What's Your Story?: Recent Episodes
Matt Story
What’s your story? It’s a question that our host, Matt Story, has been asked countless times throughout his life. In this podcast, he sits with leaders to explore how their experience as a person of color has helped them in blazing new trails. Matt brings his love of storytelling to amplify how his guests utilized their diverse background and experiences to make an impact on the world. If you are ready to unlock your superpower and looking for inspiration, this podcast is for you. If you would like to support diverse, equitable and inclusive communities, this podcast is for you. If you are just a fan of stories, this podcast is for you. New stories are available every Sunday.
Alexandria Butler, aka Lexi B, accidentally landed in Silicon Valley but that hasn't stopped her from making an impact at a number of globally recognized tech companies like Airbnb, Facebook, Twitter, and Microsoft. As an accomplished storyteller, she believes that anyone can be a storyteller and recommends reading stories from skilled storytellers to learn how to tell impactful stories. Lexi also emphasizes the value of transferable skills and being adaptable in the ever-changing world of technology. Despite how it may look on paper, Lexi's journey has not been about collecting badges from prestigious companies, but about finding great managers to work with that help her follow her curiosity. Lexi also discusses the creation of Sister Circle: Black Women in Tech, a community that provides resources and support for Black women in the corporate world. She highlights the need for accountability and feedback in professional settings and the importance of personal and professional growth. Lexi also talks about her podcast (Sit with Lexi B), where she invites leaders to share transformative lessons from their careers.
You will learn:
- Success comes when you are curious about things and willing to start digging and seeing what you find.
- “I don’t know” is an appropriate answer. You don’t always have to know everything.
- Personal and professional decisions go together. They can’t be separated.
You can follow Lexi B's story at:
LinkedIn / YouTube / Website
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Zach Nunn, CEO of Living Corporate, shares his story and how he prioritizes workplace fairness and creating space for honest conversations about navigating the world of work. He walks through his personal journey of growing up in a small town in Georgia and the influence of his single mother on his values and aspirations. Zach discusses the changing landscape of work, emphasizing the need for better experiences for all employees and customers. He shares his definition of fairness as giving everyone an equal shot at the best possible experience and highlights the importance of support, respect, feedback, and coaching in creating fair employee experiences. In this conversation, Zach and Matt discuss the importance of creating equitable experiences for customers and the impact of resilience and adaptability in personal and professional life.
You will learn:
- The Future of Work is in flux and will continue to move at a faster pace.
- Organizations usually have a primary problem that leads to creating unfair experiences for customers and employees.
- The importance of appreciating the moment while respecting the future.
You can follow Zach's story:
Living Corporate Website | Living Corporate IG | Living Corporate LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Victor Simmons, a diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging expert, shares his story of growing up in a military family and his journey to becoming a leader in the hospitality industry. He discusses the importance of building relationships and problem-solving in his career. Victor also emphasizes the significance of DEI in the workplace and how it leads to better business outcomes. He shares his experiences as a husband and father, highlighting the importance of being present and supportive.
You will learn:
- You will never know what could happen until you take the leap.
- DEI has always been a marathon that has its struggles.
- The biggest obstacle to executives becoming successful is their inability to build partnerships.
You can follow Victor's story at:
LinkedIn / IG
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Gautam Mukunda has collected some of the highest regarded titles at the most prestigious organizations that you could ask for in a career. Yet his plan all along has been to collect the most diverse collection of experiences. He's always enjoyed learning new things and set out on a mission to ensure that the world also learned something through him. His path has taken him from professor to author to advisor to investor. Many of those stops were unexpected like him joining Harvard Business School as a professor following his PHD. Listen to his story to be inspired by what happens when you relentlessly follow your curiosity in life.
You will learn:
- You are only going to go on your path once so make it count and give it your all.
- People that are innovative tend to be those that push against the natural flow.
- You may not realize the impact you have on others in the moment by being your authentic self.
You can follow Gautam's story at:
LinkedIn / Newsletter / X / Books
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
William Flippin Jr. shares his background and childhood experiences that led him to a mission of empowering people from the chess board to the property market. He discusses how his upbringing in Atlanta and being the oldest child and grandchild shaped him. He also talks about the importance of having multiple streams of income that allow him to follow his interests. William highlights how he developed his passion for franchising and the ways he helps others become franchisees. He expresses his concerns about the future of the church and the broader need to embrace technology. Lastly, he reflects on the impact of marriage and parenthood on his life and the importance of cherishing the simple moments.
You will learn:
- That often the simple things in life can be more important than the big things that you think you'll enjoy.
- Remembering someone's name shows them that they matter to you and creates a deeper connection.
- The person you partner with in life will evolve over time and you should embrace that as it's happening to you as well.
You can follow William's story at:
LinkedIn / Email
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Cuy Sheffield, the Head of Crypto at Visa, shares his background and journey into the world of crypto. Growing up in rural Ohio, basketball became his passion and a way to find his own identity and confidence. He attended Pomona College in California, where he discovered his interest in entrepreneurship and technology. After joining TrialPay, a startup in the mobile app advertising ecosystem, he developed a passion for sales through building authentic relationships. Following the acquisition of TrialPay by Visa, Cuy would eventually find a unique opportunity for his skillset at the intersection of crypto and payments. Cuy shares his passion for crypto and how he became an advocate for the industry within Visa and beyond. He discusses the importance of spending time learning and engaging with the crypto community on platforms like Twitter/X. Cuy also talks about his superpower of translating complex concepts into easy-to-understand terms, and how he currently strives to be the best at explaining crypto to a broad audience.
What you will learn:
- Your environment can amplify and accelerate your capabilities.
- You can differentiate yourself by finding the intersection of spaces where few people are focused.
- You have to move at the pace of trends if you want to remain on top of the latest.
Follow Cuy's story at:
Twitter/ X
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
On this week's episode, we celebrate Father's Day as Matt sits down with his dad, Ken Davenport, to hear his story. Ken shares his story of growing up in Detroit, his curiosity as a child, and his journey into the corporate world. He discusses his experiences building a career in data processing and IT, the challenges he faced as technology evolved, and the importance of work-life balance. He also talks about the impact of parenthood on his life and decision-making process. Ken shares how grandparenthood has changed him, the joy of spoiling his granddaughter, and the importance of spending time with family. He also talks about how he got into running and the physical and mental benefits it has brought him.
You will learn:
- to live for today enjoying where you are currently.
- the power of asking questions to connect with others.
- that running can show you what you can endure.
You can follow Ken's story at:
Facebook / Instagram
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Charles Thompson shares his journey from a competitive kid with dreams of the NFL to his transition into the professional world of sales, emphasizing the role of community, mentorship, and the power of storytelling. He discusses the impact of LinkedIn on his career and the importance of personal branding and consistency in content creation. The conversation explores the importance of building a community on LinkedIn, the value of being comfortable in one's own skin, and the significance of putting your family first. The conversation also touches on the characteristics of good storytellers and the impact of vulnerability in leadership.
You will learn:
- Putting a story to your name can help you move to the front of many industry lines.
- To build content for the one person you can impact vs. the crowd.
- That showing people you know them will give them more reason to open up with you.
You can follow Charles' story on:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Devo Harris, a Grammy award-winning producer and founder of Adventr, shares his journey from the world of music to the fast paced tech industry. As a Army brat, he grew up moving around a lot, which has influenced his work style and approach team building. Devo co-founded G.O.O.D. Music with his cousin, Kanye West, and was responsible for bringing John Legend onto the label. However, he realized he wanted to have a broader impact and didn't want to be the old guy playing beats for 18 yr old rappers so he transitioned into the tech industry. Devo started Adventr as a solution to building personalized, intelligent, and dynamic media experiences. In the conversation, Devo shares his perspective on the future of connected media and the challenges faced by underrepresented founders in the technology industry. The discussion touches on the importance of storytelling and the impact it has on empathy and understanding.
You will learn:
- Not to assume an opportunity or resource is for someone else. Take your chance.
- To see your job as more than the role you currently do and instead finding new ways to add value.
- That no matter how good it may seem someone else has it, they are likely still facing challenges you can't see.
You can follow Devo's story at:
Instagram / LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In this conversation, Matt Story interviews Mengistu Tad Tilahun, a global executive with over 25 years of experience in technology and the payments industry. They discuss his background, journey in the corporate world, and role at Visa. Tad emphasizes the importance of curiosity, taking risks, and adding value in one's career. He also highlights the need for self-advocacy and authenticity in the workplace. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of technology and the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry.
You will learn:
- the key to staying up to speed with technology is keeping an open mind.
- acting as you think a title should can hinder your ability to reach your full potential.
- power of being curious about being curious.
You can connect with Tad at:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In this episode, Matt takes a moment to celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on the impact his mom had on his life. He shares three important lessons he learned from her: the power of keeping your word, the importance of being a supportive fan, and the value of hard work and impact. Matt encourages listeners to share their own stories about the moms in their lives and emphasizes the power of storytelling and learning from each other.
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Ashley Menzies Babatunde shares her background and early experiences as a multi-hyphenate and focused overachiever. From an early age, she had high expectations of herself and others, and her leadership skills were evident. She even wroter herself a letter outlining her goals that she has largely achieved so far. Ashley reflects on her time at Stanford for undergrad and Harvard for law school along with the importance of relationships and exploration. She discusses her transition into the work world as a paralegal and then as a lawyer, and how she had to pivot within her practice to find work that aligned with her personality and values. Ashley also shares her journey of self-discovery and the role of journaling and feedback from loved ones in guiding her career decisions. She discusses the power of storytelling and her podcast, 'No Straight Path,' where she explores the human stories behind success. Ashley walks us through her journey into podcasting, starting with her love for podcasts and finding positive ways to deal with failure. She talks about the loneliness she felt after failing the California bar exam and how storytelling helped her during that time. Ashley also discusses her decision to take a sabbatical and the importance of listening to your body. Ashley reflects on her superpowers of connection and inspiration, and how the podcast has become a source of joy in her life that allows her to do both.
You will learn:
- It's ok to color outside the lines.
- The importance of living a life that is aligned to what you want from life.
- Exploring the power of regret in your decision making.
You can follow Ashley's story at:
LinkedIn / No Straight Path IG / Ashley IG / TikTok
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Jerri DeVard, founder and CEO of the Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), shares her background and journey to the Advertising Hall of Fame in this podcast episode. Jerri highlights her experience as an example of the role HBCUs play in shaping top talent and industry leaders. She talks about her transition into the corporate world and the importance of finding her voice early in her career. She shares her experience moving into the C-Suite and how what she enjoyed most about it. Jerri also discusses the significance of being a leader who inspires and supports others, and she offers advice for those aspiring to be in the C-suite and on corporate boards. Jerri discusses the inspiration behind creating BECA and their future plans, including expanding internationally and launching programs for vice presidents. She reflects on being inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame and the responsibility of using her recognition to uplift others.
You will learn:
- As a leader, remember that your team's family members know your name and you have a reputation but it's up to you what that reputation is known as.
- To be a board member, you have to be really good at what you do and be recognized for that outside of your organization.
- To be a Hall of Famer, it's not just about the work you did for yourself but also what you did for others.
You can follow Jerri's story at:
BlackExec.com / BECA IG / BECA LinkedIN / Jerri IG
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Deb Dutta, CEO of Criya, shares her journey as a female immigrant founder and the challenges she faced in the tech industry. She discusses her upbringing, the skills she developed, and her transition from a technical engineering role to product management. Deb also talks about the birth of Criya and how it helps individuals make stellar first impressions through AI technology. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding and the need to take control of how others perceive you. Deb shares her experience with Y Combinator and fundraising, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships and the supportive startup community. Deb discusses her journey of building a portfolio career and the importance of embracing multiple roles and interests. She shares how she managed to balance her full-time job with her side hustles and eventually transitioned into entrepreneurship. Deb also highlights the influence of her husband on her career growth and the value of having a supportive partner. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying curious, both personally and professionally. Deb reflects on the challenges of scaling a business and the need to constantly strive for growth.
You will learn:
- When you get comfortable, you may be getting complacent which stops forward progress.
- Look for projects outside your day job that help you build new skills and grow your visibility.
- There is power in having a partner that is supportive for those days when you may not think you can reach your dreams.
You can follow Deb's story at:
Deb.Criya.ai
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Jeremiah Owyang, investor and founder, shares his journey in the tech industry, from his upbringing to his passion for uncovering new technology trends and helping companies connect with customers. He discusses the importance of community and public speaking, as well as the impact of his AI event series, Llama Lounge. Jeremiah also emphasizes the significance of health and fitness in his life and the need to find balance in various aspects of life. He encourages listeners to embrace their own unique paths and prioritize their well-being.
You will learn:
- The importance of getting out in front of the parade to leverage the momentum of a trend.
- Finding what you are inherently amazing at and then using it to differentiate yourself in the marketplace.
- Across industries, if you focus on taking care of the community, your business goals will be fine.
You can follow Jeremiah's story at:
Web-strategist.com / LinkedIn / Twitter
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In this conversation, Jamien Sills, the founder and CEO of Herus Studios, shares his background and how his passion for shoes and design developed from a young age. He talks about the role of his community in supporting his journey and how he connected with shoe designers and mentors online before social media. Jamien then discusses his current project where he combines his love for footwear and sci-fi superhero films to create a unique storytelling and marketing approach. He explains how the shoes are integrated into the story and how the franchise will tell relatable stories of everyday heroes. Jamien also shares a personal moment of struggle and how he found inspiration to keep going and be heroic in his own life. In this conversation, Jamien emphasizes the importance of tapping into one's internal validation and being in integrity with oneself. Jamien also discusses his excitement about the possibilities of AI in the creative industry and how it can open doors for creatives.
You will learn:
- Taking the step to ask questions can help others know how they can help you.
- It's tough to start over especially as you progress through your journey but it's not impossible.
- You can still hit your wit's end and burnout even when you are following your passion but try to remember your why behind the passion.
You can follow Jamien's Story at:
Instagram / Facebook / HerusStudios.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In this episode, La'Vista Jones shares her journey from a quiet child to a certified coach and podcast host. She discusses her love for conversations and her passion for helping others shift their mindset around work-life balance. La'Vista emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding joy in the work we do to avoid corporate burnout. She also highlights the impact of motherhood on her career and the value of authenticity in her personal brand. La'Vista's story is an inspiration for those seeking to prioritize their well-being while pursuing their professional goals.
You will learn:
1) The behaviors modeled by leaders set the tone for everyone in the organization.
2) You can design your business life to give you flexibility to be where you want to be for yourself and your family.
3) Your words have the power to change the world, especially on podcasts.
You can follow her story at:
Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | LaVistaJones.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Elaine Lou Cartas, a trauma-informed career and leadership coach, shares her journey from feeling the pressure of fulfilling the American dream as a first-generation immigrant to redefining her own version of success. In her pursuit of success, she recognized the privilege she collected of having choices in her journey. She emphasizes the importance of asking for help and getting a coach to navigate career transitions and make choices aligned with personal goals. Elaine highlights the power of empathy in her coaching practice and the impact of reframing success to focus on creating a legacy. In this conversation, Matt Story and Elaine Lou Cartas discuss the power of stories and their impact on society. They explore how stories have been instrumental in driving change, such as during the civil rights movement. They also discuss the value of sharing ideas and supporting each other's growth.
You can follow Elaine's story at:
WOC and Allies: Business & Career Realtalk Podcast / ElaineLou.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Dee Hall shares her journey from a precocious child to a successful marketing leader with over 20 years of experience. She discusses her childhood, college experience at Spelman, and her career at IBM. Dee also talks about the importance of culture, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in the workplace. She emphasizes the power of connection and being authentic in the workplace. Dee offers advice for those interested in a similar career path. Throughout the conversation, Dee highlights the importance of asking questions and learning what are the right questions to ask.
You will learn:
- not to forget to elevate yourself while you are elevating others.
- that if you are in the room that you belong there and should act accordingly.
- to practice taking action so that it becomes a habit.
You can follow Dee's story at:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Sonia Hunt shares her journey of overcoming severe food allergies and the impact it had on her identity and outlook on life. She discusses the importance of shifting mindset and taking control of one's health. Sonia also explains how she applied her professional acumen to develop systems for her own health and well-being. She now helps marketing leaders thrive by prioritizing their health and well-being. Sonia emphasizes the importance of bringing one's authentic self to work and making tough decisions to stay true to oneself. She encourages listeners to take small actions every day to transform their health and well-being.
You will learn:
- The first step in going for your goals is setting the right mindset.
- Your work and life can't be fully aligned without taking inventory of your health.
- Upskilling matters even more as you move into higher positions given the increase in your impact on other's lives.
