Bridge To U:: Recent Episodes
Monique Russell
Bridge to U focuses on diversity, inclusion and understanding for black cultures. The vastness of the African diaspora requires us all to do our own D&I work. This work is necessary in order to build up unity through conversations and insights required for an awakened and aligned way of living as Black people.
In this episode, I discuss:
take you on a journey through the conferences I attended this year, all centered around women's leadership and entrepreneurship.
Key takeaways from this event and others: the power of body language.
Pull back the curtain on my personal coaching experience that provided me with invaluable insights and coaching to enhance my leadership and business skills
Finally, I delve into the trends and shifts I've observed in the marketplace, particularly for black women. I emphasize the importance of promoting and retaining this demographic in the workplace and dispel any notion of division. We're all in this together, striving for inclusivity and success.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Can we customize wellness programs in the organizational workplace? Dr. Shenè says we should. It’s important to encourage employees to invest in their well-being and this can only be done through having 1:1 conversations. Everyone is different and what one needs, another may not. There is a connection to wellness, and being in a safe environment to work in.
About Dr. Shenè Dr. Beckford is an Industrial and Organizational Practitioner based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Psychology from the University of Miami. Her research and practice interests span a wide range of topics, including Learning and Organizational Development, Talent Management, Coaching, Leadership Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Systems Orientation, Data Analytics, and Adult Education.
Connect with Dr. Shenè Marsh-Beckford: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| Twitter Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mike Chapman is a Senior Partner at Kearney, a global management consulting firm, and is based out of its Washington, D.C. office. Mike serves as the Media practice lead for the Americas region as part of Kearney’s Communications, Media & Technology (CMT) global industry practice. He also serves as the Partner lead for the CMT Americas marketing and is accountable for thought leadership and marketing events for the practice.
In this episode, we discuss:
How Mike’s non-traditional background propelled him to strategy consulting success
How client expectations are driving industry changes for women in consulting
How setting boundaries, asking for upward mobility, and being a problem-solving partner internally will keep you fulfilled.
How to develop a vision that aligns with the marketplace to direct your growth or pivot
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Mike Chapman: LinkedIn Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media
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The brain drain in a company or country often comes when people want a better life, they find it, and rarely do they return to their country of origin. Not Reshma Aziz Khan. Her mission and desire to create impact was too strong to not return from Canada. She also didn’t want to leave her mom alone. This Safari (journey) led her to create her own Consulting firm where she integrates nature in personal development to help leaders become better listeners, and hold space for others. Reshma is a Catalytic Leadership Coach and Global Facilitator with experience in Communications for Development, Change Management, Strategy alignment , Cultural Connection, Social Inclusion, Diversity and Power Dynamics facilitation work, and Future Visioning. She supports individuals and teams to reach their highest potential, whatever that may mean for them, and to be a force of good in the world!
To become a more effective listener right now, practice giving distraction-free, generative attention and noticeable respect to the party.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Reshma Aziz Khan: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Dr. Lorenzo Hughes is a visionary and transformational educational leader with over twenty years of experience maintaining a laser-like focus on achievement for all students with an unwavering commitment to those who have been marginalized.
In this episode we discuss:
- Recognizing your privilege can spark personal advocacy.
- The challenge in sustaining and maintaining equitable work spaces is people’s resistance and disbelief about the reality of structural inequities.
- Being able to facilitate awareness and empowerment from Awakened to Ambassador requires skill development to 1). Interrupt the psyche 2). Investigate thinking 3). Activate the “echo” 4). And explore why something is the way it is.
- In a corporate space, the policy around equity is the first place to start.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Dr. Lorenzo Hughes: LinkedIn
Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Andrew Adeniyiis the CEO & Founder of AAA Solutions; a consulting firm that provides business strategy, workplace culture, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consulting and speaking services to small businesses and non-profits.
Andrew obtained his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He then went on to complete his Master of Science from Michigan State University in Management, Strategy & Leadership. Lastly, Andrew received a certificate in DEI in the Workplace from The Muma College of Business at The University of South Florida.
With over 10 years of executive level management experience, Andrew has helped dozens of clients improve their employee engagement and create a sense of belonging within their organizations.
Andrew currently resides just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and three kids and published his first book titled The Circle of Leadership in the Summer of 2020. The book serves as an entrepreneurial framework on how to create and leverage culture.
Episode Highlights
- In an equitable workplace everyone is safe.
- Avoid becoming numb to injustice through staying continuously exposed to thoughts and perspectives.
- DEI consultants must include data and metrics to keep the conversation moving in the workplace.
- Curiosity is the key to blending Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation in the workplace.
Connect with Andrew Adeniyi: LinkedIn
Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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The conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion should expand from awareness to practice once the foundation has been set. Many remain stuck on assuming that all are starting from ground zero. These are missed opportunities for structural change. The past 2 years have given us an opportunity to lay the foundation for awareness, from examining our belief systems to the experiences that led to the expansion of them.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The importance of moving conversations from Awareness to Practice
- The benefit of moving from Thought Leadership to Thought Partnership
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Without reflecting on our experiences, and the lessons they teach us, we’re bound to repeat the same blocks over and over. I share my personal challenges and triumphs during the year, and how the tools that have been developed in self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence kicked in to help me maintain momentum and bounce back faster.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Why continuous development of Emotional Intelligence tools are necessary when things are going well
- Why your audience benefits more from your story when you can share lessons vs when you are in the midst of healing
- How to bounce back from setbacks faster by activating your existing body of knowledge and community
- My continued appreciation of your support for listening to the show
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Omozua Isiramen is a Neuro-Science Transformation and Peak Performance Specialist. She helps leaders understand the brain and how to maximize its functions in a way that helps them become CEOs of their braids and their very best life.
In this episode, Omozua explains why the comfort zone is not a comfort zone. It is actually a pain zone. It’s where painful things occur and sustainable motivation is reduced.
