Phenomenal Grit, Career Conversations for Women of Color artwork

Phenomenal Grit, Career Conversations for Women of Color

35 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 50 ratings

Phenomenal Grit, Career Conversations for Women of Color is the go-to place for inspiring you to tap into your personal magic, navigate challenges, crush it at work, advance in your career, and find joy doing it! In each episode, Phenomenal Grit host, Alia Kemet will interview amazing women of color who will share their wit, grit, and wisdom to help you achieve your career goals. Grit is defined as having an indomitable spirit. A person with grit has a firmness of character, strength, passion, perseverance, and most of all courage. In fact, it doesn’t hurt to have it in a remarkable or exceptional way, I’m talking—phenomenally! No Grit, No Pearl. Let’s Go!

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Episodes

She's A Baaaad Mama Jama! Finding Your Voice with Mimi Dixon, Marketing Executive

December 15, 2021 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Today on Phenomenal Grit, Mimi Dixon, Crayola Marketing Executive takes us back to a pivotal moment in her childhood which helped define the leader she is today. She’s an engaging storyteller and visionary. I appropriately titled this episode, “She’s a Baaaad Mama Jama” and you’ll have to tune in to find out why. Enjoy the conversation.  About Mimi Dixon:  Mimi Dixon is a highly motivated and dynamic thought leader with +20 years of expertise in Integrated, Shopper & Sports marketing for le...

She's A Baaaad Mama Jama! Finding Your Voice with Mimi Dixon, Marketing Executive

December 15, 2021 01:00 - 43 minutes - 29.7 MB

Today on Phenomenal Grit, Mimi Dixon, Crayola Marketing Executive takes us back to a pivotal moment in her childhood which helped define the leader she is today. She’s an engaging storyteller and visionary. I appropriately titled this episode, “She’s a Baaaad Mama Jama” and you’ll have to tune in to find out why. Enjoy the conversation.  About Mimi Dixon:  Mimi Dixon is a highly motivated and dynamic thought leader with +20 years of expertise in Integrated, Shopper & Sports marketing for le...

Holding Space for Women & Following Your Calling with Ayodele Kinchen--Entrepreneur, Waist Bead Practitioner

December 07, 2021 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

Ayodele Kinchen is a native and current resident of East Palo Alto (EPA). She grew up in a Pan-African home and community circle, attending independent, k-8th grade African-centered schools in EPA and was immersed in Afro-centric cultural academia, leadership development, and rites of passage programs created and coordinated in part by her mother. She is a graduate of Howard University (Washington, DC) where she received her BA in Business Administration-Management (1999) and graduate of STA...

Holding Space for Women & Following Your Calling with Ayodele Kinchen--Entrepreneur, Waist Bead Practitioner

December 07, 2021 17:00 - 40 minutes - 27.7 MB

Ayodele Kinchen is a native and current resident of East Palo Alto (EPA). She grew up in a Pan-African home and community circle, attending independent, k-8th grade African-centered schools in EPA and was immersed in Afro-centric cultural academia, leadership development, and rites of passage programs created and coordinated in part by her mother. She is a graduate of Howard University (Washington, DC) where she received her BA in Business Administration-Management (1999) and graduate of STA...

Unapologetically Supporting People of Color with Tiana Conley, Marketing Executive

November 30, 2021 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.5 MB

How do you overcome adversity and develop an authentic voice while thriving in corporate settings?  "There is no such thing as a diversity hire. Sit at the tables that value  and respect you!" Tiana  and I cover a myriad of topics in this raw and rare conversation. We're talking about self worth, how to recognize true allies and, thriving  not just surviving in your career. Enjoy the conversation!  Tiana Conley serves as the Vice President of Global Cereal for the Kellogg Company, where she...

