Chatting with The Experts with Paula Okonneh
This revamped podcast aims to reach and empower the often-overlooked population of Africa and Caribbean immigrant women. These bold adventurers have left their motherlands for the great unknowns of the Western world, most especially, the UK and the U.S. and Canada. In conversations featured on this new version of “Chatting with the Expert,” we will talk about contending with cultural shocks and how step-by-step we can overcome the obstacles that lie ahead in foreign lands.
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Raising Immigrant Children - Insights from a Daughter
03/14/2024
Raising Immigrant Children - Insights from a Daughter
Host Paula Okonneh chats with her daughter, Amaka Okonneh, about her experiences of growing up as a child of immigrants and a first-generation American. The conversation touches on the challenges she faced in terms of faith, self-discovery, emotional needs, and cultural differences. On a positive note, Amaka also shares the valuable lessons of resilience, hard work, generosity and the importance of family imparted by her parents. Looking ahead, she expresses her aspiration to extend her family's tradition of hospitality beyond biological relatives, adopting and fostering children.
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Building a Consistent Social Media Presence
03/13/2024
Building a Consistent Social Media Presence
Turiya Hodge, a passionate social media strategist speaks about the art of 'showing up' and building an authentic and consistent social media presence. Discussing the importance of serving people online through authentic messaging and connections, Turiya emphasizes the value of knowing your audience and showing up regularly for them. She provides tips on creating a social media strategy, including the concept of creating 'mega content', being consistent, building and nurturing relationships, and taking conversations offline for more authentic engagements. Finally, Turiya ends with the importance of having an attainable social media strategy, one that does not overwhelm the entrepreneur or (small) business owner but allows them to effectively connect with their audience.
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Raising Phenomenal Leaders - Empowering Kids for Success
03/05/2024
Raising Phenomenal Leaders - Empowering Kids for Success
Lucie Matsouaka, a seasoned author, international speaker, certified professional career coach, and youth leadership coach discusses her recently published book, The Phenomenal Leader In Me, which focuses on instilling leadership principles rather than skills in children. She emphasizes the importance of self-confidence, self-leadership, and people skills, asserting that these principles should be taught from an early age. Matsouaka suggests that if these principles are instilled early, it will lead to more compassionate, respectful, kind leaders in the future.
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Moving To Ghana as a Single Mom
03/02/2024
Moving To Ghana as a Single Mom
Karlene Thompson, author of Single Mom's Guide Moving to Ghana shares her story as a Jamaican woman who lived in the U.S. for two decades before deciding to move to Ghana to provide her children with a unique upbringing. Thompson discusses the process of moving to Ghana, particularly as a single mom, including the legal aspects, housing, transportation, and finances. She also speaks on cultural acclimation, the importance of networking, and the fun aspects of living in Ghana like festivals, clubs, and travel opportunities. Thompson ends the interview by sharing how interested listeners can reach out to her to learn more about her book and experiences moving and living in Ghana.
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Dr. Linda Enoh's Inspiring Journey Back to Africa
03/02/2024
Dr. Linda Enoh's Inspiring Journey Back to Africa
I had the priviledge of having an enlightening discussion about the African repatriation journey with Dr. Linda Enoh, a former college professor turned tourism consultant and marketing strategist. Dr. Enoh, originally from Congo and being a fluent speaker of multiple languages, shares her expertise on tourism and the impacts and experiences of tourism in Africa. Having been born in Morocco and studying in the US, she aims for an authentic and inspiring narrative of her family's journey back to Africa. Dr. Enoh emphasizes on understanding and appreciating the cultural significance of tourism and ethical traveling.
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Wealth Management Secrets - Unveiling Money Myths
02/03/2024
Wealth Management Secrets - Unveiling Money Myths
Wealth management professional discusses common money myths, particularly those affecting individuals from Africa and the Caribbean. As a specialist in life insurance, annuities, and long-term disability at Northeast Planning Group, Carter highlighted the limitations of traditional saving methods such as storing money in banks or under mattresses. She underscored the necessity of diversification and financial education, touching on various financial buckets like tax-deferred, taxable, and tax-exempt vehicles.
