Let's Thrive Together

In this heartfelt episode of the Career Thrivers podcast, we delve into the sensitive yet empowering topic of adapting holiday traditions during times of change. Host Brittany N. Cole guides us through a journey of self-reflection, acceptance, and the discovery of joy in new traditions that align with our current selves.

Key Points Discussed:

Episode Quotes:

Brittany wraps up the episode by encouraging listeners to give themselves grace as they navigate the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of embracing where we are now and making choices that resonate with our current selves.

Listeners are invited to reflect on their own holiday traditions and consider how they can adapt them to better suit their current life situation.

Brittany encourages sharing thoughts and experiences on social media using the hashtag #thrivetogether

Visit: https://www.careerthrivers.com/podcast for a guide on leading with authenticity.

Welcome back Thrivers! In this compelling episode, we sit with the renowned celebrity hairstylist, DEI speaker, and educator, Monaè Everett. Monaè shares her captivating journey in the beauty industry, offering insights into the evolution of her career and the pivotal role of hair in personal identity, especially for women of color. 

Monaè's story is a testament to resilience and the power of driving positive change, from facing challenges in the beauty industry to becoming a sought-after advocate. Monaè introduces us to The Crown Act, symbolizing the movement for a respectful and open world for natural hair. Some of her insights include the surprising lack of legal protection for certain hairstyles, the discriminatory policies and restrictions toward employees, the vision to have a beauty industry where diversity is the norm, and many more.

Discover Monaè's inspiring advocacy for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the beauty and corporate realms as she delves into impactful stories and experiences. Join in on our conversation with Monaè as she leaves us with a powerful vision for the beauty industry's future—a future where diversity is celebrated, and success knows no racial or cultural boundaries.

KEY POINTS 

- Monaè's ‘The Crown Act’ and its goal of creating a respectful world for natural hair

- Reasons why hair is a significant personal identity for women

- Examples of discriminatory workplace policies

- Advice to aspiring beauty leaders: maintain diverse portfolios & promote inclusivity

- Common challenges in the beauty industry 

- The importance of diverse leadership and brand representation 

- Some executive-level leaders Monaè appreciates

- Monaè's definition of thriving and advocacy on the need for continued efforts toward inclusivity

- The value of having positive representations in the beauty industry.

QUOTABLES 

“Blonde, brunette, and one of these others to fit in. It's to your point that every culture has different nuances, and different things that they consider to be beautiful. For us, we're fighting within minorities and also against the majority at the same time.” — Monaè Everett

“Diversity is good for business, and there are many different dimensions of diversity." — Brittany Cole

GUEST INFORMATION

Monaè Everett

IG | @monaeartistry

LinkedIn | @monaeeverett

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

How do you address distressing work events in the workplace?  As a leader, do you just not bring it up at all or acknowledge what is happening with empathy instead of feeling the pressure to choose a side or state your opinion?

Hey thriver! It's Brittany N. Cole back with another power-packed episode that I believe is truly essential for every leader out there - how do you say hard things well?  Let's enhance the depth and authenticity of our communication together!

Today, we dive deep into the art and science of communicating with empathy. 

We've all been there – those challenging moments when you need to convey something difficult, yet critical. But how do you ensure the message lands, preserving both the relationship and the intent? This episode is your guide to doing just that.

In this episode, you will gain insights on:

With the rapidly evolving business landscape, inclusion is no longer optional; it's imperative. Together, we'll discuss actionable strategies to ensure everyone's voice is not just heard, but valued and understood.

So, hit play! 🎧 Dive into this journey of mastering the delicate balance of speaking hard truths with a heart full of empathy. Remember, thriver, leadership is not just about guiding; it's about genuinely connecting. Keep leading & keep thriving!

Resources referenced in this episode:

Thrive Through It: A Guide to Redefine Resilience, Communicate with Empathy, and Practice Allyship in Your Life and Business

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect: What the Most Effective People Do Differently

Say More About That: ...And Other Ways to Speak Up, Push Back, and Advocate for Yourself and Others

In this episode on the Career Thrivers Podcast, I had the pleasure of speaking with Selena Rezvani, an accomplished author and expert in women's leadership,  author, speaker, and consultant known for her expertise in leadership and workplace culture.  She is also the author of the instant Wall Street Journal bestseller "Quick Confidence" and the award-winning "Pushback: How Smart Women Ask — and Stand Up — for What They Want." 

