Shows
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders88: Navigating Transition and Finding AlignmentEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we delve into navigating transition and finding alignment. Discover the challenges and triumphs of transitioning from corporate life to entrepreneurship, and hear personal stories and strategies for finding alignment and maintaining clarity during significant life changes.Olivia also makes a very exciting announcement in this episode. Tune in to find out more.Key Discussion Points:01:23 The Value of Alignment: The market does not define you. If you are in alignment, abundance will come.04:20 Understanding...2025-05-0942 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM25: How to Reclaim Your Power in Corporate with Lisa HurleyEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 65 with guest Lisa Hurley. If you are struggling with boundaries at work, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Lisa is an entrepreneur, writer, podcaster, and Anthem Award-winning activist. Her work centers Black women and encompasses self-care, community care, joy, and rest. She is the founder and CEO of The Great Exhale, a soft virtual space where Black women can relax, heal, and thrive.This episode is just a short...2025-05-0211 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders87: Redefining Productivity and Thriving Amidst Struggle with Grace MarshallEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we delve into redefining productivity and thriving amidst struggle with Grace Marshall, an award-winning author, speaker, and productivity ninja at Think Productive. She's here today to share how we can redefine success on our own terms and how life's messiest moments can spark growth, creativity, and resilience.Grace is a self-proclaimed, naturally disorganized, chief encourager. She helps people rethink productivity, not as a relentless race to do more, but as a way to work smarter with heart. She's coached thousands from being overwhelmed to learning...2025-04-2547 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM24: How to Leverage Your Lived Experience for Corporate Success with Shiva RoofehEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 64 with guest Shiva Roofeh. Do you value your work experience and education over your lived experience in corporate spaces? Shiva is here to tell you why you shouldn’t. Shiva is a culture creator and learning design specialist. She's worked at all levels of organizations, from director to individual contributor. In her personal life, she has been a refugee, an immigrant, and a migrant. Shiva says that her lived experience is as valuable as her...2025-04-1809 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders86: Navigating Bias and Embracing Identity in Corporate Spaces with Dr. Delia GrenvilleEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we delve into navigating bias and embracing identity in corporate spaces with Dr. Delia Grenville, an executive leader, integral coach, and TEDx speaker. Discover how you can take control of your success and find the right environment for growth, all while holding space for those who come after you. Delia is a strategic powerhouse with a PhD in industrial and systems engineering. She's an award-winning technologist and innovator and was honored as the Woman of Color STEM Technologist of the Year. Today, she's the founder a...2025-04-1149 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM23: How to Find Belonging in Unexpected Places with Rupal PatelEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 63, with guest Rupal Patel. As an “only” it can be easy to walk into spaces and feel like you don’t belong. In reality, you can find belonging and commonality in the most unexpected places. Rupal is sharing how in this episode. Rupal’s career is notably defined by her remarkable tenure at the CIA where she was recognized by the CIA Director for “superior support to the President of the United States.” She transitioned fro...2025-04-0408 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders85: Embracing Freedom: How to Create the Reality You DesireEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing "Only" podcast, we delve into the concept of freedom and how to create the reality you desire. We are moving away from a “freedom from” mindset and embracing a “freedom to” mindset. We have the freedom to create new things. It is from this mindset that you can create the reality you desire. Tune in to find out how you can embrace true freedom and self-empowerment.Key Discussion Points:01:04 Freedom From vs. Freedom To: While there is power in the idea of...2025-03-2819 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders84: Owning Your Brilliance: Thriving as an “Only” with Lola BakareEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into owning your brilliance and thriving as an “only” with Lola Bakare, the author of “Responsible Marketing: How to Create an Authentic and Inclusive Marketing Strategy”. Discover how to recognize your worth in challenging environments, advocate for yourself, and overcome adversity.Lola is an Anthem award-winning inclusive marketing strategist, founder of be/co, a boutique marketing consultancy, and a 2022 LinkedIn Top Voice in Marketing & Advertising. Her previous employers include PepsiCo, Diageo, Dell, and more. Lola equips CMOs and marketing leaders to harness authentic high-impac...2025-03-2144 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM22: How to Learn From Your Mistakes and Fail Forward with Kim "KC" CampbellEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 52, with guest Kim "KC" Campbell. Do you find yourself scared to make a mistake and wallowing in them when you do? We’re exploring the value of failing forward and learning from your mistakes.Kim is a retired Colonel who served in the United States Air Force for over 24 years as a fighter pilot and senior military leader. Kim has led hundreds of Airmen both at home and abroad in deployed locations and enabled th...2025-03-1410 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM21: How to Navigate Identity and Racism in Corporate Culture with Regina JacksonEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 51, with guest Regina Jackson. As a woman of color, it is not your responsibility to educate others about racism, but how do you navigate racist issues in corporate culture? That’s what we’re discussing in this episode.Regina was born in Chicago in 1950 and remembers the violence perpetrated on innocent people, like the horrific treatment of civil rights workers throughout the south, by white people. These memories drive Regina to push for real chan...2025-03-0712 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders83: How to Thrive Amidst ChallengesEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we have a spicy topic that is a little more vulnerable than what we typically share. We’re taking a second to back off the career talk and check in and ask how you are doing. In the spirit of vulnerability, we also share what we are wrestling with at the moment and how we’re navigating through these things.Key Discussion Points:02:04 Self-Worth Check-In: High-achievers often tie their self-worth to their achievements. They also rarely stop to ackn...2025-02-2844 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM20: How to Navigate Power Structures in Male-Dominated WorkspacesEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 47, with guests Fabia Ogunmekan, Zanele Khanyile, and Mai Khidir. How do you navigate power structures in male-dominated workspaces? That’s what we’re exploring in this episode.Fabia is a lawyer and corporate executive passionate about the pursuit of development in Africa. Zanele is a strategic collaborative leader with experience in cooperative banking, corporate governance, and small enterprise development. Mai is driving change forward via the Al-Sudaniya mentoring program. They are all How Women Lead F...2025-02-2108 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM19: How to Overcome Self-Doubt and Keep Moving Forward with Joyal MulheronEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 43, with guest, Joyal Mulheron. We all face challenges in our lives. Joyal shares three key pieces of advice to help you get through the harder times.Joyal is a policy and strategy expert with over 20 years of service to the United State’s governors, the White House, and some of the most distinguished nonprofit ventures. In 2014, Joyal founded Evermore, a nonprofit dedicated to making the world a more livable place for bereaved families. Her wo...2025-02-1409 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders82: Networking, Financial