Fast Forward Podcast

Sometimes life throws you curveballs when you least expect it and it's okay. ⚾️ In this episode, I'm exploring how our needs evolve as we navigate different stages of life. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking what worked at 20 will still work at 30, 40, or 50—but that’s far from the truth. Whether it's career goals, relationships, or personal well-being, our priorities shift, and it's cruci...

Discover how to redefine what's possible for Black men's lives in this episode featuring Klay S. Williams, a purpose and wellness coach. Klay shares powerful insights into how to move beyond survival and into a life of purpose, joy, and community, as he helps older adults discover their next chapter. We’re challenging the norms and digging into the real issues impacting Black men today and discuss...

Ready to unlock your full potential and build a life of purpose and impact? 🤔 In this new episode, we explore the power of community and personal growth with guest Tariq Muhammad. Tariq emphasizes the importance of a strong foundation and intentionally curating your environment for success, sharing how his upbringing and values shaped his journey. Together, we explore the significance of self-awa...

Forget buzzwords, we're getting to the heart of personal branding. Join me as I explore how to craft a compelling brand that reflects your authentic self, showcases your unique value, and opens doors to new opportunities. This episode discusses: ◾ The key elements of a strong personal brand ◾ How to define your value proposition and communicate it effectively ◾ Strategies for building your expe...

Ever felt like your workplace could use a relationship makeover? 🤔 In this episode, I'll be tackling the crucial role of competing perspectives and how they undermine a thriving workplace culture. Learn how open, honest, and consistent communication can transform your team dynamics, boost morale, and unlock everyone's full potential. 🎙️I'll uncover: ◾ The hidden dangers of silence and how it can...

In this episode, we're talking employee relations functions, exploring their critical role in shaping workplace culture, productivity, and overall success. 🎙️ I discuss: ◾ The importance of clarity, consistency, and compliance ◾ How to establish effective communication channels ◾ Strategies for improving workplace safety and designing sensible corrective action guidelines ◾The impact of commun...

Welcome to Season 4 of the Fast Forward Podcast! We're kicking off the new year with a focus on building stronger, more positive workplaces. In this episode, I explore the critical role of employee relations in shaping workplace culture, productivity, and overall success. I'll discuss: ◾ The key players in employee relations and their impact on the organization ◾ The importance of leadership in...

We wrap up Season 3 with a thought-provoking discussion on the iconic character Fredo Corleone from The Godfather series as a lens. I'm joined by special guest Dion Ferrell, CEO of the United Alliance, to explore Fredo's complex character and the leadership lessons we can glean from his tragic journey. We explore Fredo's sense of entitlement, low emotional intelligence, and the consequences of his...

When it comes to influence versus privilege in marketing, the right strategy makes all the difference— especially for entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs within larger companies. I had the honor of bringing in Pamela Campagna, an incredible founder, consultant, and professor, to unpack these nuances with me. Pamela shares her perspective on marketing as a long-term investment, with real-world case stu...

Do you have a mindset of gratitude and grace? This Thanksgiving week, I share the importance of being thankful for where we are now — and the power of seeing the bigger picture, even when things feel random or out of sync. Gratitude is more than just acknowledging what’s good in life — it’s about embracing each part of the journey, the wins and the challenges. I also explain how grace plays a huge...

How does privilege can shape our relationships and decisions? We're breaking down Syd Shaw, played by Sanaa Lathan, and her outsized influence on Dre, portrayed by Taye Diggs. Is she a friend or a villain? 🤔 Syd leverages her influence in Dre's life, but does she undermine his growth and values in the process? Influence is not just about having a voice; it's about how we use that voice to uplift...

What's the difference between power, privilege, and influence? How is influence our key to sustained growth and success? Too often, influence gets lumped in with "trendy" influencers, but true influence is a strategic lasting force that transcends the buzz of social media moments. I explain the covert strength of influence, sharing personal stories of career-defining mentorships that shifted my pe...

What are the nuances of privilege and influence? How identity shape our paths and our leadership style? Building on last month’s insights on power, I break down how privilege can enhance our ability to make an impact — and why it’s not simply about “having” privilege, but how we use privilege that matters. I dive into the concept of intersectionality, highlighting how our experiences and backgroun...

