🧭 During an epiphany at age 27, Lauren McElrath decided to take a leap of faith and pursue a more meaningful way of living. Stressed and feeling the full weight of burnout — she focused on reconnecting with her true identity and understanding the value she adds to the world. Listen in to how Lauren leads boldly, dumped a few habits, and lives better while embracing both her true value and humanity. 🌏 Connect with Lauren: www.laurenmelissaspeaks.com IG: @laurenmelissam
May 29, 2021•45 min•Ep. 25
Story 24/100 features Tylene Henry 💡Tylene shared the value of serving others, positioning future generations for success, true meaning of wealth, creating wealthier mindsets, including others in your continuous growth journey, and building upon her legacy. Support, Mindsets, Resilience ⚙️Connect with Tylene: Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/UjimaServicesLLC/ Insta: https://www.instagram.com/ujimaservices/ Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/company/ujima-services-llc Website www.ujimaservices...
May 29, 2021•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 24
Story 23/100 features Kalyn (Risker) Fahie Kalyn shared how her commitment and work as founder of Sisters Acquiring Financial Empowerment (SAFE), national advocate / mentor, Virgin Islands Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Council (VIDVSAC); love for family; faith-walk; and focus on self-care has been enhanced in unimaginable ways — through several of life’s storms (domestic violence survivor, loss of parents, illness, Hurricanes Irma and Maria). 💙 Ever so resourceful, Kalyn continues to adv...
May 27, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 23
Story 22/100 features Karen Davis Burton: Karen’s commitment to making space for others, shining a light on the significance of black architects, highlighting entrepreneurial experiences, and lifelong learning is very encouraging. As an experienced serial entrepreneur in the built community, Karen (with her husband Bobby) has attracted architecture firms, construction businesses, real estate professionals, and even nonprofit organizations to become members of SpaceLab Detroit. You'll also hear a...
May 20, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 22
Story 21/100 features Shakeena Melbourne 💎Once you understand your affinity and yourself — you can live in it. Own it. Pursue it wholeheartedly. Shakeena’s bold leadership as an attorney was influenced by her Jamaican-American heritage, educators, and mentors who nurtured her affinity for decision making, fairness, and judgement. Shakeena’s personal motto of “living for today” is very present in both the exceptional working environment created to support her all-women team at Upton Law, PLLC, a...
May 17, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 21
“God put us in the right spot with the right kid.” DL Story 20/100 features David Lingholm ❣️Intentionality, flexibility, healing, transparency, and “the power of presence” are themes woven throughout Dave’s transracial adoptive fatherhood journey with The Kid. Embraced by a tribe of fellow #GirlDads and families with diverse (racial, socio-economic, spiritual, academic) backgrounds— Dave feels blessed to guide, support, and reciprocate a beautiful love story with his daughter. 💪🏼💪🏽💪🏾 As a...
May 07, 2021•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 20
“Plan in pencil.”- FH ✍🏽📋💎 Story 19/100 features Felisha Hatcher Creating an “Urban Oasis” 5 years ago was the next logical step for Felisha after pouring so much into the dreams of others. Chime in to hear this social entrepreneur’s journey to creating a gathering space that engages activists, community builders, youth, and everyone in between. Felisha had no idea how to make it happen other than the fact that “it had to happen”. Her “why” was the compass; those precious 11:59 moments carrie...
May 03, 2021•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 19
Toni’s transparent moment about speaking on public platforms + this podcast after having 2 mini-strokes. This bonus episode is an excerpt /outtake from my recording featuring Rosemarie. Make sure to check out Rosemarie’s feature episode: Her Life Agency.
May 02, 2021•3 min
Toni and Martin chat briefly about their love for STEAM and ways to collaborate on future initiatives. This is an outtake from our earlier chat. Check out Martin’s featured episode “Composing Positive Transitions”.
