Let's Thrive Together

In this episode, I dive into one of my favorite leadership topics: personal branding. I believe that if there's one thing you can do to take your career and life to the next level, it's mastering the art and science of personal branding.

Join me as I share my personal experience of turning down a major promotion and the lessons I learned about the importance of owning your narrative and taking pride in your personal brand from that experience. I also introduce the PIE framework (Performance, Image, and Exposure) as well as the three key steps: show up, speak up, and step up - so that you can cultivate a strong personal brand that opens doors to new opportunities.

If you’re ready to own your story and branding, then this episode is a must-listen! 

KEY POINTS: 

02:00 - My personal experience with personal branding

05:30 - The importance of personal branding and its impact on career advancement

09:45 - The PIE framework: Performance, Image, and Exposure

12:00 - Show up: Being present and visible in your organization or industry

15:30 - Speak up: Using your voice and contributing to meetings and discussions

18:15 - Step up: Taking on additional responsibilities and going above and beyond

QUOTABLES:

"Your personal brand is the belief that someone else has about you." - Brittany N. Cole

"Performance is only 10% of career advancement. Image is 30% of career advancement .Exposure is 60% of career advancement." - Brittany N. Cole

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

Hello Thrivers! In this episode, I'm joined by Carla Harris,  leadership expert, speaker, and author of "Lead to Win". We discuss the evolving nature of leadership and the importance of empathy, emotional intelligence, and owning your power. We also talk about the challenges faced by women and people of color in leadership roles, the importance of investing & sponsorship in leadership development, and the changing business landscape and how leaders can adapt to these changes. 

Carla's pearls of wisdom shine through as she shares her thoughts on leadership, career advancement, and personal growth. I hope you feel inspired and empowered to Lead to Win in your own lives and careers!

KEY POINTS: 

02:42 - Transitioning from an individual contributor to a people leader role

04:55 - The importance of mindset & confidence in leadership

08:06 - Challenges faced by women in leadership roles

10:34 - The power of self and social awareness in owning emotional intelligence

12:03 - Identifying & addressing gaps in leadership 

16:16 - Investing in leadership development for top performers

18:19 - Differences between mentors and sponsors in career advancement

20:06 - The role of sponsors in supporting women in leadership roles

22:00 - Why we need to formalize sponsorship programs

24:40 - Evolving leadership styles in response to changing business dynamics

26:46 - The amplification of voice & choice in the workplace

27:01 - The importance of authenticity & empathy in leadership

30:39 - Balancing career aspirations & personal wealth management

34:07 - Seeking help from financial professionals for wealth strategies

QUOTABLES:

"You have to be able to make that shift quickly from being an outstanding individual contributor to now being the one in charge." -  Carla Harris 

"When you fail to remove a bad leader, you hold the rest of the organization hostage.” - Carla Harris

GUEST INFORMATION

Carla Harris

IG | @carlaannharris

LinkedIn | @carla-harris-5192047b

Lead to Win: How to Be a Powerful, Impactful, Influential Leader in Any Environment

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, we delve into Corporate Social Responsibility with Johari Matthews, Executive Director of the Tennessee Titans Foundation. 

As a native of Nashville deeply rooted in her community, Johari shares her journey from working in non-profits to leading the Titans Foundation. In this conversation, Johari emphasizes the transformative power of intentional community engagement, highlighting the importance of corporations stepping out of boardrooms and actively listening to the needs of the communities they serve. Johari also stresses the significance of volunteerism, encouraging corporate leaders to initiate positive change by giving their time, treasure, talents, testimony, and truth. Through insightful anecdotes and a focus on impact over ego, Johari provides valuable advice for professionals aiming to make a difference in their communities. 

Tune in to uncover the keys to creating an impact that will strengthen and fuel your community with Johari Matthews today. 

KEY POINTS:

- Community involvement is not just a nice gesture; it's a core business strategy for growth

- Corporate Social Responsibility  should involve intentional engagement, moving beyond reactionary initiatives

- The five "T"s (time, treasure, talents, testimony, and truth) can serve as a guide for individuals and corporations looking to make a meaningful impact

- Thriving means intentional growth, seeing positive changes in oneself, and witnessing prayers come to fruition

- The Titans Foundation's partnership with Tennessee State University & its impact on HBCU students

QUOTABLES:

"In an era where consumers are more conscious about the core values and the ethics of businesses that they support, community involvement isn't just a nice thing to do. It is a core business strategy for growth." - Brittany N. Cole 

