The Millennial Dreamers Podcast

I have an update for you, friend.  Let's get into it. 

Sometimes you have to look at yourself in the mirror and ask, "Is it me? Am I the drama??" And, by drama I mean, are you the one preventing/stalling what could be the progression of your big idea from thought to profitable business? In this episode, I get candid on how I've found myself grappling with this very question. I also discuss how you too can get real with yourself and ask the tough questions.  Let's get into. 

We spend much of our time working. Yet,  many employees are dissatisfied with their jobs. The late bell hooks addressed this topic in her book "All About Love," and offered insight on how, even if you hate your job, you can enhance your capacity to live purposefully by shifting your perspective a bit. We delve into how in today's episode.  Let's get into it!

This week we are taking it back to one of the first interviews I recorded for the podcast. It was with Gregoire "Greg" Tillery of WeDat's (formerly WeDat's Chicken and Shrimp).  Our conversation was recorded in 2018 and, to date, it is still mentioned as one of the most inspirational. That's because Greg was so incredibly transparent about his journey that anyone with a dream could relate to the honesty.  I thought this would be a perfect refresher for all of us aspirers.  So, let's get into it. 

For colored girls who have the patience of Job and composure of Iron Man.....a working title.  Today we're discussing the recent confirmation hearing for Judge (future Justice) Ketanji Brown Jackson and what we can learn about dealing with difficult colleagues in our professional lives.  This episode is short and sweet, but applicable to nearly everyone who has held down a job. Let's hop right into it.

In the spirit of *love*, we are discussing a topic that requires we show ourselves both self-love and care. Today, we briefly address the insidious ways guilt and shame impact us and three ways to avoid those traps.  Let's get into it.  

Today, we're tackling a rarely discussed topic that impacts the mental health of ambitious, high achievers on a regular basis - overachievement. The reality is that the quest to accomplish so much sometimes comes at the expense of our quality of life.  In this short episode, I share 3 tips that may help you dial back the chronic overachieving and live your best life. I hope you enjoy!  Let's get into it.

There are few books as influential to my dream chasing journey as Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist." I recommend it as required reading for every dreamer, aspirer, or overall ambitious soul.  In this episode, I discuss seven key points/quotes from the book that are game changers - plain and simple.  Let's get into it.   

One of the most underrated limiting behaviors some of us engage in is people pleasing. It's subtle and rarely looked at negatively by others because it usually benefits everyone except ourselves. Gone are the days of feeling used and being taken advantage of. In today's episode, we consider 10 signs that you may be a people pleaser and also 10 ways to combat the behavior (hopefully for good!). 2022 is the year of radical self-acceptance, which means examining opportunities to grow. For us self-diagnosed people pleasers, it may start with a simple "no."  Let's get into it.   

Happy New Year, friend!! Have you ever considered setting a theme for your year? In this first episode of 2022, we discuss setting a theme and what led me to selecting RADICAL SELF-ACCEPTANCE as my priority this year. I'm thrilled to be back in your earbuds for Season 5!  Let's get into it.

It's been 2 months since I picked up the microphone to record and it was for good reason. I've completely leaned into the concept of doing nothing (and obsessively reading). In this brief episode, let's discuss why rest is one of the most important life hacks we're neglecting.  Let's get into it! 

One of my dear friends is flipping the script in this episode and putting me in the hot seat!

You've got to start somewhere.  Whether you're meeting a stranger or trying to connect with a colleague at a dinner party, there will always be an occasion for small talk.  It annoys some because the questions asked are usually boring or uninteresting. But, what if I told you, there's a subtle art to it that can make it less of a pain and more of a path to making connections and building relationships? In this episode, I share exactly why small talk is important and a few strategies you can use to prepare yourself for the next short chat with a stranger.  Let's get into it! 

