Motivational Mondays: Conversations with Leaders

Monique Rodriguez isn’t just the CEO and founder of Mielle Organics; she’s a powerhouse of perseverance, faith, and innovation. In this captivating episode of Motivational Mondays, NSLS host Corey Andrew Powell sits down with Monique to delve into her inspiring journey—from a dedicated nurse to a trailblazing entrepreneur in the beauty industry. Listeners will uncover how embracing one’s purpose, overcoming personal hardships, and building genuine community can fuel both career success and personal growth. At the heart of Monique’s narrative is a steadfast faith that turned personal tragedy into a catalyst for transformation. Following the devastating loss of her son in 2013, Monique experienced a profound shift in perspective. Instead of succumbing to despair, she allowed herself to grieve and, importantly, to heal by leaning into her spiritual beliefs. She explains in this episode how this period of deep introspection not only reinforced her resilience but also helped her realize that every hardship carries within it the seeds of growth.This week, you’ll learn how Monique derived the name of her brand from her daughters’ names and an unexpected connection to the word “honey,” the experience that led Monique to transition from nursing to entrepreneurship, and the importance of establishing genuine relationships and leveraging mentorship to achieve your goals.LEARN MORE:> > Follow Monique and Mielle Organics on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/exquisitemo) (https://www.instagram.com/mielleorganics)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn low-cost, actionable steps to kickstart your entrepreneurial journey and the do’s and don’ts of building an online business (https://members.nsls.org/audio/monique-rodriguez)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Trauma has a way of shaping our lives, often in ways we don’t fully realize. Allison Sweet Grant, a psychiatric nurse practitioner and accomplished writer, joined us this week to discuss her debut novel, I Am The Cage, a deeply personal story inspired by her own medical trauma as a child. Through fiction, she explores resilience, self-discovery, and the power of rewriting our own narratives.In this episode, Allison shares how her personal journey led to a deeper understanding of healing and self-acceptance. Whether you’ve experienced trauma firsthand or simply want to learn how storytelling can be a transformative tool, her insights will inspire you to embrace your journey and turn past struggles into strength.Listen to this episode to learn: how unresolved trauma can impact our lives, why storytelling is a powerful tool for healing, and how self-acceptance plays a key role in personal and professional growth.LEARN MORE:> > Visit AllisonSweetGrant.com to learn more about her work NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn what Allison hopes readers take away from her new book and how aspiring writers can get started in their literary journey (https://members.nsls.org/audio/allison-sweet-grant)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Eliza VanCort, a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and executive coach, is redefining how we approach confidence-building. Known for her expertise in communication and self-empowerment, VanCort has appeared on major platforms like The Drew Barrymore Show, PBS, and Forbes. Her latest venture is designed to help individuals harness confidence through actionable strategies rather than abstract self-belief. As she explains, confidence is not something we are born with—it is something we cultivate through intentional behaviors.VanCort’s work echoes the central message of her book, A Woman’s Guide to Claiming Space, which encourages individuals to step into their power unapologetically. She emphasizes that confidence should not be about shrinking to accommodate others but about embracing one's unique strengths. Through her new course, she hopes to equip people with the tools they need to navigate a world that often pressures them to minimize their presence. This week you’ll learn why Eliza thinks the way we’re taught to build confidence is backwards, how her daughter's honest criticism transformed her keynote talks, and how she aims to build stronger communication within corporations.LEARN MORE:> > Connect with Eliza VanCort on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/elizavancort)> > Follow her on TikTok (https://www.tiktok.com/@elizavancort)> > Connect on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizavancort)> > Like her Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/ElizaVanCort)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn the valuable advice Eliza would give to her younger-self today (https://app.nsls.org/members/benefits/motivational-mondays/11444149)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

