Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast

J² Elevate Consulting

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Management
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A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up to empower their success cause the pie is big enough for us all and we can all find a seat at the table! jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com

Sep 24

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast

Navigating the people side of leading teams requires the courage to trust your instincts and challenge the status quo. In Episode 9 of Season 2, we sit down with Toni Will to discuss how to break through male-dominated industries and lead with radical authenticity. Episode Summary: Toni Will is a speaker, executive coach, and the first female General Manager of the Kalamazoo Wings professional hockey team. She brings over 25 years of experience to the table, spanning executive leadership, banking, and professional sports. Her journey has required immense resilience. Toni has faced incredibly difficult professional environments, including navigating sexual harassment early in her career and learning how to lead when she was the only woman in the boardroom. Today, Toni is deeply passionate about lifting women up in professional sports. Whether you are trying to overcome micromanagement, figure out how to navigate an uncomfortable workplace situation, or simply learn how to pause and reflect, this conversation provides practical insights. Toni explains her "macro-management" style and details why giving your team autonomy is the ultimate key to a highly engaged organization. In this episode, we cover:• How to handle situations where your professional boundaries are crossed.• The definition of a "macro-manager" and why trust drives better team results.• Why pausing to reflect when you find yourself in the majority is critical for leaders.• How to stop shrinking in male-dominated environments and confidently own your space. Resources & Links:• Connect with Toni Will: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tonildaniels/ | toniwill.com• Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJDTake the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Aug 27

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E8: Geralyn Gaines

Do you find yourself struggling to maintain your boundaries and protect your peace while climbing the corporate ladder? In Episode 8 of Season 2, we sit down with Geralyn Gaines to discuss the absolute necessity of sustainable leadership and the power of radical authenticity. Episode Summary: After nearly a decade at Ford Motor Company, Geralyn had reached what she thought was the pinnacle of her career. She was hosting massive global dealer events and working with chief executives. During a simple teleprompter rehearsal, she realized she had a totally different calling. She walked away from her corporate safety net to launch her own speaking business, Keeping It G. Geralyn shares her transition from corporate employee to solo entrepreneur, and the hard reckoning she faced when she realized she could not build her empire entirely alone. She breaks down the importance of finding a team, trusting experts, and knowing exactly when to protect your peace by not responding to every piece of criticism. Whether you are struggling to set boundaries at work, trying to navigate your own career pivot, or simply trying to stop comparing your Chapter Two to someone else’s Chapter Ten, this conversation provides practical guidance. Geralyn also shares her insights on self-advocacy and why it is the foundational requirement for building a career you actually love. In this episode, we cover: * How to find the balance between maintaining power and protecting your peace. * Why sustainable leadership requires the courage to finally ask for help. * The reality of radical authenticity and setting clear personal boundaries. * How to overcome the trap of comparison and focus strictly on your own journey. Resources & Links: * Connect with Geralyn Gaines: LinkedIn: Geralyn Gaines | geralyngaines.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Jul 30

S2E7 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast: Aileen Edwards

Navigating the people side of leading teams requires deep self-awareness and a willingness to stand firm in your knowledge. In Episode 7 of Season 2, we sit down with Aileen Edwards to discuss how leaders can build genuine trust and stop letting others second-guess their hard-earned expertise. Episode Summary: Aileen brings over 30 years of human resources and executive coaching experience to the table. She shares her personal climb from an immigrant family living in survival mode to reaching the Director level in corporate spaces. Her path required immense resilience. Colleagues frequently questioned her decisions despite her master’s degree and extensive track record. She learned to stand confidently in her abilities, let her results speak, and completely refuse to shrink to make others comfortable. Today, Aileen helps women of color build executive presence and strengthen their influence. Whether you are trying to overcome the urge to stay small, figure out your unique leadership style, or simply learn how to pause and listen better, this conversation provides an incredible roadmap. Aileen explains the affiliative leadership model and details why putting people first is the ultimate key to a highly engaged organization. In this episode, we cover: * How to handle situations where your professional expertise is constantly questioned. * The definition of an affiliative leader and why emotional bonds drive better team results. * Why highly extroverted leaders must learn the difficult skill of silent listening. * How to stop minimizing yourself in corporate environments and confidently own your space. Resources & Links: * Connect with Aileen Edwards: LinkedIn: Aileen Edwards | aemedwardsmeconsulting.ca * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Jun 25

