STELLIFY Podcast

On this episode, we have a phenomenal guest, Shadrach Stevens. He is an award winning engineering leader, community advocate, mentor and founder of Re.engineer, making impact within his profession and community by creating value in every role that he has served in. His platform Re.engineer is a collaborative community of professionals that are bridging the developmental gap outside the STEM disciplines. As the founder, he aspires to close this gap through mentorships, providing access to professional development resources and by extending the voice of underrepresented diversity groups. As an ally, he diligently supports women in STEM, championing professional development, diversity and inclusion in the workplace and the shop floors in every industry. Sign up for a special session holding April 23, 2021 here www.reengineer.co/stemulate. In this episode he shares with us his tenets for life: Aggressive Patience, Razor Sharp Focus and Value Creation. You definitely want to check them out in this episode. See highlights below: ✴️ His work on recognizing and celebrating women, who made history and who are still making history 4:39 ✴️ His journey in engineering and leadership. 8:19 ✴️ His mind blowing definition of change. 10:04 ✴️ How to make awesome improvements in a team. 12:09 ✴️ Tips on how to spot gaps from different perspective, in an organization. 15:10 ✴️ Shadrach's guiding principles and practices. 31:23 ✴️ The intersection between technology, passion and talents. 36:13 ✴️Ursula Burn's talk on time management. 40:09 ✴️ The role of faith and its importance. 46:36 Shadrach Steven develops and energizes teams that are committed to changing the current reality and are focused on delivering value. As a result of this collaboration, his improvement teams have generated over 100 million of value creation, on his professional journey in 2003. He progressed from several engineering roles for several fortune 500 companies, to where he is now as a global improvement leader and reliability director for the environmental Technology Center at Dow. In 2009, he had an opportunity to partner with a faith based organization to provide project leadership for the execution of a $6.5 million Community Center in Houston, Texas. Outside of his corporate engagements. Connect with Shadrach on LinkedIn and YouTube and . Instagram and Facebook @re.engineer. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

April is Autism Awareness month. ASD is a disorder that impacts children and the families that love them. I have experienced this firsthand in an experience I share in this episode. On this special for Autism Awareness day, I interview a hero on the frontlines of this advocacy, who has dedicated the last decade and her life to this cause. Beauty Kumesine is a passionate public speaker and advocate who speaks from her heart and to the hearts of her community for the identification and rehabilitation of children with Special Needs, ASD and other related developmental disorders within the Nigerian society. On this episode, she shares how she started on this journey which she describes as “purpose” even though she had no personal or family experience with autism. She talks about the levels of stigma in society and the community. Her bravery in the work she does and the lack of mental healthcare and therapy in Nigeria. But most of all, the success they keep tracking, however small, is the fuel that helps this work continue. You will be educated and enlightened about autism spectrum disorder and the precious children who live with it. Key highlights of the episode are: How she went from IT to behavioral therapy 4:55 The story of the first autistic child she worked with 12:32 The top 3 things society can do to help autistic children. 20:44 How the Port Harcourt Autism Walk started and its impact. 30:58 The cost of therapy and advocacy 38:43 How to find and live your purpose, with her insightful practices. 41:43 Beauty Kumesine is the founder of Blazing Heart Autism Center for 12 years, where she has impacted over 500 children. She consults for hospitals and schools on special needs and how to handle special needs cases. She has received several certifications and recognitions locally and internationally with recent awards by Leading Ladies Africa as one of Nigeria’s 100 most Inspiring Women and 50 most Inspiring Women by under the Business Day Women’s hub Publications. Beauty is a fellow and an alum of LEAP Africa. Connect with her and help sponsor this great work on: Facebook: Bea Uty Kumesine Instagram: IambeautyK Twitter: Beauty Kumesine LinkedIn: Beauty Kumesine Email: bkumesine@gmail.com Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

