On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin.
As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.
During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today’s world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career.
“The Final Countdown” by Europe (Honorable Mention)
Chauncey Zalkin is a writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, former multi-agency brand strategist, and most recently VP then SVP of Marketing at tech startups establishing brand architecture, cross-channel, cross-funnel messaging and operationalizing marketing and building processes for success.
She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast “Actual People”, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change.
In this podcast, Chauncey opens up about her own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic.
Chauncey got her start observing culture as founder of a pre-blog era blog called Girl on the street, was nominated for a webby and got some press in places like Teen People, Trace magazine, NY Post, Daily News and then went on to join the ad world at the height of cripsin porter + bogusky’s success, and went on to work at 2 other agencies over her career. going into advertising, she’s not sure that was the right choice.
She is a writer first and foremost, former multi-agency brand strategist, owned a brand documentary agency which she loved and did for companies like beyond meat and timex, and then went on to be a senior executive marketer for startups. she’s since leaned back into pure content and story for herself and select clients that she feels are meaningful in the context of today’s culture and building the future.
Her substack is https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/ and her website is www.chaunceyzalkin.com.
Actual People can be found wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!
For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men’s print Issue.
The story was titled “Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite” and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone.
Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn’t wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery.
Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond.
Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries.
Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm.
Ebony’s writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers.
Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank.
Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!