Careers Without Connections

About Careers Without Connections

The podcast for underrepresented professionals building their careers from scratch and navigating unfamiliar spaces.

Publisher

Gianna Linares

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 May 2026

Latest episode

23 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   23 Sept 2026

   How to Build a Career That Makes Room for All Your Interests

   In this episode, Darnell Brown, a first-gen multi-passionate entrepreneur and creator of Forge, talks about finding value in your unique perspective, staying focused in a world full of distractions, and building opportunities around who you are. Topics we cover: • How Darnell turned different ideas and experiences into Forge • Finding value in your unique perspective and lived experiences • Staying focused in a world full of distractions and information • How relationships and community can help you navigate entrepreneurship • Learning from failure, rejection, and closed doors • Whether being “blessed and favored” is about circumstance, choice, or both • Using AI tools to organize your thoughts and articulate your ideas What you'll learn in this episode: • Why your unique point of view can be more valuable than simply sharing information • How to use brain dumps and AI tools to organize your ideas and clarify what you are trying to say • Why failure and rejection can be part of the path toward success • How to recognize the strengths you already have instead of trying to fit yourself into someone else's path • Why you shouldn't feel guilty when people freely share their knowledge, advice, or opportunities with you • How curiosity and asking better questions can help you build meaningful relationships • Why actually implementing what you learn matters more than simply collecting advice or information --- Learn more about Career Strategy Consulting here: ⁠https://itsgiannalinares.wixsite.com/gianna-linares⁠ (https://itsgiannalinares.wixsite.com/gianna-linares) Connect with me social media: ⁠https://msha.ke/giannalinares/⁠ (https://msha.ke/giannalinares/) --- Learn more about Forge: https://darnellbrown.com/forge Connect with Darnell on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darnellbrown/

2. 

   7 Sept 2026

   Commissioner Mo Ivory: From Attorney to Radio Host to Elected Official—Paving Your Own Career Path

   In this episode, I sat down with Commissioner Mo Ivory, Democratic nominee for Fulton County Commission Chair, to talk about building a career with purpose and fulfillment and her plans to enact innovative change in Georgia's largest county. From law to radio, television, teaching, and public service, Commissioner Ivory shares how she has applied her skills and relationships to create unlimited career opportunities. Topics we cover: • How Mo went from practicing law to radio, teaching, and politics • Why you can use the skills you already have to enter a completely different field • How to ask for what you need instead of accepting what doesn’t work for you • Why creating opportunities from scratch can be more fulfilling than following a traditional path • How to build confidence by doing what you say you’re going to do What you'll learn in this episode: • How to recognize and transfer the skills you already have into new opportunities • How to build confidence by taking action and following through • Why setbacks don’t have to mean failure • How being willing to start from scratch can create opportunities you wouldn’t have otherwise had • Why your reputation, relationships, and willingness to learn can give you more career options --- HOW TO FUND GRAD SCHOOL WITHOUT LOANS WEBINAR sign up here: https://luma.com/e4bl9u2w Learn more about Career Strategy Consulting here: https://itsgiannalinares.wixsite.com/gianna-linares Connect with me social media: https://linktr.ee/gianna.linares ---Connect with Commissioner Mo Ivory Website: https://moivory.com/ Instagram: @themoivory TikTok: @moivory

3. 

   30 Aug 2026

   First-Gen Ivy League Law Student: Earning a Full-Tuition Scholarship & Building A Career From Age 14

