This week on Operations Unfiltered , we’re doing a “lessons learned” review, project management style. In What’s Going Well , we celebrate Taylor Swift’s New Heights move into podcasting, Beyoncé’s Emmy win and brand mastery, and Chris Brown’s Breezy Bowl, a masterclass in long-term elite craftsmanship. In Areas for Improvement , we break down American Eagle’s “good genes” moment with Sydney Sweeney and how brand language can make or break a campaign, plus Southwest Airlines’ shift from standout...
Aug 13, 2025•7 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, I’m joined by Krista Grubb Tracy , Client Relationship Manager at the Dr. Nancy Grasmick Leadership Institute at Towson University. Krista’s work centers on helping organizations reshape their workplace culture and leadership pipelines through transformative, accessible programs. We talk about: The magic that happens when women support women in professional spaces The quiet strength required to lead from behind the scenes And more! Krista brings compassion, clarity, and reminds ...
Jul 29, 2025•41 min•Ep. 27
Welcome to the first episode of Moms Unfiltered , where we spotlight the women managing motherhood, leadership, and life with intention. In this kickoff conversation, I’m joined by Kanika Watson —leadership coach, strategist, and my former manager turned mentor. We met at Johns Hopkins Carey Business School, and today we’re talking about the real behind-the-scenes of building a life and business led by faith. We dive into: How a government layoff became divine redirection What “soft CEO life” re...
Jul 23, 2025•32 min•Ep. 26
In this week’s episode of Baltimore County Unfiltered , Zuryna’s got the scoop on what’s poppin’ around the County! 🍽️ Baltimore County Restaurant Week wraps this weekend—so grab those crab tots while you can (she’s team Lib’s Grill, btw). 📚 The library is doing the most —from free kids’ vision exams to cooking demos. It’s giving community hub energy. 🎤 Zuryna’s also hosting The Business of Influence & Content Creation at Perry Hall Library on July 24—perfect for creators & small biz ...
Jul 18, 2025•4 min
In this special segment of Baltimore County Unfiltered , Zuryna breaks down a major policy change that could hit your pockets—especially if you run a service-based business in Maryland. Starting July 1, 2025, the state will begin taxing certain digital services at 3%, including web design, cloud storage, SEO, and more. Who’s impacted? What services are taxable? What should you do to stay compliant? Lady Z did the research so you don’t have to—and she’s giving you clear, action-oriented steps to ...
Jul 02, 2025•5 min
This week's episode is equal parts juice, joy, and just keep going. This week on Operations Unfiltered , I’m chopping it up with Kelly, the founder of Mova Nature, a Black woman-owned holistic juice brand born right here in Baltimore City. We get into how she built this business from scratch during the pandemic, turned pain into purpose, and why she's not just making juice—she's building a whole movement centered on wellness, community, and healing. We also talk about the real side of entreprene...
Jul 01, 2025•47 min•Ep. 25
In this special Operations Unfiltered segment, Zuryna breaks down two big updates for Baltimore County: 🍽 Free Summer Meals are available for youth 18 and under at select libraries from June 23–August 15. Meals must be eaten on-site and are first come, first served. 🗺 Redistricting Update: Baltimore County may move from 7 to 9 council districts. Councilman David Marks shares his concerns, and Zuryna explains what it means—and how to get involved. 📬 Got a tip or concern? Email info@livemoreage...
Jun 25, 2025•5 min
This week, I’m joined by Adriana, the powerhouse behind Black Girls Love Football , a movement that started as a passion project and grew into a vibrant online space that celebrates sisterhood, sports culture, and showing up boldly in male-dominated arenas. In this heartfelt and unfiltered conversation, Adriana shares her journey from falling in love with football to building a brand rooted in joy, visibility, and authenticity. We talk mom life, managing imposter syndrome, staying organized, and...
Jun 17, 2025•39 min•Ep. 24
In this quick solo episode, I’m sharing a full-circle career moment — I’ve officially joined the Executive Advisory Board for the PATIENTS Program at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. If you’ve followed my A Seat at the Table journey, you know how much this means to me. It’s a milestone rooted in purpose, passion, and a deep commitment to community and equity. Learn more about the PATIENTS Program here . Follow my journey on social @LadyZSays and @OperationsUnfiltered...
Jun 11, 2025•3 min
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , your favorite marketing project manager girly, Zuryna, chats with Tyra Sellers — the visionary founder of Ty’s Garden , a holistic wellness brand rooted in intention, luxury, and community. Based in the DMV, Tyra opens up about her journey from concept to community cornerstone, blending skincare rituals, wellness teas, trauma-informed yoga, and dry vegan brunches into a movement that prioritizes healing and connection. You’ll hear how Tyra is expanding ...
