Free The CEO

In today's episode, I'm answering that question burning in everyone's inbox: "How is AI going to impact my job?" As someone working with both startups and Fortune 500s, I wanted to bring you the employer's perspective on this incredibly nuanced topic. The truth? While technological advancement is accelerating at a pace that would make your head spin, companies are facing a...

In this Execnow Linkedin Live, we’ll explore why talent diversity is essential for you as a startup, the common hiring pitfalls you face, and actionable strategies to leverage inclusivity and build diverse, high-performing teams. Connect with me on LinkedIn Work with my fractional firm Work with my executive search and advisory firm Connect with our panelists

In this episode, we dive deep into the pushback against Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and its true business impact. Our panelists—Ayanna King, Abby Adamson, and Colin—discuss the reality of DEI rollbacks, the myths surrounding meritocracy, and how leaders must be held accountable for real change. What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why DEI backlash is happening and how we got here The busi...

In this episode, I dive into the power of emotional intelligence and AI in leadership and content marketing. David Baum, a seasoned founder and investor, shares how empathy-driven leadership and building in public have shaped his startup, Relato. We explore the role of AI in content creation, its limitations, and how human connection remains irreplaceable in storytelling. David also breaks down pr...

In my conversation with Ish, we explored his journey from Southeast Georgia to becoming an engineering leader in Silicon Valley. Starting with computer science at the University of Pittsburgh, Ish shared how a college startup project led to his recruitment at Meta, where he worked on B2B advertising algorithms. His career path included roles at IBM, where he learned business fundamentals, and late...

We are back—rebranded as Free The CEO! This pivot perfectly aligns with my current work and lifestyle. While UNSTUCKKD will always be my launchpad, Free The CEO now represents my fractional firm and solopreneur business, along with Execnow, my executive search firm. In this new chapter, I'll be interviewing founders, CEOs, and visionary leaders—diving deep into their journeys, insights, and th...

In this episode, I explore the rapid growth of fractional executive roles, which have expanded from 2,000 to over 125,000 on LinkedIn in just a few years. I break down how fractional execs go beyond traditional consulting to drive real results. Sharing my own journey into fractional leadership after a layoff, I discuss how it boosted my income and gave me the flexibility I needed as a new dad to t...

In this episode, we sit down with Sabrina Guler, former engineering project manager at Apple, turned successful entrepreneur and co-founder of an eight-figure business. Sabrina opens up about her decision to leave corporate life, the fears she faced, and how listening to her intuition guided her through the transition. We explore the power of transformation, the importance of aligning intention wi...

In this episode of Free the CEO , we chat with Jack Beckwith, founder and CEO of The DataFace , a leading data visualization and storytelling agency. Jack talks about his journey from analyst to CEO, overcoming startup challenges, and how side projects can evolve into thriving businesses. Listeners will gain valuable insights on: The Power of Side Projects: How Jack’s passion for data evolved from...

And Just Like That, We’re Back! After a nearly three-month break, we’re back in full force! In this episode, I open up about what’s been happening during this hiatus, including the life-changing arrival of my identical twin boys, Braxton and Beau. I share reflections on parenthood, personal growth, and the exciting expansion of both ExecNow and Free The CEO . It’s been a wild ride, and I'm exc...

In my conversation with Evan Poncelet, we discussed his shift from the tech industry to community work after George Floyd's murder. He joined his family's nonprofit, Africatown Community Land Trust, to build an economic engine for the Black diaspora in Seattle. Evan started an angel investing syndicate and is developing a VC fund to support Black founders and investors. We explored challen...

In my conversation with Danette Buie, we explored her multi-faceted roles as a mother, tech professional, and founder of Thrive Limitlessly. She recounted how she transitioned from providing free career coaching to monetizing her expertise by starting her own business, despite initial hurdles. We delved into strategies for achieving work-life harmony, such as leveraging calendars, relying on suppo...

