In this episode, Michelle talks to Milton Little, Jr., President & CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta. Milton strives to create a positive impact in the world by improving the lives of children and families across Greater Atlanta. He believes social issues are best addressed if we come together, leveraging our collective skills and experiences, instead of solely relying on fundraising efforts.

Milton provides invaluable insights into how to excel as a trailblazer, leading the way for others to follow. Through his advice, listeners can gain vital knowledge on overcoming challenges and conquering perceptions when becoming the first of their kind in senior leadership roles.

Milton became United Way of Greater Atlanta's first African-American president and CEO in July 2007. Previously, he served as president of United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

Milton joins a strong legacy of fundraising and collaborative leaders who bring together supportive partners in the for-profit, nonprofit, philanthropic, and government sectors to identify challenges facing individuals and families and offer solutions. He has helped raise more than a billion dollars for local community needs and priorities during his career.

Before joining United Way, he served as the Chief Operating Officer, interim President, and CEO of the National Urban League. Prior to joining the League, he had a career in corporate philanthropy at AT&T and Lucent Technologies and served as the President of Field Operations for MDRC.

Episode Highlights:

06:00 - Friend raising is really about this invitation to people that if you want to do big things in the community and make big things happen on behalf of children and families.

07:42 - Whatever you decide to do in your career, make sure you're also trying to help somebody.

17:14 - Sometimes you get in a space and you just have to listen to a voice, and decide whether or not it's calling you to stay where you are or move in a different direction.

23:07 - You got to be able to separate who you are from what you do and if your identity is caught up in your profession, if something happens in your profession, then your identity suffers. You got to be able to have these two things separate.

32:47 - You need to find a job and a career that aligns with your purpose. I subscribe to a school of thought that says you need to bring your purpose to whatever it is you do because the reality is most people work so that they can put a roof over their heads and put food in their stomachs, and take care of their families. That's why people work. That's why they call it work. But it's how do you bring a sense of purpose to that.

Episode Takeaways:

- The importance of understanding your company’s values and aligning them with your personal values. Is there alignment, or is there a disconnect?

- How can you apply the “Friend Raising” concept to what you do in your career?

- The importance of looking back to see the path forward.

- Purpose & Prosperity, you can have both. You must determine the sacrifices you’re willing to make to achieve them and have a solid foundation for both to stand.

- Learn how to change your Life of Success to a Life of Significance.

- Being the first minority to take a senior-level role can offer many challenges in overcoming perceptions and expectations, whether high or low. Listen to the advice Milton provides to how to deal with the challenges of being the first black CEO of an organization.

#purposedriven😊

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In this episode, Michelle talks to Stephanie Cantillo, who highlights key transferable skills that are helpful for those wanting to get into HR: communication, people skills, being open to learning new things, and being organized. Stephanie shares how she transitioned from the field of hospitality into Human Resources and speaks of her love for people, which has always been a grounding factor in her success. She also talks about the importance of networking and building relationships within your community. She explains why she decided to pivot into leadership development and how it has allowed her to use her skills and experience to support others on their professional journey.

Over the past seven years, Stephanie has served in various volunteer leadership roles for SHRM-Atlanta including EVP of Special Programs, New Member Orientation, and North Perimeter RDC Chair. She loves the SHRM-Atlanta community and received the chapter’s Exemplary Volunteer Award in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Stephanie is a collaborative and solutions-focused HR leader with 16 years of experience in Hospitality, Education, and the Non-Profit sector.

With a strong background in Operational Excellence, she is recognized for her ability to streamline and improve processes while driving positive organizational change. In her most recent role as CHRO at Pace Academy, she provided leadership in developing and executing a human resources strategy that supported a progressive K-12 independent school with approximately 300 full and part-time employees. She spent much of her time focusing on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion issues within her school communities. In early July, Stephanie started a new role as a consultant working with a firm that focuses on compensation and helping organizations with total rewards.

Episode Highlights:

11:27 - The willingness to try something new, even if you don't have all the answers, it's okay. HR is so huge and broad. You will never know everything. So, I think some of those key transferable skills are just a desire to be around people, a desire to help, willingness to learn.

