Jay is more than just the host of All About Change podcast. He is a lawyer and international activist, who has focused his life’s work on seeking social justice by advocating for the rights of people with disabilities worldwide. On the special episode of All About Change, Mijon Zulu, the managing producer of the "All About Change" podcast, is taking over hosting duties to interview Jay Ruderman about his new book, his activist journey, and why activism is even more important today. Episode Chapters (0:00) intro (02:38) How does one choose a cause to go after? (03:33) Jay’s path to activism (07:50) Practical steps a new activist can take (09:24) Confrontation vs trolling (17:36) Learning from activists operating in different sectors (19:20) Resilience in activism (22:24) Reflections on Find Your Fight and goodbye For video episodes, watch on www.youtube.com/@therudermanfamilyfoundation Stay in touch: X: @JayRuderman | @RudermanFdn LinkedIn: Jay Ruderman | Ruderman Family Foundation Instagram: All About Change Podcast | Ruderman Family Foundation To learn more about the podcast, visit https://allaboutchangepodcast.com/ Looking for more insights into the world of activism? Be sure to check out Jay’s brand new book, Find Your Fight , in which Jay teaches the next generation of activists and advocates how to step up and bring about lasting change. You can find Find Your Fight wherever you buy your books, and you can learn more about it at www.jayruderman.com .…
In today’s episode, Danielle King from LA Urban League of Young Professionals (LAULYP) joins is to discuss growth, moving past challenges and listening to your intuition to live your best life. Danielle was a member of the Phoenix chapter while she lived in Arizona, but didn’t find opportunities to move up within the organization. After moving to Los Angeles, she finally saw the chance to grow, applying for the Community Service Chair and ultimately running for, and winning, President of the Los Angeles Chapter. Scroll to the bottom for the video! The LA Urban League of Young Professionals is an auxiliary of the LA Urban League. It was established for young professionals to display a commitment to corporate, social, and community contributions. They work to enhance the African-American business climate in Los Angeles and provide entertainment, community service, networking opportunities, and events. Key Topics Consistent Growth Danielle has seen a rise in individual attendance at their monthly meetings over the course of her presidency. She attributes this to strategizing with her Vice President, Brandon, to come up with a way to get members involved. They made sure that they were out networking and were consistently planning monthly events. The recently held LAULYP Presents: Cashmere and Cocktails Holiday Party which had great success. Learning How to Lead Danielle has learned that to be a leader, she needs to be flexible. Typically, Danielle is a homebody. However, since becoming president she has committed to stepping outside her comfort zone and going to new events. She recalls one event where she had to reserve a fire pit on the beach by actually going in person, at 6 am, and waiting until the event started at 7 pm. By 8 pm, her energy was depleted, but she realized she couldn’t look the way she felt. In full service mode, she went right back to being a great host. Listening to Your Intuition While living in Phoenix, Danielle’s sister asked her if she wanted to move with her to LA and she had a gut instinct to say yes but declined. She felt at the time, she was happy and things were going well for her. Very shortly after, the things that Danielle thought were going well for her fell apart – she wasn’t happy anymore. Her sister asked her again and she said yes and moved to LA. If she would have listened to her gut sooner, she would have avoided the pain – but in the end, the pain was the motivator for her to make the move. Key Quotes An individual who points out a problem, but does absolutely nothing to at least attempt to solve it or try to solve it, is simply complaining. ( [9:37] ) Don’t let change threaten you. ( [26:00] ) Listen to your intuition when you know it’s time to change. ( [26:07] ) When there’s something I’m supposed to do, everything lines up perfectly and it doesn’t make sense as to why. ( [28:49] ) Connect With Danielle On Instagram | Facebook | Website LAULYP meets every 3rd Thursday from [7:00] PM – [8:30] PM at the Chase Bank at 4401 Crenshaw Blvd 90043. Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
Makiah Green, the co-founder of Black Book LA, joins us in today’s episode to discuss how a blog post idea transformed into a thriving community for Black millennials in Los Angeles. Makiah is a double graduate from the University of Southern California with a Master’s degree in Professional Writing. She runs her fast-growing ‘side-hustles’ while also working at a multicultural production company assisting in the creative development of projects. Scroll to the bottom for the video! Makiah comes from a family of women that are extremely hard workers. Growing up, she saw the women in her family giving everything to everyone else and being undervalued in the process. Makiah has learned throughout her journey that starting before you’re ready can push you into success and knowing who you are is incredibly valuable to building a business. Taking care of yourself should always be a priority – especially when you’re ultra-busy. You can help more people when you are able to give from the right place. Key Topics Building From an Idea Black Book LA started as an idea to create a list of weekly events featuring black businesses. Around the time the Black Friday boycotts were happening, Makiah felt it was important to support black owned businesses and wrote blogs about the 50 black business to support on Black Friday. They now reach over 20,000 people and Makiah is working to create more Black Book LA events. She credits her success to consistency – they would not have been able to build the family and network that they’ve created without being consistent. Just Start! Makiah has never had to pay for ads on social platforms and grew the network primarily through word of mouth. Because of consistency, Black Book LA has become a reliable and trustworthy platform. They only promote events, businesses, or places that they truly believe in. Makiah went to a panel Ava DuVernay was on and she spoke about not getting wrapped up in the details and to just start whatever it is you’re working on. That advice helped push Makiah and Tyree, her co-founder, to move forward. Black Book LA started as an email list and it has evolved so much over time. Don’t wait for perfection to start your dream. Just do it. Challenges