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Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people

Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Beyond 6 Seconds: Neurodiversity stories from neurodivergent people. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.

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The Introverted Misfit – with Caroline Smith08 Dec 202500:37:06

Caroline Smith founded her business, The Introverted Misfit, to help shy, awkward introverts become socially confident versions of themselves so they can have healthy, manageable social lives.

Because of her experience with being autistic, which was the source of many social difficulties and major social anxiety for her, she knows what it's like to build self-acceptance, self-improvement, and a life that works for individualized needs.

Now Caroline helps fellow introverts (whether they are autistic or not) learn how to connect with others, create fruitful relationships, and have a manageable social life – without acting like someone they're not!

During this episode, you will hear Caroline talk about:

  • When she realized that she was autistic
  • Her experience dealing with social anxiety 
  • Why she decided to help people become more socially confident
  • The role of self-acceptance in making new friends and connections
  • Her advice for autistic people who struggle with social cues
  • Why it's important not to hyperfocus on your own social mistakes
  • The importance of having coping mechanisms for overwhelming social situations
  • How her "Misfit Meetups" bring people together to socialize in a low-pressure, fun environment

To learn more about Caroline, her coaching program and Misfit Meetups, visit TheIntrovertedMisfit.com and follow her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Download Caroline's FREE AUDIO GUIDE: 3 Simple Ways to Start a Conversation with Anyone.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Deafness, Disability and Mental Health – with Kellina Powell24 Nov 202500:12:54

Kellina Powell, known as the Deaf Queen Boss, is a podcast speaker, best-selling author, and passionate advocate for the deaf and disability communities. She empowers young adults with disabilities to chase their dreams, breaks down barriers around mental health, and educates others about deaf culture and inclusion.  

During this episode, you will hear Kellina talk about:

  • What it was like for her to grow up deaf from an early age, and her exposure to deaf culture
  • How she educates people about the deaf community and mental health issues
  • The coaching work that she does for people with disabilities

Learn more about Kellina and her work at KellinaEmpowerment.com and follow her on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Space To Exhale – with Lisa Hurley21 Jul 202500:40:39

Lisa Hurley is an Anthem award-winning activist and author of the new book, "Space To Exhale: A Handbook For Curating A Soft, Centered, Serene Life." She is also the Founder of The Great Exhale, a serene virtual community focused on sisterhood and soft living, where Black women can relax, lay their burdens down—and exhale. Her advocacy converges at the nexus of self-care, community care, joy, and rest.

During this episode, you will hear Lisa talk about:

  • How she realized that she is autistic, and what her life is like as a Black, autistic woman
  • How autistic burnout inspired her to write "Space to Exhale," and the guidance she provides in her book
  • The importance of having a community while taking care of yourself 
  • "Life-Work Balance" vs "Work-Life Balance"
  • What it means to prioritize "soft living"

Find out more about Lisa and her book at SpaceToExhaleBook.com and follow Lisa on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Tourette Syndrome in the public eye – with Seamus Evans14 Mar 202200:44:48

At his first job as a TV host, Seamus Evans disclosed his Tourette Syndrome. That revelation almost ended his dream career.

Fortunately Seamus didn't lose his job. In fact, he spent the next 13 years in his dream career, entertaining his fellow Australians as a TV and radio personality. Now he is an ambassador for Tourette Syndrome Association Australia and a keynote speaker who shares his story to inspire and encourage kids and adults with Tourette's.

In this episode, Seamus talks about his experience growing up with Tourette's, how he taught himself to transform his tics (both on and off the air), how his sense of humor helps him in social situations, and why he encourages everyone to embrace their flaws – because in Seamus' words, "normal is boring."

To learn more about Seamus and his work, you can find him at the following links below:

SeamusEvans.com

Instagram

Facebook

LinkedIn

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Limb difference, disability and workplace diversity – with Ruth Rathblott28 Feb 202200:37:56

For 25 years, Ruth Rathblott hid her limb difference.

She doesn't hide it anymore. As she explained in her recent TEDx Talk: when she stopped hiding, she found freedom.

Ruth has been a leader in nonprofit organizations for more than 25 years, with 15 years at Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, and more than eight years as CEO of the Harlem Educational Activities Fund. She currently serves as a Board Member of The Lucky Fin Project. She speaks about inclusion and diversity, the gifts of being unique and the freedom that comes with accepting your differences.

During this episode, you will hear Ruth talk about:

  • Her decision to start hiding her limb difference as a teenager, and how it impacted her mental and physical health for decades
  • The people in her life who encouraged her to stop hiding and start sharing her personal experience with disability
  • The chance encounter in a store where she first learned about the wider community of people with limb differences
  • How people have reacted to seeing her limb difference – and how kids react differently than adults
  • Her mission to convince companies to include disability in their definitions of workplace diversity 

For more about Ruth and her work, follow her on LinkedIn and check out her website www.ruthrathblott.com.

Watch Ruth's TEDx Talk: When I stopped hiding, I found freedom

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Phenomenally Autistic – with Ayanna Davis21 Feb 202200:19:58

Ayanna Davis, also known as phenomenallyautistic on social media, is an autism advocate who was born & raised in Westchester County, New York. Along with being autistic, she has survived over 300 seizures, is living with chronic illnesses and has 3 autoimmune diseases. She is passionate about spreading her messages of self love, joy, equality, diversity, inclusion, and autism awareness & acceptance through the arts. She is also a children's book illustrator, designer, former choreographer, and lover of all performing arts.

During this episode, you will hear Ayanna talk about:

  • How her love of the arts helped her while growing up as a Black girl with undiagnosed autism
  • Her work as a children's book illustrator and a choreographer
  • The challenges Black women face when trying to get an autism diagnosis
  • Living with chronic illnesses during the pandemic
  • Her goals for her art and advocacy

To find out more about her work, you can find Ayanna at @phenomenallyautistic on Instagram and TikTok and check out her coloring book, We Are Magical.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Thriving at work with ADHD and learning disabilities – with Alex Gilbert14 Feb 202200:40:21

Alex Gilbert is a New Yorker, a Mets fan, a yogi, and a brunch enthusiast. She also has dyslexia and ADHD. After spending her career working in leadership development, she started Cape-Able Consulting, a consulting and coaching business that helps adults with learning disabilities and/or ADHD who are struggling in their careers. Her biggest goal in creating Cape-Able Consulting is to change the stigma surrounding learning.

During this episode, you will hear Alex talk about:

  • Her experiences with teachers, both positive and negative, during her school years
  • How she uses the concepts of "best principles" and "superpowers" to help her clients succeed in their careers
  • How she learned to advocate for herself at work, and how she helps her clients advocate for themselves at their workplaces
  • What inspired her to start her own business
  • How workplace accommodations for learning disabled employees can help everyone in the workplace

If you want to know more about Alex and her work, check out her website at capeableconsulting.com and connect with her on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

My life so far with dyspraxia – with Rosemary Richings31 Jan 202200:22:00

Rosemary Richings is a writer, author, panel member of Dyspraxia Magazine, and co-founder of Dyspraxic Alliance, a global online support network by and for dyspraxics. When she was four years old, she was diagnosed with dyspraxia (developmental coordination disorder).