17:12 - I would say the same thing for networking. Try different events. Try one that's maybe women in technology. Try one that's focused on marketing professionals. Even if that's not your area or an area you're in currently, that doesn't mean you can't show up and meet some great people.

25:12 - I was able to support the employees with what they were struggling with or what challenges were coming up in their families. In HR, you learn a lot of things about what's happening for folks that aren't always exposed in the workplace. And so, building that trust, building those relationships, really turning around the opinion and perception of HR and what HR could be.

Episode Takeaways:

- Understanding your transferable skills is critical when looking to pivot. Knowing your skills and abilities and how you can leverage them in your next opportunity is important.

- Build your community based on your desired next role/function/industry. Here are tips on what you can do- Join organizations, network with other professionals, and do your research to enhance your expertise in your new career opportunity.

- Shift your mindset from networking as a transaction to building a community as a strategic goal.

- Find your Career Anchors. Your anchors will be the common thread in each new opportunity you pursue.

- Struggling with Self-Doubt? Ask people around you for feedback. Sometimes it is hard to see the greatness that is within you. Ask people in your tribe to remind you of your accomplishments, skills, and talents. Use that feedback when it’s time to update your resume, interview for a role, and apply for the next opportunity....

Do you know what it takes to be a thought leader in your field?

There is a distinct difference between being an SME vs. a Thought Leader.

A Subject Matter Expert has a deep knowledge and understanding of an area and is considered a technical expert. However, a Thought Leader takes their expertise and applies it to current trends and uses that to predict to future direction of the field. Thought Leaders develop content and create their voice in the space.

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Dr. Shelton Goode, President & CEO of Icarus Consulting. Dr. Goode talks about how being an expert in your field takes years of training, education, and experience. But once you've reached that level of expertise, it's important to learn how to share your knowledge with others.

Dr. Shelton Goode is the president and chief executive officer of Icarus Consulting. This veteran-owned consulting firm specializes in helping organizations create a culture that leverages diversity and inclusion for competitive advantage. Icarus Consulting accomplishes this by developing strategies that enable their clients to attract, develop, and retain highly skilled talent from an emerging diverse workforce and, at the same time, enhance the engagement, knowledge, and skill of current employees. Forbes has recognized Dr. Goode as one of the “Top 10 D&I Trailblazers” in the country.

Dr. Goode is a graduate of the prestigious Diversity Leadership Academy. He was certified as a senior diversity practitioner by the American Institute for Managing Diversity. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University. He obtained his Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Alabama. Dr. Shelton Goode lives and works in the Atlanta area.

Highlights:

07:40 - I wish I could say that I was enlightened enough to know that's what I wanted to do (becoming a D&I leader), but I really came to the space because I've been the beneficiary of minority programs.

10:00 - Regardless of what people perceive it (diversity) to be or aspire for it to be. I know what it is and how it can be used to advance and accelerate the performance of an organization.

14:22 - Roll up your sleeves, do the work, get the results, help other people along the way and then celebrate and then, let everybody celebrate.

17:47 - I make it easy for people to give me feedback, and I make it easier for me to receive it because this (feedback method) is actionable.

22:06 - You made a mistake, learn from it. And let's not make the same mistake again, and then, let's move on. Let's move on. And, oh, by the way, those people that are still going to remind you about the mistake, let them go.

Episode Takeaways:

- What sets you apart from the competition? Own your space. Become an expert in your field. Be an avid learner, researcher, and thought leader, and people will look for you when opportunities arise.

- Your journey is never about you. God has blessed you with gifts and talents to be shared with others. Whom have you blessed on your journey?

- Do the work- Focus on results and then celebrate.

- Learn the 3-2-1 to feedback. Dr. Goode shares his proven approach that makes sharing feedback easier for the Giver and Receiver.

- Resilience. Replenish. Restore. Give yourself the grace to make a mistake and move on.

- Build your tribe. You are not meant to be on this journey alone. Seek individuals who can help, support, and coach you along the way.

