Gen X Amplified with Adrion Porter

On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I am chatting with writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, and former multi-agency brand strategist Chauncey Zalkin. As a podcaster, Chauncey is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast Actual People, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. During our conversation, Chauncey and I discuss her overall Gen X journey as storyteller, creator, brand strategist, and entrepreneur. And also Chauncey shares personal and professional insights on navigating today’s world as a Gen X woman, particularly during midlife and mid-career. In this episode, Chauncey and I unpack: Chauncey’s inspirations and motivations for her writing and creativity Why Chauncey decided to launch the Actual People podcast Chauncey’s experiences living in New York during the early 2000s and the golden age of hip-hop Why publishing a novel (or two) is her ultimate dream Chauncey’s very candid and powerful “Suddenly 50: Where We Are & What’s Next As Gen X“ episode of her podcast Chauncey’s passions for observing culture through a Gen X lens Why Chauncey prefers to work with startups as opposed to larger companies and career pursuits of becoming a CMO And more! Chauncey’s Personal Theme Songs “Clean Slate” by M Ward “The Final Countdown” by Europe (Honorable Mention) About Chauncey Chauncey Zalkin is a writer, 2x creative entrepreneur, former multi-agency brand strategist, and most recently VP then SVP of Marketing at tech startups establishing brand architecture, cross-channel, cross-funnel messaging and operationalizing marketing and building processes for success. She is also the host of the groundbreaking podcast “Actual People”, which is an unfiltered exploration of individual and societal shifts in a world undergoing tremendous change. In this podcast, Chauncey opens up about her own experiences in order to dive into social and cultural phenomena, positive developments, and collective pain. Each episode is dedicated to meaningful conversations about the evolving landscape of our lives and the power of our own creativity and imagination to make magic. Chauncey got her start observing culture as founder of a pre-blog era blog called Girl on the street, was nominated for a webby and got some press in places like Teen People, Trace magazine, NY Post, Daily News and then went on to join the ad world at the height of cripsin porter + bogusky’s success, and went on to work at 2 other agencies over her career. going into advertising, she’s not sure that was the right choice. She is a writer first and foremost, former multi-agency brand strategist, owned a brand documentary agency which she loved and did for companies like beyond meat and timex, and then went on to be a senior executive marketer for startups. she’s since leaned back into pure content and story for herself and select clients that she feels are meaningful in the context of today’s culture and building the future. Her substack is https://chaunceyzalkin.substack.com/ and her website is www.chaunceyzalkin.com. Actual People can be found wherever you get your podcasts. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

For this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of being joined by Ebony Flake, Business Journalist for ESSENCE. What makes this conversation extra amazing is that Ebony graciously featured me in a story she wrote last year as a full-page profile for their annual Men’s print Issue. The story was titled “Gen X Leaders Are Dominating the C-Suite” and it featured insights on how the middle generation is now holding the keys to the boardrooms and shaping the future of work for everyone. Well, this episode is all about EBONY FLAKE, and her inspirational and intentional career journey. And I couldn’t wait to feature her on the podcast, and spotlight her journey as a perfect example of true mid-career mastery. In this episode, Ebony and I unpack: Ebony’s discovery of her passion for writing that became the spark for her career path Some of the early inflection points and external advocates that helped propel Ebony for a successful career in journalism and writing for ESSENCE The various lessons from Ebony’s corporate and leadership experience that became valuable throughout her journey Why she is a passionate advocate for the experiences and opportunities of the underrepresented, particularly black women in corporate and entrepreneurship Why Gen X is the generation that is well suited for meaningful leadership in today’s ever-changing world of work And more! Ebony’s Personal Theme Song “Sweet Life” by Frank Ocean About Ebony Ebony Flake is a highly acclaimed writer and business reporter covering leadership, careers, and entrepreneurship for ESSENCE. She has been on a passionate mission to also amplify the voices, experiences, triumphs, and challenges faced by Black women in the workplace and beyond. Previously, as a C-suite reporter for Business Insider, Ebony explored the strategies and successes of high-level executives across various industries. Before transitioning to journalism, Ebony gained over a decade of HR leadership experience, spanning the food and beverage sector with industry giants including PepsiCo and Tyson Foods to the innovative and agile startup world as HR Director at an Austin-based boutique firm. Ebony’s writings and perspective are grounded in insights gained into corporate culture, talent management, lean startups, and careers. Additionally, as Entrepreneur-in-Residence with the Ford Foundation, Ebony co-founded and led Urban Content Studios, a content collective offering full-service media for nonprofit clients, including contracts with the Detroit Public Schools Foundation, the Sean Anderson Foundation, and Gleaners Community Food Bank. Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by Stephen Bailey, Stephen is the CEO and co-founder of ExecOnline, a corporate training company that partners with the world’s top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. ExecOnline is on a mission to connect all leaders to their future potential by disrupting and democratizing corporate learning. Some of ExecOnline’s Partner schools include Stanford, Wharton, Berkeley Haas, Chicago Booth, UVA Darden School of Business, Columbia, Duke, MIT-Sloan, Yale, and others. In this episode, Stephen and I unpack: Stephen’s career journey from “recovered lawyer” to startup founder and eventually becoming the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline The “aha moment” from Stephen’s experience as the CEO of a previous startup that led to launching ExecOnline Many of the high-impact initiatives the ExecOnline team are currently focusing on Why there is a meaningful difference between mentoring and learning The impact of large language models and generative AI on the learning economy And more! Stephen’s Personal Theme Song “Right Above It” (feat. Drake) by Lil Wayne About Stephen Bailey Stephen is the co-founder and CEO of ExecOnline, a B2B corporate training company that partners with the world’s top business schools to offer leadership development on demand to enterprise organizations. Its mission is to connect all leaders to their future potential by disprupting and democratizing corporate learning. When Stephen launched ExecOnline, his vision was to combine the engagement of traditional on-campus and role-based applied learning — with the convenience and scale of an online experience—for all levels of leadership. Therefore, creating a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive leadership pipeline within the world of work. ExecOnline has been named to the Global Silicon Valley EdTech 150, and also recognized as a “Technology Company to Watch” by Forbes. Prior to ExecOnline, Stephen served as the CEO of Frontier Strategy Group (FSG), a software and information services business. He grew FSG from an early-stage start-up to a company that served nearly half the Fortune 500 across a range of international markets and business functions. Prior to his role as CEO, he was FSG’s first Chief Product Officer. Before joining FSG, Stephen was an associate in the venture capital and private equity group of WilmerHale. Stephen is also the Board Chair of the Truman Center for National Policy and member of the Board of Prospect Schools, a charter school network in NYC. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa and summa cum laude from Emory University and holds a JD from the Yale Law School. Stephen has been an EdTech pioneer and champion of the “learning economy” ever since he recognized the vast leadership gap many years ago.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am speaking with global leader, speaker, workplace strategist Daisy Auger-Domínguez, who is the author of the book “Burnt Out to Lit Up: How to Reignite the Joy of Leading People.” With years of experience leading global human capital practices at companies like Google, Disney and Vice Media, she equips managers and leaders with the skills they need to build high-performing teams and shift culture to drive performance without burning out. In this episode, Daisy and I discuss: Daisy’s inspirational professional journey to becoming a seasoned executive in media Daisy’s own personal experience and motivation that sparked the desire to write Burnt Out to LIt Up. My Mid-Career Mastery LinkedIn newsletter article titled “Why Gen X Women Experience Burnout and What Companies Should Do About It” that spotlighted Daisy and her book The state of the overall burnout epidemic in today’s world of work Daisy’s key insights on how leaders should approach managing self-care, while also addressing the external systemic dynamics that are the cause of burnout for many professionals How the book is particularly relevant to mid-career and Gen X professionals. And more!   Daisy’s Personal Theme Songs “La Vida Es Un Carnaval” by Celia Cruz “Vivir Mi Vida” by Marc Anthony   About Daisy Auger-Domínguez Daisy’s career spans across 20 years of shaping the future of work by transforming organizations with purpose and passion. Recently, Daisy served as Chief People Officer at Vice Media, where she led diversity, equity, inclusion and social impact practices for global teams across 25 countries. Previously, Daisy was the Senior Vice President of Talent Acquisition at Viacom, where she led the strategic development and operational execution of talent acquisition across global properties. Before her stint at Viacom, Daisy delivered her DEI magic as an executive at other leading brands including Google, Disney ABC Television Group, Warnermedia, and Moody’s Corporation. Daisy thought leadership and perspectives have been published in Harvard Business Review, IDEAS.TED, Hispanic Executive, The New York Times, Forbes, and Adweek. Her professional and civic contributions have also earned recognition by multiple platforms including being named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women” in People en Español. She also received the New York City Council Leadership in Community Service Award. Daisy is also an advisor to startups and social impact organizations. She serves on the boards of Planned Parenthood Federation of America, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, and St. Ann’s Warehouse. Daisy is a phenomenal, fabulous, and fearless leader of indomitable impact — who is determined to challenge all of us to elevate “inclusion” exceptionalism. And her undeniable voice will continue to help create the equitable change the world needs — at this moment and beyond.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!   Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am welcoming back serial entrepreneur Ian Schafer, repeat guest and friend of the podcast, for another round of “Gen Xceptional” wisdom and inspiration. Ian is the President and Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian, Issa, and the team at Ensemble is on a mission to make the creator economy more equitable for creators from underrepresented communities. In this episode, Ian and I unpack: Ian’s experiences and journey as a founder, particularly during the disruptive landscape of the 2020 pandemic The story of how Ian began his business relationship with Issa Rae and her team at HOORAE Media to launch Ensemble Why Ensemble’s mission is focused on creators from underrepresented communities The overall state of the creator economy, especially in the age of AI Why mid-career professionals (i.e, Gen X) can thrive and create value in the creator economy based on their seasoned experience and expertise, coupled with deep knowledge and unique insights. And more! Ian’s Personal Theme Song “Electric Relaxation” by A Tribe Called Quest About Ian Schafer Ian is an award-winning global brand, marketing, advertising, and sports & entertainment entrepreneur and executive. He is and currently the Co-Founder of Ensemble, a next-generation branded entertainment studio that he co-founded with acclaimed producer, writer, actress, and entrepreneur Issa Rae. Ensemble collaborates with brands, platforms, and publishers to produce and distribute epic content and activations that shape culture, engage audiences, and move product. Ian is also a strategic advisor to ROCK THE BELLS, the preeminent voice for classic and timeless hip-hop founded in 2018 by LL Cool J. Also, Ian is the co-founder of ON_Discourse, owner of Queensboro FC, and an advisor to Accelerator. Previously, Ian Co-Founder & CEO of Kindred, a membership organization that’s on a mission to build a more equitable society by advancing the actions of today’s leaders. Prior to launching kindred, Ian was the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of Deep Focus, a transformative advertising agency that eventually he sold to Engine Group in 2015. Before he began his entrepreneurial journey with Deep Focus, Ian worked at Miramax Films as the VP of New Media, where he learned many lessons on the power of content and innovation. Previously, Ian started his career as a Sr. Account Executive at i-Traffic, which was one of the first digital agencies in the world. In 2015, he was inducted into the American Advertising Federation’s Hall of Achievement, named one of “100 People Who Make Advertising Great” by the 4A’s in 2017, and was also named named a “Media Maven” by Advertising Age.   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a very special episode featuring an amazing “Gen Xceptional” chat with Denise Hamilton. Denise is a nationally recognized Diversity & Inclusion leader, and is the Founder and CEO of WatchHerWork, a digital learning platform for professional women. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future” During this episode, Denise and I spent time unpacking her professional story, the timeless gems from her book, and also her passionate call-to-arms for Gen Xers! About Denise Hamilton Denise Hamilton is an author, speaker and consultant who focuses on the people side of change. She is also the author of the bestselling book “Indivisible: How to Forge Our Differences into a Stronger Future.” Whether it’s remote work, AI or a diversifying workforce, today’s leaders need new skills to navigate our rapidly changing world. Denise leverages her 25 years of executive experience with Fortune 500 organizations like AOL and CBRE to provide solutions that support employees and the bottom line. Clients have said Denise’s superpower is the ability to have the most challenging discussions and come out the other side with solutions and a positive direction. She uses this gift to lead workshops, design education programs, and coach senior leaders. The goal is to empower individuals and teams to mine and close the gender gap, understand differences, resolve conflict, and become better allies. Her clients include household names, like Meta, Apple, ExxonMobil, Hines, Amazon, Shell, the United Nations, and the WNBA. Denise has been featured on NPR, Forbes, FOX, Huffington Post, CBS, NBC and on many other outlets. Denise’s Personal Theme Song “I’m Every Woman” by Chaka Khan Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition, featuring my conversation with Cate Luzio —who is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies. And Cate is also one of the shining stars I previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Cate Luzio Cate is the Founder and CEO of Luminary, a membership-based global education and professional networking platform for women and their allies, which she launched and self-funded in 2018. Luminary’s mission is to address the systemic challenges impacting women across all industries and sectors—while also up-lifting, up-skilling, and propelling women forward through all phases of their professional journeys. Members of Luminary reflect a multigenerational and intersectional community of intrapreneurs, entrepreneurs, and organizations including UBS, JPMorgan Chase, Unilever, Verizon, Goldman Sachs, Mastercard, and others. As CEO, Cate achieved a significant milestone for the business as Luminary recently announced their acquisition of The Cru, the enterprise peer-coaching service founded by Tiffany Dufu that places women in small accountability cohorts. And Tiffany also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in this #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series. Prior to launching Luminary, Cate cultivated a two-decade successful career as a financial services executive leading global multibillion-dollar businesses. Most recently, Cate served as