Gina Rodriguez explains why Equal Pay Day is so important

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“I was raised with women, strong women and strong men that supported one another,” Gina Rodriguez tells Mashable on a spring day in New York. 

The Jane the Virgin star partnered with Luna Bar for Women’s Equal Pay Day to support her fellow women, as she was raised to do. “[My family] understood what it meant to be fair and equal and kind and generous and giving.”

“[This campaign] is about creating awareness, it’s about championing other women, it’s not about alienating women, it’s not about separating, it’s not about dividing, it’s about coming together and uniting. Because if we’re talking about women, we are stronger together.”

From April 4 – 11, Luna Bar will support LeanIn.Org’s #20PercentCounts campaign by offering a 20 percent discount for online purchases and matching the money saved in an equal donation. They could raise up to $100,000 to fund salary negotiation workshops for women.

Below, Rodriguez takes us through her tips for women — and anyone who wants to be a bit more like her.

Take care of yourself

“Work every day on loving yourself, understanding your self-worth, because you will be kinder, more generous and more giving to the people around you,” Rodriguez says. “It doesn’t make you selfish, it teaches you how to be selfless because you are then so full as a human being.”

“Hurt people hurt people,” she adds. “But when you love yourself and you take care of yourself, you know how to do that to others, and you sure as hell aren’t tearing anybody down…that’s a small act that’s a giant act in your own life.”

Support your sisters

“Standing up for them, whether that just means being by their side, listening to them, because that helps, that does, that support does help,” Rodriguez says. “You don’t feel like you’re alone, the struggle doesn’t feel as difficult.”

“The industry can chew you up and spit you out,” she notes. “You’re constantly being stretched in a million directions, so it is important to have a pretty grounded foundation.”

Rodriguez herself grew up with two older sisters (“Giants,” she calls them, explaining that one is a doctor and the other in private equity), politically involved parents and a vocal activist grandmother. She’s grateful for the close, loving support group and wants the same for other women.

“We can’t predict so life throws us everything we’re not ready for or expecting, so it’s nice to have good people around you,” she says. “And that’s why I believe the sisterhood matters so much, because I know what it is to be alone and I know what it is to be protected and supported — and it is much easier of a life to be supported and protected, so do it to others.”

Continue onto Mashable to read the complete article.

Saundra B. Curry Honored As 2023 Women Of Influence Winner By Nashville Business Journal
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Saundra B. Curry headshot

Saundra B. Curry, co-founder and chief operating officer, BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC, was recently honored as one of the Nashville Business Journal’s 2023 Women of Influence in the Entrepreneur of the Year category. The annual Women of Influence awards luncheon was held on April 25th at Nissan Stadium for a sold out crowd of nearly 400 attendees.

Curry was selected for this honor due to her commitment to financial education and creating the company’s innovative online platform, Destination: Financial Wellness (DFW). She has a proven track record impacting thousands of employees in federal government, higher education and corporations to improve their financial wellbeing and to build wealth. Curry also served in numerous leadership roles on nonprofit boards and committees throughout the years including Yancey Thigpen Foundation, Eddie George Visions with Infinite Possibilities Foundation, Chris Sanders Foundation, Sister for Sister Foundation, Oasis Center, Jump$tart Financial Literacy Coalition, Nashville Business Incubation Center, Tri-State Minority Supplier Development Council and National Coalition of 100 Black Women among others.

Prior to founding BC Holdings of Tennessee, Curry spent two decades in the financial services industry to include serving as a licensed investment advisor. Her efforts led to being appointed the relationship manager for the Tennessee Titans and Nashville Predators where she developed financial wellness and awareness programs for individuals and business clients. Curry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga and an Executive MBA from Vanderbilt University, Owen Graduate School of Management.

“I’m honored and humbled to be selected as a Woman of Influence,” says Saundra B. Curry, co-founder, BC Holdings of Tennessee. “Our mission is to improve the financial wellbeing of others through education and empowerment to build intergenerational wealth. As one of the first African American investment advisors in Nashville, I do not accept this award alone. I honor the blood, sweat and tears of my female ancestors. Without them, there would be no me.”

“We’re incredibly proud of Saundra and her commitment to improving the lives of others through financial education,” says Sidney T. Curry, co-founder and CEO, BC Holdings of Tennessee. “Her daily essence catapults each of us to the highest professional achievement. Her leadership, vision and community involvement raise the bar in financial wellness. We congratulate Saundra on this well-deserved recognition.”

