Coffee Chat Pod

Diondria Brown
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Careers
  • Updated Weekly

🔥Welcome to "Coffee Chat Pod" YouTube Channel🔥 Coffee Chat Pod is your ultimate destination for Mentorship & Leadership for Black Professionals in Business and Tech. The Coffee Chat is a podcast and video series designed for Black professionals, especially mid-career women, navigating the business and tech world with boldness, brilliance, and authenticity. Through intentional storytelling, mentorship moments, and coffee-fueled conversations, we unpack the real experiences behind career transitions, leadership growth, tech trends, and navigating identity in the workplace. Stay with this channel and enjoy all the podcasts! 🔥Please subscribe to "Coffee Chat Pod" YouTube Channel with hit the notification 🔔 icon to get all the next update videos🔥 #CoffeeChatPod #blackprofessionals   #BlackLeadership  #BlackWomenInTech  #MentorshipMatters  #CareerGrowth  #AuthenticLeadership #BlackExcellence  #ImposterSyndrome  #TechTalks #LeadershipDevelopment  #BlackInTech #shorts

  1. From Empty Building to Tech Startup Founder: How Khalil Martin Built Khalab

    Jun 3

    From Empty Building to Tech Startup Founder: How Khalil Martin Built Khalab

    In this episode of The Coffee Chat, I sit down with entrepreneur and Khalab founder Khalil Martin to discuss: ☕ Building a 4,000 sq. ft. creative space from scratch ☕ Nearly shutting down after struggling to stay afloat ☕ The TikTok video that changed everything ☕ Using ChatGPT to build the first version of his platform ☕ Why most communities fail ☕ Entrepreneurship myths nobody talks about ☕ The future of real-world connection in an AI-driven world If you're thinking about starting a business, building a community, or chasing an idea you've been sitting on, this episode is for you. 🎧 Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments. Find Khalil here: Join the Khalab community: https://members.joinkahlab.com/waitlist?ref=09zvlkp&source=community&source_slug=kahlab-community Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinkahlab LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kahlilbmartin/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinkahlab/ LMost people think building community is easy. Start a group chat. Host an event. Watch it grow. But what happens when nobody shows up? What happens when your business is one bad month away from shutting down? #CoffeeChatPodcast #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #StartupFounder #HoustonEntrepreneurs #AI #Collab

    55 min
  2. AI Is Replacing Jobs… Here’s How To Still Break Into Tech in 2026

    May 13

    AI Is Replacing Jobs… Here’s How To Still Break Into Tech in 2026

    AI is changing the tech industry faster than most people realize. In this episode of The Coffee Chat, Diondria Brown sits down with AWS Principal AI Engineer and founder of Emagetech, Kenna Ofoegbu, for a real conversation about breaking into tech, cloud engineering, AI careers, layoffs, six-figure salaries, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career in today’s market. We discuss: • The truth about breaking into tech in 2026 • AI’s impact on jobs and the future of work • Cloud engineering career paths and salary potential • Why networking and community matter more than ever • The biggest mistakes people make trying to enter tech • What aspiring tech professionals should focus on right now If you’re thinking about transitioning into tech, leveling up your career, or trying to understand where AI is taking the industry, this episode is for you. 🎥 Subscribe to The Coffee Chat for more conversations around tech, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career growth. #AI #TechCareers #CloudEngineering #AWS #CareerGrowth #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInTech #Podcast

    51 min
  3. The Government Pays Billions. Is Your Business Ready?

    Apr 29

    The Government Pays Billions. Is Your Business Ready?

    In this episode of The Coffee Chat, I sit down with Tamanisha, founder of HerGov Summit and HerGov Lounge, to talk about government contracting, business certifications, entrepreneurship, and building opportunities when traditional doors close. Tamanisha shares her journey from being a single mom and returning citizen to becoming a GovCon strategist helping women entrepreneurs structure their businesses, get certified, bid on contracts, and scale. We talk about: • What government contracting actually is • Minority-owned and woman-owned business certifications • Why business structure matters before you bid • Common pricing mistakes entrepreneurs make • How contracts can help businesses scale • What to expect at HerGov Summit in Houston The HerGov Summit takes place May 22–23 at The Thompson Houston. Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. We’re on the road to 500 subscribers. #MinorityOwnedBusiness #BusinessCertification #FederalContracts #BusinessFunding #GovContracting #GovernmentContracts #GovCon #WomenInBusiness

    53 min
  4. The Truth About Getting Hired: It’s Not Your Resume

    Apr 15

    The Truth About Getting Hired: It’s Not Your Resume

    If you feel like you’re doing everything right—applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn—but still not getting hired… this episode is for you. The job market has changed—and most people are still using outdated strategies. In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working today when it comes to landing opportunities, building real connections, and positioning yourself as someone companies want to hire. 🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:Why applying online isn’t working anymoreThe real way to break into tech in today’s marketNetworking vs skills (what actually matters more)How to position yourself as “in demand”Why being in the right rooms changes everythingHow to use LinkedIn for visibility and opportunity👤 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Instagram: https://instagram.com/engineerdreamsofficial Website: https://www.engineerdreams.com Interview Prep Platform: https://www.joininterviewpro.com LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn ☕ ABOUT THE COFFEE CHATReal conversations about career growth, tech, AI, and navigating your next move—with people who’ve actually done it. 🔥 CTAIf this episode helped you: 👍 Like 💬 Comment your biggest takeaway 🔔 Subscribe for more real career conversations