Our guest on Episode 36 is Abi Olukeye, founder and CEO of Smart Girls HQ, a STEM education solutions provider that creates engaging contents that facilitate exciting experiences to enable young girls achieve STEM career literacy by age 12. Abi spearheads a movement to raise Smart Girls all over America. She shares how To figure out what brings your creative juice to life, Abby submits: “find the thing that naturally connects with you first, and then you can go into the details later. But if you can’t grab that attention upfront, through something relatable, then you’re really fighting a losing battle.” 07:30 Some take-home for you are: Abi Olukeye is the founder/CEO of Smart Girls HQ, A STEM education solutions provider that creates engaging content and facilitates exciting experiences to enable young girls achieve STEM Career Literacy by age 12. Core offerings include parent education for STEM informal learning at RaisingSmartGirls.com and Dear Smart Girl kits, a project based career-focused STEM curriculum for girls. Previously, she led Internet of Things (IOT) strategy development and digital transformation projects at a diversified Fortune 500 manufacturing company. She has over fifteen years of professional and leadership experience spanning new product development, technology commercialization, process improvement and strategy. Watch her insightful TedTalk. Connect with Abi on LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and www.raisingsmartgirls.com Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

In the first of its kind, I am co-hosting today’s show with Tonbra Nwosuagwu, host of The Unscathed Life Podcast. For this International Women’s Day Special, we sit down for a chit-chat with two of our sister-friends, Ijeoma Nwachuche and Chrissie Afe for one very important but entertaining conversation. We share our perspectives on International Women’s Day, the importance of representation as women in the workplace, and raising the next generation of strong women. We discuss the balancing-act between maintaining our femininity and advancing in male dominated sectors, as well as reflect on the toll of constantly proving ourselves, as women, to be worthy of seats we already own. With our personal stories, witty anecdotes and hearty laughter, we speak to the seriousness of what it means to be 21st century women; appreciating the progress thus far but also understanding that more is needed to accelerate the journey to the ultimate destination: gender parity and equality. Key highlights of this episode include: What international women’s day means to each of us 9:30 Challenges that come from working in male dominated sectors 19:02 “Being feminine yet strong; femininity is not synonymous to weakness” 23:10 The intersection between race and gender. Closing the inequality divide 28:57 How does tokenism weigh in the inequality balance? 32:18 “We chose to challenge…” 36:14 On raising the next generation of strong women 45:17 The importance of having a supportive tribe 55:52 Meet the ladies: Ijeoma Nwachwuche is a Senior Executive within the Oil and Gas Industry in Nigeria. She is also the founder of a newly launched Purple Orchid Project, where she coaches and mentors young female career professionals - click here to join the waitlist for the next cohort Bit.ly/thereferralcode. She is also an author of a soon-to-be published book, ‘The Referral Code’. She is also a wife and mother to three children. Connect with her at Ijeoma Miriam Nwakuche on LinkedIn and @ije_miana on Instagram. Chrissy Afe is a HR Professional who works within the academic sector in the UK. She is also a hair coach. and a worship minister who takes great joy in seeing people have real encounters in a place of worship. She is also a wife and mother to two children. Tonbra is a Coach to the Unscathed Life Community, Podcast host, Speaker and a Singer-Songwriter based in the UK. I have also been a Project/Program manager for more than 12 years. Connect with her on Instagram @Tonbra.Nwosuagwu and https://linktr.ee/tonbra.nwosuagwu and listen to the Unscathed Life Podcast. And as a reminder, I am Bralade Koroye-Emenanjo, an Engineer, Speaker, Author, and a Podcaster on the Stellify Podcast. My first book, “A Line In The San”: Stories of Boundaries in Marriage drops in April 2021. I am a wife and a mother to three children. Connect with me on Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On this episode, Stephanie Hurtado Lonard, the founder and CEO of Technically Minded Talents shares her rocky career story and how she turned the volatility she faced in the oil and gas industry into opportunities. In her business, she goes beyond recruiting for commission to coaching clients for best results. Her wholesome strategy provides the necessary resources to drive representation in STEM, especially for people of all races. She is also an avid advocate for STEM education, believing that “you have to start the talent pipeline really early.” From her decade long experience as a professional engineer, career coach and recruiter, you will learn: · The psychological impact of layoffs. 13:12 · How to write a modern professional resume. 21:20 · What to do when you have just been laid off. 23:41 · The power of small talk to foster thriving professional relationships. 30: 40 · The role of talent in building a company. 10:10 · How (and why it is necessary) to announce your lay off. 08:45 Stephanie was born in New York City. Ecuadorian Heritage. Fluent in English and Spanish. Graduated from University of Missouri-Rolla with a bachelor’s in chemical engineering. Worked in Oil & Gas for various Fortune 500 companies as an Engineer Intern, Field Engineer, Process Design Engineer and Project Manager since 2007. Managed capital projects over $12M. Then in 2017, I founded Technically Minded Talent, a recruitment firm to connect Engineers with careers opportunities. Heavily involved in Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) for 14 years and serving on FIRST Robotics as a Mentor. I am married to another Chemical Engineer and have 2 boys, ages 4 and 1.5 years old, now reside in Huntsville, Alabama. Connect with Stephanie on LinkedIn and her email, slonard@techmindedtalent.com and website: www.technicallymindedtalent.com Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

