Dear BLK CEO Karl Sona

It feels like yesterday that the idea for this podcast came to me. I was still in my corporate job and met with the decision of whether or not to go down the entrepreneurial route. Ultimately, I chose to go solo, and I haven’t looked back. In this season finale, I want to reflect on the journey so far and how minority-owned businesses can build and maintain a competitive edge in the market. I’ll also talk about the show's future and how we’ll be shifting gears to get more focussed on creating bridges to fuel growth. 
Let’s dive in and start thinking about the bridges we need to build between corporations and minority-owned businesses to drive more equity and better results for everyone. 



Key Highlights:
You can take those corporate skills into the marketplace as an entrepreneur. What do you do when the corporate cycle fails you? You need to ask yourself if the money is worth your time and freedom. This show will be refocused on helping minority entrepreneurs navigate the ins and outs of the corporate process.  Season two of the talk show will focus on connecting minority-owned businesses to corporations and vice versa to create growth opportunities. There is a need to connect minority-owned businesses to corporations and vice versa to create opportunities for growth.  
Tweetable Quotes:
"We cannot remain a competitive power if we do not engage and do business with one another.” - Karl Sona
“We’re going to look to create a bridge between both [the corporate world and minority-owned businesses] so that we can really see more inclusive and more equitable decisions.” - Karl Sona
 
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LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let’s connect! You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Entrepreneurship is about moving; it's about taking that risk. Let’s continue with our topic about leaving the corporate job to get into the ownership space. It can be done when you understand there is a definite learning curve and that you need to plan for it. In this episode, I talk about breaking the corporate thought process so you can strategize your entrepreneurial journey without the mental barriers, all while bringing your learned skills along with you.
To those who aspire to be successful, jump in, and let’s talk about how to overcome corporate conditioning.
 
Key Highlights:
Corporate conditioning can be a challenge to overcome when starting a business Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can’t be done without good planning Having cross-functional skill sets is essential for entrepreneurs to carry into business Time blocking can help entrepreneurs stay organized and focused It is important to stay positive and have a clear vision of why you’re starting a business  
Tweetable Quotes:
“You are not expendable.” - Karl Sona 
“There's a definite learning curve. There's some planning at that point that you should definitely take into consideration that can definitely help your transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.” - Karl Sona
"When you quit your corporate job, have you put together a business plan? This is something that I think all too often we skip because it's not sexy." - Karl Sona
 
Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!
 
LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let’s connect! You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Are you burned out or just generally unhappy with your workplace? It's time to start finding some significance and meaning in your work! We're going to continue talking about leaving your corporate job and how to take the leap of faith in a way that will help you find success. In this episode, I break down 10 specific questions to ask yourself or to think about to determine whether or not you are ready to leave the job. Today is all about digging deep and answering the deeper questions we may have been avoiding.
Dive in, and let's unpack the 10 questions everyone needs to answer before becoming an entrepreneur.
 
Key Highlights:



You should only quit your job if you have a solid plan in place for what comes next. Figure out your north star Don't be afraid of the risks associated with leaving your job, but be realistic about the potential rewards. Make sure you're taking care of yourself physically and mentally before making any major changes. Consider all of your financial needs and obligations before making a decision. Seek out guidance from professionals or those who have been through a similar situation before making major changes. Leaving your job is not for everyone; some people can do their job and build their business.  
Tweetable Quotes:



"What is 'north star' for you...? For me, my goal has always been to run my own company." - Karl Sona
 
"Entrepreneurship, this idea of building a brand within an organization that allows you, the flexibility to do so is a very valuable way to feel and to connect with a level of significance and purpose." - Karl Sona
 
"It's pretty difficult to leave a high, mid-six-figure paying job and expect to make that your first year in entrepreneurship... I think that the way to overcome the dark days is not to be afraid of them." - Karl Sona



Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!
 
LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let's connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don't have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Consumers want to do the right thing if only manufacturers would give them the opportunity. Today’s guest is stepping in to fill the gaps! We have Hassan Pierre, CEO, and co-founder of Maison de Mode, a luxury ethical fashion retailer! In this episode, Hassan discusses sustainable fashion and how his company is leading the way in this growing industry. He shares how he is creating things that make an impact greater than itself, how to penetrate the market, and how he's bringing sustainability to the luxury fashion space. 
 
Dive in, and let’s learn how to create a brand that doesn’t just impact the environment but gets people rushing to the check-out counter!
 
Key Highlights:
 
Hassan shares his experience becoming a co-found and CEO of a luxury ethical fashion retailer, his background in organics, and how he started “upcycling” vintage clothes. The ten pillars brands have to have to be considered sustainable. How Hassan got the conversation going with major retail brands by framing his concept as innovation from a marketing perspective. Hassan’s education and how a diverse cultural influence played a huge part in his success. How Maison de Mode's company shot up 161% last year and what led them to be chosen to host the Sustainable Style Awards in La.  
Tweetable Quotes:
 
“People who have different cultures and different views thrown at them make the best leaders because they can really understand a wider view of the population as opposed to just being so tunnel vision.” - Hassan Pierre
 
"Sustainable fashion is anything that has a social, environmental, or economic impact that's greater than their aesthetic.” - Hassan Pierre
 
“I think being flexible is your path to achieving your goal. What’s been really instrumental to me is not being so rigid in my ways because I do have an end goal, and I can achieve that end goal if I move slightly left or right.” - Hassan Pierre



Want to connect with Hassan? You can find him on Instagram, Twitter, and Linkedin. If you’re looking to combine luxury fashion with ethical and sustainable business, look no further than https://maison-de-mode.com/. 



Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!
 
LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

Leaving your corporate job can seem like a daunting idea, but it doesn't have to be, not if you know what's at stake. If you're prepared for the challenges and are willing to put in the work, you can build a successful business and achieve the financial freedom you've always wanted. In this episode, I share my thoughts on the importance of taking the time to understand the process and some of the challenges you may face along the way. At the end of the day, you need to be honest with yourself and live a life that is true to you.
So dive right in and let's talk about what it takes to leave that corporate job, whether or not it's right for you, and the promise that's yours if you're willing to take the leap.
 
Key Highlights:
 
-Quitting a corporate job can empower people to build a nest egg and work towards some financial freedom and flexibility
-In order to be successful as a business owner, one must be willing to wear many hats and take on many responsibilities
-Quitting a corporate job can symbolize the death of one version of oneself in order to create a rebirth of a greater version
-The process of quitting a corporate job and becoming a business owner is not for everyone and should not be taken lightly
-It is important to question whether or not you actually like your life before making the decision to quit your corporate job



Tweetable Quotes:
"Quitting a corporate job can symbolize the death of one version of you. In order to create a rebirth of a greater version of you." - Karl Sona
"One of the best things about leaving the corporate world Is just the freedom that it provides. Life is too short to not be yourself. Life is far too precious to never come to terms with who you truly are, what excites you, what revs you up, and what you're here for!" - Karl Sona
 
Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!
LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

When I stopped caring and stopped being motivated, I knew it was time to leave. If you're not putting your all into your job, it's time to move on. In this episode, I talk about my experience leaving my corporate job to become an entrepreneur. I believe if you're no longer happy in your job, it's probably time to consider moving on and start making decisions like an owner.
Let's dive in and look at knowing when it's time to go, the importance of thinking like an owner. 
 
Tweetable Quotes:
"I think that's something a lot of people can relate to. They're not fulfilled in their job and they're not really doing what they want to do." - Karl Sona
"Think like an owner, don't just think like an employee... Think like someone who adds value to the marketplace." - Karl Sona


Key Highlights:
How I recently exited my corporate W-2 job and decided to go off on my own as an entrepreneur. If you're no longer happy in your job, it might be time to consider moving on.  If you're going through the motions, you might not be motivated anymore and it's time to wake up. Thinking like an owner can help you make decisions that are best for your career.  
Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!
LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.
Let’s connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.
Remember, you don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!