Suite Talk by Thinking Good

In this episode of Suite Talk we check in with Khali Gallman a successful entrepreneur and author about the upcoming Columbia Career Connect conference. We not only talk about what she’s got planned for the Third Annual “C3” conference (sneak peek: entertainment and nightlight industry maven Peter Thomas will keynote), but also the latest with her travel and events app Not Just Spring Break. In the middle of the conversation, Khali turns the tables on me and asks me a couple of questions about what we’ve got planned for Thinking Good (hint: we’re writing books). Click here to listen to our previous podcast with Khali. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk, we speak with Dan Metcalf a married father of two boys, a highly successfully real estate agent and martial arts instructor. We explore how these three focal points (family, Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and work) serve as the “tripod” of his life providing focus and balance. This conversation covers a lot of ground: from Dan’s days as a Peace Corp. volunteer in West Africa; why Gracie Jiu-Jitsu is a terrific tool for personal development; working with his mom; finding the right diet to fuel and nourish the mind, body and spirit; the App that keeps his family on track; what kids can teach us about death and much more. I hope you enjoy listening to Dan as much as I did speaking with him! Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we chat with Dr. Aisha Liferidge, founder of the Minority Women in Science Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and mentorship to girls and young women of color with academic and professional interests in STEM related fields. Additionally, Dr. Liferidge is a practicing Emergency Room physician at The George Washington University Hospital, where she is also on the medical school faculty. Our conversation with Dr. Liferidge covers a lot of ground including how doctors overcome implicit biases, how patients and their relatives can be better advocates and what it means for little girls of color to see positive female portrayals in Marvel’s Black Panther. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we speak with Brandon Northington, a rising corporate attorney, talented entrepreneur, budding author and inspiring public speaker. As the “Millennial Motivator,” Brandon shares his inspiring story of overcoming adversity through self-determination, grit and an unyielding belief in his ability to succeed. Despite being told by his middle school teachers that he wasn’t smart enough to get in the honors program, he persevered to not only get in that program, but graduate from college with honors, graduated from law school and pass the bar on his first try. In this inspiring and motivational interview, Brandon takes us on a wild ride that is instructive for old and young. We’ll hear more from Brandon, but for now, lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we chat with J.C. Smith, co-founder of Bailiwick Clothing, a Washington, D.C. based apparel brand that captures the rhythm, flavor and pride of our nation’s capital through design. The idea for Bailiwick was planted over a decade ago, when J.C. and his brother and co-founder, Jeff Smith, won a t-shirt design competition that earned another company tens of thousands of dollars. The brothers (who are also brothers) only got some free t-shirts and stickers, but also a dream. They were inspired to do for themselves what they did for that other company. We talk with J.C. not only about the creative process behind his imaginative designs, but also what it is like running a full-fledge business, while holding down a 9-to-5 job. Time management, organization, long-term planning, having a strong passion and drive to succeed are some of the lessons we explore in this episode of Suite Talk. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we chat with occasional collaborator Lance Watson, Jr. about Marvel Studio’s Black Panther and begin our deep dive analysis of Gary Vaynerchuk’s latest book “Crushing It!” In this freewheeling exchange we explore the various allegories presented in Black Panther, legacy, leadership, competing political ideologies, as well as broader questions surrounding the pop-culture and cultural significance of the film. If you’re the type of person who likes to see a movie cold, you might want to fast forward the first 20 or so minutes of this conversation because we reveal a lot of plot details. On “Crushing It!” we examine the first three chapters focusing on the 8 essentials to a “strong personal brand” (Intent, Authenticity, Passion, Patience, Speed, Work, Attention and Content). We talk about how we apply these essentials to building our businesses and how you can too. We’ll be back over the next couple of weeks with more insights on “Crushing It!” You can find Lance on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram  under the handle: @lwatsonjr. Lean-in, lean back and enjoy!    

I've made my fair share of mistakes. Not everything has turned out as I would like, but fortunately most of my missteps have been instructive and none fatal. Learning from failure has been an important lesson. Yes, failure sucks and it can hurt, but it ain't always bad.

In this episode we check back in with Alexis Coates, Founder and CEO of Black Business Review, a digital news company connecting minority business owners with a network of information, contacts and knowledge. A serial entrepreneur and former professional basketball player on the European and Middle East circuits, Alexis lunched Black Business Review in 2016 and has experience tremendous growth online and social media. We last spoke with Alexis about one -year ago, so as Black Business Review approaches its second anniversary, we thought it was a good time to circle back to find how things are going and what’s on the horizon. We’re also both dads, so we spent a little time talking about our kids and parenting. Lean-in, lean-back and enjoy!