Global Head of Multinational Corporate Banking for HSBC, where she managed more than 2,000 employees worldwide. Prior to HSBC, she was Head of Multinational Corporate Banking at J.P. Morgan EMEA based in London. Cate initially began her career in China working in tech and then relocated to Latin America with Bank of America to work across both consumer and wholesale banking. No stranger to reward and recognition, Cate was named as American Banker’s ‘Most Powerful Women in Banking’ multiple years in a row, and is a three-time Financial Times Global Diversity Champion, and a two-time Yahoo Finance Diversity Hero. Cate also serves on the National Board for Girls Inc., is a WE.NYC mentor, and sits on the Boards of Pomp & Whimsy and WaterAid. Having pivoted from a notable career as a financial services corporate leader to become a fearless force championing women in the workplace, Cate stands as a testament to transformative leadership. Cate’s Personal Theme Song “Welcome to the Jungle”, by Guns N’ Roses Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have yes…another #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition. And it’s with  my good friend, the fabulous and phenomenal Tara Jaye Frank. And we are going to be unpacking her latest and greatest book The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Which in my opinion Is a MUST READ for all workplace leaders today. Without question. About Tara Tara is an equity strategist, speaker, C-Suite advisor, and the President and CEO of TJF Career Modeling LLC — where she partners with executives to create learning experiences that advance critical culture and leadership goals. She is also the author of The Waymakers: Clearing the Path to Workplace Equity with Competence and Confidence. Prior to charting her course as an entrepreneur, Tara was a corporate executive at one of the most beloved consumer brands in the world, Hallmark Cards, Inc. Tara actually began her 20+ year career at Hallmark as a greeting card writer, where her gift as a powerful wordsmith and storyteller inspired many people during special and celebrated life moments. However, Tara’s growth and trajectory at Hallmark was limitless, and also history making. During her tenure, Tara advanced to become the youngest person in Hallmark’s history to be promoted into executive management… And also the company’s very first African-American female vice president. But after a mid-career pivot and wonderful life-changing event, Tara’s current “post-Hallmark” career has definitely been filled with meaning, purpose, and massive impact. And as a passionate voice and champion for inclusion, Tara truly cherishes the power of community. When she’s not giving candid and transparent advice on fee negotiation and pay equity to underrepresented speakers… Tara is always on brand — delivering timeless value across a variety of subjects to her audience. That is being fabulous and phenomenal over 40. Tara’s Waymakers Theme Song “Made a Way, by Travis Greene Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!  

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have a great and important conversation with Zephrine Hanson. Zephrine is a veteran, farmer, story amplifier, and the founder of Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project that offers small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients that are lovingly grown and sustainably sourced. And she also happens to be a fellow member of LinkedIn’s inaugural cohort of its Creator Accelerator Program! During this episode, Zephrine and I discuss her personal story — which includes a beginning career in the military, how she got into lavender farming, and her insights and advice on managing one’s mental health. Particularly as a 40-plus professional, business owner, parent, and community builder.  About Zephrine Born and raised in San Fernando Valley California, Zephrine enlisted in the Air Force immediately after graduating high school. With a background in media communications and journalism, she served as a public affairs and medical photographer stationed in Germany and Texas. After medical retirement from the Air Force in 2004, Zephrine shifted to freelance photography, returned to college for communications. With the resounding support of her partner, the Hansons packed up and moved to Denver, CO in 2016 where she embraced a calmer, holistic lifestyle. Finally enjoying some space to breathe, Zephrine took advantage of veteran programs including The Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) consortium at UCLA, the Veterans to Farmers program in partnership with Denver Botanic Gardens (DBG), and the Veterans’ Path mindfulness and yoga training in Colorado. In 2017 she began planting seeds and nurturing people through Hampden Farms, a suburban farming project offering sustainable farming solutions and small-batch artisanal products made from organic ingredients lovingly grown and conscientiously sourced. Through Hampden Farms, Zephrine continued collaborations with the DBG to include earning her 300-hour Herbalism Certification. She now serves as a Self-Care Share Producer and Farmer for Chatfield along with being an instructor and ambassador for the Garden’s Veterans-to-Farmers program. Zephrine is a proud member of the Denver Metro Area’s chapter of MileHigh Farmers, the grassroots organization for farmers and farmer advocates. She is also lends her experience and voice to the Food Policy Cohort for LiveWell focused on overcoming inequitable access to healthy food and physical activity in Colorado. To better marry her passion for sustainable farming with drive for entrepreneurship and enterprise, Zephrine is actively pursuing Bunker Lab’s Veteran-in-Residence program. She continues to advocate and be a community influencer for Autism awareness and education joining the TACT (Teaching the Autism Community Trades) board in February, 2020. When Zephrine is not changing the world one plant and person at a time, she enjoys epic LEGO builds with her three tween inventors and going down Google rabbit holes with her favorite tech nerd and beloved partner, Justin.   