In this episode, I sit down with Emma Kaputo, whose journey from producing social ads to leading brand and community partnerships at Kensington Grey shows what hustle, curiosity, and relationship‑building actually look like in practice. Emma shares how she carved out a career rooted in storytelling, cultural insight, and social impact — and why being proactive, asking for opportunities, and nurturing genuine relationships have shaped every step of her path.

We explore her transition from production into brand partnerships, the lessons she learned working across global and local community projects, and how she approaches executing large‑scale activations like Essence Fest. Emma breaks down the realities of securing brand collaborations, the role of research and curiosity in pitching, and what creators need to understand about authenticity, trust, and long‑term relationship building.

She also offers transparent guidance for aspiring creators — from knowing when to seek management to preparing your content strategy — plus insights from her work on social impact campaigns like the 15% Pledge and When We All Vote. This conversation is full of real‑world lessons for anyone navigating branding, partnerships, or creator‑led storytelling.

 Key Takeaways

• Emma’s transition from production to brand partnerships
• Why hustle and proactive relationship‑building matter
• Lessons from global and local community projects
• How to execute impactful brand activations like Essence Fest
• The role of curiosity and research in securing collaborations
• Insights from social impact campaigns like 15% Pledge
• Advice for creators on management and content strategy
• Why authenticity and cultural insight drive strong storytelling

If you’re building a career in brand partnerships, community strategy, or creator‑led storytelling, this episode offers transparent guidance, tactical insight, and a reminder that, as Emma says, you never know where your next opportunity is.

Follow Emma

IG: https://www.instagram.com/emmakaputo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emma-kaputo/

In this episode, I sit down with influencer and affiliate marketing expert Mimi Sillah, whose journey from classroom teacher to full‑time creator and performance marketer shows what it really takes to succeed in today’s creator economy. Mimi shares how she built a community of more than 80,000 followers, mastered affiliate strategy, and carved out a career that blends creativity, analytics, and deep relationship-building.

We explore how she transitioned into influencer marketing, the skills that matter most — from empathy and emotional intelligence to understanding ROAS and performance metrics — and what brands often overlook when working with creators. Mimi breaks down the realities of affiliate platforms, payment structures, and what separates high-performing creators from the rest.

She also opens up about her role at Black Beauty Club, the power of authentic community spaces, and how to create brand events that actually resonate. This conversation is packed with insight into how the industry is evolving, how creators can prepare for the future, and what it looks like to balance visibility, creativity, and corporate expectations.

 Key Takeaways:

• Mimi’s transition from teaching to influencer marketing
• How she built a social media community of 80,000+ followers
• Strategies for successful influencer and affiliate marketing
• Why soft skills like empathy and emotional intelligence matter
• How to create impactful brand events and community spaces
• Evolving trends shaping the creator economy
• Balancing creator identity with corporate roles

If you’re building a career in influencer marketing, affiliate strategy, or creator-led community building, this episode offers real-world lessons, tactical guidance, and a transparent look at what success actually requires in today’s creator economy.

Follow Mimi

IG: https://www.instagram.com/mimi_moments/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mimimoments_

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariamusillah/

In this episode, I share insights and my personal experiences as a first generation college student. I discuss the challenges faced, the importance of preparation in high school, and the resources available in college. Emphasizing the significance of scholarships, internships, and leveraging one's status as a first generation student to access opportunities. The conversation aims to guide and inspire others on their educational journeys.

In this episode, I chat with Global Brand Manager, Simone Jackson, whose career spans Spotify, Wieden & Kennedy, Kamp Grizzly, and major global campaigns like the Adidas x Ivy Park launch with Beyoncé. From crafting handmade cards as a child to leading high-impact brand strategies, Simone’s journey shows what it really takes to turn creativity and ambition into a global career.

We dive into how her education in strategic communications at Elon University helped her blend creative vision with business strategy, and how lessons from sports shaped her leadership style. Simone shares a behind-the-scenes look at creating campaigns that resonate globally while staying culturally relevant, and how to thrive in a fast-paced, digital-first marketing world.

This conversation is packed with practical advice on navigating career growth, building authentic relationships, asking for what you want, owning your confidence, and knowing when to pivot — all essential for anyone pursuing a creative career.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How early creativity sparked Simone’s career in brand marketing
• The value of a strategic communications education
• Lessons from sports: grit, teamwork, and perseverance
• Crafting campaigns with global impact and local relevance
• Behind-the-scenes insights from the Adidas x Ivy Park launch with Beyoncé
• The real value of marketing awards, networking, and authentic connections
• How to recognize when it’s time to pivot professionally
• Advice for aspiring marketers: confidence, clarity, and courage

If you’re passionate about marketing, branding, or creative leadership, this episode is full of inspiration, mentorship, and actionable lessons from someone making waves on a global stage.

Connect with Simone Jackson on Linkedin.

In this episode, I sit down with New York Knicks Senior Manager, Digital Content, Lakeyia Brown, MMC, to uncover what it really takes to grow a career in sports marketing. Lakeyia shares her journey from a social media specialist at the University of South Carolina to leading digital content for one of the world’s most iconic sports teams.

We explore how sports social media has evolved since 2016, the key differences between college athletics and the NBA, and why building online communities is more important than ever. Lakeyia also shares practical guidance for navigating career transitions, developing soft skills like communication and adaptability, and finding mentorship and support along the way.

She opens up about the challenges of balancing full-time work while pursuing a master’s degree — a reminder that growth often comes from juggling multiple responsibilities and learning from each experience.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• How Lakeyia launched her career in sports media and digital content marketing
• The evolution of digital and social media strategy in sports
• Differences between working in college athletics vs. the NBA
• Why community-building online matters in sports
• Strategies for career growth, professional development, and boundary-setting
• Advice for aspiring sports marketers and creatives

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to break into sports marketing or thrive behind the scenes at top-tier organizations like the New York Knicks, this episode is packed with guidance, inspiration, and real-world lessons.

Connect with Lakeyia on Linkedin

In this special introduction episode, I share the story behind What It Really Takes and why I started this podcast. Growing up in upstate South Carolina, I saw very few career options and had limited access to guidance or resources. I had big dreams but wasn’t always sure how to make them happen — and I know so many people feel the same way.

This podcast is my way of opening doors, sharing real stories, and giving you the kind of mentorship I wish I had along the way. We’ll explore what it really takes to navigate life, uncover opportunities, and grow both personally and professionally — all through honest conversations with people who’ve carved their own paths.

Whether you’re early in your career, exploring new possibilities, or figuring out your next steps, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that’s all about learning, reflecting, and seeing what’s possible when you have guidance, insight, and encouragement.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Why What It Really Takes exists and who it’s for
• How limited access to resources shaped my own journey
• What mentorship, guidance, and storytelling can do for your growth
• The kind of conversations and lessons you can expect in future episodes