At some point, it's become the cool thing to work ourselves to the bone for the sake of appearing more valuable. This is what is known as "grind culture," and it is negatively impacting young professionals.  In this episode, we discuss how to recognize when you are falling into this trap and what steps you can take to avoid it.  We're seeking to be ambitious, but balanced. That's the goal.  Let's get into it!

We've covered a number of finance topics on the podcast, but one that we've never discussed is investing.  While investing may seem daunting to beginners, Dominique Broadway, a top millennial financial advisor, has made it her mission to educate young professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, and new families to help make their financial dreams a reality.  And, she knows exactly how to do just that. Dominique became a financial advisor at 16 years old and eventually went on to  manage the investment portfolios of high net worth individuals before starting her own company. Her work has been featured in an array of media outlets, including Forbes, USA Today, and Black Enterprise.  In this episode you will learn: the difference between investing and trading, the first thing you should know before you start investing, whether there are any investment instruments that are best for beginner investors, how Dominique and her husband were able to set their daughter up to become a millionaire before she turns 16, and what you can do to set your children up for financial success now.   We also discuss Dominique's company, Finances Demystified, and the upcoming masterclasses she's offering.  You can follow Dominique on all things social @DominiqueBroadway. You can also visit her website for more information at www.financesdemystified.com.  Now, let's get into the episode!

We simply cannot have enough conversations about money. About the narratives we grew up believing about money, the process of unlearning those narratives, understanding how to generate more income, build wealth, and eliminate debt.  That's why I'm so excited to share the conversation I had with Anthony ONeal. Anthony is a #1 national bestselling author, speaker, financial expert and host of the popular YouTube series and podcast The Table with Anthony ONeal. He has served Ramsey Solutions with Dave Ramsey since 2015. He is passionate about reaching people in a real, relatable and relevant way and helping us get a clear vision for our future so we can win with our money and in life. Follow Anthony on all things social @anthonyoneal and visit his website www.anthonyoneal.com. Let's get into it!

What does making excellence your career standard really look like? And, what does that entail? Today on the podcast, career and leadership expert, Kimberly B. Cummings, is helping us do just that. Kimberly's mission is to help women and people of color navigate the workplace, make more money and become industry leaders. Her personal and professional development company, Manifest Yourself, LLC, provides organizations with tailor-made solutions to hire, develop, engage, and retain women and people of color. . Her work has been featured on Forbes, MONEY Magazine, Essence Magazine, Business Insider, CNBC, Fox 5, and more. Her highly anticipated book, Next Move, Best Move: Transitioning Into a Career You'll Love, released yesterday and is available wherever books are sold. On this episode Kimberly shares: How to position yourself as a leader right now; Why networking and relationship building is an absolute must to expedite your success; How to get the best salary offer before you even interview; How to negotiate continued remote work after everyone else returns to the office; and All about Kimberly's latest book: Next Move, Best, Move – Transitioning to a Career and Life You Love You can follow Kimberly on all things social at: @KimBCummings. You can also find more about her book on her website - www.kimberlybcummings.com.  Let's get into it!

Is it possible to create an online business from scratch while working your 9 to 5 job? It absolutely is. And, Serwaa Adjei-Pelle, is sharing practical steps that can and will help you do just that. Serwaa is a business strategist and partner consultant at Pelle and Co., where she works one-on-one with small and medium sized businesses to help them grow through strategic planning and the creation/implementation of content strategy. She understands first hand what is necessary to build a business from the ground up and is peeling back the layers in this episode with clear action steps.  In the episode, we discuss the difference between your zone of excellence and your zone of genius, doing an audit of your time to understand what you should start and stop doing to get more done, whether you can start a business without revealing your identity, Serwaa's ABCs of getting customers, and so much more.  Listen in to learn the ins and outs of launching a profitable online business.  You can find more information about Serwaa on her website https://www.serwaaadjeipelle.com/. You can also follow her on all things social at @serwaa_ap and her podcast, She's Off Script, at @shesoffscript. Let's get into it!

