Ignite 2 Impact Podcast - Raise up and Inspire the Next Generation of Leaders

Going against the grain comes with the territory as a leader— it's often an indication you're headed toward making truly meaningful change.

This episode is the second installment in my Leadership Lesson series- a set of episodes focused on impact leadership with an emphasis on Black History Month. I offer examples from leaders like my father, Ermon K. Jones, who helped to transform our small New Jersey community and the country at large, during a highly segregated time in American history.

Find out why going against the status quo will always come with challengers. We'll dive into the sentiments of leaders that came before us and explore ways you can embrace change and stand strong in the face of opposition.

Key Takeaways:

• What all leaders have in common.
• The fight to bring the Head Start program to a small New Jersey Community.
• The rewards that can come from challenging the establishment or status quo.

Episode Highlights:

• [00:06] Intro
• [01:36] Impact leadership lesson #2
• [02:59] An effective leader welcomes change
• [03:59] Frederick Douglass on taking on the status quo
• [04:57] Bringing the Head Start program to Neptune, New Jersey
• [06:08] Speaking against opposition and fighting for transformation
• [10:56] Toni Morrison's lesson in language and power
• [15:58] Outro

Quotes:

• "That's when you experience success. When you're willing to step out into the unknown— outside of your comfort zone." - Dr. Geneva Jones Williams [03:22]

• "A good leader must be prepared to sidestep chaos, run around or jump over obstacles and defeat direct opposition to achieve a goal." [03:48]

• "An impact leader takes the initiative to create change; To create that change in the status quo." - Dr. Geneva Jones Williams [16:38]

Resources Mentioned:

• eXtraordinary Women Influencers Facebook group
• Justice on the Jersey Shore
• Drgenevaspeaks.com

Connect:

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Cheryl Walker-Robertson is the founder of Protocol International, offering interactive etiquette and protocol workshops and consultations for today's executives and tomorrow's business leaders.

Ms.Walker-Robertson is recognized as a person of extraordinary talent and ability and is often in demand as a speaker and expert on issues facing today's market. Her client range represents Fortune 500 business, government, education, entertainment and more. In addition, her background including 25 years in sales and marketing, Ms. Walker-Robertson has extensive experience in protocol and cultural diversity.

A graduate of Saint Augustine's College in North Carolina, she has also studied under the direction of Dorothea Johnson, Protocol Adviser and Liaison to the Washington DiplomaticCommunity for the Joint Military Attaché. She is a contributing writer to various trade and business publications.

As an executive with Odyssey Media, Ms. Walker-Robertson develops and implements marketing and sales strategies targeting influential multicultural women. Ms. Walker-Robertson is recognized nationwide for her work with Odyssey Network and is responsible for recruiting women for an unprecedented national networking business retreat.

Honored to talk with N. Charles Anderson, my friend and colleague for many years. Congratulations to him for his work being part of the Library of Congress.

N. Charles Anderson was born on February 7, 1953, in Gaston County, North Carolina to Fannie Mae Moses Anderson and Nicodemus Anderson. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School in Charlotte, North Carolina in 1971 and attended Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, North Carolina where he studied business administration. He later received his B.A. degree in humanities from Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1981. Anderson started working at Piedmont Natural Gas in 1972 as a mail clerk when he became involved with the Charlotte NAACP Youth Council, where he later served as president. There, he helped organize the NAACP Youth Council radio show, "Talk to the People" on WGIV Radio in Charlotte, North Carolina and co-hosted the NAACP television program, "Experience!" In 1974, Anderson was hired as a sales representative for American Tobacco Company and later moved to Detroit. After graduating from Wayne State University, Anderson joined the NAACP Detroit Branch as its youth director in 1981. He then served on the national staff as director of the NAACP Midwest Region III from 1983 to 1987. In this role, he directed and managed NAACP state conferences as well as adult branches and college and youth councils in seven states including Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, and West Virginia. Anderson served as the sixth president and chief executive officer of the Detroit Urban League from 1987 to 1994. In 1994, Anderson was appointed by Detroit Mayor Dennis Archer to serve as executive director of the Department of Human Services for the City of Detroit, a position he held until 1997. In 1997, he rejoined the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan as the organization's eighth president and chief executive officer. For twenty years, he was responsible for the vision, leadership, and direction of the Urban League of Detroit and Southeastern Michigan, which is one of 110 affiliates of the New York-based National Urban League. Anderson received the Wayne State University Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012, and the American Human Rights Council Spirit of Humanity Award in 2018. He served as a trustee of the National Urban League, and the New Detroit coalition. He also served on the board of NAACP Youth Council, CityConnect Detroit, New Center Community Services, Detroit Alliance for Fair Banking, Health Alliance Plan and University Cultural Center Association. Anderson also served as vice-chair of the board of trustees, Henry Ford Health System, Inc. and vice-chair of City Year Inc. Anderson and his wife, Marionette Anderson, have three daughters and nine grandchildren.

The video oral history interview of Nonprofit executive N. Charles Anderson is now a permanent part of The Historymakers Collection at the Library of Congress.

Dr. Sandye Poitier Johnson, renowned educator with a career that spans four decades, retired principal of Thurgood Marshall Academy, former adjunct professor at City College and adjunct professor at Kean College, New Jersey, knows what it takes to turn a school around.

She did what it takes to make a Title I public school an International Baccalaureate World School, the first NY Title I school to achieve this status.

Currently the Executive Director of the Harlem Renaissance Education Pipeline, Dr. Johnson is widely credited with raising the academic standards and stature of the Thurgood Marshall Academy for Learning and Social Change in Harlem.

She has what it takes to continue the fight for quality education. And she's won accolades to prove it throughout her career—from the National Council of Negro Women's Mary McLeod Bethune Award and the Dr. Martin Luther King Measure of a Woman Award to the Time Warner Principal of Excellence Award and more.

Charmaine Brown is the President of the Board Of Directors of the Greater Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO).

The National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), headquartered in Washington, DC is the only dues-based national organization representing the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all kinds of businesses. The organization currently has 90 chapters in the United States and is affiliated with Les Femmes Chefs d' Enterprises Mondiales (World Association of Women Entrepreneurs). The vision of the National Association of Women Business Owners propels women

https://www.nawbo.org

Charmaine Brown, President & Founder at Connexions Consulting, Inc., is a recognized corporate leader with more than 23 years of experience in strategic HR, diversity and inclusion, talent management, organization development, and HR compliance. Her experience spans a range of industries including real estate, banking, healthcare, and nonprofits.

Charmaine served as a member of the Cleveland Commission on Economic Inclusion's Membership Engagement Committee. Other non-profit and board involvement includes CollegeNow of Greater Cleveland, Saint Joseph Academy, United Black Fund and Project REAP.Charmaine is the 2012 recipient of the Crain's Cleveland Archer Award, Commercial Property Executive's 2012 Diversity Executive of the Year and recipient of the 2013 Women of Color Stephanie Tubbs-Jones Courage Award. She is a graduate of the 2009 Cleveland Bridge Builder program, often returning as a facilitator on the topic of Cultural Competence. linkedin.com/in/charmaine-brown-0a813b2

Climbing any success ladder takes constant prayers, a good plan, and resources. A successful person will see how her ideas come full circle once a vision elevates rapidly. Meet Dr. Stacie N.C. Grant, Empowerment Specialist, Event Strategist, TV Media Host, Author and Speaker. She has witnessed an incredible turn-around in her life and business. And, as mind-blowing as it is, Grant can no longer hide the sizzling details.

Grant believes wholeheartedly in the mantra: Prayer is the key. Faith unlocks the door. She knows unfathomably that these are the primary ingredients needed behind every #Faithpreneur and entrepreneur to see their businesses excel.

She recently opened up about two life events that eventually led her in front of thousands of people globally. She remembers her first-grade teacher speaking to her mother about some behaviors on the first day of school. The teacher began the conversation with positive statements but went on to explain one problem. She mentioned how Grant gathered all the classmates and began teaching the students their ABCs. Speaking began for Grant at a young age, and this gift continued to nurture throughout middle school, high school, and college.

Her personality and gifts began to flourish abundantly through more experiences and encounters while growing up. But, there is one other memory that sparks and ignites her spirit to leap daily. It's the sweet, savory recollections of her grandmother's solid walk of faith in God. This bond was unique because Grant tuned into her gifts of prayer, speaking, and service to others through the actions of her grandmother.

"God was designing my life all along. I didn't understand the real purpose, but now things are clearer to me," she remarked. "Faith was the legacy my grandmother left us." And, Grant continues to build on this legacy, which has carried her name, gifts, and business to the masses.

She felt challenged through this legacy of faith to be an entrepreneur and settled down the years of work into one movement: #Faithpreneur.

Her life and business took a pivotal turn at the heart of Times Square--the place where millions gather yearly to bring in the New Year. Grant's new year from a legacy of faith began with her first tribute dinner celebrating her grandmother on her birthday in August, and leading prayer on a new platform. She holds a thriving prayer call every Saturday that connects with people ranging from the states, various countries, and islands.