May 28, 2025•41 min•Ep. 23
What happens when a finance brain meets a creative heart? You get Nick Valenti , co-founder and CEO of MĀDIN , a bicoastal creative agency that’s redefining strategy, storytelling, and influence. In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , Nick joins me to talk about his journey from private equity to brand campaigns, the origin of the MĀDIN name (hint: it’s not a typo), and how his agency blends intentionality with creativity to serve numerous brands across the globe. If you’re a founder, creati...
May 14, 2025•42 min•Ep. 22
The Today Show tried it with a TV mom bracket (Claire Huxtable vs. Carol Brady? Be serious), but it sparked something deeper—moms have always been the blueprint for marketing. No PR team. No big budget. Just strategy, vibes, and unmatched relatability. In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we take a walk down memory lane and a scroll through today’s feed to explore how mom creators like @jalisaevaughn, @carmenreneeblog, and @jaylabrenae are carrying that legacy forward—turning everyday chao...
May 07, 2025•5 min•Ep. 21
This week we are talking all about the dollars behind the dupe deals. In this episode, we’re diving into the ripple effect of increased tariffs on Chinese imports and what that really means for content creators, small business owners, and marketing teams alike. With recent announcement from Shein and Temu about upcoming price hikes, pending shifts in packaging costs and vendor timelines, this conversation is less about panic—and more about preparation . We’ll talk project management moves, marke...
May 02, 2025•10 min•Ep. 20
Let’s talk about the logistics behind the legacy. In this episode, we’re diving into the behind-the-scenes of one of Baltimore’s most iconic events— The Fells Point Fun Festival . Now in its 59th year, this historic neighborhood celebration draws thousands each fall with live music, local vendors, and waterfront vibes—but what does it really take to pull it off? From coordinating 300+ vendors to going completely self-funded (yes, zero coins from the city), we chat with volunteer festival chair a...
Apr 23, 2025•31 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, we’re showing love to the woman who’s quietly making major moves in the world of sports—Nicole Lynn. If her name doesn’t ring a bell yet, don’t worry... it will. Nicole isn’t just in the room, she’s running it. As the first Black woman to represent a top NFL draft pick and the current President of Football Operations at Klutch Sports (yes, the same Klutch that reps LeBron, Jalen Hurts, and Miles Garrett), her resume speaks loudly . I did my research, and let’s just say—I’m a fan...
Apr 15, 2025•5 min•Ep. 18
Let’s talk about the money behind the highlights. In this episode, we're getting into the world of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals and how student-athletes are turning their influence into income. From beauty brand sponsorships to social media game plans, we’re unpacking what it means to market yourself while still running drills and midterms. This isn’t just about sports—it’s about strategy, storytelling, and securing the bag before you even go pro. Connect with Zuryna Zuryna is a marketi...
Apr 10, 2025•7 min•Ep. 17
In this special episode of Operations Unfiltered, we're back with Simone Phillips, aka Charm City Table, a prominent influencer in Baltimore and the DMV. We discuss upcoming plans for Charm City Table, she shares some candid social media experiences with business owners, and offers invaluable advice on thriving as a content creator or collaborating with influencers as a business owner. Tune in for practical tips and engaging stories! Connect with Zuryna Zuryna is a marketing project manager with...
Apr 02, 2025•37 min•Ep. 16
90s fashion is officially back, and it’s not just about the clothes—it’s about the culture shift bringing malls back to life. On this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we're breaking down the resurgence of brands like Levi’s, GAP, and Old Navy while questioning how Forever 21 fell off so hard. Is this all thanks to influencer marketing? Are shopping malls really making a comeback? And what can brands learn from this revival? Tune in as we analyze the marketing project management behind the nost...
Mar 24, 2025•5 min•Ep. 15
Ever wondered how social media plays a role in local government? In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , Zuryna sits down with Baltimore County Councilman David Marks to break down the intersection of digital engagement and civic service. From improving community spaces to tackling food deserts and traffic safety, Councilman Marks shares how he’s using creative solutions to keep District 5 thriving. Plus, we get the inside scoop on upcoming projects—including a new library and potential groce...
Mar 17, 2025•18 min•Ep. 14
This week, I’m diving into my second week of the Board Member Pipeline Leadership Program with Associated Black Charities, and let me tell you—this is not just a seat at the table, it’s a masterclass in what it actually means to serve on a board. From breaking down the roles of board members (yes, everyone and their mama has a job to do) to case studies that had my inner professional student thriving , this session was packed. Oh, and did you know board members can get sued? Yeah… neither did I....
