Black women have been excellent in business for years but only recently have industries begun the slow shift to welcoming us as we climb the ranks. Bonita Stewart, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Google is one woman who has - as she calls it - “a mindset of not being othered.” Instead, she says, “I don’t mind being the pioneer but I won’t be the only one.” Her path to success in the tech world is marked by determination and close examples like her father. On this episode of UnBossed Bon...
Sep 24, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 26
We love when we get to dig into the stories of Black women who’ve demanded fair pay since...childhood and built thriving businesses serving their community from scratch. That’s right, childhood. Today’s guest, Sherrell Dorsey ( @sherrell_dorsey ), the founder of The Plug Daily - started getting paid from a little girl, and hasn’t accepted anything less than her full worth since. But that doesn't mean that it's Easy Street. There are real sacrifices and stretched checks that go along with entrepr...
Sep 16, 2020•48 min•Season 2Ep. 25
No matter what our career goals may be, we all strive for one thing - success! On today’s special episode of UnBossed, Monika Johnson - the Associate Vice President of Nationwide Financial, and Patrice Washington - Personal Finance Expert, each share how they’ve created their own blueprint. We tackled topics like discovering your true passion(s), when to make a career transition and the importance of discovering opportunities within obstacles. This episode of UnBossed is sponsored by Nationwide....
Sep 09, 2020•37 min•Season 2Ep. 24
Whether you bus tables at a local restaurant or sit amongst the most influential policymakers in the nation, who you are matters. The work that you do matters. An incredible reminder of this truth is Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley ( @ayannapressley ) whose impressive political rise, commitment to radical Black joy, and creating systemic solutions to systemic issues have reinvigorated hope for so many. Keep listening to grab each and every gem she brought with her to UnBossed. Let us...
Sep 02, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 23
Working harder and “leaning in” is simply not enough for US to earn the paychecks we deserve. This week, UnBossed is graced by the presence of Minda Harts ( @mindaharts ), author of the best-selling book, “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table”. The career revolutionary has experienced it all: from microaggressions to imposter syndrome - and she wants every Black woman to know that not only are we in demand, but we don’t have to take what we’re given. Let us kn...
Aug 20, 2020•30 min•Season 2Ep. 22
August 13, 2020 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. We’ve armed ourselves with the education, experience, and energy to break glass ceilings and now it’s time our paychecks and growth track in our careers reflect as much—no excuses, no delays, no holds barred. On this episode, we're bringing you a full Black Women's Equal Pay Day compilation episode featuring Minda Harts, Juliette Jones, Lauren Simmons, Sherrell Dorsey, Arian Simone, Arlan Hamilton, and Dia Simms. Get your notebook and get inspired!...
Aug 13, 2020•36 min•Season 2Ep. 21
“Lift as you climb” are to live and work by. For Black women in the workplace, having mentors to reach out to is crucial. It is indeed a key ingredient for personal success. This week’s guests Vicki Chancellor,President of McDonald’s Operator’s National Advertising Fund; Elizabeth Campbell, McDonald’s Senior Director of Marketing and Cultural Engagement; Mary Blackford, founder of Market 7 and Pine-Sol Legacy Winner; Cassandra Lewis Brand Manager of PineSol and Shaunte Mears-Watkins VP of Market...
Jul 30, 2020•58 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Those who excel in life rarely do so by playing it safe. The same can be said for Noëlle Santos ( @1st.noelle ), the 33-year-old proprietress of the only bookstore in The Bronx, a community of over 1 million people. On this episode, Noëlle breaks down how she brought a bookstore home to her community in a time when many (mistakenly) thought indie bookstores weren’t thriving - and how she did it all without giving up even a little bit of her own interests, style, or convictions. (Bonus: There may...
Jul 16, 2020•50 min•Season 2Ep. 19
Very rarely do most consider that advocacy work can be a full 9 to 5 career choice. Janaye Ingram , Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships knows better than anyone that her commitment to community and advocacy work is more than simply serving a weekend a month. From serving as an Americorps VISTA, to working with the National Action Network under Reverend Al Sharpton, to her time as Miss New Jersey - speaking and driving important initiatives across the state and country, Ingram has built a ...
Jul 09, 2020•45 min•Season 2Ep. 18
The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered many a business since it influenced a nationwide shutdown in March 2019. It’s struck fear in the heart’s of small business owners whether they’re brand new or have been open for a long time. Melba’s Restaurant ( @melbasharlem ) in Harlem has found its way through the pandemic, not unscathed but not closed for good either. How did its founder and namesake, Melba Wilson navigate the unsure waters of a pandemic? What keys can be learned for what’s to come? Check ...