Zephrine’s Personal Theme Song “Control” by Janet Jackson   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!   Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I am joined by the wonderful and amazing Kim Alexis Newton. Kim is a former Hallmark Cards Inc. corporate executive, quilt artist, board member, and also my fellow Vanderbilt Business School alumni! She is also one of the featured phenoms in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. During this episode, Kim and I chat about her 20-plus years experience working for Hallmark Cards – which was her dream job coming out of business school. And also why and how she decided to leave corporate after many years to pursue her dreams of creating magic and meaningful impact with her art.   About Kim Kim is a seasoned global marketing executive, board director, advisor, quilt artist, and entrepreneur. She is also the creator of the Intentional Pause™ Project, a media, product and experience platform helping women embrace “pausing” as a powerful way to achieve their dreams. Prior to her entrepreneurial journey, Kim spent 20+ years as an executive leader for one of the most iconic brands in the world, Hallmark Cards. During her Hallmark tenure, Kim directly influenced global corporate strategy, and led transformation across a $4B diversified portfolio of top brands.  She has also been recognized multiple times as a top African-American in corporate America.   However, it was toward the end of her stint at Hallmark when Kim reached a mid-career “malaise” inflection point. — and felt complacent, unsatisfied, and overwhelmed with an empty feeling of unfulfilled dreams.  Therefore, Kim transformed that feeling of malaise into mid-career “mastery” — and began maximizing her impact on the world by bringing to life all of her passions including an art studio, The Intentional Pause™ Project, and her line of special handcrafted gift quilts positioned as extraordinary keepsakes for self or others.    Her first piece was actually given to Ms. Oprah Winfrey! Kim also has 20 years of non-profit board experience, and currently serves on the Board of Directors for Big Lots Stores.  Kim is also a proud member of the The Executive Leadership Council (ELC), Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Jack and Jill of America, Inc., The Links, Incorporated, and the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at The Aspen Institute. She also received her BA in Accounting from Fisk University and her MBA from Vanderbilt University, and lives in Kansas City with her husband, Nikki, and their daughter Piper. Kim’s story is definitely a beacon of inspiration for anyone who is feeling stressed and stuck in their career… And who desires to weave together their purpose, passions, and professional experiences into a meaningful path forward at any age. Kim’s Personal Theme Song “Bigger” by Beyonce Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot! Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

We are back for another #FabulousOver40 edition of Gen X Amplified, featuring my chat with Sunny Bonnell, who is the co-founder and CEO of Motto — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Sunny is also the co-author of the bestselling book RARE BREED: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different (HarperCollins), which has been hailed as one of the most unique business books of its time and used by global teams everywhere. During our conversation, Sunny and I discuss her professional journey, her insights on thriving in mid-career, and also unpack the gems and nuggets of her book RARE BREED. And as mentioned, Sunny also happens to be one of the phenomenal leaders previously featured in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. About Sunny Sunny is a leadership and brand expert, speaker, and the co-founder and Chief Visionary Officer of MOTTO — one of the top branding agencies in the country. Along with her fellow MOTTO co-founder Ashleigh Hansberger, Sunny is also the author of the bestselling and highly praised book “RARE BREED: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different.” Through her agency and book, Sunny and team are on a passionate mission to create magnetic brand experiences for promising startups and companies, while also creating a world of rule-breakers and game-changers. Sunny has a very inspriational and unconventional professional journey. Growing up in the Appalachian mountains, Sunny started playing guitar at the tender age of eight, and also became a prominent bluegrass player by the time she was eleven. During her 20s while she was in college, Sunny then stepped out on faith, and launched MOTTO with $250 in order to create a disruptive and differentiated branding agency unlike many others in the industry. Through MOTTO, Sunny has worked with many top global brands such as Google, Microsoft, Hershey’s, and Twentieth Century Fox. A gifted storyteller and wordsmith, Sunny is a columnist for Inc. Magazine, and is a founding member of the Rolling Stone Culture Council. She has also been featured by a number of media outlets including Entrepreneur, Forbes, Wall Street Journal, Yahoo!, The Breakfast Club, and more. Sunny is definitely thriving and winning during this meaningful stage in her career. And the presence of her passion, along with her always visible fedora, will continue to be felt by those who truly choose to change the world.   Sunny’s Personal Theme Song “Don’t Kill My Vibe”, by Sigrid   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!   Subscribe to Gen X Amplified!

