Y Gen Out Loud » Keeping Up With Gen Y

Gen Y using 3-thong approach to finding love

Tamara Bell — Wed, 16 May 2012 13:27:23 +0000

Harlan Cohen is the New York Times Bestselling author of the Naked Roommate series. And his new book, Getting Naked: Five Steps to Finding the Love of Your Life (While Fully Clothed & Totally Sober) has just been released by St. Martin’s Press.

Harlan joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about his three-thong approach to ensuring that Gen Y are physically, emotionally, and spiritually comfortable to take risks and find their perfect mate. He also points out the importance of being willing to speak and hear the truth when embarking on a lasting relationship.

MORE ABOUT HARLAN COHEN

Harlan Cohen, author, Getting Naked

In addition to bestselling author, Harlan is a professional speaker and nationally syndicated advice columnist. The Chicago resident has been featured as an expert in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Real Simple, Seventeen, and Psychology Today, talking about issues that affect Gen Y such as college life, dating, relationships, risk taking, leadership, and a variety of other topics.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

BONUS!

Listen as Harlan reads an excerpt from Getting Naked (audiobook courtesy of Macmillan Audio).

Gen Y entrepreneurs make leap with open eyes

Tamara Bell — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:17:07 +0000

Matt Altschul, the May Y Gen Entrepreneur, is CEO and co-founder of Austin, Texas-based CM4, which designs and sells cases and covers for products such as iPhone 4, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and Sony PSPgo.

Matt joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to encourage Gen Y interested in starting their own businesses to make the leap, only don’t jump blindly. One of the first steps he recommends is that you draft a mission that will give consumers a reason to support your venture. He also discusses ways to improve the consumer experience to turn your passion project into a success.

MORE ABOUT MATT ALTSCHUL

Matt Altschul, CEO and Co-Founder, CM4

Matt Altschul is CEO and co-founder of Austin, Texas-based CM4, which designs and sells cases and covers for products such as iPhone 4, Nintendo 3DS, Wii, and Sony PSPgo.

A graduate of both The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Business Administration and St. Mary’s University in San Antonio with an MBA in International Entrepreneurship, Matt previously worked as Vice President of Operations for L.A.-based V-MODA.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

The Y Gen Entrepreneurs series, which airs the second Wednesday of each month, is sponsored by Constant Contact, a leading provider of email marketing, event marketing, online surveys, and social media marketing to small businesses, associations and nonprofits. Click here for more information.

Has the Credit CARD Act protected Gen Y consumers?

Tamara Bell — Wed, 02 May 2012 12:33:37 +0000

It’s been two years since the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility, and Disclosure Act went into effect. It was supposed to stop the predatory policies that banks were using to lure middle- and lower-income Americans, including college students, into deeper debt while lining their own pockets. But how successful has it been in helping Gen Y in changing attitudes about credit card usage and overcoming indebtedness?

Eboni S. Nelson, a University of South Carolina law professor, joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to break down the specifics of the CARD Act and how effective it has been in protecting the next generation’s financial futures. She also provides tips on how Gen Y can use credit cards wisely as well as how those in trouble can fix their credit problems now.

MORE ABOUT EBONI S. NELSON

Eboni S. Nelson, law professor, University of South Carolina

Eboni S. Nelson is a University of South Carolina law professor who teaches Contracts, Commercial Law, and Consumer Law. Her analysis of the Credit CARD Act of 2009 in protecting young consumers appeared in the April issue of the Banking & Financial Services Policy Report.

Prior to joining the faculty, she taught Commercial Law and Texas Consumer Law at Thurgood Marshall School of Law in Houston. Eboni’s interests include education law and policy, specifically the intersection of consumer law and education issues, and her scholarly articles have appeared in numerous legal journals such as the Utah Law Review, the Villanova Law Review, and the University of Miami Law Review.

Graduating summa cum laude from Wake Forest University, Eboni received her J.D. from Harvard Law School, where she served as a teaching assistant and tutor for law school classes. After graduating from Harvard, she practiced employee benefits in the Houston office of Bracewell & Giuliani, LLP.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y startups bootstrapping viable businesses

Tamara Bell — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 12:33:29 +0000

While many Gen Y entrepreneurs dream of creating the next Facebook, most will never reach this pinnacle of success. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pursue that great idea that keeps niggling at the back of your mind. You just need a viable model.

Irene Mwathi, founder of Start Up Katalyst, an Austin, Texas-based organization that mentors start-ups and coaches them through the funding stages, joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about ways Gen Y can create a sustainable business model as they work their way through the startup process. She also provides the questions that investors ask startups looking for funding as well as lists those questions startups should ask investors to ensure a perfect fit.