To learn about DFW and BC Holdings of Tennessee’s online workforce training, contact Apryll Adams at aadams@bcholdingsllc.com or 615-826-7861. Read more about Saundra here.

About BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC

Founded in 2001, BC Holdings of Tennessee, LLC is a nationally certified MBE, SDVOSB and 8(a) firm providing full service financial educational and wellness for workforce training and development. The company educates and empowers employees to create pathways towards self-sufficiency and financial independence. Their proprietary online platform, Destination: Financial Wellness, earned national accreditation by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training. BC Holdings has partnered with more than 125 clients across federal government, higher education and corporations. Learn more at https://www.bcholdingsllc.com/.

‘The Color Purple’ Trailer: Fantasia Shines in Musical Remake by Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg
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Fantasia

By Charna Flam, Jazz Tangcay, Angelique Jackson, Variety

Oprah Winfrey and Steven Spielberg have reunited to revive “The Color Purple” into a movie musical, directed by Blitz Bazawule.

After debuting footage for distributors at CinemaCon last month, Warner Bros. has released the first trailer for the new adaptation, which is set to premiere in North America on Dec. 25. The film will open internationally beginning Jan. 18, 2024.

The trailer features visually bold motifs as it takes audiences inside Celie’s headspace with “American Idol” winner Fantasia reprising her Broadway role, in her major motion picture debut. It also gives an insight into the sisterhood of the women at the heart of the story. Elevated by grandeur, the highlights are the musical clips and jaw-dropping production set against the backdrop of Mister’s Farm.

Starring alongside Fantasia are Danielle Brooks as Sofia, who earned a Tony nomination for the role in the 2016 Broadway revival, Taraji P. Henson as Shug Avery, Colman Domingo as Mister, H.E.R. as Squeak, Halle Bailey as Young Nettie, Corey Hawkins as Harpo and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor as Mama.

The adaptation’s cast also features Louis Gossett Jr. as Ol’ Mister, David Alan Grier as Reverend Avery, Ciara as Nettie, Deon Cole as Alfonso, Phylicia Pearl Mpasi as Young Celie, Tamala J. Mann as First Lady and Stephen Hill as Buster, as well as Jon Batiste as Grady and Elizabeth Marvel as Miss Millie.

In one scene, Shug Avery shows Celie how to apply lipstick. During a virtual event launching the trailer, Winfrey revealed the line was improvised. “When she says, ‘Oh, living God.’ That was an ad-libbed line that comes out of that moment when you’re with your sister and you’re looking at her in lipstick for the first time and you’re happy for her,” she explained.

Winfrey was also asked about the need to retell “The Color Purple” story almost 40 years later. Winfrey, who serves as a producer on the film, alongside Spielberg, Scott Sanders and Quincy Jones, replied, “As long there is a need for self-discovery, self-empowerment, as long as there is a need for victory in someone’s life, as long as there is a need for people to know what it feels like to be loved up and to be made full and hold to somebody else’s love, there will be a need for ‘The Color Purple.’”

With the film’s Christmas day release, Winfrey and Bazawule hope the film’s message will bring healing. Winfrey recalled a recent conversation with Fantasia who said, “The movie changed her because it allowed her to forgive. She said, ‘People coming to this movie will be healed because I was healed.’”

Read more of this article on Variety.com

What Not to Do in an Interview
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By Neal Morrison, City Career Fair

This is one of the most asked questions by candidates during my years of producing the Annual Diversity Employment Day Career Fairs and Roundtables across the U.S. Few candidates have any idea of the potential field of land mines that await them in an interview.

So we surveyed for their input over 500 recruiters and staffing managers who are on the front lines of recruiting for major corporations, government agencies and non-profits.

Here are their top 10 should NOT’s for an interview.
 
 

  1. Be Late – Noted by 100% of the Recruiters

“Next!” that’s what you might hear when you finally turn up—late. If an unavoidable delay occurs, immediately let the employer know before your scheduled interview time.  This shows consideration and a level of professionalism.

  1. Lack Adequate Preparation – Noted by 98% of the Recruiters

Not knowing what the company does or details about the position you’re applying for indicates to the Recruiter that you’re unprepared and may not be the right person for the position. Asking relevant questions that allow you to engage with the recruiter indicates just the opposite.

