SpeakUP! International Inc.

What if the real fix for broken systems isn’t a better press release, but a better way to heal? We sit down with mediator and lawyer Leah Brown—founder and CEO of the Wayfinders Group—to unpack how leaders can move from fire-fighting to genuine repair when conflict, crisis, or scandal hits. Leah’s journey from aspiring violinist to M&A deal-maker to boardroom mediator reveals a throughline: she’s at her best bringing order to chaos and giving people language for what they’re afraid to say.

We also get practical about leadership in the storm: how to mediate at board level without retraumatizing participants, what to do when legal and PR responses fall short, and the daily disciplines—supervision, flotation therapy, sea-air walks—that keep practitioners resourced and safe. If you care about rebuilding trust, advancing ethical leadership, and turning conflict into a catalyst for cultural change, this conversation offers both a blueprint and a nudge to act.

If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a colleague who leads through change, and leave a review with one insight you’re taking into your team this week.

Website: https://leahtalks.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leahtalks_

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leahbrown-frsa/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@leahtalks_

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Ever been praised in public and panicked in private? That tension sits at the heart of our conversation with author, engineer, and international speaker 'Tine Zekis—who boldly reframes “imposter syndrome” as the byproduct of imposter systems. We move from naming the forces that sap confidence to rebuilding a mindset and strategy that raise pay, expand options, and restore a sense of belonging at work.

We dig into practical salary negotiation tactics—anchoring to the upper half of market data, framing contributions as outcomes, and collaborating on total compensation when base salary stalls. "Tine’s mantra, “know you’re worthy,” decouples identity from pricing so you can sell services with clarity and ask bigger without apology. We also explore patterns among mid‑career Black women: overperformance without promotion, self‑blame, and the moment you realize it’s time to move where your value is recognized. Her three gems—Believe it, Show it, Get it—offer a crisp playbook you can use this week.

This is purpose‑driven career design at its best: when Black women win, everyone wins. If you’re ready to pivot with less fear, negotiate with more data, and build wealth with intention, you’ll leave with mindset shifts, scripts, and next steps. If this resonates, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs the nudge, and leave a review to help more people find these strategies. 

Website:  https://tinezekis.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/tinezekis

YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@GettingBlackWomenPaid

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/tinezekis/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinezekis/

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Kevin Wayne Johnson transforms our understanding of leadership through his powerful personal journey that began at just three and a half years old. Growing up caring for his younger brother with a mental disability while his Marine father served overseas, Johnson learned that leadership extends far beyond authority—it's fundamentally about caring for others who can't fully advocate for themselves. This foundation was reinforced years later when his own son was diagnosed with autism, further cementing his belief in leadership's emotional dimension.

Drawing from 34 years in the federal government and seven years running his leadership development firm, Johnson articulates a refreshing philosophy that challenges conventional approaches. "Leadership with a servant's heart" emerges when intellectual capabilities align with emotional intelligence—where expertise meets empathy, and acumen meets compassion. 

Johnson shares a particularly moving story from his time as chief of staff at the Department of Defence, where he witnessed his boss repeatedly disrespect a lieutenant colonel during staff meetings. After the third incident, the officer simply said "pass" when it was his turn to speak—a powerful illustration of how disrespect shuts down engagement and innovation. This experience reinforced Johnson's commitment to accountability and respectful leadership.

Want to transform your leadership approach? Discover how combining mind and heart can revolutionize your team's performance and create a culture where people truly thrive by listening to this podcast.

You can connect to Kevin Wayne Johnson using the following platforms:

Website:  http://www.thejohnsonleadershipgroup.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kevinwaynejohnsonpage

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinwaynejohnson

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/writingforthelord

Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/writing4thelord

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What happens when a fashion model becomes a union carpenter? She discovers there are no work clothes designed for women's bodies and decides to revolutionize the industry. Meet Brenda Max Cumby, founder of Gott Street Blues, whose remarkable journey spans fashion runways and construction sites.

Brenda's story begins with childhood defiance of gender norms – stealing her brother's red Tonka truck while simultaneously developing a love for fashion by watching her mother's impeccable style. This unique combination of interests served as perfect preparation for her groundbreaking business venture decades later.

At 34, Brenda entered the carpentry union and immediately faced a challenge most men never consider: work clothes that simply don't fit women's bodies. A particularly dangerous incident, involving a 16-foot ladder, occurred when her oversized coveralls caused her to slip, sparking the idea for Gott Street Blues. Though conceived in the mid-90s, it would take a pandemic and retirement from carpentry before Brenda could fully realize her vision.

The flagship product – work pants designed specifically for women – addresses common issues like insufficient pocket space, improper hip-to-waist ratios, and uncomfortable cuts. Unlike competitors who've created legging-style work pants with stretch fabric, Brenda focuses on proper tailoring that provides all-day comfort without sacrificing function.