A brief autobiography of J. Jioni Palmer, the Founder & Publisher of Thinking Good, a media and lifestyle company. Be Your Better Self Click here to learn more about Jioni and Thinking Good.

In this episode we speak with Fareed Nassor Hayat truly a man of many talents and passions. He is a playwright, a successful real estate entrepreneur, a former public defender in the City of Baltimore, founder of The People’s Law Firm, LLC, and a law professor. And he just turned 40. We talk about how Fareed endeavors to balance his diverse personal and professional pursuits with being an active and engaged family man. Growing up, Fareed was surrounded by close relatives who were pimps, prostitutes and gang members, who set the example for what he says he was supposed to become. Yet, Fareed managed to “slip through the cracks” of a life destined to be trapped in the criminal justice system to receive a bachelor’s degree from UCLA, MFA from USC and a JD from Howard University. Today he stands in the courtrooms fighting for justice and civil rights for many whom he is their only hope, while in classrooms training the next generation of lawyers to join him in the fight. This is a very thought-provoking conversation about the criminal justice system, economics and the ability to transcend or fulfill family legacy. To learn more about Fareed, check out the links below.  Lean-in, lean back and enjoy! A DETOUR TO UCLA 'It Is Gratifying to Hold Systems Accountable.' Q&A With Criminal and Civil Rights Law Professor

In this 2006 New Years Eve talk, Spiritual Coach Rev. Dr. Jay Speights shares some timeless tips that are inspiring and actionable to help us enter the New Year and every day with focus and intention. You many recall Dr. Speights was our first guest on Suite Talk and at that time he talked about being the conductor of your own symphony. You can find that episode here. We will have Dr. Speights in the studio again soon to ask him to elaborate on this lecture to learn additional insights on how we can be more present and effective in our daily lives. But for now lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we speak with Mike Goodwin, The Bowtie Comedian, on fatherhood and marriage, developing the confidence to believe in yourself, learning from failure, money management and more. Our conversation with Mike, is a must listen if you are like so many in the Thinking Good community who want to get the most out of your professional pursuits while also giving the most to your personal passions. Mike has penned two pieces for Thinking Good, Respect The Green Room and How to Kill the Interview, and there will be more to come. But for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we speak with Andrew MacDowell, the founder of Brooklyn Strategic, a coalition of specialized communications agencies and media production groups based in New York City and Washington, DC. Together, they develop and implement amazing digital campaigns and strategic communications programs in the social purpose, educational, philanthropic, and financial sectors. With over two decades of experience in communications, Andrew is an industry leader who brings a wealth of business savvy having worked in large and mid-sized firms, in addition to launching several successful entrepreneurial endeavors. I met Andrew when our oldest kids were almost two-years-old and attending the same preschool in Washington DC. Bonding first as fathers—sharing our hopes and fears for our families, Andrew and I eventually discovered we had similar professional interests and quickly became sounding boards for each other. Our conversation, is a must listen if you are like me and so many in the Thinking Good community who want to get the most out of your professional pursuits while also giving the most to your personal passions. We’ll hear more from Andrew, but for now, lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we take a deeper dive with Rev. Dr. Jay Speights into our previous conversation “Being the Conductor of Your Own Symphony” or as I like to say, become the ringmaster of life’s circus. You may recall, Dr. Speights was our inaugural guest on the Suite Talk podcast.  If you haven’t checked it out, please do so, it is Episode 01. It is just as relevant today as when we recorded it last year. Dr. Speights will also be a featured speaker at Thinking Good’s Toolkit Conference on Saturday, September 30, 2017 at Trinity University in Washington, D.C. Purchase your tickets by Father’s Day to receive a 30 percent discount. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Listen to our conversation with Lance Watson, Jr., as we focus on the changing social media landscape and ways interpersonal relationships are affected. This episode is a must hear for any parent, thought leader or communicator who wants to stay current and relevant with the latest trends in how people receive and consume information.   For previous Suite Talk interviews with Lance click here, here, here and here. Lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

In part 3 of our interview with Lance Watson, Jr., we explore in greater depth the importance of fellowship. It’s okay to start the journey to being your better self alone, but we all find out the expedition is more enjoyable, transformative and beneficial when we harness the collective powers of a community. For previous excerpts from our interview with Lance, click here, here and here. We’ll hear more from Lance soon. But for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

On this episode of the Suite Talk we continue the conversation with Lance Watson, Jr., on building legacies that span generations, learning from our children and the importance of mentoring and being mentored. A technology-enthusiast and social-media socialite, Lance is the founder of Heirborn, a non-profit focusing on cultivating what he calls the “three primary functions of leadership: teaming, technique and timing.” For previous episodes featuring Lance, click here and here. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

On this episode of Suite Talk we feature a longer and more probing conversation with Lance Watson, Jr., who is on staff with The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church of Richmond, VA. Charged with leading digital initiatives for this vibrant community of over 10,000 worshippers, Lance stands at the intersection of technology, communications and spirituality. In this portion of the conversation, we parse the differences between succession planning and legacy building; the spiritual dimension of strategic planning and the benefits of intergenerational dialogue. We’ve heard from Lance before and we’ll hear more again soon, but for now: Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

0 Enjoy this a snippet from an upcoming Suite Talk podcast with one of our collaborators, Lance Watson, Jr. In addition to being a good and knowledgeable guy, Lance, is the Digital Content Manager for The Saint Paul’s Baptist Church of Richmond VA, a 10,000 member congregation. Lance, the father of two children – and a divorcee,  is a proud social-media socialite, avid self-improvement book reader and graphical presentation guru. Longer excerpts from our conversation with Lance will be released in the coming days. In the meantime, lean in, lean back and enjoy. Oh yeah, please comment, like and share. Enjoy!

In part two of our conversation with Alton B. Pollard, III, Dean of the Howard University School of Divinity, we learn more what about his raison d’être and how you can find yours. “I seldom think of what I do is work, for me it really is love of life. The love of life is for which all this stems,” says Pollard, who served as a pastor before joining the academy while also being a husband and father. “For some of us, we really understand that this is a sacred calling, that life itself is vocation.” For the first half of our chat with Dean Pollard, we focused not only on the role of faith leadership amidst a constantly evolving social and political climate, but also what lessons we can learn from the past as we—individually and collectively—chart a path forward. In this portion of our exchange, we explore how even seemingly innocuous daily encounters are imbued with spiritual meaning. We learn how each interaction influences our relationships and how by being mindful and intentional we can move closer to the Divine. This conversation will help you better understand how you truly can Be Your Better Self, by giving and getting the most out of life. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Just as one would expect, Dean Alton Pollard’s office at the Howard University School of Divinity is lined with bookcases teeming with scholarly tomes. But what makes the place unique is his collection of African art sitting atop pedestals and hanging from the walls. Perhaps the most significant piece in his collection, a statue of the Sankofa bird, resting on his desk is almost obscured by the stacks of books, papers and computer monitor nearby. Yet, even in that relative obscurity, it is a powerful reminder of the importance of learning from the past—especially amid the chaos and tumult of our current times. “Return and get it,” the statue speaks. Reflection gives way to reexamination, giving way to revelation. Our inspiring and thought-provoking conversation with Dean Pollard covers a lot of ground, but is centered on providing a paradigm for viewing the current social and political milieu, what history teaches us and how we can chart a path forward. Brought to you in two parts (look for the second installment in a few days), Dean Pollard waxes prophetically about the role of faith leaders in today’s climate and how the spirit of the divine doesn’t just exist in houses of worship, but is imbued in even the subtleties of daily life. Here’s a video snippet of our conversation. I invite you to set aside some time to sit, listen and reflect on this powerful message. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this 2006 New Years Eve talk, Rev. Dr. Jay Speights shares some timeless tips that are inspiring and actionable to help us enter the New Year and every day with focus and intention. You many recall Dr. Speights was our first guest on Suite Talk and at that time he talked about being the conductor of your own symphony. We will have Dr. Speights in the studio again soon to ask him to elaborate on this lecture to learn additional insights on how we can be more present and effective in our daily lives. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode, we speak with Hamilton Grant, a talented entrepreneur, civic leader and activist hailing from Columbia, South Carolina. He is also the co-host of Columbia Career Connect, a professional development and networking conference geared toward college students and young professionals. The event, in its second year, will take place on Saturday, April 8th, and yours truly will be speaking about developing your personal brand. Click here to learn more about the conference. Additionally, Hamilton is a principal in Grant Business Strategies, a financial and strategic advisory firm for non-profits, small business and middle market companies. He is also the Vice President of the “Hate Won’t Win Movement,” which grew out of the aftermath of the racially motived massacre that took place at “Mother” Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, SC on June 17th, 2015. This organization is committed to building a more culturally cohesive society that appreciates and celebrates differences instead of allowing them to divide us. We’ll hear more from Hamilton, but for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!  