and Healing Makiah works a full-time job in addition to running Black Book LA and she tries to find a balance between the two. She has also faced personal challenges due to working with her now ex-partner, but felt passionate about continuing to grow and not give up. Her healing process has shown her that she doesn’t need to give herself away for free and she has to advocate for herself and her value because no one else will. Healing also meant finding a balance between her work and social life, she allocates Friday night through Sunday night as much needed “Turn Up Time.” This has vastly improved her quality of life because she is actually enjoying her life and it has helped her return to herself. Key Quotes You end up talking yourself out of starting your dream. ( [17:31] ) My healing process has looked like recognizing my own value and being okay with that and not feeling like I have to seek that out in others and not expecting someone else to provide that for me. ( [34:06] ) It’s its own advertisement. You don’t have to sell somebody on something they actually need. ( [27:03] ) We need to emphasize more, the importance of sitting with yourself and saying who am I, who am I to me? ( [39:01] ) You have to live for yourself and the people who will rock with it will rock with it. ( [41:56] ) Connect With Makiah On Instagram | Twitter | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
What would you do in an emergency situation in a different country? When traveling, we don’t usually consider what to do if the unexpected happens. Val and his brother Vince had to face this difficult and terrifying reality recently while traveling to Dubai. On the last night of their stay, there was a Gala – they were dressed to the nines and ready for a night of fun. Scroll to the bottom for the video! All of a sudden, their night took a turn for the worse. Vince grabbed Val and said he was having a hard time breathing. They thought it was an asthma attack and his symptoms worsened. Don’t miss this episode as Val and Vince share their story, how they overcame this struggle, got Vince help, and eventually pulled through. Key Topics Remaining calm Once Val realized that his brother was in trouble, he went into nurse mode and started running through questions relating to Asthma attacks. Soon after, everyone realized that this is an allergic reaction and they head to the closest ER. Vince is steadily getting worse and mentions at one point only taking 5 breaths a minute, but they try to stay calm. To make matters worse, the cab they were in was not taking them to the ER, they were getting turned around and taking up valuable time. They finally get to the emergency room and start running tests on Vince. Pulling through They were able to give Vince a steroid shot and a breathing treatment which helped the symptoms subside. Once Val saw his that his brother was doing better, he was finally able to relax and breakdown for a minute. He knew the time was over where he needed to be strong for his brother. Through this difficult time, they were able to remain calm and get Vince the help he needed. Handling the unexpected while traveling Make sure that you have people around that are able to remain calm in emergency situations – be prepared for anything to happen. Be positive. Use self-affirmations to remain hopeful. Be present. Focus on what’s happening right now. When you are traveling to a different country, research how their medical care is operated. If you travel to a country where medical care is expensive, seek out travelers medical insurance. Key Quotes I was scratching my eyes and then scratching my head and I was having trouble breathing and I was like, Wait, hold on, am I having an allergic reaction right now? ( [10:25] ) Have people around that are able to be calm. ( [30:05] ) You gotta live your best life every time. You never when it’s gonna end. ( [34:11] ) When you speak to yourself in that tone or that light you begin to believe that. ( [35:05] ) Connect With Vince On Instagram Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, Kiola Raines joins us to discuss the struggles and successes that come with being a dreamer and a business owner. Kiola is one of the visionaries behind Kinetic Studio, which grew from an idea into a 4,000 square foot space. She faced challenges along the way, from how to fund her project to who would teach the classes and so much more. Scroll to the bottom for the video! Kiola quickly learned that she would need to place distance between herself and people who were unsupportive, even those who were closest to her. She had to accept that her family and friends were not going to be the ones who would build her business and it was on her to make this a reality. She found that it would be a long process – being a business owner can be much more than a 40 hour per week job – but Kiola, along with her business partner (shown in the image below!) were resilient. She shares her journey and inspires us to set meaningful goals to make our dreams come true. Key Topics The Difference in Reaching Your Goals Write down your positive thoughts and goals so you can cast them out into the universe. When you write, you have to be present and in the moment, which aids in the creative process. Set your intentions for daily, weekly, monthly and yearly accomplishments. Create a contract for yourself and sign it to hold yourself accountable. It works! The Goals of Kinetic Studio When clients sign up with Kinetic Studio, they receive a packet with a full questionnaire. They then must write down their physical, lifestyle and financial goals. Clients also have to keep a food diary. This ties into the power of writing things down – clients become more aware of what they’re actually doing and how they are doing it. This also helps clients to connect to their goals and see their patterns. Consistency and Hard Work Kiola realized how much work it was going to take to make her dreams a reality. She found she would have to sacrifice her social life and dedicate herself to long hours to make things work. It’s waking up at [2:00] in the morning, thinking about goals and writing them down. It’s better to give 85%, 100% of the time, than to be 100%, 15% of the time – for any goals in your life. Figure out what works for you and stick with it, give it all you’ve got. Key Quotes Your family and friends are not going to be the ones who build your business. ( [14:29] ) Words are like casting spells, that’s why we call it spelling. ( [20:36] ) You’re better off doing your okay routine consistently, than the best routine for 3 weeks. ( [33:58] ) Accept yourself, be yourself. ( [39:42] ) Connect With Kiola On Instagram | Android App | Apple App | Website Music by LAKEY