Thought Leaders
Crafting Legacies: Washington J. Calvache Durand on the Responsibility of Brand Storytelling
In an era saturated with information, where attention spans dwindle and authenticity is paramount, the ability to tell a compelling and true brand story has become the cornerstone of business success. At the forefront of this critical evolution stands Washington J. Calvache Durand, founder of Built by Washington and a distinguished Business Media Specialist, Producer, and Strategist whose 15 years of experience have positioned him as a leading voice in purpose-driven communication. His work, spanning content production, business development, and strategic messaging, is dedicated to helping entrepreneurs and communities forge impactful media that not only educates but truly inspires.
By Lisa Rosenberg6 months ago in Interview
How Igor Finkelshtein Built a Legacy by Solving Everyday Problems
When people talk about legacy, they often think in terms of global scale, billion-dollar exits, or breakthrough technologies. But my experience has shown me something different: legacy is built quietly, through the consistent solving of everyday problems.
By Igor Finkelshtein7 months ago in Interview
Unscripted SEO Interview With Former CNN Anchor & Journalist Katie Wagner
Jeremy Rivera: Hello, I'm Jeremy Rivera, your Unscripted SEO podcast host. I'm here with Katie Wagner, who's going to introduce herself, her company, and what makes her an expert in her field.
By Jeremy Rivera7 months ago in Interview
Can Yağız Talks Upcoming Art Show, Inspiration and Art Career
Conceptual artist Can Yağız is set to present his artworks at the upcoming group exhibition, “Conceptual Romance,” opening at the Ely Center of Contemporary Art (ECOCA) on September 14, 2025. The exhibition, curated by Jared Quinton, Emily Hall Tremaine Associate Curator of Contemporary Art at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, marks ECOCA's 10-year anniversary and will feature 23 select artists, including Yağız.
By Lisa Rosenberg7 months ago in Interview
Ivan Bosnjak on building Beconcept: Strategy, Discipline, and the Era of Measurable Growth
At 33, Ivan Bosnjak has already carved out a reputation as one of Italy’s most disciplined digital strategists. As co-founder and CEO of Beconcept, he has grown a boutique agency into one of Italy’s fastest-expanding players, reporting just over €1.04 million in 2024 revenue, a ~29% CAGR since 2020, and a roster of clients spanning Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East. In this interview, Bosnjak shares his philosophy, his process, and his vision for what comes next.
By Oliver Jones Jr.7 months ago in Interview
Rico Handjaja Unlocking the Subconscious: An Exclusive Interview
As stress, anxiety, and burnout quietly define modern life, a new wave of transformation is beginning to rise. At the heart of this movement stands Rico Handjaja, a life coach and certified hypnotherapist who combines science, mindfulness, and leadership to transform lives. His work bridges the subconscious with conscious action, empowering people to not only overcome inner barriers but also to thrive in their careers, relationships, and daily lives.
By Sujan Pariyar7 months ago in Interview
R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt, Episode 18
R.E.A.L. Talk Self returned to the MNN Studios on April 13, 2018, for another stimulating discussion that delved into issues of spirituality, unity, and human advancement. In Episode 18, Silvia Gina Hunt welcomed Dr. Min Va'Mon Prince, the pastor of the AUM Institute, for a profound conversation about philosophy, faith, and how common values can strengthen communities. The conversation that followed was more than just an interview; it was a sincere investigation of how belief systems can cross conventional lines and aid in the discovery of human common ground.
By B.E.A.T Productions7 months ago in Interview
B.E.A.T. Productions Presents: R.E.A.L. Talk Self with Silvia Gina Hunt – Episode 17 “Flashback Friday
Silvia Gina Hunt hosts Episode 17 of R.E.A.L. Talk Self, which carries on B.E.A.T. Productions' goal of producing programming that is both culturally relevant and thought-provoking. Viewers are transported back in time to a memorable summer conversation between Hunt and her special guest and close friend, RonAmber Deloney, in this episode of "Flashback Friday." Deloney's distinct viewpoint as a poet and up-and-coming DJ weaves together a rich conversation about creativity, culture, music, race, and resiliency.
By B.E.A.T Productions7 months ago in Interview
Mastering the Art of Interviews: Strategies to Impress and Succeed
Whether it’s for your dream job, a university admission, a scholarship, or even a podcast guest spot, interviews are your chance to make a lasting impression. The way you prepare, carry yourself, and respond to questions can be the deciding factor between success and rejection.
