Baxter's Buzz

Dr. Neferiatiti (Holt) Lewis  is a frequent collaborator of mine and we were able to spend time during  #BlackHistoryMonth  to reflect on Maya Angelou as well as Neffie's wonderful mother. Our intent was to discuss Dr. Angelou's story and contributions, but we ended with Dr. Lewis paying respect to her mother who recently passed. #BaxtersBuzz #BlackHistory #MayaAngelou Angelic 8s: A Letter...

Erika is the Founder of The Erika Monae Group, where she works as a Executive Coach and Social Capital Strategist. In this episode, we talk about something that is near and dear to both of us: Networking. We talk about strategy, knowing the value you bring to the table, and taking genuine interest in the people you are talking to. There's no "one size fits all" approach to networking...

Jason Lee is the President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Southeastern Michigan, where they work with children from kindergarten to 12th grade, creating and preparing the next business leaders of this global economy. Jason and I talk about the importance of financial literacy, how entrepreneurial skills translate to all industries, and the lack of resources in the Black community. We discuss t...

We all have different reasons for getting up in the morning. Our particular "Why." You have made it to this point, please make sure that you are making contributions to the world. Most of us will never be known for changing the world, but we all have a part to play. Our contributions are our ripples. And some of these ripples will become waves, but that part is out of our control. Just c...

I was reading Harvard Business Review article by Michael Wenderoth on how to get a promotion. Many times we want things to be simple, but honestly, what is simple that's worth having? Yes, there may be some political "hoops" to jump through because very rarely is hard work alone enough. Get strategic for your next opportunity. #BaxtersBuzz #HBR #Exposure Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara&...

They say you can learn a lot about a person in how they treat the folks who wait on them. Shout out to our people in the service industry, but also those who are truly servant leaders. We must adopt that attitude regardless of our position or title. #BaxtersBuzz #ServantLeadership #HardWork #WorkLifeBalance Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara" and is available. ⁠https://amzn.to/37BIX44

How do you balance being present and available to your team, while also establishing boundaries for yourself? What about if you are new in your position and want to put your best foot forward? #BaxtersBuzz #ServantLeadership #HardWork#WorkLifeBalance Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara" and is available. ⁠https://amzn.to/37BIX44

Charles McKaye is the founder of Empower You Ventures, helping individuals find their purpose and passion. He's the host of the Detroit Metro Plug Podcast, where he brings attention to Detroit difference makers in the area of community involvement and entrepreneurship. Charles is out to be more intentional, impactful, and influential and he shares what led him to this quest. Enjoy! #BaxtersBuz...

Laura Chavez-Wazeerud-Din is the President and CEO of Southwest Detroit Business Association. Established in 1957 the SBDA is dedicated to fostering a business community where diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities are at the core of its values and practices. Laura is experiencing a full circle moment of sorts, leading one of the pillars of the community that she grew up in! Laura and I...

Master Problem Solver, James Reid, is a Partner at Honigman with a specialty in employment law. We discuss how he went against the grain and took a different approach to networking. We talk about being a master of your craft, why you should prioritize helping others over asking for help, and bringing your entire personality along for the ride! James also share stories about when things were a real...

That aren't many better feelings than when we feel seen by someone. My son, Bryce, had one of those cool moments and it had me buzzing. We can all get tunnel vision and feel like we're on our paths completely isolated. We have to own our journey, but we can all use encouragement along the way. #BaxtersBuzz #Encouragement #Goals

It can be easy to adopt a scarcity mindset and think that there's only a limited amount of success to go around. That couldn't be further from the truth! Open doors and be a sponsor for others. Say their names in a room full of opportunities. #BaxtersBuzz #Scarcity #Sponsorship #Abundance

Sometimes the same things that may have protected us in the past are now preventing us to evolve and mature. Today I'm buzzing about my issues with detaching too quickly from an unfavorable situation. Although it used to protect me from trauma, these day it's mostly an impediment to growth. #BaxtersBuzz #Vulnerability #MentalHealth "Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara" and is available...

Why do we talk ourselves out of things and then become critical of others who are attempting to do similar things? If you can get over the self-doubt hurdle, the next hurdle is handling other people's insecurities. #BaxterBuzz #Insecure #Haters #SelfAwareness

Sandy Harvey is the President and Chief Strategist of Exodus Consulting Group. We talk about the lack of resources and infrastructure that many DEI roles are facing. Organizations can't treat this role like a magic wand, but must hold leaders accountable. Sandy gives us all a piece of wonderful advice: Hire people from diverse backgrounds and give them the platform to share their experiences w...

Kimika Garret is the founder of Organizational Kimistry, a speaking and consulting company. We talk about her unique approach to HR, injecting science and art into the Human Resources fold, without sacrificing business objectives. We talk about ways to improve the employee experience (regardless how they stay) and empowering team members to do what makes sense. And for the first time in #BaxtersBu...

Kisha Hicks is the President of The ElevateHer, where their mission is to help women get clear on their career paths while providing mindset and career coaching. This only begins to describe Kisha though. She serves as a "possibility model," motivating and inspiring her clients (and me!) to push past self doubt and go after their dreams! In this episode we talk about the importance of co...

Vanita Sanders is the founder of Beyond a Diploma, an education consultant company. Vanita and I talk about her years in designing programs to help kids get to college, what she learned, and how she's implementing that into her own business. Systems can't be properly disrupted until you first know how it works. Enjoy! #BaxtersBuzz #Education #College #CollegePrep #Youth

Niki Ramirez is the founder and principal consultant of HRAnswers.org. Their aim is to make positive ripples in the world by providing progressive HR support. In this episode, we discuss the importance of self awareness, and how care and compassion from leadership unlocks potential. A truly fantastic conversation. #BaxtersBuzz #Kolbe #SelfAwareness #HR #Leadership #Care #Compassion

Lorrena Black is a retired Army Major and the VP of Leadership Development at Inforum Michigan. Inforum is dedicated to removing barriers, increasing opportunities, and accelerating the careers of women. In this episode, Lorrena and I are buzzing about the programs that Inforum offers and it leads us to an interesting conversation about authenticity. What does it mean to bring your whole self to w...

Princess Castleberry is a professional speaker (featured at TEDxDetroit), a Wellness + Risk Consultant, and CEO of GO BEYOND WELL. We talk about GO BEYOND WELL and the importance of taking care of the entire person and the business case for it.#BaxtersBuzz#Wellness#RiskManagement

Our insecurities are holding us back from amazing experiences. Today, I'm buzzing about how we can take advice from my 7 year old and just extend a hand. Maybe you'll make a new friend. #BaxtersBuzz #Opportunities #Networking #Friends Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara" and is available. ⁠⁠ https://amzn.to/37BIX44

Venture For America (VFA) supports the growth of diverse ecosystems across American cities by developing entrepreneurial talent and providing access through programs, networks, and resources (One of its original cities being Detroit). Hilary Ferencak is the Director for Detroit with a wonderful passion to help and an admiration for the Detroit Hustle. We talk about VFA, the need for more Black ent...

Stop holding on to old baggage! It won't always be comfortable, but we must accept when it is time to move things out so we can make room for new opportunities. #BaxtersBuzz #Opportunities #Blessings Angelic 8s: A Letter To Zara" and is available. ⁠ https://amzn.to/37BIX44

Dr. Aja Burks is the owner of Transformative Mind Counseling, the founder of Michigan Black Therapy Fund, and Core Faculty at Saybrook University. We talk about the lack of access for Black people who need therapy, the Black therapists who are trying to provide these services, and the barriers that are impeding the progress. Dr. Burks talks about Michigan Black Therapy Fund and the mission of brid...