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 Dr. Clara Denise West

    1D AGO

    Create Yourself featuring Dr. Clara Denise West

    Black women and workplace challenges. A daughter's suicide attempt. Historical context. Career advocacy. The Civil Rights movement. Restorative frameworks. Dr. Clara Denise West provides a data driven, transparent and transformative blueprint as well as the opportunity to hear her perspectives from a personal and professional experience lens.  About Dr. West: Dr. Clara Denise West is a systems engineer and author who applies rigorous analysis to decode institutional behavior and build protection frameworks. One of fewer than 3,000 Black women in U.S. history to earn a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering, she spent 27 years documenting systematic racism in federal STEM (NASA, U.S. Army) and testified before Congress, contributing to the No FEAR Act of 2002. After her daughter's suicide attempt following relentless school bullying, Dr. West applied the same systems engineering approach to peer dynamics and institutional failure, creating Koko and Friends™—a comprehensive K-12 restorative SEL system. Author of THE COLLISION: White Male Fragility Meets Black Female Resilience—Lessons Learned, Dr. West provides systems analysis of institutional power for Black women navigating hostile workspaces and restorative frameworks for children facing peer-driven harm. Same methodology. Different populations. One mission: protection when institutions fail. Connect with Dr. West: Personal Website: www.claradenisewestphd.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/clara-west-ph-d-794a20a/ Instagram: @dwest200 Facebook: facebook.com/denise.west.313 Book -THE COLLISION: www.thecollisionbook.com Amazon:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/189231312X Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-collision-clara-denise-west/1149700424 Independent Bookstores: https://www.strandbooks.com/the-collision-white-male-fragility-meets-black-female-resilience-lessons-learned-9781892313126.html KOKO AND FRIENDS: www.kokoandfriends.com & www.kokoandfriendsfoundation.org Support the show

    46 min
  2. Create Yourself featuring Dr. Rev. Sarita Wilson-Anderson

    APR 28

    Create Yourself featuring Dr. Rev. Sarita Wilson-Anderson

    "Life is a series of movements." This "PK" is living and extending the legacy of her family. She epitomizes 'your gifts will make room for you', using words and movement in all aspects of her life. While this episode is inspiring, it's also quite informative in articulating creative ways to use your resources, dance to the rhythm of life, and operate in your purpose and potential.  About Rev. Dr. Wilson-Anderson: Rev. Dr. Sarita Wilson-Anderson is a native of Hampton, VA, and resides in Memphis, TN.  Currently, she serves as an Itinerant Elder in the AME Church and is the Director of Spiritual Care at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital.  At the heart of her ministry is the mantra, Dance the Word.  Through this ministry, which is a unique combination of liturgical dance and pastoral counseling, she focuses on spiritual resilience and self-care.  Her most recent book, Dance the Word:  Healing Grief and Trauma through Liturgical Dance, is a practical resource for both dancers and non-dancers to find healing and hope through movement. Connect with Rev. Dr. Wilson-Anderson: Website: www.dancethewordministries.com Email: drrevsaritawilson@aol.com Dance The Word – FB Sarita Wilson Anderson FB Sarita Wilson-Anderson – LinkedIn Revritasue - IG Support the show

    32 min
  3. Create Yourself featuring Simone Oliver

    APR 21

    Create Yourself featuring Simone Oliver

    This episode is a timeless conversation filled with nuggets from the very beginning. ‘Walk by faith’ is more than spiritual. Simone Oliver takes us on a journey from interior design and educator, to seminary, and her stubbornness to master and move on to what’s next. We’ll talk survival, the joys of 1-on-1 coaching, purpose in our experiences, eliminating the noise of what ‘everybody’ is doing, and what it means to let your life lead you.  About Simone Simone Oliver is an ordained minister, educator, author, and speaker. She is the founder of ReVision Ministries and its subsidiary ReVision Women Coaching & Consulting, where she prophetically coaches women in ministry and domestic violence survivors who desire to strengthen their faith. Rev. Oliver received the Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary with a certificate in Women’s Studies. She was the recipient of the John Alan Swink Award for Excellence in Preaching.  Rev. Oliver has published Think Like Christ, The Pearl of God’s Eye, From Grace to Grace: A Prayer & Healing Journal, and has co-authored three additional books. She is also an honored recipient of the Phoenix Award from Harambe Social Services for her work in the field of domestic violence. As passionate as she is about ministry and writing, her greatest joy is life with her husband and daughter. Connect with Simone BEST WAY is email: admin@revision-ministries.org Website: https://www.revision-ministries.org/ Support the show

    31 min
  4. Create Yourself featuring Christina Raye

    APR 15

    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
  5. Create Yourself featuring Brenda Torres-Wells

    APR 14

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
See All (58)

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!

Information