Impostrix Podcast

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43. Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Audacity: Lessons from a Legal Tech Entrepreneur Aug 28, 2024

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In this episode of the Impostrix Podcast, I sit down with Kisha Brown, Esq., the founder and CEO of Justis Connection, the first black attorney referral network in the country. Kisha shares her journey of being a practicing attorney to transitioning into the world of legal tech entrepreneurship. We discuss the importance of creating a community, the challenges and unexpected positives of being an entrepreneur, and the significance of seeking professional support in the business world.
Here are three key takeaways from our conversation:
1) Having the Audacity of White Men: Kisha and Whitney marvel at the audacity of white men who are totally fine faking it until they make it and compare to the critical eye and high standards Black women face from ourselves and others. What if we had the audacity of white men? How would we move in our careers and what risks would we take?
2) Creating Community and Identity: Kisha highlighted the importance of creating a supportive community in any space you choose to be in. Surrounding yourself with like-minded individuals who understand your journey can provide comfort and confidence in the identities you've taken on.
3) Balancing Motherhood and Entrepreneurship: Kisha shared how being an entrepreneur has given her the flexibility to balance motherhood and work. The ability to own her time and make decisions that align with her family's needs has been a significant positive outcome of her transition.
4) Fortifying Yourself as an Entrepreneur: Kisha emphasized the need to fortify oneself as an entrepreneur, especially in the face of challenges and uncertainties. Building resilience and self-support is crucial for navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
This episode is fire! Tap in and be validated!
Check out Justis Connection at JustisConnection.com, and follow on IG @JustisConnection.

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Wills for the People
Advancing wealth equity through intentional, accessible, culturally responsive and transformative estate planning services and education. Available in Georgia only.
www.willsforthepeoplega.com
info@willsforthepeoplega.com

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42. Turning Coffee, Friendship, and Shared Values into the Black Coffee Company Aug 21, 2024

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Has your friend group ever daydreamed about going in to business together? Good idea or bad idea? Join us on the Impostrix Podcast as we sit down with Leonard Lightfoot, CFO and co-founder of the Black Coffee Company, to hear his experience building a thriving business with four of his closest friends. Leonard takes us through his journey of friendship and a shared interest in building wealth through investments to a fateful visit to the Motown Museum in 2015 that sparked an entrepreneurial dream that led to the birth of the Black Coffee Company.
Discover the gritty, behind-the-scenes story of how the Black Coffee Company grew from selling their signature "WOKE" coffee mug online to becoming a beloved community coffee shop (that just expanded to the Morehouse College Campus!). Leonard recounts the trials and triumphs of their early days, including the strategic pop-up events that eventually led to a permanent location in Atlanta, thanks to a chance encounter at Killer Mike's swag shop. Learn how the co-founders adapted and thrived during the COVID-19 pandemic, using customer feedback to diversify their product line and stay relevant in challenging times.
But it's not just about coffee. Leonard shares invaluable insights on the importance of community empowerment, financial literacy, and the unique hurdles faced by Black entrepreneurs. Hear about the role Black women played in supporting their journey, the mental and physical toll of entrepreneurship, and practical advice for anyone looking to start their own business. This episode is a powerful testament to the strength of collaboration, resilience, and the transformative power of community support. Don't miss it!
Visit Black Coffee online at www.theblackcoffeecompany.com or if in Atlanta, visit their flagship shop at 1800 Jonesboro Rd., SE.

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41. Minding My Black-Owned Startup Business with Roxann Smithers Aug 14, 2024

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What do new business owners need to know as they start their businesses? Let's find out in our Season 3 premier episode with featured guest Roxann Smithers!
It's Black Business Month and we are celebrating with our Black Biz Mini-series sponsored by the Smithers Law Group!
Kicking it off right are words of experience and wisdom from Atlanta based business law attorney and mediator, Roxann Smithers. Roxann brings a rich background as an attorney, speaker, teacher, low-key writer, YouTube show creator, mentor, and super active volunteer. Roxann shares on her passion for supporting Black entrepreneurs and small business owners. This conversation also takes a brief detour to discuss how Roxann is on a mission to reclaim the term "spinster" (single adult woman) by challenging societal expectations on women- super interesting, I support this.

