Create Yourself: Imagery. Intimacy. Innovation.

Joyce Kyles
  • 5.0 (1)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT

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 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
  2. Create Yourself featuring Dorian Spears

    FEB 10

    Create Yourself featuring Dorian Spears

    Having a conversation with Dorian Spears is such a regal experience. She comes from a rich, ancestral background and self-awareness which she brings into every space, from the name of her business to her intentional centering of equity and joy into her work. If the work doesn’t align with her values, it makes it easy to say no, so she can give from a place of overflow and not exhaustion. Listen and take applicable notes of these gems and those related to philanthropy, institutionalized oppression, truth and reconciliation, and the importance of the dimensions of humanity (no gray areas).  About Dorian: Dorian is Principal Consultant of D'Emile Strategy Group, bridging philanthropy, nonprofits, corporations, and government to create lasting transformation. With 15+ years of implementing initiatives backed by Bloomberg Philanthropies, Melinda French Gates' Pivotal Ventures, and MacKenzie Scott, Dorian has activated $10M+ in capital and created hundreds of jobs through cross-sector partnerships. Memphis-rooted with global reach, she has also lived in Atlanta and Chicago. Dorian proves that sustainable transformation happens when leaders center community wisdom while acting with both intention and heart. A 2025 Memphis Business Journal Expand - Diversity in Business Award recipient, she serves on boards including Beloved Community and chairs the mentorship committee for the Association for Fundraising Professionals - Memphis Chapter. In June 2026, she'll present at the World Community Development Conference in Glasgow, Scotland, continuing her commitment to building bridges that amplify underrepresented voices. Connect with Dorian: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dorianspears/ Support the show

    36 min
  3. Create Yourself featuring Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden

    FEB 3

    Create Yourself featuring Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden

    “Success is your birthright” is a mantra Dr. Gates-Golden lives by. This episode is about evolution, the levels of recreating your life, and supporting the community with a unique opportunity to receive upscale, actionable, entrepreneurial and life skills for long term sustainability. Learn more about the center, scholarships, and the personal and professional journey to doing what you love.  About Nicole: Dr. Nicole Gates-Golden is the Founder and Executive Director of Golden Key Entrepreneur Training Academy, a Memphis-based hub designed to restore hope and build economic power through entrepreneurship. Known for her practical, people-centered approach, she equips aspiring and early-stage business owners with the tools, confidence, and community needed to turn ideas into sustainable ventures. Blending education, access, and real-world application, Dr. Gates-Golden leads programs that focus on business strategy, digital skills, financial literacy, and resilience—because building a business is just as much about mindset as it is mechanics. Her work is deeply rooted in community revitalization, workforce development, and generational wealth creation, particularly in historically under-resourced neighborhoods. Through Golden Key, she champions what she calls “hope-driven entrepreneurship,” proving that when people are properly equipped, possibility multiplies. Connect with Nicole: Facebook https://www.facebook.com/share/17ASbXb1wU/?mibextid=wwXIfr IG https://www.instagram.com/thereal_goldenkey?igsh=NmxybDExcTVyOWtt&utm_source=qr TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@golden_key8?_t=ZT-8zRtPfn28oo&_r=1 Support the show

    36 min
  4. Create Yourself featuring Tiran Jackson

    JAN 30

    Create Yourself featuring Tiran Jackson

    After experiencing unimaginable loss, I invite you to the reinvention and rediscovery of Tiran Jackson “2.0” and the journey that led to his choice to be resilient and thrive. The former successful engineer discusses the greater road created for him to impact others as the founder of his own business, and as President of the GA Chapter of the National Speakers Association. Hear actionable insights on how to use your special gifts and uniqueness to build a successful speaking (or your chosen) business and be sure to connect and congratulate him. Tune in for details! About Tiran: Tiran Jackson is a resilience expert, keynote speaker, author, and life coach who helps individuals and organizations transform adversity into strength, clarity, and forward momentum. After surviving a life-altering tragedy that claimed his wife and left him physically injured, Tiran chose resilience—not just as a mindset, but as a way of life. Drawing from his background as an engineer and his powerful personal journey, Tiran delivers practical, story-driven insights that inspire action, leadership, and lasting change. He is the founder of Reborn Resilient, author of Choosing Resilience, and creator of the ROADMAP to Resilience framework. Tiran has spoken to corporations, universities, associations, and faith-based organizations nationwide, equipping audiences to rise stronger through challenge and lead with purpose. Connect with Tiran: LinkedIn: Tiran Jackson Facebook: Tiran Jackson Instagram / TikTok: tiranjacksonofficial E-mail: Tiranjackson@rebornresilient.com Website: RebornResilient.com Support the show

    31 min
  5. Create Yourself featuring James Shannon

    JAN 16

    Create Yourself featuring James Shannon

    Wise beyond his years, strategic relationship consultant James Shannon is indeed an expert in crafting and connecting you with the right people and best suited tools and resources for your who, what, when, where, how, and why. Relationship building is currency, and there are different types. Learn how to use what you’ve done and experienced in the past to have a positive impact on your present and future business and personal relationships. And, he’s quite the baker, too!  About James: James Shannon is a Strategic Relationship Consultant, Business Development Advisor and community builder who helps founders and professional service providers turn relationships into real business outcomes. Known for his ability to see patterns others miss, James specializes in access creation, opportunity vetting, and relationship strategy—helping businesses identify where growth is coming from and how to pursue it intentionally. His work centers on clarity, positioning, and execution: understanding which relationships matter, why they matter, and how to activate them for revenue, leverage, and long-term advantage. Through advisory work, curated environments, and strategic guidance, James helps operators move from informal conversations to structured, results-driven growth through intentional relationships. His perspective blends business strategy, human behavior, and real-world experience across multiple sectors, and community-building ecosystems. Connect with James: LinkedIn: https://www.instagram.com/iamjamesshannon/ Instagram: www.linkedin.com/in/iamjamesshannon Website: www.iamjamesshannon.com Support the show