You can follow Sonia's story at:
SoniaHunt.com / LinkedIn / Instagram / Facebook / Twitter
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Dre Baldwin shares his journey from playing backyard sports in Philadelphia to becoming a professional basketball player and successful entrepreneur. He emphasizes the importance of education and self-improvement, as well as the value of logical thinking and effective communication. Dre discusses his transition to digital content creation and the impact of YouTube on his career. He also highlights the significance of writing and the written word in conveying ideas and building a personal brand. Dre's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and continuous learning.
You will learn:
- how taking initiative and putting in the work can prepare you for when your number is eventually called literally and figuratively.
- that building a business requires that you start by building yourself up.
- that writing can be the most valuable form of communication.
You can follow Dre's story at:
Instagram / WorkOnYourGameUniversity.com / ThirdDayBook.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Kamini Wood, an author, speaker, and certified life coach, shares her journey of finding her authentic self and building a successful coaching business. Growing up as a shy and introverted young person, Kamini learned to fit in by pleasing other people. However, through self-reflection and self-advocacy, she discovered her passion for helping others and created her own path. Kamini emphasizes the importance of self-trust and kindness in owning one's story and offers tips for those on a similar path.
You will learn:
- how to recognize that your uniqueness is your gift to the world.
- to focus on taking a step in the direction of your ideas and not letting uncertainty stop you from starting.
- there is not one blueprint and you will always be on a journey of figuring things out.
Follow Kamini at:
KaminiWood.com / Instagram / Facebook
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Vernon Beckford, CEO of Diversified Lending Solutions, shares his journey from childhood hearing he would do big things to becoming a successful executive in that brought the story to fruition. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, education, and early career experiences on his professional growth. Vernon highlights the importance of connecting with people and building strong relationships throughout his journey as a superpower. He also emphasizes the significance of self-advocacy and the role it played on his way to CEO. He concludes by discussing the transformative effects of husbandhood and fatherhood on his life.
You will learn:
- the power of having a support system that believes in your early on.
- there is an unlock in recognizing the role you play in the larger story of your ancestors and being able to step into it to bring the story forward to new heights.
- to benefit from both the internal confidence you develop and the external confidence that those surrounding you provide.
You can follow Vernon's story at:
LinkedIn / Diversified Lending Solutions Website / Email - Vernon.Beckford@dlsloans.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Lamaiya Lancaster, a dancer, choreographer, and adjunct professor, shares her journey and experiences in the world of dance. From her childhood passion for dance to founding the L Theory Collective and starting Soul Flow Yoga, Lamaiya emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and authenticity in her work. She discusses the power of dance as a universal language and shares stories of how it has brought people together in surprising ways. Lamaiya also reflects on the impact of finding her tribe and the support she receives in pursuing her dreams. Overall, Lamaiya's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep love for dance and community.
You will learn:
- To recognize that it is not that you can't do something but that you might simply do it differently.
- Dance allows us to engage with others in ways that move beyond words.
- Finding your tribe provides the support and celebration that enables you to be your authentic yourself.
You can follow Lamaiya's story at:
L Theory Collective Facebook / Instagram / Youtube
ThreeBrothersTheatre.com
Soul Flow Yoga Eventbrite / Facebook / Instagram / Youtube
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Sharon Harris, CEO and founder of the Sharon Harris Collective, shares her journey from a curious and talkative child in Louisiana to becoming a leader in the marketing and digital media industry on this episode of What's Your Story? podcast. She emphasizes the importance of community support and guidance in shaping her path and the value of embracing curiosity and taking risks at each step. Sharon walks through her experiences in investment banking, satellite radio, and digital marketing, highlighting the significance of relationships, trust, and authenticity in her work. She also shares her passion for helping others unlock their superpowers and offers insights into building a successful career.
You will learn:
- the power of following something that sparks your curiosity.
- that marketers (which we all are given our personal brand) have to continue learning new things every day.
- finding ways to keep your perspective informed by things outside of the organization helps you see things that could be easily missed remaining inside.
You can follow Sharon's story at:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Wrapping up Season 4 of What's Your Story? with 5 takeaways and 5 predictions based on the 45 episodes of amazing stories shared with us. This season was filled with milestones from passing 100 total episodes to the most downloads of the pod for any season. While we celebrate the end of this season, we are already at work preparing for Season 5 (kicking off in January).
5 Takeaways
- Your greatest obstacle can often be your greatest gift - Missy Toy Ozeas - Ep 11
- Importance of separating scary from dangerous in your career decision making - Nathalie Walton - Ep 18
- Make sure you have a seat at the right table - Lindrea Reynolds - Ep 26
- Asking is your vision big enough - Bennie Fowler - Ep 32
- Get the win on your terms - Alice Sesay Pope - Ep 42
5 Predictions
- Being able to tell your story will no longer be a nice to have. Those that have spent the time creating their narrative to share with others will set themselves apart.
- Society will follow in the footsteps of many leaders and begin redefining success. The stories we read and look different in 2024 when describing someone that has become successful.
- Related to this, we will start to see words like boss and manager decrease in usage in place for leader, coach and guide. Upcoming talent (and existing talent) is not looking to be boss’d or managed.
- All generations will begin to adopt the portfolio career approach. It could be taking on multiple different roles at the same time or transitioning from one expertise to another in place of spending 40 years in one industry. Work will dramatically change for all of us.
- Leaders will include their boundaries as a key component of their goals. It will define the terms with which they are comfortable winning.
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In this episode, Jaia Thomas, a sports and entertainment attorney and advocate for diversity and representation, shares her journey and how her background led her to refine her unique ability of finding solutions to problems. She discusses her early life, career aspirations, and the influence of her community, as well as her decision to focus on sports and entertainment law. She shares the inspiration behind creating Diverse Representation and the impact it has had in increasing representation of African-American attorneys, agents, managers and publicists working in the sports and entertainment industry. Jaia also discusses the importance of self-advocacy and bringing her authentic self into her work.
You will learn:
1) the power of inspiring and connecting with others through development of your soft skills.
2) to find the sweet spot in solving problems that you are uniquely qualified to answer.
3) there is not one single finite blueprint to follow in becoming successful.
You can follow Jaia's story at:
LinkedIn / IG / Twitter / Diverse Representation LinkedIn / Diverse Representation IG
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Valerie Rainford, a trailblazing executive and entrepreneur, shares her inspiring journey in financial services and her mission to advance diversity and inclusion. From her childhood experiences to her career achievements, Valerie emphasizes the importance of authenticity, resilience, and embracing opportunities. She discusses the impact of her upbringing on her skills and mindset, as well as the pivotal moments that shaped her career. Valerie also highlights the significance of her firm, Elloree Talent Strategies, and her commitment to making a positive impact. Through her story, Valerie encourages others to discover their purpose and unlock options so that they have freedom by never feeling stuck.
You will learn:
- That you often discover what you like in life by finding what you don't like.
- Freedom is found through having multiple options and avoids the feeling of being stuck.
- You can bring others closer to you by simply sharing what motivates you.
You can follow Valerie's story at:
LinkedIn / Instagram
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
LaMecia Butler has collected a number of experiences in different industries throughout her journey. The consistent theme has been her ability to always go for what she wanted though. It likely is thanks to her parents encouragement for her to ask question. As she's gained more experience, she's been able to act as a bridge to help her local communities thrive.
Listen to her story to hear how she navigated having to decide if she would use her real name during her job searches to get opportunities.
You will learn:
- how to not only ask questions but develop the skills to find the answers to those questions.
- importance of finding the heart beat of an organization as you enter it.
- to only seek places where you don't have to leave parts of you at home, including your name.
You can follow LaMecia's story at:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Alice Sesay Pope, Vice President, Global Device, Digital and Alexa Support at Amazon, has a proven track record of being successful. She has really set herself apart as she discovered how to not only win but to win on her terms. This includes using her superpower of delivering results in a way where people at all levels feel good about it. All that said, her journey has not been easy as she has sought to overcome challenges and inaccurate narratives about her skillset and capabilities.
Listen to this episode to hear how she has remained a curious learner that continues to mature as a leader despite a wealth of experience driving transformation in larger organizations.
You will learn:
- the importance of having a foundation of confidence built by your family and community celebrating you early in life to take on the challenges of future environments where that isn't the case.
- to evaluate whether your involvement in effforts is worth it before saying yes or no in personal and professional endeavors.
- that you can get the win on your terms.
Follow more of Alice's story at:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Rishad Tobaccowala wears multiple hats including author, speaker, teacher and advisor. With over four decades of experience helping people, teams and organizations reinvent themselves, he has a wealth of knowledge on brand building, leadership and innovation. What is most impressive isn't that he is willing to share that knowledge for free via a number of platforms BUT that he continues to be curious and learn about the evolving landscape of brands, technology and people. This discussion with him to learn about his journey is jam packed with insights that will benefit you no matter your role or tenure.
Listen to this episode to learn how Rishad developed his superpower of reinvention.
You will learn:
- how connecting dots in new ways can be your competitive advantage.
- to expand your skillset operating as a company of one while being successful thinking about the company of others.
- the current de-bossification of the workplace requires leaders to be able to build, make or create in order to deliver value to organizations and team members.
You can follow Rishad's story at:
Rishad's Substack / Rishad's Top 100 pieces curated
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Dr. Joel A Brown Davis, Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos LLC, has never been able to take things at face value and therefore kept a curious mindset as he has navigated his journey. Growing up, the world didn't seem to fit him so it led him to question almost everything around him. His path led him becoming a lawyer where he came to realize the structure of practicing law did not align with how he wanted to use his talents. He made the decision to design his life around his larger calling and to be in communities that affirmed him. And the rest has been history in the making.
Listen to his story to hear how Joel goes about doing things that he loves no matter if anyone else is there to support it or not.
You will learn:
- When you don't have the right answers in front of you just take a step in the direction that feels right.
- That who you are should be your favorite topic and therefore you need to know who you are.
- Your talents aren't the same as your calling and seeking your calling will attract your community to you.
Follow Joel's story at:
JoelDavisBrown.com / Pneumos.com / IG / LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Faisal Bhutto, SVP of Cloud and Cybersecurity at Cailan IT and Cyber Solutions, learned at an early age that he had a lot of capacity to absorb and do things. This superpower combined with a constant desire to learn and understand to not become complacent helped set him up for a great career on the cutting edge of the tech industry. In a tech world that changes by the moment, he has navigated with both a student and an educator modes activated to provide value while not assuming he knows it all.
Listen to Faisal's full story to learn how he has approached being an ally through being his authentic self.
You will learn:
- to set a life standard that creates competition with yourself.
- as a leader, no work is small work.
- to enjoy the present, learn from the past and know the future is going to be better.
You can follow his story at:
LinkedIn / X (Twitter)
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Ana Flores, Founder & Co-CEO of #WeAllGrow Latina, grew up with the benefit of bi-cultural knowledge. It has helped her build supportive communities throughout her journey and enhance of superpower of connecting people as a bridge. While she is still working on her initial dream of working with Oprah, she has created an outsized impact for others across a number of different roles, responsibilities and organizations.
List to her story to learn how she built her intuition and view of limitless possibilities in our world.
You will learn:
- to prioritize getting yourself in the room and providing value.
- that you can find your purpose through helping others.
- to validate and follow your intuition.
You can follow Ana's story at:
Ana IG / #WeAllGrow IG / WeAllGrow TikTok / AmigaHood App
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Aaron Walton, CEO & Founder of Walton Isaacson, has witnessed and created spectacular moments throughout his journey. From starting his career at Pepsi going on tour with Michael Jackson to helping Lexus partner with The Black Panther movie, he has used his diversity of experiences to blaze a advertising hall of fame path. He continues to use his superpower of listening to help his teams and clients tap into culture to better connect us all.
Listen to his story to hear his approach to building the most interesting advertising agency ever.
You will learn:
- that honing your craft through vision, focus and repetition can create spectacular moments.
- collisions (or conflict) can push you out of the status quo.
- receiving recognitions is less about what you have done and more about the responsibility you have to pay it forward.
You can follow Aaron's story at:
WaltonIsaacson.com / LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Lionel Foster, Investor at Camber Creek, believes he is defined by the triumphs, joys and struggles of the lower income and working class Black people of his hometown, Baltimore. The love that surrounded him in his community made him feel there was nothing he couldn't accomplish. He put this to the test as he has accomplished so much throughout his journey to become a reporter then communications director and now investor. He also utilized his experience and community built attending great institutions, like Johns Hopkins University & Georgetown Law, to develop his superpower of helping people be seen.
Listen to his story to hear how he seeks to close the gaps that others have helped him cross.
Three things you will learn:
- you can create opportunities for others to help you when you position them in your story as a co-star.
- that having trustworthy people in your circle who see the superpowers in us helps us build confidence in our ability to see and use them.
- to find ways to build on the legacy of the institutions and people that have helped us develop.
You can follow Lionel's story at:
LinkedIn / TheBaldwinPrize.org
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Corissa Hernandez wears a lot of hats as the co-founder and visionary of Legacy Full Circle Financial & Insurance Services, The Empire Tavern, House of Xelas, and Nativo HLP. However, she consistently creates impact and uplifts her community no matter the role she is playing. She credits her success to having parents that built a strong sense of pride in being from Mexico and allowing life to guide her to where she was supposed to be even if it wasn't in her plan. Throughout her journey, she has felt a responsibility to pave the way for those in her community to have resources and information needed to thrive as entrepreneurs.
Listen to her story to be inspired by someone who has turned their passion into a superpower that helps overcome all challenges.
You will learn:
- Pivoting is a skill you can build which will help you no matter where your journey takes you.
- A morning routine that you are able to follow consistently can set you up for success each day.
- Finding your authentic lane will help you to stand out and makes it easier for your tribe to find you.
You can follow Corissa's story at:
IG / CorissaHernandez.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Anthony Ware, Mental Wealth Strategist, is on a mission to help underestimated entrepreneurs and professionals build mental wealth, trust themselves, and make better decisions for their lives and businesses. He recognizes that we all have mental health from the time we are born and the state of it changes as we move through life. Through his collection of diverse experiences as an entrepreneur, he has developed a deep level of empathy and grace which he brings to his practice. Listen to his story to hear how his upbringing in the Midwest showed him he could be whatever he wanted to be.
You will learn:
- being a demographer can help you figure out any business that you want to get into through better understanding humanity.
- everyone is running their own race but none of us are running alone.
- to achieve mental wealth by thinking long term, executing in the short term and giving yourself grace along the way.
Connect with Anthony at:
MentalWealthDeposit.com / IG / Twitter / LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Maria Medrano, Co-founder and CEO of Inspirame, has been a pioneer since she was a little girl. As the first in her family to go to high school, college, graduate school and the corporate world, she felt the responsibility to share back with her family and community what she learned and what she was able to do to show them what was possible. She is now continuing that pioneer spirit as she has set out demystify what college means for the most vulnerable populations. Listen to her story to hear how she uses her privilege to help others see their own.
You will learn:
- it is important to challenge your own perceptions that are based on identity given what you have seen.
- the role we play in our families gives us experience that create transferrable skills for the work we do.
- that giving yourself a timeline when making a decision can lower the risk.
You can follow Maria's story at:
LinkedIn / Inspirame LinkedIn / TecoGuide.com / Instagram / TikTok
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Bennie Fowler has been successful in a variety of different roles throughout his journey. From Super Bowl Champion to Author to Venture Partner, he has created a vision and sought to execute in partnership with his teammates. In our conversation, he how he develops trust with his teammates that ultimately led him to catching NFL Hall of Famer Peyton Manning's last pass for a touchdown in the Super Bowl. Listen to his story to hear his lessons learned and how he uses his superpower of making people feel seen.
You will learn:
- to ask if your vision is big enough.
- having people that provide guidance that unlocks opportunities that you may not see on your own.
- having a field purpose for every day actions that lead you to your larger purpose.
You can follow Bennie's story at:
LinkedIn / Instagram
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Since she was a little girl, Dr. Viviana Coles has always had her superpower of being confident. She combined that with a curiosity for psychology, sociology and eventually intimacy to become nationally recognized marriage and sex therapist that was featured on the hit show Married at First Sight. She's also found ways to increase her impact as an author, speaker and more recently matchmaker. Her success can be attributed to the loving support of her family, desire to collect tools that help her provide value and intention to ensure she is having fun. Listen to her story to learn how she's been able to remain the same person throughout the ups and downs of her journey.
You will learn:
- to find comfort in sharing your story as you are uniquely qualified to tell it.
- to find ways to invest in your future ideas and self.
- that you may not be for everyone and that is ok.
