In this episode, Curtis Jenkins dives into the concept of Human ROI—how leadership, talent, and organizational design can dramatically amplify enterprise value. Elisa Mahendra, a seasoned human capital strategist and creator of the Human ROI Framework, shares insights on transforming workforce strategy amidst rapid change and AI disruption.

Chapters:

00:00 - Why organization design, LOD, takes the longest in M&A integrations and how ego and complexity are hurdles

01:20 - Introduction to Curtis Jenkins and guest Elisa Mahendra, creator of the Human ROI Framework

02:20 - Elisa's journey from accidental HR to enterprise value advocate and her work with private equity firms

03:37 - The origins of the Human ROI concept, rooted in finance and talent development

06:28 - The role of enterprise and investor value in individual and organizational contributions

07:34 - How to articulate impact and value to hiring managers and investors

09:06 - Building systems that make value visible at organizational and individual levels

10:50 - Framing impact with the 'so what' question for resumes and performance reviews

12:30 - The importance of quantifying results and understanding intangible value (culture, engagement)

14:02 - Making it easier for managers and recruiters to see your impact

15:20 - Deep dive into the Human ROI framework: variables that drive and erode enterprise value

16:38 - Layoffs, AI's impact, and how individuals can demonstrate their ROI in volatile times

18:24 - Elisa's naming of 'Human ROI' as a unifying framework connecting all her work

20:12 - Talent capacity, leadership leverage, and ecosystem design as pillars of durable value

22:26 - The concept of force multipliers in organizational impact and investor perspectives

23:52 - Managing organizational change during M&A and the importance of systemic ecosystem design

27:23 - Challenges in rapid org design, data gaps, and balancing immediate impact with long-term stability

30:19 - Navigating legal, cultural, and footprint considerations in global organization restructuring

32:22 - Defining the ripple effect: Who is the true recipient of Human ROI—individual, organization, or ecosystem?

33:49 - Elisa emphasizes scaling impact in organizations over individual efforts when possible

36:13 - Building ecosystems to sustain valuable change through intentional design and community leverage

37:44 - Effective change management: beyond communication and training to behavior and systemic adaptation

40:54 - Elisa’s upcoming book 'Power to Rise' and her framework for career and life reset

44:43 - The 'Power' model: Pause, Own, Work, Engage, Rise—tools for reclaiming agency during transition

50:00 - Recognizing scams and AI-enabled fraud in job searches and personal branding

51:20 - The profound impact of mentoring and helping individuals grow, even in small moments

54:02 - Supporting women during maternity leave and how vulnerability influences career resilience

55:44 - Connecting community, trust, and authentic conversations in professional relationships

58:03 - How to connect with Elisa Mahendra and continue the conversation

If this episode resonated with you, take the next step and connect with our guest, Elissa Mahendra. She shares powerful insights on owning your career with clarity, confidence, and community—and this is just the beginning of the conversation.

Reach out to Elissa directly at elissa.mahendra@gmail.com, connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/emahendra/, or learn more about her work at https://www.elissamahendra.com.

Keep an eye out for her upcoming debut book, Power to Rise: 5 Steps to Own Your Career with Clarity, Confidence & Community, launching this fall.

This episode is brought to you by Thinkific. If you’re ready to turn your knowledge into a course or build a scalable learning business, visit https://www.thinkific.com to get started.

In this episode, Jennifer Speciale shares her insights on turning vague career visions into concrete executive realities. Whether you're an aspiring leader or an experienced executive, learn how strategic questioning, authentic storytelling, and mindset shifts can unlock your next career chapter.

Chapters

00:00 Managing client interviews: assessing strategic thinking and leadership presence

01:14 Introduction and episode overview: from vague goals to targeted executive roles

01:31 Jennifer's background: from executive recruiter to career designer

02:23 Her insider perspective on hiring and leadership in top tech companies

03:05 How observing Amazon’s hiring process shaped her coaching approach

04:43 The power of coaching to unlock candidates’ confidence and authenticity

05:21 Finding fulfillment by helping clients realize their unique value

06:24 The pivotal moment of recognizing her own “specialness” and traits that led to success

