Bridge To U:

Stone Gye immediately takes us on a journey into nature and how it’s lessons have helped him to navigate his life. Stone Gye is an aggregation of Hypnotherapist, Strength Coach, Combat Veteran, Lomi Lomi Masseur, Business Coach, Digital Agency Strategist, Senior Landmark Worldwide Graduate, Business Automation Junkie, Dad and more. From this interview with Stone, we get a clear picture of how nature gives us lessons of how we are interconnected as human beings. We learn how to ward off attacks, how to form community and how to embrace each other. This is only if we understand the role nature plays and see ourselves as one with nature, rather than nature as a transaction.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Stone: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Without reflecting on our experiences and movement towards desired goals, we miss the lessons that will help us assess where we could improve and maintain what is already working. In this episode, I discuss: Reflections and observations on leading a niche podcast focused on Understanding and Black Unity Why we need to be intentional about our connections The importance of challenging the stories from mass media we consume and embracing new media Acknowledging the barriers and difficulties we face and not running away from or avoiding them Using value systems and a similar mindset as a basis to connect with others Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever felt disenfranchised from your country of origin? Have you chosen to disconnect and disassociate with where you are from because of pain, and pressure? Many immigrants choose to disconnect from their origin country not realizing that it symbolizes a disconnection of self. When you become aware of your history and understand the impact of re-connecting, you can leverage the greatest gifts you have available. Clara Angelina Diaz, the founder of the ClaraFying Coaching and Consulting Institute, shares her journey to not only reconnect with her country of origin in the Dominican Republic but embrace her origin of Africa. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Clara Angelina Diaz-Angerson: LinkedIn | Instagram Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Nelson is an award-winning visionary Marketing and Brand Executive. As CEO of BRANDPRENUER Nick helps remarkable people who show up well in person show up just as well online by developing brand strategies, creating assets (photography, videography graphic design, web design), and teaching clients how to GET NOTICED by creating custom content across social media channels.How can I have more impact? This is a question many people ask. Nick Nelson tells us to perform a self-audit. Ask, “who am I today?”. “Is it time to solve a different problem?” Stop competing and start collaborating more and remember that your Blackness is your Superpower. This is the formula for premium business branding success. Expose yourself to other cultures and in my doing so you open up yourself to learn more. When you learn more, you become more valuable. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Nick Nelson: LinkedIn | Instagram | Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The process of releasing old and current wounds and traumas is not easy., Take it from Rahila Khan who has lived in South Africa under apartheid and the racial and social hierarchy of discrimination and racism. What helped her was learning how to love herself and learning how to re-program her DNA by auditing thoughts, behaviors, feelings, and emotions from herself and her ancestral lineage. Rahila Khan is an internationally accredited Journey Practitioner and a Specialist Facilitator in Emotional and Spiritual Intelligence Programs - Human Values and Professional Ethics (personal and corporate) in developing human potential. She is an entrepreneur and a community development worker, too.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Rahila Khan: LinkedIn |Facebook| Instagram Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the guest chair for this episode is Paula Okonneh. Paula Okonneh is a woman in Tech leader and entrepreneur. As a self described Tech lover, this baby boomer sees herself as an encourager to other women especially seasoned immigrant women who struggle to have a voice while at the same time being intimidated by technology. What do you do when you are an immigrant in another country? How do you plan to be successful and embrace the unknown? Cultural struggles are a standard part of immigrant life. Even if you successfully adapt, and remain flexible, understand that differences and misunderstandings are a part of the process. In order to avoid succumbing to negative thoughts about your status as an immigrant, keep an open mind, understand the nuances and differences of the cultures you are leaving and moving into, recognize that struggles are a part of the story, and learn to showcase yourself.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Paula Okonneh: LinkedIn | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Perry Rhue is an Executive and Leadership Development Coach, and former internal Leadership Coach at IBM. Perry is also the founder of The Rising Awareness Journey, a social change movement equipping professionals with the skillset to effectively navigate through the “difficult and challenging” conversations about racism and social issues of the past, present, and future. In this episode, Perry and Monique explore questions like: How have you been influenced by white superiority coupled with racism? Do you know? How does this ideological system influence and impact your life? Being able to embrace the difficult, and messy conversations around race starts here. To be an activist in this area, connect with like-spirited and courageous people, understand that coaches are healers by trade so connect with those who are at the forefront of these conversations, and mend the fractured bone of conflict by being curious FOR others.