She also explains why comparison can be used for inspiration. The eyes are the only visible parts of the brain. Pay attention to what you are exposing your brain to.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Omozua Isiramen: LinkedIn
Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Dave Crane is an international speaking and presentation expert, working with directors, c-suite executives, celebrities, and public sectors officials. He is a United Nations ECOSOC representative for Vienna, Geneva, and New York, specializing in leadership.In this episode, Dave explains that adding technology to day to day occurrences and experiences should be normal and embraced. However, simply connecting with others globally through technology doesn’t make you culturally sensitive.
Anger has become a focal point where fear has become loud and scary. We need to go back to values, focus on building community and allowing those around us who are skilled to be a part of the solution.
Life coaches are one part of the solution to resolving the amount of anger and lack of awareness we witness daily.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Dave Crane: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Ed Johnson AKA Dr. Love that’s Dr. the Real Deal LoveDr. Love - is a speaker, relationship coach, author of the book, “3 Things Every Woman Needs to Know About a Man” and founder of Love University. Dr. Love is quickly gaining credibility in the relationship industry and rapidly becoming one of the premier authorities on dating, love, romance, and marriage.
In this episode Dr. Love shares that trust is the foundation of all relationships. If trust is broken, one of the most important ways to begin rebuilding is to admit that you were wrong, and you need help. You must also understand the mental paradigm you are living and how it shows up in your life.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Dr. Edward Johnson III: LinkedIn| Website
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Dr. Sheena Lovia Boateng is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Marketing and Entrepreneurship at the University of Ghana Business School. She is a fellow of the Academy of Marketing Science.
In order to have a successful business and expand beyond local markets, it is critical that you understand the various ways Marketing can help you. Without it, business success will be fleeting. The challenge is that many Ghanian entrepreneurs are simply living for the sale. They are focused on the transaction and not the relationship, but with this understanding and awareness, they can unlock the keys to sustainable, repeatable, profitable and scalable businesses.
I asked Dr. Sheena, where entrepreneurs should spend more time gaining insight to better position themselves. These are a few:
- Understand the market segments for better targeting
- Develop more than 1 script as all customers are not the same
- Differentiate your product in the market to avoid looking like everyone else
- Build trust with your customers through checking up on them and asking about their experience
If you are in an e-commerce business, one way to strengthen trust is by having a physical presence. It not only expands your reach, but it allows customers who are not comfortable doing business online to do business with you in person.
Listen to the full episode on ways to build trust through continuing the conversation, dispelling opportunistic behaviors, ensuring each party has mutual benefits and improving the skill of conflict resolution.
Connect with Sheena Boateng: LinkedIn | Instagram - @dr_lovia.boateng
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Ever wondered what are some key habits of successful communicators? This episode of the Bridge To U podcast provides the blueprint that will make you an effective communicator and open you up to more impact.
In this week’s episode I take a look at what previous guests had to say and give you the communication success blueprint to experience more fulfillment, joy and impact in black communities.
The first habit is inspired by Okama Brook who appeared in the episode "Connect Without Causing Harm: Understand the Context." Okama shows us that in order to have sustained connection and buy in with people who are different from you, you need to take time upfront. You must be willing to understand the culture and stories of others in order to connect without causing harm.
The second habit of successful communicators comes from Michael Fosburg who appeared in the episode "How to Have Meaningful Conversations Around Race & Identity. "
Michael tells us that when having conversations, especially about race, it can be messy and uncomfortable since we all have different experiences. With that in mind, there is no one way to communicate about it. Key Points
- This episode looks at the communication habits of previous guests to provide a communication success blueprint.
- To communicate effectively, we must connect without causing harm.
- When it comes to conversations about race, there is no way to communicate about it.
Connect with guest:
- Michael Fosburg: LinkedIn
- Okama Brook: LinkedIn | Instagram
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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What do you need to be successful in relocating to a new country? How will you manage the complexities and challenges? What will you do to manage the various forms of challenges around your intersectionality?
Anything is possible when you are relocating to a new country. The successes and problems you face where you currently are, are the ones that will go with you.
- Use your intuition and trust yourself.
- Understand your biases and perceptions and how they impact your experience.
- Start small, right where you are. Go to a section of your current community and begin to talk to strangers.
- Choose what you want to engage with because every relocation journey is different.
Mbeke Waseme is a global educator, world traveler, and relocation consultant. She is the founder of Mbeke Waseme International – an international firm helping those over 50 achieve their goals. She says people are often surprised when they learn that relocation is more about them than the place they are going to. It is about being resilient, adaptable, flexible and open.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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In this week’s episode of the Bridge To U podcast, we hear from previous guests on the frameworks, systems and mindset that are required to improve intergenerational impact around race. We also look at how our level of well being impacts the work that we do and the opportunities for change.
First Dr. Charmaine Jackman, who appeared in the episode "Healing is Not a Luxury" - explains how the healthcare system continues to under serve the black community across America. This is as traditional psychology training does not consider people of color and doesn't require any particular attention to diversity, equity, or cross cultural training as part of that ongoing education.
She goes further to address our mindset around racism. Dr. Jackman shares that there is nothing wrong with the way we as blacks communicate, interact with each other, or respond to racism. She believes that it is the system of colonialism and white supremacy that has ingrained this way of thinking into us.
Then I looked back at the conversation I had with Michael Fosburg, who appeared in the episode "How to Have Meaningful Conversations Around Race & Identity " - to hear his story and how he embraced his full identity. Michael found out that he was black at the age of 34 and ever since, this information has shifted his perspective of himself and how he shows up in the world. We discuss the importance of leaning into our identity rather than feeling shame around our blackness.
With that in mind, I talk about how embracing all parts of my identity has allowed me to begin to receive healing and connect more deeply with others. Through this I share practical steps for improving intergenerational impact, including making healing a daily practice and investigating your own family narrative.
Key Points
- Dr. Charmaine Jackman explains how the healthcare system continues to under serve the black community across America.
- Our mindset around race has been influenced by the system of colonialism and white supremacy.