MORE ABOUT IRENE MWATHI

Irene Mwathi, founder, Start Up Katalyst

Irene Mwathi is the founder of Start Up Katalyst, an Austin, Texas-based organization that mentors start-ups and coaches them through funding and post funding stages to sustain growth. She is also the CEO of RAI IT Consulting, a technology consulting business that helps Fortune 500 companies, such as Dell, Cisco Systems, IBM, and 3M, in reengineering projects to realign with evolving business processes.

A native of Kenya, Irene graduated with an MBA in 2006 from Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y entrepreneurs passionate about problem solving

Tamara Bell — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 12:18:53 +0000

Kyle Johnson, the April Y Gen Entrepreneur, is CEO and founder of Lawrence, KS-based AudioAnywhere. The business, through its ad platform Bixy, makes online advertising more effective for music streaming sites.

Kyle joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to discuss how a passion for problem solving is an ideal entry into entrepreneurship. He also talks about how young entrepreneurs can avoid failure by continuing to learn about their business as well as adjusting to the inevitable changes and challenges.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT KYLE JOHNSON

Kyle Johson, CEO and Founder, AudioAnywhere

Kyle Johnson is CEO and founder of Lawrence, KS-based AudioAnywhere. The business, through its ad platform Bixy, makes online advertising more effective for music streaming sites. Kyle was recently named “Innovator of the Year” by the Pipeline entrepreneurship program, which honors top inventors in the mid-West.

A graduate of the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering, Kyle previously worked for Accenture as a consultant for companies in the wireless industry.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y entrepreneurs writing their way to distinction

Tamara Bell — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:43:10 +0000

The idea that publishing a book can boost an entrepreneur’s brand isn’t new. But what seems new is the rise in self-employed Gen Y who are embracing this marketing tool. And with the ease of publishing through e-books and other digital formats, could there come a day when handing someone your book becomes as routine as a business card?

Michael Larsen, co-founder of San Francisco-based Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents, joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y entrepreneurs should start writing immediately to build credibility as well as establish themselves as thought leaders in their fields. He also shares his three keys to succeeding as a writer faster and more easily than ever (which you can download in a pdf file here).

MORE ABOUT MICHAEL LARSEN

Michael Larsen, co-founder, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

Co-founder of San Francisco-based Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents, Michael Larsen is a literary agent and consultant to nonfiction writers. He and his partner Elizabeth Pomada also are co-directors of the San Francisco Writers Conference and the San Francisco Writing for Change Conference.

He is the author of the new fourth edition of How to Write a Book Proposal and the third edition of How to Get a Literary Agent, as well as coauthor of the second edition of Guerrilla Marketing for Writers: 100 Weapons for Selling Your Work.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y and eating disorders

Tamara Bell — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 12:11:00 +0000

It is estimated that 8 million Americans have an eating disorder, with 1 million of those being males. And although eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental illness, only 1 in 10 people currently receive treatment.

Valerie Savage, founder of For Women’s Sake, an Austin, Texas-based counseling facility that focuses on women suffering from disordered eating, stress/anxiety, and depression, joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y suffering from eating disorders can be taught healthy coping mechanisms for when they are overwhelmed with the pressures of college or first jobs. She also discusses the role of the media and Internet in distorting real body images and how family can reinforce positive self-identities.

MORE ABOUT VALERIE SAVAGE

Valerie Savage, founder, For Women's Sake

Valerie Savage is founder of For Women’s Sake, an Austin, Texas-based counseling facility that focuses on women suffering from disordered eating, stress/anxiety, depression, and marital conflict.

A graduate from St. Edwards’ University in Austin with a Master of Arts in Counseling, Valerie recently completed the requirements as a Licensed Professional Counselor. In addition to her private practice, Valerie is a member of the Austin Eating Disorder Specialists and is a program therapist leading groups at Cedar Springs Austin Eating Disorder Treatment Center.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y taking meandering path to entrepreneurship

Tamara Bell — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:33:48 +0000

Josh Allan Dykstra, the March Y Gen Entrepreneur, is founder of Strengths Doctors, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that helps leaders design energizing work environments.

Josh joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y who want to become entrepreneurs should start by finding the place where their talents, passions, and life experiences intersect. He also discusses how taking a meandering path to your dream career may be the best course to follow.

