Verbally Effective

Ena sits down for a second time on the podcast with Government Official Antonio Parkinson the TN House Representative for District 98. Take a listen as Representative Parkinson discusses his work in Nashville in addition to his reactions to the Tyre Nichols video.

Kelvin "York" Brown is the owner and master trainer at IAmFitness Memphis LLC training center and the founder of non-profit Boyz To Men Strength Training and Mentoring Program. Kelvin has been in the fitness industry for over twenty years focusing on nutritional science. I was able to witness him in action at his boot camp session this past Saturday for an on location podcast. It was fascinating to see the connection he has with his clients consisting of women and men averaging ages 40 and up. Once the boot camp was complete, Kelvin sat down with me to discuss his journey.

Kelvin moved to Memphis from New York to play basketball with Coach Johnson at LeMoyne Owen College in the mid 90's. He pledged Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and became a huge presence on campus. Kelvin dives deep on the podcast sharing that he went into depression after he graduated college suffering from the loss of his mother. As a result, he attempted suicide and spent time in prison. These ultimate lows shaped Kelvin into the man he is today. He's extremely passionate about nutritional science and opened IAmFitness LLC training center. Kelvin's program focuses on managing exercise and nutrition. He does not want his clients to be dependent on prescribed medicine therefore he teaches the methods to live a healthy lifestyle. Kelvin and I also discussed the reason why he started his Boyz to Men Mentoring Program and the importance of these young men having a positive role model in their lives. We also talk about the Tyre Nichols death where this 29yr old young man was killed by black Memphis police officers. Be sure to tune in and listen to Kelvin "York" Brown's on location podcast and email [email protected] for a free assessment.

Currently the President/CEO of the Downtown Memphis Commission, Paul Young has his eyes set on being the next Mayor of Memphis. With a background in city planning, community development and affordable housing initiatives, Paul feels that he is the best candidate to elevate Memphis to the next level. Take a listen as Ena sits down with Paul to discuss key issues affecting the city such as infrastructure, crime and race.

Marco Pavé has been nominated for a Grammy in the Best Contemporary Classical Composition Category for Requiem for the Enslaved which tells the story of 272 slaves sold to pay the debts of Georgetown University. Featuring hip-hop artist Marco Pavé, trumpeter Jared Bailey, and Simon on piano, Requiem for the Enslaved explores the sacred and historical, and honors the lives of those bought and sold.

Marco Pavé is a Grammy Nominated, Hip-hop artist and Memphis-raised Muslim writer who uses hip hop culture as a means of personal expression and social empowerment. With a decade's worth of experience in the music industry under the name Marco Pavé, he’s released several EPs, an album, and wrote and staged an opera, Grc Lnd 2030. His writing and music has been featured on MTV News, NPR, and in the Oxford American. In 2015, Marco delivered an inspiring TEDx Talk on how the arts saved his life. During this talk he discussed how "cradle-to-career" arts policy that focuses on infrastructure to support artists can boost the local economy, address poverty by creating pathways to entrepreneurship, and consequently deter crime. As of today, Marco is currently hip-hop artist-in-residence at Georgetown University in Washington, DC.

Chasity Monroe, the owner of Pink Noire Beauty Supply and Cosmetics, one of the few Black-owned beauty supply stores in Memphis, Tennessee, hopes to reclaim the Black beauty industry through her corporate and consumer perspectives.

Estimates from The Black Owned Beauty Supply Association (BOBSA) show the Black haircare and cosmetics industry is worth about $9 billion. However, less than 5% of the beauty supply stores in the United States are Black-owned, which presents Black shoppers with an issue; they purchase products from non-Black communities that do not understand Black hair.

I met with Chasity for a live discussion at her Beauty Insiders event inside Pink Noire. We discussed how her corporate background at Procter & Gamble prepared her for this business venture in addition to the many allies she's made. Chasity has her sights set on expansion and product placement in the near future. Take a listen and you'll discover why equity matters in this beauty industry that exploits our likeness yet has a very low barrier of entry for blacks.

I had the best time chopping it up with Illustrator/Designer Mia Saine. This Arlington, TN native's family purchased land and bartered with one another in the 90’s. Mia actually grew up in the midst of development in Arlington which welcomed new classes of people and many adjustments. She is the youngest of three siblings and was greatly influenced by her grandmother as a child that fostered her creativity. As a high school student, Mia was introduced to Graphic Media, Design and Screen Printing. She received a scholarship to attend Memphis College of Art where she excelled and began freelance work. In those early days Mia began working with clients such as New York Times, MLK50 and the singer Kirby working on branding. As she gained more clients, Mia's knowledge of negotiating and understanding contracts developed. She was able to help others in the art community in those areas during this Black Renaissance.

Mia describes the Memphis art community as young, animated, innovative and energetic. As of today, Mia has signed with the Anna Goodson Agency from Quebec, Canada. This partnership is complimentary in the aspect of legal needs, advocacy and collaborations. Mia is adamant about keeping social issues at the forefront of her work using her art as a learning opportunity. Mia shares that during her Skittles collab she actually came out as a non-binary, black queer artist. She wants others to know that overcoming self-doubt is a game changer in any industry. Utilizing the power of social media as a canvas for your talent is extremely important. You can find Mia's Target Holiday Collection in stores right now. This project was special to Mia as she was able to showcase gratitude by highlighting black families and some of her favorite memories.