   In this episode, I'm joined by Jemille Duncan, who started working in government and politics at just 14 years old and is now heading to the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School on a full-tuition scholarship. We talk about how he created opportunities for himself from a young age, navigated professional spaces where people underestimated him because of his age, and why your unique qualities and lived experiences can become your greatest strengths. Topics we cover: • How Jemille went from a 14-year-old legislative intern to working for the mayor of Philadelphia • How he navigated the law school application and scholarship process • Why you don't have to share every detail of your academic or career decisions with other people • How to build a professional reputation when you're young and people underestimate you • Why you should lean into the things that make you unique instead of trying to fit yourself into a box What you'll learn in this episode: • Why applying early can help you get ahead of the rush of graduate school applications • How mentors can highlight strengths and opportunities you may not see in yourself • Why "luck is when preparation meets opportunity" • How to let your work speak for itself when people underestimate you • Why education and age don't always determine how much someone knows • How to stand in your niche, own what makes you different, and utilize it --- Apply to work with me through Career Strategy Consulting here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScEfbzGpcDePXiBQXsv0C8OLNs5q-B2HGEpl9V7iwQzkN81xw/viewform (https://giannalinares.carrd.co/) TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWZoY0FoTDVRMWpxaERtaVI1c1hmWDhIVXFGQXxBQ3Jtc0tsMll2WkVLX0cweG9GaDh5dFhWd3JRX01SajVOaXBZZm1vX0RtMnVEbzBJSmJoR0FUNkNDYWczajdaeTdLcXBsSm5JYkdJaGFHWUtTcVZLUjFYUzdka0tJWGxaeGp1YlgzVWRSam5BeExBRzRKQWZzYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgianna-linares%25E2%2598%2586-963097226%2F&v=jRFfrk0vXek)https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/) --- Connect with Jemille: https://www.jemilleduncan.com/ Socials: @jq_duncan

4. 

   24 Aug 2026

   Growing Up Low-Income + Experiencing Food Insecurity to Earning a Master’s & Working on Capitol Hill

   In this episode, we trace Cimaya McCreary's journey from growing up in a single-parent household and experiencing food insecurity to earning a master’s degree and working on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC. Cimaya shares how she turned the challenges of her upbringing into strengths, navigated spaces where she didn’t always feel like she belonged, and built a career in public service without ever originally planning to work on the Hill.Topics we cover:• Turning obstacles and an unconventional upbringing into strengths• Finding your path when your career doesn’t follow a straight line• Navigating Capitol Hill and political spaces as a woman of color• Building relationships, finding mentors, and creating opportunities through networking• Staying authentic and using your values as a compass in unfamiliar spaces• Breaking into politics and finding ways to make an impact before you ever reach Washington, DC• Finding your own lane for civic engagement and serving your communityWhat you'll learn in this episode:• How Cimaya’s upbringing shaped her mindset, work ethic, and determination to keep going• Why your background and lived experiences can become a source of strength rather than a limitation• How to build relationships and find mentors who can help you navigate unfamiliar professional spaces• Why reputation, character, and relationships matter when building a career in politics• Practical ways to start creating opportunities and making an impact in your own community• How to stay grounded in your values while navigating environments that may pressure you to assimilate• Ways to identify your strengths and use them to become more civically engaged---You can learn more about Career Strategy Consulting here: https://giannalinares.carrd.co/TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinaresConnect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/----Connect with Cimaya on socials and Substack: @cimayaslife https://cimayaslife.substack.com

5. 

   17 Aug 2026

   Moving 2,933 Miles From: How Moving to a New City Can Help You Reinvent Yourself and Step Into Your Greatest Potential

   In this episode, I share my story of moving 2,933 miles from Oregon to Philadelphia with no job, no connections, and no clear plan—and how that experience completely changed the trajectory of her life. We discuss how stepping into a new environment can help you reinvent yourself, build a new life from scratch, discover what you actually want, and grow. You can learn more about Career Strategy Consulting here: https://giannalinares.carrd.co/ (https://giannalinares.carrd.co/?utm_source=chatgpt.com) TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

6. 