INSPIRED Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, Ms. Marisha joins us to discuss how we can redefine what happiness and success look like – in love, work and life. Throughout her career, she noticed an awareness gap with people not understanding what they were bringing to the experiences they were having. These behaviors can majorly impact the relationships in your life. Deepening your understanding – and having someone on your side to help you to do so – can shift your narrative to living the life you’ve always wanted. Scroll to the bottom for the video! Ms. Marisha is a RelationSHIFT™ Coach who helps people to rethink what’s possible for them in their lives. She is a gifted counselor, educator, matchmaker and coach and works with busy professionals nationwide. Through mindfulness and writing, Marisha was able to find her voice, which allowed her to build her mental and physical health and follow her passion of guiding others. She now helps people to live their version of happily ever after in life, work and love. Key Topics Influence and Happiness Marisha started RelationSHIFT™ about 6 months after she started matchmaking. What started out as a one-on-one coaching practice expanded into helping companies improve how their teams live. She believes when people live by their definition of happiness, they are the most fulfilled. We tend to live in the shadows of other people’s expectations. Amazing things can happen when you have a coach to sit on the sideline, assessing what your doing in the game of love and life and tell you where you could perform a little bit better. Our thoughts influence how we show up and perform – when you think a little bit differently, you can behave a bit differently and ultimately, get the results you are looking for. The Role of ‘Soulmates’ When you become clear in what you want and the path you are on, it creates confidence. When you’re confident, you can walk into any area of life and know what you want can be yours. Next, develop your skills and then you can connect. The best way to develop any skill is to go out and experience it – the good and the bad. Our souls mate with whoever they are supposed to – not just one person but we can all learn from everyone. When you cross paths with someone, it’s because you needed to learn something – you can become a different person from that encounter – stay open to that. Through these encounters, we develop these skills and become aware. But, you have to show up. If you don’t show up, you could miss your opportunity to meet the person you’re supposed to meet. Dating Apps Dating apps have created a grass is greener mentality. There are so many options that you always wonder what else is out there. You can expect things to always get better on their own and if they don’t, it’s easy to move on. What we really need to do is go back to that clarity – know who you are and then you can go out to the places that align with who you are. It’s okay to have a list but be flexible and look for qualities over the superficial things. Communication There are two different parts to communication. We communicate to understand, but we also have to listen. Because if we listen, we can gain a new perspective. If we don’t listen, we dismiss the opportunity to learn. We need to do both to fully communicate. Key Quotes When you are clear, all decisions become easier. ( [5:05] ) When you cross paths with someone, it’s because you needed to learn something from them and grow and be a different person from that encounter with that person. ( [9:27] ) I don’t tell you what to do. I just hold you accountable for that narrative that you say you want to feel. ( [42:53] ) Don’t be a perfectionist, it will definitely rob you of what really matters. ( [44:42] ) Because when you live from that inner place, everything outside just is a reflection of that inner journey. ( [46:07] ) Connect With Ms. Marisha On Instagram | YouTube | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
Mario Jovan Shaw and Jason Terrell discuss Profound Gentlemen , the movement they created to help build and retain communities of male educators of color. Shockingly, 40% of all early career teachers will leave the field, but for men of color, that number is 25% higher. Mario and Jason are working to develop black male school teachers to positively impact the graduation rates, self-esteem and lifelong success of boys of color. Mario and Jason are both the co-founder and co-chief executive officer of Profound Gentlemen. Mario taught seventh grade and also created a program called the BrotherHood, which addresses the needs of young black males in the classroom. Jason spent three years as a teacher and served as a mentor, athletic coach, and tutor for students. Don’t miss this episode in its entirety – it’s too good to skip! Key Topics The Start of Profound Gentlemen Mario and Jason met through Teach For America. Teach for America places recently graduated students into places where teachers are needed. They train you for 6 weeks, and during that training, Jason and Mario were roommates – they talked a lot about what type of educators they wanted to be. Mario was selected to be followed by Teach for America to show what he was doing in his classroom. He decided to use this platform as a way to talk about why we need more black male teachers. The story was picked up and Mario and Jason then decided to apply for Teach for America’s recruitment team. They didn’t receive the job, but that turned out to be a blessing in disguise because they then decided to start Profound Gentlemen. Profound Gentlemen is now going on year 4. Places and Cultures Different places breed different cultures – while DC has younger educators, Chicago is more of charter school movement and has older teachers. Because of the different cultures, it’s important to provide different events that meet the needs of that particular culture. In DC, they will hold brunches, while in Chicago they will do a Thursday Happy Hour. But in the south, where they can get more people to come out on a Friday night, they will hold socials on Friday nights. When you are connecting with communities, it’s important to keep their culture in mind. The Challenges They Faced Finances has been the biggest challenge throughout their journey. They quit their jobs, sold their cars, and moved to an apartment in the hood. They worked out of coffee shops, had long nights and a lot of hustle – it took a year and a half before they were able to make money. During this time, they developed relationships and learned how to budget, read financial statements and how to write a grant. Through working with mentors, they learned how to make the business side work. Once it clicked, it clicked. Since then, they have received grant after grant and have been