Reflecting on the Journey: Host James Frison's Corporate America Experience and Launch of Black Corporate Life

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison steps into the guest seat to reflect on his extensive journey through corporate America and discuss the motivation behind launching the podcast. James delves into his background, including his mechanical engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University and his career journey across companies like General Electric, Procter & Gamble, PepsiCo and Walt Disney World. He shares the challenges black professionals face in corporate settings and outlines the key reasons for starting the podcast, offering insights into navigating these difficulties. James also gives a sneak peek into upcoming topics for season two, such as negotiating salaries, performance evaluations, and financial literacy, and extends an invitation to join the Black Corporate Life Alliance. 

00:00 Introduction to the Black Corporate Life Podcast
01:02 James Frison's Professional Journey
02:22 The Birth of Black Corporate Life
03:19 Challenges Faced by Black Professionals
04:46 Creating the Podcast: From Concept to Reality
07:06 Lessons Learned from Season One
08:37 Looking Ahead to Season Two
11:22 Invitation to Join the Black Corporate Life Alliance
12:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life Podcast, host James Frison is joined by Lynne Stokes, founder of Stokes Unlimited, to discuss how to transition from dabbling to actively pursuing your dreams. Lynne shares her career journey, the importance of intention, and the common obstacles that hold people back, such as time, money, and insecurity. She introduces the concept of the four D's: Dream, Dabble, Decide, and Do, and provides actionable advice on breaking through mental barriers and taking concrete steps toward achieving a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

00:00 Welcome to the Black Corporate Life Podcast

00:39 Introducing Lynne Stokes: Founder of Stokes Unlimited

01:47 Lynne Stokes' Career Journey

07:41 The Four D's: Dream, Dabble, Decide, Do

08:42 From Dabbling to Doing: Overcoming Common Barriers

19:23 Client Success Stories and Personal Insights

23:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

26:00 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Fryson discusses the challenges and triumphs of balancing a corporate job while pursuing entrepreneurial dreams with guest Asbury Lockett, President of American Asset Location Services, Inc. and author of 'The Small Business Startup Revolution.' Asbury shares his career journey, from growing up in South Central LA and earning advanced degrees from Stanford and UC Berkeley, to his diverse experiences in manufacturing, consulting, and advising small businesses. He emphasizes the importance of persistence, understanding personal worth, promoting oneself, and living below one's means. Asbury also introduces his book and offers insights on leveraging technology and AI for small business success.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Asbury Lockett: Entrepreneur and Author

01:00 Asbury's Early Career and Education

07:03 Navigating Career Challenges and Transitions

13:05 The Journey to Entrepreneurship and Coaching

15:54 Law School and Realizations

18:40 Returning to California and New Ventures

20:03 Inspiration from Early Entrepreneurship

20:21 First Business Ventures

23:06 College Entrepreneurial Experience

24:13 Corporate Life and Entrepreneurial Aspirations

26:34 Transitioning to Entrepreneurship

29:17 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

35:05 Current Business Focus

37:38 Reflections on Role Models and Personal Journey

40:48 Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

Summary

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison welcomes David Edgerton Jr., founder of the DEJ Group, an executive search firm dedicated to connecting diverse talent with inclusive companies. David shares his extensive career journey from engineering and IT roles to becoming a leader in diversity, equity, and inclusion. He discusses the importance of networking and entrepreneurship, the role of AI in job searching, and how to transition between various domains within the corporate world. David also provides valuable insights into the executive recruiting process and underscores the significance of maintaining side hustles for personal and professional growth. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the necessity of mindset, skillset, and toolset for career success, offering practical advice for professionals at all stages of their career.

Takeaways

Networking is about being a resource to others and offering value before expecting anything in return.
Executive recruiting involves retained searches, where a firm is exclusively hired to handle a search, and contingent searches, where multiple firms compete to bring a candidate.
David's career journey showcases the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities.
Transitioning from the corporate world to entrepreneurship requires resilience and leveraging one's network. Executive recruiters look for candidates with leadership experience and functional backgrounds relevant to the role.
Mindset, skillset, and toolset are important for career development.
Artificial intelligence can be used for content creation and research in job searches.
Networking is crucial for getting past resume bots and standing out in the job market.
Having side hustles can develop valuable skills and make a candidate more interesting.
Treating oneself as a personal business can lead to personal and professional growth.

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode, host James Frison interviews Katrina McGee, a career break and sabbatical coach, about the benefits and challenges of taking a career break. Katrina shares her own experience of taking a 20-month break and how it transformed her life. She defines a career break as a period of intentional unemployment and emphasizes the importance of being proactive in planning and saving for a break. Katrina addresses common concerns such as being the primary source of income or having caregiving responsibilities, offering practical solutions and emphasizing the accessibility of breaks for everyone. She also discusses the reentry into the workforce after a break and how to frame it as an asset. Katrina shares insights from her book, Taking a Career Break for Dummies, and encourages listeners to prioritize self-care and create a vision that works for them.

