Podcast appearances and mentions of chandra brooks

Welcome to the first entrepreneurial roundtable for High Value Discussions, where we are delving into the minds of three exceptional thought leaders who are reshaping the landscape of business, finance, and empowerment. Thomas Alpers, CEO of Market Inventors, is a visionary in visual marketing. He has revolutionized content creation and brand development, standing as a beacon in the industry. Thomas is also the founder of the Silicon Valley Business Network, a melting pot of ideas and innovation, shaping the future of networking and business. Rudy Vasquez, CEO of Capital Pensions & Insurance Solutions. Rudy's profound insights and strategies have been instrumental in helping countless individuals secure their financial futures. As the driving force behind Teachers Retirement Solutions, he has dedicated his expertise to simplifying the retirement planning process for educators, ensuring a future of financial stability and confidence. Chandra Brooks, is the founder of The Powerhouse Academy™ and The Powerhouse Women™. Chandra has ignited a movement with her transformative programs, dedicated to empowering women leaders. Her mission is not just to inspire but to equip women with the tools to bring their innovative ideas to life, fostering powerful movements and messages. In this episode, we explore the journeys, insights, and groundbreaking strategies of our guests. Their stories are not just narratives of success but blueprints for innovation, leadership, and empowerment. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind thriving in today's dynamic world, and how these leaders are paving the way for a brighter, more empowered future. Follow High Value Discussions Socials: YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@HighValueDiscussions/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvaluediscussions/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highvaluediscussions X: https://twitter.com/Dan_J_Gonzalez Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-value-discussions/id1704921472 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55cxAJO4lPphznNGTTo1A8?si=3UUTWKePQomeFZqQ2eg9vQ Connect with Thomas: SVBN: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silicon-valley-business-network-entrepreneur-unhinged-speaker-series-tickets-756409911407 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomas.alpers/ Market Inventors: https://www.marketinginventors.com/ E-Com Inventors: https://www.ecominventors.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-alpers-2044a0212 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thomas.alpers X: https://twitter.com/thomasalpers Connect with Rudy: Capital Pensions & Insurance Solutions: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1FLWzd2FpI_-ax6WYyeLDtyNxP-kstjDgW70Ky_WoJ8U/viewform?edit_requested=true Teachers Retirement Solutions: https://www.teachersrs.com Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudy-vasquez-2247b0205/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therudyvee/ Meta: https://www.facebook.com/therudyvee Connect with Chandra: Website: https://www.chandra-brooks.com/ Leave Your 9 to 5 Resource: https://chandra-brooks.lpages.co/leave-your-9-to-5/ Book a Call with Chandra: https://chandra-brooks.lpages.co/leave-your-9-to-5/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechandrabrooks/videos TEDx Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8jHgupIMJ4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechandrabrooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepowerhouse823

Today, we are honored to have Chandra Brooks, a luminary in the realms of entrepreneurship and leadership. Chandra Brooks, a name synonymous with excellence and inspiration, is a best-selling author and a dynamic TEDx speaker. She has earned multiple awards for her entrepreneurial acumen, including the prestigious Leadership in Business Award from The California State Assembly and The California Black Chamber of Commerce and State Leaders. Her exceptional contributions to the business community have set her apart as a beacon of success and innovation. As the founder of The Powerhouse Academy™ and The Powerhouse Women™, Chandra has not only created a transformative program but also sparked a movement. Her mission is clear: to empower women leaders with a compelling message, a powerful movement, and innovative business ideas. She aims to propel them into the ranks of Influential Women and Full-Time Entrepreneurs, making her an icon of female empowerment. Chandra's journey is marked with significant milestones, including being named one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley by the Silicon Valley Business Journal and receiving the esteemed Latina with Vision Award from New York Life. These accolades reflect her profound impact in both the business and community spheres. In August 2022, Chandra launched Scrublyfe Uniforms, a venture that showcased her business prowess. Within a year, she achieved remarkable growth, all while managing her Business Coaching and Consulting enterprise. Her ability to drive success in multiple ventures simultaneously is nothing short of extraordinary. Chandra Brooks is a true trailblazer in business and entrepreneurship. Her dedication to empowering women and her remarkable achievements make her an inspiring figure. Join us as we delve into the insights and experiences of this influential leader, right here on High Value Discussions. Follow High Value Discussions Socials: YouTube: https://m.youtube.com/@HighValueDiscussions/videos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/highvaluediscussions/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@highvaluediscussions X: https://twitter.com/Dan_J_Gonzalez Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/high-value-discussions/id1704921472 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/55cxAJO4lPphznNGTTo1A8?si=3UUTWKePQomeFZqQ2eg9vQ Connect with Chandra: Website: https://www.chandra-brooks.com/ Leave Your 9 to 5 Resource: https://chandra-brooks.lpages.co/leave-your-9-to-5/ Book a Call with Chandra: https://chandra-brooks.lpages.co/leave-your-9-to-5/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@thechandrabrooks/videos TEDx Talks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E8jHgupIMJ4 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thechandrabrooks/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thepowerhouse823 Silicon Valley Business Network Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/silicon-valley-business-network-entrepreneur-unhinged-speaker-series-tickets-756409911407

This Throwback Thursday episode arrives as final votes are being counted in the 2022 elections in the United States. It's a full circle moment to revisit this powerful conversation from 2017 with community activist, TedX speaker, author of the book ​​”Black Brown and Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game,” and founder of the Powerhouse Academy, Chandra Brooks. In this conversation those five years ago, Chandra inspired me to get back out and canvas in support of a local candidate, Noelia Corzo, during her first run for school board in my community. Last night, my son Jacob and I, who volunteered together, celebrated with Noelia and her supporters as she received the initial promising results for her run as County Supervisor. If the votes continue in her favor, Noelia will be the first Latina woman Supervisor in our County. I'm honored to reshare this episode and acknowledge all the activists like Chandra and candidates like Noelia who have the courage and commitment to step into the arena, to sit at the table and own their power. Original Show Notes I'm honored to share this episode #32 of the podcast with Chandra Brooks, who has become a friend and a generous thought partner for me in recent months. Chandra is a wife, mother of four, a grandmother, author, entrepreneur and the Northern California Staff Director for SEIU-United Service Workers West.  Born and raised in San Jose, CA, she's passionate about civil rights, social justice, and improving voter outcomes and civic engagement in communities of color.   She's also an appointed commissioner for Santa Clara County's Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee and elected Delegate for The California Democratic Party. In 2017 Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose driven business that prepares potential candidates to run for political office and mentors women to own their power and leadership within their company, business, and/or community. I reached out to Chandra because I wanted to talk with her the week that she released her new book, “Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game” which provides easy to navigate tips and inspiration to help women of color get involved in local politics. In this episode, we got to dive deep into the influences which drove Chandra to own her voice and reach her fullest potential. She shares how her mother led her by example to stand up for herself as a woman at a young age and how her uncle unknowingly sparked her to strive for greatness after he doubted her future success when she became pregnant as a teenager.  And, we uncover how Chandra's ambition, value for education, and commitment to political leadership helps her inspire generations today, from her 12 year old son to the women she mentors, to sit at the table and own their power. I didn't realize when I scheduled the interview with Chandra that we would be talking the day before the November 2017 elections. The conversation couldn't have come at a better time, and her challenge inspired me to go out and do another round of precinct walking with my 5 year old that afternoon. It was thrilling to wake up the next day to news that so many women of color, including one woman my son and I had supported the day before, had been elected. Chandra, with her new book as a resource, is a powerful force to fuel this growing movement of women stepping into more leadership. I hope this conversation will inspire you, as it has me, to be part of this movement and to more fully own our power to make a difference. This episode dedicated by: Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise in honor of her mother, Dr. Gloria Bromell Tinubu Topics discussed in this episode: How Chandra intended to release her book a year after the 2016 elections to encourage people to reflect on the decisions they made the year before and realize the importance of being politically involved Chandra's strong, opinionated, and independent mother and how she set an example for Chandra to not be subservient to men How Chandra intentionally teaches her children about social justice issues and about their heritage The lack of access Chandra witnessed to vocational training and education for women in a local prison, compared to the men, and how she's using her leverage as Commissioner to change that. What happened when Chandra's uncle told her “Your life is over, you might as well prepare to be on welfare” after she announced she was pregnant as a teenager. How Chandra's fascination and observation of people in leadership planted seeds for her becoming an entrepreneur The importance of seeking out mentors and coaches and not being afraid to reach out and ask for help Chandra's call to action for us to get more engaged in our local community politics Resources mentioned in this episode: Chandra Brook's Mother on a Quest Feature Chandra's purpose-driven company The SocialPreneur Women Podcasters in Solidarity Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game! National School Board Association Commission on the Status of Women – the County of Santa Clara This Week's Challenge: Get involved as a leader in your local community.. Join a school board, commission, or neighborhood association. Use your influence and privilege to support communities in need and leaders of color.

Founder of The Powerhouse Women™, TEDx Speaker, and Best Selling Author, Chandra Brooks focuses on helping professional women follow their dreams of becoming a social-focused entrepreneurs.

