Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders

Cieja Springer is a fashion and style expert who’s worked in luxury marketing for over 16 years with companies like L'Oreal, Maserati, Estée Lauder, and Nordstrom. She's also the host of From The Bottom Up!™️, a podcast where she interviews fashion industry professionals to get their behind-the-scenes take on how to succeed. Cieja had always wanted to write and work with brands. So, she majored in advertising and minored in fashion merchandising to equip herself with the skills she needed to pursue her dreams. She is an excellent example of making opportunities for yourself when there seemingly are none. Hear her full story in this episode of Motivational Mondays and learn who inspired her to want to work in fashion, how she created the space she wanted to be in, and what it takes to be a purveyor in your craft.   LEARN MORE: >> Connect with Cieja on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/springercieja} >> Listen to Cieja’s podcast, From The Bottom Up!™ {https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-the-bottom-up/id1454972815} >> Read The Chiffon Trenches: A Memoir by André Leon Talley {https://amzn.to/3vc4ytq} >> Visit Coveteur {https://coveteur.com/}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn more about Cieja’s podcast, From The Bottom Up!™ and her passion for sharing stories of fashion’s unsung heroes. {https://thens.ls/3M0dKH4}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Oladotun "Ola" Idowu was intrigued with pop culture as a child. She discovered Syracuse's media program after struggling to figure out what she wanted to do with her life, knowing she didn't want to take the traditional route her parents wanted for her.  Today, in a role that fuses her love of entertainment with marketing, Ola works at Twitter as an Entertainment Content Partner Manager. She describes her unique journey in this week's Motivational Mondays and shares why she founded Sisters in Media, an organization dedicated to fostering opportunities in media for women of color.  In addition, Ola's organization focuses on mentorship and creating a network where young women of color pursuing media careers can connect with industry professionals who can help advise, nurture, and guide them toward a successful future. In this episode, you'll learn when Ola's interest in media began, her gratitude for her parent's support of her career, and the specific duties of her role as Entertainment Content Partner Manager at Twitter.   LEARN MORE: >> Follow Ola on Twitter {https://twitter.com/ola__idowu} >> Connect with Ola on LinkedIn {https://www.linkedin.com/in/oladotun-idowu-59a55332}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the importance of checking in on loved ones and doing wellness checks, and why we need to dedicate the time to care for our own mental wellness. {https://thens.ls/3H3OhJ7}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Dr. Obari Cartman, a Professor of Psychology at Georgia State University and Northeastern Illinois University, has served as an advocate in the mental health field inspiring young Black men to make positive changes in their lives. These changes include learning coping skills to overcome challenges they may be facing now or in the future.  An accomplished author, Dr. Cartman's books serve as guides for black men's emotional healing and accountability. His first book, Lady's Man, highlights his personal journey to more profound and respectful relationships with women. His follow up book, MANifest: A Manhood Development Experience, addresses young Black men's mental health and unique identity challenges. On this week's episode of Motivational Mondays, Dr. Cartman touches on various topics, including his sentiment that young Black men can rise above trauma through self-awareness and believing they are worthy of success.  You’ll learn about Dr. Cartman’s life experiences in Chicago, the concept of ancestral trauma, and why rappers have a unique position of authority.   LEARN MORE: >> Read Dr. Obari Cartman's book: Lady’s Man: Conversations for Young Black Men about Relationships and Manhood {https://thens.ls/365Javz} >> Connect with Dr. Cartman on his website, Facebook, and LinkedIn {https://www.drobaricartman.com} {https://www.facebook.com/DrObariCartman/} {https://www.linkedin.com/in/obari-cartman-b4129bb5/}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the importance of mental health and wellness, and Dr. Cartman’s advice for young black men who are considering therapy. {https://thens.ls/3BdiTH8}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

