Thought Leaders by VMH Magazine

In this episode, Wells Fargo's Senior Lead Diversity & Inclusion Consultant, Dewey Norwood, to discusses the current turbulence in the banking industry and the importance of supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). We had the pleasure of speaking with Dewey during the Orange Blossom Classic Kickoff press conference held in Miami Gardens. Dewey shares his insights into the challenges facing the banking industry and how Wells Fargo is navigating these turbulent times. He also discusses the bank's commitment to supporting HBCUs and the African American community, including the $34 million in financial support the bank has provided to HBCUs in the last 12 years. Dewey also talks about the Wells Fargo HBCU Legends Collection, a new slate of debit cards that celebrate the legacy and contributions of HBCUs. He shares how this initiative is not only a way to show support for HBCUs but also a way to provide financial assistance to these institutions. Throughout the episode, Dewey provides valuable insights into the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the banking industry and the role that HBCUs play in educating and preparing future generations of African American leaders. Dewey's insights and experiences provide a unique perspective that is both informative and inspiring.

Jemini Powell believed in her unique talent, developed it and continued to show progress via video postings. Following her heart led to an Instagram message to try out for a part. She now has a new career doing what she loves!

Dr. April L Webster is native of Hickman, Ky. She is the wife of LaShawn Webster. She is a mother, an Ordained Evangelist, Mentor, and Entrepreneur. She obtained her Ph.D in Christian Psychology Counseling on May 11, 2011 from International College of Ministry. She holds a Master's Degree in Public Administration specializing in Human Resources; and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work both from Kentucky State University in Frankfort, Ky. She is the proud co-owner of Loving Arms, LLC Homecare agency, Author and Founder of A'Lashell (Lipsticks). Dr. Webster is a woman of character and integrity. She credits all her accomplishments to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

During Atlanta Open Jack Sock shares his thoughts on kids choosing tennis as a career, and the tweet from Coco Gauff that let to Wimbledon. Jack Sock has won four career ATP singles titles and 15 doubles titles, and has career-high rankings of world No. 8 in singles and world No. 2 in doubles.

Entrepreneur and Managing Attorney of Bonner Law PC, Lisa Bonner Esq. says many are starting new ventures inspired by creativity, drive or necessity, yet many new and existing entrepreneurs don’t adequately give attention to properly laying the foundation for the business to be positioned for success. Entrepreneurship can be an exciting journey, but the quest for success can often leave you burning the candle at both ends with little direction, zigzagging your way to success, which in turn affects your financial and mental health. In her debut book, The LegaliTEAS of Entrepreneurship: The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence and Balance in Starting Your Own Business (Book Logix, Publication Date: April 19, 2022) gives you the tea, on starting your own business, straight, no chaser.

Pamela Cook, (CMO) of The World Games 2022 held in Birmingham, Alabama is making history on several levels. As Media and Promotions Manager at Coca-Cola UNITED Bottling,Coca-Cola UNITED and CMO of the World Games. Pam shares what participants can look forward to at The World Games. The World Games 2022 Birmingham is the new generation of global sport competition with Olympic-style sports experience welcoming elite athletes from all over the world to compete for gold in 34 unique, multi-disciplinary sports. Featuring 3,600 athletes from more than 100 countries, the international event will unite global fans with the Birmingham community in 14 venues around the greater metropolitan area.

Myriam Belasse has more than 30 years of experience in the Fashion and Manufacturing industry. She spent more than 25 years in New York’s fashion industry working with brands like Donna Karan, Bebe, Cache, Saks, Calvin Klein, and more. Her newest venture, KeenaBela brand, aims to provide chic, relaxing options to women who love to live in color.

A professional baker and cake designer for 26 years, Houston's, Ché René Macarons and More offers a variety of original flavors to explore. Made fresh daily with almond flour which makes all their macarons gluten-free. In this session the the founder shares the secret and inspiration for her flavors, story behind the business and expansion. Signature Flavors include: Southern Peach Cobbler, French Vanilla, Chocolate Ganaché, Kravin' Keylime, Lavish Lemon, Sea-Salted Caramel

Taelor, Inc., a menswear rental subscription service that uses artificial intelligence to select clothes for people based on their personal goals and preferences. “The future of menswear is access, not ownership,” said Anya Cheng, Taelor’s founder and CEO, who was a former product lead at Meta who helped create Facebook Shopping and previously held digital innovation leadership positions at eBay, Target, McDonald’s and Sears. “Our mission is to help people to look good, achieve goals and help save the environment.” Phoebe Tan, Taelor’s other founder and COO, who previously served as an executive of a company that was an operations partner with Amazon Go and Starbucks, agrees that Taelor will appeal to today’s young men. “The younger generation is a lot more fashion conscious because of social media, and they also support sustainability and buying second-hand clothes. That’s why Taelor is really the perfect solution for many young men who want to look good but own less,” she said.

Decobie Durant, South Carolina State CB Talks NFL Combine & NFL Draft. In this segment the cornerback shares his mindset, and empowering views on what it takes to make it to the NFL Combine | NFL Draft. Surely, his words apply to all goals across the board.