able to keep growing. Mario compares hard times being like seeds – when you plant a seed in the ground its dark. But then roots start to grow and once it sprouts you begin to see results. But before it sprouts, you have to nurture the seeds. You’re growing through the hard times. Standing Up Movements start with a small group of people who believe in something, so if you truly believe, stand for that. It’s important to know your morals and values and stay true to them. Change was never made by playing it safe – the right opportunity will come if you stick to your goals. People tend to over-compromise on things that they shouldn’t or don’t want to. Don’t lose your morals or values in order to get an accomplishment – the right way is there, too, you just have to find it. Get creative by reading everything to give you a well-rounded perspective. Key Quotes Maintaining is a lot harder than starting. Because once you start, you have nothing to lose, you’re at the bottom. So you just go up to the top. But once you have it, now you have to keep the momentum going and increase it. And that actually a lot more challenging. ( [25:08] ) We’re comparing our inside selves to their highlight reels. ( [27:54] ) Believe, that when people are not following you, you have at the end of the day, really truly believe, that this is something that you are called to do. And you’ll see the signs. ( [28:41] ) And the reason why so many people DON’T live out their dreams, is because it is difficult. ( [32:04] ) When you’re starting a movement, typically the movement is not popular. If you think your movement is going to be popular, when you first start, you’re just doing the norm. ( [38:08] ) Connect With Profound Gentlemen On Instagram | Facebook | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app . Listen to our podcast episode…
In this episode, Valentine shares his speech at the 2018 LA Nurse Expo and discusses why he never wanted to depend on a single income, employer, job, or a boss to determine how he lives his life. Everybody should be an entrepreneur of some sort, but that doesn’t mean that you have to start a business. Be involved in something that is bigger than you. From your pain comes your purpose, let your wounds be your work. Scroll to the bottom for the Video! Key Topics Val’s Background Val went to Cal State and received a bachelor’s degree in nursing. After graduating, he got his dream job working at a top hospital in the ICU. 6 months in, he was fired from that job. He was called into a back office and told that he was a really good nurse, has great integrity, and is smart, but wasn’t a good fit for this unit. This experience taught him that jobs are not safe, and he never wanted to be in that position again. It’s risky to depend on a single income, a job, and a boss to determine how you live your life. Taking Charge of Your Life Val started looking into business – when you run your own business it can not be taken away from you. You are responsible for your own success. While working 50 hours a week nursing, Val still built his business with no excuses. It took a year and half to grow the business to reach his first million. Everyone has a purpose, inside and outside of nursing. Val owned a gym for 3 years and felt like he was living someone else’s narrative. He closed down the gym and took a huge risk by taking a pay cut. He was so willing to make it work that he was driving for Uber and doing whatever it took. Following Your Purpose People that don’t have zest in their life, but it doesn’t have to be that way. People’s lives just become a blur – they get up, work, go home, and do it all again over and over. Val doesn’t want that. He wants to be the type of nurse that goes into a night shift because he wants to, not because he’s got to make money. When you’re relying on one avenue for your income, it leads to burnout because you don’t have anything else. Pursue your own purpose. You’ll be a better person because of it. Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In today’s episode, Monti Washington discusses what it really takes to overcome adversity and find success, despite a tough upbringing. He personally found his way out of negative situations and now is on a mission to share what he has learned through his experiences. When you believe in YOU, anything is possible. Monti teaches us how to take that one step forward to a better life and set achievable goals. If you connect with his story, you can even learn more with his book, From The Streets To The Stage: 20 Ways Make It From The Streets Of Your Fears To The Stage Of Your Dreams . Scroll to the bottom for the video! Monti is a motivational speaker, author, actor and an award winning poet. Known as “America’s Adversity Coach”, because of his ability to show students how to turn any adversity into real life success, Monti has positively impacted the lives of thousands of students nationwide. He strives to provide students with learning experiences that can truly help in real life situations. In his own life, Monti overcame adversity and obtained two college degrees, become a state basketball champion, award winning poet and much more. Key Topics Greater Than Your Story Monti had a rough background – his mother was a crack addict, he never met his father, he bounced around in foster homes where he was physically and mentally abused, slept in parks for months and more. Growing up, he was told that he was stupid and started to believe the negative names he was called. He even tried to commit suicide twice. In his last foster home, he finally found a positive male role model and started his journey to healing. He went from being in special ed classes to being on the honor roll every year in high school. He worked hard, graduated, went on to college where he graduated with two degrees and then wrote his book. You Are The Shit! To move forward in life, we have to stop saying things like “try” and “wish” – you have to do something about it and do more to get more. While in therapy, Monti’s therapist helped him see that we can’t change what has happened to us, but we can change our perspective. With that mentality, he developed the I’m the Shit Activity. Before speaking, he does a I’m the shit activity. You have to find the confidence within yourself and BELIEVE that what you are doing is the shit. If you don’t believe in your dreams or talents, you can’t achieve whatever it is – but we aren’t born with confidence, it takes practice – so remember this and say it to yourself often: “I’m the shit.” The Steps Forward To move forward in life, we have to get rid of the haters and takers in our lives. A great way to remove yourself from these people is to limit your exposure to social media. It’s okay to be alone if you