  1. Inappropriate Attire – Noted by 93% of the Recruiters

If you don’t know the appropriate attire, just call and ask the company’s HR. Business suits are always your best bet.

  1. Complain About Your Current or Past Employer – Noted by 92% of the Recruiters

Don’t do it. You’ll be perceived as a complainer and possibly, someone who holds a grudge.

  1. Become Too Personal or Familiar – Noted by 90% of the Recruiters

Flirting is unacceptable and should be avoided. Telling personal stories and sharing intimate details during your interview is taboo and could put-off the interviewer.

  1. Lack Attentiveness and Expressed Interest – Noted by 88% of the Recruiters

Yawning, slouching, fidgeting, and clock watching send negative non-verbal cues to an experienced recruiter.

  1. Cursing or Use of Excessive Slang – Noted by 99% of the Recruiters

Not acceptable in the work place and will certainly eliminate you as a possible contender for the position. It could also draw question upon your emotional and psychological suitability for the position.

  1. Fail to Smile Appropriately and Make Eye Contact – Noted by 83% of the Recruiters

Appropriate and regular smiles along with eye contact provide the first line of successful engagement with the interviewer.

  1. Talk or Texting on Your Phone – Noted by 84% of the Recruiters

Talking and texting during an interview is disrespectful and will certainly eliminate you from further consideration.

  1. Forget to Ask the Interviewer Their First Impression of Your Qualifications – Noted by 75% of the Recruiters

Remember a golden and rare opportunity exists to gain valuable feedback from an experienced observer—the interviewer. Most are willing to share their observations and assessment of your qualifications and prospectus for getting the position, if asked.

Regardless of how you’ve done on interviews in the past, these insights when applied should build your confidence and thereby increase your success.

Neal Morrison is Diversity Outreach Director at City Career Fair (www.citycareerfair.com).

Resume Do’s and Don’ts
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By Rhonisha Ridgeway, Yahoo!Life.

While job hunting, be aware that employers come across thousands of resumes. According to Indeed, “On average, employers look at resumes for six to seven seconds. However, the amount of time that an employer spends looking at a resume varies from company to company.”

A well-written resume can significantly affect your chances of landing a job.

Conversely, you could miss out on an opportunity if your resume is filled with errors at first glance. We compiled a list of things to avoid and essential resume characteristics you’ll want to include when submitting for your next opportunity.

Do’s

  • Do ensure that your resume contains essential information. Include contact information, a summary statement, work experience, skills, education, and references according to worldwide standards. Resumes should be one page with brief and to-the-point information. A LinkedIn profile or any other professional platform is also necessary for your contact information. The summary statement on your resume should also complement your cover letter. A summary of your skills will increase your chances of being noticed by employers.
  • Do adapt your resume to each job application. Your resume should list the skills, accomplishments, and qualifications most relevant to the job. Often, companies examine resumes with software designed to look for keywords from the job posting that is relevant to your resume.
  • Do emphasize past accomplishments. Do more than copy and paste job descriptions when adding your work experience. Instead, take advantage of this opportunity to discuss your core responsibilities and accomplishments in that position.
  • Do include a summary statement. The summary statement should appear at the top of your resume and highlight your relevant qualifications and skills. It should be concise and contain no personally identifiable information.
  • Do add awards and special recognitions. If you have received any awards, be sure to include them. In addition, describe any volunteer service, workshops you’ve attended, certificates earned, or if you’re a part of any organizations. By listing these items, you will demonstrate your commitment to a cause while also giving them a glimpse of your values.

Don’ts

  • Don’t make your resume layout complex. At first glance, your resume should stand out. Make the page look manageable; bullets are always helpful when formatting outlines. Most companies use applicant tracking systems that only read words, so avoid designing with columns, boxes and tables, graphics, and icons.
  • You don’t need to give a reason for leaving your job. You should focus on your work while at your previous employers and not on why you left. But be sure to mention anything relevant and necessary for the position you are applying for.
  • Don’t include unrelated activities or topics. If you mention organizations or clubs you may belong to, be concise about whether your employer should know about them. When considering whether or not to include an organization or club on your resume, ensure that it relates to an important skill or responsibility in the job description.
  • Don’t forget to let your references know they can expect a call. Let your references know you will be in touch with them during this process before beginning the job search. It’s helpful to email your resume to your references. It also helps them gain a better understanding of your work experience and what you’ve been up to since then.
  • Don’t forget to proofread your resume. Check your writing several times to ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors. Even if your resume looks great and you check every box for the job, spelling, and grammatical errors can make a huge difference.

