In this episode, Melanie welcomes Sneha Shah, who shares her transformative journey from the corporate pharmaceutical world to launching a solar business. Sneha discusses the challenges she faced as a woman of color in a male-dominated industry and how she overcame self-doubt to become the confident face of her company. They dive into the importance of personal branding and Sneha's commitment to educating customers about solar energy. Melanie praises Sneha's resilience and her drive to create a positive environmental impact while maintaining a family-centric lifestyle. Listeners are left inspired by Sneha's advice to trust in oneself and the support of the universe when pursuing their own paths.   LINKS: Book a call with Sneha: https://calendly.com/snehas-solar Connect with Sneha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sneha-shah-solar/ Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.com Book a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat  TIMESTAMPS:   Introduction to the Episode (00:00:10)  Sneha's Corporate Journey (00:02:10)  Challenges Faced in Corporate Life (00:06:03)  Transition to Entrepreneurship (00:10:07)  Gaining Confidence and Putting Herself Out There (00:14:37)  Easing into Putting Herself Out There (00:21:58)  Building Confidence in Solar Knowledge (00:22:40)  Personal Branding and Relating to Customers (00:23:56)  Importance of Education in the Solar Industry (00:26:45)  Impact of Solar Business on Climate Change (00:28:31)  Believing in Yourself and Making an Impact (00:32:42)

In this episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, host Melanie chats with Brigitte Brown Jackson, a seasoned leader and communication maven. They dive into the nitty-gritty of personal branding and the art of communication, stressing the need to be genuine while understanding others' communication styles. Brigitte, with her rich background in leadership and training, shares insights from her own journey to self-awareness and how it shapes interactions in both personal and professional realms. Bridget's anecdotes offer a real-world perspective on nurturing individual potential and the significance of self-awareness in leadership.    GUEST BIO:   Meet Brigitte Brown Jackson, Ed.S, the dynamic founder of Exponential EduVentures, boasting over 30 years of training experience. With 17 years of leadership at the helm of multi-million-dollar organizations, she's proven herself as a powerhouse in her field.   As a speaker, author, consultant, and Extreme Execution Coach trained by Dr. Eric Thomas, Brigitte's leadership style is a unique blend of assertiveness, enthusiasm, patience, and precision. Fueled by purpose, faith, and wisdom, she captivates audiences nationwide, leaving a lasting impact on all she encounters.   Passionate about empowering women, Brigitte guides and inspires individuals from all walks of life, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings for positive change. Whether you seek bold direction, infectious energy, steadfast support, or meticulous planning, Brigitte is the guiding light on your journey to success.   LINKS: Visit Brigitte’s website: http://brigittebrownjackson.com/  Listen to Brigitte’s podcast: http://brigittebrownjackson.com/podcastFollow Brigitte on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brigittetransforms Connect with Brigitte on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brigitte-brown-jackson-ed-s-b784952b Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.com Book a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this engaging episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, Melanie chats with Dr. Rhonda Alexander about the magic of storytelling in personal branding. Dr. Rhonda, a seasoned entrepreneur and coach, spills the beans on how a good story can hook your audience and make your brand stick.   We tackle the tough stuff too—mental health, showing up raw and real, and why your mess can be your message. Dr. Rhonda wraps up with a golden nugget: reverse engineer your stories to hit your goals and turn your book into a life-changing experience, not just a one-time read. If you're itching to pen your own book and need a nudge, Dr. Rhonda's your go-to guru for getting it done with heart and impact.   GUEST BIO:   Dr. Rhonda Alexander is a global entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and author. She is the founder of IUVO Consulting, LLC, a regulatory-compliance consulting firm, and SoulScribe, a coaching firm for speakers, coaches, and consultants who want to leverage their book to make more money in their businesses.   In addition to authoring three books, Dr. Rhonda has also worked with organizations and professionals around the world. As a result, she has garnered more than 25 years of unique experiences that make her a creative organizational strategist, as well as a sought-after speaker and coach.   LINKS: Book a call with Rhonda: www.meetwithdrrhonda.net  Visit Dr. Rhonda’s website: https://www.soulscribe.net Connect with Dr. Rhonda on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thedrrhonda Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.com Book a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this energizing episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, host Melanie L. Denny teams up with stress-busting guru Keisha Allen-Smith to tackle the beast of overwhelm that haunts professional women everywhere. Keisha, hailing from the sunny island of Bermuda, dishes out her personal recipe for keeping stress at bay and boosting those energy levels. From brain dumps to breathwork, she's got the lowdown on how to declutter your mind and supercharge your day.  