In 2014, Rosemary started her own freelance writing business to reduce the stress of finding an accessible work environment. Her debut book, "Stumbling Through Space and Time: My Life So Far with Dyspraxia" is being published in the fall of 2022. Recently, Rosemary joined the board of trustees of Dyspraxic Me, a peer group for dyspraxic youth.

During this episode, you will hear Rosemary talk about:

  • Her dyspraxia diagnosis, and how dyspraxia affected her at school
  • Her struggle to find a supportive working environment where she could truly thrive
  • How she developed her longtime passion for writing into a freelance writing business
  • What had inspired her to write her book about dyspraxia, and how social media connected her to a publisher

To find out more about Rosemary and her work, you can find her with the following links below!

Rosemary's Twitter

RosemaryRichings.com (Rosemary's consulting website)

RosieWritingSpace.com (Rosemary's writing blog)

DyspraxicMe Twitter

Dyspraxic Alliance Twitter

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

This episode also features a promo for the new season of 2 Lives, a podcast about people who faced darkness and how those incidents changed the trajectory of their lives. 

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Autistic coming-of-age stories – with Kelly Coons17 Jan 202200:43:24

Before Kelly Coons was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at the age of thirteen, she had a coming-of-age story that was mostly deemed as neurotypical. However, she always felt isolated and, until her diagnosis, believed that she was to blame.

After her diagnosis, Kelly became passionate about disability advocacy and promoting autistic pride. Today she is an autism advocate and a novelist who studied English at Smith College.

During this episode, you will hear Kelly talk about:

  • Growing up with two autistic brothers – and how she got her own autism diagnosis
  • How Kelly learned she is autistic – a year after her parents and teachers already knew
  • Her autism advocacy – and why she likes answering people's questions about autism most of the time
  • Life as an autistic college student
  • The story behind her novel, All Ways, and how it counteracts common literary narratives about autism by centering autistic experiences and voices

To find out more about Kelly and her work, check out her website, learn more about her novel "All Ways" and connect with her on Instagram or LinkedIn.

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Natalie Brooks – Dyslexia in Adults03 Jan 202200:31:31

Feeling frustrated and alone, Natalie Brooks started posting on Instagram about her struggles as a dyslexic adult in the workplace.

She soon realized that her experiences resonated deeply with dyslexic adults around the world -- and it inspired her to expand her social media following into a global online community!

Through her company, Dyslexia in Adults, Natalie has built a supportive and collaborative community where dyslexic adults discuss the challenges and strengths of their dyslexia.

During this episode, you will hear Natalie talk about:

  • How a working environment that benefits dyslexic employees can also benefit everyone at work
  • Her own struggles with self-doubt and low self-confidence at work
  • Why she decided to share her struggles on social media, and how that led her to create a supportive online community for dyslexic adults
  • How she handles her imposter syndrome when it comes to talking about her company
  • Her perspectives on common dyslexic strengths

For more information about Natalie and her work, visit her website at www.dyslexiainadults.co and follow her on Instagram @dyslexia_in_adults.

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Some personal news, and a new focus for this podcast20 Dec 202100:09:29

2021 has been quite a year for me -- and my experiences this year have given me new clarity on what I want to focus on with this podcast.

I'm excited to share these new developments with you!

Tune into this episode to hear about the new direction I'll be taking with Beyond 6 Seconds starting in 2022, and the personal news that's driving this change. 

 

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to my latest podcast episodes!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Going beyond first impressions – Corinna Bellizzi of Care More Be Better interviews me at the She Podcasts Live conference13 Dec 202100:29:01

I recorded this episode with my friend Corinna Bellizzi at the She Podcasts Live conference in October 2021. Corinna hosts the Care More. Be Better. podcast and was a guest on my show a few months ago.

In this episode, Corinna interviews me about the why behind Beyond 6 Seconds, including the importance of going beyond the initial 6 seconds of our first impressions. We also discuss our podcasting journeys and how we work to peek behind the veil and get to the truth behind the story in our interview format shows. We also share our key takeaways from She Podcasts Live.

This interview originally aired on the Care More. Be Better. podcast and then on the Femcasters podcast.

 

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

 

Life with cerebral palsy – education, athletics & disability advocacy with Travis Davis06 Dec 202100:28:49

Travis Davis remembers the first time he realized the impact of sharing his story -- a simple lunchtime conversation that encouraged him to start talking about his life with cerebral palsy.

Since that pivotal conversation, Travis has become a TEDx speaker, podcaster and local disability advocate in New Mexico. He has a bachelor's degree in English, a master's degree in Adapted Physical Education, and is ADA Coordinator certified.

In this episode, Travis talks about that lunchtime encounter, as well as:

  • When he was a substitute teacher, why he encouraged his students to ask him questions about his disability
  • The chance meeting on an airplane that introduced him to wheelchair basketball
  • Why he started his "Off The Crutch Podcast" about his experiences with cerebral palsy

To learn more about Travis and his work, you can find him at the following links:

TravisDavis.net
Facebook
Instagram
EqualSteps.org consulting services
Off the Crutch Podcast

 

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Down syndrome advocacy – Matthew Schwab Speaks07 Jul 202500:17:37

Matthew Schwab is a 27-year-old North Carolina native with Down syndrome who has his own public speaking business, Matthew Schwab Speaks. In 2019, he gave a TEDx talk about the importance of employing people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Matthew hopes to help change how the world sees Down syndrome.

Matthew is also an actor whose first movie "Horsegirls" premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2025. He loves working as a restaurant host, doing things with family and friends and spending time with his fiancée. 

During this episode, you will hear Matthew talk about:

  • What his childhood was like growing up with Down syndrome
  • Why he started his own public speaking business, and the types of topics he likes to discuss
  • What he likes to do at work and with his friends, family, and fiancée
  • How he got into the world of theater and acting
  • Challenging some common stereotypes about people with Down syndrome  

Learn more about Matthew and his work at the following links:

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

Follow the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast in your favorite podcast player.

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes.

Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Art, Autism, Activism – with Margaux Wosk, Retrophiliac Art22 Nov 202100:27:04

Margaux Wosk is a non-binary, autistic artist residing in Canada, and the owner of Retrophiliac, their own art business. They are bridging the gap between activism, advocacy and art to bring a message of acceptance to the world.

During this episode, you will hear Margaux talk about:

  • What led them to create their art business, Retrophiliac, after many years of being a self-taught artist
  • The story behind the Neurodiversity Pride Infinity Rainbow pin – the first pin design they created
  • How their art has helped amplify their advocacy for disabled small business owners

To find out more about Margaux and their work, you can find them on the following links down below:
Navigating Life website
Retrophiliac Etsy store
Retrophiliac on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

 

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not represent those of my employer or other organizations.*

Combating hunger and reducing food waste – with Jasmine Crowe, Founder and CEO of Goodr08 Nov 202100:20:54

Jasmine Crowe is an award-winning social entrepreneur, TED Speaker, and leader who is working to make the world a better place one cause at a time. In 2017, after years of feeding people experiencing homelessness from her own kitchen, she launched Goodr, a sustainable waste management company that leverages technology to combat hunger and reduce food waste. She has been featured on CNBC, Oprah Magazine, Inc., Forbes, Fast Company, the NY Times, and was named by Entrepreneur Magazine as one of the top 100 influential female founders.