Planning, and Saying NO with Tamara SniffenEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into the power of networking, financial planning, and how to say no with Tamara Sniffen, an authentic, high-energy, and highly accomplished executive with a remarkable track record of resolving complex challenges to drive growth. Discover why being curious is so important and why feedback is a gift. Tamara’s personal brand is rooted in a unique blend of operation optimization, organizational governance, financial expertise, culture change, and strategic vision. She is the VP of Commercial Excellence at Stryker and as the president of Str...2025-02-0744 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM18: How to Transition Away From Corporate with Sibil PatriEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 61, with guest, Sibil Patri. Sibil gives us insight into her transition out of corporate life, how she has had to overcome fear and adjust her priorities, and the importance of rest and alignment in achieving sustainable success.Sibil is the founder and CEO of In Pursuit Collective - an initiative that reflects her commitment to advocacy and empowerment, focusing on coaching, collaborating, and storytelling to uplift marginalized and racialized communities. Before this, Sibil spent 20...2025-01-3113 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders81: The Power of Dreaming Big and Setting Audacious GoalsEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into the power of dreaming big and setting audacious goals. This discussion covers goal setting, mindset shifts, the importance of directing our attention to what we want to grow in our lives and taking responsibility for the role that we play in our own suffering.We are also introducing My Sister’s Shoulders - Olivia’s new community for ambitious women of color to connect, breathe, heal, and strategize for success.Key Discussion Points:01:39 Reviewing 2024 Goals: The “new ye...2025-01-2433 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM16: Debunking the Work Family Myth with Mita MallickEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 60, with guest, Mita Mallick. Does your workplace refer to you and your colleagues as one happy family? We’re exploring why this language may not be beneficial for the individual. Mita is renowned for her transformative impact in the corporate world and is currently spearheading inclusion, equity, and impact at Carta. Her writing has graced the pages of Fast Company, the New York Post, and Business Insider and her book, Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths To Tra...2025-01-1008 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM15: How to Craft a Successful Pitch as a Woman of Color with Janine Vanessa HeinrichEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 59, with guest, Janine Vanessa Heinrich. As a woman, and especially a woman of color, there are biases that we face when pitching to investors. Janine is sharing some tips for crafting a successful pitch as a woman of color. Janine is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the realm of entrepreneurship. She is the founder and host of the On the Up & Up podcast that ignites crucial conversations within the startup e...2025-01-0312 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM14: How to Navigate Emotional Intelligence as a Leader with Farah HarrisEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 58, with guest, Farah Harris. You might have been told that emotions don’t belong at the office. This couldn’t be further from the truth because everything we do is based on emotions whether we are cognizant of them or not. Farah is a psychotherapist and trailblazer in workplace belonging and well-being. As the founder and CEO of Working Well Daily, she's reshaping our work environments with a keen focus on emotional intelligence and the p...2024-12-2713 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders80: Strategies for Women to Thrive in Corporate Spaces with Kisha WynterEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into strategies for women to thrive in corporate spaces with leadership consultant, executive coach, and trailblazer in women's leadership strategy, Kisha Wynter. Discover the importance of investing in yourself and how to navigate corporate politics with confidence and integrity. Kisha has over two decades of corporate experience and as the visionary founder and CEO of Wynter Rich Enterprises, she has a rich track record of developing and training leaders in over 50 countries. Her firm is dedicated to guiding organizations and creating inclusive cultures where every...2024-12-2045 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM13: How to Navigate Workplace Communication with Elaine Lin HeringEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 57, with guest, Elaine Lin Hering. This episode explores the complexities of speaking up in the workplace and how to foster a more inclusive and supportive communication culture in your workplace. Elaine Lin Hering is a facilitator, speaker, and writer who works with organizations and individuals to build skills in communication, collaboration, and conflict management. Elaine has worked on six continents and with a wide range of corporate, government, and nonprofit clients. Her book, Unlearning Si...2024-12-1314 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders79: Reclaim Your Power: Menopause and Shining a Light on Your Strengths with Sinead Sharkey-SteensonEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into how you can reclaim your power with Sinead Sharkey-Steenson, a renowned leadership and menopause coach dedicated to preventing the menopause talent drain. Learn why we need to change the narrative around menopause and how shining a light on your strengths can set you up for success. Sinead has over 20 years of experience as a motivational speaker and trainer and has focused the last 10 years on supporting women in business and sport. She has empowered over 10, 000 women to elevate their career impact and her menopause...2024-12-0649 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM12: How to Negotiate for Your Worth with Martha AvilesEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 55, with guest, Martha Aviles. If you’re not being paid for your worth, or you’re long overdue for a promotion, then it’s time to negotiate. Martha is a fierce marketing leader in tech with over 20 years of experience across start-ups, private, and public companies including Aventus, Gigster, Talroo, and more. She is gifted at building and growing high performance marketing teams and inspiring thought leadership. This episode is just a short snippet that hig...2024-11-2907 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM11: How to Create Financial Freedom with Kelly Ann WingetEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 54, with guest, Kelly Ann Winget. Money is a topic so many of us do not love to talk about, but it is time for us to take control of our financial well-being and change our mindset to achieve financial freedom. Kelly Ann is the founder of Alternative Wealth Partners, the first private equity firm founded and led by a millennial, openly LGBTQ+ woman. With over a decade of experience, she has raised close to $1 bi...2024-11-2214 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders78: Finding Alignment, Understanding Priorities & Taking Control of Your GoalsEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are doing another real talk and we have some spicy topics to get into. Olivia recently held a workshop with some women leaders who wanted to understand how to win in the workplace. Three themes kept on coming up - getting clarity on what you want, getting comfortable talking about money, and not waiting to be tapped. Key Discussion Points: 00:57 Finding Alignment: Are you doing what you’re doing because it aligns with your values and goals or are you doing it beca...2024-11-1528 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders77: Have You Been Labeled “Too Emotional”? Here’s How It Can Be Your Superpower with Rachel RadwayEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into how being “too emotional” can be your superpower with Rachel Radway, a certified leadership and executive coach, Mastermind facilitator, and author. Highly perceptive individuals often feel like they are crazy, broken, or the only person who feels this way. This is not true, there are so many of us out here, including many incredibly successful women. Rachel has more than 25 years of leadership experience across tech startups, not-for-profits, and Fortune 500s. She's particularly passionate about helping women leaders who are wired