Your Employment Matters with Beverly Williams

In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams talks with Ari Montanez, a footwear designer whose journey is a powerful example of what happens when discipline, curiosity, and action come together. From leaving home at a young age to building a career in design and working alongside industry leaders, Ari shares how he navigated uncertainty, embraced opportunity, and created his own path forward. Beverly highlights the importance of effort, follow-through, and recognizing opportunity, reinforcing that success is never accidental. Ari’s story is not just about talent. It is about resilience, intentional decision-making, and the willingness to step outside of traditional paths to build something meaningful. Key Points Early discipline shapes long-term successAri’s experience at St. Benedict’s instilled structure, accountability, and leadership early on. Being responsible for peers and pushed through rigorous challenges built a mindset that carried into his career. Growth comes from being “thrown into the water” Leaving home as a teenager forced Ari to adapt quickly. He learned through trial, failure, and persistence, gaining real-world experience that couldn’t be taught in a classroom. Success requires action, not just ambition Beverly emphasizes that dreams alone are not enough. Progress comes from pursuing internships, building relationships, and consistently following up and following through. Create your own opportunitiesAri didn’t wait for doors to open. He sought out programs, internships, and jobs that aligned with his interests, even leveraging connections and positioning himself strategically to gain access. Real-world experience accelerates growthBy working while in school, Ari gained hands-on industry knowledge early. This gave him a competitive advantage and allowed him to transition into professional roles before many of his peers. Diversify your learning and perspectiveAri intentionally explored areas beyond his core focus, including marketing, photography, and retail. This broader understanding helped him think holistically about product design and business. Failure is part of the processStruggling in certain areas of school did not stop Ari. Instead, he adapted, focused on his strengths, and continued to move forward in ways that aligned with how he learns and works best. Purpose evolves with experienceAs Ari matured, his focus shifted from simply building a career to creating meaningful products with long-term value. His journey reflects a transition from chasing opportunity to defining purpose. Ari’s journey is a reminder that success is not linear and rarely comfortable. It is built through discipline, adaptability, and the courage to pursue opportunities others might overlook. Beverly Williams reinforces a simple but powerful truth: if you want to move forward in your career, you must be willing to put in the work, stay intentional, and take action when opportunity appears. Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.  Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams welcomes Dr. James Huber and his son Sean Huber for a candid conversation about career paths, parenting, risk taking, and what it really means to build a satisfying life. Dr. Huber shares his journey from West Orange, New Jersey to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and eventually into private practice. He speaks openly about the persistence it took to gain admission to dental school, the value of mentorship, and how staying connected to scholarship sponsors and professional relationships helped shape his long-term success. His story reinforces a powerful truth: relationships are assets, and gratitude plus follow-through matter. Sean’s path looks very different but carries the same underlying themes. After studying film at Drexel University, he left a job he loved to tour full time with his band Modern Baseball. What could have been a risky detour became a defining chapter. Touring the U.S., Europe, New Zealand, and beyond taught him resilience, adaptability, and problem solving. Today, he continues to perform while building a meaningful career in the craft beer industry. Now at Triple Bottom Brewing in Philadelphia, Sean works at a certified B Corp that operates on a “beer, people, planet” model. Beyond producing beer, the brewery runs a 16-week apprenticeship program for justice-affected and housing-insecure individuals, offering job training, reentry support, and employment placement. It is business with intention, not just profit. Throughout the conversation, several key themes emerge: Networking is not manipulation. It is intentional relationship building. Dr. Huber stayed in touch with scholarship sponsors and mentors, which opened doors and strengthened his professional foundation. Risk can be responsible. Sean’s decision to leave a stable job for music was bold, but it was informed by passion and relationships. He never abandoned work ethic. Parents must balance protection and permission. Letting children travel, relocate, and pursue unconventional paths is difficult, but growth requires space. Satisfaction matters more than status. Both men emphasize enjoying their work. You can hear it in how they talk about it. Regret is usually about presence, not position. Dr. Huber wishes he had worked a little less and “smelled the roses” more. Sean wishes he had slowed down enough to absorb more culture and learning during his fast-paced touring years. The episode also touches on remote work and shifting workplace expectations post-COVID. Beverly reminds listeners that flexibility is possible, but profitability still drives business decisions. Employees must remain productive and adaptable. Employers must recognize that flexibility can strengthen performance and retention. What stands out most is the tone between father and son. There is respect, pride, and mutual recognition that hard work and character matter more than job titles. Different personalities. Different journeys. Same foundation. If you are navigating your own career crossroads, here are the takeaways: Build real relationships and maintain them. Choose paths that align with your values and energy. Accept that change is part of growth. Understand that success is rarely linear. Remember that satisfaction sustains performance. Careers evolve. Industries shift. Opportunities appear in unexpected places. The key is staying open, staying connected, and staying committed to doing good work wherever you land. Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.  Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this solo update episode, host Beverly Williams reconnects with her audience to share important updates about the show, insights into current employment challenges, and a powerful message of resilience and collaboration.  As she prepares to relaunch Your Employment Matters across YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and her website, Beverly emphasizes her ongoing commitment to providing meaningful guidance to job seekers, workers navigating change, and anyone invested in professional growth. Key Points The podcast is transitioning to YouTube, and over 100 existing episodes are being prepared for the platform. New content will return after the first of the year, and the show will continue to be available on Apple Podcasts and youremploymentmatters.com Employment remains a critical, ever-evolving issue, and Beverly is committed to offering personal perspective along with insights from guests who have valuable employment journeys and lessons to share. A new collaborative project is underway, involving people of different ages, backgrounds, and work experiences—all contributing to create meaningful employment-related resources. Collaboration is essential, and Beverly highlights the “three Cs” that make it effective: Communication, Coordination, and Cooperation. She encourages listeners to be intentional about who they work with and to cultivate a personal brand rooted in reliability, punctuality, and integrity. Everyone has value, and listeners are reminded to acknowledge those who help them, stay curious, and build relationships that expand their knowledge and opportunities. Practical encouragement for job seekers: While job loss is painful, your skills, talent, education, and knowledge remain yours. Beverly urges listeners to consider marketable skills, skilled trades, and fields less likely to be displaced by AI as viable, rewarding career paths. Beverly closes with a heartfelt reminder that while the job market may shift, your inherent value and ability to grow never changes. As Your Employment Matters enters its next chapter, she encourages listeners to stay connected, stay hopeful, and stay proactive. Her message is clear: with the right mindset, collaboration, and personal accountability, new doors will always open. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams sits down with Seth Kellogg, a trailblazing senior principal geologist and President-elect of the National Groundwater Association (the first woman in its 75-year history to hold the title). Their conversation covers a rich range of topics from career evolution to mentorship, networking, and leadership. Key Takeaways: From Law to Geology: Seth originally pursued environmental law but pivoted to geology after an internship revealed more hands-on opportunities (and better pay) for geologists. Her curiosity and love for problem-solving helped her embrace a career in environmental consulting. Persistence Pays: Seth’s first major opportunity came through consistent follow-up. She called every two weeks until she was hired for an internship—an early lesson in tenacity and self-advocacy. Making History: Seth will soon become the first female President of the National Groundwater Association, a reflection of her dedication, leadership, and willingness to say “yes” even when she wasn’t sure she was fully qualified. Networking as an Introvert: Though she identifies as an introvert, Seth has developed strategies to network effectively—setting small goals (like connecting with three new people at events) and emphasizing authentic listening as her superpower. Leadership Wisdom: Seth shared practical advice on fostering better communication in teams. If no one asks questions in a meeting, she makes it a point to follow up individually—a hallmark of inclusive, engaged leadership. Advice for Job Seekers: Be persistent but polite in your follow-ups. Send thank-you notes (especially handwritten ones) to stand out. Reflect during career gaps: Unemployment can be an opportunity to realign with your values and identify the next right fit. Focus on relationship-building as a career strategy—not just during job searches. Soft Skills Still Matter: From firm handshakes to showing genuine interest in others, Beverly and Seth emphasize the enduring power of good manners, respect, and thoughtful interaction. This inspiring, practical conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating career transitions, considering STEM paths, or simply looking to grow as a leader and communicator. Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.  Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the latest episode of Your Employment Matters, Beverly Williams hosts a dynamic and honest conversation with three labor attorneys from Selikoff & Cohen: Elizabeth Pudel, Daniel Dowdy, and Hop Wechsler. explore the realities of labor law, the future of work, and why community, advocacy, and adaptability matter more than ever. Here are the top takeaways from this insightful discussion: There’s No One-Path Career JourneyEach guest shared their unique path to labor law, from academia and publishing to bartending and temp work, highlighting how real-world experience shaped their perspectives and fueled their passion for workers’ rights. Labor Law Is Personal and PowerfulWhether dealing with reductions in force (RIF), unemployment, or workplace discrimination, the attorneys stressed that labor law is rooted in real people’s lives. Public sector unions, in particular, are vital to protecting essential workers and ensuring fair treatment. The Future of Work Is Uncertain but Unions Are a ConstantAI and automation were hot topics, with all guests agreeing that while technology may change industries, labor power and union advocacy remain key to ensuring that innovation doesn’t come at the cost of worker dignity and livelihoods. Union Jobs = Tangible BenefitsUnionized workers earn higher wages, have better benefits, and enjoy stronger job protections. Data from the Department of Treasury and Bureau of Labor Statistics backs this up with unions helping to close the racial wealth and gender wage gaps. Adaptability, Curiosity, and Community Are EssentialBeverly and her guests agreed that finding your professional path often comes through trial, error, and connection. Building relationships, especially across different backgrounds can open unexpected doors and provide support when you need it most. Final Words of Advice: Tap into your community. Collective power starts with connection. Leaving a review of this podcast is encouraged and greatly appreciated.  Check out Beverly Williams book: Your GPS to Employment Success Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices