Dr. Kamilah Majied is a mental health therapist, clinical educator, researcher, and consultant on advancing equity and inclusion using meditative practices. Drawing from her decades of contemplative practice and leadership, Dr. Majied engages people in experiencing wonder, humor, and insight through transforming oppressive patterns and deepening relationships toward ever-improving individual, familial, organizational, and communal wellness. In our latest episode, Dr. Kamilah Majied and Monique Russell delve deep into the vital topic of unity and diversity within black cultures. The enlightening conversation touched on strategies to overcome internalized racism, the impact of colonialism, and the importance of rejecting a mindset of false competition and scarcity. Dr. Majied shared valuable insights on navigating relationships with individuals who may not be on a path of awareness and insight, emphasizing the significance of creating space from harmful and negatively competitive influences.  She also explores the power of gratitude in fostering resilience and navigating life's challenges. Dr. Kamilah Majied's discussion on the neurobiological impact of gratitude and the concept of not letting life become a complaint department but instead turning it into a gratitude department provided profound food for thought. The conversation culminated in a rich exploration of reframing rejection as an opportunity for growth and instilling resilience and positivity, as well as the value of slowing down and experiencing life at the "pace of peace." Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Dr.Kamilah Majied : Facebook| Instagram  Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Or email with feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A global business professional and avid traveler, Dyci completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Georgia and received her graduate degree from Kennesaw State University. As a fluent Spanish and Italian speaker, she leverages her liberal arts background, multilingual skills and technical education to lead project teams across geographical regions, drive user adoption of digital business tools, and uncover new ways of working to improve organizational productivity and efficiency. Her expertise lies in business process improvement as it relates to manufacturing and industrialized construction operations, sales and operations planning, change leadership and management, and cross-functional collaboration across the value chain.  As a digital operations consultant, Dyci uses her understanding of sales and marketing to guide executives and business owners through supply chain operations process improvement to ensure profitable and sustainable growth. She is committed to helping businesses improve their ways of working, productivity, quality and profit margins by adopting digital technologies – and upskilling and reskilling their workforce along the way, creating fulfilling career paths in the digital supply chain and advanced manufacturing for underrepresented employee groups. As a construction consultant and advisor, Dyci uses her understanding of sales and marketing, supply chain and manufacturing operations, and software technology to guide real estate investors and developers on execution of construction projects leveraging digital tools, off-site building systems, and AI. She is committed to connecting innovative developers and investors with the economic development teams, industrialized construction partners, technology vendors and the supply chain and logistics providers required to build faster, more sustainably, and with better quality. In this episode, we discuss: How Dyci Sfregola's background in public policy and public affairs influences her role in supply chain, the importance of people skills and relationship-building How technology plays a role in increasing diversity in a company's supplier base Ways AI can be utilized to reduce bias in the procurement process and promote supplier diversity Strategies to empower employees to take ownership of digital initiatives and build a digital acceptance culture  Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Dyci Sfregolal: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever given much thought to your vocal identity? The way you feel you sound, or the way you think you sound to others influences the level of confidence you show when you communicate. It all starts with your inner ear. In this episode, my guest dives deep into vocal health, why we should not use accent reduction but instead accent related communication, and why verbal agility is a tool for communication success. Shulunda Gibson, MA, CCC-SLP is the Founder and Chief Voice Whisperer of  The Speech & Voice Care Center, a private voice therapy and speaking voice coaching practice for professional voice users based in Houston. In her career spanning two decades, Gibson has successfully helped thousands of communicators globally to heal, love, and unleash their voices and share their messages with confidence to those who need it most.  Through her Voice Print methodology, Shulunda equips and empowers world-class speakers and leaders to elevate their authentic voices, safeguard their vocal health, find harmony, and get grounded as they increase their income and impact. She is expanding her footprint as a newbie in the tech space, as the developer of an up and coming vocal health and voice coaching  app for professional speakers.  