Singer/Songwriter, Stephani Doll McCoy, originally hails from North Memphis by way of Hollywood, Jackson and Frayser. Stephani's grandmother was instrumental in her start of learning all aspects of music at their church Greater Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in South Memphis. It was at Ridgeway High School where she met her sisters and began the singing group ADAJYO. At one point Stephani took the leap and moved to L.A. to pursue music full time. Her experience on the West Coast presented many challenges and successes in her career. She found her community of musicians and was able to create and collaborate with the likes of Raphael Sasdiq and many others. McCoy describes in detail her experience working with B.B. King Blues traveling the world on Holland American Cruise Lines performing six nights a week. You'll also discover her process of writing music which involves the craft of telling stories and being vulnerable. Although you can see Stephani on many stages throughout the city, her focus as of now is building a community by designing her very own platform via Doll's Playlist series. This concert event displays her original music where she has the space to learn and grow with her audience. During the "Aye Mane, Say Mane" segment, Doll gives us the turning point in her career where her mind frame began to shift on how she approaches creating shows. Lastly, Stephani closes the podcast with a beautiful performance.

Blytheville, AR native Bria Jones has officially been a news reporter at WREG News Channel 3 for one year now. She moved to Memphis at the age of 7 and received her introduction into journalism at Cordova High School as a writer for their newspaper. Remember the "Teen Appeal" at the Commercial Appeal? Well Bria also was a part of that coveted team as well and always wanted to be the "Black Carrie Bradshaw" growing up. Bria attended St. John's University in New York where she interned for the Wendy Williams show in which she describes her experience in great detail.

Take a listen as Bria describes her humble beginnings in news in Monroe, LA and later in Flint, MI. As a plus sized woman, Jones has received much criticism from news directors regarding her look. However, Bria never wavered in her plight to work in Memphis news. We also discuss the recurring focus on why crime stories leads the headlines in Memphis in which Jones describes as a double edged sword. She gives flowers to some of the greats that have graced our Memphis televisions and set the foundation for Black, female news casters such as Mearl Purvis, Stephanie Scurlock and Claudia Barr. Bria is currently nominated for a Mid-South Emmy Award for her coverage on the Family Dollar rat infestation that temporarily shut down over 400 stores. In addition, you'll hear how Bria loves to wind down and enjoy this "re-birthing" of downtown Memphis and also how she like to indulge in self-care. Bria is extremely proud to represent for the plus sized women in media who often face challenges in a culture that thrives on vanity.

Southside Chicago native Ben Colar moved to the Bluff City in 2002 after to study graphic design at Memphis College of Art. He had only heard about the Convocation and Three 6 Mafia prior to moving to Memphis. Ben excelled during his time at MCA and was immediately baptized by the fire working at an ad agency the summer before graduation. After commencement, he moved to Philly and became engulfed with freelance work. Ben made his way back to Memphis and started his brand design firm Baby Grand in 2018 in addition to a craft cocktail bar Inkwell in 2022. He noticed the craft cocktail space, worth around $86M and expected to hit $1B by 2026, was dominated by white males. After frequenting many cocktails bars in the city, Ben would often receive sub par service. He created the "Inkwell" concept from the idea that you will need to "refill" once the ink runs dry. His space gives you a break from the club scene with very few distractions and plenty of communication. Colar always leads with the mission of fully representing the make-up of Memphis and giving back in various ways. Ben strategically opened in the historic Edge District that currently houses some of your favorite black owned establishments. Check out the website drinkatinkwell.com and try the grilled cheese!

Whitehaven, TN native, Nathan Ollie, is a financial advisor, nonprofit leader, tech entrepreneur and girl dad.

In 2007, Nate graduated from Whitehaven High School, where he excelled both academically in the top 10% of his class; and athletically being awarded local honors in basketball. Nate went on to continue his post-secondary academic and athletic journey at Rhodes College. It was there where Nate joined Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., a moment he considers a huge milestone in his life. Nate eventually graduated from the University of Memphis, earning a Bachelor’s Degree with a focus in Corporate Finance.

Since entering the workforce, Nate has gained valuable experience in many different industries and niches in places across the globe. Over the years, however, he realized that one of his top skillsets lied in helping people solve problems. As an experienced sales professional who has worked with some of the world’s largest brands, he now pursues his primary passion of mentoring and developing childhood education.

In November 2021, the Board elected Nate as their Chairman for the 100 Black Men of Memphis, an honor for which he is grateful and humbled to be able to serve his community in such a significant capacity.

Nate stepped into the tech world in June of 2021 when he acquired Write About--a K-12 education SaaS that is helping save literacy in schools nationwide. Write About is a web based software platform that schools can use to help develop their students into proficient writers, more effective communicators, and to strengthen their overall literacy skills. The software is designed to help schools develop their students into proficient writers, more effective communicators, and to strengthen their overall literacy skills. The ultimate goal is to help close the widespread student achievement gap.

Take a listen as Nate and I discuss his journey which consists of a very fickle market as it stands today. Ollie expresses there are numerous ways you can mitigate in this market and he's always looking for new clients. He's seeing an uptick in his client base in emerging industries such as social media influencers who are acquiring wealth. Nate says the key to excelling in the finance world is discipline and self mastery.