Black women have been excellent in business for years but only recently have industries begun the slow shift to welcoming us as we climb the ranks. Bonita Stewart, Vice President of Global Partnerships at Google is one woman who has - as she calls it - “a mindset of not being othered.” Instead, she says, “I don’t mind being the pioneer but I won’t be the only one.” Her path to success in the tech world is marked by determination and close examples like her father. On this episode of UnBossed Bonita shares the lessons she’s learned as a trailblazer and the commitments she’s made to bringing others with her straight to the top.  UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

UnBossed

Want To Be A Pioneer In Your Field? Good. Bring Others.

We love when we get to dig into the stories of Black women who’ve demanded fair pay since...childhood and built thriving businesses serving their community from scratch. That’s right, childhood. Today’s guest, Sherrell Dorsey (@sherrell_dorsey), the founder of The Plug Daily - started getting paid from a little girl, and hasn’t accepted anything less than her full worth since. But that doesn't mean that it's Easy Street. There are real sacrifices and stretched checks that go along with entrepreneurship. And Dorsey's business - The Plug Daily - is a service that “investigates and reports on Black tech trends, stories, and breaking news with a rigor and analysis you won’t find elsewhere.” Data, diversity and quality journalism are the foundational tools Dorsey employs to make sure underserved and under-covered entrepreneurs and their companies get the shine they deserve amidst the technology boom. Keep listening to hear Sherrell’s story. #UnBossed PodcastUnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

The Real Cost of Entrepreneurship

No matter what our career goals may be, we all strive for one thing - success! On today’s special episode of UnBossed, Monika Johnson - the Associate Vice President of Nationwide Financial, and Patrice Washington - Personal Finance Expert, each share how they’ve created their own blueprint. We tackled topics like discovering your true passion(s), when to make a career transition and the importance of discovering opportunities within obstacles.This episode of UnBossed is sponsored by Nationwide.UnBossed Host: Marquita HarrisExecutive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Producers: Ashley J. Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris + Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh)Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

How To Turn Any Obstacle Into Opportunity

Whether you bus tables at a local restaurant or sit amongst the most influential policymakers in the nation, who you are matters. The work that you do matters. An incredible reminder of this truth is Massachusetts Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (@ayannapressley) whose impressive political rise, commitment to radical Black joy, and creating systemic solutions to systemic issues have reinvigorated hope for so many. Keep listening to grab each and every gem she brought with her to UnBossed.Let us know what you think of this episode using #UnBossedPodcast!UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

There Is Dignity In ALL Work

Working harder and “leaning in” is simply not enough for US to earn the paychecks we deserve. This week, UnBossed is graced by the presence of Minda Harts (@mindaharts), author of the best-selling book, “The Memo: What Women of Color Need to Know to Secure a Seat at the Table”. The career revolutionary has experienced it all: from microaggressions to imposter syndrome - and she wants every Black woman to know that not only are we in demand, but we don’t have to take what we’re given.Let us know what you think of this episode using #UnBossedPodcast!UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)Social: Miranda Johnson (@randa_writes)

We Don’t Have To Take What We’re Given

August 13, 2020 is Black Women's Equal Pay Day. We’ve armed ourselves with the education, experience, and energy to break glass ceilings and now it’s time our paychecks and growth track in our careers reflect as much—no excuses, no delays, no holds barred. On this episode, we're bringing you a full Black Women's Equal Pay Day compilation episode featuring Minda Harts, Juliette Jones, Lauren Simmons, Sherrell Dorsey, Arian Simone, Arlan Hamilton, and Dia Simms. Get your notebook and get inspired! UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)Social: Miranda Johnson (@randa_writes)

Pay Me What You Owe Me!

“Lift as you climb” are to live and work by. For Black women in the workplace, having mentors to reach out to is crucial. It is indeed a key ingredient for personal success. This week’s guests Vicki Chancellor,President of McDonald’s Operator’s National Advertising Fund; Elizabeth Campbell, McDonald’s Senior Director of Marketing and Cultural Engagement; Mary Blackford, founder of Market 7 and Pine-Sol Legacy Winner;  Cassandra Lewis Brand Manager of PineSol and Shaunte Mears-Watkins VP of Marketing for Clorox. These women give a WEALTH of insight into how mentorship has helped them rise and what they are doing in their positions and communities to reach back for others. UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)Social: Miranda Johnson (@randa_writes)

Mentorship is More Than A Buzzword, It's A Lifeline

Those who excel in life rarely do so by playing it safe. The same can be said for Noëlle Santos (@1st.noelle), the 33-year-old proprietress of the only bookstore in The Bronx, a community of over 1 million people. On this episode, Noëlle breaks down how she brought a bookstore home to her community in a time when many (mistakenly) thought indie bookstores weren’t thriving - and how she did it all without giving up even a little bit of her own interests, style, or convictions. (Bonus: There may or may not be a rap buried somewhere in this episode!) Use #UnBossedPodcast to tell us, what’s the goal you’re tunnel visioning toward like Noëlle? UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