Get ready to rethink the concept of job stability and the autonomy that comes with entrepreneurship. Roxanne and I address the initial shock of shifting from employee to entrepreneur, reframing it as an opportunity for unparalleled growth. We compare the responsibilities of running a business to the journey from adolescence to adulthood, highlighting the new challenges and freedoms that come up. By discussing the myths surrounding traditional employment and the newfound control in entrepreneurship, we provide actionable insights for those contemplating making the leap.
But the conversation doesn't stop at business ownership; with Roxanne's wisdom, we examine the internalized biases that often lead to harsher criticism of Black-owned businesses and offer practical advice on supporting minority-owned enterprises. From cultivating essential business relationships to the importance of accountability partners, this episode is packed with valuable guidance.
Key Topics Discussed:

Internalized inferiority complex in business relationships
Importance of legal and financial support for entrepreneurs
Building a network of support and mentors in the business community
Strategies for doing business with family and friends
Circulating dollars within the Black community to support Black businesses

I loved this conversation and I know you will too!
How to Connect with Roxann:

Watch "The Ladies' Room" on YouTube at HFN Streaming
Visit Roxann's website at www.stulawgroup.com
Follow Roxanne on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram @smitherslawgroup and @spinsterroxy.

Connect with me (Whitney) on IG @impostrixpodcast and @willsforthepeoplega! I love hearing from you.
Thanks to Chris Aiken of DigitalREM for editing!

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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40. Decoding Race, History, and Activism: From Human Migrations to Modern Movements with Dr. Jordan Knox Jul 03, 2024

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Could navigating the complexities of race and racial justice finally be as simple as recognizing a metaphorical open jar? Join me, Whitney, and my brother, Dr. Jordan Knox, on the Impostrix Podcast as we explore this compelling question. Dr. Knox, a scholar in African American Studies, brings his academic expertise to our discussion, helping us unpack the historical roots and modern-day implications of racial constructs. We start our journey from early human migrations to the dark chapters of the transcontinental slave trade, and onto the significant transitions in racial categorization during the early American colonies.
Our conversation takes a deep dive into the contrasting strategies of the Civil Rights and Black Power Movements, scrutinizing their respective impacts on societal change. We untangle the legacy of nonviolent protests juxtaposed against the backdrop of gang violence and the crack epidemic, all while proposing actionable solutions like economic boycotts and political participation. By addressing both systemic and personal aspects of racism, we reflect on how modern digital interactions perpetuate biases and what it means to engage meaningfully in advocacy without becoming overwhelmed by the fight.
Finally, we explore the profound psychological toll that racism inflicts on mental health and societal well-being. Through the lens of historical context and personal anecdotes, we consider how future generations might experience and combat racial trauma. Emphasizing the importance of community support, we highlight Black spaces as sanctuaries of understanding and healing. Inspired by a Bollywood movie on civil rights, we conclude with an empowering call to action: Recognize and seize the freedoms available to you, just like a grasshopper in a jarwith the lid off. Join us for this enlightening episode and continue the conversation on Facebook and Instagram @impostrixpodcast.
Thanks @DigitalREM for editing this episode!

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39. Exploring Racial Harm, Liberation, and the Elephant in the Room of Anti-Racism Movement's with Will Fullwood Jun 19, 2024

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This is our Season 2 finale episode and what a ride it's been! If you have enjoyed the season, please rate the show with 5 stars and leave a review!
Ever wondered why the issue of racism hasn't been resolved? Join me, Whitney Knox Lee, on the Impostrix Podcast as I sit down with Will Fullwood, a Black gay man, college professor, and host of Contraband Wagon, to explore this lingering question.
But first, let's talk Juneteenth! Freedom Day for Black Americans. Liberation Day. Our equivalent to Independence Day. The day we commemorate when the last enslaved people were freed from slavery, months after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. With insights from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s work, we reflect on the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing fight for Black liberation and freedom.
Our conversation takes a critical look at white supremacy and the collective responsibility in tackling racism. Will shares the evolution of his podcast, Contraband Wagon from a local discussion group to an international platform, focusing on MLK's "Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?" We discuss the differing priorities between white liberals and Black communities, as well as the limitations of civil rights institutions. This episode underscores the importance of rethinking societal values around power and wealth and making anti-racism a personal value for meaningful change.
And yes, we continue the ongoing conversation on imposter syndrome and race at work and the impact of imposter syndrome and racial toxicity on professionals of color. Through poignant anecdotes and reflections, we address the complexities of navigating racial microaggressions and the nuanced experiences of racial harm in professional settings. We emphasize the critical role of educating people to recognize subtle forms of racism and building collective power.
Wrapping up, we highlight the importance of validating spaces and encourage you to join our Facebook group, Impostrix Podcast Validating Space, to continue this vital dialogue. For more information, visit www.impostrixpodcast.com and follow us on Instagram at Impostrix Podcast. Lets work together to honor our ancestors and push for true racial justice.
Find Will at theContrabandWagon.com and on Youtube
Connect with Whitney on IG @ImpsotrixPodcast and watch this episode on our YouTube channel.
Thanks Chris at DigitalREM.com for editing!

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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38. Black Men Navigating Emotional Freedom and Mental Health with Harvey Laguerre Jun 12, 2024

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What if societal expectations and past traumas were the silent barriers holding Black men back from true emotional freedom? It's Men's Mental Health month and we are going to talk about it!
Join us on the Impostrix Podcast as we sit down with Harvey Laguerre, the host of the Men Are the P.R.I.Z.E. podcast, to unravel this complex issue.
Harvey opens up about his personal journey to becoming the man he is today. A men's mental health advocate, a stay-at-home dad, and creator of supportive and vulnerable space for Black men. From growing up in a toxic household, failing out of college, and experiencing his first awareness of mental dis-ease, together, we peel back the layers on the often-untold struggles that Black men face in expressing vulnerability and seeking mental health support.
As Harvey shares, he has faced the shadows of domestic violence, survived a suicide attempt, and battled the feeling of being unwantedonly to rise with resilience and a renewed sense of self-worth. Through his candid storytelling, Harvey offers a raw look into his academic and emotional challenges, emphasizing how critical it is for Black men to process their emotions rather than suppress them. His narrative is not just a tale of overcoming obstacles but a testament to the transformative power of love and the importance of having conversations about mental health and self-worth.
In this episode, we also explore the nuanced experiences of growing up Black in predominantly white neighborhoods and the societal pressures to conform. Harvey and I discuss the importance of finding a supportive community, whether through personal connections or professional therapy, and the profound impact of vulnerability on relationships.
Tune in and be part of this vital conversation aiming to inspire and empower others to embrace their vulnerability and seek the support they need to thrive. And, catch me on the Men Are The P.R.I.Z.E. podcast for the special mothers day episode!
Catch up with Harvey on IG @menaretheprizepod. And as usual, find Whitney @impostrixpodcast and on our website, impostrixpodcast.com.
Shout out to Chris at DigitalREM for editing this episode!

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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37. Breaking the Stigma: Black Men and Mental Health Advocacy with Brock Williams Jun 05, 2024

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What does it mean to be a man? Is asking for help a sign of weakness? Is asking for help with mental health or other health concerns a sign of weakness?
In this episode of the Impostrix Podcast, we have the privilege of hosting Brock Williams, a dedicated mental health advocate, poet, and author, who takes shares his journey coming to terms with mental health challenges in his personal and professional life.
Brock opens up about the piercing clarity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and the pressing necessity for self-care, especially among Black men. He doesn't shy away from discussing how stepping back from the relentless grind to prioritize health can be a radical, yet essential, act of self-preservation.
We tackle the deeply ingrained societal norms that often compel Black men to suppress their emotions from a young age. Brock and I break down the destructive cultural stigmas that paint seeking mental health help as a sign of weakness. By sharing heartfelt anecdotes and practical insights, we shine a spotlight on the important roles played by families and communities in fostering safe spaces for emotional expression.
Our conversation ventures into the professional realm, where Brock narrates his journey of balancing work and personal health, especially after contracting COVID-19 twice. He speaks candidly about the fears and challenges of navigating mental health in the workplace, stressing the importance of knowing one's rights and seeking necessary accommodations.
This episode is a powerful call to action for men to redefine manhood through vulnerability, prioritize their mental health, and create supportive environments both at home and work. Tune in for an enlightening discussion that promises to touch hearts and minds alike.
Prefer to watch the video version of this podcast? Check it out on YouTube.
Connect with Brock on IG @MilleniaXpose, and purchase his book Shake the Dust Off Your Soul on his website, milleniaxpose.com.
Find Whitney on IG @impostrixpodcast and @willsforthepeople.
Shout out to Digital REM! Thanks for editing this episode.

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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36. The Throughline: Trauma Healing with Somatics and BDSM, Accessibility at Work, and Increasing Capacity to Thrive with Jayden Aubryn May 29, 2024

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Explicit Content Warning: Yep. We talk about BDSM. This episode is not for your family car ride. Enjoy!
This conversation twists and turns but we promise, there is a throughline!
For this episode I am joined by Jayden Aubryn, MSW, LICSW and founder of TISE Consulting and Therapy out of Seattle, WA. Jayden is a Black, queer, non-binary, kinky and ethically non-monogamous person. They are a therapist and a dancer who brings an expansive, inclusive, and holistic perspective to trauma recovery. At the outset of this conversation, Jayden shares their therapeutic approach to coping with and healing from trauma that integrates mental, physical, sexual, and spiritual health. Jayden shares about how movement (i.e. exercise, dance, or even BDSM), art, and music, and other forms of communication and somatic body work can be used therapeutically as a strategy to heal from trauma.
We discuss talk therapy as well and compare healing work to running a marathon, naming the importance of proper preparation, recovery, and nutrition to avoid burnout.
Cueing the transition from the first half of the conversation to the second half, Jayden speaks to the profound effects of trauma on interpersonal connections and career progression, particularly for people of color, and the urgent need for dedicated spaces to address workplace trauma. Jayden highlights the significance of community in the healing process and the unique challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals in professional settings.
We follow Jaydens personal journey from a supervisory role in a nonprofit to launching their own consulting and therapy business, illuminating the struggle for more inclusive and value-aligned workspaces. This episode offers vital insights into the varied communication and sensory needs of neurodivergent individuals, the intersection of race, trauma, and neurodiversity, and the importance of creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Join us for this enlightening conversation that blends personal experiences with expert perspectives on trauma healing, community support, and workplace inclusivity.
Learn more about Jayden and their work at TISE Consulting and Therapy, and follow them on IG @TISEConsultingandTherapy.
Follow Whitney @ImpostrixPodcast and learn about her new venture, Wills For the People!
Thank you Chris at DigitalREM for editing this episode.
Note: The episode can easily be split into two. While we did not split it, Part 1 about healing from trauma and how our unaddressed traumas can impact our professional lives is the first half of the episode. In Part 2/the second half of the episode, we discuss toxic workplaces, neurodiversity, and accessibili

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35. Finding The Way To Mental Wellbeing After Experiencing Racial Toxicity at Work with Shawnti Refuge May 22, 2024

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How do Black women navigate the minefield of workplace microaggressions while maintaining their mental health?
We continue to honor mental health awareness month with this episode featuring Shawnti Refuge, a certified mental health coach, motivational speaker, and author. Shawnti joins us to share her journey and strategies for overcoming the professional challenges and stereotypes that often weigh heavily on Black women. Shawnti's experiences as "one of the only's" in IT shine a light on the subtle yet impactful ways racial microaggressions present in the workplace, offering us a lens into the resilience and healing required to thrive in such environments.
Strap in for an intimate look at mental health care, as Shawnti and I unravel the power of talk therapy and guided journaling. Listen to Shawnti's candid account of her battle with a nervous breakdown, the missteps of initial treatments, and her ultimate breakthrough with the help of a therapist who got it right.
With openness and transparency, we tackle the complexities of therapist relationships and the boundaries that come with them. You'll hear about the turbulent process of finding a therapist who aligns with your cultural and personal needs, the ethical dilemmas that can arise, and how to gracefully transition from therapy to a more self-guided approach with mental health coaching. Shawnti's creation of guided journals as a tool for her own healing underscores not just the necessity of personalized care but also the strength found in affirmations and a self-forgiveness practice. This isn't just an episode; it's a heartfelt invitation to explore and embrace mental wellness with tools that affirm and empower.
Connect with Shawnti on IG @shawntirefugejournals and get your guided journal at shawntirefugejournals.com.
As always, I'm @impostrixpodcast on IG and impostrixpodcast.com
Shout out to DigitalREM for editing this episode!

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34. From Homelessness to Global Impact Through Resilience and Mental Health Advocacy with Difernt May 15, 2024

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Trigger Warning:
This episode discusses mental health and mental illness, including thoughts of suicide. This episode also contains mentions of and refers to sexual assault. Please take care of yourself and opt out of listening to this episode or fast forward through parts where needed.
==============================
MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
Crisis Hotline: 1-800-273-8255, or you can call or text 988, or 741741.
Online Resources:
Mentalhealthishealth.us
Suicide and Crisis Lifeline - 988lifeline.org
===============================
Welcome back to Impostrix podcast! It is May, Mental Health Awareness Month, and we are going to talk about it! This episode comes from the vault! We recorded in 2023 and it's just as ripe today as it was back then.

In this episode, host Whitney Lee is joined by entrepreneur, CEO, author and motivational speaker, Difernt, for a deep dive into her personal experiences and mental health journey. Difernt shares her inspiring story of overcoming homelessness, living in foster care, and being faced with adversity to achieve success and make a positive impact in the world.

They discuss Difernt's mission, which is driven by her past experiences and the desire to bring social awareness through her work. The conversation turns to the importance of mental health, the power of therapy, and the need for self-care. Difernt also talks about her book, "What If? A Controversial Paradigm Shift," which challenges readers to think critically about systemic racism and injustice in America.

Listen in on a conversation centering mental health, resilience, and the impact of sharing our stories. Don't miss out on this empowering episode filled with valuable insights and resources for anyone navigating their mental health journey.

For more information and to get a copy of Difernt's book, visit her website at diferntsworld.net. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, but taking steps to prioritize your mental health is crucial. Let's start the conversation and make a positive change in our lives and communities.

Stay tuned for more inspiring episodes and don't forget to like, share, and subscribe for more empowering content!

Catch Difernt on IG @th3rdeye_entertainment_llc and watch her vlogs on Youtube.
Find Whitney at ImpostrixPodcast.com, on Youtube, and IG.

I am a creative entrepreneur and want my fully customizable and attorney-created services contract.
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