What does it take to move to the next level in the corporate technology industry? Learn how to maneuver in “the game” with finesse. Join us in this episode as we analyze how to strategically play and successfully rise higher in corporate tech.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this captivating conversation, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Charlitta Hatch, the inaugural Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, North Carolina. Charlitta shares her inspiring journey from a first-generation college student at Hampton University to a thriving career in the technology industry. She sheds light on the strategic decisions and impact of a pivotal connection made during a chance encounter in the airport - a connection that propelled her into a successful career in consulting with impactful roles at IBM, Accenture, and beyond. They discuss the key strategies for her career development and success in corporate tech:

* the value of mentors, sponsors, & authentic connections in career advancement

* learning to navigate corporate dynamics with strategic resilience

* avoiding "career traps" & developing competitive technical skills

* establishing a strong brand & saying "yes" to learning opportunities that align with one's core values

* the necessity of having a strong supportive network & caring for your mental health

Throughout the episode, Charlitta offers personal anecdotes and practical advice on building confidence, operating with a learner’s mindset, and developing critical problem-solving skills. She provides invaluable insight for Black Women seeking to thrive in “the game” and rise higher in corporate tech with grace and confidence.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:34 Profile in Thriving: Charlitta Hatch

03:48 Charlitta's Early Career Journey

05:33 Navigating Challenges and Building Confidence

09:04 The Importance of Mentorship and Technical Skills

18:34 Unspoken Skills for Success

24:52 The Importance of Representation and Belonging

25:39 Transition to Accenture: A Diverse Experience

26:17 Building a Brand as a Problem Solver

28:45 Professional Growth and Personal Challenges

29:28 The Power of Saying Yes and Knowing Your Worth

31:42 Aligning Roles with Personal Values

34:27 Navigating Mental Health and Work-Life Balance

39:37 Outsourcing and Building a Support System

44:44 Final Thoughts for Early Career Black Women in Tech

In this episode Charlitta also mentions:

* Become the CEO of You, Inc.: A Pioneering Executive Shares Her Secrets for Career Success by Susan Bulkeley Butler

* National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)

* National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE)

Connect Charlitta on LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Join our community:

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* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

How do you know if you're really ready to take on building a business in addition to your corporate technology role? Be real and have your support in place. Join us in this episode as we walk through the journey of building a successful career in corporate tech alongside entrepreneurship.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this enlightening conversation with Amanda Dawson, she and host Alicia Cyrus reflect on her unconventional journey from aspiring pediatrician to tech professional and entrepreneur. Amanda opens up about her early journey in the technology industry, initially starting at a help desk and advancing to project and program management. The discussion also highlights the founding and growth of her event planning business, Urban Elegance LLC, noting the role of her Howard University network, faith, and hard work in sustaining the business for over 15 years. Amanda focuses on the factors that have been vital to her success:

* identifying & operating in one's gifts

* pushing past perfectionism & being open to making mistakes

* being clear on the cost of entrepreneurship & securing funding

* maintaining a balanced life while pursuing dual careers

* the power of community support, mentorship, & self-care in sustaining growth

Amanda shares personal anecdotes and practical advice on developing confidence in tech and building a business of your own. Her story is a testament to the leadership, adaptability, and strategic resilience that Black Women need to create joy and fulfillment in their corporate tech career and entrepreneurship.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:20 Profile in Thriving: Amanda Dawson

03:31 Amanda's Journey into Tech

06:03 Building Confidence and Leadership

07:45 The Importance of Community and Mentorship

10:06 The Birth of Urban Elegance, LLC

13:15 Balancing Two Careers

16:26 Sustaining Success and Overcoming Challenges

17:21 Withstanding the Test of Time

21:19 Lessons Learned and Advice for Early Career Women

22:54 Maintaining Balance and Self-Care

32:08 Final Thoughts and Future Goals

Connect with Amanda on LinkedIn | Instagram | Website

Join our community:

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* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

