I sat down with powerhouse strategist, scholar-practitioner, and cultural architect Dr. Kerry Mitchell Brown to explore what it truly takes to lead with equity, dismantle harmful leadership models, and redefine what’s possible for Black women at work and in life. Dr. Kerry pulls back the curtain on the quiet (and not-so-quiet) systems that block progress—and how Black executive women can lead, not just by climbing the ladder, but by redesigning it. She shares her personal story of navigating a f...
Jun 11, 2025•40 min•Season 2025Ep. 84
Knowing your values is the key to building trust, creating meaningful connections, and maintaining integrity in everything you do. In this episode, I explore: How to identify your core values using simple reflection questions. Why living in alignment with your values builds confidence and peace of mind. How values strengthen trust and collaboration in teams, families, and communities. Practical strategies to help your team, organization, or family clarify and live by shared values. Challenge for...
Feb 05, 2025•13 min•Season 2025Ep. 80
Welcome to the first episode of Bridge to U in 2025! In this episode, I explore: Why Consistency Matters The Role of Habits Systems That Reinforce Habits The Power of Community Key Takeaways: “The connections you have are part of the solution.” Showing up for others creates a ripple effect of trust, healing, and progress. Habits are quiet yet powerful, compounding over time into extraordinary outcomes. Systems reduce pressure, making it easier to maintain consistency and avoid burnout. Community...
Jan 08, 2025•26 min•Season 2046Ep. 79
What does “home” truly mean when you've lived across cultures and continents, never quite fitting in? DEI and Emotional Intelligence expert Sunnee Samuel explores this question with Monique Russell, sharing her journey of discovering identity and belonging while growing up between Nigeria, India, and beyond. Sunnee reveals how reconciling her inner “home” taught her that true belonging starts within—by embracing the unique qualities that make us “different.” In this episode, we explore: The comp...
Dec 11, 2024•42 min•Season 2024Ep. 54
Jeanne Aguet, the founder, and owner of Loving Is Key, is a remarkable individual hailing from the beautiful country of Belize in Central America. Born with a passion for spreading love and making a positive impact, Jeanne's journey has been shaped by her deep-rooted belief in the power of love to change lives. Growing up in Belize, Jeanne was exposed to the diverse cultures and vibrant communities that make the country so unique. This upbringing instilled in her a strong sense of compassion, em...
Nov 06, 2024•50 min•Season 2024Ep. 77
Trust, Cultural Diversity, Market differences, logistics and infrastructure are just a few challenges anyone will face when doing business across the continent of Africa. The complexity and diversity of the continent requires those seeking success to have a strong vision, and resilient foundation. This is where Abiola Laseinde, CEO of Edniesal Consulting, the CIO Club and the CIO awards comes in. In this episode, we discuss: How her early experiences influenced her leadership style and approach ...
Oct 02, 2024•29 min•Season 2024Ep. 76
Change, change, change! So many of us don’t like it, resist it, or are afraid of it. You could be: Starting a new job Starting or ending a relationship Moving to a new location Adopting new technology Getting older Becoming an empty nester Starting a new habit It’s all change, and it’s the one thing that is constant in all of our lives. Whether you're facing a personal crossroads or seeking to build resilience for future changes, this episode is packed with insights and tools to help you embrace...
Sep 04, 2024•21 min•Season 2042Ep. 75
Many people wonder how to successfully blend corporate life and entrepreneurship, often believing they must choose one or the other to make a significant impact. What if there was a way to be impactful and successful regardless of your professional status or location? What if there was a way to navigate systemic barriers and still achieve success? In this episode, Paul shares essential transferable skills such as research, negotiation, empathy, and the importance of understanding others' perspec...
Aug 07, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 58
In this episode, I discuss: The importance of self-advocacy and awareness in business collaboration How entrepreneurship supports belonging and inclusion at work How to use AI and Emotional Intelligence to increase your leadership and efficiency How to leverage professional development to avoid self-sabotage Resources Mentioned in the Episode: Emotional Intelligence for the Practical Leader Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill Original Edition Understanding the Brain The Power of the Subconsciou...
Jul 10, 2024•40 min•Season 2024Ep. 73
Maurice Philogene is a man who looks at the rules differently. He understands systems and structures in order to navigate them effectively and ethically in his pursuit of freedom. Whether it's travel hacking, working 3 jobs simultaneously, or becoming location independent, Maurice is a man who embraces the patience, consistency and discipline required to follow a vision, step outside the status quo and invest in what truly matters. He is a Real Estate Investor & Entrepreneur, Restaurant Owne...