#defygravity

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In this episode of the podcast, Michelle is joined by Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke. Dr. Wright-Burke is a career coach and she shares her thoughts about Grow in Your Purpose. She begins by discussing the importance of having a clear career purpose. Without a purpose, it can be difficult to find fulfillment in work and to make the most of opportunities. However, she also emphasizes that career purpose is not static; it can grow and change over time as our interests and priorities evolve. Ultimately, the goal is to find a career that aligns with our values and brings us joy. By taking the time to reflect on our career purpose, we can set ourselves up for a lifetime of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Dr. Wright-Burke joined ADP in November 2009. Currently, she leads the thought leadership, strategy and execution of talent planning, succession, and movement globally. Previously, as a valued and esteemed member of the field HR organization, she was instrumental on several HR strategic teams related to the learning trajectory of the global HR organization, deployment of ADP’s strengths-based approach, Career Growth & Development and a host of integrative initiatives to drive and influence engagement, talent movement and acceleration within key businesses. Prior to ADP, Dr. Wright-Burke held multiple roles nationally and internationally with Siemens, Inc., a global engineering, and technology company, where she spearheaded key talent and diversity initiatives. She has over 20 years' experience in field HR, talent acceleration, diversity, early career leadership programs, compensation, and talent acquisition.

Episode Highlight

03:52 - Being able to impact people in a positive manner, whether it`s for a career journey for their own development, helping organizations become learning organizations and learning from each other.

10:37 - Make sure you have a core group of people. It could be peers, it could be people that are further on in their career. The people that you trust, it could be personal friends that you can bounce ideas off and be open, transparent feedback.

17:39 - For me, I would say it`s living a well and healthy lifestyle and also giving to others. Being able to have a story to tell someone and they can benefit from it.

19:22 - There are instances where I should not be polite if I want my voice heard.

24:12 - Building learning organizations and seeing the growth of individuals but also teams and organizations. Leaving it better than when I started the project.

Episode Takeaways

The importance of discovering energy drainers. When discovering your purpose, it’s equally important to discover what you don’t enjoy doing. Create a list of tasks and roles that drained your energy.

The importance of Saying Yes to new opportunities and challenges. How would you impact your career trajectory if you spent less time thinking about taking new assignments vs. just saying YES!

The value of building a Board of Directors who will offer honest, constructive, and critical feedback to help in your career and life. Who is on your Board of Directors?

Networking is a critical component of career development. Find the networking environment that works best for you.

Find the Red Thread in your life. What is your Red Thread?

Delayed but not Denied.

Learn the difference between a Mentor vs. a Sponsor

#teamworkmakesthedreamwork

#theskyisthelimit

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In this episode, Michelle is joined by Kim Gosk, Vice President of Human Resources. Kim talks about the importance of understanding the difference between the work you can do and doing the work you love. She also discusses how to identify your energy drainers and energy lifters and shares tips on finding meaning and purpose in your work. This episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired to find your spark at work!

Kim Gosk is a passionate leader focused on developing and enabling organizations to reach their full potential in the marketplace via a clear strategy and talent to execute. Kim truly believes that the mind and body are connected. A holistic approach to mind and body and nurturing them both will enable leaders to make the most significant impact on others. Helping teams combine passion and purpose is where she thrives personally and professionally.

Kim is a mother, wife, sister, and friend. She has five children through her blended family and feels blessed every day to have all of them in her life. Kim enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to explore and learn about new places and cultures. Waking up and being grateful each day that we are here and making an impact by enabling others is what makes her heart sing.

Kim has 25 + years of industry experience supporting a variety of markets through various business and human resources positions. Currently, Kim is the Vice President of Human Resources for Global Functions, Organizational Design, and Change Management for Otis Worldwide. Kim joined Otis in June of 2019 after spending almost 20 years with Siemens in various positions and business lines. Kim prides herself in being a lifelong learner with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Affairs and multiple professional certifications over the years. However, she would tell you that real learning comes from the everyday lessons in life, should you choose to be a student.

Episode Highlights

06:02 - One of the things that I find joy in doing at work is helping people find that spark, and figure out how to do the things that they naturally have.

12:21 - When you are so tired that you can`t have anything igniting, you`ll know that. But when you find it (your spark) and recognize it, write it down.

21:03 - I always knew when I went to bed at night, I went to bed grateful regardless of what day I had, and I knew that there was something much bigger than me. Faith is something important to me.

