Conversations Beyond the Brand

Conversations Beyond the Brand

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Conversations Beyond the Brand episodes

  • Your Brand Feels Misaligned - Here's How to Fix It | Brand Strategist Shannel Wheeler

    Discover the proven framework for successful rebranding with brand strategist Shannel Wheeler, author of "The Brand Restart."


    In this episode, Shannel shares her 20+ years of design expertise and reveals why most rebrands fail. Learn about The Brand Pie Framework - six essential elements that must align for successful brand transformation: core values, company culture, brand personality, messaging, customer experience, and visual identity.


    Perfect for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners ready to realign their brand for growth.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS:

    - Brand is about perception and telling your truth

    - Action beats procrastination in business transformation

    - Strategic partnerships amplify impact when values align

    - Your business only grows as fast as you do personally


    GUEST: Shannel Wheeler is a brand strategist, designer, and author helping companies navigate successful rebrands. She's also co-creator of the Quantum Leap Experience for professional women.


    RESOURCES:

    Get "The Brand Restart": https://thebrandrestart.com/

    More episodes: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/


    HOST: Dr. Tashana Thompson, CMO & CEO of Beyond Business Solutions

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    59 min
  • Raising Leaders of Faith & Excellence | Interview with Lisa Smith

    How do we raise young women who are confident, faith-driven, and prepared to lead?


    In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson talks with Lisa Smith, founder and executive director of Elite Women of Excellence (EWOE). For over  23 years, EWOE has mentored teenage girls through faith, mentorship, and community, helping them grow into strong leaders of character, confidence, and excellence.


    Whether you lead a women-led nonprofit, small business, or youth-focused program, this conversation offers practical lessons on how faith, values, and intentional mentorship can transform lives and communities.


    ✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:

    • How women-led nonprofits can grow with faith at the center
    • Lessons from 23 years of mentoring young women into leaders
    • Why confidence, character, and community are key to youth development
    • How to partner with parents to strengthen the next generation
    • Practical strategies for nonprofit sustainability and impact


    🔗 Ready to grow your nonprofit or small business with branding and marketing support?

    👉 Book a discovery call with Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/discovery


    ⏱ Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome & introduction

    03:15 – The vision behind Elite Women of Excellence

    10:40 – Mentorship, faith, and character development

    18:25 – Partnering with parents to raise leaders

    28:00 – Nonprofit challenges, struggles, and resilience

    36:50 – Building confidence and self-worth in young women

    44:30 – Key lessons from 23 years of nonprofit leadership

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr 1 min
  • Faith & Leadership | Interview with Trina Hill

    In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Trina Hill to explore how faith, family, and legacy shape leadership and entrepreneurship.


    From her grandmother’s influence to lessons of resilience, caregiving, and community, Trina shares a powerful perspective on what it means to bring your whole self into the marketplace. This conversation is a reminder that business success is more than strategy—it’s about values, faith, and relationships that last.


    ✨ What you’ll take away from this episode:

    • Why you don’t have to set faith aside to lead in business
    • How family legacy and everyday entrepreneurship inspire leadership
    • The role of caregiving and resilience in shaping women entrepreneurs
    • Lessons on perseverance, prayer, and community support
    • Living out your calling in business and beyond


    🔗 Ready to align your business with your values?

    👉 Book a discovery call with Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/discovery


    ⏱ Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome & introduction

    02:10 – Faith as the foundation of leadership

    08:30 – Family legacy and everyday entrepreneurship

    15:45 – Caregiving and resilience in business

    24:20 – Lessons from grandmother and community

    33:40 – Living your values in the marketplace

    42:00 – Final reflections

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    58 min
  • Branding & Advocacy for Women’s Heart Health | Interview with Celina Gorre

    What does it mean to “wear your values” as a leader? In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart, to talk about women’s heart health, global leadership, and what it takes to grow mission-driven organizations.


    Celina shares her journey from living and working across 76 countries to leading a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on women living with and at risk for heart disease. They explore the lessons nonprofits can take from her global perspective, advocacy for women, and her ability to align mission with visibility.


