The Inclusive Business Lab

In this episode, we explore the vital topic of hiring help in your business with Chelsea, founder of the Virtual Collab. Discover when to seek assistance, how to choose the right support, and the importance of having systems in place. We discuss the nuances of hiring in the social justice and public health sectors, and how to ensure your business remains sustainable while allowing you the freedom to step back when needed. Join us for insights that will empower you to grow your business effectively!

In this episode, we explore the vibrant world of Black-owned businesses in Clarksville, Tennessee, with Tiffany Perkins, a passionate entrepreneur and advocate for local wealth-building. Join us as we discuss the importance of creating a supportive ecosystem for minority-owned businesses, the challenges they face, and how the Black Clarksville Business Group aims to foster growth and success through community engagement, education, and collaboration. This insightful conversation emphasizes the need for authentic connections and the power of collective progress in the entrepreneurial landscape.

In this episode, host Lekeshia Hicks, also known as Just Keisha, shares her journey of embracing authenticity and letting go of perfectionism. She discusses the importance of creating a safe space for conversations about identity, corporate culture, and personal growth. Join us as we explore the mission behind the Inclusive Business Lounge and how it aims to empower individuals to show up as their true selves in both personal and professional environments.

Black women's hair is more than just hair—it's history, culture, and identity. In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sit down with my very own hairstylist, Bethany of Book by Bee, to talk all things winter hair care. From the importance of moisture to protecting your curls from heat damage, Bethany shares expert tips to keep your hair healthy all season long.But this conversation goes beyond products and styling. We dive into the challenges of finding the right stylist, the lack of curly hair education in cosmetology schools, and the way Black hair has been commercialized sometimes at our expense. Bethany keeps it real about the industry, from overpriced ‘curly cuts' to the rise of scam bookings. And yes, we talk about that struggle of finding a stylist who actually respects your time and your hair.Whether you're rocking a silk press this winter or staying curly all year long, this episode is packed with knowledge, laughs, and those “yes, girl!” moments. Bethany also shares details on her new eBook, designed to help beginners (and parents of curly-haired kids) master natural hair care at home.Tune in for expert hair advice, honest conversations, and a whole lot of love for Black hair! Book an appointment with Bethany and grab her eBook here: https://booked-with-bee.square.site/product/basic-curly-hair-care-for-beginners-e-book/30?cs=true&cst=customFind Bethany: https://linktr.ee/bethanytinalea

So many of us were raised with the unspoken rule: "What happens in this house stays in this house."But at what cost? In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sat down with Carolyn J—author, mental health advocate, and life coach—to have the conversation too many of us never got to have growing up.We talk about:+ How shame & fear keep us silent+ The connection between faith & mental wellness+ Why healing is messy—but necessaryCarolyn shares her personal journey, what pushed her to finally break the cycle, and how we can move from managing trauma to true healing.✨ Your story matters. Your emotions matter. Your healing matters. ✨

We always hear it takes a village—but have we ever really felt that village?In this episode of The Inclusive Business Lab, I sat down with Classie Watson—business strategist and intentional life coach—to unpack the reality of connection, competition, and what it truly means to build a safe and supportive community for women.We talk about:- Why the ‘village' has become more concept than reality- How competition and fear block real collaboration- What i actually takes to create spaces where women can thrive togetherIf you've ever struggled to find your people—your real village—this conversation is for you.____Looking for more? Find me here: https://linktr.ee/lekeshiaangeliqueconsulting

From people asking to touch your hair to "you speak so well", women of color have been victims to the challenges of micro and macro aggressions in corporate for a very long time. But what happens when you want to speak up for yourself yet you don't know how? You hire Emily Williams!Emily Williams has led transformative change processes with organizations and community stakeholders in more than 20 countries to further Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She has experience leading organizations through change and to greater impact as Founder, Executive, and Consultant. Emily is an expert Trainer, Speaker, and Consultant with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Beloit College and Master of Arts in Women's and Gender Studies from DePaul University. She is an organizer at heart and relishes working on projects that create a foundation for inclusive and sustainable growth.Join me and Emily as we discuss:MicroaggressionsCareer goalsAmbitionsCommunityMicroaggressionsToxicity at workEmpowermentSystems of Oppression Voices of Women of ColorDEI ProgramsCourageous conversationsWeaponizing white woman tearsSystemic ChangeHonorable MentionsWomen in the Workplace StudyToxic Femininity: When So-Called Allies Curb Your CareerEmily Williams' LinkedIn Post about the word "Empower"Women are advancing in the workplace, but women of color still lag behind5 ways diversity and inclusion help teams perform betterWhere can you find Emily Williams https://www.linkedin.com/in/emilyforwardever/ https://www.instagram.com/heyemilyraquel/ https://forwardeverglobal.com/services