The Dizz Wizz book series is the brainchild of Rheon D. Gibson, an enterprising educator with a socio-academic background and master's degree in school counseling. The series comprises children's books geared toward changing the mainstream media perspective of minorities.  Rheon was inspired to write the Dizz Wizz books based on conversations with his son. Rheon wants to change the mainstream media’s portrayal of African Americans. He knows many great African American fathers who deserve to be seen as more than just criminals or victims; they're active participants in their children's lives.  On this episode of Motivational Mondays, we learn how the Dizz Wizz books utilize lessons in diversity to change perceptions. Rheon's vision is changing the hearts and minds of individuals from all walks of life. You’ll learn about the purpose of the Dizz Wizz series, Rheon’s passion for understanding human behavior, and the importance of cultivating meaningful conversations with children.   LEARN MORE: >> Contact Rheon to schedule a speaking engagement {https://thedizzwizzseries.com/contact-us} >> Purchase the Dizz Wizz books {https://thedizzwizzseries.com/merchandisestore} >> Follow Dizz Wizz on Instagram and Facebook {https://www.instagram.com/dizzwizzseries} {https://www.facebook.com/TheDizzWizzSeries/} >> Follow Rheon on Twitter {https://twitter.com/rheongibson}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn how a guidance counselor changed Rheon’s life and his personal advice for reaching success. {https://thens.ls/3s0KqHs}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Dr. Joan Fallon is a visionary scientist who has a passion for children’s health and well-being. She’s dedicated her life’s work to championing the cause of children’s wellness worldwide and is a founding member of a successful charter school in Harlem, New York .  In addition to authoring numerous scholarly articles, Joan holds over 300 patents worldwide and is a highly sought-after lecturer, holding talks across the globe on pediatric developmental problems.   In her latest book, Goodbye, Status Quo: Reimagining the Landscape of Innovation, Joan provides readers with lessons on how to become the change they want to see in the world. She believes that no matter who you are or the background you come from, you can be an agent of change. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn why survival relies on adaptability, why we must be willing to let go of antiquated thinking, and the power of being your most authentic self.   RESOURCES: >> Read Joan’s book: Goodbye, Status Quo: Reimagining the Landscape of Innovation {https://amzn.to/3KK5bzF} >> Learn more about Curemark {https://curemark.com} >> Connect with Joan on Twitter {https://twitter.com/CuremarkCEO} >> Follow Joan on Instagram {https://www.instagram.com/curemarkceo/}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn why community is important for schools to succeed and about the success of a dream charter school in Harlem. {https://members.nsls.org/audio/robert-stevenson}  Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

If you want to know what it takes to succeed, look no further than the teachings of Robert Stevenson. The best-selling author has spoken at over 2,500 companies and helped build high-performing systems with his research in corporate success and experience heading his own companies. In his latest book, Raise Your Line, Robert shares that his son helped name the title based on his theory that life looks like a line from birth to death. What we do in life either raises or drops that line. It's all about the choices we make that will make the difference. Robert Stevenson's years of knowledge have given him immeasurable insight into the benefits of understanding people as more than just worker bees. Don't miss this week's episode to learn more about Robert's road to success and how you can get there too. In this episode, you’ll learn the inspiration behind Robert's first book, How to Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys. You'll also discover how to view yourself through the enemy's eyes and why going beyond expectations is essential.   LEARN MORE: >> Read Robert Stevenson's books: How to Soar Like an Eagle in a World Full of Turkeys {https://amzn.to/3Aj3BQC}, 52 Essential Habits for Success {https://thens.ls/32iZ3No}, Pocketful of Tweets on Success {https://thens.ls/3Ajko5U}, and Raise Your Line {https://thens.ls/3GP0sKL}. >> Robert is offering this free PDF for all Motivational Mondays listeners: 45 of My Favorite Business Articles {https://thens.ls/33xWwzO}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn how a negative attitude can impact everyone around you and the importance of having gratitude for the good things in your life. {https://thens.ls/3nM0hs7}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Reelaviolette Botts-Ward specializes in empowering black women to thrive through a healing process of dealing spiritually with their systemic emotional issues. She coined the phrase “ancestral grieving” to describe an understanding of how many African Americans carry the weight of generational suffering from racial oppression and inequity. Described as a “Jane of all trades,” Reelaviolette is an author, professor, professional speaker, mental health advocate, current PhD candidate, and the founder of BlackWomxnHealing. Her work is aligned with her journey to break intergenerational curses that get passed down from elders to their descendants. On this week's Motivational Mondays, Ree shares her story and how the history of her ancestors impacts her life today. You’ll learn about the power of embodied remembering, reconciling ancestral traumas, and why childhood is the most sacred time of life.   