I have SOMETHING to say‪!‬ Sami Haiman-Marrero

The status “Educated & Broke” is about to change for women in Central Florida thanks to the determination and perseverance of Arlene Blake, Founder and Executive Director of Women on the Rise. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha discuss with Arlene the transformative program her organization has designed and implemented to solve the problem of highly educated women dissatisfied in their careers or unable to advance socioeconomically because they don’t have the proper support and guidance.
 
Through Women on the Rise’s “Educated & Broke” program, women are equipped with invaluable resources to articulate their worth, navigate salary negotiations, chart their career trajectory, secure mentors, manage finances, invest wisely, and kickstart side hustles. Notably, the program also extends a helping hand to single mothers by providing free childcare during workshops. Some of these highly educated women are on public assistance to complement their salaries and receive financial guidance to navigate the “benefits cliff” where an increase of salary doesn’t necessarily offset losing the public assistance they need to meet the needs of their families. Arlene shares, "By us having these types of workshops and working with women, we've been able to see women completely renegotiate their salary, adding upwards of $30,000 to what they were making before."
The ripple effect of empowerment spurred by Educated & Broke transcends individual participants, inspiring a cascade of confidence and self-advocacy among women. It also creates a pipeline of mentors that support other women in their workplaces and neighborhoods.
Bolstered by grants and strategic partnerships, Women on the Rise is committed to expanding its reach and providing robust support to women in Central Florida. But they need all the help they can get. For more on the Educated and Broke program and to support Arlene’s mission, please visit: https://www.wotrinc.org/educated-broke
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Small business owners who don’t have the support of a daddy or mommy who can show them the ropes sometimes don’t realize all the possible issues that can come up when employing people as a means to scale. Aside from dealing with the day-to-day drama that ensues when humans work together, many HR issues arise because we don’t know all of the established regulations to properly run a business under the law – and keeping track of when they change the rules, too!
Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero welcome Mandi Waters, a dedicated Account Manager at Merritt Business Solutions to this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY to share some of the most common HR-related considerations to keep in mind when navigating the layered world of human resources. While she clarifies that she’s by no means an HR expert, her role as a concierge service or broker for all HR outsourcing needs makes her an invaluable asset to small businesses.
As Mandi shares her passion for assisting businesses with everything from employee administration to 401K management, she emphasizes the critical importance of compliance in the realm of HR. Despite the broad scope of human resources, Mandi's focus on ensuring compliance resonates deeply with business owners who understand the stakes involved. She basically helps small businesses protect themselves.
What makes Mandi's perspective unique is her unconventional journey to HR. With a background as a Production Electrician in the Entertainment Industry spanning 18 years, Mandi made the courageous leap into entrepreneurship 12 years ago. However, a painful lesson learned from a stop order issued by the Department of Labor due to a compliance oversight shook her business to its core. It cost her $35K. Mandi's firsthand experience fuels her determination to empower business owners with the knowledge they need to avoid similar pitfalls.
Throughout the episode, we explore key topics with Mandi such as the complexities of the new white-collar gig economy, managing 1099s, when to transition to W2s, handling interviews and expectations of the new generation, and building HR foundational assets that safeguard businesses against unforeseen challenges.
Join us for an enlightening discussion with Mandi Waters as she shares her wealth of knowledge and practical insights aimed at helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As Mandi aptly puts it, "You're fine until you're not!"
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It was THAT GOOD. This is the first time we have a sequel with a guest from our "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY" podcast. In Part 2 of our conversation with Malik Williams, Emmy-nominated, platinum-selling composer/producer and Founder/CEO of Reel Sync Music, Chris Majocha and I have a front-row seat to ask questions about the intricacies of the music industry and Malik’s views on the power of community-building.
Malik shares with us the genesis of the Secret Society of Black Creatives, a transformative initiative aimed at creating spaces and opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry. He sheds light on the challenges he faced and the resilience required to break through barriers and pave the way for meaningful change.
Openly and candidly, Malik discusses with us the realities of navigating the entertainment industry, confronting gatekeepers, and seizing opportunities in an environment often rife with obstacles. His insights on showing up in our full power and embracing honesty, even when it's uncomfortable, resonate deeply, emphasizing the importance of authenticity in every aspect of our lives.
Throughout our conversation, Malik emphasizes the value of building relationships and humanizing others, recognizing that true progress comes from fostering understanding and empathy within our communities. We explore the crucial role of diversity in communication, highlighting the need to articulate thoughts with respect and mindfulness of context and language.
Malik shares personal experiences of navigating traumatic events, underscoring the power of vulnerability and the healing potential of friendship and gratitude. We discuss the importance of self-care and the necessity of prioritizing mental health in an industry often marked by intense pressure and expectations.
As the conversation unfolds, we explore the significance of relationships and the profound impact of building a supportive community. Malik's commitment to sharing personal stories and being an open book serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the transformative power of authenticity and connection.
Moreover, he stresses the importance of creating opportunities for others, fostering resilience, and promoting equity in the arts. Malik's unwavering dedication to entrepreneurship education exemplifies the significance of owning our narratives and opening doors for future generations of creatives.
Join us as we conclude this enlightening conversation with Malik Williams, and as we reflect on the power of collaboration, community support, and the enduring legacy of authenticity in influencing positive change. THE BIG TAKAWAY:  Together, we can break down barriers, overcome racism, and foster a more inclusive and equitable society—one authentic connection at a time.
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This conversation was like having an exclusive Backstage Pass into the world of music entertainment. I love it when Chris Majocha and I have a guest on our I Have Something to Say Podcast who is brutally honest like me.
In this two-part series, we get to travel the world with Malik Williams, founder and CEO of Reel Sync Music, and an accomplished Emmy Nominated, platinum-selling composer/producer whose work has appeared in records, film, TV shows, and national ad campaigns. He gives us an in-depth look behind the curtain and shares powerful experiences that have shaped how he’s chosen to lead his life…with purpose.
In Part 1, we dive deep into Malik's journey, exploring his path from Dorchester, Boston, to becoming a prominent figure in the music industry. Malik shares with us his upbringing and how he discovered his passion for music. Growing up in Dorchester, he found solace and inspiration in the sounds around him, igniting a flame that would eventually lead him to pursue a music career.
What sets Malik apart is his unique combination of interests, merging his love for music with his background in engineering and technology. This fusion opened doors to exciting opportunities, showcasing the power of interdisciplinary pursuits.
Malik's transition from engineering to music production highlights the importance of authenticity and connection in the creative journey. His story serves as a testament to the transformative power of following one's passions and embracing one's true self.
Throughout the conversation, Malik emphasizes the value of giving back and supporting others, emphasizing that success is not just about personal achievement but also about lifting others up along the way. He shares insights into creating meaningful experiences for fans, understanding that music goes beyond mere entertainment—it's about forging genuine connections and leaving a lasting impact.
Furthermore, we explore how experiences and moral issues have shaped Malik's perspective, guiding his actions and decisions in an industry oftentimes plagued with shady characters and temptation. His commitment to authenticity and integrity shines through, setting a powerful example for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs alike.
Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey with Malik Williams, uncovering the profound insights and experiences that have shaped his remarkable career in music.
And next week, stay tuned for Part 2 of our conversation, where we'll continue to explore themes of diversity, communication, and the importance of building a supportive community in the arts.
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Last month we explained WHAT WE ARE DOING, in the new podcast “Issues2Impact” that Chris Majocha, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Valerie Solomon, and yours truly are launching very soon. This is the WHAT:  We will leverage our collective expertise in nonprofit consulting, content creation, leadership development, and business to empower founders, professionals, and leaders (our guests) who are passionate about making a positive impact in their communities but are challenged by a situation they need to figure out to navigate.
In this episode of “I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY” we talk about WHY WE ARE DOING this. We kick off the discussion by acknowledging the frustration many of us have faced when encountering recurring problems without a clear path to resolution. Recognizing the value of collaboration and diverse perspectives, we will create a space where organizational leaders and entrepreneurs can find trusted guidance and honest advice from us.   
Our goal is to provide a supportive network that breaks down barriers to information sharing, empowering individuals to overcome imposter syndrome and self-doubt. By offering (and recording) our step-by-step guidance and provision of tangible solutions, we hope to help our guests address their pain points and achieve their goals.
So, whether you're facing obstacles in your business, navigating organizational challenges, or seeking innovative ways to drive social change, our podcast is here to support you every step of the way. We want to extend an open invitation to anyone who is grappling with a challenge in their work – simply reach out to us, and we'll schedule you as a guest on our show. Let us be your expert sounding board!
Our WHY: We are genuinely committed to fostering collaboration and taking meaningful action. We're not just here to talk – we're here to drive real change by helping leaders address the issues holding them back from making an impact.
Throughout our conversation, we emphasize the importance of perspective and mindset in problem-solving. We agree that adopting a growth mindset and exploring the concept of creating an alter ego to unlock personal and business growth is oftentimes the answer, especially for introverted leaders.
We also dive into the significance of defining goals and values, both personally and professionally, and discuss strategies for alignment and achievement. From managing people to embracing uncomfortable situations and learning from mistakes, we explore the challenges and opportunities that come with growth.
As our discussion unfolds, we reflect on the privilege of our experiences and the importance of giving back to our communities, encouraging everyone to lean into new experiences and embrace a mindset of continuous growth.
#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #Issues2Impact

