Podcast
FutureProof You
Hosted by Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, John Lovig · EN
FutureProof You is a team comprised of: Career Pivot Expert Dan Yu, Recruiting Master John Lovig, and AI Consultant Aaron Makelky. Listeners will hear discussions of job trends, career advice, and actionable tips for making sure their careers are future proof!
27episodes
Episodes
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EP 19 Career Pivots with Terri Dien
Sep 100:55:20Tap to summarizeTerri Dien went from White House Press Office to campaign wins to culinary school at 30-something, then stacked skills across restaurants, teaching, corporate dining, four cookbooks, and now voiceover. We cover: how to test and iterate, translate strengths into new lanes, use networks instead of blind applying, design better learning with simple takeaways, and why failing in public is often the fastest teacher. Speed round at the end (Zuni roast chicken fans, unite).00:00 Intro02:00 White House → campaigns07:00 Burnout + food as signal13:00 Culinary school pivot20:30 Imposter syndrome → street cred23:00 How she designs classes that stick26:30 Risk and safety nets28:00 Networking > applying31:00 Mentors + “permission to fail”33:30 Advice if you feel stuck36:00 Voiceover 3- and 5-year plan41:00 Cookbooks44:00 Bon Appétit opportunity48:00 400 kids/day, food safety51:30 Speed roundCheck out futureproof-you.com for free resources to help you take control of your career today! We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →The Seasons of Hiring
Aug 2400:31:25Tap to summarizeFutureProof You Podcast — EP 18: “Seasons of Hiring”One‑linerWhen should a job seeker push hard versus play the long game? Aaron Makelky, John Lovig, and Dan Yu map the hiring year—late summer slowdown, Q4 surge, bonus-season churn, and spring steadiness—and give a practical playbook for each.TL;DR TakeawaysLate summer is slower (vacations, back‑to‑school), so expect longer response times—use the window to upgrade the profile, post consistently, and pre-seed networking for September.Signals that the market’s waking up: more job postings, noticeable LinkedIn activity, and companies hiring recruiters (hiring follows recruiters).Q4 moves fast: “use‑it‑or‑lose‑it” budgets, pockets of holiday slowdowns—win with “politeful pestering,” clear availability, and transparent timing across parallel processes.Year‑end to Q1: bonus visibility and payouts trigger candidate movement; January is quiet, then momentum builds—by March through May, hiring is steady and planned.Always be networking and creating social proof (content, recommendations); the work done today often pays off quarters later.Chapter Guide00:00 — Welcome + why “seasons of hiring” matter01:07 — Late summer slowdown: vacations, back‑to‑school, two‑week decision drag02:30 — What to do now: still apply to active roles, and always apply on the company site (ATS searchable)04:05 — Signs of the turn: more postings, more LinkedIn activity, recruiter job counts as a health gauge05:24 — Q4 dynamic: budgets, “use it or lose it,” and holiday slowdowns to plan around07:08 — Content still works in “dead zones” (algorithms serve later); prep for the fall push08:30 — Natural holiday networking + plotting the rest of the year09:16 — Client win: from placeholder profile to offer in ~60 days through optimization + posting12:00 — Social proof: help your network (and yourself) with better profiles and recommendations17:20 — October tactics: “time kills all deals,” sequence outreach to newly hired recruiters19:19 — “Politeful pestering,” follow‑ups, and being mindful of varied holiday calendars20:32 — Share real timing across processes to create urgency (without games)22:00 — “Sell to the no”: fast no beats a slow maybe23:03 — Bonus season timing: when movement spikes and how to plan24:33 — Q1/Q2 cadence: January quiet → March–May steady, with quarterly headcount plans27:03 — The long game: groundwork in Q3 pays off in Q4/Q1/Q228:00 — Parting mindset: network when you have a job as if you don’tThe Seasonal PlaybookLate Summer (now → early September)Expect slower scheduling; keep applying where signals are active (recent views, engaged recruiters).Always apply on the corporate site in addition to Easy Apply to get searchable in the ATS.Post consistently—algorithms will surface good content when the audience returns.Pre‑seed September: identify target teams, warm up intros, and reconnect with recruiters.Fall/Q4 (late September → mid‑December)Budgets drive urgency; hiring velocity increases.Sequence outreach to newly hired recruiters: congrats note → light check‑in week 2/3 → request informational.