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Hey y’all! It’s been a minute since I last wrote a blog, but I’m back, and today I’m getting a little vulnerable with you. I’ve been thinking about what to share, and the only thing that kept coming to mind is the power of your shoes. Let me explain.As I’m still figuring out exactly what God is calling me to do with this leaderships/personal development business, I’m reminded of this picture right here. It’s a snapshot from 2019 at this art exhibit called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", taken when I visited my dad’s side of the family for the first time. I was 34 years old, and that was the first time I ever met them and visited his gravesite. You see, my father was murdered when I was just 3 years old. I’ve never smelled him, touched him, or heard the sound of his voice—the little things we often take for granted, I’ve never had the chance to experience.As life goes on, I never fully realized how deeply his absence would impact the way I make decisions, delegate tasks, trust others, resolve conflicts, and communicate in leadership. I was oblivious to think that personal and professional life were separate. The only thing that was separate was the masked character we play to get through the day.Three Pain Points of Not Having a Father for a Black 28-Year-Old New Leader:- Trust Issues: Without a strong paternal figure, trusting others, especially in leadership, can be challenging. You may find yourself questioning the intentions of those around you, which can hinder your ability to delegate effectively. &nbsp; - Resolution: Build trust slowly and deliberately. Start with small tasks and gradually increase responsibility as trust is earned. Open communication is key.- Conflict Resolution: Growing up without a father might lead to difficulty in handling conflict. You may avoid it altogether or overreact, unsure of how to navigate these situations calmly. &nbsp; -Resolution: Seek mentorship or training in conflict resolution. Understanding different perspectives and staying calm under pressure can make all the difference.- Confidence in Decision-Making: The absence of a father can result in self-doubt when making decisions. You might second-guess yourself, wondering if you’re making the right call. &nbsp; - Resolution: Practice self-reflection and seek feedback from trusted peers. Affirm your decisions by reminding yourself of past successes and learning from mistakes.So, you see, as leaders, each pair of shoes we put on leaves an imprint on our journey. When we embrace the power of our journey—our struggles, our triumphs, our pain—we can show up authentically in the power of our shoes. And that, my friends, is where true leadership begins.&nbsp;So to my First time leaders out there...Keep walking, keep leading, and never forget the power of your shoes. 🖤

The Power of Your Shoes: Embracing the Journey

Pretty happy black woman in stylish outfit sitting on bench in summer park and writing in notepad with smile

Hey Roadtripper,This week, I'm feeling super thankful because I hit a big milestone! A year ago, I decided to take a leap of faith and become an entrepreneur. For the first time ever, I didn't have a backup plan, no job lined up, and I live in pricey San Diego! It wasn’t like, "Oh yeah, I’m quitting." It all started in the fall of 2022. I was listening to one of Mike Todd's sermons when he said, "Some of y’all won’t even be working that same job by the end of Q1." It was like a lightbulb went off in my head! I grabbed my “Mind Your Business” journal and filled in the line that said, “I would quit my job by 3/31/2023.”When I saw that date, I thought, “Now G, I know you’re not telling me to quit my job.” I tried to ignore it, but the idea kept coming back, especially when I thought about Joseph’s story from the Bible. By the end of the year, I knew I had to quit my job and become an entrepreneur. But for what? I have so many talents and passions; I didn’t know where to start. But guess who did? Yep, you guessed it – that man above.Around this time, I went through a tough 4.5-month investigation. One of my coworkers, who will stay nameless, filed a complaint saying I was an angry Black woman. It was hard showing up each day, fighting through that investigation. But then something clicked. I was helping a peer navigate a conversation with her employee, who looked just like me.It was then I realized my purpose: helping others, especially those who look like me, navigate the workplace and life. Fast forward to today, one year and one month since I took that leap, and I hit my first milestone as an entrepreneur. I finished a 4-month Business Accelerator program!Here are three valuable lessons I learned:- Believe in Yourself: Even when it’s hard, trust your journey and your abilities. - Stay Resilient: Tough times don’t last, but tough people do. Keep pushing. - Help Others: Supporting others helps you find your purpose and strength.This week, I’m taking time to celebrate this win! Remember, Roadtripper, we’ve got this!Coach C

