A podcast dedicated to showcasing top talent in transition. Open to Work: Beyond the Label is a platform where accomplished professionals can own their story, showcase their expertise, and step confidently into their next opportunity.
Each episode features high performers across industries who are embracing change, leveraging their skills, and positioning themselves for what’s next. Through real conversations, we uncover insights on resilience, personal branding, leadership, and strategic career moves, helping both guests and listeners take ownership of their future.
This isn’t just about job searching. It’s about stepping into your power and shaping your next chapter. Because your next move isn’t just a job. It’s an opportunity to elevate your impact.
For those ready to bet on themselves, amplify their voice, and take control of what’s next, this is your stage.
Closing the Chapter: The Final Episode of Open to Work
One year ago, I took a chance. I started a podcast called Open to Work because I saw something that didn’t feel right in the professional world.Talented people were struggling to be seen.Hiring systems felt broken.And incredible professionals were getting overlooked.So I created a platform where people could share their stories, their struggles, and their resilience.What I didn’t expect…was how much this journey would change me.Through these conversations, I gained perspective.I gained confidence.And most importantly, I learned the power of being seen and owning your voice.This episode marks the final chapter of the Open to Work podcast.But it’s not the end.It’s the beginning of something new.I'm excited to introduce the next chapter:Inspired AuthorityA podcast focused on identity, leadership, faith, and the courage to step into the influence you were meant to have.Thank you to everyone who shared their stories and supported this mission.Stay tuned because the next chapter is just beginning.Follow the journey:LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/lauralynncolon/Instagram@LauraLynnColon
13 Nov 2025
Leading Through Fun, Chaos & Team Support with Erin McKone
In this episode, Erin McKone breaks down what real leadership looks like when everything is changing at once. From high-pressure situations to team-wide chaos, Erin shows how fun, personality, and presence can completely shift team dynamics.We talk about leadership, team dynamics, fun at work, high-pressure situations, team support, micromanagement, effective leadership, and workplace culture.Erin shares how she kept her team grounded through major transitions: playing music, staying lighthearted, leading by example, and showing up not as a micromanager… but as the extra set of hands her team needed.If you’re a leader navigating change this conversation will give you real, practical insight into building a healthy, supportive workplace.#leadership #workplaceculture #teamdynamics #effectiveleadership #micromanagement #funatwork #teamwork #careerconversations #womeninleadership #highpressuresituations #workplacewellbeing #teamperformance #leadershipdevelopment #leadershipskills #open2work #beyondthelabel
6 Nov 2025
Unapologetic Disruption in the Workplace with Dr. V Boykin
In this powerful episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sits down with Dr. V Boykin, author of "Unapologetically Disruptive: Hard Lessons, Simple Truths" for a raw conversation about what it really means to be authentic, bold, and unapologetic in corporate spaces.Dr. V opens up about being let go during one of the most vulnerable times in her life and how she turned that setback into her comeback. From rebuilding her career to reclaiming her voice, she shares hard-earned lessons on authenticity, social capital, privilege, and how to challenge the systems that silence marginalized voices.If you’ve ever felt unseen, unheard, or underestimated at work - this conversation will remind you that your story matters and your voice has power.📘 Order Dr. V’s book: Unapologetically Disruptive: Hard Lessons, Simple Truths👉 Subscribe for more stories that inspire bold leadership, real talk, and growth beyond the label.#Authenticity #Leadership #CorporateCulture #Unapologetic #Disruption #Resilience
23 Oct 2025
Building Connection Through Community with Erica Finley
In this episode, host Laura Colón sits down with Erica Finley, a professional storyteller and community builder in the tech industry, to explore how authenticity, storytelling, and connection shape meaningful careers.From her journey moving from the Midwest to New York City, to building thriving communities within tech, Erica shares how being a “professional fangirl” led her to a career fueled by curiosity, creativity, and human connection.If you’re passionate about career growth, community building, authenticity, or carving your own path in the tech industry, this episode will inspire you to connect, reflect, and grow.👇 Subscribe for more conversations that go beyond the label.#WomenInLeadership #CommunityBuilding #Storytelling #CareerGrowth #TechIndustry #PersonalGrowth #Authenticity #Networking
9 Jul 2025
Nice Doesn’t Cut It: Why Assertiveness Wins in the Workplace - Featuring Ivna Curi
Communication expert Ivna Curi discusses assertive communication with Laura Colon, revealing how it transforms careers and organizational culture by fostering trust and encouraging innovation in this interview.