Jul 02, 2020•35 min•Season 2Ep. 17
Are investments the best or easiest way to start a business? It's debatable. What's certain is that with the right preparation, planning, and love from your community you can build a thriving business. Just ask Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon ( @drkeyhallmon ), founder of thriving The Village Market ( @thevillagemarketatl ) in Atlanta, Georgia. On today’s episode Dr. Key breaks down how she decided to do something about the lack of Black businesses being showcased in Atlanta...without a single dollar of in...
Jun 17, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 16
A business isn’t successful if it isn’t profitable and too often women fear how they will be perceived if they ask for what their time and efforts are worth. But as this week’s guest, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche ( @thebudgetnista ) says, “the more you make, the more you can do.” And trust, she knows of what she speaks, having experienced financial setbacks and teaching others how to overcome them as she did. Now, she helms a series of businesses that serve women who want to become financial...
Jun 11, 2020•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 15
The greats aren’t the greats because they played it safe. They mastered their craft and became known for their mastery, much like this week’s guest, Jermaine Dupri ( @jermainedupri ). In this episode, the hitmaker producer gives real life anecdotes and advice on how to gain the respect you deserve in your field - including a DOPE come-to-Jesus moment with the legendary soul singer, Aretha Franklin. Get into it and I hope you’ve got a notebook ready! Use #UnBossedPodcast to let us know what you t...
Jun 03, 2020•55 min•Season 2Ep. 14
For ages, we’ve accepted that to start from the bottom means to accept well beneath the pay you are worth.This week’s guest, Lauren Simmons ( @lasimmons ), is making it her mission to shed some light on financial best practices for young women. And she’s doing it with a wealth of experience and she’s not even 30 yet. At 25 she was the only Black woman and youngest trader on the New York Stock Exchange Floor - history-maker. And as you’ll hear, making history wasn’t necessarily her goal. Her care...
May 21, 2020•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
We’re inundated with information about taking care of our personal finances but what can financial health look like for couples? Should couples use joint accounts? Should they keep their money separate? Who pays the bills? How much should a couple invest in their business? Today’s guests Codie Oliver and Tommie Oliver have made a name for themselves by creating Black Love - the acclaimed docu-series shining a spotlight on the nuances of love and relationships. They give a 360-degree look into th...
May 06, 2020•51 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Building a career worthy of respect takes equal parts knowing your value and forging relationships with the right people. So, how do you know you’re making the right decisions and connecting with the right people? How do you make sure you’re valuing yourself at all times? Today’s guest has stories in spades about just that. Juliette Jones ( @msjuliettejones ) is the Executive Vice President of Urban Promotions at Atlantic Records and she got there by knowing exactly who she is and what she wants...
May 05, 2020•1 hr 10 min•Season 2Ep. 10
It’s safe to say that most of the cannabis spaces that have opened up since its legalization are lacking two things: Melanin and patience. Conferences, VC funders, promoted businesses are all unequivocally white while Black cannabis entrepreneurs have been pushed aside. There are also a lot of people who think they’ll strike gold from the jump when they come into the cannabis business. WRONG. Enter tech, advertising, and business savant, Mary Pryor and CANNACLUSIVE - the cannabis imagery and edu...
Apr 20, 2020•57 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Working with your friends can either be the worst thing you’ve ever done or the best decision you’ve ever made. Fortunately, for actress and dynamic entrepreneur Keisha Knight Pulliam ( @keshiaknightpulliam ) and businesswoman extraordinaire, Arian Simone ( @ariansimone ), they walk the line of business partners and best friends seamlessly. With a friendship that spans over 20 years and about the same amount of time put into their own ventures, Arian and Keisha wanted to help women of color-led ...
Apr 17, 2020•26 min•Season 2Ep. 8
What do you do when you experience a setback that you never saw coming? Today’s guest, Pinky Cole, knows all too well what it means to start over and literally rise from the ashes. She started with a small Jamaican American fusion restaurant in Harlem - has firsthand insight on what it can look like to rebuild an entire vision from the ground up after losing her first restaurant. Now she’s the owner and operator of one of the most famous food trucks and restaurants in Atlanta - Slutty Vegan. Her...
Apr 08, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 7
For years in entertainment, Blackness was an afterthought and actors had to make do with stylists who were ill-equipped to style, let alone maintain the health of their hair. Enter 3rd-generation hairstylist and all-around badass businesswoman, Kim Kimble ( @kimkimblehaircare ). She’s the epitome of an entrepreneur who saw a need and became the answer. We chatted at the Essence & New Voices Entrepreneurship Summit in Atlanta, and it was such an insightful conversation. Her years of experienc...
Mar 26, 2020•17 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Dia Simms is the former President of Combs Wine and Spirits, where she oversaw the execution of all Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka, DeLeón [DE LAY-ON] Tequila and spirits innovation projects for the company. Under Dia’s leadership - the company experienced over 1000% growth, going from obscurity to one of the most globally recognized vodka brands. She’s now a trailblazer in the cannabis industry as the CEO of BRN Group - catapulting new cannabis brands into market. How did she spin a career from the ...
Mar 11, 2020•39 min•Season 2Ep. 5
Impacting culture has to extend beyond the immediate. No one has done this better than Percy Miller aka Master P who is the founder of No Limit Records and P. Miller Enterprises. He’s an entrepreneur, a former basketball player, and rapper and we can all learn a little something from this well-rounded businessman. This episode is from a conversation at the 2019 Entrepreneur Summit in Atlanta, where he and and his friend and business partner, Mr. James Lindsay shared details about creating the po...
Feb 26, 2020•32 min•Season 2Ep. 4
If you've ever wondered how exactly to respond to naysayers when your star is on the rise, this episode is for you. The legend, Mona Scott Young has been in the entertainment game a LONG time and has seen and accomplished A LOT due to a diverse upbringing, a whole lot of grit, and a zest for living life to the fullest. She famously cofounded Violator Records with business partner Chris Lighty (rest in peace), and became instrumental to the lives and careers of hip hop heavyweights like Missy Ell...
Feb 20, 2020•31 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In the Digital Age, there is very little we can’t find, learn, or create with just the click of a button. Yet, very many of us still suffer from the fear that our dreams are limited to what the opportunities that the gatekeepers give us. If you’re one of those people then this episode of Unbossed is definitely for you. Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Numa Perrier used every resource available to her, not waiting for Hollywood to ‘give’ her a chance. She made her own as the creator of Black ...
Feb 12, 2020•53 min•Season 2Ep. 2
Is fear causing you to avoid all things budgets, balance sheets, and bookkeeping for your business? Do you think the numbers might somehow prove you’re not meant to run a business? If that sounds familiar then you definitely need to hear Trinity Mouzon Wofford’s ( @trinitymouzon ) story. She’s not even 30 yet and she’s a testament to the fact that you’re never too young to run a successful business doing what you love. Trinity is co-founder of Golde - the health and beauty company that uses supe...
Jan 29, 2020•42 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Black women are a force to be reckoned with in business and some of the highest drivers of commerce. So, when you get us together in one room to discuss our entrepreneurial journeys - the outcome is nothing short of powerful. We’re excited to close out the decade with this dynamic conversation from Essence Fest 2019’s E Suite. Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole ( @pinky907 ); NaturAll Club founder Muhga Eltigani ( itsmuhga ); and The Lip Bar founder, Melissa Butler ( @melissarbutler ) graced this p...
Dec 27, 2019•26 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Becoming the best in the business begins by working for and with the best in the business. Diligence and patience can often be overlooked in a world that seems to value microwaveable careers. Camille Yorrick’s trajectory is a case study on why the exact opposite is necessary for any true leader. Her career spans a couple of decades and more than a few big wins within the music industry - from working with artists like Mariah Carey in her early days to Beyonce and Childish Gambino more recently. ...
Nov 25, 2019•37 min•Season 1Ep. 17
We all know that building a business is no easy feat. We have so many i’s to dot, t’s to cross and obstacles to hurdle. Understanding the value of the team and learning to delegate to those we trust are paramount to business success and our own mental health and wellness. No one knows this better than Backstage Capital founder, Arlan Hamilton ( @arlanwashere ) who has met and exceeded her business goals many times over. Two things she very clear on? Acknowledging and utilizing her support system...
Nov 08, 2019•1 hr 20 min•Season 1Ep. 16
It’s no surprise that Black women are successfully climbing up the professional ladder, however finding the ideal support continues to be a challenge. In this episode, host Marquita Harris (@mar_har_) sits down with Vinita J. Clements, Senior VP of Human Resources for Nationwide, and Michele Thornton Ghee, EVP of Business Development for Endeavor Global Marketing to get candid conversation and straight answers about what Black women can do to close the wage gap, and the importance of taking calc...
Nov 04, 2019•31 min•Season 1Ep. 15
C-suite success comes with hard work, perseverance...and long-game vision. One thing that keeps many of us from becoming fruitful moguls or mavens is the inability to look ahead and learn crucial business elements EARLY in the game. This week’s guest, Monique Mosley ( @Monique_Mosley_ ), CEO and Founder of Reign Ventures has had no problem with seeing and setting up the future. During her long career she’s kept a boss mindset by learning all the crucial elements to business success EARLY. Her ca...
Oct 23, 2019•30 min•Season 1Ep. 14
