
Hosted by Josh Nelson · EN
Tide Talks is a career and personal growth podcast for young and ambitious professionals navigating the future of work, leadership, and life. Hosted by Josh Nelson, CEO of High Tide Consulting, each episode features honest, thought provoking conversations with founders, executives, and change-makers on topics like AI, resilience, community, mental health, and building a career that is both successful and fulfilling. Whether you are just starting out or leading at the highest level, Tide Talks is the conversation you need on your morning commute.

In this episode of Tide Talks, host Josh Nelson talks with Ryan Boyle, Chief Revenue Officer at High Tide Consulting, about his journey from volunteering with the Red Cross after the 1989 Bay Area earthquake, to working as an EMT and paramedic, to leading nonprofit programs in higher education, to eventually landing at Salesforce during the early days of its foundation, and how each step shaped the leader he is today.This Episode Covers:✅ Why non-traditional career paths often lead to the most purpose-driven work✅ The role mentorship played in Ryan's career at every stage✅ How to advocate for yourself without letting ego get in the way✅ Why nonprofits are uniquely positioned to benefit from AI✅ Advice for young people navigating uncertainty in their careersIf you've ever felt behind, stuck, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Tide Talks, Josh Nelson sits down with Frank Lombardo, Vice President of Information Technology and Digital Innovation at March of Dimes Canada, to explore the lessons that shape meaningful careers and fulfilling lives. Together, they discuss the importance of staying broad in your skillset, embracing failure, building strong communities, prioritizing mental health, and preparing for a future shaped by AI and innovation. Frank also shares his perspective on accessibility, inclusion, and why the nonprofit sector may become one of the most valuable and impactful industries of the future.In This Episode:00:00 Introduction & Icebreaker02:00 Meet Frank Lombardo04:00 Technology as an Equalizer08:00 The Jobs of the Future Don't Exist Yet12:00 Who You Surround Yourself With15:00 The Power of Creating Community21:00 Staying Broad in Your Career25:00 Embracing Failure and Chaos30:00 The Pillars of Life Framework34:00 Attitude, Self Talk, and Mental Health42:00 Why Young Professionals Should Consider the Nonprofit Sector51:00 AI, Innovation, and Nonprofits58:00 Accessibility and Disability in the Digital Age01:00:03 Closing and Call to ActionConnect with Frank LombardoLinkedIn: Frank LombardoLearn more about March of DimesFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksPodcastConnect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com

In this conversation, Adam Fishman shares his transformative journey from leading with fear to leading with love. He discusses the importance of mindset, self-talk, and vulnerability in creating space for personal growth. Adam urges us to consider concepts like microdosing vulnerability to practice building resilience and emotional intelligence. Adam explores the criticality of gratitude in shaping our perspective, and invites us all to look for the positive ripples in our lives. As the Co-Founder of Onora, a leadership development company, Adam offers valuable advice for navigating life's challenges and encourages listeners to embrace their journey of transformation. Prior to starting Onora, Adam was a Partner at HawkPartners, and an active member of the lacrosse community, which he still continues to be involved in. Content/Trigger Warnings: mental illness, suicide, explicit languageIn This Episode 00:00 The Journey of Transformation03:11 Mindset and Self-Talk05:45 Vulnerability as a Skill08:15 Microdosing Vulnerability11:05 Listening to Emotions13:23 Practicing Gratitude16:15 The Ripple Effect of Actions18:19 Building Resilience Through Challenges21:00 Finding Joy in the Present23:03 When Two Things Can Be True at Once29:10 The Transformation Journey31:41 Navigating the Goop: Supporting Others in TransformationConnect with Adam FishmanLinkedIn: Adam Fishman Learn more about Onora: Onora Global Follow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_

Have you been feeling lost about how to grow in the current job market? In this conversation, Jesse discusses the common feeling of overwhelm about the future of many of our jobs due to rapid changes in the workforce. As the founder of an AgenticAI company, Jesse brings a unique perspective to the integration of AI into our everyday lives and our work, offering perspectives on what it means for the future and how we can leverage these tools to avoid being left behind. Jesse Morris is an author, speaker, podcast host, and Co-Founder of RedbarHQ, a fast-growing AgenticAI company. Throughout his career, Jesse has driven monumental impact in revenue operations for leading SaaS companies. Jesse’s passion for building and scaling high performing teams inspired his venture starting Redbar HQ last year, which leverages the latest technology solutions to deliver measurable, scalable outcomes for organizations.In This Episode 00:00 The Future of AI: Opportunities and Predictions03:11 Work-Life Balance and Personal Well-being12:32 AI and Mental Health24:25 Future Predictions and Opportunities with AI31:51 Advice for Younger Generations48:25 OutroConnect with Jesse MorrisLinkedIn: Jesse Morris Follow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_

In this conversation, Jim Spain and Josh Nelson discuss the transformative phase of your early career, which begins in university. As the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Missouri, Jim advocates for setting students up with the tools they need to learn how to learn, to truly inspire their growth. This episode also dives into the intersections of AI and education, exploring the responsibility of educators to support students’ effective adoption. Jim Spain holds a Bachelor’s of Science from North Carolina State, as well as a Masters of Science and a Doctorate in Philosophy, Animal Science, both from Virginia Tech. His extensive educational background inspired Jim’s meaningful career in the education sector, and most prominently, his current role as Vice Provost for Undergraduate Studies at the University of Missouri. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Background02:45 Student Success and Advice04:24 Community and Relationships16:34 Education and Technology19:08 Influential Figures in Education22:09 Personal Reflections and Gratitude42:07 OutroLearn more about Jim SpainBiography: Jim SpainFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_

In this conversation, Josh and Chris explore the intersection of being a CEO and an active father. They share their personal journeys, the challenges of balancing work and family life, and the importance of partnership in parenting. This discussion delves into personal growth through fatherhood, and touches on heartfelt content including the significance of communication and therapy. Chris Federspiel is the CEO of Blackthorn, the #1 Salesforce Event Management app. His career started at a very young age, when he took up coding in middle school and high school. He went on to work in sales and marketing for a number of years before eventually founding Blackthorn in 2015. In This Episode 00:00 Journey of a CEO and Fatherhood04:14 Work-Life Harmony: Balancing Business and Family09:08 The Importance of Partnership in Parenting13:49 Personal Growth Through Fatherhood17:57 Navigating Parenthood and Professional Life22:30 Lessons Learned from Therapy and Patience26:18 Traveling with Kids: Tips and Experiences31:26 Looking Forward: Hopes and Aspirations for Parenting46:18 OutroConnect with Chris FederspielLinkedIn: Chris Federspiel Follow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_

In this conversation, Sara Milstein shares her insights on career journeys, the importance of slowing down, and the value of mentorship. She emphasizes honesty in communication and the power of kindness and community. Sara reflects on her experiences and offers advice for youth navigating their careers, highlighting the inevitability of challenges and the importance of learning from them.Sara Milstein is the Chief Marketing and Brand Experience Officer at the YMCA of Central Maryland. Sara is an expert in brand positioning and management, creative development, and marketing/communications oversight. Milstein began her career in public service, working with programs serving at-risk youth in Baltimore City. She later transitioned to work on the agency side of advertising, where she managed campaigns for clients in the health care, non-profit and retail sectors, before returning to the non-profit world to her current position at the Y. In This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Career Reflections03:03 The Importance of Slowing Down05:46 Building a Support Network08:21 Mentorship and Learning from Others11:23 The Value of Honesty in Communication14:17 The Power of Kindness and Community16:44 Navigating Career Challenges19:38 Final Thoughts and Advice for Youth27:54 Closing Thoughts28:17 OutroConnect with Sara MilsteinLinkedIn: Sara MilsteinFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.comInstagram: @hightideconsulting_

