Gen X Amplified With Adrion Porter. The Personal Branding And Leadership Podcast For Gen X.

On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin. As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today’s world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career. In this episode, Chauncey and I unpack: Chauncey’s inspirations and motivations for her writing and creativity Why Chauncey decided to launch the Actual People podcast Chauncey’s experiences living in New York during the early 2000s and the golden age of hip-hop Why publishing a novel (or two) is her ultimate dream Chauncey’s very candid and powerful “Suddenly 50: Where We Are &

For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men’s print Issue. The story was titled “Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite” and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone. Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn’t wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery. In this episode, Ebony and I unpack: Ebony’s discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE The various lesson

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by Stephen Bailey, Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of ExecOnline, a corporate training company that partners with the world’s top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. ExecOnline is on a mission to connect all leaders to their future potential by disrupting and democratizing corporate learning. Some of ExecOnline’s Partner schools include Stanford, Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, UVA Darden School of Business, Columbia, Duke, MIT-Sloan, Yale, and others. In this episode, Stephen and I unpack: Stephen’s career journey from “recovered lawyer” to startup founder and eventually becoming the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline The “aha moment” from Stephen’s experience as the CEO of a previous startup that led to launching ExecOnline Many of the high-impact initiatives the ExecOnline team are currently focusing on Why there is a meaningful difference between mentoring and learning The impact of large language m

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am speaking with global leader, speaker, workplace strategist Daisy Auger-Domínguez, who is the author of the book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People.” With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. In this episode, Daisy and I discuss: Daisy’s inspirational professional journey to becoming a seasoned executive in media Daisy’s own personal experience and motivation that sparked the desire to write Burnt Out to LIt Up. My Mid-Career Mastery LinkedIn newsletter article titled “Why Gen X Women Experience Burnout and What Companies Should Do About It” that spotlighted Daisy and her book The state of the overall burnout epidemic in today’s world of work Daisy’s key insights on how leaders should approach managing self-care, while also

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, repeat guest and friend of the podcast, for another round of “Gen Xceptional” wisdom and inspiration. Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities. In this episode, Ian and I unpack: Ian’s experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble Why Ensemble’s mission is focused on creators from underrepresented commu

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a very special episode featuring an amazing “Gen Xceptional” chat with Denise Hamilton. Denise is a nationally recognized Diversity & Inclusion leader, and is the Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future” During this episode, Denise and I spent time unpacking her professional story, the timeless gems from her book, and also her passionate call-to-arms for Gen Xers! About Denise Hamilton Denise Hamilton is an author, speaker and consultant who focuses on the people side of change. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future.” Whether it’s remote work, AI or a diversifying workforce, today’s leaders need new skills to navigate our rapidly changing world. Denise leverages her 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 organizations like

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition, featuring my conversation with Cate Luzio —who is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies. And Cate is also one of the shining stars I previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Cate Luzio Cate is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies, which she launched and self-funded in 2018. Luminary’s mission is to address the systemic challenges impacting women across all industries and sectors—while also up-lifting, up-skilling, and propelling women forward through all phases of their professional journeys. Members of Luminary reflect a multigenerational and intersectional community of intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and organizations including UBS, JPMorgan Chase, Unilever, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, Maste

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have yes…another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition. And it’s with  my good friend, the fabulous and phenomenal Tara Jaye Frank. And we are going to be unpacking her latest and greatest book The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Which in my opinion Is a MUST READ for all workplace leaders today. Without question. About Tara Tara is an equity strategist, speaker, C-Suite advisor, and the President and CEO of TJF Career Modeling LLC — where she partners with executives to create learning experiences that advance critical culture and leadership goals. She is also the author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Prior to charting her course as an entrepreneur, Tara was a corporate executive at one of the most beloved consumer brands in the world, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Tara actually began her 20+ year career at Hallmark as a greeting card writer, where her gift as a powerful wor

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have a great and important conversation with Zephrine Hanson. Zephrine is a veteran, farmer, story amplifier, and the founder of Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project that offers small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients that are lovingly grown and sustainably sourced. And she also happens to be a fellow member of LinkedIn’s inaugural cohort of its Creator Accelerator Program! During this episode, Zephrine and I discuss her personal story — which includes a beginning career in the military, how she got into lavender farming, and her insights and advice on managing one’s mental health. Particularly as a 40-plus professional, business owner, parent, and community builder.  About Zephrine Born and raised in San Fernando Valley California, Zephrine enlisted in the Air Force immediately after graduating high school. With a background in media communications and journalism, she served as a public affairs and medical photographer stationed in Germany and T

