Purposeful Professional Media

Surayya Walters
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Join our multifaceted host, Surayya Walters, as she delves deep into the cultural fabric of professionalism, seeking to define and redefine it through her very own experiences, and by unlocking the aspirations and ideals of her guests and listeners. Listen along with us as we challenge what it means to be a "professional" and encourage our listeners to boldly craft their lives and careers on their terms. Produced by TEALSAGE. Do you want to be featured on the podcast? Sign up here: https://purposefulprofessional.com/.

  1. I Will Teach You How To Understand Money with Lexxis Ferrer

    03/06/2025

    I Will Teach You How To Understand Money with Lexxis Ferrer

    Breaking Financial Barriers: A Deep Dive with Financial Educator Lexxis Ferrer. Join Surayya from Purposeful Professional Media as she hosts a riveting conversation with financial educator and CEO of LVL Advisory Group, Lexxis. In this engaging episode of 'Podcast for the People: Your Career and the Culture,' Lexxis shares her inspiring journey from being a multifaceted professional to becoming a financial literacy advocate. Explore the systemic and personal challenges in financial education, the importance of cultural dexterity, and the often overlooked nuances of achieving financial success. Discover how financial literacy, career choices, and cultural backgrounds intersect to shape our financial futures in this insightful discussion. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome00:28 Guest Introduction and Background01:27 Pop Culture and Financial Literacy02:26 Systemic and Personal Financial Challenges03:34 Impact of Financial Literacy on Marginalized Groups05:40 Cultural and Systemic Barriers to Financial Success07:32 The Importance of Financial Education26:17 Navigating the Wage Gap39:25 Curiosity and Cultural Dexterity45:00 Balancing Interests in Science and Math45:34 From Childhood Games to Career Aspirations46:34 The Intersection of Sociology and Accounting47:02 Exploring Diverse Interests and Networking48:09 The Beginner's Mindset and Career Impact50:25 Bridging Financial Literacy and Cultural Relevance54:31 Navigating Career Choices and Family Expectations01:01:13 The Non-Traditional Career Path01:07:44 Sacrifices and Risk Tolerance in Entrepreneurship01:22:08 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement

    1h 25m
  2. Amanda Seales and Issa Rae: A Case Study on Managing The Human Relationship Aspect in Purposeful and Creative Careers

    02/19/2025

    Amanda Seales and Issa Rae: A Case Study on Managing The Human Relationship Aspect in Purposeful and Creative Careers

    In this episode, Surayya Walters explores the complexities of workplace dynamics, particularly when a boss is also a coworker and friend. Using the public fallout between Issa Rae and Amanda Seals as a case study, she delves into the challenges of navigating relationships in creative industries, the impact of personality types on leadership, and the importance of maintaining boundaries. The conversation also touches on the differing approaches to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the industry, ultimately prompting listeners to reflect on the lessons learned from these dynamics. Takeaways Pop culture influences our professional lives. Navigating relationships in the workplace can be complex. Leadership styles can vary significantly between individuals. The balance between likability and competence is crucial for leaders. Friendship and professionalism can clash in creative industries. Different personality types can lead to misunderstandings in the workplace. Boundaries are essential in maintaining professional relationships. Diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts can differ greatly among individuals. The importance of clear communication in leadership roles. Reflecting on personal experiences can provide valuable insights. Chapters 00:00 Navigating Workplace Dynamics: Boss, Coworker, or Friend? 06:10 Understanding Personality Types in Leadership 11:00 The Complexities of Friendship and Professionalism 14:54 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Different Approaches 20:14 Lessons Learned: Reflections on Leadership and Relationships Sound Bites "This is a common case of when lines blur, what do we do?" "Should your boss also be your friend?" "Diversity, equity, and inclusion can cause a rift." To learn more about Purposeful Professional Media and support the podcast, please visit https://www.purposefulprofessional.com/

    21 min
  3. Revisiting Ikigai Post-College: Post-Graduate Woes, The Quarter-Life Crisis and Finding Your Path with Surayya Walters

    02/17/2025

    Revisiting Ikigai Post-College: Post-Graduate Woes, The Quarter-Life Crisis and Finding Your Path with Surayya Walters

