The Working While Black Show

While most AI systems struggle to properly represent diverse skin tones and features, these visionary founders have built a solution that puts Black representation at the forefront.

Walter Gainer II  @Itsthegreatwalt  speaks with with Karen Okonkwo (Tonl) and Abron Maldonado (Create Labs) to learn how how ai is empowering our community and how their collaboration is solving the Bias problem in Image Generation.

Discover how their groundbreaking partnership is creating AI that actually sees us, respects our image, and provides opportunities rather than threats to Black creators.

This isn't just about better AI images—it's about who controls our digital representation and whether we'll be participants or just subjects in the AI revolution.

CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS:

Karen Okonkwo: https://www.instagram.com/karenokonkwo/

Tonl: https://tonl.co/

Abron Maldonado: https://www.instagram.com/abron_ai/

Create Labs: https://createlabs.io/

FOLLOW to the Working While Black Show for more conversations about career growth, entrepreneurship, technology, and more.

CHAPTERS:

(03:45) - AI's Racial Bias

(09:08) - Collaboration Decision

(13:25) - The Pushback On DEI

(16:25) - Does AI Hurt Black Creatives and Photographers?

(20:25) - Future of AI Predictions

Feeling trapped in a toxic workplace? You’re not alone. Navigating a harmful work environment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being or values to survive—or to leave.

In this replay, career coach and workplace culture expert Deja White joins us to share practical strategies for dealing with toxic workplaces on your own terms. We’ll break down how to recognize toxic behaviors, protect your mental and emotional health, and decide whether to stay and set boundaries or plan a graceful exit.

Learn more about Deja and her ai powered career resource: www.aicareercopilot.com

Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com

Are you working yourself to death? At just 48 years old, Justin Grant’s uncle, Juan Simpson, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He was fit, he seemed healthy, and yet his life was cut short, leaving behind more questions than answers. The loss shook Justin, setting him on a 23-year journey to understand why Black men like his uncle were dying too soon. As he climbed the corporate ladder himself, from a young journalist to an executive at the world’s largest bank, he began to see the connection: the relentless pressure, the unspoken stress, the silent toll of Working While Black.

Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Grant, executive leader and author of "Company Man: A Wellness Guide for Black Men in Corporate America." Together, we tackle the unspoken challenges and triumphs of navigating corporate spaces, as a Black professional, all while protecting your mental and physical health.

Justin shares his inspiring journey, from his early days at Reuters to becoming a VP at Goldman Sachs and holding seats at the table in some of the world's largest companies.

If you’re ready to make a change in your career, then listen closely as Justin shares how experiencing grief became a mission to equip Black professionals with the knowledge and strategies to succeed in corporate America without sacrificing their health.

Join us as we explore how to turn your hard-earned wages into generational wealth, the importance of community, and why now is the best time to be young, talented, and Black. Don't miss out on this transformative discussion!

Learn more about Justin and get a copy of Justin’s book on his website: www.CompanyMen.org,

Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/justin-grant-wellness-guide-black-men

What happens when we lose control of our own stories? 👀

Black history is being erased, rewritten, and watered down. If we don’t act now… future generations may never know the truth. But storytelling has always been a form of resistance. Black storytellers have preserved our culture against all odds, from oral traditions to podcasts like Black Is America.

In this conversation, I’m joined by award-winning podcast producer Dominic Lawson to talk about:

🔥 The role of Black storytellers in preserving our history

🔥 How Black stories are erased

🔥 Why storytelling is more than entertainment it’s survival

🔥 How we can protect Black culture before it’s too late

This is a live episode of The Working While Black Show, your go to resource for Career Growth and Entrepreneurship. Produced by Boss Locks Media, a storytelling media company helping brands spark conversations and capture attention.

After running a successful chocolate company, Harold Logan realized he wasn’t living the life he dreamed. The freedom entrepreneurs aspire to was costing him his health and precious time with his family. When Harold found himself struggling to keep up with his crawling son, he knew it was time for a change.

In this episode, we learn how Harold made a bold pivot from selling chocolate to helping others transform their lives by redefining fitness and prioritizing sustainable goals. His mission ultimately led him to a role as a corporate GM at Planet Fitness—despite having no prior corporate experience. Logan also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Planet Fitness and how its diverse structure fosters inclusivity and success.

Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career or struggling to balance wellness while working full time, Logan shares practical insights and actionable lessons to help you overcome challenges with grace and determination.

Get a copy of Harold Logan’s book Mind Over Scale on Amazon

Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk

Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/harold-logan-mind-over-scale

Are you ready to step into leadership when the opportunity arises? In this live replay, we’re diving into the strategies you need to position yourself for leadership opportunities and stand out when it matters most. Whether you're in the corporate world or just starting out, these insights will help you prepare, stay ready, and seize your next big career move.

Joining us is Steve Worthy, a retail leadership development coach with years of experience helping leaders from global organizations step into leadership positions. Steve’s expertise has transformed careers, empowering professionals to overcome challenges and rise to the top. Don’t miss this chance to learn directly from one of the best in the field!