What happens when you decide it’s time to leave the corporate technology world behind? Define your vision and be steadfast. Join us in this episode as we examine how to successfully build a career beyond corporate tech.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this delightful conversation, host Alicia Cyrus sits down with Lesley "Lady Clipper" Bryant, as she shares her remarkable journey from an artistic teen to barber queen! Starting from her high school passion for art, Lesley details her journey to her 12-year career as a graphic designer. She reveals the pivotal moment that led to her redefining her career and ultimately, finding her true passion and success as a barber and business owner. Lesley shares the crucial elements that helped her to remain steadfast in her transition out of the technology industry, including:

* the power of customer service & building trust

* defining a clear vision, but being flexible

* establishing a consistent brand early on

* investing in a strong support system

* finding a sustainable schedule in managing work-life balance

Despite experiencing self-doubt and challenges as a woman in male-dominated fields, Lesley emphasizes the significance of planning, perseverance, and leveraging one's unique skills to forge a new career path. Her valuable insights provide a roadmap for Black Women looking to carve their own lanes, build confidence, and build a thriving career beyond corporate tech.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:22 Profile in Thriving: Lesley "Lady Clipper" Bryant

03:13 The Turning Point: From Corporate Tech to Barbering

06:39 Navigating Challenges in a Male-Dominated Industry

17:19 Defining the Vision: The Lady Clipper Barber Shop

21:52 Setting the Standard for Customer Service

22:37 Empowering Early Career Black Women

24:37 Creating a Competitive Edge in Business

28:24 Creating an Inclusive Barbershop

30:12 Balancing Work and Self-Care

32:09 Finding Inspiration in the Future of Barbering

33:17 Structuring Your Support & Knowing When to Stretch

34:52 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode Lesley also mentions:

* Corcoran College of Art and Design

Connect with Lesley “Lady Clipper” on Instagram | Website

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

What does it look like to transition your career into the technology industry? It requires persistence and flexibility. Join us in this episode as we contemplate how to strategically prepare and navigate transitioning to corporate tech.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this insightful conversation, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Simone Thomas, a seasoned digital marketing professional who outlines her non-linear career transition from the advertising industry to becoming a Product Marketing Manager at Meta. Simone shares her calculated career changes, the importance of networking, and the strategies she leveraged as the key to a successful transition. Together, their candid discussion highlights the:

* value of assessing & evolving perspective on your definition of success

* importance of career progression aligning with personal values

* significance of mentorship & building networks

* the necessity of setting boundaries & prioritizing wellbeing

* benefits of staying curious & adaptable as your transition takes shape

Through her compelling story and personal anecdotes, Simone emphasizes the importance of authenticity and flexibility in one's career path. Her insights on balancing ambition with personal well-being and staying true to one's path - despite the inevitable twists and turns - aims to inspire Black Women seeking to carve out their unique paths in transitioning to corporate tech.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:10 Profile in Thriving: Simone Thomas

02:34 Simone's Career Journey and Insights

05:41 Navigating Career Transitions

08:52 The Importance of Networking and Community

11:41 Balancing Career and Personal Life

14:45 Strategic Career Growth and Leadership

24:35 Future Goals and Entrepreneurship

30:15 Maintaining Health and Well-being

34:12 Final Thoughts and Advice

In this episode Simone also mentions:

* 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech: Steve Jobs

* Management Leadership for Tomorrow: Programs and Initiatives

Connect with Simone on LinkedIn and follow her forge new paths at The Meaningful Shift

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

What does it look like to navigate your early career in the technology industry? Learn how to play “the game.” Join us in this episode as we reflect on how to develop your strategies for successfully planning and navigating intentional career growth in corporate tech.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this engaging conversation, host Alicia Cyrus welcomes Lola Adesina, an early career project manager in the consulting space. They delve into her career journey - beginning with an internship that led to a pivotal shift from development to finding fulfillment in her current role. The conversation highlights the importance of:

* seeking out mentorship & building influential networks

* setting intentional career goals & tracking growth

* learning to sift through feedback

* professional development strategies for real-life application

Tune in as they discuss personal stories and practical strategies for cultivating resilience, strategically applying feedback, and maximizing opportunities for personal & professional development while navigating as an early career Black Woman in corporate tech.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:48 Profile in Thriving: Lola Adesina