S2E6 - Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast: Dr. Douglas Lewis

Did you know that Black men make up less than one percent of all psychologists in the United States? In Episode 6 of Season 2, we sit down with Dr. Douglas Lewis to discuss the realities of representation, the barrier of corporate gatekeeping, and why true leadership requires a willingness to share power. Episode Summary: Dr. Douglas Lewis is a distinguished forensic psychologist who evaluates justice-involved individuals across juvenile, state, and federal courts. He shares his incredible journey from earning a mathematics degree to working in psychiatric units and eventually navigating the complex intersection of mental health and the legal system. Douglas breaks down the exact reasons why the old guard of leadership often refuses to share their seats at the table. He explains how relying strictly on your network can lock out ambitious, highly qualified professionals. Whether you are dealing with a gatekeeper blocking your next promotion, struggling to feel seen in your industry, or trying to figure out how to be a better mentor to your team, this conversation gives you a clear path forward. Douglas also introduces his philosophy on why power is always better when it is shared. In this episode, we cover: * Why the lack of representation in highly specialized fields impacts the people being served. * How to handle industry gatekeepers who block access to career opportunities. * The massive difference between hoarding leadership power and sharing it to build a stronger team. * How to transfer analytical skills from one completely different industry into another. Resources & Links: * Connect with Dr. Douglas Lewis: LinkedIn: Dr. Douglas Lewis * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-Strategic-Audit-30-min-CoachJD * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
May 28

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E5: Kadine Cooper

Are you exhausted from proving your worth to a new manager every year? In Episode 5 of Season 2, we sit down with Kadine Cooper to discuss why climbing the corporate ladder often leaves high achievers feeling completely unseen. Episode Summary: After years as a senior talent manager at a Fortune 500 company and navigating through four different managers in three years, Kadine hit a wall. She realized she no longer wanted to bring talent into an organization that did not match her personal values. She quit without a backup plan. Today, she runs her own successful coaching business by helping women become the "CEO" of their careers: Create Every Opportunity. Whether you are surviving another corporate reorganization or feeling stuck in a role that drains your energy, this conversation offers a clear path out. Kadine breaks down her specific rule for evaluating new opportunities and shares exactly how to ground yourself when the corporate environment feels chaotic. She also reminds us of the Maya Angelou rule: people will never forget how you made them feel. In this episode, we cover: - Why collecting corporate titles will never substitute for true self-leadership. - How to use the "Five Fs" (Faith, Family, Fun, Freedom, and Flexibility) as your decision filter. - The hidden human cost of constant corporate restructuring. - How to apply the "Control what you can control" mantra to stop anxiety and take action. Resources & Links: - Connect with Kadine Cooper: LinkedIn: Kadine Cooper - Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD - Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Apr 30

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E4: Tiana Sanchez | Building Lego vs. Jenga Teams

Episode Summary: During a major recession, Tiana heard the four words everyone dreads: “We are letting you go.” But 90 days later, she launched a coaching firm that has thrived for over 14 years. She shares her journey from becoming a manager at a gourmet fast food restaurant at just 17 years old to advising top executives today. We dig into why 82 percent of managers are miscast. Often, companies promote people prematurely out of desperation without giving them the tools to handle the people side of leading teams. Tiana breaks down how to build dynamic Lego teams instead of single direction Jenga teams, and why we desperately need to change our relationship with making mistakes. In this episode, we cover: * Why 82 percent of managers lack the skills to handle the people side of leadership. * The difference between building a fragile Jenga team and an inclusive Lego team. * The three actual reasons we experience failure: inaction, distraction, or lack of direction. * Why you should view failure as an experience rather than a permanent identity. Resources & Links: * Connect with Tiana Sanchez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tianasanchez/ | tianasanchez.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD * Take the Leadership Identity Assessment: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Leadership-Identity-Assessment This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Mar 26

