What happens when a lifetime of corporate execution meets an unexpected, life-altering halt?

In our Season 1 finale of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown is joined by Jennifer Alexander, a powerhouse IT program delivery lead currently steering initiatives in the energy sector. Jennifer is a master of managing complex, global corporate scopes —but in this episode, she steps into her most vulnerable territory yet: sharing her story as a breast cancer survivor for the first time publicly.

In this episode, we discuss:

* The Courage to Pivot: How Jennifer recognized stagnation in her early finance career, bravely stepped into the unknown, and cultivated a mastery of project management that allowed her to jump seamlessly between healthcare and oil & gas.

* The Reality of a Diagnosis: Jennifer takes us back to 2018 when a routine health check turned into a year of aggressive treatments, and how she navigated the emotional residual effects that last a lifetime.

* Dismantling the “Strong Black Woman” Myth: Why it is so dangerous to try and “shake off” pain (including a hilariously telling story about a broken foot) and how true strength is found in letting your village carry you when you cannot carry yourself.

* Miracles and New Joy: The beautiful transition into motherhood with her son, Rakim, and how she purposefully filled her life post-trauma with the simple things that bring her joy—like quality time, hot yoga, and rediscovering old hobbies.

Jennifer’s story is a beautiful masterclass for anyone standing at a personal or professional crossroads. There is absolute, vibrant life on the other side of your toughest battles—you just have to be willing to lean into your supporters and step forward.

Thank you for riding with us through Season 1! Drop a comment on Substack or YouTube to show Jennifer some love for opening up her heart today.

Use your crossroads to lead you to your purpose and your calling. See you in Season 2!

Connect with the Guest: You can reach out to Jennifer Alexander for mentorship or speaking engagements directly via LinkedIn.

How do you leverage a background in analytical chemistry and corporate sales into a diversified portfolio of successful businesses? In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown welcomes Jeff Osuji, co-founder and CEO of Eventnoire and Entrepreneur in Residence at 1871.

Jeff discusses his upbringing as the son of Nigerian immigrants, explaining how early discipline, a relentless work ethic, and sharp analytical problem-solving helped him build a distinct competitive edge in the business world. We explore his journey from the chemistry labs at the University of Illinois to the top of the experiential marketing and tech industries, highlighting the raw grit required to raise venture capital and the strategic importance of remaining a grounded leader.

Key Takeaways:

* The Power of Hyper-Focus: How to strategically manage high-level professional demands and seamlessly switch between multi-faceted business operations.

* The Sales Mindset: The art of identifying market challenges, understanding your professional value, and knowing precisely when to pivot from the corporate ladder to full ownership.

* The 5 Entrepreneurial Commandments: Jeff’s strict operational rules for sustainable growth, from rigorous team-building standards to mastering your exact profit margins.

* Standing with the People: Why true corporate humility and staying connected to your consumer base is a far more powerful tool for long-term legacy than ego.

Stream now on all platforms and visit eventnoire.com to discover your next curated experience.

"Trouble doesn't last always." — Ashonti Sharkey

How do you find your voice when you feel silenced by your circumstances? This week, Chimere Brown welcomes Ashonti Sharkey, the visionary behind “Work of Arch” and the viral “Makeup Monday” movement. While Ashonti is a master of aesthetic strategy, her personal journey is a testament to the grit required to move from victimhood to victory.

Why you should listen to this episode:

* The Reality of Resilience: Hear the unfiltered account of a woman who faced a “blackout” nervous breakdown and found the strength to rebuild her life from scratch.

* Redefining Motherhood: Ashonti opens up about the rare and difficult experience of being a “part-time mom” during a custody battle and how she maintained a deep, loving bond with all five of her children.

* The Power of the Pivot: Discover how a physical injury that left her unable to walk for a year actually accelerated her spiritual and professional growth.

* Intentional Healing: Learn why Ashonti transitioned her brand to “Makeup Therapy” and how embracing, enhancing, and evolving can change your life.