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Video & Podcasting - Top Production Tips
01/26/2024
Video & Podcasting - Top Production Tips
In this episode of 'Chatting with the Experts', I, Paula Okonneh, sit down with special guest Mark DeLeon, a serial entrepreneur, insurance broker, and tech enthusiast from Toronto. I delve into Mark's professional journey and explore his expertise in creating video content. Our discussion primarily focuses on simple tips and tools for creating high-quality video and audio content for podcasts, particularly relevant in the context of 2023. Mark shares insights on various types of microphones, cameras, and lighting equipment. He also offers invaluable advice on sourcing podcast guests and emphasizes the importance of understanding delivery formats for video platforms. Towards the end, Mark inspires budding podcasters to overcome their fears and dive into the world of podcasting and video production.
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Put That Oxygen Mask On Yourself First, Ladies
01/19/2024
Put That Oxygen Mask On Yourself First, Ladies
This week I speak with holistic health and wellness advocate, international speaker and author, . Marva shares insights on the importance of self-care, particularly for women juggling multiple roles. She discusses the idea of 'putting on your own oxygen mask first', alluding to the need to take care of one's own health before helping others. shares advice on intermittent fasting, maintaining a balanced diet, the importance of physical activity, and the role of mindset in one's wellness journey.
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Setting Roots in Ghana - An In-Depth Look with Mary Oluonye
01/10/2024
Setting Roots in Ghana - An In-Depth Look with Mary Oluonye
, a Nigerian-American author and the co-owner of shares her experiences and invaluable insights that can be used by people planning on relocating to Ghana. She discusses key elements like researching your desired country, legal aspects, visas, healthcare, infrastructure, political stability, technology, food, and cost of living. Mary’s advice on preparing oneself for the cultural shift include maintaining an open mind, and respecting legal guidelines of the host country.
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The Power in Your Story - Inspiring Women to Share & Empower
12/18/2023
The Power in Your Story - Inspiring Women to Share & Empower
Paula Okonneh dives into a vibrant conversation with Lisa Santiago, a multifaceted publisher, coach, and minister. With over 125 books published for more than 80 authors, Lisa brings a wealth of experience and passion to the table. Together, they unravel the transformative power of personal stories. Lisa shares her captivating journey in the publishing world, providing a window into how personal experiences are skillfully woven into self-help guides, autobiographies, and poetry. As the discussion deepens, Lisa reveals her unique approach to writing and editing, emphasizing the critical understanding of an author's purpose and audience. She also highlights the pivotal role of social media in forging communities around these powerful narratives.
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Smart Money Management During the Holiday Season
12/14/2023
Smart Money Management During the Holiday Season
In this episode of "Chatting with the Experts," host Paula Okonneh sits down with financial expert to discuss smart money management during the holiday season. As the festive period approaches, it's crucial to maintain financial accountability and ensure you're prepared for any expenses or financial obligations that may arise. Carolina, an award-winning author and entrepreneur, shares practical tips and insights to help listeners navigate holiday spending without derailing their financial goals. From avoiding impulse buying to setting a budget and using accountability tools, Carolina emphasizes the importance of planning and maintaining financial discipline.
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Menopause Demystified-Insights for Women Worldwide
12/04/2023
Menopause Demystified-Insights for Women Worldwide
In this episode of Chatting with the Experts, host Paula Okonneh engages with Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson, a board certified OBGYN, to discuss menopause and provide insights and knowledge to educate and uplift women worldwide. Dr. Toya explains the definition of menopause and its symptoms, delves into the concept of perimenopause, highlights the importance of understanding the broader health implications of menopause, and explores treatment options available for menopause. She also addresses the significance of finding a good gynecologist and recognizes the changing landscape of gender and inclusivity in healthcare.