Under her direction, Goodr has redirected over 12 million pounds of surplus food from restaurants, event centers, airports, and businesses to the millions of people who are food insecure. Goodr clients include SAP, Turner Broadcasting, Hartsfield Jackson Airport, Six Flags Over Georgia, and many more.

During this episode, you will hear Jasmine talk about:

  • What makes Goodr different from a food pantry
  • How Goodr works with large venues and local non-profits to distribute food to people who are food insecure
  • How Goodr pivoted its business during the pandemic
  • The free grocery store that Goodr launched inside of Ronald McNair Middle School in Atlanta, Georgia
  • What inspired her to write her brand new children's book, Everybody Eats

For more information, check out goodr.co and follow Goodr on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Check out the Everybody Eats website at everybodyeatsbook.com and order your copy of the book!

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Reimagining support for cancer survivors – with Kathleen Brown, Founder and CEO of buddhi25 Oct 202100:38:34

TW: Mentions of suicidal ideation, death from cancer

Kathleen Brown was diagnosed with a rare cancer at the age of 13. While her cancer battle was enormously challenging, she felt completely unprepared for the mental health and emotional struggles that came with it: dark feelings, isolation, trauma and loss.

This difficult experience inspired Kathleen to found buddhi, a digital platform with content, community and curated products for cancer thrivers and their family and friends. With buddhi, she is on a mission to support healing across the entire cancer experience. It's a place to bring your realness and leave toxic positivity at the door.

Before founding buddhi, Kathleen worked for more than 25 years on behalf of the cancer community in fundraising and advocacy, for organizations including St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and The V Foundation. Prior to St. Jude, she spent a decade in advertising sales with Disney/ESPN and Comcast.

During this episode, you will hear Kathleen talk about:

  • Her story of getting a rare cancer diagnosis at age 13, and how she grappled with dark and isolating feelings during treatment and post-treatment
  • The well-meaning but damaging impact of "toxic positivity"
  • How buddhi supports cancer survivors and their family and friends
  • Her decision to leave the full-time job she loved, to focus on the startup she was born to create

Visit the buddhi website at hibuddhi.com and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 136: Entrepreneurship and Your Authentic Self – with Jacob Ratliff11 Oct 202100:30:54

In this episode I'm talking with Jacob Ratliff, a Client Attraction Coach and entrepreneur, about bringing your authenticity into your business. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jacob used his identity and lived experiences as the catalyst for creating his business, where he helps entrepreneurs increase brand awareness and visibility, create meaningful engagement, and maintain long-term clients. 

Jacob struggled with being authentic in his business at first. We'll learn how he stepped into his authentic self and found success, and as a result, is able to help his clients lean into their authentic, confident, empowered selves to grow their businesses. 

Stay tuned to hear Jacob's advice for getting more clarity and alignment in your business as an entrepreneur!

And if you find this episode helpful, then please share it — or let me know how you've used authenticity to succeed in your own business.

During this episode, you will hear Jacob talk about:

  • Discovering his entrepreneurial spirit at five years old
  • Pivoting from a full-time salaried job to the world of freelancing and business ownership
  • His decision to change the type of clients he works with -- and the small but meaningful changes he made to lean into his authenticity as an entrepreneur and attract the clients he wanted to work with
  • The biggest challenges faced by the entrepreneurs that he coaches
  • The power of being authentic in your business as an entrepreneur
  • How shifting from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset has helped his personal and professional life

Connect with Jacob on his website www.jacobratliff.com and on Facebook.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 135: Minda Harts -- Career Success for Women of Color27 Sep 202100:25:29

Minda Harts is the CEO of The Memo LLC and the award-winning and best-selling author of "The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table." In 2020, Minda was named the #1 Top Voice for Equity in the Workplace by Linkedin. She's been featured on MSNBC's Morning Joe, Fast Company, The NY Times, and Time Magazine, to name a few. Minda also speaks on topics like managing diverse teams, courageous leadership, and advancing women of color in the workplace.

During this episode, you will hear Minda talk about:

  • How her own experience with job-related trauma and racism inspired her to write a career book for women of color -- despite being told that there was no market for a book on this topic
  • Some of the less-examined causes of "imposter syndrome" at work
  • How to build your network in a hybrid workplace or fully remote workplace
  • Why Minda uses the term "success partner" instead of ally -- and how managers and coworkers can be success partners for women of color at work
  • What inspired the topics for her next two books: "Right Within: How to Heal from Racial Trauma in the Workplace" and "You Are More Than Magic: The Black and Brown Girls' Guide to Finding Your Voice"

If you want to connect with Minda, you can find her on her official website, mindaharts.com, and follow her on LinkedIn.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for early access to new episodes!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 134: Doug Stevenson -- Move forward. Step back and recalibrate. Move forward again.26 Jul 202100:36:04

"Move forward. Step back and recalibrate. Move forward again." This is how Doug Stevenson, CEO of Story Theater International, has built a successful life and career as a storyteller, keynote speaker, trainer, and coach.

Doug is a masterful storyteller, but his true gift is helping people become engaging storytellers and unforgettable leaders. He is the author of Doug Stevenson's Story Theater Method, and has delivered storytelling keynotes and workshops for leadership, sales, training, marketing, and HR teams in the US and in 17 other countries.

In this episode, Doug shares:

  • How his background as an actor and real estate agent led him to his passion for public speaking and storytelling
  • The stories in his own life that have led him to "move forward, step back and recalibrate, move forward again"
  • The power of finding and sharing the meaningful moments in life, no matter how small
  • How he teaches corporate leaders to tell stories that improve their performance and communications
  • How the pandemic forced him to slow down and shift his approach to coaching, public speaking, and life in general

Contact Doug by visiting his website at www.storytelling-in-business.com or email him at deborah@dougstevenson.com. Mention the Beyond 6 Seconds podcast to get a free 20-minute consultation with Doug!

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for all the latest news and updates about my podcast!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 133: David Shriner-Cahn -- Building a Business After a Job Loss12 Jul 202100:31:12

After 28 years as a highly skilled employee, David Shriner-Cahn was told that his job was over. In spite of the immediate trauma and fear, he knew that as his next step, he'd rather work for himself and have more control over his destiny. That was in 2006.

Today, David is a thriving entrepreneur, podcaster and speaker. He guides high achieving professionals who yearn to impact the world with their knowledge and creativity by becoming successful consultants or coaches, following long careers as employees.

He also hosts two podcasts: Smashing the Plateau, which focuses on how to overcome roadblocks and generate long-term business success, and Going Solo, which explores how to reinvent yourself as an entrepreneur after a late-career job loss.