How I Quit My Job, Became an Entrepreneur, and Found My Purpose

This week at work, y'all, I had a real eye-opening experience that left me shaking my head and smiling all at once.This week at work, I had an experience with a customer who wanted to return a half-eaten pizza, claiming it had too much sauce. Still learning the ropes at my new job, I turned to my lead to ask if we could really return half-eaten food. The customer wasn’t having it though, interrupting with a firm "You better return my pizza." Not wanting any trouble, my lead advised me to go ahead and process the return.So there I am, doing my thing, returning the pizza, and out of nowhere, this customer decides to say: "I wish black people would stop acting white." Now, let me tell you, internally, I'm like, "Did she just go there?" But on the outside, I'm all cool and collected, hitting her with, "I don't know what you mean by that." But she's persistent, like, "Yeah, you know," and I'm just repeating, "Nah, sorry, still don't know." What struck me most about this encounter was the fact that the customer was Black and a woman—just like me. Like why do we, as black culture, try to catergorize blackness as acting, dressing, or talking a certain way when we all have different backgrounds yet SIMILAR experiences? It brought back memories of high school when I was often told that I "act white." But what does "acting white" even mean? My experiences and struggles as a Black woman are no different from anyone else’s, regardless of how I speak or present myself.Growing up in a predominantly white environment, my speech often gets labeled as "well-spoken" by white folks and "talking white" by some Black folks. But the truth is, I am who I am—an educated woman with a vocabulary that doesn’t fit into anyone's box. That doesn’t mean I don’t share the same Black experiences or face the same challenges.Reflecting on this encounter, I believe conversations like these can help bridge gaps within the Black community, especially as Juneteenth approaches. Recognizing and celebrating the diversity of Black experiences and identities is important. We must move beyond stereotypes and embrace each other’s differences with understanding and respect.Maya Angelou once said, "We all should know that diversity makes for a rich tapestry, and we must understand that all the threads of the tapestry are equal in value no matter their color. Remember, sis: "In a world where you can be anything, be yourself." Let's keep shining, queens!&nbsp;

Shaking My Head & Smiling: Navigating Blackness at Work and Beyond

Hey Roadtripper,Guess what happened this week with Fearless Fund? No, I’m not talking about the court decision. I’m talking about the amazing movement that’s sprung up around it. It's been so uplifting to see our allies showing up strong! Folks from all walks of life, not just minorities, are standing with us. It's a beautiful thing, just like "Brown Skin Girl" by Beyoncé. Go ahead, ask Siri to play it!Now, let's dive into some key takeaways from this whole situation. These are things you might not notice right away, but trust me, they’re super important.- Allies in Action: It’s incredible how many people are stepping up as allies. They’re not just talking the talk; they’re walking the walk. It shows that when we come together, we can make real change.- Unity is Strength: The support from different communities is a powerful reminder that unity makes us stronger. It’s not just our fight; it's everyone's fight for justice and equality.- Awareness is Growing: More people are becoming aware of issues that affect us. This awareness is the first step toward making a lasting difference.- Support for Black Women: The movement is shining a spotlight on the importance of supporting Black women in business. When we lift each other up, we all rise.- Positive Energy: There’s so much positive energy and hope. It’s a sign that despite the challenges, we’re moving forward.So, what’s next? We need to keep this momentum going! Let’s continue bridging the gap and supporting each other. Share your stories, lift up others, and stay involved. Together, we can create the change we want to see in the world.Until next week Roadtripper...Keep Driving Girl!&nbsp;

Fearless Fund: Our Allies are Stepping Up and Showing Out!

young happy and attractive black afro American business woman working at office computer desk smiling successful posing corporate drinking cup of coffee relaxed as financial company CEO

<h2>Understanding Representation</h2>Representation matters. When young black women see leaders who look like them, they realize they too can aspire to those roles. This visibility is crucial for building confidence and ambition.Black female leaders bring unique perspectives to the table. They draw from their own experiences to offer solutions that others might overlook. This diversity of thought is invaluable in a globalized world.<figure id="figure-s528b3shk9lwv64j6j"><img id="s528b3shk9lwv64j6j" src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551727974-8af20a3322f1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxibGFja19sZWFkZXJzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNzE4OTIyMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" alt="black_leaders" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://images.unsplash.com/photo-1551727974-8af20a3322f1?crop=entropy&amp;cs=tinysrgb&amp;fit=max&amp;fm=jpg&amp;ixid=M3wyNjI5NjF8MHwxfHNlYXJjaHwyfHxibGFja19sZWFkZXJzfGVufDB8fHx8MTcxNzE4OTIyMXww&amp;ixlib=rb-4.0.3&amp;q=80&amp;w=1080" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h3>Breaking BarriersBlack women in leadership face many challenges. They often have to work harder to prove their worth. Despite these obstacles, many have risen to prominent positions in various fields.</h3>These leaders break down barriers for the next generation. They show that with hard work and determination, success is possible. This creates a ripple effect, inspiring more women to pursue leadership roles.<h2>Creating Inclusive Workplaces</h2>Black female leaders help create inclusive workplaces. They advocate for policies that support diversity and inclusion. This benefits everyone, not just minority groups.Inclusive workplaces are more innovative and productive. When everyone feels valued, they are more likely to contribute their best ideas. This leads to better outcomes for the entire organization.<h3>to career development. Black female leaders often serve as mentors to younger women. They offer guidance, support, and valuable advice.</h3>This mentorship helps young women navigate their careers. It also builds a sense of community and belonging. Knowing that someone has walked the same path can be incredibly motivating.<h2>Driving Social Change</h2>Black female leaders are often at the forefront of social change. They use their platforms to advocate for issues that matter to their communities. This includes fighting for racial and gender equality.Their leadership extends beyond their organizations. They inspire others to get involved and make a difference. This collective effort drives meaningful change in society.<figure id="figure-e4oomnju4lwv64owj"><img id="e4oomnju4lwv64owj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/aMDWIEpXxkHDbXu6xyvFKbAkvhgYqLS1i2qrkV7kF5YRVfPV2jH4eBPRnhnO2dfZ.jpeg" alt="Planning, risk and Strategy in business.Business People meeting Planning Strategy Analysis Concept.Executive business people team brainstorming on meeting to conference planning investment project." title="Planning, risk and Strategy in business.Business People meeting Planning Strategy Analysis Concept.Executive business people team brainstorming on meeting to conference planning investment project." 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"/></figure><h3>rise to leadership positions, they pave the way for others. This creates a more inclusive and equitable world.</h3>Organizations must continue to support and promote diversity. This includes providing opportunities for black women to lead. When we embrace diversity, we all benefit.

