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In this episode of Career Thrivers, we speak with Eric Cox, Director of Training Operations at American Addiction Centers. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of the nonprofit Community Soup Nashville. In January 2020, Eric published Sign Up!: 10 Interactive Lessons To Take Your Goals From The Starting Line To Across The Finish Line. A native Nashvillian, Eric grew up in a predominately Black community in the North Nashville area. His drive to succeed led him to start his own business after graduating from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 2009. Unfortunately, all he built up to that point was taken away, practically overnight, when the 1,000-year floods struck Tennessee in May 2010. Losing everything and being in “the pits of pain” was a defining moment that only served to strengthen Eric’s resolve, and ten years later, he had completely reinvented himself after “siphoning the pain” into an empowering drive to succeed.  Listen in as Eric shares how he developed a response to life’s challenges that motivates him to keep moving forward, practical steps to creating a vision for your life, why it pays to WAIT (Work Actively In Transition) amid adversity, how to be a more emotionally mature leader in the workplace, and the four pillars to signing up for your life. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      Eric’s inspiring journey from living in poverty to becoming an empowerment coach   ●      How to keep moving forward when it all seems hopeless   ●      Creating a vision for your life   ●      The seven main areas to give intention and energy toward for a balanced life   ●      Staying motivated to work toward your vision for your life in spite of setbacks and losses   ●      Managing emotions, particularly in a professional setting   ●      How leaders can be more inclusive in the workplace   ●      What it means to sign up for your life   ●      What being a thriver means to Eric   Memorable Quotes: “One of the things about a seed is, prior to ever-growing, it has to be buried and it has to experience a very intentional season of loneliness. It’s a space and a place where it’s just you and God, and that’s it. It’s dark and it’s cold and you can’t see your way out and you’re just trusting some other source to take care of you.”   “It really was from the pits of pain that I was able to siphon the pain into something that was powerful and empowering.”   “Every person is met with challenges every day. The variables are your understanding of those challenges and your response to that outward stimuli.”   “Scarcity breeds competition.”   “Whatever I chase today, my question is not about, ‘How can I serve Eric?’ but, ‘How can Eric serve the world?’”   “If your outcomes are not favorable, then we term them as ‘problems’ and that impacts your thinking.”   Connect with Eric on LinkedIn and find his book Sign Up! On EricLCox.com.

In this episode of Career Thrivers, we speak with Kelly D. Parker, a marketing professional, consultant, and confidence coach that teaches professionals, entrepreneurs, and speakers the keys to effective communication. As a professional speaker, Kelly has had 15 years of experience presenting at colleges, churches, and corporations. She has leveraged her communication skills to garner support for key business initiatives and influence C-level executives and has worked with prestigious global powerhouses such as Sherwin-Williams, Cleveland Clinic, and American Greetings. Listen in as Kelly shares how she made the transition from a corporate employee to business owner and highly-sought-after speaker and coach, how she achieves work-life synergy, her tips for becoming a better communicator whether onstage or at work, and why it’s time to stop apologizing for yourself. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      Kelly’s backstory   ●      How Kelly navigates being a wife, mom of three, and business owner   ●      Building your confidence as a speaker   ●      Improving your communication skills as a professional   ●      Why you shouldn’t second-guess your impulse to share your thoughts   ●      One thing that has surprised Kelly after working with countless speakers   ●      How leaders can be more inclusive in the workplace   ●      What being a thriver means to Kelly   Memorable Quotes: “I think there’s that moment that we all come to when we work in corporate or for someone elsewhere we realize, ‘This isn’t my house.’”   “When you take that role, think about what you’re going to get out; but you better be thinking about what you’re going to have to put in, because some of these folks want everything—they want all of you. You have to sit with yourself before you sign on the dotted line to understand, ‘Is that what I’m willing to give? Is that going to fulfill me, holistically?’”   “Good communication is not about perfection; it’s about connection.”   “Speaking is leading. If you plan to be an effective leader, you better be a good speaker—you better be a good communicator.”   “Your life is a manifestation of what you’ve been rehearsing.”   “Look at the track record of all the things that you accomplished in your life, of all the different milestones that you have had, and understand that whenever you show up, you elevate the room. So, it is the room’s privilege to hear what you have to say. Why are you withholding off of some imaginary stuff? Why don’t you go ahead and bless the room with what you have to say and let the chips fall wherever they may? Amen!”   Connect with Kelly on Instagram or LinkedIn.