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by the wonderful and amazing Kim Alexis Newton. Kim is a former Hallmark Cards Inc. corporate executive, quilt artist, board member, and also my fellow Vanderbilt Business School alumni! She is also one of the featured phenoms in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. During this episode, Kim and I chat about her 20-plus years experience working for Hallmark Cards – which was her dream job coming out of business school. And also why and how she decided to leave corporate after many years to pursue her dreams of creating magic and meaningful impact with her art.   About Kim Kim is a seasoned global marketing executive, board director, advisor, quilt artist, and entrepreneur. She is also the creator of the Intentional Pause™ Project, a media, product and experience platform helping women embrace “pausing” as a powerful way to achieve their dreams. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Kim spent 20+ years as an executive leader for one of the most iconic

We are back for another #FabulousOver40 edition of Gen X Amplified, featuring my chat with Sunny Bonnell, who is the co-founder and CEO of Motto — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Sunny is also the co-author of the bestselling book RARE BREED: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different (HarperCollins), which has been hailed as one of the most unique business books of its time and used by global teams everywhere. During our conversation, Sunny and I discuss her professional journey, her insights on thriving in mid-career, and also unpack the gems and nuggets of her book RARE BREED. And as mentioned, Sunny also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Sunny Sunny is a leadership and brand expert, speaker, and the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of MOTTO — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Along with her fellow MOTTO co-founder Ashleigh Hansberger, Sunny is also the author of

For this episode of Gen X Amplified, we’re back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside chat edition, featuring Erik Moses, President at Nashville Superspeedway, which is the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR. Erik is is also one of the recognized leaders in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. As mentioned in his spotlight, when Erik was named president of Nashville Superspeedway in 2020, it marked a watershed moment for representation — as he became the first Black track president in NASCAR history.  During this episode, Erik and I discuss his professional story, his thoughts on thriving as a seasoned professional in mid-career, and his plans for making race week at Nashville Superspeedway a “must-attend” destination in the Southeast Region. About Erik Erik Moses is the President at Nashville Superspeedway, which is the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR. Also notable is Erik made history in 2020 when he became the first African-American NASCAR track president. Because of his successful lea

For this very special #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition of the podcast, I am having a conversation with the phenomenal and MACKnificent...Mack Mckelvey — who is the Founder and CEO of SalientMG, a strategic marketing firm focused on accelerating market position for growth stage tech companies... And also who I had the pleasure of featuring in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn! During this episode, Mack and I chat about her professional journey, her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the importance of community, and the power of your "name."   About Mack Mack McKelvey is the Founder and CEO of SalientMG, a strategic marketing firm focused on accelerating market position for growth stage tech companies, and also the executive presence and visibility for their respective leaders. SalientMG’s clients have included Rovio (Angry Birds), Etsy, Verizon, Starwood Hotels, UberMedia, Ogury, Caesars Entertainment, ExecOnline, Whitebox and Sparkfly. A true catalyst of positive disruption

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are excited to have another special Gen X Amplified LIVE conversation that's all about generations! That's because I am  joined by Marcie Merriman, who is the Americas Cultural Insights & Consumer Strategy Leader at EY (Ernest & Young). And will be discussing not only her professional journey as a Gen X leader, speaker, and strategist for one of the largest professional services in world, but also the impact of Gen Z in both today's workplace and in the future of work. Marcie Merriman is EY Americas Cultural Insights & Customer Strategy Leader. She is an internationally recognized leader in cultural anthropology and brand strategy, having her work frequently featured in news publications. For over 25 years she has been working with teams to anticipate disruption and propel growth through human-centric strategies. She leads practices focused on helping organizations understand the nuances of human behaviors and the organizational implications that can be addre

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are having another special conversation with speaker, author, champion for women, and the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Ebony & Jet Magazine, Michele T. Ghee. And we will be chatting about the power of nurturing strong relationships, and also how to be resilient during difficult and uncertain times. Such as the current coronavirus pandemic that all of us are going through right now. Michele T. Ghee is a strategic force inside and outside the bounds of corporate america, having managed more than a billion dollars in revenue for some of the world’s largest media companies including: CNN, A&E, The History Channel, The Weather Channel, and BET Networks/BET Her. Michele now currently serves as the new Chief Executive Officer of the legacy brands Ebony and Jet. Both are iconic and legacy brands founded by John H. Johnson, that celebrate the life of Black America. Michele is also the author of Stratechic: Life and Career Winning Strategies for Women, Strate