    This conversation offers practical wisdom for:

    • Women-led nonprofits navigating branding and visibility challenges
    • Small businesses looking for sustainable marketing strategies
    • Leaders learning how to authentically connect values to growth
    • Faith- and mission-driven organizations balancing impact with visibility


    🔗 Learn more about branding and visibility strategy: https://beyondsolutions.biz


    📌 Timestamps

    0:00 – Welcome & introduction to Season 2 Theme: Wearing Your Values

    1:15 – Meet Celina Gorre, CEO of WomenHeart

    3:20 – Why women’s heart health needs more visibility

    6:45 – From 76 countries to Washington, DC: Celina’s global health journey

    11:10 – Lessons nonprofits can learn from global leadership

    15:30 – How women-led organizations can amplify their voice

    20:05 – Branding and marketing strategies for nonprofits with limited resources

    25:50 – Aligning mission, values, and leadership in business

    31:20 – Final reflections: leading with authenticity and purpose


    💡 Key Takeaways from the Conversation
    • Women’s heart health remains underrepresented and needs stronger advocacy.
    • Global leadership experience can reshape how nonprofits operate locally.
    • Branding for women-led nonprofits is about visibility, mission, and trust.
    • Small organizations can create impact by aligning values with marketing.
    • Authentic leadership means letting your values guide how you build, lead, and communicate.


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    📌 Connect with Celina:

    Website: https://www.womenheart.org/

    Instagram: @womenheart

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celina-gorre-a92236

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  • From Single Mom to Tech Executive | Interview with Vicki Wright-Hamilton

    Conversations Beyond the Brand | Season 2 with Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton


    In this inspiring episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton — executive coach, author, speaker, and advocate for women — to explore faith, resilience, leadership, and legacy.


    From her journey as a Black woman in technology to her passion for supporting single mothers and her Unstoppable You coaching program, Dr. Vicki shares the powerful lessons she’s learned about community, gratitude, and building a legacy that lasts.


    🌐 Learn more: https://beyondsolutions.biz


    ✨ What You’ll Learn in This Episode
    • How faith shapes decision-making and leadership
    • Overcoming challenges as a Black woman in tech
    • The importance of gratitude and daily reflection
    • Building community support as a single mother
    • Why storytelling matters in sharing your journey
    • Insights from her book Game Face and her documentary
    • How the “Unstoppable You” program transforms leaders

    📌 Timestamps

    00:00 – Welcome to Season 2 with Dr. Vicki Wright-Hamilton

    02:00 – Who is Dr. Vicki beyond the brand?

    07:30 – Childhood lessons, family influence, and resilience

    15:00 – Breaking barriers: Black women in technology

    21:30 – How faith guides personal and professional choices

    29:15 – Gratitude, journaling, and reframing struggles

    37:40 – Passion for single mothers and community support

    46:20 – Creating a documentary & anthology for women

    55:10 – Coaching program: “Unstoppable You”

    01:01:00 – Client transformation stories

    01:07:00 – Quick-fire Q&A: books, affirmations, and legacy

    01:12:00 – Closing thoughts + call to action


    🔑 Keywords & Topics

    faith and leadership, resilience stories, Black women in tech, single mother success stories, women in leadership, legacy and community, gratitude and journaling, unstoppable you program, executive coaching for women, leadership transformation


    💡 Next Step: Want to explore strategies to help you grow in leadership and impact? Visit https://beyondsolutions.biz.


    👉 If this episode inspired you, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share. Your support helps more people discover stories of faith, resilience, and transformation.

    #FaithAndLeadership #WomenInTech #ConversationsBeyondTheBrand


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    📌 Connect with Vicki:

    Website: https://vickiwrighthamilton.com/

    Instagram: @vickihamilton

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vickiwhamilton

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  • Bonus Episode: Thompson Family Values | Through the Eyes of an 8-Year-Old | Interview with Addisyn Thompson

    Welcome to a heartfelt and joyful bonus episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand! 🎧


    In this intimate conversation, Dr. Tashana Thompson invites her 8-year-old daughter, Addisyn, to the mic to discuss the power of tight-knit family values, love, and what it truly means to grow up in a home rooted in support, tradition, and faith.


    Through laughter, candid questions, and sweet storytelling, Addisyn offers her perspective on what makes a good person, how kids understand love, and the values that are shaping her young life. This is an uplifting and insightful episode that reminds us that children are often our wisest teachers.