In this episode of Career Thrivers, Brittany Cole speaks with Nikki Gibson, Nashville Site Director/HR Consultant & The North America Regional Pride Lead at Dell Technologies.   Our last three episodes dove deep into the first three letters of our word for 2021, BOLD: Belief, Ownership, and Leadership. Today, we discuss the four and final letter: Discipline.   When we consider what it means to transform not only the culture but also the infrastructure of an organization to be more equitable, discipline is a skill that doesn’t often get discussed. We tend to get so caught up in big-picture ideals while spending much less time on the day-to-day steps to actually making those ideals a reality.   Discipline is the practice of educating and training ourselves to adhere to a code of behavior when an alternative is more comfortable. The work of diversity, equity, and inclusion, at the end of the day, boils down to moving beyond what’s comfortable toward a prescribed action. For leaders of an organization, this means giving our employees the education and resources as well as the accountability to change their behavior on a company-wide scale.   Listen in as our guest Nikki shares her perspective on living authentically, bringing your full self to work, and how leaders can use their power for good in the workplace.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      Three ways to develop discipline   ●      Developing thick skin to embrace what sets you apart   ●      Why authenticity allows you to bring your full self to work   ●      The importance of finding your tribe   ●      Bringing your full self to work while maintaining boundaries around your values   ●      How organizations can educate their employees to embrace authenticity   ●      Creating workplaces where employees feel they can be 100% engaged   ●      How leaders can be more inclusive in the workplace   ●      What being a thriver means to Nikki   Memorable Quotes: “You have to really be careful about who you let in close to you, how to focus on what’s important in your life, and take control without expecting others to do it for you.”   “Relationships are the foundation for everything. It’s the core of everything.”   “If you cannot be authentic and be your true self, you leave a portion of yourself out of work. If you can’t bring your whole self, you can’t be 100% engaged, you can’t be 100% creative, you can’t be innovative, and you can’t live your passion. If you can’t live your passion at work, then you need to find something else because you’re not going to be successful.”   “No matter what the company is, you’re in the people business.”   “Companies need boundaries to manage behaviors and ensure that team members are respectful and working within the company values. But boundaries are also important for creating a work environment where everyone can be successful and win the right way.”   “We have to stop thinking about having a seat at the table. That cannot be your goal. What needs to be your goal is what you’re going to do once you get there.”   Connect with Nikki on LinkedIn. Order Your Signed Copy of Thrive Through It here: brittanyncole.com/shop

Join us for a conversation on all things leadership development with Krystal Clark, Director of Employee Learning and Organizational Effectiveness at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. In 2020, Krystal established Equip To Thrive, LLC to offer compassionate personal and professional development opportunities for “talented and imperfect” people.   Krystal began her professional life upon moving to Durham, NC, where she served as the Program Coordinator for Fraternity & Sorority Life at Duke University, with the goal of ushering in greater acceptance of diversity and inclusion. In 2011, Krystal moved to Nashville to take on her first role at Vanderbilt, Associate Director of Greek Life.   From there, her passion for leadership, personal development and volunteerism opened the doors to scores of opportunities outside of Vanderbilt—an ongoing journey which she reflects on in today’s conversation.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      Why it may benefit your career in the long run to do tasks that aren’t “part of your job”   ●      A primer on strengths-based leadership and fulfilling the potential that is uniquely yours   ●      How leaders can make the workplace more inclusive   ●      Tips for integrating entrepreneurship with a leadership role    ●      Krystal’s advice to emerging professionals who are looking to get to their next level   ●      How leaders can support their teams   ●      What being a thriver means to Krystal   Memorable Quotes:   “That extra work could be the gateway that you want to do that no one has ever done before because you get to create it as you’re doing it.”   “Leaders create more leaders. Leadership is a relationship, and if you forget that, it’s never going to work.”   “It takes a lot more work to hire new people than to keep great people.”   “Don’t forget the mountains that you already climbed.”   Connect with Krystal at krystalnclark.com and Instagram

This week's episode is brought to you by the Thrive Together Toolkit - with free and immediate access to courses, resources, and tools to stop shrinking your greatness and own your passion, purpose, and path! It's season 2 and today we have avid lifestyle blogger, influencer, and digital marketer, Jasmine Sweet sharing our 1st DEV Talk! Aside from her own blog, she has written for features in Huffington Post, Southern Weddings, and Forbes. Jasmine is also the Marketing Project Manager at iHeartRadio. The common theme running through today’s conversation is the value Jasmine places on owning your self-worth. She says that entrepreneurship is not the only pursuit of freedom in one’s work. Even as an employee, “you are a personal brand. The company that you’re working for has to understand that you are an asset to them.” She encourages us all to own our strengths, and lead with purpose. No matter which phase you’re in as an entrepreneur or which rung you’re on as an employee, by taking ownership of your career, you will find your why and thrive even amid these unsteady, COVID-ridden times. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  Tips on navigating today’s turbulent job market How to know whether your current job is worth keeping for the long-term Why Jasmine decided on entrepreneurship An insider look at the marketing industry and different types of marketing The importance of leadership in marketing How leaders can cultivate a more inclusive culture How Jasmine balances being an influencer and a marketer at iHeartRadio What being a thriver means for Jasmine Memorable Quotes: “The more areas you can step your foot in, the more you’re going to be able to pivot and twist and turn throughout this crazy path that we’re all going through in today’s career landscape.” “Do it young, or do it never.” “You are a personal brand. The company that you’re working for has to understand that you are an asset to them.” “Along the way, it may not look how you want it to, but as long as you keep showing up, you’ll elevate.” “Marketing is 100% the most multifaceted industry I think anybody can go into, because nobody can go to school and get a degree in marketing and come out knowing everything about it.” “Leadership is not just seen. It is felt.” Connect with Jasmine at jasminesweet.blog and Instagram.

Welcome back to Season 2 of the Career Thrivers podcast! On this episode we'll be discussing what's new on the show, how we thrive through the challenges of the previous year, and why 2021 is the year to make BOLD moves! Let's do this!  Share your feedback and questions here: https://forms.gle/8YWv6uGEioNSfyjcA Order your copy of Thrive Through It here: https://brittanyncole.com/shop Connect with Brittany here: http://bitly.com/brittanyncole

Thank you for being part of our Career Thrivers community!In this final episode of 2020, Brittany shares:  why she started this podcast and what's next the one word that sums up what this year has meant what it really means to thrive the top 6 entrepreneurship lessons of 2020 Click here to view the Career Thrivers 2020 Impact review!Click here to order your copy of Brittany's new best-selling book, Thrive Through It!Share your thoughts on this episode and what you would like to hear more of by emailing Brittany at info@careerthrivers.com

In this episode of Career Thrivers, Brittany speaks with Ashley Brooke and Liz Moore from Triluna Wellness, an experiential wellness company that specializes in sustainable, realistic wellness with an emphasis on inclusivity and community.   Ashley and Liz reflect on the unconventional yet fitting start to Triluna. Being both “people of action” with backgrounds in sales and marketing, it wasn’t hard for them to kickstart their wellness program as soon as they believed they had the resources and wherewithal to do so.   While at first they planned on making Triluna a traditional brick-and-mortar facility, they eventually decided that they would hone in solely on services that epitomized the meaning, impact, and transformation most people in today’s world are looking for in a wellness program. It was through this decision that Ashley and Liz conceptualized Triluna’s three core services—movement, cooking, and coaching—structured around different types of gatherings, from corporate curriculum to community events.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      How Ashley and Liz combined their strengths and visions to create Triluna Wellness   ●      The “best time” to get started on your business   ●      Going from idea to startup launch   ●      Making inclusion a core value   ●      Dealing with unexpected challenges in business   ●      Building a strong network and finding mentors   ●      Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs   Memorable Quotes: “Outwork your work.”   “I don’t know that you’re ever ready for anything. You just have to be willing to jump in and go for it.”   “If you don’t see yourself represented, you’re probably not going to go into that space.”   “We move fast, iterate a lot, and fail a lot; but we’re always intentional. And that has been the big difference for us.”   “A company culture is built from the top-down. So, by having our leadership be diverse, the company reflects that.”   “Our tribe has been built so authentically, and that has just come from us speaking our minds.”   Discover how Ashley and Liz are fostering diversity and inclusion in the wellness space with Triluna

In this episode of Career Thrivers, Brittany speaks with award-winning sales professional Dawn Holtz. She has over 15 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry ranging from sales to training and development to brand management.   Dawn reflects on what she refers to as her “nonlinear” professional career and how she almost accidentally fell into a world that, today, she is absolutely passionate about: sales and marketing. She very quickly discovered that sales is far more than how it is usually portrayed (which is often with negative connotations). To Dawn, sales and marketing have allowed her to grow both personally and professionally, building up her skills as a leader by forcing her to learn how to empathize with others and put their needs before her wants. The ability to communicate clearly and with compassion is, without a doubt, a life skill that she is grateful to have learned—and continues to learn—through the years.   Listen in as Dawn shares how she fell into the sales and, eventually, the marketing professions, as well as her big decision to embrace a new opportunity by moving her family to a brand new city on New Year’s Day. She also covers the power of being receptive to new opportunities, no matter how small; becoming a valuable member of your team; and building mutually beneficial relationships.   Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:  ●      Dawn’s nonlinear career path 15 years in   ●      Making the transition from sales to marketing   ●      Keeping your radar up for new, timely career opportunities   ●      Living your values in your day-to-day life   ●      Taking a leadership role no matter your position   ●      Building a strong network and finding mentors   Memorable Quotes: “When it’s meant to be, everything will just lay in place. The world will collaborate and it will just move forward. I’m not saying it was 100% easy, but it just felt right.”   “When you think about transitioning, you have to identify your champions. First, you have to look for opportunities to lead in this space. You really need to ensure that you are available and you’re looking for those small opportunities.”   “Advocacy is built on demonstration of capability.”   “Your reputation will always show up before you do.”   “Just continue to find ways to elevate others. Share your journey with each other and be open and transparent about it even with the challenges so that we can make each other better.   “Being a thriver means nurturing your self-value and sharing it unapologetically.”   Connect with Dawn Holtz on LinkedIn

How do you transition from where to you to where you want to be? Tune in to this episode with Tina L. Cloud is a licensed clinician, registered mediator, academic, and healthcare professional. Tina is an expert in career counseling, conflict coaching, and communication skill development to help others find fulfillment in the life they're living or the confidence to change it. Connect with Tina at https://www.tinalcloud.com/tlcstrategies  

Are you ready to get inspired to get up and go after what you've been dreaming about? This episode is for you! Our guest this week is a multi-talented entrepreneur and speaker, affectionately known as Chasity Nichole, who is passionate about serving and equipping others on how to fulfill their purpose and maximize their potential! With over 10 years experience in media relations and creative services, such as marketing and branding, Chasity was led to start her own company, The Chasity Nichole Agency; servicing multiple organizations, companies and influencers. In this episode she shares her story of overcoming the odds, creating goals and "going all the way to the goal" to live out her dream! Press play and connect with Chasity on Instagram @chasitynichole and online at www.thechasitynicholeagency.com 

In this episode Brittany shares reflections on her recent TEDx talk and how she was able to prepare for it in less than 1 week! People always say "tell your story" but they never really share how to do it...until today! To check out Brittany's TEDx talk click here: https://youtu.be/7jccNbygt5Y 

Have you experienced the shift - that feeling that there must be more?  If so you don't want to miss this episode learning how Melissa experienced this same shift from a comfort to calling. If you're at a career crossroad, this episode is for you!  A former corporate marketing executive, Melissa is now a "go-to" Beauty & Skincare Expert and for both magazine, t.v production, celebrity, corporate and private clients alike. Melissa, is a licensed Esthetician who also has a Bachelor’s and Masters in Business. Her work has been seen on BRAVO TV, Oxygen Network, Lifetime Network, WEtv, OWN, TV ONE, VH1, BET, CBS, CENTRIC TV and a variety of syndicated networks. Over the years Melissa had a recurring appearance as a Beauty Expert for the "60 minutes to Glam Makeover" segment on The Real daytime talk show on Fox. In addition Melissa's work has been featured in leading Beauty Industry publications, including several digital platforms like Glamour Magazine, Instyle, Brides Magazine, Essence Magazine, Brides.com, BET.com, Black Enterprise, Essence.com, Ehow.com, YouTube and more. In addition to being a dynamic, professional Makeup Artist and Beauty professional, Melissa is the creator and Executive Producer of Behind The Glam docu-series, also the Founder of Beauty and the Business Empowerment Conference and Master Class. In Spring 2015, Melissa embarked on a defining new venture, The GLAM Agency, the premiere multicultural talent management firm representing leading Makeup Artists, Hair Stylists & Lifestyle Experts. Her agency has a growing roster of clients including OWN TV, WEtv, Lincoln Motors, Nike Inc., Creme of Nature and host of digital and media platforms.In 2019, Melissa released her first book “Face Your Beauty - a call to Live Worthy”. Melissa is the proud Mother of her daughter Milán and she is driven to be a great example of Womanhood - her aim and focus are clear - to leave a legacy of service, empowering the world through Beauty. Learn more about The GLAM Agency and Melissa here: https://www.theglamagency.com/