"Impact over ego. Think about what the impact is, and not necessarily what the success story for yourself or where that puts you on a pedestal." - Johari Matthews 

"Don't be afraid to share your truth because in this world that we're living in, your truth may help someone who sits in a similar seat like me." - Johari Matthews 

GUEST INFORMATION:
Johari Matthews 

LinkedIn | @johari-matthews 

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

In this episode, Brittany N. Cole gets real and shares down-to-earth wisdom to help you navigate unexpected disruptions and disappointments you experience in your career and even in your personal life. She breaks down the "thrivers mindset" by sharing actionable strategies on taking control where you can, genuinely embracing resilience, and establishing a daily practice for a positive mindset. She also addresses the importance of acknowledging and processing emotions rather than suppressing them and shares practical tools like affirmations and declarations to boost daily routines. Beyond these personal strategies, Brittany challenges you to adopt an entrepreneurial mindset in your career development, highlighting the tangible benefits of investing in yourself. 

So tune in and uncover practical insights to handle disruptions, cultivate resilience, and take proactive steps toward your own personal and professional fulfillment. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career or aiming for accelerated growth, this episode offers guidance to thrive in the face of any unexpected challenges that come your way. 

KEY POINTS:

- How to navigate and embrace grief in your career journey 

- The key to controlling the controllables 

- You can’t just “bounce back”: Redefining what resilience means to you 

- The power of developing a daily practice and combining affirmation with declaration 

- Investing at the level of your vision 

QUOTABLES:

"If there's anything that I could tell you about disruption, change, and loss is that it helps you to reset your priorities like nothing else in the world.” - Brittany N. Cole 

“The challenge with how we think about resilience is that it can become a detriment to our emotional and mental well-being.” - Brittany N. Cole 

“It's important that you recognize that your work isn't synonymous with your worth.” - Brittany N. Cole

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

In this insightful episode of "Let's Thrive Together," host Brittany N. Cole shares a candid reflection on her journey as a podcast host and the lessons learned about consistency, capacity, and the importance of support systems. Brittany delves into why she started the show, its evolution, and her aspirations for it, including reaching a broader audience on platforms like Amazon Prime and Netflix. The episode also focuses on the vital practice of conducting a year-end review. Brittany guides listeners through a personal and professional self-assessment process, emphasizing the power of reflection before rushing into new goals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to gain deeper insights into their past year and strategize for the future with purpose and clarity.

Subscribe on Apple Podcast or wherever you like to listen.

Learn more about the show and join our free insider thrivers here: letsthrivetogether.com 

Welcome Thrivers! In this episode, Brittany sits down with serial entrepreneur Dr. Felicia Phillips, to talk about building your business while you’re working your 9-5. As founder of Mobile ICON and the Pink Preneur Network, Dr. Phillips has spent over 30 years empowering women entrepreneurs, especially women of color. 

In this episode, Dr. Phillips addresses how black women often start businesses out of necessity, not opportunity. Consequently, many plateau due to limited resources and relationships for strategic planning or guidance. Join in on the conversation as she advises her fellow aspiring entrepreneurs on what resources to look for, tips on how to avoid analysis paralysis, and how to assess your risk appetite as a business owner.

Ultimately, Dr. Phillips converses on the inextricable link between profit and purpose. Thriving means happily nurturing family despite professional demands, attaining spiritual alignment, practicing self-awareness, and inspiring others by simply entering rooms. Her wisdom not only equips entrepreneurs but also charges corporations to intentionally support minority-owned ventures.

KEY POINTS:

-Embrace a growth mindset for constant learning and self-awareness
-Hire experienced business coaches for practical insights
-Speak your vision into existence and believe in its realization
-Trust your instincts
-Keep your personal brand consistent online and offline
-Support diverse businesses through mentoring and tangible opportunities
-Explore acquiring businesses, especially from owners without successors

QUOTABLES:

"Get an advisor who has done what you were trying to do or has helped companies very successfully ascertain the success that you are looking to get. " -Dr. Felicia Phillips

"You need someone, an accountability partner because it is very different when you have to get up on your own when you have to make the money, because if you don't kill it, you do not eat, you don't." -Dr. Felicia Phillips

"Anything is possible if you just believe." -Dr. Felicia Phillips

"Follow your gut. I always say that when you get that feeling you get in your stomach, it is there for a reason." -Dr. Felicia Phillips

"You're going to fail certain things. But guess what? You'll know what not to do." -Dr. Felicia Phillips

"Waiting on confirmation is the idolization of clarity." -Brittany Cole

GUEST INFORMATION

Dr. Felicia Phillips

Linktree | Felicia Phillips

IG | @iamdrphillips

LinkedIn | drfeliciaphillips

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | 

Hey there Thrivers! In this episode, Brittany talks about building powerful and lasting professional relationships with none other than Harry Allen, co-founder and Chief Relationship Officer of Nashville's fastest-growing bank, Studio Bank. With over 20 years in financial services, Harry emphasizes the merits of accumulating his “social capital” through authentic connections, and distinguishing superficial, transactional networking from forging genuine bonds, advising that quality trumps quantity of interactions. 