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT JOSH ALLAN DYKSTRA

Josh Allan Dykstra, work revolutionary , author, speaker

A work revolutionary, author, and speaker, Josh Allan Dykstra is founder of Strengths Doctors, a Los Angeles-based consulting firm that helps leaders design energizing work environments.

He has an eclectic work background in a variety of industries, from Fortune 500 companies like Apple, Starbucks, and Viacom/CBS to startups, nonprofits, and government agencies.

A graduate of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with both a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Leadership and an MBA in Executive Leadership, Josh is author of a soon-to-be released book about the changing world of work and thriving in the emerging economy called Igniting the Invisible Tribe: Designing An Organization That Doesn’t Suck.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y finding their space in “app economy”

Tamara Bell — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:58:45 +0000

Facebook and mobile technology applications are incredibly popular, but did you know that, according to a University of Maryland study, last year they added more than 182,000 new jobs and contributed about $12.19 billion in wages and benefits to our economy?

To share with us more information about what’s been dubbed the “App Economy,” we have Scott Williamson, co-founder of Mondico, a Los Angeles-based publisher of online games and social applications. Scott joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to discuss how Gen Y can find their space in the growing app industry. He also talks about the future of apps as they become more integrated into new and interesting places beyond our mobile devices.

MORE ABOUT SCOTT WILLIAMSON

Scott Williamson, co-founder, Mondico

Scott Williamson is co-founder of Mondico, a Los Angeles-based publisher of online games and social applications. With over 15 years experience building and leading Internet companies, Scott develops the strategies and software architecture for Mondico’s sites.

Prior to Mondico, Scott was co-founder and Managing Director of Threshold Interactive, a leading digital agency in Los Angeles. At Threshold, Scott oversaw trend-setting online campaigns and digital initiatives for several leading companies and brands, including Nestlé Butterfinger and Waters, Honda, Sony, and Disney.

After graduating with an Engineering degree from Montreal’s McGill University, Scott went on to receive an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

SXSW accelerates Gen Y’s learning curve

Tamara Bell — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:25:43 +0000

Twenty-five years ago, Austin hosted the first SXSW Music Conference and Festival as a way to reach out to the music industry across the world and show them what the Central Texas town had to offer. Today, with the addition of film and interactive conferences, it has become the place to be for thousands of people who want to meet and share ideas that change the world.

To provide insight into one of the premier events of the Interactive Conference, we have Chris Valentine, producer of SXSW Accelerator, which showcases the Internet’s newest startups and innovations from around the globe. Chris joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y entrepreneurs attending the conference will benefit from conversations with the best and brightest business people from all generations. He also explains the importance of perfecting your elevator pitch at both your start up phase and as your company grows.

MORE ABOUT CHRIS VALENTINE

Chris Valentine, producer, SXSW Accelerator

Chris Valentine is the producer of SXSW Accelerator, a marquee event of the Interactive Conference, which showcases the Internet’s newest startups and innovations from around the globe. He’s also overseeing the newly-created Startup Village, a program that brings together and highlights the startup programming for the SXSW Interactive Conference.

In his spare time, Chris is CEO and founder of Adeo Interactive, a full service digital marketing/event planning firm. Using his experience in event production and marketing, Chris also promotes events for tech/non-profit clients that include Turner Entertainment, Busby Foundation, Big Austin, and Engage Digital Media.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y giving gifts of memories

Tamara Bell — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 14:18:58 +0000

In a world where “I want it, I buy it” seems to be the mantra of more than just the rich, buying the ideal gift for any occasion can bring unwanted stress to the generations.

But how can you alleviate that stress while giving your family and friends presents they will treasure, all within your budget?

Sheri Bridges, Associate Professor of Marketing at Wake Forest University, joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to discuss how Gen Y can make memory-based gifts through shared activities and experiences that show family and friends how important they are to them. She also provides tips for older generations on gift ideas that Gen Y will appreciate and value for years to come.

MORE ABOUT SHERI BRIDGES, PH.D.

Dr. Sheri Bridges, Associate Professor of Marketing, Wake Forest University

Sheri Bridges is Associate Professor of Marketing at Wake Forest University. Faculty director of the university’s retail marketing center, her expertise includes branding and consumer behavior. Dr. Bridges received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications and her Master’s degree in International Management Studies from the University of Texas at Dallas. She has a Ph.D. in Marketing from Stanford University.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y entrepreneurs trusting their vibe

Tamara Bell — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 13:21:33 +0000

Paige Burton, the February Y Gen Entrepreneur, is founder of a coaching and consulting business called Vibes Matter, which specializes in providing positive vibes, professional support, and guidance to DIY creators, self-care junkies, and free spirits.