The negative perception of consulting stems from the prevalence of consultants who talk a good game but fail to deliver the goods. We’ve all faced this problem – from small to large companies and organizations. But it doesn’t have to be this way. 
To talk about the art of vetting consultants, Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero invited Alexandra Capellos Peters, the founder and CEO of Cansulta to I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY where she helps dispel the negative perception of consulting and explain how she built a business around this very problem she needed to solve for herself (classic entrepreneurship story!!!).
Alex shares the challenges she faced in corporate jobs that drove her to become an independent consultant. However, as a consultant, she was also a small business owner who often struggled to find the right help and support to grow and succeed.  She emphasizes the need for help for start-ups and entrepreneurs as she recounts her own experience that led to the creation of Cansulta to bring the magic of world-class consulting to every business.
Their rigorous process of vetting consultants includes the basics like screening resumes which combined with an automated interview and role-playing case studies creates a thorough vetting process. The goal is to find consultants who are experienced, versatile, and capable of applying their expertise to different types of businesses and situations…adaptability!   She generously explains the value of interactive case studies as a way to assess a consultant's skills, abilities, and mindset on the spot.
Alex says that the role of data in the vetting process is also explored, acknowledging that while data can be helpful, it is not always the best indicator of a consultant's fit. The importance of finding the right vibe and energy in a consultant is what’s oftentimes more crucial, as well as the consultant’s desire to help small businesses succeed…as if they were their own.
So, when’s the best time to work with a consultant? This comes along with giving adequate importance to strategic planning. In short, the best time to work with a consultant is proactively and preventatively before you’re in a pickle – although there ARE consultants for that as well. Hence, Alex’s vision of changing the perception of consulting and creating a platform for identifying, vetting, and securing a pool of quality talent who can not only talk a good game but also deliver the goods.
#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast