Today on Phenomenal Grit, Mimi Dixon, Crayola Marketing Executive takes us back to a pivotal moment in her childhood which helped define the leader she is today. She’s an engaging storyteller and visionary. I appropriately titled this episode, “She’s a Baaaad Mama Jama” and you’ll have to tune in to find out why. Enjoy the conversation. About Mimi Dixon: Mimi Dixon is a highly motivated and dynamic thought leader with +20 years of expertise in Integrated, Shopper & Sports marketing for leadi...
Dec 15, 2021•43 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Ayodele Kinchen is a native and current resident of East Palo Alto (EPA). She grew up in a Pan-African home and community circle, attending independent, k-8th grade African-centered schools in EPA and was immersed in Afro-centric cultural academia, leadership development, and rites of passage programs created and coordinated in part by her mother. She is a graduate of Howard University (Washington, DC) where she received her BA in Business Administration-Management (1999) and graduate of START-U...
Dec 07, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 3
How do you overcome adversity and develop an authentic voice while thriving in corporate settings? "There is no such thing as a diversity hire. Sit at the tables that value and respect you!" Tiana and I cover a myriad of topics in this raw and rare conversation. We're talking about self worth, how to recognize true allies and, thriving not just surviving in your career. Enjoy the conversation! Tiana Conley serves as the Vice President of Global Cereal for the Kellogg Company, wher...
Nov 30, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 2
I'm kicking off Season 2 of Phenomenal Grit with Ingrid Otero-Smart, President/CEO, Casanova//McCann, a minority owned multicultural advertising agency. This is an honest conversation about showing up in your career authentically as a working mom, a woman of color and defining your career for yourself at any age. Ingrid encourages women to go for the roles they truly want and to chart their own course. Enjoy the conversation. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ingrid Otero-Smart has over 30 ye...
Nov 23, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Have you ever met someone you instantly know is an absolute star--someone who lights up the room with their energy and joy? This is what it's like to be in the company of this week's Phenomenal Grit guest. I am absolutely in love with this conversation and so excited to feature journalist, storyteller, and entrepreneur--Imani Bashir. This is a conversation full of grit, laughter and lessons. Learn how Imani began and grew her career. If you are looking to be inspired to turn challenges...
May 25, 2021•1 hr 8 min•Season 1Ep. 14
This conversation is about Karla Trotman's journey from corporate America to embracing entrepreneurship and the legacy of her family business. Karla mentions this article in our conversation. It cites that 50% of multi-cultural women were thinking of quitting and leaving corporate careers. Karla leveraged her experience in business, to lead and grow her family business. Her career plans are rooted in giving her family a legacy her grandchildren can one day eat from. Enjoy the conversation. ...
May 18, 2021•50 min•Season 1Ep. 13
In honor of Mother's Day, I'm sharing some of my stories about growing my career while having children. I've saved the rainbows and unicorns for another day. These are the tough parts that people don't often share. Even if you're not a mother, there are lessons in this episode for you. I also disclose some really heavy moments I've been experiencing as a mom of Black boys living in a country where Black boys and men continue to be disproportionality the victims of p...
May 04, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 12
The journey--the climb while you are climbing is just as important to highlight as the end result. In this episode, I have a conversation with Kristine Rodriguez, Director of Global Creative Operations for MAC Cosmetics, an Estee Lauder brand. Kristine shares how the relationships you build are the currency you have and gives us some great tips on making connections at work and navigating stereotypes and labels. Enjoy the conversation. More about Kristine Rodriguez Kristine Rodriguez is currentl...
Apr 27, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What happens when your side hustle becomes your main hustle? When you start pursuing your passion just because you love it, watch out amazing things will happen. Today, I'm talking to Kinya, Claiborne, founder and editor in chief of style and society magazine and chief executive officer of style and society group about building one career and transitioning to another. If you've ever been interested in how a person starts their career as a full-time influencer and content creator, or if...