Paige joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how young entrepreneurs should trust their authentic vibe when creating and growing their ventures. She also discusses the importance of self-discovery when branding your own business.

MORE ABOUT PAIGE BURTON

Paige Burton, founder, Vibes Matter

Out of a mission to place passion in action, Paige Burton started a coaching and consulting business called Vibes Matter. She specializes in providing positive vibes, professional support, and guidance to DIY creators, self-care junkies, and free spirits.

A graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Journalism and Economics Management, Paige received her Masters of Film and Television Production from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. Today, the trained journalist, filmmaker, and personal development coach is “Keeping it Weird” in Austin, Texas.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y leading the readers revolution

Tamara Bell — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 13:24:05 +0000

According to a recent Pew Research survey, the number of Americans who have a tablet or e-reader jumped from 18% in December to 29% in January. But what does that mean for the future of the publishing industry and books in general?

To explain how technology is helping to create avid readers among the next generation, we have as our guest Laurie McLean, a literary agent with Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents. Laurie joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y readers, through new platforms from companies like Apple and Amazon, are leading the discovery of new writers, while young authors are pushing past traditional publishers to have their voices heard. She also shares her predictions for changes to the publishing industry in 2012.

MORE ABOUT LAURIE MCLEAN

Laurie McLean, literary agent, Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents

Laurie McLean is an agent at Larsen-Pomada Literary Agents in San Francisco. She represents adult genre fiction (romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, westerns, mystery, suspense, thrillers, etc.) as well as children’s middle grade and young adult books.

For more than 20 years Laurie ran an eponymous public relations agency in California’s Silicon Valley. She is wise in the ways of marketing and publicity, negotiation, editing and a host of other business-critical areas. She is also a novelist herself, so she can empathize with the author’s journey to and through publication.

She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from the State University of New York and a Master’s Degree at Syracuse University’s prestigious Newhouse School of Journalism. Laurie also is Dean of the San Francisco Writers University.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Gen Y helping others help themselves

Tamara Bell — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 14:27:30 +0000

Vanessa Carter is the Director of Campus Microfinance Alliance, a coalition of nearly a dozen student-run microfinance groups that have already lent more than $350,000 to disadvantaged entrepreneurs who need it most.

Now, they are expanding the program even further. The Alliance has launched a new campaign, “Lend for America,” a summer internship that provides hands-on lessons for college students to learn how to start microfinance organizations in their campus communities.

Vanessa joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how Gen Y’s confidence and open-mindedness in solving problems can positively impact job creation in their communities. She also explains the potential of microfinance loans to build those strong businesses needed to revitalize the economy.

MORE ABOUT VANESSA CARTER

Vanessa Carter, Director, Campus Microfinance Alliance

Prior to joining Campus Microfinance Alliance, Vanessa worked with Credit Builders Alliance, where she managed services to help nonprofit loan funds offer credit reporting as a tool to build credit for consumers, as well as helped to build ThinkImpact, a social enterprise that connects students with rural villages in Kenya and South Africa to build social businesses.

Vanessa is a recipient of the Projects for Peace fellowship and spent the summer of 2008 establishing a community center in South Africa to improve access to entrepreneurial opportunities for women.

Vanessa graduated with a B.A. in International Relations and Government from Claremont McKenna College.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

Optimism a key to successful Gen Y entrepreneurs

Tamara Bell — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 13:41:05 +0000

Sammy Shreibati, the January Y Gen Entrepreneur, is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of SaveUp, a free rewards program to help people save money and get out of debt.

Sammy joins Keeping Up with Gen Y to talk about how working first at a small business can be a good learning experience for Gen Y wanting to start their own companies. He also discusses how optimism and belief in yourself are keys to long-term success.

MORE ABOUT SAMMY SHREIBATI

Sammy Shreibati, co-founder, SaveUp

Sammy Shreibati is co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of SaveUp, a free rewards program to help people save money and get out of debt. Previously, Sammy was the Director of Engineering at PrepMe, an education company dedicated to bringing high quality, customized learning to students across the world. He helped PrepMe grow from a bootstrapped startup in his garage to a venture-backed online education company.

While at Stanford University, the San Francisco resident studied Electrical Engineering with an emphasis on computer design.

You can listen to the show below or you can download it as a podcast from our iTunes page. And you can find us on WomensRadio.

The Y Gen Entrepreneurs series, which airs the second Wednesday of each month, is sponsored by Constant Contact, a leading provider of email marketing, event marketing, and online surveys to small businesses, associations and nonprofits. Click here for more information.