30:32 - Think about what it is that you want to get from that mentorship and, to your point, not always at the highest level or the senior level. Think about what it is that you want to get.

Episode Takeaways:

It is essential to find your spark and apply your natural gifts and talents to work.

• Understand the difference between work you can do vs. doing the work you love. There are many tasks that you can do. But the question is, do you love it? Find what you love and do that.
• Learn your Energy Drainers vs. Energy Lifters.
• Ignorance can be bliss. What projects/processes can you look at with fresh eyes? How can you incorporate a fresh perspective to your current work?
• Mentorship is not a one-way street. When selecting a mentor, ask yourself- what you want to get from the relationship and what you want to give.
• Search for the good and the light, and you’ll find it.

#bebrave

#beyou

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Life is a journey, and work is a part of that journey. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about the larger picture. However, it's important to remember that work is only one aspect of life. There is so much more to experience, and the goal should be to find balance between work and the rest of your life. Trusting the purpose process means taking the time to connect with your true purpose and aligning your work with that purpose. It's not about working hard for the sake of working hard. Instead, it's about finding meaning in what you do and using your work as a means to achieve your larger goals. When you trust the purpose process, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. Life becomes more than just a series of deadlines and obligations. Instead, it becomes an exciting adventure. So trust the process and let it take you where you're meant to go.

Dr. Howard Grant is the Senior Vice President of Governmental, External Affairs and Human Development for Atlanta Housing. He manages local partnerships and relationships with governmental and other local stakeholders around affordable Housing and Community Development. He previously served as the executive director of the Atlanta Board of Education. Dr. Grant is a scholar-practitioner in the field of urban policy, governmental affairs, environmental justice, and board governance.

Dr. Grant currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Fulton Atlanta Community Action Authority as Chairman.

Highlights:

03:17 - Professional Joy comes from really seeing individuals move from one point in their life to another point in their life.

04:54 - The people component's goal is to again, move people toward self-sufficiency by giving them access to the resources that they need to be successful.

06:46 - Throughout my career, I've always been involved in a people, some sort of a people component, some sort of a component where I'm actually leading to help individuals move forward.

09:51 - The true blessing for me is that my entire career has been aligned with my personal mission in life and that is service.

16:44 - The prize is helping someone move from point A to point B to point C all the way to point Z and I find that we operate in silos. (Listen to Dr. Grant’s analogy on how silos can have a detrimental effect on people and organizations).

23:53 - (if you are looking to have a career of purpose and service) Trust your gut. Trust your feeling….. You have to be true to yourself,... what drives you,.... and where you feel you can fit in to make a difference.

Episode Takeaways:

-Find your personal mission in life. What are you doing in your daily work to move the needle to realize your personal mission?

- If there is anything that you could do for your career, without the limitations of money, what would it be? What did you like doing as a child? The answer to these questions can be a key data point in helping you discover your passion at work.

-The importance of discovering the need you solve. Identify the needs in your community or workplace. What gifts/talents have you been given to address the need? Everyone can use their gifts to solve a problem impacting others around them.

-Understand the importance of collaboration and the negative impact that working in silos can have on your organization. What are you doing with your 5ft rope?

-The importance of knowing the anchoring factors that keep you grounded in life. If you don’t define them for yourself, the world will do it for you.

- Be inwardly motivated and not externally motivated

#servicematters

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When it comes to our lives, many of us find ourselves wondering what the point is. We go through the motions day after day, without a clear sense of why we're doing what we're doing. We may feel like we're just drifting along, without any real purpose in life. If this sounds like you, don't worry – you're not alone. But fortunately, there is a solution: you can create a life of purpose for yourself.

Dr. Priya Roy is a board certified gastrologist and entrepreneur, a member of the American College of Gastrology and current vice chair of internal medicine at a local hospital. She is also the founder of Empower Hue, a company that helps women of color more easily find makeup and skincare products.

Highlights:

03:25 - I've been doing the one thing that really gives me a lot of joy and purpose. It’s helping others, the beauty inside of themselves and helping validate and uplift them.

04:07 - Especially when you reach that midlife mid-career stage trying to figure out what exactly is my path. What is my purpose in this life? And what's my legacy going to be?

