Strive Chat

Strive Chat S2 - Ep 6 | Eli Agbodovie | From Laid off to Level Up

What really happens after a layoff? In this episode of Strive Chat, Dolapo (aka your Strive Auntie) sits down with Eli, a former account manager who pivoted into a Business Development Manager role in tech sale, after facing unexpected career setbacks and rejections. Eli shares his honest and powerful story: * How getting laid off pushed him to rethink his job search approach * Why applying randomly without a plan wasn’t working * The game-changing role of coaching, structure, and accountability * The power of using referrals, cold outreach, and 90-day plans * How he gained confidence, refined his interview skills, and secured a tech sales role with a stronger offer Whether you're navigating a job loss or trying to break into tech sales, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and encouragement to help you keep going—and keep winning. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your job search or wondered how others bounce back stronger, this is the episode you need.

Strive Chat S2- Ep. 5 | Tife Soloye | Chevening Scholar

Episode 5 Dolapo’s chatting with the unstoppable Tife Soloye—Chevening Scholar, LSE grad, tech sales girlie, and content creator. From four rejections to a fully funded master’s at one of the top schools in the world, Tife drops wisdom on resilience, purpose, and applying with strategy. 💫 Do It Again: Rejected four times? Tife still made it. 📝 Application Glow-Up: Use numbers, STAR method, and mock interviews. 🎯 Know Your Why: Don’t apply just to leave—have a purpose. 👯‍♀️ Network Horizontally: Your peers matter just as much as the big names. 🌍 Exposure = Power: LSE changed her mindset and her life. “Before there’s a testimony, there’s the test.” “Don’t fake it. They can tell.” “Even roses have thorns.” 🎶 Song of the Week: “This Is Me” – Keala Settle 📺 Tife’s Chevening Interview Tips on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chevening+interview+tips+tife+soloye] 📚 Apply for Chevening [https://www.chevening.org] 📧 tifesoloye@gmail.com 📸 @tifesoloye [https://www.instagram.com/tifesoloye] 🎥 YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@tifesoloye] 💼 LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/tifesoloye] 💌 Loved this episode? Share it with your friends, fam, and future scholars. Leave us 5 stars on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—we’re building a community, not gatekeeping success. 🌟

Strive Chat S2- Ep.4 | Tenisha Multi Scholarship Recipient

Welcome to Season 2 of Strive Chat! We’re thrilled for today's conversation with an extraordinary guest, Tenisha Noel—an award-winning scholar, valedictorian, and future trailblazing lawyer. In this episode, Tenisha takes us through her inspiring journey from an average high school student to securing multiple scholarships and pursuing a master’s degree at Osgood Hall Law School. She shares how resilience, community, and a strategic approach to opportunities have helped shape her success. What You’ll Hear: * Tenisha’s Story: Growing up as a first-generation student, Tenisha reflects on her journey of self-discovery and ambition, fueled by her multicultural upbringing and her family's sacrifices. * The Turning Point: How grade 11 marked a pivotal moment in her academic journey and her strategy for getting involved in school. * Scholarship Success Strategies: Practical tips on preparing applications, securing recommendation letters, and leveraging unique experiences. * Persistence Pays Off: How Tenisha overcame challenges, including doubts from others, to win over a dozen scholarships and awards. Words of Wisdom from Tenisha: * “Don’t be average.” Take every opportunity to stand out and pursue excellence. * “Focus on significance, not just success.” It's not about what you’ve accomplished; it's about the impact you’ve made. * “Ask for feedback.” Use every rejection as an opportunity to refine and improve for the next opportunity. Where to Follow Tenisha: * Instagram: @TrailblazerTenisha * LinkedIn: Tenisha Kiana Trailblazer Noel 🎥 Keep up with Tenisha’s journey and valuable scholarship tips by following her Instagram and LinkedIn for updates! Quick Thanks: A big shoutout to Tenisha for sharing her wisdom, energy, and honesty with us. Her journey is a powerful reminder that self-belief, consistency, and a supportive community can open doors you never imagined. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: What resonated most with you from this episode? Drop us a DM, tag us, or leave a review to let us know! And of course, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Strive Chat. 🎧 Ready to be inspired? Hit play now!