In my conversation with Anjanee Ferguson, we discuss her journey to becoming the founder and CEO of Ampere Business Solutions, a firm that helps Christian, nonprofit, and mission-based organizations maximize their resources. Anjanee shares her four-step framework for identifying and closing gaps in revenue-generating processes and the unique perspective she brings by intermingling biblical and bus...

In my conversation with Ayse Deniz, we discuss her groundbreaking project, "Classical Regenerated Initiative with AI." Ayse, a renowned classical pianist and composer, shares how she uses AI to amplify human artistry in her live performances by generating music in the style of great composers like Chopin and featuring an AI-generated Chopin as a speaker. Ayse also opens up about her early...

In the first episode of Free The CEO, we explore what it means to be a CEO and how to become one, discussing common misconceptions and the importance of setting direction and vision. We delve into the different paths to becoming a CEO, the keys to success, such as setting the right strategy, communicating effectively, and building a strong team. The challenges faced by CEOs are also addressed, inc...

I'm excited to announce the launch of my new show within UNSTUCKKD called "Free the CEO." This project has developed organically through my work with CEOs of ambitious startups, helping them overcome challenges and scale their businesses. In "Free the CEO," I'll share strategies and advice to help CEOs, particularly those from diverse backgrounds, build sustainable business...

In my conversation with Shanae Brown, we delved into the unique challenges and self-care practices vital for Black women navigating corporate America and entrepreneurship. Shanae powerfully dismantled the harmful "work twice as hard" myth, sharing a three-pronged strategy centered on high performance, displaying leadership potential, and cultivating an advocating network. Our talk explored...

In my conversation with Ben Broad, we explored the transformative power of emotional intelligence and storytelling in personal growth and redefining success. We discussed the importance of vulnerability, challenging societal norms, and the potential of emerging technologies like virtual reality to foster empathy. Our talk highlighted the role of habits, self-love, and servant leadership in finding...

In this episode, Kahlil sits down with Thoko, a chief creative officer from Zimbabwe who shares his incredible journey. From surviving ethnic cleansing to becoming a refugee in the US, Thoko faced poverty, learning disabilities, and homelessness. But his resilience and love for design drove him to excel at the prestigious ArtCenter College of Design. He earned a full ride and maintained a perfect...

In this episode, Kahlil shares his insights on effective time management strategies that have helped him navigate the challenges of being a solopreneur. He introduces the Eisenhower Matrix, a method for prioritizing tasks based on urgency and importance, and explains how he applies this concept to his business and personal life. Kahlil also emphasizes the significance of the Pomodoro technique, wh...

As an entrepreneur or employee, setting the right price is essential for your success, but many people struggle with undervaluing themselves. We discuss the importance of understanding your unique value proposition by considering factors such as experience, expertise, specializations, and market demand, as well as conducting market research and talking to others in your field. We also explore diff...

Addressing a top-requested topic of the UNSTUCKKD Podcast, I'm thrilled to unveil my latest project—a comprehensive video course called "How to Become a Mini-Millionaire: Starting Your First Side Hustle". This new course shows you how to launch your first side hustle or business. Reflecting on my own journey, I recognize the hurdles that once hindered me and my goal is to provide actio...

WTF is fractional work? In this week's episode, I was interviewed by Tiffany Knighten during a LinkedIn live audio event on my experience with fractional work. Learn how both Tiffany and I transitioned into fractional work, using it as a platform to overcome personal adversities and pursue diverse professional experiences, eventually leading to the establishment of our successful businesses. O...

Imagine starting your career with a leap of faith to an unfamiliar town and rising to become a Fox Sports reporter for the AFC South division. This is the reality for Ben Arthur, whose journey is a testament to resilience, passion, and the power of storytelling in sports journalism. In this episode, we sit down with Ben, a life-long sports enthusiast turned prominent NFL reporter and the host of t...

I am so excited to bring you Season 3! Let's catch up as we gear up for a great year ahead. p.s. I am going to be a DAD!! Join the UNSTUCKKD Community! Connect with Kahlil TikTok IG Free Budgeting Guide Download the 1AND1 App in the App Store (FREE, iOS only)