UnBossed

Want To Be A Pioneer In Your Field? Good. Bring Others.

Black women have been excellent in business for years but only recently have industries begun the slow shift to welcoming us as we climb the ranks. Bonita Stewart, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Google is one woman who has - as she calls it - “a mindset of not being othered.” Instead, she says, “I don’t mind being the pioneer but I won’t be the only one.” Her path to success in the tech world is marked by determination and close examples like her father. On this episode of...

The Real Cost of Entrepreneurship

We love when we get to dig into the stories of Black women who’ve demanded fair pay since...childhood and built thriving businesses serving their community from scratch. That’s right, childhood. Today’s guest, Sherrell Dorsey (@sherrell_dorsey), the founder of The Plug Daily - started getting paid from a little girl, and hasn’t accepted anything less than her full worth since. But that doesn't mean that it's Easy Street. There are real sacrifices and stretched checks that go along w...

How To Turn Any Obstacle Into Opportunity

No matter what our career goals may be, we all strive for one thing - success! On today’s special episode of UnBossed, Monika Johnson - the Associate Vice President of Nationwide Financial, and Patrice Washington - Personal Finance Expert, each share how they’ve created their own blueprint. We tackled topics like discovering your true passion(s), when to make a career transition and the importance of discovering opportunities within obstacles. This episode of UnBossed is sponsored ...

There Is Dignity In ALL Work

Whether you bus tables at a local restaurant or sit amongst the most influential policymakers in the nation, who you are matters. The work that you do matters. An incredible reminder of this truth is Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@ayannapressley) whose impressive political rise, commitment to radical Black joy, and creating systemic solutions to systemic issues have reinvigorated hope for so many. Keep listening to grab each and every gem she brought with her to UnBos...

We Don’t Have To Take What We’re Given

Working harder and “leaning in” is simply not enough for US to earn the paychecks we deserve. This week, UnBossed is graced by the presence of Minda Harts (@mindaharts), author of the best-selling book, “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table”. The career revolutionary has experienced it all: from microaggressions to imposter syndrome - and she wants every Black woman to know that not only are we in demand, but we don’t have to take what we’re given...

Pay Me What You Owe Me!

August 13, 2020 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. We’ve armed ourselves with the education, experience, and energy to break glass ceilings and now it’s time our paychecks and growth track in our careers reflect as much—no excuses, no delays, no holds barred. On this episode, we're bringing you a full Black Women's Equal Pay Day compilation episode featuring Minda Harts, Juliette Jones, Lauren Simmons, Sherrell Dorsey, Arian Simone, Arlan Hamilton, and Dia Simms. Get your notebook and ...

Mentorship is More Than A Buzzword, It's A Lifeline

“Lift as you climb” are to live and work by. For Black women in the workplace, having mentors to reach out to is crucial. It is indeed a key ingredient for personal success. This week’s guests Vicki Chancellor,President of McDonald’s Operator’s National Advertising Fund; Elizabeth Campbell, McDonald’s Senior Director of Marketing and Cultural Engagement; Mary Blackford, founder of Market 7 and Pine-Sol Legacy Winner;  Cassandra Lewis Brand Manager of PineSol and Shaunte Mears-Watkin...

How To Thrive In A “Dead” Industry Without Selling Your Soul

Those who excel in life rarely do so by playing it safe. The same can be said for Noëlle Santos (@1st.noelle), the 33-year-old proprietress of the only bookstore in The Bronx, a community of over 1 million people. On this episode, Noëlle breaks down how she brought a bookstore home to her community in a time when many (mistakenly) thought indie bookstores weren’t thriving - and how she did it all without giving up even a little bit of her own interests, style, or convictions. (Bonus...

A Successful Career in Advocacy Is Possible with the Right Moves

Very rarely do most consider that advocacy work can be a full 9 to 5 career choice. Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships knows better than anyone that her commitment to community and advocacy work is more than simply serving a weekend a month. From serving as an Americorps VISTA, to working with the National Action Network under Reverend Al Sharpton, to her time as Miss New Jersey - speaking and driving important initiatives across the state and country, Ingram ...