During this episode, you will hear David talk about:

  • His career journey from engineer to entrepreneur
  • His own experience with job loss -- and how he coped and moved forward from it
  • How he learned about business development and marketing to be a more successful entrepreneur
  • The origins of his two podcasts, Smashing The Plateau and Going Solo
  • What he's learned about success in self-employment, from his personal experience and the entrepreneurs he's interviewed and coached

Listen to David's podcasts at Smashing the Plateau and Going Solo.
 
Connect with David on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

Subscribe to the FREE Beyond 6 Seconds newsletter for all the latest news and updates about my podcast!

Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 132: Care More. Be Better -- with Corinna Bellizzi28 Jun 202100:35:38

Corinna Bellizzi is a natural products industry executive and social benefit entrepreneur. In her professional life as the head of marketing and sales for her clients, she champions social benefit programs to enhance brand development and company impact.

In January 2021 she launched her show, "Care More. Be Better: A Social Impact + Sustainability Podcast" to amplify the efforts of inspired individuals and conscious companies. Through Care More. Be Better, she shares their stories in an effort to show us all that one person with one idea can have a big impact. No subject is off limits -- as she covers topics from refugee relief to payday lending and everything in-between.

During this episode, you will hear Corinna talk about:

  • How she wanted to create an impact on the world with her podcast
  • The "Calls to Action" she includes for her listeners on her podcast
  • How important it is to donate time and skills to organizations
  • Why it is important to connect with others, even if they are far away
  • How her podcast helped her stay connected during the pandemic
  • Her future plans for her podcast as the world begins to open back up

To find out more about Corinna and her podcast, visit www.caremorebebetter.com or her social media links:

Clubhouse

Twitter

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Episode 131: Proudly She Served -- with Linda Maloney14 Jun 202100:29:15

Linda Maloney served 20 years in the Navy and was one of the first women in U.S. history in 1993 to join a combat military flying squadron. She was designated a Naval Flight Officer (NFO) and is the recipient of numerous military awards, including the distinguished air medal for combat. She also was the first woman to eject from a Martin Baker ejection seat from her A-6 aircraft over the Atlantic Ocean. She retired from the Navy in 2004 and started her second career as a defense contractor, author and business owner.

Linda is currently the CEO of Women Veteran Speakers, the first speaker's agency of its kind that exclusively offers exceptional women military veterans as event speakers, trainers, coaches and facilitators. She is also the Project Director for the Proudly She Served project, which highlights women who serve or who have served in the U.S. military and tells their stories.

During this episode, Linda shares:

  • Her story of ejecting from her aircraft
  • What it was like being one of the first women in a combat military flying squadron
  • Her transition from the Navy to business ownership
  • What inspired the Proudly She Served project, and how it honors the service and stories of women military veterans

Learn more about Linda's work at WomenVeteranSpeakers.com and ProudlySheServed.com and find her on LinkedIn.

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Episode 130: Making social impact through business -- with Kuda Biza07 Jun 202100:36:04

Kuda Biza is a serial entrepreneur who started his first company when he was 9 years old in Zimbabwe. Over the course of 10 years he has successfully launched 6 businesses. Currently, he is the co-founder & CMO of Nunbelievable, a socially-conscious baked goods company that donates meals for every box of cookies sold. He is also the co-founder of #ThisIsMyEra, a personal development brand, and Signables, a sports collectibles brand.

Kuda also founded the Amani Hope Foundation, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization with a mission to empower underprivileged children by providing scholarships.

During this episode, you will hear Kuda talk about:

  • How a desire for an ice cream as a child led him to fall in love with entrepreneurship
  • How he picks the focus areas for his businesses
  • Why it's important for entrepreneurs to make mistakes they can learn from and take conscious risks every day
  • How his non-profit organization aligns with the goals of his socially conscious businesses

Learn more about Kuda at his website www.SPEARMethod.com and follow him on Instagram @kudabiza

Special offer: Use the code BEYOND6SECONDS to get 20% off your cookie purchase at nunbelievable.com! For every box of cookies you purchase, Nunbelievable will donate a meal to someone in need.

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Cerebral palsy and disability in the entertainment industry – with Abbie Hills23 Jun 202500:31:22

Abbie Hills is a UK-based talent agent, producer, writer, and passionate disability advocate with cerebral palsy. Abbie founded The Dazey Hills Company in 2019 to promote diversity and inclusion in the entertainment industry, representing talent across the UK and Europe. Her writing has gained recognition with recent placements in film festivals, including the British Independent Film Festival, Lit Laughs, and the Palm Springs Diversity Screenplay Contest. 

In addition to her writing, Abbie works as an Access Coordinator, supporting D/deaf, disabled, and neurodivergent talent in film and television productions. She also mentors aspiring talent, advocating for greater accessibility and representation in the entertainment industry.

During this episode, you will hear Abbie talk about:

  • Her experience growing up with cerebral palsy, which for her is an "invisible" disability
  • How an MRI scan of her brain changed the way she viewed her disability
  • How people have judged her because of her disability
  • How cerebral palsy affects her day-to-day life
  • What inspired her to become an actress, and how her disability affected her experience in the entertainment industry
  • The need for community among adults with disabilities
  • Her journey from being an actor who hid her disability to founding her own talent agency and working as an Access Coordinator

To find out more about Abbie and her work, visit her personal website AbbieHills.uk and production company website TheDazeyHillsCompany.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @itsabbiehills.

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Episode 129: Asian Women for Health – with Chien-Chi Huang24 May 202100:21:37

Chien-Chi Huang is the founder of the Asian Breast Cancer Project and the Executive Director of Asian Women for Health, a peer-led, community-based network dedicated to advancing Asian women's health and wellbeing through education, advocacy and support.  

During this episode, you will hear Chien-Chi talk about:

  • How her personal experience with breast cancer inspired her to start the Asian Breast Cancer Project
  • How Asian Women for Health has helped Asian women speak out about their experiences with racism and isolation during the pandemic
  • Her own experience with racism – and how it led her to create the "Racism is a Virus" public service announcement video
  • Her career journey in Taiwan and the United States, through advertising, video production and motherhood
  • How "The Three Cs" method can help people interrupt their negative thinking and support their mental well-being

On June 5, 2021, join Chien-Chi at the Asian American Mental Health Forum! The event is free and open to all. Register at http://bit.ly/AAMHF2021

To find out more about Chien-Chi and Asian Women for Health, check out the resources below:
Website: www.asianwomenforhealth.org
Email: info@asianwomenforhealth.org
"Racism is a Virus" PSA (video) and other anti racism resources

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Episode 128: Waging Peace – with Diana Oestreich10 May 202100:37:30

TW/CW: War, violent imagery, PTSD

Diana Oestreich is an activist, veteran, nurse, and relentless practitioner of peace. She is the founder of the Waging Peace Project, a movement activating everyday peacemakers to commit acts of courage for the sake of justice, rooted in relentless love. In her first book, "Waging Peace," she shares her experience serving in Iraq as a combat medic and her choice to wage peace during wartime and after returning home.