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E3: Myrna Laine-Hyppolite

Are you relying on the traditional trifecta of success but still feeling financially unprepared? In this episode of Fixin’ Your Crown Boo, we sit down with Myrna Laine-Hyppolite, a Chief Financial Officer and wealth strategist, to uncover why working hard and getting a good job is no longer enough to build real wealth. Episode Summary: We dive deep into the critical financial gaps women face and how to overcome them by actively engaging in wealth-building. Myrna, the founder of Empower Financial Wellness, shares her journey from being a young manager of people twice her age to becoming the CFO for a massive network of charter schools. She explains why true independence requires taking charge of your financial future. Whether you are trying to figure out your unique investor persona, navigating a male-dominated corporate space, or building a business alongside a demanding executive career, this episode provides a clear strategic roadmap. Myrna also breaks down how to foster a collaborative team environment by setting clear expectations and asking your team for solutions instead of just presenting problems. In this episode, we cover: * Why the trifecta of success fails to teach us how to make our money work for us. * How to start investing with confidence and discover your personal risk tolerance. * The realities of leadership in a male-dominated field and the importance of elevating your team from within. * Why your money house must be in order before the rest of your life can fall into place. Resources & Links: * Connect with Myrna Laine-Hyppolite: LinkedIn: Myrna Laine-Hyppolite | empowerfinancialwellness.com * Book a Strategy Call with JD: ⁠https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD⁠ * Take the Leadership Quiz: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Unprepared-Manager-Quiz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com
Feb 26

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast - S2E2: Sangeetha Dikshit

Do you know the difference between a leader and a boss? In Episode 2 of Season 2, we sit down with ICF Certified Leadership Coach Sangeetha Dikshit to explore why true leadership isn't found in a title, but in the internal quality of empowering those around you. Episode Summary:Are you listening to solve, or are you listening to understand? Sangeetha Dikshit joins JD Johnson to discuss the power of emotional intelligence in the workplace and why identifying your feelings is the first step toward acting with purpose. We explore the common misconception that introverts can't be powerful leaders, and how leading with "quiet confidence" and self-awareness can actually be a superpower. Sangeetha shares her insights on the difference between coaching and mentorship, the importance of asking difficult questions to trigger introspection, and why receiving constructive feedback should be viewed as a gift, even when it's hard to hear. If you've ever felt overwhelmed by the "hustle" culture or struggled to communicate effectively with your team, this episode will help you navigate your triggers and move from reaction to thoughtful response. In this episode, we cover: - Why your emotions are the window to your underlying thoughts. - The crucial difference between putting on a "coaching hat" versus a "mentoring hat". - How to provide constructive feedback that actually helps, rather than just delivering a "sucker punch". - Why self-awareness and empathy are the foundational superpowers of effective leadership Resources & Links: - Connect with Sangeetha Dikshit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sdikshit/ - Book a Strategy Call with JD: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/GM-DiscoveryCall-CoachJD - Take the Leadership Quiz: https://j2elevateconsulting.com/Unprepared-Manager-Quiz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com

A podcast to interview dope people in leadership who use the model of Servant Leadership and are driven by emotionally intelligent leadership & and are passionate about lifting others up to empower their success cause the pie is big enough for us all and we can all find a seat at the table! jsquaredelevateconsulting.substack.com

Creator

J² Elevate Consulting
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

15
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© J² Elevate Consulting
Show Website

Fixin' Your Crown Boo! Podcast