a little...2024-11-0147 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders75: Debunking Corporate Myths & Career Advice with Mita Mallick [REPLAY]Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we’re taking a look back at one of our favorite episodes. Join us as we delve into the importance of self-reflection and understanding diverse perspectives to refine and better workplace dynamics. To do that, we invited Mita Mallik, a renowned corporate leader and best-selling author, her book 'Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace' is discussed as well as a powerful tool for anyone, particularly those in the HR and DEI space. Mita shares her personal experiences and insights on overcoming microaggressions, advocating for...2024-10-0446 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders74: Mastering the Art of Selling Yourself with Adelle ThompsonEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into navigating career pivots and mastering the art of selling yourself with Adelle Thompson, a career change expert and self-described self-doubt stopper. Discover how you can use your superpower to get what you want and why you need to get comfortable talking about money. Adelle is a certified life coach with over 12 years of experience in leadership and management. She is also the owner of AT Enrich, where she helps women gain the confidence and tools needed to build a career that they l...2024-09-2048 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM06: How Can I Build My Network? With Mecca Moore TarttEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 35, with guest, Mecca Moore Tartt. If you haven’t started building your network, the time to start is now. Mecca has led a successful career in medical device sales along with leading two Georgia-based nonprofits as executive director. Her love of empowering women and creating safe spaces for them to come together has led her to create events for women focused on health and wellness, relationships, and motherhood. This episode is ju...2024-09-1311 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders73: Owning Your Authenticity and Making Fearless Decisions with Kezia IsraelEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into owning your authenticity and making fearless decisions with Kezia Israel, a transformative verbal identity strategist and a celebrated LinkedIn Top Voice in copywriting. Discover why action in the face of fear is an integral component in reaching your goals. Kezia is the founder of the Verbal Identity Studio, Kizkopop, where she specializes in solving brand messaging and communication challenges for FinTech companies that are passionate about their mission. Her expertise has empowered over 100 brands to craft authentic stories through structured narratives, helping t...2024-09-0638 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM05: How Can I Make Space at the Table? With Meghana Rao PahlajaniEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 46, with guest, Meghana Rao Pahlajani. There is enough space at the table for all of us and as you grow professionally, it is your responsibility to be a voice for others. Meghana is a passionate climate change, clean energy, and sustainability professional. Her work has spanned a decade globally, from the US and across India. She's helped drive corporate strategy, advised on policy change, and led new market development across the public, private, and c...2024-08-3009 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 72: Unleashing the Full Potential of the People You Lead with Minette NormanEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into unleashing the full potential of the people you lead with Minette Norman, author of The Boldly Inclusive Leader and The Psychological Safety Playbook. Discover how you are holding yourself back from seizing opportunities, how to take control of your fear, and how to build resilience to stressful situations. Minette is an award-winning author, speaker, and leadership consultant who previously spent decades leading global technical teams in the Silicon Valley software industry. Minette knows that when groups embrace diversity in all its forms, b...2024-08-2346 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 71: Speaking Up in the Workplace with Animah KosaiEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into speaking up in the workplace with Animah Kosai, a passionate advocate for ethical leadership, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. Discover the systemic changes needed to allow people to speak up freely in the workplace, how to recognize toxic behaviors within yourself, and the need to simply listen. Animah has over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry as an in-house counsel and brings a wealth of practical knowledge to her current role as the founder of Speak Up a...2024-08-0942 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 70: Disrupting the Status Quo with Cindy GallopEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into disrupting the status quo with Cindy Gallop, a trailblazing entrepreneur, brand innovator, and advocate for social change. Discover why identifying your core values and beliefs is key to living a much simpler and happier life. We’re also exploring Cindy’s most ambitious project yet, a sex education academy. Cindy has been described as a woman who will change the way you think about sex and money. She’s the alchemist turning advertising lead into gold and the voice shouting ‘show me the money’...2024-08-0245 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM04: Recovering from Failure with Brandi Richard ThompsonEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 44, with guest, Brandi Richard Thompson. Failure is a given in life and Brandi shares how she recovers from it by ignoring the noise, focusing on herself, and prioritizing her happiness. From a college dropout to a transformational growth strategist, Brandi is the founder of the Operation Growth Institute, a Global Transformational Learning Center where people can accept, heal, grow, and transform into the next iteration of their personal and professional best. 2024-07-2611 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM03: Finding Your Voice with Jessica Doyle-MekkesEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 36, with guest, Jessica Doyle-Mekkes. She shares how she empowers women to identify their strengths, speak up, and use their voices effectively to turn their dreams into reality. Jessica is a professor, researcher, vocal coach, and internationally published writer & speaker in the field of female empowerment & advocacy. She is currently the Head of Musical Theatre at East Carolina University. This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and mo...2024-07-1911 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM02: Don’t Give Your Fear Power with Jeanine McIntosh MenzeEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 31, with guest, Jeanine McIntosh Menze. She shares her process of managing fear and how she chooses to not give her fear power but rather place her power in what’s on the other side of that fear. Jeanine was awarded her ‘Wings of Gold’ on June 24, 2005 and became the first Black female aviator in the 215-year history of the United States Coast Guard. This episode is just a short snippet that high...2024-07-1214 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersIM01: Choice Versus Sacrifice with Vijaya SivakumarEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are featuring one of the most impactful moments from episode 6, where we were lucky enough to have Archita’s mother, Vijaya Sivakumar, as a guest. She shares her experience of working for 40 years at a company in India as the only female among 70 men — all while raising two daughters. This episode is just a short snippet that highlights the best and most powerful learning moment from a past episode. You can listen to the full episode (filled with more wisdom) here: Episode 6: A Special Episode...2024-07-0509 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 69: It’s Time to Take Control of Your FearEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into a theme that has cropped up in some of our recent episodes. Specifically, what Mary Waweru said in Episode 67 about transitions. It’s so easy to let yourself get pulled down by transitions that are seemingly outside of your control. But it’s time to take control of your fear and become the driver in your life and in your career. Key Discussion Points: 01:45 You Are the Driver of Your Life: There are so many people going through times of trans...2024-06-2136 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 68 : Leadership