What if everything you believed about success was a lie? In this provocative episode, we dive into hustle culture, perfectionism, and the toxic myths driving burnout in modern leadership. Joined by innovation strategist Melissa Dinwiddie, we unpack how play, creativity, and imperfection are the real keys to progress—and why companies must evolve to survive. A must-listen for leaders, creatives, and anyone ready to redefine success on their own terms. In this episode, Melissa Dinwiddie joined us in conversation. Melissa helps leaders and teams turn the “impossible” into reality by unlocking their creative potential. A

Juilliard-trained dancer turned innovation strategist, she draws from a rich background as a professional artist, jazz singer-songwriter, and improv performer. Melissa works with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce to build cultures of bold experimentation, collaboration, and resilience. She’s the author of The Creative Sandbox Way™ and a sought-after keynote speaker known for interactive experiences that spark insight and action.

When she’s not helping others innovate, you’ll find her making art or jamming on bass and ukulele—sometimes at the same time.

What happens when the weight of tradition meets the momentum of innovation? In this deeply personal and culturally nuanced episode, Stephanie and Shaniqua explore how legacy, heritage, and generational expectations shape everything—from family dynamics to business strategy. They unpack the emotional complexities of breaking generational cycles, the tension between control and change, and how innovation can be both disruptive and healing. From Blockbuster vs. Netflix to performative parenting and corporate email wars, this episode challenges you to rethink what’s worth preserving—and what’s holding you back.

HOST'S BIOS

STEPHANIE’S BIO: 

Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

Are we the authors of our identity—or is it written for us? - Part Deux

This was supposed to be a quick Culture Cues segment—but when the tests say you’re a “Creative Humanitarian” and a “Change Catalyst with Big Boss in Shadow,” how do you not unpack that?

In this bonus-love-letter-to-ourselves episode, Shaniqua and Stephanie reveal and reflect on their results from CliftonStrengths, Tilt 365, and The Corporate Persona Archetype (spoiler: one of us made that one).

It’s a self-awareness celebration featuring bold archetypes, shadow work, unexpected alignments, and a few "wow, that’s so us" moments.
Are you more impact or input? Explorer or guardian? Learner or entertainer? Let’s find out together.

Come for the test results, stay for the warm affirmations and contagious clarity.

From personal branding to personality tests, corporate culture to cultural stereotypes, this episode explores how identity is shaped, masked, marketed, and reclaimed. Shaniqua and Stephanie unpack the tension between authenticity and acceptance at work and in society—challenging the labels we inherit, the roles we play, and the stories we’re told to believe about ourselves.

Topics include: identity at work, Myers-Briggs, astrology, stereotypes vs. archetypes, queer representation, and self-acceptance as quiet revolution.

Subscribe and share if you’ve ever asked, “Who am I, really?”

In this bonus segment of Culture Cues, Shaniqua and Stephanie get personal about what they were taught growing up about change—and how those early messages still influence them today. From southern church pews to 80s anthems and recovery prayers, they explore the cultural cues that shaped their resistance, acceptance, and redefinition of transformation. Raw, reflective, and relatable—this is the story behind the story of change.

Who decides what’s important—and why? From MTV to meme culture, from fashion to intergenerational values, Shaniqua and Stephanie analyze how collective beliefs turn trends into movements. This episode unpacks how ideas gain traction (or disappear), and how culture, style, and storytelling shape industries, policies, and the future.

Subscribe now and share with your community! Let's have a deeper conversation about what truly drives change.

STEPHANIE’S BIO: 

Stephanie Crain, aka Corporate Mystic, is a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

Language is more than communication—it’s a blueprint for change.

Subscribe now to stay in the loop of FITI Season 2.

Shaniqua and Stephanie explore how language influences identity, fuels innovation, and reinforces or resists power structures, from corporate jargon to code switching, and political rhetoric to emojis. We unpack how our words shape culture, policy, connection, and control. Elevating insights inspired by linguists, neuroscientists, and everyday experiences, this conversation reveals why language is one of the most potent tools for transformation.

