first generation

Landing Your First Job with Adrian Pinon

/ Adam Smith / Leave a comment



In this Origin Story session, I speak with Adrian Pinon, a first generation college grad who took an unlikely path of self-promotion to his first job: Visiting tech company HQs around California with his message on a sign, garnering attention from ABC News, CBS News and other outlets. By doing this, Adrian proved himself to be a master marketer.

We talk through the journey Adrian took to land his first job out of university: Not knowing about college until late in life, overcoming naysayers, and learning how to market himself. Adrian even founded his own events app before graduation!

Words of wisdom:
• A closed mouth does not get fed.
• Talk to a person. Don’t let applicant tracking systems hold you back.
• Attend that networking event. You could randomly meet a lifelong connection.

Check out Adrian on social media!
Instagram: @pinonxo
TikTok: @pinonxo 
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adrianpinon

Like this session? Watch Growing Up First Generation with Jesse Meza!

Succeeding After an Imperfect Adolescence

/ Adam Smith / Leave a comment

A dramatic accident. Remaking a life in Canada. Coming back to the U.S. Putting himself through college. These are all parts of Lee Gaul’s story.

In this Origin Story session, I speak with Lee, advertising professional, about how he worked through a challenging adolescence, supporting himself through his teenage years, and navigated university admissions without his parents.

Some topics covered:

  • Recovering from trauma
  • Reparenting
  • Navigating disadvantaged circumstances
  • Applying for college without parental help
  • Succeeding in the advertising industry

Nobody has a perfect childhood. Everyone has a different story and background.

What you’re born into does not have to be your fate. You make your future.

If you like this session, watch “Growing Up First Generation” with Jesse Meza.