The Celebration

In marketing, there are certain buzzwords that can be overused. ‘Authenticity’ and ‘personal branding’ are two of those words. Especially when they’re in the same sentence. So when someone can actually demonstrate how to create an authentic personal brand, that is both refreshing and remarkable to me. This week’s guest, Dr. Natalia Wiechowski, does just that, while also giving us a blueprint on ho...

The way to differentiate yourself in today’s economy is by investing time and resources in things that don’t scale. Deep listening + building lasting relationships will always = a fantastic customer experience. This is at the center of my conversation with this week’s return guest - Tech Founder and Millionaire Business Coach - Crysta Tyus. As a refresher, Crysta Tyus is an online marketing consul...

“We need to have an honest conversation on Black Maternal Health and the disparities in healthcare that threaten Black Women’s lives.” This is the core conversation that takes place on this week’s episode. This week’s episode is a panel discussion, where I am joined by 3 professional doulas - Iman Seraaj, Nicky Dawkins, and Deej. Iman Seraaj is a trained full-spectrum doula passionate about VBACs,...

If a picture is worth a thousand words, how would you give voice to those words? This is the mission of Mouth of the Mural. Mouth of the Mural is an ekphrastic (i.e. visual art into words) event that unites visual, literary and performance artists with business owners in an effort to celebrate community, connection, and conversation. The initiative is founded by power couple Walter “Wally B.” Jenn...

The whole reason I started my podcast was that I recognized I was hiding my gifts. The main reason: I was afraid of rejection and ridicule. Instead of putting myself out there and potentially getting ridiculous - I just hide my voice. On New Years Day 2016, I envisioned where my life would end up if I were to continue down this path. I realized that if I continued hiding - I would end up with a li...

To become a strong marketer, you must develop a skillset that extends beyond just “marketing.” This could include a knowledge of human psychology, design aesthetics, analyzing data, how to create & publish content, or an assortment of other skills. This empowers you to be able to bring your vision to life because you are able to execute it every step of the way. This week’s guest, Wes Kao, has coi...

What conversation should we be having on domestic violence? That is the question that begins this week’s episode. This week’s episode brings you a panel discussion on domestic violence, stories of Healing & Survival. My panelists are Sumiyah Mshaka, Dania Alkhouli, and Neda. Each guest brings their unique insights, story, and experience to this important conversation. Together, we discussed the mi...

Whenever I play the “what superpower would you pick” game - my answer is always: to speak every language in existence. If I could choose a superpower it would be to speak every language in existence. Imagine being able to effectively communicate with every single person on the planet. This usually sets me up nicely for the joke, “well Tom, you can barely effectively communicate in English, why don...

Do our behaviors influence our identity? Or does our identity influence our behavior? And how do thoughts and feelings play into the mix? Here’s what we can say for sure - self-awareness is powerful. As we begin this new year, I invite you to start with this question: who are you? What are the ideals you are going to live by this year? When you’re stressed, your moral compass is challenged, and yo...

How often do you intentionally reflect upon your day? Life has a way of rushing by without allowing us time to reflect. And yet, it is in that reflection that we are able to gain perspective: to notice patterns, behaviors, and feelings that shape our lives. That very perspective is what allows us to become self-aware and intentional in how we live our lives. The start of a New Year provides a grea...

Have you ever headed out the door only to realize you can’t find your keys? Now, be honest. Did you ever search high and low for your keys, glasses, phone, etc. – only to discover they were in your pocket, purse, or backpack? That you were looking everywhere for something that you actually had all along? Just the other day I was looking for my glasses only to realize, “oh wait – I’m wearing them.”...

“You’re Muslim? Really?” This is a question I’ve been asked many times by both Muslims and non-Muslims. Usually, shock and raised eyebrows accompany the question. Sometimes, it’s also accompanied by a clenched fist of anger and a feeling of betrayal, with an undertone of, “I thought you were one of us” permeating the question. It’s fair to say that in the American mindset, there is a dominant imag...

