Black Esquire Podcast

Season 3 Episode 4 Job Hunting 101: Bringing Your Authenticity to The Table Hunting for a job is a lot like dating. It's a delicate balance of your personal preferences with your ability to compete as a viable applicant. Special Guest Alexis Robertson, director of diversity and inclusion at Foley and Lardner LLP, chats with BEP host, Michelle Jenkins, about the "do's and dont's" of hunting for your next career step. Resources mentioned in the podcast: How to Make Friends And Influence People x Dale Carnegie The Authenticity Principle x Ritu Bhasin UnLabel x Marc Ecko Talking to Strangers x Malcolm Gladwell

Season 3 Episode 3: Networking for Introverts In this episode, BEP Host Atty. Michelle Jenkins offers 9 tips for introverts (and extroverts) looking to network. These tips include a practical review of the 2019 CBCF Annual Legislative Conference. Learn how-to put your elevator speech to work and make it count.

Atty. Michelle Jenkins gives a crash course on how-to prepare for interviews and craft your best elevator speech. Interviews can be a dreadful experience if your not prepared. Tune in to this episode if you need help figuring out how-to pitch yourself with finesse. I know you're a finesser and a fly dresser... let's apply that to your career too!

Black Esquire Podcast Host, Atty. Michelle Jenkins, provides tips on how-to refresh your resume for 2020. The average resume is reviewed for just 7.4 seconds. Let's chat about making your 7.4 seconds count. In this episode you'll hear some best-practices according to recruiters and HR Professionals. Make your resume more persuasive and compelling this decade.

Season 2 Episode 6: Feeling Cute, Might Chat Diversity Later Michelle & Shelley sit down with Inclusion Specialist, Jasmine Guy, to discuss the changing landscape of diversity and inclusion. In this episode, we discuss the role of diversity and inclusion officers. Tune In to learn what diversity and inclusion officers do and how they may be able to assist you day-to-day. Guest Spotlight: In her role as Diversity + Inclusion Specialist at Foley & Lardner LLP, Jasmine Guy advises the Chief Diversity + Inclusion Partner and firm leadership on embedding diversity, inclusion, and cultural competency with the firm’s day-to-day operations. She also consults with and advises senior leadership firm-wide to establish organizational priorities, including initiatives aimed at increasing diversity in client teams, leadership pipeline development, and external organizational partnerships. Jasmine works closely with Foley’s Diversity + Inclusion Action Council, National Women’s Network, ethnically diverse affinity groups, and other strategic teams to support the firm’s commitment to Diversity + Inclusion. Through her work, she is helping attorneys understand their biases and their impact on decisions, and is transforming firm culture. #BlackEsquirePodcast #Podcast #PodsInColor #DopeBlackPods #PodernFamily #ChicagoPodcast #Career #ProfessionalDevelopment

Season 2 Episode 5: Innovative Leadership Michelle & Shelley sit down with Black Tech Mecca Co-Founder, Fabian Elliot, to discuss challenges to innovation in tradition-heavy workspaces. In this episode, we lay out the best-practices for: pitching, testing profitability, and increasing sustainability of your catalytic ideas. Tune-in and learn how to use creativity and innovation to your advantage in conservative workspaces. Guest Spotlight: Fabian’s bold vision to connect technology with black empowerment enterprises was prompted by his own professional experiences with racial bias as a young adult. Shortly after his entry to the tech sector, these motivating instances stirred him to play a crucial role in the revamp, revitalization, and rebrand of Google’s black employee group where Fabian was appointed Global Co-Chair. In this role, Fabian co-chaired a leadership team responsible for 14 chapters and 700+ members across London, Dublin, Sao Paulo all over the globe. Developing with purpose of global connectivity, Black Tech Mecca (BTM) became the world’s only data-driven think tank focused on the collective power of the black tech community. With Fabian’s leadership as CEO and Co-Founder, this vitalizing organization leverages data to help cities power the black community’s active contributions to local tech ecosystems through research, education and advocacy. Most recently BTM developed a proprietary BTE City Assessment Framework utilized for a trailblazing report on the city of Chicago- sponsored by Google, NBC-Comcast, and CompTIA. #BlackEsquirePodcast #Career #Podcast #PodernFamily #PodsInColor #DopeBlackPods #YoungGiftedAndBlack

