In this episode of Transform & Thrive, Jessalin Lam sits down with Lois Castillo, author of Unbreakable: A Changemaker’s Guide, to talk about what it really takes to keep doing inclusion work when a hard moment hits personally.

Lois shares a pivotal career season where her words were misused, leaving her in a dark, isolating place right before the ADCOLOR Leaders program. From faith and therapy to community support and deep self-awareness, she opens up about how she rebuilt her footing and recommitted to impact without picking up someone else’s narrative.

You’ll also hear Lois’s definition of thriving, her practical rituals for staying grounded, and why her mantra is simple and powerful: you are enough, and you deserve rest.

Key Takeaways

• Intentionality matters: Success on paper can still feel empty if it’s not aligned with purpose.
• Do not carry someone else’s story: You can own your integrity without absorbing another person’s reaction.
• Vulnerability is strength: Asking for support can be the turning point, not the failure.
• Thriving is peace and joy: Not constant happiness, but calm, clarity, and supportive relationships.
• Community is layered: Family, faith, work, friends, and your inner relationship with yourself all count.
• Celebrate yourself in small ways: Say “I’m proud of you,” write yourself letters, let it land.
• Rest is leadership: You deserve it, and it protects what you are building.

Learn More: https://thechangemakerstable.com

In this episode of Transform & Thrive, host Jessalin Lam sits down with Roo Yeshpaul Johnson, a bold marketing leader, founder of Be: Renowned, and 2023 ADCOLOR honoree, to talk about reclaiming your voice, your agency, and your power.Roo shares her inspiring journey of relocating from the UK to the US, rebuilding her career from the ground up as a military spouse and mother of three, and redefining success in a way that feels true to her values. This conversation is a powerful reminder that visibility is not just about being seen, it’s about showing up fully for yourself.We explore:✨ Creating career currency through every life experience✨ Building community with intention and generosity✨ Why personal growth is the best ROI✨ The power of self-trust and consistent visibility✨ How to define your own metrics for successIf you're navigating transition, healing from burnout, or stepping into a new season, this episode will remind you that reclaiming your power starts within.🎧 Listen now and share with someone who needs this reminder:You have a choice. You don’t have to wait for permission to shine.#TransformAndThrive #Podcast #ReclaimYourPower #VisibilityMatters #CareerGrowth #Leadership #SelfWorth #WomenInMarketing #CreativeLeadership #GrowthMindset #AgencyAndVisibility

In this inspiring episode of Transform and Thrive, host Jessalin Lam sits down with Kat Richards, Associate Director of Experience Strategy at Digitas, systems thinker, and passionate advocate for health equity and financial literacy. Kat shares her journey of pivoting from advertising into healthcare and finance during the pandemic, redefining what success looks like, and unlearning cultural and systemic beliefs that once held her back.

Through candid reflections, Kat opens up about overcoming imposter syndrome, learning to ask for help, and honoring rest as part of growth. She also shares practical tools like journaling, intentional planning, and setting healthy boundaries that help her thrive as both a leader and mother.

Whether you’re navigating a career pivot, struggling with self-doubt, or simply needing a reminder to slow down and listen to yourself, Kat’s story offers both wisdom and actionable takeaways.

Key Takeaways

💡 Transformation often begins by asking: How can I use my skills for good?

💡 Success isn’t starting over, it’s reframing your story and seeing your skills as transferable.

💡 Overcoming “imposter syndrome” isn’t just personal—it’s about questioning the systems not built for us to thrive.

💡 Mindset shifts matter: asking for help, embracing rest, and unlearning beliefs that no longer serve you.

💡 Journaling, intentional goal setting, and saying yes only to what aligns with your values are powerful habits to sustain momentum.

💡 Thriving means flexibility, freedom of choice, and defining success on your own terms.

What happens when you leave a “safe” job to follow your gut, fueled by intuition and cultural curiosity? In this powerful episode of Transform & Thrive, Jessalin sits down with creative executive and community builder Simeon Coker to unpack his bold leap into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts that carried him through uncertainty, and why believing in abundance and community can change everything.Simeon opens up about growing up as a first-generation American, taking a transformative journey through Nigeria and Brazil, and the moment he knew it was “go time.” He shares how coaching helped rewire his thinking, what failure really taught him, and why being an expert in thriving means slowing down enough to receive.Whether you're pivoting careers, building a business, or redefining success on your terms, this episode is a master class in courage, clarity, and soulful leadership.Transformational Takeaways:🔑 Mindset Shift is Everything: Moving from a scarcity mindset to one rooted in abundance can transform not just your business, but how you see yourself and your worth.🔑 Community is the True Currency: From carpool rides to coaching, Simeon’s story reminds us that thriving isn't a solo sport — community, support, and generosity matter more than hustle.🔑 Redefining Failure as Learning: Instead of fearing failure, embrace every step as a lesson. Your past experiments become someone else’s playbook when you share your journey.Connect with Simeon Coker: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeoncokerLearn more about Valerie: https://www.hivalerie.com

In this inspiring episode of Transform & Thrive, Jessalin sits down with Melissa Healy, a former creative director turned equity and culture leader, whose journey is deeply rooted in advocacy, motherhood, and the belief that people are magic. Melissa shares how becoming a parent to a disabled child reshaped her sense of purpose and helped her reimagine leadership through the lens of conscious choice and care. From championing inclusion in the workplace to embracing ambiguity and practicing whole body yes, Melissa invites us to lead with empathy, honor autonomy, and transform how we show up for ourselves and for others.

Key Takeaways

🌱 People thrive when we meet them where they are and advocate with intention, not assumption.

🌱 Autonomy is more empowering than independence — it centers what’s right for the individual.

🌱 Conscious leadership is an ongoing practice of presence, choice, and curiosity.

🌱 Transformation is not about becoming someone new, but stepping more fully into who you already are.

🌱 Growth can be grounded in nontraditional habits like gardening, daydreaming, and knowing when to say no.

🌱 It's okay not to know everything, asking for help builds stronger connections and communities.

In this episode of Transform & Thrive, host Jessalin Lam sits down with Kat Gordon, founder of the 3% Movement and 3% Coaching Coalition, to explore the power of reinvention, energy, and self-love. Kat shares her journey of transforming loss and uncertainty into clarity, alignment, and purpose. From running a global movement to becoming a coach and Reiki master, her story is filled with powerful lessons on embracing change.

As a creative leader and community builder, Kat opens up about navigating identity shifts, financial fear, burnout, and healing while learning to trust herself and live with intention. This conversation is a reminder that thriving isn’t about perfection. It’s about evolving, listening to your soul, and showing up for yourself again and again.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✅ Not every closed door is locked. Sometimes you just need to push

✅ Self-love means being on your own team through every emotional season

✅ Money is energy, and alignment matters more than status

✅ Slowing down can lead to your biggest breakthroughs

✅ Morning pages, movement, and meditation are powerful daily practices

✅ You’re not behind. You’re becoming.

Resources

https://3percentcoaching.com

https://katgordon.com

https://katgordon.substack.com

🔔 Subscribe for more soul-nourishing stories of growth, healing, and transformation

📢 Share this episode with someone navigating a life transition or reinvention journey

In this powerful episode of Transform & Thrive, host Jessalin Lam sits down with Andrea Harry Bibbs, the inspiring founder and CEO of June Dragonfly, a purpose-driven gifting company that curates products from women-owned and underrepresented brands. Andrea shares her incredible journey of pivoting from over two decades in the corporate media industry to stepping into entrepreneurship with faith and intention.