Theodore Roosevelt had it right when he uttered those famous words. Comparison, when used as a measuring stick for how good or bad we're doing, is the worst kind of self-sabotaging behavior. But, it's also VERY common. We're all susceptible to it at times.  In this episode, we explore a few constructive ways to avoid falling in a comparison sinkhole.  Let's get into!  Follow on Instagram and Facebook: @MillennialDreamers

Deciding to leave a job is not an easy choice for most. Deciding to leave a career you've had for 20+ years for the life you truly desire takes the difficulty up a notch. That is exactly what Kirsty Verity did.  Kirsty, the CEO and co-founder of REAL Coaching, is a strategic branding expert with decades worth of branding expertise and marketing strategies that she implemented for household brands. Since 2013, Kirsty has sold over $17M in physical products on Amazon and has coached thousands of Amazon sellers to build their businesses with real results. She specializes in taking sellers who are stuck or plateaued in their business and break through to reach the real success they desire. You can find out more about the work she does on her website at www.goteamreal.com. If you'd like to contact her directly, please send your email to kirsty@goteamreal.com.  Let's get into it!

Whether you're an aspiring or seasoned business owner, you likely have heard about the importance of having an email subscriber list. That is because email marketing is still one of the most effective ways to sell products and services to customers that want more of what you have to offer.  Last year, I sat down with Francis Nayan, a copywriter, entrepreneur and world traveler, who works specifically with companies, small business owners, and freelancers to craft emotional, story driven emails that convert.  Hear how he got started with this work and how you can  implement an email marketing strategy for your own business.  Let's get into it.    Follow @millennialdreamers.

We are taking it back to Season 1 for today's episode to discuss focus. If there's one thing that we can be sure of, it's that distractions are plentiful. Sometimes no matter how good your intentions are to get things done, you may find it hard to focus. In this week's episode, we discus five (5) quick tips that you can use immediately to find your focus and get things done.  Let's get into.

Fear is a natural human emotion that we all experience. But the fear of failing is not necessarily common to most. In today's episode, I share my personal experiences with this kind of fear and strategies that are proven (according to experts) to help overcome these feelings.  Let's jump right into it. 

Quick question: Have you ever done a self-assessment and considered the words you use when describing your goals? In today's episode, I briefly discuss the message I shared with a group of women entrepreneurs and business owners a few years back that addressed this very topic. The speech centered around the most limiting term we use, whether consciously or subconsciously, and how we can replace that term with more productive words.     

There's a misconception that aptitude or intellect is the best indicator of one's professional success or failure. In actuality, there's another variable that, if mastered, will garner both professional and personal success. That variable is emotional intelligence.   In the episode, I explain exactly what it is, the various attributes that comprise emotional intelligence, and what you can do to improve your own EQ. Let's get into it. 

Did you know that there's a scientific reason why our happiness fades so often? I didn't. Not until I started to research why I personally feel a constant need to improve every aspect of my life. In my research, I learned of a concept that is studied by psychologists called "hedonic adaptation." It explains perfectly why we all find ourselves dissatisfied in certain areas of our lives. In today's episode, I share what I've learned as well as a few tools that can help you combat this when it shows up in your life.  I hope you enjoy! And, so glad to be kick off Season 4!!

Happy December, friends! We've made it to the end of 2020, and this is the last episode of Season 3. Amen?! Amen. I am taking the remainder of the year off to reflect and prepare myself for renewed energy in the new year. The reflections have already begun, though, which inspired today's episode. It is short and sweet, but one that I hope will help to put a few things into perspective about what 2020 has shown us. Interestingly, the lessons were not related to "winning." Thank you again for taking this journey with me. I will see you in the New Year! 