haven’t built a positive support system – just because you’re alone doesn’t mean you’re lonely – it may actually help you to reach your goals. Write down your yearly goals and break them down into quarterly goals, then monthly, then weekly goals and always track your progress! Your actions always reveal your true character so be good to yourself and to others along your journey. Take care of yourself physically, mentally and spiritually and forgive often – when you hold onto things, it affects everything else in your life. Key Quotes There’s nothing you can experience that would validate you taking your own life and depriving the world of your greatness and whatever gifts you have. ( [12:14] ) Nobody ever starts out on top, it’s that journey. ( [14:16] ) When you stop making excuses and you stop blaming other people for your inadequacies and your issues in life – things change. ( [14:45] ) Our past does not determine our potential for the future. It prepares us for it. ( [15:43] ) If you want more you’ve gotta do more. ( [28:10] ) There’s a big misconception with confidence. They think confidence comes from what you accomplish. No, it comes from what you overcome. ( [40:48] ) You need to consciously take steps to build yourself up. Consciously, love yourself. ( [52:55] ) Connect With Monti On Instagram | YouTube | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, Vynce and Jade discuss how we can all benefit one another on this planet, the power of community, the influence of family and the importance of finding a positive environment to excel. Vynce and Jade bring incredible insight and knowledge into living your dream and finding the tools that you need to create your greatest possibilities in life. Scroll to the bottom for the video! Vynce is the CEO .US , which is an acronym with many different meanings, including Universal Subculture and Usual Suspects. Jade works alongside Vynce at the world’s first social experience company. They work to bring creatives and entrepreneurs together and unite them, connecting and amplifying humanity. .US is influenced by imagery, film, art, and culture based movements and gives legitimacy to our purpose to create a new culture. Key Topics Learning From Failures Vynce lived in Atlanta after high school and saw people who looked like him excelling. He made an effort to talk to anyone that was doing something positive. He continued to talk to people and develop for the next two years. When Vynce moved to California, he “failed” because he didn’t know that he had a community there that he could tap into. This made him feel that he didn’t have the tools he needed to activate his potential. After a while, Vynce started meeting important people and making connections that would open the floodgates to meeting young people like himself that were doing positive things in CA. He learned from his failures by not giving up and continuing to search for the right place to start his business. Finding Support Vynce wanted to have the support from his family, but didn’t feel like he got it. It was disheartening to feel that reality and feel unsupported, but he was lucky enough to get pointed in the right direction by others. Sometimes, telling your family an idea that isn’t “normal” isn’t the best idea – families can have a hard time seeing the possibility because they want security for us and can’t see the end goal. However, Vynce had the support of Jade – they met two years ago during a project for class and while they lived in different cities, they made it a priority to get to know each other. Vynce gave Jade a 30 page blueprint for his business. She wanted to add an afrocentric perspective to the business that we really don’t have as a people in this country. She wanted to give the knowledge and perception that she has to the business. The Road to Healing “To heal you need to reveal” – a quote from Jade’s professor For Jade, growing up it was difficult for her to reveal things to herself. While you don’t necessarily have to reveal your feeling to the whole world, you have to come to terms with your struggle within yourself. Jade writes poetry and recently found a notebook that she wrote back in high school, which made her realize how angry she was. She also found she was more raw and authentic because it was only meant for her to see. It can be positive to have an outlet that real and just for you. Jade decided she needed to share her thoughts with other people who were hurting or angry in the same ways to help them. Vynce has also been having conversations with people that needed to happen and has been working on healing. His father was somewhat absent but had high expectations of him – the “American Dream” on the outside, but the inside was just a house, not a home. He’s been taking the steps to understand his past and speak his truth. Key Quotes Failures, for me, are learning experiences. You know, I feel like you win and you learn. You really don’t fail. You fail when you stop, when you give up. ( [15:18] ) People ask me why I’m a black studies major, I’m like because its helped me become a better person, it’s helping me navigate my life. ( [26:34] ) Once we deal with our own stuff, then we could deal with the bigger problem. ( [32:18] ) I think it’s great for every parent to have expectations of their child. But if you have some kind of expectation, you need be able to give them guidance to be able to achieve that. ( [36:16] ) I just think it’s really important to really speak your truth, connect with people, and get to the bottom of things. ( [39:07] ) Connect With Vynce & Jade On Vynce’s Instagram | Jade’s Instagram | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, the ‘ Unconventional Millennials ’ , Elijah Bankole and Heron Abegaze, discuss how they turned their finances around – wiping out $162,000 of debt in under three years! The couple shares their journey to becoming debt free and how they also became mentally and emotionally stronger by deciding to work on their goals through using Dave Ramsey’s methods. There is nothing that you can’t achieve with your partner when you’re working towards a common goal with honesty and openness. Elijah and Heron came together to make a plan for their future, and it ended up changing their life forever. There will always be setbacks in life, and being prepared is a huge factor in how we overcome issues in our lives. Elijah and Heron are on a mission to help others to feel prepared by inspiring them to reach their own debt-free dreams. Key Topics The Journey to Debt Free A few years ago, Heron was finishing up grad school and Elijah was working a full-time job. They were making their minimum payments and weren’t struggling, but weren’t getting anywhere either. Heron looked at her student loans