Welcome back to Beyond the Thesis With Papa PhD!I'm your host, David Mendes, and today, we delve deep into the art of pivoting professionally without fear. In this episode we are joined by two extraordinary guests, Kelly Gunther and Dr. Keri Ohlrich, cofounders of Abbracci Group and cohosts of the Breakout podcast. In this episode, we explore the complex and often challenging process of stepping out of life's predestined boxes—the expectations set by society, family, and even ourselves. Kelly and Keri share their personal stories, professional insights, and the powerful narratives of those who have made brave, life-altering changes. Whether it's questioning established norms or boldly deciding to follow a different path, our guests provide a model called the "BREAK" model to help individuals navigate these transitions authentically. Kelly GuentherKeri Ohlrich, Ph. D.Keri Ohlrich, PhD, has more than twenty years of experience on the front lines of human resources, working in leadership positions at a variety of organizations, from startups to Fortune 500 companies. As co-founder of Abbracci Group and coauthor of The Way of the HR Warrior, he continues her mission to share insights from these experiences with others who are passionate about HR excellence. She co-hosts The Breakout podcast to get advice and insights from people breaking free from expectations and shares her experience as a regular guest on many other podcasts, in industry interviews and articles, as well as speaking engagements in the US and abroad.Kelly Guenther is co-founder of Abbracci Group and co-host of The Breakout podcast, in which she brings a holistic approach to HR, focusing not only on the organization but also on the individuals who create the team. She has led sales training programs and certification processes for over 500 VPs, sales executives, and branch managers. Her passion for and commitment to delivering exceptional results has proudly earned her trusted advisor status with her clients. What we covered in the interview: 🧠 Embrace and Understand Your Boxes: We often find ourselves confined in boxes created by societal norms or personal expectations. It’s essential to recognize these boxes and understand their impact on our lives.🤝 The Importance of a Support System: Surround yourself with cheerleaders and lifelong learners. Having advocates who believe in you and encourage your growth can make all the difference.💪 Practice Positive Self-Talk: There's immense power in how we speak to ourselves. Transitioning from negative to positive self-talk can propel you forward, even when facing challenges.🎧 Dive into the full episode to explore more insights on creative pivoting and embracing change.📚 For those interested in digging deeper, check out Kelly and Keri's book, "Whatever the Hell You Want". It's a beacon for anyone looking to break out of limiting boxes and live an authentic life.Let's champion creativity, support one another, and build a network that fosters growth and positive change!🔗See the resources section below for Keri's and Kelly's links! This episode’s resources: The Breakdown Podcast | FacebookThe Breakdown Podcast | InstagramAbbracci Group | LinkedIn Thank you, Kelly Guenther and Keri Ohlrich! If you enjoyed this conversation with Kelly and Keri, let them know by clicking the link below and leaving them a message on Linkedin:Send Kelly Guenther a message on Linkedin!Send Keri Ohlrich a message on Linkedin!Click here to share your key take-away from this interview with David! You might also like the following episodes: Sara Thompson – Out of the Box Careers Post-PhDMary Poffenroth –Navigating Our Fear of ChangeMatteo Tardelli – Identifying Your Core Values For The Job HuntAlessandra Wall – Positioning Yourself Outside Academia