Join me as I talk with best selling author Chandra Brooks about what it means to be a leader in your community, and how to be a powerhouse despite the naysayers. Chandra Brooks is a Best Selling Author, TEDx Speaker, Entrepreneur, and founder of The Powerhouse Academy. The Powerhouse Academy is a program that turns women leaders with a message into Influential Women in their industry. She’s been named one of the Most Influential Women in Silicon Valley from Silicon Valley Business Journal and received the Latina with Vision Award from New York Life. You can connect with Chandra through Chandra’s website WeArePowerhouseWomen.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/whenwomenspeak/support

Norman J. Liverpool IV is an entrepreneur and speaker, with a passion for spreading awareness for the LGBTQ+ community and the issues that community faces.He's also the creator of a signature mentorship and coaching program designed for that same LGBTQ+ community called Over the Top Living. Prior to accomplishing so much not only for himself, but others as well, Norman left his home in Chicago and relocated to Las Vegas in 2007, that he began his journey to finding himself. By 2008, this journey led him to the realization that he was gay. Then identifying as a gay black man, he would spend the next several years in and out of varying versions of himself. This process has spanned for over 15 years. We're here to talk quite a bit about that. Show Notes Follow Norman on Instagram | Facebook Theme music by: Ruel Morales Audio Transcript Brian Schoenborn 0:01 Hello, hello. Hey everybody. Our guest today is an entrepreneur and speaker, the passion for spreading awareness for the LGBTQ plus community and the issues that community faces. He's also the creator of a signature mentorship and coaching program designed for that same LGBTQ plus community called over the top living prior to accomplishing so much not only for himself, but others as well. Norman left his home in Chicago and relocated to Las Vegas during this time in 2007, that he began his journey to finding himself by 2008. This journey led him to the realization that he was gay. Then identifying as a gay black man, he would spend the next several years in and out of varying versions of himself. This process has spanned for over 15 years. We're here to talk quite a bit about that. Give it up for my friend, Norman J. Liverpool, the fourth. Brian Schoenborn 0:55 My name is Brian Schoenborn. I'm an explorer of people, places and culture. In my travels spanning over 20 countries across four continents, I've had the pleasure of engaging in authentic conversations with amazingly interesting people. These are their stories on location and unfiltered presented by 8B Media. This is Half the City. Brian Schoenborn 1:21 What's up, man? How you doing, Norman? Norman J. Liverpool IV 1:23 I'm good as another day in paradise, that's for sure. Brian Schoenborn 1:25 Another Day in Paradise. You are absolutely right, man. Now, I gotta tell you, man, I've so I've known you for quite some time. What is like, 10? Norman J. Liverpool IV 1:33 Yeah, we met we met back in '08. Brian Schoenborn 1:36 yeah. 2008 That's right. You know, when I first saw you talking about what you're up to now, I got…Well, I was really interested, of course, but I was also really, really impressed with how far you've come in the last, you know, 12, 12-plus years. You know, it's really inspiring, you see, to see people growing and changing like that, you know, like, like the way I see things is everyone's kind of a collection of our moments, right, where and how we respond to it. So everyone's unique, you know, 8 billion people, which is why I named my company 8B Media, and everyone's got a story and everyone's perspectives and frameworks and everything like that are all unique to their experiences. So I'm interested, if you can kind of tell me how, how you went from Northern Liverpool, coworker, to kind of to discovering that you're a black gay man, and then kind of coming into your own a bit. Norman J. Liverpool IV 2:35 Well, it started back actually in 2007, when I moved to Las Vegas from Chicago. And a huge reason that I decided to move is because my family back home were extremely religious. And I was still trying to figure out myself, I was trying to come into adulthood. And I just didn't feel like I could do that with All of these influences around me. So I got a one way ticket and came to Las Vegas in December of 2007. And I got the job at Metro right away. But then again, I was still like a baby, you know, I'm 21 years old. I didn't know up from down. I didn't know what expressing myself and living as a gay man what that actually meant, because for so long I was told that it was wrong, I'm going to hell, all of that. Norman J. Liverpool IV 3:32 So when you and I met, I was going from one extreme to the next because I did not know like where to even begin. So I remember back then, like I would have like long hair and carry big purses and have you know, like all of that and then because that's what what when you look at media, you know, that's what I saw. And I did not know that that I didn't have to be anything but myself. And so I spent quite some time kind of acting, if you will, trying to figure out what being gay means. And what, what it meant for me. Brian Schoenborn 4:16 Mm hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 4:17 And, oh, it was years of of turmoil and going up and down and in and out of relationships, and it was just like a lot of craziness. And then I got into property management back in 2012. And that really shifted things for me because prior to that, you know, I was working, you know, as you know, at Metro PCS, and then I was also a part time bartender. You know, I did drag shows and I was doing all these things. And then when the property management came on the table, I didn't have time for all of that because now working nine to five I have really important responsibilities and duties and so that was kind of like the catalyst that kind of started a lot of this, just because it changed the way that I had to interact professionally. And then from there, I just really started doing the work. I started writing, journaling, and really doing the work, you know, get in touch with myself and figure out what the heck that even meant. But to be completely honest, it wasn't really until last year, where things begin to shift focus for me, and my my vision and my purpose became a little bit more clear. Brian Schoenborn 5:39 That's interesting. I um, kind of similarly, um, you know, like, I've lived with PTSD for like, almost 20 years at this point. Norman J. Liverpool IV 5:50 Right. Brian Schoenborn 5:51 And, you know, because of that, I've spent a lot of time searching for my self, my purpose and all of that as well. Right. Norman J. Liverpool IV 6:00 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 6:01 You know, that that took me to Vegas, it took me to Boston and New York and, you know, China for a few years and all over the place and just trying to find a fit, right? Like, where, where my sweet spot is right? Norman J. Liverpool IV 6:13 Right. For sure. Brian Schoenborn 6:14 And it wasn't until, like, I moved up the corporate ladder, and all this and that, and, you know, at a fairly young age, my early 30s, I was near the top of a major corporation, Jose Cuervo. Living a job of, you know, a lot of people's dreams, that sort of thing. And I was just miserable, you know. And so, finally, at that point where I'd kind of like I'd given up and I'm like, you know what? This isn't sustainable for the next 30 years of my life. Norman J. Liverpool IV 6:39 Right. Brian Schoenborn 6:40 I got to figure out what the hell I'm going to do with my life who am I, you know, and so I started doing the work as well. You know, I kind of locked myself in my bedroom after work for like two months and like, I was journaling, doing skill and ability assessments and you know, things like that. And that kind of set me off on this path of you know, figuring out is something related to communications, international stuff, that kind of thing. But even then it took me a couple of years until I kind of finally realized that it's, it's the storytelling stuff, right, that's that's the stuff that gets me. You know, it's, it's telling my story, it's helping other people tell theirs, that kind of stuff, but but it took a long time to get there. Norman J. Liverpool IV 7:21 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 7:22 Just you know, when you when you talk about doing the work, you know, there's a lot to be said about that. What kind of stuff did you do? Like what was your…did you have a process that you laid out? Or was there you know, certain books that you read, or Norman J. Liverpool IV 7:35 I don't necessarily know that there was a process, I just knew that I was destined for greater. And so then the work became connecting A to Z. Oh, I'm here, but I know I need to go there. Brian Schoenborn 7:49 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 7:50 So part of that was me surrounding myself with like minded people. But it's also surrounding myself with people who had already attained certain things that I wanted for myself and professionally, personally. So, I mean, I've read books, you know, but a lot of the work had to do with me letting go of toxic family dynamics, toxic friendships, letting go of the the self shame that I had dealt with being a black gay man, and dealing with that kind of thing. And it was mostly internal, the work that I had to do. It was it was working on myself so that I could allow myself and give myself the permission to be the person that I knew that I'm destined. Brian Schoenborn 8:47 Yeah, no, I hear that and, you know, like for me, you know, so I went through some I had a little bit of process and I kind of figured out, you know, it was a lot of internal processing to, but it wasn't until like, you know, when I, when I made that decision to go to China, gave up everything. You know, I said, hey, I've got to do something international something communications, but I don't know what it is not leaving China till I figure it out. Norman J. Liverpool IV 9:11 Right. Brian Schoenborn 9:13 It was in China that that's when I, that's when I got to that point where I was like, Okay, give up all of these constructs that I that I have learned throughout my life, you know, give up caring about what people think about me, that sort of thing, and allowing myself just to be and to happen. Right. Norman J. Liverpool IV 9:35 Right. For sure. Brian Schoenborn 9:36 It was it was that, you know, a conscious decision. when everything started getting easier, everything and everything started happening, and it was all the stuff that I've kind of always wanted to happen. I just didn't really know that I was allowed to. Norman J. Liverpool IV 9:53 Oh, for sure. Yeah. Yeah, you definitely. I mean, you definitely have to give yourself permission and thing that I don't think A lot of people understand, you have got to give yourself permission to say no to everything that is not leading you to your best self and your best lines. And that was really difficult for me because I'm a yes person, you know, I will help everyone I want to do everything for everyone. But as my mom always says, you know, when the airplane, you know, when they're doing that kind of spiel, when you get into an airplane, they say, if the mask comes down, put yours on first. And so as, the 2019 was the year of me putting my mask on first and to self care, self love, and even being a little bit selfish, and I know we try to steer away from that that term, selfish, but I really had to be I had to be selfish with my time. I had to be selfish with the energy that I was allowing myself allowing you know myself to put into other things and so Yeah, it really was the year of me putting my own mask on and just kind of finding my own footing and setting some new boundaries, you know, for others as well as myself. Brian Schoenborn 11:08 Yep. Yeah, hear that. I mean, you know, like for me, again, cuz so the last probably two, three years it's been really where I've been like, okay, all the way. But you know, it wasn't until I found that found that sweet spot, figured out who I was and then once I got it I'm like there's no way am I letting this go, you know, bury my head in my work you know, the only the only thing that I can do is think about this and like, push this forward you know that whole thing. Curious you just kind of backing up a little bit. You mentioned you mentioned talking about living as a black gay man. Right so like, you know, I'm neither black nor gay. Norman J. Liverpool IV 11:48 Okay. Brian Schoenborn 11:48 So so I don't understand necessarily the you know, the micro cultures of us or how they how they are you know how how that intersection, that intersectional micro culture might be, but I know that like, you know, over the last 15-20 years has been so much progress made as far as, you know, rights within the LGBTQ community, as well as, you know, general acceptance, and everything else that's that's happened over the years. You know, I feel like there's like our society in general, is a lot more open and welcoming to people of pretty much, you know, any intersection. I know, there's a lot of work to be done. Norman J. Liverpool IV 12:33 Oh, yeah, for sure. Brian Schoenborn 12:34 But there's a lot of ground that's been made. So I'm just wondering, like, you know, what the difference between being a gay man is maybe versus being a black gay man, or even a gay man that grew up in those religious constructs. Norman J. Liverpool IV 12:47 So I'll tell you, I have a quote that I love, and it's from a movie called great that's on amazon prime. And it says being a black man in America is a reality that should never be justified. So you can Imagine being a gay black man. And so the way that I liken it is being black and this is just being, you know, completely transparent. You're born with a strike against you already. Okay? Brian Schoenborn 13:15 Yeah. Norman J. Liverpool IV 13:16 And, and it's the sad reality that we've definitely made some strides in leaps and bounds, you know, for more of a closer inclusive type of thing. But, I mean, if you're born with that, you know what I mean? And I've seen it, you know, my dad is a black man, my uncles are black men. And I've seen the struggle and it's, and it's almost something that is internalized and passed down generationally. It's, it's really bizarre. So, when you're dealing with the construct of what a black man is, you know, there's stereotypes there's the reality there's all these different things that that that people think about being a black man, but one of those is not being gay. Norman