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The Essentials of Wellbeing, Resilience, and Recovery
11/29/2023
The Essentials of Wellbeing, Resilience, and Recovery
, founder of Future Focused Wellbeing and Resilience, discusses the concepts of recovery, resilience, and wellbeing. She imparts helpful strategies for caring for oneself while caring for others. She shares the Resiliency Framework founded on four pillars: competence, confidence, connection, and character. Additionally, she talks about the importance of control, coping, and contribution as the underpinning pillars of a wellbeing and resilience foundation.
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Scaling Up - Business Success Tips for Women
11/15/2023
Scaling Up - Business Success Tips for Women
Discover key strategies for scaling women-owned enterprises in the debut episode of 'Chatting with the Experts' TV Show. Nanette Thélémaque, a seasoned entrepreneur shares insights and offers strategies for growing female-led businesses. Some topics covered were: entrepreneurial resilience, strategic planning, marketing, financial management, and strategic alliances.
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Dieula Previlon on Trauma, Healing & Empowerment
07/24/2023
Dieula Previlon on Trauma, Healing & Empowerment
In the world of trauma recovery and women's empowerment, few figures are as inspiring and influential as Dieula Previlon. Born in Haiti, Dieula has used her experiences, faith, and unyielding tenacity to emerge from the depths of personal trauma and become a beacon of hope for other survivors. Dieula Previlon, a fellow Caribbean woman is the founder and executive director of "ElevateHer International Ministries". Dieula is a beacon of empowerment for women, enabling them to heal from trauma and transform their lives.
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Unlocking Success, Mentorship and Work-Life Balance Strategies
06/06/2023
Unlocking Success, Mentorship and Work-Life Balance Strategies
In this bonus podcast episode of "Chatting with the Experts," host Paula Okonneh interviews Pamela Lue-Hing, a leadership growth expert, speaker, and thought leader. Paula, an immigrant woman herself, typically focuses on the struggles and triumphs of immigrant women from Africa and the Caribbean. However, this bonus episode features a conversation with Pamela, an African-American woman from Charlotte. Pamela shares her background, discussing her 40 years of experience in sales and her previous role as a business development specialist. She talks about a significant turning point in her career when she was tasked with creating a new program for a college after a third-party relationship ended abruptly. Despite her initial doubts, Pamela successfully took on the challenge, showcasing her strong acumen for strategic planning.
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A Christian, An Attorney and a Conflict Management Strategist
12/28/2022
A Christian, An Attorney and a Conflict Management Strategist
Tabitha Liburd is an attorney and conflict management strategist, born in Guyana and now living in Michigan . The CEO of Marshall Duke Consulting, and also a Christian, Tabitha was directed by God to change professions from law to conflict resolution. To hear how this came about is nothing short of a testimony of God’s guidance and direction in her life. Tabitha sees her job as a gift “ when God showed me conflict resolution as a profession, I was being pastored by Pastor Miles Monroe. And he was talking about the kingdom and he was talking about leadership, and he was talking about dying empty and serving the world with the gifts. And so I got to a point in time where I felt that my gift was so much larger than law."
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More Than a Powder Puff and a Lipstick
11/15/2022
More Than a Powder Puff and a Lipstick
is a beauty entrepreneur or beautypreneur, a 30 plus year veteran celebrity makeup artist, and a department head makeup artist for film and television. As a beauty entrepreneur, she is passionate about teaching others how to succeed in the business of film and television through online educational classes at . With a Master of Science Degree in Higher Education and current cosmetology licenses in both California and Florida, Marietta likes to point out that what she does is more than a powder puff and a lipstick.Born in Barbados , Marietta and her family immigrated to the USA in 1971 where she attended Junior High and highschool and was set to becoming a doctor when a series of events changed her life. One such event was when her younger brother, asked her to be his assistant wardrobe during The Commodores’ 1983 European Tour. Ian at that time was the Commodore’s personal valet and later became their official tour manager. It was on that tour that she met and toured with Natalie Cole. Natalie employed Marietta as her image consultant and personal assistant which helped launch her career as one of the most sought-after makeup artists in motion pictures.