GUEST BIO:   Keisha Allen-Smith is a proud mother of two, an educator, entrepreneur, author and energy coach. She is passionate about empowering women to optimize and design a life they love by being intentional about reducing stress, increasing their energy levels  and improving their physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.   She was born and raised on the island of Bermuda and has delivered workshops to local and  international audiences. These workshop topics include: Stress Management, Trauma, Mindfulness, Growth Mindset, Energy Healing, Self-Care and Balancing Work, Life and Home.   Keisha is the author of 77 Ways to Reduce Stress and Energize Your Life. This energy  guide teaches people the importance of balancing their energy and helps them to choose healthy habits to incorporate into their daily and weekly routines.  It includes a 52 week habit tracker that can be personalized to support consistency during the wellness journey.    Keisha believes that making small changes to your daily habits can have a big impact on your wellbeing.  She lives by her beliefs and prioritizes her own self care by regularly walking, doing  yoga, meditating, connecting with nature and spending time with family and friends.   LINKS:   Watch the energy release exercies Keisha demonstrates on our YouTube channel (minute 22): https://www.youtube.com/live/7e8utvVfmtc?si=VmEQTuVxViPBgwBw  Visit Keisha’s website: https://www.linktr.ee/loveandlightempowerment Connect with Keisha on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/keisha-allen-smith-390908bb/Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat   TIMESTAMPS:   Dealing with Stress and Overwhelm (00:00:10) Keisha's Expertise and Background (00:01:36) Keisha's Stress Management Tips (00:03:16) Practical Stress Management Strategies (00:06:25) Managing Mental Stress (00:12:32) Breathwork for Energy (00:17:17) Energy Release Exercise (00:22:44) Breathing Techniques for Energy (00:23:26) Managing Intense Emotions (00:25:58) Personal Journey and Stress Management (00:28:06) Creating an Energy Formula (00:33:00) Improving Quality of Rest (00:41:15) Managing Constant Connection and Stress (00:44:02) Stress and Energy Management (00:46:40) Grounding and Stress Response (00:47:02) Intentional Stress Mitigation (00:48:50) Services and Offerings (00:49:15) Support and Self-Branding (00:52:18) Empowered Presence™ Program (00:53:36) Embracing Uniqueness and Authentic Branding (00:55:33) Empowered Presence™ Program Benefits (00:56:07)

In this very real podcast episode, Melanie chats with Dr. Nikeya Young about the power and pressure behind "Black Girl Magic." They unpack the term's evolution, touching on the resilience it represents and the high expectations it can create.  Nikeya opens up about her journey from educator to homeschooling mom, shedding light on the unique challenges black women face professionally. Together, they explore how personal branding and self-empowerment intersect, advocating for authenticity and the celebration of individuality amidst societal pressures. GUEST BIO:   Nikeya Young is a Best-Selling Author/Certified Master Life Coach/TEDx Speaker/Keynote Speaker and Workshop Facilitator/Licensed Minister/Podcast Host, and Entertainer. She is also an experienced subject matter expert for various media outlets (you may have seen her as a recurring guest on WGN's Daytime Chicago and News Nation). Through her transformative coaching company and podcast (Victorious Living Solutions), Nikeya uses her gifts, talents, experiences, and certifications to empower leaders to CRUSH their goals, despite life's challenges, and live VICTORIOUSLY!   Nikeya’s first book “Virtue Chic: Classy Takes Center Stage” (2017) is a “must read” for Christian single women! The book includes a foreword by Minister/Author Niki Winston, & dishes out practical and spiritual advice on style, dating, pursuing your purpose, resisting the urge to compete with other women, and SO much more! Nikeya has since been a Contributing Author on two other anthologies: Masters of Marriage: A Relationship Devotional for Couples (2021), and Amazon Best-Seller, The Moms' Truth: Authentic Stories of Motherhood (2022).   Nikeya is happily married to Rodney Young Jr, and is a proud “Slay-at-Home”, homeschooling mama bear to the couple’s 3 beautiful children: Rodney III (R3), and twin girls Nalea and Nissi. The couple resides in the South suburbs of Chicago, Illinois.   LINKS:  Visit Nikeya's website: https://www.victoriouslivingsolutions.com/ Connect with Nikeya on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikeyayoung/Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat TIMESTAMPS:  The concept of Black Girl Magic (00:02:54)  The pressure for perfection and excellence (00:09:13)  Challenges faced by Black women in the workforce (00:15:58)  Creating one's own opportunities (00:13:37)  Personal branding and finding one's magic (00:20:28)  Professional Development Goals (00:24:38)  Balancing Multiple Roles (00:26:42)  Adaptability and Identity (00:27:41)  Reevaluating Career Identity (00:30:57)  Generational Perspectives on Career (00:38:51)  Impact of Personal Energy (00:42:07)  Silencing and reclaiming our voices (00:48:08)  Challenges in the industry (00:48:28)  Empowered Presence™ program (00:48:50)  Personal representation and self-investment (00:49:25)

