Chatting with The Experts with Paula Okonneh

Paula Okonneh | Coach, Podcaster,Digital Marketer

Are you a solopreneur, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to connect with other small business owners ? Are you yearning to know how they became successful at what they do? Then tune into Chatting with Experts podcast as we have all the right answers for you! Here you can listen to successful small business owners like Sonia Stetzler, Bill Franklin, Tesse Akpeki, Leanne Cannon and so many others share tips, advice and strategies on how they built their businesses . Join us on www.ChattingwiththeExperts.com and determine how to become the success that you are.

  1. Stop Leaving Money on the Table

    11h ago

    Stop Leaving Money on the Table

    Avenice Thompson, profit-acceleration strategist, focuses on doubling profit without spending on marketing. Avenice shares common business-owner mistakes she observed in her corporate career, including underpricing, poor invoicing, and weak cashflow management, illustrated by a vendor unaware he'd been paid $1.2 million. She explains her proprietary profit acceleration tool that benchmarks a company's profit margin against industry standards and sets short-term goals. Avenice emphasizes "mindset over money" and her success formula: mindset and movement plus competence, confidence, and commitment. She offers no-cost strategies like the "three 5s" (cut cost of goods sold 5%, cut overhead 5%, raise revenue 5%), reactivating past clients, eliminating unused subscriptions, negotiating rent, and defining a market-dominating position through differentiation and joint ventures. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Topic 01:25 Money Left Behind 04:40 Profit Tool Benchmarking 06:11 Mindset Over Money 08:05 2M Plus 3C Formula 11:07 Three 5s Profit Boost 13:36 Reactivating Past Clients 16:01 Cut Costs and Negotiate 17:27 Market Dominating Position 19:56 Joint Ventures Referrals 23:42 No Cost Differentiation 24:41 Daycare Value Example 28:03 Contact and Programs 30:51 Wrap Up and Free Call   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Avenice Thompson, you can reach her via her website (https://yourbiznessbar.com), via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/YourBiznessBar/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/yourbiznessbar/ ), or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/avenicethompson). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    32 min
  2. African Women in Tech

    Jun 19

    African Women in Tech

    Dr. Susan Isiko Strba is the Counsel and Senior Fellow at the Geneva Center of Knowledge Governance and co-founder/Senior Research and Policy Advisor at the International Lawyers and Economists for Development (ilaed.org). She discusses women in technology in Africa. Dr. Strba says Africa's tech landscape is often described as "bleak" in global comparisons, yet technology exists across a spectrum and must include women who run 80–85% of the informal sector that sustains much of the continent's GDP. She links tech adoption to practical needs such as phones and social media marketing for farmers and small producers, including training on faster, smarter posting and scheduling, and extending to AI tools. She highlights African women building AI models for disadvantaged communities (e.g., DAIR), emphasizing culturally and linguistically relevant systems, intellectual property, and careful data access, and notes the importance of collaborations among researchers, users, funders, and countries, including under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:37 Meet Dr Susan Strba 02:32 Tech in Africa Today 03:38 Women Powering Informal Economy 06:48 Defining Technology Spectrum 08:46 Agri Tech and Market Access 11:34 Social Media Skills Training 13:06 AI Tools and Cultural Norms 16:03 Building African AI Models 20:16 Collaboration and Funding 24:44 How to Connect and Closing    Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Susan Strba, you can reach her via her website (http://www.ILaED.org ), via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/ilaed.org), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ilaedorg/), via Twitter (https://x.com/ilaedorg) or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/company/ilaed-org/ ).   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    27 min
  3. Setting the Room's Temperature

    Jun 11

    Setting the Room's Temperature

    Rebecca H. Mott, a founder of ReThought LLC & an author of Amazon #1 new release The Meeting Room, and "The Meeting Architect", discusses how the energy you bring into a room sets the tone for conversations, decisions, and outcomes. Rebecca shares a lesson from early customer service work that smiling affects tone even on the phone, and explains how stress and "nervous energy" influence how others receive you before you speak. She emphasizes this is learnable through awareness and breath control, describing how marathon training taught her to pace breathing and notice stress indicators like holding her breath in meetings. She contrasts being a "thermometer" versus a "thermostat," urging intentional calm presence, especially for leaders. Rebecca also shares her October 2024 diagnosis of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, encourages mammograms, describes completing treatment and being cancer-free, and credits faith and responsibility in healing.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome & Guest Introduction 02:35 Energy as Data: The Origin Story 03:44 Smiling Through the Phone 05:48 Setting the Temperature Before You Speak 09:13 Breath as Your Superpower 09:34 The Running & Side Stitches Lesson 12:29 Neuroscience of Calm Presence 15:20 Thermometer vs. Thermostat 18:21 Leading with Intentional Energy 21:28 Rebecca's Cancer Journey & Faith 24:35 Advice to Her Younger Self 27:17 Connect with Rebecca   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Rebecca Mott, you can reach her via her website (http://www.trainwithrebecca.com) or her LinkedIn (http://linkedin.com/in/rebeccahmott ). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    29 min
  4. Unwelcome Uterine Guests