   10 Aug 2026

   Why Empathy Is a Business Strategy: How Unselfish Networking Creates Opportunities

   In this episode, Liz Nguyen, a first-generation entrepreneur and CEO of SMP Factor, shares how empathy, vulnerability, and curiosity have shaped the way she approaches business, networking, and entrepreneurship. We talk about building genuine connections, claiming what you want, and learning to recognize your own potential even when the system wasn't built for you. Topics we cover: • Why people tend to silo themselves within their industries, age groups, and existing networks—and the value of connecting with people from different walks of life • How Liz approaches networking by asking, “How can I help them?” instead of treating every interaction as transactional • Why empathy, vulnerability, and curiosity are central to Liz's approach to business and building relationships • How “exercising your want muscle” and claiming what you want can change the way you approach opportunities • Rethinking imposter syndrome and recognizing that many professional systems were not built for women, immigrants, and underrepresented communities What you'll learn in this episode: • How to approach networking as a way to genuinely help people rather than as a transactional exchange • Why you should stay curious and ask clarifying questions instead of making assumptions • How to start claiming what you want instead of focusing on what you don't want • Why visibility and putting yourself out there can help you create more opportunities • How to rethink imposter syndrome and the role that confidence and systemic double standards can play in how we see ourselves TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/) --- Liz's Instagram: @smpfactor Website: https://smpfactor.com/home-166664

7. 

   2 Aug 2026

   Why Your Self-Worth Has More to Do With Your Income Than You Think

   In this episode, I share why improving your self-worth can directly impact your career, the opportunities you create for yourself, and even your earning potential. Through personal stories about negotiating salaries, moving across the country, building my career from scratch, and learning to stop settling, I talk about how practicing self-love through your actions can help you become the best version of yourself. Topics we cover: • Why self-worth and self-love directly impact your career potential and income • The role your social circle, dating life, and boundaries play in the opportunities you create for yourself • Personal stories about negotiating salaries, moving across the country, and taking risks before feeling qualified • Practical ways to show yourself self-love through your daily actions and decisions What you'll learn in this episode: • Why settling for less than you deserve can limit your career growth and opportunities • How advocating for yourself, asking for more, and applying before you feel qualified can change your career • Simple ways to practice self-love through boundaries, self-care, and intentionally choosing who you spend your time with • Why taking risks, accepting failure, and getting uncomfortable builds confidence over time • How treating yourself the way you would treat someone you love can help you create the life and career you want --- TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/)

8. 

   26 Jul 2026

   How This First-Gen Latina CEO Scaled Her Business from $12K to $160K in Revenue in Just One Year

   In this episode I’m joined by Katrina Calderon, first-generation Latina, CEO and co-founder of Regal Fierce Media, to talk about building a business from scratch, leaving a 9-to-5, and what it really takes to turn big dreams into reality. We dive into the mindset, experiences, and lessons that helped her grow her media agency into a six-figure business while staying grounded in community, perseverance, and taking initiative. Topics we cover: • Growing up low income, being raised by a single mom, and becoming the first in her family to graduate college • How speaking your dreams into existence, taking initiative, and building confidence shaped her entrepreneurial journey • Transitioning from a 9-to-5 into running Regal Fierce Media full time and growing it into a six-figure business • The value of networking, social media, mentorship, and surrounding yourself with people who think differently What you'll learn in this episode: • Why taking small steps and putting full-time energy into your goals leads to full-time results • How to build confidence by speaking your goals into existence and staying committed even when things feel uncertain • Why networking, asking questions, and reaching out to people can completely change your career path • How understanding your strengths—and building a team with different perspectives—can help you grow faster • Why writing down your goals, creating a plan, and taking initiative matters more than waiting until you feel ready --- Connect with me ↓ TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/) ---Connect with Katrina↓TikTok/Instagram: @regalfiercemedia Regal Fierce Media: https://www.regalfiercemedia.com/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23562901811&gbraid=0AAAAABXai_VLMz0GIUp6At3wu-d7Dyw-b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4JbTBhCoARIsALWUaBvXpcfDM_bpz3ejpVFRcjGGq5O5TKXcZ2XrlwTsnp7d0npi0j4OqJMaAkozEALw_wcB

9. 