08:00 Jennifer's journey from aspiring doctor to recruiter and coach

09:29 Her unique approach: teaching clients to fish and build confidence openly

11:05 Becoming unapologetic about career goals and designing your own tribe

12:16 Prototyping roles and navigating layoffs strategically

13:10 How clients struggle with articulating value and Jenny's process for clarity

15:03 The importance of storytelling and understanding failures as learning experiences

16:17 Guiding clients to communicate their impact simply and effectively

18:26 Focus on executive candidates and tailoring coaching for leadership levels

20:45 Strategies for senior leaders to articulate their contributions to boards and stakeholders

22:24 How appearing "easy to work with" can inhibit career growth

23:38 The importance of setting boundaries and managing perceptions at work

27:48 Overcoming insecurities and clarifying goals to avoid being overused or undervalued

28:37 Techniques to illustrate workload and ask for strategic opportunities

30:49 Jennifer’s three-step coaching framework: diagnostics, branding, transition & agility

32:23 How to prepare clients for strategic interviews and assess leadership qualities

35:10 Asking powerful questions to uncover true needs of hiring managers

37:07 The importance of interview control, curiosity, and asking insightful questions

39:32 Being authentic and aligning your messaging with your true self during interviews

42:45 Navigating ambiguity and assessing cultural fit in roles

44:05 Impactful client stories: from layoffs to fulfilling health tech innovations

46:43 The reward of helping clients find unexpected career pathways

47:13 The challenges CEOs face with AI and digital transformation

50:08 Managing corporate governance and external pressures around AI investments

51:55 Upcoming group programs for peer learning and collective growth

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to connect with our guest, Jennifer Speciale, and continue the conversation. Jennifer is an executive leadership coach and former executive recruiter who helps senior leaders turn vague career visions into concrete roles and measurable business impact.

You can reach Jennifer directly and schedule a discovery meeting here:

https://calendly.com/jenniferspeciale-executiveleadership/discovery-meeting?month=2026-02, connect with her on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferspeciale/

, or learn more about her work at www.jenniferspecial.com.

This episode is sponsored by LinkedIn Learning, a leading platform for professional development with thousands of courses to help you grow your skills and advance your career. Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/learning.

In this episode, Curtis Jenkins hosts estate planning expert Rick Durfee Jr. to explore how thoughtful legal and family strategies can create lasting wealth and protect family relationships across centuries. Whether you're starting fresh or planning for future generations, this conversation provides actionable insights to secure your legacy.

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction: Why estate planning matters for family legacy

02:14 - Rick Durfee’s background and approach: Beyond just transferring wealth

05:08 - Protecting family relationships and avoiding disputes

09:28 - Unique differentiators of Durfee Law Group: Creating incentives and preventing litigation

10:59 - Making wealth last for 500 years through proper structuring

17:03 - Family councils and involving children in financial decision-making

21:23 - Talking about money, death, and family values openly

27:13 - Entry-level estate planning documents for young adults

38:48 - Protecting assets in marriage and separation scenarios

43:41 - Starting now: The importance of early action

45:38 - Visual tools: Diagrams for complex estate plans

49:00 - The personal impact of helping families: Lessons learned

52:15 - How to connect with Rick Durfee and access resources

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to connect with our guest, Rick Durfee, and continue the conversation. Rick is the founder of Durfee Law Group and shares valuable insights on estate planning, legacy building, and creating trust structures that protect families and businesses.

You can reach Rick directly at rick@durfeelawgroup.com, connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/rickdurfee/, or learn more about his work at https://www.durfeelawgroup.com/.

Rick is also promoting his new book, Trust Issues. To go deeper into the concepts from the book, you can download a free companion workbook here: https://www.durfeelawgroup.com/trust-issues-bonus.

This episode is sponsored by ConvertKit, a powerful email marketing platform designed for creators who want to grow their audience and build meaningful relationships with their subscribers. Learn more at https://convertkit.com.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins interviews Lisa Rangel, founder and CEO of Chameleon Resumes, discussing the intricacies of the modern job search. They explore the importance of personal branding, effective resume writing, and interview strategies, while also addressing the challenges candidates face, such as ghosting and the evolving job market. Lisa shares her insights on how to promote oneself effectively and the role of AI in recruitment, emphasizing the need for candidates to ask the right questions during interviews. The conversation also touches on personal anecdotes and the joy of helping others find fulfilling careers.