specifically and looked into how much interest she would be paying over ten years, and felt overwhelmed. She then started to research how people pay off their debt and found Dave Ramsey , as well as other inspiring stories of getting out of debt, and was motivated to begin her journey to becoming debt free. How They Started Heron was initially excited about becoming debt free, but it took It took a couple of months for Elijah to come around. Once Elijah was convinced, they started Dave Ramsey’s program – first, just starting with a budget. Then, they made adjustments to their lifestyle, which was difficult at first, but they got creative with how they spent their time. You don’t know if you’re going to have the money to buy other things later on, so if you have something you have to respect it, use it wisely, and upgrade when you need to. A Lifestyle Change It was hard at first to decline social invitations because Heron and Elijah are social people. They had to prioritize what events they would budget for – birthday dinners and going out were not a priority, but they planned for baby showers, weddings, and other major life events. They paid into their debt every two weeks, automatically, so it wasn’t considered ‘extra money’. They even remixed outfits! Yes, one shirt CAN work as 5 different outfits. They thought more about their priorities and made decisions together on how they would spend. Working as a Team When you’re not going out as much, your relationship can get stronger. Elijah and Heron had to find free activities and just spend time together, date nights often meant ‘Netflix and chill’. They also spent time setting their budget for the next few weeks or doing an accountability check, and openly talking about their goals and future brought them closer together. Because they had to communicate, be transparent, and be disciplined, it helped them to grow as a team. Key Quotes Rather than going out to a nice restaurant and having a glass of wine or something, you know what, we have to Netflix and chill. Get creative with a date night. ( [14:53] ) You have to respect your things as much as you respect yourself. ( [16:49] ) If we are able to do what we’re doing right now with our finances, there’s no reason we can’t really figure this other conflict out. ( [26:07] ) Tomorrow may be a different struggle. ( [33:51] ) You really can do whatever you want, and you really can control your own destiny as long as you’re willing to work for it. ( [36:27] )) Connect With Elijah & Heron On Elijah’s Instagram | Heron’s Instagram | YouTube Other Resources: Dave Ramsey on YouTube | Total Money Makeover | EveryDollar Guide to Budgeting | His And Her Money YouTube Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
Scroll to the bottom for the video! In this episode, Funmilola (Lola) Fagbamila discusses our duty to be a positive reflection of our era. Individually, we should all build a greater intellectual and emotional maturity to connect with the world in a new light, showing more emotion and having more compassion for others. Through her work, Lola has learned what it takes to eliminate draining tasks and use energy to manifest your vision. She also reminds us that you don’t have to choose between helping people and being successful, it’s possible to have it all. Funmilola is a Nigerian American scholar, activist, playwright and artist. She is the Arts and Culture director for the BLM Los Angeles chapter and a professor of Pan African Studies at California State University. She is an original member of the Black Lives Matter Movement. She frequently speaks on the topics such as critical race theory, criminal justice, health and wellness, black arts and intersectional pan-africanism. Her latest project, “The Intersection”, is a stage play on the complexities of black political identity. Key Topics Connection and Judgement Lola works for humans to be able to engage each other with greater compassion and with greater intellectual and emotional maturity. We’ve been thought that feels are a sign of weakness, but vulnerability makes you stronger. If you refuse to show how you feel, you’re preventing yourself from experiencing real connection. It’s possible to train our minds to not be so judgemental of ourselves. People don’t need to be so hypercritical of themselves and should understand that no one can compare to who you are. The Intersection Lola started conceptualizing the idea for the play 3 years ago. When she wrote the first draft, she thought that people would be angry – but people saw themselves in the characters and became invested in the project. Angela Davis and Erykah Badu saw the performance and invested in the vision! When Lola connected with the Pan African Film Festival, they were fully onboard with bringing this piece on as their featured theatrical production for their film festival! Finding Discipline In order to make the play come to life, Lola had to prioritize what was important and had to say no, a lot. It’s easy to focus on too many ideas at once – when you split your energy and focus, you aren’t doing your best work. Work on one thing at a time and master it to the point where it becomes second nature, then move on to the next idea. Anxiety or nervousness isn’t a sign to stop, feel it and continue on. The magic happens when we focus completely! Developing Your Vision In her early twenties, Lola spent time reflecting on who she is, what she wants, and how she wants to contribute to the world. To better understand yourself, spend time researching and reading, it will help you to understand yourself and your own mind better. Not knowing who you are is draining. When Lola spent time figuring out who she was, she was able to develop her visions rather than focusing on insecurities. By exposing herself to new ideas, she became aware of what was going on inside of herself. Key Quotes Comparison is an act of violence against the self. (quote from Iyanla Vanzant) ( [12:55] ) It’s good to be poppin. It’s better to help people. ( [34:06] ) If you want to reach your destination, stop changing your direction. ( [28:11] ) Yes we are limitless as human beings in many ways, of course, but in terms of the amount of daily energy we have to exert, it’s finite. It’s going to run out at some point. So be careful about what you use it on. ( [31:42] ) Insecurity is time consuming. ( [37:51] ) Educate yourself about everything possible. Be inquisitive and question everything. ( [45:30] ) Connect With Lola On Instagram | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