⚡ The FITI Vodcast is back with Season 2: The Architecture of Change!

Stephanie and Shaniqua kick off Season 2 by unpacking the psychology behind our fear of change—how uncertainty, loss, and identity shifts influence resistance or acceptance in society, culture, and business.

Check out the vodcast on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gAeDUMVN

Tune in as we unpack:
• Why change feels threatening (and why that matters)
• The emotional and cultural drivers of resistance
• How fear can evolve into a catalyst for innovation

Follow or subscribe to stay in the loop as we explore how society, culture, and business shape the future—one conversation at a time.

Join co-hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain on this episode of From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) as they explore the rise of fractional professionals. Featuring business partners Ann Humes and Chris Keody, this engaging discussion uncovers the transformative impact of fractional executives on modern businesses. Together, they debunk myths, discuss how to redefine leadership roles and share actionable insights on reshaping business models for success. Meet the Guests

Chris Keody

An entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience transforming business challenges into success stories. Chris began his career by expanding a restaurant chain, opening seven locations in just two years. Since then, he’s led companies across industries like accounting, hospitality, and cannabis, helping businesses—from startups to $10M+—align strategy with execution. He is passionate about freeing leaders from the daily grind to achieve lasting success. Outside of work, Chris enjoys time with his family, cooking, and assembling LEGO creations.

Ann Humes

Ann helps business leaders and owners avert "master disasters." With experience spanning Fortune 50 companies like Microsoft and IBM to startups, she’s developed the Inflection Point Business and Pivotal Path Methodology. These tools empower leaders to leverage critical moments to drive exponential growth and success.

Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) on YouTube:    / @fromilluminationtoinnovation  

Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here:    • From Illumination To Innovation  

Key Discussion Points

Why This Matters

This episode sheds light on how businesses can harness the power of fractional executives to adapt, grow, and innovate. Practical insights from Chris and Ann make this a must-watch for business owners, entrepreneurs, and leaders navigating today’s workforce dynamics.

Upcoming Episodes

Join us for the next FITI Vodcast episode on 12/12/24, where Shaniqua and Stephanie reflect on their first year of enlightening and innovative conversations.

Join the Conversation

Have you worked with fractional professionals? Share your experiences in the comments below. Let’s spark meaningful discussions with the FITI community!

Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe For more insights on leadership, workplace culture, and business growth, don’t forget to like, share, comment, and subscribe to the FITI Vodcast.

In this episode, guest Rusty Brindle, a seasoned trades professional, shares his journey and insights into the world of skilled labor. Rusty Brindle is 53 years old, with 20 years in the trades, 15 years as an ASE Master Mechanic, and 12 years in law enforcement. In 2018, he started Terrarium Homes, a business built on values like quality over quantity, ethics, perseverance, and fostering long-term customer relationships. Rusty emphasizes the importance of knowing your customers, fair pricing, profitability, and even when to "fire" a customer if they're not the right fit.

Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) on YouTube:    / @fromilluminationtoinnovation  

Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here:    • From Illumination To Innovation  

Key Discussion Points

Why This Matters

As more professionals seek fulfilling and practical career paths, skilled trades offer a unique combination of independence, hands-on work, and purpose. Rusty's story serves as inspiration for those looking to escape the corporate grind and find meaning in their careers. This episode highlights the value of trade work, the rising demand for skilled labor, and practical advice on running a successful business.

Upcoming Episodes

The next FITI Vodcast episode airs on 11/28/24! Stay tuned for more illuminating conversations with Shaniqua Brown, Stephanie Crain, and fascinating guests.

Join the Conversation

Share your thoughts and experiences on the rise of skilled labor and trades professions by leaving a comment below. Engage with the FITI community and keep the conversation going!

Like, Share, Comment, and Subscribe for more valuable insights on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth from the FITI Vodcast.