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Isola

01/14/21 – Walk That Walk and Talk That Talk

January 19, 2021 by Susan Lamphiear

Written By Susan Lamphiear

Bridgett McGowen

Setbacks like a job loss, job change, or job transition all have the potential to chip away at our self-confidence.

Our keynote speaker, published author and international speaker, was on hand to remind online attendees at Career Connectors about ways to preserve and build self-confidence during job search or job transition– even during challenging times like this historic pandemic.

*See Playlist for boosting your self-confidence or increasing your energy in the Resources and Closing.

Keynote

OK. So the year 2020 was less than perfect, keynote speaker Bridgett McGowen commiserated briefly with the online audience of Career Connectors. And the tough year may have left you wondering how to re-establish your confidence. Because, after all, little things, much less a pandemic, can impact our self-confidence.

Bridgett recalls her confidence took a hit during times long before any pandemic when she visited neighbors who were a little picky. You had to take off your shoes and you weren’t sure if you could touch anything or you’d leave fingerprints. Contrast that with visits to neighbors who were laid back so you almost felt you lived there.

Our behavior is often dictated by our environment. Also called the “recency effect,” if we’ve had negative experiences most recently, our self- confidence may suffer. We tend to remember the most recent information or events. It’s good news, though, because challenges are not usually as bad as they seem in the moment–a hard concept to swallow during a pandemic because looking left and right it’s hard to imagine if everything will get better, Bridgett admits.

During the pandemic, Bridgett’s son turned six years old and finished kindergarten online and now in first grade, he’s still learning online. However, even in the pandemic we can manipulate our perceptions.

And never forget: Words matter.

Bridgett reminds us we have choices. Imagine the world as a pot of boiling water.

  • We can be like the carrot and let the boiling water turn us soft, sad and weak.
  • Or we can be like the egg who turns hard, and mean, and nasty.
  • Or we can be a coffee bean who actually changes the boiling water. Despite everything, we can be the coffee bean who changes the world around us for the better.

In life we have choices and learn from successes and failures as we face challenges thrown our way. A confident person can deal with obstacles.

Words DO matter. A soothing reminder to wordsmiths everywhere. How can you speak up to get results you want, even in challenging times?

Having an adaptive communication style is vital. Bridgett tells a story about her young son finding her old 2006 Motorola Q. Not a blackberry or palm pilot, but the Motorola Q which Bridgett purchased in 2007. When her son found it, the year was 2016 or 2017, so of course the battery was dead and the phone didn’t work. Her son, age two or three, summoned what he knew of the world, and tapped the phone but nothing happened. Then he held down on the button and said, “Siri, play my video.” Worthless to him, he tossed it in a corner and she’s yet to find it. The point is, like her son, if we’re not communicating the way other people are, we won’t be heard or we’ll be misunderstood.

Bridgett asks, “Which communication style best describes you?”

  1. Connection Seekers need a feeling of personal rapport. They want to be known as more than simply a name on a list. They need to feel that human connection. The pandemic is particularly challenging for this group because they relate with others back and forth. They crave interaction. Sadly, they may also be judged harshly as time wasters for taking time to chit chat and ask how your weekend went or how your new gold fish Fluffy is doing.
  2. Honesty Seekers are logical and want to know how information fits with what they already know. Things need to be clear. They ask lots of questions. Seen as being difficult, these individuals want to make sure any information they pass on is correct.
  3. Result Seekers want the bottom line. Cut to the chase. Give them facts not fluff. They may seem short and aggressive. In their minds they are probably thinking 20 questions ahead.
  4. Energy seekers feel and exude excitement. Often seen by others as “over the top,” they get things done and inspire others. Deemed a “10” on the energy scale, other people tend to want them to dial it back to a “6.” Remember energy is not about LOUD. Energy involves good posture, eye focus and thinking big picture.

The good news is that you can communicate in all four ways depending on the situation and who you’re trying to relate to, for example in a meeting or an interview. Knowledge of these four styles also allows you to recognize other people’s styles. If you engage in chit chat and get little response or one word responses, move on, since you’re likely dealing with a result seeker. Most people only use one of the communications styles 51% of the time. But we can adapt. If you don’t adapt to another person’s communication style, you risk being misunderstood.

