Momentum Now

The Final Episode: Legacy, Leadership, & Lessons from MVP

After two years of unforgettable conversations, career-changing insights, and deeply personal stories, Momentum Now reaches its final chapter. But this isn’t just an ending — it’s a celebration of impact, legacy, and the community we’ve built together. In this powerful and emotional finale, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane are joined by three foundational voices behind MVP (Momentum & Value for People of Color): 💼 Christine Sakdalan, Co-founder & CEO 🔥 Miguel Valentin, Executive Director 🎛️ Shawn Dahlhaus, Podcast Producer & Editor Together, they reflect on: * The origin story of MVP: how a personal trauma sparked a movement * What it meant to mentor, coach, and support 145+ young professionals of color * Favorite guests and lessons that still resonate today — from career pivots and conflict management to radical optimism and leadership rooted in character * Why this podcast will live on, even as the organization closes its doors * And the most important takeaway: the momentum doesn't stop here You’ll hear behind-the-scenes moments, heartfelt thank-yous, and real talk about starting something from scratch, making an impact, and figuring it out as you go. If you’ve ever been unsure about your path, felt the pressure to succeed, or needed to hear someone say “your journey doesn’t have to be a straight line” — this episode is for you. 🎧 Featured Reflections From Past Guests: 🛠️ Mike Metcalf (NASCAR) – on building diverse teams and thinking in seasons 🍎 Maya Feller – on reclaiming the narrative around cultural foods and health 🧠 Craig DeLarge – on self-awareness, blind spots, and leadership 🎤 Javier Farfán – on showing up authentically in music, marketing, and education ⚖️ Brittany Hale – on being conflict curious and leading with integrity 👩🏽‍💼 Wema Hoover – on mentorship as a duty, and careers as skylines, not ladders 📈 Charlotte Castillo – on radical optimism and her mantra: "I'll figure it out" 🧠 Dr. Juan Rios – on mental health and navigating challenges as professionals of color 💡 And many more... ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro & welcome 00:37 – Meet the final guests: Miguel, Christine & Shawn 01:48 – How MVP started: turning pain into purpose 04:01 – Miguel on leading MVP & mentoring 145 students 05:35 – Christine on MVP’s digital legacy & impact beyond numbers 07:37 – Karen on how the work transformed her life 09:19 – Favorite episodes and guests that left a lasting mark 11:06 – Shawn on being behind the scenes for every moment 13:05 – Christine on why Episode 1 (Mike Metcalf) still hits 17:21 – Karen on food, culture & self-love with Maya Feller 20:36 – Miguel on career rivers, not ladders 24:24 – Craig DeLarge and the power of self-awareness 27:08 – Brittany Hale’s “conflict curious” framework 28:22 – Britney Jackson Mosley as the ultimate multi-hyphenate 29:25 – Wema Hoover on character and responsibility 32:20 – Charlotte Castillo on saying yes & figuring it out 33:32 – Christine on Matt Sakdalan and entrepreneurial energy 36:13 – Final reflections & emotional thank-yous 39:43 – Why the work will never truly end 40:06 – That’s a wrap 🎬 💬 A Note from the MVP Team: This podcast was never just about interviews — it was about access, inspiration, and building a platform where professionals of color could speak freely, teach boldly, and lead authentically. 🫶🏾 To our guests, mentors, volunteers, and most of all — our listeners: Thank you. You are the reason we kept showing up. Your stories, your growth, and your trust made this space something special. While MVP may be closing its doors, the Momentum Now podcast will continue to live on for future listeners, learners, and leaders. 🎧 Listen anytime: Spotify – open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv Apple Podcasts – podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194 Podbean – momentumnow.podbean.com 📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube: youtube.com/@mvpoc9565

Wise Work with Craig DeLarge: Finding Purpose, Managing Burnout & Building Self-Awareness | Ep. 23

In this episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks sit down with leadership coach, educator, and author Craig DeLarge to explore what it truly means to “work wisely.” Drawing from The Wise Working Handbook and his decades of experience across business, psychology, and digital mental health, Craig breaks down how young professionals can find purpose, manage burnout, and build real self-awareness early in their careers. He shares practical tools for navigating emotional overwhelm, training your attention, and developing the clarity needed to make intentional career moves. Craig also opens up about redefining success, building community, and learning to trust your path even when it feels unclear. From journaling methods to health pillars to the importance of service and legacy, this conversation is full of grounded, actionable insights for rising professionals looking to grow with intention. Whether you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply ready for the next level, this episode will give you the mindset and strategies to work—and live—more wisely. Timestamps – Skip to What Hits 00:00 – Intro & Meet Craig DeLarge 01:55 – What “Wise Work” really means 02:30 – How to define purpose early in your career 05:00 – Purpose beyond the paycheck 06:50 – “Volume careering” & leveling up outside of your 9–5 09:20 – Framing unpaid work as real value 11:20 – The 4 major challenges young professionals face 13:58 – How to manage emotional overwhelm 16:00 – Training your attention like a puppy 🐶 18:30 – Focus hacks: body doubling & study-with-me 21:00 – 5 pillars of health for career success 23:45 – No one’s going to educate you to compete with them 25:30 – Self-awareness as a career superpower 30:20 – Shadow work: Why that annoying person is a mirror 32:00 – Journaling styles & how to find yours 36:00 – Discovering purpose through reflection 44:30 – The question that unlocked Craig’s career clarity 46:10 – Avoiding the lifestyle trap 47:45 – Final takeaways 50:45 – Craig’s “why”: service, legacy, and leadership

