Women of Color An Intimate Conversation Deneen L. Garrett

Breaking the Glass Vase: A Story of Transformation and Empowerment
Episode 156 with Dima Ghawi
 
Highlights
[00:02:33] Advancing individuals in leadership.
[00:12:48] Overcoming Limiting Beliefs
[00:33:06] The pressure to be perfect.
 
In this episode, Keynote Speaker/Leadership Consultant/Author, Dima Ghawi, underscores the importance of advancing individuals in leadership to cultivate a world where leaders prioritize the well-being and growth of their teams, embrace diversity, and work towards a common goal of creating a better future for all.
This story highlights the importance of setting intentions and visualizing one's aspirations. By putting her desire on the vision board, Dima planted the seed for her TEDx speaking opportunity. The vision board served as a constant reminder of her goal, keeping it at the forefront of her mind. It ultimately led her to take action and pursue the speaking opportunity, showcasing how vision boards can help turn dreams into reality.
 
Breaking Away from Harmful Beliefs and Expectations
In the podcast episode with Dima Ghawi, she shared a powerful story from her childhood about a glass vase that symbolized the pressure to be perfect and conform to societal expectations. This story highlights the harmful beliefs and expectations that can limit personal growth and success. Dima's experience of being conditioned to be the "perfect glass vase" led her into an abusive marriage and a state of depression, where she lost herself in trying to meet external standards.
However, Dima's journey took a transformative turn when she realized she had a choice: to either maintain the facade of perfection or shatter the glass vase to create a new life. She chose to break free from the constraints of societal norms and expectations, even though it came with consequences like facing death threats from her own father. Despite the challenges, Dima's decision to challenge and break away from these harmful beliefs and expectations allowed her to live a better life and influence others positively.
Dima's Gems Dropped
00:03:08 - "The world is hungry for good leaders whether in corporations, in the community, in governments." 00:14:24 - "Listen to your intuition, even though it is terrifying." 00:34:41-00:34:52 - "We need to shatter these horrible vases. We need to question them and we need, we need, we cannot let them move forward because otherwise we would be passing them to the future generation."  
About Dima Ghawi
Dima Ghawi is an award-winning author and a three-time TEDx Speaker. She is the founder of a global talent development company with a primary mission for advancing individuals in leadership. Through keynote speeches, workshops, training programs, and executive coaching, Dima has empowered thousands of professionals across the globe to develop critical business skills and expand their leadership potential. In addition, she has provided guidance to business executives to help them understand the value of gender diverse leadership, and to develop a multi-year plan for advancing quality leaders from within the organization.
Dima draws from two decades of corporate experience leading global teams and developing future leaders worldwide. She has worked across the United States, Europe, Asia, Middle East, and Africa for several Fortune 100 companies including IBM, Merrill Lynch, and Intuit. Through her work, she has honed a keen expertise in developing leaders to meet the demands of the global workforce. For more information, visit DimaGhawi.com and BreakingVases.com.
Connect with Dima Ghawi
Website: https://www.dimaghawi.com/
X: https://twitter.com/dghawi?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor
IG: https://www.instagram.com/dima.ghawi/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100050491089661
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dimaghawi?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
Breaking Vases: https://www.ama

Breaking Barriers: Pursuing Dreams Fearlessly with DeeDee Cummings
Episode 155
In this episode, host Deneen L. Garrett introduces guest DeeDee Cummings, who is an author, therapist, attorney, and mom from Louisville, Kentucky. DeeDee shares her career journey from being a child protective service worker to becoming an attorney and then transitioning to a therapist to focus on healing. She also discusses how writing became a coping mechanism for her. The conversation touches on the challenges of the legal profession and the transition many attorneys make to other fields.
Dreams Are for Everyone
DeeDee's experience illustrates that dreams can evolve over time and may not always align with conventional expectations. Starting in a different career path, she transitioned to law school and eventually found her passion in writing and helping others through therapy. This showcases that dreams can change and adapt as individuals grow, discover new interests, and uncover hidden talents.
The concept of dreaming extends beyond achieving grandiose goals or seeking fame. DeeDee's dream of bringing her daughter's story to Broadway demonstrates that dreams can be personal, meaningful, and impactful in various ways. Whether it involves writing children's books, initiating a book festival, or pursuing a career in art curation, dreams can manifest in diverse forms and hold significance for individuals at different stages of their lives.
DeeDee's message resonates with the idea that dreams are essential for personal growth, fulfillment, and purpose. She encourages listeners to identify their dreams, regardless of size, and actively work towards realizing them. By sharing her own challenges and experiences in pursuing her dreams, DeeDee inspires others to believe in themselves and their aspirations.
 
