Sky’s Post

The National Black MBA Association Conference never disappoints! From the welcome reception featuring Philly’s own Boyz II Men concert to seeing some of my favorite people… …to making some really cool new connections and sitting at the feet of trailblazers and icons, this has already filled my cup! Here are some of my favorite takeaways from the Nationwide sponsored luncheon with Phylicia Rashad. • She learned more from being an understudy than being an actress. • Make your work, service. • Lean into the work, lean into the craft. • Creative energy exists in all of us. Creativity is fundamental to human growth and development. Enter into an agreement with yourself — how creative can I be? #Forward2023 #NBMBAA

All this month, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible rising stars in financial services who are breaking barriers and making a difference in the industry, in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth. Next up in this series: Patricia Taylor Todd, Esq., PCC, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Founder of Tenacity Executive Coaching, a boutique practice providing executive coaching and consulting services to individuals and businesses, and Executive IQ® by Money Management Institute participant and coach. Our interview with Patricia below reveals her career journey, thoughts on the significance of this month, and invaluable advice for those just starting out in the industry:   What are some of the experiences and opportunities that you can point to that supported your career growth? The turning points in my career were born from courageously investing in my professional growth. After feeling frustrated and "stuck" as an individual contributor, I hired a leadership coach during my transition to management, leading to my promotion to a C-suite HR role. The unexpected opportunity to join the Executive IQ cohort resulted in defining my leadership legacy— centered on serving others in their leadership journeys – and greatly inspired me to take the leap to establish my executive coaching and consulting practice.   What does Black History Month mean to you?  Black History Month is both a crucial and joyous celebration for me. Black history is American history. Black History Month is a time for everyone to celebrate our community, transcending racial boundaries. As a mother, I prioritize ensuring that my sons, and all African-American children, grasp the profound societal contributions of our ancestors and the enduring resilience of our people.   What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry? For anyone entering any industry, my key advice is to seek mentorship. Make a point of connecting with individuals open to sharing their experiences and advice as you progress. Identify someone who has achieved your aspirations and build a relationship by asking for help. People love success stories, and there are those eager to be part of yours!   #FinancialTrailblazers #DiversityInFinance #DEI #EmpowerChange #MMIGateway #RisingLeaders

🌟 Unlocking Potential Through Mentorship 🌟 Mentorship can profoundly impact the lives of young Black males, fostering growth, confidence, and a sense of direction. By becoming a mentor or being open to mentorship, we can create a supportive community and help shape the leaders of tomorrow. Action Steps to Make a Difference: Become a Mentor: 1. Reflect on your strengths and experiences. 2. Join mentorship programs. 3. Connect with educational institutions. 4. Be consistent and reliable. 5. Create a safe, open environment. 6. Encourage personal and professional growth. Be Open to Being Mentored: 1. Recognize the value of mentorship. 2. Identify your needs and goals. 3. Seek out potential mentors. 4. Be proactive and reach out. 5. Be open and receptive. 6. Engage actively. 7. Show appreciation and gratitude. Let's work together to support and uplift young Black males. Your involvement can make a significant difference! 👉 Check out my blog post for a deeper dive into the power of mentorship and actionable steps you can take: https://lnkd.in/ggCYtrcK #Mentorship #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #SupportYoungBlackMales #CommunityImpact #CareerDevelopment