In this episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, host Melanie L. Denny chats with Dr. Adaira Landry, a Harvard emergency medicine professor and author. Dr. Landry shares her personal journey from a young UC Berkeley student to a mentor and advocate, emphasizing the value of mentorship and representation. She discusses her book "Micro Skills: Small Actions, Big Impact," offering advice on how to be a polished communicator, navigate conflict, build subject matter expertise, and learn your workplace culture. GUEST BIO:   Adaira Landry, MD MEd is an Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine at the Harvard Medical School and a Physician at Brigham Women’s Hospital. Her academic interest focuses on mentorship of early career professionals. She has been awarded for her dedication to mentorship and education.   Dr. Landry speaks nationally on mentor-mentee relationships and strategies for career development. She is a healthcare contributor for Forbes. She has published in Academic outlets such as Nature, Science, New England Journal of Medicine and for the general public audience in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harvard Business Review and Fast Company.   She is currently co-authoring a book for early-career professionals to navigate the workplace, MicroSkills: Small Actions, Big Impact with Harper Collins. She is also a wife and a mother to 3 children. She hopes to raise her 3 children to understand and value the importance of supporting others in need.   LINKS:   Order Dr. Landry’s book, Small Actions, Big Impact: https://www.amazon.com/MicroSkills-Small-Actions-Big-Impact/dp/1335013296/ref=sr_1_1?crid=235EV3YJDDEAX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.FgOUKBL7UM9cXXHXTrK2Tw.7rIuPSIQdELzoQmxWVWr7CpMEOTBW4A6O0UiK3DcbF8&dib_tag=se&keywords=microskills+small+actions%2C+big+impact&qid=1711988390&sprefix=microskill%2Caps%2C68&sr=8-1Connect with Adaira on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adairalandrymd/Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat   TIMESTAMPS: Personal Journey and Early Achievements (00:02:14) Dr. Landry shares her early academic successes, challenges, and the influence of her upbringing on her journey. Challenges and Discoveries in College (00:04:12) Dr. Landry discusses her transition to college, the challenges she faced, and the lack of mentorship in her early career. Realization of Self-Responsibility and Mentorship (00:06:21) Dr. Landry reflects on the importance of self-responsibility and her first impactful mentorship experience. Importance of Representation in Mentorship (00:09:08) The significance of finding a mentor with similar struggles and the impact of representation in mentorship relationships. Building a Diverse Support Network (00:11:27) Dr. Landry emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives in building a personal board of directors and support network. Navigating Workplace Challenges (00:13:49) Dr. Landry shares her experiences as a woman of color in a predominantly white workplace and the need for understanding and support. Strategies for Networking and Advocacy (00:19:05) The use of social media and proactive networking strategies for self-advocacy and building a strong professional network. Journey to Writing a Book (00:21:42) Dr. Landry discusses her writing journey, from early academic challenges to the decision to write her upcoming book. The struggle with writing (00:22:23) Dr. Landry discusses her initial struggle with writing and how she overcame it. Writing impactful articles (00:23:23) The discussion revolves around Dr. Landry's journey into writing impactful articles and the positive reception she received. Growth as a writer (00:25:16) Dr. Landry reflects on how writing has improved her analytical thinking and her focus on the reader's experience. The book "Micro Skills: Small Actions, Big Impact" (00:27:40) Dr. Landry introduces the book and its target audience, emphasizing its relevance for professionals at different career stages. Balancing motherhood and career (00:28:47) Dr. Landry shares her experience and insights on balancing motherhood, medicine, and mentorship. Making informed decisions (00:34:26) Dr. Landry advises the audience to pause and ask questions before accepting opportunities, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making. Importance of networking (00:39:16) Dr. Landry stresses the significance of nurturing and giving back to one's network for professional success. Chapters in the book (00:41:01) Dr. Landry discusses the book's chapters, including self-care, task management, and the importance of understanding supervisors' expectations. Understanding Supervisor Priorities (00:42:09) Importance of understanding supervisor priorities for success in the workplace. Navigating the Workplace (00:43:09) Discussion on the interconnectedness of individual, team, and work dynamics in the workplace. Book Launch Event (00:43:59) Details about the upcoming book launch event at the New York Public Library with special guest speaker.