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Watch on YouTube | Listen on Apple Podcast | Spotify | Any Player
 
Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams?
Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC.  Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innovative, Executioner (P.I.E.) who elevates the voices of women of color and empowers them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking and coaching.
Deneen is a Women’s Motivational Speaker, the Creator & Host of the Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (formerly An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) Podcast, which she launched in 2020 and a Dream Lifestyle Coach.
Deneen specializes in helping women of color who want more out of life live boldly to create a dream life.
Hire Deneen For: Speaking Engagements (In-Person & Virtual): Leadership Development | Empowerment Speaker | Fireside Chats | Keynotes | Panels | Workshops
Signature Talks:  How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ | The Power in the Pause | Recognize Your Path and Rise Up! 
Hire Deneen to speak at your next event
 
Prefer to watch this episode on YouTube? 

Listen to this podcast episode on Spotify.
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Living a Dream Lifestyle Monthly
 
DeeDee’s Gems Dropped
00:24:20-00:24:31 - "It's never too late. I meet people all the time that write their first book when they're 72 or 65. So if the book is on your heart to write, you should write it." 00:32:24-00:32:35 - "Normal people like you and me every day make crazy dreams come true." 00:34:52-00:35:03 - "Everyone should have a dream. You are entitled to dream. It is your right to dream."  
About DeeDee Cummings
Deedee Cummings is a professional dreamer. She is also an author, therapist, attorney, and mom from Louisville, Kentucky. The books she writes focus on hope, diversity, social justice, and therapeutic skills for children and adults. Her work has been featured in HuffPost, Forbes, NPR, USA Today, Essence Magazine, Psych Central, Well+Good, and The EveryGirl, among other media outlets. Deedee is also the founder of Make A Way Media and The Louisville Book Festival. She

Becoming Changemakers: Transforming Lives Through Collective Healing 
Episode 154 with Dr. Dominica McBride
Topics Discussed
[00:08:10] Creating community through healing. [00:08:50] Youth, safety, thriving community economy. [00:21:29] Healing as a leadership skill. [00:37:22] Community impact and growth. Healing plays a vital role in personal and community transformation, as discussed in the podcast episode featuring Dr. Dominica McBride. Dr. McBride underscores the significance of healing in the context of leadership development and community empowerment, drawing from her own upbringing in a small rural town marked by both positive and negative community dynamics, including racism and discrimination. These experiences shaped her understanding of the impact of community dynamics, sparking her interest in psychology and community healing.
Dr. McBride's organization, BECOME, is dedicated to fostering community transformation and collective healing. Through their work with organizations and individuals, they strive to address deep-seated issues that hinder communities and individuals from thriving. Their approach involves developing solutions, strategies, and shared aspirations to bring about positive change. Evaluation and research are utilized to track progress and ensure success in building flourishing communities.
Healing is woven into the fabric of the organization's efforts at both the organizational and neighborhood levels. Dr. McBride stresses the importance of healing as a leadership skill, underscoring the need for individuals to confront internal struggles, trauma, and obstacles to unlock their full potential as leaders and change agents. The healing process is viewed as essential for individuals to embrace their power and make positive contributions to their communities.
Moreover, the podcast delves into the value of pausing and reflecting, allowing individuals to process emotions, insights, and experiences. By incorporating healing practices into leadership development, individuals can cultivate resilience, empathy, and self-awareness—qualities crucial for effective leadership and community transformation.
In essence, integrating healing into leadership development is pivotal for personal growth, community empowerment, and collective transformation. By acknowledging and addressing internal wounds, individuals can become more effective leaders, fostering positive change and nurturing thriving communities.
The podcast episode also highlights the profound impact intentional pauses can have on our well-being. Dr. Dominica McBride emphasizes the importance of pausing in our lives to reflect, heal, and grow. She shares an instance where her team engaged in circle practice, incorporating a pause with the use of chimes to facilitate deeper reflection and emotional processing. This intentional pause allowed individuals to tap into deep wisdom, sit with tension, and fully absorb shared experiences.
Additionally, the concept of the "pregnant pause" is discussed, emphasizing how pauses can lead to significant outcomes. The host of the podcast acknowledges the power of pausing in her own life, taking breaks from social media to focus on specific goals and projects. By intentionally stepping back from distractions and taking time to pause, she was able to manifest new opportunities and delve deeper into her passions, such as art curation.
Incorporating intentional pauses into our daily routines can promote self-care, mental clarity, and personal growth. By allowing ourselves the space to pause, reflect, and process our experiences, we create opportunities for healing and transformation. Pauses serve as moments of introspection, enabling us to connect with our inner selves, identify areas for improvement, and set intentions for the future. Ultimately, intentional pauses can lead to deeper self-awareness, emotional healing, and personal development.
Dreams Realized Through Perseverance, Passion, and Dedication

Join us for an insightful and empowering conversation with NoorJehan Tourte, a storyteller and group executive vice president, as she shares her personal journey of self-discovery and cultural identity. In this episode, NoorJehan reflects on her experiences as a first-generation Indian-American, navigating the complexities of balancing multiple cultures and finding contentment in her career and personal life.
 
