The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

The Career Pivot That Changed Everything | Alex Waters - Program Labs (Ep. 105)

Author: Dustin Sutton February 16, 2026 Duration: 52:02

What does it take to successfully pivot your career and create meaningful impact?

In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Dustin sits down with Alex Waters, a leader in the San Diego startup community and a key force behind Program Labs, an organization that designs and operates entrepreneurship programs that expand opportunity and strengthen communities.

Alex shares the unconventional path that took him from aspiring doctor to philosophy student and ultimately into the dynamic worlds of startups, EdTech, and nonprofit innovation. He reflects on pivotal moments, unexpected transitions, and the lessons learned from failure that shaped his approach to leadership, learning, and social impact.

Whether you are considering a career change, building a venture, or developing programs that matter, this conversation delivers practical insight you can apply right away.

In this episode, we cover:

• Navigating career pivots with confidence

• How philosophy influenced Alex’s leadership style

• Lessons from startup culture and the EdTech sector

• The importance of relationships in long-term success

• Learning from failure and building resilience

• Why constraints can fuel creativity

• The mission behind Program Labs

• Strategies for entrepreneurs building momentum

About Alex Waters: For more than 15 years, Alex has helped support early-stage founders, strengthen institutions, and advance social impact initiatives through thoughtfully designed entrepreneurship programs.

Learn more:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/watersalex/

Program Labs: https://www.theprogramlabs.org/

Listen and subscribe:

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@dustincsutton

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tools-talents-and-techniques-with-dustin-sutton/id1692838507

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7pQZ551Ct4jVRQ2BqB7Zr2?si=740ba4a90165417a

Follow for updates:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the3tpod/

X: https://twitter.com/the3tpod

📖 Balanced by Design: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GBZGTW27


Dustin Sutton hosts TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES, a podcast built on the idea that success in any field is a blend of the right resources, innate abilities, and learned methods. The conversations here roam across a wide landscape, from the concrete strategies of real estate and business to the evolving dynamics of technology and the revealing parallels found in sports. Rather than offering quick tips, each episode settles into a detailed discussion with a genuine leader or innovator, unpacking the specifics of their path. You’ll hear how they’ve scaled ventures, managed personal evolution, and applied financial insights, all framed by their unique experiences. This isn't about abstract theory; it's about the tangible, often hard-won lessons that actually move the needle. The result is a collection of dialogues that feel both broad in scope and deeply practical, whether you're building a company, honing a skill, or simply curious about the mechanics of achievement. Tune into this podcast for those unscripted moments where real strategy and personal insight intersect, providing a useful perspective no matter your own professional arena.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

TOOLS TALENTS AND TECHNIQUES with Dustin Sutton
Podcast Episodes
Stories from PGA Tour Veteran Jay Delsing (Ep. 97) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:04:31
In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, I sit down with PGA Tour veteran, storyteller, and golf insider Jay Delsing for one of the most inspiring and entertaining conversations we’ve had on the show.Jay opens up…
Monica Marquez on AI, Leadership, and the Future of Work (Ep. 96) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:15
In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, Monica Marquez shares her incredible journey from a first-generation college graduate in Texas to senior executive roles at Google, EY, Bank of America, and Goldman Sachs -…
Building a Legacy in Commercial Real Estate with Ken Ashley (Ep. 95) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
In this episode of Tools, Talents & Techniques, host Dustin Sutton sits down with Ken Ashley, Executive Director at Cushman & Wakefield, founder of the CREi Summit, and one of the most respected voices in commercial real…
Unlocking Startup Success with Vijay Rajendran (Ep. 92) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:29
In this episode, Dustin Sutton sits down with Vijay Rajendran, startup advisor, entrepreneur, and author, to explore the art of fundraising, mentorship, and building resilient startups. Vijay shares his journey across en…