Whether you are in a season of isolation or standing at your own crossroads, Ashonti’s story provides the blueprint for getting back up.

Listen now on Substack, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch the full visual experience on YouTube.

Connect with Ashonti Sharkey:

* Instagram: @CurveeMadame

* Website/Booking: Work of Arch Brow Bar | Esthetician in Chicago, IL

"My body is only a reflection of how I feel on the inside... I want my light to shine every time I step on stage." — Alicia Williams

What do you do when the "long-suffering" of life feels like too much to endure? Alecia Williams joins the podcast to share her raw journey from being "done with God" to finding Him again on the bodybuilding stage. This episode is a masterclass in resilience for anyone standing at a crossroads.

Key Takeaways for Your Journey:

* Nurture One Thing: Don’t try to fix your whole life at once; pick one scripture or one habit to nurture until it flourishes.

* The Power of Silence: Sometimes you need to shut out external voices to hear God’s voice for yourself.

* Forgive the “Cowering”: Forgiveness isn’t just for others; it’s for forgiving yourself for the times you let situations take your power.

* Anchor Points: Find what brings you joy and use it as an anchor when life’s challenges attempt to overtake you.

Connect with our Guest:

* Instagram: A_Estelle_Official

Support the Show:

* Subscribe for more stories on navigating life’s pivots.

* Leave a comment: How has your faith been tested recently?

“I just believe that God designed me for this type of stuff.”

In the 18th episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the ultimate "Renaissance Woman," Tamika “Mimi” Smith. As an award-winning creative producer, professional singer, and the founder of EyeKan Studios, Tamika has mastered the art of blending soul with strategy.

Tamika’s journey is a masterclass in divine alignment. From her roots in Freeport, Illinois, to becoming a powerhouse in the Chicago music and corporate scenes, she shares how she transitioned from being a "subway girl" at Jackson State University to producing major activations for global giants like Nike, McDonald's, and Toyota.

In this episode, we explore:

* The “Mimi on the Mic” Origin Story: How a childhood rooted in the church and a musical family in Northwest Illinois cultivated the discipline needed for the global stage.

* Winning the High-Stakes Game: The "illustrious" college pivot where Tamika won a national competition, earning a free car and a garden planted in her honor at JSU.

* Scaling to Global Brands: Behind the scenes of producing the McDonald’s activation at Art Basel Miami and navigating $90,000+ fabrication bids.

* The House Chi: Her role as a supporting producer for Chicago’s premier collective of independent artists and their journey from treehouse shows to playing for the Mayor of Chicago.

* The "Kept" Entrepreneur: A candid discussion on the reality of maintaining a 9-to-5 at Salesforce to secure stock options and health insurance while scaling a creative empire.

Tamika’s Gems for the Crossroads:

* Posture Over Agenda: Why showing up with a good heart and authentic relationships is the ultimate currency.

* Visit Fear, Don’t Live There: How to navigate uncertainty without letting imposter syndrome stall your journey.

* Write the Vision: The biblical and practical necessity of creating a “plain” strategy that others can run with.

Connect with Tamika:

* Instagram/TikTok: @mimionthemic

* LinkedIn: Tamika R. Smith

* Email: [email protected]

If you enjoyed this episode, consider becoming a subscriber to the Crossroads + Callings Substack for more deep dives into life pivots and purposeful living.

What happens when you realize that in order to build something to last, you have to be willing to start over?

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Troy Martin—a man who masterfully balances the worlds of high-stakes corporate implementation and cinematic art. By day, Troy manages complex financial data solutions; by night, he is a filmmaker and the 2022-2025 SAIC Tower Artist in Residence.

