Level Up: The Career Playbook - powered by mambahr

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Lisa Thompson—founder of UK-based HR strategy firm Iona HR—to unpack how to lead through chaos, rebuild trust, and turn HR into a true commercial advantage.

Whether you're navigating layoffs, change fatigue, or thinking about stepping out on your own, Lisa brings grounded insights from both the corporate world and entrepreneurial trenches.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Rebuild Trust Post-Layoffs – The right way to lead through disruption
✅ Change Management as a Superpower – Why most companies overlook it
✅ HR as a Strategic Partner – How to step out of the “back office” box
✅ Leaving Corporate to Build a Firm – Lisa’s leap and her playbook for others
✅ UK vs US HR – Key differences in how leadership and people strategy actually work

 Why You Should Watch:
Lisa’s approach is honest, human, and deeply strategic. She’s led through tough transitions, advised high-growth companies, and now helps SMEs fix people problems before they derail growth. If you want practical ways to lead better, influence change, or build something on your own—this is the episode to bookmark.

🔗 Connect with Lisa Thompson
🌐 Website: https://ionahr.co.uk
💼 LinkedIn: Lisa Thompson, IonaHR

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Danielle Peretore—a strategy & operations leader who’s helped scale companies from Series A to late-stage. With experience at Deloitte, BCG, and top startups, she shares what it really means to be strategic—and how to lead with clarity in fast-moving orgs.

No fluff. No office politics. Just the mindset, tactics, and feedback loops that set high-impact operators apart.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Influence Without the Title – What earns trust in high-stakes rooms
✅ The Strategy vs. Execution Test – Danielle’s personal mental checklist
✅ Daily Systems That Scale – Routines for clarity, feedback, and creative work
✅ What School Never Taught You – About working in real companies
✅ How to Think Clearly in Chaos – Especially when things are changing fast

 Why You Should Watch:
Danielle brings the rare ability to cut through complexity and make strategy real. If you’re trying to grow as a people leader, cross-functional partner, or trusted operator—this episode gives you a tactical blueprint for doing it well. It’s not about “acting” strategic. It’s about being it.

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Christine Song—former Chief People Officer and cofounder of the invite-only 5to9 Society—to unpack what real HR leadership actually looks like behind the scenes.

From scaling teams to influencing boards, Christine drops practical, unfiltered insights that every HR pro, team lead, or career climber needs right now.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Operate Like a CEO – The shift that separates tactical HR from strategic leadership
✅ Building High-Performance Cultures – Without burnout, fluff, or performative perks
✅ Speaking the Language of Boards – How to gain influence when you’re not in the room
✅ Why Most Dashboards Are Useless – And what data actually matters
✅ From Recruiting to Strategy – How to evolve your role and gain credibility

🎯 Why You Should Watch:
Christine brings the rare blend of executive insight and real-talk transparency. If you’re tired of fluffy HR webinars and want to know what actually works at the highest levels of leadership—this is it. Whether you're in HR, operations, or just managing people, this episode will help you show up sharper, smarter, and more strategic.

🔗 Explore the 5to9 Society – A private network helping high-performing women lead with clarity and ambition → https://www.5to9society.com

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Naz Jabbar—a global HR leader with 20+ years of experience at companies like PayPal, Xerox PARC, and multiple high-growth startups. From receptionist to strategic HR executive, Naz has seen it all—and shares exactly how to grow your career and make HR a true business driver.

Whether you’re just breaking into HR, leading a team, or trying to get a seat at the table, this conversation is packed with practical strategies and mindset shifts you won’t hear anywhere else.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Break into HR Without Certifications – What actually matters more than SHRM
✅ Strategic HR in Action – What the best people leaders really do
✅ Daily Routines of Senior HR Execs – How Naz structures her day for influence and impact
✅ Fixing Change Management – Why it fails and how to get buy-in that lasts
✅ Why Relationships > Resumes – The truth about influence, trust, and long-term success

 Why You Should Watch:
Naz isn’t just talking theory—she’s done the work. From global payroll to executive coaching, she brings a grounded, real-world lens to what strategic HR actually looks like. If you’ve ever felt overlooked, under-leveled, or unsure how to grow in the field, this episode is your roadmap.

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In this powerhouse episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Raj De Datta—co-founder and CEO of Bloomreach, author of The Digital Seeker, and one of the most insightful voices in the future of work.