Here is an excerpt from our forthcoming Suite Talk podcast with Dr. Jay Speights. In this segment, we talk about why is it important to listen to the wisdom of our parents, grandparents and other elders, but also how they can be better teachers and leaders. In the full-interview (look for it soon) we take a deeper dive in to our earlier conversation on being the conductor of your own symphony. We’ll hear more from Dr. Speights on a range of topics, but for now lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we sit down with U.S. Representative Emanuel Cleaver of Kansas City, MO for a serious, yet at times playful, conversation about faith, family, creative expression and social justice. Congressman Cleaver has worn many hats during the past four decades—City Councilman, Mayor, radio talk show host, husband and father—all while pastoring the St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City. Like his hometown standing at the confluence of two powerful rivers, Congressman Cleaver has spent his life navigating mighty forces at the intersection of secular and sacred worlds. He offers a unique perspective our current social and political landscape. Some of what we learn include: what he does to relax (get ready for this one), how to talk God and what it’s like to watch your son come into his own. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk, we bring you a conversation with Khali Gallman, an entrepreneur who is making interesting plays in several spaces. She is the founder of the travel company Not Just Spring Break, which connects young urban professionals with events across the nation. She is also the author of “Good on Paper, Great in Person” a comprehensive and actionable guide for those new to the workforce. Khali has created a successful niche providing a range of services to millennials, including the Columbia Career Connect conference, which will be taking place this year on Saturday, April 8th in Columbia, South Carolina. Yours truly, will be a panelist during that conference talking about developing your personal brand. Click here to register. Lean in, lean back and enjoy! Share what you’re thinking, leave a comment. Stay connected with the Thinking Good community.

Here’s the second half of our conversation with  Acacia Bamberg Salatti, the author of “A Leading Actor Learns to Love the Supporting Role,” a deeply emotional and inspiring piece. Our talk with Acacia is a probative examination of the many issues raised in her article.

We recently sat down with Acacia Bamberg Salatti, the author of “A Leading Actor Learns to Love the Supporting Role,” for a deeper dive into the myriad issues explored in her piece. In 2009, she was appointed by the White House to the Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in 2009, serving throughout the Obama Administration. She served as the Director and her portfolio included engagement on minority health outreach and health disparities reduction strategies. She holds a Masters in Divinity and a certificate in Black Church Studies from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. She is also a former Adjunct Professor of Religion at Columbia College, her alma mater. We will hear more from Acacia in the future, but for now lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In this episode of the Suite Talk podcast, we sit down with Liz Yee, Director of Admissions for Lowell School in Washington, DC. The 51-year-old independent school is committed to creating a community of lifelong learners who value and respect each other. Our chat with Liz is designed to help you and your family navigate the school admissions and selections process, whether you are considering independent, parochial, public and charter schools, or all the above. Full-disclosure, my oldest son has attended Lowell for three years, and my youngest will start in the Fall. And no, I’m not getting a discount on tuition for featuring Liz and Lowell on the Suite Talk podcast. Our goal is offer you and your family expert insights and practical guidance you can use to make the best possible choice for your child’s education. No matter if your child, grandchild, niece or nephew is in preschool, primary, middle, high or entering college, this episode will help inform your decision-making process. Some of the topics we explore are: The importance of understanding your family values as they relate to your child’s educational environment. How the story of Stone Soup applies to financial aid (and many other facets of life). Why you should always keep you options open and it never hurts to ask. Be on the lookout for future conversations with Liz, exploring other aspects of the school admissions process. But for now, lean-in, lean back and enjoy!

In this empowering and deeply intimate piece, Acacia Bamberg Salatti shares how she learned that sometimes the best thing you can do is to let another shine. “I was the supporting actor in a long running sitcom,” she says. “My job was to make the stars of the show look good and not mess up the plot.” In the course of caring for her ailing parents, Acacia gains powerful insights about subduing ego, understanding strengths and weaknesses, and learning when leaders need to follow. I hope you enjoy this piece and find it applicable to your own life, as I did mine. Acacia is busy working on a couple of more pieces for Thinking Good, which are sure to inspire, empower and inform. Look for them soon. Please subscribe to our feed, rate us, leave a comment and share what you hear on Facebook, Twitter or by email. Lean in, lean back and enjoy! 