02:47 Lola's Path to Project Management

04:00 Building Relationships and Mentorship

06:59 Navigating Feedback and Personal Growth

09:52 Setting Strategic Career Goals

11:07 Remaining Relevant in "The Game"

12:33 Continuous Learning and Upskilling

25:04 Applying New Skills and Mentoring Others

27:21 Final Thoughts and Networking Advice

In this episode Lola also mentions:

* LinkedIn Learning

* AfroTech Conference

* RenderATL Conference

Connect with Lola on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

How are you learning to thrive in “the game?” Decide where you will put your focus. Join us in this episode as we reflect on the journey and inspiration behind the ‘Thriving in The Game’ podcast.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this milestone episode, host Alicia Cyrus, creator of 'Thriving in the Game,' celebrates the culmination of the first season as she reflects on the journey of creating the podcast and reveals the inspiration behind it as she delves into her personal journey. She highlights the challenges she faced and some of the pivotal moments that inspired this series - channeling yearslong frustrations into the purpose of affirming, validating, and encouraging Black Women in tech. She underscores the importance of mentorship, being strategic in one's career, and creating a supportive community for Black Women in technology through her mission to foster community and connection. Alicia invites listeners to connect and build community on Substack, shares insights for future episodes, and concludes the season with a special announcement.

00:00 Introduction and Season Reflection

01:54 Alicia's Early Career Journey

05:30 Challenges & Lessons in Tech

08:19 Creating a Space for Encouragement

12:22 Lessons Learned and Advice

15:54 Final Thoughts & a Special Announcement

Connect with Alicia on LinkedIn | Instagram

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Are you only living for the weekends or the next vacation? It’s time to recenter and choose YOU. Join us in this episode as we explore how to thrive in your career while embracing balance and joy.

*A note for our listeners - this episode references statistics regarding suicide.*

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this compelling episode, host Alicia Cyrus is joined by Roxy Couse, an e-commerce leader and content creator known as the "Millennial Manager," as they discuss real-life lessons and strategies for Black Women balancing career success with personal well-being in corporate tech. Roxy shares her own career journey, emphasizing the necessity of living in the moment and creating joy while climbing the corporate ladder. This conversation also highlights the unique challenges Black Women face in corporate environments and offers actionable advice on how to successfully navigate these spaces while nurturing life outside of work. Together, they discuss:

* navigating corporate dynamics and the impacts of psychological safety

* creating a well-rounded life and maintaining mental health

* building community and seeking out diverse mentorship

* intentionally creating balance and joy around oneself

This episode is a treasure trove of insights and actionable advice for early and transitioning career Black Women looking to thrive in their careers while also creating rich, fulfilling lives outside the workplace.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving in the Game

03:00 Roxy's Journey Up the Corporate Ladder

05:56 Understanding the Corporate Game

10:22 The Importance of Wellbeing

20:20 The Emotional Toll of High-Earning Black Women

22:09 Balancing Career and Mental Health

23:31 Navigating Toxic Work Environments

25:45 The Value of Mentorship and Diverse Perspectives

28:07 Learning to Live in the Moment

34:28 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode Roxy also mentions:

* The P.I.E. Model by Harvey J. Coleman from his book, “Empowering Yourself: The Organizational Game Revealed”

* Building a Non-Anxious Life by Dr. John Delony

Connect with Roxy on LinkedIn. Check out your fav Millennial Manager @roxycouse on Instagram | TikTok | YouTube

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator! Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

What does it mean to “be authentic” in the workplace? Know your “non-negotiables.” Join us in this episode as we explore how to own your authentic identity as you navigate your career.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this episode of 'Thriving In the Game,' host Alicia Cyrus sits down with Annette Moore, the former Deputy for Strategy in NASA's Office of the Chief Information Officer. Annette shares her incredible journey from starting her career in the space shuttle program at Johnson Space Center to becoming a senior executive at NASA, and the "non-negotiables" that guided her through 43 years of federal service. They discuss the multifaceted subject of authenticity for Black Women in the corporate tech world, focusing on:

* intricacies of authenticity

* knowing oneself and your values

* lasting impact of demonstrating integrity

* pivoting & maneuvering with discernment

Through her compelling narrative and personal anecdotes, Annette emphasizes the importance of early and transitioning career Black Women maintaining their authenticity and building impactful careers through knowing who they are, defining their non-negotiable values, navigating spaces with wisdom and resilience, and making room for others to thrive.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