Season 2 Episode 4: "Flewed" Out Co- Hosts, Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead sit down with special guest MariShonta Wilkerson to make the case for prioritizing travel and share their budget-friendly travel hacks. With nearly 60% of millennials reporting discomfort with utilizing their vacation days; the American workforce is living up to its international reputation for being the most over-worked country. Tune-in to this month's episode to learn (1) how-to plan your next getaway without breaking the bank and (2) why travel is imperative to maintaining your competitiveness in today's increasingly rigid & global job market. Guest Spotlight: Marishonta graduated from Spelman College in Atlanta, GA with a Spanish degree and earned her J.D. from Northern Illinois University College of Law. During law school, Marishonta held a Graduate Assistantship, took pro bono cases as a Senior Law Student at Northern Illinois University’s Zeke Giorgi Legal Clinic, and was the President of the Black Law Students Association. Marishonta was the 2015-2016 Illinois Bar Foundation Fellow. Currently Marishonta is Assistant Counsel to the Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives where she drafts, analyzes, and defends legislation that becomes law in the areas of criminal law, adoption, child welfare, economic opportunity, and mental health. In her spare time Marishonta enjoys traveling, reading, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. Marishonta is known among her peer group for her jet setting. She studied abroad twice during her undergraduate career, has traveled to a plethora countries, and voyaged across Americas western coast via train.

Season 2 Episode 3 I'm An Artist, And I'm Sensitive About My Sh** : The Creative's Business Starter Kit Ft. Co- Collaborator, Simply King Podcast Host, Rodney Perry Special Guest Patrice Perkins Are you an entrepreneur? Have a big idea you want to roll out? The Black Esquire Podcast & the Simply King Podcast want to bring you into the new year correctly! We chat with attorney Patrice Perkins , Co-Founder of Creative Genius Law, to discuss the importance of professionalism for entrepreneurial creatives. We chime in on common mis-steps, starting small, what you need to get started, and how-to protect your creations. Tune-In, Now! Guest Spotlight: Patrice Perkins helps her clients turns creative dreams into thriving, sustainable businesses. In 2010, she founded Creative Genius Law as a strategic partner to creative industry clients who need legal guidance to protect their intellectual property and leverage it into financially successful business enterprises. Her clients include artists, television personalities, best-selling authors, culinary entrepreneurs, apparel companies, game developers, content producers and curators, startups, and creative agencies. Patrice is a key member of her clients’ business teams and collaborates with them every step of the way. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Economics at Florida A&M University, she went on to obtain a Juris Doctor at DePaul University. She has been a guest instructor at DePaul College of Law; conducted legal clinics; and presented at numerous seminars and panels under the auspices of organizations such as the Chicago Urban League, Social Media Week, American Bar Association “TechShow”, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and EXPO Chicago. She is often called upon for expert commentary by media outlets such as Forbes, NBC-TV5, Fortune magazine, Bloomberg, Design*Sponge and WBEZ radio. Patrice sits on the Board of Directors for the Chicago Artists Coalition and the Greater Englewood Chamber of Commerce in Chicago. Patrice is one of few attorneys recognized across the globe by the American Bar Association as a “Legal Rebel” – a leading innovator in the legal industry. Website: BlackEsquirePodcast.com Facebook: @Black Esquire Podcast Instagram: @BlackEsquirePodcast Contact: BlackEsquirePodcast@gmail.com

Season 2 Episode 2: Lookin' Like A Right Swipe On Tinder Sponsored By Chicago Ideas Week Tune- in as hosts, Michelle and Shelley give their fool-proof system for navigating dating apps. As busy professionals, dating apps have become the most convenient avenue for meeting new people. Use these tips to make your swipes smarter. Also, learn how you can win 2 free tickets to Chicago Ideas Week!

Season 2 Episode 1: Beans, Greens, Potatoes, Tomatoes - Healthy Eating for Busy Professionals Co-Hosts, Attorneys, Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead sit down with special guest, LaForce Baker, founder and executive chef at Moon Meals. Inc., a manufacturer of tasty, refrigerated plant-based meals and their ingredients. Tune- In to find out chef-approved tips for how-to maintain a diet while traveling; stay healthy on a budget; and debunk some of the most common myths about veganism. You name it, we chatted about it! Don't forget to visit our website: www.blackesquirepodcast.com And follow us on social media @BlackEsquirePodcast ! Guest Spotlight: LaForce Baker is the founder and executive chef at Moon Meals. Inc., a manufacturer of tasty, refrigerated plant-based meals and their ingredients. Prior to founding Moon Meals in 2012, LaForce worked to bring to market new concepts in national grocery chains for large food companies such as, Kraft, Conagra and Nestle. His motivation to start Moon Meals derives from his passion to make healthier meals more accessible to people, as he overcame obesity and poverty on the South Side of Chicago by taking control of his own diet. As an independent brand strategist and professional speaker, LaForce has spoken on entrepreneurship, marketing strategy and effective networking at various top business and culinary schools. He likes to spend his free time running marathons, networking and mentoring youth from disadvantaged communities.