🌟 Black History in CTE: Day 29: Looking to the Future: Black History Month Inspires the Next Generation of CTE Leaders 🚀📚 As we conclude Black History & Career & Technical Education Month with an extra day🥳, we recognize the profound impact of Black leaders in CTE and the opportunity it presents to inspire the next generation of leaders. This month serves as a reminder of the resilience, innovation, and leadership of Black pioneers, whose contributions continue to shape the landscape of CTE. 🎓 Inspiring Excellence: Black History & CTE Month provide a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of Black leaders in CTE. Their stories of perseverance, ingenuity, and success inspire us to strive for excellence and make a positive impact in our own careers and communities. 💡Fueling Ambition: For students aspiring to pursue careers in CTE, Black History Month offers a wealth of role models and mentors to look up to. By showcasing the diverse talents and achievements of Black leaders, we ignite a spark of ambition and possibility in the next generation of CTE professionals. 🌱 Nurturing Potential: As educators, mentors, and industry professionals, we have a responsibility to nurture the potential of young leaders and provide them with the tools, resources, and opportunities they need to succeed in CTE. By fostering a culture of inclusivity, mentorship, and empowerment, we ensure that every student has the opportunity to thrive and make a difference. 🌟 Building a Brighter Future: As we look to the future, let's harness the spirit of Black History Month to inspire and empower the next generation of CTE leaders. Together, we can build a brighter and more inclusive future for all, where talent knows no bounds and every individual has the opportunity to achieve their dreams. Together, let's continue to champion diversity, excellence, and innovation in Career & Technical Education. 🌟🎓 #BlackHistoryMonth #CTEmonth #CTELeadership #InspiringTheFuture #ctematters #blackhistorymatters ICCS Academy The HABITS Group LLC Zach Johnson Carl Burnside Raynor McKinnon Elaina S. Chattman, Ed.S Kevin R. Johnson Sr. Ed.D Colleen Smith Latasha Wilson

All this month, we are shining a spotlight on the incredible rising stars in financial services who are breaking barriers and making a difference in the industry, in honor of #BlackHistoryMonth. First up in this series: Taneka Lawrence, CFA, Head of National Accounts at Polen Capital, and member of our inaugural cohort of Executive IQ® by Money Management Institute. Our interview with Taneka below reveals her career journey, thoughts on the significance of this month, and invaluable advice for those just starting out in the industry:   What are some of the experiences and opportunities that you can point to that supported your career growth? Going to Harvard Business School and completing the MMI Executive IQ program have been two of the best opportunities for supporting my career growth to date. I have developed skills and a network that has been valuable in helping me navigate transitions. The people and professors I have worked with in both programs give me confidence in my ability to lead others and position myself for stretch opportunities.    What does Black History Month mean to you? During Black History month I am intentional about reminding myself and my children about the remarkable things that Black people have done in the country and around the world. I highlight for my boys some of the young people that have made a difference in their communities. I want to give them an appreciation for how beautiful and valuable they are to the world, even at a young age. The goal is to make them proud of who they are and confident in what they can become.   What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry? While graduate and continuing education programs have helped support my career growth most recently, I would not have known about this industry if I was not in programs like Management Leadership for Tomorrow and SEO (Sponsors for Educational Opportunity). My advice to young people starting out in the industry is to connect with these types of programs, find mentors and sponsors who can guide you in your organization, and never stop being curious. This industry is constantly evolving and learning how to develop new skills is critical to career growth.   #FinancialTrailblazers #DiversityInFinance #DEI #EmpowerChange #MMIGateway #RisingLeaders  

I recently had the fun task of putting these fabulous people into teams Judging teams, that is It's not quite award season, but behind the scenes, it never stops With the help of our judging committee Mayokun - Mac Alonge, Sope Agbelusi, Demi S. and the wider BTA team we have: - recruited and onboarded new judges - look out for announcements 🎉 - refined the entry forms to make sure all of the nominees shine ✨ - rebuilt the judging system and tested it to destruction 🤯 Awards aren't everyone's cup of tea, but... At the BTAs, we do our utmost to make sure the process is fair and efficient - We offer feedback to everyone who enters who doesn't get shortlisted - All finalists are interviewed before the winners are chosen - The judging process is rigorous, but it's also fun BTAs recognise people who just get their heads down and do a good job - People who often don't like to blow their own trumpet 🎺 - People who may not even be on Linkedin 😳 - People who shun the spotlight 🙈 Nominations are open - employees, solopreneurs, small and large businesses Head to Black Talent Awards and nominate - give someone their flowers 💐 #Inclusion #BlackTalentAwards