“Politeful pestering”: short, specific follow‑ups with ready‑to‑book availability to reduce friction.Be transparent about timelines if in mid‑rounds elsewhere; it gives partners permission to accelerate.Plan around holiday gaps (e.g., Thanksgiving week and other cultural/faith calendars).Year‑End/Bonus Season (late Dec → Q1)Understand bonus timing in the target industry; movement often starts at visibility, spikes post‑payout.If moving, get pipelines warmed ahead of payout so interviews land just‑in‑time.Q1/Q2 (Jan → May)January is quiet but directional; executive and strategic hires form early.By March–May, hiring is steady and planned across quarterly headcount—network before roles post.Social Proof & Profile MovesUpgrade from “placeholder” to discoverable: banner, headline, outcomes in experience, relevant skills, and consistent posting.Give and request recommendations to create undeniable social proof.“Conference commando” strategy: follow speakers, send thoughtful pre‑event DMs, and be top‑of‑mind offline.Power Lines to Steal“Time kills all deals.”“Politeful pestering.”“Sell to the no.”“Use‑it‑or‑lose‑it budgets.”“The algorithm will serve good content when the audience returns.”HostsAaron Makelky - John Lovig - Dan YuCall to ActionWant help tuning up a LinkedIn profile, building a simple content engine, or navigating interviews the way recruiters actually work? Find FutureProof You on LinkedIn and grab our 5‑step profile spring‑clean checklist.For coaching, workshops, and courses on career pivots and AI‑powered job search, connect with the FutureProof You team on our website: https://futureproof-you.com We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Developing an AI First Mindset
Jul 1, 202500:20:11Tap to summarizeAdapting to the AI-First Era: Trends, Tools, and StrategiesCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free guide: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn ProfileIn this episode of Future Proof You podcast, hosted by Dan Yu, John Lovig, and Aaron Makelky, the focus is on the growing impact of AI in the business world. The hosts discuss the transition from AI experimentation to an 'AI-first' strategy, emphasizing the importance of integrating AI deeply into business processes. They share insights on the evolving job market, particularly the demand for AI fluency and emotional intelligence. Specific examples from marketing and job roles highlight the rapid adoption of AI. The hosts also talk about their favorite AI tools and upcoming workshops designed to help individuals and companies embrace an AI-first mindset.00:00 Introduction to the Future Proof Use Podcast00:43 Understanding the AI Transition02:14 Real-World Examples of AI Integration05:13 The Importance of AI Fluency in Hiring10:31 Tools and Trends in AI16:55 Final Thoughts and ResourcesDon't forget to check out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free download: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →6 Job Search Myths
May 30, 202500:28:12Tap to summarizeDebunking Job Search Myths: Insights from RecruitersCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn ProfileIn this episode of the Future Proof You podcast, hosts Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, and John Lovig demystify common myths in the job search process. They address six myths: AI in applicant tracking systems causing quick rejections, the effectiveness of the Easy Apply button on LinkedIn, the importance of quantity over quality in applications, identifying ghost jobs, ageism affecting job opportunities, and the value of proactive networking. The hosts share insights from their recruiting experience and offer practical advice on how to navigate the job market effectively.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:13 Myth 1: AI in Applicant Tracking Systems04:27 Myth 2: The Easy Apply Button on LinkedIn07:07 Myth 3: Quantity Over Quality in Applications10:47 Myth 4: Identifying Ghost Jobs14:45 Myth 5: Ageism in the Job Market19:16 Myth 6: The Importance of Networking25:21 Conclusion and ResourcesCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Jobs of the Future
May 21, 202500:29:39Tap to summarizeExploring Emerging Jobs and AI's Role in the Future WorkforceCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn ProfileIn this episode of the Future-Proof You podcast, hosts Dan Yu, Aaron Makelky, and John Lovig discuss the emergence of new job titles, such as Chief Automation Officer, and their implications in today's job market. They explore how AI advancements are creating roles like Generative AI Associates, the ethical concerns surrounding AI-generated content, and its potential to replace entry-level jobs. The conversation highlights the importance of personal branding, creating content on LinkedIn, and leveraging AI to enhance job security. The episode concludes with practical advice on navigating career changes and utilizing AI tools effectively. Upcoming events and resources offered by Future-Proof You are also featured.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:20 Emerging Job Titles in AI01:13 Automation and Business Operations02:31 Generative AI Roles04:28 Ethics and Implications of AI06:26 AI in the Medical Field07:17 Vibe Coding and Marketing09:00 AI Content Creation and IP Issues19:37 Personal Branding and Networking27:19 Conclusion and Community InvitationCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Job Market Trends May of 2025
