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[Part1] Betting On Yourself: What It Looks Like To Confidently Show Up

Release Date: 11/07/2024

Being Brown at Work

In this episode, I continue my conversation with tech executive Obi Ihenacho (Corporate Engineering at Robinhood, Ex-Meta), who shares his actionable, personal playbook for building a powerful network that defines career success. Obi shares real-life strategies, including the incredible story of how a genuine connection at a coffee shop led to an opportunity at Twitter that created a full-circle career win. We dive into essential steps for growth: The Power of Proximity: Strategically positioning yourself at conferences and events to meet people who align with your goals. Small Wins, Big...

[Part 1] - How to Build Relationships

Being Brown at Work

In this episode, I welcome Obi Ihenacho, an accomplished IT professional with a decade of engineering experience at companies like Robinhood, Meta, and Twitter. We kick off a crucial discussion on why relationships, not just technical skills, define career success and leadership influence. Obi immediately provides a powerful framework for growth, outlining three vital relationships every professional must cultivate: The Relationship with Yourself: Centered on self-confidence, self-awareness, and believing you deserve your seat at the table (essential for combating imposter syndrome). The...

[Part 2] The Courage to Create

Being Brown at Work

In this highly actionable episode, I continue my conversation with the revolutionary Ngozi Cadmus (TEDx Speaker and CEO of Happiworkers) as she shifts the focus from healing to hustle and strategy. Ngozi argues that AI is the great leveler and a powerful tool for achieving "ease of living" and financial control. We dive deep into: The AI Imperative: Why mastering AI is crucial for future-proofing your career and business. The person who masters AI will replace the person who doesn't. Time Optimization: Practical ways to use simple AI tools (like Copilot and generative AI) to save hours on...

[Part 1] - The Courage to Create with Ngozi Cadmus

Being Brown at Work

In this episode, I sit down with the revolutionary Ngozi Cadmus, TEDx Speaker, Psychotherapist, and CEO of the UK’s leading anti-racist mental health platform. Ngozi brings her unique global majority (BIPOC) lens to a raw conversation about the "why" behind the struggles of Black and Brown women in the workplace. We dive deep into: The Unseen Trauma: Ngozi shares her personal journey, revealing how issues like colorism, functional depression, and the mammy/strong Black woman trope create a deep, internal barrier to professional success. The Threat Dynamic: We explore the...

Leave or Stay - Navigating Career Pivots with Jeanette Jordan

Being Brown at Work

I'm absolutely thrilled and humbled to announce that Being Brown at Work has been named one of the Top 35 Brown Podcasts by FeedSpot! This week, I'm joined by the incredible strategic business consultant and executive coach, Jeanette Jordan. She brings her unique perspective, shaped by her own career pivot from engineering to tech marketing after the 2008 financial crisis, to discuss the crucial decision of whether to leave or stay in your current role. Jeanette provides key insights and actionable advice on: Paying attention to market conditions and company dynamics as early warning signs...

[Part 2] - Get Me Together with Chenae Erkerd

Being Brown at Work

In this incredibly raw second part of my conversation with Chenae Erkerd, we move beyond the "why" of workplace trauma and into the personal journey of healing and resilience. Chenae shares how she was able to navigate a toxic work environment by holding on to her faith, the love of her family, and her own self-worth. This is a powerful, vulnerable conversation about: Finding your core identity: Chenae discusses how she found strength by drawing on her roots and the wisdom of her ancestors, including her grandmother and a Black Panther uncle. The importance of a spiritual foundation: She...

[Part 1] - Get Me Together with Chenae Erkerd

Being Brown at Work

In this raw and courageous episode of Being Brown at Work Live, I sit down with the phenomenal Chenae Erkerd, also known as the Recruiter Cousin. We kick off a crucial two-part conversation focused on "Get Me Together!," a candid look at workplace trauma and its profound impact on our lives. Chenae bravely shares her personal journey through a toxic work environment, revealing the immense stress, burnout, and emotional toll that led her to a mental health leave of absence. We discuss the pervasive expectation for Black and Brown women to be "strong," even in the face of adversity, and the...

[Part 2] - Black Girl Magic: The Finance Version

Being Brown at Work

In Part 2 of my empowering conversation with Nishaea, The PlayMoney Coach, we shift from the "why" to the "how" of financial wellness, offering tangible steps to transform your relationship with money, regardless of where you're starting. Nishaea, drawing from her unique journey and Six Sigma expertise, guides us through practical strategies: The Financial Reality Check: Learn how to gain clarity on your income and expenses, identify financial "waste," and align your spending with your true values. Starting Slow & Building Discipline: Discover how small, consistent steps (like regular...

[Part 1] - Black Girl Magic: The Finance Version

Being Brown at Work

In this episode of Being Brown at Work, I sit down with the incredible Nishaea, The PlayMoney Coach, to tackle a topic often considered taboo: money and financial wellness, especially within our community. Nishaea, drawing from her own transformative journey from financial challenges to triumphs, passionately connects financial stability to our overall well-being, highlighting how "funny money" can impact our stress, health, and even our attitudes. We dive deep into: The urgency of financial mindset shifts: Why building a strong financial foundation is critical amidst today's uncertainties...

[Part 1] - Keys to Successful Wealth Building with Brandon W Jones

Being Brown at Work

In this impactful episode of Being Brown at Work Live, I sit down with the incredible Brandon William Jones, Founder & CEO of Gravy, to kick off a crucial conversation about something many of us are taught to shy away from: money and wealth. Brandon, with his stellar background in tech leadership and finance, challenges our traditional understanding of wealth, expanding it beyond just dollars to include health, a fulfilling life, and true freedom. He introduces the game-changing concept of detaching your time from your money, a powerful shift from the "good job" mentality of past...

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In this episode of Being Brown at Work Live, I'm joined by the incredible Marla Stern, a program and product management leader with over 13 years of experience in the automotive industry. Marla shares her inspiring journey, from immigrating to the US from Brazil to navigating a male-dominated industry.

She opens up about the challenges she faced early on, including being told she wasn't ready for a promotion despite years of experience. But Marla's story is a testament to the power of resilience, self-belief, and building a strong network.

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