Scroll to the bottom for the video! In this episode, we discuss finding security within yourself, the impacts of colorism, and the positive outlooks that can come from seeing role models that look like yourself. Chika Okoro became inspired in an unlikely place – a Straight Outta Compton casting call with standards of beauty, skin color and size that labeled her a “D Girl”. Chika’s personal experience with colorism pushed her to make a change and inform others on not only the issues that she faced, but also her hope for the future. This future would include people being good to other human beings – regardless of accomplishments, wealth, or skin color, and having more balance in the role models and powerful people that our society looks up to. Chika’s mission is to help people to love themselves more, for who they truly are, and remember that it’s okay for us to look and be different than each other – actually, it’s completely normal and should be fully accepted. Chika is a Southern California native who attended Harvard and earned her MBA from Stanford Graduate School of Business. She now works in brand management and consumer marketing. She is the Head of Consumer Insights Marketing at FabFitFun , where she helped to grow the business from under 300,000 subscribers to an impressive 800,000. She also is a public speaker, focusing on uplifting and empowering young women of color. Key Topics Someone Like Me We are beginning to see more role models today in TV and Film that can inspire our youth. Lupita Nyong’o in Black Panther was the love interest and Viola Davis revealed her natural hair in How to Get Away with Murder ! It’s okay to put on your wig and go to work, but it’s also okay to be take it off and be comfortable with your natural self. Surrounding children with positive black role models can make a huge difference in our society. We need to be intentional and take an active role in how our children see themselves and those around them. Finding Comfort in YOU Chika was at Harvard trying to fit in as a black woman who was not wealthy, and just felt that everything was stacked against her. The more you become comfortable with yourself, the more people will be comfortable with you – people will like you for who you are. You are perfect right now! While it’s okay to grow and learn, believe that you are wonderful. It takes time to be secure in yourself and really know yourself – put in the work to get there. The Journey Chika knew that her journey, including the struggles, would make her feel accomplished. However, when you draw all of your validation from an achievement, you can take failure really hard. Remember that failures are just a learning moment – succeed or fail, you’re an amazing person who is trying, and it’s still worth it. The journey is just as important as the outcome, as there is where you will become who you are meant to be. Continue to invest in yourself and don’t give up! Key Quotes Were not just all trying to be light skin and long hair. I am seeing more acceptance. ( [13:53] ) How do I make sure my daughters don’t feel the way I felt? ( [14:25] ) Trying to fit into someones else mold has never gotten me anywhere. ( [35:49] ) My goodness isn’t defined by accomplishments, it’s defined by who I am as a person. ( [40:48] ) You can’t be a business leader until you know yourself. ( [45:03] ) Connect With Chika On Instagram | Watch Her TEDx Talk Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
Scroll to the bottom for the video! In this episode, Angela Styles shares the tips that she has learned on her journey to embracing her natural hair. She tells us why she celebrates natural hair and we talk all things acceptance and self-love. When you truly understand and love who you are, anything is possible. Angela is a professional celebrity hair stylist and the author of her children’s book, Hair , which chronicles a young African American girl’s hair journey and highlights the beauty of Black hair. She works at The Talk on CBS and has a salon in West Hollywood, where she spends her weekends. Angela is on a journey to inspire and educate women and men to embrace their natural beauty all over the world. Key Topics Angela’s Journey Angela grew up in a supportive home – her mother always encouraged and supported her. She was told she was talented and loved, and this gave her confidence from an early age to believe in herself and the things she wanted to do. While attending college, Angela decided she wanted to be a hairstylist. With her mother’s blessing, she quickly shifted her focus. Loving Your Natural Self Learn to love the hair you’re born with! To find out who you are, strip away all the extras. Once Angela cut off her hair, she began to understand the natural hair journey. After that, she found she needed less and less to feel confident. Once you strip away all the extras, see who is still around and sticks by your side. Keeping the Confidence Loving yourself is an ongoing process. Understand and accept your identity from the start – Don’t wait until your 30 or 40 to love yourself. Be the light that attracts people – be the person who lifts people up, and always be happy with who you are at your core. Angela spent 2 years creating the book, Hair ; she used her life experiences to contribute to the book. Key Quotes This was my way of spreading the knowledge that I’ve gained over the years, as well as just my love and my genuine appreciation for having textured hair being of African American descent and celebrating why curly hair is so amazing. ( [2:33] ) Basically speak to all of that, and encourage people of any age but primarily children, to really understand and accept their identity from the start. ( [4:24] ) The foundation of whatever you do starts with loving yourself. ( [5:53] ) When you actually do start to see yourself without all those additions, and then you get really comfortable with it, to the point that you don’t want anything else. ( [10:24] ) It’s better to test people and put people with certain situations so you can see faster versus wasting 3 years with someone who isn’t your friend. ( [19:01] ) Grab a copy of Angela’s book Hair Connect With Angela On Instagram | Twitter | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, Monique Doughty a.k.a. “Nurse Mo” shares her tips for self-love, living life to the fullest, earning what you’re worth, and so much more. Monique truly defines the word ‘Resilient’: able to withstand or recover quickly from difficult conditions. Her life was far from easy, and she’s failed, but her persistence and determination kept her from giving up. From growing up in a bad neighborhood, to working for $2 per hour plus tips with a very expensive degree, Monique never let obstacles stand in her way. Now, she is paying it forward and helping young women to live their dream life, both professionally and mentally. Monique is a Critical Care Traveling Registered Nurse. She grew up in South Philadelphia and quickly realized that