Begin the Begin Podcast by Jeff Hilimire

On this episode, Mita Mallick joins me for the second time, this time to talk about her new book, Reimagine Inclusion: Debunking 13 Myths to Transform Your Workplace. It's absolutely brilliant, and please use the link below to grab a copy for you (and your team)!

Notes:

On this episode, I had a chance to speak with Atlanta legend, Ricky Steele, about his book, The Heart of Networking (which I LOVED). We talked about the power of networking (and how to do it right), Atlanta, doing good, and so much more.

If you want to buy a copy of Ricky's book (please do!), you can find it at:

- Amazon: https://amzn.to/450CtnU

- https://heartofnetworking.net/

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About me:

On this episode, Ekaette Kern and I have a conversation centered around Elizabeth Leiba's book, "I’m Not Yelling: A Black Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Workplace".

On this episode, Adam Walker and I talk about stoicism, mainly because I knew he had been reading and writing about it, and I wanted to know what all the fuss was about :)

Find Adam at:

On this episode, I spend time chatting with Chelsea Jenkins, who’s the Director, Cultural and Inclusive Marketing at Kellogg. We have a great time talking about her personal Purpose and mantra, the importance of corporate DEI strategies, or as she calls it, EDI (you’ll learn why as you listen to the podcast), her favorite books, and much more.

On this episode, I talk all things "company culture" with my good friend Adam Albrecht, who's also the co-author of my latest book, The Culture Turnaround. We talk about the cultures we build within our families, how we worked to build the culture at Engauge many years ago, tips on how to build an "undeniable culture" within any team or company, and much more.

On this episode, I had a chance to talk to one of my favorite people in the world, Sanjay Parekh. Sanjay and I have known each other for a long, long time, and I consider him both of the smartest and kindest (and I shouldn’t forget, one of the most successful) entrepreneurs I know. On this episode, we spent our time talking about his newest company, Occasional Wraps, which produces the first-ever artist-designed, limited edition gift wrapping paper.

I had a great time on this episode talking with Katie Louise Mullins and Kacie Lett Gordon, the founders of It All Media. It All Media is a modern media empire inspired by and devoted to women (un)doing “IT ALL.” They exist to tell new stories, amplify real women’s voices, and facilitate a movement through conversation to affirm and build women’s power. We talk about their entrepreneurial journey, why it’s so important to be writing new narratives and telling stories around women’s health, the dimensions of womanhood, and the power of learning in public.

On this episode, I speak with Michael McCathren, Sr. Principal, Enterprise Innovation at Chick-fil-A, about his new (and first) book, 6Ps of Essential Innovation. I had an early look at the book as my publishing company, Ripples Media, partnered with Michael to bring it to life. And I have to tell you, it's terrific. We talk about why he decided to write the book, what the process was like, and of course, what it takes to build a company that aspires to be innovative and resilient.

On this episode, I get to talk to a legend in the running world: Barefoot Ted. I first learned about him through the book, Born to Run, by Chris McDougall, which fundamentally changed the way I run and, more importantly, completely removed the persistent knee pain that used to accompany my runs. He’s probably one of the most energetic people I’ve ever had on the podcast and hearing his journey is bound to inspire you.

Links:

On this episode, I talk with Tim Schurrer, author of the fantastic book, The Secret Society of Success. I read this book in only a few days and the stories and lessons that Tim shares are just what people need in today's hectic, pressure-driven society. The subtitle says it all: Stop chasing the spotlight and learn to enjoy your work (and life) again. Boom!

Links:

On this episode, I’m joined by Bonnie Wan, an incredible leader who created a brilliant concept called, The Life Brief, which helps people live with greater clarity, creativity, and courage by teaching them how to write briefs for their lives. We dive deep into how she created The Life Brief and its major components, but we also spend time talking about her life as an Asian immigrant in the United States and my experiences with having adopted two Chinese children. I just loved this conversation with Bonnie and I know you’ll find it inspiring.

On this episode, Raj Choudhury (former guest of the podcast and serial entrepreneur) shares the news that he has acquired ARPR, an award-winning tech PR agency. He talks about the vision behind the acquisition, his partnership with Anna Ruth Williams (former CEO and founder of ARPR), and their exciting plans for the future. 

On this episode, I had the chance to talk with my friend, Hanni Berger, CEO and founder of JOYVIAL. For anyone that knows Hanni, they know she’s a bright, bursting light of positivity, bringing joy to everyone she comes in contact with. I was really excited to hear more about her inspiring journey which led her to start JOYVIAL, a company helping business leaders live their healthiest, most joyful life. You're going to love hearing her story.

On this episode, I talk with entrepreneur, artist, and advocate, Jay Austin. He’s working to interrupt mass incarceration. We talk about what led him to this important work, the current state of mass incarceration, and the nonprofit he started called RLENTLSS, a prison diversion and re-entry program teaching premiere level videography, photography, storytelling, and other below-the-line production skills. His work is so important and I hope you can find ways to support him on this journey.

This is an audio recording from my email newsletter, where I wrestle with the idea of being a stoic.

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About me:

On this episode, I have one of my favorite guests, Terence Lester, back on the show. Terence is a social justice leader, entrepreneur, author, dedicated father and husband, and so much more. I wanted Terence to join me again on the podcast to talk about what it means to be a true ally. We get deep into that, and we also talk a bit about his latest book, When We Stand, which is truly amazing. You should seriously pick up a copy (link below).

On this episode, I talk with my good friend and former teammate at Spunlogic and Engauge, Jay Jhun. Currently the Director of Loyalty at Focus Brands, we talk about Jay’s career, in which he’s worked for agencies (like mine), technology companies like IBM, and now on the brand/client side at Focus Brands. We also talk about Jay’s journey of adopting his son, as well as career advice for young marketers.

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About me:

On this episode, I had a chance to catch up with my inspiring friend, Evana Oli, to hear more about her journey of starting a company with her 9-year old daughter, Zoe, called Beautiful Curly Me. Beautiful Curly Me is a brand that encourages young girls to love and be confident in who they are. How great is that :) Ever since we recorded this episode I’ve been trying to think about how I can begin starting companies with my kids!

On this episode, I speak with one of my favorite marketing leaders in Atlanta, Paige Farrow. Paige is currently the Director of Brand Strategy & Management at NAPA Auto Parts, and we talk about her career journey (which includes stops at Coca-Cola and Charbroil), her style of leadership, advice she has for young people starting out in their career, and some tips on the age-old fight for better work-life balance, something we’re both still working on.

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About me:

This is a very special episode as I talk with my good friend and one of my favorite Atlanta business leaders, Kenji Kuramoto, about his family’s experience with the Japanese internment camps of the 1940s. His generosity and vulnerability in sharing this with me was so powerful, and I just know you’ll appreciate the stories he shares.

On this episode, I’m honored to have Bethaney Wilkinson back on the show, this time to talk about her new, incredible book, The Diversity Gap. I read this book in less than 3 days and absolutely loved it. We talk about many of the concepts in the book, including the importance of knowing, and sharing, your origin story, the goal of working toward liberation, and what it means to explore reparations within a company. Buy the book! -> https://amzn.to/3lsXTWx Learn more about Bethaney -> https://www.bethaneywilkinson.com/ 

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About me:

On this episode, I talk with Kyle Porter, CEO and co-founder of Salesloft, one of Atlanta’s most recent unicorns (meaning they are valued at a billion dollars or more). This episode is full of incredible stories and advice from Kyle, including how he works to grow as a leader, some of the secrets to Salesloft’s success, his best advice for leaders (including the importance of building trust), and something called the ‘Clearing Model’ which I simply cannot wait to implement at my companies.

This episode is the audio from one of my email newsletter posts, titled: Abled and Eyes Opened (Thanks to one leader, I now see my privilege in a new light).

Keith Millner, co-founder and managing partner of Coaching Catalyst, joins me on this episode. Keith is an entrepreneur, servant leader, and self-described, “hustler”, and you’ll get a sense of all of those designations from our conversation. We talk about his journey, what led him to be an executive coach and change agent for so many, his successful hike to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, his leadership of 100 Black Men of Atlanta, and much more.

On this episode, I talk with Nathaniel Smith, Founder and Chief Equity Officer/CEO Partnership for Southern Equity. We talk about his journey, the difference between actual social justice and what he calls, “fakequity”, the Values Revolution that we need to happen to create real change in our society, and so much more.

On this episode, I talk with Ryan Gravel, enterpreneur, author, urban designer, and most certainly, the person that came up with the once-in-a-generation idea of The Atlanta BeltLine. We talk about, of course, the story of the BeltLine, but we also get into some really great concepts, including what he loves about Atlanta (and where we struggle as a city), things he learned about his family’s history during the racial unrest of 2020, his upcoming new book, and of all things, Dungeons & Dragons.

On this episode, I spend time talking with my new friend, and fellow supporter of The A Pledge, Sequoyah “DataBae” Glenn. She’s one of the most talented data and analytics experts I’ve ever met, and also has one of the biggest hearts. We talk about how she became a “media culture disruptor”, her purpose to change the world through the eyes of marketing and media, and what it takes to be a good ally.

Connect with Sequoyah and her work!

On this episode, I talk with Nathan Stuck, who some consider to be "Mr. B Corp Georgia". We talk about, what else, B corporations, and we also dig into conscious capitalism, how ROI fits into the decision, and what it takes for a company truly to be a force for good in this world.

On this episode, my guest is Nina Smith, a self proclaimed “communications mercenary”. She’s the former traveling press secretary and advisor to Pete Buttigieg, and she spends most of her time helping candidates, brands, and organizations tell their story in the media. We talk about her journey, of course the work she did with Pete (I’m a HUGE fan), some of the work she did with Stacey Abrams (someone else I love), and her board involvement with an incredible organization called Community Groundwork. 

On this episode, I brought David Cummings (Atlanta Tech Village, Pardot, Atlanta Ventures) back on to talk about the characteristics that the most successful entrepreneurs and leaders have. We’ve both built businesses and invested in others, and I thought it would be a fun conversation to discuss the qualities that are somewhat non-negotiable in those that succeed.

On this episode, I have the great pleasure to speak with Jay Jackson, CEO of RYSE Interactive and RYSE Creative Village (and a board member of one of my nonprofits, Ripples of Hope!). We talk about where his inspiration to help others comes from, how a passion for constantly learning and a focus on humbleness has led him to success, and his MASSIVE vision for RYSE Creative Village. I always feel incredibly inspired after talking with Jay, and this conversation left ME ready go after MY dreams.

On this episode, I catch up with my friend, Eileen Lee, one of the co-founders of The Lola. The Lola’s mission is to bring womxn together as allies and accomplices to tell their stories, raise their voices and dismantle a system that doesn’t serve them. We talk about her journey toward entrepreneurship, where the inspiration to start The Lola came from, and the tremendous progress they’re making as they come out of the difficulties of the pandemic.

On this episode, I had the great pleasure to talk with Teresa Baker, founder of the Outdoor CEO Diversity Pledge and the African American Nature & Parks Experience. She was recommended by a previous podcast guest, Patagonia’s Whitney Clapper (you should check that episode out if you haven’t) who described Teresa as a visionary for what life could be with a little more disrupting and dismantling of various systems of oppressions.

I talk with Teresa about how she became a self-proclaimed trouble maker, where her purpose to include people of color in environmental protection came from, and so much more.

“When I'm sometimes asked when will there be enough [women on the Supreme Court] and I say, 'When there are nine,' people are shocked. But there'd been nine men, and nobody's ever raised a question about that.” ― Ruth Bader Ginsburg

On this episode, I have the great pleasure of talking with Bhavana Smith, founder of the amazing organization, Until There Are Nine™. Until There Are Nine™ is an educational network and resource group whose purpose is to give women the power to advocate for their rightful share of compensation, rewards and professional advancement. We talk about what inspired her to start the organization, stories about the impact they’ve already made, and how she’s working to shape the future that her daughter will live in.

On this episode, I chat with Rodney Bullard, the Executive Director of the Chick-fil-A Foundation. We talk about his journey, including the impact that his 1st-grade teacher - Ms. Adams - had on his life (and somehow we never knew we went to rival high schools in Atlanta!), how he ended up at Chick-fil-A, and of course, his terrific book, Heroes Wanted. Rodney has helped so many organizations during his time at the Chick-fil-A Foundation, and I know you’re going to want to hear where his heart for giving came from and what he’s focused on now.

On this episode, I had the great pleasure to talk with my good friend, Qaadirah Abdur-Rahim. Qaadirah is currently the Chief Equity Officer, City of Atlanta, and was the CEO of the Future Foundation for 15 years prior to taking her role with the city. We talk about where her resilience comes from, the need to disrupt stagnation in order to achieve equity, the importance of focusing on childhood development, and what it takes to be a gladiator for social justice.

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About me:

On this episode, I have the extreme pleasure of having Mita Mallick on the show. Mita is the Head of Inclusion, Equity, and Impact at Carta, and has worked at some of the world’s largest and most respected companies, including J&J, Pfizer, and Unilever. Mita is one of those people that infects you with her passion and joy for the work she’s doing. She talks with me about her personal purpose, which is to help those that have been excluded to find their voice, and once they find it, to never stop using it. How great is that? We also talk about her wonderful writing, about raising kids to have empathy and to be kind, and so much more.

On this episode, I have the great pleasure of chatting with Bethaney Wilkinson, founder and CEO of The Diversity Gap Podcast and Academy. I first met Bethaney by attending one of her workshops, and her passion and innovative views on racial equity, privilege, and bridging the diversity gap was incredibly inspiring to me, and I knew I had to have her on the show to hear her story!

My guest on this episode is Sharon Harris, Global Chief Marketing Officer of Jellyfish. We talk about her career journey, working at some of the largest companies in the world, to the great work she and her team are doing at Jellyfish, and how hard women in the workforce have been hit by the pandemic, or what she calls a “She-cession”.

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About me:

On this episode, I have the great pleasure to talk with Jenn Graham, Founder & CEO of Civic Dinners. Civiv Dinners bring people together virtually or in person for structured conversations on the critical issues of our time. Jenn started the organization in 2016, and we talk about her journey, including the first time we met at Souper Jenny’s in Atlanta, her big pivot in 2020, and the amazing growth they’ve had over the last 5 years.