    In this episode of Surayya's Solos (Purposeful Professional Media), Surayya Walters explores the concept of Ikigai and its relevance to finding purpose in life and careers, especially for Gen Z. She discusses the challenges of post-graduate life, including the quarter life crisis, the search for meaningful work, and the impact of societal expectations on mental health. Surayya emphasizes the importance of aligning one's career with personal values and the need to redefine success beyond financial metrics. Takeaways Surayya introduces her solo episodes to connect with listeners. Ikigai is a Japanese concept that helps find purpose. Post-graduate depression is a common issue for many. The quarter life crisis can lead to a search for meaning. Gen Z is increasingly seeking value-aligned work. Many graduates work in fields unrelated to their majors. Your degree should be seen as a toolkit, not an identity. Golden handcuffs can trap individuals in unfulfilling jobs. Money is not the only measure of success. Finding meaning in work is essential for mental health. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Serea's Solos 00:59 Exploring Ikigai and Post-Graduate Challenges 06:02 The Dichotomy of Purpose and Financial Stability 12:06 The Quarter Life Crisis and Gen Z's Search for Meaning 18:08 The Impact of Education on Career Paths 24:03 Cultural Influences on Career Satisfaction 29:56 Finding Meaning Beyond Money Quotes "The quarter life crisis be real y'all!" "Golden handcuffs are real!" "Can Ikigai help us find meaning?" Episode Themes: Ikigai, quarter life crisis, Gen Z, post-graduate depression, career purpose, meaningful work, Surayya's Solos, personal growth, cultural impact, entrepreneurship To Learn More To learn more about Surayya and Purposeful Professional Media, visit https://www.purposefulprofessional.com/

    34 min

  4. 02/08/2025 ·  BONUS

    Unlocking Career Insights from the Grammys: Lessons from Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Doechii & More

    Surayya from the Surayyaverse and Purposeful Professional Media delves into career advice drawn from this year's Grammy Awards. She highlights the inspiring speeches and actions of Grammy-winning artists like Alicia Keys, Beyonce, and Doechii, discussing topics such as DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), overcoming stereotypes, imposter syndrome, and the power of versatile careers. Surayya encourages listeners to take these artists' lessons to heart to elevate their own professional journeys.00:00 Introduction and Purpose00:37 Learning from Grammy Artists02:29 Alicia Keys on DEI05:26 Beyoncé on Breaking Boundaries08:02 DoechIi on Overcoming Stereotypes09:32 Chappell Roan on Fair Wages10:20 Final Thoughts and Takeaways

    12 min
  5. Boldly Flex Your Faith As a Founder with Titilope Adedokun

    01/27/2025

    Boldly Flex Your Faith As a Founder with Titilope Adedokun

    In this conversation, Surayya and Titilope explore the journey of entrepreneurship, focusing on the founding of Sisterly HQ, the importance of women's rights, and the role of faith in navigating challenges Titilope shares her experiences in law school, her passion for storytelling, and the impact of her work at D-Prize. The discussion emphasizes the significance of trusting God, the power of representation, and the importance of taking breaks in the entrepreneurial journey. Takeaways Entrepreneurship often requires a leap of faith and trust in God. It's important to choose paths that align with personal interests and passions. Storytelling is a powerful tool for social impact and representation. Taking breaks is essential for maintaining mental health and productivity. First-time founders should be encouraged and supported in their journeys. Chapters 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Navigating Desperation and Rejection 20:48 Surrendering to God's Will: The Transformative Power of Faith 33:16 Aligning with Purpose: Finding Like-Minded Connections 35:42 The Power of Storytelling in Entrepreneurship and Social Impact 50:32 D-Prize: A Unique Approach to Funding and Social Entrepreneurship 59:47 Surrendering to God's Will and Purpose

    1h 8m
  6. Where You Start is Not Where You'll End Up with Lexxis Ferrer

    01/27/2025

    Where You Start is Not Where You'll End Up with Lexxis Ferrer

    Navigating Success: Lexi's Journey from NYC Roots to Financial Empowerment In this episode of Purposeful Professional Media, Surayya hosts Lexi Ferrer, CEO of LV Advisory Group and Managing Lead Financial Educator at the Financial Literacy Youth Initiative. They discuss Lexi's upbringing in New York City, her educational journey through public and private schools, and her determination to pursue higher education despite financial hardships. Lexi shares her experiences navigating college and her career in finance, as well as her transition into social entrepreneurship and financial education. The conversation delves into the challenges faced by first-generation college students, financial trauma, and the importance of authenticity and resilience in professional settings. They also explore the impact of continuing education, Lexi's current pursuit of a master's degree at NYU, and her future plans to launch a podcast. The episode emphasizes the power of staying true to one's purpose and pushing through obstacles to achieve lasting success. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Introduction 00:31 Lexis' Background and Business 01:26 Growing Up in New York City 03:12 Navigating Different Educational Environments 04:34 Challenges and Triumphs in School 06:04 The Impact of Environment on Success 07:41 Overcoming Labels and Stereotypes 20:05 Formative Experiences in New York City 33:40 Pursuing Higher Education3 6:30 Navigating College Applications and Scholarships 37:51 The Importance of Lifelong Friendships 38:18 Different Paths to College Admissions 38:52 The Business of College Admissions 40:24 Balancing Authenticity and Expectations 44:23 Struggles of First-Generation College Students 55:43 Financial Challenges and Resilience 01:11:06 Challenging Financial Mindsets 01:11:28 Misleading Financial Trends 01:12:17 The Reality of Business Credit 01:13:04 Breaking the Paycheck to Paycheck Cycle 01:14:17 The Illusion of Quick Money 01:15:20 The Soft Life Debate 01:17:09 Navigating Financial Independence 01:22:39 The Journey to Wall Street 01:32:11 Pursuing Higher Education 01:43:28 Future Plans and Final Thoughts

    1h 44m
  7. A Multi-Hyphenate in Her Twenties: From Engineering to Art, and Everything in Between with Ijeoma Asonye

    01/25/2025

    A Multi-Hyphenate in Her Twenties: From Engineering to Art, and Everything in Between with Ijeoma Asonye

    In this engaging conversation, Surayya Walters interviews Ijeoma Asonye, a multi-talented artist and engineering student, about her diverse creative pursuits and the importance of safety in the entertainment industry. They discuss the impact of child stars, the shift of Gen Z away from media careers, and the intersection of art and engineering. Ijeoma shares her experiences as a young black woman in a predominantly white institution, her journey in writing and filmmaking, and her vision for her studio, E Ozie Studios, which aims to bridge art, tech, and nature. The conversation emphasizes the significance of intuition and faith in navigating creative paths and the need for more representation in STEM fields. Takeaways Ijeoma identifies as a multi-hyphenate artist, showcasing her diverse talents. The conversation highlights the importance of safety for young talent in the entertainment industry. Gen Z is shifting away from media careers in search of stability. Ijeoma emphasizes the need for community and support on film sets. Creativity and practicality can coexist in one's career choices. The importance of following one's intuition in creative pursuits is discussed. Ijeoma's book, 'The Beautiful Math of Coral,' blends STEM and art. The conversation explores the challenges of being a multi-disciplinary artist. Ijeoma aims to create a space that merges art, tech, and nature through E Ozie Studios. Faith plays a crucial role in Ijeoma's decision-making process. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ijeoma: The Multi-Hyphenate Artist 02:50 The Impact of Child Stars: Safety in Creative Spaces 06:03 Creating Safe Spaces in Film: Ijeoma's Vision 09:04 Gen Z's Shift: From Entertainment to Stability 11:45 The Future of Entertainment: Will Gen Z Change the Game? 14:00 The Creative Journey: Ijeoma's Artistic Evolution 17:09 Finding Your Medium: Film vs. Writing 20:02 The Balance of Creativity: Doing Too Much or Not Enough? 23:00 Connecting with the Inner Child: The Roots of Creativity 32:11 Embracing Creativity and Giftedness 33:37 Navigating Cultural Expectations 37:17 The Intersection of Engineering and Creativity 43:38 Diversity and Representation in STEM 47:55 Bridging Art and Science: The Beautiful Math of Coral 53:12 Building a Creative Studio: EOZ Studios 58:16 Faith and Intuition in Creative Pursuits

    1h 5m
  8. Body Positivity Isn't An Aesthetic - Exploring Body Positive Entrepreneurship With Alekhya Bhat (Part 2)

    01/25/2025

    Body Positivity Isn't An Aesthetic - Exploring Body Positive Entrepreneurship With Alekhya Bhat (Part 2)

    Breaking Stereotypes: Mental Health, Eating Disorders, and Entrepreneurship - A Candid Conversation In this episode of the podcast, we dive deep into the life of, Alekhya, a young woman who moved from India to the U.S. in 2020 to pursue college amidst the challenges of COVID-19 and political turmoil. She shares her journey from experiencing cultural differences in mental health perspectives to discovering her passion for entrepreneurship. The episode explores her insights on mental health stigmas, the role of gender and race in shaping identity, and her decision to leave a traditional career path in international relations to start her own venture focused on eating disorders. Through her startup, Ameliore, she aims to combine technology and advocacy to provide better support systems and autonomy for individuals struggling with eating disorders, emphasizing the importance of collective care and systematic solutions. The conversation highlights how societal issues are deeply interconnected and the necessity of addressing them with innovative approaches. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Purpose of the Podcast 00:08 Moving to the U.S. and Cultural Differences 00:55 Mental Health Perspectives Across Cultures 03:37 College Experiences and Womanhood 08:19 Desirability Politics and Friendship Aesthetics 13:21 Career Aspirations and Shifts 21:46 Founding Amelior: The Trigger Moment 32:12 Addressing Eating Disorders: Misconceptions and Solutions 42:34 Future Vision and Societal Impact 50:06 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

    50 min
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About

Join our multifaceted host, Surayya Walters, as she delves deep into the cultural fabric of professionalism, seeking to define and redefine it through her very own experiences, and by unlocking the aspirations and ideals of her guests and listeners. Listen along with us as we challenge what it means to be a "professional" and encourage our listeners to boldly craft their lives and careers on their terms. Produced by TEALSAGE. Do you want to be featured on the podcast? Sign up here: https://purposefulprofessional.com/.

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