    38 min
  6. Create Yourself featuring Cassandra Hill

    JAN 9

    Create Yourself featuring Cassandra Hill

    Cassandra Hill is truly a transformation agent for black women. She's a multifaceted face for social justice, equality, and systemic change. Be prepared to be moved, enlightened, and informed as she speaks truth and awareness around a myriad of topics including domestic violence, mental wellness, and entrepreneurship. About Cassandra: Cassandra Hill is a Master Life Coach, Best-Selling Author, and Speaker. Her passion is empowering Black women to live life on their terms by up-leveling their emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being. Cassandra is passionate about spreading self-love as one of the solutions to eradicate the domestic violence epidemic among Black women.  Cassandra is the catalyst to spark Black women entrepreneurs to create game-winning strategies and achieve them while living a peaceful life.  Additionally, Cassandra serves as Board President of 1M4, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending police violence by 2038.  Cassandra has been awarded for her service with recognitions like: *2024 Black Woman Owned Brand of the Year by the I’m Loving Me Project *Women’s Biz Global: Woman to Watch in 2023 *2022 Influential African American Woman in Business by Smart Women Partner She has collaborated with: *Goldman Sachs *Nashville Voyager *Authority Magazine Connect with Cassandra: Social Media & Website Links are at https://linktr.ee/healercassandra Support the show

    34 min
  7. Create Yourself featuring Farrah Larry

    JAN 2

    Create Yourself featuring Farrah Larry

    1 in 700,000: The approximate odds in having spontaneous quadruplets. Today’s inspiring episode features the many layers of Farrah Larry and her continuous faith-driven journey as wife, mother of PJ and the Quads and business owner. She and her husband couldn’t have fathomed this would be their lives at age 30. They wouldn’t have it any other way. This entire interview is 100% filled with gems, guidance, and an understanding of why walking in your assignment, trusting the process, prayer, and pivoting will yield personal and professional abundance. About Farrah: Farrah Larry is a God fearing woman who wears many hats. She is a wife and mom to 5 under age 4. Born and raised before and after Hurricane Katrina, Farrah is a proud New Orleans native. She is an alumna to Ursuline Academy and the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Child and Family Studies with a minor in Criminal Justice. She started her transportation business, Larry Transportation Services in 2023, and it has continued to grow, expand, and thrive ever since. She has a heart to serve and help others in the community. She's a blessing to anyone she encounters and is widely known for her servant leadership in the community, sincere heart, giving nature, unshakeable faith, and  prophetic words of wisdom and strength whom she credits comes from God.  Connect with Farrah: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjanddaquads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/youngflarry Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/farrah.veal Support the show

    52 min
  8. Create Yourself featuring Malaysia Harrell

    12/26/2025

    Create Yourself featuring Malaysia Harrell

    Malaysia Harrell is indeed a powerhouse with the personal and professional credentials and passion for women who need to reimagine who they can be. Learn about her journey in psychotherapy, her faith-centered purpose, and near-death experience in 2020. We discuss self-advocacy in healthcare and military systems, emphasizing the importance of listening to intuition and questioning decisions that impact wellbeing. Malaysia shares how faith, clarity, and internal resources became central to her healing and transformation.  About Malaysia: Malaysia Harrell is a board-certified psychotherapist, a spiritual transformation coach, award-winning entrepreneur, veteran, keynote speaker, and author who helps women find freedom and fulfillment. But really, she is a healer, an unleasher, and a light that leads women back to their true selves so they can live fully and finally. As a licensed psychotherapist and board-certified clinical social worker, Malaysia blends clinical expertise, spiritual wisdom and intuitive guidance to help women overcome their past trauma, heal their hurts and define their vision for their lives. Her incomparable coaching guides clients on an intimate, insightful journey to break free from limiting beliefs and expectations and discover lives of authenticity, purpose and bliss. Extraordinary at walking women through radical transformation, Malaysia is more than her client’s coach; she’s their champion.   Malaysia is not just a brilliant therapist and coach, but a woman with her own “against all odds” success story. From overcoming a childhood trauma to a life-threatening illness that could have crippled her, she’s built her career brick by brick, fighting fears, failures, and setbacks to have the life she’s always known was hers to claim. Through it all, Malaysia has mastered the art of faith-filled manifestation, proving that whatever a woman believes, she becomes. And today she personifies what it means to ascend over adversity while inspiring countless women to do the same. Whether she’s in front of an audience of one or one thousand, Malaysia’s life-shifting energy propels women towards transformation and empowerment; she awakens women to the possibility of more.  Connect with Malaysia: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/malaysiahharrell Website: https://www.malaysiaharrell.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/malaysia-h-harrell-a322b19b/ Support the show

    25 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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