J. Liverpool IV 14:03 So, the the difference for me and you know, this is my, my experience is that it's literally like, I'm wearing a scarlet letter before I even open my mouth and I'm the type of person that people know, I can tell that I'm gay right away, you I'm not…I've never been one of those people like I've been over the top my entire life. And so, to walk into a space and immediately trigger whatever people's responses are to black people or to gay people, or to gay black people, whatever, it almost is, like you have to be on the defense. And, you know, I, I felt like I was having to choose what events I was going to go to. I learned how to ignore certain things. So that way, it didn't affect me, you know. But to be completely honest, a lot of the stuff that I had to work through came from my family. Brian Schoenborn 15:02 Huh. Norman J. Liverpool IV 15:02 And it wasn't so much from the outside world, you know, which I mean, I got that. But I think what it was is the rejection from my family and the hesitation for them to really know Norman and so that really shaped my, my, my perspective because I looked up to, you know, various family members who were men and so that to have them say some of the things that they said and did some of the things that they did, it really it showed me Okay, yeah, you're you're black and gay. Because it's like, now these like, these black people are going to point out that you're gay. And so it's literally just having just, like, almost like a clown. Like it's whenever you go somewhere. It's like, Oh my god, who's gonna say something about this or who's gonna say something about that? And what's ironic is that the whole kind of discrimination about me being gay happened well before I can consciously remember being discriminated against for being black. Brian Schoenborn 16:11 Hmm. Interesting. Norman J. Liverpool IV 16:12 And the discrimination and again part of it is my like maybe my obliviousness to discrimination as it was happening, but I don't really recall a whole whole lot of discrimination for me being black when I was younger. That happened, quite honestly, within like the last five years where I have kind of experienced some some of those types of things. But the the gay thing that that that started long, long time ago, and what's funny about it, is it started before I even knew that I was gay. Brian Schoenborn 16:55 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 16:56 So it was like, you know, classmates were calling you gay or fag or whatever you know, and so it kind of pushed me into trying to figure out what and who I was. And it didn't happen organically. Because these people were telling me, this is what you are. And so I, it confused the hell out of me, it…And it's funny to this day, I still am in contact with one of my classmates who was the first person to call me gay. And I told him back in 2010 I said, you really messed it up for me. Because y'all didn't know what gay was. But you were putting this off on me. Now I don't know maybe because I was different. Maybe it wasn't because I was black. Maybe it was because I was creative and had like, you know, I was good in the arts and stuff, but it really started, for me, the discrimination for me just being me. I can recall that going back all the way to fourth grade. Brian Schoenborn 17:59 Wow, okay. And, and because you because you said you're like a creative artistic type person or Norman J. Liverpool IV 18:05 Well, it was a lot of things like, people didn't like me because I said I talked to you white. Or you know i, talked too girly. You know, the other kids they didn't understand like because again, back in this time I was the we were the first black family to live on our street. I was I was the only black student in my class for several years. We lived, you know, in a predominantly white, Caucasian area. So yeah, it was it was just really crazy. Norman J. Liverpool IV 18:41 And looking back at it is one of the reasons why I started over the top living because there's a lot of people that have gone through that that have taken their own lives. You know, pick up habits that are unsafe and things of that nature and some just don't want. I want to do my part to prevent that from happening as much as possible. Because it really it really could have gone the other way for me, because it wasn't just that I was getting it from outside, I was getting it from within my family. Well, literally forces you to a place where like, Okay, well I'm gonna make this happen on my own. So that level of independence that kind of grew from that is what allowed me to finally branch out and and do what I'm doing. Brian Schoenborn 19:34 Yeah, that's amazing, man. Kids or kids can be cruel, dude. Yeah, kids can be especially when you're not when you're not getting that love from the family, either. I mean, that's like, Where do you get a break? Where is your peace, you know? Norman J. Liverpool IV 19:48 And you know, the thing is to what I've recently realized is that the various things that happened with me and my family wasn't coming from a place of malice. It wasn't, you know, a place that, for me, I'll go back and say from my immediate family, but it wasn't coming from that. It really was coming from a place of fear. It was coming from a place of naivety, it was coming from a place of ignorance, it was coming from a place of what I see on the news is real life and it's gonna be your that's what's gonna happen to you. And so for a long time, I held resentment against my parents. Because, well, I mean, specifically kind of with my mom, because she now is my greatest supporter, but she was literally scared for me. You know, it wasn't that she wanted anything bad to happen. But when all you see and here are bad things happening to a group. Brian Schoenborn 20:46 Mm hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 20:46 And then someone that you love and care about says, oh, by the way, I'm a member of that group of people. It's almost like you go into defensive mode you go into like mama bear, and unfortunately, you know, with our relationship They caused us to be estranged for a while. But you know, now we both have done the work and she's my biggest champion, but it was it was time to go there for a while because I look to her to be like my source of happy, joy, all these positive things and I experienced that from her after literally just trying to allow her to know and love the real me was very difficult. Brian Schoenborn 21:29 I think it's one of those things. It's like, ignorance leads to fear. Fear leads to like fight or flight. Right. And, but that's that's where a lot of the friction in the world comes from. I think it's ignorance. Norman J. Liverpool IV 21:45 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 21:45 Right, like, I mean, I'll tell you what, man growing up. You know, I grew up in this small town in Michigan, right? Probably 90% white people. And, and a lot of them don't. A lot of those people. They live For generations, they don't leave that little area. Norman J. Liverpool IV 22:03 Right? Brian Schoenborn 22:03 It's fine. It's a good life for them, you know, they have all the things they need friends, family, food, all that stuff, right? But you're not exposed to the various things that life in the world has to offer. And you don't you don't understand it and you don't get, you know, you don't get to humanize, you know, people or or understand, you know, cultures or anything else like that. Norman J. Liverpool IV 22:31 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 22:32 Then as far as you know, it's whatever is being propagated to you from the news, right or Norman J. Liverpool IV 22:37 Right for sure. Brian Schoenborn 22:37 Or whatever other source that you hear it from, and, you know, if you don't take time to, like, get to know people or experience, things that, you know, are not things that you've always known or that you're used to. You don't grow. Norman J. Liverpool IV 22:53 Right. Brian Schoenborn 22:54 I think I think that's kind of one of the big things here is by kind of, I guess, educating people, but also like, you know, getting to know people that may the, the certain listeners may, you know, may not otherwise be exposed to. Norman J. Liverpool IV 23:08 Yeah, and I think that's huge. Because it's, it's, it's kind of like my whole situation like when I came to Las Vegas, I came from Chicago, which is a huge city. But the way that our kind of our family construct was, it was like, we did everything together and with my extended family, so my grandmother was a pastor. So we all my whole family, we all went to that church. And so I was very much sheltered. As part of the reason why when I came to Vegas, I was wilding out. Brian Schoenborn 23:43 Right. Norman J. Liverpool IV 23:44 Time. I could do what I wanted. When I wanted, I didn't have to answer to anyone. So if I wanted to go out in this, you know, go out with a wig on or go out with how I mean whatever it is, I was able to do that. But it really prompted me to get to know a wide variety of people. I learned tons of lessons, you know, good and bad. And I think that you hit the nail right on the head, you know, when we're not exposed to certain things. It's scary. Brian Schoenborn 24:16 Mm hmm. No, absolutely. Like I just, I go back to this thought like when I, you know, I lived in China for almost four years. And when I the first time I came back from Beijing visited my family in Michigan. I ran into this lady that I grew up with. She was she was the guitarist at my church or something like that. So I knew her pretty well. She I bumped into her like this local store, and she's like, oh, what are you doing? And I'm like, Oh, you know, I'm just I'm living in China just doing my thing. She's like, oh, China, China, right? What are you doing there? I'm so scared for you. It's communist. Baba, Baba, Baba Baba. stuff. Are you safe? Are you safe? Are you safe? And I'm like, yeah, it's actually you know, I feel just as safe there. If not safer than in America and Norman J. Liverpool IV 24:59 Right. Brian Schoenborn 24:59 warm and welcoming. And, you know, there's I'm having a great time over there. And she's like, oh my god, I can't even believe it, Brian. I'm scared for you and like, but that's the thing because, you know, China's I mean, that's an example where it's the opposite side of the world, you know, China's always in the news, right? As the existential threat to American domination, you know, all that. When all you hear is this doom and gloom, or like naysaying sort of things then, you know, that's the picture that you have painted in your mind about someone or something or whatever, right someplace. But until you actually expose yourself, you're never gonna really know. Norman J. Liverpool IV 25:40 No, you never know. Mm hmm. Brian Schoenborn 25:43 Tell me So you said I think you started kind of kind of started coming into your own and like in 2019. How did the…how did that start? Something about a Powerhouse Academy? Is that what that was? Norman J. Liverpool IV 25:57 So it actually you know, and I have to give credit where credit is due. It actually started a little bit prior to the power house. I was involved in multi level marketing. And on top of everything else I've got going on. And one of the foundations of the organization that I worked with was personal development and growth. Brian Schoenborn 26:20 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 26:20 Oh, in addition to our sales and all of that, we would get up in the morning and be book clubs at five in the morning. We would, you know, we promoted healthy lifestyle. We promoted reading, writing all of that. And that situation really put me in the room with like minded individuals. From there is how I met Chandra Brooks, who is the founder of the Powerhouse Academy because she was actually invited as a speaker to the group that I was working with. Brian Schoenborn 26:52 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 26:53 And, you know, while we're talking and you know, I was doing some research on her and about this academy and it was specifically geared towards women. And so I didn't even think like that, you know, it was something that I could even consider. But then I began to look at Chandra's roster. And I began to see the list of politicians, authors, podcast hosts. Just these these powerful women and, and high ranking positions. They have access to all these different tables and like, I need that. And I reached out to her, and I, whatever it is that you're giving these women in Powerhouse, I need that. And the Powerhouse Academy is a leadership and development and business coaching mentorship, like it's all that kind of wrapped into one. And it's a six week program, eight weeks, eight week program. Actually, we actually went a little bit longer, but it if it wasn't for the power house, I would have never kind of honed in on exactly what my vision was, because you can be good at a whole bunch of things, but you can't do a whole bunch of things at one time. So what the Powerhouse taught me was, okay, what are you passionate about? And what are you good at? And can we put those two things together in a package that will allow you to touch lives, allow you to make an impact, but I mean, also, you know, allow me to make money? And so that really is like that's what took it over the edge. But kind of my I was kind of already getting in that that groove and the powerhouse just literally, it truly changed my life. Because I went from the mentality of always being an employee to now being an employer. I shifted my mentality to you know, my limitless potential. I shifted my mentality from always being okay being mediocre to pushing bnack to become my very best. Brian Schoenborn 29:02 What? So just kind of curious about, like, what is the powerhouse? I mean, you said it's like an eight week course. Are there things in there like, I mean, cuz it sounds like there was a major transformation that happened during that period. Of course, going back to the thought process was that the process was it like what? What was the thing? Norman J. Liverpool IV 29:23 It was the process but it was that having a coach that held me accountable for example, if you know so we would have group calls every week, you know, we would have print subject matter every week, we'd have group calls, individual calls, and she would give us homework. And so throughout the week, now literally to this day, she still watches everything I do. If I if I post something on Facebook, she's like, Oh, you need to change the words you know, to do this or, but it was really having access to the resources. That's number one. And that's one way to advocate you know, having a coach because she has already