In this episode of A Real Piece of Work, author, academic advisor, and early career development strategist Ana Homayoun explores how executive functioning skills, technology, and personal energy management are shaping success in today’s world. The conversation examines the growing challenges students and professionals face in balancing focus, productivity, and well-being in an increasingly digital environment.
Drawing from her work with schools, nonprofits, and corporations—as well as themes from her book Getting In Is Not Enough—Ana shares insight into the skills that matter beyond grades and test scores, and why long-term success requires more than traditional achievement alone.
As a Vice President with Russell, a construction and development firm based in Davenport, IA, Matt Rebro brings 20+ years of industry experience and relationships to the team. He is a key contributing member to Russell’s Business Development outreach efforts. Matt’s focus is to help grow the Russell brand with targeted individuals and firms and to support his Russell team members to ensure existing client relationships are maximized to their fullest potential. As a native eastern-Iowan, Matt has demonstrated a commitment to supporting communities over the last two decades via personal and firm support of organizations such as Junior Achievement, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Iowa Association of Business & Industry and the Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce Workforce Coalition.
Matt Blaylock is the co-host of A Real Piece of Work and founder of Cold Penny Marketing, a marketing agency focused on connecting brands with charitable causes and building brand loyalty.