We ventured into the world of confidence and self-doubt where Selena shows us how self-doubt isn't something we simply outgrow; it's a universal experience that visits us all, regardless of our background. Tune in to learn how to navigate through it gracefully, especially when we're stepping out of our comfort zones. She also highlights the importance of cultivating self-trust, recognizing our own value, and fostering a growth mindset to build enduring confidence. 

So, if you're struggling with navigating the corporate world or pursuing entrepreneurial dreams, this episode is a must-listen

KEY POINTS:

- The complex world of confidence and self-doubt

- How self-doubt is a universal experience and not something we outgrow

- Ways to gracefully navigate self-doubt and step out of your comfort zone.

- Cultivating self-trust, recognizing your value, and fostering a growth mindset to build lasting confidence

- How culture and upbringing can influence our perception of competence

- Selena’ss guidance on parenting to cultivate confidence in children, particularly girls 

- The power of tenacity and how revisiting opportunities with a fresh perspective can lead to success

- Actionable insights into building enduring confidence

QUOTABLES:

"Get comfortable describing yourself as tenacious.” - Selena Rezvani 

“One of the differences between confident people and not confident people is they really look for their signature strengths.” - Selena Rezvani 

“What I see with women in particular is that we really stall our career progress because we wait to feel confident." - Selena Rezvani 

GUEST INFORMATION

Selena Rezvani 

Instagram | @selenarezvani

LinkedIn | @selenarezvani

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! Today, we're diving headfirst into the world of habits, instincts, and ways to take action. These pillars form the bedrock of success across your career, business, and wellness, and so I wanted to take the time to talk about the importance of trusting your instincts and creating habits that stick. 

In this episode, I’m going to reveal the secrets to successful habit-building and guide you through actionable strategies that I've personally embraced. We'll learn from renowned experts, like Tim Grover, who teaches us to trust our preparation and instincts, and James Clear, whose insights on atomic habits are total game-changers. You will discover the power of environment design and habit stacking, as well as practical techniques for crafting habits that align with your goals. We'll also get into identity-based habits and the transformational impact of envisioning the leader you want to become. 

If you're looking to supercharge your leadership journey, this episode is your compass. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting, these insights will reshape how you approach habits, instincts, and actions. Don't miss this opportunity to fuel your journey with proven strategies and wisdom. Tune in to this episode and let's thrive together.

KEY POINTS 

- Don’t Think, Just Do: Defeat indecision by trusting your instincts

- Common reasons behind our struggle to establish effective habits.

- Design your surroundings to bolster your habit-building journey.

- Fortify your habits by aligning them with the identity you aspire to embody. 

- Self-Reflection for habit success: Key questions to ask yourself to build better habits 

QUOTABLES 

"Habits, instincts, and action are the cornerstones of success across various areas of life." - Brittany Cole

"Consistency and success don't happen by accident; they're built on intentional habits." - Brittany Cole

"The mantra is simple: Trust your preparation, trust your instincts, and take the leap." - Brittany Cole

"Trusting your gut and instincts is a learned skill built on experience and wisdom." - Brittany Cole

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you to 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, we’re diving into the world of networking and invaluable insights on how to build and nurture meaningful connections that can propel your career to new heights. And there is no better guest to talk about this with than Toni Harris Taylor, award-winning franchise owner of Network in Action Global Partners, famously known as The Networking Queen™!

Toni empowers clients to achieve recognition, connections, and financial success, often reaching six-figure incomes and more. Her impressive resume includes being an intercontinental speaker, eight-time author, and host of the popular TV talk show, “Drastic Results with Toni Harris Taylor Talk Show”. Toni's recent project, "Viral Networking for Drastic Results," became an Amazon international bestseller, and her philanthropic efforts have garnered recognition, including the 2022 Power Networker of the Year Award by Dr. George C. Fraser. 

Join in on the conversation as we tackle some of the most critical aspects of networking, from the power of LinkedIn to the vital role of personal branding. Toni also shares her tried-and-true "show up, be up, follow up to blow up" formula for networking success, the power of active listening, and simple but impactful questions you can ask that will bolster connections and provide genuine value in your networking events.

