085 | From Architect To Builder of Impact w/ Jhaelen Hernandez-Eli

One pebble can create countless ripples—and this episode follows the journey of Jhaelen Hernandez-Eli who’s done exactly that. From Singapore to North Carolina, architecture studios to unexpected sales roles, and a decade inside a rocket-ship design firm, the path winds through public service at NYC EDC and executive leadership at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Now, that journey culminates in a new strategy practice helping nonprofits, museums, and campuses plan, fund, and deliver capital projects that truly transform communities. At the core of every chapter is one question: How can institutions be more useful? We explore themes of equity, climate resilience, and elevating new voices—all in service of creating places that matter.

Things we cover: 

• Why capital projects shape public life and access
• How the Met’s $2B program advanced equity and climate priorities
• Selecting architects beyond the usual shortlist
• Lessons from sales, procurement, and negotiation
• Public service as a lever for middle-class jobs
• Salary transparency, trade-offs, and leverage
• Teaching as a platform for opening the “black box”
• Launching a mission-driven firm and curating a values-based team

Disclaimer:

The views shared on Career Cheat Code are those of the guests and don’t reflect the host or any affiliated organizations. This podcast is for inspiration and information, highlighting unique career journeys to help you define success and take your next step.

If you enjoyed this episode, please like, rate, and subscribe to this podcast on whatever platform you’re using, and share this podcast with your friends and your networks. For more #CareerCheatCode, visit linktr.ee/careercheatcode.
Host - Radhy Miranda
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Producer - Gary Batista
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