Co-Hosts, Attys. Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead sit down with Thank God It's Natural CEO, Chris-Tia Donaldson to discuss the Black experience in high-level corporate spaces at the Black Esquire Podcast's first ever LIVE TAPING and Season 1 Finale! The trio identified the challenges minorities face in their attempts to sincerely thrive in the C-Suite including: managing imposter syndrome, building a diverse book of business, and navigating cultural differences in the board room. This episode was sponsored by KOVAL Distillery and Liquor and Savage Smyth Event Space. Our sincere thanks not only to our special guest, Chris-Tia Donaldson, but also to performing artist Nola Ade, master of ceremony Rendel Solomon, and our sound sponsor DJ Double M. Guest Spotlight: Chris-Tia Donaldson is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thank God It's Natural (TGIN), a manufacturer of natural hair and skin care products currently sold in Walmart, Target, Whole Foods, Sally's Beauty, and Walgreens. In her role, she oversees all aspects of day-to day operations, sales and strategic partnerships. Her book Thank God I'm Natural: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Natural Hair is a #1 Amazon bestseller and was hailed the "Natural Hair Bible" by Essence Magazine. Prior to starting her own company, Chris-Tia represented Fortune 500 companies in complex business transactions involving technology and open source code. Chris-Tia earned her A.B in Economics from Harvard University with high honors and is a graduate of Harvard Law School. The Black Esquire Podcast, hosted by Attorneys Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead, is a virtual space for young minority professionals to explore taboo topics related to the black experience in corporate America. The podcast can be found on social media @BlackEsquirePodcast and for listening on ITunes, Google Play, Sound Cloud, Stitcher, and You Tube.

Episode 8 Ron Swanson, Squidward, and SheNeNeh: How-To Manage Difficult Personalities In the Workplace In this episode, Co-Hosts Atty. Michelle Jenkins and Atty. Shelley Whitehead sit down with Jason Johnson to discuss best methods to avoid the ultimate clap-back session in the workplace. Michelle takes her first ever Myers Briggs test; our co-hosts learn why they work so well together; and the group identifies best practices for working with different personality types. Tune-In for this fun episode and identify your personality type and how you can improve your relationships with other personality types. Also, listen in for a HUGE announcement pertaining to our live taping, June 23rd, at Savage Smyth Event Space in Chicago, IL. Purchase your tickets today at BlackEsquirePodcast.EventBrite.com Follow Us on Facebook @The Black Esquire Podcast, Instagram @BlackEsquirePodcast, and in our closed Facebook Group "The Fellowship: The Black Esquire Podcast Congregation". Guest Spotlight: Jason Johnson is the Director of Entrepreneurship for the Chicago Urban League. As Director, Jason manages the day to day operations of the Entrepreneurship Center and guides the strategic direction of the department. Prior to becoming Director of Entrepreneurship, Jason served as a Entrepreneurship Program manager for the Chicago Urban League Entrepreneurship Center for three years. In this role, he was the primary instructor for the nextSTEP business launch program, and the nextCONNECTION technology integration program which launched in 2015. Through the nextCONNECTION program, Jason has provided intensive technology training to over 60 businesses. Jason also launched the Chicago Urban League Entrepreneurship Center’s #TechAroundTown event series while in the role of Entrepreneurship Program Manager. Prior to joining the Chicago Urban League, Jason was founder and principal consultant of Identity Engineers, a boutique business development and organizational development firm located in the Chicago Loop for 5 years. He also founded Konveau, a technology company that uses personality type and personal interests to help people connect at social gatherings. Jason is a doctoral candidate in Organizational Leadership and holds a Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology. His dissertation will explore the impact of personality type on the networking behavior of executives. Resources: https://www.16personalities.com/free-personality-test

Episode 7 Lovita Alize Jenkins: Authenticity in the Workplace Co- Hosts Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead sit down with guest, Victoria Watkins, Senior Advisor to Mayor R. Emanuel and Co-Founder of Project Style. The three chat about the added challenge Black women face in their attempts to be palatable in predominately white spaces and give tips on how-to introduce unfamiliar audiences to your personal style/ personality. Guest Spotlight: Victoria R. Watkins currently works for the City of Chicago in the Office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Victoria serves as Senior Advisor, leading efforts related to external affairs, legislative issues, neighborhood policy, and overall City priorities. Previously, Victoria was Deputy Director in Legislative Counsel & Government Affairs, leading the City's efforts on all state government-related initiatives. In her role, she was the main conduit between the priorities of the City and state government, dealing directly with elected officials, state agencies, and related stakeholders. Prior to joining the City, she served as Assistant Counsel to House Speaker Madigan, advising State Representatives on legislation and procedure. In addition to her legislative law work, Victoria counsels, researches, and writes on fashion law, entertainment and sports law, copyrights and trademarks, and other related fields. She is the Chief Editor and Creator of B.A.F.F.L.E.D. (Business Advice, Fashion Facts, Law & Entertainment Domain), a lifestyle blog on the topics she loves most. She has spoken on panels on fashion law for the Beverly Hills Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, John Marshall Law School Fashion Law Society, and the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events. Victoria is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and earned her Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law. Book Mentioned: Beauty Sick - How the Cultural Obsession with Appearance Hurts Women and Girls -by Renee Engeln