Beyond product innovation, Brenda envisions transforming the apparel industry itself by incorporating manufacturing facilities that include on-site childcare, creating opportunities for women who want to work but struggle with childcare constraints. Her perspective, as both a fashion professional and a tradeswoman, offers a unique lens on how industries can better support women's participation.

With 1.4 million women currently working in trades and numbers expected to grow 10% by 2030, Gott Street Blues arrives at a pivotal moment. Brenda's message to young women considering trades or entrepreneurship remains refreshingly simple: "Just go ahead and do it, no matter what anyone says."

Discover how one woman's determination to solve her own workplace challenge is creating ripples throughout both the construction and fashion industries. Listen now to be inspired by Brenda's unapologetic approach to breaking barriers and building solutions.

Website: https://gottstreetblues.com/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gottstreetblues2020

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brenda-maxx-cumby-mcgee-10b5352a/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@maxxwell814

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What if being single isn't something to fix, but a powerful season for growth and self-discovery? Trauma therapist and empowerment coach Fanny Tristan joins us to challenge everything you thought you knew about singlehood for women of color.

Drawing from her experiences as both Black and Latina, Fanny shares how growing up "on the margins" gave her unique insights into systems of oppression that shape our relationships with ourselves and others. She reveals the journey that led her to create two transformative spaces: Restority Space, her therapy practice focused on eldest daughters dealing with trauma, and Her Soul Supply, a coaching platform that helps single Black and Brown women build lives that feel authentically theirs.

What makes this episode truly special is Fanny's ability to balance deep analysis with practical wisdom and hope. Her mission extends beyond her clients to raising her daughter in a world where "your happiness is not on hold for men" and women don't need to "wait to be chosen in order to live your best life."

Whether you're single, partnered, or somewhere in between, this conversation offers transformative insights about breaking free from society's expectations to create a life that feels genuinely yours.

Website:  https://www.hersoulsupply.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559111395390&sk=about

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Ryan Downey, Executive Director of East Atlanta Kids Club, whose journey from latchkey kid to community leader is rooted in resilience, purpose, and a belief in opportunity for all. Growing up in the south suburbs of Atlanta, Ryan often relied on the kindness of neighbors, friends, and coaches—an early lesson in the power of community support. Today, he channels that same spirit into building programs that give young people access to mentorship, sports, and educational opportunities they might otherwise miss.

Ryan shares how his path—from teaching poetry in schools and correctional facilities, to a decade of service with Year Up, to now leading one of Atlanta’s most impactful youth development organizations—has always been guided by one core conviction: every young person is an asset, not a deficit.

With nearly two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership, workforce development, and youth programming, Ryan is a first-generation college graduate, husband, father, board member, Australian rules football player, and above all, a tireless advocate for equity and community building.

Tune in to hear how Ryan and the East Atlanta Kids Club are breaking cycles of inequity, nurturing talents, and creating pathways to brighter futures.

Website:  https://eastatlantakids.org/get-involved/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ryan.downey.54390

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/rdowney404/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryandowney1/

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What happens when adolescents lose their passion for reading, and how do we bring it back? Dr. Valcine Brown, a veteran educator who recently completed her PhD in education, is tackling this challenge head-on with innovative research and classroom practices.

Reading used to be magic. Remember that feeling of getting lost in a book? Too many adolescents don't – they find reading "boring," a sentiment Dr. Brown has found to be universal across different countries. Her research explores how "mirror books" – literature where students see aspects of their identity reflected – might rekindle that lost love of reading. Through careful measurement of reading attitudes across academic and recreational contexts, she's uncovering insights that challenge traditional approaches to literacy education.

Dr. Brown's own educational journey – earning her bachelor's degree over seven years while raising children as a single mother – informs her compassionate, practical approach. Her innovative credit recovery program allows students to demonstrate mastery through performance tasks rather than retaking entire classes, helping dozens of students catch up on missing credits each semester.

What does the future hold for adolescent literacy? Dr. Brown suggests more research, more student choice, and more interventions beyond third grade. The good news? Sometimes the solution is as simple as 15 minutes of daily reading in a student's "zone of proximal development" – starting where they are and growing from there.

Ready to transform how we approach adolescent literacy? Subscribe to hear more conversations with innovative educators challenging the status quo and creating better outcomes for all students.

You can reach Dr. Valcine Brown using the following social media platform:

Website: https://drvalcinebrown.live-website.com/

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What would happen if we responded to bullies with kindness instead of confrontation? Kim Fraser's groundbreaking approach turns traditional anti-bullying strategies upside down, with remarkable results!

Growing up in the Bronx, Fraser experienced bullying firsthand and once resorted to faking an epileptic seizure to escape her tormentors. Today, as an author, former teacher, and counselor, she's developed a revolutionary method that disarms bullies through unexpected compassion. In her book "Chandler the Handler: You Can't Bully Me," her protagonist responds to bike-stealing bullies by inviting them to a baseball game—his treat. This "shock syndrome" creates a pathway to transformed relationships and returned property.