In this episode Melanie chats with Amelia Badua, founder of FearlessHER™ Collective, delve into the topic of fear and its influence on career and personal branding. They explore strategies for overcoming fear, the journey of transitioning into entrepreneurship, and the balance between full-time work and side hustles.  Amelia shares her personal experiences, from re-entering the workforce to doubling her salary and embracing business ownership after a layoff. The conversation also touches on the significance of community support, authenticity in personal branding, and the power of taking action despite fear.    GUEST BIO:   Meet Amelia Badua – your go-to Career Strategist and the heart behind the FearlessHER Collective. She creates a safe space where women can face their fears, connect with other women, and thrive in their careers while launching their side hustles within a supportive community.   Amelia's mission is to empower women to move from fear into action around launching their side hustles for extra income. Having 2.5x her salary in just four years, she's passionate about helping other women achieve financial success too by offering personalized career and side hustle strategies.   Her journey from stay-at-home mom to People Operations Tech leader and entrepreneur gives her firsthand insight into pushing past fear and taking inspired action. She believes in the power of faith and community and not only manages an online women's membership but also hosts in-person FearlessHER Socials curated for collaboration among career women and entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds.   LINKS:   Follow Amelia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameliabadua/Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, host Melanie L. Denny interviews Mia Williams, CEO of the Colors of Her Success. They delve into Mia's transition from resume writing to community building and her success in personal branding on social media platforms like LinkedIn and TikTok. Mia emphasizes the importance of authenticity, consistent engagement with the target audience, and the power of storytelling in building a brand. They discuss the challenges Black women face in corporate environments and the resources provided by Mia's community to support career development at pivotal points. The conversation underscores the necessity of perseverance, clarity in personal branding, and the value of supporting the next generation of leaders. Here's a sneak peak inside the episode:  Mia's journey from resume writing to creating a vibrant community is a masterclass in authenticity. She reminds us that aligning our work with our joy is not just fulfilling, it's strategic. If you're curious about how to make that shift without losing your spark, this episode is your playbook.   We dive deep into the art of community building. Mia shares her secret sauce for engaging with her audience and creating content that resonates. If you've ever wondered how to turn followers into a family, Mia's got you covered.   Patience is a virtue, especially in the world of personal branding. Mia and I get real about the grind, the wait, and the payoff of consistent effort. If you're feeling stuck or impatient, let Mia's story of perseverance light a fire under you.   We all have stories, but which ones will strike a chord with your audience? Mia and I explore the power of storytelling and how to choose the tales that will captivate and connect.   The Colors of Her Success isn't just a community; it's a launchpad for black women at pivotal career points. We're talking job searching, promotions, and career pivots. If you're ready to level up, this is your invitation to join a space crafted for your success.   The corporate world can be a tough nut to crack, and Mia and I don't shy away from discussing the unique challenges black women face. We're passionate about bridging the gap and investing in the next wave of leaders.   ABOUT MIA:    LinkedIn Creator | Entrepreneur | Community Builder Mia Williams is a career influencer. Currently, she serves as CEO for The Colors of Her Success, the #1 resource community for Black women navigating their early-stage careers. Mia is a skilled community builder who thrives on helping professionals, brands, and organizations drive impactful change through authentic relationship building.   LINKS:   Join Mia’s newsletter: https://www.thecolorsofhersuccess.com/about/#newsletterFollow Mia on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mia-williams/ Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

From scientific discoveries to the Broadway stage, and beyond—Madelyn reveals the secrets of leveraging public speaking, LinkedIn, and clear goals to build a formidable personal brand as a woman of color. Tune in as Madelyn shares her incredible journey of turning BIG dreams into reality. Don't miss this empowering conversation on career success, happiness, and the extraordinary path to achieving your dreams! GUEST BIO: The road to career success and happiness starts with having BIG dreams.  Today’s guest dreamed of scientific discoveries, working on Broadway, and saving the world. All of those BIG dreams have come true.   Madelyn Mackie is a published biochemistry researcher, has worked at 4 Tony Award winning theatres and responded to disasters all over the country as an Officer with the American Red Cross. LINKS: Follow Madelyn on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelynmackie/ Book a call with Madelyn: https://activateyourcareer.17hats.com/p#/scheduling/Visit Madelyn’s website: https://www.madelynmackie.com/Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this special episode, Melanie shares a group coaching call featuring participants from her Empowered Presence™ program. The speakers discuss the significance of personal branding, particularly for executive women of color. They reflect on how the program has boosted their confidence, helped them embrace their authenticity, and provided them with a platform to share their unique voices and experiences.  