Jun 12, 2024•34 min•Season 2023Ep. 72
Dr. Kamilah Majied is a mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and consultant on advancing equity and inclusion using meditative practices. Drawing from her decades of contemplative practice and leadership, Dr. Majied engages people in experiencing wonder, humor, and insight through transforming oppressive patterns and deepening relationships toward ever-improving individual, familial, organizational, and communal wellness. In our latest episode, Dr. Kamilah Majied and Monique R...
May 01, 2024•35 min•Season 2024Ep. 71
A global business professional and avid traveler, Dyci completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia and received her graduate degree from Kennesaw State University. As a fluent Spanish and Italian speaker, she leverages her liberal arts background, multilingual skills and technical education to lead project teams across geographical regions, drive user adoption of digital business tools, and uncover new ways of working to improve organizational productivity and efficiency. He...
Apr 03, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 70
Have you ever given much thought to your vocal identity? The way you feel you sound, or the way you think you sound to others influences the level of confidence you show when you communicate. It all starts with your inner ear. In this episode, my guest dives deep into vocal health, why we should not use accent reduction but instead accent related communication, and why verbal agility is a tool for communication success. Shulunda Gibson, MA, CCC-SLP is the Founder and Chief Voice Whisperer of The...
Mar 06, 2024•44 min•Season 2024Ep. 69
In this episode, I discuss the importance of Cultural Agility, why we need to focus on it, and why fatigue is the biggest threat to your effective communication success. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Feb 07, 2024•15 min•Season 2024Ep. 68
Marcus Haynes is an entrepreneur based in Brooklyn. He is the President and Founder of RH1 Consulting, LLC a Human Resources consulting firm. RH1 helps companies improve their people strategies and processes so that they can scale more effectively. He was raised by West Indian parents in several African countries, including Zambia, Kenya and South Africa where he graduated from high school. He then returned to the US to attend college. Marcus is a former professional Volleyball player who is sti...
Jan 10, 2024•31 min•Season 2024Ep. 67
Peta-Gaye Philpot is a seasoned healthcare leader with a proven track record in driving digital transformation and optimizing health systems. Recognized for strategic thinking, exceptional program management, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams. Committed to revolutionizing healthcare by leveraging technology and operational expertise. For more than 15 years, Peta-Gaye has provided sound guidance to such renowned health organizations such as the CDC, Mount Sinai, Kais...
Dec 06, 2023•41 min•Season 2023Ep. 66
This episode's guest is Tennille Cooley. She is the founder of The C.L. Collective is a leading project management and program management consulting firm, dedicated to guiding organizations towards unparalleled success. Tennille is also a proud board member of the Black Employee Network, one of Coca-Cola's Inclusion networks, where she serves as the Ambassador and Community Liaison. Sorority groups on college campuses can provide a foundation for belonging and community partnerships. It’s where ...
Nov 01, 2023•39 min
What does reverse mentorship, sales bootcamps, pitch decks presentations and Carpentry have to do with upskilling employees entering the workforce in their first or second jobs? According to my interview with Marlon Addison, everything. These learning experiences provided with the necessary skills that allowed him to advocate for himself at work, and strengthen soft skills. Wisdom from Marlon Addison on how to facilitate multi-generational communication and collaboration: Know who you are Meet w...
Oct 04, 2023•41 min•Season 2023Ep. 64
In this episode, I discuss: take you on a journey through the conferences I attended this year, all centered around women's leadership and entrepreneurship. Key takeaways from this event and others: the power of body language. Pull back the curtain on my personal coaching experience that provided me with invaluable insights and coaching to enhance my leadership and business skills Finally, I delve into the trends and shifts I've observed in the marketplace, particularly for black women. I emphas...
Sep 06, 2023•22 min•Season 2023Ep. 63
Can we customize wellness programs in the organizational workplace? Dr. Shenè says we should. It’s important to encourage employees to invest in their well-being and this can only be done through having 1:1 conversations. Everyone is different and what one needs, another may not. There is a connection to wellness, and being in a safe environment to work in. About Dr. Shenè Dr. Beckford is an Industrial and Organizational Practitioner based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She holds a Doctor of Philo...