she didn’t like what was going on around her. She wanted to make a better life for herself and going back was not an option. She attended Hampton University in 2006, and since has been living a nomad lifestyle and traveling the world as a nurse and influencer to young women through her booming brand, The Resilient Nurse . Key Topics Living For You Women are always waiting – for the perfect relationship, for friends to get on board with what they’re doing, etc. Monique lives for experiences in life – she has traveled to several countries solo, just because she just wanted to go. If you spend your life waiting for other people to join you, you may be waiting forever and missing out on a lot of opportunities. Anything could happen to you anywhere, so you can’t put your life on hold because your afraid of what could happen. The Resilient Nurse Monique started her brand in 2014 when she began travel nursing, she had a small following online and built it over 4 years into a larger community. There were no resources for her to learn what it may be like for her as a young woman of color – how to be a travel nurse, what to expect, and more. She speaks to young, black girls who people are telling that you can’t do it. She wanted to change the face of what healthcare looked like, and she speaks to young, black women who people are telling that they can’t do it. She blogs about her experiences, what she does on her off days, self care, and more to help people to understand what it’s like to be in this career. Increasing Your Worth All worth is not monetary, and you can’t ask for something that you haven’t worked for yet. Monique worked for free to gain exposure and build her brand. She grew her worth mentally – she believes in what she is creating – her brand is hers and no one can take that away from her. Statistical worth is another aspect – she grew her social media following 40K in just a few months. You have to figure out what people what to hear from you to build organic followers. Collaboration is very important – partner with other brands that make sense within your field to help build credibility. The final aspect is knowing how to negotiate. Know what you can provide, then ask for what you believe that is worth, and don’t back down – stand confidently in your worth. Key Quotes Work hard now and get comfortable getting uncomfortable. Right now, I’m comfortable, and I don’t like it, so I’m ready to shake things up and do something new. ( [7:56] ) When I find something that brings me a bit of fear, I feel like it’s my higher power talking to me and telling me to take that challenge. ( [12:02] ) My concept was always that the modern woman, she can be successful, she can be beautiful, enlightened spiritually, sexually … anything. She can be whatever the fuck she wants to be. ( [28:51] ) I know the more successful people become, the less transparent they like to be. I would like to go the opposite route and become more and more transparent, and be honest about my failures. ( [26:48] ) As women, we have to learn that collaboration is way more powerful that competition. ( [44:55] ) Connect With Monique On Instagram | Facebook | Website Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
In this episode, Cortez discusses breaking through the barriers of living a “comfortable” life, and going after the life that is calling you. Find that drive to succeed by making that your only option, and do all that you can to make it. Just don’t forget to help others along the way! Cortez West is an optimist who believes that your goals should not simply be amazing thoughts of what your life could be. Your passions should be followed and your life can be all that you see for yourself. Cortez is a Radio/TV Personality who found an interest in the entertainment industry after starting in modeling. He moved to Hollywood in 2013, where he grew his career further, stepping into the role of a Video Producer and Assistant Director. He helps others as an advocate for health and fitness, along with using his career as a platform to reach out to kids who are being bullied. He acts as a role model, helping children to build self-confidence. Scroll to the bottom for the video! Key Topics Making a Move Cortez from Germany but moved to the United States – he got comfortable with his life in Atlanta after 6 1/2 years of living there and working in sales and marketing. He had a constant feeling that he was missing something, while he continued to get up and go to a job that he didn’t feel truly fulfilled in. He started feeling worried and stressed after he decided to move, but he had to make a change, he just couldn’t go back to his job. That week, he was on a one-way flight to Los Angeles to change his life. When you don’t have a choice but to succeed, your drive is sky-high and you have to make the decision to put yourself out there to reach your goals. Finding Your Confidence Even if you aren’t at the top of your game, you have to feel confident and act like you’ve made it. When starting out, you may be working for less than what you would expect … but if you are learning a lot, that’s okay! You put in the work to become what you want to be – don’t wait for things to be handed to you, be persistent. People will say no to you and your greatness isn’t going to be seen by everyone, just keep believing in yourself and keep pushing towards your goals. Giving to Others When you see others struggling, help them. Cortez tries to help people as much as he can, and wants to do better to help more. People get comfortable with what you do for them, so make sure your friends are hanging out with you for the right reasons, not to take advantage of you. Cortez has found success, but he doesn’t walk around telling people what he does – build respect with people outside of your career. Be real, be true to yourself, and the people around you will be the same. Key Quotes Sometimes when you’re comfortable, you’re stuck in that place. When you’re comfortable, you don’t want to put yourself in predicaments where you need to grow, but sometimes you have to do that. ( [4:29] ) If you’re going to a job and you’re not happy, it is okay to remove yourself. ( [30:02] ) The riches that I obtain are not for me, they are for the people that are around me, my friends become my family. ( [44:47] ) The right kind of no is sometimes the wrong kind of yes. ( [58:38] ) Connect With Cortez On Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Thanks For Listening! Leave your comment below. Ask a question by sending on our contact page . To help out the show: Leave an honest review on iTunes . Your ratings and reviews really help us. Subscribe on iTunes or download through your mobile app .…
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