With a culturally responsive approach to service delivery, Gibson fosters confidence, collaboration, connection, and authentic communication In this episode we discuss: Accent Related Communication and Communication Styles: Respect diverse communication styles and accents. Vocal Coaching and its Career Impact: Vocal coaching enhances career leadership potential. Comprehensive Vocal Health: Hydration, stress management, and vocal technique. Vocal Identity and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding communication from an emotional intelligence perspective. Voice as Currency: Viewing the voice as energy for effective communication. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Shulunda Gibson: LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss the importance of Cultural Agility, why we need to focus on it, and why fatigue is the biggest threat to your effective communication success. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Marcus Haynes is an entrepreneur based in Brooklyn. He is the President and Founder of RH1 Consulting, LLC a Human Resources consulting firm. RH1 helps companies improve their people strategies and processes so that they can scale more effectively. He was raised by West Indian parents in several African countries, including Zambia, Kenya and South Africa where he graduated from high school. He then returned to the US to attend college. Marcus is a former professional Volleyball player who is still very much into fitness and sports. He loves to travel especially to Europe and the Caribbean and does so as often as possible. He plans to return to Africa soon to allow his family to experience his very special upbringing.  We talk about how: Diversity goes beyond the surface. It requires us to be truly open to learning about each other and genuine. Managers who struggle to lead diverse teams may not be ready, and are often promoted too fast. It is a slow process to develop and prepare someone to lead people.  Our childhood experiences influence our professional development perspectives, and outlook.  Nurturing family traditions such as fishing trips create lasting memories while appreciating the beauty found in nature. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Marcus Haynes: LinkedIn Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Peta-Gaye Philpot is a seasoned healthcare leader with a proven track record in driving digital transformation and optimizing health systems. Recognized for strategic thinking, exceptional program management, and the ability to communicate effectively across diverse teams. Committed to revolutionizing healthcare by leveraging technology and operational expertise.  For more than 15 years, Peta-Gaye has provided sound guidance to such renowned health organizations such as the CDC, Mount Sinai, Kaiser Permanente and many others. Peta-Gaye is currently the principal of Transformational IQ Partners specializing in transformation and program management. Hailing originally from Jamaica, Peta-Gaye has long been committed to helping marginalized communities’ champion modern technology to revolutionize medical care and create healthier, happier populations. Peta-Gaye approaches each transformation initiative like a puzzle—applying Lean, Agile and Waterfall methodologies to form faster, stronger, life-saving operations powered by confident, skilled workforces. In this episode, we discuss how digital and cultural transformation start at the foundational level of change. Before you can begin to implement new technologies, systems or processes, you must start with a deeper dive into culture. Ask questions that allow you to extract more data so you can create a truly sustainable impact. While some developing countries may be behind in technologies, the opportunity exists to leapfrog. Leapfrogging is the notion that nations can bypass traditional stages of development to jump directly to the latest technology. For this to be possible, educating policy-makers on the opportunities is a must. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Peta-Gaye Philpot: LinkedIn Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode's guest is Tennille Cooley. She is the founder of The C.L. Collective is a leading project management and program management consulting firm, dedicated to guiding organizations towards unparalleled success. Tennille is also a proud board member of the Black Employee Network, one of Coca-Cola's Inclusion networks, where she serves as the Ambassador and Community Liaison. Sorority groups on college campuses can provide a foundation for belonging and community partnerships. It’s where Tennille Cooley’s love for corporate/ community partnerships began. From raising funds for community causes, hosting food drives and walks to leading and advising the Black Employee Network Employee Resource Group at Coca-Cola, breaking down internal silos, and hosting local business owners at the company headquarters, she does it all. Tennille’s prowess is a blueprint on how ERGs fill multiple needs of belonging, creativity and innovation and collaboration. She says the skills she leverages to manage and lead high complexity projects like these are: Passion and Perseverance Sales to be able to sell the vision Project Management and Organization Problem-Solving and  Collaboration Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Tennille Cooley: LinkedIn Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What does reverse mentorship, sales bootcamps, pitch decks presentations and Carpentry have to do with upskilling employees entering the workforce in their first or second jobs? According to my interview with Marlon Addison, everything. These learning experiences provided with the necessary skills that allowed him to advocate for himself at work, and strengthen soft skills. Wisdom from Marlon Addison on how to facilitate multi-generational communication and collaboration: Know who you are Meet weekly on purpose Don’t get caught off guard Be sincere and Have gratitude. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Marlon Addison: LinkedIn | X - @MarlonMentors Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss: take you on a journey through the conferences I attended this year, all centered around women's leadership and entrepreneurship. Key takeaways from this event and others: the power of body language.  Pull back the curtain on my personal coaching experience that provided me with invaluable insights and coaching to enhance my leadership and business skills Finally, I delve into the trends and shifts I've observed in the marketplace, particularly for black women. I emphasize the importance of promoting and retaining this demographic in the workplace and dispel any notion of division. We're all in this together, striving for inclusivity and success. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Can we customize wellness programs in the organizational workplace? Dr. Shenè says we should. It’s important to encourage employees to invest in their well-being and this can only be done through having 1:1 conversations. Everyone is different and what one needs, another may not. There is a connection to wellness, and being in a safe environment to work in. About Dr. Shenè Dr. Beckford is an Industrial and Organizational Practitioner based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy and a Master of Science degree in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Capella University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts degree in General Psychology from the University of Miami. Her research and practice interests span a wide range of topics, including Learning and Organizational Development, Talent Management, Coaching, Leadership Growth, Emotional Intelligence, Diversity and Inclusion, Human Resources, Systems Orientation, Data Analytics, and Adult Education. Connect with Dr. Shenè Marsh-Beckford: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| Twitter Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mike Chapman is a Senior Partner at Kearney, a global management consulting firm, and is based out of its Washington, D.C. office. Mike serves as the Media practice lead for the Americas region as part of Kearney’s Communications, Media & Technology (CMT) global industry practice. He also serves as the Partner lead for the CMT Americas marketing and is accountable for thought leadership and marketing events for the practice. In this episode, we discuss: How Mike’s non-traditional background propelled him to strategy consulting success How client expectations are driving industry changes for women in consulting How setting boundaries, asking for upward mobility, and being a problem-solving partner internally will keep you fulfilled. How to develop a vision that aligns with the marketplace to direct your growth or pivot Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Mike Chapman: LinkedIn  Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The brain drain in a company or country often comes when people want a better life, they find it, and rarely do they return to their country of origin. Not Reshma Aziz Khan. Her mission and desire to create impact was too strong to not return from Canada. She also didn’t want to leave her mom alone. This Safari (journey) led her to create her own Consulting firm where she integrates nature in personal development to help leaders become better listeners, and hold space for others.  Reshma is a Catalytic Leadership Coach and Global Facilitator with experience in Communications for Development, Change Management, Strategy alignment , Cultural Connection, Social Inclusion, Diversity and Power Dynamics facilitation work, and Future Visioning. She supports individuals and teams to reach their highest potential, whatever that may mean for them, and to be a force of good in the world! To become a more effective listener right now, practice giving distraction-free, generative attention and noticeable respect to the party.  Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Reshma Aziz Khan: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I discuss four critical approaches to Gaining Market Access with Trust. Use words only if necessary. Take the lead, you go first. Address and confront the bias to get to the core objective. Leave the place better than you found it. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There is an undeniable impact on an organization’s culture and brand reputation when their top talent employees are actively engaged. Anthony Cole is the epitome of the intersection of employee engagement, bringing your whole self-to work, and Intrapreneurship. As the President of Black Employee Network at Amazon, Anthony teaches us about the various opportunities to truly hear and respond to the voice of the employee and shares the vast opportunities that exist for employee resource groups to increase organizational culture. But Anthony didn’t always bring his full self to work. Through mentorship, and strategic allyship Anthony gave himself permission to share more of his talents that were not typically related to his job. This was because seeds were planted in him by those around him. As a result, his talents not only allowed for an increased level of personal engagement, but allowed him to inspire and impact others in his organization through his leadership. His continuous development journey allows him to have hard conversations with ease while achieving executive level resolutions.  