Been there. And so she already had a multitude of resources that I now have access to. She kept me accountable. So if I said that I was going to reach out to Xyz Corporation, you know, for a speaking engagement, or if I was, you know, whatever it is that we had planned, she was on my ass about it. And so it basically was a catch and switch in my mentality from inactivity to activity. Brian Schoenborn 30:27 From that. So from those lessons in the shifting of the mind, the accountability, and the action, how have you taken that and kind of roll, ran with it? Norman J. Liverpool IV 30:39 Well, I have launched my speaking tour, which I've always considered myself a good speaker and I always consider myself a wordsmith and someone that it was able to articulate. But it wasn't until I owned my whole story. And that was one of the things That Chandra pulled out of me because I was nervous to talk about my family to talk about my mom, you know, one of my speaking topics is you won't live to see 30 words from your mother, you know, so and be very transparent and vulnerable. I wasn't ready for that. But when it was put into the perspective of Norman, there are people who need you and don't even know it yet. There are people who are waiting for the services that you're going to provide. It shifted my mindset to being a little selfless. And so I had to have a conversation with my family and say, This is what my new my venture is. And it just so that you know, the things are going you know, are going to come out, but it was, it was a kind of a package of the accountability, the resources, and also the other women that were in my cohort. You know, we offered a ton of support for each other. And that's really what catapulted me into wanting to speak. And then from there, she pushed me, okay, reach out to these people reach out to these people. And so speaking engagements started coming in, things started changing, things started shifting. And, you know, that's that's literally how it happened and it happened very fast. Brian Schoenborn 32:24 Wow, that's awesome. So, um, what are what are some of the things that you're speaking so you're talking about you won't live until 30? Norman J. Liverpool IV 32:31 Yeah, so that's one of my speaking topics. Um, and basically that was, I mean, it just explores my family dynamic. You know, my mother was a single mom for majority of our upbringing, and my younger sister is gay as well and it's just the two of us. Now, mind you we didn't come out till much later. But that was challenging because I would have to imagine as a mother, she would have seen something or or been able to pick up about something and so, when I came out, she didn't think I would live to be 30. And it wasn't that she wanted me to die or, you know, anything like that. But in her circle, you know, the people that came out and live the openly gay lifestyle, they were involved in things and and, you know, drugs and, you know, extremely promiscuous and, you know, obviously back then, you know, AIDS was, you know, very it was in the spotlight, you know. Brian Schoenborn 33:34 Yeah. Norman J. Liverpool IV 33:34 It was very new, it was newer. And so in her mind, she was like, Well, if you are going to live this way, there's no way that you're going, you're going to live past 30. And so, I talked about that and talk about how our relationship has completely transformed into the beautiful mother son relationship that we have today. My second speaking topic is Be You Boo, and it's living unapologetically and unshamed. And it says exploring coming into your own self, accepting yourself learning to encourage yourself, you know, I feel like as human beings we get so caught up in this outside validation, that we don't realize that everything that we need is already inside of us. So we talked about that. And we talked about some of the Over the Top Living hacks that I've kind of created, which will be, you know, coming out in my book that'll be released later this year. But we talked about some Over the Top Living hacks that you can just catch that that thought and switch it to something, you know, more productive or positive. My third speaking topic is Double Trouble, my Black Experience. and so that explores my journey as a black man who's gay. And I kind of talked about the unique challenges and how internal and external influences ultimately brought me to where I am. And it talks about not just my professional development, but my personal development as well. Brian Schoenborn 35:01 Hmm. So I mean, it sounds to me like you definitely put the work in. You know, that's a lot of, you know, there's a lot of deep self reflection, you know, working through certain kinks, you know, that kind of stuff, getting to that point, man, that's, that's great, dude. I mean, you sound like a very, very whole a whole person right now. Norman J. Liverpool IV 35:23 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 35:24 Fantastic. Norman J. Liverpool IV 35:25 For the first time. Brian Schoenborn 35:27 That's great, man. I'm so so proud of you, man. What about I'm also curious because again, going back to that kind of the the black gay dynamic as well as with your with the religious family. You know, what did it take to talk about your mom for second, like, what did it take for like, how did she come to terms or come to grips with everything and and ultimately accept you and your sister? Norman J. Liverpool IV 35:56 So it's funny you asked that because what I'm getting right to share with you I just found out last week. When I came out, my sister saw how the family reacted. And at time that I was coming out, she was going through the same thing. But I found out, she just shared this with me last week, that she was terrified to come out after seeing what I had gone through. Brian Schoenborn 36:21 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 36:22 And, you know, essentially what happened is my mom basically said, I can't deal with this. You are, I'm giving you back to God, essentially. And we didn't speak for quite some time. Now. I don't remember how long it was that we didn't speak. To me. I thought it was like eight or six months. My sister said it was over a year. She was living in Illinois at the time and she shared with me that my mom's husband and my sister were one year begging and pleading my mom to call me for my birthday. Brian Schoenborn 36:55 Wow. Norman J. Liverpool IV 36:56 Um, and and she just couldn't or wouldn't But it really took knowing what I know now, it really took my sister and my stepdad, to really kind of step in and and, and say this is still your son. And so we started talking again, I want to say we started talking via email at first. And then, you know, she started to come and visit. I think that what it was is when she saw that I am, as you said, a whole person. I wasn't living in a bunch of lack. You know, I'm still the same Norman from before. And as she began to interact and insert herself more into my life, she thought, Okay, this is these are my kids. And it was that initial shock. And I think that in some ways now that I'm, you know, speaking of it, she was trying to protect her heart. Brian Schoenborn 37:58 Mm hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 37:59 And so once she came and started involving herself in my wife, involving herself more of my sister's life at the time, I think that's when it became easier for her. And it was a no brainer at that point. Because she sees Oh, wow, I raised great kids. It was it was definitely a process. Okay. It was a process that took years. But part of the success of this relationship is that I had to set boundaries on what I was willing to accept, what I was willing to hear, where I was willing to, to see all of that. And so we had, you know, we set these boundaries, and now we interact as mother son, but as adults. And so it's a completely different dynamic now, and I'm really blessed that, I'm really blessed to have the support of both my parents, but I'm really, really proud of where me and my mom are today. Because, again, it was touch and go. Brian Schoenborn 39:11 Yeah. That's, that's interesting, you know, say I think about, like, you know, every kid, sorry, every parent wants what's best for their kid. And but at the same time, the reality of it is, you know, as a parent, it's easy to get inside of this bubble, you know, you're raising the kid for, you know, 18 years, whatever the case may be, and this has always been your little boy and all that stuff. And then life starts happening. Right, reality starts happening and out and a lot of times, you know, parents don't really know how to respond to that. You know, for example, you know, I kind of like I said, I've had PTSD for almost 20 years. I was actually I was drugged and raped by a man in the military. Right? And so that that's fucked me up for a long time. There's been in my parents have known about it since early on and they've been, you know, try to be loving and stuff. But I remember probably must have been like five years ago, I think. I was taking a road trip with my dad. And he said he goes, Brian, just get over it? Why don't you just let it go? Norman J. Liverpool IV 40:23 Right. Brian Schoenborn 40:24 And it's, you know, like he just doesn't understand like what's going on inside of my head with with experiences that I had and you know, everyone's different. Some people can let things go, you know, some people experience a traumatic event and develop PTSD. Like that's how it works. You know, whether they want to try to discount you or push you away, or whatever the case may be, you know, they're always they love you and they care for you and they want what's best for you. Norman J. Liverpool IV 40:48 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 40:49 And also, they're, if they're discounting it or whatever. They're just trying to like, in their own way, I think make it right. But Norman J. Liverpool IV 41:02 It's a sense of control that that you have. And you're dealing with, you know, your parents, they want to protect us. They want to keep us safe. They don't want to believe that anything bad can happen to us. And when something does that is completely outside of their control, what I have found is it sends them haywire. There's something in the brain that just does not allow them to like to accept the fact that I don't have control over this situation. This is something that happened is that my child is going through and I've got to give them the space and time to move through it. Brian Schoenborn 41:40 Yep. Norman J. Liverpool IV 41:41 I think that that's the biggest thing that I've learned, at least from my parents. Is that it all it all came from a very loving place. But when you're dealing with your kids or anyone you love, sometimes that loving place can manifest itself something completely different Brian Schoenborn 42:04 in so many ways to I mean, this, you know, this, you know, again, whether it's whether it's being you know, whether it's whether it's having a certain orientation or having, you know, maybe you have certain beliefs about religion, maybe you join a church and your parents weren't or maybe you left something or whatever, you know, or also there's countless other things that can kind of send them that way. You know, like, Oh, you know, I was raised Catholic. Oh, you didn't marry good Catholic girl. or whatever, right? Um, you know, it's just so stupid. It's so stupid, you know, but it's but you're right, it sends them haywire and I think it's a control thing, too. is probably probably gonna stay that way for the rest of time. Because you know, everyone says they're gonna do things differently. But, you know, you get wrapped up in that bubble and you know, it's the nurturing instincts. I think, rght? Norman J. Liverpool IV 43:00 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 43:02 But it's it's great that a great to hear that she was able to work through it, you know, finally accept you for that man and it's and not only that but like to the max right like, like it's crazy. Norman J. Liverpool IV 43:14 And you know and I have to you know because I know my dad is gonna listen to this and actually give him credit because I asked my dad on Saturday, I knew we were preparing for this and I have some other things that I'm preparing for and I said, Dad, how did you react my came out? And he said, I'm still waiting. And so I didn't realize that I never officially came out to my dad accepted me and we rolled with it. Now mind you when I lived when I first moved to Vegas, and I was working with you at Metro I was living with him. Brian Schoenborn 43:49 Okay. Norman J. Liverpool IV 43:49 Oh, I, in my mind. I thought that I would have had to have told him. Brian Schoenborn 43:54 Yeah. Norman J. Liverpool IV 43:55 But no, he said I never came out. He said I'm still waiting. I just have to give him that, that that credit and not to discount you know from either parent. They're, they're both amazing, but I was really I was really proud at that moment. And I'm proud of both of my parents because I'm proud that my dad just kind of rolled with it. So super proud that my mom worked through her own bullshit and own stuff and her own whatever was in her mind or from society to get to where we are today. Brian Schoenborn 44:34 Shout out to mom and dad. Is that three? Norman J. Liverpool IV 44:36 What? Brian Schoenborn 44:37 Is that Norman three? Norman J. Liverpool IV 44:38 Well yeah, that's Norman the third. Brian Schoenborn 44:40 Shout out shout out to Big Three. Norman J. Liverpool IV 44:42 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 44:45 So he talked a little bit about like some of the speaking engagement stuff, kind of shift gears a little bit. This is all related to Over the Top Living? Like what is what is Over the Top Living? Like how did you get to that point, you know, decide to create whatever, you know, what this is? Norman J. Liverpool IV 45:02 So Over the Top Living, the way that that came about I actually had this business name for years. Oh, probably since 2012. Just because my mom is very much like, prepare, have your documents in order. And I always knew that I was over the top, but… Brian Schoenborn 45:27 Yeah, no shit, huh? Norman J. Liverpool IV 45:30 I decided to take it from a negative and turn it into a positive. A lot of people were saying, Oh, you know, Norman is over the top, and it was in a bad way or a negative connotation. And I'm like, you're right. I am over the top. And so basically, the over the top, it's multifaceted. So it's my personal brand, as well as my signature mentorship program. So my speaking and basically everything I'm doing right now is some way tied to over the top living. So, right now I've recently, two weeks ago I was sworn in