Golf. Streetwear. Filipino Roots. How Matt Sakdalan is Changing the Game with PARE | Ep. 22

In this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Matt Sakdalan, founder of PARE — a golf apparel brand that blends Filipino culture, streetwear, and inclusivity to redefine what golf fashion can look and feel like. Matt shares how his love for sneaker culture and golf evolved into a purpose-driven brand, the challenges of launching as a first-time entrepreneur, and why community, culture, and just getting started matter more than perfection. Whether you’re into fashion, entrepreneurship, or just want to break the mold, this episode is for you! ⛳ Golf was the starting point. PARE became the movement.   🕐 Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Matt Sakdalan: Founder of PARE 01:47 – The origin story: blending golf, streetwear & Filipino heritage 05:13 – Launching PARE during Filipino American History Month 08:32 – Finding identity and belonging through golf 10:08 – Building an inclusive, culture-forward brand 12:22 – The power of community in brand building 14:00 – Overcoming fear, doubt & taking the leap 17:14 – Why streetwear matters on and off the course 21:40 – Inspiration from Tiger Woods & sneaker culture 23:46 – Redesigning the golf mock neck (and why it matters) 25:37 – Learning fashion from scratch & trusting the process 30:19 – Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs of color 34:15 – Mental health, faith & staying grounded 39:26 – The discipline of entrepreneurship (and golf) 46:31 – Matt’s “Why”: Serve others. Build community.

Faith, Fear & the Leap: How Candice Jackson Long Turned Purpose Into Profit | Ep. 21

In this empowering episode of Momentum Now, hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Candice Jackson Long — award-winning marketing strategist, global speaker, and founder of CJL Consulting Group.   Candice shares her powerful journey from corporate layoffs to launching a purpose-driven consulting firm that helps visionaries and underrepresented founders align branding, business, and faith.   She opens up about listening to divine prompts, overcoming self-doubt, and learning that no one escapes the process on the road to success. From managing the mindset shifts of entrepreneurship to building generational wealth and curating what your mind consumes, this episode is a masterclass in faith-fueled resilience and strategy.   Whether you’re exploring your next career move or dreaming of starting your own business, Candice’s story will remind you to “look back at your receipts” and trust that every step—win or loss—is preparing you for impact.   🎧 Tune in to learn how to: * Transform your purpose into a profitable brand. * Skill-stack your way to freedom and growth. * Navigate layoffs, self-doubt, and the unknown with faith and confidence. * Build income-generating assets and create generational wealth. Timestamps: 00:00 — Welcome to Momentum Now Bob and Karen introduce the episode and today’s guest, Candice Jackson Long. 01:10 — From Side Hustle to CEO Candice shares the story behind launching CJL Consulting and taking the leap of faith into full-time entrepreneurship. 04:30 — Faith, Timing, and Trusting the Process How faith played a crucial role in her career pivot — and why you can’t wait for “perfect timing.” 07:30 — The Power of Receipts Candice explains how documenting your accomplishments helps build confidence and silence imposter syndrome. 11:00 — Mindset & Morning Routine Her daily practices for staying grounded, motivated, and intentional as an entrepreneur. 16:30 — Wealth Building 101 What she wishes she knew at 24 — understanding assets vs. liabilities and the keys to financial empowerment. 20:50 — Advice for Young Professionals Why you should skill-stack and embrace trial and error instead of chasing instant success. 24:45 — Lessons From Failure Candice reflects on the challenges, breakdowns, and how she found strength to keep moving forward. 26:30 — Rejection Is Redirection How to reframe setbacks, remember your value, and stay anchored in your “why.” 30:50 — Finding Your Purpose & Building Your Brand Why purpose is seasonal, and how adding value leads to self-discovery and opportunity. 35:00 — Turning Passion Into Profit Candice’s advice on transforming ideas into income while staying authentic and impactful. 41:00 — Rapid Fire: Quick Wisdom From the best advice she’s ever received to the worst, and her ultimate “why.” 45:00 — Closing Reflections Karen and Bob recap key lessons: receipts, skill stacking, and the truth that no one escapes the process

Culture Is the Strategy: Javier Farfan on Hustle, Legacy & Owning Your Career | Momentum Now Ep. 20

In this game-changing episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with cultural strategist and marketing exec Javier Farfan to talk legacy, leadership, and leveling up. From working at Microsoft and Pepsi to shaping narratives at the NFL, Javier has done it all—and he's still pushing the culture forward. He unpacks how his upbringing in Harlem, his experience as a Latino creative, and his love for music, tech, and education all collided to build a career on his own terms. This episode is for anyone chasing purpose, building community, and rewriting the rules of success.