So I received this news a couple of weeks ago from Black Mentorship Inc. who I have supported through mentoring over the last several years. A wonderful recognition - highlighting one of my personal pillars - mentorship in our community. One of the best ways to build inclusion, equity and opportunity across every industry is through mentorship. Lifting up the next generation of professionals, leaders, and entrepreneurs within our community starts with equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to propel their careers forward. At the heart of mentoring within our communities is building relationships that encourage self-advocacy and boosts confidence. Mentoring connects mentees to opportunities, resources, and people that can help them develop their existing skills and increase their visibility in a positive manner. Mentoring does not make inequitable systems equitable, but it can increase access to important relationships, experiences, and opportunities that can help these individuals rise and thrive. Join us on February 3rd at the Black Mentorship Inc Black Excellence Celebration: This year, BMI’s theme is “Empower Now, Propel Our Future.” Paying homage to the exceptional contributions of Black individuals and professionals across diverse fields and to recognize the imperative work ahead in empowering and equipping future generations. https://lnkd.in/gfg_sHSz #BMI2024BlackExcellence #mentorship #blackprofessionals #equityandopportunity #leadershipanddevelopment #SJW

The Harmony Hive Black Executive Coaching Collective recently embarked on an extraordinary private experience with the distinguished best-selling author, Elizabeth Leiba, best known for her acclaimed works "I'm Not Yelling" and "Protecting My Peace." Leiba's presence was nothing short of transformative, perfectly aligning with the essence of our collective mission. As we bid farewell to Black History Month and transition into Women's History Month, the timing of Soror Leiba's insights could not have been more impeccable. Her profound messages resonated deeply, amplifying the voices of our executives and illuminating new perspectives as they navigate the realms of life, leadership, and the ever-evolving world around them. The Harmony Hive Executive Coaching Collective, an immersive 8-month odyssey for 8 remarkable women, operates on the philosophy of harnessing the power of 8. Beyond being a mere number, eight symbolizes unity, strength, and the boundless potential that arises when like-minded individuals come together. It's a journey that extends far beyond the ordinary, symbolizing a unity that not only strengthens each individual but also opens the door to infinite possibilities. I'm thrilled to shape this unique and powerful collective journey. The Harmony Hive Black Executive Coaching Collective stands as a testament to the transformative power that can emerge when women unite, sharing their strengths and wisdom in pursuit of collective success. Thanks again Elizabeth Leiba for being the voice! #Harmonyhive #Thecareerdoctorllc #IAMNOTYELLING #Protectingmypeace #executivecoaching

If you can’t give money, maybe you can give useful information. If you can’t give useful information, maybe you can be the connector between two people, who may need each other. If you can’t be a connector, maybe you can give time. Money isn’t all we can give. Help comes in various forms. If you would like to support young #blackprofessionals in Canada, IMDOINGIT has various means by which you can do so. As a seasoned/expert professional, you can support as a mentor, via the mentorMatch program, https://lnkd.in/emHwEKC8 As an HR/DEI professional, you can be a part of our upcoming #careerexpo. DM me for more information and learn how you can participate. As a corporate leader, you can strategically build your talent pipeline, while achieving your DEI goals via #TheVerdict, a case competition on steroids, https://lnkd.in/g7FgD_78. And if you’re just so proud of a #blackgraduate, but not sure what keepsake to gift them, shop the #IMDOINGIT Black Excellence Snowglobe: https://lnkd.in/gNnRiFjR #Give. A giving hand secures itself.

What advice does Director, Insights & Strategy Khye Tucker have for young Black professionals in the workplace? “As a young Black professional, the importance of mentorship and networking cannot be overstated; it's crucial to find people who not only believe in your potential but are also committed to your growth and success. The reality is that we often have to work twice as hard to achieve the same recognition which makes having a community around you all that more important. Your network of colleagues, mentors, and peers can become a source of strength and resilience, offering shared experiences and encouragement to push you to be your best (even at the times when you feel like you’re not). Navigating your professional journey won’t always be easy, but with the right people in your corner you won’t have to go at it alone.” #BlackHistoryMonth #HeartofHealth #YoungProfessionals