    • You will surely gain an employer’s attention by following these dos and don’ts. Be concise, proofread everything, and avoid complex layouts.

    Continue here to read more from Yahoo!Life.

    Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll Tina Turner Passes Away at 83 After Long Illness
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    Tina Turner

    The legendary singer died Wednesday, May 24 after a long illness at her home near Zurich in Switzerland, her publicist Bernard Doherty confirmed in a statement.

    “Tina Turner, the “Queen of Rock’n Roll” has died peacefully today at the age of 83 after a long illness in her home in Küsnacht near Zurich, Switzerland. With her, the world loses a music legend and a role model,” the statement read. “There will be a private funeral ceremony attended by close friends and family. Please respect the privacy of her family at this difficult time.”

    Since 1994 the American-born singer had been living in Switzerland with her husband, German actor and music producer Erwin Bach, earning her Swiss citizenship in 2013. In recent years she battled a number of serious health problems, including a stroke, intestinal cancer and total kidney failure that required an organ transplant.

    Boasting one of the longest careers in rock history, Turner scored Billboard Top 40 hits across four decades, earning her Grammys, a Kennedy Center Honor, and entry into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame.

    Most recently, Turner was the focal point of an HBO documentary on her life titled Tina.

    Turner’s incendiary singing, glittery stage-wear and seemingly inexhaustible energy as the frontwoman for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue made her and her then-husband one of the most electrifying acts of the 1960s, serving up high octane covers of “Proud Mary,” “Come Together,” and “I Want to Take You Higher.”

    Striking out on her own as a solo artist in the ’70s, Turner reinvented herself as a star of the MTV age, notching hits with “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “The Best,” and “Private Dancer” — becoming one of the highest-selling female artists on the planet in the process.

    Turner’s early years were marred by her tumultuous marriage to musical partner Ike Turner, who subjected her to brutal acts of physical and psychological abuse. (He died in 2007.) Her survival and harrowing escape was dramatized in the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It starring Angela Bassett.

    Born Anna Mae Bullock on Nov. 26, 1939 in the town of Nutbush, Tennessee, Turner began singing in a Baptist church choir. Her childhood was not a happy one; at the age of 11 her mother left home in an effort to flee her abusive husband. Two years later, when Turner was a teen, her father married another woman and left the state, leaving Turner and her sisters in the care of her grandmother.

    Turner would meet her future husband Ike in the late 1950s, when he was performing on the St. Louis club circuit with his band, Kings of Rhythm. He was 25 years old, and Turner was just 17.

    “Ike wasn’t conventionally handsome,” she wrote in her 2018 memoir My Love Story. “Actually, he wasn’t handsome at all — and he certainly wasn’t my type. I was used to high school boys who were clean-cut, athletic, and dressed in denim, so Ike’s processed hair, diamond ring, and skinny body looked old to me, even though he was only 25. I couldn’t help thinking, ‘God, he’s ugly.'”

    Tina became a member of the band, and after a relationship with the sax player, Raymond Hill — which resulted in the birth of her first son, Craig, in 1958 — her association with Ike took a romantic turn. Even when she became pregnant with his child, business was never far from his mind. After the band’s first studio recording with Tina netted Ike $25,000, he sensed an opportunity that had nothing to do with love. “My relationship with Ike was doomed the day he figured out I was going to be his money-maker,” Tina later wrote. “He needed to control me, economically and psychologically, so I could never leave him.”

    Around this time, Ike gave the future superstar her famous moniker — against her wishes. “Tina” was inspired by a character in a favorite television show. He also insisted she take his surname, implying both marriage and a certain degree of ownership. In fact, he even trademarked the name “Tina Turner.”

    Read the complete article posted on People here.

    Beyoncé to donate $2 million to students and small business owners during Renaissance tour
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    Beyonce 2023 grammys acceptance speech

    By Randi Richardson, today.com

    Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour is doubling as a philanthropic tour. Her charity foundation, BeyGood, announced on April 20 that it is donating $2 million to entrepreneurs and students while the most-Grammy-winning artist tours the country for her latest album “Renaissance.”

