Just as one would expect, Dean Alton Pollard’s office at the Howard University School of Divinity is lined with bookcases teeming with scholarly tomes. But what makes the place unique is his collection of African art sitting atop pedestals and hanging from the walls.

Perhaps the most significant piece in his collection, a statue of the Sankofa bird, resting on his desk is almost obscured by the stacks of books, papers and computer monitor nearby. Yet, even in that relative obscurity, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from the past—especially amid the chaos and tumult of our current times.

“Return and get it,” the statue speaks.

Reflection gives way to reexamination, giving way to revelation.

Our inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Dean Pollard covers a lot of ground, but is centered on providing a paradigm for viewing the current social and political milieu, what history teaches us and how we can chart a path forward.

Brought to you in two parts (look for the second installment in a few days), Dean Pollard waxes prophetically about the role of faith leaders in today’s climate and how the spirit of the divine doesn’t just exist in houses of worship, but is imbued in even the subtleties of daily life.

Here’s a video snippet of our conversation.

I invite you to set aside some time to sit, listen and reflect on this powerful message. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this 2006 New Years Eve talk, Rev. Dr. Jay Speights shares some timeless tips that are inspiring and actionable to help us enter the New Year and every day with focus and intention.

You many recall Dr. Speights was our first guest on Suite Talk and at that time he talked about being the conductor of your own symphony.

We will have Dr. Speights in the studio again soon to ask him to elaborate on this lecture to learn additional insights on how we can be more present and effective in our daily lives.

Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we speak with Hamilton Grant, a talented entrepreneur, civic leader and activist hailing from Columbia, South Carolina. He is also the co-host of Columbia Career Connect, a professional development and networking conference geared toward college students and young professionals. The event, in its second year, will take place on Saturday, April 8th, and yours truly will be speaking about developing your personal brand. Click here to learn more about the conference.

Additionally, Hamilton is a principal in Grant Business Strategies, a financial and strategic advisory firm for non-profits, small business and middle market companies. He is also the Vice President of the “Hate Won’t Win Movement,” which grew out of the aftermath of the racially motived massacre that took place at “Mother” Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC on June 17th, 2015. This organization is committed to building a more culturally cohesive society that appreciates and celebrates differences instead of allowing them to divide us.

We’ll hear more from Hamilton, but for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

Here is an excerpt from our forthcoming Suite Talk podcast with Dr. Jay Speights. In this segment, we talk about why is it important to listen to the wisdom of our parents, grandparents and other elders, but also how they can be better teachers and leaders.

In the full-interview (look for it soon) we take a deeper dive in to our earlier conversation on being the conductor of your own symphony. We’ll hear more from Dr. Speights on a range of topics, but for now lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we sit down with U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, MO for a serious, yet at times playful, conversation about faith, family, creative expression and social justice.

Congressman Cleaver has worn many hats during the past four decades—City Councilman, Mayor, radio talk show host, husband and father—all while pastoring the St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City.

Like his hometown standing at the confluence of two powerful rivers, Congressman Cleaver has spent his life navigating mighty forces at the intersection of secular and sacred worlds. He offers a unique perspective our current social and political landscape.

Some of what we learn include: what he does to relax (get ready for this one), how to talk God and what it’s like to watch your son come into his own.

Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk, we bring you a conversation with Khali Gallman, an entrepreneur who is making interesting plays in several spaces. She is the founder of the travel company Not Just Spring Break, which connects young urban professionals with events across the nation. She is also the author of “Good on Paper, Great in Person” a comprehensive and actionable guide for those new to the workforce.

Khali has created a successful niche providing a range of services to millennials, including the Columbia Career Connect conference, which will be taking place this year on Saturday, April 8th in Columbia, South Carolina. Yours truly, will be a panelist during that conference talking about developing your personal brand. Click here to register.

Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Share what you’re thinking, leave a comment. Stay connected with the Thinking Good community.

Here’s the second half of our conversation with  Acacia Bamberg Salatti, the author of “A Leading Actor Learns to Love the Supporting Role,” a deeply emotional and inspiring piece. Our talk with Acacia is a probative examination of the many issues raised in her article.

We recently sat down with Acacia Bamberg Salatti, the author of “A Leading Actor Learns to Love the Supporting Role,” for a deeper dive into the myriad issues explored in her piece.

In 2009, she was appointed by the White House to the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2009, serving throughout the Obama Administration.

She served as the Director and her portfolio included engagement on minority health outreach and health disparities reduction strategies.

She holds a Masters in Divinity and a certificate in Black Church Studies from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She is also a former Adjunct Professor of Religion at Columbia College, her alma mater.

We will hear more from Acacia in the future, but for now lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of the Suite Talk podcast, we sit down with Liz Yee, Director of Admissions for Lowell School in Washington, DC. The 51-year-old independent school is committed to creating a community of lifelong learners who value and respect each other.

Our chat with Liz is designed to help you and your family navigate the school admissions and selections process, whether you are considering independent, parochial, public and charter schools, or all the above.

Full-disclosure, my oldest son has attended Lowell for three years, and my youngest will start in the Fall. And no, I’m not getting a discount on tuition for featuring Liz and Lowell on the Suite Talk podcast.

Our goal is offer you and your family expert insights and practical guidance you can use to make the best possible choice for your child’s education. No matter if your child, grandchild, niece or nephew is in preschool, primary, middle, high or entering college, this episode will help inform your decision-making process.

Some of the topics we explore are:

• The importance of understanding your family values as they relate to your child’s educational environment.
• How the story of Stone Soup applies to financial aid (and many other facets of life).
• Why you should always keep you options open and it never hurts to ask.

Be on the lookout for future conversations with Liz, exploring other aspects of the school admissions process. But for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

In this empowering and deeply intimate piece, Acacia Bamberg Salatti shares how she learned that sometimes the best thing you can do is to let another shine.

“I was the supporting actor in a long running sitcom,” she says. “My job was to make the stars of the show look good and not mess up the plot.”

In the course of caring for her ailing parents, Acacia gains powerful insights about subduing ego, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and learning when leaders need to follow. I hope you enjoy this piece and find it applicable to your own life, as I did mine.

Acacia is busy working on a couple of more pieces for Thinking Good, which are sure to inspire, empower and inform. Look for them soon.

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Lean in, lean back and enjoy!