- Michael Fosburg discusses the importance of leaning into our identity rather than feeling shame around our blackness.
- Practical steps for improving intergenerational impact, including making healing a daily practice and investigating your own family narrative, are identified.
Connect with guest:
- Michael Fosburg: LinkedIn
- Dr. Charmaine Jackman: LinkedIn | Website
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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In this episode of the Bridge To U Podcast, I share the results from the listener survey and some upcoming changes to the podcast. First, I want to thank everyone who took the time to fill out the survey. The feedback was incredibly helpful and will be instrumental in shaping the future of the podcast.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
When it comes to addressing victimhood and perpetration, narratives are powerful when facing and addressing trauma. Everything needs to be a part of the conversation, not just the good parts of it.
Dr. Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod is an academician, researcher, and head of the Ethics, Peace and Human Rights department at American University. She is a Conflict Resolution consultant and her work has been expressed in several countries in Europe, Africa and North America. She is a survivor of genocide and the author of Narratives of Victimhood and Perpetration.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Dr. Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod: LinkedIn
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Do we really understand the impact of internalized shame, and how it affects the way we live our lives as human beings? Sedruola Maruska had the unfortunate experience of losing a baby conceived in an extramarital affair. She felt devastated. She didn’t realize until many years later what the feeling of shame and embarrassment caused her to live her life from a place of default.
As a first generation Haitian immigrant, she encountered other Haitian people who felt ashamed of who they were and where they came from, but because of her dad and the way he spoke about the country and people, she did not adopt this feeling of inferiority towards her country of heritage.
Today, she is an advocate for equity and inclusion, and understands how some Black people don’t see racism as a problem in the similar way some white people don’t. Understanding the role plays in racism, and inclusion can help us to begin a true path to equity.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Sedruola Maruska: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website| Patreon
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Chicago native Michael Fosberg has spoken at nearly a thousand high schools, colleges, government agencies, corporations, law firms, and not-for-profits since 2005, utilizing his award-winning autobiographical story, told in the form of a one-man play, as an entry point for meaningful dialogues on race and identity.
He has collaborated with a number of professional diversity practitioners on programs to foster deeper dialogue in corporate settings and at educational institutions. His work is reshaping the way organizations talk about race, identity, and diversity. Michael has been a frequent guest in the media speaking on these issues, and his latest book, Nobody Wants to Talk About It; Race, Identity and the Difficulties in Forging Meaningful Conversations offers readers seven important tools to engage in authentic dialogue. In 2011 he published his memoir; Incognito: An American Odyssey of Race and Self-Discovery and he has just launched a series of unique virtual e-learning programs utilizing his award-winning play as the entry point for delving into uncomfortable conversations.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Michael Fosberg: LinkedIn
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Dr. Charmain Jackman is an award winning psychologist who has trained at two of the top Harvard Medical School training hospitals in the country. She uses her 23+ years of mental health experience work towards normalizing mental health and therapy. Her mission is to increase access mental health resources for people who have historically not had access to quality, culturally-informed care.
In this episode, Dr. Jackman states that healing is not a luxury. It is a necessity, and it is essential for us to understand how and why distrust in medicine developed among Black people. Therapy was not designed with the needs of Black people in mind therefore, ensuring that your therapist is aware of these gaps and flaws is critical to avoid experiencing more harm than good.
When you heal yourself, you heal your community and you avoid passing on your trauma to your descendants. We’ve passed down corporal punishment and withholding love and affection. It was a means of coping and survival. Today, embracing indigienous practices of healing will help you to accelerate growth and mental well-being.
Connect with Dr. Charmain Jackman: LinkedIn | Facebook|Website
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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William Adams is a rare combination of engineering sage and empathetic change leader. He’s a pioneer in promoting diversity who believes technology exists to empower people. He's on a mission to help Blacks, women, and other underserved communities get an ownership stake in technology companies.
Equally at home speaking geek to coders or sharing inspirational stories of leadership and personal transformation, William is an engaging, energetic speaker and an even better listener. Humorous and on-point, his authentic, clear-eyed talks leave audiences inspired to take concrete actions to help their companies and communities prosper.
Connect with Willaims Adams: LinkedIn | Website
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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At just 25 years old, Korryn Williamson is breaking new ground in the staffing industry. As the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Insight Global, one of the nation’s largest staffing companies, Korryn is making great strides to change what the future of the workforce looks like in America.
In this episode, Korryn shares that through her work, she is creating new opportunities for job seekers by having tough conversations with employers to change the way companies select job seekers for interviews and hire for positions. Her advice for job seekers and employees generally is to network and create more opportunities for exposure. Listen to Korryn share her experience and how networking & exposure helped her career.
Connect with Korryn Williamson: LinkedIn
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Andrena Sawyer is an author, consultant and strategist whose background includes surviving the civil war in Sierra Leone. Her authenticity and innovative business principles inspire audiences to take control of their lives and move toward success.
In this episode we discuss resilience and perspective as two skills you need to thrive and bounce back from crises. As a kid, you learn ways of responding to crises from people you observe such as your parents, but as an adult, you have an opportunity to learn new ways of responding to crises.
Even if you have socially conditioned to avoid being vulnerable and you may be someone that has to learn the hard way from hitting rock bottom, give yourself the grace of evolution. You can change. You can unlearn. Don’t waste the lessons and take daily steps to practice vulnerability.
Lean on your spiritual component and surround yourself with friends who love you enough to challenge you and tell you when your mindset is not helping, but hurting.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Andrena Sawyer: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| Twitter
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
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Have you ever given any thought to what is required to win in the new Global Economy? Living in a borderless world with an increase in remote work opportunities have afforded many the luxury to entertain relocating to new places in international territories. It has afforded many the opportunity to think about doing business in multiple locations, currencies and cultures. But if we are to get serious about sustainable and lasting impact, we must adopt a special curriculum...one that requires more than just knowledge, but deep, experiential learning in order for true transformation to happen.
