In this episode, guest Rusty Brindle, a seasoned trades professional, shares his journey and insights into the world of skilled labor. Rusty Brindle is 53 years old, with 20 years in the trades, 15 years as an ASE Master Mechanic, and 12 years in law enforcement. In 2018, he started Terrarium Homes, a business built on values like quality over quantity, ethics, perseverance, and fostering long-term customer relationships. Rusty emphasizes the importance of knowing your customers, fair pricing, profitability, and even when to "fire" a customer if they're not the right fit.

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Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here: • From Illumination To Innovation

Key Discussion Points

• The growing appeal of skilled trades and the shift away from corporate careers
• Rusty's journey from law enforcement to skilled trades and lessons learned along the way
• Tips on building strong client relationships and creating a sustainable business

Why This Matters

As more professionals seek fulfilling and practical career paths, skilled trades offer a unique combination of independence, hands-on work, and purpose. Rusty's story serves as inspiration for those looking to escape the corporate grind and find meaning in their careers. This episode highlights the value of trade work, the rising demand for skilled labor, and practical advice on running a successful business.

Upcoming Episodes

The next FITI Vodcast episode airs on 11/28/24! Stay tuned for more illuminating conversations with Shaniqua Brown, Stephanie Crain, and fascinating guests.

Join the Conv...

In this Halloween episode, the third and final part of our Brand Shadow Series, Stephanie and Shaniqua bring you an unforgettable blend of spookiness, insights, and corporate horror in Shadow Stories. Gather around your screen and get ready for frightful tales like "Overtime Despair" and "The Steel Shroud"-stories that reveal the shadows lurking in everyday corporate life and the hidden horrors behind it all. Inspired by real-life events, these four unique stories explore the darkest sides of corporate life, consumerism, and technology.

From toxic work cultures to products that terrorize their own users, each tale sheds light on systems that drain our energy, creativity, and humanity. To make it even scarier, we collaborated with the "AI Monster" to craft these stories — think of it as Augmented Intelligence with a real human touch.

Here's What to Expect:

• Overtime Despair – A chilling look into the endless overwork and economic oppression cycle.
• The Haunted Convenience – A haunting reminder of the hidden human costs of convenience and tech reliance.
• The Steel Shroud – The terrifying story of a product gone rogue, showcasing the nightmare of unchecked innovation.
• The Phoenix Pocket – A tale of resilience and creativity as one engineer stands against corporate apathy.

Why This Matters:

Through these haunting stories, we spark a conversation about the real issues behind corporate culture, toxic systems, and the importance of ethical consumer choices. These tales will resonate whether you're dealing with workplace challenges or tech skepticism. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

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Don't miss our latest Brand Shadow Series episodes!

Shadow Stories Featured in This Episode:

• The Haunted Convenience by Shaniqua Brown
• The Steel Shroud by Stephanie Crain
• Overtime Despair by Shaniqua Brown
• The Phoenix Pocket by Stephanie Crain

️ Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned! Our next FITI Vodcast episode airs on November 14th with a focus on the evolving world of employment, including the latest in trade work and fractional consulting trends.

Engage with Us: What's your scariest workplace experience? Have you felt trapped by corporate culture or consumer habits? Share your story below and join our FITI community as we explore the shadows of corporate life together.

STEPHANIE’S BIO:

Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized com...

In this episode of the Brand Shadow Series, we dive deep into the hidden forces that shape corporate culture and impact employees. Leah Stiegler, an Equity Partner, and management-side employment Lawyer, teams up with Stephanie Crain, a Corporate Mystic, and Shaniqua Brown, a Talent Strategist, to explore how leadership decisions and unseen corporate shadows affect workplace dynamics and success.

Leah Stiegler shares her expertise as a Lawyer who helps HR and management navigate workplace challenges, shining a light on how organizational shadows can create or prevent corporate toxicity. Leah also co-hosts 'What's the Tea in L&E' of the ‪@woods-rogers‬ firm's channel.

With 25 years of experience in creative strategy and leadership, Stephanie Crain discusses the role of value alignment and transparency in unleashing a company’s full potential. Shaniqua Brown, founder of Elevated TA, brings her expertise in talent acquisition and innovative strategies to help companies align their teams with a vision of success and efficiency.

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Watch the latest full episodes of the 'Brand Shadow Series' here: • Brand Shadows

Key Discussion Points:

Organizational Shadows: Understanding how unseen factors in leadership and culture impact employees and workplace dynamics.
Corporate Toxicity: Strategies to prevent toxic corporate shadows from affecting employee well-being and organizational success
Leadership's Role: How to value alignment, transparency, and creative strategy foster a healthy, vibrant work culture.

Why This Matters: Addressing corporate shadows and toxicity is key to building healthier, more transparent organizations that thrive on innovation and effective leadership. Hear from experts who know how to create environments where individuals and companies can flourish.

Upcoming Episodes: The next episode of the Brand Shadow Series airs soon! Stay tuned for the Brand Shadow Series finale, coming on 10/31.

Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts and experiences on overcoming organizational shadows and corporate toxicity by leaving a comment below. Engage with the FITI community and keep the conversation going!

Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more valuable insights on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth from the FITI Vodcast.

Enjoyed this Uncovering Individual Shadows: How Personal Traits Impact Business Performance video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination To Innovation (FITI) on YouTube: / @fromilluminationtoinnovation Intriguing Questions Discussed:

• How do personal shadows influence leadership styles?
• What are the signs of an individual shadow showing up in business?
• How can understanding your shadow enhance corporate culture?

Get the Brand Shadow book: https://a.co/d/hGhKCLe

Upcoming Episodes: Our next episode continues the conversation by examining brand shadows, how organizations express them, and how you can identify or avoid them. Join the Conversation: Share your thoughts in the comments! How do you see personal traits impacting your business environment? What strategies have you used to navigate corporate shadows? Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss our future episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content from the FITI Vodcast.

#CorporateShadows #PersonalGrowthInBusiness #LeadershipDevelopment #BusinessCulture #FromIlluminationToInnovation #FITIPodcast #StephanieCrain #WorkplaceHealing

Welcome to the grand finale of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua and Stephanie as they present an electrifying face-off between Millennials and Gen Z. Victoria, a trust and vulnerability coach with a passion for redefining workplace dynamics, represents the millennials, and Chloe, a spirited dancer and grad student, champions Gen Z.

In this final episode, you can expect:

• Generational Showdown: Millennials and Gen Z will compete in a battle of wits, perspectives, and cultural knowledge.
• Unexpected Revelations: From surprising trivia to deep insights, uncover the nuances that set these two generations apart.
• Engaging Discussions: Experience lively conversations on social justice, workplace culture, and technological evolution.

Intriguing Questions Discussed:

• What values and priorities shape Millennials and Gen Z today?
• How do both generations tackle mental health and social impact?
• What does each generation think about the future of work?

Upcoming Episodes:

The series finale, but the conversation continues! Stay tuned for new series and engaging topics!

Join the Conversation: Leave your thoughts in the comments! Which generation do you think won the ultimate battle? What myths or misconceptions about Millennials or Gen Z do you want to debunk?

Subscribe & Stay Tuned: Don't miss out on our future episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more thought-provoking content from the FITI Vodcast. Together, let's bridge the generational gap and vibrate higher!

TEAM BIOS:

STEPHANIE CRAIN

Stephanie Crain is a corporate mystic and a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA BROWN

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

#GenerationJeopardyFinale #MillennialsVsGenZ #FutureOfWork #VibrateHigher #Intergen...

Welcome to a special episode of the FITI Vodcast!

Join hosts Shaniqua and Stephanie as we connect with nine individuals from different generations—Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z—in a frank and revealing conversation. In this episode, we explore the real stories, challenges, and triumphs that define each generation.

Why Listen:

• Break Stereotypes: Hear directly from each generation as they debunk common myths and misconceptions about their age group.
• Personal Stories: Learn about the pivotal events that have shaped each generation’s worldview—from the civil rights movement to the rise of social media.
• Connection Across Ages: Discover how different generations socialize, work, and connect in today’s world.
• Unique Traits: Understand the distinct qualities each generation brings to the table, and how these can complement one another in the workplace and beyond.

