The Beers & Careers Podcast

Retired engineer Don Adams, who shares his nearly 20-year journey at Bose, along with earlier stints at Raytheon, Data Translation, and in the printed circuit board industry. Over a nitro stout, Don reflects on manufacturing's dramatic evolution, from simple single-sided circuit boards to complex miniaturized systems. He discusses AI and automation's growing role while emphasizing that human expertise remains essential. Don also of...

Amanda Finnerty shares her unconventional journey from humble beginnings and early kitchen jobs to leading technology at a construction company. Recorded on a cold New England morning, Amanda discusses her strong work ethic, adaptability, and the impact of mentorship. She reflects on career pivots, the value of learning from setbacks, and how embracing challenges—like the COVID-19 pandemic—can drive growth. Amanda offers practical ...

Chris Masters shares his journey from growing up in Lexington, MA, to playing college hockey at Boston College, and later growing Junior Bruins Hockey and founding several showcase tournament series for boys and girls. He discusses the inspiration and challenges behind launching Masters Academy International, a new private school in Greater Boston dedicated to developing student-athletes through rigorous academics and elite sports ...

Boston native Chris Mader shares his journey starting with his Dad coaching him as a youngster to a 4-year career in professional baseball; then transitioning into sales, staffing, and executive coaching. Chris discusses lessons learned from sports, leadership, and personal growth, emphasizing adaptability and self-awareness. He reflects on pivotal career moments, the challenges of entrepreneurship, and the importance of focusing o...

JR Butler, CEO of The Shift Group. J.R. opens about his own journey, moving from a career in tech to starting an organization dedicated to helping athletes and military veterans find their place in the corporate world. He talks honestly about the ups and downs of changing careers, highlighting the importance of resilience, being open to learning, and having a growth mindset. J.R. also shares why it’s so important to match your pers...

Bob Boudreau, former CEO of Winter Wyman and a leader in the staffing world, shares his inspiring career journey and his new childcare venture with his daughter. In this conversation, Bob talks about lessons he’s learned like staying curious, being adaptable, and building trust. He discusses working with family, why play is vital for kids, and how values like integrity and transparency shape his leadership. Packed with wisdom and r...

Amal shares her transformative 15-year journey in medical device sales and her transition to becoming a leadership coach 8 years ago. She opens about the emotional challenges she faced along the way, including a battle with anxiety and a life-altering moment when she blacked out while driving on route 93. Highlighting the importance of emotional well-being in leadership, Amal explores the critical distinction ...

Host Mark and his long-time friend Dave Nelson discuss the significance of non-linear career paths and personal experiences in discovering one's passion. Mark reflects on their shared high school experiences and how they shaped their lives. Dave shares his journey from construction to tech sales and eventually into philanthropy. They emphasize the importance of adaptability, resilience, and align...

We reconnect with Lauren Jones, owner of Leap Advisory Partners, to discuss her career journey and the lessons learned from a challenging merger in 2024. Lauren shares the emotional impact of the failed merger, emphasizing the importance of relationships, clear expectations, and staying true to oneself. She reflects on the value of support networks, the necessity of clear communication, and the power of authenticity in professional...

Mark engages in a lively discussion with Biplab, a seasoned entrepreneur in staffing and technology consulting. Biplab shares his journey from emigrating to America to starting multiple businesses, including his early days working from a friend's basement. The conversation covers his morning routine and the importance of staying informed. He also reflects on the value of diverse perspectives, the evolving landscape of education, an...

Mark engages with Amanda Ross, Managing Director at Bank of America, who shares her non-linear career journey and transition into teaching. Amanda discusses her early career path in sales and people leadership and how she leveraged those skills to build a teaching portfolio focused on change management, organizational behavior and the art of communication.  She highlights generational differences in the workplace, emphasizing the e...

Mark Manuel shares his extensive experience in sales and marketing within the manufacturing industry. He discusses his early jobs, the significance of networking, and the evolution of marketing strategies. Mark emphasizes the importance of understanding customer behavior and leveraging data for successful marketing. The episode offers valuable insights into adapting to market changes and the critical role of relationships in busine...

Rachel Stevenson, a teacher with a knack for athletics, shares her journey into education and her experiences in teaching and coaching. She offers her insights on parenting as an educator. Rachel talks about her teaching philosophy, highlighting the importance of forming connections with students. The conversation also touches on her personal interests, like her favorite drinks and her dedication to fitness. Rachel reflects on how ...

Nisarg Shah recounts his journey from India to the U.S. in 2006 for his master’s degree. He discusses the influence of education and family values on his career, his experiences in the tech industry, and the importance of a positive inner circle. He shares his interest in staying abreast with AI technologies and discusses how AI can improve human lives. He also talks about the importance of focusing inward and on well-being after f...

Lauren Jones discusses her career shift from the staffing industry to entrepreneurship, her passion for technology, and her role in a collaborative book project. She reflects on the challenges of starting a business, the importance of human connections in job recruitment, and the influence of technology on the industry. LJ shares her personal growth, including her involvement in wildlife rehab and the importa...

Jamas LaFreniere discusses his career trajectory from EMC to Dell, highlighting the cultural and operational changes post-acquisition. He reflects on the personal significance of working at EMC and being part of the largest tech merger of all time. Jamas also delves into the challenges of account management and the impact of COVID-19 on sales dynamics, noting the shift to virtual meetings and the loss of in-person interactions. Dur...

Tye Jordan, Regional Director at Cinch I.T., shares his varied career path and how he balances being a business owner and father. He admires Plato's philosophy and reminisces about his first job as a paperboy. Tye discusses his journey from selling Magic: The Gathering Cards to vacuum cleaners before unintentionally becoming the go-to IT guy, leading to his current position. He highlights the value of hard work in hiring, community...

Melynda Gallagher, co-owner of Lost Shoe Brewing and Roasting Company, recounts her transition from corporate accounting to entrepreneurship. She discusses the challenges of starting the business, the balance between coffee and beer offerings, and the creation of a community-focused space. The conversation touches on the operational aspects of the brewery and roasting company, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and future plans f...

Luiz DaCosta shares his journey from Brazil to the US, detailing his transition from early work in healthcare to launching a successful cleaning business amidst economic adversity. He emphasizes the importance of valuing employees, building customer relationships, and the role of family in business. Luiz also discusses the challenges of labor shortages and his commitment to community impact. The conversation concludes with Luiz exp...