On Being Strong, Smart, & Bold With Niki Kelly

Original Air Date: January 10, 2020

Niki Kelly is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Bay County and is someone whom I respect and admire so much. Our talk together was a great opportunity to learn from a professional who has been on every side of the nonprofit world - from direct service, fundraising, leadership to the Executive Director role.  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the challenges facing nonprofit leaders and nonprofits and we discuss what it takes to run a successful business that is inclusive, value-driven, responsive but also business-oriented.  

Niki shares key insights about issues that our community is facing and the evolving world of non-profit work as well as the importance of advocacy and looking at the work differently to improve program delivery. 

Niki’s education includes a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and a Masters in Management both from the University of South Florida. She spent 12 years working in community mental health and addiction services followed by more than 10 years in refugee and immigrant services.  

Niki Kelly relocated to Panama City Beach in the spring of 2014 and joined the leadership team at Girls Inc. shortly thereafter.  Since then, she has led Girls Inc. on an aggressive growth plan expanding services to more girls in Bay County and putting the organization on a solid footing that enabled them to persevere following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018.  For her response to the hurricane, Niki was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Outstanding Community Leadership Award by the Girls Inc. national organization.

I bet you are going to love this episode even if you aren't in the nonprofit world because you will hear thoughtful advice on how to run your own business in an ethical and inclusive way.

tomearl.me/

Listen to "On Being Strong, Smart, & Bold With Niki Kelly" on Spreaker.

The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B

Original Air Date: August 28, 2020

On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King, and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. 

In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life.  We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.

You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.  The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance.  His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Support Heard Em Say and you can follow Wally on Facebook.

Check out past Wally B interviews here and here.

tomearl.me/wb

Listen to "The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B" on Spreaker.

Ditch the Drama and Entitlement with Cy Wakeman

Original Air Date: August 30, 2018

In this week’s episode, I interview workplace drama researcher, international leadership speaker, and consultant Cy Wakeman. Cy’s philosophy is grounded in reality,  and she’s helped organizations and individuals all over the world learn to ditch the drama and turn excuses into results.

We talked about how you can bypass your own ego and really see your privilege. We also discussed going beyond the Kumbaya part of diversity and inclusion, and really getting to the heart of the things that matter. I love how Cy brings together deep research and authentic experience to create steps, resources, and tools you can use to remove the drama from your life and be an authentic leader.

Perhaps this is why Cy Wakeman was named one of the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus in the world, and she is also a New York Times best selling author.

You can follow Cy on her Website, Instagram, Facebook or Listen to her Podcast.

tomearl.me/dde

Listen to "Ditch the Drama and Entitlement with Cy Wakeman" on Spreaker.

Ditch the Drama and Entitlement with Cy Wakeman

Original Air Date: August 30, 2018

In this week’s episode, I interview workplace drama researcher, international leadership speaker, and consultant Cy Wakeman. 

Cy’s philosophy is grounded in reality,  and she’s helped organizations and individuals all over the world learn to ditch the drama and turn excuses into results.

We talked about how you can bypass your own ego and really see your privilege. We also discussed going beyond the Kumbaya part of diversity and inclusion, and really getting to the heart of the things that matter. 

I love how Cy brings together deep research and authentic experience to create steps, resources, and tools you can use to remove the drama from your life and be an authentic leader.

Perhaps this is why Cy Wakeman was named one of the Top 30 Global Leadership Gurus in the world, and she is also a New York Times best selling author.

You can follow Cy on her Website, Instagram, Facebook or Listen to her Podcast.

tomearl.me/dde

Listen to "Ditch the Drama and Entitlement with Cy Wakeman" on Spreaker.

Mindset Matters With Lashana (Ms. West Creative Coach) and Charlese (Girl at The Yellow Desk)

Mindset Matters. 

Simply stated, it’s because your perception is your reality. To combat negativity, you MUST change your thoughts to change your life.

On this week’s episode, we move beyond all the mindset cliches and what you think you know about it while we take a deep dive into the importance and methods of cultivating thoughts needed for a better and more successful life. 

I’m joined by two brilliant guests: LaShana aka Ms.West Creative Coach and Charlese - Girl at The Yellow Desk.

LaShana and Charlese share their personal stories and journeys, along with how they’ve learned to pivot, grow, and succeed despite life’s twists and turns. 

We also talked about how to build meaningful relationships, especially with your customers and the importance of active listening and research so that your audience feels seen and heard. 

Most importantly, we explored the way motivation follows movement and we covered what to do if you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, lost or frustrated so you can turn it around.

Charlese Latham is known as the Girl at the Yellow Desk. She was an entrepreneur in the beauty industry for over 20 years, but her inspiring story of resilience tells us how a devastating accident led to early retirement of the only career she knew and starting over again with a new business and life, with more success than ever.