Key Discussion Points:

1. What is the biggest myth about your generation?
2. Which historical events have had the most impact on you?
3. How do you prefer to connect with others—digitally or face-to-face?
4. What qualities do you admire in other generations?

Why Generational Conversations Matter:

Discussions about generations are often sparked by workplace dynamics, pop culture, and societal shifts. Understanding these perspectives helps us build stronger, more inclusive communities and work environments. By listening to each other’s stories, we can bridge gaps and find common ground.

Upcoming Episodes:

• Episode 2: Gen X vs. Gen Z – The clash continues!
• Series Finale: Who will come out on top in Generation Jeopardy?

Join the Conversation:

Leave your thoughts in the comments! How have you experienced generational differences in your life? What's a myth or misconception about your generation that you want to debunk?

Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

Don't miss our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let’s bridge the generational gap together!

#GenerationalWisdom #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture #CommunityBuilding

[Unfiltered generational views, Candid thoughts from Boomers to Gen Z, Breaking generational stereotypes, Real stories from different generations, Challenges and triumphs of each generation, Understanding generational perspectives, Connecting across ages, Impact of historical events on generations, Debunking myths about Baby Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z, How generations socialize and work today, Distinct qualities of each generation, Building stronger communities through generational understanding, Generational conversations in...

Welcome back to round 2 of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain as they present a captivating clash between Gen X and Gen Z. Representing Gen X is Ed, an experienced IT professional, and for Gen Z, we have Chloe, a vibrant professional dancer and grad student.

In this episode, you can expect:

• Generational Clash: Witness Gen X and Gen Z go head-to-head, exploring their unique perspectives on work, technology, and life.
• Humorous Moments: Enjoy light-hearted banter and trivia that highlight generational differences in a fun way.
• Valuable Insights: Learn about hybrid work models and how the digital divide shapes communication across generations.

Key Questions Discussed:

• How do Gen X and Gen Z approach work-life balance?
• What lessons can younger generations learn from Gen X's resilience and experience?
• How does technology influence communication across generations?

Upcoming Episodes:

• Series Finale: Who will emerge victorious in Generation Jeopardy?

Join the Conversation:

Leave your thoughts in the comments! How have you experienced generational differences in your life? What's a myth or misconception about Gen X or Gen Z?

Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

Don't miss our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let’s bridge the generational gap together!

#vibratehigher #GenXvsGenZDynamics #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture

STEPHANIE’S BIO:

Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

[Generational clash, Gen X, Gen Z, hybrid work models, digital divide, Understanding Gen X and Gen Z, generational diversity in the workplace, Gen X vs Gen Z dynamics]

Here’s to the premiere of the Generation Jeopardy series on the FITI Vodcast! Join hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain as they kick off this exciting series with a battle between Baby Boomers and Millennials. Representing the Boomers is Ted, a retired aviator, and for the Millennials, we have Victoria, a trust and vulnerability coach.

In this episode, you can expect:

• Amusing Anecdotes: Watch the hilarious rock-paper-scissors showdown that sets the tone for a fun and competitive game.
• Riveting Takeaways: Discover the surprising answers and learn something new about the cultural milestones that define each generation.
• Opportunities for Learning: Gain insights into how different generations perceive and engage with the world around them.

Fascinating Questions Discussed:

• How do Baby Boomers and Millennials view financial planning differently?
• What can younger generations learn from the wisdom of the Boomers?
• How do cultural references shape the identities of each generation?

Upcoming Episodes:

• Episode 2: Gen X vs. Gen Z – The clash of the titans continues!
• Series Finale: Who will emerge victorious?

Subscribe & Stay Tuned:

Don't miss out on our exciting episodes! Like, comment, and subscribe for more astute and engaging content from the FITI Vodcast. Let's bridge the generational gap together and vibrate higher!

#GenerationalDiversity #FutureOfWork #IntergenerationalDialogue #WorkplaceCulture #InnovationAtWork

Generational gap, Baby Boomers, Millennials, workplace culture, intergenerational dialogue

Exploring generational differences, Baby Boomers vs Millennials, bridging generational gaps in the workplace