You can follow Dr. Viviana's story at:
DoctorViviana.com / Instagram / TikTok / Twitter
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Victoria Tollossa, Founder & CEO of Illume, could be found trying to monetize her ideas as early as being 7 years old. Her journey from growing up as the one of the few kids of color in Ukraine to starting a career in the music industry has helped her with being comfortable in environments where she doesn't know anyone. Along the way, she recognized the power of developing and using storytelling to build a strong personal brand. She's now using her unique experiences to help entrepreneurs and executives stand out through their personal stories. Check out our full conversation to hear how Whitney Houston inspired her to literally find her voice.
You will learn:
- to prioritize life in your journey and it will all work out in the end.
- it can be just as important to find out what you don't want as what you do want.
- to be strategic in the stories you tell to build your brand.
You can follow Victoria's story on:
LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Shama Hyder, Founder & CEO of Zen Media, has been curious and undaunted since she was a kid. She recalled always having a plan and being busy even as a 7 year old. Those traits and her early understanding of social media helped her blaze a trail of entrepreneurship and innovation. She uses her superpowers of seeing what is next and connecting dots to help leaders grow brands through sales-enabled PR strategies. Listen to this episode to not only hear of her amazing breakthroughs and accolades collected but to learn from her been throughs of breaking into the agency world out of necessity.
You will learn:
- that the novelty of the internet has work off and people now consumer publicly but share privately.
- that writing comes from a place of need and providing resources that you wish you had.
- not to care about fitting in and using that freedom to define your own path.
Follow Shama's Story at:
ZenMedia.com / LinkedIn
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Sandra Hunter, Founder & CEO of Wild Women Leaders of Color, faced challenges learning about her history. Like many of us, her story is a mixture of different cultures from colonizers to those they colonized. This combination of contradictions on the surface required her to find compassion for herself in her story. She's is now helping others do that and find a sense of grounding by connecting to their ancestors. This discussion is filled with a lot of lessons from Sandra's experiences that all of us can apply in our daily lives.
You will learn:
- We are all a combination of contradictions at some level and we have to give ourselves compassion to be ok with that so that we are able to heal through our story.
- To seek ways to de-stress as you can't help others fully if you are in your own world of stress.
- That we should prepare to deal with failure by developing the tools to fail because failure is required to ultimately succeed.
You can follow Sandra's story at:
LinkedIn / WildWomenLeadersOfColor.com
Follow the pod:
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Frances West has followed her superpower of curiosity and love to pave a remarkable journey so far. From coming to the US as an exchange student in an all male school to becoming first ever IBM's Chief Accessibility Officer, Frances is a trailblazer. She's remained focus on the outcomes she's looking to deliver to find the path that maybe didn't exist before her. After graduating from IBM after a 37 year career, she's in her next season helping global clients execute transformative initiatives. Listen to her story to hear how she guides organizations to drive innovation through authentic inclusion.
You will learn:
- having an intentional focus on outcomes can take "no's" from yourself and others off the table.
- that we all need to take time to think about who we are and what we want to say.
- to seek to be patient with other people's emotions especially when they don't align to how you would feel.
You can follow Frances' story at:
LinkedIn / FrancesWest.co / Twitter
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Lindrea Reynolds, founder and brand strategist, believes that marketers can develop their brands while driving social good. She benefited from her family, community and mentors investing in her through her journey to becoming a leading brand strategist. She must have taken great notes as she is now helping her clients and our industry understand and communicate their value effectively. Listen to her story to hear the examples of being given opportunities you weren't ready for and also seeking out opportunities you weren't receiving.
You will learn:
- having a seat at a table is not enough as you can sometimes be sitting at the wrong table.
- you only control how you respond to what other say about you.
- seek out ways to extend your capabilities beyond your current job to continue growing.
You can follow Lindrea's story at:
LinkedIn / LindreaReynolds.com
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Charlene Li has spent her career constantly reinventing but this is by design as she has focused on what's new, what's different and what's she's curious about throughout. You can trace this back to her childhood were she was very curious as witnessed by her spending the summer following 4th grade reading the entire encyclopedia. However, she did recognize that as an Asian women in business, she would have to go to places that others wouldn't want to go. This became a competitive advantage for overtime her as she found her purpose to catalyze transformation that maximizes human potential. Listen to this episode to hear more about her story and how we might all learn how to thrive through change.
What you will learn:
- to think about your career in rolling 18 month increments to focus you on what you can affect in the near term and give flexibility for opportunities in the longer term.
- the importance of seeking to be a leader by focusing on the change you can directly impact and don't need permission to achieve.
- to become more comfortable being uncomfortable through regularly seeking adventure in your daily regimen and running experiments to learn new things.
Follow Charlene's story at:
LinkedIn / CharleneLi.com
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Glenn Sandifer has discovered that what makes you successful in your career can at times be in conflict with what it takes to be successful in your relationships. He pulls from his first hand experience to give insights on how to effectively navigate this in his book, The Middle Ground. But author is only one of the hats that Glenn wears. He's also a strategist, executive, husband and father. The one thing that was consistent throughout our discussion is how he approaches all of those with a spirt of graciousness. Listen to our conversation to hear more about Glenn's journey.
You will learn:
- that figuring out how to sell through telling your story can help you as a sales leader and beyond.
- making decisions based on the life you want to live in the future will help you more than deciding based on where you have been previously or even today.
- that being a leader is a privilege that allows you to not only impact individuals but to impact households.
You can follow Glenn's Story at:
TheMiddleGroundBook.com / Facebook / TikTok / YouTube / IG
Buy his book at: Amazon
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Cari Gushiken is a dynamic storyteller thanks to her early time being surround by all things creative and understanding it was important to tap into what you love, are good at and have a passion to explore. Lucky for us and a number of tech companies like Adobe, Visa and Workday, she has tapped into her superpower of human connection to build communications that spark hyper growth and navigate transitions. Throughout her journey, it has always been important that she be seen as an individual and not a pre-conceived stereotype of Asian American Women. Her journey is filled with lots of inspiration on creativity, connection and community.
You will learn:
- that you have to remember we are all humans working with other humans.
- the significance of being able to see your kids' eyes light up when you walk in the room.
- not to define yourself by your job or title no matter how passionate you are about it.
You can follow Cari's story at:
LinkedIn
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Morgan Ingram, Founder of Ascension Media Productions, has been comfortable doing a lot of different things since he was a little one. His entrepreneurial spirit wasn't always received as such in school but he did find teachers who helped frame his interest within freedom guardrails. This set him on a journey where he may not have known the destination but he did have confidence in following his gut as he learned more about himself. He now finds himself in the enviable position of designing a life around the things he loves to do and helping organizations move beyond the traditional view of marketing and sales. Listen to his story to hear how you can learn so much through evolving as a person.
You will learn:
- leaning into what you makes you stand out can be your key to being successful.
- focusing on what you are consistently interested in learning more about will help you stay at the top of your game and never feel like you have arrived as you remain in learning mode.
- to build anything, you will need discipline, rigor and intention (thanks Kobe for this).
You can follow Morgan's story at:
LinkedIn / MorganJIngram.com Newsletter / YouTube / Twitter / IG
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Dr. Cree Scott describes herself as a free spirit that always knew she could (and would) figure out whatever the universe sent her way. From being an outspoken leader looking for any and all loopholes in the rules as a young person, Cree has followed her heart and curiosity into collecting a diverse mix of experiences that prepared her to create Serenity Psychological Health & Well-being. She credits her ability to build a business to her superpower of connecting with people and building mutually beneficiary relationships. Listen to her story to learn why and how she helps organizations recenter their leadership development on being human centered.
You will learn:
- You can help people by first helping them understand that what you do well translates to what they are looking for someone's help with.
- You should bring your authentic self but also ensure you leave room for others to do the same and show up as themselves.
- You should manage projects and lead people.
You can follow Cree's story at:
LinkedIn / SerenityPsyHealth.com
Follow my story:
- Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/
- IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/
- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory
- Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
In partnership with the 4As Foundation and Proto, this week's pod is a live recording where we explored the power of finding and maximizing your superpowers with Christina Hemsworth, Partner & Head of Engagement at Proto, and Tangie Murray, SVP at 4As Foundation. These two amazing leaders shared their unique experiences collected from time at world leading advertising agencies and beyond. The audience included alums of the 4A's Foundation MAIP (Multicultural Advertising Intern Program) and members of the Proto, a new kind of design and innovation consultancy. Listen to hear all the bits of wisdom shared related to finding your superpower, showing up as your authentic self and growing up as a middle child.
You will learn:
- embracing our shared humanity is frequently the answer to overcoming challenges to find success.
- that just because it hasn't happened yet doesn't mean it isn't possible.
- knowing when to say no can make when you say yes more valuable.
Follow Christina and Tangie's story at:
Christina LinkedIn / Tangie LinkedIn
Lisa Baugh, fitness entrepreneur, found her confidence through fitness thanks in large part to the foundation her parents set with valuing health. That said, her approach to building relationships has been what sets her apart throughout the years. I've seen firsthand how she's able to use her superpower of emotional intelligence to meet her clients where they are and make sure she delivers what they need. Listen to her story to learn not only how but why she created her own lane to make an impact on so many people's lives.
You will learn:
- that we are all in the business of building and strengthening relationships.
- value of seeking to try your best and giving yourself grace that it will never be perfect.
- that you can't take on life's challenges and difficulties without your health.
You can follow Lisa's story at:
Visit her at 4137 Piedmont Ave, Oakland, CA / IG (@SwedishFlyGirl) / IG (@BetterBodyBands)
Nathalie Walton originally sought to be an entrepreneur in the safest way possible as she was leaving a successful corporate career. That is until she realized how dangerous it would be for her to stay on that same successful path and not realize her full potential and impact. It would also give her the opportunity to bring her full authentic self to her work. Fast forward a few years, she doubled revenue, expanded product offerings and led the company to a successful acquisition as the CEO of Expectful. Listen to her full story to hear how she built her superpower of building creative partnerships.
You will learn:
- importance of learning to become a global business person.
- what it can mean to separate scary from dangerous in your decision making for your life and career.
- to always ask for what you want in life.
Follow Nathalie's story at:
Instagram / LinkedIn / NathalieWalton.com
Khalilah Olokunola, author, speaker and founder of ReEngineering HR, has become a transformational HR leader through her own path. KO, as she is also known, unlocked her potential to help others when she recognized her purpose was more important than her pride. This led to utilizing her unique lived experiences and understanding of marginalized communities to form bridges to that help people reach their goals. Listen to her story to hear how she also found her purpose through the pain of losing her parents.
You will learn:
- Education doesn't just take place in a classroom.
- To reach your full potential when you see your purpose is more important than your pride.
- Where you start doesn't dictate where you finish because you can only fail if you stop trying.
Follow KO's story at:
Instagram (@KhalilahEquips) / Twitter (@KhalilahEquips) / Facebook (@KhalilahEquips) / LinkedIn / ReEngineeringHR.com
David Tswamuno, Managing Partner at Fairbridge Park, has found success in combining his learned technical skills with his lived perspectives of service. His pursuit of the American Dream got off to a challenging start as he encountered a significant amount of translation after coming to the US for college. Throughout those initial challenges, he discovered the seeds of who he was a person and the traits that made up his character. This discovery has proven invaluable as his journey finds him leading his firm to execute on its mission of partnering with entrepreneurs tackling meaningful societal problems. Listen to this pod to hear how David uses his superpower of resiliency to produce optimistic viewpoints.
You will learn:
- there is always the opportunity to continually broaden your perspective and thinking no matter the subject.
- that service can be a foundational guide in any profession you choose.
- the impact of running beyond the physical benefits.
You can follow David's story at:
Fairbridge Park / LinkedIn
Terrance Bacchus, author and founder of Bacchus Empowered Coaching, LLC., says that education was the ticket to his story moving from one of surviving to a story of thriving. As the first in his family to attend college, he faced challenges throughout his journey but he credits his ability to connect with people as his solution to overcoming any obstacle. He spent nearly 30 years at General Mills before having to step into the unknown and find how he could increase his impact aligned to his mission to close the wealth gap by inspiring and motivating youth to build a personal wealth plan. Listen to this episode to hear how he did just that.
You will learn:
- that many people want to help you but they can't if they don't know what you need.
- to write everything down in case you write a book one day or not.
- that you will always differentiate yourself by seeking to add value first.
Follow Terrance's story at:
TerranceBacchus.com / Facebook / LinkedIn / 513.503.4585
Alisha Johnson Wilder is the Director of the Racial Equity and Justice Initiative at Apple and also leads external engagement for Environment, Policy and Social Initiatives which is a big job. She describes her many contributions to the organization as the "Heart Work". After going through her journey, it isn't that surprising how she collected the experience and understanding to deliver impact across her professional and personal life. Listen to this convo to hear how she built foundational skills to serve her throughout her career and develop her superpower to thrive in chaos.
You will learn:
- the benefits of proactively seeking change to get to the next step in your journey.
- having proximity to the challenges you are facing is the best way to learn, understand and activate solutions.
- that anger can be leveraged in productive and necessary ways.
You can follow Alisha's story at:
Apple Racial Equity and Justice Initiatives
Peter Mutabazi is a speaker, entrepreneur and international advocate for children all thanks to the kindness of a stranger. His story is one of a kind that is made for the movies. As a former street kid who beat the odds to attend university, he is not set on his mission of bringing hope to the hopeless as he believes every child and person deserves to be known. You will be blown away by the obstacles he has overcome on his journey and inspired by his outlook on life. Peter's story is one that will impact you no matter who you are.
You will learn:
- How sharing words of affirmation and acts of kindness can change the potential of another human.
- To stop before judging and ask yourself what is causing the behavior of children that may not be acting in a manner that you would expect.
- Not to let society take away your dreams or goals because of their limited view on what is possible.
Follow Peter's story at:
NowIAmKnownFoundation.org / IG / TikTok / Twitter
Jorge Sanchez, Paralympic Gold Medalist, TEDx Speaker and Disability Advocate, has reached a wide range of accomplishments while wearing many different hats. He credits all of his success to the support of his community throughout the good and not so good times. Jorge was able to find his superpower of being his authentic self through the sport of wheelchair basketball that has taken him literally all over the world. Listen to this episode to hear more about his journey.
You will learn:
- the support of your community can create limitless perspective.
- to partner with those that have similar values and allow you to be your authentic self.
- not to compare your struggles with others and recognize that we all have struggles that are valid.
You can follow Jorge's story at:
Instagram / TikTok
Missy Toy Ozeas, Energy Intuitive & Transformation Guide, believes that finding your calling in life can be a long process that requires you to go through a lot of doors. It especially isn't easier when you have to find yourself while your environments make it easy for you to hide. Her story is filled with great examples of what is possible when you use your unique gifts to make an impact on the world.
You will learn:
- That we shouldn't set any limits on the gifts of young people.
- Finding your purpose is a long process and you'll need to step into it along the way as the doors open.
- Your greatest obstacle can often be your greatest gift.
Follow Missy's story at:
Instagram (@MissyEnergyHealing) / MissyEnergyHealing.com
Lola Bakare, Award-Winning Inclusive Marketing Strategist, helps marketing executives unleash their magic. This is largely due to the fact that she is willing to say the thing that needs to be said in all situations. After listening to her story, you will see that she's always had this ability even as young student who aspired to be a talk show host. Her journey is a great example of what is possible when your experiences foster orthogonal thinking that enables you to connect disparate ways of thinking.
You will learn:
- You don't have to be familiar with an environment to thrive in it.
- The out of bounds line needs to be pushed from time to time.
- That we all truly learn through writing.
Connect with Lola at:
LinkedIn
Antonio Key, co-founder and managing partner of Sunset Ventures, grew up with a straight forward mindset in is household..."either you did it or you didn't do it." This established a sense of accountability and responsibility for him from the early parts of his journey. It has also contributed to his superpower of remaining grounded to trust that he can push through mistakes that will undoubtedly come up. He also shares how supporting founders that are thinking and building in spaces where he may be a novice allows him to feed his curiosities and learn quickly. His journey is a great example of what happens when you not only do the work but show your work so others can learn and build on your contributions.
You will learn:
- the unlock of intentionally enhancing and extending your network.
- to embrace the feeling of being a novice to expand your knowledge and impact.
- having appreciation for difficult parts of your journey makes reaching your goal much more sweeter.
Connect with Antonio at:
LinkedIn / Twitter / Sunset Ventures
Brandon Hoffman, co-founder and managing partner of Sunset Ventures, has had a non-traditional journey to finding his purpose and success. He credits his journey to helping him develop anti-fragility (vs. resiliency) and being comfortable with his non-consensus views on industries. Despite a number of challenges he faced growing up, he has been able to consistently develop strengths that he can now use to address the wealth gap in the U.S. through the intersection of innovation and investment. You have to listen to his story to learn how he has been able to leverage both the left and right side of his brain as a superpower.
