Seeing a vast disparity in diversity in the tech world, Josh helped form Black Orlando Tech, a successful nonprofit in teaching adults about technical fields to help them either change or advance their careers. He used his hunger to learn and passion for teaching to become an expert in cloud computing. His book, Venti Fried Chicken, explores his humble beginnings and how he evolved into a leader in the tech community, with all of the detours and speedbumps along the way. We talked to him about cloud computing, how he's helped BOT grow, his history of learning about different fields, and what he's learning about next. 

If you want to hear more of our thoughts about topics we discussed, you can always listen to previous podcasts that were centered around these themes: S2E11 - Being an Ally, Season 1, Number 9 - How to Juggle, Season 1, Number 5 - Marketing, Everybody’s Doing I, Season 1 - Getting Involved

We interviewed Janel Chambers, co-owner of the Minuteman Press in College Park, Orlando. Running a small business has a lot of different pressures, and when you run one with a friend, there are different dynamics you need to consider. We talked about maintaining trust, knowing your strengths and lanes, and keeping it light. You have to understand where a person came from and their environment to know who they are and what they believe. We also bring up time management, self-care, and allyship. If you like the content of this episode and would like to hear others like it, check out the following episodes from past seasons: S1E09 - How to Juggle; S1E10 - Building Trust; S2E01 - Giving and Receiving Feedback.

We are back with the first episode of our third season! We have changed the format and now have full format interviews with our friends. First up is our conversation with Marjorie Phoenix, founder of the Giving Voices Project. She's a leader for advocating for those recovering from violent acts, she's a student getting her masters so she can become a consultant in Diversity & Inclusion in the corporate world, she is an activist for having uncomfortable conversations through her Storytime & Wine program, and she's a Mom! The biggest lesson we learned from Marjorie is the importance of holding the space for listening to others. It's not always about needing to solve the problem, but it is important to listen to understand where the person is coming from. GivingVoicesProject.org All the social: Giving Voices Project Look up Storytime & Wine on Eventbrite If you like the content of this episode and would like to hear others like it, check out the following episodes from past seasons: S1E07 - Asking Good Questions; S2E03 Knowing Your Values; S2E08 - Self Care; and S2E11 - Being An Ally

In random learnings, Patti has gotten pretty good at hosting Zoom meetings and John has gotten into the music of Steven Sondheim. (Check out his 90th birthday tribute on YouTube!) The theme for this week was to just reminisce on what Patti and John miss bit also what they DON’T miss. Certain activities such as hitting punching bags and and hugs with friends they’re looking forward to getting back to. But they do not miss the commute to work or setting foot in a grocery store. The Microstory for the week was the first stop on their whirlwind Europe trip in Barcelona where they stayed in apartments in El Born... and the many flights of stairs to get into them.

Patti and John talk about their experience putting together a socially distant Easter Bunny event in less than a week. The theme for this episode is self care. Whether when things were normal or in the new normal, you have to take care of yourself! How can you help others when you are depleted? Patti and John talk about their own processes for self care and the steps they’ve taken to set themselves up for success, plus what they’ve learned from others. How can you maintain balance and replenish your own energy levels? The Microstory is told by John as he shares how he travelled around Europe for two and a half weeks on his own!

Patti and John talk about different aspects of their current existence of sheltering in place. They’ve had to make big decisions in their volunteer organizations. They’ve donated to lots of charities. They still do their Date Nights and Nothing Nights. They know that video is important for keeping the humanity in work relationships. They order everything online but sourdough bread. They share how they stay up to date on the news.