Baxter's Buzz

Kimberly Evans, the founder of Just Her Rideshare. A company that is building a community of women drivers for women riders. We discuss what inspired this amazing idea and the energy that is going into making it a huge success.  We talk about the importance of personal development and garnering knowledge through avenues like reading books and attending seminars. Kimberly also talks about her...

The Bible says, "Each day has enough trouble of its own". Every day deserves its proper respect. And just because an approach worked yesterday, doesn't mean it's going to work tomorrow. Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine LLC., and I talk about the importance of being honest with your yourself and making those subtle adjustments regularly. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Jerome Crawford, Director of Legal Operations and Social Equity at Pleasantrees, talks about his two, distinct roles in the organization and why social equity is so important to him and the rest of leadership. Jerome also talks about his passion for acting and how it led him down the interesting path of studying law. Besides being a social advocate and full time attorney, he is still getting actin...

Is it the responsibility of marginalized and oppressed groups to educate the majority on their experience? Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine, and I discuss the importance of doing your own research when coming from a place of privilege. Show me that you're invested and I'll help provide context, but the heavy lifting is your responsibility. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine, talks about the importance of leaders having an equity-focused lens when recruiting talent, grooming leaders, and marketing to future clients. Diversity isn't enough.  If your diverse talent doesn't feel empowered to speak up and share what makes them special, leadership has failed. #MindfulnessMonday #BaxtersBuzz

Dominique Golden, founder and director of Rights4Refugees, joins me to talk about the great work that her team is doing for people who are in need. Dominique shares where her passion comes from, her partnership with United Way, and what she's doing to help future entrepreneurs. She is a force and so inspiring! #BaxtersBuzz

When you have dedicated your life to the support of other people's trauma, it's important for you to have support yourself! Sharonda N. Simmons , founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC., believes in being intentional about your own mental health and stepping away for those "pockets of peace" throughout the day. You cannot pour into others from an empty cup. #MindfulnessMondays #BaxtersBuzz

Are you a serial networker? Aspiring networker, but not sure how to get started? Either way, you are sure to take away some gems from this conversation On this episode, I am joined by master connector, professional networker, and founder of Crusaders Networking, Wendy Caverly. Wendy has a unique perspective on networking and breaks down the different approaches into four types. You may have heard...

Leaders: The problems that you have with employees may be a peek into your own deficiencies (gasp!). During this #MindfulnessMondays chat, Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC, talks about how mindfulness involves extending your employees and yourself some grace. Your team will reflect what they see modeled. #BaxtersBuzz

An emerging powerhouse, Renee Nicole Allen, is cultured, compassionate, and a social equity champion! Renee is faculty at St. John's University Law, just completing her tenth year as a professor.  She tells me about her upcoming article, "From Academic Freedom to Cancel Culture" and also her first book, "The Music & The Movement: Race, Rhythm, and Social Justice". The legal academy, in ma...

During this #MindfulnessMondays chat, Sharonda Simmons , the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC, shares her opinions on the myth of multi-tasking. She advises us on how to prioritize with so many different things vying for our attention and dealing with perfectionist tendencies. #BaxtersBuzz

Is success scarier than failure? Are people, in general, more comfortable in NOT achieving? Erika Lewis, founder of the Erika Monae' Group,  and I talk about the unknowns that come along with success.  Erika also talks about how companies are recruiting new talent in this more virtual environment. #BaxtersBuzz

Jerome Crawford, Director of Legal Operations and Social Equity at Pleasantrees, talks about his two, distinct roles in the organization and why social equity is so important to him and the rest of leadership. #BaxtersBuzz

Sharri Watkins, founder of 4-Dimension Consulting, talks about being Black in HR and the importance of having others to lean on. She also talks about her experience being a mentee and a mentor. #BaxtersBuzz

We've all heard some terrible stories about doing business with close friends/family. But there are also many great stories about loved-ones flourishing in business together. What are your thoughts? #BaxtersBuzz

Melissa Mueller-Douglas, LMSW, founder of MYRetreat, talks about her path to becoming a therapist and some of her awesome experiences along the way. Through mindfulness, Melissa is empowering her clients by connecting them to themselves. #BaxtersBuzz

Amy Forehand, founder of the Forehand Company, talks about who's ultimately in charge of the culture at an organization and the role that Human Resources plays. #BaxtersBuzz

Sharri Watkins, the founder of 4-Dimensions Consulting, talks about taking ownership of issues and holding yourself accountable in business. It's about aligning your departmental goals with the organization's. It's not one or the other. God answers our prayers in many ways and in this clip I also thank Sharri for inspiring me. #BaxtersBuzz

For most of us, there are no shortcuts to success. Failure is an integral part of success and it's a part of the process that we must accept and build upon. #BaxtersBuzz

Recently, I talked about about collaborative goals for 2021, but you're not off the hook! Don't be completely dependent on others to carry YOUR project. It's a recipe for disaster. #BaxtersBuzz

What's the most important part of your job as a leader? Is it to get things done quickly or help develop up and coming leaders while sharing responsibilities? The latter can be tough because there are deadlines to meet, but in many cases it is the right thing to do. Amy Forehand, founder of the Forehand Company, talks about her upcoming "Grow Partnership" workshop and what areas she plans to help...

Today, I'm sharing my thoughts on networking and why you should always look to add value in any situation. Look to feed the soil and not just take fruit from it. And I have a special message to my fellow salespeople and how to conduct yourself via LinkedIn. #BaxtersBuzz

Sharri Watkins, the founder of 4-Dimensions Consulting, talks about her transition into a true human resources partner with her organization, The Motown Museum. It's about sitting on the same side of the table as your executive team, and not appearing as adversarial. And most importantly, trusting in God. #BaxtersBuzz

How do you deal with your nervous energy? I talk about a few ways to direct that energy into something positive. Sometimes it is as simple as going outside for some fresh air. The key is to pour it into something constructive and not destructive. #BaxtersBuzz

What if we put the same focus on building great employees in organizations as we do on building great leaders? Amy Forehand, founder of the Forehand Company, talks about the term "employeeship" and its origins. Why hadn't we looked at things from this perspective before? #BaxtersBuzz