You will learn:
- the power of being anti-fragile over persevering through resiliency.
- how a non-consensus perspective is not easy but will reward you over time.
- setting a "faster" pace for your life early on can prepare you for all types of races you will find yourself.
Connect with Brandon at:
LinkedIn / Twitter / Telegram @BHoff
On this week's episode, we will be celebrating the life of Constance Denise Story by replaying the episode where she shared her story with our host and her son, Matt Story. This podcast and platform for storytelling would not exist if not for the efforts of Matt's Mom. Her impact on our world will continue to be felt through her children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. As she has transitioned into her forever home, her story remains a gift for all of us to learn from as we navigate our own journeys.
Constance Story Obituary
Denella Clark, CEO and President of Boston Arts Academy Foundation, arrived in Boston as a young girl from Jamaica during the height of school busing. She initially followed her passion for fashion to a career as a buyer for Macy's before finding her passion for philanthropy. She believes that philanthropy is the love of humankind. She also has made it her mission to dispel myths and stereotypes around who contributes to fundraising. Listen to her story to learn how she approaches successful fundraising and what being Mommy in Chief means to her.
You will learn:
- That talent can be equally distributed but opportunities are not.
- Everyone has the ability to give.
- How effective communication and passion for your cause can lead to deep connections and resources.
You can connect with Denella at:
LinkedIn
For the 100th episode of What's Your Story podcast, I took a moment to reflect on the previous 99 discussions and how they have impacted my journey. Also, I invited a few of the brilliant minds in my tribe that happen to be members of Gen Z to share their perspectives on what Black History month means to them and how they are creating Black History. This episode is a dual celebration of the podcast and the bright future we have coming to us thanks to the next generation of leaders.
You will learn:
- Wisdom is not directly linked to age or experience.
- We have more work to do to fully recognize the contributions of Black people to the larger world.
- Gen Z is not just about scrolling TikTok videos and we have so much we can learn from them.
Connect with these leaders at:
Raven's podcast Diversify Her
Anne T. Griffin describes herself as a human & product manager, in that order. When you hear her story, you understand why many of us should follow in her footsteps. With two parents in STEM, it's not surprising that her love for technology started at a young age. She was even awarded a prize by Intel for her middle school science project. From that early start, she has gone on to integrate her understanding of humanity to help organizations and innovators see the impact of their products and solutions on all parts of society. When she's not advising or lecturing on AI, Blockchain Tech Ethics and Product Inclusivity, she uses her superpower of great pep talks to help others see and appreciate their unique value.
You will learn:
- How balancing the ratio of learning and building can lead to the experience needed to do truly innovative things.
- The role of ethics in your position as an executive or key decision maker.
- That you have to speak up for those people that haven't heard what you have to say in your voice.
Connect with Anne at:
Twitter / AnneTGriffin.com
Victoria Albina, Nurse Practitioner and Master Certified Life Coach, believes her work is all about meeting people where they are today with love, care, compassion and grace. She also is able to do this by focusing on what each individual needs to unlock access to healing that enables them to live better lives. Many of the approaches she takes are based on her own first hand experience with illnesses, anxiety and perfectionist thinking. Listen to this discussion to learn how her journey gave her the tools to face unhealed stressors in herself and so many others.
You will learn:
- How to she connects with people through balancing the science and the sacred to meet people where they are on their journey.
- That our mindsets can limit us when they include perfectionism, codependency and people pleasing thought habits.
- The importance of raising our voices to use the privileges that we have collected.
Connect with Victoria at:
IG / Free Meditations / Coaching Program / Feminist Wellness Podcast
Ashley Stewart, Executive Coach and Racial Consciousness Consultant, wanted to be an architect when he was growing up. He saw it as a way to build a community where all the people he loved (and those that loved him) could live together. He didn't officially become that architect but he has found his gift(s) that enable him to build human experiences that enable others to live more full and abundant lives. If his journey so far is indicative of what is to come, I see more building for this "architect". Listen to our full discussion to hear how a conversation with his sponsor led him to step into his natural talents.
You will learn:
- Community is all about how we take care of one another.
- Finding your flow can unlock your given gifts and honor what is already inside of you.
- How children can be reflecting pools that help you see yourself in a way you wouldn't have on your own.
Connect with Ashley at:
LinkedIn
Beverly Anderson, President and CEO of BECU, recalls being surrounded by love as she grew up which nurtured her ability to develop as a leader from a very young age. Her story is filled with examples of focusing on being your authentic self as a leader to generate results and community. She also provides many tips and advice based on her diverse experiences for those aspiring to be a CEO. You will leave this conversation inspired, proud and ready to reach your full potential.
You will learn:
- How you have to be yourself and the potential cost of not doing that.
- To focus on the results and outcomes you deliver over tasks in business.
- The importance of becoming comfortable with telling your story so that others know your value to the organization.
Connect with Beverly at:
LinkedIn
If you haven't had a chance to listen to all of the amazing stories from this season of What's Your Story? podcast, Matt Story shares the 5 themes he took away in the season 3 finale.
Be on the lookout for season 4 coming in January 2023.
Anitra Marsh, Chief Communications Officer P&G Beauty, has always been on the talkative and chatty side. She told her grandfather that she would one day make money from that skillset. You could say she delivered on that and more. Her story is filled with great examples of going after new experiences and the capabilities that you unlock along the journey. Listen to her story to hear how she uses her superpower of bringing people together around a passion in her day job.
You will learn:
- to seek experiences and the titles/recognition will come.
- the importance of recognizing when an opportunity may not be the right one for your journey.
- to connect what you enjoy personally with what you do professionally to tap into your full potential.
Connect with Anitra at:
IG / LinkedIn
Tyrona Heath, leading B2B marketer, speaker, author, athlete and community builder, is passionate about building with other people. She is a great example of what happens when we are able to navigate the world as our full human self. As the Beyonce of B2B marketing, she believes B2B marketing can step into creative greatness by betting on contrarian ideas. All of this is enabled through her superpower of getting people excited about ideas that bring us all together.
You will learn:
- to claim your Beyonce or similar aspiration and then work to make it a reality.
- to deal with failure as simply not reaching your desired outcome and not an outlook on you as a human being.
- that personal advocacy is accomplished by building energy around you that other people can't help but be drawn to for collaboration.
Connect with Tyrona at:
LinkedIn / TyronaHeath.com
Patrice Ford Lyn, CEO and Founder of Catapult Change, has always been a coach for most of her life and it just took knowing that coaching was a profession for her to monetize it. Many are lucky that she made that realization as she has helped them transform their lives and organizations. She credits her impressive journey and accomplishments to her family as their shared values were deeply entrenched and non-negotiable. Listen to her story to learn how she has developed her superpower of creating safety for others to live their best lives.
You will learn:
- how family values that are entrenched and non-negotiable can shape your path with the wisdom of your elders.
- importance of having safety to enable true transformation of people and organizations.
- how the person you choose to marry is the most important decision in your life.
Connect with Patrice at:
CatapultChange.com / LinkedIn / Audacity Newsletter
Anna Gifty Opoku-Agyeman, an award winning researcher, entrepreneur and writer, is old enough to know who Lauryn Hill is but didn't grow up with her. This tells you a lot about who Anna is but our conversation uncovers so much more about the impact she is making on inequalities in our world. As a Zillennial, she seeks to reach forward and back to build connections across generations to ideas, people and resources. She wants to make information and stories more accessible vs. sitting behind hidden curriculums. I couldn't agree more and am excited for you to be inspired by her story.
You will learn:
- importance of going into experiences and new communities with intentionality on what you will take away from them.
- to recognize age is only a number and it should not limit what we are capable of doing.
- the power of using your platform to lift others.
Connect with Anna at:
AnnaGifty.com / IG / Twitter / LinkedIn
Brenda Harrington, Certified Executive Coach and founder of Adaptive Leadership Strategies LLC, didn't have a specific profession she aspired to when she was growing up. However, she did recognize very early on that she wanted to have freedom and more specifically the freedom to create. She initially achieved this through fashion and design before having the opportunity to begin her corporate career. That career led her to recognize her potential to help leaders through coaching. Listen to her story to hear how the social injustices of 2020 led her to becoming an author.
You will learn:
- that growth and progress require you being a steward of your circumstances.
- how to take on risk by asking "What is the worst that could happen?"
- to remember that life isn't a dress rehearsal.
Connect with Brenda at:
IG / AdaptiveLeadershipStrategies / Access Denied Book
Rachel Felix, Chief Marketing Officer at Boston Medical Center Health System, has been on a journey to align her career path with her own mission. The combination of a move and the pandemic allowed her to find the right opportunity to reach that alignment of mission. While she has collected a significant amount of marketing experience and skillsets, it is her superpower of connecting with all kinds of people that has helped her to be successful professionally and personally. The grit she developed growing up in Detroit doesn't hurt either. Listen to her story to hear how she has navigated making choices and overcoming challenges as a working mother.
You will learn:
- how she went into a career break with confidence and recharged herself to be ready for the right opportunity.
- the way to shift your career to being aligned with your mission through incremental steps that confirm the move with limited risk.
- why you should have a framework to navigate the different moments and seasons of your career.
Connect with Rachel at:
LinkedIn / Boston Medical Center TikTok / Boston Medical Center Twitter / Boston Medical Center IG / Boston Medical Center Facebook
Zenica Chatman, speaker, personal and executive coach, has spent most of her life disrupting systems and structures. She credits her family who encouraged her to always be curious, resourceful and courageous to make a difference. During 2020, she made a pivot following the realization that she had encountered workplace bullying. She'd later go on to discover that 30% of American workers have either experienced or witnessed bullying in the workplace. She has since gone on to help women recover from this trauma to smash their career goals and have fun doing it. Listen to her story to hear how she has gone about it.
You will learn:
- How to use the power of storytelling to create change.
- That workplace bullying is happening in all of our work environments and we can all help remove it from work culture.
- Rest is not earned but instead required to be great and provide your unique value.
Connect with Zenica at:
Burnout Masterclass / LinkedIn / IG
Jor-El Washington, CEO of Out the Trunk Films and Co-founder of All Love No Beef, has always felt encouraged to be himself and to follow his creativity and interest. He journey hasn't always stayed on that path but his superpower of optimism has helped him to connect with people in a unique way to reach their collective dreams. He's admits that he still has a lot to do but I can say as his big cousin that I take inspiration from his story so far and think you'll enjoy it too.
You will learn:
- The importance of valuing yourself before anyone else can.
- Never to take no for an answer and why you may need to fight for what you want at times.
- The unlock of connecting with people on human level to find shared values and interests.
Connect with Jor-El at:
Twitter / IG / Out the Trunk IG / All Love No Beef IG / All Love No Beef TW
Dr. Crystal Menzies, Founder & Chief Innovation Officer of EmancipatED, recalls spending a lot of time in the library while growing up. She had her world changed when she finished a book on ancient Egypt. From that point on, she knew she wanted to pursue a career that allowed her to be curious about the world. As she learned more about the world and more specifically Black history, she wanted to share that with future generations so that they would feel empowered by their ancestors. As with many of us, it wasn't a straight path but her journey is filled with inspiration to seek ways to do all the things that disrupt previous limiting ways of thinking.
You will learn:
- how books build bridges to other worlds and allow you to experience diverse cultures and lives.
- that unique perspectives can be turned into superpowers and allow you to see things that other people don't see.
- taking the step of putting theories into action is not easy but we all possess the power to make an impact when we do.
Connect with Crystal at:
EmancipatED / IG
Simidele Adeagbo has a long list of achievements and accolades that include: First Nigerian to compete in Winter Olympics, First African and Black woman to compete in the skeleton at the Winter Olympics, 4x NCAA All American, Inaugural Obama Foundation Africa leader, TedX speaker, Yale World Fellow, Author, Entrepreneur, Brand Ambassador. All of that comes together to make her a world class change-maker. In our discussion, she shares why there are times when we don't see someone that has done it so it is up to us to go out and do it for others to see what is possible. Her journey has exposed her to many different environment across multiple countries that have helped her hone her superpower of being driven to achieve success. Listen to this conversation to be inspired to make an impact in the world.
Episode Links:
- "Forever First" Nike Commercial
- Sleigh Sleigh Sleigh All Day
You will learn:
- how exposure to different diverse environments opens your mind to diverse interests and passions.
- that finding your why before your how allows you to see your purpose is bigger than your fears.
- that validation leads you to inspiring others.
Connect with Simidele at:
Facebook / Twitter / Instagram / LinkedIn
Rickkay King, Co-Founder and Director at Phoenix International School of the Arts, knew that he would see what else is out there beyond his neighborhood on the Southside of Chicago. He didn't know that education would be his key to unlocking many of those experiences traveling the world. His journey is one filled with entering new environments that enabled him to develop new "muscles" and find his superpower of helping others shine a light on their own maps to discover new places.
You will learn:
- why to follow your curiosity even when you may not know where it's going.
- being the first to go out of the comfort zone can open the world for others to do the same.
- not to underestimate your impact and what you can start to make a generational change.
Connect with Rickkay at:
Pisota.org / Facebook / IG / Twitter / hello@pisota.org
Davianne Harris, Chief Client Officer & Head of Equitable Futures Practice at sparks & honey, has always been a bit strong-willed. This comes in handy as she often sits with leading C-suite executives to ask the tough questions that help them achieve their DEI commitments. She credits her family for showing her how to find and then follow your passion and purpose in your work. Listen to her story to learn how she developed her superpower of diligence.
You will learn:
- To ensure DEI has a seat at the table where business transformation and business growth are discussed even if it is uncomfortable.
- There is a human behind every great brand/company/organization that is dealing with similar issues that many of us face.
- Gender equality representation in the home creates a legacy for children to carry forward in their own lives.
Connect with Davianne at:
LinkedIn
Dante Simpson, CEO ESPAT TV, believes that not all of us find our path at an early age but if you keep walking you'll eventually find it. With a journey that includes initially wanting to be a minister to playing football at The Ohio State university to working at Gucci and Sony Music group, Dante has focused on the journey and moments with his teammates in place of the accolades. He's now taking the next step into the new space of gaming and is creating world class content with leading story tellers like Ridley Scott. Listen to his story to learn why he believes your passion should a guide while your talents are consistently being groomed.
Episode Links:
- The Extended Mind by Annie Murphy Paul
- Trischa Zorn
You will learn:
- Even when you don't feel like you know where you going, keep walking and it will reveal itself.
- Create as many moments that matter (MTMs) with people as possible.
- True success is seeing the people you won with go out and win on their own.
Connect with Dante at:
LinkedIn
Chef Daryl Shular pulled inspiration from the work ethic of his mother to set out and achieve the highest honor within the culinary industry, Certified Master Chef. As the first Black or minority to reach this designation, he recognizes the importance of blazing a new path and leaving the crumb trail for those that seek to follow in his foot steps. Throughout his journey, he has used his superpower of influence to make an impact on young men and women seeking to be a leader in the hospitality industry.
You will learn:
- To take control of situations in order to keep doubt or fears from creeping in.
- How keeping your family involved in the highs and the lows of your career enhances your journey.
- To start incorporating what it takes to be at the top of your field today so that it becomes naturally part of you when you arrive to that position.
Connect with Daryl at:
Shular Institute / Facebook / IG / YouTube
Curtis May, creator and owner of Practical Wealth Advisors (PWA) and host of The Practical Wealth Show Podcast, sees himself as a conduit to financial information that many people who look like him don't receive. Coming from a family of business owners/entrepreneurs, he has spent most of his life studying the habits of wealthy people to tap into their strategies for reaching financial freedom. Listen to our discussion to catch the multiple gems that he drops throughout collected through his endless curiosity of the world of finance and beyond.
You will learn:
- How to enhance your perspective though the collection of knowledge over time remaining curious.
- To not fear go against the masses or well established trends.
- Importance of self-awareness and knowing what works for you.
Connect with Curtis at:
Practical Wealth Show / IG / LinkedIn / YouTube / Practical Wealth Advisors Site / Text "BeTheBank" to 55444 to receive the value of liquidity report
Erin Chin, Chief Marketing Officer at Logictech For Creators, began her journey into advertising and marketing thanks to seeing someone that looked like her doing it in the movie Boomerang. With that inspiration, she'd go on to seek (and complete) challenges academically and professionally that aligned with her passions of media and entertainment. She credits her success to her superpower of optimism and the foundation set by her parents that anything is possible. She also believes that marketing leaders have the duty to drive the change that we all want to see in the world. Lucky for us, she has accepted that challenge as well.