How To Thrive In A “Dead” Industry Without Selling Your Soul

Very rarely do most consider that advocacy work can be a full 9 to 5 career choice. Janaye Ingram, Airbnb’s Director of National Partnerships knows better than anyone that her commitment to community and advocacy work is more than simply serving a weekend a month. From serving as an Americorps VISTA, to working with the National Action Network under Reverend Al Sharpton, to her time as Miss New Jersey - speaking and driving important initiatives across the state and country, Ingram has built a career that centers making a positive impact on the community while driving organizational and company goals forward. Let us know what you think of the episode using #UnBossedPodcast.UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Executive Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)Social: (@randa_writes)

A Successful Career in Advocacy Is Possible with the Right Moves

The COVID-19 pandemic has shuttered many a business since it influenced a nationwide shutdown in March 2019. It’s struck fear in the heart’s of small business owners whether they’re brand new or have been open for a long time. Melba’s Restaurant (@melbasharlem) in Harlem has found its way through the pandemic, not unscathed but not closed for good either. How did its founder and namesake, Melba Wilson navigate the unsure waters of a pandemic? What keys can be learned for what’s to come? Check out the episode to hear how this beloved Harlem restaurateur is placing faith over fear and fighting for her community in this episode. Use #UnBossedPodcast to let us know what you think of the episode.UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)Social: (@randa_writes)

How Do You Keep Your Business Afloat During A Crisis?

Are investments the best or easiest way to start a business? It's debatable. What's certain is that with the right preparation, planning, and love from your community you can build a thriving business. Just ask Dr. Lakeysha Hallmon (@drkeyhallmon), founder of thriving The Village Market (@thevillagemarketatl) in Atlanta, Georgia. On today’s episode Dr. Key breaks down how she decided to do something about the lack of Black businesses being showcased in Atlanta...without a single dollar of investor money, just donations from her own village. She also discusses how The Village Market has successfully pivoted during a global pandemic and national racial unrest. Keep listening after Dr. Key’s interview for another special Bonus Boss segment with Blackbird House founder, Brigid Coulter, sponsored by Pine-Sol.UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

You Don’t Always Need Investor Dollars To Start Your Business

A business isn’t successful if it isn’t profitable and too often women fear how they will be perceived if they ask for what their time and efforts are worth. But as this week’s guest, Tiffany “The Budgetnista” Aliche (@thebudgetnista) says, “the more you make, the more you can do.” And trust, she knows of what she speaks, having experienced financial setbacks and teaching others how to overcome them as she did. Now, she helms a series of businesses that serve women who want to become financially free. Keep on listening to hear her thoughts on getting paid for your service, saving for retirement, and ‘voting with your money’ and so much more. And stick around afterward [55:41] for our BONUS BOSS Segment with WestRiver Managing Director, Richelle Parham. Sponsored by Pine-Sol.UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

Stop Apologizing For Monetizing Your Work!

The greats aren’t the greats because they played it safe. They mastered their craft and became known for their mastery, much like this week’s guest, Jermaine Dupri (@jermainedupri). In this episode, the hitmaker producer gives real life anecdotes and advice on how to gain the respect you deserve in your field - including a DOPE come-to-Jesus moment with the legendary soul singer, Aretha Franklin. Get into it and I hope you’ve got a notebook ready! Use #UnBossedPodcast to let us know what you think of the episode!UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

Play Your Position To Get Your Recognition

For ages, we’ve accepted that to start from the bottom means to accept well beneath the pay you are worth.This week’s guest, Lauren Simmons (@lasimmons), is making it her mission to shed some light on financial best practices for young women. And she’s doing it with a wealth of experience and she’s not even 30 yet. At 25 she was the only Black woman and youngest trader on the New York Stock Exchange Floor - history-maker. And as you’ll hear, making history wasn’t necessarily her goal. Her career is marked by strategic choices - including advocating for herself to make more money while trading at the New York Stock Exchange. She’s got great tips and tricks for young women who want to take full control of their finances and their career paths.UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)Designer: Imani Nuñez (@profoundly_imani)

Starting From The Bottom Still Deserves A Living Wage

We’re inundated with information about taking care of our personal finances but what can financial health look like for couples? Should couples use joint accounts? Should they keep their money separate? Who pays the bills? How much should a couple invest in their business? Today’s guests Codie Oliver and Tommie Oliver have made a name for themselves by creating Black Love - the acclaimed docu-series shining a spotlight on the nuances of love and relationships. They give a 360-degree look into their money decisions both as business partners and as husband and wife from how much to save to how to create more income streams. Use #UnbossedPodcast to chime in and let us know some of the money tips and tricks you use in your relationship!UnBossed Host: Marquita Harris (@marquita_harris_)Producer: Tiffany Ashitey (@misstiffsays)Associate Producers: Ashley Hobbs (@ashleylatruly) + Shantel Holder (@shadesofshan_)Bookings: Marquita Harris, Tiffany AshiteyAudio: Anthony Frasier (@anthonyfrasier) + Josh Gwynn (@regardingjosh) Music: Gold Standard Creative (@gscdotnyc)

Money Decisions + Family Business, How Do You Make It Work?

Stories from the extraordinary. Get inspired with UnBossed. ESSENCE’s “UnBossed” is a podcast that shares the stories behind the journeys of remarkable women. Host, Marquita Harris (ESSENCE's Senior Editor of Work and Money) dives into the professional and personal lives of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, self-starters and beyond. Let's talk about it - money, ambition, careers, entrepreneurship, debt and more. Join the conversation #unbossedpodcast

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UnBossed

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