The Working While Black Show

Inside the AI Company That's Putting Black People First | Create Labs x Tonl

While most AI systems struggle to properly represent diverse skin tones and features, these visionary founders have built a solution that puts Black representation at the forefront. Walter Gainer II  @Itsthegreatwalt  [https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UC2pGYT2cxgXDkfmdkjW3gxg] speaks with with Karen Okonkwo (Tonl) and Abron Maldonado (Create Labs) to learn how how ai is empowering our community and how their collaboration is solving the Bias problem in Image Generation. Discover how their groundbreaking partnership is creating AI that actually sees us, respects our image, and provides opportunities rather than threats to Black creators. This isn't just about better AI images—it's about who controls our digital representation and whether we'll be participants or just subjects in the AI revolution. CONNECT WITH OUR GUESTS: Karen Okonkwo: https://www.instagram.com/karenokonkwo/ Tonl: https://tonl.co/ Abron Maldonado: https://www.instagram.com/abron_ai/ Create Labs: https://createlabs.io/ FOLLOW to the Working While Black Show for more conversations about career growth, entrepreneurship, technology, and more. CHAPTERS: (03:45) - AI's Racial Bias (09:08) - Collaboration Decision (13:25) - The Pushback On DEI (16:25) - Does AI Hurt Black Creatives and Photographers? (20:25) - Future of AI Predictions

Tips to Stay, Thrive, or Leave A Toxic Workplace On Your Terms [REPLAY]

Feeling trapped in a toxic workplace? You’re not alone. Navigating a harmful work environment can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to sacrifice your well-being or values to survive—or to leave. In this replay, career coach and workplace culture expert Deja White joins us to share practical strategies for dealing with toxic workplaces on your own terms. We’ll break down how to recognize toxic behaviors, protect your mental and emotional health, and decide whether to stay and set boundaries or plan a graceful exit. RESOURCES Learn more about Deja and her ai powered career resource: www.aicareercopilot.com [https://www.aicareercopilot.com] CONNECT WITH US Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com [https://www.bosslocksmedia.com]

The Money Chapter: Securing the Bag Without Losing Your Peace

Are you working yourself to death? At just 48 years old, Justin Grant’s uncle, Juan Simpson, passed away suddenly from a heart attack. He was fit, he seemed healthy, and yet his life was cut short, leaving behind more questions than answers. The loss shook Justin, setting him on a 23-year journey to understand why Black men like his uncle were dying too soon. As he climbed the corporate ladder himself, from a young journalist to an executive at the world’s largest bank, he began to see the connection: the relentless pressure, the unspoken stress, the silent toll of Working While Black. Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk [https://affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk] In this episode, I sit down with Justin Grant, executive leader and author of "Company Man: A Wellness Guide for Black Men in Corporate America." Together, we tackle the unspoken challenges and triumphs of navigating corporate spaces, as a Black professional, all while protecting your mental and physical health. Justin shares his inspiring journey, from his early days at Reuters to becoming a VP at Goldman Sachs and holding seats at the table in some of the world's largest companies. If you’re ready to make a change in your career, then listen closely as Justin shares how experiencing grief became a mission to equip Black professionals with the knowledge and strategies to succeed in corporate America without sacrificing their health. Join us as we explore how to turn your hard-earned wages into generational wealth, the importance of community, and why now is the best time to be young, talented, and Black. Don't miss out on this transformative discussion! RESOURCES Learn more about Justin and get a copy of Justin’s book on his website: www.CompanyMen.org [http://CompanyMen.org], CONNECT WITH US Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/justin-grant-wellness-guide-black-men [https://www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/justin-grant-wellness-guide-black-men]

Black Storytellers: Protecting Our Culture To Shape The Future - A Black History Month LIVE REPLAY

What happens when we lose control of our own stories? 👀 Black history is being erased, rewritten, and watered down. If we don’t act now… future generations may never know the truth. But storytelling has always been a form of resistance. Black storytellers have preserved our culture against all odds, from oral traditions to podcasts like Black Is America. In this conversation, I’m joined by award-winning podcast producer Dominic Lawson to talk about: 🔥 The role of Black storytellers in preserving our history 🔥 How Black stories are erased 🔥 Why storytelling is more than entertainment it’s survival 🔥 How we can protect Black culture before it’s too late This is a live episode of The Working While Black Show, your go to resource for Career Growth and Entrepreneurship. Produced by Boss Locks Media, a storytelling media company helping brands spark conversations and capture attention.

From Chocolate CEO to Fitness Leader: A Career Transformation 🔥

After running a successful chocolate company, Harold Logan realized he wasn’t living the life he dreamed. The freedom entrepreneurs aspire to was costing him his health and precious time with his family. When Harold found himself struggling to keep up with his crawling son, he knew it was time for a change. In this episode, we learn how Harold made a bold pivot from selling chocolate to helping others transform their lives by redefining fitness and prioritizing sustainable goals. His mission ultimately led him to a role as a corporate GM at Planet Fitness—despite having no prior corporate experience. Logan also gives us a behind-the-scenes look at Planet Fitness and how its diverse structure fosters inclusivity and success. Whether you’re feeling stuck in your career or struggling to balance wellness while working full time, Logan shares practical insights and actionable lessons to help you overcome challenges with grace and determination. RESOURCES Get a copy of Harold Logan’s book Mind Over Scale on Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Mind-Over-Scale-Building-Confidence/dp/B0DHHJC311] Learn more about Notion, the all in one digital workspace: www.affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk [https://affiliate.notion.so/wd96duoqxmlk] CONNECT WITH US Learn more about our guest and explore more resources in the show notes on our website: www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/harold-logan-mind-over-scale [https://www.bosslocksmedia.com/wwbshow/harold-logan-mind-over-scale]