Tackling debt can seem like an impossible undertaking, especially when you feel ill-equipped and uninformed about the best practices for doing so. Today's guest, Melissa Jean-Baptiste, understands this all too well and has taken an unconventional approach to educating the masses on financial literacy.  Melissa is co-founder of the Millennial in Debt brand, which presents financial topics in a hilarious and relatable way. Melissa also created, wrote and starred in the Millennial in Debt web-series on Youtube that follows Jordan, a clueless millennial who is desperately trying to get her life on track financially.  In our conversation, Melissa and I discussed how she was able to pay off over $100K worth of debt on a teacher's salary, what high dollar freelance gigs are available with varying experience level, and how to make "No Spend November" a success.  You can follow her on Instagram @MillennialInDebt and watch her web-series "Millennial in Debt" on Youtube.  Now, let's get into it. 

I don't know about you, but I'm trying to step my financial literacy game up before I see 2021. If this year has taught us anything, it's that ANYTHING CAN HAPPEN!  Job security is a farce. And, financial freedom and security is King.  That's why I'm profiling individuals who are educating the masses about finances, like Fiona of The Millennial Money Woman. Fiona has a finance website in which she simplifies financial concepts in an easy to understand way.  On her site, you will find a ton of articles, like Debunking Millennial Money Myths. We address this very thing in the interview, including need-to-know info such as how to choose life insurance and what two questions you should ask yourself before buying something.  Grab a pen and paper, and let's get into it! 

If asked to name my "happy place," the first thought wouldn't be an exotic island or spa or something equally as relaxing. It would be Trader Joe's. Yes, you read that right. It is the most easily accessible slice of heaven I can retreat to when needed.  My TJ obsession caused me to ask, "what makes this place so special?" Like, how has it developed such a cult following without a ton of marketing and no online sales. I did a deep dive into the psychology of the store's success, and I immediately thought of the parallels to entrepreneurship. Small business owners can certainly learn from the simplistic tactics used by this uber-successful, yet small grocery retailer.  Let's get into it!   

If you're not careful, you can talk yourself out of your wildest dreams. One thing that keeps many people from ever going after their big goal is the idea that they're "not ready." But, being "ready" should rarely, if ever, serve as the measuring stick. In today's episode, I share five reasons why you should start now, even if you're not ready.  This is a short and sweet episode, but one that I think will really give you some perspective, if you're a staller.  Let's get into it!

Many of us likely never anticipated the day we'd have to wag our fingers at our parents or elder relatives about taking better care of themselves. Even beyond that, we didn't want to think about what was necessary to properly plan end-of-life affairs. That was until a close relative passed and we saw just how taxing it became for those left to sort out and handle their business while also grieving.  Thinking of these kinds of things can definitely make the mortality of our loved ones (and ourselves) seem too real for our liking. But, being responsible and prepared early will help tremendously when that inevitable time comes.  That is precisely why I decided to record today's episode. After having three separate conversations about drafting wills and opening successions, I knew exactly what I wanted to share with the Millennial Dreamers audience.  In today's episode, I share a few ways in which you can help an aging loved one prepare their affairs. I discuss the general information and documentation they should gather and put in a safe place, as well as a few legal documents they should strongly consider drafting or having a legal professional draft.   If you find the episode helpful, share it with a friend! This can help so many people ensure that their family member's wishes are known and honored in the future.  Let's get into it.  Follow Millennial Dreamers on Instagram and Facebook: @millennialdreamers.

While many of us wish we lived in households or worked in organizations free of disagreements, the reality is that conflict is a part of work and life, in general. Knowing this, it's important to understand how to navigate these disputes with integrity and a cool head.  In today's episode, I share the 14 tips outlined by Swetha Amaresan's in her article "14 Conflict Resolution Skills to Use with Your Team and Your Customers." These tips are useful in not only a professional setting, but also in personal relationships and friendships. Listen and let me know some skills that have helped you to overcome disagreements.  Let's get into it.

Recent news headlines about Jada Pinkett Smith and singer August Alsina have sparked a lot of conversations around relationships, boundaries, mental health and much more. For me, however, the headlines highlighted a very important notion that many have overlooked - taking control of your narrative.    In today's episode, I discuss how and why we can reclaim control of our own narratives, both personally and professionally. It's pretty straight forward stuff, but worth the conversation. Let's get into it.    Follow us on all things social @millennialdreamers. 

