The Courageous Personal Leadership Podcast

In this episode, Corey & Sharma talk with Kelly Little, coach, motivational speaker, and community advocate. Little, a proud, brave, and fearless military veteran, walks us through his journey, where critical moments grounded him mentally and spiritually. These moments grounded him and offered him a chance to establish clear values that drive his work today. This conversation will challenge you to reflect on your journey, go within, and draw out the greatness that lives inside of you. As you listen, have a notebook or journal close by and use Little's insights for self-reflection. 

In this episode, Corey and Sharma speak with entrepreneur Jody Yearwood. Jody is the wife to her 6th grade classmate, mother of two sons, caregiver to her elderly father, ADHD/Autism advocate, creative entrepreneur, and a Business Execution Consultant in Commercial Banking. She is the Founder of J.Yearwood Marketing, LLC and ‘the melanADHD woman,' where she shares her personal journey living as a Black woman with ADHD through notecards and affirmations. During this conversation, Jody shares how she went from an entrepreneur who was hiding to putting herself out there, as well as finding the courage to ask for what she needs in corporate America as someone who is neurodiverse. 

In this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Grammy Nominated and Telly Award-winning artist David “Dae-Lee” Arrington, Founder and CEO of Bridge Builder Consulting. After a career in music for 20 years, he had a vision to build leaders through cultivating authentic relationships across differences and has done just that through Bridge Builder. During this conversation, he teaches us how honoring our values is essential—especially in moments when tested—and digging your heels in and remaining grounded is necessary for living on purpose.

In this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Dr. Terika L. Haynes. Dr.  Haynes is the owner and CEO of two businesses, Dynamite Travel and DT Scooters. She has over 15 years of experience as an entrepreneur and leader and has over 20 years of experience in consulting and sales. As the leader of two businesses, each day Dr. Haynes' is able to walk in her purpose and share her passions which are outreach and to empower others with knowledge to improve their quality of life. During this conversation, she shares the importance of being strategic in all areas of your life and business, cultivating relationships with mentors and sponsors,  doing your own homework to ensure you always show up overprepared, and how producing results can help us overcome self-doubt.

In this episode, Corey and Sharma speak with Dr. Raquel Dailey. Dr. Dailey is the founder of Growth Compass and Best Life Abroad. As an accomplished executive coach (and certified Gallup Strengths coach), she specializes in elevating organizational culture and leadership capabilities for her corporate clients. With a keen understanding of the intricacies of professional dynamics, she brings a unique blend of strategic insight and interpersonal skills to guide individuals and teams toward their full potential. During this episode, Dr. Dailey shares how critical it is for all of us to understand our values and strengths so that we can design a life and career based on the things that matter most to us.

In this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Divinne Betty Smith, who is the managing attorney for Smith and Williams Trial Group. Attorney Smith is a Florida based attorney whose current passions include raising her family, uplifting her community and ensuring that generational wealth is preserved in perpetuity. Her professional background consists of helping families in all matters of probate, wills, trust, real estate and business. During this conversation, she speaks candidly about her journey as an attorney, the power of taking risks, and how she has nothing to be afraid of even when fear comes into the picture.

In this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with an accomplished comics illustrator Sanford Greene. Sanford has worked professionally in comic illustration and related industries for over 15 years, including work for mainline publishers such as Marvel, DC, Dark Horse, and Image Comics. Recent work includes the hit Marvel series Power Man and Iron Fist as well as covers for Black Panther and Luke Cage. He currently works on his creator-owned online comic series for Line Webtoon, 1000, and the anticipated Bitter Root, a dark fantasy/action ongoing series published by Image Comics and set during the Harlem Renaissance, which is soon to be a film directed by Regina King. During this conversation, Sanford speaks candidly about his journey as a comics illustrator, the lessons he has learned, the role patience has played, and how he continues to stay grounded as his level of celebrity grows. 

