Beyond the Business Suit with Kailei Carr

When was the last time you asked yourself: How did I get here? Digital Products and Delivery Consulting Executive, TianEn Stephenson, is no stranger to that question as she has used the reflections of her career as the inspiration behind her newly released book, Closed Mouths, Don’t Get Fed: The Recipe of Asking and Getting What You Want in the Workplace [https://www.tianenstephenson.com/book]. No matter where “here” is, TianEn believes we all have a story to tell of the life experiences that have brought us up to this very moment. In the next episode of the Beyond the Business Suit podcast, Kailei Carr, unpacks TianEn's personal journey to success, from her father's lessons on speaking up for herself to navigating a significant career change that has landed her the opportunity to help others learn how to “win” within their careers. TianEn teaches us how to live in a state of alignment by not letting our insecurities drive our paths and encourages us to build strong professional relationships that keep us on a path of uncovering our true purpose. ABOUT TIANEN STEPHENSON: TianEn Stephenson is an author of Closed Mouths, Don’t Get Fed: the recipe of asking and getting what you want in the workplace [https://www.tianenstephenson.com/book], which released on June 4, 2024. Through her book, she provides practical knowledge and guidance on how to be successful through speaking up, being curious, and going after the career she wants. She is also a motivational speaker and career curator, where she helps others see their potential and ambitions in their careers. TianEn is a Digital Products and Delivery Consulting Executive, bringing over 11 years of delivery excellence, product strategy and execution, and quality assurance experience. She is an associate member of Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and a board member of ScholarShots, a nonprofit organization. She is married to Dionta and has 4 sons (Maximus-11, Titus-7, Caius-3, and Emrys-4 months) and 2 dogs (Chewy and Layla). TianEn and her husband also serves the community with their nonprofit, youth sports organization for football, basketball and track. QUOTABLES: [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EP-304_Q1-1-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EP-304_Q1-1.png “Get people in your boat.” “I’m in a state of alignment and courage.” “Assumptions can change or define our reality or our deception.” “Through my book journey, it’s been very telling but rewarding.” “This is what God has given me as my gift and I’m happy to be answering that call.” [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EP-304_Q2-2-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/EP-304_Q2-2.png THE FINAL FIVE: 1. What are some of the things you do to recharge your energy? Sleep. I have to tell myself to take a nap some times.  2. What is something that you put on to feel powerful? Right now, it’s been the blazers. The colorful blazers have been my signature thing right now. It speaks columns because I love color, and showing up and feeling good.  3. What are some of the things you do, that when you do them, you feel the most like yourself? Writing poetry. That was the beginning of my writing journey. I started writing poetry in middle school. My sister and I have always done creative writing. I've found that poetry is one of those free-spirit outlets for me.  4. When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up? I thought I could be 4-5 different things. In my head, I wanted to be an actress, model and President of the United States. I had this fearlessness that I wanted to do all of those. The fourth thing was an inventor. I was always very crafty and came up with inventions around the house.  5. What is something that you can love to do that people may be surprised by? One thing I would love to do more of is surfing. I started surfing 2 years ago when I went to Bali for my sister’s wedding. I wanted to do something I had never done before…Once I figured it out and got the quickness of it, I was able to catch some waves. Stay connected to TianEn Stephenson: Website: TiaEnStephenson.com [https://www.tianenstephenson.com] LinkedIn: TianEn Stephenson [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianen-stephenson/] Instagram: @AskTianEn [https://www.instagram.com/asktianen/] TikTok: @AskTianEn [https://www.tiktok.com/@asktianen] Facebook: TianEn Stephenson, The Author [https://www.facebook.com/TianEnHStephenson] You can watch the full video of this conversation here:

When was the last time you looked yourself in the mirror and got to know yourself, if ever? The next episode of the Beyond The Business Suit podcast offers us all a special treat to do just that. Co-host, Kailei Carr, is joined by Breathwork and Resilience Expert, Zee Clarke, for some deep breathing and soul searching. Not only does Zee share her personal journey to self-liberation through her own “Eat, Pray, Love” experience, but she also teaches a few practical breathing practices that can help us better manage daily life. Kailei and Zee also dive deep into Zee's book, Black People Breathe, as she advocates for meditation while debunking myths concerning meditation for people of color. ABOUT ZEE CLARKE: Zee Clarke [http://zeeclarke.com/] is a breathwork and resilience expert and the author of the groundbreaking book, Black People Breathe [https://www.zeeclarke.com/book]. Trained in India, she is a Harvard MBA that went from leading teams at Fortune 500 companies to teaching powerful tools to improve our mental health and well-being in the workplace. Her Breathwork@WorkTM [https://www.zeeclarke.com/breathwork-at-work] program helps companies support their entire workforce in reducing stress, boosting productivity and prioritizing self-care. Her Black@WorkTM [https://www.zeeclarke.com/black-at-work] program focuses on helping people of color manage the chronic stress and professional development challenges resulting from microaggressions and systemic racism. Companies like Google, Visa, and AMC Networks are supporting the wellbeing of their teams with these programs. Zee has been featured in many leading publications including Fortune [https://fortune.com/2023/03/10/mindfulness-meditation-black-workers-trauma/], Forbes [https://www.forbes.com/health/mind/breathwork/], Oprah [https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a43700740/how-breathwork-helped-mental-health/]Daily [https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a43700740/how-breathwork-helped-mental-health/], ABC [https://abc7chicago.com/mental-health-racial-profiling-black-people-breathe-books-to-read/12872575/], CNBC [https://www.cnbc.com/2022/05/22/the-4-things-this-mindfulness-coach-does-every-morning-to-be-more-productive.html], Ebony [https://www.ebony.com/5-ways-prevent-burnout-2023/], Essence [https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/the-burden-and-blessing-of-being-the-only/], and Fast Company [https://www.fastcompany.com/90825105/dont-make-a-single-new-years-resolution-until-you-do-this%27]. You can follow her on LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhalisa-zee-clarke-5381352/], YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkMBU31aHD3DgDv92_E97bA], or @zeeclarkebreathes on Instagram [https://instagram.com/zeeclarkebreathes] and TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/%40zeeclarkebreathes] for weekly breathwork practices and tools. QUOTABLES: [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EP-303_Q1-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EP-303_Q1.png “Breathwork is breathing with intention.” “Mindfulness is paying attention in the present moment without judgment and with curiosity.” “I wanted us to feel empowered around our own self care despite what happens to and around us. “Safety is a privilege.” “It's so important for us to have a strong foundation.” “The breath is the pause between stimulus and response.” [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EP-303_Q2-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/EP-303_Q2.png How to stay connected to Zee Clarke: LinkedIn: Zhalisa “Zee” Clarke [https://www.linkedin.com/in/zhalisa-zee-clarke-5381352/] Website: ZeeClarke.com [https://www.zeeclarke.com/] Instagram: @zeeclarkebreathes [https://www.instagram.com/zeeclarkebreathes/] To purchase the book, Black People Breathe, visit here [https://www.zeeclarke.com/book].

A trailblazer. A leader. An embodiment of resilience. These are all words used to describe a true change-maker, Ria Aiken, a renown Technology and Security Director and D&I Advocate as she works to drive digital transformation. Together, Ria and co-host, Myra Herring, peel back the layers of Ria's personal journey from her childhood abroad to soaring into an unknown career of technology and security. Ria's story is one of self-discovery, getting comfortable with pivoting and ultimately how to become at peace with ourselves. Driving from the inspiration of her Great Aunt Pauli Murray, a notable Civil Rights activist, Ria forges her own legacy as being many “firsts” within her company while dedicating her life to fight for equity and diversity, specifically with women. Ria's journey ignites hope in all of us who need just a little push to embrace life to the fullest and be okay with stepping into our true selves no matter what. ABOUT RIA AIKEN A career shifter, Ria Aiken leverages 20+years of strategic planning, profit and loss (P&L) management, and change management in the global crisis and resilience space to partner with technology, security, and innovation teams in driving digital transformation while mitigating risk. She joined Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (FRBA) in June 2019. An advocate for diversity and inclusion initiatives, women’s leadership, and passionate about mentoring the next generation of business and technology leaders.  She has served as a Mentor for Women-In-Technology (WIT) Single Mother’s Program and Executive Women’s Forum (EWF), and has served on multiple advisory boards, most recently as a member of the Georgia State University Andrew Young School Public Policy, Evidenced-Based Cybersecurity Research Institute and Pauli Murray Center for History and Social Justice. Ria has also been a Guest Lecturer for Carnegie Mellon – Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy.  She is an Executive Member of Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) and was the recipient of the Technology Leader on the Rise Award in 2023. A wanderlust at heart, Ria is constantly planning her next international trip with her husband, Brian. QUOTABLES: [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EP-302_Quote2-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EP-302_Quote2.png “I realized I could fit in anywhere as long as I recognized who I was as an individual.” “Be okay and trust who you think you are.” “You’re not for everybody and that’s okay.” “I’m about creating  legacy.” “I’m always leaning into the uncomfortable.” [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EP-302_Quote1-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/EP-302_Quote1.png How to stay connected to Ria Aiken: LinkedIn: Ria Aiken [https://www.linkedin.com/in/riaaiken/]

Are you truly operating at your highest level to make the most significant impact for all? This is what diversity and inclusion leader, author and speaker, Denise Hamilton, is calling us toward in her groundbreaking debut book, Indivisible. In our latest episode of the Beyond the Business Suit podcast, Denise dives deep into her work of building more inclusive communities and workplaces, and offers her insights on how leaders can make significant change and create conditions that allow people to thrive. She even highlights some of the biggest challenges she and other DEI leaders have been facing given the current landscape and how DEI has been perceived. Not only does Denise's fortitude highlight the effort and patience required to see forward momentum, but her infectious optimism serves as a guiding light for us all toward a brighter future. ABOUT DENISE HAMILTON Denise Hamilton is a nationally recognized Diversity & Inclusion leader, specializing in Ally training. Denise is Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women. She is a highly requested speaker and trainer as well as media personality whose platform has reached and served people all over the world. Denise leverages her 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 organizations like AOL and CBRE to provide solutions that support the employees and the bottom line. Clients have said Denise’s superpower is the ability to have the most challenging discussions and come out the other side with solutions and a positive direction. She uses this gift to lead workshops, design education programs, and coach senior leaders. The goal is to empower individuals and teams to mine and close the gender gap, understand differences, resolve conflict, and become better allies. Her clients include household names, like Meta, Apple, ExxonMobil, Hines, Amazon, Shell, the United Nations, and the WNBA. Denise has been featured on NPR, Forbes, FOX, Huffington Post, CBS, NBC and on many other outlets. She received her Master’s in Communication and her BSW in Social Work from Abilene Christian University. She currently resides in Houston, Texas. QUOTABLES: [http://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-301_Quote2-1-1024x1024.png]http://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-301_Quote2-1.png “Do this work from the scar, not from the wound.” “If we don’t heal, we’re not in the position to help other people heal.” “We’ve got to resist the temptation to reject truth.” “If you see it, change it.“ “You can’t measure leadership.” [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-301_Quote1-1-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-301_Quote1-1.png How to stay connected to Denise Hamilton: Website: DeniseHamilton.co [https://denisehamilton.co] Instagram: @officialdham [https://www.instagram.com/officialdham] LinkedIn: Denise Hamilton [https://www.linkedin.com/in/hamiltondenise/] Facebook: Denise Hamilton [https://www.facebook.com/denisehamilton] You can watch the full video of this conversation here:

There's no better time for an inner transformation than now! In the 300th episode of the Beyond the Business Suit podcast, retreat co-hosts, Kailei Carr and Pascale Bourne share an exclusive sneak peak into what's to come directly from the 2024 Beyonding Retreat location — the Imiloa Institute in Costa Rica! From the rejuvenating retreat experience to the eco-luxury accommodations, Kailei and Pascale take you on a journey to unveil just what this year's Beyonding Retreat is all about. Not only do they reflect on the evolution of the retreat from 2019 until now, they also highlight some of the best elements to expect from this first ever international iteration including the nourishing gourmet food, the connection to nature and the inner transformation that's in store for all who are open to the transformative energy waiting in the Costa Rican jungle! ABOUT THE RETREAT The Beyonding Retreat is an all-inclusive, immersive women's retreat designed to awaken your inner power and shatter the barriers that hold you back. Nestled amidst the lush Costa Rican jungle at the Imiloa Institute [https://imiloainstitute.com/], this transformative journey will guide you to transcend personal limitations, activate your healing and deeply engage with your inner wisdom to take you to your personal next level.  Our 2024 Beyonding Retreat is taking place Saturday, December 7th – Thursday, December 12, 2024 at the Imiloa Institute (where we will have the entire retreat center to ourselves), immersed in the Costa Rican jungle just north of Dominical, deep in the Savegre Mountains and overlooking the Pacific ocean. Explore more at BeyondingRetreat.com [https://www.beyondingretreat.com/]. QUOTABLES: [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-300_KC-Quote-1-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-300_KC-Quote-1.png “Our retreat experiences are designed for women like us.” – Kailei Carr “This is purpose-driven work.” – Pascale Bourne “I could just feel the energy of this place.” – Kailei Carr “There’s deep meaning and purpose in each [retreat] experience.” – Pascale Bourne [https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-300_PB-Quote-1024x1024.png]https://www.kaileicarr.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/EP-300_PB-Quote.png You can watch the video of our conversation here and see some of the retreat location yourself: Stay connected to our social channels and our retreat website for updates regarding registration, retreat vision and more: Website: BeyondingRetreat.com [https://www.beyondingretreat.com/] Instagram: @beyondthebusinesssuit [https://www.instagram.com/beyondthebusinesssuit/]; @beyondingcommunity [https://www.instagram.com/beyondingcommunity/]; @kaileicarr; [https://www.instagram.com/kaileicarr/] @p_bourne [https://www.instagram.com/p_bourne/]