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Perry Rhue: Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Even if you grew up in a stable, supportive household, you can still find yourself in a position of unhealthy communication. You can find yourself not caring about others, but when family members support you consistently and persistently by telling you the truth about yourself, it can open the door to empathy, love, and lasting relationships. Learning how to agree to disagree takes time, self-awareness, and a recognition that you may be hurting those you love.Marlon Addison is a family 1st oriented Sales and Marketing Leader who thrives on the interdependency between Sales and Data Analytics. Over 20 years of experience in the Healthcare arena but drawn to Sales, Marketing, and Education all while building and steadying relationships. Call him the "Sales Whisperer".Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Marlon Addison: LinkedIn | Twitter Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Unity does not mean uniformity or conformity. There is strength in our diversity. Where do we start when we cannot relate to someone we don’t share similar values with or have not had similar experiences to. We begin by sharing stories in a communal way. This leads to the aspect of relatability and empathy. For years, oral traditions and practices allowed us to leverage verbalizing wins and challenges as a way to foster mental and emotional wellbeing and healing. In this episode, I discuss: When exclusion is appropriate The skills of active listening and holding space for other people’s experiences How we can de-center our experience and open our minds to empathy when we cannot relate Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Howze teaches us the process he uses to maximize his individual performance: Self-reflection, self-correction and humility. Reflect daily on your decisions and choices. Correct any choices and decisions that were not good for you and remain humble. This process is a system youth can embrace. Many children struggle with the barrier and distraction of their identity and confidence. Not surprisingly, so do adults. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Rob Howze: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.S. Perkins is the Founder and Senior Consultant of the Human Communication Institute (www.hci-global.com). In this episode, P.S. Perkins discusses spirituality as a source of connection. Words are powerful and are units of energy. Examine to see whether the words and verbiage you use are uplifting to yourself AND others. Emotional contagion is very real and we need to be mindful of the communication climate we are exhibiting with our energies. If we long to truly be inclusive as Black people, we must examine the root of the language we use. The English language was not created to uplift Black people. When you explore words that are degrading, or limiting, be intentional in removing them from your vocabulary or lexicon. For example, “minority”, “subculture”, “second-class citizen”. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Pamela Perkins: LinkedIn | Facebook | Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Terri-Karelle Reid is quite the multi-hyphenate. She is a bilingual Veterinarian-turned-Media Personality, TV Presenter, Event Host, Speaker, and Podcast host of 'Redirection with Terri-Karelle." “We are more than what we see” are the words Terri’s grandmother imprinted in her psyche from Day 1. This belief and the intentional actions to expose yourself to the world beyond your culture is what set Terri to be curious of people and places off the beaten path. In order to re-define ourselves as Black people, we must study Black historians and read the literature. We must glean wisdom from them to see Black not as skin color, but Black as a powerful identity. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Terri Karelle: Instagram Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Melody Capote is the Executive Director of the Caribbean Cultural Center African Diaspora Institute (CCCADI). In this episode, Melody shared that arts, music, dance, and sacred practices are all forms of cultural expression that unite us as Black people. If we look at the drum, for example, and its many uses, we see the intersectionality of traditions and practices that unite us. Visual and musical forms of storytelling provide understanding and they are the traditional language of Black people. Self-preservation and personal activism is one way we as Black people can strengthen confidence, and extend the olive branch. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Melody Capote: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayowa Adegoke (formerly Ogundele) is a multi-talented Nigerian journalist and news correspondent, based in Dubai, where she covers news, business, tech, entertainment and news stories from an African perspective. Mayowa has dedicated her life to impacting lives. "As a journalist, as a media personality, I have a brand. I also have a personality and social media presence. Using our personal social media and brand, or whatever we have control over, we need to use those platforms to create the reality we want. We need to use the spaces that we have influence in to amplify stories that need to be told to help the Black community to come together." Someone may hear your story and forget it, but if you impact someone’s life positively, they will never forget your story. You don’t need to influence many people. Focus on one and use the spaces you already have influence and control over to build the bridge with someone else. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Mayowa Adegoke: LinkedIn | Instagram | Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Respecting your culture and becoming an advocate is an immersive learning experience. There is a time and a place for everything. Afro-centric education, and music are gateways to understanding knowledge about who you are as a Black person. "There are no psychological tricks to takeaway someone’s ability to choose. Modeling, choosing the right timing and advocating in bite size approaches will help you shift perspectives." Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Kelly Blackmon: LinkedIn | Youtube| Website| Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nicky Verd is an International Keynote Speaker and leading thinker on driving innovation and digital transformation through personal disruption. She is Author of the hit book “Disrupt Yourself Or Be Disrupted.” Nicky was recognized by Thinkers360 as one of the Top 50 Global Thought Leaders and Influencers on Digital Disruption and Future of Work. She is also the Brand Ambassador for Southern Africa Startup Award. Shame is powerful and it can hold you back from expressing your talent. What do you do when you are ashamed of your own talent? After an emotionally exhausting and crippling divorce, Nicky sought out to become the human disruptor. She needed to heal first before she could go out with her big mission in the world. She took time to do this before bleeding on to other people. Her process involved mentors who had successfully overcome similar obstacles, like Sara Jakes. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Nicky Verd: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Don’t be afraid to experiment with video storytelling. Trust your gut and avoid being a perfectionist."Black Leadership influences what we see and hear in the media. When sharing positive Black stories, aligning yourself with leaders who can help you amplify your message is a must. It is not always about money, but a lot of times, it is. Your passion and love for what you do will help you to deliver quality results to those who are watching. Make your message universally accessible and can be understood even without language by using motion pictures, and timely creatives.About Edie ClarkeEdie Clarke has worked for a TV director/producer, on a short film, as a production coordinator for 2 major TV networks, then later as an Art Department Manager at Sony Pictures Imageworks. She is now an independent video producer at Virtually in Sync. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Edie Clarke: LinkedIn | Youtube Email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I just had to bring these ladies back for a joint episode and when you listen to it you will understand why. Jessica Reed is a writer, youth educator, and proud ice cream lover from Detroit, Michigan. She first appeared in episode 4.Jennifer Tomlinson is a college Professor of African American Studies and Interim Dean of Learning Support. She first appeared in episode 6. In this episode we discussed: The definitions of colorist, elitism, and classism. How colorism, elitism, classism as being a trauma response in Black Cultures. The difference between a generalization and a stereotype and how adding stereotypes to a generalization is where it becomes problematic. Learning and understanding history in order to move forward. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Jennifer Tomlinson: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website| Youtube Connect with Jessica - Instagram | Website Connect with Monique with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I think what happens is the more you learn about yourself and embrace it, it is not a surprise but people can no longer use it against you as a weapon, when you honor it and decide whether you like it or not. When I say I don't like that trait about myself, it doesn't matter whatever family, friend, spouse, eco-worker, boss points it out, you say, hey, I agree with you and I am working on that. They don’t have power in that anymore. You have taken your power back because you are not judging yourself. You are not attaching shame. You are not attaching guilt or regret to who you are because you are not meant to be perfect anyway…” Many people are not truly happy and feeling fulfilled and they are not being honest with themselves about their feelings. Becoming your own project means you honor your feelings, and give yourself space and time to process them. Hold up a mirror to yourself and be honest about what you see. It is through this healing and processing journey that you connect to deep feelings of sisterhood and love. About Tierra Destiny ReidTierra Destiny Reid has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and plenty of stories to tell; however, like many of us, she did not always know how to take the next step and make her voice heard. After publishing her first book, The Power of Peace in a Pause, Tierra Destiny Reid discovered the power of sharing her voice through self-publishing. She was spirit-driven to help others like her: people with powerful stories who may be intimidated by the idea of publishing their own writing. She founded Legacy Publishing Coordinators (LPC), a boutique publishing company and a division of TDR Brands International that encourages others to share their own voices through self-publication.