Episode 6: "You'd Better Get Controversial" - M. Waters: Diversifying Your Network for the Better Co-Hosts, Atty. Shelley Whitehead and Atty. Michelle Jenkins sit down with multi-talented Atty. Ashley Kirkwood to discuss the value and necessity of diversifying your network. The three discuss how-to strategically challenge your comfort zone and expand your business approach to incorporate more relevant, nourishing, and synergistic people into your network. GUEST SPOTLIGHT Ashley Kirkwood is an associate at a large law firm in Chicago. She’s a trial lawyer with a focus on employment and government litigation. She also maintains an active civil rights pro bono practice. When she’s not engaged in work, she enjoys recording for her YouTube channel, Passion, Purpose, and Paychecks, where she interviews a variety of professionals who have left traditional corporate jobs to launch businesses that they are passionate about. Outside of work, Ashley loves traveling with her husband, worshiping at her family’s church, and singing. CONTACT US: Facebook - The Black Esquire Podcast Facebook Closed Group - The Fellowship: The Black Esquire Podcast Congregation (http://bit.ly/BEPFellowship ) Instagram - @BlackEsquirePodcast Email- Blackesquirepodcast@gmail.com

Hosts, Atty. Michelle Jenkins and Atty. Shelley Whitehead sit down with guest, Rhandi Childress-Anderson. As an attorney who moonlights as a match-maker! In this episode, Rhandi shares her insight on best practices for young professionals as they navigate the dating scene. Among other things, the conversation visits the concept of cultural compatibility, the importance of salary in dating, and 5 dating tips you don't want to miss! GUEST SPOTLIGHT: Rhandi Childress Anderson is a dating coach and licensed attorney. She received her Juris Doctor degree from The John Marshall Law School and her Bachelor of Arts degree from Valparaiso University where she majored in Sociology, specifically focusing her study on the institutions of family, marriage, and religion and sexuality. Rhandi has clocked thousands of hours of qualitative research on the intersectionality of relationships, marriage and African American studies, and takes a no-nonsense approach to dating and relationship advice. She is married to her husband of seven years and they have one fur-baby named Kooper, a feisty terrier mix. Rhandi enjoys traveling, curating resale fashion, astrology and reading. She is a transplant Chicagoan by way of Northwest Indiana.

Episode : "I Got 99 Problems But My Check Ain't One" - Co- Hosts, Michelle Jenkins and Shelley Whitehead, sit down with guest, Rendel Solomon, to discuss finances. Receiving your first salaried check is a brand new, liberating, experience. However, with that experience comes new responsibility. In the interest of encouraging more fiscally responsible money management habits, co-hosts and guest discuss investment tools, best practices when deciding to invest, how-to pick a financial adviser, asset building, and resources that can assist with your financial journey. Guest Spotlight: Rendel Solomon is a Principal with Muller and Monroe Asset Management, a Chicago- based private equity firm that has advised over $1 billion in assets since its inception. In June 2016 he founded the non-profit 1 Stock 1 Future to increase the access to opportunity to one million under-served youth throughout Chicago and across the country by turning them into public company shareholders. Resources Mentioned In This Episode: Rapunzel App Stash App LearnVest App Learn App Betterment App Stockpile App Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki Four Laws of Debt Free Prosperity by Blain Harris Note to listeners: Please Turn Your Volume Up! We are working on our sound quality. Thank you for your patience.

Episode 2: We All Lose When The Family Feuds- Hosts Shelley Whitehead and Michelle Jenkins sit down with guest, Erika Orr, to discuss the "do's and don'ts" of dealing with family over the holidays. In this episode, our hosts and guest share their personal experiences with setting boundaries for family members, strategies for wealth building, and a response to a listener letter regarding racist comments in the workplace. Guest Spotlight: This episode's guest Erika Orr is a candidate for judge in Cook County's 1st Sub-Circuit and a family law practitioner with 18 years of legal expertise including 13 years spent working in the public accounting field. Listen-in as she provides insight into the importance of participating in the election process and her experience as a judicial candidate and attorney in Cook County.Visit www.orrforjudge.com to learn more about her campaign.

Episode 1: On this episode, Shelley Whitehead and Michelle Jenkins discuss the purpose and what to expect from the podcast, white people feeling uncomfortable being the minority, whether friends should do business together and the importance of surrounding yourself with beasts.