Conversations Beyond the Brand

What if access to technology is one of the biggest barriers standing between families and opportunity? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand™, Tashana Thompson sits down with Richard Hicks, CEO and President of Inspiredu, for a powerful conversation about digital equity, nonprofit leadership, community impact, and what it really means to serve people well. Richard leads Inspiredu, an A...

What if work could be optional? In this episode, Tashana sits down with Certified Financial Planner Selena Teasley to have the wealth conversation every woman needs but rarely gets to have. Selena Teasley, CFP®, RICP® is a Certified Financial Planner® and Retirement Income Certified Professional with Applied Wealth Management. She left a 14-year career in IT to become the wealth advisor she could...

In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Tashana Thompson sits down with Joann Dean, social worker, ten-time self-published author, certified life and book coach, and founder of Self-Care for Success, for a deeply honest and transformative conversation about identity, healing, and what it truly means to know yourself. What begins as a discussion about Joann’s journey into socia...

From toxic job to bankruptcy to multiple six figures—this is the REAL story of how I built Beyond Business Solutions. And yes, I'm sharing the parts most entrepreneurs won't tell you. 💔➡️💪 Welcome to Part 3 of my interview series with Cashe Thompson! This episode gets REAL about my journey—the mistakes, the surrender, the dark seasons, and how God used relationships to rebuild everything. What Y...

What started as a 5-year dream is now a movement bringing women-leaders out of the shadows. Here's why I FINALLY launched Conversations Beyond the Brand, and what I'm building for YOU. Welcome to Part 2 of my interview series with my business bestie Cashe Thompson! In this episode, we're diving deep into the WHY behind my podcast and how it connects to my bigger mission of helping brilliant women...

For the first time EVER on Conversations Beyond the Brand, I'm stepping OUT of the host chair and INTO the guest seat! My business bestie Cashe Thompson is interviewing ME to give you an intimate look at who I am beyond the strategy sessions and brand launches. What You'll Discover in This Episode: In this raw, unfiltered conversation, Cashe and I dive deep into: ✨ The REAL work I do with my clie...

This conversation with Dr. Melanie Bowers offers a grounded and honest look at what leadership really feels like behind the scenes. We explore the everyday realities of organizational culture, the pressure leaders carry, and the moments when values are tested through real decisions. Dr. Melanie shares personal stories from her career that highlight authenticity, responsibility, and the importance...

In this heartfelt episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Stephanie Smith, co-owner of New Light Financial Solutions, for an honest conversation about money, marriage, and the power of leading with your values. Stephanie shares how running a business with her husband has shaped her approach to financial stewardship, relational leadership, and building a legac...

In this impactful episode, Dr. Tashana Thompson welcomes Rashida Peterson of 1847 Philanthropic Group to discuss the realities of fundraising, equity, and community leadership. Rashida shares her journey from international trade to building a consulting firm that centers on underserved communities and champions sustainable, community-driven impact. The conversation explores the importance of infra...

🎯 In this insightful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Tashana Thompson sits down with Charlotte for a candid conversation about navigating transitions, professional growth, and the power of honesty in both work and life. From sharing the realities of pivoting careers to discussing what it really means to step into new opportunities, Charlotte opens up about embracing uncertainty, honori...

In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Nikki Ivey, LinkedIn Top Voice and sales culture revolutionary who went from SDR to CRO by championing relational selling over traditional sales tactics. From selling cars to transforming tech sales culture, Nikki shares her 20+ year journey of refusing to "tone it down" and how wearing your values auth...

Are you a high-achieving woman of faith struggling to show up authentically in your leadership? In this transformative conversation, I sit down with Courtney Robinson—leadership branding strategist, image expert, and founder of the Bold Faith Leadership Lab—to explore how Christian women can stop shrinking in spaces they're called to lead and start showing up fully aligned with who God created the...

Discover the proven framework for successful rebranding with brand strategist Shannel Wheeler, author of "The Brand Restart." In this episode, Shannel shares her 20+ years of design expertise and reveals why most rebrands fail. Learn about The Brand Pie Framework - six essential elements that must align for successful brand transformation: core values, company culture, brand personality, messaging...

How do we raise young women who are confident, faith-driven, and prepared to lead? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson talks with Lisa Smith , founder and executive director of Elite Women of Excellence (EWOE) . For over  23 years, EWOE has mentored teenage girls through faith, mentorship, and community, helping them grow into strong leaders of character,...

In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Trina Hill to explore how faith, family, and legacy shape leadership and entrepreneurship. From her grandmother’s influence to lessons of resilience, caregiving, and community, Trina shares a powerful perspective on what it means to bring your whole self into the marketplace. This conversation is a reminder tha...

What does it mean to “wear your values” as a leader? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart, to talk about women’s heart health, global leadership, and what it takes to grow mission-driven organizations. Celina shares her journey from living and working across 76 countries to leading a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on...

Conversations Beyond the Brand | Season 2 with Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton In this inspiring episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton — executive coach, author, speaker, and advocate for women — to explore faith, resilience, leadership, and legacy. From her journey as a Black woman in technology to her passion for supporting single mot...

Welcome to a heartfelt and joyful bonus episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand ! 🎧 In this intimate conversation, Dr. Tashana Thompson invites her 8-year-old daughter, Addisyn, to the mic to discuss the power of tight-knit family values , love , and what it truly means to grow up in a home rooted in support, tradition, and faith . Through laughter, candid questions, and sweet storytelling, Add...

What happens when a business partnership ends, but the friendship doesn't? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with longtime friend and former business partner Joline Falco for a raw and heart-centered conversation about the end of their formal business relationship, and how they navigated the breakup with honesty, healing, and integrity. This is a mu...

Are you struggling to attract the right clients or any at all? This episode is for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and mission-driven small business owners who are ready to build a business that reflects their brilliance, connects with their audience, and drives real results. In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson is joined by Marie Fratoni , international...

In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Vincent and Monica Alexander, who have been married for 21 years and are the founders of Synergy: Better Together . Through their story, they share what many couples need most—a faith-based reset rooted in grace, truth, and real tools for communication, trust, and connection. Whether you're navigating...

In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Yuquan Holloway, a project management expert creating business transformation. This conversation uncovers the real meaning of strategic execution . Discover how Yuquan has led both small businesses and Fortune 500 organizations to success by aligning leadership, process optimization, and measurable impact. Whet...

In this heartfelt episode of Conversations: Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with filmmaker and creative director Graham Kuhn, founder of Focus Film, to explore how men can lead with emotion and how visual storytelling can transform brands. Graham helps clients bring clarity, connection, and real feeling to their brand stories. This is a powerful conversation about what it means t...

What does it really mean to lead with people first? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand , Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Becky Bruner , founder of Choose Happy Assisting and a trusted voice in culture and connection consulting. Becky shares how people-first leadership , intentional team-building , and values-based branding help small businesses and nonprofits build lasting impac...

In this insightful episode, Calondra Tibbs, founder and CEO of Trifecta Advising, breaks down the essential strategies nonprofits need to grow, communicate their value, and deliver measurable impact. With years of experience supporting mission-driven organizations, Calondra shares how she guides clients through strategic planning, brand visibility, and program development. If you're a nonprofit le...