EM-Spire Magazine Who's Who 2024

What’s Inside

 Who Who’s -Letter from Editor

 Get Us Digitally

 On Our Cover—CEO Renata Brown

 Special Feature-Trenton Bailey, Ph.D.

 Special Feature Larry Davis

 Author Anthony Arnold

 Special Feature -Article Upacking Emotional Business Luggage

 The Internal Leadership Model—Larry Davis

 Dismantling The Traditional Organizational Model

 Ebonie Akinsete—Are really “Too Old”?

 Dr. Sue “Neesy” Croft, ND., RN., FNP-R, MBA/MHA, Master Business

Cardologer

 Meet Staci P. Thompson

 Our CEO– Renata Brown

Renata Brown CEO of DreamSpire TV

Who’sWho2024

Dear Em-Spire Readers,

As we embark on another exciting year, I am thrilled to introduce the highly anticipated annual edition of "Who's Who" at Em-Spire Magazine. This edition is a celebration of the remarkable individuals who are leaving an indelible mark on the small business community and the arts, enriching our lives with their passion, creativity, and dedication.

In a world that often moves at a relentless pace, it is essential to pause and recognize those who contribute significantly to the fabric of our society.

The "Who's Who" edition is our way of shining a spotlight on those unsung heroes, entrepreneurs, and artists who are making a difference, inspiring others, and shaping the future of our communities.

This year's edition is particularly special as it showcases the resilience and innovation displayed by individuals in the small business community, navigating challenges with grace and determination. We have uncovered stories that exemplify the spirit of entrepreneurship, from groundbreaking startups to familyowned enterprises that have stood the test of time.

Our spotlight on the arts highlights the talents and visions of individuals who use their creativity to foster a sense of connection within our communities. From painters to poets, musicians to actors, the diversity of artistic expression is awe-inspiring, and we are honored to share these stories with our readers.

As you flip through the pages of this edition, you will encounter narratives of passion, perseverance, and success. Each profile is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and the impact that a single individual can have on the world around them.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to the individuals featured in this edition for graciously sharing their stories and allowing us to glimpse into their worlds. It is your stories that make Em-Spire Magazine a beacon of inspiration for our readers.

To our readers, I invite you to immerse yourself in the pages of the "Who's Who" edition and discover the incredible individuals who are shaping the small business community and the arts landscape. May their journeys inspire you as much as they have inspired us.

Thank you for being a part of the Em-Spire community. Here's to another year of celebrating excellence, innovation, and the indomitable human spirit.

Warm regards,

Renata Rae Editor-in-Chief Em-Spire Magazine

Larry Davis

Larry Davis is the CEO and Founder of REMEDY Team, an organization founded on the improvement of companies, organizations, and our school systems. Davis’s passion for education and social betterment is third only to his love of God and his blessed children. Son Khaila Davis and a graduate of Texas State University, and daughter London Davis a senior in college. Davis spent 12 years in corporate America in various leadership positions before becoming a secondcareer educator. As an education Davis has been a classroom teacher, an assistant principal, an associate principal, high-school principal, a district administrator for school improvement, a district administrator for college career readiness/CTE/IB programs, a regional superintendent of schools, and the executive director of secondary student learning and talent development. Davis has written curriculum in California and Texas; he has published seven books. This includes four number one best -selling e-books on Amazon. Davis has researched and developed multiple platforms that increase student and school success, grow and support employees, help retain employees, and that improve an organization’s culture and climate. Davis has been a keynote speaker, a presenter, and conducted professional training and workshops in seventeen different cities and states across the US.

Davis earned his Master’s degree from the Texas Woman’s University, Denton, Texas, and his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Arlington. He received his Associate degree from Weatherford College in Weatherford, Texas.

How are you changing the world?