In this episode, I highlight several of my previous guests and their insights required for awakened and aligned way of living as Black people:
- Foundational Knowledge on Building and Creating
- Understanding History and Decolonizing Your Curriculum
- Identifying Systems and Intersectionality
- Doing the WORK
- The impact and reach of business when having done the WORK
- Business
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by Breadfruit Media
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In this episode, I discuss:
- Reflection and recommendations for business development and success now and in the future
- Development areas of Mindset > Reputation > Customer Experience and Communication Skills
- The Ultimate Speaker’s Guide
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
Stone Gye immediately takes us on a journey into nature and how it’s lessons have helped him to navigate his life. Stone Gye is an aggregation of Hypnotherapist, Strength Coach, Combat Veteran, Lomi Lomi Masseur, Business Coach, Digital Agency Strategist, Senior Landmark Worldwide Graduate, Business Automation Junkie, Dad and more.
From this interview with Stone, we get a clear picture of how nature gives us lessons of how we are interconnected as human beings. We learn how to ward off attacks, how to form community and how to embrace each other. This is only if we understand the role nature plays and see ourselves as one with nature, rather than nature as a transaction.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Stone: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Without reflecting on our experiences and movement towards desired goals, we miss the lessons that will help us assess where we could improve and maintain what is already working.
In this episode, I discuss:
- Reflections and observations on leading a niche podcast focused on Understanding and Black Unity
- Why we need to be intentional about our connections
- The importance of challenging the stories from mass media we consume and embracing new media
- Acknowledging the barriers and difficulties we face and not running away from or avoiding them
Using value systems and a similar mindset as a basis to connect with others
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
Have you ever felt disenfranchised from your country of origin? Have you chosen to disconnect and disassociate with where you are from because of pain, and pressure? Many immigrants choose to disconnect from their origin country not realizing that it symbolizes a disconnection of self. When you become aware of your history and understand the impact of re-connecting, you can leverage the greatest gifts you have available. Clara Angelina Diaz, the founder of the ClaraFying Coaching and Consulting Institute, shares her journey to not only reconnect with her country of origin in the Dominican Republic but embrace her origin of Africa.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Clara Angelina Diaz-Angerson: LinkedIn | Instagram
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Nick Nelson is an award-winning visionary Marketing and Brand Executive. As CEO of BRANDPRENUER Nick helps remarkable people who show up well in person show up just as well online by developing brand strategies, creating assets (photography, videography graphic design, web design), and teaching clients how to GET NOTICED by creating custom content across social media channels.
How can I have more impact? This is a question many people ask. Nick Nelson tells us to perform a self-audit. Ask, “who am I today?”. “Is it time to solve a different problem?” Stop competing and start collaborating more and remember that your Blackness is your Superpower.
This is the formula for premium business branding success. Expose yourself to other cultures and in my doing so you open up yourself to learn more. When you learn more, you become more valuable.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Nick Nelson: LinkedIn | Instagram |
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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The process of releasing old and current wounds and traumas is not easy., Take it from Rahila Khan who has lived in South Africa under apartheid and the racial and social hierarchy of discrimination and racism. What helped her was learning how to love herself and learning how to re-program her DNA by auditing thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and emotions from herself and her ancestral lineage.
Rahila Khan is an internationally accredited Journey Practitioner and a Specialist Facilitator in Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence Programs - Human Values and Professional Ethics (personal and corporate) in developing human potential. She is an entrepreneur and a community development worker, too.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Rahila Khan: LinkedIn |Facebook| Instagram
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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In the guest chair for this episode is Paula Okonneh. Paula Okonneh is a woman in Tech leader and entrepreneur. As a self described Tech lover, this baby boomer sees herself as an encourager to other women especially seasoned immigrant women who struggle to have a voice while at the same time being intimidated by technology.
What do you do when you are an immigrant in another country? How do you plan to be successful and embrace the unknown? Cultural struggles are a standard part of immigrant life. Even if you successfully adapt, and remain flexible, understand that differences and misunderstandings are a part of the process. In order to avoid succumbing to negative thoughts about your status as an immigrant, keep an open mind, understand the nuances and differences of the cultures you are leaving and moving into, recognize that struggles are a part of the story, and learn to showcase yourself.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Paula Okonneh: LinkedIn | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Perry Rhue is an Executive and Leadership Development Coach, and former internal Leadership Coach at IBM. Perry is also the founder of The Rising Awareness Journey, a social change movement equipping professionals with the skillset to effectively navigate through the “difficult and challenging” conversations about racism and social issues of the past, present, and future.
In this episode, Perry and Monique explore questions like: How have you been influenced by white superiority coupled with racism? Do you know? How does this ideological system influence and impact your life? Being able to embrace the difficult, and messy conversations around race starts here. To be an activist in this area, connect with like-spirited and courageous people, understand that coaches are healers by trade so connect with those who are at the forefront of these conversations, and mend the fractured bone of conflict by being curious FOR others.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Perry Rhue: Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Even if you grew up in a stable, supportive household, you can still find yourself in a position of unhealthy communication. You can find yourself not caring about others, but when family members support you consistently and persistently by telling you the truth about yourself, it can open the door to empathy, love, and lasting relationships. Learning how to agree to disagree takes time, self-awareness, and a recognition that you may be hurting those you love.
Marlon Addison is a family 1st oriented Sales and Marketing Leader who thrives on the interdependency between Sales and Data Analytics. Over 20 years of experience in the Healthcare arena but drawn to Sales, Marketing, and Education all while building and steadying relationships. Call him the "Sales Whisperer".
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Marlon Addison: LinkedIn | Twitter
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Unity does not mean uniformity or conformity. There is strength in our diversity. Where do we start when we cannot relate to someone we don’t share similar values with or have not had similar experiences to.
We begin by sharing stories in a communal way. This leads to the aspect of relatability and empathy. For years, oral traditions and practices allowed us to leverage verbalizing wins and challenges as a way to foster mental and emotional wellbeing and healing.