May 01, 2021•19 min
Story 18/100 features Munienge (Mony) Mbodila “The attitude that you approach with determines the outcome”. -MM This guiding statement has been a part of Mony’s perspective for almost every aspect of his life — since relocating from the Congo in Central Africa to the Limpopo Province in South Africa in 2002 to pursue a college degree. Now a respected pure computer science researcher and presenter (across multiple countries), PhD candidate (expected 2021), pastor, husband, and father of three — M...
Apr 29, 2021•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 18
Story 17/100 features Andrea Knott Surrounded by consistent acts of love, Andrea’s light force attracted what she needed to flee and heal from an abusive marriage two decades ago; helped her endure a cancer experience; prepared her to acknowledge and receive “her God-sent hubby”. ✨We could use more of “your light” in this world. I hope you are inspired to: 1. Be a light force for someone --just because. 2. Call, text, tag someone in your “Consistent Acts Love” tribe. Connect with Andrea: 🎙Websi...
Apr 26, 2021•1 hr•Ep. 17
Story 16/100: Kendra Dixson shares her personal journey toward living better through faith, self-care, self-discovery, and making lemonade from less than desirable situations. As a psychotherapist, Kendra partners with her clients at Mind Connections, LLC to help them move from trauma caused by hidden secrets, unresolved issues, and shame — toward experiencing a fuller life on their own terms. Tune in as we discuss valuable resources and simple daily habits to help move beyond divorce, rejection...
Apr 17, 2021•45 min•Ep. 16
Story 15/100: Tamara’s commitment to self, family and her community is literally “growing” + “making” - to live better. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 🌱How growing in patio containers has evolved into community gardening on multiple lots of an Eastside Detroit community. 👨🏾🌾Detroit Black Farmers Grant 🕯Ways their handmade natural candles for home transitioned to an expanding business that supplements their children’s college expenses. 🤝Using all of the resources available (education, entreprene...
Apr 15, 2021•28 min•Ep. 15
Story 14/100: No matter the season of life we are in, my colleague Christine Dewey encourages us to stretch our minds and bodies— to be the best we can be; to serve others well. Learning (personal and professional development) is a lifestyle. Math is everywhere. A lifelong learner + educator, Christine emulates active listening; thrives on helping teachers, teacher-prep students, and learners of all ages gather and support each other. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 1. Downshifting to use her gifts dif...
Apr 09, 2021•51 min•Ep. 14
Story 12/100: The world is Rosemarie’s stage, because she developed the audacity to speak, believe the power of words and really live every area of her life — on her own terms. Rosemarie is an award winning poet, spoken word artist, singer, actress, playwright, author of three self-published poetry collections. Highlights: 1. Getting over herself to perform on-demand, just-in-time set a precedence for her career as a performance artist. 2. Making bold affirmations and declarations about your lif...
Aug 29, 2020•1 hr 8 min•Ep. 12
Story 11/100: Composing positive transitions can help sustain relationships and build a thriving business. Martin shared how his “creativity based lifestyle manifests at the intersection of engineering, digital media, animation, music and social media”. You will also hear a few tips on the importance of family inclusivity when navigating social and school-to-career pipelines. Connect with Martin: Founder & Creative Director Phunky Pixel Media www.phunkypixel.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/m...
Aug 23, 2020•46 min•Ep. 11
Story 10/100: It’s a powerful display of love, strength, respect and integrity when men accept responsibility and acknowledge that they are accountable for self, family and community. When men are truly in a GOOD space — we all win! They are alert and focused on depositing GOOD. This conversation with my dear colleague-friend-brother (of 18 years ... aka Dr. Duncan) involves 1. Family heredity that led to seeking and reciprocating empathy 2. Being a #GirlDad, lifelong learner and expanding his L...