You will learn:
- That your natural curiosity can be a huge differentiator in life and business.
- To seek out how you can the change that you want to see in the world.
- That life may never be perfect but it can still far exceed your dreams.
Connect with Erin at:
LinkedIn / IG
Cora Miller, Co-Founder and CEO of Young King Hair Care, has always understood that it is ok to move on to your next interest. Her journey has benefited from this understanding as she's collected valuable lived experiences that pair nicely with her superpower of being a hustler. From working in a school wearing multiple hats to navigating the corporate world of healthcare, she's been a CEO in training for many years. Lucky for us and many young black and brown boys, she's focusing her energy on changing the narrative of the beauty industry. Check out our conversation to hear what it was like to go in front of the sharks on ABC's Shark Tank and to get the call from Target and Walmart that they want to carry your products.
You will learn:
- Finding what you don't like is potentially more important than finding what you do like in your career journey.
- Power of legacy and bringing your children into your journey so they understand the reasons behind your decisions personally and professionally.
- What can happen when you aren't just a team of one and can accept the support that comes from your tribe.
Connect with Cora at:
IG /FB / Tik Tok / Twitter / Young King Hair Care / Cora@youngkinghaircare.com
Lizette Williams, Global Head of Vertical Solutions Marketing at Facebook, has built her highly awarded career driving the convergence of brands, culture and digital. Her secret to success was unlocked early in her career when she decided to be a really great version of the Afro-Latina girl from the Bronx. When many spend their time trying to replicate what they think a leader should be, she has shown up authentically with a focus on those three pillars (brand, culture, digital) that set her contributions and value apart. Listen to her story if you want to be inspired by a future CMO.
You will learn:
- The power of building a plan and working that plan to reach your intended outcomes.
- How leading with vulnerability and authenticity helps you and your teams reach your greatest potential.
- To seek connections through mentorship as you move through your career to keep you plugged into culture and avoid doing whack stuff.
Connect with Lizette at:
LizetteWilliams.com
Fahad Khawaja, Founder & CEO of Hue, has cultivated his superpower of connecting with people to find common interests with those from all different types of backgrounds. He credits this ability to being raised in a third culture environment. His journey is filled with great experiences from his start leveraging his creative talents in the advertising agency industry to focusing on human behavior with brands for lasting impact to now leading an organization that seeks to help us all overcome the network gap. Listen to his story to hear more about his approach to supporting the health and wealth of his community.
You will learn:
- How following the work that allows you to make impact at scale can take you to places you never set out to go.
- How being a global citizen helps to remain an eternal optimist.
- That the difference between success and failure can many times come down to willingness to make the tough decision and be comfortable in uncomfortable situations.
Connect with Fahad at:
LinkedIn / Twitter
Show notes:
- Sylvester - You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)
Antonia Dean, Director of Startup Pipeline Diversity at Comcast, has always had the perspective that things are going to work out. This is likely thanks to her superpower of finding more than one way to get things done. For example, she made the decision to skip the 6 figure plus corporate law jobs after graduating from Harvard Law school to take a non-paid internship learning marketing at a skin care company. Spoiler alert - it worked out. She credits her family and community for pouring into her and helping her seek to question assumptions and ask the tough questions that get to the core of challenges. She's now using that well-earned perspective, superpower and wealth of experiences to help people of color and women founders reach their full potential.
You will learn:
- How to have the perspective that everything will work out and if it hasn't then it's not over yet.
- That joining an "accountability community" will help you thrive and develop confidence to walk into all types of rooms.
- The power in knowing who you are and who's you are which will never let anyone dim your light.
Connect with Antonia at:
IG / Twitter / LinkedIn
Matt Scott, Paralympic Gold Medalist and Global Brand Ambassador, is everything you could ask for in a teammate. He has the ideal mixture of confidence and humility that have enabled him to remain driven throughout his inspiring journey. From his introduction on the courts of Detroit wanting to have a cross over and jump shot to playing professionally in multiple countries when not winning gold medals (yes plural), Matt has used the game of basketball to unlock new opportunities and challenges. Lucky for all of us that he hasn't stopped there and gone beyond to be an inspiration for what can happen when the world sees you.
You will learn:
- how you can use consistent positive mindset to carve out spaces for yourself.
- how to recognize the transferable skills you've developed throughout your journey and to apply them in new ways.
- that you can't lose if you don't give up and the importance of remaining resilient.
Connect with Matt at:
IG / SEQL App
Melissa Dawn Simkins, CEO & Founder of Velvet Suite, has always known that she was meant to be in a position that was meaningful and would make an impact. Even though she wasn't sure what that would look like early in her career, she was willing to make sacrifices to ensure she met that end goal. The First Lady of Personal Branding is on the path to help other find their mission, purpose and value in order to quantify their unique value. Her story is one that inspires all of us to to authentically reflect externally who we are internally.
You will learn:
- the importance of taking time to observe life and make sure you aren't just on the life treadmill going through the motions.
- how to activate self ally ship and personal advocacy in your personal life.
- how you can design your life to help achieve your goals and share with others to help along the way.
Connect with Melissa at:
Facebook / LinkedIn / IG / She Suite
Aja Edmond, Chief Marketing Officer at Bloomi, enjoys learning new things. She's spent most of her life seeking to learn so that she can provide value no matter the situation she finds herself. From the south side of Chicago to the cities of Portugal, she has let that desire to explore and curiosity of human behavior guide her steps. Her story is a great example of what can happen when you develop and grow varied interests personally and professionally.
You will learn:
- the importance of seeking to learn no matter your situation.
- how nurturing a diverse set of interests can yield a wide range of benefits.
- the impact of encouragement and how it can leave a lasting impact in someone's life.
You can connect with Aja at:
Website
Walter Geer III, Chief Experience Design Officer at VMLY&R, says that he's stumbled into opportunities in his career by remaining inquisitive. However, a review of his achievements and accomplishments will reveal that he has continued to invent a future where he was able to uniquely do great work and make an outsized impact thanks to his collection of skills, experiences and actions. His story is all things authentic, real and powerful.
You will learn:
- How you can make a lasting impact through doing the work consistently in your personal and professional life.
- How to focus on the ripple effects of your actions that last beyond the (relatively) short time we are on this planet.
- How you can operate in the sweet spot of humble confidence to bring people together while reaching your full potential.
Connect with Walter at:
IG / Twitter / LinkedIn
Colette Shelton, Founder of Chirpyest, has always been an ambitious person since she was very young. This is likely thanks the excellence that she was surrounded with in her family and community. Her journey is filled with moments where she ran into walls or obstacles but found a way to shift into new opportunities that became available. This path has helped her develop her superpower of endurance and collect a variety of experiences that give her a unique perspective. She also has some amazing stories that she shares throughout our discussion.
You will learn:
- There are no barriers to what you can accomplish when you focus on what you can control, such as being nice to others, remaining honest and always working hard.
- To always bet on yourself no matter the odds.
- To give yourself credit and hang in there as you are trailblazing a new path in your journey.
Connect with Colette at:
COCOCOZY IG / Chirpyest IG / LinkedIn
Rebecca Alvarez Story, Co-Founder & CEO of Bloomi, has spent most of her life creating her own path to her goals and dreams. Her trailblazing spirit was energized by the values her immigrant parents displayed and the community of supporters that surrounded her growing up. She has on multiple occasions had to activate "figure it out" mode to navigate the journey as a mother and founder. Lucky for many of us that she has been able to create a business that scales her expertise and vision that make everyone's love life better. Oh and added bonus that she is my dope partner in life!
You will learn:
- The unlock of finding the intersection of your purpose and your work to uniquely contribute to the world.
- To recognize the sacrifice that goes into our achievements and makes them even more special.
- The beauty in having a partnership that creates the team work needed to make your dreams work.
Connect with Rebecca at:
Bloomi Site / IG / TikTok
Elicia Azali, Mother Hustler and American Family Enterprise Chief Marketing Officer, shares in our conversation that she has been grindin' her whole life. When looking at her list of accomplishments (e.g., Ad Age 40 under 40) , it would seem that has paid off for her and the organizations she has joined through her journey. She was able to recognize early on that what made her unique and different is also what made her powerful. Her story is definitely one of unlimited possibilities thanks to the community that poured into her along the journey.
You will learn:
- That no one gets their start on day 1 at a new job or company or even career. It is important for leaders to recognize this and understand we are all pulling from different starting points and experiences.
- The importance of not limiting yourself. Many times the obstacle or hurdle standing in the way to your goals and aspirations can be you.
- The beauty of pouring into the next generation and showing them what could be possible.
Connect with Elicia at:
Twitter / LinkedIn
Reversing the mic this week, the pod host, Matt Story, sits down with Dr. Johnathan Goree to share his story and unveil how we developed his superpower of facilitation. He shares how having his mom as an advocate early on in his journey enabled him to reach his full capabilities later in life. Throughout the discussion, he answers the fun, hard and interesting questions that he's been asking guests for the past three season, such as "What is your mama we made it moment?".
You'll learn:
- To never underestimate the impact of your voice as an individual and a brand. The world needs to hear it.
- To surround yourself with community that is capable and willing to pour into you and then pay it forward.
- To find ways to connect the different layers that make you uniquely you.
Connect with Matt at:
Website / IG / LinkedIn
Copeland Bryan, NFL Player, real estate & tech investor, can be also found acting and speaking when he's not busy taking a crack at corporate life with the Visa Crypto team. Across all of these forums, he aims to be the kind of person that his family would be proud of. His story saw his love for space and aeronautics take him to the University of Arizona where his love for competition extended his athletic career all the way to the NFL. It's truly the stuff movies are made of and likely one he will star in one day.
You will learn:
- How he trained his mind to build things and develop the his superpower of connecting dots through seeing various different patterns.
- How he recognized that it is never too early to build your personal brand.
- How his diversity of interests and experiences helps him thrive in ambiguity.
Connect with Copeland at:
LinkedIn / IG
Mikel Thomas, 3x Olympian, Orator and Strategist, admits that he has always been addicted to seeking progress and accomplishment. At the same time, the consistent thread through his journey has been operating in service to his community. He sees the hurdles (both figurative and literal) that he has faced as his testimony to what is possible no matter where you come from. From a kid seeking affirmation from the small nation of Trinidad and Tobago to an Olympic career that spanned 14 years to serving as a community advocate in the business world, he has enjoyed representing the hope and aspirations of his nation, people, culture and family. It's a great example of the power of momentum.
You will learn:
- How he acquired the superpowers of adaptability and resiliency despite the difficult obstacles that he overcame to refine them.
- How he discovered the importance of separating what you do from who you are as a person.
- How he recognizes that where you are today means you have won more victories than you have lost.
Connect with Mikel at:
IG / Twitter / LinkedIn
Michelle Gethers-Clark, Chief Diversity Officer & Head of Corporate Responsibility at Visa, knows first hand the importance of being put in the right rooms. Her story doesn't stop there though. She recognizes the responsibility to pay it forward and help put others into the right rooms as well. She describes herself as a collection of everything and everyone she has encountered on her journey and recognizes she has been at her best when surrounded by all different types of people and work experiences. Finally, it's an inspiration to see how her commitment to helping people reach their dreams and goals has created ripple effects on the lives of so many people (myself included) that will last for generations to come.
You will learn:
- How she learned and adopted the life mantra that people follow character and not tiles.
- How the diversity of her lived experiences showed her the power of collaboration and not having to always be right.
- How her early mentors (even though they didn't call themselves that) put her in the right rooms so that she could find her voice.
Connect with Michelle at:
The Next Level (Her Book) / LinkedIn
Cameron Lynch, retired NFL player turned business leader and media strategist, has consistently sought to be a champion for his community and change. During a pivotal moment with a good friend that shared his interviews in high school were "trash", Cam decided that he would raise his game off the field as his game on the field took off. He leveraged his football community to build lessons in media, broadcasting and personal branding that have enabled him to carve out his own unique path with a very bright future.
You will learn:
- How he recognized the importance of your mental approach to the game over the physical stature fo players in the NFL and how he has applied that in other industries.
- How he focuses on learning the rules and understanding the playbook of his environments.
- How he ensures he focuses on recovery and recharging so he can be an energy captain that gives 1000% every time.
Links referenced in our discussion:
- Business of Belonging by David Spinks
- Fierce Conversations by Susan Scott
Connect with Cameron at:
Personal Twitter / Personal IG / Media Company Twitter / Media Company IG
Sophia George, PhD, is a Cancer Control and Population Health researcher with Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Dr. George is also an Associate Professor in the Division of Gynecological Oncology within the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Said another way, she is a real-life superhero. Her story began in Dominica, a Caribbean island, where her family instilled a strong sense of being service oriented at a young age. She has taken that with her across a number of different places but consistently seeking to connect people. She credits the success of her journey to focusing on the roadmap to get to your destination.
You will learn:
- How she remains curious and asks questions because the worst thing someone can do is say no.
- How she has navigated the twists and turns of her journey but ultimately met her goals by focusing on the roadmap.
- How she expands her range of sources for inspiration to stretch her capabilities and potential.
Links referenced in our discussion:
- National Institutes of Health
- American Cancer Society
Connect with Dr. Sophia at:
Twitter / IG / Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Lab
Laura Knights, CEO & Founder of Knights Consulting LLC, grew up as the knot that connected her family together. She also found herself drawn to intrapreneurial roles within organizations before making the decision to step out on her own and formally transition into an entrepreneur. Her collection of diverse experiences led her to recognize her superpower of building communities and ultimately becoming a catalyst for connection. Her story is no where near done but very impressive to see what she's been able to do since our younger days on the campus of WashU.
You will learn:
- How she has created connections that last even after she was present in the networks.
- How she has focused on building community in her networks vs. just looking to contact people.
- How she identified the need to balance ambition with her health and other priorities.
Connect with Laura at:
LinkedIn / Knights Consulting Group / Black Woman Leading /Black Woman Leading Podcast
Chantel George, CEO of Sistas in Sales, carried an invention book around as a young person so it's not surprising that she would go on to be a successful sales executive. Growing up with parents from the Caribbean, she absorbed her parent's zest for life and willingness to try new things. As she successfully moved through her career in sales, she did not often see other women like her in the industry and simultaneously sought to find her worth in her career. Insert the spark to create Sistas in Sales. Her story is a great reminder to be open and willing to branch out when you see an opportunity to leverage your superpower to build a much needed platform that doesn't exist.
You will learn:
- How she learned to embrace the superpowers that came to her naturally and not underestimate their value.
- How she missed opportunities when she was not consistently authentic to being herself.
- How she has established a group of mentors at different stages to help navigate and provide wisdom throughout her career journey.
Connect with Chantel at:
Web / Email / LinkedIn
Dr. Marcus Collins, Head of Strategy at Wieden+Kennedy New York & Clinical Associate Marketing Professor at the Ross School of Business, University of Michigan, was born and raised in Detroit. Before sharing anything else, he is proud to share that everything he is today is a product of being from the D. Even though he didn't reach his early dream of becoming the fifth member of Boyz II Men, many brands, marketers and students have benefited from the stellar career journey he has blazed. His story is a must listen from being described as a unicorn by Matthew Knowles (yeah Beyonce's dad!) to receiving the American Advertisement Federation Hall of Achievement.
You will learn:
- How he has made it his personal mission to help people be dope
- How he combines a radical amount of faith with a radical amount of discipline to elevate himself
- How he built a portfolio career that is as diverse as his interests
Connect with Dr. Marcus Collins at:
IG / Twitter / LinkedIn / Website
Maxwell Griffin, host of the Your Black Friend podcast, has found the beauty in failing on multiple occasions. He transitioned from his first passion of Soccer to his next passion in creative & storytelling through a focus on building a network that opened doors and also helped him learn from the experiences of others. He describes his super power as making the things more human which is probably one of the most needed and transferable skills many of us could seek to gain. His story is filled with a lot of ups and downs but I can promise you'll take away lessons from his journey pursuing his passion for playing professional soccer, breaking into the creative "real world" and starting a podcast to help others overcome the feelings of being uncomfortable with race.
Episode References:
- This Joy by the Resistance Revival Chorus
3 Stories Maxwell would want to hear:
- Jordan Peele
- Barack Obama
- His Great Grandma - Mama Bird
Connect with Maxwell at:
Web
Jerry Won, CEO & Founder of Just Like Media, didn't start off as Jerry but he has made a name for himself and built a legacy for his family along the way. His family came to the U.S. and like many immigrants practiced assimilation to fit in including taking on American names. Lucky for us though he didn't continue trying to fit in as he sought to blaze his own trail and find what he could uniquely do in his own career. As a dope storyteller, you'll enjoy listening to his pivots in life and learning from how he bet on himself as the "product".