The one question I get most often via email and DM is "what do I need to do to publish my children's book?" You may have been wondering the same thing. I'm answering that question in today's episode. I briefly discuss what an aspiring author should consider throughout various stages of the writing/publishing process. I'm also working on a self-publishing guide that will break down the specifics of how to go from idea to published book in a matter of months. In the meantime, this episode will give you an idea of what's necessary to get the process started. If you know someone who can use this, please share. I'd so appreciate it!!  Now, let's get into it. 

Happy Juneteenth, y'all! It's a celebration. And, in the words of Queen Issa Rae, "I'm rooting for everybody black!" As the country continues to dialogue about race in America, our focus is shifting toward the next action steps. We have activated our voices and are now pivoting the focus to reform, voting and policy changes. To help facilitate this discussion, I invited the founders of Black With No Chaser on as guests to help break down these topics. Tyson Jackson and Cirilo, Manego, III are activists in their own right and have a wealth of knowledge and experience.  We had a passionate discussion on what we should be doing in this moment, and spoiler, it does not involve standing still.  You can learn more about the Black With No Chaser brand at www.blackwithnochaser.com and on social media @BlackWithNoChaser.  Let's hop into the discussion!

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These are pretty heart-wrenching times we're living through, but they are not without lessons. And, many of those lessons mirror those I gleaned while reading Ta-Nehisi Coates' novel "The Water Dancer." In today's episode, we discuss what white allyship really looks like and why black joy is our right.  Let's get into it. 

Creatives sometimes feel immense pressure to have lots of eyes and ears on the work that we create. I spoke about this a few years ago on an episode during Season One. What I emphasized then is that the main focus should be on creating quality content consistently. Once we do that, the audiences will come.  Let's REWIND the previous episode and get into it!  Follow Millennial Dreamers on Instagram and Facebook @MillennialDreamers.

We often hear that the path to purpose can be found in our talents or what we're passionate about. Yet, those are only a few indicators. One powerful indicator you should consider, which is often overlooked, is the thing that angers you. What is it that frustrates you so much that it causes you to take action? We unpack this in today's episode.  Let's get into it. 

Having millennials at the helm in higher education has proven beneficial for institutions such as the prestigious Grambling State University. Today's guest, Martin Lemelle, serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the institution. He is responsible for strategic planning and execution in collaboration with the university president. Martin's work has helped increase student/alumni engagement and has cemented mutually beneficial brand partnerships that have placed the university in the national spotlight. In today's episode, we discuss why returning to his alma mater was so important and take a look behind the curtain of some notable partnerships he's helped secure. Let's get into it! 

Whew! It has been a year since my alma mater, Grambling State University, afforded me the opportunity to dance for Beyonce for the SECOND time since I retired my dancing shoes. In this episode, I share a little bit about my experience participating in the Adidas + Ivy Park Exclusive Release Party during Coachella 2019 and what that meant as a whole to my beloved institution.  Pull up a chair and let's get into it!

This is Week 5 (or 6) of the Quarantine Chronicles, and for some, it's still a struggle to get a lot done when not in a traditional office setting. Because I've been at this remote work life for years now, I have a few suggestions on how to make the most of your current situation so you can get more done.   

If you are a new or aspiring entrepreneur, you're likely looking to jump start your business with a team of one. Most solopreneurs wear most, if not all, the hats during the early stages of a business or passion project. No judgment here because same. To help you stay organized, efficient, and on-budget, I've shared five tools that I personally use within my business. Each of these tools have been a tremendous help to me, and I'm certain that will be for you as well. So, let's get right into it.  Follow the podcast on all things social @millennialdreamers. 