In this episode, I narrated how the Texas freeze impacted me and my family. In this once in a century event, there were power and water outages that created conditions unfit for wellbeing. Some lost comfort, others property and for 21 people, as at today, their lives as temperatures were subzero in degrees Celsius. It was tragic but somewhere in the thick of this week, I found a lot to be grateful for. In the words of Michael Dooley, “Disaster gave me two things: a moment to react and a decision to overcome”. I share our story of a nine-hour harrowing journey, sleeping in three homes on consecutive nights and living with uncertainty. Ultimately, I learned two things: the next time there is such a forecast, I will overestimate the impact and make adequate arrangements. So many people want to help and several others need help at such times. I shared some guidelines on how to give and get help, while honoring boundaries: yours and others. How to help people going through major events or natural disasters: How to respond to help in a major event or natural disasters: Importantly, when in weather eventualities, find humor in the situation. Lastly, be thankful for the blessings that seem so little like sunlight and rain, like water and power… few realize their importance till they are gone. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

Stars, on this episode, from the lips of a young woman with a strong sense of direction and purpose, we listen to a timeless dose of wisdom. Aramide, the 21-year-old founder of Talent Mind Academy, shares her strategy of rapid advancement in life. She gives us a sneak peek into her life, “I live by a mantra: my words must be salted with grace. If I speak, it has to communicate hope, strength and inspiration. 03:36 The young heroine, who has been recognized by Malala and Global Partnership for Education as one of the ten outstanding youths transforming education across the globe, discloses that her faith is the reason for her exploits. Key highlights of the episode: Her insights on Purpose. “I don’t want to join the struggle; just let me know my path” 07:30 How Teaching Developed from a Childhood Interest to her Life’s Purpose 08:06 The National Disgrace of unqualified teachers that burdened her to start a school 11:00 Aramide’s understanding of informal education will awaken something in you. 24:25 She reveals an important tenet of her progress in life, “If you find somebody who is doing what you want to do or is living the kind of life that you want for yourself: lean in, lean in, lean in. 50:00 Her honed practices of living out her faith, personal development and journaling. 41:48 Aramide Akintimehin is the founder of Talent Mine Academy; a free school for children that cannot afford quality education in Nigeria. Having worked on local and international education projects that focus on expanding learning opportunities for marginalized children, she has been recognized by Malala and Global Partnerships for Education as one of the ten outstanding youths transforming education across the globe. Aramide is a First-class Economics graduate of Covenant University and a graduate student of Harvard Graduate School of Education. She is the author of the ebook “20 lessons I learned at age 20." and she runs a mentorship program for female teenagers known as "Lady with a Difference". She hopes that one day, every child will access quality education irrespective of their socio-economic background. Connect with Aramide on: Instagram: @aramideakinti. Twitter: @aramideakinti_. LinkedIn: Aramide Akintimehin Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

Season 2 is finally HERE! In this first episode of 2021 and thirty-first episode of the Stellify Podcast, I share on the kind of year that 2020 was for me and who I became through it. I speak about my MESS of a year. Don’t worry, it’s not the word! It is an acronym that stands for my moments, enablers, structure and story. M: moments. The moment for me was full of depth and reflections. I sought clarity on my vision and purpose. Regardless of how bad the news got, gratitude and peace were my default emotions. I found things to be grateful for, my family, friends, health, job, everything! E: enablers. These were the supports Bralade got in 2020. “Those things that helped me fulfill my purpose and helped me execute on my goals. Those things that helped me function effectively and excellently at work.” Some of these enablers are: Coaching courses, Templates, Books. S: structure. Anything worth doing is worth creating a structure for. My days had a structure and routine that helped me center, do deep work and be there for my family. I structured work and play into my daily agenda. Here, I share my attitude and strategy to work. S: story. The stories, unique stories of 2020 leave a trail of fulfillment. My unique stories that happened in 2020 were my marriage vows renewal, my journey of being a published author and the launch of this Stellify Podcast. As you plan for a great 2021, think not more what the year would have in store for you but think who you can become this year. I outlined a STAR framework to tackling your goals this year. Set The Goal: the more detailed you get with the scope and timelines, the closer you are to achieve it. Take Stock: the first step to progress is assessing the baseline before planning to go beyond. Appraise Often: as you act, review the execution of your work, the progress you are making and the resources you need so you have all you need in the right atmosphere. Rest Easy: Girl, you gotta rest. You work so hard, take the time to rejuvenate so you can be energized to get to work on your goals. I share about my book, A Line in The Sand, that will be launched soon. Be on the lookout for it. Send me an email on hello@bralade.com if you want to lead a podcast and/or host me on your platform. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

The season finale of the Stellify Podcast is also my tenth wedding anniversary where I sit with my husband, Obioha Emenanjo to answer some questions on how we met, things we have learned, challenges we still face and even the dreaded topic of money. We also discussed the soon coming book in commemoration of this anniversary, "A Line in The Sand": a Collection of Short Stories in Boundaries. Obi shared his favorite story and some advice for dating and married couples. Healthy boundaries are the life blood of marriage. Be on the lookout to pre-order. You do not want to miss it. But in the meantime, you can download this ebook on my website, "How to Set Boundaries in Marriage" at https://www.bralade.com/how-to-set-boundaries-in-marriage. It outlines ten steps and action plans for you to stay true to your values and enjoy a happier marriage. You can hear more on our previous Episode 27 at https://www.buzzsprout.com/1138688/6138028-how-to-set-boundaries-in-marriage-a-10-step-plan. We are back for Season 2 in January 2021. We trust that 30 episodes have stellified you and appreciate your continuous support. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On Episode 29, the Speaker, Trainer and Sage, Eden Onwuka takes us on her journey through cancer from surviving to thriving and teaching women the lessons she has gleaned. She shares her life practices of resilience, gratitude and reading. Eden also expounds on boundaries as established values that guide us and help others to see us in our true authentic selves. As you practice healthy boundaries, you raise a vision board of your values. Realize, however, that you cannot control what someone else does or feels but you can communicate the direction and stay true to yourself. Key highlights of this episode are: Eden A. Onwuka is an International John Maxwell Certified Relationship and Mindset Coach. And the founder of “A Woman And Half” USA. And The Sage Coaching Consulting. She holds degrees in Communication, Business Administration and Corporate Social Responsibility. Her robust corporate experience spans 17 years in financial consulting in corporate America and over a decade in Coaching. Eden is passionate about helping individuals Gain Relationship Clarity And Heal emotionally. She also teaches *Creative Writing for writers and thought Leaders who desire to up-level their messages. She is a 3-time Author of "The Power Of A Single Story", "Re-igniting Hope" and “A Woman And Half Affirmations”. And is set to publish “A Man And Half” Affirmations for the man who walks in Dominion, this year. Eden Lives in Texas with her Husband and Beautiful Children, whom she fondly calls her 'Shades of Gace'. Having Survived cancer in 2017, she considers herself a Recipient of God’s Mercy and encourages others to Shame their shame, by owning their unusual stories. She is the recipient of several awards, including the “Exceptional Women of Excellence” Award presented at Women Economic Forum, Cairo Egypt. Eden has been featured in The Guardian, DSTV, Woman to Woman Convo, and other leading platforms. Connect with Eden on: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edenonwuka/ Instagram: @SpeakerTrainerSage and @awomanandhalf Twitter: @dreden_O Websites: https://primenuggets.com/eden, www.edenonwuka.com, www.awomanandhalf.com Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On Episode 28, Ijeawele Chimamaka Ogbonna is sharing how she is curating and celebrating culture, specifically the Igbo culture of Nigeria. She shares how culture is getting lost in language, in heritage and in culture. Her work in creative writing is steeped in the richness of her Igbo heritage and she shares it with the world in her works of fiction. With her platform, Ikoro Igboamaka, she celebrates being Igbo through various programming and events both virtually and in person. She is a frequent media personality on radio stations, blogs, YouTube and social media, sensitizing on this topic. Ultimately, she seeks to sensitize parents and engage young minds in learning and imbibing the richness of their heritage. Key highlights of this episode are: A graduate of English Language and Creative Writing, Ijeawele is an author, editor and ghostwriter. As founder of Ikoro-Igboamaka (Society Culture & Language Platform), she has been featured on several media platforms for her commitment to revitalizing Igbo language, culture and heritage. She is deeply passionate about African Women Stories and is co-founder of She Writes Africa. Connect with Ijeawele on: Facebook: ikoroofficial and Ijeawele Chimamaka Instagram: ikoroofficial­_igboamaka and Ijeawele Chimamaka YouTube: Ijeawele Chimamaka Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

