Fearless Authenticity with Jeanne Sparrow

“It's a necessity to pour into yourselves to be able to give back to other people.” That realization is what led professional dancers Jasmine Harper and Ashley Everett, and celebrity publicist Randy C. Bonds to form “Be > (Greater Than), a wellness brand that focuses on the importance of taking time for yourself. While all three are accomplished professionals, they've often worked in someone else's shadow. For Jasmine and Ashley, it was Beyoncé. and for Randy, a variety of high-profile clients. So, this is a journey of putting themselves first and wanting others to join their self-care revolution. They share with Jeanne why it's okay to embrace your spotlight; why an identity crisis can accompany major life changes; why we need a place where we can be vulnerable; and how they learned to Be Greater Than their titles and find their true selves. Randy C. BondsRandy's a senior publicist who's worked with a host of entertainers, from Actors to Artists, who have shared their talents on the stages of Broadway, The Voice, American Idol, and an array of dancers who have worked with artists such as Beyonce, Usher, and Jennifer Lopez, just to name a few. With a mission to Expose the Under-Exposed, I have secured placements for my clients in various media outlets ranging from Vogue & Elle to Nylon, Health, Refinery 29, Essence, Madame Noire, The View, Entertainment Tonight, Teen Vogue, Billboard, The Huffington Post, Vibe, The Source, and Hello Beautiful. Jasmine HarperJasmine's career took off when she began dancing for recording artist, Ciara. She was a contestant on season 10 of So You Think You Can Dance. She auditioned as a contemporary dancer and was announced as runner-up, in the end. Since then, she has worked with Taylor Swift, Jennifer Lopez, Usher, Ne-yo and has completed two major tours with Beyonce. Jasmine continues to perfect her craft and expand her knowledge and skill as a dancer, while living out her dream.Ashley EverettIf you've seen the music video to Beyoncé's #1 hit, Single Ladies, then you've been captivated by the fierce redhead, Ashley Everett, who serves as Beyonce's lead dancer and dance captain. Since the age of 17, Ashley has played an intricate role in the creative process of everything Beyonce, from her music videos such as Single Ladies & Who Runs The World (Girls) and commercials like H&M and Pepsi, to her live performances and world tours I Am, The Beyoncé Experience and The Mrs. Carter World Tour. She has performed on every major stage from the GRAMMY Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and World Music Awards to Glatonsbury and the 2013 Super Bowl XLVII. Having danced with Beyoncé for the last 8 years has opened doors for her to share the stage with other artists such as Robin Thicke, Usher, Ciara, Ne-Yo, LaToya Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and the legendary Tina Turner. She's also been featured on television shows such as The X-Factor USA, Shake It Up on Disney, Glee on Fox and most recently, the pilot episode of VH1's newest drama, Hit The Floor.RandyFB: Randy C Bonds X: @RandyC.BondsInsta: @randycbonds AshleyX: @AshIeyCMEverettInsta: @ashleycmeverettYouTube: @ashleyeverett4861LinkedIn: Ashley EverettJasmineFB: Jasmine HarperX: @Dance10JasmineHInsta: dance10jasminehLinkedIn: Jasmine HarperTikTok: @JasmineHarper92Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fearless-authenticity-with-jeanne-sparrow--5376509/support.

After cheating death twice, Sherri Dias or the Real Slim Sherri as she's known across social media with 3-million followers, isn't afraid to let it all hang out. From her Gen X upbringing to her career as a loss prevention investigator, she realized the walls she built to defend herself needed to be torn down. She wants you to know the true Sherri through her work as an influencer and hopes to lead you to your own awakening or “unbecoming” as she calls it. Sherri shares with Jeanne how being an investigator hardened her; why she thinks Gen-Xers are so resilient, what has helped her stop caring what others think; the story of the miraculous car accident; how she attempts to unravel the wiring in her brain; and the gut punch that changed her attitude about living to work.The original GenX on social media. Sherri Dias is the epitome of Gen X: She grew up in a wood-paneled, powder blue carpeted house on the outskirts of Toledo where she learned to crawl to Janis Joplin, walk to the Brady Bunch and run around (wholly unsupervised) with all the other latchkey kids to the sounds of Prince and Michael Jackson. After a highly successful career as an Investigator she quit and started her own business because she craved independence and the chance to create her own personal brand. With a collective 3 million followers across platforms like Tiktok, Sherri found her edgy voice and look resonated with her generation and others on a platform supposedly built for Gen Z. It wasn't the first time she's proved people wrong or bucked a trend, and it won't be the last.TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/discover/sherri-dias-gen-xFB: The Real Slim Sherri https://www.facebook.com/therealslimsherri/Insta: the realslimsherriYouTube: The Real Slim Sherri https://www.youtube.com/@TherealslimsherriBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/fearless-authenticity-with-jeanne-sparrow--5376509/support.

Belinda Chang says that what makes her different is that she thinks small, like really small, about every single detail for an event. That includes being intentional about having women design each element, from the name cards to the tequila she's pouring. She wants every part of the experience to be unique to you - a rare occurrence these days. She shares with Jeanne how a house full of friends and strangers most nights of the week led her to hospitality; why she took a non-paying job in a kitchen; how she pivoted when the world shut down during COVID; why you should NEVER buy the bar package; and why the best thing you can do is learn Excel. Belinda Chang is a sommelier, an experiential storyteller, and lifestyle expert. She is the only bipoc woman to win a James Beard award in a drinks category in 2011 and was recognized by the Wall Street Journal as the “global virtual wine experience guru” in 2019. Over the course of her lauded decades-long career in food, wine and restaurants, Belinda has made a name for herself as a sought-after sommelier, host and on-camera personality. Prior to entering the life of a small business owner, Belinda managed the legendary 26,000-bottle cellar at Charlie Trotter's in Chicago, the wine lists at Laurent Gras' The Fifth Floor in San Francisco, and Danny Meyer's The Modern in New York City. Belinda returned to Chicago in 2015 to serve as Managing Partner and Wine Director of the splashy steakhouse Maple and Ash before setting off to create her bootstrap, start-up experience production company: Belinda Chang.Chang has created and produced some of the wine and food world's buzziest IRL and virtual events — the who's who annual James Beard Awards Pre-Prom, her splashy annual Pool Party during the Food and Wine Aspen Classic, and Virtual Boozy Brunch to support furloughed service people and small business owners during the pandemic. From 2019 to 2021, Chang's virtual production company, studio 8h productions, created, hosted and produced over 300 virtual experiences for Fortune 500 clients and delivered bespoke experience boxes to their guests in 12 countries. In addition to creating and hosting live experiences, Belinda is a regular fixture in global media outlets like The New York Times, Bloomberg, Food and Wine, The Wall Street Journal and the International Herald Tribune among many others.FB: Belinda ChangInsta: @Belinda_ChangTikTok: sommelierbelinda YouTube: @BelindaChangLifeLinkedIn: Belinda Chang

“We think that we're crooked … but it is that the room is crooked.” Those words from Melissa Harris-Perry's Sister Citizen are what sent Dr. Jenn Jackson on their path to becoming a political scientist. Those words also describe what it often feels like as a Black woman, walking into a room full of stereotypes about your body, your work ethic, your attitude … everything. As a queer genderflux androgynous Black woman, Dr. Jackson has experienced all this. They share with Jeanne how and why Black feminism is different from white feminism; why they thought working for Disney was a way to survive; why it was important for them to tell a story of self-love and self-care in their new book, Black Women Taught Us; how they finally discovered who they truly were; and why it's important to find the people you love and love them back.    Jenn M. Jackson (they/them) is a genderflux androgynous Black woman, a lesbian, an abolitionist, a lover of all Black people, and an Assistant Professor at Syracuse University in the Department of Political Science. Jackson's primary research is in Black Politics with a focus on racial threat and trauma, gender and sexuality, political behavior, and social movements. Jackson also holds affiliate positions in African American Studies, Women's and Gender Studies, and LGBT Studies. They are a Senior Research Associate at The Campbell Public Affairs Institute at the Maxwell School at Syracuse University, as well. Jackson is the author of the book Black Women Taught Us (Random House Press, 2024). The book is an intimate intellectual and political history of Black women's activism, movement organizing, and philosophical work that explores how women from Harriet Jacobs to Audre Lorde to the members of the Combahee River Collective, among others, have for centuries taught us how to fight for justice and radically reimagine a more just world for us all. FB: /jennmjacksonphd IG: @jennmjacksonphd TT: jennmjacksonphd

What do you get when you mix a multi-passionate person with a bit of boredom? Coach, speaker, and businesswoman Jill Salzman. The founder of Founding Moms likes a challenge: “Can I make money from something that sounds nuts?” Jill shares with Jeanne why trusting yourself is important; why telling everyone your mistakes helps you grow; why slowing down can reap multi-faceted rewards; how she ended up starting, growing, and selling three seemingly unrelated businesses; and why you don't always need an “expert” for your business. Jill Salzman turns the mundane into inspiration and transforms the impossible into the achievable. Through defying expectations and breaking the rules, she succeeds in inspiring entrepreneurs to figure out what works for them by using meaningful action to create positive results. Jill is the author of The Best Business Book In The World* (*According To My Mom) and the Amazon best-seller, Found It: A Field Guide for Mom Entrepreneurs. She's shared the speaker stage with Richard Branson, Sheryl Sandberg, Daymond John, Marilu Henner, and Desmond Tutu among others, and professed her love of Eddie Vedder in her TEDx talk on 11/11/11. She hosted the top-rated entertaining business podcasts, Breaking Down Your Business, and then Why Are We Shouting?, a question she asks herself daily.CNNMoney called her a “mogul.” MSN Live said she's a “Cool Entrepreneur We Love.” Forbes rated her a Top 100 Champion Small Business Influencer and voted her third business, The Founding Moms, one of the Top 10 Websites For Entrepreneurs. When she's not speaking to audiences in patterned leggings or podcasting from her basement, she fruitlessly tries to convince her daughters that cassette tapes actually existed.Website: https://jillsalzman.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/jillll

