Create Yourself: Imagery. Intimacy. Innovation.

Joyce Kyles
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Greetings and welcome to a place where people from all walks of life and various backgrounds around the world come to share their transformative personal and professional stories  of restoration, confidence, clarity, advocacy, inspiration, and empowerment. The are here to share their solution-centered strategies, tangible tools, resources, and affirming guidance. If you are ready to transition, transform, and thrive, THIS is the podcast for you. Whether starting a business, leaving corporate, transitioning from a traumatic experience, advocating for social justice, seeking financial guidance...if you're ready to create the life you desire and deserve, chances are, you'll find what you need here!

  1. Create Yourself featuring Christina Raye

    5H AGO

    Create Yourself featuring Christina Raye

    BWEL is truly an anointed community, and Christina Raye is anointed and appointed. Embracing what it means to express her gifts and talents in a nontraditional way, hear how this powerhouse corporate executive has turned her vision into execution, continuing to evolve into the person she has been called to be, and leading the charge for leaders and entrepreneurs through celebration, connection, and cultivation. This one is personal, professional, and all about intention versus performance because, as she shared, rest is worship. About Christina Christina Raye is a visionary leader, transformational coach, and advocate for women of color and underrepresented professionals navigating corporate and entrepreneurial spaces. With a background in strategic planning and enterprise transformation, she has led high-impact initiatives at organizations such as Harbor Capital Advisors, Brighthouse Financial, and MetLife. She is the founder of The Visionary Coach, PreachGirl!, and BWEL—platforms created to help visionaries lead with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Whether in the boardroom or the pulpit, Christina empowers leaders to break through systemic barriers, amplify their voices, and build lives rooted in impact and intention. Known for her emotionally intelligent and spiritually grounded leadership, Christina creates spaces where faith, career, and vision align. Her work centers community, healing, and legacy—because true success isn’t just about what you build, but who you help rise along the way. Connect with Christina Website (BWEL): www.bwelonline.com Website Christina Raye: www.iamchristinaraye.com IG: @iamchristinaraye  FB: facebook.com/christinarayehamilton Support the show

    31 min
  2. Create Yourself featuring Brenda Torres-Wells

    1D AGO

    Create Yourself featuring Brenda Torres-Wells

    Therapeutic recreation and memory changes. Elderhood. Advocacy and leadership. Brenda Torres-Wells draws on her previous experiences in fashion design, dancing, and party promotion, and the emotional experiences they provide, to design beautiful experiences for those experiencing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, as well as support for caregivers and professionals. “We are their guests.” Learn how you can become certified, tools and resources available, and a beautiful example of creativity and music journaling that illustrates art, music, and movement in action.  About Brenda: Brenda Torres-Wells is a nationally recognized expert in dementia care, Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS), Certified Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT), and Therapeutic Thematic Art Programmer and Trainer (TTAP). With over 25 years of leadership experience in long-term care, assisted living, and adult day services, she emphasizes person-centered dementia education, staff training, and the development of life enrichment programs. Brenda is the founder of Memory Care Consulting LLC, providing Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care (ADDC) certification seminars, caregiver training, and consulting services to senior living communities and healthcare providers. Her work integrates therapeutic recreation, music, creativity, and technology to enhance dignity, connection, and quality of life for older adults. Brenda is committed to helping caregivers and professionals improve dementia care through compassion, innovation, and practical strategies that make a meaningful difference in daily life. Connect with Brenda: Website: https://memorycarellc.com Email: Brenda@memorycc.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/brendatorresmemorycarellc Programs: Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care (ADDC) Training Seminars Support the show

    29 min
  3. Create Yourself features Dr. Tope Mitchell

    APR 7

    Create Yourself features Dr. Tope Mitchell

    This tech founder, storyteller, and researcher is a 4th-generation entrepreneur. Dr. Mitchell, affectionately called Dr. Tope, shares an extraordinary journey from helping with psychiatric patients as a preteen to fashion design and the road that led to her current successful career. Be prepared to take notes. She’s providing you with a wealth of tools, resources, people, and places to connect with insights into the importance of community and to strengthen your muscles of self-love and empathy. About Dr. Tope: Meet Dr. Tope Mitchell — a leader at the intersection of sociology, strategy, and technology, driving a shift toward more inclusive and culturally relevant retail experiences. A published author, professor, and VC-backed tech founder, she is the CEO and co-founder of Reflekt Me, a platform helping brands increase conversion and engagement by turning representation into measurable business impact. Her work empowers retailers to move beyond performative inclusion and build authentic connections with today’s diverse consumers. With a PhD and Master’s from Indiana University Bloomington and a BA from the University of Washington, Dr. Mitchell has advised Fortune 500 companies at firms like Mintel, Kantar Futures, and Three Group—translating cultural insight into growth strategies. Recognized by Techstars and Backstage Capital, her mission is clear: to humanize the dehumanized and build a future where every consumer can see themselves reflected in the brands they engage with. Connect with Dr. Tope: Website: www.reflektme.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/reflekt-me    www.linkedin.com/in/tope-mitchell-ph-d-21919719 Instagram: @reflekt_me Support the show

    26 min
  4. Create Yourself featuring Theresa M. Robinson

    MAR 31

    Create Yourself featuring Theresa M. Robinson

    What does it mean to “U-Turn” and fully lean into what’s calling you back? Today’s episode begins with facilitation, coaching, business needs, honesty versus postering, and honoring voices and lived experiences. We transition to all things rest, reset, and reengage, with a breathtaking retreat experience for women that’s a must-attend, share, and support. Bring your notetaking devices and be sure to connect after the show.  About Theresa: Theresa M. Robinson is a facilitator, executive coach, and retreat curator who helps people and organizations move from surface-level talk to meaningful transformation. Through Master Trainer TMR & Associates, she designs and leads powerful learning experiences on leadership, well-being, trust, psychological safety, communication, and culture. She is also the creator of the WarriHER Experience 3R Retreat, a deeply restorative experience for women centered on rest, reset, and reengagement. Known for her real talk, global facilitation experience, and kitchen-table style, Theresa helps people tell the truth about what is not working so they can build something more human, more sustainable, and more whole. Connect with Theresa: Websites: mastertrainertmr.com and theresamrobinson.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/theresamrobinson/ Retreat info: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IsxjrfVq3XRrrgFE3RPueqOf15MKeOri/view?usp=sharing Retreat Access Fund: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1YLAmthsEmpogLsYBCXKL32IeY2l3kA1a/view?usp=sharing Email: tmr@mastertrainertmr.com Support the show

    33 min
  5. Create Yourself featuring Dr. Lydia Rosencrants

    MAR 24

    Create Yourself featuring Dr. Lydia Rosencrants

    Dr. Rosencrants always knew she wanted to be a professor. A lover of connection and servant leadership, she shares how she’s created and leads programs in multiple states while being a wife and mom of 13. She’s a lifelong learner who understands the power of faith, organization, purpose, planning, and community building, and offers actionable steps to implement in business and life. It’s an honest, engaging, and insightful interview to lean in and learn from. About Dr. Rosencrants Dr. Lydia Rosencrants builds communities that empower leaders to thrive together. As founder of The Selah Collective, an international alliance of female solopreneurs, and principal of Mantle Coaching, she's dedicated her career to proving that leadership is a team sport. With over two decades of executive leadership experience in higher education, Lydia brings strategic vision and deep empathy to her coaching practice. Her gift lies in seeing and creating connections - between people, between communities, and between where leaders are and where they're called to be. Lydia also currently serves as President of ANF Memphis, a civic movement mobilizing everyday people to solve real problems in our city together. Lydia holds a Certificate in Executive Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas (ICF Accredited), a Ph.D. in Accounting from Michigan State University, and maintains her CPA license. Guided by faith, she believes everyone is made for more—and designed for community. Connect with Dr. Rosencrants Website: www.mantlecoaching.com LinkedIn: Lydia Rosencrants | LinkedIn Army of Normal Folks: ANFMemphis.org The Selah Collective: https://www.mantlecoaching.com/the-selah-collective Support the show

