Momentum Now

After two years of unforgettable conversations, career-changing insights, and deeply personal stories, Momentum Now reaches its final chapter. But this isn’t just an ending — it’s a celebration of impact, legacy, and the community we’ve built together. In this powerful and emotional finale, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane are joined by three foundational voices behind MVP (Momentum & V...

In this episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks sit down with leadership coach, educator, and author Craig DeLarge to explore what it truly means to “work wisely.” Drawing from The Wise Working Handbook and his decades of experience across business, psychology, and digital mental health, Craig breaks down how young professionals can find purpose, manage burnout, and build...

In this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Matt Sakdalan, founder of PARE — a golf apparel brand that blends Filipino culture, streetwear, and inclusivity to redefine what golf fashion can look and feel like. Matt shares how his love for sneaker culture and golf evolved into a purpose-driven brand, the challenges of launching as a first-time entrepreneur, and why community, cultur...

In this empowering episode of Momentum Now , hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Candice Jackson Long — award-winning marketing strategist, global speaker, and founder of CJL Consulting Group.   Candice shares her powerful journey from corporate layoffs to launching a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps visionaries and underrepresented founders align branding, business, and fa...

In this game-changing episode of Momentum Now , we sit down with cultural strategist and marketing exec Javier Farfan to talk legacy, leadership, and leveling up. From working at Microsoft and Pepsi to shaping narratives at the NFL, Javier has done it all—and he's still pushing the culture forward. He unpacks how his upbringing in Harlem, his experience as a Latino creative, and his love for music...

In this episode of Momentum Now , we sit down with Charlotte Castillo, Managing Director of Poderistas and former global brand executive at ViacomCBS, to explore what it truly means to “figure it out” — in life, in leadership, and in legacy-building. Charlotte shares her journey from helping her immigrant mom negotiate bills at 10 years old to leading billion-dollar global franchises like SpongeBo...

📄 Episode Description In this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Ian Matthew Clayton, Vice President and Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. From immigrating to the U.S. at six years old to shaping talent strategies at top institutions, Ian’s journey is all about leading with purpose, owning your story, and building a career rooted in au...

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, Samina Bari—biopharma leader, twin mom, and author of I Can, I Will & I Did —shares her incredible journey of defying cultural expectations, navigating personal trauma, and rising to the top of a male-dominated industry. Samina opens up about what it really takes to build a life on your own terms: persistence, self-belief, and choosing to be fueled by...

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now , co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Kishane Davis, a senior biotech leader and leadership coach, to explore his extraordinary career journey. 🌟 Kishane shares how he transitioned from a clinical occupational therapy background to a thriving career in pharmaceutical sales and leadership, fueled by resilience, mentorship, and a relentless...

Our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, sit down with Dr. Juan Rios—a powerhouse in mental health, trauma-informed care, and inclusive leadership. As Chair of Social Work at Seton Hall University and founder of Rios & Associates, Dr. Rios brings not only a stacked list of credentials but a deeply personal story of resilience, purpose, and authenticity. In this episode, Dr. Rios opens up...

In this episode of Momentum Now , Karen and Bob sit down with Wema Hoover, a global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader and CEO of Be Limitless Consulting. Wema takes us through her journey, from organizational development to leading DEI efforts at Google, Pfizer, and beyond!

This week on Momentum Now, we’re joined by Mohan Sivaloganathan, CEO of Harmonious Leadership and the “Batman of Social Impact.” Mohan’s career in social justice has taught him the importance of creating a balance between performance and personal wellbeing. From his early days navigating corporate America to empowering young leaders to lead with authenticity, Mohan offers insights into how we can...

Today on Momentum Now, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with HR strategist and talent expert Greg Griesemer, founder of 1130 Works. Greg takes us through his unique career journey, starting from an unlikely first job that shaped his relationship-centered approach to HR. Along the way, he shares valuable insights into building a network that fuels career growth, finding purpose in h...

Today, our co-hosts, Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks, sit down with the incredible, Maya Feller, the founder and lead dietitian of Maya Feller Nutrition. Maya shares her inspiring journey from experimental theater to becoming a national nutrition expert, with features on major platforms like Good Morning America and The New York Times . Maya also dives into the importance of culturally relevant foo...

Today, our co-hosts, Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks, speak with Andrea Walker, the Chief Operating Officer of Cooperman College Scholars. Andrea shares her journey through nonprofit leadership, the importance of providing students with financial freedom to pursue their education, and how to navigate career pivots with purpose.

Today, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with Jeffrey Veale Jr., Managing Director of Alumni Programs and Leadership Experiences at Teach for America. Jeffrey shares his journey from rural North Carolina to teaching in Uganda and founding a charter school in Memphis. He reveals the personal and professional lessons he’s learned along the way, how navigating discomfort shaped his...

This week, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with non-profit founder and entrepreneur Dylan Zajac. Dylan shares his story about creating and scaling Computers 4 People, an organization dedicated to bridging the digital divide within underserved communities. Dylan also highlights the importance of a philanthropic mindset, and how embracing discomfort can accelerate personal growth...

Today, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, sit down with accomplished Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) executive and modern civil rights activist, Adonica Black. In this insightful episode, Adonica shares strategies for accessing life-changing opportunities, the importance of choosing your words carefully, and her journey of overcoming personal adversity to achieve a positive and f...

This week, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with Anna Beaten, the Principal and Director of the ground-breaking company, Failure Lab Training. Anna reveals how stories about failure can trigger valuable reflection, the profound benefits of embracing performance feedback, and how professionals can better manage stressful situations by understanding and embracing their needs and h...

This week, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with the award winning business strategist and founder of BND Consulting Group, Brittany S. Hale. Brittany shares her lessons as an undefeated trial attorney and entrepreneur, the benefits of embracing life’s unexpected plot twists, becoming a high-impact leader, and how following your life’s passion can create a rewarding and fulfilli...

This week we speak with fashion and fragrance marketing expert Brittney Jackson Moseley. As the Director of Integrated Marketing at Scentbird, Brittney shares her transformative career journey, the benefits of creating a personal advisory panel, and how to best use LinkedIn to build valuable business relationships and find the ideal new job.

Today, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane speak with MVP’s Executive Director, Miguel Valentin. Miguel shares his dynamic career, the benefits of finding the right mentor, and his work in creating lifetime value for the students that MVP supports.

Today, our co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane speak with the VP of Marketing for the Atlanta Hawks, Narcis Alikhani. Narcis shares her journey, the keys to balancing competing priorities, and how a personal marketing plan can help job seekers secure the right job at the right organization.

In our debut episode, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with accomplished racing Pit Crew competitor and coach Michael Metcalf Jr. Michael shares his journey within the world of NASCAR and how building a positive personal brand creates new career opportunities and powerful business relationships.