Her strengths are Copywriting and Content Creation, especially for course launches and she absolutely loves to support other female entrepreneurs by taking away their overwhelm during busy launch seasons with her 3 steps to a 5-figure course launch system.

She’s been published in Entrepreneur.com, featured in Self Magazine, interviewed on dozens of podcasts, spoken on several summits, worked with multiple 6 and 7 figure client launches, is about to release her book, and has recently launched her very own course: Plan Your Best Launch, Ever!

You can connect with Charlese on Instagram @GirlattheYellowDesk and use the link in her profile to grab her FREE Social Media Templates for a 5 Figure Launch.

LaShana West aka Ms. West Creative Coach has been serving in the mental health field for over 20 years.  This is where she learned the importance of having true compassion and engaging in servant leadership.  All of these learning opportunities have positioned her to serve and step into a new direction by helping others in the creative and entrepreneurial field.  

With the mental health background coupled with the business acumen LaShana is able to help the "whole person".  LaShana believes that past unresolved trauma and imposter syndrome is a common barrier for most people no matter if you're a 9-5er or entrepreneur.  But with support and accountability you can do ANYTHING that your heart desires!

You can connect with LaShana on her website: www.mswestcreativecoach.com or text the word ‘Mindset’ to 678-336-7756 and she’ll send you her best tips!

👉 I promise you, THIS is an epic episode, you won’t be the same after. 

🎧 Listen HERE.

Listen to "Mindset Matters With Lashana (Ms. West Creative Coach) and Charlese (Girl at The Yellow Desk)" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations with Wally B

On this day, Jan 20th, we celebrate the life and achievements of Dr. King and today on the podcast, I talk to Wally B., an ordained minister, spoken word artist, and the Founder and Executive Director of the Heard Em Say Youth Arts Collective. 

In this episode, Wally shares his reflections on MLK and the influence Dr. King had on his life.  We dig deep into Wally's journey of transitioning from being a full-time artist, to founding his nonprofit back in May 2007 to cultivating Heard Em Say. We also talk about what ultimately led to his decision to transition out of the role of Executive Director and creating a succession plan so that he could continue to grow and serve the community.

You'll hear all about his conversations with God and with his leadership team, and how he redefined what it means to be an artist and a leader. You won't want to miss this episode. 

Heard ‘Em Say was created in May 2007 to identify, cultivate and empower youth in activism and advocacy through artistic education and expression.  The organization serves over 300 young people a year, providing a healthy social outlet for teens to express themselves through spoken word and performance.  His team has competed for years at Brave New Voices International Youth Poetry Slam Festival.

Check out the show notes at www.tomearl.com/wally.  

You can support by visiting their website or Facebook.  

You can listen to past episodes here and here.

Listen to "The Tragedy & Triumphs of Transformations With Wally B" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

On Being Strong, Smart, & Bold With Niki Kelly

Niki Kelly is the Executive Director of Girls Inc. of Bay County and is someone whom I respect and admire so much. Our talk together was a great opportunity to learn from a professional who has been on every side of the nonprofit world - from direct service, fundraising, leadership to the Executive Director role.  

In this episode, we take a deep dive into the challenges facing nonprofit leaders and nonprofits and we discuss what it takes to run a successful business that is inclusive, value-driven, responsive but also business-oriented.  

Niki shares key insights about issues that our community is facing and the evolving world of non-profit work as well as the importance of advocacy and looking at the work differently to improve program delivery. Niki’s education includes a Bachelor's degree in Criminology with a minor in Psychology and a Masters in Management both from the University of South Florida. She spent 12 years working in community mental health and addiction services followed by more than 10 years in refugee and immigrant services.  

Niki Kelly relocated to Panama City Beach in the spring of 2014 and joined the leadership team at Girls Inc. shortly thereafter.  Since then, she has led Girls Inc. on an aggressive growth plan expanding services to more girls in Bay County and putting the organization on a solid footing that enabled them to persevere following the devastation caused by Hurricane Michael in 2018.  For her response to the hurricane, Niki was awarded the Humanitarian of the Year award by the Panama City Beach Chamber of Commerce, and the Outstanding Community Leadership award by the Girls Inc. national organization.

I bet you are going to love this episode even if you aren't in the nonprofit world because you will hear thoughtful advice on how to run your own business in an ethical and inclusive way. 

You can learn more about girls Inc. of Bay County by following them on Facebook or visiting their website.

Listen to "On Being Strong, Smart, & Bold With Niki Kelly" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Youth Development and Public School Education Expert Dr. Jenn Earl Foss

Today I talk to Dr. Jenn Earl Foss, a passionate public school educator with a strong background in advocating for ALL students.  Working in the field of education since 1995, Dr. Earl’s career spans across multiple states and school districts, but she has always served Title I communities. 

Dr. Jenn Earl Foss is also my sister! 

After completing her doctorate at Arizona State University, Jennifer began her adventure in California where she became the proud Principal of Herbert Hoover High School (HHS) in Glendale, California.  

Under Dr. Earl’s leadership, HHS has received many accolades and special recognitions.  Hoover High School was named a 2015 California Gold Ribbon School, including recognition for exemplary Arts program and Title I Academic Achieving High School.  HHS has Silver recognitions from both U.S. News and World Reports and Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Dr. Earl was named Secondary Principal of the Year in 2018 by Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) and Mayor’s Commendation via the Character and Ethics Committee for her work with the Special Olympics in Glendale Unified School District (GUSD).

In her roles as coach, teacher, Student Council advisor, student advocate and administrator, Jenn has continuously maintained a growth mindset for herself and those she serves.  She has been trained by Gender Spectrum to create gender-sensitive and inclusive school environments.  Her strong belief in ALL students is evidenced in the many clubs and programs that have been developed under her leadership, such as UNICEF and “Sneaker Culture Club”.  Dr. Earl’s students are taught to leave their legacy by creating programs and clubs that they feel fit their needs. 

A lifetime learner and health fitness enthusiast, Jenn is currently working towards becoming a Pilates Instructor.  She shares her passion with athletes at her school and has hopes of sharing with the community on a larger scale.   

Jenn’s motto is to Choose Joy & Share Joy whenever possible.

I hope you enjoy this week’s episode.

You can follow Dr. Jenn on Instagram @docjae.

Listen to "Youth Development and Public School Education Expert Dr. Jenn Earl Foss" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Accountability, Authenticity, and Facilitation With Sarah Ogdie

This week, I’m joined by Sarah “with an h” Ogdie, a social worker and lettering artist based out of downtown LA. She prides herself on being authentic, bold, interdependent, and deeply invested in modeling intersectional, queer, millennial, feminine leadership. 

In January, Sarah left her job as Program Director (and former Interim Executive Director) of Community Tampa Bay after 8 years. Last year, she launched The Authentic Type as a way to get closer to one of her dreams of running a revolutionary woman-owned business, creating word-based art using typography and modern calligraphy to speak her values to the world.

Over the course of 14 years, Sarah served as a counselor, advisor and co-director during more than 30 residential sessions of the ANYTOWN® program. Over 5,000 youth have participated in dozens of interactive, school-based youth leadership conferences Sarah has led. She has previously been a certified 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens facilitator, a national Life Entrepreneurship trainer, and a Courageous Conversations about Race Affiliate Practitioner. She is also an avid meal prepper, a very slow runner, a book enthusiast, and an amateur video game player. 

On this episode, Sarah talks about the relationship between affirmation, accountability, apologies, and allyship. We share stories of our own friendship, filled with lots of laughter and including the many (sometimes embarrassing) previous versions of ourselves we’ve experienced. Lastly, Sarah shares her story of going from a reluctant manager to someone who is passionate about removing barriers and helping others be their best, and how failure has led her to embrace being scared and doing things anyway. 

You can recommend LA coffee shops to Sarah at saraheogdie@gmail.com or check out The Authentic Type here:  https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheAuthenticType

Listen to "Accountability, Authenticity, and Facilitation With Sarah Ogdie" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.

Awareness, Advocacy, and Action with Umar Hakim

This week, we are joined by Los Angeles community leader Umar A. Hakim. We draw on Umar’s expertise and experience to discuss self-awareness, leadership, and transforming a charitable cause into advocacy and action – especially in non-profit and activist circles.

A native of the city of Compton, Umar is the Executive Director of the ILM (Intellect, Love, Mercy) Foundation and holds degrees in both business management and ethical leadership. Umar draws on the key principle of Facilitative Leadership to coordinate ILM’s programming, which includes Humanitarian Day, Go Beyond the G.A.M.E, and Community Accountability Labs. With a focus on using design thinking for developing new social systems and encouraging next steps for leaders in need of clarity in an age of being relevant, Umar founded INKERIJ in 2012.

Umar is an active alum with American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute, contributes to civic-social organizations including NewGround: Muslim-Jewish Partnership for Change and California/LA Voice PICO network, and is an active community organizer in the City of Los Angeles.

Connect with Umar on Facebook or follow him @inkerij_official.

Listen to "Awareness, Advocacy, and Action with Umar Hakim" on Spreaker.

If you'd like to learn more about T.H.E. Celebration Academy.  Here's 30 days of Free Membership.