For this episode of Gen X Amplified, we’re back for another #FabulousOver40 Fireside chat edition, featuring Erik Moses, who is currently the Executive Director/CEO of the Fiesta Bowl. He previously served as the President at Nashville Superspeedway, which is the largest concrete-only track in NASCAR. Erik is is also one of the recognized leaders in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn. As mentioned in his spotlight, when Erik was named president of Nashville Superspeedway in 2020, it marked a watershed moment for representation — as he became the first Black track president in NASCAR history.  During this episode, Erik and I discuss his professional story, his thoughts on thriving as a seasoned professional in mid-career, and how he made race week at Nashville Superspeedway a “must-attend” destination in the Southeast Region. Please note that this interview was conducted prior to him being named the new Executive Director and CEO of the Fiesta Bowl. About Erik Erik Moses is the Executive Director/CEO of the Fiesta Bowl.  Also notable is Erik made history in 2020 when he became the first African-American NASCAR track president. Because of his successful leadership experience in the world of sports, events, and live entertainment, Erik was hired to revive and renovate the NASCAR track in Nashville— which had been closed since 2011. One of Erik’s grand achievements from the outset was hosting the track’s first NASCAR Cup Series during Father’s Day weekend in June. Erik started his career practicing law as an attorney, but then shifted gears to a variety of executive roles in sports and city government within the Washington D.C. area. Most recently, Erik served as the founding president of the DC Defenders, a member of the XFL professional football league. Prior to the XFL, Erik was SVP, Managing Director at Events DC, where he develop valuable partnerships with the NCAA, National Hockey League (NHL), MLB, PepsiCo and others. He also served as the CEO of the DC Sports & Entertainment, Director of the District of Columbia Department of Small and Local Business Development, and as Senior Counsel at AOL. Erik is a graduate of both the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Carolina and Duke University School of Law. He is a member of the Washington Business Journal Leadership Trust — and was also named to its 2019 Power 100 list. Erik has also served as an adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Sports Industry Management Program for over 10 years. For much of his life and career, Erik has been the consummate “builder.” Whether it is building relationships, business deals, or a legacy of inspiration — Erik is always striving to render the biggest impact on others. And that includes building Nashville Superspeedway as not only the “must-attend” destination for NASCAR fans in middle Tennessee… But also expanding the narrative of NASCAR within diverse communities around the world. Erik’s Personal Theme Song “Public Service Announcement”, by Jay Z   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

For this very special #FabulousOver40 Fireside Chat edition of the podcast, I am having a conversation with the phenomenal and MACKnificent...Mack Mckelvey — who is the Founder and CEO of SalientMG, a strategic marketing firm focused on accelerating market position for growth stage tech companies... And also who I had the pleasure of featuring in the #FabulousOver40 Spotlight Series on LinkedIn! During this episode, Mack and I chat about her professional journey, her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion, the importance of community, and the power of your "name."   About Mack Mack McKelvey is the Founder and CEO of SalientMG, a strategic marketing firm focused on accelerating market position for growth stage tech companies, and also the executive presence and visibility for their respective leaders. SalientMG’s clients have included Rovio (Angry Birds), Etsy, Verizon, Starwood Hotels, UberMedia, Ogury, Caesars Entertainment, ExecOnline, Whitebox and Sparkfly. A true catalyst of positive disruption at the highest echelon, Mack has been leading transformative teams throughout her 20+ career. Prior to SalientMG, Mack was the Senior Vice President of Marketing at Millennial Media, from the company’s start-up stage through its successful 2012 IPO. Before Millennial, Mack held senior business and marketing roles at SIRIUS XM, VeriSign, CGI, and British Telecom; she began her career at Lucent Technologies/AT&T. Mack is also a consistent and relentless advocate for diversity, inclusion, and representation in business, technology, and advertising. As a thought leader, she is a contributor to Fortune, Entrepreneur, MediaPost, Luxury Daily, CMO.com, and other business and trade publications on leadership, diversity, visibility, management, and marketing innovation. Mack worked with Business Insider to create the 2016, 2015 and 2014 lists of “The Most Powerful Women in Mobile Advertising”. In 2013 and 2012, Mack was named one of “The Most Powerful Women in Mobile Advertising” by Business Insider. Mack is also a startup tech advisor, investor, speaker, and business/industry awards’ judge. She serves on the Advisory Boards of technology startups, including Real Atom, a commercial real estate fintech startup based in DC. Mack is also on the Board of Directors for Creative Spirit, a non-profit which seeks to create jobs for the intellectually and developmentally disabled, and she participates in ACP’s US Military Veterans Mentor Program.   Mack’s Personal Theme Song “Return of the Mack”, by Mark Morrison   Thank you for listening! Thank you so very much for listening to the podcast. There are so many other shows out there, so the fact that you took the time to listen in really means a lot!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are excited to have another special Gen X Amplified LIVE conversation that's all about generations! That's because I am  joined by Marcie Merriman, who is the Americas Cultural Insights & Consumer Strategy Leader at EY (Ernest & Young). And will be discussing not only her professional journey as a Gen X leader, speaker, and strategist for one of the largest professional services in world, but also the impact of Gen Z in both today's workplace and in the future of work. Marcie Merriman is EY Americas Cultural Insights & Customer Strategy Leader. She is an internationally recognized leader in cultural anthropology and brand strategy, having her work frequently featured in news publications. For over 25 years she has been working with teams to anticipate disruption and propel growth through human-centric strategies. She leads practices focused on helping organizations understand the nuances of human behaviors and the organizational implications that can be addressed through improved experiences, including the deployment of digital technologies. Prior to joining EY, Marcie was an executive at a global fashion retail company and a successful business leader and entrepreneur. Marcie earned an MBA from Case Western Weatherhead School of Management and a bachelor’s degree in Social Science, International Studies, Anthropology & Sociology from Michigan State University. (Above bio courtesy of EY.com) Resources mentioned in this episode: Marcie on LinkedIn EY.com Gen Z Segmentation Study Marci's Personal Theme Song “Right Here, Right Now”, by Jesus Jones Thank you for watching and listening!  

