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Yesterday was Thanksgiving, and you know how holidays have a way of making you reflect. I was sitting there thinking about where I was mentally and emotionally 15 years ago versus where I am now. I also thought about who was still here to share the day with me.When I first moved to San Diego at 24, the family was deep. My cousin Michelle, Aunt Mae, great Uncle Windell and Aunt Verta—they were all here. My younger cousins Jahquise and Brittany were close too. Fast forward to now, I’m 39, and most of them have either passed on or moved on. Yesterday, it was just me, my younger cousin Jaz (aka Bighead), and my great Uncle Gene. We hit up Sizzler for Thanksgiving dinner, and honestly? It was such a blessing to sit with family and have those real, unfiltered conversations. Sometimes life slows you down just enough to remind you how much those moments matter.Later that night, I got comfy at home and started watching snippets of the Hardly Initiated podcast on YouTube. If you haven’t heard of it, it’s these two brothers sharing their faith journey while being honest about life’s struggles. They had Jerry Flowers Jr. on, and he dropped a word. One of the hosts mentioned being called a “lukewarm Christian,” and Jerry explained it perfectly. He said being lukewarm is like being married but acting single—you’re living in the gray.That stuck with me because it hit close to home. I started thinking about areas where I’ve been lukewarm—like my business and even some family relationships. Sis, starting a business? Whew, it’s like birthing a whole child. And trying to be the generational breaker in the family? That’s a whole nother type of work. I catch myself sometimes wanting to keep things the same just because it’s easier, even when I know it’s time for change.But here’s what I’m learning: being lukewarm isn’t an option if you’re serious about growth. You’re either all in or all out. The Bible says it plainly—you’re either hot or cold.So let me ask you: What are you lukewarm about? That business idea you’ve been sitting on? That promotion you’re scared to go after? The relationship that needs your attention? Sis, it’s time to decide. Either you’re going to go for it, or you’re not.Life’s detours are there to remind us what’s really important. When you step out of that gray area and fully commit to your next move, you’ll find excitement in every new version of yourself. And guess what? The best is yet to come.Let’s go, sis. The time for playing it safe is over. It’s your season! 🖤✌🏾 Coach C

Sis, It’s Time to Stop Being Lukewarm About Your Growth

Last week, I had the pleasure of attending an event hosted by the Black Chamber of Commerce here in San Diego called "Her Story, Our Strength". The event was all about celebrating the incredible journeys of women who inspire, empower, and pave the way forward. It was a beautiful mix of women from different ages and backgrounds, each with their own dreams, challenges, and ambitions.As I grabbed my plate from Bowlegged BBQ (shout out to them for that delicious food!), I sat at the head of a table, and soon a woman named Sara joined me. She didn’t have a plate, so we struck up a conversation. Sara shared her health goal of losing over 10 pounds, and without thinking, I asked her, "From where?" I was surprised because she looked perfectly fine to me. She laughed and explained that her goal wasn’t about how she looked but about feeling better about herself. I could respect that; I’m on my own journey of growth, just in a different direction.We talked about work, and when I shared how I left my corporate job to bridge the gap for Black women in C-level roles, she opened up too. She told me how, despite earning her MBA, she was passed over for a role, only to see someone else, with less experience, get the chance. At first, I thought it was because of her race, but then she said something that stuck with me: “God had something better for me.”This got me thinking: sometimes, we set goals thinking they’ll make us feel more qualified or more worthy, but often, those goals aren’t the ones we really need. In the workplace, it’s not always about degrees or certifications. It’s about knowing when to exit a situation that no longer serves you and when to go for what truly aligns with your purpose.If you’re feeling stuck, ask yourself: Is this where I’m supposed to be, or am I holding on because I think I have to prove myself? Goals are important, but your peace matters too. Sometimes, the best move is valuing yourself enough to create your own lane. Remember, leaving isn’t quitting—it’s leveling up.&nbsp;

Knowing When to Let Go and Level Up in Your Career"

Young hispanic woman standing by christmas tree with decoration tired rubbing nose and eyes feeling fatigue and headache. stress and frustration concept.