“Just be who you are. Just be Mo.” That's exactly what Ms. Monét did when she took the stage in 2020 at the World Expo in Dubai. When the audience rushed the stage she discovered how powerful her performances could be and now refers to them as a ministry. Ms. Monét shares with Jeanne the thought process behind her newest single; why seeing a woman in her 50s succeed in this industry is important for so many other women; why she kept returning to regular 9-5 jobs between singing gigs; why you just have to say “no” sometimes; and why it's so important for her to continue to make her mother proud.   Born as Conesha Monét Owens, this Bay Area native was touched with the gift that only God could provide: the gift to truly move people. Given the talents of all that performing arts can give, including improv and dramatic acting, dance/choreography, topped with a 5-octave vocal range in modern and classical music, it's no wonder this "gifted" singer-songwriter, arranger, and thespian has been sought after by some of the industry's best, most diverse and accomplished artists and producers. Some include producers Walter Afanasieff, Patrick Leonard, Steve Jordan, and the great Phil Spector. Ms. Monét was one of the top 24 and first ever "Super Saves" on Season 24 of NBC's award-winning show "The Voice.” She recently released a single called “Celebrate” and is currently a radio personality for KUNV. Instagram: @THEEMSMONETX/Twitter: @MSMONETYouTube: @MSMONET50Facebook: /MONIACS

What do you do when you're stuck? Renowned speaker and leadership development consultant Amy Riley says it takes reflection and action to make a breakthrough; you have to focus on your feelings to help you figure out your next step. And that takes courage, something Amy credits for her success in both her professional and personal life. She shares with Jeanne what courage looks like in leadership; the difference between a waffle brain and a spaghetti brain; her reflective way of bouncing back from a failure; the moment she figured out she was meant to be a consultant; and what helped her run an ultramarathon (100 miles!) on her 50th birthday. Amy L. Riley is an internationally renowned speaker, author and leadership development consultant. She's worked with organizations such as Deloitte, Cisco Systems, and Aon Hewitt and has over 20 years of experience working with leaders at all levels. Amy earned a Master of Science in Training and Development (MSTD), with an emphasis in Organization Development (OD), from Loyola University in Chicago, Illinois. She is a Certified Professional Behavioral Analyst (CPBA), a certified Tiara International LLC Coach, and certified in the Myers-Briggs Type Instrument. Amy's second book, The Courage of a Leader: How To Inspire, Engage and Get Extraordinary Results, was released on March 3, 2021, and immediately reached #1 international best-selling status.Website: https://courageofaleader.com/IG: @courageofaleaderYT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCXIynEP0yvY3rEkUKOSYwwLI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/amyshoopriley/Email: amy@courageofaleader.com

Nicole Clarke-Springer isn't losing sleep over the final product; as a dancer and choreographer, she's more interested in the process. She says the communal nature of her work is what makes the performance authentic and affects the audience. Nicole shares with Jeanne why she threw out her plan to move to New York City for training; what the three points of collaboration are when she's choreographing and why they matter; how embracing the process contributes to her success; why listening to your intuition is important; and why she doesn't tell herself she will do better.Nicole Clarke-Springer, with a B.S. in arts administration-dance from Butler University, excelled early, honored as Butler Ballet's Outstanding Performer. Her career blossomed at Deeply Rooted Dance Theater (DRDT), starting as an apprentice before becoming a company member. Clarke-Springer's notable performances include working with Roberta Flack and Jennifer Holiday. She took a brief hiatus in 2007 to teach at Western Kentucky University and tour Istanbul with the Clifton Brown Dance Company. Returning to DRDT, she directed the Summer Dance Intensive, honed her choreographic skills with works like Nine and Femme, and contributed to Congo Square Theatre's Nativity. In 2013, she joined DRDT's Artistic Team and was spotlighted as an Emerging Choreographer for "Generations." Her piece Hadiya was acclaimed for its poignancy and tribute to victims of violence. Clarke-Springer's influence extended to choreographing for the Steve Harvey Show and teaching nationwide, including positions at Chicago State University and Northwestern University. Upholding Deeply Rooted's mission, she fosters an environment of spiritual affirmation, open dialogue, and accountability, leading to her appointment as Artistic Director in 2019.Website: deeplyrooteddancetheater.org instagram: @nikkispringer5facebook: Nicole Clarke-Springer

“The beauty that comes from growth and change is incredible if we can just embrace it.” Cassidy Glo Novak has embraced a life full of pain and heartache after a lot of soul-searching and prayer. Those experiences helped her find empathy and forgiveness for others, leading her on a mission to find the positive in even the worst day. Cassidy shares with Jeanne the story of her brain injury and the ripples it created in her life; what the keys were to her healing journey; how she turned her mindset from pain to positivity; how she wrote and released a book in two months; and what embracing her weaknesses has done for her self-worth.Cassidy Glo Novak has experienced just about every major trauma any person can, from childhood sexual abuse, a near-death experience, rejection, eating disorders, anxiety, anger issues, a broken marriage, and more. Through it all, she leaned into her faith and God brought her through every single tragedy. Today, Cassidy is the mom of five beautiful children, including identical triplets which she homeschools. She and her husband, Clif, live on a small farm outside Chicago where she loves to ride horses with her children. Cassidy and Clif also enjoy public speaking and sharing their testimony while also helping to lead worship at their local church.Cassidy's Book:I Can I Have I Will: Blooming Through Life's Greatest Tragedieshttps://a.co/d/iTcXNLPWeb: https://www.publishandgo.com/cassidy-novakEmail: cassidygnovak@gmail.com

Nicole Robinson never imagined she would be a dance educator - she didn't commit to dance until she was in college. But now she provides a vital creative outlet for her students of color that brings joy to them and her. Nicole shares with Jeanne (her cousin!) why the work she does matters; how teaching found her; why she's calm when facing adversity; how she realized she was asking the wrong question about doors being open or closed to new opportunities; how she handles imposter syndrome; and why she wants to build her legacy through mentorship.  Nicole Robinson is a dancer, teacher, choreographer and dance education advocate from Riverside, CA.  She is a graduate from California State University, San Bernardino with a degree in Kinesiology.  She holds a Master of Arts in Dance Education from California State University, Long Beach. Nicole is a strong advocate for providing dance education opportunities to underserved populations. Nicole began the A. B. Miller Dance Program in 1995 and established the A. B. Miller Conservatory of Dance in 2011.  She is the dance specialist for the Fontana Unified School district leading professional development projects and workshops for teachers grades K-6 and is the lead teacher for the FUSD Dance Collaborative which provides dance education for students in grades PK-8. In 2015, she was named California League of Teachers'; Teacher of the Year for Region 10 and named the 2017 Carlston Family Foundation Teacher of the Year.    https://www.abmillerdance.orgLinkedIn: Nicole Robinson X: @adancingirl FB: Nicole Atlas Robinson Email: iamnicolesrobinson@gmail.com

“I do not suck things up very well … I have to talk about it.” And talk about it she does. Whether it's her PTSD diagnosis from repeated exposure as a reporter to horrific events or viewer comments about her appearance, Marcella Raymond is fearless in the way she expresses her anguish or exasperation. She shares with Jeanne how she coped with the heartache on deadline; when she knew it was time to leave TV news; how her love of journalism started; why she became an entrepreneur; and why she's optimistic about her future.  Marcella was born in NYC and moved to Chicago when she was ten. She went to Catholic grade school and high school in west suburban Downers Grove. She graduated from Columbia College Chicago with a Broadcast Journalism degree and her first reporting job was in Rockford, IL. She landed in Chicago after two years in Ohio, first at CBS2 then WGN. She retired in June 2023 after 25 years on-the-air. She covered President Obama's first inauguration, the blizzard of 2011, and the murder trial of Bolingbrook cop Drew Peterson. But the stories she loves the most are those that involve ordinary Chicagoans! She's transitioned from journalism to public relations and now has a small PR company, Marcella Raymond Media, and is excited to watch it grow. INSTA: @marcellaraymondmedia FB: marcella raymond media Email: marcella@marcellaraymondmedia.com

“Satisfaction comes from the character's journey,” according to one of Jeanne's favorite repeat guests (this is her third episode!), award-winning Chicago crime writer Tracy Clark. And what a journey Tracy takes us on in Fall, the second in her Harriet Foster thriller series, out now! She shares with Jeanne how she's still trying to find a way into Harriet's head after 2 books; why she's a pantser; what the key is to getting people to buy into a character; why the bad guy has to resonate as much as the good guy; and why she sometimes needs a hard hat and a pick ax when she sits down to write.  Tracy Clark, a native Chicagoan, is the author of the award-winning Cass Raines Chicago Mystery series, featuring ex-cop turned PI Cassandra Raines, and the Detective Harriet Foster series, featuring Harriet Foster, a homicide detective with the Chicago Police Department. Two tough, smart, African American female characters working the mean streets of the Windy City. A multi-nominated Anthony, Lefty, Macavity, Edgar and Shamus Award finalist, Tracy is also the 2020 and 2022 winner of the G.P. Putnam's Sons Sue Grafton Memorial Award, as well as the 2022 Sara Paretsky Award, and is a proud member of Crime Writers of Color, Mystery Writers of America and Sisters in Crime, and currently serves on the Bouchercon national board and the board of the Midwest Mystery Conference. Facebook: /tracyclarkbooks Twitter: @tracypc6161