Fraser's insights stem from 18 years teaching in diverse communities, where she consistently observed children defaulting to physical defense against bullying. Her approach recognizes something deeper: bullies act from profound insecurity and devaluation, desperately seeking recognition through negative means. By appealing to their innate human desire for belonging, Fraser's method addresses the root cause rather than just the symptoms.

The conversation explores how bullying extends beyond schoolyards into workplaces through subtle intimidation, looks, and power dynamics. Fraser emphasizes that parents establish the foundation for handling conflict, with children mimicking behaviors witnessed at home. Her upcoming short film aims to spread this message through classrooms and streaming platforms, creating an alternative to the violence dominating media.

Perhaps most powerful is Fraser's reminder that "where you live is not who you are"—wisdom from her fifth-grade teacher that propelled her beyond circumstance. Connect with Kim Fraser through LinkedIn to learn more about implementing her strategies for creating safer, kinder communities.

You are welcome to connect to Ms. Kem Frasier through her social media platforms:

Website:  https://deniseproductions.com/

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/kem.frasier/reel/DIA6B4mAk5A/

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/kem-frasier-a0012173

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What does it truly mean to "do the work" in the arts world? Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony  answers this question through her remarkable journey from shaking like a leaf during her first spoken word performance to becoming an award-winning curator and advocate who's secured over a million dollars for arts organizations.

This conversation sparkles with insights about the transformative power of artistic expression. Paulina shares how poetry literally took her "everywhere" after being introduced to spoken word at age 18. With mentors like Dwayne Morgan guiding her development, she blossomed into a two-time national finalist at the Canadian Festival of Spoken Word and performer at the prestigious "When Sisters Speak" showcase. But Paulina's talents extend far beyond performance—she reveals how she's used her dual perspective as both artist and administrator to champion equity in the arts sector.

The most compelling moments come when Paulina discusses her work chairing the Black Arts Granting Program at the Toronto Arts Council. Rather than creating just another funding pool, she pushed for a holistic approach that included mentorship and physical space access—addressing the full spectrum of challenges facing Black artists. Her development of the Next Up Leaders Lab similarly demonstrates her commitment to lifting others by focusing on skills, mentorship, and social capital building.

Paulina doesn't shy away from personal struggles either. After facing job loss and her father's sudden death in 2023, she reached a breaking point that forced her to say "enough" and take a month-long reset trip to Trinidad. This revelation about setting boundaries provides a powerful counterbalance to her ambitious nature, offering listeners permission to prioritize self-care alongside achievement.

Ready to take your creative pursuits to the next level? Listen now and discover Paulina's three gems for success: jump despite fear of failure, build infrastructure early, and be your biggest cheerleader. Her story will inspire you to use your unique voice to create meaningful change in your community and beyond.

You can connect with Ms. Paulina O’Kieffe-Anthony using the following social media links:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulinaokieffeanthony/?originalSubdomain=ca

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paulinaokieffe/

Website:  paulinaokieffe.com

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Have you ever sensed there's more to reality than what meets the eye? Ellen Edmondson's extraordinary journey from logical federal executive to spiritual messenger began with profound loss—her mother's passing just months before her son's birth—triggering questions that would transform her understanding of life's purpose.

Through meditation intended simply to process grief, Ellen unexpectedly discovered her intuitive abilities awakening. "I started having these amazing mystical experiences," she reveals, describing how she began receiving spiritual messages through automatic writing for ten years before compiling them into her award-winning book, "A Place of Love and Light." These messages offer guidance on compassion, authenticity, and purposeful living that transcends religious boundaries while acknowledging divine love as the universal center of all spiritual paths.

The conversation takes a fascinating turn when Ellen describes how her young son simultaneously developed remarkable intuitive abilities, speaking of past lives and seeing departed relatives. This experience led Ellen to create resources for parents raising highly sensitive children—establishing a community that normalizes these experiences rather than dismissing them as strange or imaginary. "Fifteen to twenty percent of the population has this kind of sensitivity," she explains, noting how conventional education often suppresses children's natural intuitive gifts.

Ellen's compassionate approach to grief offers particular comfort, reframing our understanding of death not as an ending but as energy transforming. "Love never dies, it only changes form," she assures listeners, explaining how departed loved ones communicate through songs, scents, or subtle signs. Her intuition coaching helps individuals reconnect with their authentic selves while recognizing these messages from beyond.

Perhaps most powerful is the wisdom Ellen received from her young son when she encouraged him to embrace his gifts while hiding her own: "I can't be me until you be you." This simple yet profound statement encapsulates Ellen's core message—that by fully expressing our authentic selves and embracing our unique spiritual gifts, we create ripple effects of positive change throughout our communities. Join us to discover how embracing diversity in all its forms creates a vibrant, rainbow-like tapestry of collective human experience.

You can reach Ellen using one (or more) of her social media platforms:

Website:  https://www.ellenedmondson.com/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/ellenedmondsonmedium

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/ellenedmondson_medium/

Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CNTMZ4D3

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