    Half of the donation will go to entrepreneurs. The day before Beyoncé’s scheduled concert in a city, BeyGOOD will host luncheons for entrepreneurs who have the chance to win a grant from the 100 allocated for each networking event. BeyGOOD plans to support a thousand small businesses with a total donation of $1 million.

    The foundation said it is prioritizing organizations that support or serve marginalized and under-resourced communities. Applications to apply for a spot are now open.

    The other half of the funds will establish the Renaissance Scholarship Fund. BeyGood will give $1 million to colleges and universities in 10 cities across the country with each institution receiving $100,000. The institution will then select student recipients.

    “We are keenly aware of the barriers to access, opportunity, and resources that disproportionately impact BIPOC communities,” McGregor said. “Our work is rooted in the belief that education, pathways for employment and support of entrepreneurship are vehicles that help drive sustainable outcomes.”

    Beyoncé founded BeyGood in 2013 during her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour. Since then, the charitable initiative has donated to educational efforts, disaster relief, food, water and housing security, mental health resources and career development in the US and abroad.

    “I am hugely proud of the work we have done over a decade at BeyGOOD, here in the US and around the world,” Beyoncé said in a statemetn. “From scholarships to the water crisis in Burundi, to helping families during Hurricane Harvey in my hometown, Houston, it has been beyond fulfilling to be of service.

    “Now, as a foundation, we will continue the work of engaging partners through innovative programs to impact even more people,” she continued.

    The Hottest Remote Jobs of 2023
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    smiling asian woman on her laptop seated at a desk

    Especially after the events of the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work is flourishing now more than ever. Whether you need to work from home for accessibility and comfort’s sake or you simply prefer to stay at home as opposed to going to an office, here are the top remote job opportunities you should consider:

    Copywriter

    If you have a knack for writing and marketing, then a career in copywriting may be for you. As a copywriter, you would be responsible for preparing advertisements to promote the sales of goods and services. Copywriters may work through agencies, in-house for a specific company, or through freelancing. They often work directly with a brand or company to develop company slogans, print advertisements, mailing services, social media posts, marketing communications, billboards, jingles and more.

    • Average Salary: $60,748
    • Education: Bachelor’s degree in writing, communication, marketing or a similar degree is recommended but not required. Most training can be done on the job and through experience.
    • Skillset: Writing, editing, organization, research, effective communication
    • Highest Paid Specialties: User Experience (UX) Copywriter, Travel Copywriter, Senior Pharmaceutical Copywriter, Fintech Copywriter

    Social Media Managers

    For those who have a knack for social media, you could be the perfect candidate for managing a business’s online presence. Social media managers are in charge of running their employers’ social media accounts and increasing their brand reputation. They create and post content, interact with the public as a brand representative, and ensure media posts are being discovered and interacted with.

    • Average Salary: $54,360
    • Education: Bachelor’s degree in public relations, communications, marketing or business is recommended.
    • Skillset: Knowledge of social media platforms, marketing, technology, public relations, creativity, communication
    • Highest Paid Specialties: Social Media Sr. Strategy Manager, Director of Social Media Strategy, Senior Social Media Analyst

    Business Development Managers

    Do you want to help a business to reach its full potential? Business development managers are in charge of enhancing a business’s success through client recruitment and relations. They are responsible for creating a business plan that a company can use to enhance its recruitment and retention methods and work in just about any industry.

    • Average Salary: $70,503
    • Education: Bachelor’s in business, communications or social sciences is recommended but not required. Master’s degrees may be preferable for higher-level positions.
    • Skillset: Business, customer relations, leadership, organization, collaboration
    • Highest Paid Specialties: VP/SVP of Sales and Business Development, International Business Development Manager, Technical Development Manager

    Front End Developer

    As a front-end developer, you would not only be a part of one of the fastest in-demand fields in the job circuit but in a position that is famous for its remote capabilities. As a front-end developer, you would be responsible for web development’s technical features and visual aspects. Front-end developers work to develop a website’s layout and graphics, convert files into HTML and JavaScript programs, and create website applications. Most of their work can be done remotely and in various fields.

    • Average Salary: $97,148
    • Education: Training in HTML and computer programming. A bachelor’s degree in programming or computer science can be preferable but is not required.
    • Skillset: Programming, multimedia tool knowledge, creativity, detail-oriented, communication
    • Highest Paid Specialties: Front End Architect, Front End Engineer

    Curriculum Designer

    Teaching the next generation is critical, and curriculum designers can ensure they receive a well-rounded education. Also known as instructional designers, curriculum designers are responsible for creating educational materials teachers and institutions use to teach students. They create the material and ensure it is implemented effectively, edited when necessary, and fulfills educational standards. They also write syllabi and create online learning course content.

