All anyone has to do is say the year and it can elicit an emotion. In a few words, this year has been everything from unpredictable, to traumatic, scary, exhausting and bizarre. But, there have been moments of joy as well, despite the pain. For those who are hurting, who need the hope that an opportunity to start over provides, debut author Zim Flores has some thoughts. Flores’ new book, Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Endings and New Beginnings (Dec. 8, 2020, Thomas Nelson Gift Books), shows people how to find hope and discover opportunity, even when circumstances and endings are hard and uncertain. OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: ZIM FLORES Named a leader using her voice and talent to elevate humanity by Oprah Winfrey, Zim Flores (née Ugochukwu) is the founder of Italicist, an online styling service that helps women discover modest clothing they love, without the time commitment. Previously she was the CEO of Travel Noire, a boutique travel company reaching millions of travelers each month. In 2017 she sold the company to pursue Christ. A serial entrepreneur, Zim is a Forbes "30 Under 30" awardee who has been featured in the New York Times, TIME, ELLE, Glamour, The Nation, Essence, and NPR, among others. She often writes in faraway places and lives with her husband in Illinois. Connect with her at www.zimism.com and @zimism. Dare to Bloom: Trusting God Through Painful Endings and New Beginnings Order your copy today via Amazon. JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.  

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Dare To Bloom with Zim Flores | 220

OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: ZACH NUNN Based out of Houston, TX, Zach Nunn is a “Big 4” Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion consultant and thought leader, with over 9 years of experience leading cultural and organizational transformation in a variety of industries. As the CEO and founder of Living Corporate, LLC, Zach amplifies and centers marginalized voices at work by interviewing Black and brown executives, activists, educators, elected officials and influencers which provides practical insight and that reaches over thousands majority Black and brown Millennial and Generation-X listeners a week. Despite all this work, his biggest passions are his wife, Candis and daughter, Emory. So many gems packed into today’s episode. Grab a pad and a pen, or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s mission fuel from Zach Nunn. Enjoy! JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH ZACH Website:       Living Corporate, LLC Instagram:   @revnunnwisdom Twitter:        @revnunnwisdom   THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

Living Corporate with Zach Nunn | 219

You've heard the advice to reach out to individual journalists …. but should we work to build rapport with journalists BEFORE we need them? I ask this and several other questions that I wanted more insights on in this conversation with the PR GURU, Pam Perry. OUR FEATURED GUEST THIS WEEK: PAM PERRY Pam Perry is an award-winning communications professional. She teaches and mentors authors, speakers and entrepreneurs on how to build a platform and attract major media and publishing contracts. She is also the publisher of SPEAKERS MAGAZINE. After working with Pam, her clients have been featured on CNN, TBN, The Word Network, Radio One, Oprah Magazine, Tom Joyner Morning Show, Essence, Ebony, Black Enterprise, PBS – and many other major media outlets. Her clients have been offered major publishing contracts, and have created successful full-time careers as “authorpreneurs” earning six-figures. So many gems packed into today’s episode. Grab a pad and a pen, or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s mission fuel from my friend, the PR Guru, Pam Perry. Enjoy! JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH PAM Website:     pamperrypr.com Instagram: @pam_perry THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

How to Get Media Coverage for Your Business with Pam Perry | 218

It's time to open the doors for Black creatives in the fashion industry and provide them direct access to some of fashion's top leaders and vets. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: CHRISTOPHER BEVANS Christopher Bevans is a native of New York, who began his career apprenticing at a local tailoring house where he eventually became the owner at 19 years old. Christopher’s roots as an expert tailor developed into a passion that carried him to the Fashion Institute of Technology. During his time at FIT, Bevans studied textiles while learning the ropes from Jack Sauma, owner of Mood Fabrics, one of the largest fabric retailers in the world. Bevans developed a reputation as an expert craftsman and visionary while working with top brands and organizations such as Billionaire Boys Club, Head(Tennis), Sean John, Yeezy, Spyder and the MacArthur Foundation, where he received a grant for education in 2012. Bevans was a member of the Sean John design team which went on to win the 2004 CFDA Menswear Award. Prior to launching DYNE, he served as the Creative Director of Nike’s Blue Ribbon Sports Division (now Nike Sportswear) from 2003 to 2007 where he spearheaded the hugely successful Air Force 1 25th Anniversary Campaign. While at Nike, Bevans was instrumental in initiating Roger Federer’s now famous “RF” logo. In January 2013, Bevans was named a MIT Media Lab Director’s Fellow along with CNN commentator Van Jones and distinguished alumni film director J.J. Abrams. The Director’s Fellows continue to work closely with faculty and students on collaborative research and helping to expand MIT’s global community. Bevans has also created bespoke designs for clients such as Jay-Z, Pharrell Williams, New York icon Patrick McDonald, Daryl Hall, John Legend and Kanye West. Bevans’ determination to reach new heights in fashion and technology are the results of his relentless work and education with fabrics and technique. The DYNE label is the culmination of the immeasurable successes he has exhibited over a 20-year career certifying him as a modern-day pioneer. JOIN OUR BLAZER NATION COMMUNITY You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation. We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com. CONNECT WITH CHRISTOPHER Website:     hallway.xyz Instagram: @christopherbevans THIS EPISODE WAS SPONSORED BY: Today’s episode of the Trailblazers.FM podcast is brought to you by Brand You Academy.