"There are going to be things that come up. You can't predict everything. The test is being able to persevere through those things." - Attorney Nicole TheodoreIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Attorney Nicole Theodore, founding and managing partner of The Theodore Firm (founded in 2018), with offices in Atlanta and Nashville. She is a 2004 graduate of The Florida State University and earned her Juris Doctor degree from Atlanta's John Marshall Law School in 2010. Attorney Theodore has had the pleasure of representing professional athletes across multiple sports, talent both in front of and behind the camera, recording artists, producers and songwriters from all genres, as well as many successful business entrepreneurs.  During this conversation, Attorney Theodore shares how she has bounced back and overcome challenges in her career, including not passing the bar her first time around. She shares candidly about having to work through self-doubt, learn how to negotiate, lean on her faith, and why she is so passionate about ensuring her clients are represented well.  

"If you don't have equal opportunity to be at the table, and access to all the things that are at the table, there is no way you are going to be able to navigate anything." - Dr. Antonio BoydIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Dr. Antonio Boyd, President and CEO of the Think Tank Consulting Group, LLC, which is a national management, development, and public affairs company specializing in the education, non-profit, government, and public health sectors. Antonio received his Doctor of Education in Curriculum, Teaching, Learning, and Leadership from the Northeastern University Graduate School of Education in the College of Professional Studies. His work and research focus on experiential learning, equity and access, afterschool programming, diversity and inclusion, social justice education, college and career pathways, and the future workforce. During this conversation, Dr. Boyd talks candidly about his career as a nonprofit executive, how and why he has made courageous pivots in his career, his work in ​diversity, equity and inclusiveness, and what he calls "Solid Self Leadership." Tune in to hear all the gems he shares!

"Even if it's not present doesn't mean it's not possible." - Jada Grandy-MockIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Jada Grandy-Mock, a senior executive in the financial services industry. Jada has over 20 years of banking experience, including commercial and small business lending, credit risk management, client relationship management, regulatory compliance risk management and community development banking. Her guidance has empowered others to lead with courage, authenticity, and influence to get results.  During this conversation, Jada explains why and how she is on a mission to be a bridge to create economic opportunities for others and inspire them to do the same. Along her journey, she tried to talk herself out of her gift, learned how to negotiate, took a risk that changed her life, and all the while, has been anchored in her values. Listen in as she drops these gems!

"If you can find your purpose, your passion will follow." - Dr. Sharica BrookinsTo kick off season four, Corey and Sharma talk with Dr. Sharica Brookins, who is a double board-certified Nephrologist & Internist licensed in Georgia. Dr. Brookins is the Founder & CEO of Remote Renal Care, a telehealth kidney practice and the first of its kind providing care all over Georgia. She is a published author in medical scientific journals and digital media; a member of leading medical societies; and a board member of local organizations. During this conversation, Dr. Brookins shares her journey toward becoming what we are calling, "The Multi-Purpose Leader." Her purpose has allowed her to live and lead courageously, and carve out a path for herself where less than 5% of nephrologists are African American. At the same time, while African-Americans make up about 13% of the U.S. population, they account for 35% of the people with kidney failure in the United States. These are statistics that Dr. Brookins is simply not okay with, and she has decided to dedicate her life's work to bringing kidney education and resources to the African American community. She vulnerably shares her journey of from questioning whether she should be in the room to creating new rooms altogether in the medical field! Trust us, you do not want to miss this conversation!

Corey and Sharma are back to continue to the Courageous Personal Leadership conversation! In season four, they will continue bringing the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership to life through the very real and vulnerable stories of their guests. The Four Principles are: Manage your internal environment, Ask for what you need, Decide to take risks, and Embody your personal mission, vision and values. Show guests will be sharing how the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership have played a role in their leadership, career and life journeys. Rooted in science and real-world experiences, the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership offer a practical framework for those desiring to increase their influence and impact, but do not fit the mold of traditional leadership archetypes and are looking for a new perspective on what it means to demonstrate leadership. Our world is changing fast, and many of the old leadership paradigms are no longer working. The Courageous Personal Leadership Podcast is part of the community that is shifting the conversation toward new leadership paradigms and models that are more inclusive and representative of our beautifully diverse world.

