Nicky Verd is an International Keynote Speaker and leading thinker on driving innovation and digital transformation through personal disruption. She is Author of the hit book “Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted.” Nicky was recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Digital Disruption and Future of Work. She is also the Brand Ambassador for Southern Africa Startup Award. Shame is powerful and it can hold you back from expressing your talent. What do you...
Apr 28, 2021•28 min•Season 2021Ep. 22
"Don’t be afraid to experiment with video storytelling. Trust your gut and avoid being a perfectionist."Black Leadership influences what we see and hear in the media. When sharing positive Black stories, aligning yourself with leaders who can help you amplify your message is a must. It is not always about money, but a lot of times, it is. Your passion and love for what you do will help you to deliver quality results to those who are watching. Make your message universally accessible and can be u...
Apr 14, 2021•38 min•Season 2021Ep. 21
I just had to bring these ladies back for a joint episode and when you listen to it you will understand why. Jessica Reed is a writer, youth educator, and proud ice cream lover from Detroit, Michigan. She first appeared in episode 4.Jennifer Tomlinson is a college Professor of African American Studies and Interim Dean of Learning Support. She first appeared in episode 6. In this episode we discussed: The definitions of colorist, elitism, and classism. How colorism, elitism, classism as being a t...
Mar 31, 2021•42 min•Season 2021Ep. 20
“I think what happens is the more you learn about yourself and embrace it, it is not a surprise but people can no longer use it against you as a weapon, when you honor it and decide whether you like it or not. When I say I don't like that trait about myself, it doesn't matter whatever family, friend, spouse, eco-worker, boss points it out, you say, hey, I agree with you and I am working on that. They don’t have power in that anymore. You have taken your power back because you are not judging you...
Mar 17, 2021•46 min•Season 2021Ep. 19
Alternative environments and exposure at an early age prime individuals to live a life of nonconformity, and challenge the status quo. This early foundation helps to create a pathway to self-discovery. When your environment is predominantly different from people that look like you, it can create feelings of disassociation of self and a disconnect to your Black culture and heritage. However, when you are exposed to other environments that affirm who you are, it can build a bridge to self and othe...
Mar 03, 2021•33 min•Season 2021Ep. 18
Fatsani Dogani is a nurse, published author, entrepreneur, speaker, healthcare consultant, and also considers herself a global citizen. Born in Malawi and now based in California Fatsani was blessed with the opportunity to live in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom. As a self professed global citizen Fatsani goes by the adage that our experiences shape our opinions and it is only through opening ourselves up to our biases that we can create the opportunities for discourse that can help u...
Feb 24, 2021•31 min•Season 2021Ep. 17
"Colorism and hair influence who you date and marry..."The power of identity and understanding oneself can lead to connecting and understanding other people. Hair is a powerful part of the way Black people view and see themselves. Start within to embrace all parts of who you are. Take an active role in learning your history and others’ history. Take action and be vocal about standing up for others and fully expressing who you are. About Judy McCutcheonFor the past 20 years, Judy McCutcheon worke...
Feb 17, 2021•46 min•Season 2021Ep. 16
Have you ever considered yourself to be an activist? You may be one already and aren’t aware of it. There is nothing more challenging than moving through life without intention and that includes activism. We thrive on creating what Micky Scottbey Jones calls Brave Space. In this episode, I discuss: The 5 things you need to consider when being an Activist The skills you need to develop and master when connecting with other Black cultures The role and responsibilities I am participating in as a Bl...
Feb 10, 2021•25 min
Have you ever wondered why Black people and nations seem to have difficulty doing business with each other? Dr. Melida Harris Barrow dissects the patterns that Black people have been educated to serve instead of create and build. In addition, many black nations, particularly in Africa, tend to do business with the country of the colonizer as opposed to doing business with each other, such as within Latin America and the Caribbean. One must understand the truth in order to identify gifts, talents...
Feb 03, 2021•36 min•Season 2021Ep. 15
The purpose of education is to build wealth: social, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial and communal. We are more linked and connected to the struggle of Black people than we understand. If we can get the youth to understand more of their history, who they are, why they behave the way they behave, and why the struggles faced are present, we can change society in a positive way. In this decade of self-reflection, leaders need to embody introspective leadership to make sure we are not demonst...
Jan 20, 2021•38 min•Season 2021Ep. 14
If you have seen humanity at its best, removing divisive thoughts and negative bias is easier. Be able to recognize the moments when you have been helped by strangers that do not have a similar background. Be intentional in imagining yourself in another person’s shoes. Look at the other perspective. Read the biography and stop over-generalizing. Being highly educated does not mean you are highly informed.About Dr.Olukunle IyandaDr.Olukunle Iyanda, is a management consultant with over 2 decades o...