The conversation touches on the pitfalls of relying on AI for content creation and emphasizes the importance of maintaining an authentic and consistent presence. Melanie shares her own story of feeling discouraged and is finds a renewed sense of confidence in her ability to help women overcome adversity, package their expertise, and position themselves for new opportunities beyond traditional roles. LINKS: Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschatFollow Melanie on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/melanieldenny  TIMESTAMPS:  Progress and revelations (00:01:42)  Personal branding journey (00:03:18)  Product launch and personal branding (00:06:45)  Authenticity and confidence in branding (00:09:50)  Support and encouragement in the program (00:10:46)  Impact of personal branding on professional recognition (00:12:56) A Embracing individuality and self-identity (00:16:29)  Exploring personal ideas and recognition (00:20:13)  Utilizing ChatGPT for content creation (00:22:40)  The impact of AI on content creation (00:24:50)  Feeling responsible for content creation (00:26:00) Empowered Presence program overview (00:27:15)  Empowered Presence program impact (00:28:36)  The power of storytelling and personal branding (00:30:39)  Investing in personal growth (00:31:30)

In this episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, host Melanie and guest Nickquolette Barrett explore the theme of career ownership and personal branding. Nickquolette, a career strategist and executive coach, shares insights on transitioning from employee to CEO of one's career, advocating for oneself, and the importance of self-awareness and strategic planning. They discuss the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace and the need for authentic self-representation. Nickquolette also talks about her role in leading the Society of Elite Resume Writers and Coaches and her upcoming career branding program. The episode also highlights the Empowered Presence™ program, designed to help executive women of color build visibility and authority without compromising authenticity. GUEST BIO:   Nickquolette is a.k.a. The "Get Hired" Strategist is the founder and CEO of iRock Development Solutions, LLC dba iRock Résumés and President of the Society of Elite Résumé Writers and Coaches.   She is a 4x Certified Executive Coach, Executive Résumé Writer, article contributor and member of the Newsweek Expert Forum, and a dynamic speaker and trainer. She specializes in résumé and LinkedIn profile writing, interview prep, and career development & strategy.   She won two career industry awards from Career Directors International and authored two books,`”You're Hired!” – Volume 1 & 2.   Nickquolette's mission is to take career professionals from job applicant to job candidate. She works to change your mindset from employee to CEO of your career. Her motto is “Land the Job of Your Dreams and Create a Career That Rocks!”.   Nickquolette works with clients at various stages of their career with most being in senior leadership roles. Testimonials from happy clients keep her referral pipeline full. She stands ready to help you land the job of your dreams and create a career that rocks! LINKS:   Follow Nickquolette on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nickquolettebarrett/Subscribe to Nickquolette's newsletter: https://irockresumes.com/blog/ Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat Timestamps: Nickquolette Barrett's Career Journey (00:01:33)  Nickquolette's Career Transformation (00:02:47)  Recognizing Career Manipulation (00:03:53)  Taking Control of Career (00:07:36)  Understanding Value and Worth (00:09:27)  Strategic Career Planning (00:16:56)  Transcending Job Titles (00:19:42)  Understanding Personal Branding (00:20:54)  Transitioning from Employee to Entrepreneur (00:21:55)  Identifying Career Goals (00:22:50)  Financial Preparedness for Entrepreneurship (00:25:04)  Learning from Current Organization (00:27:03)  CEO Mindset for Career Development (00:29:50)  Investing in Personal Development (00:30:59)  Changing the Workplace Narrative (00:35:32)  Recognizing and Advocating for Strengths (00:38:08)  The importance of authenticity (00:40:49)  Taking control of your narrative (00:41:47)  Leadership and gratitude (00:42:45)  Revamping career branding (00:43:42)  Transition in leadership (00:45:38)  Empowered Presence program (00:47:27)  Discovering personal voice (00:48:57)  Empowerment through personal branding (00:51:00)

In this episode of the Empowered Presence™ podcast, Melanie interviews career coach and YouTuber, Timeka Green, about the importance of authenticity in personal branding. Timeka shares her own experiences with building a YouTube channel, overcoming personal challenges, and the significance of staying true to oneself. They discuss how authenticity has helped Timeka connect with a global audience to the tune of 12,000 and make a positive impact on people's lives. The episode also touches on the Empowered Presence™ program, designed to help executive women of color develop their personal brand without losing their authenticity. GUEST BIO: Timeka Green is a Global Human Resources (HR) professional, Career Coach, Mom, YouTuber and Optimist who believes it is time to see others that look like her, grow in their career like she has. Timeka has worked in HR for over 11 years, starting with job titles ranging from HR Assistant to HR Generalist and grown to Global HR Business Partner (HRBP) and HR Director. She has worked in a number of industries, ranging from local government, organ & tissue donation and clinical research to the tech industry. After seeing so many disparities among minorities in the corporate workplace, she decided to create a space where she could reach many and educate them on how to skip the hurdles she has crossed. In December 2020, Timeka