In this episode we dig into the heart of privilege, power, and influence — and what those really mean beyond the buzzwords. Influence isn’t just about a flashy post; it's about meaningful, long-term impact. We look at the difference between sponsorship and mentorship: sponsorship opens doors with authority, while mentorship shares the insights that can change someone’s path. With personal stories,...

I'm exploring the evolving nature of our needs as we move through different stages of life. Many of us fall into the trap of thinking what we needed at 20 is the same as what we need at 30, 40, or 50—but that’s far from the truth. 🌱 This episode of Dear Lil Sis is worth the watch! Both internal and external factors shape our changing needs, and it’s so important to adapt and prioritize our well-b...

Welcome to another episode of the Fast Forward Podcast, I explore the power of exposure and how it plays a pivotal role in shaping our careers and businesses. Drawing lessons from the character Curtis Taylor in "Dreamgirls", I break down how recognizing talent, managing emotions, and staying clear on your motivations can help you make smart, calculated risks. Exposure isn't about being reckless —...

Data can feel overwhelming, but what if you could turn it into your business’s secret weapon? In this episode, we sit down with Larry B. Carter II from the U.S. Census Bureau to demystify data and show you how to leverage it for business growth. Larry walks us through his journey at the Census Bureau and shares insights on how small business owners can use free tools like the Census Business Build...

Welcome to another segment of Dear Lil Sis where I am joined by Casi Henderson, founder and stylist at Exclusively Casi Hair Studio. Our powerful conversation about self-acceptance and recognizing our worth beyond others' opinions is a game-changer. We all face outside judgments, but what truly matters is how we see ourselves. Casi and I unpack the idea that we are "fearfully and wonderfully made,...

In this episode, I’m joined by the brilliant and multi-talented RaQuita Weathers, my personal photographer and dear friend. We dive deep into the theme of visibility and its impact on both professional and personal growth. RaQuita takes us through her inspiring journey from dance instructor to sought-after brand photographer, all while juggling the roles of wife, mother, and creative entrepreneur....

In this episode, we tackle the often misunderstood concept of power. Power isn't something to shy away from—when used effectively, it can create real impact in both your personal and professional life. I explore how leaders can better understand their power and use it to make tough decisions that ultimately lead to growth. Drawing from my own experiences, I highlight the difference between power a...

Communities hold power! In this episode, our featured guest, Ryan Wilson, CEO and co-founder of The Gathering Spot, shares his insights on the importance of vulnerability, the necessity of radical honesty, and how our experiences shape our entrepreneurial journeys. We discuss the significance of understanding our "why" as entrepreneurs and how to leverage it to navigate the inevitable challenges t...

In our first episode of the Fast Forward Podcast, I discuss the why and how behind the podcast's rebranding. Peek behind the scenes of the shift towards a more balanced and passion-based career. Plus, I introduce the September & October theme: power. --- About the Fast Forward Podcast: The Fast Forward Podcast is the strategic briefing for C-suite executives, Fortune 100 leaders, and governmen...

Is DEI dead? Not at all! It has evolved (again) and the changes are causing a stir. Changes in name, staffing practices, and methodology don't have to mean the end of the discipline; they do reflect a need to think differently about our "why". I share my "why" and "how" in this episode, including an expanded framework for understanding identity and a quadrant of focal points for DEI work. Let's ev...

Is perfection possible in organizational culture? Or are we stuck in a cycle of toxicity? Contrary to the current narrative, there is a middle ground as cultures shift constantly. Join me in the conversation about culture's place in PCI. I'll share how organizational development is culture's gear shift plus four areas of change that will accelerate your journey out of toxicity. --- About the Fast...

HR is more than a cheerleader, it's the engine that drives the business. In this episode, I'm talking about the real, un-sexy side of HR — and how it should evolve beyond spreadsheets and headcounts. I’ll also break down the employee lifecycle and why understanding it is crucial for both leaders and employees to build better relationships with HR. Let’s chat about how to make HR work for the peopl...