Join Steve Worthy for his upcoming event "The 2025 Leadership Reset: Redefine, Refocus, Recharge". You can sign up for free access here

Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk

Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/chris-ward-jr-anxiety-into-confidence

After working his way up to a director-level role at his job, Chris faced an unexpected reality... The company no longer valued his contributions. But instead of giving in to self-doubt, he made a bold move that caught even his boss—and his boss’s boss—off guard. This step allowed Chris to claim control over his future in a way no one saw coming. In this episode of The Working While Black Show, my guest, a Storytelling & Public Speaking Coach, shares how to transform career uncertainty into your greatest advantage. We also explore the power of building genuine relationships at work and using positive disruption to stand out in the workplace.

Whether you're stuck in your current position or ready to level up your leadership presence, this episode provides actionable strategies to help you master confidence and stand out authentically in your career. Chris shares personal stories and practical wisdom from his journey from corporate leadership to entrepreneurship.

Learn how to tell your own story in 24 hours using Chris’s storytelling techniques: A Easy Guide to Storytelling

Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk

Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/chris-ward-jr-anxiety-into-confidence

Why is it essential to take bold risks in one's career?

Cassidy Dansberry is a dynamic marketing manager, stylist, and strategist at Athlete's Foot, renowned for her expertise in curating impactful community events that transcend mere product showcase. In this episode of The Working While Black Show, Cassidy joins me to talk about taking risks in your career, navigating corporate spaces as a Black woman, and how she and The Athlete's Foot are creating impactful events for local communities

Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk

FOLLOW OUR GUEST

Connect With Cassidy Dansberry

• LInkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/cassidydansberry
• Instagram: @shesadandy_
• Cassidy's website: www.shedandyllc.com
• The Athlete's Foot: www.theathletesfoot.com

FOLLOW BOSS LOCKS MEDIA

Learn more about our guest: www.bosslocksmedia.com

Follow us on your favorite social platforms: https://bosslocks.norby.live

YouTube: @bosslocksmedia

Why is it so hard to get a job that you're qualified for?

Aliyah Jones is a marketing strategist and product designer who's worked with top brands like H&M, KSwiss, and more to drive sales through marketing campaigns and optimized user experiences. In this episode of The Working While Black Show, Aliyah shared the story behind her engaging Unemployment Series, Going from working in retail to working as a product designer and marketing strategist, her top tips for creating content on TikTok and LinkedIn, and the state of the job market.

We learn the truth about what it's like to go months without receiving a job offer for roles you're overqualified for and she gives us an inside look into her world as a content creator.

This episode was powered by Podflow

FOLLOW OUR GUEST

Connect With Aliyah Jones:

- LInkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/aliyah-jones-81b447100

- TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@iamaliyahjones

FOLLOW BOSSLOCKS MEDIA

- Text us +1(914)-353-4176

- Sign up for the I Love New Growth Newsletter: https://norby.link/c5YDwu

- Follow us on your favorite social platforms: https://bosslocks.norby.live

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bosslocksmedia

CHAPTERS

• (06:12) Transitioning from Retail to Product Design
• (12:08) Experiences in Toxic Work Environments
• (19:07) Being Fired and Maintaining Resilience
• (26:02) Passion for Product Design and Fashion
• (29:59) The Importance of Customer Service
• (33:03) The Tragic Job Market
• (37:15) The Power of Support Systems and a Positive Attitude
• (42:45) The Unemployment Series
• (51:48) Choosing the Right Platforms for Content Creation

Ornella Jacobs is a trailblazing figure in the Black community, showcasing the power of ambition and resilience. Navigating her professional journey in the UK, she became a senior customer success strategist at a global tech company, all while balancing multiple side businesses and freelancing. Jacobs felt isolated as a Black person in the customer success field until she discovered the Success in Black community, which resonated with her experiences and provided essential representation and support. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity in professional spaces, advocating for being valued for one's true self and not merely hired to fulfill diversity quotas.

FOLLOW OUR GUEST

Connect With Ornella: www.linkedin.com/in/ornella-jacobs

Follow Success In Black: https://bit.ly/SuccessInBlackLIPage

Learn More About Success In Black: https://bit.ly/SuccessInBlackWebsite

FOLLOW BOSSLOCKS MEDIA

- Text us +1(914)-353-4176

- Learn more about our guest: www.bosslocksmedia.com/

- Sign Up For Updates On Our Knowledge Base: https://norby.link/c5Nf2p

- Follow us on your favorite social platforms: https://bosslocks.norby.live

- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bosslocksmedia

CHAPTERS

(00:04:04) Empowering Black Professionals in Customer Success Industry

(00:09:55) Thriving in Customer Success: "Success in Black"

(00:13:27) Representation in Tech

(00:19:21) Jobs and Salaries in Customer Success

(00:32:29) Career Advancement through Personal Vision Mapping

(00:37:06) How DEI Leads To Profitability

(00:41:32) Empowering Black Individuals in the Workplace

(00:48:05) Inspiring Global Accountability for Racial Equality

(00:54:53) Leveraging Personal Branding for Professional Growth

(01:01:22) Authenticity and Audacity for Career Success