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH!!! I could not let this month pass without showcasing an amazing LGBTQ+ company named The Noun Lounge! I am so fortunate to bring you one of the founders, Aiden Howery, a 24-year old trans man. Aiden started his first clothing brand when he was 17 called Mistaken Artists. But he wanted to create something different and unique. The other co-founder, Taylor Ray came to him saying he would love to start a business, but didn't know what. One day he was like “you know what would be dope? An LGBTQ+ inspired streetwear brand…” aaaaand The Noun Lounge was born!The Noun Lounge is a trans-owned all inclusive LGBTQ+ streetwear brand based out of the Midwest. The main goals are to bring awareness to LGBTQ+ community by spreading a positive message through apparel. Join me and Aiden as we discuss:Why the name "The Noun Lounge"The importance of pronounsComing outHelping pay for gender transitioning surgeryThe danger of existingAfraid of failureBeing an artistInclusive sizingHonorable Mentions"Say it with your chest" collectionUnderstanding PronounsExplaining the Latest Texas Anti-Transgender DirectiveWhere can you find Aiden Howery @thenounlounge@beastinme816

With all of the devastation that has been happening health-wise, one would think people were able to set aside their racist ideologies and come together especially if they are on their death beds in a hospital. NOPE!! In today's episode, I speak with Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes. Vickie is a DEI Facilitator/Consultant and refers to herself as a “safe space creator.” Vickie also works as a chaplain at a hospital in East Tennessee. Rev. Hughes is an Ordained Deacon in the AME Zion denomination. While in Seminary, Vickie served as a cross-cultural Supply Pastor of a Nondenominational Church. Prior to seminary, she worked with various female empowerment ministries, including her own 501c3 female youth nonprofit organization. Vickie has years of management/territory management experience with both for-profit and nonprofit entities.Join me and Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes as we discuss:Discrimination in health careDealing with racist patientsSetting boundariesSpiritual GuidanceBeing open mindedIntersectionality in religion Sensitivity in the health care industryChristianity dominating industriesHonorable MentionsRacism and discrimination in health care: Providers and patientsRacial Discrimination in Healthcare: How Structural Racism Affects HealthcareLet Freedom Ring, Violence Cease, Peace Be Still, and Justice PrevailWhere can you find Rev. Dr. Vickie L. Hughes?InstagramTwitter

Do you identify as a change maker in one form or another? Do you consider yourself an ally? If you do, do you know all the encompasses? If you said "Hell Yes, Lekeshia!", do I have a treat for you today! My conversation with Emily Johnsson will have you yelling at your computer and pumping your fists so if you are listening to this at work, let your coworkers know to mind their business. Revelations are happening in your ears!Emily Johnsson is a founder, guide, mentor and co-creator at Wish Tree. Wish Tree's mission is to nurture a diverse, inclusive, vibrant global community of change makers to take action on their purpose so collectively we can leave a legacy of hope, healing prosperity and peace. Join me and Emily Johnsson as we discuss:Living in SwedenGlobal perspective in the narrativeSafe SpacesConditional Conversations Showing up fully and sharing supportPolicies and Practices to ensure inclusivity Courage and ValuesThe invention of the word raceHonorable MentionsLekeshia's CoursesWhere can you find Emily?Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wishtreelife/Website: https://wishtree.life

