many leaders lack essential coaching skills for their teams.
• The journaling process provides deep insights into clients' thoughts and behaviors.
• Balance in life is often misunderstood; it's about enjoying the ride.
• Entrepreneurship offers freedom but comes with instability.
• Finding a great coach is vital for aspiring coaches.

Sound Bites

• "Action follows thought."
• "Nothing is off the table in coaching."
• "Be where you are."

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to Kim Addis and Her Journey
• 02:55 The Importance of Resilience in Life and Career
• 05:57 Understanding Perspectives on Adversity
• 09:03 Pros and Cons of Entrepreneurship vs. Traditional Careers
• 11:51 Thought Mastery and Achieving Extraordinary Goals
• 14:55 Transformative Coaching Experiences
• 18:08 Building Emotional Resilience in Leaders
• 21:02 The Role of Thought in Achieving Success
• 24:09 Leadership Skills and Coaching Techniques
• 26:59 The Journey of Coaching and Personal Growth
• 30:03 Balancing Life and Embracing the Ride

-> 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

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-> 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.

In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Matt Diamante, the founder of Hey Tony, a thriving digital marketing agency specializing in SEO. Matt shares his unconventional journey from advertising intern to successful entrepreneur managing a global team of 13-14 professionals. Along the way, he reveals how his passion for SEO, resilience, and willingness to take risks transformed his career and the lives of his clients.

Matt’s story is one of perseverance and adaptability. After starting in traditional advertising, he pivoted to freelancing and eventually launched Hey Tony, where he helps businesses achieve visibility and growth through strategic SEO. From working on film sets to running viral campaigns that attracted millions of visitors, Matt’s career path is a testament to the power of grit and creativity.

This episode dives deep into the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship, including navigating the transition from solopreneur to agency owner. Matt also discusses his innovative approach to work-life balance, such as implementing a four-day workweek for his team, and the importance of data-driven decision-making in digital marketing.

Whether you're considering a career in tech or looking for inspiration to take your next big leap, Matt’s insights will motivate you to rethink what’s possible.

Key Discussion Points:
- Building an SEO agency from scratch
- Transitioning from solopreneurship to managing a team
- The role of resilience in career transformation
- Implementing a four-day workweek for better work-life balance
- Leveraging data and creativity in digital marketing
- Overcoming early career setbacks and finding your niche
- The impact of SEO on small business growth
- Navigating client relationships and revenue diversification
- The importance of experimentation in marketing strategies
- Advice for aspiring digital marketers entering the field
- Balancing creativity with data-driven decisions
- Lessons learned from viral campaigns and high-profile projects

Stay Connected

Subscribe to Career Spotlight on your favorite podcast platform and visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to join our bi-weekly newsletter. Get exclusive insights, job opportunities, and career resources delivered straight to your inbox. Don’t miss out—your dream career in tech is just a click away!

-> 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.

In this episode of Career Spotlight, host Michael Bernzweig sits down with Michelle Jamison, the inspiring CEO of Seismic Wave Support. With over 20 years of leadership experience, Michelle shares her remarkable journey from starting as a nervous call center agent to leading a globally dispersed team as the CEO of a thriving customer experience and remote team management company.

Michelle delves into her career path, highlighting pivotal moments, lessons learned, and the mentors who shaped her leadership style. She discusses the innovative solutions Seismic Wave Support provides, including customer service, social media management, virtual assistants, and outbound sales. Michelle also offers insights into managing a distributed team across multiple time zones and fostering a collaborative culture that bridges global diversity.

Listeners will gain valuable advice on career transitions, building resilience, and finding work-life balance. Whether you're navigating your first job in tech or aspiring to lead a global organization, Michelle’s story is packed with actionable insights and inspiration.

Key Discussion Points:
- Building a career from call center agent to CEO: Michelle's transformative journey
- The importance of servant leadership and empowering teams
- Strategies for managing globally dispersed teams across time zones
- How Seismic Wave Support helps businesses scale sustainably
- Key roles within Seismic Wave Support: virtual assistants, lead conversion specialists, and digital marketers
- Adapting to evolving social media trends and platforms
- Lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic: resilience and adaptability
- Balancing work-life priorities with time-blocking and self-care practices
- The role of mentorship in career growth and leadership development
- Advice for career changers considering the tech industry
- Future plans for Seismic Wave Support under Michelle’s leadership

Stay Connected
Subscribe to Career Spotlight on your favorite podcast platform to stay inspired by weekly episodes featuring industry experts and career changers. Don’t miss out on actionable advice that can transform your professional journey.

Sign up for our bi-weekly newsletter at softwareoasis.com/subscribe for exclusive job opportunities, career resources, and insights from technology leaders.

-> 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.

In this episode of Career Spotlight, we sit down with Deon Crasto, Principal Product Manager at Velocity Global, who shares his fascinating journey from software engineer to product management leader. With nearly a decade of experience spanning machine learning, healthcare tech, and global payments, Deon offers unique insights into navigating career transitions in the tech industry. His deep expertise in data science and AI has positioned him as a thought leader in the fintech space.

During our conversation, Deon reveals how his analytical background in data science shaped his approach to payment solutions and fraud detection. His career path includes impactful roles at OnDeck Capital, Livongo (acquired by Teladoc), and Checkr, where he developed innovative solutions for highly regulated industries. His work at OnDeck Capital revolutionized small business lending through machine learning algorithms, while at Livongo, he helped transform healthcare technology during a major acquisition. Now based in London, Deon brings a global perspective to product management and cross-border payment systems.

Deon shares candid insights about scaling products internationally and the challenges of building payment solutions that work across different regulatory frameworks. His experience leading teams through major organizational changes, including acquisitions and market expansions, provides valuable lessons for technology professionals looking to advance their careers in product management or fintech.

Key Discussion Points:
- Transitioning from software engineering to product management
- Building self-learning fraud detection models
- Managing product development in highly regulated industries
- Adapting to company acquisitions and organizational changes
- Balancing innovation with ethical AI implementation
- Navigating global payment systems and compliance
- Leading cross-functional teams and stakeholder management
- Career opportunities in financial technology
- Impact of AI on payment solutions
- Working across international markets
- Product management career progression paths
- Emerging trends in fintech and AI

Subscribe to Career Spotlight for weekly insights from technology leaders and transformation experts. Visit softwareoasis.com/subscribe to receive our bi-weekly newsletter featuring job opportunities and career 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.