How Do You Keep Your Business Afloat During A Crisis?

The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered many a business since it influenced a nationwide shutdown in March 2019. It’s struck fear in the heart’s of small business owners whether they’re brand new or have been open for a long time. Melba’s Restaurant (@melbasharlem) in Harlem has found its way through the pandemic, not unscathed but not closed for good either. How did its founder and namesake, Melba Wilson navigate the unsure waters of a pandemic? What keys can be learned for what’s to c...

You Don’t Always Need Investor Dollars To Start Your Business

Are investments the best or easiest way to start a business? It's debatable. What's certain is that with the right preparation, planning, and love from your community you can build a thriving business. Just ask Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon (@drkeyhallmon), founder of thriving The Village Market (@thevillagemarketatl) in Atlanta, Georgia. On today’s episode Dr. Key breaks down how she decided to do something about the lack of Black businesses being showcased in Atlanta...without a single dol...

Stop Apologizing For Monetizing Your Work!

A business isn’t successful if it isn’t profitable and too often women fear how they will be perceived if they ask for what their time and efforts are worth. But as this week’s guest, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche (@thebudgetnista) says, “the more you make, the more you can do.” And trust, she knows of what she speaks, having experienced financial setbacks and teaching others how to overcome them as she did. Now, she helms a series of businesses that serve women who want to becom...

Play Your Position To Get Your Recognition

The greats aren’t the greats because they played it safe. They mastered their craft and became known for their mastery, much like this week’s guest, Jermaine Dupri (@jermainedupri). In this episode, the hitmaker producer gives real life anecdotes and advice on how to gain the respect you deserve in your field - including a DOPE come-to-Jesus moment with the legendary soul singer, Aretha Franklin. Get into it and I hope you’ve got a notebook ready! Use #UnBossedPodcast to let us know...

Starting From The Bottom Still Deserves A Living Wage

For ages, we’ve accepted that to start from the bottom means to accept well beneath the pay you are worth.This week’s guest, Lauren Simmons (@lasimmons), is making it her mission to shed some light on financial best practices for young women. And she’s doing it with a wealth of experience and she’s not even 30 yet. At 25 she was the only Black woman and youngest trader on the New York Stock Exchange Floor - history-maker. And as you’ll hear, making history wasn’t necessarily her goa...

Money Decisions + Family Business, How Do You Make It Work?

We’re inundated with information about taking care of our personal finances but what can financial health look like for couples? Should couples use joint accounts? Should they keep their money separate? Who pays the bills? How much should a couple invest in their business? Today’s guests Codie Oliver and Tommie Oliver have made a name for themselves by creating Black Love - the acclaimed docu-series shining a spotlight on the nuances of love and relationships. They give a 360-degree...

When You Know Your Value, You'll Find Success In Spades

Building a career worthy of respect takes equal parts knowing your value and forging relationships with the right people. So, how do you know you’re making the right decisions and connecting with the right people? How do you make sure you’re valuing yourself at all times? Today’s guest has stories in spades about just that. Juliette Jones (@msjuliettejones) is the Executive Vice President of Urban Promotions at Atlantic Records and she got there by knowing exactly who she is and wha...

The Cannabis Industry Isn’t An Immediate Cash-Out Game

It’s safe to say that most of the cannabis spaces that have opened up since its legalization are lacking two things: Melanin and patience. Conferences, VC funders, promoted businesses are all unequivocally white while Black cannabis entrepreneurs have been pushed aside. There are also a lot of people who think they’ll strike gold from the jump when they come into the cannabis business. WRONG. Enter tech, advertising, and business savant, Mary Pryor and CANNACLUSIVE - the cannabis im...

Best Friends CAN Be Great Business Partners

Working with your friends can either be the worst thing you’ve ever done or the best decision you’ve ever made. Fortunately, for actress and dynamic entrepreneur Keisha Knight Pulliam (@keshiaknightpulliam) and businesswoman extraordinaire, Arian Simone (@ariansimone), they walk the line of business partners and best friends seamlessly.  With a friendship that spans over 20 years and about the same amount of time put into their own ventures, Arian and Keisha wanted to help women of color-le...