Episode References:
- Management Leaders for Tomorrow (MLT)
- The Consortium
- Toigo Foundation
- Forte
- Riordan Programs (UCLA)
- Just Like Media
Connect with Jerry at:
Website
LinkedIn
Victoria Russell, Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer at Beam Suntory, didn't know her journey would take this path but listening to her story tells you she is right where she is supposed to be. Her family helped to instill a love for learning and confidence in exceeding all expectations set on her. She also learned firsthand early in her career the importance of good people leaders to bring the most out of team members. Throughout her career, she has sought out opportunities to develop herself which often times took place outside of the regular day job. Listen to her story for great tips on career development, leadership capabilities and effective mentoring.
Episode References:
- Chestnut Street YMCA
- Leadership Louisville
- Fund for the arts
- Kerry Washington
- A change gonna come by Sam Cooke
3 Stories Victoria would want to hear:
1) Michelle Obama
2) Harriet Tubman
3) Tabitha Brown
Connect with Victoria at:
LinkedIn
IG
Shelly Bell, founder of Black Girl Ventures Foundation, has always had a big imagination that she has integrated with a number of different career experiences to make her feel invincible. She now spends her time seeking out ways to disrupt systems in a diplomatically radically manner. In our discussion, she shares her secret sauce of combining her computer science training with on stage experience as an artist to help inspire Black and Brown women to reach for their dreams. Listen to learn from her perspective on how we all can step into leadership even when we may not be expecting it.
Episode References:
- Black Girl Ventures Foundation
- Thunder by Imagine Dragons
- Walk in the park by Jack Harlow
3 Stories Shelly would want to hear:
1) Harriet Tubman
2) Oprah Winfrey
3) Nelson Mandela
Connect with Shelly at:
Shelly on IG / LinkedIn / Twitter
Black Girl Ventures on IG / LinkedIn / Twitter
Brian C. Patterson, Managing Partner & Business Attorney at Gunderson Dettmer LLP, had the chance to grow up in multiple diverse communities and believes it helped him develop patience and a broader understanding for all types of view points. Since his diverse exposure growing up, he has turned his experiences into his superpower of helping others navigate high pressure and at times chaos with a sense of calm. He's also made it a focus to help underrepresented leaders find success in silicon valley thanks to the lessons he's collected over the past two decades. Listen to Brian's story to learn how you can develop your career outside the lines of your day to day job.
Episode References:
- New Edition 'Can you stand the rain'
- 'Why should white guys have all the fun' by Reginald Lewis
3 Stories Brian would want to hear:
1) Malcolm X
2) Reginald Lewis
3) Kobe Bryant
Connect with Brian at:
LinkedIn
Jerome Gumbs, CEO/Founder of Empower ME Academy, is running a leadership program that just so happens to improve your jumper and dribbling skills. Jerome, or Coach Gumbs as many know him, has leveraged basketball to travel the world and collect many lessons that have made him the person he is today. Through that journey, he recognized the power of coaching and how much impact it can have on the lives on young people. His story is so good that there is actually a documentary on the it. Listen to his story to hear the importance of letting who you are as a person outshine what you do for a living.
Episode References:
- Empower ME Academy a nonprofit 501c3 tax-exempt organization that you can make donations to help them find a new basketball home in SF
- Steve Jobs by Walter Issacson
- Lil Baby & Kirk Franklin 'We win'
4 Stories Jerome would want to hear:
1) Mom's Parents
2) Nelson Mandela
3) Lebron James
4) President Barack Obama
You can connect with Jerome at:
Empower ME Academy
Empower ME Academy "A Leader's Journey" Documentary
Nicholas Love, VP of Digital Marketing at G&S Business Communications, was taught at an early age that preparation often finds opportunity and has spent much of his life putting this into action. While his path is not the specific one he imagined as a kid, he has built a journey that uniquely leverages his capabilities and super powers to make wide reaching impact. From his time as on-air talent for ESPN to helping brands navigate the ever-evolving digital media landscape, he has drawn from his collection of experiences to be ready for opportunities...many of which he has spoken into existence. Listen to hear how found himself covering the 2006 NBA Draft as an intern.
Episode References:
- Jidenna - Classic Man
3 Stories Nicholas would want to hear:
1) President Barack Obama
2) Martin Luther King Jr.
3) Chadwick Boseman
You can connect with Nicholas at:
Twitter
Kristin Harper, Founder & CEO of Driven to Succeed LLC, is a businesswoman, author, speaker, wife and mother that has channelled all of her experiences into a journey that truly brings her joy. The good news for the rest of us is that she's also taken notes along the way so that we can learn from her story. In this pod, she shares how she was able to develop an entrepreneurial spirit very early that ultimately helped her realize that what she really enjoyed wasn't what her company needed at the time despite being very successful as a Global Vice President. She also touches on how she and her husband have focused on the legacy they can leave not just for their family but for their larger community. Make sure you listen to hear her very inspiring yet practical guidance for how to approach your career journey.
Episode References:
- Pacesetters Unlimited
- Driven to Succeed LLC
- The Heart of a Leader: Fifty-Two Emotional Intelligence Insights to Advance Your Career by Kristin Harper
- Love's Resurrection: A Spiritual Journey through Marriage, Divorce, and Remarrying the Same Man by Kristin Harper
- White Fragility by Robin DiAngelo
- Caste: The Origins of Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson
- Jill Scott
- Golden by Jill Scott
3 Stories Kristin would want to you hear:
1) Oprah
2) Jesus
3) Harriet Tubman
You can connect with Kristin at:
Driven to Succeed LLC Website
Email
Facebook
Instagram
Driven to Succeed LLC LinkedIn
Kristin's LinkedIn
You could say that Nate Nichols, Founder & Creative Director of Palette Group, found himself and his voice within the four corners of the computer screen. In this inspiring discussion, Nate shares how he found acceptance for his skills in design on the internet where he received feedback from basically strangers. He also learned a lot from his IRL community as he found his tribe with others that were "othered" in most environments. This upbringing gave him the confidence needed to dive feet first into creating his own path that has not veered away from integrity and his values despite many twists and turns. His story is one you have to hear as we can guarantee it's not like any other you've heard.
Episode References:
- John Maxwell
- Robert Kiyosaki
- Jay Z - Beach Chair
3 Stories Nate would want to hear:
1) Jimi Hendrix
2) Bob Marley
3) Jay Z
You can connect with Nate at:
Palette Group
Twitter
Instagram
LinkedIn
Lauren Scott, TV Producer, sought out adventures from a very early age growing up in Boston. As she navigated her early career and fear of being stuck in cubicle life, she found ways to do the things she enjoyed professionally and personally. This journey took her from a life in consulting to being a TV Producer. However, she came to a point where she had to ask herself what her contributions to the world were in the content that she was producing. She has since been focused elevating the stories that she believes should be told given her perspective as a Black woman. Listen to learn how she navigated the past year of the pandemic to ensure that she was ready when opportunities began to open up.
Episode References:
- Leaders of Tomorrow - NBMBAA Leadership Program
- Warning sign by Coldplay
- Finally by Brandy
2 Stories Lauren would want to hear:
1) Her Great Great Uncle
2) Harriet Tubman
You can connect with Lauren at:
Instagram
Friend of the pod, Ebony Wyatt, returns to share her thoughts on the trauma that many of us have had to witness and process over the past year since the murder of George Floyd. In this episode, we explore not only what she's done to help her community of Minneappolis move forward but how she has had to start at home with her children. While there remains more work to do, Ebony shares examples of actions that have shown her the big hearts of others looking to contribute to a better future. It's a real, authentic conversation that unpacks the trauma that many in the Black community are experiencing.
Listen to this episode and then make a plan for what you can do to ensure we are all in a better place this time next year. If you are looking for a place to start, you can make a donation to the George Floyd Memorial Foundation.
Connect with Ebony at:
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter
Website
Rendel Solomon, Strategic Advisor to Goalsetter, knew that his studies would be the key to opening doors throughout his life. Through pivotal moments in his journey, he also realized that his full potential could not be measured through individual success and set out to support his family and community to reach their potential as well. Our discussion is filled with so many stories from his begginnings having rock fights in the Chicago neighborhood of West Garfield Park to being mentored by Robert Smith, billionaire tech investor and philanthropist. Listen to hear one of my favorite storytellers share his story of moving on up.
Episode References:
- Sharecropper to Shareholder TEDx Talk
- One Stock One Future
- Thomas KR Stovall - Launch Fog
- Rendel's introduction of Robert Smith
- Killer Mike/Michael Render
- Tanya Van Court
- Goalsetter
3 Stories Rendel would want to hear:
1) Jesus
2) Frederick Douglass
3) Abraham Lincoln
You can connect with Rendel at:
Instagram
LinkedIn
Goalsetter App
Fellow podcasters and friends, Sharon Lee Thony & Raman Sehgal, return to the show to help examine what we all can do to come together as different communities that continue to feel the pain of systemic racism and social injustices. The hosts of Modern Minorities Podcast break down how we can take the pain(s) that we are collectively feeling and turn them into something that drives systemic change. While they host a podcast through the lens of their lived experiences as Asian Americans, they share how they see their show as more of an American podcast that represents the wide array of voices within this country. Also - You should listen to hear our potentially billion dollar idea that comes up during the discussion that we hope someone sets out to build ASAP.
Episode References:
- Modern Minorities Podcast on Asian American Violence
- Pod Save America
- What a Day Podcast
- Southern Poverty Law Center
- American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
- Learning From Justice Toolkit
- Asian American Legal Defense and Education Fund (AALDEF)
- Asian Pacific Environmental Network
- Next Shark - https://nextshark.com/
- Self-Evident podcasts
- Warrior - HBO Max series
- Ramy - Hulu
- Never have I ever - Netflix
- Good Talk - graphic novel
Connect with our guests at:
Modern Minorities Podcast | Instagram | Twitter
Homies of the pod, Dr. Jonathan Goree & Dr. Brandon Roberts, return to lend their experiences and solutions for combatting bias in healthcare and beyond. Listen to hear their advice for what you can do to address bias in medicine that you may knowingly (or unknowingly) face. They also share what each of us can do to identify our own biases and proactively address them.
Episode References:
- Weathering: The health effects of stress & discrimination
- Sherman James and the John Henryism Hypothesis
- Project Implicit
- Black Men in White Coats - Podcast | Documentary
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Op-Ed
You can connect with our guests at:
Dr. Jonathan Goree
Dr. Brandon Roberts
Garrett Jackson, recording artist mixed with a side of thinker, motivator and doer, recognizes that nothing in this world is a given and chooses to live his life accordingly. His story is one that recognizes your dreams do not happen overnight but require intentional effort and working on your craft. He has spent his life preparing to be ready for this moment that the world would need to hear his voice. Listen to his story to learn what happens when your gifts meet your passions.
Episode References:
- Letter to a Nation
- Marvin Gaye - What’s Going on
- Aretha Franklin - Respect
- One night in Miami
- Sam Cooke
- Take 6
- Kirk Franklin - The Last Jesus
- Outkast - So Fresh So Clean
3 Stories Garrett would want to hear:
1) Barack Obama
2) Grandfather (Father's Father)
3) John Legend
You can connect with Garrett at:
Instagram
Facebook
Yusef Freeman, Managing Director, California at Jonathan Roses Companies, had an early dream of going to space thanks to the inspiration of Guy Bluford. We are lucky that Yusef kept his two feet on the ground though as he has been able to make a big impact in the revitalization of communities across the country. In this pod, he shares his story of growing up with two parents that instilled in him the joy of being Black and to follow his interests as you never know where they might take you. Listen to this episode to learn more about how the real estate industry has played a direct role in extending the wealth gap in this country and what Yusef is doing to directly address it. Added bonus of many great 90s hip hop references within the convo.
Episode References:
- Guion Bluford
- Mos Def - Black on both sides
- The Annie E. Casey Foundation
- Pruitt-Igoe Housing Project (St. Louis)
- Cabrini-Green Housing Project (Chicago)
- WW II GI Bill & Black Veterans
- Souls of Mischief - 93 'Til Infinity
- Outkast - ATLiens
3 Stories Yusef would want to hear:
1) His Father
2) Guion Bluford
3) Anthony Nesty
You can connect with Yusef at:
LinkedIn
Joe Oh, marketing executive, came to the US at the age of 3 but shares that he had his first original thought much later when he realized he didn't want to follow the successful upward mobile path his family had created. Joe stumbled into a career in advertising and marketing that would ultimately help him find his personal brief of "Shared Creative Joy". In our conversation, Joe also opens up about his lived experiences growing up in Koreatown through today experiencing the spike in violence against the AAPI community. Listen to his story to hear how he navigated the corporate ladder and become more human along the way.
Episode References:
- Frederick Douglass Biography by David Blight
- Caste: The Origins of Discontent by Isabel Wilkerson
- Tribe Called Quest - Scenario
3 Stories Joe would want to hear:
1) Jackie Robinson
2) Maternal Grandmother
3) Grandfather's Twin Brother
You can connect with Joe at:
- LinkedIn
- Twitter
Michael Craig comes back on the pod to help dive into why representation plays a key role in not only marketing but how organizations structure themselves. We discuss the strategies needed to ensure representation has the appropriate depth and authenticity along with some watch-outs that can be encountered when looking to improve representation. He shares his personal experience with the ramifications of not having enough representation. Give it a listen to hear what you can do to contribute to making your work and organization more representative of the communities that you serve.
Episode References:
- Nike Come Thru - https://youtu.be/X6MvO0BAbf4
-
Nike The Toughest Athletes - https://youtu.be/_-5MGkUwe6w
-
P&G The Look - https://us.pg.com/talkaboutbias/
-
P&G Widen the Screen - https://us.pg.com/widen-the-screen/
-
Ben & Jerrys Silence is not an option - https://www.benjerry.com/about-us/media-center/dismantle-white-supremacy
You can connect with Michael at:
LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecraig/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/elrockjr/
TW - https://twitter.com/mike_craig
Marissa Matusiak, founder of Raise Black Voices and founding member of Level, grew up being called the UN given the number of countries represented in her family. This perspective helped inform her childhood goal of becoming a news reporter to help tackle important issues that people were facing. She took that goal and set out on her unique path where she has been able to combine her set of superpowers (perceptive, incisive and empathetic) to make an impact at each stage of her career. In this conversation, she opens up in a very transparent and authentic manner that shows you can truly find joy and peace in all situations.
Episode References:
Raise Black Voices - raises the awareness of systemic racism to catch people up on the actions needed to create an anti-racist nation- https://www.raiseblackvoices.org/
Level - a diverse network of women in pursuit of racial equity - https://www.levelleaders.com/
3 Stories Marissa would want to hear:
1) Shirley Chisholm - https://www.biography.com/political-figure/shirley-chisholm
2) Ida B. Wells - https://www.biography.com/activist/ida-b-wells
3) Dave Chappelle - https://www.biography.com/performer/dave-chappelle
You can connect with Marissa at:
TW - https://twitter.com/RaiseBlkVoices
IG - https://www.instagram.com/raiseblackvoices/
Web - https://www.raiseblackvoices.org/
This is a discussion on what has been (and continues to be) the legacy of Black History that our host, Matt Story, participated in last month on the Modern Minorities Podcast (https://www.modmypod.com/) along with Tess Thomas. The conversation, led by Modern Minorities Pod hosts Sharon Lee Thony and Raman Sehgal, starts by exploring what it is like growing up in predominantly white environments when Black History is taught and then extends to how we see Black history being made today. Listen to hear what you can do to ensure February isn't the only time Black history is thought of in our country.
Make sure you check out Modern Minorities to hear more conversations about work and life through the lens of race and gender.
Episode References:
- Modern Minorities Podcast - https://www.modmypod.com/
- Tess Thomas - https://www.thelaughingtraveler.com/
Ryan Robertson, Global Head of Brand Marketing at Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, puts on for his city of Memphis because he wouldn't be where he is today without the foundation that it provided him. As seen through his accolades (e.g., Ad Age's 40 under 40), he has built a career with countless examples of combining culture and innovation for major brands. He credits this to the curiosity that has been with him since a very young age. His story also speaks to the confidence he's needed to navigate rooms and instantly make others feel comfortable in his presence as a Black man. Listen to his story to hear how he approaches big decisions and the freedom he gives himself not to have all the answers.