as a member of the governing board of the Southern Nevada Health Department over there at the Community Center. Brian Schoenborn 46:19 Nice, man huge. Norman J. Liverpool IV 46:21 Yeah, yeah. Huge, huge. That's also an extension of over the top living. My speaking engagements are an extension of over the top living. And, you know, my coaching and mentorship program is one is a part of that as well. Brian Schoenborn 46:39 Right on, man. And so how do you how do you live over the top like that's, I mean, I know you Norman, and I know you've been, you know, you've been over the top, extra, as far as long as I've known you. Norman J. Liverpool IV 46:51 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 46:51 How like, how do you how does one go about living over the top like, lay it on me. Norman J. Liverpool IV 46:56 It's two things for me, which are multi layered, but the cacth and switch attitude. So what I mean by that is I catch any negative thought or anything and I switch it with something that's productive. I switch, I catch my inactivity and switch it for activity. But the main thing was you do the work. Okay. And then once you've done the work you live, unapologetically and unashamed period. That's how you live over the top. Your version of living over the top may not be as loud and in your face as mine, you know, a client that I'm working with who she is, she's definitely over the top but in her own way, and over the her was changing her mindset that she can start her own business and do herself. So it really is what you make of it, but it is catching and switching those negative, non non productive thoughts and behaviors for something positive and productive. It is changing that inaction for action word, and then it's just simply living in purpose, on purpose. It is very intentional. Brian Schoenborn 47:24 Mm hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 48:14 And it's living, unapologetic, and unashamed like you mentioned earlier, when we stop caring about what other people think. If I was caring if I still cared about what people thought I wouldn't even be able to be sitting here doing this podcast with you like, well, oh my god, you know, I'm just, you know, I'm Norman, like, who wants to hear from me, you know, but I had to throw that out the window and really just live my truth and purpose on purpose. Brian Schoenborn 48:58 Hell, yeah. I love that living in person, on purpose. Like that's a I love that. That's a great a guidepost. What else you want to talk about? Let's go, so you mentioned that you were on the governing board of the Southern Nevada Community House. Like, how did this happen, dude, like this? I mean, just because that's a big deal. You're still young, right? You seem awfully young to be a board member of something so big. Norman J. Liverpool IV 49:27 Yeah. From your lips to God's ears. Brian Schoenborn 49:29 I mean, how did this happen? Dude, tell me about this. Norman J. Liverpool IV 49:31 So, again, I'm gonna, I'm gonna circle back to the Powerhouse, because it, it has a lot to do with a lot of the things that I'm doing right now. So essentially, I was asked to be on the board. And because of, you know, I've been in Vegas for since 2007. I, you know, previously back in the day, I was on the Las Vegas pride board and, you know, I was an entertainer and so I know the community here very, very well. I kept saying no, oh I'll think about it or, you know, whatever. And then the individual that that had been, I don't want to say pursuing me, but had been encouraging me to join. He literally looked at me and said, this is your community. Do you care about it or not? Brian Schoenborn 50:24 Wow. Norman J. Liverpool IV 50:25 And what was crazy about that, Brian, is when I went to get sworn in there was nobody that looked like me on the board. Brian Schoenborn 50:36 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 50:37 Um, there were no wait, hold on. Let me take that back. There were no black gay men. Brian Schoenborn 50:45 Hmm. Norman J. Liverpool IV 50:47 There's a couple gay guys. And I said gay guys. I mean, these are high ranking. You know, you know, the the mayor Pro Tem for North Las Vegas is on my board and and he's not gay, but I I'm just saying that these are huge, heavy hitters. I didn't see anyone that looked like me. I didn't see a young professional. I didn't see, you know, the young, gay person, I didn't see a black gay person. And so in that moment, I knew that I had a responsibility to be on that board. I knew it, right then. Brian Schoenborn 51:25 Yeah. Norman J. Liverpool IV 51:25 And so, you know, it was, again, allowing myself the permission to be myself in this room and accept the fact that I belong there. Brian Schoenborn 51:40 That's an interesting situation too right? Like, when you start Well, first of all, I'd say representation matters. Norman J. Liverpool IV 51:49 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 51:49 So you know, that's, I mean, whether it's, whether it's like on screen or whatever, but like, but you know, it also matters in the local community, right? Because that's, that's how you, that's how you tailor policies or whatever towards everybody, you know, be inclusive like that, it starts there. But also like, when you're in the right spot, right, like when you're, you know, like when you know you're in the right spot things just they work, right? Like the guy in um, so, so in addition to this, you know, I'm developing some other projects, film TV and stuff like that. And over the last couple of years have been introduced to a lot of award winning producers. I you know, I did an event with some professional athletes. And you know, the amazing thing to me is like that like that stuff all started happening once I figured out what my path was, my purpose, Norman J. Liverpool IV 51:57 Right. Brian Schoenborn 52:01 And everything started coming together and you know, I meet these people and we just hit it off and like we've no, no others. These producers are these celebrities are these professional athletes. We just hit it off man and like, and it's good, you know, it's the creative juices flowing, it's respecting each other. You know, it's having a good time. But it's just a fit. Norman J. Liverpool IV 53:11 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 53:12 You know? And I mean, I even think like back to and, you know, when we worked at Metro shout out to Metro PCS, shout out the metro. But when we're working there, you know, like, I struggled man, like, I mean, I could do the work. I got along with a couple of people, but I fucking hated it. You know, and I was and I was a cog in a machine, and that's how it was most of the most of the way through my corporate career before I decided to go and never work for anybody again. You know? But it's that point, right? Like, you know, once I, I did the work, I get, you know, I changed my mindset and a lot of things. And, you know, figured out what my thing was, and that's…again, everything starts falling in place, and then you realize you're standing around, maybe at an event or something and you're looking around and you're like, I'm surrounded by a bunch of high profile powerful people. And guess what? They're treating me as one of them. Norman J. Liverpool IV 54:15 Right? Because you are. And that's the crazy thing about it. Brian Schoenborn 54:21 And you're like, Really? Norman J. Liverpool IV 54:22 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 54:23 Hold on a second. Me? Come on. Norman J. Liverpool IV 54:27 Yeah, yeah. It's, it's, it's crazy that the rooms that I'm in now, just by aligning myself with my purpose, you know, and before I even spoke, they booked me for the graduation of May. Brian Schoenborn 54:45 Oh sweet! Norman J. Liverpool IV 54:46 Yeah, it's crazy. I'll be the keynote speaker at the lavender graduation may 1. It's just the room that I'm in at the table that I'm at now. Really positioning me to do some huge good, you know? Not just for the LGBTQ community. I mean, as that's my focus, but I mean for everybody. Brian Schoenborn 55:06 A big respect to that dude. And I mean, I'm not sure if you know, but like, so again, going back to my PTSD stuff, like, I'm also in the process of developing writing a book and developing a show around my experiences with that, you know, I've done a lot of work on myself. I've worked through a lot of I still live with it, I've learned to manage it. Norman J. Liverpool IV 55:25 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 55:26 But the problem with like, PTSD, for example, is that, you know, so many people have it. And nobody ever wants to talk about it. Right? So so even by just saying, okay, you know, what, Hey, I'll come talk about it. I'll write a book about it, you know, I'll make a show about it or whatever. For me, that's, I'm trying to help those people because, like, let's face it in the military. I mean, there's a there's a number number 22. There's 22 military, active duty or veterans that kill themselves every single day. And a lot of it has to do with PTSD related stuff. Norman J. Liverpool IV 56:05 Wow. Brian Schoenborn 56:05 And yeah, and those are, those are things like those are internal battles that you're fighting with yourself every day, right? Nobody wants to talk about the event, because it's the most horrific day they've ever experienced. Right? Because they don't want to talk about it. No, but their family and other, you know, medical professionals, whatever, they don't know how to respond. And it's just kind of a, it's a it's a, it's a, like a downhill downward spiral kind of sort of thing, right? It's the opposite of a virtuous cycle. Norman J. Liverpool IV 56:39 Sure. Brian Schoenborn 56:40 It's just all bad. And you know, like for me to see all that kind of talk about stuff like that, you know, and I've been told by some some people that you know, doing what I'm doing is going to save lives. Norman J. Liverpool IV 56:51 Oh, I believe it. Brian Schoenborn 56:52 No, I mean, that's that's kind of what keeps me going. And But still, I'm just like, wow, like, you know, if I I've been living with this for damn near 20 years. I could have. I mean, I could have done something about this long before that. But I think you have to wait until you become that whole person, right, until you until you work through your stuff. And, you know, if you're the type person that wants to have that type of focus or platform, you've got to wait until the time is right. Norman J. Liverpool IV 57:27 Oh, you have to, you have to timing is so crucial. Because especially doing what like what you're doing. It's emotional, and constant because not only are you living with it and managing it, but you're talking about it and you're sharing it consistently. And so if you're not in a mental or emotional place to manage that also, it's it's actually does more harm than good. Brian Schoenborn 57:57 Right? And so that, and that's exactly right. Like I've had other people that have had similar situations in me, like reach out to me that I've never met before they're like, oh I wanna share my story. I'm gonna share my story. I'm like, No, you don't know like, not not No, you don't, but you don't right now, like, take some time process through this stuff, try to get some sort of grip on it. And then you can make the decision if you want to share it. You can if you want, you don't have to, either way. But, you know, somebody's got to talk about various situations. Because that goes that goes back to the exposure thing, right? If we don't, if we're not exposed to it, we don't know about it. And that which we don't know, we fear. That which we fear we cause harm to, right? Norman J. Liverpool IV 58:43 Yeah, yeah. Brian Schoenborn 58:47 So I'm just over here doing my little part. Norman J. Liverpool IV 58:51 You know what, I'm glad. I'm glad that you are because especially learning that figure of the military personnel that take their own lives, that that's huge. And I'm glad that you're here to tell it. Brian Schoenborn 59:03 Yeah. Appreciate it, man. I think we're at a pretty good spot to wrap it up. I think it feels pretty natural. Norman J. Liverpool IV 59:10 Yeah. Brian Schoenborn 59:11 Do you have anything else you want to talk about before we wrap it up? Norman J. Liverpool IV 59:14 Yeah, you know, no, I'm just again, I just want to get across, you know, from everyone that can hear me. You are enough. I want to challenge you. I want to challenge you that thing that you've been putting off that thing, that that book that's been in the back of your mind that song that you've been wanting to write, that business venture, that contact that you've been wanting to reach out, I want you to be intentional with that. I want you to begin to live in purpose and on purpose. And then just do you, as I say do you boo. And live unapologetically and live unashamed, in your truth. Brian Schoenborn 59:53 Hell yeah, man. Hell, yeah. Anything else you want to plug? Norman J. Liverpool IV 59:57 So definitely all day long. I will always plug the Powerhouse Academy but you can go to Chandra-Brooks.com or you can just YouTube Powerhouse Academy is all over there and then also Over the Top we will have our official launch on April 18 here in Las Vegas, I'm really excited about that. Our website is currently under construction just so that we can bring some, you know, fresher content just you know follow you can follow me on Instagram @theMrLiverpool I'm on Facebook overthetopliving so I just invite any of you that even if you have any questions just feel free to be able to connect with me on my speaking engagements, my speaking tour, or on my signature mentorship program. Brian Schoenborn 1:00:41 Right on man appreciate it appreciate the time as well. Been been a good one. Good catch up and learned quite a bit man. I you know, I'm really like I said I'm really proud of you know the person you've become over the last few years, man, you've really come into yourself. Norman J. Liverpool IV 1:00:55 Well, I appreciate it. Thank you. Brian Schoenborn 1:00:57 Give it up for my friend Norma Liverpool everyone. You've been listening to Half the City with Brian Schoenborn, presented by 8B Media. Be sure to subscribe to this podcast, share it with your friends and leave a solid five-star review to ensure these stories get spread far and wide. For more information, as well as listen to other shows, including Relentless: a Survivor's Search for Passion, Purpose and Inner Peace, and Beyond Relentless, be sure to check out 8Bmedia.com. Thank you for listening. Transcribed by https://otter.ai Related Episodes 8| Superstar Recording Artist & Global Entrepreneur DJ Chozie Ma 1| Green Beret Lt. Col. (Ret.) Chris Schmitt 5| Elite Performance and Learning Expert Dr. Joseph Trachtman

