Today, nearly every generation feels less engaged with their work. I think this is because it's harder to see the possibilities around them. The antidote: hearing others real, compelling paths.
The Career Adventurer Podcast shares people's real career adventures. You'll hear how people like you seek purpose in their work, explore new paths, leap into new things, and challenge themselves in today's frenetic work environment.
www.careeradventurer.com (https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Episode 24: Recruiting Executively
Senior HR Executive, Hally Cowden talks adventures in franchise ownership and executive recruiting
Ever wonder what owning a fitness franchise entails? How about the ins-and-outs of helping people find their next job opportunity?
Former corporate HR executive and current executive recruiter, Halley Cowden (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hdcowden/) discusses her career trials, tribulations, and triumphs on the Career Adventurer Podcast.
After spending nearly 20 years at P&G, Halley sought a change. She decided to make a career out of her passion for fitness and became a franchise owner nine months prior to the Covid-19 pandemic.
She learned out how to keep a business focused on community connection afloat at a time when social distancing was the norm. She also learned that another pivot was in order. Serendipitously, one phone call lead to a new career as an executive recruiter.
Halley shares her wisdom on career pivots, mentorship, the importance of note-taking, and more built on 20+ years of experience in multiple fields.
00:54 - The Journey into Executive Recruiting
03:17 - Challenges and Insights in Recruiting
07:25 - From Corporate to Fitness Franchise
15:30 - Mentorship and Personal Growth
22:06 - Balancing Career and Family
23:26 - Coaching and Career Advice
25:38 - Networking Tips for Job Seekers
26:34 - Helping Others in Their Career Transitions
27:32 - The Importance of CRM in Job Hunting
29:25 - Overcoming Career Fears and Owning Your Story
32:27 - Making Work More Adventurous and Engaging
36:05 - Comparing Corporate and Entrepreneurial Rewards
40:56 - Maintaining Purpose and Growth in Your Career
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com (https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
20 Nov 2025
Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious
Episode 23: Getting Lego Serious
Van Lai-Dumone, CEO of worksmart Advantage, talks unlocking creativity in the workplace.
Why is creativity a crucial skill in today's workforce, and how can it be harnessed for professional development? In this episode of the Career Adventurer Podcast, host Paul Fisher (https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulgfisher/) welcomes Van Lai-Dumone (https://www.linkedin.com/in/vanlaidumone/), founder and CEO of worksmart Advantage (https://www.worksmartadvantage.com/). Van's diverse background spans roles from a daily method bar practitioner to leading sales at GlaxoSmithKline. She is a certified Lego Serious Play (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lego_Serious_Play) practitioner, bringing a unique blend of creativity and team development into the corporate environment.
With a background as a Vietnamese refugee, Van offers a unique perspective on courage and taking the leap to pursue one's passions. She discusses her journey into entrepreneurship, driven by her passion for creativity, while navigating various obstacles. She highlights her transition from corporate roles to founding her own company, focusing on integrating creativity into leadership and team development programs.
One compelling aspect is her work with The Honor Foundation (https://www.honor.org/), using creative methodologies like Lego Serious Play to assist special forces operators transitioning to civilian careers. Major themes in this episode include the role of creativity in problem-solving, the importance of taking creative risks, and the power of following one’s passion despite societal expectations.
00:35 - Meet Van Lai-Dumone: Founder and CEO of Work Smart Advantage
01:19 - The Journey of Work Smart Advantage
02:43 - The Importance of Creativity in the Workplace
03:55 - Tools and Techniques for Creative Problem Solving
05:06 - The Power of Lego Serious Play
06:26 - Personal Reflections on Creativity and Career
15:39 - Overcoming Challenges and Rejections
20:46 - Overcoming the Fear of Asking for Help
22:03 - The Journey of Opening a Bar Studio
23:22 - Lessons from Business Failures
24:37 - Challenges in Selling Yourself
28:06 - The Power of Experience in Business
31:03 - Working with The Honor Foundation
35:11 - Reflecting on the Journey
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com (https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
10 Oct 2025
Episode 22: Aging Strong
Aging Strong: Hugo Mendez’s Journey from Corporate to Fitness Entrepreneur
In this episode of Career Adventurer, we delve into the inspiring journey of Hugo Mendez (https://www.linkedin.com/in/hugomendez1/), founder and CEO of Age Strong (https://agestrongtraining.com/), a fitness training company dedicated to helping men over 40 achieve better health and longevity.
Hugo shares his transition from a corporate life at Nestle to becoming a certified kettlebell instructor and entrepreneur. He discusses building a brand from scratch, tackling imposter syndrome, and the importance of aligning business aspirations with personal values.
Hugo also reveals the origins and philosophy behind Age Strong, emphasizing the concept of proactive aging and the significance of resilience and connection in entrepreneurship.
Tune in to hear about Hugo’s personal and professional transformations, the mentors who guided him, and his vision for the future of Age Strong.
01:27 - The Birth of Age Strong
06:35 - Building a Brand and Overcoming Doubts
10:55 - Key Influences and Mentors
14:21 - Choosing Kettlebell Training
15:54 - Creating Your Courage Corner
17:42 - Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
18:31 - Transforming Lives Through Fitness
20:21 - Building a Brand from Scratch
22:11 - Embracing Entrepreneurship
26:39 - Navigating Career Paths and AI
30:15 - Future of Age Strong
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.careeradventurer.com (https://www.careeradventurer.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Who has been a guest on Career Adventurer Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Bob Gilbreath
Kendra Ramirez
Josette Riep
Raul Ruiz
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
3 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 43 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
72
Social presence
0
YouTube
0
Engagement
32
Contact Career Adventurer Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Questions about Career Adventurer Podcast
Who hosts Career Adventurer Podcast?
Paul Fisher host the show. Published by Paul G Fisher.
How often do new episodes come out?
The show publishes weekly, based on its RSS feed.
Does Career Adventurer Podcast take guests?
Yes. Guests have been identified in episode analyses.
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