By Mahveen khan7 months ago in Interview
Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska
Trump and Putin Meet in Alaska: A Cold Setting for a Hot Conflict Anchorage, Alaska August 15, 2025 Today, all eyes were on Alaska as former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin sat down for one of the most anticipated meetings in years. The two leaders met at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, a location loaded with both symbolism and strategy.
By James William7 months ago in Interview
Mastering the Modern Interview
When Jordan Patel graduated with a degree in Marketing in 2020, he expected to walk into a job within a few months. Armed with a solid GPA, a few internships, and polished communication skills, he thought he was more than prepared for any interview that came his way. But the world had changed. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated a shift in hiring practices. Zoom replaced conference rooms. Video assessments and AI screeners filtered applicants before human eyes ever reviewed resumes. Job requirements seemed to evolve faster than Jordan could tailor his cover letters. He applied for over 50 roles in his first three months after graduation. While he landed a few initial screenings, the rejections piled up. “We’ve decided to move forward with other candidates.” The phrase became so familiar it almost felt personal. Frustrated and uncertain, Jordan knew he needed a new approach. That’s when he stumbled upon a virtual workshop titled Mastering the Modern Interview: Insights and Strategies to Succeed in Today’s Evolving Job Market. Skeptical but desperate, he signed up. The workshop, led by career strategist Lena Xu, didn’t start with resume advice or generic tips about “dressing professionally.” Instead, she asked a simple but powerful question: “What story does your interview tell?” Jordan was puzzled. His story was that he went to a good school, interned at two mid-sized firms, and was eager to work. Wasn’t that enough? Lena explained that in the modern job market, where algorithms sort resumes and cultural fit often weighs as heavily as experience, candidates must be both storytellers and strategists. “In every interview,” she said, “you’re not just answering questions—you’re shaping perception. You’re demonstrating how you think, how you solve problems, and how you’ll fit into a team that may never work together in the same room.” Jordan took notes furiously. Here’s what he learned—and eventually used to turn his job search around. --- 1. Understand the New Hiring Funnel Modern hiring isn't linear. Many companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes, followed by automated video interviews, skills assessments, and final-stage panels over video conferencing platforms. Jordan realized he wasn’t tailoring his resume to beat the ATS. After learning how to incorporate keywords from job descriptions, his response rate doubled. --- 2. Practice Behavioral Storytelling Rather than memorizing answers, Jordan started crafting concise stories using the STAR method—Situation, Task, Action, Result. For example, instead of saying, “I led a social media campaign,” he told a story about launching a campaign that increased engagement by 42% in six weeks, including how he collaborated with designers remotely during a lockdown. Lena emphasized: “Data plus emotion equals impact. Make your answers memorable.” --- 3. Show Remote Readiness Jordan also hadn’t realized the importance of demonstrating remote work skills—self-management, digital collaboration, and communication clarity. He began mentioning how he organized virtual brainstorming sessions and used project management tools like Asana and Slack during internships. --- 4. Engage Like a Consultant, Not a Job Seeker One breakthrough insight was treating interviews more like consultations than interrogations. Instead of just answering questions, Jordan started asking sharp, specific ones about company challenges. For a fintech marketing role, he asked, “What’s been the biggest hurdle in reaching Gen Z users, and how does the team plan to address it?” This positioned him not as a passive applicant, but as a curious, strategic thinker. --- 5. Embrace Digital Body Language Eye contact on Zoom means looking at the camera, not the screen. Jordan practiced keeping his posture open, avoiding fidgeting, and nodding attentively when others spoke. These subtle cues helped him build rapport—even over video. --- Over the next few weeks, Jordan revamped his entire approach. He landed interviews at three competitive startups. Each time, he entered with clear stories, practiced delivery, and thoughtful questions. Finally, he received an offer from a growing health-tech company—a role that didn’t just align with his skills, but with his long-term career goals. During his final panel interview, one of the directors said, “You really came across as someone who understands our mission and would hit the ground running.” --- The New Rules of Interviewing Jordan’s journey reflects a broader truth about today’s job market: the interview isn’t just a gatekeeping ritual—it’s a storytelling stage. Candidates must blend emotional intelligence, digital fluency, and strategic thinking to stand out. As Lena often said, “The resume gets you into the room. The story gets you the job.” Mastering the modern interview is about more than confidence—it’s about clarity, preparation, and understanding how the game has changed. Jordan’s story is just one example. But in an era where the landscape keeps shifting, the real skill isn’t just answering questions—it’s knowing which ones to ask, and how to tell your story in a way that truly resonates.
By Muhammad Saad 7 months ago in Interview