   19 Jul 2026

   How to Graduate With Your Master's Degree Debt-Free (And Get Paid to Study)

   In this episode, I share how I graduated with my master's degree 100% debt-free and actually got paid to go to grad school as a first-generation Latina raised by immigrants. We talk through the exact strategies I used to find funding, stand out during the hiring process for graduate employment positions, and create opportunities for myself even when they weren't being advertised. Topics we cover: • How graduate employment positions, assistantships, and fellowships can help pay for graduate school • The strategies I used to stand out when applying for competitive funding opportunities • Why reaching out, following up, and building relationships opened doors that applications alone couldn't • How creating opportunities for yourself can lead to funding that wasn't originally available What you'll learn in this episode: • How to find graduate school funding through graduate employment positions and assistantships • Practical ways to stand out during the application and interview process, even if your experience doesn't seem like enough • Why asking for opportunities and showing initiative can create opportunities that don't yet exist • How consistently putting yourself out there compounds over time and leads to unexpected opportunities • Why visibility, relationships, and following up can make all the difference when you're building your career from scratch --- TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/)

10. 

    13 Jul 2026

    24-Year-Old First-Gen Founder: Personal Branding, Working with 8-Figure Brands, & Content Marketing

    In this episode, Vanessa Valencia, founder of Avrios Media, shares what it really takes to build a successful marketing agency and personal brand from the ground up as a young first-generation entrepreneur. Topics we cover: Building a marketing agency while still in college The biggest misconceptions about content creation and social media marketing Vanessa's approach to neuromarketing and using buyer psychology to create content that converts What you'll learn in this episode: How to create a personal brand without feeling like you have to share your entire life Why consistency matters more than perfection when growing online Practical strategies for content marketing and building an engaged community How networking and genuine relationships can create career and business opportunities Actionable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, marketers, content creators, and anyone looking to grow their online presence You can find me here: TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/) Connect with Vanessa: Personal: @soothingstarz Agency: @avriosmedia Marketing Education: @brainsells.hq

11. 

    7 Jul 2026

    How to Build Your Professional Network and Create Career Opportunities as a First-Gen Professional

    You hear time and time again that you need to network because networking is the key to success. But what if you're a first-generation professional, born into a family without any professional network or useful career connections? By the end of this episode you’ll know: How to build a network from scratch starting with 0 How to find people you actually should be networking with How to approach someone and create and foster a professional connection with someone you’ve never met before You can reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

12. 

    29 Jun 2026

    First-Gen Latina MBA: From Engineer to Consultant, Moving to Chicago, and Monetizing Her Content

    I chatted with Jasmin Lopez, a first-generation Latina, former engineer, MBA graduate, content creator, and incoming consultant at Accenture. We talk about her pivot from engineering to business, working multiple jobs to pay for school, winning a life-changing scholarship, getting paid for content creation for the first time, and preparing to leave home and start over in Chicago. You can reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn:   (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbWZoY0FoTDVRMWpxaERtaVI1c1hmWDhIVXFGQXxBQ3Jtc0tsMll2WkVLX0cweG9GaDh5dFhWd3JRX01SajVOaXBZZm1vX0RtMnVEbzBJSmJoR0FUNkNDYWczajdaeTdLcXBsSm5JYkdJaGFHWUtTcVZLUjFYUzdka0tJWGxaeGp1YlgzVWRSam5BeExBRzRKQWZzYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fgianna-linares%25E2%2598%2586-963097226%2F&v=jRFfrk0vXek)https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/ Connect with Jasmin: @biztina

13. 

    21 Jun 2026

    Watch This If You're a First-Gen Professional Needing Clarity or Mentorship in Your Career

    In this episode, Johanna Rincon shares her journey from immigrating to the U.S. from the Dominican Republic at 14 years old without speaking English to becoming a regional learning and development leader for a luxury hotel. We discuss navigating your career as a first-generation professional and the lessons she's learned about finding career clarity, learning your strengths and weaknesses, and finding mentorship. You'll learn: • How to find career direction when you don't have all the answers • Why mentorship often develops through genuine relationships • How to surround yourself with people who challenge and support your growth • The importance of seeking environments where you can thrive • Why continuous learning is critical for long-term career success You can reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

14. 

    14 Jun 2026

    How to Create Job Opportunities for Yourself as a First-gen Professional

    In this episode, I share the strategies that helped me create job opportunities for myself as a first-generation professional raised by immigrant parents. I break down the practical steps I used to land internships, build meaningful professional relationships, find mentors, and even ask employers to create job opportunities for me that didn't officially exist yet. You'll learn how referrals can dramatically improve your chances of getting interviews, how to approach networking when you don't know anyone in the room, why confidence and preparation matter, and how a "no" can turn into a life-changing opportunity in the long run. Whether you're a college student, recent graduate, or early-career professional navigating the job search without connections, this episode will give you actionable career development strategies to help you build your network, build professional opportunities for yourself, and create space for yourself in unfamiliar professional environments to leave meaningful and lasting impressions. You can reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

15. 

    7 Jun 2026

    COO Explains How to Leverage Your Failures and Shift Your Mindset to Achieve Any Goal

    Bill Vega, a CEO, entrepreneur, first-generation graduate, and prominent Latino leader in Georgia, details his approach to controlling your thoughts, shifting your mindset, and leveraging inevitable failures to propel you toward achieving your goals and ambitions. He also shared some exciting upcoming events through Association of Ecuadorians in Georgia (ASEG) and the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, including World Cup watch parties as Atlanta prepares to host FIFA World Cup games starting July 15th, celebrations for 4th of July, and celebrations for Diez de Agosto and Nueve de Octubre. Follow Bill at @vegabillusa on Instagram and ASEG at @aseg.georgia for updates on all upcoming events! And you can reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares☆-963097226/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/)

16. 

    31 May 2026

    From Acting to Politics: Creating Space and Belonging in Any Workplace

    Matt Cárdenas shares his journey from a 10 year acting career in New York City to public service and politics. We discuss the power of embracing your identity, navigating career transitions, and creating space and belonging for yourself as an underrepresented professional in any workplace. If you’d like to connect with Matteo: @themattcardenasAnd You can also reach me on TikTok/Instagram: @giannalinares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

17. 

    24 May 2026

    How First-Gen Students Navigate College Differently Than "Traditional" Students

    In this episode of Careers Without Connections, I chatted with Julie Volker Morris, Distinguished Teaching Professor and Graduate Career Services Director at the University of Oregon, to discuss the unique challenges first-generation students face while navigating college and career development. From financial pressure to networking, confidence, and mentorship, we unpack why first-gen students often have very different needs than traditional students—and what resources, practical tools, and mindset shifts can make a meaningful difference. We also discuss: The emotional and financial burden of balancing school, work, and family How networking can feel inaccessible when you weren’t raised around professional spaces Translating your lived experiences into career-ready skills Why belief, mentorship, and community matter so much How students can advocate for themselves and build careers from scratch If you’d like to connect with Julie, you can reach her at: jvoelker@uoregon.edu And you can find me here: TikTok: @giannalinares Instagram: @giannalinares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

18. 

    24 May 2026

    Intro: How to Build a Career Without Connections

    In this episode of Careers Without Connections, I share the story behind why I created this podcast, stemming from my personal journey of being a first-generation student to becoming the first person in my family to earn a graduate degree. I also reflect on navigating financial hardship, mentorship, relocating cross country post grad, and breaking into professional spaces through cold emails, calls, and outreach (and delusion). This episode is about what happens when resilience, drive, and initiative enter the chat—and what it really takes to build a career from scratch without familial connections and minimal resources. You can find me here: TikTok: @giannalinares Instagram: @giannalinares LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gianna-linares%E2%98%86-963097226/

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Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

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Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.