S4Ep3: Your financial wellbeing: Tips on owning your financial future

01/09/25 • 43 min

In a world where financial stress is common, the podcast emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and control. Hosted by Anders and featuring financial coach Karen Zukaitis, the discussion offers practical strategies to alleviate financial anxiety and improve well-being. Listeners are encouraged to understand their finances, budget effectively, and seek support from trusted individuals. The podcast highlights that everyone's financial journey is unique and that open conversations about money can reduce feelings of isolation. Ultimately, the goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their financial futures.

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S3 Ep3: Resilience and Well-Being: An Overview of Skills and Practices for Building Resilience in the Workplace

with Megan Kennedy and Gina Topp

UW Resilience Lab director Megan Kennedy talks us through skills and practices for promoting resilience and well-being from the individual to the organizational level.

Megan Kennedy is the director of the UW Resilience Lab. As a leader and facilitator, Kennedy aims to build healthy and compassionate learning communities. From engaging stakeholders in vision-setting to partnering with students, staff and instructors, her approach to leadership centers on collaborative relationships. She believes that building high-quality wellness and educational programs requires teamwork at every level. Currently, Kennedy is developing and evaluating systems-based approaches to well-being that combines applied research, education and collaborative programming across three University of Washington campuses. This includes partnering with academic departments, student wellness groups and community-based organizations seeking to deepen their capacity for mindfulness and resilience. Kennedy earned her master’s degree in applied behavioral science from Bastyr University and is a licensed therapist with over a decade of experience in public and private practice.

Gina Topp (she/her) is a proud alumna of the University of Washington, graduating in 2017, 2021 and 2023. She earned a B.S. in biology, a J.D. and an LLM Masters in tax law. During her time at the University of Washington, Gina particularly enjoyed participating in an externship with the Washington State Legislature, where she fell in love with public policy. Gina served the people of King County as the legal counsel and policy advisor to the King County Executive. She recently started her own law firm. Aside from work, Gina enjoys all sports, particularly tennis and cherishes her role as a new mom.

As a member of the UW alumni community, Gina is passionate about the idea that together, across campuses and across the globe, the University of Washington community can make this world a better place.

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S4Ep2: Job compensation and terms: Negotiation strategies to help you be your own best advocate

In this episode of Career Conversations, host Nidhi Kumar and guest Nayoung Miller Vaughn discuss the importance of effective negotiation and self-advocacy in the professional world. They explore the unique challenges faced by underrepresented groups during salary negotiations and emphasize the need for practice and building supportive relationships. Key strategies include understanding market rates, preparing for negotiations, and recognizing shared struggles among professionals. The conversation highlights the significance of transparency in promotion processes and the role of mentors in empowering individuals. Overall, the episode encourages ongoing learning and connection within the professional community.