Show Notes - The Culture Soup Podcast In this episode, host L. Michelle Smith takes us on a reflective journey back to 2018, when she first launched The Culture Soup Podcast. She shares how an unexpected speaking career and a chance encounter led her to create both a podcast and a book, despite corporate challenges. She then shifts focus to the present, discussing the impact of recent executive orders on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), particularly in the corporate and federal sectors. With canceled sponsorships and shifting priorities, Michelle emphasizes resilience in times of uncertainty, urging leaders to embrace change as an opportunity for growth. Additionally, she delves into the power of artificial intelligence (AI) in leadership and decision-making, highlighting its potential beyond content generation. She teases upcoming AI workshops designed to help leaders integrate AI into their businesses strategically. Tune in for an engaging discussion on navigating change, leveraging AI, and strengthening resilience as a leader in today’s fast-moving world. Show Mentions from This Episode of The Culture Soup Podcast People - **Reuben Canada** (Intellectual property attorney, helped trademark *The Culture Soup Podcast*) - **Audrey DuBois Harris** (Mezzo-soprano who performed at Aretha Franklin’s funeral, first podcast guest) - **Aretha Franklin** (Legendary Queen of Soul) -**Valorie Burton** (Founder of The Coaching and Positive Psychology Institute (CaPP)) -**The CaPP Institute** - **A’Lelia Bundles** (Great-great-granddaughter and biographer of Madame C.J. Walker, author of *Joy Goddess*) - **Madame C.J. Walker** (First female self-made millionaire in the U.S., haircare entrepreneur) - **A’Lelia Walker** (Daughter of Madame C.J. Walker, key figure in the Harlem Renaissance) **Events & Historical References:** - **Aretha Franklin’s Funeral** - **Harlem Renaissance** - **Black History Month 2025** - **Women’s History Month** - **Executive Orders (EOs) impacting DEI initiatives** - **Inauguration & subsequent policy shifts** - **March 20 Podcast Episode Release featuring A'Lelia Bundles** #### **Brands & Organizations:** - **Black Enterprise** (Publication where Michelle contributed articles) - **TED Talks** (Referenced in connection to speaking career growth) - **The Culture Soup Podcast** - **LinkedIn Live** (Planned streaming platform for canceled AI event) - **Employee Resource Groups (ERGs)** (Mentioned in AI event sponsorship plan) - **Black Enterprise Women of Power Summit** (March event where L. Michelle will be speaking) - **Sephora** (Retailer where updated Madame C.J. Walker haircare products are available) #### **Books Mentioned:** - *Joy Goddess* by A’Lelia Bundles (New biography of A’Lelia Walker) - *Call & Response: 10 Leadership Lessons from the Black Church* by L. Michelle Smith (Upcoming 2026 release) #### **Technology & AI References:** - **AI Executives & Leadership in AI** - **ChatGPT & AI for strategic decision-making** Let me know if you'd like this formatted differently or if there's anything to add!