'A Modern Day Lynching' is a fictional, yet timeless capsule. The novel includes characters like Chayanne Carter-Parker, which tells the story of the challenges of being black in America faced with socioeconomic and racial issues. Author/Novelist Shy Richards, is a Michigan native that currently resides in Atlanta, GA. She enjoys creating fictional literature and characters that 'feel real'.

Rev. Irene Ford-Smith shares details about her new book entitled, 'Some Glad Morning'. With infinite wisdom she also gives advice to women in leadership, to those challenged with the discomforts of growth and talks COVID 19. Reverend Irene Ford Smith, writes from her experiences as a eulogist in a fascinating and informative way that compels the reader to travel this journey of heartbreak, laughter, and lessons learned. Her riveting read will keep you turning pages as you experience the beat of her heart as she ministers to others. Reverend Smith resides in Maryland with her husband, Melvin.

In this episode Tameka Farriér, shares intimate details from her new book and encourages listeners to live a life of purpose. A wife, mother, friend, and small business owner, her thought-provoking memoir is filled with motivational stories about love, family, friends, all the while staying true to herself. She candidly shares the faith that got her through intense moments that will have readers laughing and crying, while prompting self-reflection. To learn more about her debut memoir visit her at TamekaFarrier.com or follow her on social media @TamekaFarriér

In this episode Alicia Hare shares tips for CEO's and small businesses that helps them lead brighter, finding new purpose and passion in their work. Alicia Hare, Ph.D, is the founder and CEO of Tournesol, a leadership consulting firm that partners with CEOs, their teams, and organizations in times of significant change. Alicia’s unique “leading brighter” approach helps CEOs harness the full power of their platform to elevate performance and improve the quality of people’s lives. At its core, leading brighter enables leaders to build brighter futures — ones filled with more shared prosperity, equality, connection, discovery, and joy.

In this episode, Kalen Thorton, CMO of Gatorade, formerly of Nike shares career/success advice and expressions on his role as chief marketing officer. Kalen is a global business and brand leader who believes in using the power of sport and innovation to unlock human potential. He was named chief marketing officer at Gatorade in 2021, after 10 years leading transformational brand initiatives at Nike and Jordan Brand. At Gatorade, Kalen leads brand strategy, integrated marketing, portfolio management, creative storytelling and the expansion of consumer engagement across digital channels. He and his team are driving the company’s evolution from a sports fuel innovator to a brand that fuels sport.

During #AWNewYork 2021 Ashley Allison, CEO of Turner Conoly Group says the "work (storytelling) is rooted in the authentic stories of people whose family members have been killed at the hands of police violence and people who have been incarcerated. They are the ones who guide the stories." Ashley Allison is CEO Turner Conoly Group. She spoke during the Storytelling to Truth Telling: The Strategy Behind Creating Great Work session. Photo Credit: Garry Jones Produced by: Vikki Jones www.vmhmagazine.com

Introvert or extrovert, do you have what it takes to reach your customer base? In this episode Entrepreneur, Obie Garrison briefly gives an inside look to his personality type and its impact in retail sales. | Are you faced with grown-up conversations with your child in order to maintain your career? Do you have the support of others as a single parent faced with career challenges? In this episode, Obie Garrison shares personal details, difficult decisions he had to make and learning more about his son during the process. | Are you faced with closed doors in your career due to your race, or gender? How do you navigate through such challenges. In the segment, Obie Garrison, a retail sales trainer/manager gives advice for D&I (diversity and inclusion) success.

In this episode Richard Stern, TuneIn’s CEO, shares his views on great content, what that looks like in today’s climate and shifting to digital audio. With over 75 million listeners and 5.7 million podcasters, TuneIn’s head chief places content discovery as a top priority.

With over 18 years of fashion expertise, Kelly Helfman, Commercial President of Informa Markets Fashion, has re-imagined the wholesale industry. Landing MAGIC as the top U.S. trade event for two consecutive years in a row, Kelly has successfully boosted globally sought-after brands, MAGIC, COTERIE, PROJECT, and SOURCING at MAGIC into new era through industry advancements with live and digitally focused trade events. Starting her career in 2006 at MAGIC as a Customer Service Representative, Kelly has expertly navigated the corporate ladder, drawing a wide scope of insights that lend to her innovative approach, and progressive leadership style. Bringing authenticity and advocacy for work-life balance as a #bossbabe and modern mother of two, Kelly continually shapes not only fashion B2B events, but the industry as a whole

Everyone loves a good superhero story! 14 yr. old Ted Konne will soon debut his teen and young adult superhero novel for all to enjoy! But especially young readers! Ted was born in Des Moines IOWA, to the family of Tornyie and Grace Konne. Ted is a short form of his ancestral Southern Nigerian Ogoni name “Tedum” which means a man full of life. He grew up like any other normal kids but was very quiet and would sit in for hours in a quiet place brainstorming and writing. Ted wrote his first book at the age of five titled “The Broken Ship” and we were all amazed at his creative mind. The family was surprised at his talent of writing because at that age, all his knew was reading books. Subsequently, he again wrote his second book which he called “The Jungle Mathematics”. His talent continues, as he debuts his first two-part superhero series!