Aug 09, 2023•36 min•Season 2023Ep. 62
Mike Chapman is a Senior Partner at Kearney, a global management consulting firm, and is based out of its Washington, D.C. office. Mike serves as the Media practice lead for the Americas region as part of Kearney’s Communications, Media & Technology (CMT) global industry practice. He also serves as the Partner lead for the CMT Americas marketing and is accountable for thought leadership and marketing events for the practice. In this episode, we discuss: How Mike’s non-traditional background ...
Jul 12, 2023•35 min•Season 2023Ep. 61
The brain drain in a company or country often comes when people want a better life, they find it, and rarely do they return to their country of origin. Not Reshma Aziz Khan. Her mission and desire to create impact was too strong to not return from Canada. She also didn’t want to leave her mom alone. This Safari (journey) led her to create her own Consulting firm where she integrates nature in personal development to help leaders become better listeners, and hold space for others. Reshma is a Cat...
Jun 07, 2023•32 min•Season 2023Ep. 60
In this episode, I discuss four critical approaches to Gaining Market Access with Trust. Use words only if necessary. Take the lead, you go first. Address and confront the bias to get to the core objective. Leave the place better than you found it. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn...
May 03, 2023•27 min•Season 2023Ep. 59
There is an undeniable impact on an organization’s culture and brand reputation when their top talent employees are actively engaged. Anthony Cole is the epitome of the intersection of employee engagement, bringing your whole self-to work, and Intrapreneurship. As the President of Black Employee Network at Amazon, Anthony teaches us about the various opportunities to truly hear and respond to the voice of the employee and shares the vast opportunities that exist for employee resource groups to i...
Apr 05, 2023•31 min•Season 2023Ep. 58
Dr. Lorenzo Hughes is a visionary and transformational educational leader with over twenty years of experience maintaining a laser-like focus on achievement for all students with an unwavering commitment to those who have been marginalized. In this episode we discuss: Recognizing your privilege can spark personal advocacy. The challenge in sustaining and maintaining equitable work spaces is people’s resistance and disbelief about the reality of structural inequities. Being able to facilitate awa...
Mar 08, 2023•38 min•Season 2023Ep. 57
Andrew Adeniyi is the CEO & Founder of AAA Solutions; a consulting firm that provides business strategy, workplace culture, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consulting and speaking services to small businesses and non-profits. Andrew obtained his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He then went on to complete his Master of Science from Michigan State University in Management, Strategy ...
Feb 08, 2023•29 min•Season 2023Ep. 56
The conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion should expand from awareness to practice once the foundation has been set. Many remain stuck on assuming that all are starting from ground zero. These are missed opportunities for structural change. The past 2 years have given us an opportunity to lay the foundation for awareness, from examining our belief systems to the experiences that led to the expansion of them. In this episode, I discuss: The importance of moving conversations from Aw...
Jan 11, 2023•12 min•Season 2023Ep. 55
Without reflecting on our experiences, and the lessons they teach us, we’re bound to repeat the same blocks over and over. I share my personal challenges and triumphs during the year, and how the tools that have been developed in self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence kicked in to help me maintain momentum and bounce back faster. In this episode, I discuss: Why continuous development of Emotional Intelligence tools are necessary when things are going well Why your audience benefits more from ...
Dec 14, 2022•28 min•Season 2022Ep. 54
Omozua Isiramen is a Neuro-Science Transformation and Peak Performance Specialist. She helps leaders understand the brain and how to maximize its functions in a way that helps them become CEOs of their brains and their very best life. In this episode, Omozua explains why the comfort zone is not a comfort zone. It is actually a pain zone. It’s where painful things occur and sustainable motivation is reduced. She also explains why comparison can be used for inspiration. The eyes are the only visib...
Nov 09, 2022•33 min•Season 2022Ep. 53
Dave Crane is an international speaking and presentation expert, working with directors, c-suite executives, celebrities, and public sectors officials. He is a United Nations ECOSOC representative for Vienna, Geneva, and New York, specializing in leadership.In this episode, Dave explains that adding technology to day to day occurrences and experiences should be normal and embraced. However, simply connecting with others globally through technology doesn’t make you culturally sensitive. Anger has...
Oct 19, 2022•41 min•Season 2022Ep. 52