"Giving up is never an option. I will always be persistent. I will always find the opportunity in any obstacle. This movement is so beyond me that I have choice but to keep going." - Jeanine SuahJeanine Suah is a go-giving entrepreneur who uses the world as inspiration for community innovation and is an avid believer in the Experience Economy. With her life's mission being to help black and brown communities attain generational wealth, Jeanine co-founded Thynk Global, a coworking and event space designed for and by people of color to encourage minorities to take risks, while connecting them to resources and opportunities that help them build sustainable businesses. More recently, she founded Fynd, a platform for Black founders seeking capital. Fynd is a match-making service where non-obvious founders can find and meet early-stage investors and has a mission of increasing access to capital one swipe at a time. During this conversation, Jeanine shares candidly about her experiences in the venture capital space, and what drives her laser-focused passion to increase access to venture capital for minority founders by making venture capital more fun and approachable. As someone who is intimately familiar with investments, she makes the case for always betting on yourself first!

"If you're not managing your brand, someone else is. And I will not have someone else manage my brand. I understand that my brand precedes me before I get in the room." - James M. Davis, Jr.After graduating from Florida State University, James moved to Los Angeles in 2005 to begin working for Enterprise in Southern California. He's held multiple roles including Talent Development Manager and HR Generalist Manager. In 2015, James was promoted to his current role, Corporate Inclusion & Diversity Manager at the World Headquarters in St. Louis, supporting more than 70,000+ employees.  He is responsible for creating content, training and development for employees, and ensuring that the business case is clear as it relates to diversity, equity, and inclusion. During this conversation, James shares his approach to playing the long game in his career. From day one, he has had a long-term vision for the impact he wants to have within the Enterprise organization, and has been playing chess--that is being incredibly strategic and intentional--in order to get there. This is a true masterclass in influence! 

"Sometimes I'm just so happy with getting anything, that I don't realize there is more. Learning the art of saying 'no, pause,' has been so monumental in my career." - Vanessa Baden KellyIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with actress, writer, author, and producer, Vanessa Baden Kelly. Vanessa is an Emmy-winning actress (Giants) and an Emmy-nominated screenwriter. She began her career as a child, starring on Nickelodeon's Gullah Gullah Island and Kenan and Kel. Vanessa is also the author of the newly released book, Far Away From Close To Home (2021). During this conversation, Vanessa shares some of her favorite personal stories and lessons learned on her journey to believing that she deserves to be here. And whether "here" was her first writer's room when she moved to LA, or humbly asking for help when she didn't understand something, or passing up a seemingly amazing deal to wait for an even better deal, she has something to teach all of us about deserving to be in the room, at the table, and respected for our worth. Trust us, you do not want to miss this conversation!

"I always want to be toggling between authenticity and joy. To me, that means being this homegrown person from Gastonia, that got a PhD from U of Chicago, who is now an Ivy League professor, that wants to work in and support Black communities, who likes fried chicken and also eats sushi. I want to be all those things all the time, and that is who I am. And I want to bring that to work. " - Dr. Desmond PattonIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Dr. Desmond Upton Patton, Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Curriculum Innovation at Columbia University. A leading pioneer in the field of making Artificial Intelligence empathetic, culturally sensitive and less biased, he is founding director of the SAFE Lab and co-director of the Justice, Equity and Technology lab at Columbia School of Social Work. Dr. Patton's research uses virtual reality to educate youth and policymakers about the ways social media can be used against them and how race plays a part. During this conversation, Dr. Patton shares vulnerably about his journey to authentic leadership, and how he has deliberately shaped his research, and thus his career, around his passions and issues he cares most about. He talks openly about the internal work he's had to do, the many courageous asks he's made along the way, and the riskiness of it all. For those  wondering how to both, "Do You, For Good" - meaning, being your true and authentic self while doing immense good in the world, and also "Do You, For Good,"  meaning, being your authentic self consistently and confidently without question, this podcast episode has too many gems to count! 

"Be true to who you are, lead in a way that you can be proud of, and take care of yourself along the way." - Dr. Chanel HamptonTo kick off season three, Corey and Sharma talk with Dr. Chanel Hampton, Founder and CEO of Strategic Community Partners (SCP).  Founded in 2015, SCP is a national firm that works with organizations and leads initiatives that advance equity with and for communities. During this conversation, Dr. Hampton shares how her desire to lead unapologetically was shaped in her childhood and has carried through to her current role leading a multi-million-dollar firm. Whether she is unapologetically creating space for communities of color to thrive, unapologetically advocating for her staff, or unapologetically committing to self-care, Dr. Hampton shares wise insights from her journey that we can all learn from!