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Buy Black Buy Default
11/01/2022
Buy Black Buy Default
is a physician and an entrepreneur. An extremely dynamic woman, she is the proud owner of 2 businesses. La Toya is the CEO and founder of , a curated directory of Black professionals and Black businesses who cater and serve the Black community. She is also the president and CEO of her own OBGYN practice Amina OBGYN Consultants, an independent contracting company that provides hospital based services.
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A Coach Who Wants You To Excel
10/18/2022
A Coach Who Wants You To Excel
Maggie Jean, CEO of and team member of the Maxwell Leadership Certified Team is a coach " who believes in you every step of the way. A coach who wants you to excel, who wants you to grow, who wants you to perform at a level that you never expected. A coach who will remind you that there is nothing called perfection." Talking with Maggie was a joy. Listen and discover why!
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Life Insurance, Disability and Annuities
10/05/2022
Life Insurance, Disability and Annuities
Sharon Carter is a wealth management professional who focuses on life insurance, disability and annuities. She says we need to look at life insurance, disability and annuities as vehicles and tools that we can access and use when needed. Life Insurance - is not just about leaving a lump sum of money for your loved ones when you pass. A person can use their life insurance when they are alive and if they're going through a life challenge. For example, if they're diagnosed with an illness, they can accelerate some of their face amount - the cash value, and use the policy. Disability is a way of protecting your income. Individuals need to ask themselves “ How long can I survive if I'm out of work for 6 weeks or more. How long can I pay the mortgage? How long can I buy food?”. Depending on the insurance carrier you may be able to access your disability right away or it may kick in 7 to 14 days afterwards. Annuities are a great tool for protecting your money. Sharon advises that if you are over 50 you should look into annuities as a means of having steady income for the rest of your life after you've retired from your job and after the annuity has been in place for 10 years. You can also access up to 10% of that money if you need to.
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Social Media is A Serving Tool
09/06/2022
Social Media is A Serving Tool
Social Media Specialist Turiya Hodge says that social media is a serving tool. She says that even though business owners are encouraged to position products and services on the web they should look at social media as a way to serve customers and not just a means to sell to them. Turiya says “ You might put out a message, you might do a post, you might drop a video. And you're looking at social media and you might see your stats, you know. You might not have a like, or you might not have a comment, or your engagement might not be where you want it to be or where you think it should be. And then all of a sudden out of the blue, you go to a networking event, you go out into your community, or someone reaches out to you on a platform and says, "you know what? I've been listening, I've been following you". You said X, Y, Z, and this is how this has had an impact on my life. These are the things that I've been able to do since you've shared that message. And it's just that thing. It's the thing with social media, we have the ability to create these amazing experiences, you know, for our audience. And a lot of times we don't know that these things are happening, that this is the impact that we're having on people until someone, you know, shows up and shares and says, this is how, what you've shared has impacted me. And so that's one of my joys with social media. And that's why I encourage all of my clients, my audience is to never stop, you know, doing what you're doing, never stop serving. “
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Coaching Confident Christian Coaches
07/05/2022
Coaching Confident Christian Coaches
is a certified business coach to confident Christian women coaches from all around the world. She coaches high performing Christian coaches 40 years and over, and teaches and coaches them on how to develop a business blueprint, to gain clarity of their specific mission message mandate to lay a firm foundation with their business structure services, products, and policies. These procedures build the business framework and construction so that they can work together to overcome fear, shatter misconceptions and increase confidence and profits by faith in all things business. Doreen is the daughter of an immigrant from the British Virgin Islands
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From Zimbabwe
06/21/2022
From Zimbabwe
Precious Nyarambi moved from Zimbabwe to South Africa because she believed that the economic growth in Zimbabwe was not supportive of young people. She is now a a Social Entrepreneur, International Speaker, Coach, Mentor and Author. She is now the founder of Vessels of Virtue and the Managing Director for Elohay Cleaners & Prember Holdings. Moving to Zimbabwe was extremely difficult and she found herself on the verge of being homeless . However, she believes those challenges are still making her to be a better person, a better woman with the intention of empowering more and more women , which she is doing through Elohay Cleaners.