In this episode, I discuss:
- When exclusion is appropriate
- The skills of active listening and holding space for other people’s experiences
- How we can de-center our experience and open our minds to empathy when we cannot relate
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Rob Howze teaches us the process he uses to maximize his individual performance: Self-reflection, self-correction and humility. Reflect daily on your decisions and choices. Correct any choices and decisions that were not good for you and remain humble. This process is a system youth can embrace. Many children struggle with the barrier and distraction of their identity and confidence. Not surprisingly, so do adults.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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P.S. Perkins is the Founder and Senior Consultant of the Human Communication Institute (www.hci-global.com). In this episode, P.S. Perkins discusses spirituality as a source of connection. Words are powerful and are units of energy. Examine to see whether the words and verbiage you use are uplifting to yourself AND others. Emotional contagion is very real and we need to be mindful of the communication climate we are exhibiting with our energies.
If we long to truly be inclusive as Black people, we must examine the root of the language we use. The English language was not created to uplift Black people. When you explore words that are degrading, or limiting, be intentional in removing them from your vocabulary or lexicon. For example, “minority”, “subculture”, “second-class citizen”.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Pamela Perkins: LinkedIn | Facebook |
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid is quite the multi-hyphenate. She is a bilingual Veterinarian-turned-Media Personality, TV Presenter, Event Host, Speaker, and Podcast host of 'Redirection with Terri-Karelle."
“We are more than what we see” are the words Terri’s grandmother imprinted in her psyche from Day 1. This belief and the intentional actions to expose yourself to the world beyond your culture is what set Terri to be curious of people and places off the beaten path. In order to re-define ourselves as Black people, we must study Black historians and read the literature. We must glean wisdom from them to see Black not as skin color, but Black as a powerful identity.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Terri Karelle: Instagram
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Melody Capote is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI). In this episode, Melody shared that arts, music, dance, and sacred practices are all forms of cultural expression that unite us as Black people. If we look at the drum, for example, and its many uses, we see the intersectionality of traditions and practices that unite us. Visual and musical forms of storytelling provide understanding and they are the traditional language of Black people. Self-preservation and personal activism is one way we as Black people can strengthen confidence, and extend the olive branch.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Melody Capote: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook |
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Mayowa Adegoke (formerly Ogundele) is a multi-talented Nigerian journalist and news correspondent, based in Dubai, where she covers news, business, tech, entertainment and news stories from an African perspective. Mayowa has dedicated her life to impacting lives.
"As a journalist, as a media personality, I have a brand. I also have a personality and social media presence. Using our personal social media and brand, or whatever we have control over, we need to use those platforms to create the reality we want. We need to use the spaces that we have influence in to amplify stories that need to be told to help the Black community to come together."
Someone may hear your story and forget it, but if you impact someone’s life positively, they will never forget your story. You don’t need to influence many people. Focus on one and use the spaces you already have influence and control over to build the bridge with someone else.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Mayowa Adegoke: LinkedIn | Instagram |
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Respecting your culture and becoming an advocate is an immersive learning experience. There is a time and a place for everything. Afro-centric education, and music are gateways to understanding knowledge about who you are as a Black person.
"There are no psychological tricks to takeaway someone’s ability to choose. Modeling, choosing the right timing and advocating in bite size approaches will help you shift perspectives."
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Kelly Blackmon: LinkedIn | Youtube| Website|
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Nicky Verd is an International Keynote Speaker and leading thinker on driving innovation and digital transformation through personal disruption. She is Author of the hit book “Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted.” Nicky was recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Digital Disruption and Future of Work. She is also the Brand Ambassador for Southern Africa Startup Award.
Shame is powerful and it can hold you back from expressing your talent. What do you do when you are ashamed of your own talent? After an emotionally exhausting and crippling divorce, Nicky sought out to become the human disruptor. She needed to heal first before she could go out with her big mission in the world. She took time to do this before bleeding on to other people. Her process involved mentors who had successfully overcome similar obstacles, like Sara Jakes.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Nicky Verd: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website
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"Don’t be afraid to experiment with video storytelling. Trust your gut and avoid being a perfectionist."
Black Leadership influences what we see and hear in the media. When sharing positive Black stories, aligning yourself with leaders who can help you amplify your message is a must. It is not always about money, but a lot of times, it is. Your passion and love for what you do will help you to deliver quality results to those who are watching. Make your message universally accessible and can be understood even without language by using motion pictures, and timely creatives.
About Edie ClarkeEdie Clarke has worked for a TV director/producer, on a short film, as a production coordinator for 2 major TV networks, then later as an Art Department Manager at Sony Pictures Imageworks. She is now an independent video producer at Virtually in Sync.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Edie Clarke:LinkedIn | Youtube
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I just had to bring these ladies back for a joint episode and when you listen to it you will understand why.
Jessica Reed is a writer, youth educator, and proud ice cream lover from Detroit, Michigan. She first appeared in episode 4.
Jennifer Tomlinson is a college Professor of African American Studies and Interim Dean of Learning Support. She first appeared in episode 6.
In this episode we discussed:
- The definitions of colorist, elitism, and classism.
- How colorism, elitism, classism as being a trauma response in Black Cultures.
- The difference between a generalization and a stereotype and how adding stereotypes to a generalization is where it becomes problematic.
- Learning and understanding history in order to move forward.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
- Connect with Jennifer Tomlinson: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website| Youtube
- Connect with Jessica - Instagram | Website
Connect with Monique with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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“I think what happens is the more you learn about yourself and embrace it, it is not a surprise but people can no longer use it against you as a weapon, when you honor it and decide whether you like it or not. When I say I don't like that trait about myself, it doesn't matter whatever family, friend, spouse, eco-worker, boss points it out, you say, hey, I agree with you and I am working on that. They don’t have power in that anymore. You have taken your power back because you are not judging yourself. You are not attaching shame. You are not attaching guilt or regret to who you are because you are not meant to be perfect anyway…”
Many people are not truly happy and feeling fulfilled and they are not being honest with themselves about their feelings. Becoming your own project means you honor your feelings, and give yourself space and time to process them. Hold up a mirror to yourself and be honest about what you see. It is through this healing and processing journey that you connect to deep feelings of sisterhood and love.
