What's Your Story?

Matt Story

What Makes a Superhero?


Every story has a power. Every journey holds a secret. What if your life experiences could unlock a superpower to change the world?


Welcome to “What’s Your Story?”, where your host, Matt Story, dives deep into the lives of leaders who've turned their personal journeys as people of color into powerful beacons for change, inspiration and success. With a passion for storytelling and a heart for community, Matt uncovers how each guest's unique background has shaped their extraordinary contributions to fostering a better world for all of us.


This Podcast is For You If:

  • You're Seeking Inspiration: Discover how to channel your unique experiences into strength.
  • You Support Inclusion and Equity: Learn how you can contribute to making a difference.
  • You Love Stories: Get ready to be moved by the power of real-life journeys.


Join Us Every Sunday for new stories that celebrate the magic of diversity and the strength of legacy. Whether you're looking to find your own superpower or simply to be inspired by the richness of human experience, “What’s Your Story?” promises a journey into the heart of what makes us truly remarkable.


Subscribe Today to never miss an episode and become part of our mission to illuminate the stories that shape our world.


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Society & CultureSociety & Culture

Episodes

The Journey to the Hall of Fame with Jerri DeVard
4d ago
The Journey to the Hall of Fame with Jerri DeVard
Jerri DeVard, founder and CEO of the Black Executive CMO Alliance (BECA), shares her background and journey to the Advertising Hall of Fame in this podcast episode. Jerri highlights her experience as an example of the role HBCUs play in shaping top talent and industry leaders. She talks about her transition into the corporate world and the importance of finding her voice early in her career. She shares her experience moving into the C-Suite and how what she enjoyed most about it. Jerri also discusses the significance of being a leader who inspires and supports others, and she offers advice for those aspiring to be in the C-suite and on corporate boards. Jerri discusses the inspiration behind creating BECA and their future plans, including expanding internationally and launching programs for vice presidents. She reflects on being inducted into the American Advertising Federation Hall of Fame and the responsibility of using her recognition to uplift others. You will learn:As a leader, remember that your team's family members know your name and you have a reputation but it's up to you what that reputation is known as.To be a board member, you have to be really good at what you do and be recognized for that outside of your organization.To be a Hall of Famer, it's not just about the work you did for yourself but also what you did for others.You can follow Jerri's story at:BlackExec.com / BECA IG / BECA LinkedIN / Jerri IGFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
When Entrepreneurship Finds You with Deb Dutta
Apr 21 2024
When Entrepreneurship Finds You with Deb Dutta
Deb Dutta, CEO of Criya, shares her journey as a female immigrant founder and the challenges she faced in the tech industry. She discusses her upbringing, the skills she developed, and her transition from a technical engineering role to product management. Deb also talks about the birth of Criya and how it helps individuals make stellar first impressions through AI technology. She emphasizes the importance of personal branding and the need to take control of how others perceive you. Deb shares her experience with Y Combinator and fundraising, highlighting the value of strategic partnerships and the supportive startup community. Deb discusses her journey of building a portfolio career and the importance of embracing multiple roles and interests. She shares how she managed to balance her full-time job with her side hustles and eventually transitioned into entrepreneurship. Deb also highlights the influence of her husband on her career growth and the value of having a supportive partner. She emphasizes the importance of continuous learning and staying curious, both personally and professionally. Deb reflects on the challenges of scaling a business and the need to constantly strive for growth.You will learn:When you get comfortable, you may be getting complacent which stops forward progress.Look for projects outside your day job that help you build new skills and grow your visibility.There is power in having a partner that is supportive for those days when you may not think you can reach your dreams.You can follow Deb's story at:Deb.Criya.aiFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Being an Everyday Hero with Jamien Sills
Apr 7 2024
Being an Everyday Hero with Jamien Sills
In this conversation, Jamien Sills, the founder and CEO of Herus Studios, shares his background and how his passion for shoes and design developed from a young age. He talks about the role of his community in supporting his journey and how he connected with shoe designers and mentors online before social media. Jamien then discusses his current project where he combines his love for footwear and sci-fi superhero films to create a unique storytelling and marketing approach. He explains how the shoes are integrated into the story and how the franchise will tell relatable stories of everyday heroes. Jamien also shares a personal moment of struggle and how he found inspiration to keep going and be heroic in his own life. In this conversation, Jamien emphasizes the importance of tapping into one's internal validation and being in integrity with oneself. Jamien also discusses his excitement about the possibilities of AI in the creative industry and how it can open doors for creatives. You will learn:Taking the step to ask questions can help others know how they can help you.It's tough to start over especially as you progress through your journey but it's not impossible.You can still hit your wit's end and burnout even when you are following your passion but try to remember your why behind the passion.You can follow Jamien's Story at:Instagram / Facebook / HerusStudios.comFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Moving the Story Forward with Vernon Beckford
Jan 28 2024
Moving the Story Forward with Vernon Beckford
Vernon Beckford, CEO of Diversified Lending Solutions, shares his journey from childhood hearing he would do big things to becoming a successful executive in that brought the story to fruition. He discusses the impact of his upbringing, education, and early career experiences on his professional growth. Vernon highlights the importance of connecting with people and building strong relationships throughout his journey as a superpower. He also emphasizes the significance of self-advocacy and the role it played on his way to CEO. He concludes by discussing the transformative effects of husbandhood and fatherhood on his life.You will learn:the power of having a support system that believes in your early on. there is an unlock in recognizing the role you play in the larger story of your ancestors and being able to step into it to bring the story forward to new heights.to benefit from both the internal confidence you develop and the external confidence that those surrounding you provide. You can follow Vernon's story at:LinkedIn / Diversified Lending Solutions Website / Email - Vernon.Beckford@dlsloans.com Follow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
The Evolution of Dance with Lamaiya Lancaster
Jan 21 2024
The Evolution of Dance with Lamaiya Lancaster
Lamaiya Lancaster, a dancer, choreographer, and adjunct professor, shares her journey and experiences in the world of dance. From her childhood passion for dance to founding the L Theory Collective and starting Soul Flow Yoga, Lamaiya emphasizes the importance of education, community engagement, and authenticity in her work. She discusses the power of dance as a universal language and shares stories of how it has brought people together in surprising ways. Lamaiya also reflects on the impact of finding her tribe and the support she receives in pursuing her dreams. Overall, Lamaiya's story is one of resilience, adaptability, and a deep love for dance and community.You will learn:To recognize that it is not that you can't do something but that you might simply do it differently.Dance allows us to engage with others in ways that move beyond words.Finding your tribe provides the support and celebration that enables you to be your authentic yourself.You can follow Lamaiya's story at:L Theory Collective Facebook / Instagram / YoutubeThreeBrothersTheatre.com Soul Flow Yoga Eventbrite / Facebook / Instagram / YoutubeFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Following Curiosity with Sharon Harris
Jan 14 2024
Following Curiosity with Sharon Harris
Sharon Harris, CEO and founder of the Sharon Harris Collective, shares her journey from a curious and talkative child in Louisiana to becoming a leader in the marketing and digital media industry on this episode of What's Your Story? podcast. She emphasizes the importance of community support and guidance in shaping her path and the value of embracing curiosity and taking risks at each step. Sharon walks through her experiences in investment banking, satellite radio, and digital marketing, highlighting the significance of relationships, trust, and authenticity in her work. She also shares her passion for helping others unlock their superpowers and offers insights into building a successful career.You will learn:the power of following something that sparks your curiosity.that marketers (which we all are given our personal brand) have to continue learning new things every day.finding ways to keep your perspective informed by things outside of the organization helps you see things that could be easily missed remaining inside.You can follow Sharon's story at:LinkedIn Follow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
5 Takeaways & 5 Predictions from What's Your Story? Season 4
Dec 24 2023
5 Takeaways & 5 Predictions from What's Your Story? Season 4
Wrapping up Season 4 of What's Your Story? with 5 takeaways and 5 predictions based on the 45 episodes of amazing stories shared with us. This season was filled with milestones from passing 100 total episodes to the most downloads of the pod for any season. While we celebrate the end of this season, we are already at work preparing for Season 5 (kicking off in January). 5 TakeawaysYour greatest obstacle can often be your greatest gift - Missy Toy Ozeas - Ep 11Importance of separating scary from dangerous in your career decision making - Nathalie Walton - Ep 18Make sure you have a seat at the right table - Lindrea Reynolds - Ep 26Asking is your vision big enough - Bennie Fowler - Ep 32Get the win on your terms - Alice Sesay Pope - Ep 425 PredictionsBeing able to tell your story will no longer be a nice to have. Those that have spent the time creating their narrative to share with others will set themselves apart. Society will follow in the footsteps of many leaders and begin redefining success. The stories we read and look different in 2024 when describing someone that has become successful.Related to this, we will start to see words like boss and manager decrease in usage in place for leader, coach and guide. Upcoming talent (and existing talent) is not looking to be boss’d or managed.All generations will begin to adopt the portfolio career approach. It could be taking on multiple different roles at the same time or transitioning from one expertise to another in place of spending 40 years in one industry. Work will dramatically change for all of us.Leaders will include their boundaries as a key component of their goals. It will define the terms with which they are comfortable winning.Follow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Making a difference with Jaia Thomas
Dec 17 2023
Making a difference with Jaia Thomas
In this episode, Jaia Thomas, a sports and entertainment attorney and advocate for diversity and representation, shares her journey and how her background led her to refine her unique ability of finding solutions to problems. She discusses her early life, career aspirations, and the influence of her community, as well as her decision to focus on sports and entertainment law. She shares the inspiration behind creating Diverse Representation and the impact it has had in increasing representation of African-American attorneys, agents, managers and publicists working in the sports and entertainment industry. Jaia also discusses the importance of self-advocacy and bringing her authentic self into her work. You will learn:1) the power of inspiring and connecting with others through development of your soft skills.2) to find the sweet spot in solving problems that you are uniquely qualified to answer.3) there is not one single finite blueprint to follow in becoming successful.You can follow Jaia's story at:LinkedIn / IG / Twitter / Diverse Representation LinkedIn / Diverse Representation IGFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Success on Your Terms with Alice Sesay Pope
Nov 5 2023
Success on Your Terms with Alice Sesay Pope
Alice Sesay Pope, Vice President, Global Device, Digital and Alexa Support at Amazon, has a proven track record of being successful. She has really set herself apart as she discovered how to not only win but to win on her terms. This includes using her superpower of delivering results in a way where people at all levels feel good about it. All that said, her journey has not been easy as she has sought to overcome challenges and inaccurate narratives about her skillset and capabilities. Listen to this episode to hear how she has remained a curious learner that continues to mature as a leader despite a wealth of experience driving transformation in larger organizations.You will learn:the importance of having a foundation of confidence built by your family and community celebrating you early in life to take on the challenges of future environments where that isn't the case.to evaluate whether your involvement in effforts is worth it before saying yes or no in personal and professional endeavors.that you can get the win on your terms.Follow more of Alice's story at:LinkedInFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Connecting Dots with Rishad Tobaccowala
Oct 29 2023
Connecting Dots with Rishad Tobaccowala
Rishad Tobaccowala wears multiple hats including author, speaker, teacher and advisor. With over four decades of experience helping people, teams and organizations reinvent themselves, he has a wealth of knowledge on brand building, leadership and innovation. What is most impressive isn't that he is willing to share that knowledge for free via a number of platforms BUT that he continues to be curious and learn about the evolving landscape of brands, technology and people. This discussion with him to learn about his journey is jam packed with insights that will benefit you no matter your role or tenure. Listen to this episode to learn how Rishad developed his superpower of reinvention.You will learn:how connecting dots in new ways can be your competitive advantage.to expand your skillset operating as a company of one while being successful thinking about the company of others. the current de-bossification of the workplace requires leaders to be able to build, make or create in order to deliver value to organizations and team members.You can follow Rishad's story at:Rishad's Substack / Rishad's Top 100 pieces curatedFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory
Designing your life with Dr. Joel A Brown Davis
Oct 22 2023
Designing your life with Dr. Joel A Brown Davis
Dr. Joel A Brown Davis, Chief Visionary Officer of Pneumos LLC, has never been able to take things at face value and therefore kept a curious mindset as he has navigated his journey. Growing up, the world didn't seem to fit him so it led him to question almost everything around him. His path led him becoming a lawyer where he came to realize the structure of practicing law did not align with how he wanted to use his talents. He made the decision to design his life around his larger calling and to be in communities that affirmed him. And the rest has been history in the making.Listen to his story to hear how Joel goes about doing things that he loves no matter if anyone else is there to support it or not. You will learn:When you don't have the right answers in front of you just take a step in the direction that feels right.That who you are should be your favorite topic and therefore you need to know who you are.Your talents aren't the same as your calling and seeking your calling will attract your community to you.Follow Joel's story at:JoelDavisBrown.com / Pneumos.com / IG / LinkedInFollow the pod: IG - https://www.instagram.com/podwhatsyourstory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@podwhatsyourstory Twitter - https://twitter.com/PodWhatsYourSto Follow my story: Main site - https://www.mattestory.com/ LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattestory/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/mattestory/ TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@mattestory Twitter - https://twitter.com/mattestory