Let me tell you about the week I just had—it was pure holiday chaos. The kind that makes you take a deep breath and say, "Alright, here we go!" &nbsp;Earlier this week, I opened for my department Monday through Wednesday. Now, Sundays are already a circus because everybody and their cousin is out shopping, and with a 50% off Christmas sale, the aftermath was real. I walked into work to find 3-4 overflowing baskets of returns, misplaced items, and damaged goods that needed sorting. For context, retail folks know it’s usually one basket, maybe two. So, walking into that madness with just myself, a customer service rep, and a drive-up rep felt like a setup. &nbsp;Here’s the first leadership red flag: a lack of communication. The head honchos were out, and nobody thought to give the team a heads-up. You don’t have to share your itinerary with the team, but a quick “Hey, I’ll be out” goes a long way in setting expectations.&nbsp;But here’s the real issue—things could’ve been managed better if there had been more communication and strategy. Now, listen, I’m all about being flexible, but when the big bosses are out and no one tells the team in advance? Red flag. I didn’t know they were out until the end of my shift the day before. So, by the time 10 a.m. hit, we were slammed with customers, short-staffed, and had a surprise visit from the district manager. Now, their thing is not liking to see customers wait. But how are we supposed to meet those expectations without the proper staffing or strategy in place? &nbsp;This is where leadership really comes into play. I’ve been in management long enough to know that leadership isn’t just about showing up and looking busy. It’s about having a strategy. Every industry has peak times—whether it’s retail, corporate, or any other field—and if you know those times are coming, you’ve got to plan for them. If the same issue is occuring each time each year, there is a problem in the leadership that needs to be fixed. When you don’t, and your team is left scrambling, it creates unnecessary stress, frustration, and burnout.And here's the hard truth—when leaders don’t plan, their employees end up feeling the weight. Sis, if you’re short-staffed, stressed out, and overwhelmed, it’s okay to just do your best. No one expects you to perform miracles. I wasn’t able to fix everything in one day, but I did my best. And you know what? That’s all anyone can ask for.So, if you’re reading this and you’re feeling the weight of not being able to do it all, know this: Do your best, prioritize what’s urgent, and let everything else wait. Don’t beat yourself up because you didn’t do everything perfectly—because guess what? You can’t control everything which I know alot of like too. But what you can control, you got it, girl.&nbsp;

How to Lead Your Team When Everything Feels Like a Hot Mess

Portrait of granddaughter and grandmother cooking brigadeiro

The recent election has definitely stirred up a lot of emotions for many of us—some are feeling hopeful, while others, like myself, are a little anxious. In moments like these, it’s so important to find ways to heal and reconnect with the people who bring us peace. For me, that’s cooking with my grandma. Her kitchen is like a safe haven, where the smells of her cooking wrap around you, and all the stress just melts away. It’s the perfect place to reflect on what’s going on in the world and have real, honest conversations.<figure id="figure-0xbkrpswstm3aw447j"><img id="0xbkrpswstm3aw447j" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1483137140003-ae073b395549?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8Z3JhbmRtYSUyMGNvb2tpbmd8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxMjAwNTYwfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="grandma cooking" title="grandma cooking" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1483137140003-ae073b395549?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwxMHx8Z3JhbmRtYSUyMGNvb2tpbmd8ZW58MHx8fHwxNzMxMjAwNTYwfDA&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>The Healing Vibes of Cooking</h3>Cooking ain’t just about food; it’s about feeling those deep roots and connecting with our past. When I cook my family’s recipes, I’m honoring my ancestors and their legacy, especially during times when we need a little extra comfort.Me and my grandma, we love to cook dishes passed down through the generations. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of where we come from and the strength of our family. As we cook, we share our hopes, fears, and find peace just being together.<h3>Simple Recipes to Try</h3>If you're looking to heal through cooking, start with some easy recipes that bring all the good vibes. Here are a few my grandma and I always whip up:<ol><li>&nbsp;Chicken Soup: A warm hug in a bowl that comforts the soul. &nbsp;</li><li>Sweet Potato Pie: A sweet treat that takes you straight down memory lane.</li><li>Collard Greens: A soulful side that’s as resilient as we are.</li></ol><h3>Sharing Stories and Wisdom</h3>While we’re in the kitchen, my grandma drops gems from her past. She talks about the struggles she faced and how she pushed through them. Her stories fill me up with strength and inspiration, showing me that we can make it through anything when we have each other’s backs. &nbsp;Listening to her wisdom always gives me a fresh perspective, reminding me that every generation has its battles. But with love and support, we always come out on top.<span style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));" data-mce-style="font-family: var(--head-fontFamily); font-size: calc(32px * var(--head-fontSize, 1)); font-style: var(--head-fontStyle, normal); font-weight: var(--head-fontWeight, 500); background-color: rgba(249,250,251,var(--tw-bg-opacity));">CREATING New TraditionsMy grandma and I don’t just stick to the old recipes—we love to mix things up and create new ones too. It’s our way of honoring the past while making our own mark on the future.&nbsp;Starting new traditions can be such a fun and healing experience. It gives us space to get creative and enjoy the moment, whether we’re trying something totally new or adding our own twist to an old favorite. And cooking together? That’s how we really connect and make memories.<figure id="figure-a1rc871brm3aw47ln"><img id="a1rc871brm3aw47ln" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2168777404/photo/smiling-black-child-looking-at-grandma-cooking-together-at-kitchen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QjIS0omJlcDySIq54AJNaA-2JMh0Aqzbl3zFZ9bnE6s=" alt="Smiling Black Child Looking at Grandma Cooking Together at Kitchen" title="Smiling Black Child Looking at Grandma Cooking Together at Kitchen" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="null" data-positiony="null" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/2168777404/photo/smiling-black-child-looking-at-grandma-cooking-together-at-kitchen.jpg?b=1&amp;s=2048x2048&amp;w=0&amp;k=20&amp;c=QjIS0omJlcDySIq54AJNaA-2JMh0Aqzbl3zFZ9bnE6s=" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h2>Finding Comfort in Togetherness</h2>At the end of the day, it's the togetherness that truly matters. Cooking with my grandma always brings me that sense of connection and support—it's a reminder that we’re never really alone, even when things feel uncertain.If the recent election has you feeling overwhelmed, try spending some time in the kitchen with someone you love. Cook a meal, share some stories, and let the comfort of each other's presence bring you peace. Sometimes, healing starts with something as simple as a home-cooked meal shared with the people who lift you up.