    35 min
  6. Create Yourself featuring Lauren Brown, J.D., MBA

    MAR 10

    Create Yourself featuring Lauren Brown, J.D., MBA

    From Prosecutor to business owner with an emphasis on IP and AI, Lauren Brown J.D., MBA is definitely on a mission with a message. Here about her first clients, three rules that govern her life and business, how she’s helping herself and others to leave a legacy, protecting and monetizing your IP (intellectual property), upcoming book, IP & AI series, and so much more for your life and business.  About Lauren: Lauren Brown, J.D., MBA is an IP & AI Strategist™ and founder of LRB Global Consulting  Services™, where she helps entrepreneurs and creative professionals protect their ideas,  leverage AI responsibly, and build future-ready businesses. A resilient innovator who has defied the odds, Lauren has built a career as an entrepreneur, attorney, author, professor, national speaker, and community advocate.  She has trained and mentored more than a thousand individuals across the U.S., empowering  business owners, contractors, and criminal justice professionals with practical tools for  ownership and innovation. A published author whose work spans psychology, women  entrepreneurs, and intellectual property, her forthcoming book on Intellectual Property and AI will be released this year.  Lauren is also a proud mother and grandmother to a growing line of young entrepreneurs,  reflecting her belief in investing in the next generation and shaping a legacy of creativity,  integrity, and impact. Connect with Lauren: LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/laurenconsults Instagram:  www.instagram.com/lauren2freedom IP & AI Workshop Series: https://www.eventbrite.com/cc/ip-savvytm-hybrid-workshop-series-on-ip-and-ai-4815627 Support the show

    41 min
  7. Create Yourself featuring Dr. Natoshia Anderson

    MAR 3

    Create Yourself featuring Dr. Natoshia Anderson

    “Is that the box? I don’t want to be in it!” Dr. Toshia talks about corporate partnerships, mediation, affirmations, therapy, and the power of the ask. From engineer to STEM educator, this CEO, author, and curriculum developer has raised over $5 millon for schools and nonprofits with a thriving business and podcast. Tune in, take notes, and connect.  About Dr. Anderson: Dr. Natoshia Anderson is a Mechanical Engineer turned STEM education leader, equity strategist, and author. As CEO of The Anderson Strategy Group, she designs global STEM programs, writes award-winning curricula, and leads professional development that has trained thousands of educators. She has raised over $5 million for schools and nonprofits and developed programs that have served over 100,000 students worldwide. Her podcast, STEMming in Stilettos™, amplifies the voices of minority women in STEM across the globe. She's also the author of multiple books, including AI Lesson Planning Playbook, The ABC’s of AI, and the upcoming The Partnership Playbook: A Guide to Sustainable STEM Partnerships. She’s a leading voice in building equity by design in education and leadership. Connect with Dr. Anderson: Website: theandersonstrategy.com  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drtoshia/ Support the show

    29 min
  8. Create Yourself featuring Monika Thornton-Lawrence

    FEB 17

    Create Yourself featuring Monika Thornton-Lawrence

    This episode starts out taking you on the bi-coastal, operational journey filled with the ‘powerful beginnings’ of empowering those impacted by domestic abuse. Then, we take a deeper dive into the world of technology, fashion, content creation, the art of storytelling, and ways to identify the niche and social platforms that work best for you and your business. Monika Thornton-Lawrence is a woman on a mission in business and advocacy. Prepare to take notes and immediate action in GA, WA and everywhere in between!  About Monika: Monika Thornton-Lawrence is an advocate, content creator, and community leader with over nine years of experience championing women’s self-care, healing, and empowerment. In 2014, she courageously shared her personal experience with domestic violence, igniting conversations with women who saw their own stories reflected in hers. That pivotal moment led to the founding of Powerful Beginnings—an organization rooted in hope, resilience, and life beyond trauma. As a survivor, Monika understands the profound loss, identity shifts, and emotional weight that often accompany leaving abusive relationships. Her work centers on helping individuals reconnect with themselves, rebuild confidence, and release shame as they heal. Through Powerful Beginnings, she creates safe, affirming spaces, cultivates community partnerships, and provides resources that support restoration and growth. Monika’s mission is to inspire healing, self-worth, and renewed purpose reminding others that survival is not the end of the story, but the beginning. Connect with Monika: Personal IG: @believeinurpower Fashion IG: @fashiontalktuesday Organization IG: @Powerful_Beginnings Website: www.PowerfulBeginnings.org Support the show

    28 min
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About

Greetings and welcome to a place where people from all walks of life and various backgrounds around the world come to share their transformative personal and professional stories  of restoration, confidence, clarity, advocacy, inspiration, and empowerment. The are here to share their solution-centered strategies, tangible tools, resources, and affirming guidance. If you are ready to transition, transform, and thrive, THIS is the podcast for you. Whether starting a business, leaving corporate, transitioning from a traumatic experience, advocating for social justice, seeking financial guidance...if you're ready to create the life you desire and deserve, chances are, you'll find what you need here!

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