When asked for words of wisdom to those in similar positions:  Identify a problem for the customers and work on solving that Get effective at networking and using LinkedIn Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Antony Cole: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook|  Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Email feedback or questions: leadership@clearcommunicationsolutions.com Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Lorenzo Hughes is a visionary and transformational educational leader with over twenty years of experience maintaining a laser-like focus on achievement for all students with an unwavering commitment to those who have been marginalized. In this episode we discuss: Recognizing your privilege can spark personal advocacy. The challenge in sustaining and maintaining equitable work spaces is people’s resistance and disbelief about the reality of structural inequities. Being able to facilitate awareness and empowerment from Awakened to Ambassador requires skill development to 1). Interrupt the psyche 2). Investigate thinking 3). Activate the “echo” 4). And explore why something is the way it is. In a corporate space, the policy around equity is the first place to start. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Dr. Lorenzo Hughes: LinkedIn  Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Andrew Adeniyi is the CEO & Founder of AAA Solutions; a consulting firm that provides business strategy, workplace culture, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) consulting and speaking services to small businesses and non-profits.  Andrew obtained his bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University Bloomington. He then went on to complete his Master of Science from Michigan State University in Management, Strategy & Leadership. Lastly, Andrew received a certificate in DEI in the Workplace from The Muma College of Business at The University of South Florida. With over 10 years of executive level management experience, Andrew has helped dozens of clients improve their employee engagement and create a sense of belonging within their organizations.  Andrew currently resides just outside of Indianapolis, Indiana with his wife and three kids and published his first book titled The Circle of Leadership in the Summer of 2020. The book serves as an entrepreneurial framework on how to create and leverage culture.  Episode Highlights In an equitable workplace everyone is safe. Avoid becoming numb to injustice through staying continuously exposed to thoughts and perspectives. DEI consultants must include data and metrics to keep the conversation moving in the workplace. Curiosity is the key to blending Entrepreneurship and Corporate Innovation in the workplace. Connect with Andrew Adeniyi: LinkedIn  Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The conversation around diversity, equity and inclusion should expand from awareness to practice once the foundation has been set. Many remain stuck on assuming that all are starting from ground zero. These are missed opportunities for structural change. The past 2 years have given us an opportunity to lay the foundation for awareness, from examining our belief systems to the experiences that led to the expansion of them. In this episode, I discuss: The importance of moving conversations from Awareness to Practice The benefit of moving from Thought Leadership to Thought Partnership Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.   Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Without reflecting on our experiences, and the lessons they teach us, we’re bound to repeat the same blocks over and over. I share my personal challenges and triumphs during the year, and how the tools that have been developed in self-awareness and Emotional Intelligence kicked in to help me maintain momentum and bounce back faster.  In this episode, I discuss: Why continuous development of Emotional Intelligence tools are necessary when things are going well Why your audience benefits more from your story when you can share lessons vs when you are in the midst of healing How to bounce back from setbacks faster by activating your existing body of knowledge and community My continued appreciation of your support for listening to the show Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Omozua Isiramen is a Neuro-Science Transformation and Peak Performance Specialist. She helps leaders understand the brain and how to maximize its functions in a way that helps them become CEOs of their braids and their very best life.In this episode, Omozua explains why the comfort zone is not a comfort zone. It is actually a pain zone. It’s where painful things occur and sustainable motivation is reduced. She also explains why comparison can be used for inspiration. The eyes are the only visible parts of the brain. Pay attention to what you are exposing your brain to.  Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Omozua Isiramen: LinkedIn  Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dave Crane is an international speaking and presentation expert, working with directors, c-suite executives, celebrities, and public sectors officials. He is a United Nations ECOSOC representative for Vienna, Geneva, and New York, specializing in leadership.In this episode, Dave explains that adding technology to day to day occurrences and experiences should be normal and embraced. However, simply connecting with others globally through technology doesn’t make you culturally sensitive. Anger has become a focal point where fear has become loud and scary. We need to go back to values, focus on building community and allowing those around us who are skilled to be a part of the solution. Life coaches are one part of the solution to resolving the amount of anger and lack of awareness we witness daily. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Dave Crane: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | WebsiteConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices