On the Matterr: Motivation for Goal-Getters, Entrepreneurs and Anyone Ready to Level all the way Up!

On the podcast this week, it is my honor to chat with one of my mentors and favorite humans, Erica Edwards O'Neal. Erica is the founder and Principal of EEO consults, helping organizations develop more equitable, diverse, and inclusive workplaces.

Erica is a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Leader. She is also a Strategist, speaker, Consultant, and Attorney. She is an advocate committed to developing policies and programs to attract, retain and foster a diverse and inclusive workforce.

In this episode, she not only shares her experience and how she came to be a DEI thought leader and expert, but she also provides the uncensored truth about what diversity, equity, and inclusion is and is not. 

If you have ever felt "some type of way" because of experiences you faced at the workplace due to your race, gender, religion, or sexual orientation, YOU ARE NOT CRAZY, and this conversation is for you. ENJOY.

To keep up with Erica, check her out on LinkedIn at http://linkedin.com/in/ericaedwardsoneal

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This week, I speak with comedian, podcaster, and all-around excellent: Kyndra Crump on the podcast. 

Kyndra was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. She wanted to be several things when she grew up (chief among them; professional chef and WWE wrestler). However, in time, she decided to follow her teacher's advice and lean into her natural ability to make people laugh. 

Please tune in to hear our hilarious and inspiring conversation!

To keep up with Kyndra and her funny self, please follow her Instagram page @thekyndracrumpshow and her youtube channel Kyndra Crump. 

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This week on the podcast, I speak with Fonder and CEO of Young Kings Hair Care line, Cora Miller.

Cora was the VP of External Affairs for United Health Group, where she managed its corporate social responsibility initiatives. 

As a first-time mom, she found herself with a beautiful baby boy with so much hair but could not find hair products to style it.

Bothered by the lack of representation of products for young black and brown boys, she decided to create YOUNG KINGS HAIR CARE: royally crafted plant-based vegan hair products fit for a young king.

Cora shares an honest account of creating products for retail and dishes on the good, the bad, and the ugly along the way.

Timestamp

Background - 1:20

The idea for Young Kinghair Care - 3:24

Research for Brand - 5:00

Launched - 9:44

Creation Process - 11:13

Creating a company with your spouse - 15:00

Funding/Find Capital for her business - 18:09

Encouragement for Beginning Entrepreneurs - 25:35

Journey to Target - 28:05

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Prepare to be BLESSED and ANOINTED this week because my guest on the podcast is Esther Maurice!

She is an Associate Pastor and founder of the Faithful Friends worship service at the Temple of Unified Christians Brick Church. She's been doing God's work for over eight years. She is committed to Empowering through Words, Challenging through Actions, Pursuing Purpose with Passion!

Elder Esther grew up in a Christian family. She is the youngest of 10 children. Esther shared what it was like growing up in a Christian household and the pressures/expectations. We also discussed how the pandemic affected many's prayer lives and why it is essential to keep God at the forefront of our lives.

Keep up with Esther on IG at @thestermaurice, her service every Sunday at @faithfulfriendsattuc, and her clothing appeal at @thenationshaker. She is also the author of 2 powerful devotionals, which are available on amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Faithful-Distractions-Overcoming-Constant-Interruptions-ebook/dp/B086M7MYM6/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&qid=1614549509&refinements=p_27%3AEsther+Maurice&s=digital-text&sr=1-2&text=Esther+Maurice+

Timestamp:

Background - 2:34

Applicability of the Gospel - 10:30

Crisis are temporary, don't lose hope - 16:10

Encouragement - 20:07

Prayer and Blessing - 30:00

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On the podcast this week, I speak with Dr. Claudia Marshall about IMPOSTOR SYNDROME!

Dr. Marshall is an Assistant Professor of Counseling, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Life Coach Passionate about reducing mental health stigma and helping individuals overcome IMPOSTOR SYNDROME. 

Dr. Marshall is originally from Kingston, Jamaica, and in this episode, she shares her migration to the States and how she came to become a Licensed Professional Counselor!

We also had a DEEP conversation on Impostor Syndrome, the five ways it manifests, the intersectionality between race and gender: how it affects black man and women, and most importantly, how to overcome it!

Keep up with Dr. Marshall on IG at @dr_claudiacmarshall and via her website: www.marshallcoachingandmentoring.com. 

Timestamp:

Background - 1:27

Religion & Therapy - 8:50

Definition of Impostor Syndrome - 10:20

History of Impostor Syndrome - 11:30

5 Ways Impostor Syndrome Manifest - 15:02

How to support and Encourage Someone experiencing it - 28:10

Building your support system - Impostor Syndrome Team - 32:30 (Researcher reference: Dr. Orbe-Austin)

Impostor Syndrome in Men - 37:50

Intersectionality between gender and race - 39

Dr. Marshall's Impostor Syndrome Journal: https://marshallcoachingandmentoring.com/shop/ols/products/i-belong-here-challenging-impostor-syndrome-through-journaling

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This week, my guest is Nikki Merkerson!

Nikki is a Community Development and homeownership expert. She is a real estate investor, advocating for and empowering others to make smart investments.

Before Nikki purchased her first home, housing was an issue for her.  She moved 22 times. At age 29, she bought her first home, and within eleven months, she purchased her second one. 

She is the founder of Pairgap: an innovative web platform that matches ideal partners to one another to buy property together. Before pursuing her entrepreneurship ventures full-time, Nikki spent 23 years in the financial services industry. She most recently held the role of a Community Reinvestment Officer at JP Morgan Chase. 

In this episode, Nikki shares her story about why she is passionate about empowering others to make smart investments and how real estate should be considered an instrument for creating generational wealth. 

Keep up with Nikki on IG at @nikki_merkerson or directly on her website https://www.nikkimerkerson.com

Timestamps:

Introduction - 2:07

Professional Background - 3:48

Mortgage Banking - 4:20

PairGap - 6:26

Where the idea for Pairgap came from - 8:20

Article I referenced during our conversation:

https://www.bankrate.com/pdfs/pr/20190228-homebuyers-survey.pdf

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NEXT on the pod are my SISTERS FROM ANOTHER PODCAST: Taleah Griffin and Dunni Odumosu. Taleah is a professional model, actress, writer, and all-around storyteller & Beauty enthusiast! Dunni is a former cosmetic chemist and now a global biopharma professional & Beauty entrepreneur.

In December 2019, they met in Ghana during 'the Year of Return' and, in June 2020, created the podcast: Beauty Needs Me, where they feature conversations around Beauty as an experience rooted in the mind, body & soul. Since their launch, they have been nominated for an iheartradio award and featured on PopSugar! My fellow podcasters, they are not our mate LOL!

I love these ladies and everything they represent, but this conversation gave me a higher level of respect and admiration for them both! THEY ARE BOSSES!!! 

In this episode, Dunni and Taleah give an honest account of how they met, how and why they created the podcast, their commitment to women empowerment, and sharing unpopular beauty stories.

Keep up with Dunni on IG @thedunnio and Taleah at @taleahgriffin. Keep in touch with Beauty Needs Me at @beautyneedsme or email them at [email protected]!

Timestamps:

Background - 1:56

Year of Return - 10:00

African Beauty - 19:40

How to approach people to be a guest on your podcast - 29:00 

IheartRadio Nomination - 31:00

Their Contract - 36:00

What motivates them - 48:00

Book referenced: How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie

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To kick us off this season, my guest is Crystal E. Ward. Crystal is a former Senior Vice President at Citibank with almost 20 years of corporate experience in the financial services industry. 

At the end of 2019, Crystal left her successful career to transition into full-time Ministry. She had felt a calling from God, and after praying about it (for 30 days), she decided to apply to Seminary and was accepted immediately.

Crystal is committed to helping individuals and organizations unlock and unpack their potential through motivational speaking, coaching, and workshops on various topics.

During our conversation, not only did she share her incredible journey, she took the time to bless us with a crash course on financial literacy!

You can reach out to Crystal at https://www.crystaleward.com or https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystaleward/

Timestamp:

Background - 4:00

Banking Experience - 4:50

Calling to Ministry - 11:10

Trusting God - 15:00

Intentional about your calling - 19:00

Financial Literacy - 22:17

Saving vs. Investing - 25:00

Personal Finance & Why you shouldn't compare to others - 29:00

Risk Tolerance - 31:00

Money as a Tool - 32:50

Discipline - 37:02

Should you have multiple saving accounts -  38:10

Paying off student loans -  43:00

Saving for Retirement - 45:00

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Hey OTM family! In my last episode of the year (and of this season), I decided to have a Q & A Session. Our community has grown significantly since the inaugural episode in June, 2020. So i wanted to use this opportunity to reset the room, answer a few frequently asked questions about myself, OTM and also share some plans I’m asking God to bless in 2021.

THANK YOU SOOO MUCH for all of the love and support this year! You made my year! 

May God bless you abundantly and grant you an amazing and prosperous New Year!!

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In the podcast this week, my guest is Mr. Jeremy Wilson. Jeremy is half-Hawaiian and Half indigenous of Canada and embodies the values of both backgrounds.  

He grew with a passion for basketball and hoped to play professionally. However the dream was cut short due to an accident causing an injury, and eventually a downward spiral. 

After years of substance abuse and hanging out with the wrong crowd, Jeremy got sober, got into shape (physically and mentally) and got it all the way together. 

He is now a mental health coach & advocate and the Host of the Blood, Sweat & Tears Podcast where he interviews UFC Fighters.  

Tune in to hear all about his fascinating story and learn why he believes that a life out of love is paramount to our mental and emotional well-being. 

Keep up with Jeremy on IG  at @lifeofJer_ and also on @bloodsweatandtearspodcast

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