Andrea opens up about:

✅ The turning point that led her to leave her corporate career and pursue entrepreneurship

✅ How becoming a mother reshaped her perspective on legacy and impact

✅ The challenges of building a purpose-driven business from the ground up

✅ Mindset shifts that helped her push past fear and self-doubt

✅ Why "June Dragonfly" symbolizes joy, transformation, and intentional growth

✅ How she’s empowering her children to be part of the business and learn entrepreneurial skills

Whether you’re navigating your own career pivot, dreaming of launching a business, or seeking inspiration for living with purpose, this episode is packed with wisdom, courage, and real-life lessons.

🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode:

June Dragonfly — Discover beautifully curated products that support women-owned and underrepresented brands https://www.junedragonfly.com/

Entrepreneurista — A community for women entrepreneurs https://www.entreprenista.com/

The Lola — Women-focused co-working space and community in Atlanta https://the-lola.com/

🔑 Key Takeaways from the Episode:

1️⃣ Embrace the fear and take that leap of faith—you are more capable than you realize

2️⃣ Legacy is built not just in what you leave behind, but in how you live today

3️⃣ You don’t have to have everything figured out to start—just take that first step

4️⃣ Community and support are essential to thriving in entrepreneurship

5️⃣ Purpose-driven businesses create ripples of change and empowerment

🔗 Connect with Andrea Harry Bibbs:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andreabibbs

🔗 Connect with Jessalin Lam:

Website: https://www.joyofjessalin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalinlam

Stay Connected to Transform & Thrive:

🔗 Follow on Instagram: @transformthrive

📧 Subscribe to Transform & Thrive Newsletter: https://transformthrive.beehiiv.com/subscribe

Welcome to another inspiring episode of Transform and Thrive! In this conversation, Jessalin Lam sits down with Chanel Hemphill — a data-driven health equity strategist, founder of Pep Talks and Prayers, and 2024 ADCOLOR Leader — to explore how life’s biggest challenges can lead to the greatest transformations.

At just 19 years old, Chanel lost her mother, her foundation, and her sense of security — but through faith, community, and inner strength, she built a new path. Chanel shares how embracing failure, finding purpose, and nurturing a supportive community have shaped who she is today.

In this episode, we dive into:

💬 Chanel’s story of resilience and reinvention after loss

💬 The power of faith, therapy, and positivity in healing

💬 Why it’s okay to fail fast and pivot boldly

💬 Creating Pep Talks and Prayers to spread encouragement

💬 Thriving habits to protect your peace and energy

💬 The importance of living with intention and purpose

💬 A mantra to remember: “Nothing forced, everything flowing.”

Whether you are navigating change, seeking motivation, or searching for your next step, Chanel’s story will inspire you to trust yourself, move forward with faith, and thrive intentionally.

💛 Listen, learn, and transform with us.

About Chanel Hemphill

Chanel is a data-driven health equity strategist with deep roots in community activism, cross-cultural marketing, and digital strategy. She has spent her 15-year marketing career infusing equitable data and engagement strategy across payor, finance, and pharma clients.

In 2024, Chanel was selected as one of 30 leaders across the media and creative industry as an ADCOLOR 2024 Leader. The ADCOLOR Leaders is a program meant to support historically excluded professionals in creative industries as they rise to executive roles.

She also founded the mobile app, “Peptalks & Prayers,” with a community of more than 400 subscribers that provides daily encouragement in the form of pep talks, prayers, and affirmations.

🔗 Stay connected with Chanel Hemphill:

Pep Talks and Prayers App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/peptalks-prayers/id1571956536

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanelhemphill

🔗 Connect with Jessalin Lam:

Website: https://www.joyofjessalin.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessalinlam

👉 If today's episode resonated with you, please like, comment, share it with a friend, and subscribe for more stories of growth and empowerment!

Stay Connected to Transform & Thrive:

🔗 Follow on Instagram: @transformthrive

📧 Subscribe to Transform & Thrive Newsletter: https://transformthrive.beehiiv.com/subscribe