About Tierra Destiny Reid
Tierra Destiny Reid has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and plenty of stories to tell; however, like many of us, she did not always know how to take the next step and make her voice heard. After publishing her first book, The Power of Peace in a Pause, Tierra Destiny Reid discovered the power of sharing her voice through self-publishing. She was spirit-driven to help others like her: people with powerful stories who may be intimidated by the idea of publishing their own writing. She founded Legacy Publishing Coordinators (LPC), a boutique publishing company and a division of TDR Brands International that encourages others to share their own voices through self-publication.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Tierra Destiny Reid: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website|
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Alternative environments and exposure at an early age prime individuals to live a life of nonconformity, and challenge the status quo. This early foundation helps to create a pathway to self-discovery. When your environment is predominantly different from people that look like you, it can create feelings of disassociation of self and a disconnect to your Black culture and heritage. However, when you are exposed to other environments that affirm who you are, it can build a bridge to self and others.
About Walter Gainer II
Walter Gainer II is a problem-solving creative that helps people and businesses develop their brands, manage projects, and create content that tells stories.
He grew up in Charleston SC, traveled to China, got a scholarship to play soccer in college when America still looked at it as a White sport. He was homeschooled while in high school and took dual credit classes to get college credits.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Walter Gainer II: LinkedIn | LinkedIn Walter Gainer II| Twitter Bosslocks| Twitter Walter Gainer II|
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Fatsani Dogani is a nurse, published author, entrepreneur, speaker, healthcare consultant, and also considers herself a global citizen. Born in Malawi and now based in California Fatsani was blessed with the opportunity to live in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom.
As a self professed global citizen Fatsani goes by the adage that our experiences shape our opinions and it is only through opening ourselves up to our biases that we can create the opportunities for discourse that can help us forge ahead as a society. She admits that she held her own biased opinions about African Americans that were acquired through her own misguided misconceptions. Watching the Netflix Documentary 13th provided her with a different lens in which to view her fellow black man/woman. Having a black husband and two black sons has also given her a different way of viewing the lived american experience.
Comparing the Black experience of American and African peoples are born out of ignorance. But when you have an eye-opening experience in understanding the history of a people, you can have more empathy, compassion and understanding of their journey. Seek to understand, don’t compare your story to another person’s story, share what you learn with others and stay open to learning.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Fatsani Dogani: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Dogani, PHD
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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"Colorism and hair influence who you date and marry..."The power of identity and understanding oneself can lead to connecting and understanding other people. Hair is a powerful part of the way Black people view and see themselves.
- Start within to embrace all parts of who you are.
- Take an active role in learning your history and others’ history.
- Take action and be vocal about standing up for others and fully expressing who you are.
About Judy McCutcheon
For the past 20 years, Judy McCutcheon worked extensively within the Caribbean region, North and Central America, teaching middle managers how to find new revenue streams, lead effectively in their teams, and increase their company’s bottom line. She has also worked with them to find solutions to their personal financial struggles.
She is the Managing Partner of Go Blue Inc a management consulting firm that focuses on middle managers and helps them lead their people effectively so they can impact the bottom line in a positive way.
Her background is in Organizational Psychology and Accounting and she has written over 100+ articles on finance.
Her clients include the University of the West Indies- Open Campus, Grenada Electricity Corporation, Grenada Airport Authority, Digicel Grenada to name a few.
She is an active member and past President of the Rotary Club of Grenada and calls herself the Badass Coach.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Judy McCutcheon: LinkedIn | Website|
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Have you ever considered yourself to be an activist? You may be one already and aren’t aware of it. There is nothing more challenging than moving through life without intention and that includes activism.
We thrive on creating what Micky Scottbey Jones calls Brave Space.
In this episode, I discuss:
- The 5 things you need to consider when being an Activist
- The skills you need to develop and master when connecting with other Black cultures
- The role and responsibilities I am participating in as a Black cultural unity activist
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Have you ever wondered why Black people and nations seem to have difficulty doing business with each other? Dr. Melida Harris Barrow dissects the patterns that Black people have been educated to serve instead of create and build. In addition, many black nations, particularly in Africa, tend to do business with the country of the colonizer as opposed to doing business with each other, such as within Latin America and the Caribbean. One must understand the truth in order to identify gifts, talents, collaborate and successfully do business with each other.
About Dr. Melida Harris-Barrow
Dr. Melida Harris-Barrow is the President and CEO of the 6th region Global Chamber of Commerce. Born in Panama City, Panama, and headquartered in the United States Miami, Florida,she has over the past twenty-six years, served in various capacities in government, international business and private organizations and is known from her accomplishments in entrepreneurship, humanitarianism, social and political development. Today Dr, Barrow is the universal peace ambassador for Panama, an author, motivational speaker, life coach, international bestseller, talk show host, philanthropist, CEO of love truth and peace, World Trade and investment foundation, and Harris Business Enterprise. Among her specialties are international economic investment & trade Development, Sustainable Economic Development through Entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment through entrepreneurship.
In her capacity as a social and political activist, Dr. Barrow has used expertise to address pressing issues that affect the Caribbean, the Americas, and Africa as well as matters pertaining to human rights and justice for all. Being an astute communicator, Dr. Harris Barrow is often called upon to speak at various functions, trade organizations, economic development organizations (EDOs), businesses, corporations’ conventions, universities, churches, among others. She is an advocate for personal and professional development and is known for empowering leaders to play their part in advancing the welfare of the human race.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE.
Connect with Dr. Melida Harris Barrow: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook |
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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The purpose of education is to build wealth: social, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial and communal. We are more linked and connected to the struggle of Black people than we understand. If we can get the youth to understand more of their history, who they are, why they behave the way they behave, and why the struggles faced are present, we can change society in a positive way. In this decade of self-reflection, leaders need to embody introspective leadership to make sure we are not demonstrating similar types of oppressive behaviors.