2 Jul 2025
Glenn May Is Open to Work: Building Trust in Customer Success
Glenn May shares his journey from customer service to solutions engineering, emphasizing listening, trust, and accountability to transform customer relationships in this interview.
18 Jun 2025
Dan Rivera is Open to Work: From Training the Elite to Training for What’s Next
Leadership trainer Dan Rivera shares his career transition from military service to global instruction, highlighting mentorship, gratitude, and preparation as essential for personal and professional growth in this interview.
11 Jun 2025
Stop Applying. Start Attracting: Career Design with Lindsay Mustain
Career coach Lindsay Mustain discusses effective career design and personal branding strategies that empower job seekers to attract opportunities rather than just applying, in this interview episode.
4 Jun 2025
Beyond the Chalkboard: Making the Move to Tech Sales with Patrice Silagi
Laura Colon interviews Patrice Silagi, who describes her transition from teaching to tech sales, highlighting transferable skills and mindset shifts for a fulfilling career change.
27 May 2025
Avigail Lutwak is Open to Work: Mastering Marketing Through Storytelling, Strategy & Authenticity
Avigail Lutwak discusses leveraging storytelling and authenticity to master marketing, sharing insights on career transitions and empowering teams in this interview with Laura Colon.
20 May 2025
Hannah Pencek is Open to Work: From Sales Rep to Empowered Servant Leader
In this episode, Laura Colón sits down with Hannah Pencek, a powerhouse sales leader known for her servant leadership and people-first approach. Hannah shares her inspiring career journey, from entry-level sales to leadership.We dive into the real, raw experiences that shaped her leadership style, why sensitivity is her superpower, how empathy drives performance, and the challenges of transitioning from peer to leader. Hannah also offers wisdom on continuous learning, talent management, and the importance of staying true to your values.Whether you're an aspiring leader or navigating your own career evolution, this episode will leave you feeling seen, inspired, and ready to lead with heart.🎧 Key Topics:- Servant leadership & empathy- Overcoming personal and professional challenges- Career development and leadership transitions- Women in business and breaking norms- Talent management and empowering high performers📚 Book Mentioned: Let’s Get Real or Let’s Not Play📲 Connect with Hannah on LinkedIn!👉 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with someone who needs to hear this message.
14 May 2025
Not Just a Title: Dana Ward on Purpose, Faith & Showing Up Fully
In this soul-nourishing episode, host Laura Colón sits down with the incredibly grounded and wise Dana Ward, whose journey from program coordinator to personal trainer is anything but linear. Dana opens up about what it really means to not be defined by your job title and why your value goes so much deeper than what’s on your resume.With a unique blend of humility, humor, and hard-earned insight, Dana shares the power of building strong support systems, how her faith guides her during uncertainty, and why consistency and game planning are non-negotiables for chasing your goals. From career pivots to relationships and religion—we left no stone unturned.Whether you’re early in your career or navigating your next big move, this episode is packed with takeaways on mindset, motivation, and leading with heart. Dana is a vibe, a visionary, and a reminder that the legacy we build starts with how we treat ourselves and others.What you’ll walk away with: → Why your title doesn’t define you → How to strengthen communication and teamwork → Advice for young professionals and dream chasers → The value of faith, vulnerability, and self-reflection → Real talk on motivation, goal-setting, and growthBook Recommendations from Dana: → Wired That Way by Marita Littauer → How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie → How I Raised Myself from Failure to Success in Selling by Frank Bettger → Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. ConwellListen in and be reminded: What’s for you won’t miss you.
7 May 2025
Resilient Growth with Amy Leigh Looper
In this powerful episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, Laura Colón sits down with resilience and leadership expert Amy Leigh Looper to explore the often-overlooked toll of burnout and how to rise above it. Amy shares details from her personal journey as they dive into what it truly means to build high-performing, resilient teams without sacrificing well-being. Amy offers practical advice for navigating career transitions, honoring your needs, and leading with compassion and clarity.
Whether you're in a season of change, leading others through uncertainty, or simply seeking more balance, this episode will inspire you to slow down, regulate, and redefine success on your own terms.
29 Apr 2025
Open to Work: Beyond the Label - Episode 4
In this heartfelt episode of Open to Work Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sits down with her sister, Alisha Colón, to explore her inspiring career pivot from healthcare to human resources. Alisha opens up about being laid off during the pandemic, the emotional toll it took, and how she found strength through family, self-reflection, and persistence. She shares practical advice for job seekers, from the power of networking to the importance of authenticity and research in the interview process. Alisha’s story is a reminder that even in moments of uncertainty, resilience and faith can lead to greater clarity and purpose.
22 Apr 2025TRANSCRIPT
Open to Work: Beyond the Label – Episode 3 - Featuring James Scott
In this inspiring episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colon sits down with James Scott, a seasoned technology leader whose journey from music to tech showcases the power of adaptability, purpose, and community. James shares his proudest career moments and the pivotal lessons learned along the way, emphasizing the deep connection between employee experience and customer outcomes.They explore what it means to lead with responsibility, why asking for help is a strength, and how aligning technology with business goals creates meaningful impact. James opens up about the role of community during his own career transitions and how personal growth outside of work fuels professional success.
22 Apr 2025
Open to Work: Beyond the Label – Episode 2 - Featuring Angela Salazar
In this heartfelt episode of Open to Work: Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón welcomes Angela Salazar, a leadership development expert known for her philosophy of leading with love. Angela takes us through her career journey and shares powerful insights on recognizing potential in others, cultivating talent, and the essential role of mentorship and coaching in building strong leaders.Together, they explore why personal accountability is at the heart of career growth, how diversity drives innovation, and how constructive feedback—when delivered with care—can transform both individuals and organizations. Angela’s approach to leadership is both practical and deeply human, offering emerging leaders a roadmap to grow with purpose, humility, and impact.Whether you're developing leaders, stepping into a leadership role yourself, or simply passionate about personal growth, this episode is filled with wisdom to guide your journey.
21 Apr 2025
Open to Work: Beyond the Label - Episode 1 - Pilot
In the premiere episode of Open to Work Beyond the Label, host Laura Colón sets the stage for a podcast rooted in empowerment, storytelling, and personal growth. She shares the inspiration behind launching the show, opening up about the vulnerability and courage it takes to navigate career transitions. Laura invites job seekers and those in transition to embrace their stories, shift the narrative around being “open to work,” and connect through shared experiences. This episode is a heartfelt call to step into the spotlight, find strength in community, and turn periods of uncertainty into moments of transformation.
Inside a recent episode
Open to Work: Beyond the Label – Episode 3 - Featuring James Scott
Published 22 Apr 2025 · Transcript excerpt
[…] I knew you liked hockey and it's because you have such a fulfilling life that you create outside of your day -to -day and then you can really bring your full self to work because you have all these different passions outside of just the job. So I think it's important for people to realize that you shouldn't be your job and it's so hard because think about how many people you've probably met out at a networking event and you say, what do you do? And their first response is, I'm, you know, a technology leader for this company and that's who they are. Like, what do you do? Who are you? It's a company or their job title and it really should be so much more than that. […]
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