started her YouTube channel called Heyyy HR and now has over 14,000 subscribers. Many find her not only on her YouTube channel, but also dropping daily gems on LinkedIn with a following of over 12,000 professionals. Follow Timeka on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timeka-green-mba-hrm-shrm-scp/Subscribe to Timeka’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@HeyyyHRJoin Timeka’s Newsletter: https://heyyyhr.ck.page/e4b36e4aeaLearn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this episode of Empowered Presence™, host Melanie speaks with Charity S. McDonald, an executive career consultant and founder of CRWN Institute. Charity discusses her journey from facing career challenges, such as working in a toxic environment and being underpaid, to tripling her income by shifting to an abundance mindset, asking for help, and leveraging her skills in a new industry. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding, self-advocacy, and articulating one's value in the workplace. Charity also shares her experience with content creation on LinkedIn, where she became a Top Voice by engaging with others and sharing inspirational posts. She offers insights into her approach to career coaching, which includes personal branding, interview preparation, and positioning for thought leadership. The conversation underscores the power of storytelling and an abundance mindset in overcoming obstacles and achieving success.   GUEST BIO:   Charity S. McDonald is an executive career consultant for tech and talent leaders from the metro NYC area. As the founder of CRWN Institute, she helps high achievers become big receivers without burnout and land their next-level role on LinkedIn. Charity has over a decade of experience in higher education, people operations, executive recruiting, HR tech, coaching, and consulting. In 2023, she was recognized as a LinkedIn Top Community Voice in career and leadership.  Charity is a keynote speaker at colleges on the topics of professional development and self-leadership. TIMESTAMPS: The journey into the workplace (00:02:11) Charity describes entering the workplace during the Great Recession and the challenges she faced in a toxic work environment. Shifting mindset and learning to ask for help (00:02:56) Charity discusses her journey from hesitancy and scarcity mindset to learning to ask for help and shifting her mindset. Recognizing personal value and articulating it (00:12:27) Charity explains the struggle of articulating her value, learning to speak to her strengths, and the importance of personal branding in career advancement. Challenges faced by women of color in the workplace (00:14:40) The conversation touches on common themes among women of color in the workplace, including holding onto opportunities, advocating for oneself, and the need to speak up and showcase accomplishments. Finding opportunities and leveraging transferable skills (00:19:46) Charity shares how she was found by potential employers and clients, leveraging LinkedIn and consulting work to transition into career coaching and outplacement support. LinkedIn Visibility and Top Voice Recognition (00:22:03) Charity's journey to becoming a top voice on LinkedIn and her strategy for achieving recognition. Content Creation Strategy (00:23:06) Charity's approach to creating engaging content on LinkedIn and the impact of inspirational storytelling. Overcoming Obstacles with Abundance Mindset (00:30:24) Charity's perspective on cultivating an abundance mindset and how it helped her overcome obstacles in her career. Comprehensive Career Support Services (00:33:09) The range of services Charity provides to her clients, including personal branding, resume development, and negotiation support. Connecting with Charity (00:36:04) How to connect with Charity, book appointments, and engage with her content on LinkedIn. LINKS: Follow Charity on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charitysmcdonald/Book a call with Charity:  https://www.calendly.com/crwninstitute/discovery/  Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this episode of Empowered Presence™, we have a chat with Kijaffa Hall, founder and CEO of KZ Hall Consulting and host of the "Coffee and a Notepad" podcast. We explore Kijaffa's path from a varied background to establishing her own successful business. She discusses the challenges of being multi-passionate and the process of integrating her diverse skills into a cohesive business strategy. She emphasizes the importance of authenticity, embracing individuality, and defining success on one's own terms. Kijaffa shares insights on navigating insecurities, the role of therapy, and the significance of a supportive network. The episode also touches on Kijaffa's commitment to social impact and her efforts to empower others through her consulting services and podcast. Here's a sneak peek into this episode:  Kijaffa opened up about her eclectic background, showing us how what once felt like a scattered array of skills actually became her superpower. She's a testament to the beauty of a non-linear path, and her story will make you appreciate your own unique journey.   We delved into the challenges and triumphs of being someone with multiple passions. Kijaffa's approach to integrating her interests into a successful business model is a masterclass in authenticity. If you've ever felt like you're juggling too many interests, this is a must-listen!   Kijaffa got real about the struggles of self-promotion, especially when your skill set is as varied as a Swiss Army knife. Her insights on building confidence and finding your voice are golden nuggets for anyone looking to sell their story with sincerity.   She shared how not every passion needs to be monetized. It's okay to love something just for the joy it brings. She's found a way to weave her love for crafting and social impact into her business, proving that your passions can support your professional life in unexpected ways.   