During this episode, Diana shares:

  • What it was like being deployed at age 23 to the "War on Terror," as part of the Army National Guard
  • What her daily life was like in Iraq as a combat medic
  • The critical moment of conflict between her faith in God and her duty as a soldier that changed her forever -- and compelled her to wage peace in a place of war
  • How her friendship with a local Iraqi woman changed how she thought about the "enemy"
  • The challenges she faced after returning home, and why she was silent for many years about her experiences in Iraq
  • How she learned to wage peace at home in the face of racism, violence and fear -- and how we can all wage peace in our communities to make a more beautiful world possible

You can learn more about Diana on her official website www.dianaoestreich.com, where you can buy an autographed copy of her book, "Waging Peace," read her Waging Peace Manifesto and learn more about hosting a book club with Diana.

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Episode 127: A multi-creative career journey -- with Kevin Allen26 Apr 202100:37:56

Kevin Allen is a classically trained pianist, music producer, math teacher, guest speaker, entrepreneur and YouTuber. From spending 12 years working in the corporate world, to becoming a middle school math teacher, to really diving into music and content creation, Kevin has had a diverse and multi-creative career journey. He has been making music for about 15 years and just recently decided to begin sharing his content with the world through his podcast and YouTube channel.

During this episode, you will hear Kevin talk about:

  • How he started making music as a young child, then rekindled his passion for music as an adult
  • Why he created his YouTube channel, K_AL Experience
  • The story behind his corporate career -- how he got his first job while still in college, the different roles he held, and his decision to move on to pursue teaching
  • How he balances his teaching, tutoring business, and YouTube channel
  • How networking has been critical to growing his career
  • The multi-creative "dream guests" he'd like to interview on his show

You can find out more about Kevin and his work on his YouTube channel K_AL Experience, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and on his official website www.kalexperience.com.

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Episode 126: The Life Autistic -- with Hunter Hansen12 Apr 202100:40:09

Hunter Hansen is an autistic content creator on YouTube and Instagram and a blogger on thelifeautistic.com. After discovering his autism in his late teens, Hunter tried to outgrow and suppress his autistic traits for years, until coming to terms and embracing his identity as an autistic adult. He has since turned that suppression into passion, advocating for greater understanding and appreciation of autism and autistic people. Hunter works for a major company as a business analyst and lives in the Denver area with his wife and three daughters.

During this episode, you will hear Hunter talk about:

  • The origin of his blog -- and why he decided to shift his blog's initial focus and start writing about his autism
  • What inspired him to start The Life Autistic channel on YouTube
  • His process for creating his videos -- and why he never runs out of idea topics
  • How Instagram Reels helped him expand his audience further
  • His advocacy goals for helping companies create better workplaces for autistic employees and get the most out of their autistic talent in a variety of jobs (not just coding and tech!)

Learn more about Hunter and follow his content on thelifeautistic.com blog, The Life Autistic YouTube channel, on Twitter, and on Instagram @the_life_autistic.

Also, here's the link to the "bricks" post on The Life Autistic blog that Hunter mentions during this episode.

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Episode 125: Changing the world through community service -- with Nichelle Walker29 Mar 202100:35:15

TW/CW: Mentions of domestic violence

Nichelle Walker is a passionate community service advocate who encourages people to take responsibility for doing things that matter within their local communities. She sees community service as a way to find local solutions to national and global problems. Nichelle is also a survivor of domestic violence; her experience further cultivated a need inside of her to give back to others.

During this episode, you will hear Nichelle talk about:

  • How her passion for community service started at a young age
  • How she believes that even the smallest actions can help the community
  • How she learns from the girls that she mentors through BUILT BY GIRLS
  • How her experience as a domestic violence survivor led her to change her life and help other people in similar situations
  • The community service she has done on a national and global scale, in both the US and UK
  • How community service has helped her make new connections and learn about different cultures, despite the isolation of the pandemic
  • How her new photography business has opened up new ways for her to give back to her community

Learn more about Nichelle at her website, nichellewalker.myportfolio.com

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Episode 124: Authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media – with Julia Ward15 Mar 202100:20:24

Julia Ward is an actor and filmmaker whose award-winning documentary, in.clu.sion, is raising awareness about the authentic representation of people with disabilities in the media. Julia is also a senior in high school, and filmed in.clu.sion during lockdown in 2020.

During this episode, Julia shares:

  • How her brother Spencer inspired her to film in.clu.sion
  • The challenges and benefits of filming during lockdown -- including how she got interviews with actors Cole Sibus and Mat Fraser and director Peter Farrelly
  • How her film discusses issues with the representation of people with disabilities in movies and television
  • The reaction her film has received from the public
  • Her goals and plans for the future

You can watch in.clu.sion on Amazon Prime and find out more about Julia on her official website.

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Episode 123: A neurodiverse workplace in the LEGO world -- with David Kokai and Lili Juhász from WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD (WLWYB)01 Mar 202100:25:10

If your employees spent their workdays engrossed in colorful LEGO® bricks, what would you think?

If you're David Kokai, you'd probably think that business is good! 

David founded a company devoted to the LEGO® secondary market when he left the corporate world to start WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD (WLWYB), a LEGO® parts dealer. WLWYB operates their breakthrough platform, MOCHUB, which allows LEGO® builders to share their work and make money with their creations.

WLWYB is a neurodiverse workplace that employs autistic people in key parts of their business, and recognizes that the diversity within their teams makes their company stronger.

During this episode, David and Lili talk about:

  • How David's interest in data science inspired him to start a LEGO®-focused business
  • Why they decided to create a neurodiverse and autism-friendly work environment at their company
  • How they recruit and employ autistic people in key parts of their business and build a work environment that is safe, effective and a great place to grow for all of their employees
  • How they adjusted their business operations during the pandemic lockdown with almost no interruptions in orders
  • Advice for people who want to start their dream company

To find out more about WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD, visit their official website wlwyb.com and connect with them on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. You can also contact David and Lili through the contact us page on the WLWYB website.

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More about David Kokai, Founder of WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD (WLWYB):

David Kokai is the founder of WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD (WLWYB). He studied economics at the Corvinus University of Budapest (former University of Economics Budapest) and graduated from the University of Vienna.

He had been working in the IT sector at leading multinational companies for more than a decade in several managing roles based in Budapest and Vienna. After getting acquainted with the secondary market for LEGO® in 2010, he opened a LEGO® parts dealership called WE LOVE WHAT YOU BUILD (WLWYB). WLWYB's business innovation is that it has placed its operations in this segment in a unique way in the world based on strong data science, supporting key enterprise functions with a comprehensive, custom-developed business intelligence system; such as purchasing, inventory management, and pricing.

As a result of many years of systematic building, in addition to its position in the secondary market of LEGO®, WLWYB opened the world's first marketplace in 2018 specializing in bespoke LEGO® creations, called MOCHUB. MOCHUB provides an opportunity for emerging and professional LEGO® builders to receive a royalty from the sale of the models they design. MOCHUB sold many thousands of bespoke LEGO® kits around the world in its first year of operation. After several years of work, the company became an autism friendly workplace in 2019.