Corey and Sharma are back to continue to the Courageous Personal Leadership conversation! In season three, they will continue bringing the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership to life through the very real and vulnerable stories of their guests. The Four Principles are: Manage your internal environment, Ask for what you need, Decide to take risks, and Embody your personal mission, vision and values. Show guests will be sharing how the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership have played a role in their leadership, career and life journeys. Rooted in science and real-world experiences, the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership offer a practical framework for those desiring to increase their influence and impact, but do not fit the mold of traditional leadership archetypes and are looking for a new perspective on what it means to demonstrate leadership. Our world is changing fast, and many of the old leadership paradigms are no longer working. The Courageous Personal Leadership Podcast is part of the community that is shifting the conversation toward new leadership paradigms and models that are more inclusive and representative of our beautifully diverse world.

"You can't fake confidence and you can't fake courage. You only have it when you know you have put in the time. You cannot run with the giants if you are not conditioned." - Ty McMathIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Ty McMath, co-founder of Torch Fitness LLC, which was acquired by Valet Living in 2018. Torch Fitness provides local businesses, corporations, and residential communities with on-site fitness and nutrition services allowing the clients and partners to receive expert fitness by certified trainers who are experienced with weight-loss and muscle building results. During this conversation, Ty shares how his search for freedom has been at the core of his entrepreneurial journey: whether it was freedom to believe he deserved a seat at the table, freedom to truly live in his genius zone, freedom to go after the best deals, or freedom to travel the world with his family. 

"I knew I was talented enough to do anything, but never was ready to do any of it. I felt like I wasted my 20s and the early part of my 30s with this mindset. I realized there was an absence of confidence, purpose, and direction." - Jason LamptonIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Jason Lampton, a marketer and entrepreneur who currently works in marketing for a large financial institution in the Charlotte, North Carolina area, where he helps drive the strategy and execution for development programs for marketers. Jason is a marketing leader who has held various non-profit and government leadership roles including leading marketing and creative services for the City of Charlotte, and community marketing director for the YMCA of Greater Charlotte. During this conversation, Jason shares how imperative it has been for him to learn to take good care--whether it is taking good care of his own mental and emotional health, of the critical relationships in his life that are anchored in trust, of his personal leadership brand, or of the organizational culture around him.

"We need everyone doing the thing that they are meant to do at their fullest potential. That is the only way we are going to get to all of the great possibilities that we can, with creativity and innovation." - Lynette  BarksdaleIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Lynette Barksdale, who is currently head of diversity, equity, and inclusion at a tech company. Lynette is a DEI champion whose previous experiences include running a nonprofit focused on closing the achievement gap for elementary students, as well as leading DEI work at various Fortune 100 companies. Lynette shares the pivotal career moment that taught her to speak up, how the values of justice and equity have shaped her career, and how she is striving to maximize her joy factor--and how we can all do the same.

"Having the right people in your life enables you to move when it's time to move. It wasn't really me out there doing something. It was the people who had prepared me for leadership when leadership was needed. It takes people helping to prepare you." -Dontaye CarterIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with Dontaye Carter, Founder and CEO of Carter Media Group. Dontaye spent years in television news as an executive producer, anchor, and reporter. Now, as an internationally known media strategist, Dontaye helps business owners identify the story that connects them with their audience to drive ROI. He is telling the stories that otherwise go untold. With a refreshing dose of vulnerability, Dontaye shares his journey and the importance of understanding his own personal story, how he found his “one thing,” the secret weapon to his success (hint: it involves asking for help), and how he is making the most of the risks he's taken to reap the rewards.

