EP 13 - She Left Corporate to Follow Her Purpose | Azure Antoinette on AI, Leadership and Advocacy

EP 13 - She Left Corporate to Follow Her Purpose | Azure Antoinette on AI, Leadership and Advocacy

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Azure Antoinette — commissioned poet, TED Speaker, entrepreneur, actress, technology founder, and CEO of SymbAIo. Azure and I talk about purpose, leadership, resilience, and the courage to leave behind a successful corporate career to pursue the work she knew she was called to do. She shares the powerful story of how one spoken word performance changed the trajectory of her life, why she walked away from corporate America without a plan, and how that leap of faith led her to become an internationally recognized speaker, artist, and technology entrepreneur. We also explore the future of Artificial Intelligence, why AI should enhance human potential instead of replacing it, and how Azure transformed her own health challenges into an opportunity to build a groundbreaking behavioral intelligence platform designed to help people better understand themselves and reclaim their time. This conversation is for anyone navigating change, building a business, embracing innovation, searching for purpose, overcoming adversity, or looking for the courage to take the next bold step. In this episode, we talk about: • Why Azure walked away from corporate America to pursue her purpose • The spoken word poem that changed her life forever • Leadership lessons from the rooms and tables she’s been invited into • Why women have a responsibility to create more seats at the table • Living with Multiple Sclerosis and becoming a patient advocate • How AI helped Azure build a groundbreaking technology startup • The future of Artificial Intelligence and human-centered innovation • Turning adversity into purpose, innovation, and impact Guest: Azure Antoinette Website: https://symbaio.com [https://symbaio.com] Instagram: @azureantoinette LinkedIn: Azure Antoinette TED: Azure Antoinette ---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH MICHELLE’S SEAT AT THE TABLE Instagram: https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable [https://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable] Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365 [https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365] Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table [https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table] LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney [https://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney] Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more conversations about leadership, entrepreneurship, Artificial Intelligence, innovation, women’s empowerment, resilience, purpose, technology, career growth, and the moments that shape who we become. The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table. — Michelle Radney

EP 12 - She Quit Her Job With No Plan—Then Won 2 Emmys | Helene Lerner

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Helene Lerner — entrepreneur, Emmy Award-winning executive producer, speaker, workplace consultant, author, and founder of the WomenWorking brand. Helene and I talk about confidence, courage, and what it truly means to live richly beyond financial success. She shares the remarkable story of leaving a successful corporate career to follow her passion for empowering women, trusting her intuition, and building a nationally recognized multimedia platform dedicated to helping women thrive personally and professionally. We also discuss why fearlessness is a myth, the power of taking action with “shaky knees,” and how developing a Prosperity Mindset can help us navigate uncertainty, build resilience, and create lives filled with purpose, meaning, and authentic connection. This conversation is for anyone who wants to build confidence, pursue a dream, navigate career transitions, strengthen their mindset, overcome fear, lead with purpose, and create a richer and more fulfilling life. In this episode, we talk about: • The life-changing decision that led Helene to leave her corporate career • Building a business and brand that empowers women • How WomenWorking.com [http://WomenWorking.com] became a movement for women worldwide • Why fearlessness is a myth • The power of taking action with “shaky knees” • The Prosperity Mindset and living richly beyond money • Why women need to think bigger about their dreams and goals • What it means to have a seat at the table today Guest: Helene Lerner Book: Smart Women Live Richly, No Matter What’s in Their Wallet!: Six Keys to Unlocking True Wealth and Prosperity Website: www.womenworking.com [http://www.womenworking.com] X: @WomenWorking LinkedIn: Helene Lerner Facebook Group: WomenWorking.com [http://WomenWorking.com] TikTok: WomenWorking YouTube: Helene Lerner Connect with Michelle’s Seat at the Table: Instagram: http://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable [http://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable] Apple Podcasts: http://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528 [http://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528] Spotify: http://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365 [http://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365] Amazon Music: http://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table [http://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table] LinkedIn: http://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney [http://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney] Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, personal growth, entrepreneurship, women’s empowerment, confidence, resilience, purpose, and the moments that shape us. The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table. — Michelle Radney

Season 2 Trailer

Season 2 of Michelle’s Seat at the Table is here. This season is all about honest conversations around leadership, growth, community, and the moments that shape us. I’m returning with powerful stories and meaningful conversations about what it really means to lead — not just from a title or position, but from the heart. Throughout Season 2, my guests and I explore the realities of stepping into new opportunities, finding your voice, showing up authentically, building confidence, creating access for others, and understanding the value you bring to every room you enter. From conversations about readiness and authenticity to stories of action, allyship, access, sponsorship, and self-advocacy, this season invites you to reflect on your own leadership journey and the people you bring along with you. Because leadership is not just about having a seat. It is about making room for others, pulling up a chair, and knowing there is a seat here for you. Join me, Michelle Radney, for Season 2 of Michelle’s Seat at the Table. Watch on YouTube and listen on your favorite podcast platform. YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6HwyIcb9egPtoIf5wY3Ww [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm6HwyIcb9egPtoIf5wY3Ww] Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528] Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=a392e5d069184b40 [https://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=a392e5d069184b40]

EP 11 - The Workplace Truths No One Tells You | Julie Dinkins on Career Growth & Leadership

In this episode of Michelle’s Seat at the Table, I sit down with Julie Dinkins, MBA — a healthcare leader, leadership strategist, mentor, and author of The Company Compass: Workplace Truths and Realities You’re Never Told. Julie and I talk about the unspoken rules of the workplace, the importance of career visibility, and why performance alone is not always enough. She shares how being a proud military brat shaped her ability to adapt, stay agile, and lead in complex environments. We also discuss the pivotal career moment that changed the trajectory of her professional life, her journey to becoming an author, and why mentorship, advocacy, networking, and having a personal board of directors are so important for professional growth. This conversation is for anyone who wants to grow as a leader, build confidence, strengthen their network, protect themselves professionally, and learn how to move through the workplace with wisdom, integrity, and purpose. In this episode, we talk about: • The unspoken rules of the workplace • The power of agility and adaptability in leadership • Julie’s career turning point in market access and healthcare • Why performance is only the cost of entry • How to build visibility and advocacy at work • The importance of having a personal board of directors • How to navigate workplace sabotage professionally • Why your network is your net worth • Julie’s journey to writing The Company Compass • What it means to have a seat at the table today Guest: Julie Dinkins, MBA Book: The Company Compass: Workplace Truths and Realities You’re Never Told Company Website: www.thecompanycompass.com [http://www.thecompanycompass.com] TikTok: @julie_thecompanycompass Instagram: @julie_thecompanycompass YouTube: @julie_thecompanycompass LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdinkins3136634 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jmdinkins3136634] Connect with Michelle’s Seat at the Table: Instagram: instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable [http://instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable] Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528 [http://podcasts.apple.com/ph/podcast/michelles-seat-at-the-table/id1872161528] Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365 [http://open.spotify.com/show/5bIHgm7wc33ca27HC7zIK1?si=c8f17ab64e1e4770&nd=1&dlsi=939c4a22f3b34365] Amazon Music: music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table [http://music.amazon.com/podcasts/cfb2dcf6-f295-4ae7-9645-427a5aa5409e/michelle’s-seat-at-the-table] LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michelleradney [http://linkedin.com/in/michelleradney] Subscribe to Michelle’s Seat at the Table for more honest conversations about leadership, career growth, professional development, mentorship, community, purpose, and the moments that shape us. The most important conversations don’t always happen in the boardroom. They happen right here at the table. — Michelle Radney

EP 10 - Season 1 Recap & Finale

EP 10 - Season One Finale and Recap, Lessons on Belonging and Leadership Get ready for a powerful recap of season one of Michelle Radney’s podcast, where she shares pivotal insights about readiness, authenticity, courage, and the power of community at the table. Whether you've listened to all episodes or are just catching up, this summary distills key lessons to elevate your leadership journey. Key Takeaways: * Readiness is a decision, not a feeling - make the leap. * Authenticity fuels real connection and leadership. * Courage manifests in small, consistent actions, especially when pursuing what you love. * Mindfulness is strategic, influencing leadership effectiveness. * Removing titles allows for authentic identity and potential. * Sponsorship, often overlooked, is essential for advancement—everyone should seek or offer it. * Negotiation skills can be developed, and everyone deserves to assert their value confidently. Season 1 Guests: Chef Angie Shaghaghi; Michael O'Brien; Suezette Yasim Robotham; Kimberly Hairston-Kicks; Marsha Speed Resources & Links: * Michelle Radney on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelleradney] * Michelle's Season One Podcast  [https://linktr.ee/MichellesSeatattheTable] * Connect with Michelle: * Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/michelles_seatatthetable/] * Email: michelle@michellesseatatthetable.com [michelle@michellesseatatthetable.com]