    Jun 4

    Unwelcome Uterine Guests

    Dr Cheryl Okoli, an advanced practice nurse and healthcare leader, discusses uterine fibroids, which she calls "unwelcome uterine guests." Dr Okoli explains that fibroids are non-cancerous uterine tumors ranging from microscopic to watermelon-sized, likely linked to estrogen dominance, and affecting any woman of childbearing age, with higher prevalence and more severe symptoms in Black women (60% by age 35 and 80% by 50 vs. 40% and 70% in Caucasians). She reviews symptomatic signs, including heavy bleeding, pelvic pain, bulk/pressure, anaemia, urinary frequency, infertility, and quality-of-life impacts, using the acronym FIBROIDS. She describes diagnosis by ultrasound/MRI, the importance of fibroid location, and treatments including watchful waiting, medications (e.g., Lupron), iron/pain control, UAE/UFE, MR-guided focused ultrasound, myomectomy, and hysterectomy, plus studies on vitamin D and green tea extract (EGCG) combinations to shrink fibroids.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:49 What Are Uterine Fibroids? 03:35 Who Is Susceptible? 05:56 Symptoms of Fibroids 14:16 Early Screening Proposal 15:23 The F.I.B.R.O.I.D.S. Acronym 18:53 Fibroid Positions & Fertility 21:58 Treatment Options 28:57 The Vitamin D & Green Tea Cocktail    Resources: - Dr. Al Hendy's prescription (Timestamp 27:57):  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B6g8oq5mnC0 - Italian Study: Grandi G, Del Savio MC, Melotti C, et al. Vitamin D and green tea extracts for the treatment of uterine fibroids in late reproductive life: a pilot, prospective, daily-diary based study. Gynecol Endocrinol. Published online October 16, 2021. doi:10.1080/09513590.2021.1991909 https://www.contemporaryobgyn.net/view/vitamin-d-and-green-tea-extract-for-treatment-of-uterine-fibroids   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Cheryl Okoli, you can reach her via her website (http://www.shalomeagleswings.care  ), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/people/Shalom-Eagles-Wings/100063898004527/#), or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-cheryl-stella-okoli-dha/  ). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    36 min
  5. How to Put on Makeup for a 50-year-old

    May 28

    How to Put on Makeup for a 50-year-old

    Jenifer Hester, a makeup artist and licensed esthetician, discusses makeup for mature skin, emphasizing that skin prep and hydration are key. Jenifer explains hydrating from the inside out by drinking water and "eating your water" (leafy greens, cucumbers, melons, fruits), adding omega fatty acids (fish, walnuts, avocado), and choosing foods that support collagen and overall health. For makeup, she recommends avoiding heavy matte foundations and using sheer options like skin tints, BB/CC creams, and tinted serums to prevent a cakey look. She advises soft matte eyeshadows over frosty shimmer for crepey or hooded lids and offers shading guidance for sunken eyes. Jenifer suggests dewy setting sprays, minimal powder, gentle under-eye concealer application with ring fingers, color-correcting darkness, and using lifting placement for blush/bronzer plus shading to create a more defined jawline.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:23 Skin Prep & Hydration 07:11 Foundation & Coverage 10:17 Eye Makeup 14:01 Setting Sprays & Powder 24:01 Lifting Techniques 28:37 Wrap-Up & Resources   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Jenifer Hester, you can reach her via her website (http://www.glowtheorynj.com ), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/glowtheorynj/), via Facebook(https://web.facebook.com/Glowtheorynj), or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifer-hester-18b1755/ ). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    31 min
  6. Practical and Easy Nutrition Tips

    May 21

    Practical and Easy Nutrition Tips

    Demetria Cox-Thomas, a plant-based registered dietitian nutritionist and CEO of Dee Veggie Nutrition, discusses practical, accessible healthy eating. Demetria explains her work in hybrid group nutrition counseling, plant-based presentations, and cultural cooking classes (Ethiopian, Jamaican Ital, and Indian) that emphasize spices, flexibility, and making food enjoyable rather than stressful. She addresses food deserts/food apartheid by tailoring guidance to each client and recommending canned or frozen vegetables when fresh options aren't available. Demetria focuses on increasing vegetable intake without demonizing meat, sharing flavor and technique tips such as smoked paprika, curry blends, cumin, berbere, herbs, coconut milk, beans for fiber/protein, citrus finishing, roasting vegetables, and improving tofu and mushroom texture by drawing out water.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:36 Meet Demetria Cox-Thomas, RDN 03:18 Food Access & Food Deserts 05:22 Cultural Cooking Classes 14:21 Spice Tips & Pantry Essentials 18:43 Cooking Techniques Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Demetria Cox-Thomas, you can reach her via her website (https://www.deeveggierd.com/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/deeveggierd?igsh=bTlpYXlvOWNvZHAz), or LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/demetrialcoxthomas). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    27 min
  7. From Everyday Care to Oncology Skincare

    May 14

    From Everyday Care to Oncology Skincare

    Jenifer Hester is a licensed esthetician with over six years of experience and certifications in chemical peels, oncology skincare, acne care, and holistic nutrition health. Jenifer explains that estheticians are state-licensed skincare professionals with over 600 hours of training who provide non-medical, non-invasive treatments, skin analysis, and product guidance, and refer clients to dermatologists when issues are out of scope. She contrasts estheticians with dermatologists, who are medical doctors who can diagnose and treat diseases such as skin cancer and perform surgery. Jenifer discusses chemical peels as controlled exfoliation that promotes collagen and improves acne, pores, and glow, cautioning against at-home peels without proper training. She shares her background in pharmaceutical quality work and her focus on restoring clients' confidence. The conversation highlights oncology skincare, including prepping skin before radiation and adapting care during and after cancer treatments. Jenifer recommends preventative visits about every 30–45 days.   Transcripts: 00:00 Intro & Guest Welcome 01:27 What Is an Esthetician? 02:40 Esthetician vs. Dermatologist 04:28 Chemical Peels 07:48 Jenifer's Career Journey 10:15 Oncology Skincare 17:56 How Often Should You See an Esthetician? 23:06 Skincare for the Whole Body 23:58 TikTok vs. Professional Advice 26:04 How to Find Jenifer & Outro   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Jenifer Hester, you can reach her via her website (http://www.glowtheorynj.com ), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/glowtheorynj/), via Facebook(https://web.facebook.com/Glowtheorynj), or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenifer-hester-18b1755/ ).   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    29 min
  8. Moving from Overthinking to Aligned Action

    May 2

    Moving from Overthinking to Aligned Action

    Esther Wokoma, founder of EvolveLumina, a confidence amplifier coach and strategic engineering and operations leader with 18+ years in the energy sector,  argues many people don't lack clarity but lack alignment and self-trust, and explains how identity shapes decisions because people act in alignment with who they believe they are. She shares how she helps teens and women overcome fear, external expectations, hesitation, and self-doubt by reinforcing their uniqueness and value, and teaches her 3C framework—clarity, confidence, courage—supported by a RISE process (review, identify, step forward, expand). She emphasizes consistency, small repeated actions, and not waiting to feel ready, and highlights her 31-day confidence journal inspired by conversations with her teen daughter.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup 01:47 Meet Esther Wokoma 02:17 Clarity vs Alignment 03:31 Identity Drives Action 04:52 Coaching Teen Identity 06:41 Helping Women Self Trust 07:58 Three C Framework 09:28 From Corporate to Coaching 14:20 Teens Sweet Spot 17:40 Stop Overthinking Start Acting 18:53 Consistency Builds Confidence 21:32 Confidence Journal and Joy 25:24 Connect and Wrap Up   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Esther Wokoma, you can reach her via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/evolvelumina), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/esther.wokoma), or via her LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-wokoma/). Her LinkTree: https://linktr.ee/estherwokoma  For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

    28 min
5
out of 5
37 Ratings

About

Are you a solopreneur, entrepreneur, or small business owner looking to connect with other small business owners ? Are you yearning to know how they became successful at what they do? Then tune into Chatting with Experts podcast as we have all the right answers for you! Here you can listen to successful small business owners like Sonia Stetzler, Bill Franklin, Tesse Akpeki, Leanne Cannon and so many others share tips, advice and strategies on how they built their businesses . Join us on www.ChattingwiththeExperts.com and determine how to become the success that you are.