Episode 122: I am not a unicorn: a Black man's experiences in America -- with Kevin M. Yates15 Feb 202100:39:03

Kevin M. Yates is a learning & development leader with a career spanning 20+ years, a sought-after expert in the field of learning measurement, a global public speaker and e-book author... and as a Black man living and working in the U.S., he sometimes feels he is mistakenly seen as a "unicorn."

On this episode, Kevin talks about what he means by "unicorn" and how it relates to his experiences as a Black man living and working in the United States. He speaks candidly about the impact of race in his professional and personal life. We also talk about how the racial and social justice movements of 2020 have further inspired Kevin to live in authenticity by being transparent about his whole self and experiences, because as he puts it, "living in duality is too much work."

Find out more about Kevin on his website, on Facebook, on Instagram, on Twitter, on LinkedIn, and on YouTube.

Get your free copy of Kevin's e-book, "L&D Detective Kit for Solving Impact Mysteries©"

Listen to my previous Beyond 6 Seconds interview with Kevin (episode 61) about how he created his dream career after a layoff.

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Episode 121: Don't believe everything you think – with Elaine Montilla01 Feb 202100:31:10

Elaine Montilla is an accomplished senior executive who has been an IT leader in higher education for two decades. As an immigrant, Latina, lesbian woman, Elaine has overcome many challenges to build her successful IT career. She is currently Chief Information Officer and Assistant Vice President for Information Technology at The City University of New York (CUNY) Graduate Center, a Forbes Technology Council member and contributor, and an AMA Women's Leadership Center presenter.

Elaine is also a TEDx speaker and the founder of 5xminority.com, a company and social media brand dedicated to empowering women and minorities, especially in tech, with a mission to demonstrate how businesses can be powerful platforms for social change. 

During this episode, you will hear Elaine talk about:

  • What inspired her to start 5xminority.com
  • Her story of moving from the Dominican Republic to New York and discovering her interest in IT while attending college, where she learned English and programming language at the same time
  • How her first job working in a restaurant kickstarted her IT career
  • The obstacles she overcome to build a successful IT career in the US as an immigrant, female, Latina, lesbian human being… and how she battled imposter syndrome while advancing in her career
  • Why you can't believe everything you think, and how challenging your own thoughts is critical to overcoming imposter syndrome and unconscious bias
  • How important it is for your career development to "be comfortable being uncomfortable" and have difficult conversations
  • Why it is important for leaders to admit their mistakes and to be vulnerable

Learn more about Elaine and her work at 5xminority.com and on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram.


Watch Elaine's TEDx talk: The Value of Mentoring Women and Minorities in Tech

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Episode 120: Make your voice heard with LipRevolt – with Courtney Stewart18 Jan 202100:20:17

Courtney Stewart is the Founder and CEO of LipRevolt, a cosmetics brand specializing in lipstick that promotes social activism. Through LipRevolt, Courtney aims to inspire people to fight for what they believe in and to speak up for others. LipRevolt donates 15 percent of its net profits to organizations that support women's rights, civil rights, and LGBTQ rights. Courtney started her career in public service after receiving her BA in Political Science from Spelman College and MS in Terrorism and Homeland Security Policy from American University.

Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of sexual assault and abuse, and an incident of racism and violence.

During this episode, you will hear Courtney talk about:

  • How her personal experiences, the #metoo movement and the importance of using your voice inspired the creation of LipRevolt 
  • Why she decided to support nonprofits with her own business' profits
  • How she learned to run a beauty business as a newcomer to the beauty industry
  • Her future plans for LipRevolt, and why the month of March is significant to her

Find out more about LipRevolt on LipRevolt.com, Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. If there is a nonprofit that you want to see LipRevolt support, you can message your recommendation to the Instagram account.

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Social media marketing for queer business owners – with Rylan Hoffman09 Jun 202500:32:39

Rylan Hoffman, the founder of Hoff Social, is a transmasculine and neurodivergent marketing strategist and content creator who has spent 14+ years building online communities. With over 100 million organic views, they know the power of visibility, but also its risks. After facing doxxing, harassment, and even extremist threats, Rylan made it their mission to help queer business owners navigate the internet safely while getting the right eyes on their content.

During this episode, you will hear Rylan talk about:

  • How they first discovered that they were neurodivergent (ADHD and autistic)
  • The intersection of their gender identity with their neurodivergence
  • Their own experience of being mass harassed and doxxed online as a queer content creator
  • How they help queer businesses grow their online presence while staying safe online
  • Online marketing and safety tips for queer and neurodivergent business owners  
  • Creating engaging content for their community while being mindful of the algorithm

To find out more about Rylan and their work at hoffsocial.com and on Instagram @hoffsocial.

Resources for growing safely online (mentioned at the end of this episode):

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*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Episode 119: Becoming a leader worth following – with Heneka Watkis-Porter04 Jan 202100:29:23

Heneka Watkis-Porter is an entrepreneur, coach, 5x author and international speaker. As the host of The Entrepreneurial You Podcast, she has interviewed Richard Branson, John Lee Dumas, Seth Godin and many other influencers. Heneka is also the creator of the Caribbean's first virtual conference and expo: The Entrepreneurial You Virtual SME Conference & Expo. She hosts Leadercast events in Jamaica and writes for the Leadercast blog and Thrive Global.

During this episode, Heneka shares her experience and advice about what makes a leader worth following, including:

  • What she learned about leadership from starting her own business
  • The importance of sharing feedback and showing vulnerability as a leader
  • Her experience with burnout, how she recovered, and why it's important to make time for self-care (especially for leaders)
  • How she gets opportunities to interview famous leadership experts on her podcast – and what makes their advice so powerful
  • How mentors can help entrepreneurs and other leaders succeed

To learn more about Heneka and her work, you can find her on her official website henekawatkisporter.com where you can contact her directly on WhatsApp. You can also listen to her podcast, The Entrepreneurial You, and visit her social media on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

Learn more about how to attend Heneka's "Slow Down & Live: Health Is Wealth" summit in January 2021.

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Episode 118: Podcasting, creativity and storytelling in 2020 – with Laura Joyce Davis21 Dec 202000:42:59

On the Beyond 6 Seconds end of year episode for 2020, host Carolyn Kiel talks with fellow podcaster Laura Joyce Davis, the host of the Shelter in Place podcast. We discuss our experiences podcasting in 2020: how it has helped us cope with the challenges and isolation of this year, inspired our creativity, and allowed us to make connections and share powerful stories. Plus, we discover our mutual background in a cappella singing, and how it impacts the way we podcast!

Listen to Laura's podcast, Shelter in Place, at shelterinplacepodcast.info.

Learn more about the things we reference during this episode:

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Episode 117: Helping children cope in 2020 through books and storytelling – with Jenny Delacruz14 Dec 202000:29:33

Jenny Delacruz is a Haitian-American writer, a licensed counselor and the founder of Cobbs Creek Publishing. She is a wife and mom of 2 boys. Born and raised in New York, she has always been aware of the importance of diversity and how each person has a story that weaves back to generations.