Discover the importance of embracing one's cultural heritage, prioritizing self-care, and pursuing a dream lifestyle that aligns with your values and aspirations. Gain valuable insights on career advancement, overcoming challenges as a woman of color in corporate America, and the significance of finding contentment in everyday life.
 
Tune in to explore themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, and be inspired to design your own path towards fulfillment and success. Don't miss this engaging and reflective episode filled with wisdom and encouragement for all listeners.
 
In this episode, we cover:
Choosing a Cultivated Life. Embracing cultural identity. Pressure on women of color.  
Read the full blog post:  https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/cultural-identity-living-authentically/
 
Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams?
 
Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. https://deneenlgarrett.com/  Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innovative, Executioner (P.I.E.) who elevates the voices of women of color and empowers them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking and coaching.
 
Deneen is a Women’s Motivational Speaker, the Creator & Host of the Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (formerly An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) Podcast, https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/ which she launched in 2020 and a Dream Lifestyle Coach.
 
Deneen specializes in helping women of color who want more out of life live boldly to create a dream life.
 
Hire Deneen For: Speaking Engagements (In-Person & Virtual): Leadership Development | Empowerment Speaker | Fireside Chats | Keynotes | Panels | Workshops
 
Signature Talks:  How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ | The Power in the Pause | Recognize Your Path and Rise Up!
 
Hire Deneen to speak https://deneenlgarrett.com/speaking at your next event
 
Connect with Deneen L. Garrett
Email: deneen@deneenlgarrett.com
Website: DeneenLGarrett.com
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett/
 
Connect with NoorJehan Tourte
Email: noorjehan@ashianafilms.com
Website: https://fgpbar.com/
Podcast: https://fgpbar.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/noorjehantourte/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/noor-tourte-mba-mph-a0b7186/
 
Watch these episodes next:
Dream Life Series
1.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview - Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting -   
https://youtu.be/XMdt9vZFFjI?si=HzpEasKgxIPJnyvj
2.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
https://youtu.be/k7NtonYyewQ?si=dzpQZxe_Q9EIprMf
3.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 - Design  https://youtu.be/jsPoFOSjHeg?si=opSaJqlgcVDOfQcm
4.How to Create Your Dream Life - Dream Series - Drive 4/4 https://youtu.be/5PryG4ZkZg4?si=PjP7bTxIwa_wTcRX
 
 
Favorite Resources for Dreamers
Resource for Books https://www.amazon.com/shop/deneenlgarrett #ad
Resource for Dream Life & WOC Merchandise https://shopwithdeneen.bigcartel.com/
Additional Resources https://deneenlgarrett.com/resources
 
Optional Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!
 
Work With Me:
 
Email deneen@deneenlgarrett.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
 
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The Power of Self-Discovery and Growth: Blazing Trails to Success with Valincia Bennett
Episode 153

In this engaging podcast episode, business coach and strategist Valincia Bennett shares her journey from corporate life to entrepreneurship, revealing how she found her true calling and achieved financial freedom.
 
Discover Valincia's inspiring story of self-discovery and empowerment as she transitions from a corporate career to becoming a successful entrepreneur with multiple businesses.
Join the conversation as Valincia discusses the importance of creating a dream lifestyle, taking control of your schedule, and building wealth on your own terms.
 
Learn about the upcoming Level Up Summit by PDA, a community empowering ambitious women to break barriers and achieve financial success.
 
Tune in for valuable insights on personal growth, overcoming limiting beliefs, and creating a life you love in this motivating podcast episode.
 
In this episode, we cover:
Entrepreneurial Inspiration Transition from employee to employer. Financial strategies for success. Ambitious women coming together.  
Read the full blog post: 
https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/the-power-of-self-discovery/
 
 
Mentioned:
The Level Up Conference, March 20 & 21. Valencia is a speaker.: https://prettydamnambitious.com/level-up-summit-2024/
 
 
Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams?
 
Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC. https://deneenlgarrett.com/  Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innovative, Executioner (P.I.E.) who elevates the voices of women of color and empowers them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking and coaching.
 
Deneen is a Women’s Motivational Speaker, the Creator & Host of the Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (formerly An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) Podcast, https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/ which she launched in 2020 and a Dream Lifestyle Coach.
 
Deneen specializes in helping women of color who want more out of life live boldly to create a dream life.
 
Hire Deneen For: Speaking Engagements (In-Person & Virtual): Leadership Development | Empowerment Speaker | Fireside Chats | Keynotes | Panels | Workshops
 
Signature Talks:  How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ | The Power in the Pause | Recognize Your Path and Rise Up!
 
Hire Deneen to speak https://deneenlgarrett.com/speaking at your next event
 
Connect with Deneen L. Garrett
Email: deneen@deneenlgarrett.com
Website: DeneenLGarrett.com
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deneenlgarrett/
 
Connect with Valencia Bennett
Email: valincia@savvy-method.com
Website: https://savvy-method.com/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SavvyMethod
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valincia-bennett-13a102214/
 
Watch these episodes next:
Dream Life Series
1.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview - Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting -   
https://youtu.be/XMdt9vZFFjI?si=HzpEasKgxIPJnyvj
2.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
https://youtu.be/k7NtonYyewQ?si=dzpQZxe_Q9EIprMf
3.How to Live a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 - Design  https://youtu.be/jsPoFOSjHeg?si=opSaJqlgcVDOfQcm
4.How to Create Your Dream Life - Dream Series - Drive 4/4 https://youtu.be/5PryG4ZkZg4?si=PjP7bTxIwa_wTcRX
 
 
Favorite Resources for Dreamers
Resource for Books https://www.amazon.com/shop/deneenlgarrett #ad
Resource for Dream Life & WOC Merchandise https://shopwithdeneen.bigcartel.com/
Additional Resources https://deneenlgarrett.com/resources
 
Optional Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!
 
Work With Me:
 
Ema

Mindset Shift: Redefining Work and Self-Care with La’Vista Jones
Episode 151
This week’s guest, La’Vista Jones, shares how by prioritizing self-care, individuals, especially women of color, can step into their power and create the life they truly desire which she has done for herself.  Born and raised in Ohio, La’Vista, CEO/Founder, now resides in Arizona with her family. LaVista's podcast, Boss Talk, challenges listeners to reconsider their approach to work and self-care, Mindset Shift: Redefining Work. Tune in to hear about her podcast's origins as a networking event and her deep-dive interviews with entrepreneurs, highlighting both their successes and failures.
In this episode, we cover:
[00:03:39] Transition from networking to podcast. [00:19:28] Dream of writing a book. [00:27:04] Motherhood journey.  
Read the full blog post: https://www.womenofcoloranintimateconversation.com/mindset-shift-redefining-work/
 
Do you want more out of life? Are you ready to live boldly in pursuit of your dreams?
Today’s episode sponsor is Deneen L. Garrett LLC.  Deneen, Founder & CEO, is a Passionate, Innovative, Executioner (P.I.E.) who elevates the voices of women of color and empowers them to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ through podcasting, speaking and coaching.
Deneen is a Women’s Motivational Speaker, the Creator & Host of the Women of Color: An Intimate Conversation (formerly An Intimate Conversation with Women of Color) Podcast, which she launched in 2020 and a Dream Lifestyle Coach.
Deneen specializes in helping women of color who want more out of life live boldly to create a dream life.
Hire Deneen For: Speaking Engagements (In-Person & Virtual): Leadership Development | Empowerment Speaker | Fireside Chats | Keynotes | Panels | Workshops
Signature Talks:  How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ | The Power in the Pause | Recognize Your Path and Rise Up! 
Hire Deneen to speak at your next event
 
Connect with Deneen L. Garrett 
Website: deneenlgarrett.com
YouTube: www.youtube.com/@WOCAnIntimateConversation
Join newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/fd1dcd3787e9/living-a-dream-lifestyle-monthly-13570855?e=[UNIQID]
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/925147482306416
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deneenlgarrett/
X.com: https://twitter.com/DeneenLGarrett
 
Connect with La'Vista Jones 
Website: https://www.thirtyonemarketplace.com/
Podcast: Boss Talk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boss-talk/id1566543432
Email: lavista@thirtyonemarketplace.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lavistajones/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lavistajones
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lavistajones/
 
Check out these episodes next:
How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™ Series: 
1 of 4 How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: The Overview - Empowering Women of Color Through Podcasting
2 of 4 How to Live a Dream Lifestyle™: Dream
3 of 4 How to Live a Dream Lifestyle: Step 3 - Design
4 of 4 In Charge: Dream Series - Drive Towards Your Dream Lifestyle
 
Favorite Resources For my Dreamers 
Shop Amazon with Deneen - Book Recommendations  Shop with Deneen - Dream Life and Women of Color Merch  Additional Resources - Affiliated Marketing   
*Optional* Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast through affiliate programs. Using our links is a small way to support the show at no additional cost. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. Thank you for the support!
 
Work With Me:
Email deneen@deneenlgarrett.com for brand partnerships and business inquiries.
 
Thank you for listening!
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