Taylor Lorenz: How to Go Viral, Survive the Internet, and Build a Personal Brand That Lasts

How to Rewrite the Rules of Your Career with Morgan DeBaun

Morgan DeBaun built her career by doing what most people are afraid to do—not follow the script. From launching Blavity Inc. as a first-time founder to becoming a media mogul, investor, and advisor, Morgan has rewritten every rule that was handed to her. In this season finale, we talk about what it actually takes to build a portfolio career that’s sustainable, profitable, and deeply personal. Morgan shares the mindset shifts, identity pivots, and systems she’s learned while building businesses that serve both her community and her evolution. Morgan's Book: https://amzn.to/4og4YrH We talk about: – Why it’s time to stop chasing “one job” and start designing your portfolio – How to pivot your identity when your brand no longer fits – What it means to build a business that evolves with you – The power of visibility, infrastructure, and intention – And why the biggest unlock isn’t scale—it’s alignment Whether you're just starting or already scaling, this episode will challenge you to think bigger—and trust yourself more. Connect with Me: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kudzichikumbu], LinkedIn [https://open.acast.com/networks/672ae4ed8e194291079f0840/shows/672ae68d7d34ea8eee4e9edf/episodes/Kudzi%20Chikumbu] & TikTok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] & Podcast [about:blank] Email: kudzi@notjustonethingpodcast.com Made with Descript - https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm [https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm] Sound - Keith Giordano - https://keithgiordanomusic.com/ [https://keithgiordanomusic.com/] Artwork - Wyeth Hansen - https://wyeth-hansen.com/ [https://wyeth-hansen.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Recover from Burnout—and Build a Career You Actually Want with Maya Watson.

Maya Watson was living the dream—on paper. High-profile roles at Netflix and OWN. A résumé full of wins. But inside? She was exhausted. Burnt out. Out of alignment. So she stepped away. In this episode, Maya shares what it really took to recover from burnout and rebuild a career rooted in purpose, peace, and personal truth. From major pivots to quiet reflection, this conversation is a powerful reminder that sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is pause. We talk about: – Why burnout isn’t just exhaustion—it’s misalignment – The shift from performance to purpose – How Maya went from Netflix exec to intention-led coach – The power of rest, reflection, and letting go – And how to reconnect with who you’re becoming—not just what you’ve done Whether you’re in a transition, feeling stuck, or just tired of grinding through—it’s okay to want more and want peace. Connect with Me: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kudzichikumbu], LinkedIn [https://open.acast.com/networks/672ae4ed8e194291079f0840/shows/672ae68d7d34ea8eee4e9edf/episodes/Kudzi%20Chikumbu] & TikTok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] & Podcast [about:blank] Email: kudzi@notjustonethingpodcast.com Made with Descript - https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm [https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm] Sound - Keith Giordano - https://keithgiordanomusic.com/ [https://keithgiordanomusic.com/] Artwork - Wyeth Hansen - https://wyeth-hansen.com/ [https://wyeth-hansen.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Pivot into the Creator Economy—and Build a Business That Lasts with Dreaknowsbest

Drea Okeke,a ka @DreaKnowsBest was one of the earliest viral stars on Vine—and she’s since built a multi-platform career as a TikTok creator, speaker, and CEO. But behind the content is a sharp business mind that’s quietly turned her creativity into a full-blown operation. In this episode, she and Kudzi break down how to turn creative energy into actual revenue—while staying joyful and intentional. In this episode, we talk about: – How to know when it’s time to pivot – Why creators need systems, not just followers – The difference between being a creator and running a creator-led business – What makes content “undeniable” in 2025 – And why keeping your personal brand fresh is the key to longevity Book of The Week - Extremely Online by Taylor Lorenz [https://amzn.to/4jWICYZ] Connect with Me: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kudzichikumbu], LinkedIn [https://open.acast.com/networks/672ae4ed8e194291079f0840/shows/672ae68d7d34ea8eee4e9edf/episodes/Kudzi%20Chikumbu] & TikTok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] & Podcast [about:blank] Email: kudzi@notjustonethingpodcast.com Made with Descript - https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm [https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm] Sound - Keith Giordano - https://keithgiordanomusic.com/ [https://keithgiordanomusic.com/] Artwork - Wyeth Hansen - https://wyeth-hansen.com/ [https://wyeth-hansen.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

How to Network Like a Pro—and Turn Career Dreams Into Reality with Brian Feit

Brian Feit is a powerhouse in entertainment, known for building relationships that actually move careers forward. As co-founder of BMF, he’s worked with Beyoncé, Hulu, Grey Goose, and some of the most iconic cultural brands around—all through connections built with intention, follow-through, and heart. In this episode, we talk about: – Why networking isn’t about working the room—it’s about real connection – How to build trust quickly (and make it stick) – What most people get wrong when they “network” – How to use relationships to turn creative ideas into career moves – And the magic of staying in touch, even when you don’t need anything Whether you’re a quiet connector or a natural extrovert, this episode will shift the way you think about building your circle—and help you turn small conversations into long-term career momentum. Book of The Week: Finite and Infinite Games by James P. Carse [https://amzn.to/4ec6wP7] - https://amzn.to/4ec6wP7 Follow Brian Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brianfeit LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brianfeit/ Connect with Me: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kudzichikumbu], LinkedIn [https://open.acast.com/networks/672ae4ed8e194291079f0840/shows/672ae68d7d34ea8eee4e9edf/episodes/Kudzi%20Chikumbu] & TikTok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] & Podcast [about:blank] Email: kudzi@notjustonethingpodcast.com Made with Descript - https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm [https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm] Sound - Keith Giordano - https://keithgiordanomusic.com/ [https://keithgiordanomusic.com/] Artwork - Wyeth Hansen - https://wyeth-hansen.com/ [https://wyeth-hansen.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.

Taylor Lorenz: How to Go Viral, Survive the Internet, and Build a Personal Brand That Lasts

Taylor Lorenz has been at the center of internet culture for over a decade—covering how people go viral, how they fall apart, and how some rise even stronger. As a journalist, bestselling author, and now Substack creator, she knows what it means to build a personal brand in public—and survive the internet while doing it. Given that your multi-hyphenate career will most likely exist online, knowing how to do it well is important. In this episode, we talk about: – The mechanics of virality—and what most people get wrong – How to handle hate, backlash, and cancel culture – Why your online reputation is more valuable than your résumé – How to grow a brand that evolves with you – The danger of waiting for permission to be seen This one is honest, nuanced, and a must-listen for anyone building something online. Book of The Week - Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath [https://amzn.to/4koFw15] Connect with Me: Instagram [https://instagram.com/kudzichikumbu], LinkedIn [https://open.acast.com/networks/672ae4ed8e194291079f0840/shows/672ae68d7d34ea8eee4e9edf/episodes/Kudzi%20Chikumbu] & TikTok [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kudzichikumbu/] & Podcast [about:blank] Email: kudzi@notjustonethingpodcast.com Made with Descript - https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm [https://get.descript.com/cmkomn9cn2tm] Sound - Keith Giordano - https://keithgiordanomusic.com/ [https://keithgiordanomusic.com/] Artwork - Wyeth Hansen - https://wyeth-hansen.com/ [https://wyeth-hansen.com/] ---------------------------------------- Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy [https://acast.com/privacy] for more information.