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Tierra Destiny Reid: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website| Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alternative environments and exposure at an early age prime individuals to live a life of nonconformity, and challenge the status quo. This early foundation helps to create a pathway to self-discovery. When your environment is predominantly different from people that look like you, it can create feelings of disassociation of self and a disconnect to your Black culture and heritage. However, when you are exposed to other environments that affirm who you are, it can build a bridge to self and others. About Walter Gainer IIWalter Gainer II is a problem-solving creative that helps people and businesses develop their brands, manage projects, and create content that tells stories. He grew up in Charleston SC, traveled to China, got a scholarship to play soccer in college when America still looked at it as a White sport. He was homeschooled while in high school and took dual credit classes to get college credits. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Walter Gainer II: LinkedIn | LinkedIn Walter Gainer II| Twitter Bosslocks| Twitter Walter Gainer II| Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fatsani Dogani is a nurse, published author, entrepreneur, speaker, healthcare consultant, and also considers herself a global citizen. Born in Malawi and now based in California Fatsani was blessed with the opportunity to live in Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, and the United Kingdom. As a self professed global citizen Fatsani goes by the adage that our experiences shape our opinions and it is only through opening ourselves up to our biases that we can create the opportunities for discourse that can help us forge ahead as a society. She admits that she held her own biased opinions about African Americans that were acquired through her own misguided misconceptions. Watching the Netflix Documentary 13th provided her with a different lens in which to view her fellow black man/woman. Having a black husband and two black sons has also given her a different way of viewing the lived american experience. Comparing the Black experience of American and African peoples are born out of ignorance. But when you have an eye-opening experience in understanding the history of a people, you can have more empathy, compassion and understanding of their journey. Seek to understand, don’t compare your story to another person’s story, share what you learn with others and stay open to learning. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Fatsani Dogani: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Dogani, PHD Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Colorism and hair influence who you date and marry..."The power of identity and understanding oneself can lead to connecting and understanding other people. Hair is a powerful part of the way Black people view and see themselves. Start within to embrace all parts of who you are. Take an active role in learning your history and others’ history. Take action and be vocal about standing up for others and fully expressing who you are. About Judy McCutcheonFor the past 20 years, Judy McCutcheon worked extensively within the Caribbean region, North and Central America, teaching middle managers how to find new revenue streams, lead effectively in their teams, and increase their company’s bottom line. She has also worked with them to find solutions to their personal financial struggles. She is the Managing Partner of Go Blue Inc a management consulting firm that focuses on middle managers and helps them lead their people effectively so they can impact the bottom line in a positive way. Her background is in Organizational Psychology and Accounting and she has written over 100+ articles on finance. Her clients include the University of the West Indies- Open Campus, Grenada Electricity Corporation, Grenada Airport Authority, Digicel Grenada to name a few. She is an active member and past President of the Rotary Club of Grenada and calls herself the Badass Coach. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Judy McCutcheon: LinkedIn | Website| Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever considered yourself to be an activist? You may be one already and aren’t aware of it. There is nothing more challenging than moving through life without intention and that includes activism. We thrive on creating what Micky Scottbey Jones calls Brave Space. In this episode, I discuss: The 5 things you need to consider when being an Activist The skills you need to develop and master when connecting with other Black cultures The role and responsibilities I am participating in as a Black cultural unity activist Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Have you ever wondered why Black people and nations seem to have difficulty doing business with each other? Dr. Melida Harris Barrow dissects the patterns that Black people have been educated to serve instead of create and build. In addition, many black nations, particularly in Africa, tend to do business with the country of the colonizer as opposed to doing business with each other, such as within Latin America and the Caribbean. One must understand the truth in order to identify gifts, talents, collaborate and successfully do business with each other. About Dr. Melida Harris-Barrow Dr. Melida Harris-Barrow is the President and CEO of the 6th region Global Chamber of Commerce. Born in Panama City, Panama, and headquartered in the United States Miami, Florida,she has over the past twenty-six years, served in various capacities in government, international business and private organizations and is known from her accomplishments in entrepreneurship, humanitarianism, social and political development. Today Dr, Barrow is the universal peace ambassador for Panama, an author, motivational speaker, life coach, international bestseller, talk show host, philanthropist, CEO of love truth and peace, World Trade and investment foundation, and Harris Business Enterprise. Among her specialties are international economic investment & trade Development, Sustainable Economic Development through Entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment through entrepreneurship. In her capacity as a social and political activist, Dr. Barrow has used expertise to address pressing issues that affect the Caribbean, the Americas, and Africa as well as matters pertaining to human rights and justice for all. Being an astute communicator, Dr. Harris Barrow is often called upon to speak at various functions, trade organizations, economic development organizations (EDOs), businesses, corporations’ conventions, universities, churches, among others. She is an advocate for personal and professional development and is known for empowering leaders to play their part in advancing the welfare of the human race. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Dr. Melida Harris Barrow: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The purpose of education is to build wealth: social, emotional, mental, spiritual, financial and communal. We are more linked and connected to the struggle of Black people than we understand. If we can get the youth to understand more of their history, who they are, why they behave the way they behave, and why the struggles faced are present, we can change society in a positive way. In this decade of self-reflection, leaders need to embody introspective leadership to make sure we are not demonstrating similar types of oppressive behaviors. “We have had a period of decolonization where we started looking at ourselves not as enslaved people but people who had a past that was rich. It is such a link to what is happening in the US and in the Caribbean. We link into that and see it as a vital part of the reparation movement. We have not had a fair chance to build wealth, and that is education. It is important that leaders reflect, introspectively because as leaders, we have to ensure that we have not played a part in our own way of reinforcing these stereotypes with the people that we lead.” ~ Dr. LongsworthDownload the Episode WorksheetAbout Dr. Luz Longsworth Dr. Luz Longsworth holds a Doctorate in Business Administration in Higher Education Management from the University of Bath in the United Kingdom. She holds a B.A. in French and Spanish (First Class Hons.) and MBA (Marketing) degrees from the University of the West Indies and also holds a Master of Arts degree in Hispanic Studies from Queen’s University, Ontario, Canada. Dr. Longsworth has over 25 years of experience in both academia and business in Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands (BVI), Belize and Barbados. She has held the posts of General Manager of La Moda Export Limited, a garment manufacturing company in Jamaica and General Manager of Amicorp BVI, a financial services company in the BVI. Her academic career has included lecturing in Spanish Language and Literature as well as in Management subjects at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels at the University of the West Indies (Mona, Open Campus and Cave Hill School of Business) and the University of Belize. She has also supervised and examined several student theses at the Masters and Doctoral levels at the UWI and the University of Liverpool. Dr. Longsworth’s research focus is in the fields of Leadership development, Change Management and Organizational Development and Transformation. She is a certified trainer in Leadership courses in 360 degree Leadership, Communication Skills, Accelerating Teamwork and 5 Levels of Leadership for the internationally renowned John Maxwell Company and in Leadership Embodiment (levels 1 and 2). She has participated in various consulting projects in the areas of: •Leadership Development •Strategic Planning •Improving Communication Skills •Teambuilding and Development •Leadership Coaching •Leadership in Higher Education •Managing Change and Organizational Transformation She has facilitated training programmes and workshops across the Caribbean and the United Kingdom including Ernst and Young (Caribbean), LEX (Caribbean), Courts (Belize), NICH (Belize), Belize Telecommunications Limite Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you have seen humanity at its best, removing divisive thoughts and negative bias is easier. Be able to recognize the moments when you have been helped by strangers that do not have a similar background. Be intentional in imagining yourself in another person’s shoes. Look at the other perspective. Read the biography and stop over-generalizing. Being highly educated does not mean you are highly informed.About Dr.Olukunle IyandaDr.Olukunle Iyanda, is a management consultant with over 2 decades of experience in corporate strategy, leadership and people development, emerging technology and innovation, and organizational culture. He is the founder of BROOT consulting, Managing Partner of the Design Thinkers Group, Nigeria where he currently resides, and is a firm proponent and advocate that diversity and inclusion are robust tools for innovation and generating ideas. He designs and facilitates high energy and captivating capacity development programs for organizations in the area of Design Thinking, Corporate Strategy, Leadership and People Development, Emerging Technology & Innovation Management, and Organisational Culture. Stay Connected Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Dr. Kunle Iyanda: LinkedIn |Website Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridge To U is off to a great start, thanks to you! As the year comes to a close, reflect on the episodes you've heard and share your biggest insight or learning moment from the 2020. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

