The Lonely Office

In this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the world of startups and the hard truths behind venture capital. Peter Walker, Head of Insights at Carta, joins us to break down the numbers, offering key advice on when to take that leap into entrepreneurship—or when to hold back.Special Guest: Pete Walker Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories

Chanel Ali, a stand-up comedian with two Comedy Central specials, delves into the modern job search landscape. She discusses how applying for jobs has turned into a social media contest, emphasizing the vital role of networking and personal referrals. The conversation highlights the struggles of introverts in the entertainment industry and the skewed nature of automated hiring processes. Chanel offers strategies for authentic networking and stresses the significance of nurturing genuine relationships over simply collecting connections online.

401ks were meant to be our generation’s retirement plan, but now they’re becoming many workers’ only means of survival. With Social Security drying up and a chaotic job market, our financial future hangs in the balance.Are we really spending too much money on coffee? Or are we innocent victims of a broken system? Today, we’re talking retirement, 401ks, and all about the moolah.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoListen to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Leah OvaFollow Leah on TikTok Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Amazon’s company-wide return-to-office mandate sent shockwaves through the tech world. And 72% of employees said they were ‘reconsidering their future’ with the company. Is Amazon’s decision a mass layoff in disguise? Will more companies follow suit? Stanford economist Nick Bloom joins us to find the truth behind the headlines.Special Guest: Nick BloomHosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron CalafatoSubscribe to Aaron's 7 Minute Stories Podcast

In this episode of The Lonely Office, we bring chief correspondent Aki Ito on to discuss the heated debate over LinkedIn's "open to work" banner. The "Open to Work" badge makes some job seekers feel embarrassed. But can it actually land you a job?Special Guest:Aki Ito, Chief Correspondent at Business Insiderhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/itoakiHosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

Nowadays, resumes must beat applicant tracking systems and "wow" hiring managers. From TikTok handles to colorful redesigns to mindfulness sections, Gen Z is trying everything to get a return phone call.What are resumes even good for anymore? And should you tailor yours to the machines or humans? We chat with comedian Azhar Usman about the new generation of resume builders.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest:Azhar Usmanhttps://azhar.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

In this episode of The Lonely Office, we dive into the disconnect between economic data and the job seeker’s reality, exploring why many still feel gaslit despite reports of a "booming economy." Joined by economist Guy Berger, we break down the real challenges of the job market, highlighting the frustration of job seekers navigating slow hiring and overstated job openings in today’s labor landscape.Special Guest:Dr. Guy Berger, Director of Economic Research @ Burning Glass Institute https://www.linkedin.com/in/guybergerHosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/

With more CEOs going on record about their return to office mandates, it has us wondering: was the golden promise of working from home too good to be true? On this episode, we discuss the hidden market players who want you back in office and how companies like JM Smuckers are rolling out their hybrid work policy. (Re-air)Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahova

Workers are taking less and less PTO, yet working more and more when they do. This week, Malcolm’s ‘staycation’ turns into an anxiety-filled week of self-reflection that leads to him reconsidering his career.Why aren’t we using our full PTO allowance? Are we at fault, or is it the company? And is our mental health deteriorating as a result? Comedian Chanel Ali joins us to talk about vacation.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/Leah Ovahttps://www.tiktok.com/@leahovaSpecial Guest:Chanel Alihttps://www.chanelali.com/Editorial:Matt SunbulliBrooks BordenKen WendtAaron CalafatoAudio: Ken WendtJan CruzResearch: Zaid SafeMatt Sunbulli

Could it be that choosing degrees in the humanities is actually a smart, tactical move for the future? As tech job markets tighten, we explore how skills rooted in creativity and human insight are becoming more valuable—and share key strategies for standing out in this evolving landscape.Hosts: Matt Sunbullihttps://www.linkedin.com/in/sunbulli/https://www.threads.net/@mattsunbullihttps://www.firstdraft.vcAaron Calafatohttps://www.7minutestoriespod.com/https://www.aaroncalafato.com/