Lessons from a Combat Veteran with Kim "KC" Campbell [REPLAY]Episode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we’re taking a look back at one of our favorite episodes. Join us as we delve into some leadership lessons with former fighter pilot turned keynote speaker and best-selling author, Kim "KC" Campbell. Discover how you can build trust within your team and lead with courage in times of uncertainty and adversity. Kim served in the United States Air Force for 24 years as a fighter pilot and a senior military leader. In 2003, Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a senior military leader, Kim...2024-06-0744 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 67: Taking Action To Be Anti-Racist with Mary WaweruEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into taking action to be anti-racist with Mary Waweru, an influential voice who educates professionals on anti-racism, DEI, inclusive communications, social impact, and colonialism. It is not enough to simply be not racist. You need to take action and commit to being anti-racist. Mary is the CEO and founder of Crest Impact, where she guides organizations to build safe and inclusive cultures, practices, policies, and communications. She has facilitated diversity training workshops and designed and delivered anti-racism and DEI courses online, in-person, and i...2024-05-2442 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 66: Mastering Workplace Negotiations with Dorothy MashburnEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into mastering workplace negotiations with Dorothy Mashburn, a leading authority in negotiation. Discover how you can maximize your leverage and unleash your power, freedom, and true potential. It all starts by dreaming big. Dorothy has a fervent mission to champion the underserved in corporate arenas, with a track record of negotiating pivotal deals with global giants and managing international teams. Her unique insights empower minorities and women to achieve their career aspirations. She brings that learning and leadership to everyone through her podcast, Sal...2024-05-1039 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 65: Leveraging Your Uniqueness For Success with Lisa HurleyEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into leveraging your uniqueness as an “only” for success in professional settings with Lisa Hurley, an entrepreneur, writer, and Anthem award-winning activist. Being an “only” gives you visibility and accessibility. Two things you need for success. Discover how you can flip the narrative of being an “only” and use it to your advantage. Lisa’s work centers on Black women and encompasses self-care, community care, and Black joy. She is the Founder & CEO of The Great Exhale, an award-winning private membership community that is a soft, safe...2024-04-2653 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 64: Cultural Intelligence in Corporate Spaces with Shiva RoofehEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into cultural intelligence in the workplace with Shiva Roofeh, a self-described organizational justice practitioner and curious rebel. Discover how you can confront prejudice in leadership and uncover your unconscious biases to ultimately make you a better and more just leader. Shiva has been a refugee, an immigrant, and a migrant, and she's lived and worked in six countries across Asia, Europe, and North America. Shiva says that her lived experience is as valuable as her work experience. She leverages both to create mile-deep change and...2024-04-1248 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 63: From CIA to CEO - Thriving in an Unpredictable World with Rupal PatelEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into embracing the unpredictable nature of life with Rupal Patel, a CIA agent turned CEO. In a world that often forces us to conform, Rupal’s journey of embracing her uniqueness stands out. Rupal shares her insights on owning your weirdness, finding your tribe, and embracing the uncertainties of life. Rupal’s career is notably defined by her remarkable tenure at the CIA. Her service and dedication were recognized with warzone service medals and a prestigious commendation from the CIA director for her super...2024-03-2951 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 62: Creating Space & Opportunities for Others while You Navigate Your Own Career as a MinorityEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we are recapping some of the common themes that have been coming up between our recent guests. In the current political climate, something that continues to come up is being brave, being bold, and stepping out of your comfort zone to create an impact not only on yourself but on the people around you. At the same time, you have to have boundaries in place and honor saying no—so you can embrace saying yes. Key Discussion Points: 01:24 Who Are You Fighting for? Cre...2024-03-1548 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 61: Achieving Moral Clarity in the Pursuit of Liberation with Sibil PatriEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into pursuing the liberation of your time, love, and freedom while achieving moral clarity with Sibil Patri, a dynamic and visionary leader whose career spans over two decades across finance and strategy. Sibil shares her experience of leaving a harmful corporate culture and how you can claim back your power and break generational curses. Sibil’s work focuses on impact-driven coaching, speaking, and collaborating and she uses her 20 years of financial services industry expertise and lived experiences as a POC to create a systematic movement in c...2024-03-0147 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 60: Debunking Corporate Myths to Transform Workplace Culture with Mita MallickEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the Embracing “Only" podcast, we delve into the importance of self-reflection and understanding diverse perspectives to refine and better workplace dynamics. To do that, we invited Mita Mallik, a renowned corporate leader and best-selling author, her book 'Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace' is discussed as well as a powerful tool for anyone, particularly those in the HR and DEI space. Mita shares her personal experiences and insights on overcoming microaggressions, advocating for diverse talent, creating a balance between risk and responsibility when taking a stand, and main...2024-02-1646 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 59. Intersectionality and How It Influences The Experiences and Resources of Minority Female FoundersEpisode Highlight: On this episode of the "Embracing Only" podcast, we delve into the topic of intersectionality and how it impacts the experiences and resources of female founders and professionals in the workspace. To have that conversation, we incited Janine Vanessa Heinrich, a fervent advocate for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in entrepreneurship. Recognizing inequities, she champions initiatives for underrepresented founders and speaks on important (yet still overlooked) topics, such as standing in your power and lived experience as a woman of color, defining value-based goals to live by, avoiding and recovering from burnout, and redefining success and f...2024-02-0250 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 58: The Workplace Revolution We Need Starts with Emotional Intelligence & BelongingIn this insightful interview Archita and Olivia interview award winning author, Farah Harris. Where they explore the complexities of emotions, emotional intelligence, and cultural identity in the workplace. Key topics covered: Why emotional intelligence and emotional skills are critical for leaders today, despite prevailing attitudes that emotions should be "left at the door" The damaging effects of suppressing emotions and "masking" our authentic selves to fit in at work How code-switching and changing behaviour to assimilate can lead to imposter syndrome, anxiety, and other issues Tips for improving emotional intelligence: identifying our feelings, communicating them effectively, an...2023-11-2253 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 57: Actionable Career Advice for Women with Elaine Lin HeringIn this episode, hosts Archita and Olivia are joined by the remarkable Elaine Lin Hering – a celebrated author, adept facilitator, and engaging public speaker. Together, they delve deep into the realm of leadership, shedding light on varying leadership styles and their consequent impacts on teams. Elaine, brings a fresh perspective to the conventional leadership discourse, emphasizing the essence of communication and inclusivity in fostering a thriving