Ina Pinkney's resilience and culinary genius have left an indelible mark on Chicago. She's not just a chef but a beacon of community and courage. Despite not baking her first cake until she was 37, she reigned as the beloved "Breakfast Queen" for 33 years as owner of Ina's in the city's West Loop. She shares with Jeanne her journey of overcoming polio and why she believes in second chances; why you have to purge your friends; why you should always listen to your instincts; what her superpower is; and how she overcomes fear and owns the room. Ina Pinkney is a Chicago legend of the tastiest kind. Known as the "Breakfast Queen", she fed Chicagoans for 33 years – first, out of a small bakery and then from her beloved breakfast restaurant in the West Loop, which she closed in December of 2013. There is so much more to Ina than being an outstanding chef and astute businesswoman: She's a community leader, a pioneer, a television personality, a columnist at the Chicago Tribune, the subject of an award-winning documentary called Breakfast At Ina's, and author of Ina's Kitchen, a memoir cookbook. The title she wears most proudly is a polio survivor. Twitter @breakfastqueen1 Instagram @thebreakfastqueen1

rich past and vibrant culture. As the CEO and chief storyteller at Chicago Mahogany Tours, he's turned his love of everything Chicago into an Emmy Award-winning celebration of his mission to make sure history doesn't repeat itself. He shares with Jeanne how his devotion to Chicago history started: why he compares his child-raising philosophy to bowling; how he uses the power of history to cross bridges; how history hurts and his goal to change it; and why he feels he owes Chicago more than he could ever give back. Shermann "Dilla" Thomas is an urban historian and CEO/Chief Storyteller at Chicago Mahogany Tours as well as a contributor to WBEZ-Radio. He uses his passion and insider knowledge of Chicago's history, architecture, and culture to bring the city to life with his captivating storytelling. Dilla is an Emmy Award-winning, self-taught historian who was named the City of Chicago's Tourism Ambassador of the Year by Choose Chicago; Public Narrative named Dilla the 2022 Studs Terkel Uplifting Voice recipient and The Chicago Public Library awarded Dilla the 21st Century Award for his recent achievements in promoting Chicago to the world. Dilla has been independently studying the history of Chicago for over 20 years, and his candid and truthful reflection of that history can be felt in his videos and presentations. He embodies the essence of the city and reverberates his message everywhere that "Everything Dope About America Comes From Chicago".x - @6figga_dilla IG- @6figga_dilla TikTok- @6figga_dilla FB- 6figga_dilla

Nicka Sewell-Smith is a leading authority in the world of genealogy with her talent going well beyond names and dates. She shares with Jeanne (her cousin!), her gifts for digging up family history, how she makes the past come alive and uncovers long-forgotten details, and why knowing our identity shapes who we are today and helps us plan for our future. Nicka shares amazing stories of her and Jeanne's ancestors that make you think about your family in a whole new way. About Nicka Nicka Sewell-Smith is a host, consultant, and documentarian with more than 20 years of experience as a genealogist, focusing her extensive research on the enslaved and their communities. She's appeared on TODAY, Good Morning America, CNN, MSNBC, and an Emmy award-winning episode of the series Who Do You Think You Are. She has been interviewed by National Geographic, TIME, USA Today, and New York Times. Nicka developed and hosts BlackProGen LIVE, an innovative web show focused on people of color genealogy and family history. She is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, a member of two lineage societies, Sons and Daughters of the Middle Passage (SDUSMP) and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and a past board member of the California Genealogical Society (CGS) and the African American Genealogical Society of Northern California (AAGSNC). Nicka is also the historian and lead researcher for the Atlas family of Lake Providence, East Carroll Parish, Louisiana, and guides and coaches an active group of family historians at the Who is Nicka Smith Patreon community.

Join Jeanne as she talks with two fearless and authentic women, mother-daughter duo Jimalita Tillman and 17-year-old Dr. Dorothy Jean (DJ) Tillman. (Yes, this young woman has her doctorate!) Jimalita and Dr. DJ get real about growing up under the legacy of their mother and grandmother, civil rights activist and former Chicago Alderman, Dorothy Jean Tillman. Hear how they deal with the naysayers, how their family traditions have played a role in their authenticity, and how Jimalita supports a child prodigy. Jimalita Tillman is the global director of programs and operations for the Harold Washington Cultural Center and executive producer of Broadway in Brownsville and Broadway in Brownsville Beyond Borders, a worldwide arts outreach and cultural exchange program. She received WVON's 2021 40 under 40 Game Changers Award and was recognized by the Congressional Black Caucus for her dedication and commitment to arts advocacy. She was also involved in the Save Our Stages campaign during the COVID-19 pandemic, helping raise more than $14 billion in economic relief for thousands of arts-related venues, organizations, and staff. Jimalita's daughter, Dr. Dorothy Jean Tillman, is an award-winning child prodigy, tech and art enthusiast, and community leader who just received her doctoral degree at the age of 17. She is the founder and CEO of Dorothy Jeanius STEAM Leadership Institute. She is an alumna of the Golden Eagle Aviation Legacy Flight Academy at the home of the Tuskegee Airmen and a publisher, speaker, and advisor on STEAM education in Ghana. Her numerous awards and honors include Diversity in Action magazine's 2022 20 under 20 list of next-gen STEAM leaders, the Black Enterprise 40 under 40 - tech, and the 2018 Black Girls Rock - Who Rocks Next award, and she was recently selected to Chicago's Future Founder's program. Jimalia TillmanIG: @jimalitaFB: Jimalita TillmanX: @JimalitaLI: Jimalita TillmanDr. DJ Tillman IG: @dorothyjeaniusLI: Dorothy Jean Tillman

Join Jeanne as she sits down with Shannon Cohen, the CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc., a boutique consulting firm that specializes in emotional intelligence, equity, and wellness. Shannon shares her self-care advice for leaders and why rest and replenishment is so important; how she embraces each new season and adapts accordingly; why she believes uniqueness is your best competitive advantage; and how her powerful 4-step system for facing challenges can change your life. Don't miss this episode filled with wisdom on wellness, leadership, and the transformative power of authenticity. Subscribe and be inspired to lead a more authentic and fulfilling life.About Shannon Shannon is the Founder and CEO of Shannon Cohen, Inc. a company that creates products, spaces, and experiences that invest in the emotional well-being of people who lead, love, and serve in transformational ways. Her company's clients include: Perrigo, Procter & Gamble, Meijer, and Steelcase. Shannon is the author of two books, “It's Normal to Shake as You Soar” and “Tough Skin, Soft Heart: A Leadership Guide to Growing Stronger, Better, and Wiser”. Her line of inspirational products have been featured nationally at Target, Meijer, and West Elm. Her Tough Skin, Soft Heart podcast is available on Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Stitcher with subscribers spanning 12 countries. Shannon is the Founder of the global Rockstar Woman™ Movement, serving thousands of women annually. For consecutive years, Shannon has been named one of the 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan and recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. Shannon is an alumnus of the prestigious W.K. Kellogg Foundation Community Leadership Network Fellowship, 2023 recipient of the Grand Valley State University Distinguished Alumni Award, and honored with the 2023 “Woman of Courage” award from Michigan Women Forward. Shannon serves on several boards including the Corewell Health [formerly Spectrum Health] Foundation Board, GROW Board, GVSU Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation Board, and the Small Business Advisory Board for Congresswoman Hillary Scholten. Shannon is the proud mom of a 4th grader, and entering 15 years of “I do” with the love of her life! LI: ShannonCohen IG: @shannonmcohen X: @ShannonCohenInc Website: https://www.shannoncohen.com/

Despite dreams of being a New York fashion designer, Rosey Lee now believes she's exactly where she's supposed to be … as a newly published author. She spent the first part of her career life as a doctor but kept her creative side engaged by writing, doing DIY projects, even some wedding planning. She shares her biggest daily challenge with Jeanne and how she solves it; what survival techniques she relies one that have been passed down through generations; how she learned to be comfortable in choosing herself; why she's a recovering perfectionist; and her number one piece of advice for everyone. About RoseyRosey Lee writes hopeful stories about complicated families and complex friendships. As a native of the West Bank of New Orleans, Louisiana who lives in Atlanta, Georgia, Rosey's writing is inspired by the people, traditions, and food that anchor her to the South. She enjoys cooking, listening to live music, and occasional bursts of fanatical bargain shopping. As a child, Rosey dreamed of a career in writing, fashion design, and acting. She uses the pen name Rosey Lee as she pursues her passion for writing. Her alter ego is a physician who has dedicated her career to individual and community-based approaches to health equity. Her debut book, The Gardins of Edin, was released by Penguin Random House in January.Insta: @roseyleebooks FB: Rosey Lee Books X: @roseyleebooksWebsite: roseyleebooks.com

Niena Drake isn't afraid of hard work; she's always expanding her business and philanthropic empire, hoping to create a long-term legacy in her industry. She says the key to her continued success is that she brings good vibes everywhere she works which leads to great relationships. Niena shares with Jeanne the top three must-haves a person needs to make it in the entertainment world; why inner awareness is key to your growth no matter what you do; how her take on competition differs from most everyone else; who her biggest cheerleader is; and what she considers the biggest lie young people are told. About NienaNiena Drake is a highly-respected Emmy-award winning showrunner and executive producer, director, DJ, founder, and philanthropist. Her media and television work includes on-camera appearances, hosting, TV and digital network project development and production with a variety of media outlets, including ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, Netflix, Apple, HGTV, and OWN. As an on-camera host and DJ, Niena has worked with some of the world's top brands, including Apple, Nike, McDonald's, and Verizon, along with A-list celebrities including the Obamas, Serena Williams, Michael B. Jordan, and Deion Sanders. She is currently starring as the official DJ for VH1's new “Celebrity Squares,” hosted by DC Young Fly. She is a Columbia College National Alumni Board member, vice chair of the Advancement Committee, and a senior director at the Emma Bowen Foundation. Insta: @nienadrake FB: DJ Niena Drake X: @NIENADRAKE LinkedIn: Niena Drake YouTube: @officialnienadrake Website: nienadrake.com