What if you could get many years of experience and expertise distilled into an 8 week program? That is exactly what “Powerhouse Academy” delivers. In this episode, Adam Torres and Chandra Brooks, Founder & CEO at The Socialpreneur, discuss the academy and success of its recent students. Follow Adam on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/askadamtorres/ for up to date information on book releases and tour schedule.Apply to be interviewed by Adam on our podcast:https://missionmatters.lpages.co/podcastguest/

In this episode, I interview Chandra Brooks who has a consulting and coaching business. She was able to book $40,000 within one month in consulting work. That was actually more than her entire revenue for the previous year. We talk about what made Chandra leave her full-time job and start her own consulting business and how she was able to use online visibility to get high paying corporate clients. Chandra’s passions are women empowerment, social justice, improving voter outcomes and civic engagement in communities of color. She’s been able to turn her passions into a full-time business within just one year. In addition to consulting, Chandra has a group coaching program that helps professional women build a platform both online and offline and attract their ideal clients. Learn more at: https://almabradford.com/

Chandra Brooks is a wife, mother of four, author, and entrepreneur. She is an appointed Commissioner of the Santa Clara County Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee and an elected delegate for the California Democratic Party. Her passions include women empowerment, social justice, improving voter outcomes, and civic engagement in communities of color. In 2017, Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose-driven business that prepares potential candidates to run for political office and coaches women on building leadership within their companies. In this episode, Chandra shares how she began her career in politics, challenges she’s faced, and her philosophy about women leading and creating change. During our conversation, Chandra talks about: why she thinks women are taking major action, running for political positions and starting businesses more now than ever before how women can start using their voices to create change (even if they’re not accustomed to speaking up) how she deals with discrimination in political environments her transition from corporate America to becoming a full-time entrepreneur how she turned her political skills and experience into a profitable business and more… Where You Can Find Chandra Brooks Online: Website: www.chandra-brooks.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/empoweringcommunities4u/ Purchase a copy of Chandra’s book: Black, Brown, and Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered, and Change The Game! I hope our conversation inspired you to get involved and “change the game”. Sometimes creating change is as simple as speaking up – sharing your opinion and letting others know how you feel about issues in your neighborhood, kids’ schools, local government, and even at work. You were blessed with a voice. Don’t be afraid to use it and exercise your rights. Your voice counts and it needs to be heard. I’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any questions you may have. Feel free to leave a comment below the show notes at http://ericablocker.com/148. You can also email me directly at: Erica@momswithdreams.com. Until next time, reclaim YOUR dream. Do what YOU love. Make a difference! Take care, Erica  

Chandra Brooks turns the tables and interviews host, Deborah Deras. Deborah has inspired and synergized hundreds of thousands of people worldwide. Her clients include organizations such as Procter & GAmble J.P. Morgan, Macy’s, British Petroleum Oil, State Farm Insurance and Kaiser Permanente, New York Life Insurance & General Electric. She served as a spokesperson for Verizon Wireless Campaign, Empowerment through Technology. She is the author of Confessions of an Adrenaline addict: How to be successful without compromising your health and well being. Deborah is committed to empowering experts to get their messages at into the world and be paid for their expertise. For info: www.IgniteYourSpeaking.com, www.BeAPaidSpeakerNow.com &  https://www.beapaidspeakernow.com/pl/20336  

Deborah Deras, Peak Performance Latina Keynote Speaker interviews Chandra Brooks, TedX speaker. Chandra Brooks is an Award Winning Author and Social Entrepreneur. In 2018, Chandra was selected to be a TedX speaker. In 2017 Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose-driven business paired with a book titled, Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game. Chandra uses her platform to spread the message of Social Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement and Women Empowerment on stages across the country.

Deborah Deras, Top Peak Performance Latina Keynote Speaker interviews Chandra Brooks. Chandra Brooks is an Award Winning Author and Social Entrepreneur. In 2017 Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose-driven business paired with a book titled, Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game. She uses her platform to spread the message of Social Entrepreneurship, Civic Engagement and Women Empowerment on stages across the country.

She Leads Podcast: Leadership Empowerment for Women of Color presents Season 2 Episode 12: Leadership Empowerment with Chandra Brooks.  Gain leadership insight and advice from Chandra Brooks an Author, Civic Activist, and Women Empowerment Advocate.  Listen in to learn about Chandra's experiences and lessons on her quest to be an Ultimate Leader! "Be Empowered and Empower On!!!!" ~ Nicole Walker

