The Big Let Down

"The Big Let Down" is a biweekly podcast that examines the transformative journeys of professionals who have faced significant career setbacks and emerged stronger and more successful. Hosted by Dr. TJ Rains and Dr. Cary Snow, the show offers a unique blend of inspiring personal stories and practical insights designed to empower listeners to navigate their own professional challenges.

Each episode features an in-depth conversation with a guest who has experienced a significant career disruption – a sudden job loss, a business failure, or an unexpected, forced transition. These stories span diverse industries and levels of experience, from mid-career professionals to C-suite executives, offering a broad spectrum of perspectives and strategies.

What sets "The Big Let Down" apart is its focus on the complete arc of the guest's journey. The hosts guide listeners through the initial shock and emotional turmoil of the setback, exploring the psychological impact and the struggle with self-identity that often accompanies career disruption. From there, the conversation shifts to the pivotal moments of change, examining the mindset shifts, support systems, and practical steps that enabled the guest to rebound.

The heart of each episode lies in exploring the "big come-up" – the inspiring ways guests have reinvented themselves professionally and personally. These stories of resilience and reinvention offer hope and provide listeners with actionable strategies and insights they can apply to their own lives.

Contributors

Host

Dr. Cary Snow

Born and raised in Washington, D.C., Cary Snow is an educator, chef, author, and advocate for inclusivity. The son of educators and civil rights advocates, he developed a deep commitment to leadership and social justice.

With over 20 years as a university educator in hospitality, culinary arts, and leadership, Cary also spent a decade as an Executive Chef in hotels and restaurants. His expertise has been featured in Better Homes and Gardens and Restaurant Start-Up and Growth Magazine.

Holding a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership, he has delivered international presentations on change management, cultural development, inclusive leadership, and psychological safety. A passionate advocate for marginalized people, Cary brings that same energy to The Big Let Down—a podcast exploring life’s disappointments, resilience, and finding purpose. A devoted D.C. sports fan, he never shies away from a good game.

Host

Dr. TJ Rains

Dr. TJ Rains brings over 25 years of transformative leadership in higher education to his role as Managing Director for Higher Education at Workday. His career path has included serving as Vice President, Chief Information Officer, and Chief Transformation Officer at various institutions of higher education, where he developed deep insights into the challenges and opportunities facing educational leadership.

As co-host of 'The Big Let Down' podcast, TJ explores the powerful stories of professional setbacks and comebacks, drawing from his own extensive experience navigating institutional change and technological transformation. His unique perspective bridges the worlds of higher education leadership and enterprise technology, offering valuable insights into how institutions can adapt and thrive in an evolving landscape.

TJ helps institutions embrace digital transformation to drive efficiency and organizational success.

Producer

Aisha Rains

Aisha Rains, producer of The Big Let Down podcast, brings a unique blend of financial expertise and human-centered storytelling to each episode. With a distinguished background in higher education financial aid and consumer credit counseling, she understands firsthand the complex intersections of personal finance, professional development, and individual growth.

Her extensive experience in customer success and consumer credit counseling has given her invaluable insights into the human side of financial and professional challenges. As producer, Aisha crafts compelling narratives that resonate with listeners facing their own career transitions and professional setbacks.

Guests

Guest

Dr. Trenae Thomas

Dr. Trenae Thomas is a leader in workforce equity and organizational leadership. She excels in building high-performance teams, developing training programs, and creating inclusive environments. Her leadership roles have focused on equity initiatives, career coaching, and workforce strategy implementation. Her expertise includes leadership development, systemic change, project management, community engagement, and DEI practices.

As a speaker and author, she contributes insights on workforce equity and inclusive leadership. She holds a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University, a Master's in Strategic Management, and a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Criminology. Dr. Thomas champions equity-driven solutions by optimizing organizational talent and resources.

Guest appearance on:

Episode 2 - Trenae

Guest

Dr. Valencia Gabay

Valencia is an academic professional, learning experience designer, and organizational leadership scholar dedicated to advancing innovation in learning. Her work has been instrumental in designing financial education programs, and she has successfully cultivated and maintained corporate, nonprofit, and academic partnerships to drive program implementation and impacts. Before her program development work, Valencia served as an academic counselor, recruiter, and orientation coordinator at the University of Florida and the University of Central Florida. As a scholar and leadership practitioner, she has presented at conferences, contributed to thought leadership, and co-authored works on leading positive change in higher education, inclusive leadership, group coaching and mentoring, and communities of practice. Valencia completed her undergraduate and MEd from the University of Florida. She completed her PhD in Organizational Leadership from Indiana Wesleyan University.

http://www.linkedin.com/in/valenciagabay