May 7, 202500:25:33Tap to summarizeNavigating Economic Uncertainty and AI's Impact on Job MarketCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn ProfileIn this episode of the Future-Proof You podcast, hosts discuss the current state of the economy and its implications for job seekers and companies. They delve into recent news, including the shrinking GDP, decreased consumer spending, and the impact on major corporations like Amazon and UPS. The conversation shifts to the role of AI in hiring and its potential to replace certain jobs, emphasizing the importance of human relationships and networking. They also highlight the AI-first mentality in companies and how it affects recruitment and job search strategies. The episode concludes with practical advice for job seekers, the importance of diversifying skills, and upcoming classes and community events offered by Future-Proof You.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:19 Economic News and GDP Discussion01:54 Consumer Spending and Corporate Reactions03:22 Impact on Job Market and Hiring Trends05:39 AI's Role in the Workforce12:59 Future of Recruiting and Candidate Experience20:39 Practical Advice for Job Seekers21:04 Upcoming Events and Final ThoughtsCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Teacher Career Pivots
Apr 28, 202500:34:57Tap to summarizeCareer Pivots for Teachers: Strategies for a Successful TransitionCheck out https://futureproof-you.com/store for upcoming classes like our Career Pivots for TeachersIn this episode of the Future-Proof You podcast, hosts John Lovig and Aaron Makelky discuss career pivots for educators, focusing on practical steps teachers can take to transition out of traditional classroom roles. April is designated as career pivot month for the podcast, and Aaron leverages his own experience and expertise to highlight the growing desire among teachers to explore new career avenues. The discussion covers a range of important topics, including the importance of recognizing transferable skills, the specific challenges teachers face in job searching, and the seasonal nature of teaching job applications. Aaron emphasizes the significance of doing a comprehensive skills inventory, identifying and eliminating time wasters, and actively sharing progress and achievements on platforms like LinkedIn. The hosts also address the psychological aspects of career transitions, offering insights into overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of leaving a stable but unfulfilling job. The episode aims to provide actionable advice and support for teachers considering a career change, and encourages them to explore resources provided by Future-Proof You, such as live classes and downloadable content.00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:14 Understanding Career Pivots for Teachers00:40 Challenges Teachers Face in Career Transitions02:16 Transferable Skills and Competencies04:21 Application Process and Job Search Strategies06:13 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Pivots11:33 Steps to Building a Bridge Out of Teaching19:24 Sharing Your Journey and Networking24:28 Balancing Pain and Uncertainty in Career Changes29:54 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsCheck out https://futureproof-you.com/store for upcoming classes We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Artificial Intelligence Rate of Change
Apr 10, 202500:12:42Tap to summarizeAI tools like Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT are improving at a breakneck pace, sometimes feeling like they get better week by week, or even day by day. What does this rapid rate of change mean for your career, especially if you're job hunting, considering a pivot, or were recently laid off?Join Aaron Makelky, Dan Yu, and John Lovig as they tackle this head-on. They discuss the startling acceleration of AI capabilities, moving from "eager intern" needing supervision to powerful assistants requiring minimal checks [00:01:50]. Learn the real implications for jobs traditionally focused on "handling things" (admins, VAs, paralegals) and why re-skilling with AI tools isn't just advice, it's essential [00:02:30].The team dives into practical strategies: understand the "data moat" – why sticking with one AI tool can be smarter than chasing the newest model due to your built-in context and history [00:03:15]. Explore the alternative multi-tool approach and the power of integrating AI with your existing workflows, like connecting Google Drive to Perplexity [00:04:00].Plus, get insights into the future of AI hardware integration [00:06:15] and a crucial breakdown of free vs. paid AI – what you're really paying for often isn't just features, but vital data privacy and control [00:07:40]. Get actionable advice to navigate the AI landscape and take control of your career today!Key Topics Discussed:[00:00:45] The accelerating pace of AI improvements (Claude, Gemini examples).[00:01:50] AI evolving from "eager intern" to highly capable assistant needing less oversight.[00:02:30] Real-world implications for administrative, VA, paralegal roles.