This episode is a particularly special one focused on healthy relationships through setting boundaries. I believe the bane of any relationship is the absence of boundaries with the blurring of lines and responsibilities of spouses. Why marriage? Because it is one of the most important relationships with direct implications on your personal freedom and peace, if love is devoid of boundaries. In addition, my tenth wedding anniversary is in November 2020 and healthy boundaries are the life blood of my marriage. My first collection of short stories on boundaries in marriage also comes out next month. Be on the lookout to pre-order. You do not want to miss it. This episode is based on an ebook you can download on my website, "How to Set Boundaries in Marriage". It outlines ten steps and action plans for you to stay true to your values and enjoy a happier marriage. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

This episode was recorded on Black Tuesday, 10/20/2010: that dark day when unarmed Nigerian youth were fired upon and killed as they peacefully protested at Lekki Tollgate in Lagos, Nigeria. Dr Adeola and host, Bralade have a candid and insightful conversation about the state of affairs in their home country. October has been both the 60th year of Nigerian Independence and arguably, the largest youth uprising since the nation’s history. This spontaneous and sporadic protests in Nigeria are both grassroots in person and online. One of the key online protesters who has supported the movement to end police brutality and poor governance is Dr Adeola Olubamiji, a Nigerian-Canadian scientist, thought leader and transformational leader. In Episode 26 of the Stellify Podcast, we learn: Dr. Adeola Olubamiji is a Nigerian-Canadian Advanced Manufacturing Technical Advisor with Cummins Inc, Indiana. She specializes in Metal and Plastic Additive Manufacturing (also known as 3D-Printing). Dr. Olubamiji is the founder of STEMHub Foundation, a non-profit organization promoting engagement of minorities and females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers. Lastly, she seats on the board of several organizations such as Health & Science Innovations, Indiana, USA and AfricaHacks, USA. Her academic contributions have yielded several scholarly scientific publications, scientific conference presentations, a TEDx talk, and contributions on several high-profile scientific panels. Some of the awards she has won include 2020 STEP (Science technology Engineering and Production) Award by the American Manufacturing Institute, RBC Top 25 Canadian Immigrant 2020, 2019 Influential Women in Manufacturing Award by Putman Media, 2019 L'Oreal Paris Women of Worth Canada Honoree. Connect with her on Twitter @adexmee, LinkedIn @DrAdeolaDOlubamiji, Facebook @adeolaolubamiji, Instagram @dr_olubamiji and on www.stemhubfoundation.com. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

