In this episode, Tina Taylor, former Chief Quality and Chief Information Officer for GE Lighting, shares her career journey and the lessons she learned along the way. She emphasizes the importance of reading the room, understanding your why, and trusting your instincts. Tina also discusses the challenges and pressures faced by black professionals in corporate America and the need for self-care and balance. She shares her current work as a general partner for Unum Capital Investments and her involvement in not-for-profit organizations focused on financial inclusion for minority small businesses. Overall, Tina's story highlights the importance of authenticity, resilience, and driving impact.TakeawaysRead the room, pay attention to body language, and use it to your advantage.Understand your why and who you are doing your work for.Trust your instincts and listen to your gut.Black professionals face unique challenges and pressures in corporate America.Self-care and balance are essential for success and well-being.Drive impact and create opportunities for financial inclusion for minority small businesses.Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

SummaryIn this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, Katrina McGhee, a career break and sabbatical coach, shares her insights on how to take a break from your career to invest in yourself. She discusses her own career journey and how she overcame the fear and barriers to take a break. Katrina emphasizes the importance of planning for a break, including setting a foundation, saving money, and understanding the potential risks. She shares her experiences during her break, the lessons she learned about herself, and how she transitioned into helping others take breaks. Katrina also provides advice for black professionals considering a career break and offers practical steps to get started.TakeawaysTaking a break from your career can be an integral part of a successful career journey, allowing you to reflect on your dreams and goals.Give yourself permission to take a break and prioritize your well-being and personal growth.Plan for your break by setting a foundation, saving money, and estimating the cost. Reframe the cost as an investment in a better life.Overcome the barriers and risks by addressing your fears, understanding what's at stake, and seeking support.During your break, embrace new experiences, challenge yourself, and discover your capabilities.Returning from a break can involve transitioning back to work or exploring new opportunities.Consider helping others take breaks and create a fulfilling life by sharing your experiences and providing support.For black professionals, it's important to address the unique challenges and barriers they may face when considering a career break.Writing a book can be a powerful way to share your knowledge and experiences with a wider audience.If you could give advice to your younger self, encourage them to be courageous, true to themselves, and willing to try new things.Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

Health management for Black professionalsDisclaimer: The information provided on our show should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, and those seeking personal medical advice should consult with a licensed physician. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition.In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison interviews Dr. Kimberley Pryor, a seasoned medical doctor with extensive experience in medicine and currently working as a healthcare administrator. They explore crucial health topics for Black professionals in corporate America, emphasizing the importance of taking charge of one's health, maintaining a focus on wellbeing through proper nutrition, sleep, exercise, and regular medical checkups. Dr. Pryor shares her personal journey into medicine, influenced by her family's medical background, and discusses common health issues faced by the African American community, including heart disease, diabetes, and the compounded risks posed by sedentary jobs. The conversation also covers the role of stress, the significance of having a healthcare provider, and the rights patients have when seeking medical care. Dr. Pryor stresses the importance of prioritizing health, educating oneself, and the benefits of having an accountability partner or patient advocate. The overarching message is the critical need for black professionals to actively manage their health to thrive in corporate America and beyond.00:00 Introduction to the Black Corporate Life Podcast00:36 Meet Our Guest: Dr. Kimberly Pryor01:35 Important Disclaimer for Listeners02:05 Dr. Pryor's Journey into Medicine05:56 Major Health Issues Impacting Black People07:48 The Impact of Sedentary Jobs on Health08:43 The Role of Stress in Health09:46 Maintaining Health Amidst Busy Schedules11:29 Choosing the Right Healthcare Provider15:11 The Importance of Asking Questions18:17 Managing Your Health: Tips and Advice20:28 Navigating the Healthcare System24:23 Final Thoughts and RecapJoin our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison talks with entrepreneur and founder of Creators Collab, Gerard Littlejohn. They delve into Littlejohn's diverse career path which includes working in professional sports, corporate America, and non-profit settings. Littlejohn shared substantial insights on the importance mentoring, networking, and leveraging influence to create opportunities for others. He further discussed his journey towards entrepreneurship and starting his own production company, Creators Collab, and how it addresses gaps he identified in the corporate world, particularly a lack of cultural and diverse perspectives in storytelling, marketing and corporate content creation. He stressed the critical importance of creating a network of black professionals and supporting each other, and highlighted his mission to foster opportunities for black creatives in the industry.00:00 Introduction to the Black Corporate Life Podcast00:35 Guest Introduction: Gerard Littlejohn01:57 Gerard's Career Journey: From College to Professional Sports09:30 Transitioning from Sports to Corporate America12:17 Challenges and Adjustments in Corporate America20:09 The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship21:23 Current Endeavors: Creators Collab26:16 The Uncomfortable Interview: A Turning Point26:52 Introduction to Black Corporate Life29:08 The Birth of Creators Collab29:54 The Growth and Impact of Creators Collab31:50 Advice for Aspiring Professionals33:39 The Power of Networking and Mentorship39:50 The Vision for Creators Collab39:55 How to Connect with Creators Collab43:47 Final Thoughts and Reflections49:00 Closing Remarks and Black Corporate Life InfoJoin our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com

In this episode of the Black Corporate Life podcast, host James Frison conducts a candid discussion with Lynne Stokes, founder of Stokes Unlimited. Lynne shares her journey from a technical background, to marketing roles in renowned companies like PepsiCo, and to her current endeavor of assisting mid-life professionals in pursuing their dreams while managing their current careers. This pursuit is described as 'working on your what's next while working on your what's now.' Lynne offers advice on balancing professional aspirations with life's responsibilities, the importance of investing time toward individual interests, and harnessing personal experiences to share one's unique story. She places particular emphasis on seeking coaching or mentorship when in a period of transition or seeking clarity about one's personal path.Join our online community, the Black Corporate Life Alliance, where Black professionals come together to network learn and grow. Our platform offers expert coaching, interactive classes and a vibrant online community of like-minded individuals who understand the unique challenges faced by Black professionals in corporate America. Join us at https://bclalliance.com