WTF Is Up?

Two entrepreneurs, former tech execs, and bestselling authors here help you understand...WTF is going on. So you can be a smarter friend, colleague, and partner. Each episode, we give you the quick hits on an important but slightly-under-the-radar topic. And not just tell you WTF is going on, but tell you WTF you can actually DO about it. Unlike most every other podcast.News + views you can use!Email us: WTFIsUpShow@gmail.com.

WTF Is Up? is a business podcast hosted by Omar Garriott + Jeremy Schifeling, with 18 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Omar Garriott + Jeremy Schifeling hosts WTF Is Up?, a business show with 18 episodes published.

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  Episode #7

  Entrepreneurship's Moment?

  Jul 12, 202623 minS2

  Discussing the future of work (spoiler: it’s DIY!) and the future of college with our former LinkedIn colleague, startup evangelist, and friend of the pod John Hill. Summary: In this episode, John Hill shares his insights on the evolving landscape of employment, higher education, and entrepreneurship. We explore how AI, the creator economy, and innovative university models are shaping the work – and learning to prepare for work. Key Topics: The importance of building your own job in a changing market How universities can support entrepreneurship and AI literacy The role of authenticity, soft skills, and in-person experiences in the AI era New approaches to higher education, including buying and reinventing colleges Practical advice for students, entrepreneurs, and university leaders Timestamps: 00:37 - John Hill’s diverse career in higher ed, startups, and corporate roles 02:02 - The shift from finding jobs to creating them in today’s economy 04:12 - Why entrepreneurs should focus on building their personal and professional brand 05:20 - The impact of gig economy, creator economy, and AI on entry-level jobs 06:07 - Universities supporting entrepreneurship and AI literacy 08:16 - Hands-on entrepreneurial education with WAP platform at Michigan State 09:29 - Leveraging AI for experiential learning and soft skills development 10:08 - The relevance of LinkedIn in an AI-driven landscape 12:19 - Authenticity and trust as currency in the future workforce 13:34 - The importance of soft skills in a screen-dominated world 15:20 - The decline of small and liberal arts colleges and innovative solutions 16:00 - John Hill’s real-life venture in buying and reinventing a college 18:46 - Strategic priorities for LinkedIn’s future relevance 20:00 - How universities can foster community and collaboration instead of competition 21:21 - Advice for parents preparing their teens for an uncertain future 22:22 - Closing thoughts: embracing AI, entrepreneurship, and kindness

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  Episode #6

  The Job Market for New Grads: Q&A with Christian Garcia

  Jun 19, 202640 minS2

  Christian Garcia has built a career helping young people build theirs. He shares his incredible journey and his insights on the evolving job market and the enduring value of college. This conversation offers practical advice for recent graduates, educators, and anyone navigating career transitions amidst rapid change. Summary : The episode underscores the importance of adaptability, lifelong learning, and the social mission of higher education in empowering individuals and society amidst economic and technological shifts. Key Topics: Christian Garcia’s inspiring career path from media aspirations to higher education leadership The importance of pivoting, resilience, and mentorship in career development Impact of economic downturns and current market challenges on recent graduates Essential skills for future-proof careers: communication, critical thinking, adaptability, and understanding AI The value of liberal arts education and interdisciplinary learning in today’s economy How employers are adjusting expectations and the gap between student skills and industry needs Innovative ideas for reimagining higher education for shorter, experiential, and industry-integrated programs Practical advice for recent grads: job search strategies, networking, and mindset shifts The long-term social mobility and transformative power of college education Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction and Christian Garcia’s career highlights 02:14 - The pivotal moments and inflection points in Christian’s career journey 06:11 - The value of mentorship and pivoting in professional growth 10:10 - Transition from student affairs to career services at UVA 12:03 - The current state of the job market and adaptation strategies 16:31 - Advice for students seeking their North Star amid chaos 19:07 - Skills for future-proof careers: soft skills and AI literacy 20:58 - Employer perspectives on the class of 2026 and beyond 24:04 - The enduring value of college for social mobility and personal growth 27:40 - Rethinking higher education: shorter, industry-connected, interdisciplinary models 32:56 - The importance of integrating industry experience into curricula 35:31 - Imagining a new university embodying innovation and flexibility 39:05 - Fun rapid-fire questions on UVA vs. University of Miami, nightlife, and community

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  Episode #5

  For-Profit or For-Impact?

  May 12, 202633 minS2

  For-profit, not-for-profit, for-impact...What's the difference anymore? We talk with former edtech exec and founder Matt Haldeman about building a cross-sector career, entrepreneurship pro tips, and whether non-profit products can be monetized. Summary : In this episode, Matt shares insights on leveraging capital in the non-profit space, managing career pivots, and blending mission with financial sustainability — valuable lessons for aspiring changemakers. Takeaways : An impact-driven career is possible across sectors Entrepreneurs must navigate various legal structures (non-profit, B-Corps, public benefit corporations, etc.), but these traditional lines are blurring Early-stage founders must first focus on solving one person for one problem Chapters: 01:03 - A black-and-white view of impact 02:24 - From the classroom to corporate leadership 05:02 - Inflection points and defining impact 07:56 - Lessons from a successful entrepreneur's sector pivot 09:27 - Advice for young professionals: planning versus adaptability 11:55 - The importance of testing careers early 13:10 - An impact investing thesis 16:36 - The role of capital in scaling non-profit products and innovations 20:12 - Differences and similarities between non-profits and for-profit entities 22:45 - The future of blended models: Non-profit, B-Corps, and C-Corps 27:00 - Start small, solve for one, iterate 29:10 - Examples of innovative for-impact products

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  Episode #4

  WTF is up with recruiting?

  May 2, 202645 minS2

  A behind-the-scenes look at the state of corporate recruiting and the hiring outlook for new grads and old grads alike! Summary: In this episode of "WTF is Up," Jeremy and Omar chat with William Chichester, a seasoned talent acquisition leader with 20 years of experience across industries from Target to Peloton. William shares insider insights on university recruiting, market trends, and practical strategies for job seekers navigating today’s competitive landscape. Takeaways: AI is disrupting entry-level hiring, but we must separate reality from myth Economic fluctuations drive hiring. Everything is cyclical Networking as career cheat code: Practical tips for career starters to build relationships and stand out Soft skills drive success Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction to William Chichester: A career in talent acquisition 02:07 - Highlights of William’s diverse recruiting career including Target and Peloton 04:29 - The importance of attitude and mindset in career progression 06:43 - How university recruitment has evolved and the significance of core schools 09:03 - Impact of macroeconomic factors versus AI on hiring practices 11:13 - Similarities between today’s market and the 2008 financial crisis 12:26 - The relevance of college degrees in the current hiring landscape 14:28 - The "Silver Tsunami" and demand for blue-collar skills in the future 16:42 - Practical advice for students: leveraging university career services and networking 18:01 - Building a personal brand and relationship currency for job hunting 20:35 - Strategies for introverts to network effectively on LinkedIn 22:13 - Developing durable professional skills like resilience and empathy 25:12 - The critical role of empathy in talent acquisition and working relationships 28:48 - How to succeed in a tight job market with limited opportunities 30:52 - William’s personal story of overcoming barriers through networking and grit 34:47 - The importance of authentic relationship building over reliance on ATS 37:02 - Counterintuitive advice and “career cheat codes” for current students 38:57 - Using AI to craft personalized outreach and elevator pitches 42:22 - William’s final thoughts on resilience, patience, and taking control of your career 44:10 - Connecting with William for further insights Resources & Links: ⁠⁠LinkedIn - William Chichester⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Podcast: Bald, Bold, & Hired⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Book: "Linked"⁠⁠ ⁠⁠University of Virginia Career Services⁠

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  Episode #3

  Who Moved My Career?

  Apr 13, 202640 minS2

  Real talk with longtime tech and nonprofit exec Nicole McNamara about job success, job loss, job security, job searching, and jobs as identity. Summary Omar and Nicole discuss her 25-year career journey, navigating corporate leadership, career pivots, and the emotional impact of job loss. She offers practical advice on self-awareness, storytelling, and adapting to the rapidly changing future of work, emphasizing the importance of human-centered skills in an AI-driven world. Takeaways Self-awareness as a foundation for career growth Storytelling as a tool for resilience and connection "Mack Truck Moments” and the mindset needed to effectively navigate change Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Nicole McNamara's Career Journey 01:46 Pivots and Career Decisions 04:35 Reinventing Through Education 08:56 Navigating Job Loss and Identity 12:38 The Impact of Grief and Love on Career 15:38 Podcasting as a Tool for Healing 18:14 Lessons Learned from the Job Market 21:44 The Importance of Self-Discovery 24:40 The Future of Work and Career Management 30:16 The Shift in Corporate Loyalty 37:27 Preparing for Inevitable Career Changes Resources Nicole McNamara's LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicollemcnamara/ Future of Work Reports - World Economic Forum - https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-work Storytelling in Career Development - Harvard Business Review - https://hbr.org/2020/01/the-power-of-storytelling-in-career-development

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