These are strange times we're living in, that's for sure. Who would have thought we'd be living through a global pandemic?? Yet, here we are. And, everyone is trying mightily to cope with the new normal. One way to do that is to pivot our focus. Right now there is so much noise coming from every direction. It's a challenge to decide what and who to listen to. Should we be doing all the things? Relaxing? Learning a skill? Deep cleaning our homes? Staying tuned in to the news? WHAT SHOULD WE FOCUS ON?!!  Today's episode touches on exactly that. In it, I give four easy tips on to pivot your focus and ensure you end this period of self-quarantine better than when it began.  I hope you're safe and healthy, friends.  Now let's get into it!

It's Women History Month, where we celebrate and amplify the contributions of women who have created their own paths while helping others blaze trails. Today's guest, Gabrielle Deculus, has consistently done that through her work within the community and beyond.  Gabbi, as she's affectionately called, has nearly a decade of non-profit and for-profit experience in branding, marketing, public relations, fundraising and more. Not only that, she is the visionary behind one of the fastest growing media platforms - Business Rules for Women. In the episode, we discuss how Gabbi got her start in the world of marketing, big brands she's worked with, why she created Business Rules for Women, and what attendees can anticipate during the inaugural Business Rules for Women Conference. P.S. Be sure to listen until the end of the episode. There's a special offer just for Millennial Dreamers listeners.  You can follow Gabbi on social @gabbideculus and find more info about the conference @businessrulesforwomen.  Let's get into it.   

Happy Valentine's Day, friend! Today, I wanted to talk about something I rarely, if ever, discuss on the podcast: romantic love. I will talk ALL DAY LONG about self-love and self-care, but this topic is one I leave relatively untouched, even though I'm very intrigued by it. While perusing the web, I came across an article in which therapists explain what millennials want most in relationships. I can appreciate a good expert opinion and dove right in.  In this episode, I discuss a few points the therapists noted and shared my point of view on each one. As you listen, I'd love to know what you think as well based on your own experiences. You can share with me at millennialdreamerspodcast@gmail.com.  And, with that said, I hope you are consumed with all the love you can manage today! Now let's get into this episode. 

The importance of time - how valuable and finite it is - is often loss on us. We believe there is an abundance of it, and as a result, often take it for granted.  In today's episode, we will discuss how to ensure we make each day matter from a personal, professional, and overall wellness standpoint. There isn't vague, positive messaging here. We're talking practical steps we can take each day to maximize our most valuable resource to the fullest.  Let's get into it.  P.S......Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on all things social @millennialdreamers. 

As we ready ourselves for 2020, I wanted to come to you one last time before the end of the year to share a few reflections that should help us prepare for the next decade.  I am wishing you a joyous holiday season and an abundance of blessings in the New Year.  This episode is sponsored by our friends over a Gienetix. They offer innovative oral hygiene products that are changing the game. Visit them at www.gienetix.com.  

Today's guest, Xavier Rush, knows the concept of pivoting all too well. Xavier is a lifelong athlete and former NFL, CFL, and AAF football player. After his career ended, he used his athletic know-how to help others achieve their highest health and wellness goals. He is the founder and owner of XR-Elite, a fitness brand that focuses on nutrition, physical, and mental health. He's also using his voice and experiences to motivate the masses on a new podcast he's launching with a special co-host.....his dad. We get into all of Xavier's endeavors in our conversation.  Follow Xavier on Instagram @dnt_rush_it for more information on his podcast launch and fitness brand.  Now, let's get into it. 

A great majority of people want to uncover their purpose, but most don't realize it can be born from adversity. Today's guest has a success story that proves it. Dr. Lana Joseph Ford is one of the top audiologists in New Orleans with a passion for helping children and adults who suffer from hearing loss and speech impairment. It was her own struggles as a child, though, that led her to this path. Now she is the hearing doctor for some of our favorite entertainers like, Drake and Tank and the Bangas. In this episode, Dr. J shares all about her journey and proves that often times, hard work is the magic pill. Let's get into it.   Follow Dr. J on Instagram @drjthehearingdoc and on Facebook at Dr. Lana Joseph Ford.