In the book Relentless: From Good to Great to Unstoppable, by Tim S. Grover, coach for hall of fame athletes and champions, Grover describes three types of champions: the cooler who gets everyone else excited, the closer who gets himself or herself jazzed/pumped up, or the cleaner who never gets cranked up or emotional (Bridgett prefers to use the term “confident” instead), saves all their energy for “game day” when it matters.

When you’re confident, you keep pushing yourself and thrive on challenges. The confident person makes decisions, not suggestions.

In the book The Image of Leadership, Sylvie di Giusto says YOU control the message your look sends. Fair or not, when you meet someone, you’re judged in the first seven seconds. This applies to not just how you’re dressed, or how you look, but everything about you, including your posture. So keep your head up, shoulders back, and eyes laser focused.

And SMILE, even on the phone, or during the pandemic when wearing a mask. You have just a few seconds to make that first impression, so remember the smile sends a silent message.

  • Strength
  • Magic
  • Infectious–even with a mask on, your smile shows in your eyes.
  • Loved
  • Energy–keep it positive.

Bridgett made the audience guess her height and received guesses ranging from 5’2 to 5’8 and taller. In reality, Bridgett is 5’2″ and a powerful speaker and an obvious leader, judging from her presentation and confident demeanor. Researcher Nancy M. Blaker reports taller people are perceived as more dominant, healthier and more intelligent. However, voice also communicates leadership, so Bridgett reminded everyone to find your optimum tone. If your voice pitch is too high or too low, people often make negative assumptions. So find and practice your ideal voice by humming the song “Happy Birthday.”

Remember: What you say is a tool. It’s not bragging if you sell yourself. “I do amazing work.” Use your voice to elevate others, too. If you don’t sell yourself, who will?

Bridgett reminds you to be very mindful of the image you project with the messages you send out to the world. She tells a story.

A local priest and pastor are just outside town pounding a sign in the ground which reads:

The End is Near. Turn yourself around before it’s too late.

A speeding car goes by and the driver yells, “Leave us alone you religious nuts.” Soon after, the priest and the pastor hear a loud screech followed by a splash.

The pastor turns to the priest and says, “Do you think we should have just written, The Bridge is Out?“

Always pay close attention to the messages you send out. Written or spoken. Organize your thoughts and think before you speak.

Checklist for messages

  • Positive
  • Open Minded
  • Worthwhile
  • Effective with the right impact for the intended audience
  • Relevant

Is what I’m about to say

  • Thoughtful
  • Helpful
  • Important
  • Necessary
  • Kind

Bridgett left us with the following thought. The value of our lives comes not in what we do, or who we know, but how we demonstrate our care and our respect for each other by the way we communicate.

For 52 strategies, one each week, on how to show up as your most confident self, read Bridgett McGowen’s book Show Up and Show Out.

Hiring Companies

Isola

Heather Kitsko, Director, Global Talent Acquisition

Isola, founded 108 years ago in Germany, creates raw materials for advanced printed circuit boards. Almost every ventilator in healthcare uses their raw material. An industry leader, Isola’s global headquarters is located in Chandler, AZ, and has locations in South Carolina, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and China.

Employing 1600 worldwide, their global footprint includes seven manufacturing facilities. With industry-leading technology, they have more than 185 patents. Through innovation they help enable more capabilities for mankind.

The company values include putting safety first, stressing collaboration, staying customer focused, being courageous by embracing change, and keeping commitments.

Isola is hiring! Career opportunities include the following positions:

  • Global Compensation Analyst
  • Global Industrial Engineer
  • Machine Operator
  • Maintenance Technician
  • Sr. Applications Engineer (PCB)
  • Sr. Integrity Engineer

To obtain more information or to apply, go to their website.

Robinhood

Amanda McBride, Recruiting Coordinator

Robinhood, a licensed brokerage app founded in 2014, provides commission-free services to both beginning and experienced investors. Of the 13 million accounts, about 50% are beginner and the average age is 30, younger than the typical investment customer. The company is one of the fastest growing custom brokerages.

Robinhood’s mission includes creating a better way for the next generation to invest. These days the average individual has to pay up to $10 per trade. Robinhood believes this is inherently wrong and is headed on a path to change this.

  • Robinhood provides a platform for customers to learn and invest responsibly.
  • Robinhood offers customers the ability to trade commission-free.
  • Robinhood provides educational resources to help customers have an informed investing experience.