Losing Everything Doesn’t Mean You’re Not Cut Out To Own A Business

What do you do when you experience a setback that you never saw coming? Today’s guest, Pinky Cole, knows all too well what it means to start over and literally rise from the ashes. She started with a small Jamaican American fusion restaurant in Harlem - has firsthand insight on what it can look like to rebuild an entire vision from the ground up after losing her first restaurant. Now she’s the owner and operator of one of the most famous food trucks and restaurants in Atlanta - Slu...

Great Entrepreneurs Don’t Just Make Money, They Serve A Need

For years in entertainment, Blackness was an afterthought and actors had to make do with stylists who were ill-equipped to style, let alone maintain the health of their hair. Enter 3rd-generation hairstylist and all-around badass businesswoman, Kim Kimble (@kimkimblehaircare). She’s the epitome of an entrepreneur who saw a need and became the answer. We chatted at the Essence & New Voices Entrepreneurship Summit in Atlanta, and it was such an insightful conversation. Her years of ex...

What Should Be The Biggest Difference Between You And Everyone Else In The Room? Excellence.

Dia Simms is the former President of Combs Wine and Spirits, where she oversaw the execution of all Cîroc Ultra Premium Vodka, DeLeón [DE LAY-ON] Tequila and spirits innovation projects for the company. Under Dia’s leadership - the company experienced over 1000% growth, going from obscurity to one of the most globally recognized vodka brands. She’s now a trailblazer in the cannabis industry as the CEO of BRN Group - catapulting new cannabis brands into market. How did she spin a ca...

There Are No Limits When We Own Our Own!

Impacting culture has to extend beyond the immediate. No one has done this better than Percy Miller aka Master P who is the founder of No Limit Records and P. Miller Enterprises. He’s an entrepreneur, a former basketball player, and rapper and we can all learn a little something from this well-rounded businessman. This episode is from a conversation at the 2019 Entrepreneur Summit in Atlanta, where he and and his friend and business partner, Mr. James Lindsay shared details about cr...

If They Don't Know You Personally, Don't Take It Personal

If you've ever wondered how exactly to respond to naysayers when your star is on the rise, this episode is for you. The legend, Mona Scott Young has been in the entertainment game a LONG time and has seen and accomplished A LOT due to a diverse upbringing, a whole lot of grit, and a zest for living life to the fullest. She famously cofounded Violator Records with business partner Chris Lighty (rest in peace), and became instrumental to the lives and careers of hip hop heavyweights l...

Shoestring Budgets Still Make Dreams Happen

In the Digital Age, there is very little we can’t find, learn, or create with just the click of a button. Yet, very many of us still suffer from the fear that our dreams are limited to what the opportunities that the gatekeepers give us. If you’re one of those people then this episode of Unbossed is definitely for you. Award-winning actress and filmmaker, Numa Perrier used every resource available to her, not waiting for Hollywood to ‘give’ her a chance. She made her own as the crea...

How To Beat “Numbers” Impostor Syndrome As A Young Entrepreneur

Is fear causing you to avoid all things budgets, balance sheets, and bookkeeping for your business? Do you think the numbers might somehow prove you’re not meant to run a business? If that sounds familiar then you definitely need to hear Trinity Mouzon Wofford’s (@trinitymouzon) story. She’s not even 30 yet and she’s a testament to the fact that you’re never too young to run a successful business doing what you love. Trinity is co-founder of Golde - the health and beauty company tha...

The State of the Black Female Entrepreneur - A Heart-to-Heart with 3 Black Women Founders

Black women are a force to be reckoned with in business and some of the highest drivers of commerce. So, when you get us together in one room to discuss our entrepreneurial journeys - the outcome is nothing short of powerful. We’re excited to close out the decade with this dynamic conversation from Essence Fest 2019’s E Suite. Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole (@pinky907); NaturAll Club founder Muhga Eltigani (itsmuhga); and The Lip Bar founder, Melissa Butler (@melissarbutler) grace...

