“Steer Your Career Podcast is hosted by Alan Stein, Founder and CEO of Kadima Careers. Kadima helps underrepresented, underestimated, and underpaid professionals land high-paying jobs at the world's best tech companies.Join Alan each week as he interviews amazing professionals in the tech industry and beyond. They'll talk about their career journeys and what they've learned, including some SYCK Tricks to help you accelerate your career.Kadima was founded by Alan Stein to address the inefficiencies, biases, and illogical hiring processes that hinder great candidates from achieving great careers. Alan has a unique perspective as a top 1% hiring manager and top 1% candidate with a proven record of scaling global operations. He is now sharing his insights and expertise to effectively and efficiently accelerate people’s careers. His methods and advice have empowered people to land amazing jobs at Google, Facebook, Salesforce, Microsoft, Amazon, PayPal, Dropbox, Dell, and more.Kadima has evolved from 1:1 coaching to group programs, and the team is now developing software and instructional content to deliver broader impact. While the methods will evolve, Kadima will always be a values-based company that treats people RIGHT and gets stuff done.Bio:Alan empowers people to confidently land high-paying jobs at the world’s best tech companies. He spent the first chapter of his life building his resume at companies like Google, Facebook (now Meta), Salesforce, and American Express. Alan has achieved his success by employing a growth mindset, persevering through numerous setbacks, and building long-lasting relationships; all sprinkled with a healthy dose of privilege and luck.Alan’s next chapter is dedicated to his eulogy. He strives to leverage his successes, wisdom, and experience to level the playing field for all candidates and employees.Inspired by Ibram X. Kendi, David Brooks, Tim Ferriss, Brené Brown, his local synagogue, his amazing wife, and countless friends and family, Alan founded Kadima in July 2020. Kadima, which means “forward” in Hebrew, is on a mission to accelerate 1 million careers.His mission is to grow and develop people. He is a hiring manager professional with extensive recruiting knowledge through reviewing over 10k resumes, interviewing thousands, hiring hundreds, and promoting dozens. In his 34-year career, Alan has worked for 21 different companies, including Google, Facebook, Salesforce, American Express, UBS, the New York Mets and the Toronto Blue Jays. He has had 35 different bosses, 29 different jobs, and has interviewed more than 2,000 candidates. As a candidate himself, Alan has interviewed thousands of times for hundreds of jobs, receiving dozens of offers.
Born in Long Island to loving parents, Alan was a first-generation college student. He is thankful that his parents were able to support him going to college and graduating without any student debt. After graduating from Binghamton University with honors, Alan got into a prestigious program for a Ph.D. in clinical psychology with a full ride. After a semester, Alan withdrew to make his first career transition into finance. Alan is now on his sixth distinct career and has become an expert on career pivots.
Alan is very appreciative of his upbringing because it has given him a passion for giving back and supporting others as his family, friends, and colleagues did for him. Alan is dedicated to growing and developing people and is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion inside and outside of the workplace.
Ep 118: Expert Communication Tips From Public Speaking and Communication Wizard, Nausheen Chen
Tired of letting nerves sabotage your career opportunities? In this episode, communication coach Nausheen Chen reveals her journey from being a brand manager to becoming an expert public speaking coach, sharing how she went from "faking" confidence to truly embodying it. Alan and Nausheen dive deep into the two biggest blockers to effective communication - nerves and delivery - while offering practical strategies to overcome them. Tune in now! -- Get in touch with Nausheen: www.speaking.coach
36 min
5 December 2024
Ep 117: Inside Korean Job Search Culture: An Interview with Grant Sundbye
Can being too humble hurt your job search? In Korean business culture, it might be the norm – but Western recruiters see things differently. In this episode, Alan sits down with Grant Sundbye, and they explore the challenges Korean professionals face in international job searches, from cultural differences in resume writing to LinkedIn optimization. They also discuss the contrasts between Korean and Western job search approaches and insider tips for standing out in interviews. Tune in to discover how cultural understanding and effective communication strategies can bridge the gap between Eastern and Western professional environments, and learn actionable tips you can apply to your own job search.
27 min
14 November 2024
Ep 116: Lessons in Mentorship from Amazon Director, Omar Halabieh
Can a single mentor relationship transform your entire career trajectory? In this episode of the Steer Your Career podcast, Omar Halabieh, Director of Software Development at Amazon Middle East and Africa, shares his journey from software manager to director, emphasizing how strategic mentorship played a pivotal role in his advancement. From securing his first mentor through an interview connection to leveraging these relationships for major career decisions, Omar provides practical advice on finding mentors, maintaining productive relationships, and standing out as a candidate in today's competitive job market. Discover why curiosity remains his top career advice and how investing in relationships before you need them can make all the difference. Listen to the full episode to learn how to build your own powerful mentorship network.
31 min
31 October 2024
Ep 115: How to Land Jobs Quickly Through Networking with Anemari Fiser
Tired of sending countless job applications into the void? There's a better way to land your next tech role, and it doesn't involve submitting another resume. In this episode, Alan sits down with Anemari Fiser, a former ThoughtWorks leader and tech career coach, to unpack the strategies for effective networking and career growth. Whether you're actively job hunting or building your professional network for future opportunities, this episode provides actionable strategies to take control of your career. Tune in now!
36 min
17 October 2024
Ep 114: Bridging the Leadership Gap: Essential Mindset Shifts for Modern Managers
In this episode, Alan sits down with Al Dea, founder of The Edge of Work and a leadership development expert. Al uncovers the critical mindset shifts and skill gaps that many of today's leaders need to address to effectively guide their teams in our rapidly evolving workplace. Al explores the crucial transition from individual contributor to manager, highlighting why technical prowess alone isn't enough for leadership success. He delves into the importance of developing 'human skills' and how leaders can scale their impact across larger teams. Whether you're stepping into your first leadership role or looking to refine your managerial approach, this episode offers invaluable insights to elevate your leadership game. Tune in now to discover how you can bridge the leadership gap and unlock your team's full potential!
37 min
2 October 2024
Ep 113: Turning The Tables: Alan Gets Interviewed by Nik Zechner
In this episode, Alan Stein, founder of Kadima Careers sits down with Nik Zechner, and shares his experiences working at tech giants like Google, Facebook, and Salesforce. He reveals valuable tips on landing jobs at these coveted companies and discusses the power of networking, preparation, and perseverance in career advancement. Tune in now to gain priceless career advice from a tech industry veteran and learn how to take control of your professional journey.
40 min
19 September 2024
Ep 112: Inside Calibration: Jason Rudman on Leadership and Performance at AmEx
Ever wondered what really happens behind closed doors during performance reviews at top companies? In this episode, Jason Rudman, former American Express leader and current Chief Member and Digital Experience Officer at BECU, join Alan Stein to pull back the curtain on corporate calibration processes. From navigating team dynamics to overcoming imposter syndrome, Jason shares candid insights from his journey through the ranks at Amex. Tune in now to understand corporate performance management and charting your own path to success.
39 min
4 September 2024
Ep 111: Mastering Decision-Making for Long-Term Career Success with Casey Dai
Is your education truly preparing you for the complexities of the modern workplace? Join Alan as he explores career development and decision-making with Casey Dai, founder of Expanded Skills. They discuss the limitations of traditional education in equipping professionals for real-world challenges, the importance of developing critical thinking skills, and Casey's innovative approach to decision-making training for volatile industries.
36 min
15 August 2024
Ep 110: How Immigrants and Visa Holders Can Land A Better Job with Varun Negandhi
Are you treating your job search like an entrepreneur would? In this eye-opening episode of Steer Your Career, host Alan Stein sits down with Varun Negandhi, founder of Beyond Grad and partner at an automotive consulting company. Varun shares his journey from international student to successful entrepreneur, offering a fresh perspective on job hunting for immigrants and professionals alike. Tune in to discover how adopting an entrepreneurial mindset can change your approach to job searching!
35 min
1 August 2024
Ep 109: Product Management Insights: An Interview with Former Google PM Director
From Google AdWords to YouTube and cutting-edge AI research, Tom Leung's storied career at tech giant Google spans over a decade. In this episode of the Steer Your Career Podcast, host Alan Stein delves into Leung's journey as a top-rated product management director and his unique insights into Google's challenging interview process. Tom shares how the company's hiring practices have evolved, what sets product management interviews apart, and why even exceptional performers aren't immune to layoffs in today's tech landscape. Tune in now to gain a rare insider's perspective on building a successful career!