“We have had a period of decolonization where we started looking at ourselves not as enslaved people but people who had a past that was rich. It is such a link to what is happening in the US and in the Caribbean. We link into that and see it as a vital part of the reparation movement. We have not had a fair chance to build wealth, and that is education. It is important that leaders reflect, introspectively because as leaders, we have to ensure that we have not played a part in our own way of reinforcing these stereotypes with the people that we lead.” ~ Dr. LongsworthDownload the Episode Worksheet
About Dr. Luz Longsworth
Dr. Luz Longsworth holds a Doctorate in Business Administration in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. She holds a B.A. in French and Spanish (First Class Hons.) and MBA (Marketing) degrees from the University of the West Indies and also holds a Master of Arts degree in Hispanic Studies from Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Longsworth has over 25 years of experience in both academia and business in Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Belize and Barbados. She has held the posts of General Manager of La Moda Export Limited, a garment manufacturing company in Jamaica and General Manager of Amicorp BVI, a financial services company in the BVI. Her academic career has included lecturing in Spanish Language and Literature as well as in Management subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of the West Indies (Mona, Open Campus and Cave Hill School of Business) and the University of Belize. She has also supervised and examined several student theses at the Masters and Doctoral levels at the UWI and the University of Liverpool.
Dr. Longsworth’s research focus is in the fields of Leadership development, Change Management and Organizational Development and Transformation. She is a certified trainer in Leadership courses in 360 degree Leadership, Communication Skills, Accelerating Teamwork and 5 Levels of Leadership for the internationally renowned John Maxwell Company and in Leadership Embodiment (levels 1 and 2). She has participated in various consulting projects in the areas of:
•Leadership Development
•Strategic Planning
•Improving Communication Skills
•Teambuilding and Development
•Leadership Coaching
•Leadership in Higher Education
•Managing Change and Organizational Transformation
She has facilitated training programmes and workshops across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom including Ernst and Young (Caribbean), LEX (Caribbean), Courts (Belize), NICH (Belize), Belize Telecommunications Limited (Belize), Sandals International (Jamaica), ExIm Bank (Jamaica), Scotiabank (Jamaica), Secrets Resorts (Jamaica), and engaged in policy research for the Higher Education Council (UK).
Keenly community oriented, Dr. Longsworth has worked with at risk youths in Western Jamaica, Belize, Barbados and the British Virgin Islands, as well as served on the boards of several community based organizations.
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If you have seen humanity at its best, removing divisive thoughts and negative bias is easier. Be able to recognize the moments when you have been helped by strangers that do not have a similar background. Be intentional in imagining yourself in another person’s shoes. Look at the other perspective. Read the biography and stop over-generalizing. Being highly educated does not mean you are highly informed.
About Dr.Olukunle Iyanda
Dr.Olukunle Iyanda, is a management consultant with over 2 decades of experience in corporate strategy, leadership and people development, emerging technology and innovation, and organizational culture. He is the founder of BROOT consulting, Managing Partner of the Design Thinkers Group, Nigeria where he currently resides, and is a firm proponent and advocate that diversity and inclusion are robust tools for innovation and generating ideas.
He designs and facilitates high energy and captivating capacity development programs for organizations in the area of Design Thinking, Corporate Strategy, Leadership and People Development, Emerging Technology & Innovation Management, and Organisational Culture.
Stay Connected
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Dr. Kunle Iyanda: LinkedIn |Website
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Bridge To U is off to a great start, thanks to you!
As the year comes to a close, reflect on the episodes you've heard and share your biggest insight or learning moment from the 2020.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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His love for the continent of Africa was born out of being in an environment of toxic hate for his homeland. Having to disguise himself as anything but African in order to get a job, to eat, and survive was a way of life while living in China. His desire to educate about the continent of Africa led him to see for himself the beauty in the countries by going on a self-funded pilgrimage and capturing on video the beauty of the continent. By having the courage to be himself, love himself, and connect to his purpose, he has been able to maintain resilience through the obstacles he faces of building a bridge between black people worldwide.
About Wode MayaWode Maya is a popular Ghanaian YouTube personality, vlogger, and aeronautical engineer. Maya began vlogging about life in China where his videos went viral gaining an international audience and attention.
He joined YouTube on January 10, 2013. Wode Maya is Berthold Winkler's stage name. Mr. Ghana Baby, as he is also known professionally, visits multiple African countries vlogging about his travel experiences, the country's culture, and social scene garnering him mainstream media attention. He is a fluent Mandarin Chinese speaker.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Wode Maya: Youtube | Instagram | Website
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Dethra Giles is a two time TEDx speaker, international keynote, executive coach, and award-winning author that has a track record of taking teams from functioning poorly and top producers.
In this episode Dethra shares that if you are not growing in your knowledge, you are dying. Start small, easy and fun to begin deepening your connection, and understanding about people that are different from you. In addition she states that language and names hold significant weight in our identity. Be intentional about connecting and learning the language of others.
Snippet from Dethra:
Start small, easy, and fun. Those are my three requirements. Small, easy, and fun. Let me tell you something. International people, not just Jamaicans, international people, when I tell you, we love a good party. There is no easy button for cross-cultural education. It just doesn't exist. But go to a nice party, a nice event, and start to immerse yourself in those cultures. And you'll be amazed at how you're embraced, and how you're given opportunities to create a deeper meaning and a deeper relationship just from that very small surface, party or event, or cultural activity. You will be amazed at how they can lead to a whole new world for you.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Dethra Giles: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter|
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"When you are happy in your own skin, and stop looking for external approval, you are able to face rejection and still move forward because something bigger and deeper drives you. Performing arts and roles that allow you to learn how to read people can give you an advantage in identifying smoke screen distractions in life. Choose your battles, only fight battles you can win, and learning how to communicate strategically will give you an edge."