workplace environment. The episode challenges the often touted advice of “just speaking up”, as it overlooks the ingrained culture of silence and the inadvertent silencing by leaders. It explores how societal norms...2023-10-2653 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 56: How to Navigate Career Transitions with Confidence And PurposeIn this empowering episode, Archita and Olivia discuss how to navigate career transitions with confidence and purpose. They share their personal experiences and offer valuable advice for making intentional choices that align with long-term goals. Despite facing challenges like layoffs and visa issues, Archita emphasizes staying focused on your goals. Olivia challenges us to recognize that not every opportunity will align with our goals and being clear on what it is you really want will help you make these transitions with intention. This episode if for you, if you are navigating any of the following: L...2023-08-2049 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 55: Overcome People-Pleasing & Feel Empowered as a Woman in a Male-Dominated Workplace with Martha AvilesIn this podcast episode, Archita Fritz sits down with Martha Aviles, a fierce marketing leader. Martha is the VP of Marketing at Austin-based Gigster, a firm that accelerates the delivery of digital transformation applications giving companies the agility to thrive in a software-defined world. With 20+ years of high-tech marketing experience in SaaS, semiconductor, networking, and network security at start-ups, private, and public companies, Martha has a gift for building and growing high-performance marketing teams, corporate brands, and inspiring thought leadership. Martha has consistently used her grit and determination to become successful in her career and di...2023-07-0544 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 54: Changing the Face of Wealth by Empowering Women in Financial Literacy with Kelly Ann WingetFinancial literacy and wealth-building are crucial for women to claim their financial futures. In this podcast episode, host Olivia Cream sits down with trailblazer Kelly Ann Winget, author of "Pitch The Bitch: Grab Your Financial Future By The Bags" and the only millennial LGBTQ+ manager of a solo-female-founded private equity fund. Winget's book challenges the notion that women shouldn't be part of financial conversations, offering readers insight into her journey from selling in car washes as a teenager to her current position as founder of Dallas-based Alternative Wealth Partners (AWP). Drawing on over a decade...2023-06-0454 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 53: Conquering Fears And Embracing Imperfect Action as Women in LeadershipDive into our latest real talk episode, as Archita and Olivia, shed light on their journeys of conquering fears and embracing imperfect action. A potent blend of personal anecdotes, inspiring insights, and career growth strategies, this episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling the tug of fear or hesitation in their path. Listen in to learn how both Olivia and Archita leveraged their fears to catalyze growth, and the power of taking imperfect action to navigate through life's many challenges. Key takeaways from their conversation are: Leverage fear as a pathfinder ...2023-06-0451 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 52: Leadership Development Lessons from a Combat Veteran with Fighter Pilot Kim "KC" CampbellIn this episode, we have the pleasure of interviewing retired Air Force Colonel, Kim "KC" Campbell, a fighter pilot who served in the Air Force for over 24 years. During her service, she flew 1,800 hours in the A-10 Warthog, including more than 100 combat missions protecting troops on the ground in both Iraq and Afghanistan. Kim was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism after successfully recovering her battle-damaged airplane after an intense close air support mission in Baghdad. As a senior military leader, Kim led hundreds of Airmen both at home and abroad, and enabled them to succeed...2023-02-2743 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 51: Start your anti-racism journey with Regina Jackson from Race2DinnerIn this episode of the Embracing Only Podcast with Archita Fritz and Olivia Cream, Regina Jackson of Race2Dinner helps us deconstruct what being a true ally is. She leads off with how her work alongside Sair Rao is not steeped in niceness because being nice has not stopped racism. Through her work and lived experiences over the last 72 years she is on a mission to change the status quo she co-founded Race2Dinner with Saira Roa. They took the experiences from these dinners and developed a documentary with filmmaker Patty Ivins called Deconstructing Karen. I...2023-01-1733 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 50 : Workplace Dynamics, Performance Reviews & Belonging with Archita and OliviaThe 50th episode! Tying the bow on the year 2022, Archita and Olivia tackle the changing dynamics in the workplace and our economies, performance review anxiety and our collective need for a sense of belonging in all places we occupy and give our energy to. Here are some key takeaways: Focus on the controllables and #Killthefear Recognize that our fear response is rooted in trauma, honor the transitions Allow for help, allow for rest, allow for the abundance Olivia and Archita thank the listeners who have supported us consistently as th...2022-12-1242 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 49: Leadership Development, Career Growth Startegies & Feedback with Olivia and ArchitaIn the Season 5 Finale Olivia Cream and Archita Fritz tackle two key topics “Only’s” navigate in the workplace leadership and the power of feedback. Here are some key takeaways from the episode: Cancel the noise around not waiting to ask for permission for a title or for a place at a table because you are leading always in your own space in your own way! You performing at your job is the ticket to the ball, yes! But what you do in terms of focus, in terms of advocacy, in terms of intent...2022-09-1444 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 48: Work on Yourself And Discover Your Biases with Best-Selling Author of 'Do What Matters' Katherine Ann ByamIn this episode we chat with Katherine Ann Byam, and ESG change agent for organizations, internationally acclaimed podcaster and best selling author of 'Do What Matters'. We tackle how to thrive as ‘an only’, how to work on yourself and discover your biases and those of others with curiosity and in doing so get curious about the planet. She is on a mission to engage and empower more businesses and individuals to lead net positive lives. Key takeaways from this episode: A company‘s culture when weaponised can be a blueprint for bias. As lon...2022-08-1140 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 47: Navigating Power Structures in The Workplace And Honoring Your JourneyIn this episode, Archita Fritz co-host of the Embracing Only Podcast, is in conversation with not just one but three fierce queens. Fabia Ogunmekan executive director of WISCAR in Nigeria, Zanele Khanyile founder of Ndlovukazi Yakwazulu in South Africa and Mai Khidir founder of the Al Sudaniya Mentoring Network based in London, UK. These three inspirational women leaders talk about sponsorship, navigating power structures and honoring the journey you are on. Key takeaways from this episode: Make someone’s voice heard more when you are in the room or at a table they don...2022-07-2231 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 46: Limitless Leadership Lessons & Workplace Culture Transformation with Meghana Rao Pahlajani"In life, you genuinely can't control what others say, what others do." - Meghana Rao Pahlajani Meghana a multifaceted sustainability professional in the development sector has driven conscious impact across coal, natural gas and solar from rural India to large power plants in the Midwest USA. In this episode, she shares her limitless leadership lessons navigating being 'an only' leading a coal plant, to breaking the bias on maternity leave in corporate India, navigating loss due to COVID and raising conscious consumers. She challenges us to rethink resilience as a badge of honor one must en...2022-06-0846 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 45: Inspiring Stories from Diverse Women - Becoming The World's Leading Arab Scientist with Dr. Rana DajaniBringing you inspiring stories from diverse women who have challenged the status quo and inspired workplace culture transformation is what Embracing "Only" is all about. In this episode, co-host Olivia Cream engages with Dr. Rana Dajani, a prolific scientist and social entrepreneur. She shares