Apr 20, 2021•41 min•Season 1Ep. 10
How does a person go from battling imposter syndrome to living life authentically with grit and grace? How does a person learn to show up in the room at work with excellence? How does one build a personal brand to be proud of? Alia discusses all of these things and more with Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer for W.R. Grace. There are so many awesome pearls of wisdom shared in this conversation. From her vulnerable early year...
Apr 13, 2021•46 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode of Phenomenal Grit, host, and marketing executive, Alia Kemet shares the intentionality behind the word "for" in Career Conversations for Women of Color. This podcast is for EVERYONE but the "for" represents both a battle cry and a love song for the women who need it most. Alia also shares early career experiences that taught her the value of leaning into and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you at work. Surround yourself with people who see you...
Apr 06, 2021•22 min•Season 1Ep. 8
Phenomenal Grit comes in many packages and this podcast will feature and celebrate them! This episode is dedicated to all women who have been typecast as the "Hidden Gem" or "A Quiet Storm" and features Wendy Joong, Vice President of Insights & Creative Strategy for WE Communications. Wendy and Alia talk about making an impact at work while overcoming stereotypes when you have a quiet presence coupled with an introverted nature. Wendy also shares her personal perspective ...
Mar 30, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 7
This conversation with Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Vice Media Group is all about courage. After Nadja and Alia chat briefly about how much they love veggie burgers because--why not, she shares tons of practical career advice. Get ready! You might be inspired to do something you didn't think you were ready for. Perhaps a big career pivot is in store for you. Nadja shares her global journey across multiple continents and industries, and how she leverages a courageous...
Mar 23, 2021•31 min•Season 1Ep. 6
This powerful conversation with Chloe Arnold, Emmy Nominated Choreographer is a perfect way to celebrate Women's History Month. Chloe, is PHENOMENAL GRIT personified! In this interview, she gives us so many lessons and pearls of wisdom. She is unapologetically honest, vulnerable, and inspiring. She discloses the not so pretty parts of what we go through as women and how her resilient nature kept her intensely focused on her goals, pushing toward her dreams, and how dance drove her spirit to...
Mar 16, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Alia sits down with MJ Soler, advertising producer to discuss how she has excelled in advertising, an industry that has a long way to go when it comes to diverse representation. MJ's determined nature has helped her build the career she always wanted, and the drive to work hard and play hard too. MJ has been in love with the world of production for as long as she can remember. Early on, she worked as an intern for MTV networks and Participant Media in LA & NY. Unsure about whether she w...
Mar 09, 2021•29 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this episode of Phenomenal Grit, host and marketing executive, Alia Kemet, shares early lessons learned which help her crush big goals and achieve success. Her 5 Ways To Increase Winning Moments at Work are inspirational and actionable! For over 20 years, Alia has worked as a marketer in corporate America transforming how brands go to market, connect with consumers, and ultimately grow business results. Alia Kemet is the Vice President, Creative & Digital Marketing for McCormick & Com...
Mar 02, 2021•21 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In honor of Black History Month, Alia and her cousin Arica Harris, Group Leader of Banking and Payment Operations for one of the largest financial services companies in the country reflect on their shared family history as descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and how this legacy has enabled their own Phenomenal Grit. Arica discusses how she found comfort in discomfort early in her career when she was the only or one of a few people of color in "the room". She offers tips on how...
Feb 23, 2021•33 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Alia has a conversation with one of her childhood friends reflecting on the earlier stages of their careers when they leaned on each other for life-changing support. Mujadala (MJ) Abdul-Majid is an accomplished technology attorney who has held leadership roles with Amazon, Ro and recently joined Facebook. Listen in as Alia and MJ discuss navigating a career change, finding innovative ways to lean into challenging opportunities, and asking for fair and equitable compensation. This is a conversati...
Feb 16, 2021•39 min•Season 1Ep. 1
On each episode, Phenomenal Grit host Alia Kemet will interview amazing women of color who will share their wit, grit, and wisdom to help you achieve your career goals. This podcast is the go-to place for inspiring you to tap into your personal magic, navigate challenges and CRUSH IT at work! Launch Date: February 16, 2021. Visit PhenomenalGrit.com to find out more.
Jan 22, 2021•2 min•Season 1Ep. 1
