The Messy Roots Podcast

Growers,    Last week we began our three-part series on Back to the Basics. We can use these practical tools to rejuvenate and recharge as we return to work. This week, we are focusing on storytelling! What is the story that we tell in our heads? How can we utilize positive memories to shape our current experiences and realities? The answer to both questions is within you! I want to help you disco...

Growers,    We are beginning a new series to support many of our coaches that work in the education field. Over 90% of our members are educators. Therefore, we want to send you something unique and tools you can use for a successful year. In this three-part series, we will meditate, get back to our breath and focus on what our heart truly desires. I am excited about this series because I know what...

Growers,    Last weeked, we hosted our first Messy Roots Retreat for Coaches and Leaders. The conversations were nourishing to say the least! Headed into and out of the conference, I pondered on how we utilize failures. Sometimes, I find myself numb to the failures in my life. In fact, I have used previous failures to determine the risk associated with a new task. "How would I feel if I failed at...

Growers,    Over 80% of our aspiring leadership coaches in Messy Roots are teachers. To be honest, I've been hesitant to bring this up! I've been chatting about this data with my leadership coach and business consultant for the past three months. Here's the reality: folks want to control their lives. Simply put!  Educators are burnt and not appreciated. I recently spoke with a veteran assistant pr...

Growers,  As coaches, it's so important to have a niche. I'll be honest; discovering your niche can be frustrating as you try to figure out your clientele. However, figuring it out and sticking to it can be a game-changer! Many beginning coaches start off too broad, which be overwhelming and draining. Be specific and grow your target audience.  Three things to Consider as You're Discovering Your C...

In this final four-part series with my dad, we focused on raising queer kids of color. My dad revealed some secrets he's never shared. Expressing them out loud provided some healing not only for my dad but also myself.  More importantly, this episodeallowed to look inward and notice certain patterns whether good or bad. When you look reflect on your life, what previous experiences that you had no...

This is part 3 of a 4-part series. I sat down with my dad in this series to discuss fatherhood, leadership, and queer identity. June is the month for Pride and Father's Day.  In par 3, my dad and I discuss my upbringing. We engage in conversation around raising a queer child and how you expose your child to many experiences so that they can grow to be their own self. Also, my dad shares advice on...

This is part 2 of a 4-part series. I sat down with my dad in this series to discuss fatherhood, leadership, and queer identity. June is the month for Pride and Father's Day.  Part 2 is all about experiences! I believe that experiences are the greatest teachers. Our perspectives and stories shift when we engage with something or expose ourselves to stories and people. This is why I love to travel!...

This is part 1 of a 4-part series. I sat down with my dad in this series to discuss fatherhood, leadership, and queer identity. June is the month for Pride and Father's Day.  Part 1 is all about taking in the stories of our ancestors and loved ones. What is the journey before us to be where we are today? The Birth of The Hustle helps us answer some of those challenging questions that we may be thi...

I listened to the Seattle Seahawks Coach, Pete Carroll, on the Adam Grant podcast discuss how to push through adversity and discomfort. He specifically focused on being fired as a coach. Rather than choosing to be disappointed, he used it as a point of strength and to his advantage. Today he is known as one of the best coaches of all time. Pete Carroll used that chip on his shoulder to go beyond h...

We are celebrating the first anniversary of Messy Roots! What does it mean for you to maximize your purpose and potential? It’s time for us to be extraordinary, and will it take for us to get there?   We have to tap into something greater than us! We can’t allow ourselves to get in the way and must take the next step regardless of our fear. What were you created to do?     Who will benefit from yo...

What is something that you would consider to be a pain point? Pain points include being stuck in a role, lacking creative energy, losing a friend/loved one, or not fitting in with the crowd. We are often more stuck with a pain point than we like to admit. Pain points can feel like a thorn in our side; no matter how hard you try to remove it, it's still there.  On this episode of the Messy Roots po...

Last week it rained like cats and dogs! I was over it, but I heard through the grapevine that some of you found it relaxing. You released yourself from the pressure of doing. Cheers to you, but I, on the other hand, was not having it! Rain for one or even two days is cool, but the whole week is a total wash (pun intended). I took the dog out on yet another morning of torrential downpours (the wors...

Happy May! We are counting down the days until Messy Roots' first anniversary! On May 21st, we embarked on a journey to provide more leadership and coaching support for men of color! In just a little over a year, we have been able to impact leaders worldwide! I had to believe I was being called to do this work. Though I had no idea what I was doing at times, I continued to walk the path, scared an...

Habari Gani is a tool that I keep in my leadership toolbelt. I bring it wherever I go. The phrase means, "What good news do you bring?" At the end of team meetings, folks share their good news. They can share something professional or personal. In the past, team members have shared engagements, announced they are expecting a child, and job promotions. It has also been a time to hold grief and care...

Over the weekend, we hosted The Roots Retreat for male leaders of color worldwide. The Roots retreat was created to give men of color the power to be intentional about their next move. We will explore ourselves, our relationships, and their impact on the world. Listen as our Growers (members) share their stories —part 1 of 2.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other...

During this season, I have recognized my own patterns. I'm typically anxious to get things done and overworking myself. Stopping for a moment to recollect my thoughts before getting things done helps me be more productive and more aligned with my vision. This episode and the entire week are about pausing to make intentional moves! Let's spring back, people!  This is a public episode. If you would...

Many of us take ourselves to the doctor, but how often do we get a leadership check-up? Specifically, you need space to reflect on your leadership if you're leading teams. In this episode, we give ourselves a leadership check-up. Are you well, my friend?  To schedule a free coaching discovery, click here .  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get a...

In this episode, Mario celebrates 10 episodes of the Messy Root's Podcast! He also reflects on how we can continue developing our craft by knowing when to stay or go!  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messyroots.substack.com

Many people share how hard it is to date as a leader! No matter how difficult it may be, data shows that your leadership traits improve when you are in a positive relationship with someone. Therefore, we must get out there and date for my single people! In this episode, Mario shares a few tips he used for dating as a leader.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other s...

In this episode, Mario gives us another angle on how we can build community. Hint: It starts with yourself! How do you trust yourself to be in the community with others?  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messyroots.substack.com

In this episode, Mario discusses why being in a community with other people is so important. We are not designed to live alone. In order to survive, we must be in community with others.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messyroots.substack.com

Fame is one hell of a drug! It can cripple you if you aren't level-headed. That's why I push my clients to focus on their purpose. We all want to leave a legacy, but we cannot compromise our values by achieving them. Let's focus more on our purpose and how we can grow rather than diminish ourselves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to...

We can't be hard on ourselves! We worked too hard to get to this moment. One of my friends shared that she went further in her career not by working hard but by resting and giving herself grace. I believe we all deserve grace.  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messyroots.substack.com

In this episode, mario shares how you can love yourself more. When times are hard, how can leaders lean on love?  This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit messyroots.substack.com