Mar 12, 2025•4 min•Ep. 13
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we’re tackling crisis management in the digital age —where one viral moment can make or break a brand. From Diddy’s lawsuits to Jay-Z’s legal battle with Buzbee , we break down how high-profile figures handle public scrutiny and what businesses can learn from their strategies (or mistakes). Then, in Behind the Briefcase , I share a real-world challenge I’m facing: securing media placements for a multi-city tour. From organizing tasks in Google Sheets to...
Mar 10, 2025•10 min•Ep. 12
Welcome to another episode of Operations Unfiltered ! Today, I’m bringing you inside my personal journey as I embark on the six-week Board Member Pipeline Leadership Program with Associated Black Charities in Baltimore. It’s been years in the making, and I’m taking you along for the ride! In this episode, I’ll dive into my vision board dream of serving on nonprofit boards, the inspiration behind this new chapter, and the important work of Associated Black Charities. Join me as I reflect on week ...
Mar 05, 2025•8 min•Ep. 11
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we delve into significant cultural moments from the past week. Topics include the rise in immigration arrests under the new administration and its impact on the cultural landscape, major roster changes in the Las Vegas Aces WNBA team, and the backlash against Target's rollback of diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Join us as we explore how these developments affect the influencer and talent management world, and discuss the importance of stand...
Jan 27, 2025•8 min•Ep. 10
In this episode, we’re unpacking: 🔥 The LA Wildfires: Reflecting on the devastation, the importance of empathy, and ways content creators can navigate posting during sensitive times. 📱 The Looming TikTok Ban: What does the potential ban mean for creators? We're talking practical advice for diversifying your platforms, building an email list, and staying connected with your audience. 💌 The Newsletter Advantage: A deep dive into how newsletters can become a creator's secret weapon....
Jan 10, 2025•11 min•Ep. 9
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we’re joined by Teauna Frazier, founder of *Be More Girly*, a thriving Baltimore-based community for women in the DMV area. Hosted by Zuryna, this conversation dives deep into the behind-the-scenes of building a brand that’s grown to over 16,000 followers in less than a year, all while Teauna juggles multiple roles. We explore Teauna's inspiring journey, from her Norfolk roots to creating an inclusive space for women in Baltimore—a mission fueled by her...
Oct 29, 2024•25 min•Ep. 8
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered , we dive into the fascinating journey of BET, from its cultural dominance to its quiet decline, and explore how project management could be the key to reviving its magic. Join your host, Zuryna as she breaks down the iconic moments that made BET a staple of Black entertainment and the strategic missteps that have led to its current struggles. We examine the missed marketing opportunities, the lack of promotion for major events like the BET Hip Hop Awards...
Oct 23, 2024•8 min•Ep. 7
In this episode of Operations Unfiltered, we are talking about the intricate marketing strategies behind the latest wellness craze. With GLP-1 receptor agonists making waves in the health and weight-loss industry, we break down how Kourtney Kardashian Barker’s Lemme GLP-1 daily supplements are shaking up the space. We dive into the pros and cons of promoting over-the-counter supplements versus FDA-approved treatments. You’ll hear insights on leveraging celebrity endorsements, navigating regulato...
Sep 19, 2024•6 min•Ep. 6
Welcome to Operations Unfiltered, the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of influencer and talent management. In this episode, host Zuryna speaks with award-winning content creator and influencer Simone Phillips, also known as Charm City Table . They discuss Simone's journey into content creation, her influence on the Baltimore food scene, her team, and the challenges and achievements along the way. Simone shares valuable insights into her content creation process, the tools she uses, and ...
Aug 23, 2024•36 min•Ep. 5
This week, host Zuryna welcomes Jannay McIver, owner of the Asili Haircare Center. Jannay specializes in educating her clients on the crucial connection between health, nutrition, and hair care. Her salon, Asili Haircare Center, has become an epicenter for black women's hair restoration, offering holistic services provided by her skilled and dedicated team. Join us as we dive into the world of natural hair care and explore the operations behind Jannay's successful business. Episode Highlights: 0...
Aug 06, 2024•26 min•Ep. 4
This week, host Zuryna reunites with fellow Stevenson University alum Dwight to discuss tech fatigue, the state of AI, and advice for small business owners. They reminisce about college days and share insights for new freshmen. Dwight also looks into his role at Litera and his side hustle, TechFluent Creative. Tune in for an engaging discussion filled with tech tips and fond memories. 00:00 Introduction to Operations Unfiltered 00:41 Meet Dwight: Tech Consultant and Stevenson Alum 01:18 College ...
Jul 23, 2024•19 min•Ep. 3