"We pray over the intentions of what we desire to do, and for God to orchestrate the plans. This prayer call is no pomp and circumstance. It's a time, where everybody shares," stated Grant.

Moreover, the outcome of the celebration and turn out was mindblowing, causing her to launch #Faithpreneur Weekend to continue the legacy of her grandmother. Many of the prayer callers register for the conference. Grant defines a #Faithpreneur® as a "faith entrepreneur who exhibits grit, determination, and resilience to establish and monetize their business idea."

Grant teaches now the importance for every #Faithpreneur and entrepreneur to not only pray but understand the real purpose of growing a niche in business. "I thought everybody was my market," she said.

By recognizing this mistake, she began to clean up her marketing strategies and approach. Grant used an inquiry-based technique. The critical questions to niche-down are: Who is my avatar? What's the trend in my business? Who comes and returns to me for services? What's the pattern in my services? "I know it wasn't gender-based in my business. It's faith-based," Grant acknowledged.

Faithpreneur Weekend 2K19 guarantees that all attendees will depart with a plan of action for their businesses. Individuals are there to create "sustainable Revenue, Resources, and Relationships." With a massive, organic reach over 1.3 million, Faithprenuer Weekend shows steady growth yearly.

Attendees arrive with their laptops ready to work. Each business owner will walk away with a definitive road map for sustainability and profitability. The atmosphere will be charged with faith-energy from guest honorees to trailblazing #Faithpreneurs who have established global brands, and more.

"Faithpreneur Weekend isn't like the traditional or typical events you attend. We equip all entrepreneurs and #faithpreneurs with tools to be change agents and to position themselves in the marketplace to help others," remarked Grant.

A new release for #faithpreneurs and entrepreneurs will penetrate the market. Grant will launch Destiny Designer University, a virtual platform for training and development in the fourth quarter of 2019. The virtual classroom encompasses capacity building, soft skills, emotional intelligence, presentation, and leadership skills.

"I've learned the art of being in service to people. It's through faith and service you are elevated. Elevation comes through service because of the education you receive," Grant emphasized.

Dr. Stacie N.C.Grant is the author of Action Action Despite the Distraction!: 7 Life Lessons to Thrive & Live Your Destiny. Dr. Stacie NC Grant also has the distinction of being one of world-renowned Les Brown's notable Platinum Speakers and one of his expert trainers.

Visit FaithpreneurWeekend.com

for more information.

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Veronica Hood celebrates 28 years as an entrepreneur of Roloni's Boutique in Southfield, Michigan.

"I have always had a passion for helping women to feel better about themselves," said Hood. "Real Girl Talk" which is a monthly meeting held at her boutique where women discuss issues in their daily lives.

Veronica Hood is the founder and creative director of the Ms. Black Fit and Fine Beauty Pageant for women 50 and over. It is a showcase of fitness, beauty and grace in women over the age of 50 more than a beauty pageant, this is a journey to a better quality of life. It is an organization that seeks to inspire, educate and motivate women of color to take better care of themselves as they age.

The pageant celebrates the woman who is defying the myths of aging.

Veronica says, "I want everyone to understand that you can be whoever you want to be and do what every you want to do as long as you have a plan. Just continue to work your plan. Tweak it as needed but keeping working your plan and never take no for a final answer."

Visit http://www.msblackfitandfinepageant.com

for more information.

Keep in contact with us,

sign up and get our free gift at

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Baltimore native, Charlotte, NC resident, and Morgan State University alumna, Sabra Robinson is the founder of Black Women Widows Empowered, a nonprofit organization that empowers widows through various online and face-to-face mediums. She's also the author of Widowed, But Not Wounded and Publisher of Today's Widowed Woman of Color Magazine.

She was married to the love of her life Herbert Robinson for 23 years. Their union produced four children. Sadly, Herbert succumbed to Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma in 2012.

Sabra holds a General Theology Certificate from Oral Roberts University and studied at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Sabra has also been recognized by the ABC Talent Development Program for her proposal to bring her children's book, Micky, Ticky, Boo! Says Hello to film and received recognition from the Mayor of Baltimore in 2017.

A project manager by day, she is also a certified Christian counselor, certified career-growth coach, and former Grief Share facilitator. Sabra is also the visionary behind the book collaboration, Widowed, But Not Wounded: The Hustle & Flow of 13 Resilient Black Widowed Women (Dec 2017). She has proudly authored a Non-Fiction Christian Anthology, The Lost Sheep: How I Got Over the Hump, and the children's book, Micky, Ticky, Boo! Says Hello. Sabra has also contributed her writings to blavity.com, Hope for Widows Foundation, FriendsPast, and Thought Catalog.

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Sabra also takes pleasure in focusing on herempowerment podcast where she is able to discuss various topics such as dating, grief, loss and awareness campaigns with widows and widowers of all backgrounds.

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Visit www.blackwomenwidowsempowered.com for more information

Keep in contact with us,

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As one of the nation's leading experts in igniting change, Tameika Isaac Devine is a masterful communicator, community champion for more than a decade and change agent showing women and leaders the possibilities within. Tameika Isaac Devine is the founder of The Possibilities Institute, a peak performance consulting and public speaking firm specializing in providing personal and professional development for people who are called to a life of change. Overcoming the nay-sayers, at age 29, Tameika became the first African American female elected to Columbia, SC City Council. She is a partner in her own law firm, Jabber & Isaac. Tameika Isaac Devine consistently teaches, mentors, and trains women on facilitating change in their lives and community. Tameika serves on several professional law and political organizations. She was an integral part of the team that helped President Barack Obama win a sweeping victory in the 2008 South Carolina primary and was a delegate to China. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Jack & Jill of America. Tameika Isaac Devine is a skilled communicator, an inspiration in her community championing many initiatives which have sparked change. She embodies change and her messages serve as catalyst for the strengthening of community, self-esteem, self-value, faith, empowerment and courage as she shares her personal struggles and triumphs, including losing a baby at her 37th week of pregnancy. Tameika Isaac Devine is a dynamic speaker with a message to empower and inspire all audiences. She can speak on any topic but her signature, in demand speaking topics include: The Balancing Act: Success Strategies for Achieving Work-Life Integration, Anything Is Possible If You Just Believe, How to Find Your Strength Through Tragedy, How You Can Change the World, Moves that Motivate, Creating Your Own Opportunities, Leading vs. Leadership and How to Achieve Balance in Today's World. Tameika has been featured in Jet Magazine, Madam Noir magazine, Imara Woman Magazine, and Columbia Business Monthly. She is also a frequent guest on The Urban Scene with Don Frierson, In Touch with Judi Gatson, WIS News, WLTX, WACH Fox 57 News and Joy in the Morning radio show. An Attorney, Speaker, Politician, Coach and Mentor, Tameika Isaac Devine earned her law degree from The University of South Carolina School of Law and her B.S. in Management from Hampton University.

Visit http://www.tameikaisaacdevine.com for more information

Keep in contact with us,

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DeLores Pressley is a world-class Keynote Speaker, published Author and Life Coach with more than three decades of experience. She is the CEO of DeLores Pressley Worldwide and the Founder of She Elevates™ - a non-profit organization created to empower young girls to become entrepreneurs.

DeLores uses her voice as a platform to empower and help motivate thousands to take inspired actions, be confident and live their most marvelous life. Her writing skills are notable, as she has published many articles on inspiration, confidence and empowerment. She is the author of "Clean Out the Closets of Your Life", "Believe in the Power of You", "Empower" and Co-Author of "Oh Yes You Can!" She is a contributing writer for Smart Business Magazine and the Spokesperson for Humanitarian Hands Charities.

DeLores has worked at various levels with numerous top-notch companies which include Coca-Cola, Roche Pharmaceuticals, Procter and Gamble (P&G), Union Pacific Railroad, Nationwide, American Heart Association, Timken, Kirby Vacuum and Bakersfield Women's Conference. She has received many awards and recognition for her work including Top Ten Business Owners by the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) and was a 2016 recipient of the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from President Barack Obama.

DeLores received an honorary degree; Doctor of Divinity from Shekinah Glory School of Divinity and Badge of Chaplaincy from CIA International. She serves as a Member of The ABCD, Inc. Board of Directors, O'Jays Entertainers Scholarship Committee Board Member, Founding Member of Women's Impact Inc., and Past President of the National Speakers Association's Ohio Chapter.

Furthermore, her story has been touted in Speaker, Glamour, Washington Post, Black Enterprise, Inside Business, Essence, Ebony and Marie Claire magazines. She is a frequent media guest and host of a TV Show; A Purposeful Life. She has appeared on the Bravo TV Network Show; Married to Medicine and has been interviewed on every major network including Entertainment Tonight and OPRAH.

Visit www.DeLoresPressley.com for more information

Keep in contact with us,

sign up and get our free gift at

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Follow our hashtag #ignite2impact

Please share this podcast & let us what you think,

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