Robinhood takes prides in its workforce diversity. Toward this end, the company has created the following resource groups:

  • Sisterhood
  • Rainbowhood
  • Black Excellence
  • Parenthood
  • Latinhood
  • Vets @Robinhood
  • Asianhood

Among the numerous benefits and perks offered include competitive salary, comprehensive medical benefits with premiums 100% company paid, 16 weeks of fully paid flexible parental leave whether through birth or adoption, and monthly health and wellness stipend.

For more information or to apply, visit their website.

Resources and Closing

CEO/Founder of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce closed the formal part of the online event. Jessica reminded those in attendance of the resources available via the Career Connectors website. Videos included on the website include the following: Online events since April of 2020, Career Chat with Jessica, and Career Connectors Community Updates. LinkedIn is the number one source for job hunters and hiring managers, so Jessica stressed if you’re not already using this important tool, she highly recommends it.

Tempe Virtual Job Fair will be hosted by Career Connectors on January 26, 2021. Click on the link for details and to register.

Because all Career Connectors events are only online during the Pandemic, anyone who needs a professional head shot may contact Gordon Murray Flash Photo for the exact schedule in January and February, for locations in the Phoenix area, and contact information. Gordon offers his professional service to Career Connectors. The photographer donates this free service on a volunteer basis; however, the service will accept donations though it’s certainly not required.

*Playlist for boosting your self-confidence or increasing your energy

  • You Say Lauren Daigle
  • Just the Way You Are Bruno Mars
  • Lift Every Voice Stanford Talisman Alumni Virtual Choir
  • Dancing Kylie Minogue
  • Can’t Stop the Feeling Justin Timberlake
  • Ain’t No Way by Jennifer Hudson in tribute to Aretha Franklin
  • Happy Pharrell Williams (feat. Minions)
  • Let Me Reintroduce Myself Gwen Stefani
  • Firework Katy Perry
  • Treat People With Kindness Harry Styles
  • Rise Up Andra Day
  • You Raise Me Up BYU Vocal Point (A Capella)
  • Dynamite BTS
  • Who Says Selena Gomez & the Scene
  • So Will I Ben Platt
  • Magic Kylie Minogue
  • Always On My Side Sheryl Crow and Sting
  • It’s My Life Bon Jovi
  • You’ll Never Walk Alone Virtual Choir/Orchestra 15 countries 300 people May 1, 2020

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: Robinhood, Isola, Bridgett McGowen

11/5/20 – Correcting for 20/20: 20 Career Insights to Stabilize and Clarify your Focus

November 11, 2020 by Sheila

Keynote

Justin Jones

Written by Penny Oplinger
Correcting for 20/20: Career Insights to Stabilize and Clarify your Focus with Justin Jones. Justin, affectionately known as ‘Job Coach Justin.’ Justin currently leads a team of 16 career mentors at BYU Career Studios. He has literally helped thousands of people find meaningful jobs.

He shared some great tips to help you re-strategize, refocus and start to see 2020 with a new vision.

  • Recognize that your vision has changed. If we only look at the negatives then that is where we will stay. Justin recommended you check out ShelleyKlammer.com where she shares 6 stages of grieving.
    • Numbness and denial. When we lose a job or lose a family member or close friend. Be patient with yourself.
    • Anxiety and panic. We feel this everywhere.
    • Bargaining and control. Determine what you have control over.
    • Frustration and Anger. We need to allow ourselves to feel these feelings.
    • Depression and Despair.
    • Acceptance and Peace. This does not necessarily mean everything in your life is going well. We need to accept what is going on around us and realize that what is happening around us does not determine how we act, respond or our self-worth.
  • Seek Support. Career Connectors is a perfect example of a place you can go for support.
  • Ask for help. Don’t be embarrassed.
  • Be your authentic self. This year is not about perfection but being your authentic self.
  • Separate from the toxic. Identify what you are ingesting mentally, spiritually, physically that is toxic. Jack Canfield has said that it is better to spend time alone than spend time with toxic people or media.
  • Embrace uncertainty. When we embrace uncertainty, it opens us up to possibilities. Sometimes when bad things happen to us it gives us the opportunity to find something even better.
  • Doubt. Do not doubt your success or abilities. Doubt your negative thoughts!
  • Give every day. Give a smile, encouragement, your time, donations, blood.
  • Gather your tools. You need to have the right tool for the right job at the right time.
    • Cover letter: Recruiters don’t read them because they are not authentic. Be authentic. The first thing is to compliment the company, tell what you have to offer and then a comment that you look forward to joining their team.
    • Resumes: Career Connectors has professional resume writers who volunteer their time at our events. You should have several resumes because it is important to customize your resume to the company you are seeking employment from. List a few people who would give you good recommendations, such as people you have worked with or for.
    • LinkedIn: It is absolutely necessary that you have a profile in LinkedIn. Career Connectors has professional LinkedIn coaches who volunteer their time to help you. LinkedIn is the #1 place employers go to when looking for candidates. To aid in ensuring companies see your profile, give your profile a unique name. For example, Justin’s is ‘Job Coach Justin.’ Ensure you have a photo in your profile. Career Connectors has a photographer that volunteers to take headshot photos for you to put in your LinkedIn profile. An extra tip Justin gave is to add a description to your profile photo containing keywords you want to be found for. Instructions are here!
    • Send a Thank You note – not an email or text but a handwritten note you mail to the company.
  • 10.Gamify: A quote from the movie ‘Mary Poppins’, “In every job that needs to be done there is an element of fun.”
  • 11.Build your brand: What is unique about you that would be an asset to the company?
  • 12.Act: Start with small actions. Pay attention to your mental prompts that help to move you forward.
  • 13.Follow-through: Act on things you are asked to do.
  • 14.Recharge: Be patient with companies you have sent resumes to and be patient with yourself.
  • 15.Visualization: Close your eyes and think of the goals you have set for yourself. What is the next small step you can take toward that goal and ask yourself what it will take to act on that step?
  • 16.Faith/ Spirituality/Career Development: Work toward bringing these together.

Hiring Companies

Isola
Heather Kitsko, Director, Global Talent Acquisition
www.isola-group.com

Isola is the only laminate partner with worldwide R&D manufacturing and technical support.

  • Isola is a 105-year old company headquartered in Chandler, AZ
  • Approximately 1600 employees worldwide
  • Global footprint of 7 manufacturing facilities
  • Largest laminate material producer in the United States and Europe – seventh in share worldwide (-4%)
  • Industry-leading technology – 185+ patents covering proprietary materials
  • Transforming to deliver greater customer, employee and investor value

Mission
Improve life by enabling innovation in electronic products through our innovation we help enable new capabilities for mankind

Their raw materials were used in circuit boards to create ventilators for patients with COVID-19.

Their core values center around the following:

  • Put Safety First: We prioritize the safety and well-being of our employees above all else.
  • Be customer focused: We deliver quality: We deliver quality solutions, listen to our external and internal customers, work to gain their loyalty
  • Be Courageous: We embrace change, speak up when we disagree, and move forward committed.
  • Be Collaborative: We work as a global team across functions, and support each other professionally and personally
  • Be Accountable: When we make a commitment, we take full responsibility and follow through.

Career Opportunities in Chandler, AZ

  • Sr. Applications Engineer (PCB)
  • Technology Development Chemist (Polymer/Halogen-Free)
  • IT Business Analyst
  • Manufacturing Financial Analyst
  • Network Security Administrator
  • Sr. Signal Integrity Engineer

See Isola website for further information/requirements for these job openings.

PennyMac – The lender you can call Home
Darin Dow, Mortgage Underwriter Recruiter
www.PennyMacUSA.com/Careers

Company Overview

  • In business since 2008
  • One of the top lenders to create loans.
  • One of the nation’s largest servicing mortgage company
  • 8th largest servicing company
  • 5500 employees; they have hired 1800 employees since January 2020
  • Opened office in Phoenix the beginning of 2020.
  • Expanding across the nation aggressively. A lot of these positions can be remote. They believe in promoting within the company
  • There are several entry-level positions available
  • Family/Team friendly

WealthWave
Jason Wiseman, Senior Marketing Director

WealthWave is a network of independent business owners whose mission means they seek to protect and build wealth for the families they serve. Their mission allows them to increase financial literacy for families and provide financial solutions.
Jason Wiseman tells us this was not his original path. He worked for Motorola for many years but even though his job was more stable than many, every year he watched layoffs; and even his key group of 22 was down to only 7 when he left. It was stressful.
Jason couldn’t really afford to start from scratch. It was a paradigm shift to start working at a business part time.
WealthWave is flexible enough so they can help you transition into something part time if you are hesitant about going all in being an entrepreneur. WealthWave’s mission is to eliminate financial illiteracy to keep people from making easily avoidable financial mistakes. Jason now works full time for the company.
Jason suggests you keep your mind open to new opportunities. WealthWave looks to build people up and that’s why they make education first. And because the company was about five years ahead in technology, when COVID hit they were already ahead of most businesses. A whopping 20,000 people attended their online program from Atlanta.
WealthWave®, The HowMoneyWorks® Company, has a clear vision, a passionate mission, advanced systems, and strong platforms. Their slogan is “to disrupt the financial industry so families can dream again.” They are attracting leaders all across North America who are ready to position themselves to eradicate financial illiteracy and pursue the business and future of their dreams.


Why Choose WealthWave?

  • Turnkey Solution
  • Licensed Profession
  • Ownership
  • Marketing/Media
  • Start Part time
  • No Layoffs or Furloughs
  • Hands on Training and Mentorship
  • A long history of helping people
  • To learn more about the company, contact Jason Wiseman at Jason.Wiseman@wealthwave.com.

Closing

CEO/Founder of Career Connectors Jessica Pierce thanked the speakers, attendees, and volunteers. Please mark your calendars for Wednesday, November 18 2020, 9:00 am – 11:30 am for our 6th Annual Diversity Talks. Jessica also reminded attendees of online resources available at the Career Connectors website including the free DISC assessment and event recap blogs.

Filed Under: Event Recaps Tagged With: PennyMac, Isola, WealthWave, job search strategy, Justin Jones

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Testimonials

Career Connectors offered me a one-stop-shopping capability for all of the coaching, resources and connections I needed to perfect my job searching skills.  The package of services, and support I found while attending these workshops over the past 7 months was unique to, and more productive than any other networking venues I attended. I am thrilled to share that I’ve landed with B/E Aerospace in Tucson.  I recommend to all Job Seekers to find out what works for you, and exploit it for best r… Read more
Aidan F.
Thank you for all you do! I’ve been nine loooong months looking for a full-time position and Career Connectors was a real life-line. I was pretty discouraged by the time I found your organization on-line and first visited. The speaker provided some great information but most importantly, encouragement and hope. The panel discussion on resumes was incredibly helpful! Last month I had the opportunity to sit with Brenda and she suggested I really pare back all but the last 10 years of experience an… Read more
Robin C.
Good news. I have landed. Thank you for your support throughout my job search journey. You and your organization has lots to offer besides the positive energy, uplifting of self confidence and immense networking opportunities. I am very appreciative of the efforts and time put forward by you and your team.
Kirtida A.
Career Connectors is dedicated to bring the job seeker to reputable employers in the valley. I appreciate their professionalism and their consistency to continue to provide great leads.
Leslie B.
I originally found Career Connectors during a large quarterly networking event and started attending meetings in May/June with a girlfriend who was also laid off. I appreciated all the information, resources, encouragement and genuine support I felt from everyone at Career Connectors. What you are doing is an amazing service for  those of us who find ourselves “displaced” in these tough economic times. The benefit you are providing is not only for those “transitioning” — but also for lo… Read more
Candice T.
This was terrific! Very successful. I’m glad I came!
Maggie D.
Great lead for follow up with a couple of employers.
Rebecca, R.N.
After a company layoff thrust me into the job market, Career Connectors was exactly what I needed to develop my networking skills. Networking is a job in itself, and the skills I learned helped me to land a temporary position just three months later that is now permanent. I believe in the Career Connectors mission and continue to volunteer as a way of expressing my appreciation for their support during a very tough time…thank you Career Connectors!
Diane N.
Navigating the world of career transition can be an overwhelming experience.  In addition to the mechanics of transition (updated resume, career search strategies), there is the deeper need to connect to people who are in the same situation as you are.   For me, all of this was answered by Career Connectors!  Had it not been for this organization, I might still be sitting in my house, wondering what to do next!  At just one Career Connectors meeting you can be inspired by great speakers, … Read more
Iris M.
I want to follow up with you about the position I had hoped to get. I got it! And thanks to Jack Milligan’s Salary Negotiation talk, for the first time I didn’t feel like an idiot when I accepted a job. No one else offers that kind of information.  Thank you for all you do. I appreciate your efforts to bless others.  May you and yours be blessed every day. Thank you for everything,
Cheryl
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