Cooking Up Healing: Post-Election Vibes with Grandma

Okay sis, let’s chat about a little book called "The 48 Laws of Power." Now, if you’ve heard of it, you might know it’s a heavy book with some *serious* strategies. But here’s the thing: as a leader, especially as Black women stepping up in the workplace, sometimes we need to use these strategies to hold our own and make moves with purpose. So, let me break down a couple of these “laws” in a way that’s easy and practical1.Law 1: Never Outshine the MasterThis one is simple but big: don’t make the boss feel insecure. Imagine you’re new to a team, and you come in with all this energy, fresh ideas, and even a plan. But, if you make your boss feel small or unneeded, they might shut you down. Instead, work alongside them, lift them up, and make them feel like you’re there to support, not replace. Sometimes you have to play it cool while you work on your goals.&nbsp;2. Law 15: Crush Your Enemy TotallyNow, this one sounds intense, right? But it’s more about knowing when to put your foot down. Let’s say there’s a situation where you’ve set boundaries, and someone keeps crossing them. They’re spreading rumors, undermining your work, or trying to make you look bad. This law is telling us not to let folks disrespect us over and over. Address it fully, and don’t let it slide, because letting small things slide can lead to bigger problems.3. Law 28: Enter Action with BoldnessThis law is about going for it. Have you ever seen someone step into a room, and they just look confident? That’s what this is about. When you’re leading a project, taking on a new role, or making a decision, be bold! Bold doesn’t mean you have to be loud, but it does mean you step up with confidence. People notice when you’re sure of yourself, and it sets the tone for how they’ll treat you.4. Law 43: Work on the Hearts and Minds of OthersHere’s one of my favorites! In leadership, it’s not just about the work; it’s about the people. Get to know your team, make them feel seen, and understand what they need to thrive. Think about it like this: when you show you care, people are more likely to have your back when things get tough. And that’s power, too. Building those genuine connections goes a long way.The 48 Laws of Power I know can sound intense, but these laws are really about moving with purpose, protecting your peace, and staying sharp. Try weaving these into your everyday work life—you might be surprised at how it strengthens your leadership!Follow me for more insights on leading with power and purpose, our way.&nbsp;

Lessons from The 48 Laws of Power Every Leader Needs

International workers group and team leader having teamwork discussion managing project at work in meeting room.

So, let me tell y’all about this funny little moment I had at work this week. I was chatting with Mr. Joe, the guy who handles all the janitorial stuff at our store. He’s one of those folks you can’t help but speak to every morning, and being a "Good Morning" person myself (thanks to my southern roots), we’ve had a little routine going. The other day, he started telling me about how he and one of our younger coworkers, JD—who’s Gen Z by the way—have been exchanging words to help each other understand each other better. Now, Mr. Joe is a full-fledged Baby Boomer, pushing 80, and he’s always mispronouncing JD’s name, so for now, we'll just call him JD. I’m intrigued, right? So, I ask Mr. Joe to explain what he means by “exchanging words,” and he tells me about how JD taught him the meaning of “cap.” He said, “JD told me cap means ‘lie,’ and you know what? Back in my day, cap meant something real different! It was all about ‘putting a cap in your…’ well, you know the rest!” I couldn’t help but laugh! Here’s Mr. Joe, nearly 80 years old, and still open to learning. That’s impressive, especially because most people his age aren’t too interested in picking up new slang, let alone from a Gen Z coworker. But that’s where things get interesting, right? It got me thinking about how this same concept plays out in corporate America, with older generations transitioning into consulting roles and mentoring Millennials. The wealth of knowledge and experience Baby Boomers bring can’t be denied, and their wisdom is priceless. At the same time, Millennials like myself are stepping up, not only to learn from those who came before us but also to teach and coach the next generation—Gen Z. We’re all in this huge knowledge exchange, where everyone has something to bring to the table. Millennials are that bridge between the old school and the new wave, and honestly, it’s beautiful to see how we can all learn from each other. So, whether you’re mentoring someone or being mentored, there’s so much value in these cross-generational exchanges. If you're looking for ways to communicate better across generations, follow me on social media because I’ve got something coming soon that’s gonna help you level up your conversations and make sure you’re always on the same page, no matter who’s in the room! Stay tuned!

Blog

Sis, It’s Time to Stop Being Lukewarm About Your Growth

Knowing When to Let Go and Level Up in Your Career"

How to Lead Your Team When Everything Feels Like a Hot Mess

Cooking Up Healing: Post-Election Vibes with Grandma

Lessons from The 48 Laws of Power Every Leader Needs

Cap? No Cap! How Generations Teach Each Other More Than J...