On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, we are featuring the video and audio from our premiere livestream event- Building Generational Bridges Through Crisis: A Candid Conversation about the Impact of COVID:19 on all generations, particularly Gen X. And for this special conversation, Adrion is joined by two friends and phenomenal thought leaders and Gen X Amplified former guests: Lindsey Pollak, multigenerational work expert, NYT bestselling author, speaker, and Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2020, and Tara Jaye Frank, speaker, consultant, Founder at MORE THAN: A Movement, and former Hallmark Cards, Inc. executive. Currently, we’re going through one of the most unprecedented and challenging experiences in our lifetime. The coronavirus, specifically COVID-19, has shaken all of us. from every age, and every generation – both personally and professionally. Especially for many of us that are in that “middle” such as Gen X, are sandwiched, and building bridges between the older and younger generations… both wh

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, Adrion Porter is joined by Jon Fortt, who is the co-anchor of Squawk Alley on CNBC, and the host of the Fort Knoxx podcast. And they discuss not only Jon's professional journey as a business journalist and anchor, but also his thoughts on the current COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impact on people of all ages. Adrion and Jon also spend time unpacking how Gen Xers are uniquely positioned to be very effective and powerful leaders that can build bridges across all generations - especially during challenging times such as these. Jon Fortt is co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” (M-F, 11AM-12PM ET) broadcast live from the New York Stock Exchange. Previously, he was an on-air editor based at CNBC’s global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Fortt joined CNBC as technology correspondent in July 2010, working from CNBC’s Silicon Valley bureau where he covered the companies, start-ups and trends that are driving innovation in the industry. He also contributes to CNBC.com. He

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a conversation with advertising veteran, digital expert, thought leader, and awesome Gen-Xer... the one and only Ian Schafer, who joins Adrion to discuss and unpack his latest venture, Kindred, and its inaugural event Kindred 2020, which will be held on September 14-17 in San Diego. Kindred, is an events-based startup that focuses on bringing together brands, nonprofits, and cultural leaders to accelerate sustainable, purpose-led business transformation.  Ian Schafer has been named a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age, one of Campaign Magazine's "40 over 40",  and the "Best CEO on Social Media" by the Shorty Awards. He has been at the forefront of media, content, advertising and marketing since 1997 - including being the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of the influential advertising agency Deep Focus - which had been the winner of numerous accolades including Cannes Lions, Webby, and Emmy Awards.   However, Ian recently mad a major career pivot ,and is now focused o

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, highly acclaimed journalist and author Ada Calhoun joins Adrion to discuss her latest book and New York Times best­seller Why We Can’t Sleep: Wom­en’s New Midlife Cri­sis – which is an expan­sion of her viral sto­ry for Oprah​.com and a ​“gen­er­a­tion-defin­ing explo­ration of the new midlife cri­sis fac­ing Gen X women.  In Why We Can’t Sleep, Calhoun opens up the cultural and political contexts of Gen X’s predicament and offers solutions for how to pull oneself out of the abyss—and keep the next generation of women from falling in. The result is reassuring, empowering, and essential reading for all middle-aged women, and anyone who hopes to understand them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ada Calhoun’s Website “Why We Can’t Sleep” on Amazon Ada’s original article “The New Midlife Crisis” on Oprah.com Ada at The Milken Institute Ada’s Personal Theme Song “Unsatisfied”, by The Replacements Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of speaking with Melissa (McGhie) Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena. Melissa joins me on the podcast to discuss her fascinating Gen X professional story – which includes beginning her career as a ball-girl for the Miami Heat, to her current role of leading the brand for the Atlanta Hawks. Also at the beginning of this special episode, Melissa and I briefly spend some time talking about the unfortunate and tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna – and what Kobe meant not only to us personally, but also to our generation. Listen! Melissa Proctor serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of both the Atlanta Hawks and the State Farm Arena (the home facility of the Atlanta Hawks) . In this role, Melissa oversees the day-to-day operations of the club’s marketing, Hawks Studios, live experience and production, brand merchandising, creative services, co