08:42 - One of the things I wanted to do was push myself out of my comfort zone, so I'm one of those people that just loves learning new things, reading about new things.

14:41- Certainly something that's slow going and there are times where I've wanted to give up on the whole thing and say you know too much. I can't do it but that purpose keeps pulling me back to it.

28:46 - If you help somebody one day that person goes home and maybe they spread that to their family or their friends and in that way you're impacting the world, you know, even in a small way.

Episode Takeaways:

• Be intentional in creating your legacy.
• There is freedom in finding out what creates a spark in you. When you discover it, it will unleash more power in you than you could not have imagined.
• Pay attention to the activities/hobbies you liked doing as a child. Those activities that came naturally to you can serve as gems to help you find your purpose now.
• Find the thread that connects all that you do (career, personal, and entrepreneurial pursuits)
• A tip for finding balance and time management- Focus on what’s important, what aligns with your purpose, and who are the people that bring me joy- make all of those things a priority. Everything else becomes secondary.
• Release the idea of being perfect. You will make mistakes. What did you learn from the mistake, and how will you do better next time? Fail Fast and Fail Cheap.
• Write the vision and make it plain. When you write down your vision, it becomes more tangible, you become accountable, and as a result, you are more likely to accomplish it.
• Great tip: If I can put away everyone’s exceptions of me, what do I really want to be doing?

#youaretheonlyonewhocanliveyourlife #empowerhue

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LinkedIn: Michelle Glover

LinkedIn: Journey Unlimited, LLC

Careers are changing. No longer is it good enough to just get a job and work hard. People want careers that make a difference, that have an impact. Joerg believes that Purposed for a Career of Impact can help people create lasting impressions and identify leadership styles. He shares his thoughts on the importance of creating a career that has an impact on the world around us.

Meet Joerg Ernst MBA, who brings over 35 years of deep knowledge and a successful track record in the Railway and Infrastructure Industry. Joerg has a high level of pioneering spirit that drives him to work on new business opportunities and growth continuously. He's motivated to define and achieve the future of trendsetting technologies in the industry.

Joerg started his career in 1986 at AEG AG, followed by senior management roles at Daimler Benz Industries Infrastructure Division before joining Siemens AG -where he ultimately became the CEO of the Infrastructure Business. Joerg worked in both Cincinnati, OH, and Atlanta, GA, as General Manager and Business Unit executive, followed by over 15 years as executive VP for Siemens AG and Siemens Mobility GmbH global electrical and mechanical drive trains. Joerg has incredible savoir-faire in industries like rail, e‐Car, e‐Trucks, e‐Construction machines, e‐Aircraft, Wind, Infrastructure, and Industrial applications.

In March 2022, Joerg took the lead as CEO of a global acting company in the world of railways, based in Zug Switzerland.

Episode Highlights:

04:03 - Having people work with you and create success on the customer side, on your people side, that makes me smile.

11:45 - Having leadership in different styles for me was always important, I didn’t change my base (core values & beliefs). I try to be a person of who I am.

16:03 - How you treat people at good times and how you treat people at bad times should be no different.

20:03 - It’s not your map that’s right; everyone’s map is right. I think, if you are globally on your journey and you want to be successful (as a global leader) you better prepare for others. (Understand the lens of others for) what is right for the others and what you think is normal instead of telling them what is normal for you.

32:31 - Make the good things out of it (your career) and think twice about which (career) path you are taking, the other advice is don't take too much thought about the job. You will never have a different answer than you have in 3 days.

Episode Takeaways

- The importance of creating lasting impressions and relationships that extend beyond the workplace

- It's equally important to identify leadership styles you don't like when shaping your leadership journey. If you don't like your manager, identify the characteristics about him/her that you don't like. Use that to help create your 'behaviors to avoid' list to shape your leadership style.

- Ways to create a family atmosphere in the workplace as a leader- create an environment of communication, trust, and respect - in good times and during the bad times

- To be a global leader, you must look at the map and think everyone is right. Learn to look at the world through the lens of others.

- The importance of taking on assignments where you can have an impact. What can you do to ensure your work and leadership has a lasting and positive impact on others?

- Do you believe you can win? If so, say YES to stretch assignments and new opportunities.

#Bepartofmyfamily

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