    • Average Salary: $66,800
    • Education: Master’s degree in education or curriculum and instruction. Licensing may also be required depending on the workplace.
    • Skillset: Writing, educational background, communication, analytics, interpersonal skills
    • Highest Paid Specialties: Instructional Designer, Senior Service Designer, E&I Designer

    Sources: Flexjobs, ZipRecruiter, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wikipedia

    What do Mario and Queen Latifah have in common? They just made it into U.S. history
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    GILBERT CARRASQUILLO/WIREIMAGE/GETTY IMAGES

    Queen Latifah, Super Mario, Madonna, Mariah Carey, Daddy Yankee and mariachi music are the latest additions to the U.S. National Recording Registry, which means a selection of their recordings have been dubbed “audio treasures worthy of preservation” by the Library of Congress.

    “The Equalizer” star Queen Latifah made history as the first female rapper with a recording in the registry thanks to this year’s inclusion of her 1989 album “All Hail the Queen,” which includes the feminist anthem “Ladies First.”

    “Her album showed rap could cross genres including reggae, hip-hop, house and jazz — while also opening opportunities for other female rappers,” the library said Wednesday.

    The instantly recognizable “Super Mario Bros.” theme music — officially known as the “Ground Theme” — became the first music from a video game to enter the registry Wednesday when the library announced this year’s selections. The tune, written by young Nintendo composer Koji Kondo in 1985, appeared in dozens of iterations of the iconic video game and most recently in the box-office smash “The Super Mario Bros. Movie.”

    Kondo, 61, told the Library of Congress that he had to be “very innovative and make full use of the musical and programming ingenuity” available to him at the time to record the motif because the amount of data he could use for music and sound effects was extremely small.

    “I used all sorts of genres that matched what was happening on screen. We had jingles to encourage players to try again after getting a ‘game over,’ fanfares to congratulate them for reaching goals, and pieces that sped up when the time remaining grew short,” he said through an interpreter.

    Additionally, Madonna’s breakthrough 1984 album “Like a Virgin,” Mariah Carey’s 1994 holiday classic “All I Want for Christmas Is You” and Daddy Yankee’s explosive reggaeton single “Gasolina” from 2010 are also among “the defining sounds of the nation’s history and culture,” the library said. “Gasolina,” the first reggaeton hit to be included in the registry, helped the Panama-rooted musical genre cross over from Latin radio to wider audiences and launched Puerto Rican rapper Daddy Yankee onto the global stage. His single’s appeal was so great, the library said, that it “even moved some radio stations to switch formats from English to Spanish to tap into this revolution.”

    Read more of the article originally posted on LA Times here.

    5 Things To Remember About Being an Effective Leader
    CareersFinanceInclusion
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    Belva Anakwenze wearing bright orange jacket sitting in large chair smiling

    By Belva Anakwenze

    Given the current state of life as we know it, finances are top of mind for everyone right now. The accounting industry, known for its quick burnout, is included in that conversation. My career started in corporate America, working long days and nights, to ensure the company’s months would fiscally close on time. In addition to the long hours as month-end neared, I felt like a cog in a wheel and undervalued.

    Before I decided to leave the corporate machine, I saw numerous peers promoted into leadership roles for reasons like length of service or technical skill. Obviously, technical skills are necessary in a role of leadership, but just as important is emotional intelligence. Very young in my career, it seemed insulting to report to individuals without the interpersonal soft skills to actually lead, inspire and guide human capital in an organization.

    As I began to envision my next chapter beyond the corporate machine, I vowed to honor that I was more than my work product or career choice. I approach everything in my personal and professional life by looking at the whole person. I support small businesses to lend to the growth of local entrepreneurs and communities. When I was looking at schools for my children, I wanted an environment that nurtured them socially and emotionally. I have carried this with me throughout my entrepreneurial career.

    My greatest test as a leader came in my years as an income tax franchisee. My partners and I operated five locations and dealt with a myriad of obstacles. Some of our challenges were high employee attrition due to seasonal employment, specialized skill set and more. In addition to the core staff, we also hired an array of positions that all needed to be filled at the same time; store managers, experienced tax preparers, outdoor sign wavers who danced and brought visibility to our stores.

    We struggled as business owners and leaders until we began to understand that our staff, regardless of role, were not a monolith. We began to lean into the interpersonal side of our staff members. We got to know our employees as the humans they were outside of work. We took the time to understand the personal needs of our high-performing employees. Taking the time to understand the motivators in our team members’ individual lives allowed us to meet them where they needed us.

    One person may have been motivated by money, while another would be looking for professional development, and another would be looking just to be seen as a member of the team. Others may have been looking for simple concessions that allowed them to start their shift 20 minutes later than normal one day a week or a host of small asks that could make the world of difference in their personal lives.

    Diversity is diverse in the true essence of the word. There was diversity in life experiences, thoughts, desires and more that all led to each person’s unique lens through which they approached life and their job. The diversity in the needs of staff allowed me to grasp the true diversity of a team. I began leading with care and affection, as a mother would.

    As leaders, we have to meet those who we lead where they are. That does not mean inserting our wishes or desired outcomes on them, but truly understanding what our team members want, how they show up as their best selves and more.

    Some of the key lessons I learned from my experience as a franchisee that I still use and follow to this day are:

    Understand what motivates each staff member and use that as a reward

    • Money
    • Professional Development
    • Work-Life Balance
    • Flexibility

    Our team members perform at their best and desire to exceed expectations when they are valued and rewarded in ways that matter to them.

    Give team members autonomy to create their own path

    Self-efficacy is the best way to have individuals perform up to their potential. When a team member truly believes in their ability and capacity it is easier to reach specific goals.

    Work in collaboration

    When developing workflow, especially during change and transition, a leader needs buy-in from the team. Give your team space to offer suggestions, feedback and improvements. They will be open about current bottlenecks and improve business efficiency.

    Make your team’s job as easy as possible

    Invest in technology, training and human capital to help your team. Duplicative work, inefficiencies or stagnation in workflow processes can be extremely frustrating and anxiety-inducing for your team; especially if they want to do well.

    Create a company culture where your team can show up authentically

    Be kind and nurturing to your team. Remember we all have lives outside of work that are consuming. Have a physiological safe space, so your staff can show up as themselves. The more accepted they are as individuals, the better they will be at work.

    A true leader understands the power of undergirding human capital. The most important thing to remember as a leader is that change is inevitable. It is important to handle changes with grace, dignity and humanity.

    Thanks To Help From Tabitha Brown, This Black-Owned Business’ Sales Went From $200 In A Week To Over $23K
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    Tabitha Brown and husband wearing matching sweatshirts smiling

    Ngozi Nwanji, AfroTech

    The power of an influential social media platform has transformed this couple’s business.

    Earlier in March, Tabitha Brown and her husband, Chance Brown, posted an episode of their YouTube series, “Fridays with Tab and Chance.” In the video, the two were wearing a sweater set from Brand Avenue — a marriage lifestyle apparel brand.

    Within a short period of time, the Black-owned business’ revenue started booming.

    Co-founded and launched in 2014 by Marc and Ima Carnelus, the two shared that prior to being featured on Brown’s channel their business had been struggling for six months. From March 3 to March 9, the brand only made around $200 for the week.

    “We even considered shutting the business down altogether,” Marc openly shared in an Instagram post. “This is our main source of income and it’s been super tough.”

    Ima added, “We have been praying in the midst of all that for a breakthrough, for a sign to keep going, a miracle. We’ve had people really rallying around us, supporting us, praying for us, helping us financially because we still got bills to pay. And God answered our prayers.”

    A week after their flatline in sales, their business blew up overnight from the Browns’ video posting.

    From March 10 to March 16, the entrepreneurs made over $23,000 — and the sales are still going up.

    “This is the Tabitha effect,” Marc emphasized.

    “I love this so much and it’s just another reason I can’t wait to bring back Very Good Mondays!!! So happy for you guys @brandaveclothing,” Tabitha Brown shared on Instagram. “Keep believing and keep trusting God, he got you!!!!”

    Back in 2020, she started the Very Good Mondays series to feature and support small businesses.

    The video that sparked Brand Avenue’s sales isn’t the first time Brown has shown love to Brand Avenue.

    View Tabita Brown’s exclusive cover story in Professional WOMAN’s Magazine!

    ALDI

    Leidos

    Alight

    Alight
     

    Robert Half