Whether you're a seasoned business pro or an entrepreneur, this episode offers actionable insights to help you navigate the networking landscape and open doors to new opportunities.

KEY POINTS:

- Toni’s "show up, be up, follow up to blow up" formula for networking success 

- Common networking challenges we face

- The value of showing up at events and actively participating in conversations 

- The critical role of social media, especially LinkedIn, in maintaining and cultivating relationships

- Strategies for reconnecting with contacts after some time has passed

- The significance of personal branding and image in career advancement

- The 90/10 rule of career advancement: image and exposure vs. performance

- Powerful questions that will strengthen connections and provide value

- The importance of embracing discomfort and stepping out of your comfort zone when networking

QUOTABLES:

"Networking is just like planting a seed. And then the being up and following up is your water and your fertilizer. It’s not going to grow unless you tend to it." - Toni Harris Taylor

"90% of career advancement is image and exposure." - Brittany Cole

“Be mad at the world, but it's not about what you know; it's about who you know, and who knows you, period." - Toni Harris Taylor

GUEST INFORMATION

Toni Harris Taylor

IG | @toniharristaylor

LinkedIn | @toniharristaylor

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

Welcome back Thrivers! In this episode, I talk about one of the most underleveraged yet crucial skills that leaders must have, and that’s the art of owning your narrative and harnessing the remarkable influence of public speaking. Your life experiences, highs, lows, and lessons shape your personal stories, and they ultimately impact your personal and professional trajectories - that is why in this episode, we’re about to explore the unparalleled power of owning your narrative and becoming a public speaking sensation. 

I’m going to show you just how potent the power of storytelling can be within the corporate and entrepreneurial landscape by taking you through my own journey harnessing this very power in both my workplace and my business. I’m also going to touch on defying external opinions and firmly anchoring yourself in your personal voice and influence, as well as how to navigate the art of crafting a visionary trajectory that is woven into the fabric of your identity.

Tune in to not only understand the transformative power of these concepts but also to glean practical insights on how to wield them effectively. Your narrative is your compass, and your voice is your instrument - discover how to make them resonate powerfully in this episode.

KEY POINTS 

- The pivotal moment when I embraced and controlled my personal narrative.

- Cloudy Clarity, how to realistically identify your vision and create a path toward it, even when you’re uncertain!

- Reshaping external perceptions by understanding your own identity.

- Forget hard work and great performance, harness the influential tool of career storytelling.

- My biggest secrets and tips on public speaking and owning your narrative 

QUOTABLES 

‘I am in the room because I belong here. I belong where my feet are, and I have something valuable to contribute. Lean into that affirmation and let it encourage you to use your voice to speak up.” - Brittany Cole 

“Brand is belief. The definition of a personal brand is what other people believe about you.” - Brittany Cole 

“One of the biggest missed opportunities, especially for women in the workplace, is we expect that the key to advancement is hard work and great performance.” Brittany Cole 

RESOURCES

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, mastering clarity, captivating your audience, and so much more. 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

Hey Thrivers! Today, we are not just marking an anniversary; we are throwing a celebration! This is a special bonus episode dedicated to celebrating four incredible years of my entrepreneurial voyage. Can you believe it? It's been four years since I took that leap of faith and said goodbye to the corporate world on, August 19th, 2019.  Since then, I've been on an exhilarating voyage into the wild, wild west of entrepreneurship and in this episode, I'm pulling back the curtain to give you an unfiltered, no-holds-barred look at what it truly means to be an entrepreneur.

I'm not holding back, Thrivers. I'm taking you on a journey into the depths of my entrepreneurial story, so brace yourselves – because I'm sharing things that have never seen the light of day. From my innermost thoughts that shaped my path to private conversations with mentors, sponsors, and wise counselors who've guided me along the way. This is a rare peek behind the curtain, a chance to see the real story behind the milestones. Whether you're a fellow entrepreneur, a corporate leader, or simply someone curious about what it takes to make it as a business owner, you're in for an unforgettable ride.