It never bothered Je'Niece McCullough that she was Bernie Mac's daughter. What was difficult was dealing with people who reduced her to just being his daughter; that she had nothing to offer on her own. She shares with Jeanne how she spent years at war with herself, knowing she had gifts but never thinking they were enough; how she finally broke free and was able to honor her dad's legacy in her own way; what wisdom he ingrained in her that has helped sustain her; why flexibility is key to surviving whatever life hands you; and why she's not afraid to admit she sees a therapist. About Je'NieceJe'Niece is the only child of the late comedy legend Bernie Mac. She holds a B.S. in Psychology and an M.A. in Mental Health Counseling. After working several years in social services, she became her father's assistant and continued in that role until his death in 2008. She then took over as vice president of The Bernie Mac Foundation where she discovered her talent for public speaking. She has been a featured speaker for several events, including The Black Women's Expo, Heart & Soul Women of Excellence Awards, and Everest College's 2012 Commencement Program. While she no longer has an executive position within the foundation, Je'Niece continues to speak regularly on issues such as women's empowerment, Sarcoidosis awareness, and overcoming depression. She is also a published author and has been featured in several publications, including Today's Black Chicago Woman and Ebony magazine, as well as several collaboration books. She currently writes for Medium.com and recently launched a podcast honoring her father's legacy called “Bernie's Daughter.”Insta: @berniesdaughter X: @BerniesDaughter FB: Bernie's Daughter TikTok: @berniesdaughter YouTube: Je'Niece McCulloughLinkedIn: Je-Niece-McCullough

When you're told what success looks like from a young age (good grades, college, 30-40+ hours a week at a good paying job) it's easy to feel like you know your next step. Well, that was a lifestyle that Mignon Francois was not ready to settle into when she decided to “bake sale” her way to breaking the cycle. As stay-at-home mother of 6+1 with no prior baking experience (not even out of a box) trying to make ends meet, she knew she was destined for more than just the daily grind. Starting her baking journey with a dorm refrigerator and Kitchenaid mixer in her living room, she knew the only way to go was up. Not being able to see the well laid plan before her, she credits her faith and spirituality in allowing her to always look for the lesson when her path forward seemed unsure. Leaving a legacy for future generations is no small feat, but with her passion for success Mignon knows exactly who she is and what she will be leaving for her children and grandchildren. She shares with Jeanne her 3 ingredient “recipe” for a so-called overnight success, why starting a business is like nurturing a child, why we aren't afraid of failure but rather afraid of success, how we can find purpose in our brokenness, and the importance of connecting with younger generations.About Mignon:Mignon François is a speaker, entrepreneur, and community leader who has inspired thousands through her "Follow Your Spirit" approach. After years of drowning in debt and brokenness, Mignon founded The Cupcake Collection in 2008, on the last $5 she had to feed her family and turned it into a legacy with over 5 million cupcakes sold. Her grassroots story of success has garnered national attention from TODAY with Hoda and Jenna, Southern Living, Entrepreneur and Business Insider just to name a few. In addition, her business savvy has earned her numerous titles and awards, including Woman of Legend and Merit, Entrepreneur of the Year, Women's Empowerment Innovator, NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur, and Black Enterprise magazine's Family Business of the Year. Today Mignon is committed to teaching anyone who will listen about what they can do if only they believe. 2023 forges a new path for Mignon's career as she adds author to her resume. In her highly anticipated memoir, "Made from Scratch: Finding Success Without a Recipe," Mignon shares her story of finding success with no presets in place, mapping a journey that led to the joy that has become synonymous with Mignon François.IG: @mignon.francoisFB: @iammignonfrancoisTwitter: @mignonfrancoisLI: Mignon Francois

A Magician, a 2nd basemen (for the New York Yankees of course), a Meteorologist… all career options that author Kevin Powell considered, but what finally stuck was the act and art of writing. The library is where he fell in love… with books, art, music, cultural diversity, and anything he could get his hands on. Kevin believes that the stories we tell are the history of this country, and his passion for writing and passing along those stories is a form of activism that will keep voices from being silenced and forgotten. Kevin shares with Jeanne how his hunger for learning will never be satiated, how the illustrative life of Ernest Hemingway gave him his lightbulb career moment, how absorbing the work of writers such as Toni Morrison, bell hooks, Audrey Lorde, and Maya Angelou (to name a few) changed his perspective on defining manhood, the joy and nostalgia he still finds in gospel music, how speaking publicly can be liberating, and why it's important for you to discover your own definition of success rather than chase someone else's. About Kevin:As a poet, journalist, essayist/blogger, public speaker, civil and human rights activist, filmmaker, and the author of 16 book, Kevin Powell is one of the most acclaimed political, cultural, and literary voices in America. Kevin is a native of Jersey City, New Jersey currently residing in Brooklyn, New York. As an activist, he is the president and co-founder of BK Nation, a new national, progressive, multicultural organization focused on such issues as education, civic engagement, leadership training, health and wellness, social media, arts and culture, and job and small business creation. Kevin was also a Democratic candidate for Congress in Brooklyn, New York, his adopted hometown, in 2008 and 2010. He was a senior writer of VIBE magazine from 1992-1996. As a pop culture curator, Kevin produced the first exhibit on the history of hip-hop in America at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, Ohio, which toured America and overseas. As a humanitarian, Kevin's work includes local, national and international initiatives to end violence against women and girls (including a very well-regarded appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show highlighting domestic violence); and he has done extensive philanthropic and relief work, ranging from Hurricane Katrina to earthquakes in Haiti and Japan, to Superstorm Sandy in New York, to his annual holiday party and clothing drive for the homeless every December since 9/11. His newest books Grocery Shopping with My Mother and The Kevin Powell Reader: Essential Writings and Conversations are both available now.IG: @kevinpowellbrooklynTwitter: @kevin_powell

“Sustainable shifts are a really good antidote to climate anxiety.” To help quell some of that stress (more than two-thirds of Americans experience some kind of eco distress), Ashlee Piper has dedicated herself to dispelling the many stigmas surrounding sustainability. Her focus is on making it more simple and approachable than crunchy and expensive; sharing small steps that everyone can take to make big gains. She shares with Jeanne why she believes sustainability and self-care are connected; how she reframes failure; what first drew her into the eco-friendly field; why rebuilding is her sweet spot; and how fearless authenticity can be both staying true to yourself and allowing yourself to change. About Ashlee: Ashlee Piper is a sustainability expert, author, and speaker whose work has been featured on 270+ television segments, including The TODAY Show, Good Morning America, and CNN, and in VOGUE, The Washington Post, InStyle, and NY Magazine. Piper's bestselling book, Give A Sh*t: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. has been hailed as the 'sustainability Bible' by celebrities and reviewers. She's consulted on sustainability practices with well-known companies such as Airbnb, LUSH, Nissan, and Eileen Fisher, has been a cabinet-level advisor to two Massachusetts Governors, and has spoken at the United Nations and TED. Piper is also the creator of the #NoNewThings Challenge, and is a Professor of Sustainability Marketing. She holds a BA from Brown University and a master's degree in Evidence-Based Social Intervention from the University of Oxford, UK.IG: @ashleepiper Website: http://www.ashleepiper.com/

As a beacon for being who and what you want, Anupy Singla admits “I don't know how to be anything but honest and direct.” But that confidence doesn't come from nothing…Anupy has spent much of her professional life trying to find her path. Hoping to bring the mixed eaters of the world together, she has found her joy in cultural celebration through food. From the foodie legacy of her grandfather to her daughters, Anupy revels in the family time that she shares through cooking traditional Indian recipes. She shares with Jeanne her favorite sweet treat, the personal connection a good meal can bring, the daily routine she built by taking advice from her favorite book, how overcoming cultural barriers is still a work in progress, and the importance of cultivating great friendships.About Anupy Food blogger and entrepreneur Anupy Singla is also the author of four cookbooks: Instant Pot Indian, The Indian Slow Cooker, Indian for Everyone, and Vegan Indian Cooking – among the top-selling Indian cookbooks in North America. Born in India and raised outside of Philadelphia, Anupy grew up visiting her grandfather's village in the heart of Punjab, India. It was from him that she received her first spice lesson. It was this passion for spice and authentic Indian ingredients that led her to leave her career as a television journalist to cook every recipe she grew up eating, blog about it and create delicious food memories for her own daughters and now thousands of fans. Anupy's gourmet food line ‘Indian As Apple Pie' specializes in authentic Indian spices, sauces, and legumes and is carried by grocery stores in the Midwest and beyond. Her practical, journalistic style has made Indian food accessible to so many and celebrates Indian cooking from an American point of view – in essence Indian As Apple Pie.FB, IG, Pinterest: @indianasapplepieTwitter: @indianapplepie