02:31 Annette's Journey into Tech

05:55 A Turning Point: Learning to Pivot

08:37 The Role of Mentorship and Advocacy

19:13 Navigating Authenticity in the Workplace

28:39 Dealing with Exclusion

30:41 Knowing Your Worth

35:44 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Annette Moore on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

How do you make career moves with clarity and avoid stagnation? Learn how to maneuver. Join us in this episode as we explore navigating your career with intention.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this episode of Thriving In the Game, host Alicia Cyrus welcomes Rasheedah Hasan, a VP Chief of Staff in the media & entertainment industry, with nearly 20 years of experience in organizational strategy, technology delivery, and workflow transformation. Rasheedah shares her career journey, from starting as a business analyst to evolving into various senior roles, and emphasizes the need for mentorship, being intentional, and authenticity in career planning. Together, they explore strategies for Black Women to successfully maneuver advancement and avoid stagnation in their tech careers:

* maximizing one's craft

* upskilling & “raising your hand”

* proactively dealing with career stagnation

* navigating nuances of career disappointments

* understanding organizational dynamics

* building authentic professional networks

Tune in for actionable insights and personal stories, as Rasheedah illustrates how understanding one's value, being strategic about career moves, and relationship-building can provide growth opportunities and career flexibility for early career and transitioning career Black Women steering the ups and downs of career progression.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

02:16 Rasheedah's Early Career Path in Technology

05:02 Maneuvering Career Stagnation

07:46 Intentional Career Moves and Learning

12:50 Building Relationships and Networking

18:40 Balancing Disappointments with Strategy

27:11 Understanding Organizational Dynamics

34:46 Final Thoughts and Resources

Connect with Rasheedah Hasan on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!

How will you face the challenges that arise in your career? Prepare yourself with strategies now. Join us in this episode as we explore the strategic resilience and tenacity needed to navigate the difficulties along your career journey.

Listen now on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

Show Notes

In this inspiring episode of Thriving In the Game, host Alicia Cyrus sits down with Tina Debose to discuss the difficulties and challenges Black Women face in tech. A trailblazing global leader with over four decades in the IT industry, Tina highlights pivotal experiences from her early days as the only woman in a software certification class to her current role leading a team of 50+ developers and engineers. Together, they cover:

* embracing unconventional opportunities

* strategic preparation & self-advocacy

* importance of allyship & support

* navigating career obstacles & retooling

* finding validation outside of work

Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, this episode is a must-listen for early and transitioning career Black Women aspiring to thrive, despite the difficulties they may encounter along their professional journey, and build long-term careers in technology.

00:00 Introduction to Thriving In the Game

01:22 Meet Tina Debose: A Trailblazer in Tech

05:12 Navigating Early Career Challenges

06:56 The Importance of Allyship and Support

12:33 Strategies for Career Advancement

16:35 Overcoming Workplace Obstacles

15:45 Embracing Change and Retooling

21:27 Building Confidence and Validation Outside of Work

39:10 Final Thoughts and Resources

In this episode Tina also mentions:

* Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson

Connect with Tina Debose on LinkedIn

Join our community:

* TITG Newsletter

* Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thrivinginthegame/

* LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/thrivinginthegame/

* Bluesky: http://@thrivinginthegame.bsky.social

* If you have a comment or recommendation, DM or Email: TITG Podcast

Music by Praz Khanal from Pixabay

Special thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Join her newsletter or follow her Instagram @hiwote.getaneh and @emergingvoicespod. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote

Produced by Jay for Podcast Mechanic. Check out his portfolio and schedule a call at bit.ly/PodMechPro

Resources

Looking for an organizational and creative tool that empowers women in prioritizing their mental health, self-care, and spiritual growth? 98 Fig Press (@98figpress) is a Black Woman owned company that has designed The Imperfect Planner with you in mind! In support of Black History Month and Women’s History Month they are offering a 15% discount now through March 31, 2025. Use code: THRIVINGIN2025 and order yours today!