A BBC trained journalist and presenter; Dave Crane is an international speaking and presentation expert, working with directors, c-suite executives, celebrities, and public sectors officials. He is a United Nations ECOSOC representative for Vienna, Geneva, and New York, specializing in leadership.
A qualified NLP Master Practitioner and Communications Strategist, NFNLP Hypnotherapist, and stress management expert, Dave has more than 20 years of experience delivering bespoke one-on-one executive public speaking coaching and group media training programs.
A motivational speaker on leadership, communication, digitalization, and the future of work, Dave has over 30 years of experience delivering engaging keynotes, moderating panels, and hosting large scale events at NASA, Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, World Beauty Championship, Samsung FIFA Intercontinental Beach Soccer, World Club 10’s Rugby, Special Olympics World Games 2019, World’s Ultimate Strongman, Rugby World Cup Sevens, Speedcar Series, Legends Rock Dubai Tennis, Dubai Open Tennis, ATD Middle East, GITEX, MICE India & Luxury Travel Congress, Gulf Trade Finance Summit, ICAP CFO Conference and many more.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Dave Crane: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website|
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Okama Brooks is the Founder and President of ACHA: Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance. She is a senior advisor to many national, regional and international government organizations in the areas of development. She is a liaison officer with the United Nations and is passionate about building bridges and reconnecting Africa and the Caribbean heritage.
In this episode, Okama states:
"When you embed yourself into another person’s physical culture, you take an inside-out approach to providing solutions as opposed to an outside-in approach. This helps to gain buy-in, build trust and reduce harm through assumptions. Understanding through orientation like language immersion, and home-stays foster deeper understanding and appreciation of a person’s culture."
We need to provide context about cultural orientation. Learning about history is important and essential, but in the way forward, learning about who you are through stories, cultural heritage creates empowered states and mindsets. We need to be more vocal about who we are as a people.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
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Connect with Okama Brooks: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website
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Gaining knowledge is one thing. Applying what we learn is another. Let’s bring together the previous three episodes from Jessica Reed, Veronica Owusu and Jennifer Tomlinson to expand the teaching and emerging theses.
In this episode, I discuss:
- How do we tell our stories? Where do we begin even when it is uncomfortable?
- How can Black people raise the energy and vibration about how we feel about Black cultures worldwide?
- Where do we look to truly pursue and discover what we want to self-actualize?
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Those that have the ability to visualize in their brain who they can be and what that looks like tend to experience greater levels of personal success.
Helping others to see the potential within themselves and create opportunities for people to self-actualize will help them tap into who they can be.
Snippet from Jennifer:
You have to be able to conceptualize your natural talents. It doesn't matter how much someone else tells you you're wonderful, you have these skill sets, these are your natural talents. You have to self actualize it. And so, although I was receiving really positive feedback from my parents, I never self-actualized who I could have been. And so the pathways I chose were the easy pathways, for example, I went to the schools my brothers went to because that was the pathway that they led for me. I listened to my, you know, my elders about what I should do or couldn't do.
About Jennifer
Jennifer Tomlinson is a college Professor of African American Studies and Interim Dean of Learning Support. As a success coach, she helps people find pathways to their aspirations through her strengths of communication and teaching.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Jennifer Tomlinson: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website| Youtube
Connect with Monique: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
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Personal development takes time. After hitting rock bottom, Veronica immersed herself in the transformative process of self-discovery. While doing that, her natural gifts and talents were being expressed naturally. Through specific, intentional acts and teaching what she learned along the way, she became a Fearless Warrior, helping others to channel the Fearless Warrior within.
Veronica Owusu, also known as VPowerCoach is founder of Vpowercoaching.com and The Women On Fire Warrior Academy. She coaches service-based business owners, entrepreneurs and experts to fearlessly build and lead their tribe of high paying clients and have an impact, by creating and launching their online Power Packed Programme in less than 90 days.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect with Veronica Owusu: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| Facebook Community
Connect with Monique: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
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Getting out of the habit of pleasing people is a journey, and even more so as a young Black woman. Jessica Reed, sits in the guests chair in this episode to discuss how stereotypes build barriers to connecting with other Black cultures. Breaking stereotypes between Black cultures is not easy. It requires work and intention to share stories, and frustrations to reach growth. With intentional storytelling, a bridge can be formed.
About Jessica
Jessica Reed (Jess) is a writer, youth educator, and proud ice cream lover from Detroit, Michigan. She is passionate about encouraging others as she encourages herself. Her blog, Roots and Hope, shares soulful reflections on faith, healing, and young adulting. She majored in African and African American Studies at Stanford University.
Connect with Jessica - http://rootsandhope.com/
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Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
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What is your future of work strategy? Do you have one, or are you waiting for your employer or someone else to invest in you? We can no longer use the 18th and 19th century models to embrace work, personal and professional development or building connections within the Black community. Learn how the development of skills like emotional intelligence and leveraging your online presence creates opportunities for a sustainable career and positive outlook on life.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
REGISTER for the Confidence Accelerator on Aug. 22nd 10am -1pm.
Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
Culture, beliefs and values are transported through stories, entertainment, media, and experiences. How have yours shaped you?
The best way to gain a deeper understanding is to learn about yourself and others' experiences. From there, your conversations become expansive and the door for connection can be opened.
Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.
Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
Bridge to U - is a new bi-weekly podcast launching August 5th. The podcast features enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide.
Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)
Bridge To U podcast hosted by Monique Russell focuses on Connecting through understanding and unity. The podcast will feature enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide. Their inspiring stories of awakening moments, curiosity, and challenges they have overcome to discover their higher self and calling will facilitate the freedom to embrace the intentionality of identity.
Monique Russell is a global communications expert who is committed to teaching individuals, families, and teams to have positive and productive relationships with effective communications. Her multicultural background and diverse experiences provide enriching insights and unique perspectives.
Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website
Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com
Produced by: Breadfruit Media
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/clearcommunication)