2020, right? Wow. I could probably start every episode writeup this way and get away with it. Here’s the thing - I bet if we took the time - there is a lot we can get out of reflecting on 2020. The intention of this week’s episode is to provide you with the time, space, and process to do so. This episode also acts as a time capsule. 1 year ago I sat down with a group of my friends and we went thro...

What fear have you been carrying that you are ready to set down? What would it look like to move beyond fear and embrace your experiences? This week’s episode provides a bold and courageous reflection on these questions. My guest, Nurjahan Boulden, was 21 years old when she was shot with an assault rifle in an attack that killed the man next to her. That one night changed the trajectory of her lif...

Have you heard that coloring can reduce stress and anxiety? When I listen in on conference calls, I often find myself coloring. This helps me stay focused, and allows me to really concentrate. So when my awesome friend, Antoinette Chanel, shared with me that she’d like to color together while having a conversation, I was all in. In early 2020, before the pandemic, before my daughter arrived, and b...

Loneliness is at an epidemic level in this country right now. This isn’t hyperbole. Multiple studies have confirmed that Americans feel more isolated than ever. And this was BEFORE our lives and the way we interact with each other was uprooted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even before the masks, sheltering in place, and virtual birthday celebrations became the norm… ...we as a society were struggling...

Honor your anger. Honor your pain. CYRO’s words resonated deeply with me – like a bell used to awaken your spirit. This isn’t just an interview. It’s an awakening. It’s a residence. It’s a healing. I am so grateful that CYRO took the time to sit down and share their passionate and powerful wisdom with all of us. Leah Kirby, also known as CYRO, creates theatre that incites change and incorporates n...

The moment I finished this interview, I went into the next room and told Adaora: “that was the best interview ever.” She looked at me incredulously. “You say that every single time,” she said. I know and it’s true and for real this was epic Let me make the case. Lucas and I had an honest, vulnerable, and powerful conversation. Right at the beginning, we discovered some similarities and connections...

I love getting to interview people who are grounded in their own genius. Yes, the tactical knowledge and tools that I learn about are amazing – sometimes they’re life changing. What I really love about these sorts of people, though, is how they emphasize the ability we all have to truly live our own greatness. Boldly. This week’s guest, Monica Louie, is all of that and more. Monica is a Facebook a...

It is vital to cultivate a healthy relationship with fear and failure. Yeah. I know. Easier said than done. In order to live this truth, I have to recommit to it every single day. Because every single day fear makes itself known. I feel it as a tight knot in my stomach. Tension in my shoulders. I recognize it in my defensiveness. When I’m short with people. I see it clearly during the times where...

Communication is one of the top skills every entrepreneur must master. If you have an important mission, movement, product or business—the ability to connect with your audience is vital. Verbal and nonverbal communication are absolutely essential. But what is often overlooked is copywriting. Copywriting, the ability to move people with your written words, is so crucial. Are you with me? Because we...

In 1982, in a speech to Harvard University, Audrey Lorde famously said, “. . .If I didn't define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people's fantasies for me and eaten alive.” Quotes are inspiring. And, seeing them put into action is empowering. That is why this week’s guests, Alex and Ash Sullivan, are two of my favorite people. Despite the pressure of a white supramcist capitalist...

“Finding your purpose will make you unstoppable.” When Jaye Washington invoked this mantra I knew it had to be the title of this week’s episode. Having a north star amidst the storms of life can make all the difference. With all the clutter of social media, the year 2020 has been, and the ups and downs of just living, discovering what our inner-compass is can be easier said than done. That is why...

Imagine you have a million-dollar business. Imagine you have a multi-million dollar business that took you years to build. Everyday you get to empower amazing people. You’re living the dream. And loving it. Until one day - you’re not. Inside you start to feel a calling to serve a new mission. That inner-voice grows until it becomes a choir singing it is time to change direction. Would you have the...

Websites are often the most neglected tool in our entrepreneur toolbox. We know they have the ability to convert leads into customers, build brand awareness, and communicate our authority. And yet, creating or updating our website remains on the “I’ll get to this soon” to-do list. This week’s episode is your moment to move past hesitation' Our guest, Michanae Edwards, is the owner and designer beh...