Her business, KZ Hall Consulting, is all about helping you bring your big ideas to life, especially for those who might second-guess their brilliance. Kijaffa's clarity sessions are a game-changer for women on the brink of something great.   Coffee and a Notepad, Kijaffa's podcast is a treasure trove of conversations with entrepreneurs who are carving their own paths. It's a dose of inspiration for anyone looking to create success on their terms.   GUEST BIO: Kijaffa is a passionate business strategist who is excited to keep growing her network of social innovators, community collaborators, and global changemakers.  As the Founder and CEO of K.Z. Hall Consulting, she curates opportunities for businesses and individuals to actualize their impactful ideas through skills, strategy, and business development. Her “From Spark to Strategy Workshop” is a collaborative ideation and planning work session for individual dreamers and the Spark Accountability Group provides both community & support to business owners as they bring their ideas to fruition. Always a talker and someone with a lot of opinions, Kijaffa is now using her voice to create a community for current and aspiring business owners. She is the proud creator and host of the “Coffee and a Notepad” podcast, where she invites guests each week to talk about all things business, entrepreneurship and creating success on your own terms”. She loves sharing her career journey, experiences, and strategy tips as guest host on other podcast shows and professional conferences and welcomes opportunities to continue to share her knowledge to support others. Kijaffa is a proud Brooklyn girl now lovingly living in the Washington DC area. She is a lover of all things social media, black tv and music, and Sunday brunch with family and friends.  LINKS: Follow Kijaffa on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kijaffa-hall Book a call with Kijaffa: https://www.kzhall.com/service-page/inquiry-call Visit Kijaffa’s website: https://www.kzhall.com Upcoming workshop: https://www.kzhall.com/sparktostrategy Listen to Kijaffa’s podcast (Coffee and a Notepad): https://pod.link/169717032 Learn more about Empowered Presence: www.myempoweredpresence.com Book a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In today's powerful episode of Empowered Presence™, host Melanie welcomes Wendy Carter, an ICF certified coach and leadership development practitioner. Wendy shares her personal journey, discussing how she overcame traumatic experiences and limiting beliefs that once hindered her career progression. She explains the impact of trauma on belief systems and how these beliefs can affect professional outcomes. Wendy and Melanie delve into cognitive distortions, the importance of authenticity and vulnerability in the workplace, and the power of rewiring the brain for positive change. Wendy also offers complimentary coaching sessions and announces upcoming workshops for women of color and events on relational trauma. GUEST BIO: Wendy, an ICF Certified Coach and Leadership Development Practitioner, brings over 15 years of Fortune 100 Human Resources experience, excelling in transforming leaders for measurable performance outcomes. As the Founder of Emerge Development Solutions, she offers top-quality coaching to Fortune 500 organizations, specializing in innovative solutions through a coaching lens and utilizing assessments for self-awareness and actionable self-development plans. With Senior Leadership roles at AdventHealth, Walt Disney Company, and Citigroup,   Wendy's expertise spans career growth, confidence, and well-being. Holding an MHRM from DeVry University and a BA from the City University of New York at Baruch College, she holds an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) from the International Coaching Federation. A dedicated member of the International Coaching Federation’s South East Region and SHRM’s Central Florida division, Wendy contributes to advancing coaching excellence and HR practices. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, meeting new people, and cherishing quality moments with her family.   LINKS: Follow Wendy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendycarterstewart/Book a call with Wendy: https://scheduletimewithemerge.as.me/?appointmentType=36607242 Book a call with Mel: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat Learn more about Empowered Presence™: www.myempoweredpresence.com

In this episode, Melanie interviews Brenda Mariah from Push Career Management. They discuss the challenges of perfectionism, particularly for women of color in the corporate world, and the resulting imposter syndrome. Brenda shares her personal experiences with striving for perfection and the realization that it's unattainable. She encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections and focus on progress. The conversation also touches on their professional journeys and the mutual influence they've had on each other. Brenda concludes by inviting listeners to connect with her for support in their career growth. GUEST BIO: When you KNOW you can do the job, but you’re having trouble getting others to see your value. That’s where Brenda Mariah comes in. Specializing in boosting confidence in those who are going to battle emotionally in their careers or transitions. Brenda Mariah of Push Career Management is a career-focused speaker, wordsmith, career storyteller, encourager, author, and strategist that can help them AND YOU see what you’re made of.   LINKS: Check out Brenda's On-Demand Interview PUSH course: https://brenda-mariah-s-school.teachable.com/p/on-demand-interview-push-with-brenda-mariahBook a call with Brenda: https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/a4e9133aBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschatLearn more about the Empowered Presence™  program: www.myempoweredpresence.com