Episode References:
3 stories Ryan would want to hear:
1) Donnie Hathaway - https://www.allmusic.com/artist/donny-hathaway-mn0000182360/biography
2) Cicely Tyson - https://www.biography.com/actor/cicely-tyson
3) Stacey Abrams - https://fairfight.com/about-stacey-abrams/
You can connect with Ryan at:
LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-robertson-b17a735/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/realryanrob/
Dhane Scotti, Head of Global Consumer Marketing for Google Hardware, knew from a very early age that he wanted to make commercials but he still felt like a fish out of water when he entered the advertising industry. So he decided early in his career that he had to leverage his sense of culture and uniqueness to have a seat at the table. His story is purely fascinating with so many lessons shared and inspirational experiences for anyone looking to create their own choose your own adventure story. Listen to learn how he combines his east coast upbringing with his southern coming of age.
Episode References:
- Nas Illmatic - https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/the-juice/6062505/nas-illmatic-at-20-classic-track-by-track-review
- Kel Mitchell (Dhane's doppelgänger) - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0005239/bio
3 Stories Dhane would want to hear:
1) Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman
2) Mike Tyson - https://www.biography.com/athlete/mike-tyson
3) Winston Churchill - https://www.biography.com/political-figure/winston-churchill
You can connect with Dhane at:
LI - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dhanescotti/
IG - https://www.instagram.com/greatdhane/
Joy Fennell, Founder & CEO of The Joy in Beauty and Founder of All Black Everything Summit, has combined her natural curiosity with relentless persistence to create a path where many would not have seen one. From leaving school right before graduation to taking the bus into NYC after work so she could find her spot in the beauty industry, she has applied a non-traditional approach to reaching her full potential. She also has not rested on her own success but reached back to help others because she believes that you shouldn't stop at getting your seat at the table when you can bring extra chairs for those following in your path. Her story is filled with great examples of her personality opening the door to allow her expertise to fill the room with creativity.
Episode References:
- Viola Davis - https://www.biography.com/actor/viola-davis
3 Stories Joy would want to hear:
1) Great Great Grandparents
2) James Baldwin - https://www.biography.com/writer/james-baldwin
3) Kanye West - https://www.biography.com/musician/kanye-west
How to connect with Joy:
Web: https://www.thejoyinbeauty.com, https://www.AllBlackEverythingSummit.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/thejoyinbeauty/, https://www.instagram.com/allblackeverythingsummit/
TW: https://twitter.com/thejoyinbeauty, https://twitter.com/ABESUMMIT2020,
Andrew Colom, Co-Founder of Century Partners & Founder of Story ARC, is actually a chemist. He's developed the rare ability to combine differentiated skillsets to yield even better results than they would have individually. He's literally the walking manifestation of "1+1=3". From growing up in Columbus, Mississippi to attending NYU on a full ride scholarship courtesy of the NY Times to moving to Detroit where he helps Black communities thrive, he has carried his passion for creative story-telling throughout his journey. You have to hear his story to understand why it is definitely a return on investment.
Episode References:
- Lupita Nyong'o - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2143282/
3 Stories Andrew would want to hear:
1) Abraham Lincoln - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abraham-Lincoln
2) Eleanor Roosevelt - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Eleanor-Roosevelt
3) Richard Yates - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Yates_(novelist)t
Connect with Andrew at:
TW: https://twitter.com/andrewcolom , https://twitter.com/StoryArcStories , https://twitter.com/100partners
IG: https://www.instagram.com/andrewcolom/ , https://www.instagram.com/centurypartners/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/andrew.colom , https://www.facebook.com/StoryARCStories , https://www.facebook.com/centurypartners
Web: https://www.storyarcthestory.com/ , https://www.centurypartners.org/
Welcome to Season 2! What better way to start than with the person that was there for the beginning of Matt's Story, his mom. In this episode, Connie Story shares how she navigated growing up on the east side of Detroit during the late 50s/early 60s. She gives her perspective on how segregated neighborhoods prepared her for the real world and when she realized that life would not be fair. Connie also walks through examples of having to speak up for herself throughout her trailblazing career where no one else in the room looked like her.
Episode References:
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority - https://zphib1920.org/
Three stories Connie would want to hear:
1) Her mother
2) Her grandfather
3) Michelle Obama
In the season one finale, Matt shares his thoughts on the first season of What's Your Story? podcast and his top takeaways from the time spent with the amazing guests. He also shares some of the plans for season two (coming in early 2021).
Make sure you are subscribed to the podcast and Matt's newsletter on mattestory.com to be the first to know when the next season starts!
Nash Ahmed, CEO & Founder of Undock, has his eyes set on creating a once in a generation company. Based on his story, you'll learn why he's going to make it happen. In this discussion, he recalls the sacrifices his mother made for to ensure he and his siblings were in positions to be successful. He also touches on the improvements he would make to the education system and his advice to startup founders looking to raise VC funding.
Episode References:
Jason Calacanis, This Week in Startups Podcasts - https://thisweekinstartups.com/
Don Quixote - https://www.britannica.com/topic/Don-Quixote-novel
3 Stories Nash would want to hear:
1)Buckminster Fuller - https://www.bfi.org/about-fuller/biography
2) Dieter Rams - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dieter_Rams
3) Elon Musk - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elon_Musk
4) Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman
Connect with Nash at:
https://undock.com/o/
TW: https://twitter.com/undockhq / https://twitter.com/nashtheory
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/undock/ / https://www.linkedin.com/in/nashtheory/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/undockhq/ / https://www.instagram.com/nashtheory/
Tiana Conley, VP of Global Cereal at the Kellogg Company, has built breakthrough, award winning marketing campaigns for many brands that are in your cabinets right now. There are two things she shares that she has learned through those experiences: 1) Facts are the foundation of being a great marketer and truth-teller; 2) You have to find organizations and teams were you can be your full self or it won't work out. Growing up half Black and half Asian, Tiana shares her journey to understanding how to be comfortable in being 100% herself and not worry about checking anyone else's boxes. She also opens up about balancing her career with motherhood and what has helped her to keep focus on the important stuff.
Episode References:
3 Stories she would want to hear:
1) Michelle Obama - https://www.biography.com/us-first-lady/michelle-obama
2) Her Grandmother
3) God
Connect with Tiana at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianaconley/
Amal Yamusah, founder at Make A Play Foundation, believes you can reduce your dependency on luck by being intentional on where you are looking to make an impact. His story is definitely a great example of this. As a former collegiate athlete, he saw first hand the difficulties of competing on both the field of play and the field of job. However, it was a pivot in law school that helped him realize where his true passion fell...helping diverse college athletes navigate the recruiting and retention processes in the business world. He also shares his perspective on being a Black founder and the role his family has played in his journey.
Episode References:
VUCA Leadership - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volatility,_uncertainty,_complexity_and_ambiguity
IMPACT
I - Identify a problem
M - Market understanding
P - Passion
A - Adaptability
C - Competitive Advantage & Connection
T - Timing
3 stories Amal would want to hear:
1) His Mom
2) His Twin Sister
3) Notorious B.I.G. - https://www.biography.com/musician/biggie-smalls
Connect with Amal at:
Email: info@makeaplayfoundation.com
IG: https://www.instagram.com/wemakeaplay/
TW: https://twitter.com/wemakeaplay
FB: https://www.facebook.com/professionalmaps
Charles Moore, Principal at Thrive Street Advisors, recognized through personal experiences that waiting for some payoff many years down the line was not the way he wanted to live his life as nothing about tomorrow is promised. This led him to focus on not having a job but instead to control his time and use it as an investment in the areas he felt most passionate. His story is a great example of betting on yourself and he also shares his perspective on sharing the privileges that he has collected over time.
Episode References:
Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51152447-caste
So Good They Can't Ignore You by Cal Newport - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13525945-so-good-they-can-t-ignore-you
Making Differences Matter by David Thomas & Robin Ely - https://hbr.org/1996/09/making-differences-matter-a-new-paradigm-for-managing-diversity
3 Stories Charles would want to hear:
1) Dave Chappelle - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152638/
2) Jalen Rose - http://jalenrose.com/
3) Combination of Mike Pence, Jim Mattis, John Kelly
Connect with Charles at:
https://www.thrivestreetadvisors.com/
TW: https://twitter.com/CharlesMooreDC
IG: https://www.instagram.com/charlesmooredc/
Yolanda Owens, founder of iwi fresh, believes that fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and essential oils are the only ingredients suitable for a healthy, beautiful body because it is what it is ('iwi'). Despite being pushed into engineering given her skills in math and science in school, she was always drawn to her creative side that led her to start making beauty products and treatments while getting her computer science degree in college. Fast forward and she created a Farm-to-Skin-Spa that helps anyone with skin keep it healthy with crops direct from the farm. Yolanda's story took another turn when COVID-19 forced her to close the doors of her spa and she shares how she pivoted her business and has continued to thrive.
Episode References:
3 Stories Yolanda would want to hear:
1) Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman
2) Maya Angelou - https://www.biography.com/writer/maya-angelou
3) Tyler Perry - https://tylerperry.com/
Connect with Yolanda at:
Website: https://iwifresh.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/iwifresh/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/iwifresh
Ebony Wyatt, Director of Sales at General Mills, has one goal...be bad ass everyday. She is able to achieve this thanks to her ancestors, husband, children and colleagues. In our discussion, she shares the path she took to find her voice AND confidence in sharing it. She also talks about the importance of everyone from individuals to organizations being on the journey to helping others feel like they belong. After recently relocating back to Minneapolis, Ebony gives her first hand perspective on what the community is experiencing following the tragic murder of George Floyd. It's a great conversations with so many pieces of inspiration to take away.
Episode References:
Salli Richardson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0724757/bio
3 Stories Ebony would want to hear:
1) Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
2) Oprah - http://www.oprah.com/index.html
3) Mary McLeod Bethune - https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/mary-mcleod-bethune
Connect with Ebony at:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ebonyspeaks2u/
TW: https://twitter.com/ebonyspeaks2u
FB: https://www.facebook.com/EbonySpeaks2U
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esolivers/
C.J. Gunn, Creator of The Money Whys Guy, says he is still in search of his why. However, our conversations covers many topics that give strong indicators that he is very close to uncovering it. C.J. shares how he navigated the elimination of his role as a co-founder at a startup due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also take a trip down memory lane (we both interned together at Procter & Gamble almost 20 years ago) and C.J. recalls being able to count on his two hands how many times he saw another Black person in leadership or key client meetings throughout that time. He also opens up about how he approaches raising two young Black sons in today's world. Lastly, he walks through his hope to inspire others to reach financial freedom with his latest venture, The Money Whys Guy.
Episode References:
Howard Hughes - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Howard-Hughes
Inroads - https://inroads.org/
Ideal Team Player by Patrick Lencioni - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28930640-the-ideal-team-player
Stories C.J. would want to hear:
1) Albert Einstein - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Albert-Einstein
2) His Grandparents
Connect with C.J. at:
Website: https://themoneywhysguy.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/themoneywhysguy1/
TW: https://twitter.com/themoneywhysguy
FB: https://www.facebook.com/themoneywhysguy
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cjgunn/
Minda Harts, CEO & Founder of The Memo, was the first in her family to graduate college and enter "Corporate America", which was a great achievement. However, she entered a world that at times didn't see, hear or value her as a women of color. There was a pivotal moment in her career where she decided that she would no longer let her environment continue to negatively impact her. She instead turned the lessons she learned into resources for women of color looking to develop their career. Now as a speaker, author and podcast host, she shares her story for developing a blueprint to help WOC secure a seat at the table. She also shares her tips for those looking to start creating content.
Episode References:
Toni Morrison - https://www.biography.com/writer/toni-morrison
The Memo - https://www.mindaharts.com/book
Secure the seat podcast - https://www.mindaharts.com/podcast
Erykah Badu "Bag Lady" - https://youtu.be/OqN0jsSeqPo
Kimberle' Williams Crenshaw - https://www.law.columbia.edu/faculty/kimberle-w-crenshaw
3 Stories Minda would want to hear:
1) Jesus - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus
2) Lucille Ball - https://www.biography.com/actor/lucille-ball
3) Audre Lorde - https://www.biography.com/writer/audre-lorde
Connect with Minda at: https://www.mindaharts.com/
Anjuan Simmons, Engineering Coach at Help Scout, was drawn to his career path as an engineer thanks to seeing himself in Geordi La Forge, Starship Engineer from the TV Series Star Trek: The Next Generation. Through collecting a wealth of experiences throughout his career as an engineer, he realized the need to lend the privileges he had acquired to others. In our discussion, he touches on his belief that inclusion is coming no matter what we do teams, organizations and companies so those that truly invest will be better served when it arrives. He also shares a great parent tip he used this summer to strengthen his relationship with his children.
Episode References:
Star Trek: The Next Generation - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Trek:_The_Next_Generation
Lavar Burton - https://levarburton.com/
Cargo Cult Programming - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cargo_cult_programming#:~:text=Cargo%20cult%20programming%20is%20a,that%20serve%20no%20real%20purpose.&text=Such%20obsessive%20checks%20make%20the,cause%20of%20a%20misbehaving%20program
Encyclopedia Britannica - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encyclop%C3%A6dia_Britannica
The Underground Railroad Records - https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/606935/the-underground-railroad-records-by-william-still/
3 Stories Anjuan would want to hear:
1) Williams Still - http://stillfamily.library.temple.edu/exhibits/show/william-still/historical-perspective/william-still---s-national-sig
2) Frederick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/activist/frederick-douglass
3) John P Parker -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Parker_(abolitionist)tt
Connect with Anjuan at: https://twitter.com/anjuan
Tina Wells, Founder of RLVNT Media, describes herself as an accidental entrepreneur but you quickly realize nothing in her journey has been an accident when you hear her story. She was a brand influencer in high school even though the term didn't exist yet. From there, she went on to start her own agency that helped brands reach the coveted tween audience while she was still in school. If that wasn't impressive enough, she is an author of six books, including the best-selling tween fiction series Mackenzie Blue and the marketing handbook, Chasing Youth Culture and Getting It Right. And to top all of that off, she is a champion of small businesses and committed to helping other women of color reach their potential launching, growing and leading their businesses successfully.
Episode References:
Mackenzie Blue - https://www.amazon.com/Mackenzie-Blue-Tina-Wells-ebook/dp/B0028MVH0U/ref=sr_1_4?crid=SAY4A7XHJIGU&dchild=1&keywords=mackenzie+blue+book+series&qid=1587472261&sprefix=mackenzie+blue,aps,531&sr=8-4
Zee Files (Target Exclusive) - https://www.target.com/p/zee-files-target-exclusive-edition-by-tina-wells-hardcover/-/A-80880845
Elevation Tribe - https://elevationtribe.com/
RLVNT Media - https://www.linkedin.com/company/rlvnt-media/
3 Stories Tina would want to hear:
1) Madam CJ Walker - http://madamcjwalker.com/
2) Jason Reynolds - https://www.jasonwritesbooks.com/
3) Marcus Samuelsson - https://marcussamuelsson.com/
Connect with Tina at:
- https://tinawells.com/
- https://elevationtribe.com/
Reginald Green, Regional Vice President - Primerica Financial Services, was one of two kids from his neighborhood to attend college. Coming from a family of CPAs, he saw the lifestyle they were able to achieve and set his sights on following in a similar path to achieve his own success. Throughout his journey, he has continued to realize the importance of relationships and ultimately that working hard will make your life easier. He also shares what he learned from making over $70K in one month and...spoiler alert...it didn't have anything to do with the money. Lastly, he shares why he ensures his clients first start with an education of finances before moving a single dollar.
Episode References:
Willie D of The Geto Boys - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Willie_D
Geto Boys Nothin' 2 Show - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siR8FlOMp_E
John Maxwell - https://www.johnmaxwell.com/
Zig Ziglar - https://www.ziglar.com/
3 Stories Reginald would want to hear:
1) Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
2) Michelle Obama - https://www.biography.com/us-first-lady/michelle-obama
3) Micheal Jordan - https://www.biography.com/athlete/michael-jordan
Connect with Reginald at (281) 685 - 9902 and reference the pod
Sharon Lee Thony & Raman Sehgal, co-hosts of Modern Minority podcast, grew up with opposite experiences as it relates to the make up of their surrounding culture. However, they both share experiences in this episode of feeling like you are in a foreign land. We also dive into a parents corner discussion where we explore our different approaches to raising multi-racial children and how we each balance exposing them to the world. We also discuss the importance of finding ways to scale empathy.
Also - After you listen to this episode, make sure you listen to the crossover episode on Modern Minorities where Sharon & Raman dive into my story and we debate the meaning behind "Model Minority".