    ✨ What You’ll Learn
    • How family values influence emotional intelligence in children
    • Why legacy, faith, and love matter in parenting and leadership
    • How to build emotional safety through everyday rituals like cooking
    • Addisyn’s wise and whimsical take on being a good human
    • Why rules like “no secrets,” “always listen,” and “love God” creates a home where she feels safe and seen
    • What adults often misunderstand about kids—and how to do better

    👨‍👩‍👧 Who This Is For

    This episode is for:

    ✅ Moms, aunties, and caregivers seeking a deeper connection with their children

    ✅ Educators and community leaders who work with young people

    ✅ Faith-driven women raising daughters with purpose

    ✅ Anyone craving a wholesome, loving reminder of what really matters in life

    ✅ Families and individuals interested in legacy building and intergenerational love


    ⏱️ Timestamps & Talking Points

    00:00 – Welcome to the Bonus Episode: Meet Addisyn Thompson

    01:12 – “Wearing Your Values”: Season Two Sneak Peek

    03:25 – Addisyn’s Fun Facts and Sports Interests

    06:44 – Birthday Magic: The Power of 1/11

    08:20 – Cooking as a Legacy: Great-Grandmother’s Dumplings

    11:18 – What Love Means to an 8-Year-Old

    13:02 – Faith, Family, and Listening Without Interrupting

    17:33 – Rules We Live By: No Secrets, Support One Another

    20:55 – What Adults Should Know About Kids

    24:12 – How to Be a Good Person (Addisyn’s Perspective)

    28:00 – Kids Can Teach Us Too: Bravery, Affirmations & Compassion

    31:42 – Lightning Round: Pizza, Roblox, Bluey & Best Friends

    36:10 – Final Thoughts & Message for Families Everywhere 💕


    📣 Don't forget:

    Season Two of Conversations Beyond the Brand premieres this September with the theme “Wearing Our Values” — full of powerful, personal conversations for women building meaningful brands and lives.


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    28 min
  • The Breakup That Built Us: Healing, Honesty, and Friendship After Business Ends | Interview with Joline Falco

    What happens when a business partnership ends, but the friendship doesn't?


    In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with longtime friend and former business partner Joline Falco for a raw and heart-centered conversation about the end of their formal business relationship, and how they navigated the breakup with honesty, healing, and integrity.


    This is a must-watch for small business owners, who want to grow their brand without sacrificing relationships along the way.


    👉 Learn more about brand and marketing strategy for women-led organizations: https://beyondsolutions.biz


    ⏱️ Timestamps & Key Moments

    00:00 – Welcome + Why This Episode Matters

    01:30 – How Tashana & Joline Met (20+ Years of Friendship)

    04:05 – Building a Business Together: The Highs and Lessons

    08:45 – What Caused the Breakup? Navigating Misalignment

    13:20 – Honest Conversations That Changed Everything

    18:00 – Choosing Friendship Over Ego

    22:30 – Branding and Boundaries in Business Partnerships

    27:10 – Red Flags and What We’d Do Differently

    32:00 – Marketing Tips for Women-Led Nonprofits and Small Orgs

    36:45 – Why Values-Driven Business Matters

    41:00 – Final Reflections + Encouragement for Women in Leadership


    💡 Why Watch This Episode?

    • Real talk about conflict, grace, and mutual respect
    • A blueprint for ending partnerships with integrity
    • Actionable branding and marketing tips for values-driven businesses
    • Honest insight for women entrepreneurs leading with heart

    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and leave a review if this conversation resonates!


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  • Business, Boldness, and the Long Game | Interview with Marie Fratoni

    Are you struggling to attract the right clients or any at all? This episode is for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and mission-driven small business owners who are ready to build a business that reflects their brilliance, connects with their audience, and drives real results.


    In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson is joined by Marie Fratoni, international speaker, retreat leader, and founder of Get Clients Everywhere. With decades of experience helping women step into visibility, lead with confidence, and grow businesses they love, Marie shares her signature approach to attracting clients, building connections, and creating legacy.


    🌟 What You’ll Learn:

    • How to attract your ideal clients with confidence and clarity
    • Why visibility is the missing link for many women entrepreneurs
    • Practical ways to build trust and connection through speaking
    • The power of live events and retreats for business transformation
    • Why storytelling and legacy matter in your marketing


    👥 Ideal for Viewers Who Are:

    • Women-led nonprofits and small business owners
    • Coaches, consultants, or creatives ready to grow their client base
    • Entrepreneurs seeking confidence, clarity, and visibility
    • Anyone tired of hiding and ready to own their brilliance


    ⏱️ Timestamps:

    00:00 – Welcome & Episode Intro

    01:11 – What “Get Clients Everywhere” Really Means

    02:24 – Why Brilliant Women Struggle with Visibility

    05:03 – The Real Reason You’re Not Getting Clients

    08:46 – Breaking Through Self-Doubt and Hiding

    12:13 – How Storytelling Builds Trust and Connection

    16:29 – Savvy Networking for Real Relationships

    20:49 – The Business Benefits of Live Events

    27:29 – Inside Transformational Retreats

    34:22 – Real Client Stories & Shifts

    40:00 – Why It’s Never Too Late to Start

    47:43 – Legacy, Longevity, and Owning Your Brilliance


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    📌 Connect with Marie:

    Website: https://www.getclientseverywhere.com/

    Instagram: @mariefratoni

    Facebook: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marie-fratoni-68bb9/


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  • A Marriage Reset: Making the Decision to Choose, Believe, and Explore | Interview with Vincent and Monica

    In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Vincent and Monica Alexander, who have been married for 21 years and are the founders of Synergy: Better Together. Through their story, they share what many couples need most—a faith-based reset rooted in grace, truth, and real tools for communication, trust, and connection.


    Whether you're navigating a rough season, dealing with miscommunication, or simply wanting to grow deeper in your relationship, this conversation offers relationship coaching insights, marriage restoration strategies, and faith-filled encouragement for couples who want more than just survival.


    👉 Learn more or work with us at: https://www.tashanathompson.com


    ⏰ Timestamps

    0:00 – Meet Vincent & Monica: 21 Years of Marriage

    2:10 – Why They Created Synergy: Better Together

    4:45 – The Turning Point in Their Marriage

    7:20 – From Conflict to Communication: Real Coaching Tools

    10:55 – The Role of Faith in Rebuilding Trust

    14:10 – Helping Couples Heal Through Coaching

    17:30 – Common Struggles Couples Face Today

    20:00 – Grace, Boundaries & The Power of Intentionality

    24:40 – Final Advice: Why Every Marriage Needs a Reset


    💡 What You’ll Learn

    • How to rebuild trust in marriage
    • Why faith-based coaching helps couples reconnect
    • Tools for healing emotional wounds in relationships
    • Communication strategies that actually work
    • What makes marriage coaching different from therapy
    • How to move from surviving to thriving—together


    ❤️ Ideal for Couples Who Are:

    • Facing miscommunication or emotional distance
    • Wanting to reconnect spiritually and emotionally
    • Curious about marriage coaching or counseling
    • Seeking faith-based relationship tools
    • Committed to growing a stronger, more intentional marriage


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    📌 Connect with Vincent and Monica:

    Website: https://synergybettertogether.com/

    Instagram: @synergybettertogether

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SynergyBetterTogether

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min
  • Project Management with a Mission: How to Bring Order to Chaos and Deliver Results | Interview with Yuquan Holloway

    In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Yuquan Holloway, a project management expert creating business transformation. This conversation uncovers the real meaning of strategic execution. Discover how Yuquan has led both small businesses and Fortune 500 organizations to success by aligning leadership, process optimization, and measurable impact.


    Whether you're a business leader, strategist, or project manager, this episode delivers practical insights into how intentional execution drives sustainable results.

    🔗 Learn more: https://beyondsolutions.biz/


    What You'll Learn:

    ✔ What strategic execution really means in business

    ✔ How to lead with clarity, courage, and accountability

    ✔ Process improvement vs. transformational leadership

    ✔ Why impact measurement matters in every industry

    ✔ How to scale operations with heart and data


    Ideal for Viewers Who Are:

    → Founders, entrepreneurs, or executives scaling their teams

    → Project managers and operations leaders

    → Professionals focused on leadership and organizational growth

    → Those passionate about purpose-driven business execution


    Timestamps:

    00:00 – Introduction to Yuquan Holloway

    02:35 – What is Strategic Execution?

    06:50 – Balancing People, Process & Performance

    11:25 – Leading in High-Stakes Environments

    16:00 – The Role of Clarity and Courage in Execution

    21:40 – Making Impact Measurable

    27:10 – Lessons from Healthcare & Fortune 500 Experience

    32:00 – What Small Businesses Can Learn from Big Systems

    37:15 – Yuquan’s Advice for Purpose-Driven Leaders

    41:45 – Final Thoughts & How to Connect


    📌 Connect with Us:

    Website: www.beyondsolutions.biz

    Instagram: @growwithbbs

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas/


    📌 Connect with Yuquan:

    Website: https://hollowaycg.com/

    Instagram: @quanofdecatur

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yuquan-holloway-pmp/

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min

About Conversations Beyond the Brand

From the publisher's feed

Conversations: Beyond the Brand is where bold strategy meets honest storytelling. Hosted by Dr. Tashana Thompson, this podcast features purpose-driven business owners and nonprofit leaders sharing…