Unapologetically Supporting People of Color with Tiana Conley, Marketing Executive

November 30, 2021 05:00 - 36 minutes - 25.5 MB

How do you overcome adversity and develop an authentic voice while thriving in corporate settings?  "There is no such thing as a diversity hire. Sit at the tables that value  and respect you!" Tiana  and I cover a myriad of topics in this raw and rare conversation. We're talking about self worth, how to recognize true allies and, thriving  not just surviving in your career. Enjoy the conversation!  Tiana Conley serves as the Vice President of Global Cereal for the Kellogg Company, where she...

Don't Edit Yourself. Go for it! with Ingrid Otero-Smart, President & CEO

November 23, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

I'm kicking off Season 2 of Phenomenal Grit with Ingrid Otero-Smart, President/CEO, Casanova//McCann, a minority owned multicultural advertising agency. This is an honest conversation about showing up in your career authentically as a working mom, a woman of color and defining your career for yourself at any age. Ingrid encourages women to go for the roles they truly want and to chart their own course. Enjoy the conversation.  Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ingrid Otero-Smart has over 30 y...

Don't Edit Yourself. Go for it! with Ingrid Otero-Smart, President & CEO

November 23, 2021 05:00 - 35 minutes - 24.2 MB

I'm kicking off Season 2 of Phenomenal Grit with Ingrid Otero-Smart, President/CEO, Casanova//McCann, a minority owned multicultural advertising agency. This is an honest conversation about showing up in your career authentically as a working mom, a woman of color and defining your career for yourself at any age. Ingrid encourages women to go for the roles they truly want and to chart their own course. Enjoy the conversation.  Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Ingrid Otero-Smart has over 30 y...

Turning Challenges Into Opportunities with Imani Bashir, Journalist, Storyteller & Entrepreneur

May 25, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 47 MB

Have you ever met someone you instantly know is an absolute star--someone who lights up the room with their energy and joy? This is what it's like to be in the company of this week's Phenomenal Grit guest. I am absolutely in love with this conversation and so excited to feature journalist, storyteller, and entrepreneur--Imani Bashir. This is a conversation full of grit, laughter and lessons. Learn how Imani began and grew her career. If you are looking to be inspired to turn challenges int...

Growing a Family Legacy: From Corporate To Entrepreneurship with Karla Trotman, President & Chief Executive Officer

May 18, 2021 04:00 - 50 minutes - 34.5 MB

This conversation is about Karla Trotman's journey from corporate America to embracing entrepreneurship and the legacy of her family business. Karla mentions this article in our conversation. It cites that 50% of multi-cultural women were thinking of quitting and leaving corporate careers. Karla leveraged her experience in business, to lead and grow her family business.  Her career plans are rooted in giving her family a legacy her grandchildren can one day eat from. Enjoy the conversation....

Reflections Of A Working Mother--Mother's Day Episode with Alia Kemet, Marketing Executive & Host

May 04, 2021 04:00 - 18 minutes - 13.1 MB

In honor of Mother's Day, I'm sharing some of my stories about growing my career while having children. I've saved the rainbows and unicorns for another day. These are the tough parts that people don't often share. Even if you're not a mother, there are lessons in this episode for you.  I also disclose some really heavy moments I've been experiencing as a mom of Black boys living in a country where Black boys and men  continue to be disproportionality the victims of police violence.  This ...

The Relationships You Build Are The Currency You Have with Kristine Rodriguez, Director of Global Creative Operations

April 27, 2021 08:00 - 38 minutes - 26.8 MB

The journey--the climb while you are climbing is just as important to highlight as the end result.  In this episode, I have a conversation with Kristine Rodriguez, Director of Global Creative Operations for MAC Cosmetics, an Estee Lauder brand. Kristine shares how the relationships you build are the currency you have and gives us some great tips on making connections at work and navigating stereotypes and labels. Enjoy the conversation. More about Kristine Rodriguez Kristine Rodriguez is c...