Jenny's passion for teaching her children about world history and current events led her to pursue writing and launch her own educational children's book series. She has written 2 picture books, "Fridays With Ms. Mélange: Haiti" and "Momma, Can I Sleep with You Tonight?" which helps children cope with the impact of COVID-19. She recently released her first nonfiction book for adults called "How Was Your Summer? Fostering Critical Conversations with Students." It's a guide for parents and teachers to nurture mental health in kids from grades K-12.

During this episode, you will hear Jenny talk about:

  • How she wrote her first book for her son who wanted to learn more about Haiti, which led her to start Cobbs Creek Publishing
  • Her advice on how to talk to kids about tough topics in an age-appropriate way
  • How her youngest son inspired her to write "Momma, Can I Sleep with You Tonight?"
  • How she uses social media to increase her books' reach and accessibility
  • Her future plans for writing and publishing

You can find out more about Cobbs Creek Publishing at cobbscreekpublishing.com, on Instagram, on YouTube, and on Facebook.

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Episode 116: Are You Happy In Your Heart? – with Sarah Worlton30 Nov 202000:32:37

"Are you happy in your heart?"

My next guest, Sarah Worlton, first began hearing this question while volunteering during a humanitarian expedition in Guatemala. More than a decade later, Sarah has led numerous humanitarian expeditions to villages in Guatemala, Kenya, Mexico and Nepal. She also hosts the "Are You Happy In Your Heart?" podcast, which was inspired by what her volunteer work has taught her about life, purpose and happiness.

On this episode, Sarah shares how her humanitarian work and the challenges of 2020 have helped her grow as a person and led her to become a public speaker, podcaster and life coach.

To find out more about Sarah and her podcast, visit her official website www.sarahjworlton.com or her Instagram @sjworlton.  

Special offer: Through the end of 2020, Sarah is offering free 30-minute life coaching sessions for Beyond 6 Seconds listeners! Email her at sarah.worlton at gmail.com for more information.

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Click here for the episode transcript, including the poem that Sarah mentions in this episode.

Episode 115: Brilliant Resilience -- with Lena Cohen-Hawkins16 Nov 202000:45:19

Lena Cohen-Hawkins is an international speaker, powerhouse business consultant, three-time author, and corporate trainer. As a master's level clinician and executive coach, Lena counsels people on how to access, understand, and regulate emotions, in order to excel in the real world and find fulfillment in their careers and personal lives. She has worked with companies like CBS, Prudential Financial, United Way and The United States Army, and has shared her story on the TED Talks stage.

During this episode, Lena and I talk about her third book, "Brilliant Resilience," which was published in July 2020, including:

  • How a surprise phone call from an old friend made her new book her passion project for 2020
  • How she turned a major disappointment in her career into a new start
  • How her self-awareness and faith allowed her to move forward in the face of trauma, loss and disappointment
  • How sometimes, support comes from the most unlikely places

To find out more about Lena and her work, you can find her on her official website, lenacohen.com. You can also buy her book, "Brilliant Resilience", on Amazon, and connect with her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

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Episode 114: Losing your passion and making new dreams come true -- with Ryan Mason02 Nov 202000:50:01

We often talk about "finding your passion" in life ... but what happens when you find your passion, and then you feel it fade away? Where do you go from there?

According to Ryan Mason, you find a different dream and make it come true.

Ryan is the Founder and CEO of two successful businesses. The first is Luxe Brand, America's leading luxury shoelace provider, which has been featured on Good Morning America, the NFL Network, in Foot Locker stores, and on more than 30 athletes and celebrities -- and the other is BizBuzz, which provides integrated marketing automation software and services for more than 250 small and medium-sized businesses. Yahoo recently named Ryan one of its Top 12 Entrepreneurs to Watch in 2020.

During this episode, you will hear Ryan talk about:

  • His promising early football career -- and why it came to an end during his college years
  • How an Instagram post set him on the path to building his new creative business idea -- and the hard work and focus it took to make his idea a reality
  • How Luxe Brand captured the attention of celebrities, the media and Foot Locker
  • The people who have mentored and supported Ryan throughout his career journey
  • How repeatable processes and unique marketing tactics helped Ryan's companies grow

To find out more about Ryan and his work, visit his official website or the websites for his companies Luxe Brand and BizBuzz. Additionally, you can connect with Ryan on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

Ryan's new book, The Digital Playbook, is now available for pre-order -- and for Beyond 6 Seconds listeners, he is offering free marketing tools to the first 100 people who preorder the book and fill out the "Get Started For Free" form on the BizBuzz website.

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Episode 113: Micro-acts of mentorship for women -- with Rebekah Bastian19 Oct 202000:25:36

Rebekah Bastian is the CEO & Co-founder of OwnTrail, an online platform that connects, mentors and empowers women as they share their personal and professional journeys and experiences. Previously, Rebekah was Vice President of Product and Vice President of Community and Culture at Zillow. She is the author of the book "Blaze Your Own Trail," a contributor to Forbes and a frequent speaker on social impact, career navigation and corporate diversity.

During this episode, you will hear Rebekah talk about:

  • How she grew her career at Zillow, and how her experiences there helped inspire her to write her book and create OwnTrail
  • Why so many women are still not getting the mentoring support they need, and how OwnTrail helps address this problem by providing access to "micro-acts of mentorship" that women may not otherwise receive
  • How OwnTrail is different from other online networking sites
  • Why it's important for women to share both their personal and professional journeys with each other

Find out more about OwnTrail at www.owntrail.com and on social media: @owntrail on Instagram, @OwnTrail on Twitter, @BlazeYourOwnTrail on Facebook and OwnTrail on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Rebekah at @rebekah.bastian on Instagram, @rebekah_bastian on Twitter, and Rebekah Bastian on LinkedIn.

Rebekah and Carolyn have published their own OwnTrails! See what they look like here and here.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube!

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 112: Rolling the 230-pound Cancer Sucks Tire – with DeAndre Wilson05 Oct 202000:27:48

DeAndre Wilson is the creator of the Keep Rolling Campaign, a fundraising platform that commemorates his father's life and helps nonprofits and families battling cancer who need some extra financial assistance. He is currently working on a documentary to tell his father's story and his story, and describe his health transformation from rolling a 230-pound tractor tire around the city of Evansville, Indiana.

During this episode, DeAndre shares:

  • The story behind the tractor tire, and how it became a way to honor his father's legacy
  • How his "roll-arounds" have attracted both positive and negative attention
  • How rolling the tire has helped him with his health transformation
  • How he uses the attention he gets with the tire to raise cancer funding and awareness

Follow DeAndre, his fundraising campaigns, and learn more about his upcoming documentary with the links down below!

Twitter: @DeAndreDWilson and @keep_rolling812

Instagram: @deandredwilson

LinkedIn: DeAndre Wilson

Facebook: Keep Rolling Campaign

Check out the teaser clip for DeAndre's upcoming documentary.

 

We're also on YouTube! Click here to watch the video of this interview.

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 111: Passion has no expiration date – with Grandmapreneur Connie Inukai21 Sep 202000:36:27

Is it ever too late to find and follow your passion? According to Connie Inukai, passion has no expiration date. At age 72, she calls herself a "Grandmapreneur."