KEY POINTS:

- My corporate journey before I became an entrepreneur 

- The crossroads moment that kickstarted my entrepreneurial journey

- Timing is important, but so is preparedness 

- Your corporate experience is gold; how to leverage your corporate skills as an entrepreneur 

- Staying resilient and open-minded when facing roadblock as an entrepreneur 

- Forget your competition and master collaboration 

- Never stop learning; the biggest room for our house is the room for improvement

- The often-overlooked pillar of entrepreneurship: How health is truly wealth 

QUOTABLES:

“Don't underestimate the power in your corporate experience, and be very intentional about considering how do you advance those skills.” Brittany Cole 

“Lessons to be learned in this entrepreneurial space aren't just for entrepreneurs but it's also in recognition of many entrepreneurs still have a 9-5, and as a people leader, we have an opportunity to be a better leader of our side hustling entrepreneurs.” - Brittany Cole

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you to 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

Today, we’re diving into a topic that impacts not just our work, but our well-being. We will be exploring the intersection of mental health and leadership, especially for Black professionals in the workplace. 

Our annual summit, Advancing Black Professionals, is more than a celebration of black history; it's a platform to honor today's leaders shaping history. This summit featured an exceptional panel including Dr. Alduan Tarttt, Dr. Raquel Martin, Eric Capeheart, and Kirbee Miller, discussing how to overcome stress and burnout for effective leadership and holistic well-being.

You’ll be uncovering invaluable insights on how to excel in your career while prioritizing your mental health. Join us for an enriching conversation on why understanding mental health is crucial for leaders, and how black professionals can embrace intentional self-care to thrive both professionally and personally.

KEY POINTS 

- Bridging mental health gaps for Black professionals

- How can we lead and nurture beyond work? 

- Strengthening mental health insights & acumen in leadership 

- Mindful self-care and self-nourishment for Black professionals at work

- Balancing wellness & career expectations thoughtfully 

- Ways to prioritize mental health in the workplace 

- Coping strategies for allostatic workloads 

QUOTABLES 

"You cannot care about people and productivity if you do not care about their mental health." - Dr. Alduan Tartt

"Nourishing yourself really just starts with getting really curious and peeling back the shame." - Kirbee Miller

- "Expose yourself to mentors and others who have achieved what you want to achieve." - Dr. Raquel Martin

GUEST INFORMATION

Dr. Raquel Martin

Website | https://www.raquelmartinphd.com/ 

IG | https://www.instagram.com/raquelmartinphd/?hl=en 

Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/raquelmartinphd/ 

Kirbee Miller

IG | https://www.instagram.com/kirbeeandco/?hl=en 

Linkedin | https://www.linkedin.com/in/kirbee-miller/ 

Dr. Alduan Tartt

Website | https://www.drtartt.com/ 

Contact | 770-637-5017

IG | https://www.instagram.com/drtartt/?hl=en 

Eric Capeheart

Website | https://ericcapehartcoaching.com/ 

IG | https://www.instagram.com/ericdcapehart/ 

Linkedin |  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericcapehart/ 

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

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

Work with Brittany at Career Thrivers 

IG | @CareerThrivers

Brittany Cole 

IG | @BrittanyNCole 

LinkedIn | @BrittanyNCole 

Career Thrivers produced by EPYC Media Network

Hello, Thrivers! Today, we’re going to discuss a topic that unfortunately gets widely overlooked whenever we talk about leadership and getting to the next level in your career, that is focusing on your strengths as a leader. 

In this episode, I’m going to share the unique VISA framework that helped me identify & understand my own strengths and allowed me to fully operate from my zone of genius as a leader. I will also be sharing some actionable tools on how to lean into your strengths and leverage their power, as well as how to help your team not only identify their own strengths but position themselves for more growth and opportunities. 

It’s time to discover your unique strengths and lean into them so that you can become the leader that your team and business need. Join me in this episode to find out how! 

KEY POINTS 

- What is a strength?

- Using the VISA framework to understand your strengths

- The importance of recognizing your strengths

- Ways to identify your strengths 

- How to lean into your strengths and leverage them as a leader  

QUOTABLES 

“Your role isn't just to use your strengths but to also help your team members to identify and leverage their strengths.” - Brittany Cole

Get the Own Your Power Checklist, the ultimate guide to helping you to 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