In this first episode of 2024, we sit down with Ashley Watkins Thomas, a job search coach and certified resume strategist to discuss her professional journey and the personal challenges she faced, including illness, death, and insecurity. She talks about her transition from corporate recruiting to full-time coaching, her struggles with self-perception, and the importance of authenticity with clients.  Ashley shares her story of overcoming adversity, embracing her true self, and the value of community support. Melanie and Ashley highlight the significance of authenticity in personal branding, especially for women of color, and the empowerment that comes from showing up as one's genuine self. GUEST BIO:   Ashley Watkins Thomas is a Job Search Coach and Certified Resume Strategist with Write Step Resumes. She is a corporate recruiter of 20 years, hiring for companies across banking, education, healthcare, nonprofit, and manufacturing industries. She has won multiple resume-writing awards and was named Jobscan's Top 15 Job Search Experts to Follow and LinkedIn's Top Voice. Her job search advice has been featured in major publications, including HuffPost, New York Times, and the Wall Street Journal. She is best known for positioning emerging and experienced leaders to land more interviews and 6-figure salary offers at Fortune 500 brands. Links referenced in the episode: Book a consultation with Ashley: https://www.writestepresumes.com/schedule Follow Ashley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleyjwatkinsBook a call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschatLearn more about the Empowered Presence™ program: www.myempoweredpresence.com

In this episode, Melanie explores the idea of building a personal brand without relying on social media. She discusses the resistance and stress associated with social media, as well as the negative impact it can have on mental health. She reflects on how famous people like Michael Jackson built their brands before social media existed, emphasizing the role of traditional media. Melanie suggests alternative ways to build a personal brand, such as search engine optimization and building a community around a brand. She acknowledges the benefits of social media but expresses the belief that it is possible to build a personal brand without it. LINKS & RESOURCES: If you're interested in building a personal brand without social media, book a call with Melanie to discuss: www.resume-evolution.com/letschatEmail Melanie your thoughts: melanie@resume-evolution.comLearn more about the Empowered Presence™ program: www.myempoweredpresence.com

In this episode, Melanie introduces Kareen Turner, a leadership development expert with over 20 years of experience in corporate environments. Kareen shares her journey of self-discovery and personal branding, including her decision to pursue a career in nutrition and her unexpected path into leadership roles.  She emphasizes the importance of exploring one's interests, being intentional in career choices, and not dismissing unconventional opportunities. Karen also discusses the importance of finding joy and fulfillment in work, advocating for equal pay and opportunities for women of color, and the significance of mentors and benefactors in career growth.  ABOUT OUR GUEST: Kareen Turner is a leadership development expert with over 20 years of experience in corporate environments. As the founder of the Leadership Untitled Institute, Kareen is dedicated to providing top-notch resources through private consultations and group coaching programs. She is also the co-author of the Career Accelerator Planner, a guide designed to help individuals accelerate their career growth. Throughout her career, Kareen has been consistently recognized for her ability to build trust and influence quickly, creating strong relationships with her team members and colleagues based on mutual respect. Her reputation as a servant leader has allowed her to lead teams to achieve extraordinary results focused on organizational goals. She is the host of the podcast, Leadership Untitled with Kareen Turner, where she shares best practices and strategies to lead with excellence, helping individuals and organizations reach their full potential. Kareen is a Certified High Performance Coach, certified through the High Performance Institute.   LINKS: Follow Kareen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareenturnerGrab the Career Accelerator Planner: www.careeracceleratorplanner.com Learn more about the Empowered Presence program: www.myempoweredpresence.comBook a call with Mel: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat

In this episode, Melanie introduces guest Deiera Bennett, an executive LinkedIn strategist and ghostwriter. They discuss the importance of having a strong LinkedIn presence and how it can benefit professionals in terms of attracting clients and establishing their personal brand.   Deiera highlights the lack of representation of Black women on LinkedIn and the misconceptions surrounding the platform. They also discuss the importance of engagement on LinkedIn, networking without being salesy, and the strategy of sharing valuable content to attract potential clients.   Deiera emphasizes authenticity, genuine interest, and consistency in posting. They conclude by encouraging more Black women to join LinkedIn and offer help and advice for personal branding.   ABOUT OUR GUEST:  Deiera Bennett is an executive LinkedIn Strategist and ghostwriter. Her clients include founders and executives of multi-million and multi-billion dollar companies in industries such as healthcare, recruitment, logistics, and information technology. In addition to ghostwriting, she manages the marketing for an educational technology startup.   LINKS & RESOURCES:  Connect with Deiera on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deierabennett Learn more about Melanie's Empowered Presence program: www.myempoweredpresence.com Book a free call with Melanie: www.resume-evolution.com/letschat