Hello and welcome to this special revisited episode of a conversation I had a year ago with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, titled "Intersectionality and The Age of the New Heroine.” This episode was one of my most impactful conversations and one that set me on my own heroine's journey to use my voice and leadership in new ways. So much has happened since that conversation. Sparked by that episode, and the horror of the Charlottesville Rally that took place a few weeks later, I launched the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative and held a series of interviews on the subject of anti-racism and police brutality. I hosted an Impact Circle with other mothers where we made commitments to step into more action and raised dollars and awareness for the groundbreaking work of Mothers Against Police Brutality. I kept taking steps, one after the other.. Elizabeth invited me to speak about this work and my journey on a panel at her Gaia Women Lead Conference, and a week later, I witnessed the story of Laurie Valdez and other women who have lost loved ones to police brutality in the powerful play (M)others. The last few months brought me to a Father’s Day special episode with Assemblymember Rob Bonta on the podcast where we talked about his commitment to this issue and I began working with the play (M)others’ producer to bring the play to Sacramento ahead of key votes on critical police accountability bills in CA SB-1421 and AB-931. Along the way, messages from my conversation with Elizabeth have taken on deeper meaning, I've learned powerful lessons from incredible guides, and experienced signs and synchronicities that help me realize I’m moving forward on an aligned and purposeful path. So, it also felt right at this full circle moment to re-release the episode with a new introduction with reflections a year in, and a new dedication provided by one of my guides, activist, coach, speaker and now co-host of the new Families Fighting Mass Incarceration Podcast, Chandra Brooks. In this new introduction, I share five lessons I’ve learned over the last year as I moved into anti-racism and police accountability advocacy: Lesson #1 - Be willing to hold discomfort and a growth mindset Lesson #2 - Move from guilt into responsibility and action Lesson #3 - Raise your awareness and bear witness to the impact of police brutality Lesson #4 - Open yourself to signs and synchronicities on the journey Lesson #5 - Choose to answer the call If there is a cause that is calling to you, but you haven't yet answered it, consider this post your cosmic nudge to take your first few steps, find your guides, and trust that you can make a difference. And, if making a difference on the issue of police brutality is one that has been calling you, but you didn't know how you could help...there is an opportunity in CA RIGHT NOW that needs every soul who is willing... ✨To support bringing (M)others to Sacramento through contributing money to and sharing the GoFundMe page (linked below). Though we reached out initial fundraising goal, additional funds will enable the play’s producer to bring (M)others to other cities in CA. ✨To reach out to CA lawmakers to urge them to vote yes on AB 931 and SB 1421; and, ✨To urge lawmakers and those you know in Sacramento to attend the play on August 13th or August 16th and witness the powerful (M)others stories that need to be heard. Along this journey, I took a class called Diversity is an Asset with Desiree Adaway and Jessica Fish. One of the points that Desiree drives home at the end of every call is that none of us can truly be free until all of us are free.  I hope these reflections and the episode to follow from Elizabeth inspires you to step from guilt and helplessness into action, into your own heroine’s journey, and to working toward freedom for all of us. Resources Mentioned: The (M)others Play  and the (M)others GoFundMe Site Ep 07: Living Out Loud with Jenjii Hysten Ep 32: Sit at the Table & Own Your Power with Chandra Brooks Ep 27: Courageous Conversations about Race with Nicole Lee Ep 31: Brave Spaces and Solidarity with “Rad Women” Author Kate Schatz Ep 33: Beyond the Trauma: Legacy, Compassion and Change with Mothers Against Police Brutality Co-Founder Sara Mokuria Ep 44: A Family Legacy of Service and Leadership with California Assemblymember Rob Bonta Women Podcasters in Solidarity - explore the series I recorded on anti-racism and police accountability and over a dozen other powerful episodes recorded by other podcasters who joined the Initiative.   Diversity is an Asset Post from Desiree Adaway written after the Charlottesville Rally  Phone Scripts and other Resources for CA Police Accountability Advocacy [Editable &Printable]   This Episode is Dedicated by: Chandra Brooks, author of the book called Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game and co-founder of the new podcast, Families Fighting Mass Incarceration. Dedicated to the organizers of the San Jose Women's March 2018, Vicky Mattson and Jenny Bradanini. Families Fighting Mass Incarceration Podcast Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game!   Original Show Notes for Episode 24: Intersectionality and the Age of the New Heroine with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin Hello and welcome to this Episode #24 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast. I’m so honored to bring you this important and powerful conversation today with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, who through her daily Resistance Lives on Facebook, guides thousands of us with a voice of reason and optimism during the twists and turns of today’s political landscape. Known as a “celebrated career coach” and “fearless entrepreneur” Elizabeth, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, transitioned from a fifteen year career as a Wall Street securities litigator and trial lawyer to found The Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership. The organization offers virtual and live programming that cultivates leaders from the ground up to to grow what they call “New Paradigm Women’s Leadership.” Elizabeth is also a mindful mother. No matter how full her life gets leading women around the globe or fighting for our democracy, she prioritizes bringing presence and focus to her two children, both under the age of 5. In this episode, we talk about how Elizabeth grew up in a very progressive community and had a strong intuition she would make a massive difference in the world. She attended her first protest when she was just 15 years old and now she’s leading a new awakening in activism – one that challenges her over 20,000 followers, of which I am one, to take daily political action, to truly listen to one another and to others with differing perspectives, and move forward as intersectional feminists, shoulder to shoulder. We also talk about the new heroine’s journey where the heroine brings back the lessons learned along the way, her words of wisdom for me as I set out to raise awareness and create space for uncomfortable but important conversations about race, how we can “bear witness” for those who have different experiences than our own, and Elizabeth’s challenge to all of us to use our voice for change. We packed so much depth and wisdom in this conversation, including the first ever lightning round exploration of the E.P.I.C. Guideposts. I look forward to hearing about the ways in which this episode will inspire you and invite you to join the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group to share with us and participate in a special Q & A on Thursday, August 3rd at 11:30 am PST with activist, leadership specialist, and former NAACP Vice President Chandra Brooks. I left this conversation feeling more inspired than ever myself to step up and into the role of the New Heroine during these times. Moved by my experience with Elizabeth, I commit to daily political action, to stretch myself to have brave conversations and use my voice for change, to truly listen to others, and to consciously cultivate this Mother’s Quest community I’m growing. Topics discussed in this episode: Elizabeth’s unique upbringing in progressive New Hope, Pennsylvania where 50% of the population was gay and there was a strong counter-culture. The necessity of letting go of our anger, being willing to listen, and leading from a place of healing to hold a vision for and create the holistic society we seek. The feminine energy and ongoing cyclical nature of the New Heroine’s Journey. The massive acceleration of purpose and mission brought about by our current political situation. Intersectionality within the Resistance and how women with privilege need to investigate our own internal biases so we can create a culture where everyone is safe regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation or immigration status. Feedback for me on an initiative I’m exploring to raise awareness and funds for Black Lives Matter; the importance of listening and “bearing witness” for communities who have different experiences than ours. The profound moment of reconciliation at the Gaia Lead Conference that had everyone in tears. The importance of consciously cultivating the businesses, work-places and communities that represent all of us and how even the smallest gestures of reaching out can really make a difference. A lightning round version of how the E.P.I.C. guideposts are showing up in Elizabeth’s life and the lessons she’s learning along her heroic journey. This Week’s Challenge: Elizabeth asks us to think of ways we can stretch ourselves, outside of our comfort zone, to use our voice for good. And believe that we can change the world by making a difference even in one person’s life. Resources mentioned in this episode: Gaia Women Lead Website RISE (Resist, Inspire, Speak, Empower): An Activist/Leader Bootcamp starting Oct. 15th to help us use our voice for change #ResistanceLive Elizabeth’s Speaking Tour Information & Tickets The Heroine’s Journey Council on American-Islamic Relations The video I sent to Elizabeth before our podcast interview – Black parents explain to their kids how to deal with police The post that explains what happened when I committed to starting Mother’s Quest Two Trapped Birds: Opening the Door for Mother’s Quest Episode with Jenjii Hysten where we talk about her emotional Facebook live which first called me to “bear witness” regarding Black Lives Matter  Ep 07: Living Out Loud with Jenjii Hysten Episode with Women’s March Organizer Paola Mendoza Ep 16: Rising Up with Paola Mendoza  Episode with Kathleen Shannon where we discuss blocking our time Ep 20: On Being Mom and Being Boss with Kathleen Shannon  Sally Yates, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Siskind – women who are new heroines in their own ways Listen Now Announcements: Take this Play to Senate - Support our GoFundMe Campaign & Action Steps   In CA, at the time of the release of this episode, lawmakers are about to deliberate on two key police accountability bills, SB-1421 and AB-931. In advance of that deliberation, I’m working with Nikki Yeboah, the producer of a powerful play called (M)others, to bring forward the stories of those who’ve lost loved ones to police brutality to the Sacramento community and to the lawmakers who will vote on this bill. We need your help to raise funds, to spread the word, and to call CA lawmakers, urge them to attend, and to vote yes on these bills. Visit gofundme.com/slash take-this-play-to-senate to learn more about this effort and how you can support. Willing to make phone calls to CA lawmakers? Find additional background and call scripts for the CA bills (among others) from Indivisible here https://www.indivisible.org/resource/police-reform-california/.   Spark Your E.P.I.C. Life   Join me for the first "Spark Your E.P.I.C. Life" Pilot! Four consecutive weeks of one-on-one coaching using a signature process I've been facilitating in my circles this spring

A conversation about how to access and build local power to create positive change in your city. New episodes every other Tuesday! Subscribe in iTunes, Stitcher, or Google Play, or your favorite podcatcher. 

I’m honored to share this episode #32 of the podcast with Chandra Brooks, who has become a friend and a generous thought partner for me in recent months. Chandra is a wife, mother of four, a grandmother, author, entrepreneur and the Northern California Staff Director for SEIU-United Service Workers West.  Born and raised in San Jose, CA, she’s passionate about civil rights, social justice, and improving voter outcomes and civic engagement in communities of color.   She’s also an appointed commissioner for Santa Clara County’s Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, Chair of the Justice and Advocacy Committee and elected Delegate for The California Democratic Party. In 2017 Chandra launched The SocialPreneur, a purpose driven business that prepares potential candidates to run for political office and mentors women to own their power and leadership within their company, business, and/or community. I reached out to Chandra because I wanted to talk with her the week that she released her new book, “Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game” which provides easy to navigate tips and inspiration to help women of color get involved in local politics. In this episode, we got to dive deep into the influences which drove Chandra to own her voice and reach her fullest potential. She shares how her mother led her by example to stand up for herself as a woman at a young age and how her uncle unknowingly sparked her to strive for greatness after he doubted her future success when she became pregnant as a teenager.  And, we uncover how Chandra’s ambition, value for education, and commitment to political leadership helps her inspire generations today, from her 12 year old son to the women she mentors, to sit at the table and own their power.  I didn’t realize when I scheduled the interview with Chandra that we would be talking the day before the November 2017 elections. The conversation couldn’t have come at a better time, and her challenge inspired me to go out and do another round of precinct walking with my 5 year old that afternoon. It was thrilling to wake up the next day to news that so many women of color, including one woman my son and I had supported the day before, had been elected. Chandra, with her new book as a resource, is a powerful force to fuel this growing movement of women stepping into more leadership. I hope this conversation will inspire you, as it has me, to be part of this movement and to more fully own our power to make a difference. This episode dedicated by: Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise in honor of her mother, Dr. Gloria Bromell Tinubu Topics discussed in this episode: How Chandra intended to release her book a year after the 2016 elections to encourage people to reflect on the decisions they made the year before and realize the importance of being politically involved Chandra’s strong, opinionated, and independent mother and how she set an example for Chandra to not be subservient to men How Chandra intentionally teaches her children about social justice issues and about their heritage The lack of access Chandra witnessed to vocational training and education for women in a local prison, compared to the men, and how she’s using her leverage as Commissioner to change that. What happened when Chandra’s uncle told her “Your life is over, you might as well prepare to be on welfare” after she announced she was pregnant as a teenager. How Chandra’s fascination and observation of people in leadership planted seeds for her becoming an entrepreneur The importance of seeking out mentors and coaches and not being afraid to reach out and ask for help Chandra’s call to action for us to get more engaged in our local community politics Resources mentioned in this episode: Chandra Brook’s Mother on a Quest Feature Chandra’s purpose-driven company The SocialPreneur Women Podcasters in Solidarity Black, Brown & Political: Get Informed, Get Empowered and Change the Game! National School Board Association Commission on the Status of Women – the County of Santa Clara This Week’s Challenge: Get involved as a leader in your local community.. Join a school board, commission, or neighborhood association. Use your influence and privilege to support communities in need and leaders of color. Announcements: A year ago on December 1st, I launched the Mother’s Quest Podcast as a birthday present to myself. It’s hard to believe that another personal birthday and the first birthday of the podcast is almost here. I’d love to celebrate by highlighting your stories and how the podcast or Mother’s Quest Community has helped you to live your E.P.I.C. life. Go to mothersquest.com and use the speakpipe tool to leave me a 1-2 minute message for a chance to be featured in this season’s finale. Everyone who submits will also be entered into a drawing for a free signature coaching session from me and some other prizes from other amazing moms in the Mother’s Quest Community. Can’t wait to hear your stories and celebrate with you. Women Podcasters in Solidarity I’m honored to have shared two episodes in a series of conversations for the Women Podcasters in Solidarity Initiative. I created the Initiative to build awareness and raise dollars for Anti-Racism and the Movement for Black Lives. My plans for the Initiative culminate the last week of November, with a final episode and a personal contribution and invitation to you to support this cause financially on Giving Tuesday. If you want to make sure you stay informed, take a moment now to get connected, whether that’s through subscribing to the podcast, joining the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group or signing up for the email list at mothersquest.com. I look forward to sharing more. Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot You’re a mindful mother. And being present for your children in these years when you’re raising them is your highest priority. You’re also committed to making a positive impact in the world, something that feels even more important with all the challenges we currently face. If the description above sounds like you, the Virtual Mother’s Quest Circle Pilot, may be right for you.  This signature offering provides inspiration, coaching and community to spark your E.P.I.C. life with intimate virtual reflective sessions over 3-4 months. Click http://mothersquest.com/virtualcircle/ to learn and apply. The group will start as soon as I have a committed number of participants so don’t delay if you’re interested. Questions? Email me at julie@mothersquest.com Visit the Website If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.com to explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. Sign up! – Free 30 minute Discovery Session I’m rolling out my new coaching offerings and having great conversations with women who are ready to live a more E.P.I.C. life and interested in coaching. If you’ve had a spark moment setting you on a new path or are at a crossroads but feel unsure, guilty or overwhelmed, I’d love to talk with you about how working with me could help light the way, get you clear about what you want, shift your mindset from fear to faith, and get you moving into action. I’ve been there, I’m still on the journey myself, and I’d love to bring all I’ve learned from a decade of coaching, 13 years of motherhood and all the lessons from my podcast guests to support you. Send me an email at julie@mothersquest.com if you’re interested in learning more. Acknowledgements: A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Titilayo Tinubu Ali of Own Your Expertise Carly Magnus Hurt Lizzy Russinko of This (Un)Scripted Life Suzanne Brown, author of Mompowerment Mara Berns Langer Mallory Schlabach of Marketing Magic for Entrepreneurs Katharine Earhart of Alesco Advisors Jessica Kupferman of She Podcasts Resistance Artist Jen Jenkins Dohner Genese Harris Tonya Rineer, founder of The Profit Party Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs of the Notable Woman Podcast Erin Kendall of Fit Mom Go Niko Osoteo of Bear Beat Productions Erik Newton of The Together Show Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of the Sustainable Living Podcast Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Two of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution http://mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter/ If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com — Mother’s Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Hello and welcome to this Episode #24 of the Mother’s Quest Podcast. I’m so honored to bring you this important and powerful conversation today with Elizabeth Cronise McLaughlin, who through her daily Resistance Lives on Facebook, guides thousands of us with a voice of reason and optimism during the twists and turns of today’s political landscape.  Known as a “celebrated career coach” and “fearless entrepreneur” Elizabeth, a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a J.D. from George Washington University Law School, transitioned from a fifteen year career as a Wall Street securities litigator and trial lawyer to found The Gaia Project for Women’s Leadership. The organization offers virtual and live programming that cultivates leaders from the ground up to to grow what they call “New Paradigm Women’s Leadership.” Elizabeth is also a mindful mother. No matter how full her life gets leading women around the globe or fighting for our democracy, she prioritizes bringing presence and focus to her two children, both under the age of 5. In this episode, we talk about how Elizabeth grew up in a very progressive community and had a strong intuition she would make a massive difference in the world. She attended her first protest when she was just 15 years old and now she’s leading a new awakening in activism - one that challenges her over 20,000 followers, of which I am one, to take daily political action, to truly listen to one another and to others with differing perspectives, and move forward as intersectional feminists, shoulder to shoulder.  We also talk about the new heroine's journey where the heroine brings back the lessons learned along the way, her words of wisdom for me as I set out to raise awareness and create space for uncomfortable but important conversations about race, how we can “bear witness” for those who have different experiences than our own, and Elizabeth’s challenge to all of us to use our voice for change.  We packed so much depth and wisdom in this conversation, including the first ever lightning round exploration of the E.P.I.C. Guideposts. I look forward to hearing about the ways in which this episode will inspire you and invite you to join the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group to share with us and participate in a special Q & A on Thursday, August 3rd at 11:30 am PST with activist, leadership specialist, and former NAACP Vice President Chandra Brooks.  I left this conversation feeling more inspired than ever myself to step up and into the role of the New Heroine during these times. Moved by my experience with Elizabeth, I commit to daily political action, to stretch myself to have brave conversations and use my voice for change, to truly listen to others, and to consciously cultivate this Mother’s Quest community I’m growing.  This Week’s Challenge: Elizabeth asks us to think of ways we can stretch ourselves, outside of our comfort zone, to use our voice for good. And believe that we can change the world by making a difference even in one person's life.  Topics discussed in this episode: Elizabeth’s unique upbringing in progressive New Hope, Pennsylvania where 50% of the population was gay and there was a strong counter-culture.  The necessity of letting go of our anger, being willing to listen, and leading from a place of healing to hold a vision for and create the holistic society we seek. The feminine energy and ongoing cyclical nature of the New Heroine’s Journey. The massive acceleration of purpose and mission brought about by our current political situation. Intersectionality within the Resistance and how women with privilege need to investigate our own internal biases so we can create a culture where everyone is safe regardless of our race, gender, sexual orientation or immigration status. Feedback for me on an initiative I’m exploring to raise awareness and funds for Black Lives Matter; the importance of listening and “bearing witness” for communities who have different experiences than ours. The profound moment of reconciliation at the Gaia Lead Conference that had everyone in tears. The importance of consciously cultivating the businesses, work-places and communities that represent all of us and how even the smallest gestures of reaching out can really make a difference. A lightning round version of how the E.P.I.C. guideposts are showing up in Elizabeth’s life and the lessons she’s learning along her heroic journey.  Resources mentioned in this episode: Gaia Women Lead Website RISE (Resist, Inspire, Speak, Empower): An Activist/Leader Bootcamp starting Oct. 15th to help us use our voice for change  #ResistanceLive Elizabeth's Speaking Tour Information & Tickets The Heroine's Journey Council on American-Islamic Relations The video I sent to Elizabeth before our podcast interview - Black parents explain to their kids how to deal with police The post that explains what happened when I committed to starting Mother’s Quest Two Trapped Birds: Opening the Door for Mother’s Quest Episode with Jenjii Hysten where we talk about her emotional Facebook live which first called me to "bear witness" regarding Black Lives Matter  Ep 07: Living Out Loud with Jenjii Hysten Episode with Women’s March Organizer Paola Mendoza Ep 16: Rising Up with Paola Mendoza  Episode with Kathleen Shannon where we discuss blocking our time Ep 20: On Being Mom and Being Boss with Kathleen Shannon  Sally Yates, Kamala Harris, Elizabeth Warren, Amy Siskind - women who are new heroines in their own ways Announcements Q & A on Activism and Intersectionality - Let’s continue this conversation inspired by Elizabeth’s episode with a Q & A in the Mother’s Quest Facebook Group with activist, former NAACP Vice President and leadership specialist Chandra Brooks , Thursday, August 3rd at 11:30 am PST. Click link to join the group.  Visit the Website - If you haven’t yet visited the website, head over to www.mothersquest.com to explore some of the ways you can get more connected. At the site, you can sign up for our email list (to get show notes delivered to your inbox and our new “Mothers on a Quest” features), click the link to join the Facebook group and press record to leave a voice message for me. You can also download the FREE Live Your E.P.I.C. Life Planning and Reflection Sheets. Sign up! - Free 30 minute Discovery Session I’m rolling out my new coaching offerings and having great conversations with women who are ready to live a more E.P.I.C. life and interested in coaching. If you’ve had a spark moment setting you on a new path or are at a crossroads but feel unsure, guilty or overwhelmed, I’d love to talk with you about how working with me could help light the way, get you clear about what you want, shift your mindset from fear to faith, and get you moving into action. I’ve been there, I’m still on the journey myself, and I’d love to bring all I’ve learned from a decade of coaching, 13 years of motherhood and all the lessons from my podcast guests to support you. Send me an email at julie@mothersquest.com or sign up for a free discovery call by clicking this link if you’re interested in learning more. Acknowledgements A big THANK YOU to our “patrons” for helping to bring these conversations to myself and other mothers through financial and/or in-kind support: Resistance Artist Jen Jenkins Dohner (you can find her work here, proceeds of which are all donated to specific causes), who provided this week’s dedication to her mother Ginger Jenkins Genese Harris Tonya Rineer, founder of The Profit Party Liane Louie-Badua Cristin Downs of the Notable Woman Podcast Erin Kendall of Fit Mom Go Niko Osoteo of Bear Beat Productions Erik Newton of The Together Show Claire Fry Divya Silbermann Rachel Winter Caren and Debbie Lieberman Cameron Miranda Fran and David Lieberman Debbie and Alan Goore Jenise and Marianne of the Sustainable Living Podcast --- Support the Podcast If you’d like to make a contribution to Mother’s Quest to support Season Two of the Podcast and/or help provide coaching scholarships for mothers, follow this link to make a contribution http://mothersquest.com/be-a-supporter/ If you would like to “dedicate” an upcoming episode to a special mother in your life, email me at julie@mothersquest.com --- Mother's Quest is a podcast for moms who are ready to live a truly E.P.I.C. life. Join in for intimate conversations with a diverse group of inspiring mothers as they share how they are living an E.P.I.C. life, Engaging mindfully with their children (E), Passionately and Purposefully making a difference beyond their family (P), Investing in themselves (I), and Connecting to a strong support network (C). Join our community of mothers to light the way and sustain you on your quest at https://www.facebook.com/groups/mothersquest/

Episode 14 is a two-part podcast that covers the highlights of a dynamic event held on Jan. 21, 2017 – the Community Trust in Policing Forum, held at the Mexican Heritage Plaza in San Jose. The event was a collaboration between SVCF and the San Francisco 49ers and featured speeches, panel discussions and group sessions that allowed our community to debate the status of trust in policing in our community.  Part 2 features the second half of the day's events. We will start the podcast by hearing parts of a panel discussion featuring moderator Dr. William Armaline, director of the San Jose State University human rights program; Torrey Smith, philanthropist and former wide receiver with the San Francisco 49ers; and Dr. Harry Edwards, sociologist and founder of the Institute for the Study of Sport, Society and Social Change at San Jose State University. Walter Katz, then independent police auditor of San Jose (who has since moved to a new position as the Independent Police Auditor of Chicago), describes the role of his office in overseeing complaints against the city's police department.  We move to another panel discussion with Regina Alexander from PACT; Russell Bloom, the independent police auditor for BART; Chandra Brooks, a Santa Clara County commissioner and member of the California Police Transparency Coalition; and Austin Swift, program manager at Google.org. Finally, we wrap up with a few words from SVCF CEO and President Emmett Carson.  Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org