Owning The Room

Reclaiming the Room (with Renata Henderson)

Have you ever had to re-establish your power, your voice, your place in a room? It can be challenging, but its not impossible.  In this episode, Renata Henderson, co-founder and head roaster of Cxffeeblack, shares what it looks like to reclaim a space—not just for yourself, but for your people. As the first Black female coffee roaster in Memphis and co-architect of the award-winning, culture-shifting brand Cxffeeblack—named World’s Most Notable Roaster 2024, Best in Coffee 2023, and Innovator 2024— Renata and her team are redefining what excellence and ownership look like in an industry that wasn’t built with them in mind. Together with her husband, she’s turned coffee into both a creative canvas and a cultural reclamation project. In this conversation, we talk about: * Why reclaiming culture can transform not just business, but community. * What it takes to lead with authority as a minority without losing your voice, creativity or conviction.  * The truth that reclaiming a room starts with embracing who you are and your roots. 🎧 Listen now and learn how reclaiming your presence can change the world around you. For tools and resources to help you become unforgettable onstage or to work with Erin visit www.erinbcole.com [https://www.erinbcole.com/].  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538285/support]

The Power of Forgiveness in Owning the Room (with Yana Conner)

The Power of Forgiveness in Owning the Room (with Yana Jenay Conner) In this episode, author, Bible teacher, and podcast host Yana Conner explores the connection between inner healing, forgiveness, and on stage presence. With nearly two decades of full-time ministry experience, Yana’s writing and teaching have equipped thousands to think deeply about faith and culture, helping others engage both heart and mind. In this conversation, we dive into: *  The freedom forgiveness brings to your voice, your energy, and your influence. * How inner healing restores your confidence and authority. * What it takes to command the attention of a “cold” audience with grace and truth. If you’ve ever struggled to show up as your whole self, because of hurt, pressure, or perfection—this episode will remind you: the most powerful room you’ll ever own is the one within. For tools and resources to help you become unforgettable onstage or to work with Erin visit www.erinbcole.com [https://www.erinbcole.com/].  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538285/support]

Leading From Your Seat (with Phillip Holmes)

In this episode, Phillip Holmes, leadership development coach, consultant, and speaker unpacks what it looks like to lead from your seat, keep your composure, and avoid crashing out when the culture around you gets toxic. With a background that spans writing, college recruitment, and executive leadership, Phillip has helped countless professionals detox their careers and rebuild their confidence. His work centers on helping people discern when to transform the room they’re in and when it’s time to walk away with courage and clarity. This episode dives into: * What it really means to lead without a title. * How to get what you need from a space without leaving on bad terms. * The difference between transforming a culture and knowing when to move on. If you’ve ever felt silenced, overlooked, or stuck in a culture that doesn’t honor your voice, this conversation will remind you that you don’t need permission to lead. You just need presence, discernment, and courage. For tools and resources to help you become unforgettable onstage or to work with Erin visit www.erinbcole.com [https://www.erinbcole.com/].  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538285/support]

Pivoting Without Losing Your Presence (with Kristen “KB” Newton)

In this episode, creative strategist, speaker, and founder of HEART Convos, Kristen “KB” Newton, unpacks what it means to connect deeply, pivot boldly, and rebuild beautifully after loss. From spinning tracks as a DJ for the Indiana Pacers to founding a movement that’s helped thousands master the art of human connection, KB’s journey is a masterclass in reinvention. She’s lived the full creative spectrum as an artist, coach, conference creator, wife, and mom. Through it all, she’s learned that real influence starts where authenticity meets empathy. In this conversation, KB and Erin dive into: * How to pivot when what used to work no longer fits. * Why failure can be the most fertile ground for transformation. * The art of connection—how to see the gaps and fill them. * What it means to be a connector who turns presence into power. If you’ve ever wondered how to rise again, show up differently, or create impact in the spaces that test you most, this episode is your reminder: you don’t have to have it all together to own the room. Listen now and turn your presence into purpose. For tools and resources to help you become unforgettable onstage or to work with Erin visit www.erinbcole.com.  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538285/support]

Owning the Room for Others (with Alton Cryer)

What if the most powerful form of  influence isn’t about commanding attention, but rather standing in the gap for others? In this episode, community leader and luxury real estate advisor Alton Cryer shares how owning the room for others can be just as powerful as owning it for yourself. From negotiating deals to mentoring youth, Alton shows that success rooted in service multiplies impact far beyond personal wins. As the Co-Founder of STS Enterprise Corporation and a Top 20% real estate advisor at Keller Williams, Alton has built his career at the intersection of excellence and empathy. His background spans community development, banking, and lending, each experience shaping the way he now serves clients.  Beyond business, Alton’s heart for people shows in his commitment to STS Enterprise Corporation, where he empowers youth and college students through leadership and economic development programs in Memphis, TN. As a devoted husband and proud father to three boys, Alton models what it means to build legacy through both family and community. In this episode, you’ll hear: * Why advocacy is one of the highest forms of presence. * How service-first leadership transforms influence and results. * The power of winning because you put others first. Listen now and discover what it looks like to own the room for others. For tools and resources to help you become unforgettable onstage or to work with Erin visit www.erinbcole.com. [https://www.erinbcole.com/]  Support the show [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2538285/support]