For Our Edification

Lori Osborne loves what she does. A brand strategist, web developer, and speaker, Lori finds joy in helping thought leaders turn their voices into internet things of beauty. We had a conversation about what’s behind Lori’s sparkly personality. She shared her story of resilience—from surviving cancer and an abusive marriage to coping with the effects of a procedure to remove a brain tumor. Yet, Lori serves her clients with enthusiasm and color.

And she came bearing gifts. Take advantage of her complimentary Authority Visibility Audit and free downloadable checklist, 5 Steps to Evaluate Your Brand & Online Authority: https://www.bizbolster.com/vip-visibility-audit

About Lori Osborne

Affectionately known as The Authority Amplifier, Lori is the founder of BizBolster Web Solutions and the creator of The Authority Blueprint™. With nearly a decade of experience in brand strategy and website design, Lori helps Thought Leaders identify and clarify their brand and translates it into authority-driven websites that attract aligned clients and amplify their impact online.

When she's not building powerhouse brands, Lori enjoys coastal life near Amelia Island, Florida, alongside her amazing husband and two adorable fur babies.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Introducing a new segment--Higher Edification! In future episodes, we'll hear about how higher education touches our lives. This commentary sets the table for the importance and personal impact that higher ed has on our personal leadership.

Note:  A passage from the book "Footprints of Black Louisiana" was shared on this episode. It reads that Xavier University of Louisiana opened in 1915, however, Xavier opened in 1925.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Carlos Henry is serious about two things--leadership and winning. Having grown up in a challenging environment (to put it mildly), Carlos made up his mind that he would be the best he could possibly be. And he hasn't looked back.

Not even 30 years old, Carlos visited "For Our Edification" to talk about what makes him so hungry for greatness, what he has learned about himself in his leadership setbacks, and how he practices personal leadership.

About Carlos Henry

Website:  https://carlosjhenrywinz.com/

Carlos J. Henry is the world’s greatest leadership speaker. He started his career in 2023 with a focus on leadership. As a result of years in leadership roles, he discovered that others are struggling to recognize themselves as leaders and become contributing members to their community. Combined with his experience and desire to help, he took to the stage to reach as many people as possible in the realm of leadership.

Today, Carlos's talks will inspire you and create a detailed plan to build up your community. He is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and coach. His book, Winnerz Win, is an industry favorite and has inspired his coaching business. Carlos has inspired leaders to create contributing members to the community. 

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

For Dominique Luster, archives are more than artifacts. They're stories that both give life to history and provide direction for the future. A passionate professional archivist and proud product of Kentucky, Dominique visited "For Our Edification" to talk about how her work informs her personal growth and development as well as her leadership path.

About Dominique Luster

Dominique's Website:  https://www.thelustercompany.com/

Dominique is a professional archivist, researcher, storyteller, and founder of The Luster Company, an agency that offers professional archival and storytelling services to uplift Black stories.

She has previously worked as a liaison librarian at the University of Pittsburgh, where she received her MLIS in library and information science. Dominique is also a proud University of Kentucky Wildcat, where she earned her B.A. in theatre design and technology. As a student, she apprenticed at Actors Theatre of Louisville, The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center, and the Dorset Theatre Festival. Dominique also took her studies abroad as a Fulbright scholar at the Freie Universität Berlin in Germany. 

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Can we talk? I am nowhere close to satisfied with For Our Edification. So, help me out and let me know how this podcast can play a productive role in your life. 

Plus, I’m introducing Higher Edification, more personal leadership conversations, and Write to Bear Alms.

The views expressed on “For Our Edification” do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

When Rashad Young speaks, there's a lot to take in. He is open about the work in progress that he is, showing a wealth of authenticity. The host of the podcast, Knowing Is Knowing, Rashad joined For Our Edification to discuss how he tries to live up to the (literal) meaning of his name and how he finds purpose in setbacks. Rashad also delved into how other Black men respond to his open vulnerability, where Black (Americans) struggle with a collective identity, and how he practices personal leadership.

About Rashad Young

Rashad's Linktree:  https://linktr.ee/RashadYoung

Rashad Young is a counselor, author, speaker, and podcast host based in St. Louis. He dedicates his life to attempting to stimulate people's intellect and to fuel healthy conversations. Rashad is the author of the inspirational book Renew: Finding Yourself Again, the artist expression book Be Formless, and the poetry book Ville. Rashad earned his master's degree in counseling and applied psychology from Webster University and his bachelor's in education from the University of Missouri.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Chris Tidrick is on a mission to create a world where people think and feel so that they can lead better, especially men. That is why he started hosting the ILLUMENATE podcast. Chris joined For Our Edification to chat about his podcast, his "Think. Feel. Lead." mantra, and the "a-ha" moments that have helped him become a better leader. 

About Christopher Tidrick

Website:  https://christophertidrick.link/

When he is not hosting "ILLUMENATE" or co-hosting "Candid Conversations on Leadership" with Candice Solomon-Strutz, Chris Tidrick is doing his day job as a seasoned technology leader. He boasts over 30 years of experience driving digital transformation in higher education. As the chief information officer at Gies College of Business, Chris leads strategic initiatives to enhance data-driven decision-making, student success, and operational efficiency. He currently chairs the Generative AI Solutions Hub at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and regularly shares his insights through his podcast, speaking engagements, and writing. 

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Christine D. Ross has had to deal with serious life setbacks even as she sat in paradise. This is what led her to commit her life to health and wellness. Christine joined "For Our Edification" for an honest conversation about the importance of gratitude, mindfulness, and food as medicine.

About Christine D. Ross

Website:  https://www.radiatehealthandwellness.com/

Christine has a passion for holistic health, which she describes as both professional and profoundly personal. As a cancer survivor, she has navigated the intricate pathways of healing and resilience. The experience has enriched Christine's approach, blending empathy with expertise so that she can guide others on their wellness journeys. With this, Christine looks forward to exploring the potential of a balanced, joyful, and healthy life with the people she helps.

As an empowerment and life coach, Christine's journey began with a deep-seated passion for personal growth and the empowerment of others. She has certifications from the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) and the American Council on Exercise (ACE) to become a board-certified health and wellness coach. Through this, Christine helps people link personal empowerment to physical and mental well-being.

Christine's background is in education, dance, and yoga instruction. It is a combination of professional knowledge and rich personal experiences that make her an empathetic and relatable mentor in the journey toward comprehensive well-being and self-discovery.

As a published author, Christine weaves inspiration and transformation into every word, striving to share insights and stories that resonate and empower. Her writing reflects her dedication to the art and science of health and wellness, offering readers a blend of personal anecdotes and professional wisdom.

Christine has specialized in behavior change, fitness, nutrition, and whole foods cooking, recognizing the critical role of cognition, exercise, and nutrition in overall health. Her approach extends beyond eating right; it's about discovering the joy and vitality in living consciously, enjoying movement, creating a sustainable, healthy environment, and eating nourishing foods.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Halima turned the tables for the season 6 premiere by interviewing me! We dug into my obsession with leadership, especially as it relates to identity and value, as well as personal leadership. Out of it came a big story about how one leader I worked with reinforced the importance of listening while also teaching me that leadership isn't a vanity project. You'll also find out how For Our Edification began and even how I got the radio moniker "Fast Eddie."  

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.

Three words define Mykel Shannon Jenkins' career as an actor, director, and producer--passion, purpose, and persistence. I've seen these three qualities come out of Mykel's pores since I saw him on Bonnabel High School's speech and debate team. In this conversation, we go into a deep dive about where he saw his career going and some of the hard decisions that go into life as an actor. Mykel also talks about a day in the life of a working actor and what it means to direct your life.

About Mykel Shannon Jenkins

IMDB Profile:  https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0420926/?ref_=ra_sb_ln

Mykel, born in Biloxi, Mississippi to an officer in the U.S. Air Force, called many states home. With his parents and two siblings, the family finally settled in New Orleans, Louisiana, where Mykel graduated from Bonnabel High School. After that, he earned his bachelor’s degree from Loyola University New Orleans. While in high school, Mykel was a national competitor in drama as well as speech and debate. That is where his fire for the dramatic was ignited.

During college, while holding down a part-time job as a waiter, Mykel became a household name as the host of New Orleans’ WB38 Kids’ Club, where he served as an on-air personality for more than four years, introducing kids and parents to a world of knowledge. After college, while still in New Orleans, Mykel began his acting career, landing minor roles in a few movies. During this time, Mykel’s knack for writing reared its creative head as he penned his first screenplay about childhood friends who pull off the greatest art heist. Although this one did not make it to film (yet), Mykel has written, directed, and produced over six screenplays since that first one.

In 2003, empowered by his family and armored with a dream and staunch determination, Mykel made his big move to Hollywood. Mykel has studied under some of the most renowned teachers in the industry, such as the Beverly Hills Playhouse, Gary Imhoff, Lesly Kahn, and continues to be mentored by acting coach Eric Stuart. Over the years, Mykel’s hard work paid off. His TV credits include The CW’s "Containment," "Steppin’ Back to Love," "A Royal Christmas Ball," "Michael Jackson: Searching for Neverland," and "The Bold and the Beautiful," among many others. Mykel’s film credits include The Last Heist, Beyond the Trek, The Masked Saint, Same Kind of Different as Me, and Undisputed 3: Redemption, where he brought to life the charismatic and unforgettable American fighter, Turbo.

Mykel also starred in the critically acclaimed WellGo USA Ent (THEATRICAL)/Netflix’s The Paper Tigers, a film about three now middle-aged Kung Fu prodigies who reunite to avenge the death of their master teacher. Most recently, Mykel played Dobbs Ryker opposite Morgan Freeman (gang kingpin Kendric Ryker) and Luke Hemsworth (Lee Gunner) in the action-thriller motion picture Gunner (2024).

Expanding his opportunities, Mykel delved into creative writing and directing, which was provoked by his own words, “Why wait for an opportunity? I will create my own.” He has written, directed, produced, and starred in over six features, including The Gods, The Gods 2: The Dark Side, Two Wolves, and Octopus Pot. Mykel is currently writing The Gods 3, and a series entitled Summer 17. In 2024, Mykel released Youn’G (which he again wrote, produced, directed, and co-starred), spotlighting his son, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, in a coming-of-age dramedy about a teenage boy who, with the help of his close friends, fights for his true love while at the same time discovering his cool neighborhood mentor is his father.

Although Mykel is quite busy writing, directing, and acting, he still finds time to train physically as well as spiritually. As a personal trainer, Mykel knows what it takes to maintain a healthy body and mind: hard work and dedication. Mykel applies these disciplines to all that he does.

The views expressed on "For Our Edification" do not reflect the views of any entity with which the hosts or guests are affiliated.