A Fashion Platform Connecting The Industry with Christopher Bevans | 217

How is society being biased, specifically against the segment of citizens who count themselves among the formerly incarcerated?   Today I share in a deep conversation with Bishop Darren Ferguson,  a preacher, teacher, singer, motivational speaker and social activist. In this conversation, Bishop Ferguson shares his own experiences going from prison to the pulpit and beyond.    Special thanks to Shawn Dove and to Proctor & Gamble for fueling and sponsoring this #TalkAboutBias series.    OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: BISHOP DARREN FERGUSON Born and raised in the village of Harlem and in the Bronx, NY, Darren A. Ferguson is known as a leader for this generation – a preacher, teacher, singer, motivational speaker and social activist. He serves as the 7th Pastor in the 102-year history of Bethel Baptist Church in Orange, NJ. He was recently appointed as the Reentry Coordinator for the City and will provide both services for returned citizens as well as create both Credible Messenger and Rites of Passage programs for the city. -- Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

#TalkAboutBias The Impact of Bias on the Formerly Incarcerated with Bishop Darren Ferguson | 214

 Healthy manhood is the solution to ending all forms of gender-based violence and discrimination and can improve the mental and physical health for men and boys. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: TED BUNCH Ted Bunch is an educator, author, activist, and lecturer working to end all forms of violence and discrimination against women and girls. Bunch is Chief Development Officer of A Call to Men and is internationally recognized for his efforts to prevent violence against women while promoting a healthy, respectful manhood. He is a leading voice on male socialization, the intersection of masculinity and violence against women, and healthy, respectful manhood.   -- Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.     

#TalkAboutBias - Breaking Out of the Man Box | 213

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Desiree joins Stephen to discuss how to take care of yourself… know your limits… give yourself permission to not be ok… and seek the resources you need to be the best you. OUR GUEST THIS WEEK: DESIREE S COLEMAN Desiree S. Coleman works to create equitable and empowering conditions for women & organizations. She is a consultant who has helped numerous groups redefine their diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI) practices. Likewise, she has mentored and coached countless women to rediscover the Queen Within. Inspired by her daughters, Desiree speaks, writes, and curates events to empower women to be their best selves. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Syracuse University, is a Loyola Academy trustee and is the recipient of the 2019 Rising Star Award from Investment News.   Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Stop Pretending You’re Okay - Desiree S Coleman | 211

Inspired by the loss of her aunt, this Black physicist Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green is on a quest to cure cancer in a revolutionary new way. Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green is one of the first African American women in the United States to earn a Ph.D. in physics, holds the distinction of being only the second African American woman and is the fourth African American to receive a Ph.D. in physics from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at https://stephenahart.com/210 You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation Follow Trailblazers.FM: Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.

A Revolutionary Approach To Cure Cancer with Dr. Hadiyah-Nicole Green | 210

You are a product of your choices, NOT a victim of your circumstances. Your biggest challenges can be transformed into the foundation for extraordinary personal growth. Today’s conversation is JT McCormick. JT is the President and CEO of Scribe Media and a bestselling author of the book I Got There: How a Mixed-Race Kid Overcame Racism, Poverty, and Abuse to Arrive at the American Dream JT’s story is truly enthralling. It grips you the moment you hear about him... born the mixed-race son of a drug-dealing pimp father and a orphaned, single mother on welfare, who was raised in the slums of Dayton, Ohio, suffered incredible abuse and racism, and had multiple stints in the juvenile justice system. He barely graduated high school and you have no college degree. Access our show notes for today’s episode: https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking a few select partners for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.    

Choose to Thrive in the Face of Adversity | 209

 Why is our mindset towards money so important? When should we start a business? When do you begin paying yourself as a business owner? This episode was recorded in November of 2019 with our featured guest, Ash Cash Exantus. It was intended to be a part of our January 2020 wealth series which didn’t happen when we paused the podcast back in January. But we couldn't wait to share this episode with Ash, because it’s still (if not even more) important that we take care of our mindset towards our money. No matter where you’re from what your background is or your current circumstance, you can have and do anything you want if you believe that you can and get your mind right. If you’re unfamiliar with Ash Cash - he is one of the nation’s top financial educators. He was dubbed as the Financial Motivator, and he uses a culturally responsive approach to teaching financial literacy. He is also a speaker, bestselling author of many books and the Founder & CEO of MindRight Money Management® a financial education company that blends psychology & personal finance. Ash is best known for helping people maximize their full potential by giving them the inspiration, tools, & resources needed to live their best lives. Blazer Nation, if you’re ready, go ahead and grab your note pad or open your fav note taking app and get set to receive today’s money mindset mission fuel from our featured trailblazer, Ash Cash Exantus. Feel free to access our show notes for today’s episode over at  https://stephenahart.com/podcast/   You’re invited to join our Blazer Nation community and watch full length videos of some of our of conversations there, along with connecting with our tribe of other likeminded Black entrepreneurs and leaders: https://www.facebook.com/groups/blazernation   Follow Trailblazers.FM:   Instagram: @TBPod @StephenAHart Twitter: @TBPod @StephenAHart LinkedIn: /in/stephenaihart   We are seeking sponsors for Trailblazers.FM for our 2021 campaign. If you’d like to reach out to Stephen regarding sponsorship opportunities, please email stephen@stephenahart.com.  

Money Mindset Shifts with Ash Cash Exantus| 208

Stephen A. Hart explores the stories behind today's most successful black entrepreneurs, leaders and professionals. Listeners gain access to the knowledge, resources and tools of these accomplished professionals and come away with the know-how, confidence and motivation needed to blaze their own trail.

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