ATL Career Journey

ATL Career Journey

Welcome to the ATL Career Journey podcast! I'm your Atlanta-based host Paul Varnedoe and created this podcast to help mentor and share experiences and career pivots of successful people. Whether you are in high school, college, or have started your career, this podcast can help get you inspired with your career journey. I hope you enjoy it and would love to hear your feedback!

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38

April 11, 2021

Episode 38 - Molly Mazzolini, Partner, Director of Brand Integration, Infinite Scale

This 38th episode of the ATL Career Journey podcast is Molly Mazzolini, who is a Partner and Brand Integration Director at Infinite Scale sports marketing and design firm. Molly and I met when we were working in brand management for the US and International Olympic Committees. I found her to be smart, engaging, humble, customer focused, and just a lot of fun to work with. She taught me a lot about sports marketing and brand management and went on from the USOC to help start up Infinite Scale.

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Episode 26 – Jessica Cohen, Senior Customer Success Manager, Slack

26

Nov. 1, 2020

Episode 26 – Jessica Cohen, Senior Customer Success Manager, Slack

Welcome to Episode 26 of the ATL Career Journey. My guest is Jessica Cohen, Senior Customer Success Manager at Slack. I worked with Jessica at Macys and was always impressed with her analytical approach to solving complex problems. We shared a common passion for technology solutions and she has worked for some great companies to help customers work smarter. She also started off her path studying geology with a dream of working for NASA. As life offered up alternate opportunities, Jessica turned

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Episode 20 – Danny Presten, Chief Methodologist, Digital.ai

20

Oct. 11, 2020

Episode 20 – Danny Presten, Chief Methodologist, Digital.ai

My latest guest is Danny Presten, Chief Methodologist for Digital.ai (formerly CollabNet VersionOne). I originally met Danny at Equifax but our paths were similar through both Georgia Tech and Cox Enterprises. Danny is one of the most positive and energetic people that I know. He walked me through his journey from working in non-profit, healthcare and supply chain to his current role as a Chief Agile Methodologist. Danny picked up some valuable lessons on change management and how to apply thos

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Episode 07 - Terrence Burns, Olympic Bid Consultant

7

Aug. 10, 2020

Episode 07 - Terrence Burns, Olympic Bid Consultant

Terrence has always been one of my favorite people to work with. He has charted an amazing journey in the Olympic world as both a marketer and a bid committee consultant. Sharp, driven, and a quick wit have been his trademarks and was demonstrated on this episode. Terrence talks about his spending his early career at Delta Air Lines and how hard work and attention to detail set him up for success with the Olympic movement. His ability to define "why" cities should host the Games was a huge s

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Episode 30 - Kacie Lett Gordon, Connector, Problem Solver

30

Nov. 25, 2020

Episode 30 - Kacie Lett Gordon, Connector, Problem Solver

My guest for Episode 30 is Kacie Lett Gordon, who is happily taking time off right now! I met Kacie when she led the strategy team at Three Five Two, which is an innovation and growth firm. Kacie's LinkedIn bio describes herself as a connector and problem solver and I can't agree more. She's smart, professional, a great servant leader, and can read the room as well as anyone. I was lucky enough to have her interview me for one of their Off the Record events and today I have the privilege to inte

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Episode 28 - James Ray, Managing Director, Dragonfly Growth Partners

28

Nov. 16, 2020

Episode 28 - James Ray, Managing Director, Dragonfly Growth Partners

My guest for Episode 28 is James Ray, who is Managing Director, Dragonfly Growth Partners. James and I worked together at Manheim in their online services division. I valued his professionalism, business ethics, and the ability to think strategically while maintaining focus on the customer. He always kept his cool in high pressure situations and am eager to hear how he cultivated that demeanor throughout this career. We talked about the importance of life lessons, learning from failures, and bei

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Episode 02 - Mike Haswell, Insurance Executive and Financial Counselor

2

May 31, 2020

Episode 02 - Mike Haswell, Insurance Executive and Financial Counselor

My guest this week is Mike Haswell, who is an executive from the insurance industry. Mike and I have known each other since our college days at Georgia Tech and we've maintained our friendship for over thirty years. I respect him a great deal both personally and professionally. He has been a leader in the insurance industry and I really enjoyed our conversation as the inaugural guest on ATL Career Journey. I hope you enjoy!You can learn more about Mike on LinkedIn or at Storing Treasures.Learn m

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Episode 34 - Laura J. Downey, Executive Editor, WebMD

34

Jan. 27, 2021

Episode 34 - Laura J. Downey, Executive Editor, WebMD

My guest for Episode 34 is Laura J. Downey, who is the Executive Editor at WebMD. Laura and I connected on LinkedIn and I found her career journey fascinating. She is a very successful journalist whose career moved up the ranks in print magazines, transitioned to be a professor at her alma mater, and is now overseeing all facets of content for WebMD Magazine. Some of Laura’s keys to success have been to recognize and take opportunities as they present themselves and push yourself to be your best

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Episode 22 – Garry Capers, General Manager, Cloud Solutions, Deluxe Corporation

22

Oct. 18, 2020

Episode 22 – Garry Capers, General Manager, Cloud Solutions, Deluxe Corporation

My guest for Episode 22 is Garry Capers, who is General Manager of Cloud Solutions at Deluxe Corporation. I met Garry at Equifax when we worked together in their commercial division of the company. Garry has had a very successful career, first as a consultant and then made the transition to industry work. I have always been impressed with Garry's intelligence, analytical decision making, and his ability to stay calm in high pressure situations. He shared some of his steps to success, including k

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Episode 04 - Judy Romano, CFO and Transformation Leader

3

June 10, 2020

Episode 04 - Judy Romano, CFO and Transformation Leader

Judy is an accomplished financial executive who has demonstrated her abilities to adapt and thrive. I worked with her at Equifax and was always impressed with her leadership and ability to connect with her team. She was kind enough to sit down with me to share some of here tools for success. Visualization, believe in yourself, learn from your mistakes, and adapt quickly. Judy is also a master at leveraging social media and building her personal brand. She has always enjoyed paying it forwar

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Episode 15 - Alex Fraser, General Manager, Pivet

15

Sept. 23, 2020

Episode 15 - Alex Fraser, General Manager, Pivet

My guest this week is Alex Fraser, General Manager of Pivet, which is part of Cox Automotive Mobility Group. I first met Alex at Manheim when we worked together in their online division and he's just an all-around great human being. He's always had a passion for the automotive industry but his servant leadership is what stands out to me. There is never a job too big or too small for him to lead or support. He approaches every day with intelligence, creativity, and a true bias for action. In this

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Recent Episodes

Episode 60 - Jess Mints, Retired USN

60

June 10, 2026

Episode 60 - Jess Mints, Retired USN

What does it look like when life knocks you off course — and you keep going anyway? In this episode, Paul sits down with Jess Mints, a Georgia Tech grad, Navy veteran, and cancer survivor whose journey is anything but straight. From pivoting majors to military service to rebuilding after personal setbacks, Jess shares how faith, resilience, and the right people in your corner can redirect any detour into a destination. This one hits different. #ATLCareerJourney #ResilientByDesign #FaithOverFear

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Episode 59 - Jackson Aimiuwu, Head of Solutions Architecture, AWS

59

June 7, 2026

Episode 59 - Jackson Aimiuwu, Head of Solutions Architecture, AWS

From Benin City, Nigeria to the halls of Amazon — Jackson Aimiuwu's career journey is proof that grit outpaces a head start. Jackson shares how he went from never touching a keyboard to crushing computer science, navigating three countries, and building a career in cloud solutions. His advice? "The map from Point A to Point B never shows you the terrain." Come for the story, stay for the wisdom. #ATLCareerJourney #CareerStory #TechCareers #AWS #Mentorship #ImmigrantSuccess #GrowthMindset

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Episode 58 - Alan Swan and Maria Babilon, Province Data Solutions

58

May 1, 2024

Episode 58 - Alan Swan and Maria Babilon, Province Data Solutions

My guests for Episode 58 is Alan Swan and Maria Babilon from Province Data Solutions. Alan is the Managing Partner and Maria is a Partner at PDS and they've joined me today to talk about the fascinating world of Artificial Intelligence. We discussed the differences between Traditional AI and Generative AI and how each are solving real world problems. Alan reviewed the background on market demand and the importance of good data to help drive these models. Maria discussed the impact these technolo

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Episode 57 - Robert Lescano, Retired Amazon and Microsoft Executive

57

April 29, 2024

Episode 57 - Robert Lescano, Retired Amazon and Microsoft Executive

My guest for Episode 57 is Robert Lescano, who I worked with at Amazon Web Services. He was the East Area Director in the AWS ProServe consulting division. He had a long and successful career in technology and was fortunate to retire in 2023 to travel and enjoy quality time with his family. We talked about his experience growing up in Peru and the challenges he faced once he moved to the US. Robert also talked about his role in leading male allyship in his organizations and the value of diversi

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Episode 56 - Stacy Borocz - Owner, etuHOME

56

Jan. 9, 2022

Episode 56 - Stacy Borocz - Owner, etuHOME

My guest for Episode 56 is Stacy Borocz , who is the owner of etuHOME. She has an incredible story about courage and perseverance from her start in New York to college at UGA and ultimately owning her current business. She always demonstrated creativity and a passion for the arts. In addition, Stacy loves to travel and that not only created inspiration through her college years but later provided a platform for etuHOME. Her career has taken her through several industries but I love the fact

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Episode 55 - Jacqui Chew, Innovation Enthusiast, TEDx

55

Aug. 22, 2021

Episode 55 - Jacqui Chew, Innovation Enthusiast, TEDx

My guest for the 55th episode of the ATL Career Journey podcast is Jacqui Chew, who is known as an innovation enthusiast and has been a successful presence in the Atlanta start up community. She has more than two decades of experience delivering creative, data-driven strategies for venture-backed, high-growth companies. Jacqui is also a TEDx Licensee, active mentor, and board member of several organizations. Her career journey started in Singapore, landed in Hawaii for school and a start in t

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About the Host

Paul Varnedoe

Paul Varnedoe is the host of the ATL Career Journey Podcast where he interviews successful people to share their career journey experience. With more than 30 years in the IT industry and consulting space, Paul has seen his share of career changes, pivots, and detours along the way! He has mentored high school and college students about their career path and was eager to share those experiences to a broader audience. In addition to hosting this podcast, Paul works for a large cloud provider to help organizations migrate their applications and services to the cloud. Paul earned a bachelor's degree in business from Georgia Tech. When he's not working or podcasting, you can find Paul hiking, traveling, or following his favorite sports teams.