The Importance of Representation: Why Black Female Leaders Matter

<h2>Lessons in Grace and Leadership: What We Can Learn from Kelly Rowland's Cannes Moment</h2>Kelly Rowland, a renowned singer and actress, recently made headlines at the Cannes Film Festival. But it wasn't just her stunning appearance that caught the world's attention. It was her display of grace and leadership that left a lasting impression. There are valuable lessons we can learn from her moment at Cannes.<figure id="figure-yu3cl8vv4elwksg0zo"><img id="yu3cl8vv4elwksg0zo" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5zoTNurbFlF7qtHqDA5sXHanIjJsyx8YLQ13MVbMGZlNLkQMYdXLhCFCWLwr2e86.png" alt="Kelly Rowland" title="Kelly Rowland" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-sm md:rounded-md lg:rounded-lg" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="50%" data-positiony="5%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5zoTNurbFlF7qtHqDA5sXHanIjJsyx8YLQ13MVbMGZlNLkQMYdXLhCFCWLwr2e86.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 50% 5%;"></figure>This confidence is not about arrogance. It is about knowing your worth and standing tall. Leaders can learn to embrace confidence in their roles, inspiring their teams to do the same.<h3>Handling Criticism with Grace</h3>At Cannes, Kelly faced some criticism. However, she handled it with grace and dignity. She did not let negative comments affect her composure. Instead, she responded with kindness and understanding.<figure id="figure-f7ff5fjfkplwksg3fp"><img id="f7ff5fjfkplwksg3fp" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/1eqTR8dwSBm1J6Q9X18e3UlypCCwOGHF4E2tjQsWiqirGgUbqGukULUDvYhUy3sD.jpeg" alt="Black female businesswoman in an office with a client giving legal advice about taxes or financial loans. The woman could be a lawyer or a cpa accountant." title="Black female businesswoman in an office with a client giving legal advice about taxes or financial loans. The woman could be a lawyer or a cpa accountant." 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"/></figure>Kelly used her platform to support other artists and creators at Cannes. She highlighted the work of emerging talents and gave them a moment in the spotlight. This act of support is a crucial aspect of leadership.Leaders should always look for ways to uplift and support their teams. By doing so, they create a positive and collaborative environment where everyone can thrive.<figure id="figure-4rb0bqjcamlwksg5ck"><img id="4rb0bqjcamlwksg5ck" src="https://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/34Y6apLmfEFDEfv4L24sueuWsonO8sEGiDldbEEaONwQvkQpAWa2Bz5fh4VL6ZMk.jpeg" alt="Business woman and businessman, outdoors meeting" title="Business woman and businessman, outdoors meeting" 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://cdn.durable.co/shutterstock/34Y6apLmfEFDEfv4L24sueuWsonO8sEGiDldbEEaONwQvkQpAWa2Bz5fh4VL6ZMk.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure><h3>p&gt;</h3>Leaders should always stay true to their values and principles. Authenticity builds trust and respect among team members, leading to a more cohesive and effective team.<h3>Learning from Every Experience</h3>Finally, Kelly's Cannes moment reminds us to learn from every experience. Whether it's a success or a setback, there is always something to learn. Leaders should approach every situation with an open mind and a willingness to grow.By learning from our experiences, we become better leaders and better individuals. Kelly Rowland's grace and leadership at Cannes serve as an inspiring example for us all.

Blog

The Power of Your Shoes: Embracing the Journey

How I Quit My Job, Became an Entrepreneur, and Found My P...

Shaking My Head & Smiling: Navigating Blackness at Work a...

Fearless Fund: Our Allies are Stepping Up and Showing Out!

The Importance of Representation: Why Black Female Leader...

Lessons in Grace and Leadership: What We Can Learn from K...