There are some people who are just so foundational in your life, they just make you do and be better! Classie Watson is one of those people for me! I hope you have your pens, pencils and paper ready because Cassie is dropping gems! Classie Watson is a Life & Business Strategist with her Masters in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. She is the founder of the Person-Centered Business Method and the founder of Women Rise an organization for women and young girls. Classy helps entrepreneurs develop a mental health conscious business with foundational business strategies, SOP's, CX Processes & more to increase sustainability & wellness.Join me and Classy as we discuss:Being authenticNeglecting Mental HealthConsciously integrating mental health and businessPerson-Centered Business Assimilating in the Coaching Space "We Don't Talk About Bruno"Culture of Social MediaYour purpose and pathShowing Up and Shining Your LightWhat is a coach?What is a consultant?What is a strategist?Freedom papersChallengeWrite your freedom papers and email Lekeshia , share it on IG and tag her @lekeshia_angelique!Honorable MentionsWelcome to My Re-Launch"When you know better, you do better" Dr. Maya AngelouSlave Haven Underground Railroad

In this episode, I have the pleasure of speaking with Personal Finance & World Wealth Coach, Shannon Kill. We discuss how her work started out of being passionate about anti-racism. She loves working with women who have experienced some level of trauma, abuse or poverty or who are part of a minority group and who have created a successful business of some sort in spite of what they've had to go through.Shannon and I on the same wavelength about creating equity, healing money trauma and creating generational wealth that impacts our families and communities. Shannon points out that black people have been doing the work already, but as a white ally, she sees the importance of continuing to seek out understanding and education.I would definitely love to hear your thoughts on this episode. Will you leave us a review on iTunes? Thanks!To learn more about Shannon Kill, go to https://shannonmariekill.com/. You can check out her FB page Shannon Marie Kill | Facebook or FB group First Generation Wealth Builders | Facebook.Join us over at the DE&I Lounge on Facebook! You can also send me a DM on Instagram @lekeshia_angelique, or find more resources on my website: https://www.lekeshiaangelique.com/resources 

So you heard about my 3 super simple steps in episode 1. You may be thinking to yourself, what does that mean for my life? Or my business? No worries, friends. I'm going to break it down for you one by one. If you missed episode one, go here to listen: 1: My Mission & 3 Simple Steps (buzzsprout.com)As a reminder, the 3 steps are:We have to acknowledge that there's work to be done.Make it important to you.  You take action for the things that are important to you.It must be modeled in your business!  We'll cultivate leadership here.Join us over at the DE&I Lounge on Facebook! You can also send me a DM on Instagram @lekeshia_angelique, or find more resources on my website: https://www.lekeshiaangelique.com/resources 

If you've been in my space, you might know three things about me. One, that I have two sets of twins, all girls 10 years apart. You heard that right! Two sets of twins all girls 10 years apart. Two, that I have a 24-year-old son who interned in my business. And three, that I married the love of my life in June, Cassandra. There is one thing you definitely do not know yet and that is my name origin. I promise it has an importance to the story in relation to diversity, equity inclusion. So much of who we are and what we do can be tied to our names. You see, name discrimination is real. And Lekeshia is at the top of the list of names that receive high rejection- no matter the qualifications. Tune in to learn more about my name and make sure you send me a DM to let me know your name or business name origin as well!Join us over at the DE&I Lounge on Facebook! You can also send me a DM on Instagram @lekeshia_angelique, or find more resources on my website: https://www.lekeshiaangelique.com/resources 

Welcome to the Inclusive Business Lab!  I'm Lekeshia Angelique and I help entrepreneurs infuse diversity, equity and inclusion into their business without fear, guilt, or shame, or the overwhelm of doing or saying the wrong thing.  I've created this podcast to create a safe, guilt-free place to have the difficult conversations about how to be an active ally.  How do you operate your business in a capitalist world without getting called out or cancelled? It's actually simple, but that doesn't mean it's easy!  There is work involved.This is where we start! I'm here to be your GPS.We have to acknowledge that there's work to be done.Make it important to you.  You take action for the things that are important to you.It must be modeled in your business!  We'll cultivate leadership here.It's so simple, but it's hard at the same time.  It can seem daunting, but we have to be intentional and make time for it.  People are watching, and they will follow the way you lead.Each episode I'll leave you with an action, step, or reflection to keep the momentum going.  Allyship is an everyday embodiment.Join us over at the DE&I Lounge on Facebook! You can also send me a DM on Instagram @lekeshia_angelique, or find more resources on my website: https://www.lekeshiaangelique.com/resources 

This podcast is where you will learn how to start your own journey towards active allyship, tap into the power of inclusion in life and business and you know be a good human. My mission is to empower you with the knowledge you need to make the mistakes that are necessary to create authentic and safe spaces where people can truly belong.