 "The time to be quiet is over because lives are at stake!" Courtenay Rogers is a technology and marketing executive, US Navy veteran, connector in chief and all around powerhouse! In this episode, Courtenay inspires us to live our truth, daily, even in the midst of a job search. Press play and grab a pen and pad to catch these gems Courtenay shares!

Visualization is a powerful tool for shifting your perspective and achieving your aspirations. Although many high-achievers know its important, we're often too busy to do it or don't know where to start. In today's episode, Brittany shares 1 of 2 visualization exercises to help you with decision making.  Whatever you're envisioning to do or become, it's possible!Affirm your vision and filter your decisions through it. Alignment of your vision and decisions is where success happens! Be sure to download the guide for this episode which has 2 visualization exercises inside The Vault at careerthrivers.com/podcast

 Are you an entrepreneur? Have you thought about owning your own business? You don't want to miss this episode with Christy Pruitt-Hayes! After over 20 years of executive and entrepreneurial experience, Christy Pruitt-Haynes noticed that regardless of industry or organization women and minorities often don’t fully participate in making companies as effective, efficient and excellent as they can be - so she set out to change that. Combining her desire to solve that problem, strategic thinking and keen self-awareness with degrees in Personnel & Labor Relations and HR Development, and 20 Plus years of corporate and entrepreneurial experience, Christy is convinced that every situation can be improved with a lot of logic, a little humor and healthy dose of real-world knowledge. The TEDx Speaker and Nashville Emerging Leader Award recipient has held executive positions at Infiniti Americas/Nissan, CMT, and the Memphis Grizzlies. She is the founder of Christy Pruitt-Haynes Consulting where she and her team offer innovative speaking, training, and coaching to help organizations excel with diverse talent while helping diverse talent identify and maximize opportunities as well as Our Truths, a content provider, speakers bureau and publishing house dedicated to enhancing, inspiring and amplifying Black Women. Learn more about Our Truths at ourtruths.com and on Instagram @ourtruthsonline

How do we move from saying we support black women to having visible impact? How do we walk the talk? Tune in to our 10th episode of the Career Thrivers Podcast and listen in on a round table discussion of women supporting black women! Share your thoughts with me via:Email - brittany@careerthrivers.comInstagram - @careerthrivers or @brittanyncoleJoin us for Part II of Becoming an Ally here: https://www.careerthrivers.com/becominganally

Check out our first, LIVE podcast episode!Career Thrivers is hosting The Thrive Together Conference, the premier online inclusive leadership development experience with over 40 speakers, 60 sessions, across 7 days covering 3 tracks - career, business and wellness. One of our keynote speakers, Minda Harts, lead an incredible session on Advancing Women of Color in the Workplace!  Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC, a career development platform for women of color. She is the best-selling author of The Memo: What Women of Color Need To Know To Secure A Seat At The Table. Minda is an Assistant Professor at NYU Wagner. She has been featured on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Fast Company, The Guardian, and Time Magazine. Minda frequently speaks at companies like Microsoft, Levi's, Google, and Bloomberg on topics such as Leadership, Managing Diverse Teams and Self-Advocacy. She also hosts a weekly podcast called Secure The Seat.  You can connect with Minda and purchase her best-selling book at http://mindaharts.com/

Leadership advocacy is one of the most important aspects of people leadership. Global HR Director, Andrea Hart, joined our thrive tribe to share insights on what it means to be an inclusive leader that champions difference while cultivating more leaders. Andrea has responsibility for leading Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation human resources team globally with a specific focus on building upon the strong culture and preparing it for the future. Additionally, she emphasizes talent development for the organization, and champions diversity and inclusion. This is a must listen episode (they all are, really ;))

I hope every mom and mom figure is having a joyful mother's day! Please enjoy this bonus Mother's Day episode and enjoy this letter I shared with my late mother on Mother's Day 2017. To download this letter and the additional 5, please visit careerthrivers.com/podcast