A Rock Solid Work Ethic Propels True Leaders Forward

Becoming the best in the business begins by working for and with the best in the business. Diligence and patience can often be overlooked in a world that seems to value microwaveable careers. Camille Yorrick’s trajectory is a case study on why the exact opposite is necessary for any true leader. Her career spans a couple of decades and more than a few big wins within the music industry - from working with artists like Mariah Carey in her early days to Beyonce and Childish Gambino mo...

Learning To Delegate Is A Boss Move

We all know that building a business is no easy feat. We have so many i’s to dot, t’s to cross and obstacles to hurdle. Understanding the value of the team and learning to delegate to those we trust are paramount to business success and our own mental health and wellness. No one knows this better than Backstage Capital founder, Arlan Hamilton (@arlanwashere) who has met and exceeded her business goals many times over. Two things she very clear on? Acknowledging and utilizing her sup...

How Black Women Can Close The Wage Gap

It’s no surprise that Black women are successfully climbing up the professional ladder, however finding the ideal support continues to be a challenge. In this episode, host Marquita Harris (@mar_har_) sits down with Vinita J. Clements, Senior VP of Human Resources for Nationwide, and Michele Thornton Ghee, EVP of Business Development for Endeavor Global Marketing to get candid conversation and straight answers about what Black women can do to close the wage gap, and the importance o...

Boardrooms Are Built By People Who Get In The Game Early

C-suite success comes with hard work, perseverance...and long-game vision. One thing that keeps many of us from becoming fruitful moguls or mavens is the inability to look ahead and learn crucial business elements EARLY in the game. This week’s guest, Monique Mosley (@Monique_Mosley_), CEO and Founder of Reign Ventures has had no problem with seeing and setting up the future. During her long career she’s kept a boss mindset by learning all the crucial elements to business success EA...

Don’t Be Afraid To Protect Your Ideas

Intellectual property theft has long been a problem in our community, specifically when it comes to Black women. As today’s guest explains, no one is going to vouch for your work and worth like you. If you want to be a true boss you must first understand the value of protecting what you create. Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) talks with Lisa Davis, Esq., a seasoned entertainment lawyer with clients like legendary rap group, Public Enemy and Black author extraordinaire, Ter...

Getting Laid Off Can Sometimes Be A Blessing

If you’ve ever experienced unemployment you understand the fear and even PTSD it can create. Having the rug pulled from beneath your career and finances can leave you reeling and wondering what the future holds. It can also be a blessing in disguise, nudging some of us toward an entrepreneurial path. This week’s guest Rakia Reynolds (@rakiareynolds) founder and CEO of Skai Blue Media (www.skaibluemedia.com), is no stranger to braving the business owner trail. Her brief experience wi...

Multi-Passionate? Your Path Doesn’t Have To Be Linear To Be Successful

Facebook COO, Sheryl Sandberg, once said that career paths are beginning to resemble a jungle gym rather than the ladders of our parents’ generations. We’re searching for more and are more inclined than ever to sculpt holistically fulfilling lives - careers included. Many of us are becoming comfortable blazing career paths that tap into our gifts. But there are still so many who are afraid to step into the unknown and take a chance on their passions. Umindi Francis Denis (@umindi360...

Sticking To Your Vision When Everyone Has Opinions

When everyone has opinions, it’s easy to get sidetracked from your vision for your life and business. Who we are as thinkers, leaders, visionaries, and innovators is vast and multi-faceted. So, what does it take to stay out of the box? Carly Cushnie (@CarlyCushnie), CEO of Cushnie - the luxury women’s ready-to-wear and accessories brand, stopped by UnBossed to discuss just that. As the visionary boss behind the highly sought-after brand (Forever First Lady Michelle Obama has worn Cu...

Being A Boss Means Learning To Build...From The Ground Up

Do you consume more than you create? Are you being interrupted by technology or are you utilizing it to disrupt unviable systems? How do you ensure that you get a healthy slice of the pie no matter what industry you’re in? On this episode of UnBossed, serial entrepreneur and social change agent, Sevetri Wilson (@sevetriwilson), offers insight into how she built her businesses: Solid Ground Innovations (SGI) and Resilia - a New Orleans-based technology startup, and how you can begin ...

What Means More To You - Having a Title or Making an Impact?

In a world where titles and salaries often eclipse purpose in the workplace, it’s time to bring impact back to the forefront. On this episode, marine biologist and ocean conservationist, Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (IG: @ayanaeliza) shares her definition for living in your purpose and doing meaningful work, and the importance of creating your own lane, with or without a title. Learn more about Dr. Johnson’s work with Ocean Collectiv (@oceancollectiv) and follow UnBossed host, Marqui...

Got A Dream? Let’s Talk About Funding It

For 14.1 million adults in the U.S. who don’t have a bank account, funding a startup or even purchasing a home is a distant dream. Though, one woman aims at closing the “unbanked” gap. In this episode, FinTech entrepreneur Sheena Allen (@whoIsSheena) explains how she’s serving our community with her app CapWay, and dishes on how we can all get the money we need to get our ideas off the ground floor. Visit capway.co. to learn more and follow host Marquita Harris (IG: @marquita_harris...

You May Have Contacts, But Do You have Connections

During a time where social media was reigning and on the rise, ColorComm founder Lauren Wesley Wilson decided to do something different - build a community, in real life. On this episode, host Marquita Harris sits with Lauren to reflect on her personal journey, and how she took a need to connect Black voices in her industry and built a media rolodex worthy of a mogul. As always, reach out to Marquita (@marquita_harris_) on social (and share your Unbossed journey with us. Be sure to...

Never Be Ashamed To Talk About Money

There are three things that you should never be ashamed of - valuing your worth, living in your purpose and talking about money. On this episode, host Marquita Harris sits with Chase Consumer Banking CEO, Thasunda Brown Duckett, to chat about her personal journey to ensure that Black women exceed their passion and earning potential, and how following her purpose guided her to change her parents' financial habits, just a few years before their retirement.  As always, reach out to Ma...

Blavity's CEO Morgan DeBaun Gives Lessons on Leveling Up

Starting a Business is Nice. Maintaining a Business is Hard Ass Work As Blavity celebrates its 5th anniversary, CEO, Morgan DeBaun (@morgandebaun) gives goal chasers a reality check on what it takes to maintain a business beyond titles and business cards. Spoiler alert: You have to work hard AND smart.  Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) sat with Morgan for an honest conversation about the “freedom” of entrepreneurship. After listening to this episode, be sure to sign up fo...

Student Loans Don’t Have to Be a Life Sentence

Nearly 15% of the American population owes over $1 trillion in student loan debt. Let that sit with your soul. It goes without saying that student loan debt is a disease, a crisis, and a tragedy all rolled into one. However, it’s not a financial life sentence. We decided to seek a doctor to help us with this epidemic. The 'Student Loan Doctor', Sonia Lewis (@thestudentloandoctor) is here to help treat the condition and offer a prescription to relieve your student loans. Host, Marqu...

Chase the Freedom. Nothing Else.

All the passion in the world doesn't prepare you for the adventure of entrepreneurship. Travel maven and all around wanderluster, Evita Robinson (@evierobbie) is most known for her phenomenally successful travel community, Nomadness Travel Tribe. In her quest to design her life, she unintentionally built something bigger and found balance. Now that's living your best life! Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) spent time with Evita to discover how passion can turn into profit. ...

Your Biggest Fear Can Drive Your Success

Fears, we all have them, but only a few use it as fuel to drive them. Curls, Creator/CEO and all around dope queen, Mahisha Dellinger (@mahisha_dellinger), has used her fears to triumph beyond measure. From college mother to corporate management to beauty boss, she is the demonstration of what it means to not be defined by your past. Host, Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_) spent time with Mahisha learning how to take fear and use it as fuel for success. Share your thoughts, and l...

Introducing Unbossed