Aug 17, 2020•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 10
Story 9/100: As a single Mom of 3 for more than 20 years, who endured bankruptcy and a house fire that took 99.9% of her families’ physical possessions in 2013 — Sylvia shared her strategy for navigating life, and more importantly “governing self” accordingly (aka “Internal Parenting”). You’ll hear about her literary prowess and platform, phrases to live by, formal training in marketing/management, a passion for helping others and some of her favorite tools to remain focused. Connect with Sylvia...
Aug 16, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Ep. 9
Story 8/100: Living a life in purpose and on purpose was evident after Brinda fully submitted to God - shedding insecurities, anger and faking it through external successes. Sound familiar? Brinda shared how free and liberated she is with understanding her unique value, authentic self, and daily opportunities to advise others (including her son who is transitioning into young adulthood) on ways to live their best lives through Purpose8 Institute. 1. How do you know you are really living authenti...
Aug 15, 2020•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 8
Story 7/100: Tasha’s candid conversations with her grandmother during childhood led to paying off $80k in debt before age 30. She continues to leverage those chats and her skills as a CPA to change the mindsets of peers, youth and educators. Stars aligned at just the right time for Tasha to pitch with PineSol + Essence —- and compete for $100k to grow her Financial Garden platform. Connect with Tasha (Facebook, IG and hello@financialgarden.com) about planting seeds in the Financial Garden commun...
Aug 11, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 7
Story 6/100: Instead of cringing at women’s inequality, poverty, corporate/governmental barriers, lack of funding and gentrification — you can do something about it! Be the change you want to see. We talked about Kwaku’s attraction to Detroit’s resurgence, community investment, entrepreneurial woes + wins, corporate + state regulations, and marching toward $1M+ to honor powerful Black women. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 1. “Civic and social engagement —shouldn’t be a luxury.” 2. “What we can’t do al...
Aug 05, 2020•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 6
Story 2/100: You know conversations are really good when they evolve from panel discussions started in corporate America to an even broader influential podcast community. My friend Deneen is a connector and encourager. We chatted about how she is addressing the need to gather, celebrate and amplify women of color. Listen and let’s continue the conversation in our communities. Connect with Deneen: 1. Elevating the voices of women of color. 2. Influencing the corporate culture (internally and exte...
Aug 03, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 2
Story 5/100: A portion of our lives radiate a powerful light of resilience, respect and beauty. Small glimpses, our outreach and how we show up serve as a witness, a model, a guidepost for others. I spoke with my family friend Brenda about her optimistic outlook, multi-generational family of entrepreneurs, faith circles and thriving. Connect with Brenda: 1. Continuing to strive for personal growth and development. 2. Always choosing people over things. 3. Following hard after God. Email: bvorus4...
Aug 03, 2020•58 min•Ep. 5
Story 4/100: Whether we developed self resilience to childhood bullying or had a supportive community to help us along — there may be remnants that spill over into our adult lives. How have you noticed and put these adversarial thoughts in place? We discussed how OCD, autism and constant bullying contributed to his current lifestyle and superpowers. Let’s work to help eliminate these types of experiences. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 1. Realizing you are different and wonderful. 2. Recognizing bulli...
Jul 31, 2020•19 min•Ep. 4
Story 3/100: Communicating and connecting in a meaningful way was challenging before the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s even more important now that we find new ways to pivot toward our desired result (socially and professionally). I enjoyed reconnecting with Lyndon and his UK/London accent. I was transported for a bit (in my mind) to his small town and I learned that he has a history in broadcasting and is considering a return. Check it out to learn more about his “middle phrase-name”. #NotSureOkay Hi...
Jul 31, 2020•43 min•Ep. 3
Story 1/100: I spoke with my friend Pat Williams for our inaugural story —about her infamous tea party, traveling the world solo, business expansion and several other transition points in her life — toward Going Real! Take a listen. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 1. Embracing the best shifts for you in business and life. Our lived experiences matter. Navigating societal expectations and finding love of self. 2. Navigating life more authentically. Nomadic lifestyle. Forgiveness. More Connected + Powerf...
Jul 26, 2020•58 min•Ep. 1