with us her journey to becoming the world's leading Arab scientist. We discuss how to combat bias when migrating to a different culture, gender disparities in STEM, and assumptions we all make that impact the world around us. About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast d...2022-05-2449 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 44: Career Growth Strategies & Actionable Career Advice for Women with Brandi ThompsonIn this episode we are thrilled to welcome #OperationGrowthCoach Brandi Richard Thompson! Expert coach and entrepreneur, Brandi Thompson, shares her journey from a college dropout to transformational growth strategist. Brandi highlights how she recovered from failure; how she battles fear and perfectionism; and how history plays a role in helping Brandi understand the dynamics of interracial relationships. Tune in for some valuable career growth strategies and actionable career advice. About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedicated to empowering women in the workplace by sharing inspiring stories from diverse wo...2022-05-031h 00Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 43: Be Brave, Be Defensible, Keep Going!In this episode of The Embracing Only Podcast, Joyal Mulheron talks about her traumatic experience that led to her purposeful vision of creating a Global system that supports anyone who has lost a loved one. Death is an affliction that will affect us all. Joyal’s purpose is to provide support to those who need it most, when they need it most. In this episode she shares with us the startling statistics around death and the impact it has on the living. She dissects this often unspoken affliction and helps us understand why we need to focus on...2022-04-1241 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 42: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate AmericaIn her new book, THE FIRST, THE FEW, THE ONLY: How Women of Color Can Redefine Power in Corporate America (March 1, 2022, Harper Business), Deepa Purushothaman lays the groundwork for how other women of color can redefine success on their own terms. It’s the book she says she needed when launching her own career, a book full of inspiring stories from diverse women displayed alongside actionable career advice for women. In this episode of the Embracing Only Podcast, hosts Archita Fritz and Olivia Cream unpack their stories and the stories of the 500 women Deepa has doc...2022-03-2951 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 41: Career coaching and growth strategies to help you step into your powerIn this episode, Olivia and Archita dig deep and unpack doomsday scrolling within the backdrop of the ongoing war in Ukraine within a global pandemic. They share tangible ways to focus on our controllable and tackle Olivia’s personal journey of defining ‘What it means to be a woman’ after life-altering changes due to surgery or illness. They wrap up by questioning what our legacy is in a world that seems to be constantly hustling and performing. Tune in for some much-needed career coaching and a simple career growth strategy. About Embracin...2022-03-1536 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders#BreaktheBias of a cancer diagnosis as a woman of color with Niyati TamaskarIn this episode, Niyati Tamaskar shares her journey of leading from the front to #Breakthebias and cultural stigma associated with a cancer diagnosis in the black and brown communities. Niyati Tamaskar was diagnosed with cancer at age 34 while breastfeeding her second child. Through humor and education Niyati emphasizes the importance of being your biggest advocate if you were to find yourself in a similar situation. Most importantly she shares how one can thrive in their ‘onlyness’ while paying it forward for others in a journey of their own. She is an advocate for women in techn...2022-03-0152 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 39: Embracing being 'an only' and changing workplace cultureIn the first episode of Season Five, Archita and Olivia talk through their personal experiences of embracing their ‘only’ experience in the workplace. The courage it takes to inspire workplace culture transformation or leave and move on from the familiar while thriving and growing within new environments. They reflect on the past year and the continued resilience we all need as we navigate loss and uncertainty. They challenge us to step into our power and make decisions based on what should happen not in the fear of what could happen! Tune in and listen to the...2022-02-1448 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC Leaders[Trailer] Embracing Only: Inspiring stories from diverse women with actionable career adviceThe Nine Oh Six Podcast is now the Embracing Only podcast. As hosts Olivia and myself (Archita) have evolved in our career development journey over the past three years we have come to realize that the stories we brought you had one common theme. They were inspiring stories of women who would be considered 'the only' in their space but they found a way to defy the odds and dared to dream and thrive irrespective of the societal norms that dictated otherwise. The journey that started with two lifelong friends Meha and...2022-02-1303 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 38: Choose to Challenge Bullying and Harassment in the WorkplaceLinda Crockett is known for pioneering the first and only full-service workplace bullying and harassment resource centre in Canada! She is very active in spearheading regional, national and global awareness with active government endorsement since 2010! She has won awards from the Government of Alberta and the University of Calgary for her services. Linda’s clinical and professional training includes a master’s degree specialising in workplace bullying and trauma. She is a certified trauma therapist and social worker with 33 years of experience in her profession. Linda is an active member of the International Association on Workplace Bullying and Harassment Asso...2021-10-2151 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 37: Real Talk with Olivia and ArchitaIn this the Season 4 opener of The Nine Oh Six, Olivia Cream and Archita Fritz tackle fear, power and limiting beliefs. Learn how to step into your strategic power and identify when you are letting tactical power sideline the clarity on focusing on the controllables. It is a firecracker of an episode to kickoff what promises to be a great new Season! About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedicated to empowering women in the workplace by sharing inspiring stories from diverse women who’ve defied the odds in their careers....2021-10-2145 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 36: Using Your Voice at The Workplace (from The Cubicle to The Boardroom)Jessica describes herself as a wife, toddler mom, beach bum, aspiring foodie and a Broadway super fan. She is a vocal coach, professor, and researcher who is hell bent on helping women get what they want and change their lives. In this episode, she shares a powerful leadership skill: learning to use your voice! In the way you speak to others, and the way you speak to yourself. She shares her journey with finding her own voice and how the magician’s toolbox that she has built empower many women from the stage to the boardroom! Ep...2021-07-2349 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 35: Embrace Health And Wellness in The Path to Career DevelopmentMecca Moore Tartt's love of empowering women and creating safe spaces for women to come together has led to her creating events for women focused on Health/Wellness, Relationships, and Motherhood with the launch of her company BESTU LLC. This busy multi-tasking wife and mother of two beautiful girls shows women that it's true... “You Can Have It All!”