Harry also stresses the inextricable link between belonging and bottom lines, detailing Studio Bank’s intentional culture cultivation as a distinguished “Best Place to Work”. How? But providing employees with ownership stakes, driving an innate sense of responsibility within the company and its work culture. Ultimately, Harry compellingly converges business growth with human bonds and progress with passion, this episode aims to inspire us to lead wholeheartedly, and lasting and impactful professional relationships with those around us despite our differences. 

KEY POINTS:

-Build genuine relationships based on trust, empathy, and understanding
-Emphasize personal notes in follow-ups for meaningful relationship-building
-Self-worth is important in facing financial challenges
-Acknowledge wealth's impact, aim for diverse investors for equity
-Share passions, like music updates, fosters workplace community
-Thriving means doing purposeful, energizing work to give your best to others

QUOTABLES:

"If I was going to be an advisor and connector to my clients, I needed a really large, robust and very diverse set of friends and resources to deploy from a social capital standpoint." -Harry Allen

"I am valuable the minute I wake up and there is a purpose for my living, I've just got to figure out who needs the resources that I have and approach life in a way that seeks that purpose." -Harry Allen

"When things kind of knock wind out of your cell. Take a breath. Forget about it. Stand back up, and the world will introduce you to the opportunities that are right for you." -Harry Allen

"If someone presents an opportunity that is so large, you feel I'm prepared for, say yes and figure it out later." -Harry Allen

"And so if you're going to serve the community, number one, make sure it's a cause and a passion that you care deeply about." -Harry Allen

"Annual reading for leaders because it's so easy to just pile on, pile on. But that disciplined pursuit of less is everything." -Brittany Cole

GUEST INFORMATION

Harry Allen

Website | Studio Bank

IG | @studiobanknash

LinkedIn | harryallen

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | 

Welcome back Thrivers! In today's episode, your host Brittany dives into innovative approaches to developing high-impact leaders amid accelerating change.

Brittany highlights some concerning inefficacies of a global $166 billion corporate leadership development industry - that only 10% of CEOs believe current initiatives demonstrate clear business impact and attributes this to conventional one-size-fits-all programs lacking personalization and cultural relevance. So how do we rectify this? 

Brittany advocates for culturally tailored learning to engage diverse leaders based on identity, experience, and more, as well as collaborating cross-functionally when designing programs, even including business leaders in content delivery. She also stresses the merits of experiential learning for optimal retention, sharing her "15/15/15 model” - 15 minutes instruction, 15 minutes applied practice, 15 minutes Q&A. Lastly, she urges integrating often overlooked “power skills” like emotional intelligence and empathy into development. 

Overall, Brittany provides a compelling case for forward-thinking leadership development in ever-changing business environments. Her insights equip executives to build inclusive cultures and drive impact by better-supporting leaders at all levels.

KEY POINTS:

-Leadership development shapes competencies, crucial for organizational success
-Lack of personalization and cultural relevance hinders effectiveness
-Integrate experiential learning, and prioritize "power skills" like empathy
-Move beyond one-size-fits-all in the era of global change, seize the opportunity
-Acknowledge AI as transformative in learning and development
-Invest in leaders with dynamic, personalized approaches for your growth and impact

QUOTABLES:

"So when we say leadership development at career thrivers, it is inclusive of what you're doing from a diversity equity and inclusion standpoint." -Brittany Cole

"Truly understand the nuances of different cultures so that your content, your skill development is meeting the needs of those cultures." -Brittany Cole

"If the people don't have an opportunity to experience that learning in real-time, then they're only retaining about 5 to 8% of what's being delivered." -Brittany Cole

"So embrace tailoring, embrace having culturally relevant training, and remember your organization will continue to grow and be profitable and impactful at the level that you are making an investment in your leaders." -Brittany Cole

The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide | Download your FREE The Blueprint to Visibility & Influence Guide. 

Hey Hey Creative | Click here and experience the Magic of Hey Hey Creative today! 

AB Hillsboro Village | Visit here to learn more about AB Hillsboro Village, Nashville's premiere live event and music venue.

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Let's Thrive Together produced

Hey there, fellow Thrivers! I'm Brittany Cole, your host, and I'm thrilled to take you on another electrifying journey through leadership, career transitions, and the strategies that drive success in this upcoming season. Get ready for a deep dive into leadership development, exploring trust-building, the significance of relationships, and the powerful impact of giving and receiving in the corporate world.

Throughout this season, I’ll uncover the emotional motivations behind actions, emphasizing the importance of creating a familial sense of ownership within professional environments. I'll challenge traditional views by highlighting the value of nurturing effective leaders rather than solely rewarding top producers. You'll also discover how platforms like LinkedIn can shape your career trajectory and gain insights into purposeful sharing within professional networks.

Designed for ambitious souls determined to break barriers and redefine their paths, Career Thrivers guarantees a season brimming with inspiration, empowerment, and actionable advice. So, fasten your seatbelts, lean in, and get ready to thrive as we launch into an exhilarating expedition through the realms of professional growth and leadership.

KEY POINTS:

-Invest in leadership to match your vision
-Reflect on your last self-investment for growth
-Understand the emotional reasons behind actions
-Invest in leadership development
-Use LinkedIn strategically for career growth

QUOTABLES:

"If you're going to have a driver's mindset, you must invest at the level of your vision." -Brittany Cole

"In order for me to properly execute the vision, I needed trust. I needed relationships." -Ebonee Davis Ifeobu

"Giving and receiving are really good for us. They really help the giver as much as they help the receiver. So why don't we practice more?" -Pat Shea

"We love a good contribution. However, the issue or the challenge becomes when you give me that contribution and then you don't give any instruction on how I should use that contribution." -Johari Matthews

Are you ready to break free from the grip of self-doubt and truly own your narrative?

Join me on September 7th at 7 pm Central Standard Time for a free webinar that is going to transform the way you leverage the power of speaking. 

Visit https://confidentwithspeaking.com/ to secure your spot!

In this webinar, I'll reveal the secrets to:

- Speaking with Confidence: Whether addressing colleagues or connecting with clients.

- Mastering Clarity: How to craft clear, impactful communication.

- Captivating Your Audience: Ways to grow your business and boost influence.

Ready to level up? Explore the VIP option to leverage AI and enhance your speaking skills.

See you there!

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

In today’s episode, your host Brittany is joined by Dr. Shade Adu, an extraordinary educator, entrepreneur, and global powerhouse. Driven by a passion for making a profound impact on education, Dr. Shade shares her incredible journey from being an educator in the U.S. to becoming the first Black woman to teach in a remote region of Kazakhstan. She also reveals to Brittany the various challenges she faced, the doors she opened, and the powerful mindset shifts that propelled her into entrepreneurship upon returning home.

Dr. Shade Adu’s expertise lies in digital branding and marketing, where she has consistently shared invaluable insights and strategies, aiding leaders and organizations in flourishing within today's ever-evolving landscape. Moreover, she now helps leaders and aspiring ones develop their leadership prowess.

Delving into Dr. Shade's transition to entrepreneurship, Brittany uncovers her valuable insights for leaders aspiring to elevate their personal brand. From mindset shifts to navigating challenges, this powerful conversation provides the wisdom that transcends industries. Indeed, Dr. Shade's authenticity and resilience shine through, inspiring us to embrace their unique career journeys and rise to their highest selves. Tune in. 

KEY POINTS 

- How past challenges can be a powerful tool for personal and professional development

- The importance of being surrounded by a supportive community and mentors

- The transformative impact of mentorship and coaching

- Dr. Shade’s insights on one’s embracing imperfections and unique career journey

- On leadership development, mindset shifts, and personal branding

- Dr. Shade’s perspective on the essence of thriving

- The pivotal role of trusting one’s instincts, embracing opportunities, owning your power

QUOTABLES 

"Thriving means you're operating in your highest level self... secure in your mind, your body, in your soul, and in your bank account." - Dr. Shade Adu

"You have the strength, the patience, the passion, and the brilliance to reach for your next level and to seize it." - Brittany Cole

GUEST INFORMATION

Shade Adu

Website | Shade Adu

IG | @heydrshade

LinkedIn | @shadeyadu 

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you own your personal power to drive as a leader.

Love what you’re hearing? Follow Brittany Cole & The Career Thrivers Podcast to share the love!

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network