[00:02:50] Why it's not AI replacing you, but people using AI. The urgent need to re-skill.[00:03:15] Understanding the "Data Moat": The value of your history and context in a single AI tool (like ChatGPT).[00:04:00] Integrating AI with existing workflows (e.g., Perplexity + Google Drive).[00:04:25] The potential for team collaboration with shared AI context.[00:05:00] Balancing the "Data Moat" vs. using multiple AI tools for specific tasks.[00:06:15] The future of AI: Hardware integration (Apple example) and embedded context.[00:06:50] Trust, data privacy, and the "Big Brother" concerns with ubiquitous AI.[00:07:40] Free vs. Paid AI Tiers: What you gain (data control, opting out of model training, deletion policies).[00:08:30] Comparing AI data privacy policies (e.g., Google vs. Perplexity Enterprise Pro).[00:10:15] The value of understanding these nuances for everyday users.Take Control of Your Career Today:The AI landscape is shifting fast, but you can stay ahead. Ready to harness these tools and future-proof your career?Visit www.futureproof-you.com today! Find essential resources, recordings, and sign up for upcoming live classes designed for:Career Pivoters (including late-stage/second careers)First-Time Job Seekers (new grads)Teachers exploring new industriesAnyone impacted by layoffsDon't just react to change – lead it. Check out our free guide to setting up your LinkedIn Profile and follow FutureProof You on LinkedIn to start taking control of your career today! We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Uncertainty in the Job Market
Apr 1, 202500:24:56Tap to summarizeCheck out the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn ProfileNavigating the Uncertain Job Market and the Dano MethodIn this episode of The Future Proof You podcast, hosts Aaron Makelky, John Lovig, and Dan Yu discuss the challenges and uncertainties in the current labor market. They introduce the VUCA acronym—volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous—to describe the job landscape. Dan Yu shares insights as a career pivot coach on how job seekers should navigate these challenges using the Dano Method: Discover, Apply skills, Network, and Overcome fear. John Lovig provides perspectives from the hiring side, noting changes and challenges companies face. They stress the importance of being self-aware, networking, and continuously diversifying skills. Also, they highlight the significance of having a mentor and conducting a 360-degree assessment to truly understand one's capabilities. Listeners are encouraged to visit futureproofu.com for more resources and upcoming classes.00:00 Introduction and Hosts00:27 Understanding VUCA in the Labor Market01:22 Coaching Through Uncertainty03:01 Recruitment Challenges and Trends06:12 The DANO Method Explained07:52 Adapting to Career Changes11:13 The Importance of Mentorship and Networking13:16 Skills Assessment and Career Pivoting21:15 Embracing Failure and Continuous Learning22:58 Conclusion and Resources Go to the Futureproof-You website for more resources, courses, and grab our free resource: 5 Tips to Improve Your LinkedIn Profile We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →Content Creation 101
Mar 27, 202500:23:50Tap to summarizeIn March 2025, Futureproof-You.com is teaching the AI Master Class series. If you missed the live classes, you can check out the website to access recordings and see which live classes are coming up next.In this episode of the Future Proof Yourself podcast, hosts Dan, John Lo, and Aaron Makelky discuss the essentials of content creation. They share their personal experiences, discuss common challenges, and debunk myths around posting frequency and algorithm engagement. They also promote their upcoming course 'Content Creation 101', which aims to help listeners build their personal brands effectively by implementing structured systems and strategies. Tune in to learn valuable tips on posting schedules, leveraging analytics, and repurposing content across various platforms.00:00 Introduction and Episode Restart00:51 Content Creation Basics01:51 Posting Frequency and Algorithm Insights03:21 Building Your Personal Brand04:01 Engagement and Feedback05:12 Content Creation Strategies08:02 Scheduling and Analytics11:18 Repurposing Content18:38 Types of Content Creators22:03 Course Information and ConclusionCheck out our website https://futureproof-you.com for more resources to help with your career pivot, job search, or AI skills. We’re thrilled to be sponsored by IXL. IXL’s comprehensive teaching and learning platform for math, language arts, science, and social studies is accelerating achievement in 95 of the top 100 U.S. school districts. Loved by teachers and backed by independent research from Johns Hopkins University, IXL can help you do the following and more:Simplify and streamline technologySave teachers’ timeReliably meet Tier 1 standardsImprove student performance on state assessments🚀 Ready to see why leading districts trust IXL for their educational needs? Visit IXL.com/BE today to learn more about how IXL can elevate your school or district.
Transcribe →