In the United States, there has been a renewed call for an end to systemic racism and in Nigeria, youths are leading the #EndSARSNow protest to end police brutality and unchecked power. At times of civil unrest, what is the citizen’s duty? On Episode 25, I draw lessons from Dr Martin Luther King’s epic speech titled “A Call to Conscience” where he called for an end to the Vietnam War. Perspectives on civic duty have never been as skewed as they are in recent times. I talk about what Civic Duty is and how we contribute to the governance of our nations and protect their democratic freedoms. Key Highlights: “A Time Comes when Silence is Betrayal”“Men do not easily assume the task of opposing their government’s policy”“Those who make peaceful revolution impossible will make violent revolution inevitable”Who says peace and civil rights don’t mix?“our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional” There are many ways to engage: in word and in deeds, with many or with few, with complaints or with solutions… that is how we build a more perfect union. There are no bystanders in nation building. Let your conscience leave you no choice today as it was with MLK and the others that bought the freedoms we enjoy today. “To me, the relationship of this ministry to the making of peace is so obvious that I sometimes marvel at those who ask me why I am speaking against the war. Could it be that they do not know that the Good News was meant for all men—for communist and capitalist, for their children and ours, for black and for white, for revolutionary and conservative? Have they forgotten that my ministry is in obedience to the one who loved his enemies so fully that he died for them?” -Dr Martin Luther King Jr in A Call to Conscience: Beyond Vietnam. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On Episode 24, we learn about goals: setting them, sticking to them, taking them one step at a time and giving yourself grace, through the process of accomplishing them. Dr Keisha Thompson, a psychologist, demystifies self-care as an event or experience but rather, should be thought of as a mindset and lifestyle. She goes further to share her work on social justice, women empowerment and amplifying the voices of women of color in the US and beyond. Key learnings of the episode are: · Having a core identity and the multiple expressions that flow from it 2:51 · How she showcased black women’s pivotal role in the Trinidad revolution 6:47 · Demystifying the concept of Hashtag-Goals 11:15 · Setting Goals and Sticking to Them 12:51 · “Picking Sense out of Nonsense” (A Trinidad Wisdom) 17:20 · Fine Line between being vulnerable and oversharing 19:07 · Performing Emotions vs Resolving them 19:31 · How culture impacts the way you see the world 21:47 · Self care should not be an experience or an event, it should be a lifestyle 24:02 · Giving grace to yourself 29:06 · The misadventures of an inspired woman 30:09 · The influence of faith on social justice and her wellness crusade 33:29 Keisha V. Thompson, Ph.D. is an Associate Professor of Psychology in New York City. Her professional interests and research include diversity issues in higher education, themes of psychosocial development for young adults, and mental health in Black youth and women. She recently filmed, produced, and directed her first documentary project There All Along, which covers the involvement of women in the 1970 Black Power Movement in Trinidad & Tobago. The film premiered at the Trinidad & Tobago Film Festival 2020. Dr. Thompson also produces and hosts the Misadventures of an Inspired Woman Podcast. Dr. Thompson holds her doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Texas A&M University. A Native of Trinidad & Tobago, Dr. Thompson grew up in Brooklyn, NY. She completed her bachelor’s degree in Business Communication at Baruch College, CUNY, and her master’s degree in School Counseling at Hunter College, CUNY. Connect with Dr. Keisha on www.drkeisha.nyc, on Facebook @DoctorKThompson and Instagram @dr­_keisha.

On Episode 23, as Nigerian-American, I am celebrating the Nigerian Independence Day with an assessment, Cultural Navigator by Berlitz, to reveal how Nigerian vs American I am in corporate America in my Interaction Style (6:54), my Thinking Style (12:46) and my Sense of Self (18:20). Self assessments have helped me navigate cultures in school and the workplace across three continents. My results and my evolution will interest you as you listen to the episode. Cultural Navigator is based on a complex database of cultural norms based on countries, professions and even companies. It helps you understand your cultural preferences and tendencies with strategies to navigate other cultures to help you collaborate more effectively with others. So whether you are looking to expatriate or just better understand your tendencies, this episode is for you. I wrote this 8 years ago and it is still true for Nigeria@60 today: "Nigeria is not her government, She is her people. She is not her failures but her spirit. Not her past, but her future. Not them, but YOU." Citizens of Nigeria, her future lies in your hands. Yes there is still reason to celebrate. That resilient, indomitable spirit that is Nigeria is pervading the world with her brilliance in every facet of the economy and advancement. I end the episode by saying there are some things Nigeria could learn from the USA and vice versa. No culture is monolith or inherently perfect. So much to learn and so much to become... So we keep moving! Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On Episode 22, we are asking the question: “What are your dreams worth?” Are they worth the aspiration, commitment and effort required to make them happen? 92% of New Year resolutions never happen. Only 6% of childhood dreams ever get fulfilled and only 8% of goals get achieved yet many desire to make a change in their lives and in the world. Listen as Stellify Podcast host, Bralade shares principles and examples from her experience on podcasting and writing. Learn how to ACE those goals using these actions: ASPIRECOMMITEFFORT With these, you can work all the way to fulfill the vision. However, none of these things matter unless you are willing to DELIVER and have your goal ACED. Fear of Rejection is the number one reason why majority of people do not achieve their dreams so surround yourself with the right community, commit to show up and dare greatly. Some of the lessons from this episode are based on Deep Work by Cal Newport and Free to Focus by Michael Hyatt. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