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we are having another special conversation with speaker, author, champion for women, and the Chief Executive Officer of Ebony & Jet Magazine, Michele T. Ghee. And we will be chatting about the power of nurturing strong relationships, and also how to be resilient during difficult and uncertain times. Such as the current coronavirus pandemic that all of us are going through right now. Michele T. Ghee is a strategic force inside and outside the bounds of corporate america, having managed more than a billion dollars in revenue for some of the world’s largest media companies including: CNN, A&E, The History Channel, The Weather Channel, and BET Networks/BET Her. Michele now currently serves as the new Chief Executive Officer of the legacy brands Ebony and Jet. Both are iconic and legacy brands founded by John H. Johnson, that celebrate the life of Black America. Michele is also the author of Stratechic: Life and Career Winning Strategies for Women, Stratechic 2.0: Her Plan. Her Power. Her Purpose, and SUCCESS On Your Terms. Michele has received a host of honors including the ADCOLOR Change Agent Award, American Advertising Federation Mosaic Role Model of the Year Award, She Runs It Working Mother of the Year Award Class of 2018, and most recently, a Multichannel News 2019 Wonder Woman. Over her 20-year career, Michele’s passion for excellence has allowed her to master the following critical skills: leadership, diversity and inclusion, strategy, transformation (personal and professional), revenue generation, teamwork, work-life balance, and relationship building. And she has spent the last several years speaking across the country and sharing her knowledge with vast audiences. She is also the proud wife to Tony and blessed mom of Taylor and Jordan. Resources mentioned in this episode: Michele’s Website Stratechic Alliance Michele on LinkedIn Michele on Twitter Michele on Instagram Stratechic 2.0: Her Plan. Her Power. Her Purpose Success: On Your Own Terms Michele’s Personal Theme Song “Blessings on Blessings”, by Anthony Brown & group therAPy Thank you for watching and listening!

On this very special episode of Gen X Amplified, we are featuring the video and audio from our premiere livestream event- Building Generational Bridges Through Crisis: A Candid Conversation about the Impact of COVID:19 on all generations, particularly Gen X. And for this special conversation, Adrion is joined by two friends and phenomenal thought leaders and Gen X Amplified former guests: Lindsey Pollak, multigenerational work expert, NYT bestselling author, speaker, and Thinkers50 Radar Class of 2020, and Tara Jaye Frank, speaker, consultant, Founder at MORE THAN: A Movement, and former Hallmark Cards, Inc. executive. Currently, we’re going through one of the most unprecedented and challenging experiences in our lifetime. The coronavirus, specifically COVID-19, has shaken all of us. from every age, and every generation – both personally and professionally. Especially for many of us that are in that “middle” such as Gen X, are sandwiched, and building bridges between the older and younger generations… both whom we care deeply for. And we have a great conversation about it! Remember, as all generations, we can definitely get through these challenging times. As long as we learn together, grow together, and build together. Resources mentioned in this episode: Jon Fort of CNBC on Gen X Amplified Tara Jaye Frank’s Interview on Gen X Amplified Tara Jaye Frank’s Website Tara on LinkedIn Lindsey Pollak on Gen X Amplified Lindsey Pollak’s Website Lindsey on LinkedIn Tara Jaye Frank’s COVID-19 Theme Song “Venus” by Bananarama Lindsey Pollak’s COVID-19 Theme Song “Once in a Lifetime” by Talking Heads Thank you for watching and listening!  

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, Adrion Porter is joined by Jon Fortt, who is the co-anchor of Squawk Alley on CNBC, and the host of the Fort Knoxx podcast. And they discuss not only Jon's professional journey as a business journalist and anchor, but also his thoughts on the current COVID-19 pandemic and its significant impact on people of all ages. Adrion and Jon also spend time unpacking how Gen Xers are uniquely positioned to be very effective and powerful leaders that can build bridges across all generations - especially during challenging times such as these. Jon Fortt is co-anchor of CNBC’s “Squawk Alley” (M-F, 11AM-12PM ET) broadcast live from the New York Stock Exchange. Previously, he was an on-air editor based at CNBC’s global headquarters in Englewood Cliffs, N.J. Fortt joined CNBC as technology correspondent in July 2010, working from CNBC’s Silicon Valley bureau where he covered the companies, start-ups and trends that are driving innovation in the industry. He also contributes to CNBC.com. He came to CNBC from Fortune magazine, where as a senior writer he covered both large technology companies— such as Cisco, Hewlett-Packard, and Microsoft—and trends, including cloud computing and the smartphone revolution. Before joining Fortune in 2007, Fortt was a senior editor at Business 2.0magazine where he produced the “What Works” section. From 1999 to 2006, Fortt wrote and edited at the San Jose Mercury News, Silicon Valley’s hometown newspaper. There he contributed to several efforts that won awards from the Society of American Business Editors and Writers. As a personal technology writer, his coverage duties included Apple, Palm and Adobe. He also served in roles outside the business department, covering