"Legacy building is a huge part of who I am. It is something that has been with me since I was a little girl because of my family and the roots that we have in Miami. My great grandparents were pioneers in Coconut Grove in the 1800s. They were building homes and negotiating with white millionaires in what we know were segregated times. My grandfather was able to create a real estate company and a general store. His legacy fuels me. I have no excuse not to show up." - LaToya StirrupIn this episode, Corey and Sharma talk with entrepreneur, producer, and strategist, LaToya Stirrup. She's one of the founding members and president of Digital Grass, co-host of Tech, Beats & Bytes, and co-founder of KAZMALEJE, a company she started with her two sisters to create hair tools and accessories for the textured hair care market. You may have seen her selling these products on HSN! LaToya shares how she is finding the sweet spot in entrepreneurship—whether it is navigating the inner game of confidence and purpose, exploring innovative solutions to negotiations, or continuing her family's long and rich legacy in Miami, Florida. 

"It was a crossroads in my life. If I had not taken that leap of faith at that time, I don't know if I ever would have. But I'm so grateful I did." - Danielle ScurryTo kick off season two, Corey and Sharma talk with Danielle Scurry, REALTOR®, Scurry & Associates of Coldwell Banker Realty. She runs a thriving real estate business based in Charlotte, NC, and you may have even seen her on HGTV's House Hunters earlier this year! Danielle shares the twists and turns of her career in real estate, her secret to negotiating, and how she found the courage to return to the industry after the passing of her ultimate mentor, the late William “Bill” Scurry.

Corey and Sharma are back to continue to the Courageous Personal Leadership conversation! Season One was focused on introducing the world to the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership which are: Manage your internal environment, Ask for what you need, Decide to take risks, and Embody your personal mission, vision and values. Season Two is all about bringing the Four Principles to life. Show guests will be sharing how the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership have played a role in their leadership, career and life journeys.  Rooted in science and real-world experiences, the Four Principles of Courageous Personal Leadership offer a practical framework for those desiring to increase their influence and impact, but do not fit the mold of traditional leadership archetypes and are looking for a new perspective on what it means to demonstrate leadership. Our world is changing fast, and many of the old leadership paradigms are no longer working. The Courageous Personal Leadership Podcast is part of the community that is shifting the conversation toward new leadership paradigms and models that are more inclusive and representative of our beautifully diverse world.

"The first pathway to determining your personal mission, vision, and values is authenticity. We have to reframe how we see conflict, challenges, and our need for help." - Colin PinkneyIn the final episode of season one, Corey and Sharma introduce Principle Four, and talk with Colin Pinkney, Executive Director of the Harvest Center in Charlotte, NC and the Chaplain for the NBA Charlotte Hornets. Colin shares the journey of discovering his personal mission, how authenticity has impacted his leadership style, the concept of grace-filled accountability, and how he learned to appreciate constructive criticism and feedback.

"Trailblazing is not so much being worried about the destination; it's the journey. Being willing to journey is a work all its own." - Attorney C. Renee LittleIn this episode, Corey and Sharma introduce Principle Three, and talk with Attorney C. Renee Little, Assistant Clerk of Court & Judicial Hearing Officer for Mecklenburg County's Clerk of Superior Court. With more than 20 years of experience practicing law, Attorney Little shares the lessons she has learned from taking chances and "doing it afraid," and how increased clarity around the legacy she wants to leave changed her perspective on risk-taking.

"I had to be courageous. I had to say out loud what my issue was, and then I had to ask for help." - Evan WilliamsIn this episode, Corey and Sharma introduce Principle Two: Ask For What You Need, and talk with Evan Williams, Managing Partner at Pro Player Insurance Group. Evan shares the lessons she has learned as a small business owner who has had to ask for help and support along her journey, and how growing in this skill has been key in helping her negotiate and close deals.

"The only person  you can control is yourself, and even that is a daunting task because we are a handful." - Dr. Kareema GrayIn this episode, Corey and Sharma introduce Principle One: Manage Your Internal Environment, and talk with Dr. Kareema Gray, Department Chair and Program Director for the Bachelor of Social Work Program for the Johnson C. Smith University School of Social Work in Charlotte, NC. As a professor who studies human behavior, Dr. Gray shares the benefits of self-awareness, the importance of self-care, and her own personal journey of self-discovery and what keeps her anchored.

In this inaugural episode, Corey and Sharma take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the moment they made "the decision." This decision would ultimately lead to the launch of their leadership development firm, M.A.D.E. To Lead. The firm laid the foundation for the creation of the Courageous Personal Leadership model, which has emerged as the heartbeat of their work.