Takeaways

A career break is a period of intentional unemployment that can lead to personal growth and transformation.
Taking a break requires proactive planning and saving, but it is accessible to everyone with the right mindset and resourcefulness.
Reentering the workforce after a break can be framed as an asset, highlighting the personal growth and self-care achieved during the break.
Self-reflection, self-compassion, and asking for help are essential during a break and when navigating unexpected life events.
Taking a break is not selfish; it is an opportunity to prioritize self-care and create a more fulfilling life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:21 Katrina's Career Story and the Need for a Break
09:14 Defining a Career Break and Overcoming Obstacles
16:19 Managing Responsibilities and Asking for Help
25:33 Reentering the Workforce After a Break
30:49 Writing 'Taking a Career Break for Dummies'
35:13 Addressing Privilege and Selfishness in Taking a Break
38:53 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

• Align your career with your values and personal satisfaction.
• Understand yourself and be open to unconventional paths.
• Seek mentorship and sponsorship to navigate your career.
• Travel can broaden perspectives and provide valuable experiences.
• Be courageous in pursuing your goals and don't compare yourself to others.

00:00 Welcome to the Black Corporate Life Podcast
00:38 Introducing Michelle Coley: DEI Strategist and Executive Coach
02:08 Michelle's Career Journey: From Banking to Marketing
13:45 Navigating Corporate America: Lessons and Reflections
28:32 The Importance of Mentors and Sponsors
31:03 Michelle's Passion for Travel
36:10 Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

Join host James Frison on the Black Corporate Life podcast as he converses with Shawn Huggins, an experienced project management professional with nearly 20 years of experience. Shawn shares his career journey, starting from humble beginnings at NCR to navigating through various challenges in retail and technical services industries. He emphasizes the importance of staying ready and how his philosophy of 'VAN' (Value, Achieve, Network) has helped him excel. Additionally, Shawn delves into overcoming a severe stuttering challenge and offers invaluable advice to his younger self and other aspiring professionals. This episode champions authenticity, preparation, and the importance of lifting others as you climb up the corporate ladder.

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life Podcast, host James Frison discusses effective leadership with guest Elton Evans, a finance executive with over 28 years of experience in leading global Fortune 500 and private equity sponsored organizations. Elton shares his career journey, starting from his early days at General Electric and Pepsi, to his current role at US LBM, a Bain Capital and Platinum Equity backed company.  Elton shares his insights on leadership styles, the role of mentors and sponsors, and offers advice for black professionals aspiring to reach the C-suite. This episode provides valuable lessons on navigating corporate America and achieving true purpose and happiness in one's career.

Takeaways

- Authenticity and transparency are essential in corporate leadership.
- Continuous learning and being intellectually curious are key to personal and professional growth.
- Building strong relationships and seeking feedback are critical for career success.
- Mentorship and sponsorship play a significant role in career development and navigating corporate challenges.

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode, Tina Taylor, former Chief Quality and Chief Information Officer for GE Lighting, shares her career journey and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of reading the room, understanding your why, and trusting your instincts. Tina also discusses the challenges and pressures faced by black professionals in corporate America and the need for self-care and balance. She shares her current work as a general partner for Unum Capital Investments and her involvement in not-for-profit organizations focused on financial inclusion for minority small businesses. Overall, Tina's story highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and driving impact.

Takeaways

Read the room, pay attention to body language, and use it to your advantage.
Understand your why and who you are doing your work for.
Trust your instincts and listen to your gut.
Black professionals face unique challenges and pressures in corporate America.
Self-care and balance are essential for success and well-being.
Drive impact and create opportunities for financial inclusion for minority small businesses.

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

Summary

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, Katrina McGhee, a career break and sabbatical coach, shares her insights on how to take a break from your career to invest in yourself. She discusses her own career journey and how she overcame the fear and barriers to take a break. Katrina emphasizes the importance of planning for a break, including setting a foundation, saving money, and understanding the potential risks. She shares her experiences during her break, the lessons she learned about herself, and how she transitioned into helping others take breaks. Katrina also provides advice for black professionals considering a career break and offers practical steps to get started.

Takeaways

Taking a break from your career can be an integral part of a successful career journey, allowing you to reflect on your dreams and goals.
Give yourself permission to take a break and prioritize your well-being and personal growth.
Plan for your break by setting a foundation, saving money, and estimating the cost. Reframe the cost as an investment in a better life.
Overcome the barriers and risks by addressing your fears, understanding what's at stake, and seeking support.
During your break, embrace new experiences, challenge yourself, and discover your capabilities.
Returning from a break can involve transitioning back to work or exploring new opportunities.
Consider helping others take breaks and create a fulfilling life by sharing your experiences and providing support.
For black professionals, it's important to address the unique challenges and barriers they may face when considering a career break.
Writing a book can be a powerful way to share your knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.
If you could give advice to your younger self, encourage them to be courageous, true to themselves, and willing to try new things.

Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com