N.L. Holmes has had an extraordinary journey—spending over two decades as a nun before transitioning into archaeology, academia, and ultimately, historical fiction. With 13 novels to her name, including The Lord Hani Mysteries and The Empire at Twilight, she brings the past to life with remarkable authenticity.Holmes’ expertise in ancient history fuels her storytelling, making her books more than just compelling narratives—they are windows into the past. Inspired by an assignment she gave her students about a 13th-century Ugaritic royal divorce, she realized how much historical reconstruction is, at its core, storytelling. This revelation set her on the path to writing immersive novels that blend real historical events with gripping fiction.Having excavated in Greece and Israel, taught at universities, and now living in France with her husband and a small farm of animals, Holmes’ diverse experiences inform her work. Her novels have garnered multiple awards, including the 2023 Wishing Shelf Award, and she sees her work as the culmination of her life’s journey — full of surprises, yet as she had envisioned.LEARN MORE:> > www.nlholmes.com> > https://www.linkedin.com/in/n-l-holmes> > https://x.com/nlholmesbooks> > https://www.facebook.com/nlholmesbooksNSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn what career path Holmes almost pursued before her decision to become a nun, educator and archeologist (https://members.nsls.org/audio/nl-holmes)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Four extraordinary women are breaking barriers and driving change! Dr. Jenny Woo unlocks emotional intelligence for personal growth, Dr. Khama Ennis advocates for healthcare equity, Amy Porterfield empowers women to build their dream careers, and Sandy Rosenthal exposes the truth behind Hurricane Katrina’s devastation.As we celebrate Women's History Month, we honor the trailblazers who came before us and the leaders shaping our future. Their resilience, courage, and dedication continue to inspire generations to break barriers and create lasting change.You’ll learn  about the opportunities created through Affirmative Action Programs, the emotional pain brought forward through ancestral trauma, and what is meant by “emotional intelligence.”LEARN MORE:> > Amy Porterfield (http://www.nsls.org/blog/designing-your-dream-life)> > Dr. Khama Ennis (https://www.nsls.org/blog/advocating-for-equity-in-healthcare)> > Sandy Rosenthal (https://www.nsls.org/blog/unmasking-the-flood-a-crusade-for-justice)> > Dr. Jenny Woo (http://www.nsls.org/blog/unlocking-emotional-intelligence)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how remote working provides a win-win for both employees and their companies and a key valuable lesson Amy Porterfield learned early in her career (https://app.nsls.org/members/benefits/motivational-mondays/11430464)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Jawn Murray is a celebrated producer and Daytime Emmy nominee known for his impact on television. As the executive producer of the nationally syndicated Sherri Shepherd Show, he has earned an NAACP Image Award and two Telly Awards. His work spans platforms like the Travel Channel, NFL Network, Epix, and ABC News, with his documentary Soul of a Nation: Black in Vegas showcasing his dedication to storytelling and representation. As the 2024 NSLS National Virtual Induction guest speaker, Jawn shared the insights and lessons learned along his impressive journey.As Sherri’s executive producer, Murray has shaped the show’s success with engaging storytelling and a positive, uplifting tone. His leadership fosters a culture of respect and professionalism, ensuring continued growth. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, he remains a driving force in television and media. LEARN MORE:> > allmylinks.com/jawnmurrayNSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how Jawn Murray and Sherri Shephard's friendship makes for an uplifting daytime talk show experience (http://members.nsls.org/audio/jawn-murray)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Rashad Bilal and Troy Millings, the founders of Earn Your Leisure and authors of You Deserve to Be Rich, challenge traditional notions of the American Dream. They argue that the widely accepted idea of financial success—owning a home with a white picket fence and achieving stability—does not reflect the realities of many Black and Brown individuals. Economic disparities and systemic obstacles have created an uneven playing field, making this dream unattainable for many. Rather than encouraging people to conform to a singular vision of success, Bilal and Millings emphasize the need for personalized financial goals supported by education, mentorship, and access to resources.LEARN MORE:> > You Deserve To Be Rich  (https://sites.prh.com/you-deserve-to-be-rich)> > Earn Your Leisure (https://earnyourleisure.com)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn how the “Earn Your Leisure” podcast has grown to a community of over a million subscribers (https://app.nsls.org/members/benefits/motivational-mondays/11421250)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Arlene Pellicane is a marriage advocate dedicated to helping couples build strong, joyful relationships. Through her books, podcasts, and speaking engagements, she challenges the narrative that marriage is inherently difficult, instead presenting it as a fulfilling and worthwhile commitment. Drawing from her own 26-year marriage, Arlene emphasizes that while some obstacles may emerge, they can be navigated successfully with the right mindset and dedication.Arlene stresses the significance of truly knowing a partner before marriage, advocating for time, patience, and careful observation of character. She shares insights from her own love story, where friendship provided a solid foundation for a lasting marriage. Key factors such as conflict resolution, integrity, and family interactions help determine long-term compatibility, and she encourages individuals to seek guidance from trusted friends and family when making relationship decisions.LEARN MORE:> > National Marriage Week (https://www.marriageweek.org)> > National Marriage Week on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/nationalmarriageweek)> > Makingmarriageeasier.comNSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn about what Arlene calls the “power hour” and why married couples must make time for it (http://members.nsls.org/audio/arlene-pellicane)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Tamar Huggins is reshaping the landscape of education and technology, combining innovation with equity. As the founder of Tech Spark, Huggins has created a platform that uses culturally relevant AI tools to address systemic biases in education while empowering students. Her groundbreaking Spark Plug platform offers schools and organizations a way to integrate AI more inclusively. In 2012, Huggins founded Driven, Canada's first tech accelerator for Black and BIPOC entrepreneurs. The program addressed the gap in business acumen often seen in underrepresented communities, focusing on transforming creative ideas into revenue-generating ventures. Despite facing challenges such as accusations of reverse racism, Huggins stayed true to her mission. By leaning on her advertising background and innovative thinking, she created a successful program that has raised over $1.1 million, with startups under its wing raising $20 million collectively.Huggins is a strong advocate for culturally responsive pedagogy in education. She emphasizes the importance of tailoring teaching methods to reflect students’ lived experiences. Tech Spark has developed a tech entrepreneurship course that aligns with the needs and interests of underserved students, providing them with real-world skills and opportunities.This week, you'll learn how Tamar’s Caribbean roots influenced her life, how Tamar rose above business rejections, and more about her commitment to underserved communities.LEARN MORE:> > tamarhuggins.com> > @tamarhuggins on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/tamarhuggins)> > @sparkplug.ai and @techspark.ai on IG (https://www.instagram.com/sparkplug.ai)(https://www.instagram.com/techspark.ai)NSLS MEMBERS ONLY:> > Listen to the bonus episode to learn about the pivotal moment when Tamar realized her work was making a difference (http://members.nsls.org/audio/tamar-huggins)Mentioned in this episode:Get 20% Off at the NSLS ShopUse code MONDAYS for 20% your entire purchase at shop.nsls.orgNSLS Shop

Dr. Alison Wood Brooks, an O'Brien Associate Professor at Harvard Business School and a behavioral scientist, shares insights on the art of conversation. She emphasizes the importance of intentionality in dialogue and introduces the 'conversational compass' to balance clarity and emotional connection. Drawing from her experiences as an identical twin, Dr. Brooks discusses how reframing anxiety as excitement can improve communication. The podcast also tackles the significance of meaningful apologies in strengthening relationships and fostering accountability.