. Mecca a Power 30 Under 30 Recipient strives for excellence in all that she does and shows other inspirational women how to do it too. In this episode, she shares how important mindset is towards anything you want to accomplish in l...2021-07-2354 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 34: Choosing to Challenge Workplace Bullying And RetaliationDr. Kimberly Young-McLear is a Black, queer, scholar, engineer, and educator who is unreservedly committed to human resilience, human dignity, and human rights. Inspired by her educational foundation at Florida A&M University and the long legacy of freedom fighters from the African diaspora, she became an anti-bullying and anti-harassment policy expert who uses evidence-based research to promote justice and equity. In 2019, she was one of few LGBTQ active duty service members invited as a State of the Union Guest of Honor. Kimberly represented Connecticut’s 2nd District for her tireless efforts to stand against systemic bullying and...2021-07-2346 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 33: Leadership Practices & Lessons from a Two-Time Cancer SurvivorJessica Michalak, a two time cancer survivor #chosetochallenge two diagnosis as she fought Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Jess was first diagnosed at the age of 19 and then seven years later she found herself as a patient in the stem cell transplant unit where she served as an ICU nurse. She finds strength in her meditation, prayer, mindfulness and gratitude practice. She encourages all to embrace the challenges they are given because oftentimes those challenges can lead to blessings you didn’t expect. For Jess, it was her cancer diagnosis that brought her to her nursing career and...2021-05-2431 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 32: Real Talk with Archita and Olivia - The Social Injustice Movement, Workplace Culture & BurnoutOn this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Archita and Olivia unpack how we all can intentionally ride the ship vs. the wave of the social injustice movement. They then look at the workplace and talk through the impact of the bystander effect and how important it is to choose to challenge our limiting beliefs, those of others in a way, in which you can control the controllables. They wrap it up with talking about the shadow we cast as leaders, workplace burnout and how asking for help and knowing how to do so has never been more important...2021-05-1349 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 31: Becoming The First Black Female Aviator in The U.S Coast GuardJeanine McIntosh Menze was awarded her ‘wings of gold’ on June 24, 2005 and became the first Black female aviator in the 215-year history of the United States Coast Guard! In this episode of The Nine Oh Six Jeanine shares how her staying true to not only her why but her how helps her conquer fear in all walks of her life. She challenges us to cancel out the noise, especially the negative self talk that keeps ‘the only’s’ from seeking with clarity the light they were meant to shine in. She encourages us all to reach back and pull up another...2021-03-0841 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 30: Choosing to Challenge Systemic Racism in the U.S Justice System with Curiosity And KindnessIn this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Sanhita Sen who works for the District Attorney’s Office of Philadelphia. shares how she is choosing to challenge systemic racism in the United States Justice system by helping Philadelphia launch a Truth, Justice, and Reconciliation Commission. She shares how this is the most important and challenging work she has ever done. She deconstructs how her class, career, education, and race motivate and fuel her passion for finding ‘individual justice’. She challenges us with kindness on how we can be intentional in what we choose to challenge and how uncomfo...2021-03-081h 06Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersBonus: Season Three Sneak Peek #ChoosetoChallengeThis episode provides a sneak peek into Season Three of The Nine Oh Six. Lots of changes: new guest co-host Olivia Cream join us this season! Focus this season is #ChoosetoChallenge. We will interview extraordinary women who are being intentional in what they #ChoosetoChallenge. Season 3 episodes drop March 8th!2021-03-0205 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 29: Season Two Finale - Real Talk with Meha and ArchitaIn this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Meha and Archita reflect on the year that was 2020 - our personal journeys, how we navigated the year and what continues to shape us and our approach to life, including the social justice reckoning in the U.S. We also share how we plan to show up in 2021, and most importantly, we express our gratitude to our listeners, our family and our friends. About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedicated to empowering women in the workplace by sharing inspiring stories from diverse w...2020-12-3125 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 28: From First Black Woman Engineer Officer in The U.S. Coast Guard to Corporate AmericaOlivia Grant-Cream is a U.S. Veteran born and raised in Jamaica, and is one of the first Black female Engineer Officers of a major Coast Guard cutter to graduate from the United States Coast Guard Academy. Olivia has spent the past decade working in the healthcare industry in Human Resources, and is passionate about changing the face of Corporate America. Recently, she started a coaching practice to help under-represented high performers discover their why and win in the workplace. Olivia is also writing a book - "The Only: A survival guide for under represented employees in Corporate America."2020-12-2244 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 27: Leadership Skills & Lessons from an Executive in Social Impact (And New Mom)Anastasia Thatcher Marceau is an executive in social impact consulting at Accenture. She's also a world traveler, an adjunct professor at The New School in New York City, and mom to two young daughters. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Anastasia shares with us how she dealt with the new reality of going back to corporate life after maternity leave, and how she is teaching her daughters the concept of self-love. Anastasia also reflects on how we don't need a title to make a difference in our workplace or our communities. Episode 27: Leadership Skills & Lessons f...2020-11-2535 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 26: Leadership Development from a Woman of Color Who Continues to Break StereotypesMonique Ball continues to break stereotypes society has and continues to place on her. Very early on, education empowered her to her first job in broadcasting and has been her cornerstone as she moved up the ladder in digital advertising prior to transitioning to be a stay at home mom and most recently a licensed real estate agent. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Monique highlights how she decided at age nine that she was not going to be the 'stereotype' that society expected her to be. She discusses how going to a historically black...2020-10-2735 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 25: U.S. Election Special - A Conversation with Saloni Multani, CFO of the Biden-Harris CampaignSaloni Multani is the Chief Financial Officer of the Biden-Harris campaign for the 2020 U.S. Presidential Election. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Saloni underscores for us why we all have a responsibility in playing our part in our democracy. She shares how her journey in corporate America took on a different turn when she reflected on what she can do as an individual to make a difference in this world. Saloni also reflects on how she is raising her daughters to be educated and responsible young citizens, and gives us specific actions...2020-10-1236 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 24: Writing Success Stories with Courage, Compassion And EmpathyAnnette Maxberry-Carrara has many stories. From helping her Afghan daughter escape the Taliban, Annette herself escaping the Algerian civil war to political activism in the United States, her experiences are rich and unencumbered. She lives her life through the power of imagination to battle chronic pain from lupus and fibromyalgia, not giving failure power and working through adversity. Episode 24: Writing Success Stories with Courage, Compassion And Empathy About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedicated to empowering women in the workplace by sharing inspiring stories from diverse women who’ve...2020-10-0845 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 23: Leading a Diverse and Inclusive Life as a DEI Executive And as a MotherTamika Jean-Baptiste is an executive in the diversity, inclusion and belonging space. She is also a mother who is raising her young son with a strong, value-based multicultural identity. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Tamika shares how her life experiences, role models and her 'village' have all shaped her into the strong leader and mother that she is today. Tamika also emphasizes to us that diversity is a reality, and inclusion is a behavior...and behavior needs to be exercised over time. And ultimately, we all are a byproduct of our own life experiences.2020-09-3039 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 22: A Soldier, a Doctor, and a Mother on the Frontlines of a Pandemic In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, we catch up with Dr. Ashlesha Tawde - a Major in the Indian Army. Ashlesha is a Soldier, a Doctor, and a Mother - and today, she is an active physician working in rural India, in the midst of a global pandemic. Ashlesha shares with us how how her army background has trained her for facing crisis situations. She discusses the revolutionary impact of technology in building awareness of COVID-19 in Indian communities. Ashlesha also reflects on how positivity is a weapon, and how we all truly are warriors today during...2020-05-2727 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 12: Choosing to be Brave EverydayIn this episode of The Nine Oh Six, we interview Nes Reign - a musician, writer, podcaster, author, former hip-hop artist and self-proclaimed 'hustlepreneur', who identifies as a proud Muslim of Moroccan origin. Nes reflects on creativity, building resilience, and finding one’s place in this world. She takes us on a journey from how an operation at age 5 left her blind, to signing her first record deal at 15, to losing her sister...and how all of these moments continue to shape her journey of learning, growth and success.Ready to make a change?→ Struggling with your...2020-03-0327 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 11: An International Banking Executive... with Compassion Meet Trisha Oreta, a banking executive and Wharton MBA grad based in New York City. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, we take an introspective look into Trisha's life, from her parents’ intentionality to expose her to many cultures, to her ability to persist through difficult experiences. Listen to how the formational moments in Trisha's life shaped the success story she is today, a compassionately-driven person who builds international relationships in a global career. Episode 11: An International Banking Executive... with Compassion About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the pod...2020-02-1133 minEmbracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 10: Women Leaders on a Mission - Feeding Clean Food to the WorldPriyanka Lugani is a serial entrepreneur who has a deep fascination for the collective. She is the founder of Alma Deli, a plant-based food brand based in London, which is pushing the boundaries on connecting the ancient wisdom of the world with food, travel, art, spirit, and science. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Priyanka shares her journey of self-discovery after dropping out of college. She explains why nature is the greatest healer, and reflects on how a major illness inspired her to challenge all of us to help our families be more in tune with what...2020-01-2140 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 9: Real Talk with Meha and Archita: New Moms, The Influence of Parents, and Goal-SettingIn this episode of Real Talk with Meha and Archita, we reflect on the past three episodes of Season 1. We also weave in some of our own experiences, including what it has been like to be road warriors as new moms - while also trying to keep breastfeeding our babies. We reflect on our upbringing, and the role that our parents have had in making us feel unstoppable. We also talk about goal setting and the importance of being bold, in both our professional and our personal endeavors. Episode 9: Real Talk with Meha and Archita: New Moms...2020-01-0726 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 8: Overcoming Self-Doubt to Become an ER Doc as a Breastfeeding MomMeet Dr. Andrea Bouman, an ER physician in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Andrea reflects on her journey of pursuing her passion in medicine to serve her rural community, while starting a family along the way. Hear from her as she shares her experiences as a student at Michigan Tech and as a resident at Henry Ford Hospital, as she overcame self-doubt and leaned on her support system to get to where she is today. Episode 8: Overcoming Self-Doubt to Become an ER Doc as a Breastfeeding Mom ...2019-12-2736 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 7: Career Development: Be Bold and Take RisksBe bold and take risks. This has been what defines Elsbeth Hurry's mindset as her life path has taken her from working with two Fortune 500 companies, to working in ski security in Vail, owning a wine bar, founding a charity for Ethiopian children, and launching a tech startup. Elsbeth is also a mom of 2, and has had a less than traditional journey to becoming a mother. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, hear from Elsbeth as she shares her mindset behind how she took leaps of faith in her career development journey, and...2019-12-1035 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 6: Giving Thanks: Courage, Resilience & Sacrifice as Leadership SkillsThis special episode of The Nine Oh Six is a journey of self-reflection and celebration, where Archita gives thanks to three inspirational women who have impacted her life. Vijaya Sivakumar, Archita’s mother (Amma), shares her experiences raising two daughters while managing a male-dominated career in urban India. Shobha Subhash, Archita’s aunt (Aunty), shares what it was like to rejoin the workforce after a decade at home. Pamela Fritz, Archita’s mother-in-law (Mutter), shares her experience of starting her own business as a young mom of two, which is still thriving nearly three decades later. The...2019-11-2830 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 5: Inspirational Women Success Stories: A Soldier, a Doctor, and a MotherMeet Dr. Ashlesha Tawde, a veteran of the Indian Armed Forces. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Ashlesha reflects on her dual identity as a soldier and as a civilian, including planning her wedding while in a war-zone at the border of India and Pakistan. Hear from her as she shares the childhood experiences that shaped her desire to enter the Indian military. Ashlesha also reflects on the critical role that her support system - including her life partner - has played throughout her life, especially as she now raises her young daughter. Episode 5: Inspirational...2019-11-1230 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 4: Real Talk with Meha and Archita: Identity, Public Speaking & Career TransitionIn Real Talk with Meha and Archita, we take questions from previous episodes and reflect on them from our own perspectives. In this episode, Meha reflects on her Indian-American identity and Archita shares her career transition from an engineer to a business executive in marketing. We also discuss experiences that shaped Meha’s confidence in public speaking today, and Archita shares a key defining moment in her life. Episode 4: Real Talk with Meha and Archita: Identity, Public Speaking & Career Transition About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedi...2019-10-2918 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 3: Leadership Skills: Leading with Heart to Redefine StrongMeet Courtney Boehrer, the founder of Team HeartStrong and a successful global HR professional. She reflects on life as an open heart surgery survivor, facing severe body image issues, apprehensions of leaving a 15-year corporate career, and how her defining moments shaped her new lease on life to ultimately be a coach and empower others with embracing their strengths - while leading with healthy and strong. Episode 3: Leadership Skills: Leading with Heart to Redefine Strong About Embracing "ONLY" Welcome to Embracing Only, the podcast dedicated to empowering women in the workplace b...2019-10-1531 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 1: Success Stories from A Party Boutique Boss with PurposeMeet Tina Marchand, an inspirational woman and the founder and owner of Ellie and Piper, an online party boutique. In this episode of The Nine Oh Six, Tina digs deep into the layers of being your own boss after a successful corporate career, how being a first-generation Vietnamese-American has influenced her work ethic, her success stories, and how the loss of two angel babies gave her a reason to celebrate life and find something she loves doing 18 hours a day/7 days a week. Episode 1: Success Stories from A Party Boutique Boss with Purpose A...2019-10-1533 min
Embracing Only: Workplace Culture & Career Development for BIPOC LeadersEpisode 0: The WhyHear from nine women defining success on their own terms on ‘The Nine Oh Six’: a podcast co-hosted by lifelong friends Meha Chiraya and Archita Fritz. This podcast originated from a desire to share the stories of the extraordinary women in our lives, within our networks and communities, who are forging a path forward. Our goal is simple -- elevate these stories so we can learn from and get inspired by each other. The name of this podcast is an ode to where our friendship began - the Upper Peninsula (UP) of Michigan.2019-09-3003 min