After retiring from her teaching career at the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University, Connie invented a product called Tip 'n Split, a handheld device with magnifier, light, tip calculator, and bill splitter. Her book, "How I Got My Product on QVC, The Today Show, The View, and More...in Retirement" has helped inventors get publicity for their inventions. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she has used the time in lockdown to chronicle her life story for her grandchildren, and now helps others write their stories through her latest project, "Write Your Selfie."

During this episode, you will hear Connie talk about:

  • The story behind the creation of the Tip 'n Split
  • How she learned about inventing, and the challenges she faced with manufacturing
  • How she got on QVC's radar before she even had a prototype of the Tip 'n Split
  • Her family connection to a major historical event, and how she discovered she wasn't the only inventor in the family
  • Why she believes that everyone should be able to tell their story

To find out more about Connie and her work, you can check out her website Grandmapreneurinventor.com and the websites for Tip 'n Split and Write Your Selfie. Follow her on Instagram at @grandmapreneurinventor and she will follow you back!

You can also request a free PDF of Connie's book by visiting the Write Your Selfie website and clicking the Contact menu. Be sure to mention that you are a Beyond 6 Seconds listener!

We're also on YouTube! Click here to watch the video of this interview.

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 110: Incarceration, re-entry and resilience – with activist and podcaster Bea Spadacini07 Sep 202000:40:28

Bea Spadacini is an activist and writer whose goal is to promote peace and justice by elevating conversations about issues that are often underrepresented in the mainstream media. Originally from Italy, she has lived in the United States for over twenty years and has traveled to Africa and Asia as part of her communications work with humanitarian organizations. Currently she is the Executive Producer and Co-Host of the One in Four Podcast, which focuses on the re-entry process of people who have experienced incarceration.

On this episode, you will hear Bea talk about:

  • How her work with Amnesty International made her aware of the issues of mass incarceration and police force against people of color in the U.S., particularly against Black and Latino men – and how it led her to create the One in Four Podcast to highlight the many issues facing formerly incarcerated people who are re-entering society
  • The stories of resilience, humanity and community support that she shares on the One in Four Podcast -- and the importance of sharing these stories now
  • The challenges of running, funding and marketing an independent podcast

Learn more about the One in Four Podcast at www.oneinfourpodcast.com, on Twitter @Bea_Spadacini and @oneinfourpodcast or by emailing podcastoneinfour at gmail.com.  

You can also support the One in Four Podcast by making a donation or leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts.

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Autism Inclusion in the Christian Church – with Sunita Theiss26 May 202500:34:01

CW: Eating disorder, death of a parent.

Sunita Theiss is an autistic, ADHD and PDA* parent, writer, and advocate. A second-generation Indian American, she has a rich background in communications, marketing, and storytelling, and has found several ways to support and encourage families raising neurodivergent kids.

Sunita is passionate about creating opportunities for culturally responsive support in a way that helps families honor both their values and their children's needs. She is a regular contributor to PDA North America's Insights and Key Ministry's blog, and her writing has been featured in many publications, including Business Insider and Christianity Today. 

*PDA is most often defined as Pathological Demand Avoidance or Pervasive Drive for Autonomy.

During this episode, you will hear Sunita talk about:

  • Discovering her own neurodivergence after she had her children
  • Her experience growing up as an undiagnosed neurodivergent kid in a South Asian family in the U.S. state of Georgia
  • How raising her children has affected how she views her neurodivergence
  • Growing up in the Hindu community and living as a Christian as an adult
  • Writing about her experience in church as a neurodivergent parent of neurodivergent children
  • How "low demand parenting" works for her and her family

Join Sunita's writing workshop and/or coaching services:

Read Sunita's writing at sunitatheiss.com/writing, on Instagram @sunitatheiss and on Substack.

The book that Sunita mentions in this episode is called "The Myth of Good Christian Parenting" by Kelsey McGinnis and Marissa Burt.

Watch the video of this interview on YouTube.

Read the episode transcript.

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Support or sponsor this podcast at BuyMeACoffee.com/Beyond6Seconds!

*Disclaimer: The views, guidance, opinions, and thoughts expressed in Beyond 6 Seconds episodes are solely mine and/or those of my guests, and do not necessarily represent those of my employer or other organizations. These episodes are for informational purposes only and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider if you are seeking medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.*

Episode 109: Struggling and thriving with dyslexia -- with Angelica Goncalves24 Aug 202001:05:55

Angelica Goncalves is an adult who has lived with dyslexia all her life. She was diagnosed at the age of six. Growing up, people told her she would never succeed or achieve her goals, but with the support of her parents and constant determination, she proved those predictions wrong.

Born and raised in Canada, Angelica attended George Brown College and graduated in Architectural Technology. She worked in the retail/service industry for 13 years, was a personal trainer for 4 years, and currently works in the construction industry. She also hosts a podcast called "A Little Bit of Everything With Me!" Her goal is to show others with learning disabilities that they can achieve their goals too.

During this episode, Angelica shares her story of struggling, living and thriving with a learning disability, including:

  • How she realized at a young age that she had a learning disability  
  • How her experiences at school hindered her rather than helped her
  • How her parents helped her stay the course through her education
  • How she finally found her way in the working world with careers that she is passionate about
  • Why she created her podcast and how it helped her meet more people like herself

You can find out more about Angelica and her work on her official website, www.everythingwithange.com. You can also connect with her on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 108: Inspiring kids towards STEM careers -- with Tiffani Teachey10 Aug 202000:19:24

Tiffani Teachey is a Senior Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, professional speaker, and author of the children's book "What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z." She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. As an engineer with more than fifteen years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers.

On this episode, you will hear Tiffani talk about:

  • What inspired her to write a children's book about STEM careers
  • How she chose STEM careers to match with each letter of the alphabet, and how the "STEM Crew Kids" help children see themselves in each career
  • What it's like to get classrooms of young kids excited about STEM careers
  • Her future writing plans for teenagers and young adults

If you want to know more about Tiffani and her work, you can check her out on her official links down below!

Website: www.tiffaniteachey.com

FaceBook: @tiffaniteacheyauthor

FaceBook Group "STEM Books for Kids": https://www.facebook.com/groups/STEMBooksforKids/

Instagram: @tiffaniteachey

Twitter: @tiffaniteachey

 

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Click here for the episode transcript.

Episode 107: Denayja Reese -- To Tell a Great Story27 Jul 202000:36:42

Denayja Reese is an event strategist, producer & writer who has worked on campaigns with Uber, the San Francisco Giants, Live Nation and Airbnb, as well as on content production at Coachella. Her full-service event production company, Girl With That Laugh Productions, has worked on events including the A3C Festival & Conference and BlackTech Week.  

During this episode, Denayja talks about:

  • How she decided to become an entrepreneur
  • Overcoming her challenges with self-esteem, mental health and addiction to build a brighter future for herself
  • The book she's been writing during quarantine about her own life story
  • What it takes to make positive changes in your life

Learn more about Denayja and her work on her website at gwtlp.com and connect with her on Instagram @girlwiththatlaugh.

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Click here for the episode transcript.

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