Chapters

00:00 Meet Lisa Rangel: Mission and Background 05:19 The Importance of Being Seen in Your Career 08:36 The Evolution of Resumes and Branding 11:16 The Future of Resumes in the Age of AI 14:54 Interviewing: Strategies for Success 20:35 The Art of Asking Questions in Interviews 24:33 The Importance of Curiosity in Problem Solving 25:39 Understanding Ghosting in the Job Market 29:50 Navigating Indecision in Today's Job Market 31:22 Accepting Ageism and Finding Your Niche 37:17 The Role of AI in Recruitment 40:32 Daytime Disco: A Personal Touch 42:09 The Power of Reframing in Job Searches

Connect with today’s podcast guest, Lisa Rangel, and take the next step in your career journey.

Lisa is the Founder of Chameleon Resumes and a trusted voice in career strategy and personal branding. Continue the conversation and access her resources here:

Email: lisa.rangel@chameleonresumes.com

LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/lisarangel

Website: http://chameleonresumes.com

She’s also sharing daily career tips to help you stay sharp and competitive—sign up at:

GetDailyCareerTips.com

Today’s show is sponsored by LinkedIn Learning, your go-to platform for building in-demand skills and advancing your career:

https://www.linkedin.com/learning

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins welcomes Sanya Beard, the president and principal of Melrose Solutions, to discuss her journey from a small trucking company to a full-service provider of logistics and consulting services. Sanya shares her unique story of how she entered the trucking industry, driven by personal challenges and a desire to create a successful business. She reflects on her early experiences, including the emotional struggles of starting her company and the lessons learned along the way, emphasizing resilience and adaptability in the face of adversity.

Sanya also delves into her background in training and development, highlighting how her skills in education have influenced her approach to running a trucking business. She discusses the importance of networking, patience, and the need to pivot in response to changing market conditions. As she shares her aspirations for Melrose Solutions, including securing larger contracts and expanding her services, listeners gain insight into the intersection of personal growth and professional success. This conversation serves as an inspiring reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of following one’s vision.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Visionaries and Their Journeys

02:13 Sanya Beard: From Training to Trucking

08:35 Navigating Career Transitions and Job Searching

14:58 The Power of Networking and LinkedIn

20:32 Building a Business: Melrose Solutions

26:16 Integrating Learning and Development in Trucking

27:03 Navigating Business Growth and Strategy

29:10 Understanding Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE)

30:21 Lessons from the Journey: Patience and Persistence

34:37 The Importance of Networking and Mentorship

38:29 Role Models and Personal Motivation

41:10 Life Lessons: Faith, Patience, and Relationships

43:29 Authenticity in Storytelling and Business

47:08 Future Aspirations and Community Impact

Connect with today’s podcast guest and continue the conversation beyond the episode.

Sanya Beard is expanding awareness around Melrose Solutions and the impactful work her team is doing. Learn more, reach out directly, and explore how Melrose Solutions can support your organization:

Email: sanyabeard@melrosett.net

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beardsanya

Website: https://melrosett.com

Today’s episode is proudly sponsored by KoalaWriter, an AI-powered writing tool that helps creators and businesses produce high-quality content faster and more efficiently. Learn more at: https://koalawriter.ai

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins interviews Ani Filipova, an accomplished banking executive turned change coach. Ani shares her inspiring journey from growing up in communist Bulgaria to becoming a leader in international banking. She discusses the importance of courage and change in her life and how she helps others navigate their own transformations. Ani emphasizes the significance of building a personal brand and creating a portfolio career, allowing individuals to explore multiple income streams while pursuing their passions. She also highlights the necessity of investing in oneself and the power of community support in achieving career goals.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Ani Filipova's Journey

03:51 From Iron Curtain to International Banking

08:11 Courage to Change: Ani's Personal Drive

14:18 Helping Others Embrace Change

20:16 The Power of Community and Support

22:32 Transitioning from Corporate to Portfolio Career

27:14 Building a Personal Brand for Success

30:28 Building Your Personal Brand

33:25 Strategies for Effective Personal Branding

38:31 Creating and Monetizing Your Offer

44:47 Exploring the Five Pillars of a Portfolio Career

46:42 The Role of AI in Career Development

48:20 The Importance of Continuous Growth and Learning

Ani Filipova helps professionals design intentional, flexible careers and is currently inviting listeners to join the waitlist for her Portfolio Career Accelerator—a program built for those ready to create multiple income streams and a career that adapts with them.