From building a billion-dollar business to identifying the traits of truly game-changing employees, Raj shares the real leadership principles that matter in an AI-powered world—and what you can do to stay relevant and valuable.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ Success Isn’t a Destination – Why great careers are built, not found
✅ How to Spot a Business-Changing Employee – The traits that matter more than resumes
✅ Leading Through Change – Raj’s take on pivots, blind spots, and simplicity
✅ What Great Managers Get Wrong – And how to fix it fast
✅ The Ideal Employee in 2032 – What skills and mindset you’ll need to thrive

 Why You Should Watch:
Raj doesn’t just talk about leadership—he lives it. From early tennis matches to running one of the most innovative companies in commerce, he shares candid lessons that anyone—founders, HR leaders, ICs—can apply immediately. If you're serious about growing your impact, staying sharp, and navigating the future of work, this is required viewing.

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Chris Sims—founder of Agile Learning Labs and one of the most dynamic voices in Agile today—to unpack what Agile really means for your career, your team, and your leadership impact.

This isn’t about buzzwords or sticky notes. It’s about working better with others, leading smarter, and leveling up without burnout.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ Agile, Explained Simply – What it is (and isn’t), no jargon required
✅ How to Lead Without Micromanaging – The mindset shift that changes everything
✅ Real Collaboration – How to build it and why it’s your leadership superpower
✅ Why Hard Work Alone Won’t Cut It – And what actually makes careers take off
✅ Agile in HR, Finance, Education & More – How you can apply it right now

Why You Should Watch:
Chris breaks Agile out of the tech bubble and shows how anyone—from HR to finance to education—can use these principles to create faster, happier, and higher-performing teams. If you’ve ever felt stuck in busywork, slow processes, or unclear team dynamics, this episode gives you the tools to fix it.

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In this episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Isaac Paul Austin III—master communicator, host of The Tequila Tales, and brand strategist behind campaigns for Google, BMW, and more—to unpack what it really takes to be seen, heard, and respected in today’s workplace.

If you’ve ever struggled with how to speak up, stand out, or show up as yourself in meetings, this episode delivers practical, powerful tools to help you own the room—without selling out who you are.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Build a Personal Brand – That feels real, not rehearsed
✅ The Presence Formula – What confident people actually do
✅ Mastering Tough Conversations – Without sounding cold or weak
✅ Navigating Workplace Politics – While keeping your integrity
✅ The Power of Storytelling – Why it’s your secret advantage at work

 Why You Should Watch:
Isaac is the kind of voice you wish you heard earlier in your career—funny, sharp, and unapologetically real. He breaks down communication, influence, and authenticity in a way that’s instantly actionable. Whether you're an introvert trying to get noticed or a leader wanting to build trust, this episode gives you the edge.

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In this game-changing episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Michel Nabti—an executive coach and organizational development leader who’s shaped teams at Google, Waymo, and Mercer—to break down what it really takes to grow, lead, and scale in the modern workplace.

From hypergrowth startups to enterprise strategy, Michel has coached hundreds of leaders and built global L&D programs that actually work. If you're tired of surface-level leadership advice, this episode delivers the real playbook.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ How to Grow as a Leader – Even if you're just getting started
✅ Why Most Leadership Training Fails – And how to fix it fast
✅ Servant Leadership in Action – Why it outperforms top-down tactics
✅ AI + Performance Management – How tech is changing feedback forever
✅ The Secret to High-Performing Teams – What the best companies actually do

 Why You Should Watch:
This isn’t your typical leadership talk. Michel unpacks the messy reality of managing people, navigating org dynamics, and building systems that scale. Whether you're a new manager, a senior leader, or just trying to figure out how to get better at your job, this episode gives you practical, battle-tested tools to lead in the AI era.

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In this powerful episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Tricia Mowatt—a global HR & payroll leader, entrepreneur, and mentor—who has cracked the code on how to grow your career, build wealth, and protect yourself from job uncertainty.

Laid off? Burned out? Wondering if you’re leaving money on the table? This is the episode you need.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ The Mindset Shift That Changes Everything – What top earners do differently
✅ How to Get Promoted Faster – Strategies that actually move the needle
✅ Understanding Your Paycheck – Why most people are missing thousands
✅ The Power of a Side Hustle – How to start one today, even with a full-time job
✅ Work-Life Balance That Works – How Tricia leads, earns, and parents—without burning out

 Why You Should Watch:
Tricia has worked at powerhouses like Toyota and Credit Suisse, but her journey is anything but typical. She started as a biology major and built a thriving career in HR & payroll—while also launching her own business. She brings practical, real-world advice that schools never teach you.

If you want to future-proof your income, grow in your career, and finally understand how to use your benefits to make more money, this episode is a blueprint.

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In this high-impact episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Dr. Laura Jimenez—a high-performance naturopathic physician who helps leaders reclaim energy, focus, and resilience through smarter health habits.

Most of us grind through work on stress, caffeine, and whatever’s in the break room. But Dr. Laura breaks down exactly how to fuel your body like a top performer—so you can lead, think, and deliver at your absolute best.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ The Red Flags You’re Running on Empty – How to know your body isn’t keeping up with your ambition
✅ Morning Routines That Actually Work – No fluff, just the habits high achievers use daily
✅ Why You Crash at 2PM – And what to do instead
✅ The Truth About Intermittent Fasting – Should you be doing it or ditch it?
✅ Top Foods for Mental Focus – What to eat (and avoid) if you want to be sharp at work

Why You Should Watch:
This episode isn’t just about wellness—it’s about workplace performance. Dr. Laura connects the dots between biology, burnout, and your career. If you're trying to level up in your job but feel constantly drained or foggy, this is your reset button. You’ll walk away with simple, science-backed tips that can change how you show up every day.

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In this must-listen episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Aisha DeBerry, JD—a DEI strategist, speaker, and inclusion advocate who has spent her career making workplaces better for everyone.

As companies pull back on DEI initiatives, employees are left wondering: What happens next? Aisha brings the hard truths, the strategies, and the mindset shifts you need to keep thriving—no matter what changes come your way.

💡 Takeaways:
✅ The Truth About DEI’s Future – What’s happening now and how it impacts your career.
✅ Why Inclusion Still Matters – Even when companies deprioritize it, it’s still a business advantage.
✅ How to Navigate Bias at Work – The best way to address it (without fear of backlash).
✅ What Gets People Promoted – The key habits that separate high achievers from everyone else.
✅ How to Be Your Own Advocate – Practical ways to build influence, negotiate better pay, and stand out.

Why You Should Watch:

This episode isn’t just about DEI—it’s about career growth, leadership, and making an impact in any work environment. Aisha breaks it all down in a way that’s engaging, practical, and actionable. Whether you’re looking to advance in your career, build a more inclusive workplace, or just navigate today’s corporate landscape smarter, this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

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In this action-packed episode of Level Up: The Career Playbook, we sit down with Matt Peterson—former Wall Street dealmaker, ex-D1 athlete, and CFO of Snappy. Matt has built a career on making big bets and winning, whether on the football field or in the boardroom. From leading finance teams at some of the fastest-growing tech companies to navigating high-pressure IPOs, he shares the real strategies for thriving in business—without burning out.

💡 Takeaways:
🏆 The Athlete Mindset for Career Growth – How high-performance habits from sports translate to leadership success.
💰 Making Career Moves That Pay Off – Why your past experience (even unrelated jobs) might be your biggest advantage.
🔥 Performing Under Pressure – Lessons from high-stakes finance, IPOs, and even the Silicon Valley Bank collapse.
📈 The Framework for Scaling Teams & Companies – How to build and lead winning teams, no matter your industry.
⏳ Daily Rituals for Peak Performance – The habits that separate top execs from everyone else.

Why You Should Watch:

This episode isn’t just about finance—it’s a masterclass in execution, decision-making, and leadership under pressure. Matt keeps it real about what it actually takes to stand out, make better decisions, and get ahead faster. Whether you're an aspiring leader, a startup founder, or just trying to be better at your job, this is the playbook you need.

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In this insightful episode of LevelUp, we sit down with Trish Lindo—personal branding expert, former LinkedIn insider, and founder of Too Ambitious Consulting. Trish has mastered the art of building authentic professional brands, navigating corporate America, and empowering individuals to show up confidently in their careers. From her time leading LinkedIn’s global creator programs to working with powerhouse brands like CNN and OWN, she’s got the playbook you need to stand out and succeed.

💡 Takeaways:

• Crafting a Standout Personal Brand: Learn the exact steps to define your professional identity and showcase it across social platforms.
• Winning at Work: Get practical advice on how to build strong relationships with company leaders and position yourself for promotions.
• Showing Up Authentically: Discover how to balance being true to yourself while navigating the complexities of corporate culture.
• Social Media Strategy That Works: Find out which platforms matter most and how to create content that resonates.
• Thriving Beyond the 9-to-5: Hear how Trish built her personal brand while excelling in corporate roles and launching her own business.

Why You Should Watch:
This episode delivers actionable insights with a dose of humor and real talk. Whether you're an aspiring leader, an entrepreneur, or simply looking to get noticed in your industry, Trish breaks down personal branding in a way that's practical, achievable, and inspiring. If you've ever wondered how to make social media work for you—or how to navigate corporate spaces as your authentic self—this one's for you.

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In this powerhouse episode of LevelUp, we sit down with Joelle Kaufman—a seasoned Silicon Valley executive, go-to-market strategist, and revenue catalyst. Joelle has spent decades building and scaling high-growth companies, leading teams to success, and balancing it all while raising a family and beating cancer. From launching game-changing strategies at BloomReach to coaching leaders at GTM Flow, Joelle shares the hard-earned lessons that can help you lead with clarity and confidence.

💡 Takeaways:

• Leadership That Works: Discover how to set clear goals, align your team, and drive execution like a pro.
• Navigating Challenges: Learn how to tackle curveballs in your career with resilience and adaptability.
• Building Your Career Playbook: Joelle shares her framework for creating long-term success, even in uncertain times.
• Thriving as a Leader and Parent: Get practical insights on how to juggle high-pressure roles without sacrificing what matters most.
• Winning in a Changing Business World: Find out how to stay relevant and keep growing, no matter the industry shifts.

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In this inspiring episode of LevelUp, we sit down with Seabass Gibson, a master of connection and resilience in the fast-paced world of customer success. Known for his authentic approach and ability to turn setbacks into growth, Seabass dives deep into the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his career.

💡 Takeaways:

• Radical Accountability: Learn why owning your mistakes and taking control of your career are game-changers.
• Turning Rejection into Resilience: Hear how Seabass transformed rejection into strength by meeting 100 strangers in 100 days.
• Balancing Ambition and Authenticity: Discover how intentional habits and clear boundaries keep Seabass thriving—at work and in life.

Why You Should Watch:This episode blends honesty, humor, and actionable strategies for thriving in your career. From navigating failure to mastering work-life balance, Seabass provides a roadmap for professionals at any stage of their journey. Whether you’re facing a tough moment or looking for ways to level up, this conversation will leave you inspired and equipped to succeed.

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In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the mind of Sunny Huang, Director of Strategy at Gong, and uncover the relentless drive that powers his success. Known for turning raw data into groundbreaking strategies, Sunny shares how radical accountability, relentless preparation, and data-driven insights have propelled his career from consulting to strategic leadership.

💡 Takeaways:

• Embrace radical accountability and take full ownership of your career.
• Learn how to turn big challenges into manageable steps and scalable solutions.
• Discover Sunny’s “One Awesome Hour” method for working on your career, not just in it.
• Get practical tips for crafting impactful LinkedIn posts and improving communication at every level.

🎧 This episode is a must-listen for professionals ready to level up—whether you’re early in your career, leading teams, or redefining your role. Sunny delivers actionable insights and inspiring lessons that’ll leave you fired up to take charge of your journey.

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In this thrilling episode, we sit down with Sondra Norris, a seasoned HR strategist known for revolutionizing corporate cultures and debunking worn-out workplace myths. Sondra brings over two decades of experience challenging the status quo in tech giants and beyond.

💡 Takeaways: Discover how Sondra’s unorthodox methods and fierce advocacy for transparency and employee empowerment can radically transform your approach to HR and leadership. Learn to navigate corporate complexities with a blend of bold strategy and genuine human connection.

🎧 This episode is brimming with hard-hitting advice for those ready to shake up the HR world or spearhead change in any leadership role!

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In this episode, we sit down with Bali Balasubraniam, Senior Director at Redis Labs, to explore his extensive journey in IT and how he empowers organizations through process mastery and curiosity.

💡 Takeaways:

1. Curiosity Drives Success: Discover how cultivating a curious mindset can uncover opportunities and lead to innovative solutions in any role.
2. The Right Technology Matters: Learn why selecting the right tools for your organization is more crucial than having the latest technology, and how this can impact your team's efficiency.
3. Building Strong Connections: Understand the importance of transparency and human connection in leadership and how it helps establish credibility while navigating challenges.

🎧 This episode is filled with actionable advice for anyone looking to make an impact in their career!

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In our first episode, we chat with Meredith Tsang, Director of People Business Partners & Talent Management, about her incredible journey in HR and her insights on scaling in fast-paced environments.

💡 Takeaways:
Learn how Meredith combines people-centric leadership with tactical precision to drive business and talent success, all while navigating the complexities of hypergrowth.

🎧 This episode is packed with actionable strategies for anyone in HR or leadership!

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