Troy shares his "reboot" story—a journey that took him from the pressures of corporate toxicity to the liberation of real estate and film. We discuss his work with the Black Film Club Collective and his mission to preserve Black stories through radical acceptance and intentionality. If you are currently feeling the urge to "restart" or looking for the courage to walk away from a toxic environment, Troy’s perspective on "tenacity and gratitude" is the guide you need.

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The “Reboot” Mindset: Why starting over isn’t a sign of failure, but a strategic move toward implementation and longevity.

* Navigating Corporate Toxicity: How Troy moved from the boardroom to the tower, preserving his peace while managing complex data solutions.

* Preserving Black Stories: The mission behind the Black Film Club Collective and the importance of archiving our history in real-time.

* Radical Acceptance: Learning to accept the current season of your life as an avenue to find your true calling.

🔗 Connect with Troy Martin:

Stay updated on Troy’s work with the SAIC and the Black Film Club:

* Instagram: Black Film Club Collective

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. Their support is vital in helping us share authentic stories from the Chicagoland area.

How do you bridge the gap between Sunday worship and high-stakes commercial success?

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with the multi-talented Paul Hall—drummer, singer, producer, and the creative force behind the Verzatile Band. Paul has shared the stage with icons like Lupe Fiasco, Avery Sunshine, and Syleena Johnson, but his journey began in the church.

We explore the “Maestro’s Marathon”—the seven-year residency at Chicago’s Lazy Bird that shaped his discipline and the pivotal moment he decided to branch off into his own season of independence. This is a conversation about “divine timing,” the transition from church kid to corporate musician, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

🎧 Listen & Watch

* Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!)

* Listen on Spotify

* Listen on Apple Podcasts

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The Church to Industry Thread: How the foundations of gospel music prepared Paul for the rigors of the commercial music industry.

* The Lazy Bird Residency: Lessons learned from a seven-year stint as a musical director and how to know when your “season of preparation” is complete.

* The Art of the Pivot: Navigating the transition from backing independent singers to leading the Verzatile Band and producing global-scale performances.

* Faith & Rhythm: How Paul maintains his spiritual roots while navigating high-stakes environments and the “corporate” side of music.

🔗 Connect with Paul Hall:

Stay updated on Paul’s upcoming performances and curations in the South suburbs:

* Instagram: yoitspaulhall and verzatileband

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was produced in partnership with the National Public Housing Museum. If you are in the Chicagoland area, please pay them a visit—they are a vital part of our community story!

How do you stay true to your vision when the world is trying to label you?

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, I’m joined by Chicago’s own G. Green—a renaissance man, curator, and the visionary behind the SVNGRN art gallery and the global lifestyle brand Nobodies a Nobody.

G. Green isn’t just an artist; he’s an ecosystem builder. From the streets of Chicago to the galleries of Miami and NYC, G. has mastered the art of “catching a vibe” and turning it into a community. We dive deep into his “Nobody” philosophy—the radical idea that your value isn’t found in a title, but in the authenticity, you bring to the room.

Whether you are navigating a career pivot or building a creative brand, this conversation is a masterclass in resilience, relational capital, and the grit required to move from the “infancy” of an idea to a full-scale movement.

🎧 Listen & Watch

* Watch the full experience on YouTube (Don’t forget to subscribe!)

* Listen on Spotify

* Listen on Apple Podcasts

💡 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

* The “Nobody” Philosophy: Why embracing anonymity can actually be your greatest superpower in a world obsessed with status.

* Building SVNGRN: The mission behind his non-profit gallery in Fulton Market and how he creates safe spaces for local creatives to thrive.

* The Art of the Pivot: G. shares the “duct tape” moments of his journey and how he transitioned into a life of curation and community advocacy.

* Relational Capital: Why being a “valuable” person is more important than being a “successful” one, and how to give more than you take.

📍 Timestamps:

* 0:00 – Introduction: Navigating the Intersection of Art and Identity

* 5:14 – The Story Behind the Brand: What is a “Nobody”?

* 12:38 – Seven Green Gallery: Building a Creative Haven in Chicago

* 21:50 – Branding vs. Authenticity: How to Control the Vibe

* 32:15 – From Chicago to Miami: Scaling the Vision

* 44:02 – The “Duct Tape” Interview: Resilience in the Pivot

* 56:40 – Final Gems: How to Connect with G Green

🔗 Connect with G Green:

Keep up with G’s latest drops and gallery shows:

* Instagram: @ggreen.art | @svngrnart

* Lifestyle Brand: @nobodiesanobody

📸 Special Thanks:

This episode was filmed on location at Beyond the Book bookstore in Homewood-Flossmoor. Please support this amazing Black-owned, woman-owned business!

What does it take to reshape an entire industry? In Episode 14, host Chimere Brown welcomes Troy Pryor—a multi-award-winning producer and founder of Creative Cypher.

Troy takes us behind the scenes of his 20-year career, sharing how he successfully pivoted from athletics to entertainment and why he is committed to building bridges for Black and Brown creators. This conversation is a masterclass in resilience, strategic networking, and the importance of creating your own “table” in a gatekept industry.

Key Takeaways:

* The Transition Mindset: How to carry the discipline from one career into a completely different field.

* Ecosystem Building: Why Troy created the XL Film Fest and Darkberry Productions to support the BIPOC creative community.

* Navigating Industry Politics: Insight into his leadership roles and how he advocates for creators at the executive level.

* The “Bridge Builder” Philosophy: Practical advice for creators who are in their “infancy” on how to find their path and stay the course.

Support the Guest: Learn more about Troy’s work and upcoming festivals at creativecypher.org or follow @CreativeCypher on IG.

Subscribe to Crossroads + Callings: Available on all major platforms. If this episode spoke to you, please leave a review and share your feedback!

#CrossroadsAndCallings #TroyPryor #CreativeCypher #BlackExcellence #EntertainmentIndustry #CareerPivot #PodcastLife

In this episode of Crossroads + Callings, host Chimere Brown sits down with licensed architect and community advocate Deon Lucas to discuss the powerful transition from corporate prestige to community-driven purpose. Deon, the Director of Design for Beehyyve and co-founder of E.G. Woode, shares his journey from growing up on Chicago’s West Side to working for the legendary firm that designed the Sears Tower.

Discover how a childhood dream sparked at age three evolved into a mission to “make the project” rather than wait for it, utilizing architectural skills to build safe, economically thriving spaces for underserved communities. Deon dives deep into his philosophy of “purposeful luck,” the importance of grit, and why he chose to leave the “Disneyland” of architecture to pursue a more relational, soulful career in social justice.

Key Topics Covered:

* The Architecture of Ambition: How seeing the downtown Chicago skyline from the 290 expressway inspired a lifelong career.

* A Mother’s Vision: The role of intentional parenting in cultivating talent and providing vocational tools early on.

* Purposeful Luck vs. Divine Timing: A debate on whether success is a matter of being present in the “game of life” or a product of spiritual alignment.

* Overcoming the Transactional Trap: Why Deon prioritizes organic relationships over the cold, capitalistic nature of corporate “hyper-transactions”.

* Grit & The Basement Test: Lessons learned from organizing files in a basement that built the foundation for an unbeatable work ethic.

* Representation Matters: Navigating an industry where only roughly 2-3% of licensed architects are African American.

Episode Chapters:

* 0:00 – Intro: Choosing Purpose Over Prestige

* 3:15 – From the West Side to the Sears Tower

* 8:42 – The Village: How Family Support Built a Career

* 14:20 – Purposeful Luck & Playing the Game of Life

* 21:10 – The Basement Test: Developing an Unbeatable Work Ethic

* 28:35 – Transactional vs. Relational: Why I Left Corporate Architecture

* 35:50 – Don’t Wait for the Project, Make the Project

* 42:15 – Outro: Navigating Your Own Pivot

Connect with Deon: [email protected]