On Episode 21, learn how to embrace your femininity as your place of natural strength, power and ease. Ekene Onu leads us through her life’s experience and her coaching expertise to understand the dynamics of masculine vs feminine energy and how each one shows up. Answering the call of the icon is beyond ambition, it is rising to the fulness of your purpose and your being. Key highlights of this episode are: Ekene is an executive coach, leadership consultant and keynote speaker. She started her career as a pharmacist and attended Georgetown University to study Organizational and change leadership. Ekene is certified as a social and emotional intelligence coach and as a Diversity and Inclusion trainer at Cornell University. Her areas of focus are on feminine leadership, holistic success, harnessing your personal power & more. As a lifestyle consultant for successful women, she runs various online master classes and online group coaching programs throughout the year. She hosts the podcast Iconic Womanhood Podcast and her mission to help you fall back in love with yourself & your life, discover how to be ICONIC and stand out from the crowd, so you can be wildly successful, deeply loved & valued. One of her flagship events hold November 6 – 8th, 2020. The Iconic Womanhood Live - Virtual Edition is a special transformative event with the Iconic Woman’s Coach, Ekene and several special guest speakers. Use this special code: BRA25 for a 25% discount. Connect with Ekene Onu on www.iconicwomanhood.com and Instagram - @refreshwithekene and join the Facebook Group @iconicwomanhood. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.

In Episode 20, learn how to secure your seat at the leadership table with professional development guidance from Ucheonye Maple. In this episode, she highlights the biggest obstacle in the way of career women and how to navigate them. She shares from her rich cultural perspective the practices she has honed to help her be the leader and coach she is today, in corporate America. Key learnings of the episode are: Ucheonye Maple is a recognized Systems Engineering leader with a proven track record of empowering and motivating STEM professionals. Speaker, coach and mentor in the STEM community. Because of the struggles she saw African Americans and women STEM professionals experience in the advancement of their career, Uche started Aghaeze-Maple Enterprises LLC, a career development coaching and consultancy company. Her mission is to educate STEM professionals on how to take ownership of their own careers and advance. She is currently a Systems Engineering Manager at Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Lab. Uche received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Prairie View A&M University, MBA from University of Phoenix and her M.S. in Systems Engineering from Johns Hopkins University. She is also a graduate from the Leadership Essentials Program at Loyola University. Connect with Uche on www.ucheonyemaple.com, on LinkedIn and Facebook @UcheonyeMaple. Join her Personal Brand Challenge from September 21-25, 2020 to identify what you do best, for whom you do it, and why you do it better than anybody else. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast.

On Episode 19, we learn life lessons on purpose and purposefulness from the life of Chadwick Boseman (1976 – 2020). Purpose is the reason for which something is created or for which it exists while purposefulness is that quality of having a definite purpose. It is one thing to know purpose and it is another to make every moment of your life be meaningful and relevant to that purpose. The reason for the despair and mourning at his passing at such a young age is the same reason for the celebration of his life: his achievements and his accolades but most of all, his impact, especially on the lives of black people all over the world. He used his life to tell stories of black culture from trailblazer biographies to superhero stories in Jackie Robinson, James Brown, Thurgood Marshall to T’Challa. Beyond the achievements, the courage to use his “power to give them heroes to look up to; to do it all while in pain – what a use of his years” (The Obamas). How we honor his life and purpose is to be sure “to take your time but don’t waste any time” in being intentional and purposeful about your own life. “You have to cherish things in a different way when you know your clock is ticking…” – Chadwick Boseman. Mind your purpose today and everyday, there is a whole world waiting for that deposit of God in you. Let’s continue the conversation on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn @TheStellifyPodcast. Use the hashtag #stellified. Thank you for subscribing, listening, reviewing and rating this podcast on Apple and other apps.