Episode References:
Erin Brockovich - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0195685/
Wes Anderson - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0027572/
3 Stories Sharon would want to hear:
1) Michelle Obama - https://www.biography.com/us-first-lady/michelle-obama
2) Helen Keller - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Helen-Keller
3) Someone that is homeless
3 Stories Raman would want to hear:
1) Great grandmother and great grandfather
2) Jon J Muth - https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/authors/jon-j-muth/
3) Gandhi - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Mahatma-Gandhi
Find out more about Sharon & Raman at: www.modmypod.com
Dr. Christina Villarreal, Executive Leadership Coach and Professor of Psychology at UC Berkeley, has successfully navigated her journey from a small town of 3500 people in Oregon to helping leaders of fast scaling starters overcome challenges faced in Silicon Valley. She shares how she was able to do this through incrementally building her career with a focus on mental flexibility and remaining curious about what makes people different. She also points to the ability that leaders of color, especially those in tech, develop to manage the twists and turns of individual and organizational growth thanks to their diverse backgrounds. Lastly, we touch on the importance of parenthood that has been reinforced during this pandemic.
Episode References:
3 Stories Christina would want to hear:
1) Great Grandmothers
2) Prince - https://www.britannica.com/biography/Prince-singer-and-songwriter
3) First Female President of the United States
Find out more about Christina at:
www.drchristinavillarreal.com
Lauren Madlock, Clinical Psychologist at Kaiser Mental Health and Wellness, credits growing up in Memphis with showing her the breadth of experiences that make up being Black. She shares multiple pivotal moments of representation that reinforced her appreciation for being Black and recalls many of the specific individuals that made an impact on her journey. She gives her perspective on the education system based on her varied experiences as an educator and what she describes as education apartheid. Lastly, she shares the importance of recognizing and understanding the impact of racial trauma and intergenerational trauma facing people of color.
Episode References:
3 Stories Lauren would want to hear:
1) Grandfather
2) Grandmother
3) Meghan, Duchess of Sussex - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meghan,_Duchess_of_Sussex
Find out more about Lauren at: https://www.psychologytoday.com/profile/713111
Marco Hardie, Head of Industry at Google, spent the first two decades of life making decisions based on football. After realizing his journey was not headed to the NFL, he used the skills collected to pivot his focus towards being a great people leader and business leader. In this episode, Marco shares the parallels between leading teams on the field and leading in the business world. He also speaks to the duality that people of color must manage in corporate America and how it becomes an advantage. Lastly, we spend a few minutes discussing the super important topic of who is the G.O.A.T. of the NBA.
Episode References:
Yale Football History - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Yale_Bulldogs_football_seasons
3 Stories Marco would want to hear:
1) Frederick Douglass - https://www.biography.com/activist/frederick-douglass
2) Maya Angelou - https://www.mayaangelou.com/
3) Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
Connect with Marco at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcohardie/
Nina Woodruff-Walker is a product of her father's resourceful southern roots and her mother's east cost grit. While on her path to become a VP in technology sales, she was presented with an opportunity to become the Executive Director of Museum of Children's Art...an organization she grew up with as a youth in Oakland. While it wasn't in her plan, she realized it was the role she had always talked about doing. In our conversation, Nina shares her unique story that combines the importance of education, alternative thinking and building communities.
Episode References:
Museum of Children's Art - http://mocha.org/about/
SMART Process - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMART_criteria
MOCHA Porch Talk Series - http://mocha.org/porchtalk/
3 Stories Nina would want to hear:
1) Grandmother's Father
2) Great Grandfather
3) Family member that contributed Chinese heritage
Connect with Nina at: Ninaww@mocha.org
LT and J Hilton have set out to help people make meaningful contributions to doing good. This dynamic married couple connects artists and creatives with movements from change agents to ultimately drive more good in the world. They share more details on one of their current campaigns, Vote with Love, that is designed to grow empathy in our communities and help voters prepare to cast a more thoughtful and informed vote. They also share the importance of leveling up to have difficult conversations and remaining mindful to stay in the beauty of advocacy work.
Episode References:
Ambassador Circle - https://www.acircle.org/about
Vote With Love - https://www.votewithlove.org/
She the People & Aimee Alison - https://www.shethepeople.org/about
3 Stories LT & J would want to hear:
1) Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman
2) The Black Trinity - Beyonce, Oprah and Michelle Obama
3) Jesus from Nazareth - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus
Connect with LT & J at:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/Vote_with_love
Website: http://Acircle.org
Following a pivotal moment as a 6 yr old when he and his two brothers (8, 3) were left stranded by their mother hundreds of miles away from their closest family member, Kevin Carroll developed an "I'll show you" mentality that would serve him well in life. Thanks to lessons learned on the playground and in the library, he built a unique career path as a translator in the Air Force, the third African American trainer in the NBA and the "Mayor" of Nike. Kevin touches on a number of great life lessons collected on that journey, such as ensuring you have a Chief Encouragement Officer in your life and remaining a constant learner, but I most enjoyed hearing his experience "babysitting" Kobe Bryant. Lastly, Kevin has successfully focused on making relationships transformational instead of transactional and through that purposefully helped many organizations and individuals maximize their full potential.
Episode References:
The Rules of the Red Rubber Ball - http://kckatalyst.com/books/rules-of-the-red-rubber-ball/index.html
3 Stories Kevin would want to hear:
1) Maya Angelou - https://www.mayaangelou.com/biography/
2) Dave Chappelle - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152638/
3) Dr. Harry Edwards - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Edwards_(sociologist)t
Connect with Kevin at:
IG: https://www.instagram.com/kckatalyst/
TW: https://twitter.com/kckatalyst
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevincarrollkatalyst/
Website: http://kckatalyst.com/
Ruben Harris, CEO of Career Karma, learned to trust his struggle and that he shouldn't ever feel bad as long as he always gives his best. This approach helped him to break into the tech space and raise over $2M for Career Karma, where career transitioners are matched to job training programs to get tech jobs in 3 to 12 months. He recommends understanding your purpose then collecting the skills you need to achieve that purpose and spending each day going after it like nobody's business.
Episode References:
Breaking into Wall Street - https://breakingintowallstreet.com/
Breaking into Startups Podcast - https://breakingintostartups.com/
Zero to One by Peter Thiel - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18050143-zero-to-one
Blake Masters Class Notes - https://blakemasters.com/peter-thiels-cs183-startup
Autobiography of Malcom X - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/92057.The_Autobiography_of_Malcolm_X
Reforge Growth Loops - https://www.reforge.com/blog/growth-loops
3 Stories Ruben would want to hear:
1) Malcom X - https://www.malcolmx.com/biography/
2) Chamath Palihapitiya - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chamath_Palihapitiya
3) Elon Musk - https://www.biography.com/business-figure/elon-musk
Connect with Ruben at:
Download Career Karma app (https://careerkarma.com/sign-up) and send Ruben message
TW: www.twitter.com/rubenharris
Email: ruben@careerkarma.com
LI: www.linkedin.com/in/rubenharris/
IG: www.instagram.com/rubenharris
Imani Cheers, PhD, learned about the struggle for freedom at a very early age. Following her youth in which she was surrounded by black leadership and black excellence including her father's coverage of Jesse Jackson's presidential runs, she attended high school in a post-apartheid South Africa and met Nelson Mandela when she was 15 yrs old. Her exposure to the power of media to drive engagement and movements led her to a career as a storyteller. Now as the Associate Director of the School of Media and Public Affairs at George Washington University, she teaches the next generation of storytellers how to use their platforms to drive change. She also shares how proud she is to be Isaiah's mom.
Episode References:
Steve Biko - https://www.biography.com/activist/steve-biko
Sarafina!, Film, 1992 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarafina!_(film)mm
Ruby Bridges - https://www.biography.com/activist/ruby-bridges
Minstrel shows - https://www.history.com/news/blackface-history-racism-origins
Julia, TV Sitcom, 1968 - http://www.diahann-carroll.com/film/juliamain.html
Shirley Chisholm, First African American Congresswoman - https://history.house.gov/People/Detail/10918
3 Stories Imani would want to hear:
1. Ida B. Wells - https://www.biography.com/activist/ida-b-wells
2. Nelson Mandela - https://www.nelsonmandela.org/content/page/biography
3. Michelle Obama - https://www.biography.com/us-first-lady/michelle-obama
Connect with Imani at www.thecheersreport.com
Saneel Radia, Chief Innovation Officer for R/GA, looks back on balancing his Indian life with his non-Indian life growing up in San Antonio, Texas. He recalls memorable moments from sharing his aspirations of a career in advertising with his father (who responded with "What type of engineering is that?") to the feeling of being recognized by his industry heroes as he was inducted into the AAF Advertising Hall of Achievement. Saneel also shares the importance of modeling work/life balance for his teams and giving yourself the flexibility to change your definition of success throughout your career.
Episode References:
Berlin School of Creative Leadership - https://www.berlin-school.com/
Hustle Porn - https://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=hustle%20porn
AAF Hall of Achievement Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkF373GDUPE
3 Stories Saneel would want to hear:
1. Mahatma Ghandi - https://www.biography.com/activist/mahatma-gandhi
2. Mae Carol Jemison - https://www.biography.com/astronaut/mae-c-jemison
3. Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
Reach out to Saneel at saneel@gmail.com
Megan Ming Francis, PhD, was raised knowing that she would grow up in a color based society by her Chinese mother and Jamaican father. Her connection with two black professors in undergrad set her career on its trajectory to be a leading academic voice in civil rights, politics and capitalism. She also understood the responsibility of using her acquired power to help make systems more equitable for all people in her community.
Episode References:
-
Megan's book, Civil Rights and the Making of the Modern American State - https://www.polisci.washington.edu/research/publications/civil-rights-and-making-modern-american-state
-
3 Stories Megan would want to hear:
- Pauli Murray - https://paulimurrayproject.org/pauli-murray/biography/
- Elaine Brown - http://www.elainebrown.org/
- Walter White - https://www.biography.com/activist/walter-white
- Learn more about Megan at www.meganming.com
Asking "Why Not?" has proven to guide Dan Gould's professional and personal journey. Dan, Senior Portfolio Manager with TIAA, FSB, recognized that his community while successful and diverse did not have an intricate understanding of finances so he decided to unlock that world for his community. Dan also shares the importance of a team approach to overcome any unconscious bias or lack of familiarity in a relationship based field.
Episode References:
-
Diana Riley's (Dan's Mom) Charity Swinging With Purpose: http://www.swingingwithpurpose.org
-
3 stories Dan would want to hear:
- Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
- Sam Presti - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Presti
- Ryan Coogler - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm3363032/
Words can sow an idea into someone's life journey from an early age. This happened to Brandon Roberts, MD, when someone told him he should be a doctor. Without even knowing what it would take to do it, Brandon took the thought and saw it through to fruition in his own life and now seeks to plant similar seeds in the next generation of leaders. Brandon also shares what it was like winning the Academic Heisman and why he decided to give the trophy back to his alma mater, Washington University in St. Louis.
Episode References:
Heisman Trophy winners - https://www.heisman.com/heisman-winners/
William V. Campbell Trophy winners (Academic Heisman) - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_V._Campbell_Trophy
The Catcher in the Rye - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Catcher_in_the_Rye
4 stories Brandon would want to hear:
Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
Muhammad Ali - https://www.biography.com/athlete/muhammad-ali
Jackie Robinson - https://www.biography.com/athlete/jackie-robinson
Harriet Tubman - https://www.biography.com/activist/harriet-tubman
Follow and learn more about Brandon at:
https://www.facebook.com/brandon.roberts.980315
https://www.instagram.com/brobby39/
https://twitter.com/brobby39
Coming of age in Little Rock, Arkansas during the 80s, Michael Craig, Marketing Executive, developed a capability to operate in chaos while being comfortable in his own skin simultaneously. This skill set enabled him to change careers after a decade of engineering to the marketing industry where he has worked on multiple global brands and developed Super Bowl commercials. Michael shares that the consistent thread in his career has been seeking success even when things do not appear in his favor.
Episode References:
-
Bubly 2019 Super Bowl Commercial: https://adage.com/article/special-report-super-bowl/watch-michael-bubl-star-bubly-s-super-bowl-ad/316454
-
3 stories Michael would want to hear:
- Oprah Winfrey - https://www.biography.com/media-figure/oprah-winfrey
- Jay Z - https://www.biography.com/musician/jay-z
-
His Father
-
Follow and learn more about Michael at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikecraig/
Being his true self from the start of his career, Shaun Koiner, SVP Publishing at DAZN, built confidence through finding ways to contribute value to his organizations at each stage of his career. He even went as far as to recommend to the Time Inc. board that they should buy a little social media company called Facebook. His approach helped him build mutually beneficial relationships that have created the path of his career to date. Shaun also shares why he does not believe in following your passion but instead focusing on what you are good at and contributing it to the world.
Episode References:
- PG County Basketball Documentary: https://www.sho.com/titles/3492196/basketball-county-in-the-water
- 2017 Leaders in Sport 40 under 40: https://leadersinsport.com/news/leaders-40-awards-class-2017/
- Stanford Research Study on challenges with "Following Your Passions": https://news.stanford.edu/2018/06/18/find-passion-may-bad-advice/
- 3 stories Shaun would want to hear:
- Dave Chappelle - https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0152638/
- Christopher Hitchens - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Hitchens
- Andre 3000 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andr%C3%A9_3000
- Follow and learn more about Shaun at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/shaunkoiner/
Matt shares his own personal feelings on the recent incidents involving Christian Cooper in Central Park and the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis along with the nationwide response. He touches on a few of the historical contributing factors that have led to this point in time. Lastly, he gives his suggestions for what we can do to make a difference in our communities.
Frank William Miller Junior, creative director and marketing designer, has always wanted to get a job in the kitchen of his favorite restaurants. Not because he has an interest in the culinary arts but instead so he could learn how to perfect his favorite dish and then move on to his next creative outlet. Growing up as a military kid created an impermanence that removed his fear of taking risks which included a stint working at Blockbuster video. In addition to his experience at Hot 97, Rockstar Games and Complex Media, Frank shares how he has focused on helping artists share their authentic narratives.
Episode References:
- 3 stories Frank would want to hear:
- Yoshitaka Amano - https://www.yoshitakaamano.com/
- Yoko Kanno - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yoko_Kanno
-
J Dilla - http://www.j-dilla.com/
-
Follow and learn more about Frank at: http://www.FWMJ.com
Jonathan Goree, MD, Director of the Chronic Pain Division and an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, has seen first hand the opportunities created by the power of Black Excellence in his own life. The Arkansas Physician of the Year gives the story behind his calling to help solve the public health emergency around opioid addition and the under-treatment of pain for minority patients. He also shares the importance of asking questions as a minority leader even though it may go against social norms.
Episode References:
- Arkansas Physician of the Year: https://medicine.uams.edu/news/johnathan-goree-m-d-named-arkansas-physician-of-the-year-by-arkansas-business/
- "A more beautiful question": https://amorebeautifulquestion.com/
- "Geeks shall inherit the world": https://alexandrarobbins.com/geeks/
- Black Boys Film: https://www.blackboysfilm.com/
- 3 Stories Jonathan would want to hear:
- Martin Luther King Jr. - https://thekingcenter.org/about-dr-king/
- Malcom X - https://www.malcolmx.com/biography
- Huey Newton - https://www.biography.com/activist/huey-p-newton
- Follow and learn more about Jonathan at:
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJGoree
- www.pain.ums.edu
Growing up is difficult enough but imagine growing up feeling like you have to choose which part of your ethnic background to identify. This was the experience for Gia Altreche, Director of Business Development and Marketing at Newmeyer & Dillion LLP., growing up in Phoenix, AZ. She also shares how your perceptions of reality can be more limiting than the actual reality you are facing if you aren't careful.
Episode References:
-
Gia's sister, Erica Mathlin, would play her in the movie of her life: https://www.ericamathlin.com
-
3 Stories Gia would want to hear:
- Her Father
- Her Grandmother
- Her Great Grandmother
- Follow and learn more about Gia at:
- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/gia-altreche/
- https://www.newmeyerdillion.com/
Moving to Atlanta, Georgia and being surrounded by a community of African American leaders had a lasting impact on Eugene Hillsman, PhD, Deputy Director in the Office of Cannabis for the City and County of San Francisco. In this episode, Eugene shares how he learned the importance of being open to opportunities and taking risks helped shape his career. Eugene also discusses the need to engage in community activities to give back and remain connected.
Episode References:
-
LEAD Program: https://www.leadprogram.org/
-
Coro Fellowship: http://www.corofellowship.org/
-
3 Stories Eugene would want to hear:
- President Barack Obama - https://barackobama.com/
- James Baldwin - https://www.biography.com/writer/james-baldwin
- His Dad
Welcome to the pod. In this kick-off episode, Matt shares how the transition from Detroit, Michigan to Evansville, Indiana completely changed his understanding of his identity. He also touches on finding and understanding the importance of his voice within his career journey. Lastly he shares what he hopes listeners take away from this podcast series.