FIND OUT MORE: >> Visit Reelaviolette’s website {blackwomxnhealing.com} >> Read Reelaviolette’s book: mourning my inner[blackgirl]child {https://amzn.to/3noaTx6} >> Follow Reelaviolette on Instagram {https://www.instagram.com/reelaviolette} >> Check out the Femi Magazine Profile of Reelaviolette {https://femimagazine.com/?p=5218}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the dynamic of inclusivity within the female African American community and the mission behind Reelaviolette’s BlackWomxnHealing {https://thens.ls/3fsJdmt}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

With keen insight, Stedman Graham insists that to be a successful leader of others, you must first know how to lead yourself. In the second part of our conversation, he discusses the power of reinvention, overcoming insecurities, and how facing our past empowers us to be successful in the present. If fear is holding you back in life, Stedman has some advice for you: having fears is normal but you can overcome them. The first step is deciding to be a victor and not a victim.  On this week's Motivational Mondays episode, Stedman shares more steps to successful leadership, including the importance of surrounding yourself with people who share your vision for success.   LEARN MORE: >> Read Stedman’s book, Identity Leadership {https://amzn.to/32pukOJ} >> Visit Stedman’s website {https://stedmangraham.com} >> Follow Stedman on Instagram {https://www.instagram.com/stedmangraham/} >> Follow Stedman on Twitter {https://twitter.com/officialstedman}    NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn why it’s not selfish to work on yourself and why it’s okay to fall as long as you get up and try again. {https://thens.ls/32y1eN2}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Stedman Graham leads by example, always striving to be the best version of himself. To help others optimize their opportunity for success, he developed his Nine Step Success Process©️. Stedman teaches that anyone, even those lacking faith in themselves, can become a confident leader through self-discovery and development. Confidence aligned with excellent skills sets the foundation for effective leadership. Successfully leading others professionally and personally doesn't come naturally. It requires honest self-reflection, which can be a jarring exercise. But on this week's Motivational Mondays, Stedman explains how assessing who we are brings us closer to achieving our life goals. You’ll learn why Stedman wrote the book Identity Leadership, how he faced a world of inequality, and how your passions can define your purpose in life.   LEARN MORE: >> Read Stedman’s book, Identity Leadership {https://amzn.to/32pukOJ} >> Visit Stedman’s website {https://stedmangraham.com} >> Follow Stedman on Instagram {https://www.instagram.com/stedmangraham/} >> Follow Stedman on Twitter {https://twitter.com/officialstedman}    NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn the power of adapting to change and the importance of staying aligned with your vision. {https://thens.ls/3Fjyvdf}Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Busyness, not to be confused with business, is something we all face. It's also a problem that needs to be addressed. According to Dr. Garland Vance, author of Gettin' (un)Busy, many people feel overwhelmed from an overextended schedule. One solution is that we learn to say "NO" before taking on any new projects. Garland advises that what we need as individuals or leaders are clear boundaries between downtime and work, and saying yes and no. In this week's Motivational Mondays episode, Garland shares insight on how we can gain more control in our lives, reduce stress levels, and thrive in a more productive, "unbusy" lifestyle. You’ll learn what inspired the book Gettin’ (un)Busy, why being too busy is bad for our health, and the importance of setting boundaries between work and home.   LEARN MORE: >> Check out Dr. Garland Vance online at AdVanceLeadership.live >> Follow Dr. Garland Vance on Facebook and LinkedIn {www.facebook.com/garlandvancepage} {www.linkedin.com/in/garland-vance}  >> Subscribe to his YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCccPJdIqTSwzV_nDWy03AxA/videos  >> Get your free copy of Gettin’ (un)Busy (just pay shipping and handling) {http://www.killbusy.com}   NSLS MEMBERS ONLY: Listen to the bonus episode to learn why it’s important to learn to take on less, and how  taking on less gives us more time to do what we really want in life. {https://thens.ls/3FhndGk}  Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop