Vulnerability Leads To Victory

Episode 9

This is the 2nd episode of our Winter Holiday Bonus

Let’s get straight to it this week! Nick Mackall, another fellow Indiana Hoosier connection of mine opens up to the Vulnerability Leads To Victory Family right away. After we take the time to reminisce on our glory days at Indiana University, Nick jumps right into an experience he had with a professor calling him out in front of an entire class.

Nick has an extensive background in education and working with collegiate volleyball players. Having been a volleyball player himself, he has been able to take his background and use it to help him find his purpose and then start to live in it.

Episode 8

This week I get to take it way back to my days in Hoosier Nation and interview one of my former residents now turned small business owner and community impact leader, Shalisa Smith.

Shalisa is someone who no matter where their home base is, their impact is going to be felt in waves in communities across the country.  This week, we get to hear the heart of this young woman and gain insight into how no matter where life takes you, you have to be willing to take steps of faith towards your purpose and destiny.  

Shalisa currently owns and operates multiple businesses including Exquisite Tax Service.  You can learn more about her here(https://shoutoutdfw.com/meet-shalisa-smith-owner-and-operator-of-exquisite-tax-service/) as well as by following her on social media and her website(exquisitetaxservice.com).

If you are looking to get your taxes done for 2022, contact Shalisa after listening to this episode and mention Sean John and you'll get a discount.

Episode 7

Don't take the time to read the description on this one, just jump right in.  This is one of the most vulnerable guests we have had to date and they set the place on FIRE!

If you must read the description, here is what you need to know...

This week, my friend and mentee, ITasha Smith joins us to talk about vulnerability through a number of different lenses.  From acknowledging your insecurities to acknowledging the significance of having a spiritual life when it comes to being vulnerable, ITasha takes us through her journey.  You will learn the importance of community impact as well as how reflecting upon one person's individual impact on your life creates levels of growth in you.  Get ready this week to answer the question of: Are you being your natural self or just painting a pretty picture?

You can connect with ITasha on Facebook(ITasha Smith) or Instagram(_tashawithani)

Episode 6

What’s Good Beautiful People! It’s another great week to experience vulnerability. This week we get to hear from one of the great North Carolina A&T Graduates and Detroit Area Native: Brandyn Jordan.

This week we talk about so many great aspects of vulnerability, but here are some of the highlights:

· Being in tune with your self and understanding what it means to truly be self-aware

· Knowing how to let your guard down

· Shared experiences and sharing experiences

· Learning from your experiences

· Understanding the environment which you grew up in

· Forgiveness

· Vulnerability as a lifestyle and a skill set

If none of this interest you, then just know it’s a really good conversation you don’t want to miss out on.

You can connect with Brandyn through Facebook and Instagram:

Facebook: Brandyn Jordan

Instagram: 2.fyrst.names

Episode 5

This week as we are in recovery and relaxation mode after Turkey Day, we get to have Emery Jordan at our family gathering.  For many of us living life during a global health pandemic has been an experience within an experience and for Emery, the start of pandemic times had a very tough start.  In our conversation this week, we discuss so many great topics that I don't want to spoil anything for you. Just know that we dig deep this week and provide a vision for how you can begin to create consistent growth for yourself.  

Emery Jordan is award-winning leader, strategist and trainer, who achieves results by building strong partnerships, identifying problems and constructing and implementing innovative technical and business solutions. In addition to his experience in the IT industry, he has also worked in education, promotional marketing, retail, consulting, financial services, logistics, healthcare, distribution and construction.

He recently released his first book titled, Change-One Nibble At A Time, which can be found on Amazon.  You can catch up with Emery through LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram(@babybark).

Episode 4

We are nearing the Annual Day of Giving Thanks for 2021 and I am thankful for guests who are willing to talk about VULNERABILITY!

For our family gathering this week, we bring to the table, Shauna! In our conversation, we touch on how when someone is being vulnerable, it can create data for more understanding of humanity.  Through sharing her own experiences, we gain an insight into the seeds of vulnerability Shauna is hoping to plant and see come into fruition in her lifetime, but especially in that of her family. The biggest takeaway for me this week is around how when one is being vulnerable, their defensive measures become diminished.

Shauna is a Midwest native currently kicking it in the South and learning that in this season of life, her growth truly begins with her self-care.

Listen in this week and then subscribe and share with someone else!

Episode 3

What's the best way to listen to this episode...ONE SEGMENT AT A TIME!!! The many bits of information coming at you this episode can get overwhelming, yet each piece is going to be so vital to your vulnerability journey.

This week we welcome A'ric Jackson, one of the top speakers for youth and leadership.  Over 15 years ago, A'ric began his career as a professional speaker and coach and has been all over the world developing individuals through his many speeches, trainings, and presentations. In this episode, using examples from his early life and some catchy anecdotes, we learn how vulnerability has become a part of A'ric's lifestyle.  

You can catch up with A'ric through the following platforms

What began as passionate poetry designed to uplift the spirit has turned into the pursuit of effecting attitudes and changing conventional thought. A charismatic and genuinely heartfelt communicator, Aric truly electrifies an audience.

After realizing how effected his audiences were by the poetry he would share, Aric began to feel the tug of moving to the next level with his words. Selected as "Best New Speaker" in 2000 by the Chicago Chapter of the International Speech Organization, Toastmasters, this recognition made him realize how much he wanted to pursue this and how much a void needed to be filled with students, youth, and grownups across America.

Watching him speak on stage helps you realize why he is such a unique and gifted orator. For it takes a genuine speaker to present information with shared experience, passion to research a topic much deeper, and to share that information with the audience using skills that will make it a memorable and exciting experience for all.

Episode 2

What's Good Family! This week we get to talk with one of the best people we could ever here from, Bunduke. 

The story for this week is not one you will want to miss as it has different aspects of vulnerability coming at you at different points of the conversation.  You'll hear a vulnerable birth story along with some great insight into how to make vulnerability feel more tangible in our every day lives.  We also bring up the importance of understanding your blackness, writing your story, and learning how to speak from your true life perspective.

Bunduke can be connected with through many avenues: https://linktr.ee/bunduke 

Learn more about his story, shop the brand, listen to his music, and more.

During this episode, a mention to the United Brachial Plexus Network was made. Go to ubpn.org to learn more!

Season 3: Episode 1

WELCOME BACK!!! Season 3 is in full effect and we are starting off with one of the most genuine and talented people I have ever met.  This week, the Vulnerability Leads To Victory Family gets to hear from Rachel Davis.  Rachel, originally from the Midwest and now lives in the South, tells us a story where her voice worked to improve office culture and begin to create an atmosphere for others to be vulnerable.  From this story we take a little bit of time to discuss vulnerability in the workplace overall.  Are you ready to jump back in to the fold??? Well get yourself in your podcast space and listen in.

Rachel is currently an educator in the field of Student Affairs and Higher Education.  Describing herself as a KPop Stan, Rachel can be heard on her own podcast, KPOP Call, using KPOP songs or matters to discuss larger societal matters.  

The End of Season 2 is Upon Us! Episode 13 will wrap up Season 2 for us.

Connect with Erika by visiting their website: ErikaHeffernan.com