    57 min
  5. Stop Applying to Jobs: What Actually Gets You Hired in 2026

    Mar 25

    Stop Applying to Jobs: What Actually Gets You Hired in 2026

    Are you applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn… and still getting nowhere? You’re not crazy—the job market has changed. In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working right now when it comes to landing a role in tech (and beyond). If you’re tired of sending applications into a black hole, this conversation will shift how you approach your entire job search. I sat down with Jared, a tech sales leader turned entrepreneur, to talk about the real strategies that are helping people get hired in today’s market—from leveraging relationships to getting in the right rooms and positioning yourself to be in demand. We’re not talking basic advice. This is the stuff people aren’t telling you.

    47 min
  6. Discovery > Demo: The Cyber Pre-Sales Playbook (CISSP + Army Intel Vet)

    Feb 25

    Discovery > Demo: The Cyber Pre-Sales Playbook (CISSP + Army Intel Vet)

    In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Diondria sits down with cybersecurity expert and Solutions Consultant Shanikqua Burks—an Army Intelligence veteran, CISSP-certified professional, and founder of Pre-Sales Advancement and Training Hood (PATH). With over 18 years of experience in federal cybersecurity and enterprise technology, Shanikqua breaks down what it really takes to succeed in cyber and pre-sales—from translating complex security concepts for executives to building trust that actually closes deals. This conversation is for the builders, the protectors, and anyone navigating the intersection of risk, technology, and business impact. Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, pivot into pre-sales, or level up your career, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, mindset, and long-term growth. 🔗 Connect with ShanikquaLinkedIn: Shanikqua Burks Instagram / Threads: @SBsellsTech P.A.T.H: https://www.buildwithpath.org/ 🚀 Call to ActionIf this episode helped you, share it with someone trying to break into tech, cybersecurity, or pre-sales. Don’t forget to: SubscribeLeave a reviewFollow for more conversations⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro 01:00 – Shanikqua’s journey into cybersecurity 03:00 – What federal cybersecurity looked like then vs now 07:00 – What Zero Trust actually means 11:30 – Simplifying cybersecurity for executives 13:00 – The challenge of selling in federal markets 14:00 – What a Solutions Consultant actually does 17:00 – What separates top SEs from average 20:00 – From $150K to $250K: what changes 22:00 – Discovery vs Demo (key moment) 29:00 – Building PATH and mentoring others 32:00 – Confidence and navigating imposter syndrome 34:00 – Mindset shifts for career growth 37:00 – When to pivot roles 38:00 – Building your personal brand 40:00 – Breaking into pre-sales and cyber 43:00 – Lightning round 45:00 – Final advice

    45 min
  7. Why Cybersecurity is recession proof in 2026 (No CS degree needed)

    Feb 11

    Why Cybersecurity is recession proof in 2026 (No CS degree needed)

    In this conversation, Wale shares his journey from finance to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of determination, networking, and the power of pivoting careers. He discusses the role of IT audits within cybersecurity, the skills needed for success, and the significance of certifications. Wale also highlights the opportunities available in cybersecurity, even outside of traditional tech companies, and the importance of teaching and mentoring others in the field. The discussion concludes with insights into the future of cybersecurity and the structure of Wale's bootcamp designed to help aspiring professionals break into the industry.

    45 min
  8. From Walgreens to Senior Product Manager: Breaking Into Tech Without a CS Degree

    Jan 28

    From Walgreens to Senior Product Manager: Breaking Into Tech Without a CS Degree

    This conversation explores the unique journey of Travell, a senior product manager at HackerRank, who transitioned from a background in English and Black Studies to a successful career in tech. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, non-technical skills, and the realities of salary expectations in the tech industry. Treville shares insights on navigating career transitions, the significance of negotiation, and the value of personal growth in professional settings. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of feeling valued in the workplace, the nuances of negotiating for appreciation and compensation, and the importance of a people-first approach in product management. They discuss essential skills for successful product managers, the value of personal projects over certifications, and the importance of understanding one's worth in salary negotiations. The conversation also touches on maintaining balance to avoid burnout and evolving executive presence and communication skills in a corporate environment.

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

🔥Welcome to "Coffee Chat Pod" YouTube Channel🔥 Coffee Chat Pod is your ultimate destination for Mentorship & Leadership for Black Professionals in Business and Tech. The Coffee Chat is a podcast and video series designed for Black professionals, especially mid-career women, navigating the business and tech world with boldness, brilliance, and authenticity. Through intentional storytelling, mentorship moments, and coffee-fueled conversations, we unpack the real experiences behind career transitions, leadership growth, tech trends, and navigating identity in the workplace. Stay with this channel and enjoy all the podcasts! 🔥Please subscribe to "Coffee Chat Pod" YouTube Channel with hit the notification 🔔 icon to get all the next update videos🔥 #CoffeeChatPod #blackprofessionals   #BlackLeadership  #BlackWomenInTech  #MentorshipMatters  #CareerGrowth  #AuthenticLeadership #BlackExcellence  #ImposterSyndrome  #TechTalks #LeadershipDevelopment  #BlackInTech #shorts

Information

  • Creator
    Diondria Brown
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    16
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Coffee Chat Pod