Side Hustle To Main Hustle--Turning Your Passion Into A Career You Love with Kinya Claiborne, Style Influencer & Entrepreneur

April 20, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MB

What happens when your side hustle becomes your main hustle? When you start pursuing your passion just because you love it, watch out amazing things will happen. Today, I'm talking to Kinya, Claiborne, founder and editor in chief of style and society magazine and chief executive officer of style and society group about building one career and transitioning to another. If you've ever been interested in how a person starts their career as a full-time influencer and content creator, or if you j...

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome--Showing Up Authentically with Cheree Johnson, Corporate General Counsel

April 13, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

How does a person go from battling imposter syndrome to living life authentically with grit and grace? How does a person learn to show up in the room at work with excellence? How does one build a personal brand to be proud of?  Alia discusses all of these things and more with Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer for W.R. Grace. There are so many awesome pearls of wisdom shared in this conversation. From her vulnerable earl...

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome--Showing Up Authentically with Cheree Johnson, Corporate General Counsel

April 13, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MB

How does a person go from battling imposter syndrome to living life authentically with grit and grace? How does a person learn to show up in the room at work with excellence? How does one build a personal brand to be proud of?  Alia discusses all of these things and more with Cherée Johnson, Senior Vice President, General Counsel, Corporate Secretary, and Chief Compliance Officer for W.R. Grace. There are so many awesome pearls of wisdom shared in this conversation. From her vulnerable earl...

Surround Yourself With People Who Believe In You At Work with Alia Kemet, Host & Marketing Executive

April 06, 2021 04:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

In this episode of Phenomenal Grit, host, and marketing executive, Alia Kemet shares the intentionality behind the word "for" in Career Conversations for Women of Color. This podcast is for EVERYONE but the "for" represents both a battle cry and a love song for the women who need it most.  Alia also shares early career experiences that taught her the value of leaning into and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you at work.  Surround yourself with people who see your light. Tho...

Surround Yourself With People Who Believe In You At Work with Alia Kemet, Host & Marketing Executive

April 06, 2021 04:00 - 21 minutes - 15.1 MB

In this episode of Phenomenal Grit, host, and marketing executive, Alia Kemet shares the intentionality behind the word "for" in Career Conversations for Women of Color. This podcast is for EVERYONE but the "for" represents both a battle cry and a love song for the women who need it most.  Alia also shares early career experiences that taught her the value of leaning into and surrounding yourself with people who believe in you at work.  Surround yourself with people who see your light. Tho...

Hidden Gem To Quiet Swag--Increasing Visibility When You Have A Quiet Presence with Wendy Joong, VP Insights and Creative Strategy

March 30, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.4 MB

Phenomenal Grit comes in many packages and this podcast will feature and celebrate them! This episode is dedicated to all women who have been typecast as the "Hidden Gem" or "A Quiet Storm" and features Wendy Joong, Vice President of Insights & Creative Strategy for WE Communications. Wendy and Alia talk about making an impact at work while overcoming stereotypes when you have a quiet presence coupled with an introverted nature. Wendy also shares her personal perspective as an Asian Ameri...

Hidden Gem to Quiet Swag--Increasing Visibility When You Have a Quiet Presence with Wendy Joong, VP Insights and Creative Strategy

March 30, 2021 04:00 - 30 minutes - 21.4 MB

Phenomenal Grit comes in many packages and this podcast will feature and celebrate them! This episode is dedicated to all women who have been typecast as the "Hidden Gem" or "A Quiet Storm" and features Wendy Joong, Vice President of Insights & Creative Strategy for WE Communications. Wendy and Alia talk about making an impact at work while overcoming stereotypes when you have a quiet presence coupled with an introverted nature. Wendy also shares her personal perspective as an Asian Ameri...

From New York to Nairobi with Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer

March 23, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

This conversation with Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Vice Media Group is all about courage.  After Nadja and Alia chat briefly about how much they love veggie burgers because--why not, she shares tons of practical career advice.  Get ready! You might be inspired to do something you didn't think you were ready for. Perhaps a big career pivot is in store for you. Nadja shares her global journey across multiple continents and industries, and how she leverages a courageo...

From New York To Nairobi with Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer

March 23, 2021 04:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MB

This conversation with Nadja Bellan-White, Global Chief Marketing Officer at Vice Media Group is all about courage.  After Nadja and Alia chat briefly about how much they love veggie burgers because--why not, she shares tons of practical career advice.  Get ready! You might be inspired to do something you didn't think you were ready for. Perhaps a big career pivot is in store for you. Nadja shares her global journey across multiple continents and industries, and how she leverages a courageo...

Live What You Love! with Chloe Arnold, Emmy Nominated Choreographer

March 16, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

This powerful conversation with Chloe Arnold, Emmy Nominated Choreographer is a perfect way to celebrate Women's History Month. Chloe, is PHENOMENAL GRIT  personified! In this interview, she gives us so many lessons and pearls of wisdom. She is unapologetically honest, vulnerable, and inspiring. She discloses the not so pretty parts of what we go through as women and how her resilient nature kept her intensely focused on her goals, pushing toward her dreams, and how dance drove her spirit to...

Live What You Love! with Chloe Arnold, Emmy Nominated Choreographer

March 16, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MB

This powerful conversation with Chloe Arnold, Emmy Nominated Choreographer is a perfect way to celebrate Women's History Month. Chloe, is PHENOMENAL GRIT  personified! In this interview, she gives us so many lessons and pearls of wisdom. She is unapologetically honest, vulnerable, and inspiring. She discloses the not so pretty parts of what we go through as women and how her resilient nature kept her intensely focused on her goals, pushing toward her dreams, and how dance drove her spirit to...

Work Hard, Play Hard with MJ Soler, Creative Advertising Producer

March 09, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Alia sits down with MJ Soler, advertising producer to discuss how she has excelled in advertising, an industry that has a long way to go when it comes to diverse representation. MJ's determined nature has helped her build the career she always wanted, and the drive to work hard and play hard too. MJ has been in love with the world of production for as long as she can remember. Early on, she worked as an intern for MTV networks and Participant Media in LA & NY. Unsure about whether she wante...

Work Hard, Play Hard with MJ Soler, Creative Advertising Producer

March 09, 2021 05:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MB

Alia sits down with MJ Soler, advertising producer to discuss how she has excelled in advertising, an industry that has a long way to go when it comes to diverse representation. MJ's determined nature has helped her build the career she always wanted, and the drive to work hard and play hard too. MJ has been in love with the world of production for as long as she can remember. Early on, she worked as an intern for MTV networks and Participant Media in LA & NY. Unsure about whether she wante...

Increasing Confidence--Five Ways to Create Winning Moments At Work with Alia Kemet, Host & Marketing Executive

March 02, 2021 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MB

In this episode of Phenomenal Grit,  host and marketing executive, Alia Kemet, shares early lessons learned which help her crush big goals and achieve success. Her 5 Ways To Increase Winning Moments at Work are inspirational and actionable! For over 20 years, Alia has worked as a marketer in corporate America transforming how brands go to market, connect with consumers, and ultimately grow business results.  Alia Kemet is the Vice President, Creative & Digital Marketing for McCormick & C...

Increasing Confidence--Five Ways To Create Winning Moments At Work with Alia Kemet, Host & Marketing Executive

March 02, 2021 05:00 - 20 minutes - 14.5 MB

In this episode of Phenomenal Grit,  host and marketing executive, Alia Kemet, shares early lessons learned which help her crush big goals and achieve success. Her 5 Ways To Increase Winning Moments at Work are inspirational and actionable! For over 20 years, Alia has worked as a marketer in corporate America transforming how brands go to market, connect with consumers, and ultimately grow business results.  Alia Kemet is the Vice President, Creative & Digital Marketing for McCormick & C...

Descendants Of A Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor On Surviving Corporate America with Arica Harris, Financial Services Leader

February 23, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In honor of Black History Month, Alia and her cousin Arica Harris, Group Leader of Banking and Payment Operations for one of the largest financial services companies in the country reflect on their shared family history as descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and how this legacy has enabled their own Phenomenal Grit. Arica discusses how she found comfort in discomfort early in her career when she was the only or one of a few people of color in "the room". She offers tips on how to ...

Descendants Of A Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor On Surviving Corporate America with Arica Harris, Financial Services Leader

February 23, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In honor of Black History Month, Alia and her cousin Arica Harris, Group Leader of Banking and Payment Operations for one of the largest financial services companies in the country reflect on their shared family history as descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and how this legacy has enabled their own Phenomenal Grit. Arica discusses how she found comfort in discomfort early in her career when she was the only or one of a few people of color in "the room". She offers tips on how to ...

Career Challenge: Finding Comfort in Discomfort with Arica Harris, Financial Services Leader

February 23, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In honor of Black History Month, Alia and her cousin Arica Harris, Group Leader of Banking and Payment Operations for one of the largest financial services companies in the country reflect on their shared family history as descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and how this legacy has enabled their own Phenomenal Grit. Arica discusses how she found comfort in discomfort early in her career when she was the only or one of a few people of color in "the room". She offers tips on how to ...

Descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre Survivor On Surviving Corporate America With Arica Harris, Financial Services Leader

February 23, 2021 05:00 - 33 minutes - 23 MB

In honor of Black History Month, Alia and her cousin Arica Harris, Group Leader of Banking and Payment Operations for one of the largest financial services companies in the country reflect on their shared family history as descendants of Tulsa Race Massacre survivors and how this legacy has enabled their own Phenomenal Grit. Arica discusses how she found comfort in discomfort early in her career when she was the only or one of a few people of color in "the room". She offers tips on how to ...

Valuing Your Value with Mujadala (MJ) Abdul-Majid, Technology Attorney

February 16, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MB

Alia has a conversation with one of her childhood friends reflecting on the earlier stages of their careers when they leaned on each other for life-changing support. Mujadala (MJ) Abdul-Majid is an accomplished technology attorney who has held leadership roles with Amazon, Ro and recently joined Facebook.  Listen in as Alia and MJ discuss navigating a career change, finding innovative ways to lean into challenging opportunities, and asking for fair and equitable compensation. This is a conv...

Valuing Your Value with Mujadala (MJ) Abdul-Majid, Technology Attorney

February 16, 2021 05:00 - 39 minutes - 27 MB

Alia has a conversation with one of her childhood friends reflecting on the earlier stages of their careers when they leaned on each other for life-changing support. Mujadala (MJ) Abdul-Majid is an accomplished technology attorney who has held leadership roles with Amazon, Ro and recently joined Facebook.  Listen in as Alia and MJ discuss navigating a career change, finding innovative ways to lean into challenging opportunities, and asking for fair and equitable compensation. This is a conv...

Phenomenal Grit

January 22, 2021 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.33 MB

On each episode, Phenomenal Grit host Alia Kemet will interview amazing women of color who will share their wit, grit, and wisdom to help you achieve your career goals. This podcast is the go-to place for inspiring you to tap into your personal magic, navigate challenges and CRUSH IT at work!  Launch Date: February 16, 2021. Visit PhenomenalGrit.com to find out more. 

Phenomenal Grit

January 22, 2021 00:00 - 1 minute - 1.33 MB

On each episode, Phenomenal Grit host Alia Kemet will interview amazing women of color who will share their wit, grit, and wisdom to help you achieve your career goals. This podcast is the go-to place for inspiring you to tap into your personal magic, navigate challenges and CRUSH IT at work!  Launch Date: February 16, 2021. Visit PhenomenalGrit.com to find out more.