education, editing local news and developing technology strategy. As the newspaper’s senior Web editor, he helped develop a blog and podcast network, managed the creation of multimedia projects and served on the board of the Associated Press Managing Editors. Fortt graduated from DePauw University as a Media Fellow, with a B.A. in English. (Above Jon Fortt bio courtesy of cnbc.com) Resources mentioned in this episode: Squawk Alley on CNBC Jon Fortt on LinkedIn Jon Fortt on Twitter Fort Knoxx Podcast Jon’s Recent Interview with Microsoft CEO, Satya Nadella Jon's Personal Theme Songs “Power Trip”, by Lecrae “Duck Down!” by The Roots “High Hopes” by Panic! At The Disco Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, we have a conversation with advertising veteran, digital expert, thought leader, and awesome Gen-Xer... the one and only Ian Schafer, who joins Adrion to discuss and unpack his latest venture, Kindred, and its inaugural event Kindred 2020, which will be held on September 14-17 in San Diego. Kindred, is an events-based startup that focuses on bringing together brands, nonprofits, and cultural leaders to accelerate sustainable, purpose-led business transformation.  Ian Schafer has been named a "Media Maven" by Advertising Age, one of Campaign Magazine's "40 over 40",  and the "Best CEO on Social Media" by the Shorty Awards. He has been at the forefront of media, content, advertising and marketing since 1997 - including being the founder, CEO, and Global Chairman of the influential advertising agency Deep Focus - which had been the winner of numerous accolades including Cannes Lions, Webby, and Emmy Awards.   However, Ian recently mad a major career pivot ,and is now focused on harnessing the collective power of culture to make positive impact in the world through his new venture as the co-founder and CEO of Kindred.   During this episode Ian talks about not only his professional journey as an entrepreneur, but also why his passion for making social change led him to launch Kindred. And why it's critical for businesses to join other companies, communities and cultural leaders, to embrace a purpose-led approach to accelerate solving the world's problems.   Resources mentioned in this episode: Kindred.live Kindred on Twitter Ian on Twitter Ian on LinkedIn Ian on Twitter Comic Relief USA Ian's Personal Theme Song “Easy", by The Commodores Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, highly acclaimed journalist and author Ada Calhoun joins Adrion to discuss her latest book and New York Times best­seller Why We Can’t Sleep: Wom­en’s New Midlife Cri­sis – which is an expan­sion of her viral sto­ry for Oprah​.com and a ​“gen­er­a­tion-defin­ing explo­ration of the new midlife cri­sis fac­ing Gen X women.  In Why We Can’t Sleep, Calhoun opens up the cultural and political contexts of Gen X’s predicament and offers solutions for how to pull oneself out of the abyss—and keep the next generation of women from falling in. The result is reassuring, empowering, and essential reading for all middle-aged women, and anyone who hopes to understand them. Resources mentioned in this episode: Ada Calhoun’s Website “Why We Can’t Sleep” on Amazon Ada’s original article “The New Midlife Crisis” on Oprah.com Ada at The Milken Institute Ada’s Personal Theme Song “Unsatisfied”, by The Replacements Thank you for listening!

On this episode of Gen X Amplified, I have the pleasure of speaking with Melissa (McGhie) Proctor, Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of the Atlanta Hawks & State Farm Arena. Melissa joins me on the podcast to discuss her fascinating Gen X professional story – which includes beginning her career as a ball-girl for the Miami Heat, to her current role of leading the brand for the Atlanta Hawks. Also at the beginning of this special episode, Melissa and I briefly spend some time talking about the unfortunate and tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his daughter Gianna – and what Kobe meant not only to us personally, but also to our generation. Listen! Melissa Proctor serves as the Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer of both the Atlanta Hawks and the State Farm Arena (the home facility of the Atlanta Hawks) . In this role, Melissa oversees the day-to-day operations of the club’s marketing, Hawks Studios, live experience and production, brand merchandising, creative services, corporate social responsibility, brand communications and basketball development teams. She also works closely with executive leadership to provide strategy for the organization. Beginning her career with the Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., Melissa served in brand development and strategy positions for Turner Entertainment Networks (including TNT, TBS, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), truTV and Peachtree TV), Cartoon Network and Turner Media Group. Additionally, she helped to create the first Corporate Social Responsibility division in Turner’s UK office. Part of the NBA since high school, Melissa was the first “team attendant”/ ball girl for the Miami Heat organization, and in later years, returned to work for the Heat in the basketball operations division. Resources mentioned in this episode: Melissa Proctor on LinkedIn Melissa’s blog on Medium Atlanta Hawks’ Official Website Jeff Hilimire on Gen X Amplified Melissa’s Personal Theme Songs “Wining Queen”, by Denise Belfon “Vibes Cyah Done“, by Machel Montano City Girls Official YouTube Channel “Do I Do”, by Stevie Wonder Thank you for listening!