This conversation is centred on a holistic approach to navigating your life and career. Elsa Pereira shares her diverse career journey to becoming the Chief Operating Officer at Asphalt Green, and now, to running her own consulting practice in strategic leadership for complex capital projects. This episode explores insightful concepts such as networking, living abroad, trusting the universe, and investing in yourself through gratitude and mindfulness. Elsa’s insights are deeply valuable to anyone seeking professional growth and personal fulfillment. Elsa Pereira is a strategic executive with deep leadership experience in New York City’s non-profit space. She specializes in capital project strategy and delivery, owner’s representation, and project management. Elsa’s current work as the CEO and Founder of a consulting company is focused exclusively on capital projects strategy and management.In This Episode 00:00 Introduction and Early Life 06:19 Driving Forces In Your Career Journey11:17 What Do You Wish You Could Tell Your Younger Self? 14:51 Finding Inspiration in Those Around You24:44 Shifting Your Mindset and Investing in Yourself 37:19 Continuous Learning and Growth40:07 Closing Thoughts Connect with Elsa PereiraLinkedIn: Elsa PereiraFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_

In this conversation, Jenna shares her non-linear career journey, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, networking, and continuous education. She reflects on her past experiences, the value of taking ownership of failures, and the significance of having a voice in the workplace. Jenna discusses the balance between hobbies and career, the power of networking with intention, and how to navigate job loss while maintaining mental health. She also highlights the importance of building a folder of praise and wins to boost confidence and motivation.Jenna Trunzo is an experienced leader in project management, Salesforce portfolio management, and presales management. Jenna’s current role as IP Portfolio & Vertical Lead Manager at CDW builds on her experience growing the company’s Salesforce practice, promoting Salesforce capabilities both internally and externally. Connect with Jenna TrunzoLinkedIn: Jenna TrunzoFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_ In This Episode 00:00 Grounding in Purpose01:00 Jenna's Non-Linear Career Journey06:08 Reflecting on Past Experiences09:59 The Importance of Authenticity in Customer Interactions14:53 Taking Ownership and Learning from Failures19:24 Building a Folder of Praise and Wins22:07 The Value of Having a Voice26:10 Networking with Intent29:51 Embracing Your Unique Strengths33:59 Continuous Education and Growth39:04 The Power of Networking and Human Connection46:29 Navigating Job Loss and Mental Health51:48 The Balance Between Hobbies and Career56:58 Inspirations Along the Journey

In this engaging episode, we explore Deanna Foukal’s journey transitioning from a small-town upbringing to a successful consulting career, emphasizing the importance of mentorship, self-discovery, and the role of psychology in personal and professional growth. She discusses the significance of relationships in the workplace, the concept of intelligent failure, and the complexities of organizational psychology, providing valuable insights for listeners seeking to navigate their own career paths.Deanna Germaine Foukal is a transformational leader in organizational psychology and change management. The majority of her career was spent in consulting and project management, yet she has since transitioned into her role as an Enterprise Transformation Lead, where she leverages her passion for communication to help people and organizations thrive. In This Episode 00:00 Journey to Consulting: A Personal Story03:44 The Shift to Psychology and Self-Discovery06:27 Finding Mentorship: Building Relationships08:57 Lessons from Failure: Embracing Intelligent Failure11:40 Advice to My Younger Self: Navigating Career Paths14:22 The Importance of Perspective in Career Growth16:42 Balancing Reality and Aspirations: A Grounded Approach22:38 The Importance of Understanding Business Context27:37 Building Meaningful Relationships in the Workplace31:05 Recognizing Inspirational Figures in Your Career35:41 The Role of Organizational Psychology in Business43:23 Navigating Change in Organizations44:13 ClosingConnect with Deanna Germaine FoukalLinkedIn: Deanna Germaine FoukalFollow Tide TalksSpotify: Tide Talks Apple Podcasts: Tide Talks Youtube: @TideTalksByHighTideConsulting Connect with High TideLinkedIn: High Tide Co Website: hightideco.com Instagram: @hightideconsulting_