Jan 06, 2021•45 min•Season 2021Ep. 13
Bridge To U is off to a great start, thanks to you! As the year comes to a close, reflect on the episodes you've heard and share your biggest insight or learning moment from the 2020. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Dec 23, 2020•7 min•Season 2020Ep. 12
His love for the continent of Africa was born out of being in an environment of toxic hate for his homeland. Having to disguise himself as anything but African in order to get a job, to eat, and survive was a way of life while living in China. His desire to educate about the continent of Africa led him to see for himself the beauty in the countries by going on a self-funded pilgrimage and capturing on video the beauty of the continent. By having the courage to be himself, love himself, and conne...
Dec 09, 2020•41 min•Season 2020Ep. 11
Dethra Giles is a two time TEDx speaker, international keynote, executive coach, and award-winning author that has a track record of taking teams from functioning poorly and top producers. In this episode Dethra shares that if you are not growing in your knowledge, you are dying. Start small, easy and fun to begin deepening your connection, and understanding about people that are different from you. In addition she states that language and names hold significant weight in our identity. Be intent...
Nov 25, 2020•26 min•Season 2020Ep. 10
"When you are happy in your own skin, and stop looking for external approval, you are able to face rejection and still move forward because something bigger and deeper drives you. Performing arts and roles that allow you to learn how to read people can give you an advantage in identifying smoke screen distractions in life. Choose your battles, only fight battles you can win, and learning how to communicate strategically will give you an edge."A BBC trained journalist and presenter; Dave Crane is...
Nov 11, 2020•52 min•Season 2020Ep. 9
Okama Brooks is the Founder and President of ACHA: Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance. She is a senior advisor to many national, regional and international government organizations in the areas of development. She is a liaison officer with the United Nations and is passionate about building bridges and reconnecting Africa and the Caribbean heritage. In this episode, Okama states: "When you embed yourself into another person’s physical culture, you take an inside-out approach to providing solutio...
Oct 28, 2020•56 min•Season 2020Ep. 8
Gaining knowledge is one thing. Applying what we learn is another. Let’s bring together the previous three episodes from Jessica Reed, Veronica Owusu and Jennifer Tomlinson to expand the teaching and emerging theses. In this episode, I discuss: How do we tell our stories? Where do we begin even when it is uncomfortable? How can Black people raise the energy and vibration about how we feel about Black cultures worldwide? Where do we look to truly pursue and discover what we want to self-actualize...
Oct 14, 2020•23 min•Season 2020Ep. 8
Those that have the ability to visualize in their brain who they can be and what that looks like tend to experience greater levels of personal success. Helping others to see the potential within themselves and create opportunities for people to self-actualize will help them tap into who they can be. Snippet from Jennifer: You have to be able to conceptualize your natural talents. It doesn't matter how much someone else tells you you're wonderful, you have these skill sets, these are your natural...
Sep 30, 2020•32 min•Season 2020Ep. 6
Personal development takes time. After hitting rock bottom, Veronica immersed herself in the transformative process of self-discovery. While doing that, her natural gifts and talents were being expressed naturally. Through specific, intentional acts and teaching what she learned along the way, she became a Fearless Warrior, helping others to channel the Fearless Warrior within. Veronica Owusu, also known as VPowerCoach is founder of Vpowercoaching.com and The Women On Fire Warrior Academy. She c...
Sep 16, 2020•36 min•Season 2020Ep. 5
Getting out of the habit of pleasing people is a journey, and even more so as a young Black woman. Jessica Reed, sits in the guests chair in this episode to discuss how stereotypes build barriers to connecting with other Black cultures. Breaking stereotypes between Black cultures is not easy. It requires work and intention to share stories, and frustrations to reach growth. With intentional storytelling, a bridge can be formed. About JessicaJessica Reed (Jess) is a writer, youth educator, and pr...
Sep 02, 2020•24 min•Season 2020Ep. 4
What is your future of work strategy? Do you have one, or are you waiting for your employer or someone else to invest in you? We can no longer use the 18th and 19th century models to embrace work, personal and professional development or building connections within the Black community. Learn how the development of skills like emotional intelligence and leveraging your online presence creates opportunities for a sustainable career and positive outlook on life.Listen to the episode and share your ...
Aug 19, 2020•12 min•Season 2020Ep. 3
Culture, beliefs and values are transported through stories, entertainment, media, and experiences. How have yours shaped you? The best way to gain a deeper understanding is to learn about yourself and others' experiences. From there, your conversations become expansive and the door for connection can be opened. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Me...
Aug 05, 2020•16 min•Season 2020Ep. 2
Bridge To U podcast hosted by Monique Russell focuses on Connecting through understanding and unity. The podcast will feature enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide. Their inspiring stories of awakening moments, curiosity, and challenges they have overcome to discover their higher self and calling will facilitate the freedom to embrace the intentionality of identity. Monique Russell is a global communications expert who is committed to ...
Jul 24, 2020•5 min•Season 2020Ep. 1
Bridge to U - is a new bi-weekly podcast launching August 5th. The podcast features enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide.Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or question: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.comProduced by: Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone...
Jul 24, 2020•3 min