Baxter's Buzz

We often talk about developing skills like leadership, but rarely do we talk about the importance of an open mind. Curiosity and an open mind allows you to capitalize on wonderful opportunities that may not be recognized by most. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Kamau Inaede, the founder of Warrior Financial Services, is a man of many talents and passions. He is a financial advisor, youth advocate, and family man (to name a few). We met in the summer of 2020 and I become more impressed with him each time we talk. We talk about the principles of Kwanzaa, his involvement with Threads for Success, and the legacy that he wants to leave. Oh yeah, he's a full-fledged musician too! #BaxtersBuzz

James Edwards III is a writer for The Athletic, covering the Detroit Pistons. On the brink of the first #1 pick in 50 years for the our hometown team, James takes some time to talk about his path into journalism, personality assessments, hip hop, and some NBA draft hypotheticals and potential future lineups. Enjoy! #BaxtersBuzz 

Leaders need to make sure they are providing real feedback to their team. It doesn't always have to be positive, but it does have to be genuine. Many times employees just want to know that you're in tune and invested. #BaxtersBuzz 

When we admit to our shortcomings, we empower ourselves and others to take those lessons and apply them in our next journey. Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine LLC, feels these so-called losses are actually wonderful lessons when we can zoom out and look at the experience that it provided. Perceived disadvantages can be competitive advantages when viewed properly. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Discipline is what allows us to transform our talents into skills. I do NOT believe that everyone is doing their best. Many of us (including me) are just skating by at times. Sharonda Simmons, founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC., and I talk about honing your skills, paying attention to your areas for improvement, and assembling a team that will bring out the best in you. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Admission: Nobody has detracted, distracted, or discouraged me more than...ME I talk about a recent trip to the doctor and wonder if grit can be taught. How do we know when we should work through the pain versus changing course? #BaxtersBuzz

Continuing our conversation about fear and the weird ways it teams with our ego, I am joined by Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC. Sharonda says we have to go low before we can go higher and the process doesn't have to produce perfection. #BaxtersBuzz #MindfulnessMondays

Jennifer Sutherland, Senior Director of Training and Development at KellyConnect, talks about her approach to leadership, mentorship, and how to handle high achievers (it's not just attempting to fit a round peg in a square hole and calling it a "promotion").  We talk about women in leadership about how there needs to be an intentional effort to ensure that diversity reaches all levels of an organization. We joke, laugh, and provide some great concepts and ideas to sink your teeth into. #BaxtersBuzz

Don't pause, waiting for perfection. That's not how it works! Sharonda Simmons, the founder of Thrive and Shine, LLC., talks about her own journey as a business owner and having to get over fears. Living life is about having a bigger goal in mind and not worrying about looking "silly" in your pursuit. We also talk about the ego and how it plays into our fears. #BaxtersBuzz