Her Search

Networking is a privilege—and I was reminded of that thanks to Caroline Shunk and her work with HerSearch. When you’re in a job, networking can feel natural—coffee chats, events, casual introductions. But when you’re not in a role, access to those opportunities can quickly disappear. HerSearch is doing powerful work to help women in transition stay visible, connected, and supported. It’s a reminder that networking isn’t just a career tool—it can be a lifeline. If you’re in a position of influence or connection, I encourage you to: Scroll to the bottom of your inbox or texts Find that name you’ve been meaning to reach out to Start the conversation—no agenda, just a moment of generosity Put yourself in their shoes. A quick message could make a real difference. I write about this kind of intentional leadership in my book No Shortcuts—available now: https://shorturl.at/SaZ82

Today was supposed to be my first day at Scale AI. But instead, it was my last. In May, I accepted what felt like a dream role on the Strategic Projects team at Scale AI, straight out of school. Just three days before I was supposed to start, my offer was rescinded as part of a 14% company-wide reduction in workforce, along with the offers of every other new grad in my cohort. I had already moved coasts and signed a lease, and in a blink I was living every new graduate’s worst nightmare. Layoffs are becoming the norm. They reflect broader pressures: economic uncertainty and rapid AI adoption. Here are a few lessons I’m holding onto: 1. Keep learning. No one’s handing you a syllabus anymore, you have to build your own. I’m currently doing a course on transformer architecture. 2. Accept what comes. While I do not control the curveballs thrown at me, I do control how I react to it and what I learn in the process. 3. Stay grateful. It’s easy to spiral, but friends, mentors, and family are everything. I’m actively looking for engineering/product roles ideally in SF or hybrid. If you’re hiring or just want to chat, I’d love to connect. The job market is tough, but we are tougher. Here are 10 other new grads who would have been my colleagues at Scale today. Consider them if you’re hiring: Ashwin Desai Anna Vargas Victor Malbrel Nick Vinokour Amanda Murphy Spencer Goodwin Truong Nguyen Felicia Nappi Aarya Agarwal Jayna Wu Pavit Singh

We get enough applicants, we don’t need help… lol “The number of applications submitted on LinkedIn has surged more than 45 percent in the past year. The platform is clocking an average of 11,000 applications per minute, and generative artificial intelligence tools are contributing to the deluge.” Just a heads up for those doing things the way they’ve always done. It’s not working. Nothing changes if nothing changes. #AllGasNoBrakes #DialedIn

Landing a job in 2025 feels impossible.  And honestly? It kind of is. Here's what job seekers face: 500+ applications for one role. AI screening out qualified candidates. "Entry-level" jobs requiring 5 years of experience. Getting ghosted after final rounds. The brutal truth:  Most people apply to 100+ jobs before getting one offer. But here's what they don't tell you:  It's not about you.  It's about a broken system. To job seekers: Your worth isn't measured by response rates.  Your value isn't determined by a broken system. Keep going anyway. The right opportunity will find you. To companies: Fix your hiring process.  Candidates deserve better. The job market is hard. But you're harder.

Great time last night at TEDx Nashville event with Caroline Shunk, founder of Her Search. I'll tag more of the presenters and new connections today after links are accepted. Georgia Cross, Zachary Shunk,TEDxNashville, Allure Mobile Bar