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Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
05/31/2022
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner
Marie McKenzie is a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, a highly accomplished Registered Nurse and #1 Amazon Bestseller. Her book, “Things That Keep Me Up At Night” was based on her personal trauma as a childhood sexual victim and her journey of healing and thriving. Born in Jamaica her dream was to become a nurse like her aunt. It took her years to achieve this but as an Emergency Room Nurse assisting physicians in caring for many victims of sexual violence , Marie found her purpose. She was able to comfort and reassure many sexual assault victims because of her childhood sexual trauma. Her memoir, “Things That Keep Me Up At Night” has been used as a resource in group counseling sessions by medical professionals for helping survivors.
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Always An Opportunity
05/17/2022
Always An Opportunity
No matter where you are from there is always an opportunity for you to grow says Christelle Mombo-Zigah. Born and raised in France by Congolese parents, Christelle moved to the USA 12 years ago with a master’s degree in International Economics from La Sorbonne University. A lifelong learner , she recently graduated with an executive MBA (Stanford LEAD) at Stanford GSB and her dream is to become an executive in her tech company . She speaks French, English, and Spanish learned Swedish and Arabic in college and is now learning Portuguese.
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College Bound Determination
05/03/2022
College Bound Determination
College Bound Determination Founder , is a first generation American born to Sierra Leonean parents who arrived in the US in the 70’s. Carol talks about her college experience and how it was instrumental in her career decisions and subsequently her business. When Carol was 14 years old her parents moved to a small town in North Carolina and she struggled with being a first generation American with African parents. However once she went to college that changed. For her, it was the embracing of other students who were born in Africa or whose parents were born in Africa and they were first gen, were in this space together learning and growing , trying to figure life out. It was there that she really begun to embrace her identity. “ I think we forget that aspect of college life. We think solely about the academic piece . We think a lot about the social aspect too but the lifelong learning and growing that you do there is so profound! “ Carol Ben-Davies She says that the realities of college are such that parents need to be aware that the college journey doesn’t end when their child is admitted into college but actually begins in middle school and ends when their child leaves college.
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End Child Marriages
04/05/2022
End Child Marriages
Bongai Mhloyi Is the CEO and Founder of End Child Marriages. Her mission is to eradicate child marriages by giving girls - in some parts of Zimbabwe, an alternative to child marriages - through education. Educating these girls and providing better options for them is her passion. Bongai grew up in Zimbabwe and migrated to the US in 1985 in pursuit of a better education and a better life. Working as a social worker in PA she started the American and African Youth Leadership Foundation to help in girls in underserved communities in PA and in her native country Zimbabwe. Her motto is "Touching Tomorrow's Leaders Today" . She also believes that an Empowered Woman can create an Empowered Generation.
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Immigrating Was Hard
03/22/2022
Immigrating Was Hard
Nwanneka Tesy moved from Nigeria to Texas with her parents and siblings when she was 7. It was a difficult move. Immigrating was hard! The first 12 years were extremely difficult but what started to help her was when she tapped into her creativity and artistic side. That allowed her to escape the pain of being so far from her original home. Nwanneka speaks from the heart about the complexities of being parented by Nigerian parents in the US and advises anyone planning to relocate to be patient with their children and / or their spouses.
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South Africa to The UK
03/01/2022
South Africa to The UK
Leigh Huxley grew up in South Africa. She started out in the beauty industry and was the owner of her own skin care business inDurban, South Africa for thirteen and a half years where she was passionate about helping women embrace and enhance their outer beauty. She has now come full circle and is passionate about helping women learn to love and accept themselves by helping them find their personal identity and empowering them to transform their relationship with themselves through unconditional love and acceptance.
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