”110% Effort…I'm Sorry, that's not how math works...” Joey Thurman, wearer of MANY hats has learned that it's IMPOSSIBLE to give more than 100% of yourself…whether it be a workout, a career, or in life! Embracing transparency while battling anxiety and depression helped push Joey through one of the darkest periods in his life. One of his most pivotal moments came when his son was born, changing his outlook on life completely. Joey shares with Jeanne how his new role as a father shaped his professional life, the downside of the “social media” hustle, how to accept not being perfect, the time and place for all the different versions of yourself, and how having all the right people in your corner makes all the difference.About Joey:Chicago Native Joey Thurman splits his time between dedicated husband and father, and health, fitness, nutrition expert, podcast host, and tv host/contributor. He is the author of "365 Health and Fitness Hacks That Could Save Your Life" and more recently “The Minimum Method''. Joey was named the best trainer in Chicago by the Chicago Sun Times in 2015 and NEWBEAUTY.com's top 3 favorite celebrity trainers. He has appeared on Good Morning America, Live With Kelly and Ryan, The Today Show, Harry Connick Jr, TEDx, CBS, WGN, FOX, ABC, WCIU, Evine Live, and Facebook Watch series Home Sweat Home, and host of the new podcast Fad Or Future. Joey's work has been featured in publications such as Men's Health, U.S. News and World Report, NPR, People Magazine, Shape, NY Post, Fitness Magazine, Livestrong.com, BodyBuilding.com, Daily Burn, Inspiyr, TimeOut Chicago, Womens Health, CaliDiet, The Chicago Sun Times, and many more.Website: joeythurman.com

A simple question from her 8-year-old son prompted Lindsay McDonell to rapid fire answer “Interior Designer!” when asked what she wanted to do with her life. 20 some years into her very successful interior design career, Lindsay received a cancer diagnosis that most would consider a death sentence. Wanting to de-stigmatize what it means to live with cancer, she made it her mission to help cancer patients advocate for themselves and bring peace to their day-to-day, all while living with very aggressive metastatic breast cancer that spread through her whole body. 8 years later, she's learned to live with her cancer as a partner, not as an enemy. She shares with Jeanne how to wade through the fear in life, the importance of ALWAYS having a plan B, how to start your journey to finding yourself, the joy she finds in deep authentic conversation and how she learned to choreograph her dance with cancer.About Lindsay:Lindsay McDonell is a renowned speaker, sought-after cancer coach, and celebrated author. She has had a successful 24-year career as the owner of a nationally recognized interior design firm. Then diagnosed with cancer, confined to a wheelchair, and told she only had 3 months to live, Lindsay courageously changed the course of her future and has gone on to thrive through 8 years of cancer. Today Lindsay is a powerful cancer coach and voice for the revolution of cancer patient care. Lindsay believes in supporting people inside and out to bring out their fullest potential. Lindsay's best-selling book is called Your Dance with Cancer: Steps to Maximize Your Chance of Survival.Website: https://yourdancewithcancer.com/Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/YourDanceWithCancerLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lindsay-mcdonell-3424a623b/

It's fair to say that Sybil Wilkes, the former co-host of the Tom Joyner Morning Show, had her doubts in the beginning about her career in broadcasting, but helping hands along the way illuminated the path forward. The power of sisterhood is one of her guiding principles; she credits her mother for being a strong role model, leading her to be an advocate for others, especially women and people of color in the entertainment industry.YoSy, the media company she co-founded with her best friend, extends her “Be Informed, Be empowered” message to all of those around her. She shares with Jeanne how a few choice words from her mother let her know it was ok to step outside of her comfort zone, how self-awareness can make or break you, the three things she does for herself (or at least tries to do) everyday, and how being fired by legendary radio executive Marv Dyson turned out to be a blessing in disguise. About Sybil:Sybil is a Chicago native and graduate of Northwestern University, earning a Bachelors of Science in Political Science and Communication Studies. She began her radio career in 1985 as a production assistant at WKQX-FM, Chicago. She moved into news, leaving her hometown, and reporting for stations throughout the Southwest. She came back to Chicago in 1989, joining WGCI-AM/FM, as a talk show host. She added traffic reporter to her long resume in 1990, working at Shadow Traffic and joining Tom Joyner's show as a sidekick. She went on to be co-host with Joyner on his nationally syndicated show, heard in over 100 markets with more than eight million listeners. Sybil was known as The Voice of Reason, delivering news, information, and entertainment with honesty, accessibility and integrity, earning the trust of her nationwide audience. She is the distributor and editor of the daily newsletter, What You Need To Know, as well as the host of the podcast with the same name. She can currently be heard delivering news updates daily on The DL Hughley Show as well as Radio One stations across the country. She has received a number of accolades including The President's Award from the NAACP Image Awards, and an honorary Doctorate Degree from Bennett College in Greensboro, NC.

“Sometimes you've got to choose to be happy.” When Jackie Kostek realized she wasn't going to get her dream job anchoring and reporting in Chicago, she decided to believe in herself and move to Las Vegas where she could do both full-time. Her leap of faith paid off; after less than three years on the air there, she's back in the Windy City, feeling stronger than ever about her choices and what's ahead. She shares with Jeanne how she knew it was time to go, the two methods she uses to help find herself and what she really wants, how coping with hair loss gave her power, what being in alignment means for her, and why she feels it's such a privilege to tell other people's stories while working on her own. About Jackie: Jackie Kostek is an anchor and reporter at CBS Chicago, covering news and sports. She was formerly the weekend anchor and reporter at KTNV in Las Vegas and a multimedia journalist at WCIU in Chicago. She was also the in-arena and digital host for the Chicago Blackhawks and Chicago Fire. She has produced episodes of PBS' national travel show, Family Travel with Colleen Kelly and served as the Director of Photography for an independent documentary about online harassment. She has contributed to AJ Plus, Bill Moyers, Monocle and MSNBC. She is an alum of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Teach For America, and the University of Kansas.

“I stuck with what I care about,” Rebecca Sive is proud to say after working as a political activist and strategist for more than five decades. And she is still pushing for what she believes in with relentless persistence. Her interest in politics started young. She joined her father at the age of 8 as he campaigned for Congress. Her activism grew in college as she witnessed inequality within her campus and throughout the area, leading her to become a community organizer and later, when she moved to Chicago, an advisor to celebrities, business leaders, public officials, political candidates, philanthropists, and organizational leaders. She shares with Jeanne the meaning of sisterhood, the importance of being a present member in your community, why several heads are better than one, how to dissect a failure to learn from your mistakes, and some special insights into working with Chicago's first Black mayor Harold Washington. About Rebecca: Rebecca Sive is the author of three books on American women's politics and power; a women's leadership strategist, motivational speaker, experienced media analyst, and a past faculty member of the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy and statewide governmental official. She co-produced and co-hosted the podcast, #VoteHerIn, with Two Broads Talking Politics, a “best political podcast,” according to Parade magazine. Sive's articles and op-eds have appeared in The Huffington Post, Crain's Chicago Business, The Hill, at MSNBC, The Chronicle of Philanthropy, The Chicago Sun-Times, and elsewhere. Rebecca is the founding director of one of the nation's first women's centers, founding commissioner of the Illinois Human Rights Commission, a leader and advisor of the campaign to elect Chicago's first African American mayor (Harold Washington), and appointee of his as a Commissioner, Chicago Park District. Sive was among the national decision makers who developed women's issues agendas for US presidents Bill Clinton and Barack Obama. She holds an M.A. in American History and is the recipient of many awards for her public leadership, including from the United Negro College Fund, the YWCA, the Jaycees, and her alma maters, the University of Illinois, and Carleton College. She is listed in Feminists Who Changed America, University of Illinois Press (2006).

Despite a publisher telling her no one would buy her cookbook, Jocelyn Delk Adams is proud to say she wasn't deterred from her dream.. “It doesn't mean no forever; it just means no right now.” - a philosophy that helped her through one of her biggest setbacks. She knew from the beginning that her career was going to take her in many directions because she loves to dabble. Jocelyn shares with Jeanne the importance of saying yes to lots of different things, why you should learn EVERY aspect of your business, and how her daily selfcare ritual helps her be 100 percent for her family and her business. About Jocelyn:Jocelyn Delk Adams is the founder, author, national television personality and brand ambassador behind the award winning cookbook Grandbaby Cakes and the food website Grandbaby-Cakes.com, which gives her family's, particularly her grandmother's, cherished generational recipes her modern spin while preserving their original charm and spirit. Jocelyn is the co-host of the Cooking Channel and Discovery Plus game show, Stab That Cake. She's also a judge on Disney Channel and Disney Plus' Magic Bake Off, Food Network's popular series “Santa's Baking Blizzard” and “Beat Bobby Flay”, and cast member of such shows as “Food Fantasies” on OWN Network, Cooking Channel's longest running most popular shows, “Unique Sweets” and TODAY Show's “TODAY ALL-STARS”. In addition to being a regular on the TODAY Show and Good Morning America, she is regularly featured on The Rachael Ray Show, Food Network's “The Kitchen”, Tamron Hall, and The Cooking Channel. Jocelyn's NEW book, Everyday Grand: Soulful Recipes for Celebrating Life's Big and Small Moments: A Cookbook is coming out March 14th!

“I'd rather fail on my own, than wait to get fired by someone else.” Stacy Spikes hasn't forgotten what it felt like to be fired VIA EMAIL from the multi-million dollar company he co-founded, but he didn't let it stop him from bouncing back smarter and stronger. Quitting was NEVER an option for him. When he found himself back in the same office he'd had previously at MoviePass, he knew he already had all the tools he needed to rebuild. Stacy shares with Jeanne how stories about Malcolm X, Muhammed Ali and Former President Obama were transformative for him, the valuable lesson he learned from one of the Ben and Jerry's co-founders, and why he believes there is no such thing as failure. About StacyCEO and co-founder of MoviePass and author of the book Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider, Stacy Spikes' career has spanned across the entertainment industry. He started out working for Motown Records with acts like Boyz II Men, Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Queen Latifah, and Eddie Murphy. A few years later, Stacy worked at Sony Music Entertainment on movie soundtracks for Jungle Fever, Bad Boys, House Party and House Party 2. His executive roles continued in marketing at Miramax and October Films. He founded the annual Urbanworld Film Festival in New York City. After co-founding MoviePass with Hamet Wyatt, he was fired when another company bought it. He was able to take back ownership about 10 years later due to a bankruptcy filing and is now working on a comeback.

“I am going to be who I am. Unapologetically.” Dr. Ian Smith made a conscious decision long ago that he didn't mind being the odd man out, doing his own thing, not following tradition, even while becoming a doctor. He says his philosophy has served him well—he's always comfortable with who he is. But he's had to deal with uncomfortable situations. He shares with Jeanne how he bounced back from his biggest career setback, what he learned from his beloved grandfather that still rings true today, why a support system is key to survival, how cutting across the grain feeds your passions, how being an identical twin shaped his life, and why your job title isn't your identity.About Dr. Ian:Dr. Ian Smith is the author of the 21 books including #1 New York Times bestsellers, Shred: The Revolutionary Diet, and Super Shred: The Big Results Diet, and Blast the Sugar Out. His literary career expands into the mystery field, with a series featuring Chicago-based private investigator Ashe Cayne. Dr. Smith served two terms on President Obama's prestigious President's Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition. He's the former medical contributor and co-host of the nationally syndicated television show The Rachael Ray Show, along with former co-host of the Emmy award winning syndicated daytime talk show, The Doctors. He also served as the medical/diet expert for six seasons on VH1's highly rated Celebrity Fit Club, and is the creator and founder of the national health initiatives The 50 Million Pound Challenge and The Makeover Mile. Dr. Smith is the former medical correspondent for NBC News network and for NewsChannel 4 in New York, where he filed reports for NBC Nightly News and The Today Show as well as WNBC's various news broadcasts. He has appeared extensively on various broadcasts including The Oprah Winfrey Show, The View, Dr. Oz, Steve Harvey Show, The Talk, Larry King Live, Anderson Cooper 360, CNN, MSNBC and many more. Dr. Smith is a Harvard and Columbia University graduate. He attended Dartmouth Medical School and completed his medical degree at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.Instagram: @doctoriansmithFacebook: Dr. Ian SmithTwitter: @DrIanSmithWebsite: doctoriansmith.com

Kim Lewis credits her community for helping her get over her doubts about the purpose of her natural hair care line, and says they helped her realize all the good she was really doing. Kim believes how you feel about your hair can give you the confidence you need to go after your dreams. Kim shares with Jeanne all her struggles with hair care from a young age, why she turned down the sharks on ABC's Shark Tank, the kismet of finding the perfect location for her business, and at the end of the day how the relationships with our closest family and friends can make or break our success. About Kim: She's the creator of CurlMix, a Chicago-based brand of hair products for curly hair. Their mission is to serve Black women and create clean, natural hair products that are so easy and effective to use. Kim's journey into entrepreneurship began after her husband Tim's amazing "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" win, where he put his knowledge of random facts to good use by winning $100,000.00. After her first failed startup of a niche social network, Kim launched CurlMix in 2015, which started as a Do-It- Yourself box for curly hair. After two years of stagnation, Kim sought advisors and pivoted CurlMix in January 2018. She turned their best- selling boxes into a complete hair-care line. After turning down a six-figure deal on Shark Tank in 2019, CurlMix's sales catapulted to $6 million in annual revenue. In 2020, the Lewises landed on the Forbes' "30 under 30" list, and Kim was included in Crain's Chicago Business' "20 in Their 20s" list. After landing on Oprah's Favorite Things, CurlMix was listed at #93 on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing, privately-owned companies in America.Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube: @curlmix | Instagram: @kimlewisceoKimlewisceo.com

As co-host of the Steve Harvey Morning Show for 23 years, Shirley Strawberry firmly believes that relatability and sharing parts of herself are key factors to her success; if her audience can't relate to her, then they won't listen. She loved Chicago broadcasting from a very young age and always knew she wanted to be on the radio. Despite knowing it would be an uphill battle,, she never stopped pushing herself even though thoughts of quitting kept popping up. She shares with Jeanne what kept her going, her best trick for calming her nerves, and why we should not take ourselves so seriously. About Shirley: Shirley's career in radio began in the mid-80s at Chicago's WGCI-FM, where she was co-host of The Doug Banks Show. From 2000 to 2005, Shirley was the co-host of Harvey's popular LA-based morning show which became the #1 morning show in Los Angeles. In 2005, months after their final broadcast in L.A., The Steve Harvey show went syndicated with Premiere Networks, and Shirley joined the show as co-host. Heard on more than 100 radio stations by nearly seven million weekly listeners, it's the number-one syndicated morning show in America. Shirley has been recognized as one of the “Most Influential Women in Radio,”and she was honored with the Alliance for Women in Media's annual Gracie Award in the National Radio Co-Host category in 2018. She also won an NAACP award for first book, The Strawberry Letter: Real Talk, Real Advice, Because Bitterness Isn't Sexy in 2011, based on the popular Strawberry Letter segment on The Steve Harvey Morning Show.

Matt Pais says he was lucky enough to turn his passion for pop culture into his dream job. As the movie critic and music editor at the Chicago Tribune's RedEye for 11 years, he had his finger on the pulse of the entertainment world. He then decided he'd had enough and left. But he soon found his calling as an author, writing three books, including his latest -Talk ‘90s with Me. Matt shares with Jeanne how he knew it was time to leave RedEye; why he came to love being an interviewer; why he's not afraid to share his opinions; what he credits for his success; how he approaches each new project and where his ideas come from; and why he says, “the quality of the answers is often very much proportional to the quality of the questions.” About Matt Matt Pais spent 11 years as the movie critic and music editor for the Chicago Tribune's RedEye, reviewing more than 2,000 movies and interviewing Will Ferrell, Brie Larson, LeBron James, Margot Robbie, Harrison Ford and hundreds more celebrities. His latest book is “Talk ‘90s with Me: 23 Unpredictable Conversations with Stars of an Unforgettable Decade.” In 2020, he published "Zack Morris Lied 329 Times! Reassessing every ridiculous episode of 'Saved by the Bell' ... with stats," promoting the book on Mark-Paul Gosselaar's podcast "Zack to the Future" and much more. He released his debut collection of fiction, "This Won't Take Long: 100 Very Short Stories of Dangerous Relationships, Impaired Presidents, Frustrating Jobs and More," in 2019. He lives in Chicago with his wife and sons.Twitter: @mattpaisInstagram: @mattpaisTikTok: @mattpaisWebsite: mattpais.com

At one point Tracy Clark had a three-inch thick file of rejection notices. But she never gave up on her dream of being a mystery writer. She now has one crime series under her belt – about P.I. Cass Raines - and is starting a second about Chicago P.D. Homicide Detective Harriet Foster; the first book in the series - Hide - will be released January 1, 2023. She credits much of her success to stubbornness and spite. In her second conversation with Jeanne (our first repeat guest!), Tracy shares with her the reasons those two feelings propel her forward; how good it felt when she got her revenge; why she loves mess and all the layers of life a character has to deal with; how she views constructive criticism, and how her part of her motivation for writing her books stemmed from the Huggy Bear character in the ‘70s TV show “Starsky and Hutch.”About Tracy:Tracy Clark is the two-time Sue Grafton Memorial Award-winning author of the highly acclaimed Chicago Mystery Series featuring ex-homicide cop turned PI Cassandra Raines. She received Anthony Award and Lefty Award nominations for her series debut, Broken Places, which was also shortlisted for the American Library Association's RUSA Reading List, named a CrimeReads Best New PI Book of 2018, a Midwest Connections Pick, and a Library Journal Best Books of the Year. She works as an editor in the newspaper industry in Chicago and is a board member-at-large of Sisters in Crime, Chicagoland, a member of International Thriller Writers, and a Mystery Writers of America Midwest board member. Twitter: @tracypc6161Facebook: @tracyclarkbooksWebsite: https://tracyclarkbooks.com/

“I think if I'm really good at my job, I'll make another me.” Shaka Rawls is the beloved principal of LEO Catholic High School in the Auburn-Gresham neighborhood in Chicago. His goal is to give his 210 Black and Brown all-male students the foundation to succeed in what he calls a “cold, cold world.” He shares all of himself with his boys: tears, successes, fears, and failures. He wants them to see it all; to show them that they don't have to be afraid to be who they are. He talks with Jeanne about why he made sacrifices to come to Leo; what his favorite question is for his students; how he shows them their voice matters, how he's turned traditional education on its ear at Leo, and why he trades in the most expensive commerce there is – love.About Shaka: Shaka Rawls, a 1993 Leo High School graduate, has been Leo's principal since 2016. During that time the school has experienced a 50-percent enrollment increase, as well as significant upgrades to its curriculum, technology and physical plant. Mr. Rawls holds a bachelor's degree from Aurora University, where he played football and wrestled, and a master's from the University of Illinois-Chicago, where he is completing a doctorate in educational policy. Mr. Rawls is regarded as a national leader in urban education and is a sought-after speaker on issues related to the topic. He has received a Chicagoan of the Year award from Chicago Magazine, a Defender Man of Excellence award from Chicago Defender Media and the Helen Dumas Excellence in Education award from the Faith Community of St. Sabina. A member of the Leo High School Hall of Fame, he was the Leo Alumni Association's Man of the Year in 2020. Mr. Rawls and his wife, Rukiya Byrd Rawls, have a teenage daughter, Samira.

T.J. Harvey knows exactly who she is and she's not afraid to let people know it. She's spent her whole career working in the pharmaceutical industry and has learned how to stay true to herself amidst all the corporate demands and deadlines. She shares with Jeanne why how we do things matter; how to be a disruptor for good in your business; why she's so unapologetic about who she is; what failing forward means; the three reasons you need your own “Board of Directors” for your career; and why you should never be silenced. About TJ: 

T.J. was recently named Vice President, Sales Area Commercial Lead, at Novo Nordisk Inc. With more than 20 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, TJ brings extensive breadth and depth of experience in sales leadership managing a diverse mix of products and business models across the primary care, specialty, hospital and vaccines markets. Previously, she was the AVP, US Vaccine Sales and Customer Engagement Organization at Merck Pharmaceutical Company. She held numerous other positions across the organization including Customer Team Leader, Sales Strategic Planning, Director of Commercial Operations, Director of US Learning and Development, Executive Director of Global Human Health (GHH) Compliance, Executive Director of GHH Learning and Development, and Chief Learning Officer. Under her watch as CLO, TJ's organization won multiple awards including Learning in Practice, Excellence in Partnership Award, International EHS Innovation Award and numerous Brandon Hall Excellence awards, to name a few. T.J. is a former alumna of the Women's Leadership Program, past recipient of the prestigious Presidents Award, Global Chair of the League of Employees of African Descent (LEAD),  Executive Sponsor for the PA Rainbow Alliance EBRG and is the second recipient of the Merck Women's Leadership Excellence Award.
LinkedIn: Tivonnia Harvey

ABC 7 Chicago's Val Warner's career choice was never in doubt. She knew from a young age that she would be a news anchor - despite her mama telling her she needed a back-up plan. Fast forward to today and her belief in herself has paid off in so many ways: Oprah's replacement; ten years of ‘Windy City Live;' four Emmy awards; beloved co-host, popular news anchor. Val shares with Jeanne what simple advice she has always followed; why her gut and heart are her biggest allies; what she does when self-doubt creeps in; how she's learned to get out of her own way; and what you should never let anybody tell you. About Val: Val Warner co-hosts ABC 7's “Windy City Weekend, a weekly spin-off of “Windy City LIVE,” which ran for a decade. She also anchors the 7 a.m. weekday show on the station's digital network. Her talent as a host and interviewer contributed to ABC 7 winning three prestigious Chicago Emmy Awards for special programming she did on bullying, breast cancer and stopping violence in Chicago. She won another Emmy for her role in ABC 7's New Year's special, COUNTDOWN CHICAGO. She volunteers with numerous charitable organizations around Chicago, including The Make-A-Wish Foundation and Chicago Bulls Charities. She's married and has two children. Instagram: @valwarnertv
Facebook: @Val Warner
Twitter: @valwarnertv

“You can't wait for life to get fair” is one of Ryan Chiaverini's favorite mantras. The Emmy award-winning co-host of ABC 7's “Windy City Weekend”, formerly “Windy City Live,” had a difficult childhood but he never let it slow him down. He has channeled his struggles into a successful career as a TV host, sportscaster, musician, and actor. And he shows no signs of stopping. He shares with Jeanne what he learned about leadership while co-hosting a TV show for 10 years; how perspective is the key to surviving whatever life throws at you; what three words help him stay positive; why showing up is so important in all aspects of your life; and why sometimes your best move is no move at all. About Ryan: Ryan Chiaverini is co-host of ABC 7 Chicago's weekly talk and entertainment show, “Windy City Weekend,” and Chicago Bears reporter for the station's daily newscasts. For more than a decade, he hosted the Emmy award-winning daily talk show “Windy City Live” with Val Warner. Prior to “WLC,” he was the weekend sports anchor for ABC 7. He is also a singer and guitarist, producing two singles: “This is Country” in honor of his late mother, and “Chicago.” Ryan has acted in several TV and cable shows including Showtime's “Shameless,” ABC's “General Hospital,” and Lifetime's “Switched Before Birth.” He's also partnered with several charity organizations including the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the American Cancer Society. Facebook: @Ryan ChiaveriniInstagram: @ryanchiaveriniTwitter: @RyanChiaveriniWebsite: https://www.ryanchiaverinitvcom.com/

Merry Green believes she is doing exactly what she was meant to do. That steadfast belief in herself and her talents led her to found The Black Women's Expo in Chicago nearly 30 years ago. With her deft determination and steady hand, the annual event has flourished, turning into a must-attend gathering year after year. Merry shares with Jeanne the genesis behind her ground-breaking idea; what it takes to produce an event of this magnitude every year; why staying lean and mean is important; how she builds a team that can keep up with her vision; and why keep moving forward is her mantra. About Merry: Merry Green is the President/CEO of MGPG Events, Inc. (formerly Merry Green Promotions Group), a Special Events, Marketing/Promotions and Public Relations firm headquartered in Chicago. She is also the creator and executive producer of The Black Women's Expo in Chicago, Atlanta, and Detroit. The Black Women's Expo is the nation's longest-running empowerment exposition for the African American consumer. She has an extensive background and expertise in community relations and community outreach, conducting public relations campaigns, and producing special events within the African American community. At MGPG Events, Inc., Merry produced and developed successful community relations campaigns for The National Reparations Convention under Alderman Dorothy Tillman, the Annual Chicago Football Classic, Tavis Smiley's Blacks in Technology Conference, Bishop T.D. Jakes “Family Expo” and Philadelphia Eagle's Donavan McNabb All-Star Weekend. Merry's work has garnered her numerous accolades including the Chicago Defender's Women of Excellence Award.Facebook: Merry GreenFacebook: @blackwomensexpoLinkedIn: Merry GreenInstagram: @bwenextTwitter: @BlackWomensExpo

Francis is incredibly proud of her heritage. She's a first generation Cuban American, born and raised in Miami. She takes strength from her parents, who always focused on the possibilities, not the challenges of their new life in America. The possibilities for Francis brought her much success in the corporate world. She shares with Jeanne why service is at the root of her accomplishments; how feedback is a gift; why it's important to realize you don't have all the answers and be open to collaboration; and the power three words can have over how you manage your day.About Francis: Francis A. Hondal is an executive advisor at Mastercard and also a member of the company's Management Committee. She currently serves on the board of Bath & Body Works, Inc. and Equitable Holdings, as well as the board of the FIU Foundation. She has over 30 years of experience in consumer marketing, finance, and international business management. She was named amongst Fortune's Top 50 Most Powerful Latina Women in corporate America, ranking #19 in 2018 and #15 in 2017. Francis most recently led global loyalty and engagement at Mastercard. She has a bachelor's degree in Finance and International Business and an MBA from Florida International University (FIU). Francis lives with her family in Miami.LinkedIn: Francis Hondal

Nikki is a visionary, a truth teller; and a fierce, fiery advocate for ending the stigma around mental health issues. Her passion comes from her own experiences living with a serious mental illness and being a suicide survivor. She turned her pain into promise, sharing her journey in her musical “GET OUT ALIVE.” She talks with Jeanne about what it will take to change the stigma; why self-care is so important and why it goes way beyond pampering; why the word “should” is so harmful; how we need to be authentic enough to stop covering up our mental health issues; and why fearless authenticity means refusing to perform for love or acceptance. About Nikki: She is a performer, writer, and visual artist who has been fusing mental health activism into her performance art since 2016. She has been honored with an Ambassador of the Year Award by NAMI, the largest grassroots mental health organization in the country. With her musical about depression “GET OUT ALIVE,” Nikki made history as the first Black female playwright to be produced by American Music Theatre Project and the first AMTP work to debut at Steppenwolf Theatre in Chicago. The show has its New York debut in October for the NAMT's 34th Annual Festival of New Musicals. Nikki also adapted the musical to film during the pandemic, leading to invitations from nine film festivals and three awards. Her mental health docuseries “Happy Songs About Unhappy Things” is also currently in production. Instagram: @NikkiLynetteTwitter: @nikkiLynetteFacebook: Nikki LynetteWebsite: nikkilynette.comTED Talk: Message from a Suicide Survivor

Bela Gandhi's path to success has been a twisted one. She spent the first part of her work life running a division of family's chemical manufacturing company. All the while though, the only chemical reaction she wanted to focus on was love – as a matchmaker. She'd been setting up people on the side since college and had a true talent for it. She shares with Jeanne why it took so long to realize her dream job; how Oprah changed her life through gratitude; why gratitude and fear can not live in the same space; her dad's 8 words of wisdom that stopped her cold; how to create the life you love; and why our brains are wired for negativity and what we can do about it. About Bela:Bela Gandhi is a dating/relationship expert, founder of Smart Dating Academy and has been featured on most national/local media outlets including Good Morning America, Steve Harvey, the Today Show, Kelly Clarkson, Access, ABC, NBC, Fox, and more. After she graduated from the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign, Gandhi worked in mergers and acquisitions for Arthur Andersen in Chicago for a year before joining her family's chemicals manufacturing company (CCC). Her career took a sharp turn when she left the business world for the world of matchmaking, launching her Smart Dating Academy in 2009. It quickly became one of the nation's top date coaching firms, teaching busy, successful professionals to jump start their dating live successfully. Twitter: @BelaGandhiLoveInstagram: @SmartDating AcademyFacebook: Smart Dating AcademyPodcast: Smart Dating AcademyWebsite:    www.smartdatingacademy.comTED Talk: The Secret to Lasting Love

AnitaB.org's Grace Hopper Celebration 2022 (GHC), happening September 20-23 in Orlando, brings together thousands of women and non-binary technologists from around the world to learn about their industry, gain career guidance, and meet people who could change their life. AnitaB.org's President and CEO, Brenda Darden Wilkerson shares with Jeanne her vision for this year's first in-person gathering in three years, and how GHC helps people find their community. Jeanne also talks with her co-host Shreya Krishnan about what they'll be doing during the three day celebration and how they'll showcase the diversity of the tech world.   About Brenda:Brenda Darden Wilkerson is an advocate for access, opportunity, and social justice for underrepresented communities in technology. She currently serves as the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, an organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women technologists in business, academia, and government. She founded the original Computer Science for All program, building computer science classes into the curriculum for every student in the Chicago Public Schools, and serving as the inspiration for the Obama administration's national CS For All initiatives.Twitter: @BrendaDardenWInstagram: @brendadardenwLinkedIn: Brenda Darden Wilkerson About Shreya:At a professional level, Shreya is SVP Marketing and Communications at Aon India, CSR specialist and an NLP practitioner and Corporate Grooming Consultant. She's on the advisory boards of five organizations and four NGO's. That's just one facet of who she is. This former Corporate Diva and Mrs. India Universe 2017 also works in the spaces of Activism, Dance, Theatre, Poetry, Blogging, Sustainability Evangelism, Modelling, Acting. She considers herself an Earth Warrior and is an Event Anchor and Trainer.She is a champion of Inclusion and Diversity and She recently co-authored a book titled, ‘Words Matter, the language that girls need to speak' The book is a compilation of forty words that help the reader to choose their vocabulary in a way that allows them to redefine how human beings are treated.Twitter: @shreyakrishnan_Instagram: @drama.raniLinkedIn: Shreya Krishnan

Brenda Darden Wilkerson is a committed champion for creating more inclusive technology, for both those who work in it and those who use it. As the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, the leading organization for women and non-binary people in technology, she talks with Jeanne in this special episode of Fearless Authenticity about the highlights of their biggest event of the year, Grace Hopper Celebration. This September 20-23, GHC 22 will be in-person for the first time in three years, along with a hybrid option to attend virtually... and she announces the reopening of registration to allow as many people as possible to attend! Brenda also shares with Jeanne her vision for all the ways AnitaB.org and GHC 22 are supporting technologists in achieving their goals, discovering opportunities, and finding community. Along with all the biggest names from the tech world speaking and sharing their wisdom in person and virtually, Brenda says that it's the attendees who are the stars who make Grace Hopper Celebration so special... she believes that "people need to be seen" and that will happen for all at GHC 22!About Brenda: Brenda Darden Wilkerson is an advocate for access, opportunity, and social justice for underrepresented communities in technology. She currently serves as the President and CEO of AnitaB.org, an organization that connects, inspires, and strives for greater equality for women technologists in business, academia, and government. She founded the original Computer Science for All program, building computer science classes into the curriculum for every student in the Chicago Public Schools, and serving as the inspiration for the Obama administration's national CS For All initiatives.Twitter: @BrendaDardenWInstagram: @brendadardenwLinkedIn: Brenda Darden Wilkerson

Emily Chang wants to be a positive force for change in the world. The McCann Worldgroup, China CEO has already set a practical, yet powerful plan in motion with her book “The Spare Room.” She shares with Jeanne what inspired her to start the “Social Legacy” movement, how it works, and why it leads to stronger leaders and just better humans; why she believes we should integrate work and family instead of trying to find a balance, and how doing so changed her life 3-dimensionally; why you should always say yes when somebody offers you help; and why she wants her epitaph to read "I died empty." About EmilyEmily Chang is a true change-maker, having catalyzed a turnaround for McCann Worldgroup, China in just over a year. She has always positioned creativity and innovation at the center of her business strategy. When working as the CMO for Starbucks China, Emily was responsible for marketing, sales, loyalty, customer engagement, and the digital ecosystem. Her teams were credited with tripling digital tender across stores, helping open the Starbucks Shanghai Roastery, and launching the brand's delivery program. Before joining Starbucks, Emily was Chief Commercial Officer for InterContinental Hotels Group, Greater China. Prior to IHG, she worked for a combined 15 years at Procter & Gamble and Apple. In 2022, she was awarded “Women to Watch Greater China” by Campaign Asia, one of the most prestigious awards in the marketing and advertising industry. Emily sits on the board of SOS Children's Villages, and is the author of the best-selling book “The Spare Room,” also the topic of her first TEDx Talk. She is married and has a daughter, along with a dog and a pygmy hedgehog. Instagram: @thespareroom.emilychangFacebook: @thespareroom.emilychangLinkedIn: Emily ChangWebsite: social-legacy.com

“If anybody's gonna ‘F' this up, I want it to be me. You gotta trust your gut.” Sovereign Brands CEO Brett Berish is all about going with your gut feeling on things. He came to understand that after a lot of failure. But he says everything to him now is about failing and learning from it. He says it's a powerful thing! He shares with Jeanne how he built his brand of innovative and unique wine and spirits by being true to himself; why sometimes not having a plan is a good plan; why being uncomfortable makes you work harder; why you can't care about anybody else and find your fearless authenticity; and why he believes you can't buy cool.About Brett: Brett Berish is the President & CEO of Sovereign Brands, a family-owned, international wine & spirits company headquartered in New York. Brett and his company have developed some of the world's hottest brands, including the smash-hit Luc Belaire line of French sparkling wines, Bumbu, a craft rum from Barbados, as well as McQueen and the Violet Fog, a small-batch gin from Brazil, and Sovereign's newest release, Villon. Brett's past brands include Armand de Brignac (“Ace of Spades”) Champagne and D'Ussé Cognac. Brett has been profiled by Forbes, Crain's Chicago Business, and Market Watch, among others, and was recently recognized by Goldman Sachs as one of the 100 Most Intriguing Entrepreneurs at the Goldman Sachs Builders + Innovators Summit. He has also been invited to speak on popular radio shows including The Breakfast Club and Young Money Radio. Brett's self-made success has informed his company's values, culture & celebrity partnerships, culminating in Sovereign's prolific marketing campaign “Self Made Tastes Better”, which includes interviews hosted by Brett with some of the world's biggest celebrities – all of whom are also confirmed fans of Sovereign's brands.Instagram: @brettberishceoWebsite: brettberish.com

Get ready for 30 minutes of mic-drop moments from HGTV's “Fix My Flip” host Page Turner. The self-made real estate broker and house-flipping expert is on a mission to help you seize your greatest opportunities. Her efforts come from her own regrets of not capitalizing on some big prospects early in her life. She shares with Jeanne what obstacles held her back; what she has learned about how to be successful; the three words that rule her life and career; how she visualizes her goals for greatness; and why being tired isn't a bad thing.About PagePage is a self-starter and successful entrepreneur; she's been a real estate broker, flipper and investor for two decades, and a published author (The G.O. Life on amazon.com). She's the founder of EGAP Real Estate and Do the Work, Inc. and a vision strategist. In addition to being the host of HGTV's "Fix My Flip,” she also serves as an executive producer on the series which she wrote and developed. She served as a guest judge on the 3rd season of the HGTV competition show, "Rock The Block.” Page has a huge personality, is extremely inspirational, sensationally entertaining and is inspired by inspiring others. She's originally from Los Angeles. As a single mom to three girls, Page solely supported her daughters (including twins) through private school and top universities all without child support and through the recession! She has a heart for single moms and is also available to encourage and provide blueprints to success. Instagram: @pageturnerunlimited Facebook: Page TurnerTwitter: @pageturnertvWebsite: PageTurnerUnlimited.com

There is absolutely no stopping Kenny McReynolds. He will not quit. The Chicago sportscasting legend has had 45 operations, numerous bouts with cancer, and even died (according to Kenny) and was brought back to life in 2017. He shares with Jeanne what drives him to never give up, the song he plays each morning to celebrate the day ahead; why he's always giving back; why he will never forgive former President Jimmy Carter for boycotting the Olympic Games in 1980; and the words of wisdom he learned from Chicago Bears legend Walter Payton.   About Kenny He's a multiple award-winning sportscaster, known for doing one-on-one interviews with the biggest names in sports, entertainment and politics. They include Michael Jordan, Andre Dawson, former President Barack Obama, Carl Weathers, and the last three mayors of Chicago: Richard M. Daley, Rahm Emanuel, and Lori Lightfoot. He started working in broadcasting in 1979 at WVON and WBMX radio. He's currently the sports director at WCIU-TV and hosts “Sports Edition.”  He's won five Emmys, and was inducted into the Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame, CPS Basketball Hall of Fame, and the State of Illinois Hall of Fame. Facebook: Kenneth C. McReynoldsInstagram: @kennymcreynolds

“We're only as good as the friends that we keep.” Words to live by from Conagra SVP and CCO Jon Harris. His friends are his prized possessions so he nurtures those relationships and takes care of his people. But it's not only his friends who benefit from his generosity and grace – he's learned over the years that you have to be kind to everyone because you never know what battles they're fighting inside. He shares with Jeanne what three words he would tell his 18-year-old self; what you should ALWAYS assume about people; the three big things the pandemic taught him about life; how his father's mental illness shaped his outlook pretty early; and why the TODAY Show's Al Roker heckles him on a weekly basis.About Jon Jon Harris is Senior Vice President and Chief Communications Officer for Conagra Brands. He is responsible for the strategic development, direction and implementation of corporate communication and reputation management programs across the organization. Jon also oversees the Conagra Brands Foundation, as well as corporate giving efforts. Jon joined Conagra Brands, formerly known as ConAgra Foods, in August 2015. Jon previously oversaw marketing and business communications for many top corporate brands, including Hillshire, Sara Lee, Pepsi, and Bally Total Fitness. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from Rutgers University and is an adjunct professor for PR & Marketing at the University of Chicago's Graham School. Twitter: @jonjayharrisTwitter: @ConagraBrandsInstagram: @jonjayharrisFacebook: Jon HarrisFacebook: Conagra BrandsLinkedIn: Jon Harris