Strive Chat S2-Ep. 3 | Allison Loran Scholar Recipient

Episode Overview: Welcome to Season 2 of Strive Chat! We’re starting things off with an inspiring guest, Allison Gacad—a Loran Scholar, climate journalist, and all-around powerhouse. In this episode, Allison gets real about her journey from a high school student in Toronto to receiving one of Canada’s most prestigious scholarships. She spills all the details about what it takes to stand out in the Loran Scholar Program and shares how it’s completely shaped her life and career. What You’ll Hear: * Allison’s Story: Growing up in Toronto as a child of Filipino immigrants, Allison talks about her multicultural upbringing and how it fueled her passion for leadership and environmental activism. * Breaking Down the Loran Scholar Process * How the Scholarship Changed Everything * Her Career Today Words of Wisdom from Allison: * Be authentic. Focus on what drives you and how it aligns with the opportunity. * Practice sharing your story. Whether it’s through writing, mock interviews, or just talking with friends and family, get comfortable articulating your “why.” * Bet on yourself. Invest in your passions and talk about the work you’re doing—it’s how the right people and opportunities will find you. Where to Follow Allison: * LinkedIn: Allison Gacad [https://www.linkedin.com/in/allisongacad] * Instagram: @allisongacad [https://www.instagram.com/allisongacad] * Website: Linked through her LinkedIn profile. 🎥 Don’t miss Allison’s upcoming docu-series on climate solutions—follow her Instagram for updates! Quick Thanks: A big shoutout to Allison for sharing her wisdom, humor, and vulnerability with us. Her story is a reminder that believing in yourself and embracing your journey—no matter how unconventional—can lead to amazing things. Let’s Keep the Conversation Going: What resonated most with you from this episode? Drop us a DM, tag us, or leave a review to let us know! And of course, don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode of Strive Chat. 🎧 Ready to be inspired? Hit play now!

Strive Chat S2-Ep. 2 | Abigail McCall MacBain Scholar Recipient

It’s Episode 2, besties! 🥳 Dolapo kicks off this season of Stripe Chat with an incredible guest—Abigail Ralph, neuroscience queen and McCall-McBain Scholar. Abigail spills the tea on her journey from being doubted by guidance counselors to leading groundbreaking research and creating opportunities for others in STEM. You’ll leave this episode inspired, motivated, and probably adding “apply for scholarships” to your to-do list. What You’ll Learn: 1. How to Manifest Like a Pro: Abigail literally had her eye on the McCall-McBain Scholarship for two years before she was even eligible. Talk about vision board energy! 2. Keep It Real: She didn’t prep for her interviews with cookie-cutter answers. Abigail brought her full personality to the table—and it worked. 3. Handling Setbacks: From family challenges to unsupportive counselors, Abigail faced it all and still rose to the top. 4. Building a Legacy: Abigail is creating a pipeline for Black students in STEM with Mor Initiative and Scholarly. She’s not just talking about change—she’s making it happen. 5. Nonprofit ≠ No Problems: Abigail gets real about running a nonprofit and the hustle to keep it sustainable while valuing her time and her team. Biggest Mic Drops: * “If the doctors don’t know what’s wrong, I’ll figure it out myself.” – Abigail on what sparked her interest in neuroscience. * “Your vibe is your power. Be you, unapologetically.” * “Nonprofit really means no profit, and that’s something I learned the hard way.” – Abigail on the realities of funding grassroots projects. Resources You’ll Love: 🎶 Song of the Week: “Yamore” by Salif Keita (Add this Afro-house banger to your playlist ASAP!) 📚 Scholarship Spotlight: McCall-McBain Scholarship [https://mccallmacbainscholars.org/] ✨ Abigail’s Projects: Mor Initiative [https://www.instagram.com/morinitiative/] | Scholarly [https://www.instagram.com/scholarly._/ ] Your Homework: Abigail wants to hear from you! Slide into her inbox with: 1. Something cool you’re working on. 2. How she can help. 3. Something you can teach her. (Her email is in the show notes, and yes, she’s expecting you to reach out.) Takeaways for Your Glow-Up: * Be intentional: Abigail didn’t stumble into success—she planned for it and trusted her gut. * Trust your people: She ran her big decisions by her closest friends for perspective and support. * Stay bold: Whether it’s your application, your goals, or your next move, don’t dim your light. Where to Find Abigail: 📧 Email: abigail.harmony.ralph@gmail.com 📸 Instagram: @morinitiative [https://www.instagram.com/morinitiative/#] ICYMI: This episode is a whole vibe, so don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with your friends, family, and anyone chasing big dreams. Don’t forget to leave us a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts—5 stars only, we’re manifesting good energy here! 🌟 Up Next: Catch us next week when Dolapo chats with another trailblazer who’s redefining what it means to do the most. You don’t want to miss it. 👀