His love for the continent of Africa was born out of being in an environment of toxic hate for his homeland. Having to disguise himself as anything but African in order to get a job, to eat, and survive was a way of life while living in China. His desire to educate about the continent of Africa led him to see for himself the beauty in the countries by going on a self-funded pilgrimage and capturing on video the beauty of the continent. By having the courage to be himself, love himself, and connect to his purpose, he has been able to maintain resilience through the obstacles he faces of building a bridge between black people worldwide.About Wode Maya Wode Maya is a popular Ghanaian YouTube personality, vlogger, and aeronautical engineer. Maya began vlogging about life in China where his videos went viral gaining an international audience and attention. He joined YouTube on January 10, 2013. Wode Maya is Berthold Winkler's stage name. Mr. Ghana Baby, as he is also known professionally, visits multiple African countries vlogging about his travel experiences, the country's culture, and social scene garnering him mainstream media attention. He is a fluent Mandarin Chinese speaker. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Wode Maya: Youtube | Instagram | Website Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dethra Giles is a two time TEDx speaker, international keynote, executive coach, and award-winning author that has a track record of taking teams from functioning poorly and top producers. In this episode Dethra shares that if you are not growing in your knowledge, you are dying. Start small, easy and fun to begin deepening your connection, and understanding about people that are different from you. In addition she states that language and names hold significant weight in our identity. Be intentional about connecting and learning the language of others. Snippet from Dethra: Start small, easy, and fun. Those are my three requirements. Small, easy, and fun. Let me tell you something. International people, not just Jamaicans, international people, when I tell you, we love a good party. There is no easy button for cross-cultural education. It just doesn't exist. But go to a nice party, a nice event, and start to immerse yourself in those cultures. And you'll be amazed at how you're embraced, and how you're given opportunities to create a deeper meaning and a deeper relationship just from that very small surface, party or event, or cultural activity. You will be amazed at how they can lead to a whole new world for you. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Dethra Giles: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter| Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"When you are happy in your own skin, and stop looking for external approval, you are able to face rejection and still move forward because something bigger and deeper drives you. Performing arts and roles that allow you to learn how to read people can give you an advantage in identifying smoke screen distractions in life. Choose your battles, only fight battles you can win, and learning how to communicate strategically will give you an edge."A BBC trained journalist and presenter; Dave Crane is an international speaking and presentation expert, working with directors, c-suite executives, celebrities, and public sectors officials. He is a United Nations ECOSOC representative for Vienna, Geneva, and New York, specializing in leadership. A qualified NLP Master Practitioner and Communications Strategist, NFNLP Hypnotherapist, and stress management expert, Dave has more than 20 years of experience delivering bespoke one-on-one executive public speaking coaching and group media training programs. A motivational speaker on leadership, communication, digitalization, and the future of work, Dave has over 30 years of experience delivering engaging keynotes, moderating panels, and hosting large scale events at NASA, Emirates Airline Dubai Rugby Sevens, World Beauty Championship, Samsung FIFA Intercontinental Beach Soccer, World Club 10’s Rugby, Special Olympics World Games 2019, World’s Ultimate Strongman, Rugby World Cup Sevens, Speedcar Series, Legends Rock Dubai Tennis, Dubai Open Tennis, ATD Middle East, GITEX, MICE India & Luxury Travel Congress, Gulf Trade Finance Summit, ICAP CFO Conference and many more. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Dave Crane: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website| Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Okama Brooks is the Founder and President of ACHA: Africa Caribbean Heritage Alliance. She is a senior advisor to many national, regional and international government organizations in the areas of development. She is a liaison officer with the United Nations and is passionate about building bridges and reconnecting Africa and the Caribbean heritage. In this episode, Okama states: "When you embed yourself into another person’s physical culture, you take an inside-out approach to providing solutions as opposed to an outside-in approach. This helps to gain buy-in, build trust and reduce harm through assumptions. Understanding through orientation like language immersion, and home-stays foster deeper understanding and appreciation of a person’s culture." We need to provide context about cultural orientation. Learning about history is important and essential, but in the way forward, learning about who you are through stories, cultural heritage creates empowered states and mindsets. We need to be more vocal about who we are as a people. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. DOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Connect with Okama Brooks: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Website Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gaining knowledge is one thing. Applying what we learn is another. Let’s bring together the previous three episodes from Jessica Reed, Veronica Owusu and Jennifer Tomlinson to expand the teaching and emerging theses. In this episode, I discuss: How do we tell our stories? Where do we begin even when it is uncomfortable? How can Black people raise the energy and vibration about how we feel about Black cultures worldwide? Where do we look to truly pursue and discover what we want to self-actualize? Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or questions: [email protected] Produced by Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Those that have the ability to visualize in their brain who they can be and what that looks like tend to experience greater levels of personal success. Helping others to see the potential within themselves and create opportunities for people to self-actualize will help them tap into who they can be. Snippet from Jennifer: You have to be able to conceptualize your natural talents. It doesn't matter how much someone else tells you you're wonderful, you have these skill sets, these are your natural talents. You have to self actualize it. And so, although I was receiving really positive feedback from my parents, I never self-actualized who I could have been. And so the pathways I chose were the easy pathways, for example, I went to the schools my brothers went to because that was the pathway that they led for me. I listened to my, you know, my elders about what I should do or couldn't do. About Jennifer Jennifer Tomlinson is a college Professor of African American Studies and Interim Dean of Learning Support. As a success coach, she helps people find pathways to their aspirations through her strengths of communication and teaching. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Jennifer Tomlinson: LinkedIn | Instagram | Website| Youtube Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Personal development takes time. After hitting rock bottom, Veronica immersed herself in the transformative process of self-discovery. While doing that, her natural gifts and talents were being expressed naturally. Through specific, intentional acts and teaching what she learned along the way, she became a Fearless Warrior, helping others to channel the Fearless Warrior within. Veronica Owusu, also known as VPowerCoach is founder of Vpowercoaching.com and The Women On Fire Warrior Academy. She coaches service-based business owners, entrepreneurs and experts to fearlessly build and lead their tribe of high paying clients and have an impact, by creating and launching their online Power Packed Programme in less than 90 days. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Connect with Veronica Owusu: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook| Facebook Community Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Getting out of the habit of pleasing people is a journey, and even more so as a young Black woman. Jessica Reed, sits in the guests chair in this episode to discuss how stereotypes build barriers to connecting with other Black cultures. Breaking stereotypes between Black cultures is not easy. It requires work and intention to share stories, and frustrations to reach growth. With intentional storytelling, a bridge can be formed. About JessicaJessica Reed (Jess) is a writer, youth educator, and proud ice cream lover from Detroit, Michigan. She is passionate about encouraging others as she encourages herself. Her blog, Roots and Hope, shares soulful reflections on faith, healing, and young adulting. She majored in African and African American Studies at Stanford University.Connect with Jessica - http://rootsandhope.com/Connect with Monique: Linkedin | Instagram | WebsiteDOWNLOAD THE EPISODE WORKSHEET HERE. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is your future of work strategy? Do you have one, or are you waiting for your employer or someone else to invest in you? We can no longer use the 18th and 19th century models to embrace work, personal and professional development or building connections within the Black community. Learn how the development of skills like emotional intelligence and leveraging your online presence creates opportunities for a sustainable career and positive outlook on life.Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment.REGISTER for the Confidence Accelerator on Aug. 22nd 10am -1pm. Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Culture, beliefs and values are transported through stories, entertainment, media, and experiences. How have yours shaped you? The best way to gain a deeper understanding is to learn about yourself and others' experiences. From there, your conversations become expansive and the door for connection can be opened. Listen to the episode and share your biggest insight or learning moment. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridge To U podcast hosted by Monique Russell focuses on Connecting through understanding and unity. The podcast will feature enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide. Their inspiring stories of awakening moments, curiosity, and challenges they have overcome to discover their higher self and calling will facilitate the freedom to embrace the intentionality of identity. Monique Russell is a global communications expert who is committed to teaching individuals, families, and teams to have positive and productive relationships with effective communications. Her multicultural background and diverse experiences provide enriching insights and unique perspectives. Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bridge to U - is a new bi-weekly podcast launching August 5th. The podcast features enlightening conversations with guests who have subscribed to Black Unity and solidarity worldwide.Connect on: Linkedin | Instagram | Website Or email with feedback or question: [email protected] by: Breadfruit Media Support the showConnect with Monique Russell: LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube Produced by Breadfruit Media Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices