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. Dealing with Blind Spots in Leadership

    2D AGO

    Dealing with Blind Spots in Leadership

    Sheila Carmichael, a strategic advisor and Master Certified Coach, known as the "Blind Spot Strategist," discusses how leadership blind spots affect leadership presence. Carmichael describes common derailers for directors, VPs, and C-suite leaders: relying on the old competency playbook under stress, focusing on performance instead of influence, and waiting too long to speak up to avoid rocking the boat. She explains how promotions often shift scope, collaboration demands, and expectations without clear guidance, leaving leaders to "figure it out." Carmichael discusses how "nice-nasty" cultures and vague feedback widen perception gaps, and how external coaching can help through diagnostics, self-assessments, and 360 reviews (including stakeholder interviews at senior levels). She shares her signature reframing question, "What is that situation asking of you?"   Timestamps: 00:00 Show Welcome Mission 00:37 Meet Blind Spot Strategist 02:23 Top Leadership Blind Spots 05:04 Promotion Without Playbook 07:58 Why Sheila Does This 08:54 Nice Nasty Feedback 11:04 Neutral Outside Coach 16:51 How 360s Reveal Gaps 22:21 Internal vs External Coaching 25:32 Signature Question Neuroscience 29:33 Where To Find Sheila 30:24 Host Wrap Up QandA   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Sheila Carmichael, you can reach her via her website(https://www.sheilacarmichael.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sheilarcarmichael/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/sheila.r.carmichael.2025), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilacarmichael/).    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. The Danger of Synthetic Skin Products

    APR 2

    The Danger of Synthetic Skin Products

    Dr. Christina Hector is a board-certified physician specializing in non-surgical sports medicine and regenerative aesthetic medicine and founder of Nature's Puree, a physician-founded natural skincare line for the whole family. Dr. Hector shares how her medical school experience led her to avoid chemicals in hair and skincare products and begin creating her own natural formulations. She explains the benefits of plant-based skincare—vitamins and antioxidants that protect skin, the body's largest organ—and emphasizes reading ingredient labels, especially as skin thins with age and absorbs more products. She outlines a simple routine: gentle cleansing twice daily, moisturizing, and mineral-based sunscreen, with optional vitamin C and retinol, and suggests seeing an aesthetician for concerns like acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation. She also discusses tallow/lard soaps, her book The Natural Skincare Playbook, and where to find her online.   Timestamps: 01:19 Meet Dr Christina Hector 02:35 Her Natural Beauty Origin 05:21 Why Plant Based Skincare 08:40 Simple Daily Skin Routine 13:16 Plant vs Animal Based Oils 15:56 Natural Skincare Playbook 19:19 Where to Find Dr Hector 20:48 Wrap Up and Q&A   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Christina Hector, you can reach her via her website(http://www.naturespuree.com), via Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/naturespuree), via Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/naturespuree), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchectordo/).  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.

    22 min
  3. Success beyond Corporate America

    MAR 28

    Success beyond Corporate America

    Jraya Nicole, a career advancement coach and corporate transition strategist, discusses how high-performing professionals can leverage corporate success to pursue entrepreneurship without starting over. Jraya introduces the idea of "success survivors"—people who have achieved external markers of success yet feel disconnected, guilty, and misaligned—and distinguishes burnout (a depletion problem) from misalignment (an identity problem) requiring redirection. She argues the main barriers are not confidence or capital but courage and infrastructure, and emphasizes translating "corporate currency" into entrepreneurial authority through a strategic, "beautiful exit" rather than a reckless leap.    Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:28 Meet Jraya Nicole 02:05 Success Survivor Mindset 04:28 Courage Over Confidence 06:50 Corporate Currency Bridge 08:18 Burnout vs Misalignment 12:49 Calling and Growth Friction 18:47 Strategic Exit Timeline 20:54 Profitable Pathway Framework 23:53 Runways and Networks 26:20 Connect and Closing   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Jraya Nicole, you can reach her via her website(https://substack.com/@jrayanicole), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jrayanicole/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/JrayaNicoleCareers), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrayanicole/). Check out her YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jrayanicole   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. Why Nurses Are Becoming Entrepreneurs

    FEB 20

    Why Nurses Are Becoming Entrepreneurs

    Dr. Farah Laurent, a trained nurse, nurse career coach, keynote speaker, and podcaster, talks about why nurses are moving into business and the many career options beyond bedside nursing. Farah shares her journey from Canada to New York City, including being discouraged from emergency nursing as a student, securing ER roles, working in the ER for 13 years, and later advancing into nursing education leadership (including roles as nurse educator, NYU clinical instructor, director of education, and associate dean). She explains that workplace politics, resistance to advocacy, and being laid off three times in five years pushed her toward entrepreneurship, which she defines as identifying market gaps and creating solutions. She describes building a nurse career coaching business to help nurses land specialty and six-figure roles, earning her doctorate while working full-time and raising young children, and becoming focused on business skills, personal branding, and visibility. Farah outlines business paths nurses pursue (coaching, consulting, education, speaking, private practices, telehealth, aesthetics/med spas, and IV hydration) and notes legal considerations in some models. She emphasizes business acumen, personal development, market research (including wait lists and being "oversubscribed," citing Daniel Priestley), and community through mentors and masterminds, recommending multiple mentors inside and outside nursing. Farah discusses self-publishing her 2023 book "Nurses Making Money Moves," launching the Nurses Making Money Moves Conference in under three months with attendees from 20 states, and announces the renamed Nurses Making Business Moves conference on March 6–7 in Tampa, Florida.     Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Chatting with the Experts  01:23 Farah's Origin Story: Proving She Belonged in the ER 03:57 From Canada to NYC: Growth, New Opportunities, Bigger Vision 04:40 What Nurse Entrepreneurship Really Means (and How Layoffs Sparked It) 07:57 Building the Brand: Doctorate, Business Skills & Transferable Nurse Strengths 11:19 Business Paths for Nurses: Coaching, Consulting, Private Practice & More 13:01 Market Research 101: Waitlists, Validation & Avoiding Costly Mistakes 18:37 Visibility & Trust: Personal Branding and the Nurses Making Business Moves Conference 20:13 Community & Mentorship: Finding the Right Support System 22:40 How to Connect + Final Announcements and Wrap-Up   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Farah Laurent, you can reach her via her website(https://www.nursefarah.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nursefarahinc/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/people/Farah-Laurent/pfbid0k5EurPMhhN88u6hZmmAdpkoS92uiWER7DmpqCnZ31xnbmrRHXPt2JYJ2VN7tpQSXl/), or via LinkedIn(http://linkedin.com/in/nursefarah). You can also book for her upcoming  conference: https://www.nursesmakingbusinessmoves.com/home You can get a copy of her book here: https://www.nursefarah.com/books   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.

    25 min
  5. How to Secure Your Property Before It's Too Late

    FEB 12

    How to Secure Your Property Before It's Too Late

    Tempest Williams, president and CEO of the Tempest Financial Group, PLLC, and a financial professional and intergenerational planning strategist, emphasizes the critical importance of having conversations about financial planning across generations. She shares her personal experiences of family losses and how it highlighted the necessity of discussing money matters to avoid conflicts and ensure preparedness. Tempest explains how she guides families through comprehensive financial planning, focusing on emotional and motivational aspects, and collaborates with estate planning attorneys and other specialists to address all facets of financial security. The discussion also touches on the challenges of reverse mortgages, caregiving for aging parents, and the impact of lacking awareness in financial planning.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Chatting with the Experts 00:40 Introducing Tempest Williams and Her Mission 02:40 The Importance of Intergenerational Planning 02:57 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 06:37 Navigating Financial Conversations and Planning 09:24 The Role of a Financial Planner 14:03 Challenges in Estate and Financial Planning 21:47 Caring for Aging Parents: A Personal Account 28:54 How to Connect with Tempest Williams 30:20 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Connect   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Tempest Williams, you can reach her via her website(http://thetempestfinancialgrouppllc.com), via her YouTube(https://youtube.com/@thetempestfinancialgrouppl8176), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thetempestfinancialgrouppllc?igsh=a3kxYm9ybmp2a3J6), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/TheTempestFinancialGroup), via TikTok(https://www.tiktok.com/@thetempestfg?_t=ZT-90aMgj3qXXR&_r=1) or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tempest-financial-group-pllc/).   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
  6. How AI is Transforming Healthcare in Africa

    FEB 5

    How AI is Transforming Healthcare in Africa

    Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé, a pharmacist, entrepreneur, wellness expert, and AI healthcare innovator, shares her inspiring journey from being a clinical pharmacist to founding NaturEllie and PharmaEllie, where she combines wellness, medication safety, and AI to improve healthcare outcomes in Africa and the diaspora. She discusses her transition motivated by a personal battle with cancer, her faith, and her vision to make a positive impact. Dr. Ondias-Kouamé delves into the role of AI in revolutionizing health services, especially in Gabon and Ivory Coast, and offers insights into how AI can enhance medication safety and wellness education across borders.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with the Experts 01:26 Meet Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé 02:05 Journey from Pharmacy to Entrepreneurship 03:30 The Birth of NaturEllie 05:32 Integrating AI in Healthcare 12:11 Scaling Health and Wellness Across Africa 14:56 Staying Focused and Disciplined in Business 15:19 Overcoming Challenges in African Business 16:02 Implementing Systems and Automation 16:30 The Importance of Patience and Perseverance 17:06 Navigating Business Operations in Africa 17:36 Building Trust and Securing Contracts 18:06 Revolutionizing Drug Safety with AI 22:18 NaturEllie: A Personal Journey 24:52 Combining Pharmacy and AI: The Birth of PharmaEllie 25:27 Faith-Based Business Coaching 27:12 Connecting with Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé 28:30 Conclusion and Audience Engagement   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé, you can reach her via her website(https://pharmaellie.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dr.kanouche), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110141788) or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/annouchka-ondias-kouame-pharm-d-msc-b3696576/). 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.

    30 min
  7. Your Hair is Your Identity

    JAN 22

    Your Hair is Your Identity

    Kuda Mupawose, a board-certified trichologist,  pharmacologist with over 25 years of experience in the hair care industry and founder of Feso Hair Care Brand, discusses the intricate relationship between hair and identity, particularly in the context of African and Caribbean women. She shares her journey from pharmacology to developing an organic hair care product derived from the plant Feso, explaining its benefits and the science behind it. Mupawose emphasises the critical role hair plays as a window to our internal health, linking hair health to broader physiological conditions such as hormonal imbalances and fibroids. The episode concludes with practical advice on approaching hair care and the importance of regular scalp health check-ups.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:45 Hair and Identity 02:50 Journey into the Hair Business 04:26 Creating Feso Hair Care 08:20 The Science Behind Hair Care 12:26 The Impact of Hair Products on Health 18:47 Connecting Hair to Overall Health 27:18 Conclusion and Contact Information   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Kuda Mupawose, you can reach her via her website(http://www.fesoafrica.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fesohair/), via Facebook(https://web.facebook.com/kudamupawose/) or via LinkedIn(http://linkedin.com/in/leticiakuda). 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.

    30 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.