Join the waitlist here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1thkmph_EwRxLGfuL9muCsRir1uKDdF2nXYeI7X_1oSA/edit

Connect with Ani:

Email: afli62465@gmail.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anifilipova/

Website: https://changeispossible.co.uk

Today’s episode is sponsored by ConvertKit, the email marketing platform built for creators who want to grow their audience and turn it into income. Learn more at https://convertkit.com

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins speaks with career coach Shelly Piedmont about the intricacies of navigating the job market. Shelly shares her journey from HR to coaching, emphasizing the importance of articulating one's value in job applications and interviews. They discuss the UMAP tool for career clarity, the significance of networking, and strategies for overcoming fears related to applicant tracking systems. Shelly also highlights the need for job seekers to adapt to the evolving job market and the importance of personal branding. The conversation concludes with insights on feedback in the hiring process and the value of maintaining a strong professional network.

Chapters

00:00Introduction to Career Coaching and Shelly's Journey

03:44Understanding the Importance of Articulating Value

06:13The UMAP Tool: Finding Your Unique Value

09:02Developing a Job Search Strategy

11:20Navigating the Modern Job Market Challenges

13:46Overcoming Fears of Rejection and ATS

16:33Strategies for Effective Networking and Job Applications

33:25Networking and Job Application Strategies

34:46The Impact of Rejection Letters

35:05Feedback in the Interview Process

45:41Marketing Yourself for Career Success

51:53Lessons from a Mentor

53:41Hiring Practices and Job Clarity

Loved today’s episode? Connect with our featured guest, Shelley Piedmont, and explore how she helps professionals navigate their careers with clarity and confidence.

Email: spiedmont@mycareergps.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shelleypiedmont

Website: https://www.mycareergps.com

Special thanks to Jobscan for supporting today’s show. Jobscan helps job seekers optimize their resumes and LinkedIn profiles to get past applicant tracking systems and land more interviews.

Learn more: https://www.jobscan.co

Follow, connect, and take the next step in your career journey.

In this episode of the Vision to Reality podcast, Curtis Jenkins interviews Terrence Wright, founder and CEO of Wright People Solutions, LLC. They discuss the evolving landscape of HR, focusing on the importance of genuine partnerships over traditional policing methods. Terrence shares his journey from corporate HR to supporting small and medium-sized businesses, emphasizing the need for a people-centered strategy. The conversation also touches on the challenges of talent acquisition, the impact of AI on HR practices, and the significance of building trust within organizations. Terrence provides insights into creating a positive workplace culture and the necessity of having a solid people strategy for business success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Visionaries in HR 03:43 Terrence Wright's Journey and Passion for Small Businesses 06:25 Defining Small Business and Its Challenges 09:08 Tailored Solutions for Small Business Needs 11:58 Transitioning from Education to HR Leadership 14:26 Creating Award-Winning Workplace Cultures 17:22 Empowering Employees Through Genuine Partnership 19:38 Building Trust in HR Relationships 22:21 The Future of HR: Partnership vs. Policing 24:53 Navigating Career Growth and Organizational Challenges 30:52 Navigating Career Transitions 32:54 The Evolution of HR Roles 36:37 The Value of HR in Talent Acquisition 40:44 Understanding Job Market Dynamics 46:23 The Importance of Succession Planning 49:31 Adapting to Different Work Environments 54:45 The Impact of AI on HR 59:50 Embracing AI Responsibly

Terrence is also releasing free downloadable resources on his social platforms to help small and mid-sized businesses establish the right foundation for effective HR practices. If you’re a business owner, leader, or people manager, this is a valuable resource you won’t want to miss.

Connect with Terrence:

Email: info@wrightpeoplesolutions.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/terrence-wright-472098a/

Website: https://www.wrightpeoplesolutions.com

This episode is sponsored by Thinkific—the all-in-one platform for creating, marketing, and selling online courses. Whether you’re a coach, creator, or business owner, Thinkific makes it easy to turn your expertise into impact and income.

Learn more at thinkific.com