In this episode of Suite Talk we have a conversation with Sam Barcroft, founder and CEO of Barcroft Media, a digital media company with multiple lines of business and a massive global reach. “I’ve been passionate always about incredible stories and always think there is nothing more wonderful than a true story,” says Sam. Barcroft’s story begins in 2003, with him working as a freelance photo journalist who was generating enough projects to hire someone to lighten the load and spread the wealth. “I started my own company based upon the fact that I thought there were some opportunities for me to go it alone and take my work in the direction I really wanted to do, free of working for anyone else directly.” From the backroom of a North London flat, Barcroft Media now has offices in London, New York City and New Delhi. Barcroft TV is the second most popular YouTube news channel with 68.2 million views. Barcroft’s production company and wire service provide content for a host of global brands like National Geographic, BBC, Discovery Channel and MTV.  On Suite Talk, Sam shares with us the philosophy that has fueled the rapid growth of Barcroft Media from a one-man shop in North London to having 70 plus employees on three continents. (Hint: small steps) More importantly, we learn how he inspires and empowers his team to implement the company’s vision to produce “amazing content.” Along the way, we gleam Sam’s insights to business, which are informed in part by watching his father struggle as a small business owner and almost losing the family home; and being part of a Hip-Hop band doing £50 a show. “I say to a lot of people, if you are looking to start a business whatever you do don’t spend any money,” advises Barcroft. “Use your energy, your cleverness, your mobile phone, run your business for nothing from your back room. And then if you can get momentum with that then use up some favors but not borrow any money and not spend any money then you will always have business that will always be looking after you, rather than you look after it.” Despite leading a far-flung global enterprise that carries his name, Sam is astonishingly laidback. In this interview, we learn how he (and you can) disconnect from work and relax and enjoy your family and some of life’s other pleasures. “I put myself in a forced exile every weekend, and I’m careful not to take my mobile phone into the bedroom,” said Barcroft. “Recovery is really important, when you’re working hard you have to be bold with recovery.” Lean in, lean back and enjoy.

In our final interview with Wilson Lea exploring his article 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet, we focus on why it is essential for you to have liquid savings to weather whatever life may throw your way. “Traditional financial planning says that you should have 3 to 6 months of living expenses … In a perfect world this is true,” Lea says. “Admittedly, this can be difficult to do. You should always have some savings, but while you’re working on the other steps, $1000 should be enough cushion to get you over most things that could come up.” Listen to learn more! In case you missed our earlier chats with Wilson stemming from his article 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet you can find them here: Part 1: The Importance of Wealth Management Part 2: Save for Retirement Part 3: Pay Down your Debt Part 4: Budget As always, join the conversation by letting us know what are your topic financial goals. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Here’s Part 4 of our conversation with Wilson Lea of Parallax Advisor taking a deep dive into the subjects covered in his article, 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet. In this episode, we talk about the importance of creating a budget. “This is the hardest one for most people,” Lea says of understanding how folks spend and on what. But, he says, “tracking your expenses will help you understand where your money is going and how it is used. Budgets also help you avoid spending unnecessarily.” Listen to learn more! Here you can find out Wilson’s advice on saving for retirement and eliminating debt. Next week we’ll talk with Wilson about developing strategies to build and maintain a liquid savings. As always, join the conversation by letting us know what are your topic financial goals. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

In the third installment of Suite Talk‘s interview with Wilson Lea, based on his article 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet, we examine strategies for reducing debt (step one—don’t accumulate any more). “What I suggest is that you start with the smallest balance credit card and make bigger payments on that card and make the minimum payments on other cards,” says Lea of Parallax Advisors, a boutique wealth management firm based in Irvine, CA. “As you pay off the smaller cards take those payments and move them up with the payments on the next biggest balance.” With over two decades of expertise, Wilson has a proven track record of helping businesses, executives, retirees and families meet their financial goals.  Next time we’ll be talking about creating a budget to better help you achieve your wealth aspirations. You can also join the conversation by letting us know what are your topic financial goals. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Here’s Part 2 of the Suite Talk‘s interview with Wilson Lea of Parallax Advisor exploring his article 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet. In this segment of our chat we focus on saving for retirement. “This is a must, must, must,” says Lea, a wealth managment advisor with over two decades of experience in finance. “If you are working full time, you HAVE to save your money … Zero percent is not an option. Pay yourself first.” Listen to learn more! You can also join the conversation by letting us know what are your topic financial goals.

In this episode of the Suite Talk podcast we take a deep, but accessible, dive with Wilson Lea of Parallax Advisor and explore his article 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet. Brought to you in several parts (look for a new installment every Wednesday in January & early February) we break the conversation in to bite size chunks to help you focus on the key elements of getting your finances in order and setting you on a path to wealth accumulation. Here we introduce the topic in a way that demystifies wealth and money management before methodically dissecting each of Wilson’s 4 Wise Wealth Tips for Your Wallet: Save for Retirement; Pay Down Your Debt; Budget and Build Up Your Liquid Savings. Join the conversation by letting us know what are your topic financial goals.  

In this episode of Suite Talk we chat with Alexis Coates, the founder and CEO of Black Business Review, a digital news company connecting minority business owners with a network of information, contacts and knowledge. We learn how Black Business Review plans to disrupt the traditional media landscape for minority-related news and information by deploying an aggressive social media strategy and novel technology solutions. Additionally, Alexis shares his thoughts on being a serial entrepreneur, where good ideas come from and the importance of knowing the difference between Twizzlers and Red Vines. Growing up in Baltimore, MD, Alexis learned the value of capitalizing on gaps in the marketplace after launching his first venture hawking candy to other kids in his neighborhood. That successful foray into the world of commerce lit a fire fueling a life-long drive to pursue more innovative enterprises. A former professional basketball player in Europe and the Middle East, and educational software developer, Alexis credits his success to living by the mantra – “Never quit no matter how hard it gets, success is just around the corner.” Alexis and I also talk about: Where Black Business Review will be in five years? Why relaxing is a key element to staying at the top of your game? How he organizes himself? What he’s learned launching several businesses while maintaining a day job and raising three children? Please subscribe to the Suite Talk podcast in the iTunes store, and share what you hear on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and email. Lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Here’s part two of our interview with Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina. In this half of the conversation we learn: The words he lives by The best career advice he’s ever received What he’d tell his 20-year-old self In case you missed the first part of our conversation, you can find it here. We’ll have Mayor Benjamin back soon, but until then lean in, lean back and enjoy!

We recently sat down with Mayor Steve Benjamin of Columbia, South Carolina for a fun and enlightening conversation. Among the takeaways are: Dads should kiss their kids more It is okay to be different, even when 20 million pairs of eyes are watching Micah 6:8 The importance of knowing what you don’t know We’ve broken this interview in two part. The second half of our conversation with Mayor Benjamin will be posted shortly. So, until then lean in, lean back and enjoy!

Family and friends celebrated a two-year-olds birthday share their hopes and dreams for him when he’s their age. Here is an an intergenerational perspective on what they want for him, and our country, going forward. Lean-in, lean-back and enjoy!

In this episode of Suite Talk we hear from Matt Cross, the founder of Performance Applied, which provides executive coaching for rising leaders. Our conversation focuses on the differences between management and leadership and how you can apply a leader’s mindset not just in the workplace, but in all areas of your life. Matt’s mission is to help you perform at a higher level by keeping you out of the weeds and focused on what matters most! Check out his nifty five-day action plan to help you take stock of where you are and where you want to go. An expert in organizational psychology and leadership, Matt has an intense curiosity for how individuals win the inner game and perform at their peak. Here’s some of the material referenced in our conversation: Business Insider Infographic: Managers vs. Leaders Peter Bregman Ted Talk about Saying I don’t know Daniel Goleman Article:  What Makes a Leader We’ll hear from Matt again soon, but for now, lean in, lean back and enjoy!

A father shares his hopes and dreams for his children within the context of America's past and its future.

Free from the cacophony of technology, bills, information and other obligations, we learn how one many learned to be still and feel the presence of the Divine.

On the inaugural Suite Talk podcast by Thinking Good, we are joined by Dr. Jay Speights, Vice President of the New Seminary. Dr. Speights gives us some practical insights on how to begin each day with purpose and focus, with an eye to setting the tone, tenor and tempo. We will hear from Dr. Speights in the near future. In the meantime, lean in, lean back and enjoy!