I often ask myself, “If God answered all my prayers would it change the world, or just mine? The answer to this question can never be, “just mine!” I am going to change the world one moment at a time, one day at a time, and one person at a time. I never let a moment to be effective pass me by. A moment to aspire to greatness or to inspire others to greatness. Waking up each day not looking to just make a difference but to be the difference. If our children are being left behind, underserved, and underrepresented, give them a voice, a microphone, and call on our leaders to make changes. I have written multiple platforms to improve our schools, to support our teachers, and to improve systems and organizations from the ground up. Changing the world one person at a time by always leading with Christian values. Christ did not lie, He did not break his promises, and most of all He instructed people of all socio-economics, races, afflictions, and religious backgrounds. I never pass up an opportunity to mentor young men and women. Whenever we speak to our youth, we are speaking, nurturing, and investing in our future. We will only rise above mediocrity by stooping to help the young and rising to care for the elderly. my role as a parent and focus on excelling in that responsibility while also pursuing my education.

What is the main message you want to share with the world?

“God Is – Come Close” We suffer not because our streets have no value, but because we have lost our values to the streets. We must restore the institution of family. When we allow our family structure to deteriorate, we begin to see the deterioration of our homes, communities, and society. Men raise up and be the Kings that you were meant to be. Start to treat our women like the Queens that she truly is. And establish homes where our children see unconditional love between a husband and a wife. Men, we must be the spiritual leaders in our homes, and to our children we must be more than dad. We must be mentors, builders of character, role models, and a strength and kindness to our children. Black men it is time to step-up, so our children will not get stepped over.

What was an early experience where you learned that you had power?

While in corporate America, I found myself able to walk into an organization and within days figure out what was wrong and to produce a solution to improve the organization. This newfound ability centered around people not systems. While the rest of the industries were busy playing buzz word bingo, using the same terminology as data driven decision making. I was on ongoing change by focusing on the culture and climate. In 2017 while speaking at a professional conference, I was challenged to show why my way was better than focusing on data as the main change agent. The attendees were shocked when I stated that “data tells us where we are, but our culture tells us how we got there!” I then showed the attendees how by focusing only on data they would only achieve minimal and temporary change. But, when we focus on the parts of our culture that are impacting our data, we will see greater growth, constant improvement, and long-lasting change. This talent has served me well in helping to improve multiple school districts and organizations over the years.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

Even though I try my best to be faith-forward, most people do not know the depths that my spirituality plays in my leadership, problem solving, and working with others. It does not matter how great the platform or program is if we neglect the importance of our people.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you ever received?

Understanding that the relationship value we have with our priority workers is just as important as the production value of our priority workers. The success or failure of our organizations can be contributed equally to both the production value and the relationship value of the employees.

Who is/was the most inspiring person in your life and why?

The answer is God, my grandfather, and my parents, but as a leader I am a student of leadership. I like to study leaders from all industries. One that I would like to mention is the late Sergio Marchionne. Mr. Marchionne is the leader that bought the failing car company and turned it around within three years. He said that his greatest asset was that he knew nothing about the automotive industry, but he understood the value of good people. He removed his executive team and replaced them with twenty-six people from within the organization. He totally reimagined the corporate leadership model and saved one the largest automobile companies in the US.

What’s next for you?

The best way to answer, “what’s next” is to discuss what is now! Primarily, I’m going to continue to grow in my spirituality and lead with those values. As an organization we are going to continue to invest in our youths. We are going to continue our goal to erase mediocrity in our schools and within all the organizations that we work with. We will continue to make excellence the norm and not the exception. We will continue to learn from the past, focus on the now, and plan for success for tomorrow. We want to leave this world better than we found it!

www.larryddavis.com

Our Vision

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me!”

Our Mission

We may not be able to change the world, but we can change the world for you!

About Us

A REMEDY for your business and educational needs!

www.remedyteam.org

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

A budding Poet and Writer, as early as the third grade when he composed his very first poem, Florida-raised writer Anthony Arnold fell in love with words finding them to be a comfort and mainstay throughout his life. Raised to be a reader by his grandmother, he soon developed a keen awareness and love for Black History. He has a particular gift in this genre although he is one of the most versatile Poets of his generation.

As an avid reader of all genres of literature, he has found a particular passion for Black History. He believes his ancestry and the legacy of those who came before him, gave their blood, sweat, and tears to make it possible for him to live a life of freedom and liberation. He is saddened by the fact that it appears the current generation has little knowledge of and doesn’t seem to know or speak of Family History, especially Black History. Through his writing, he hopes to educate others more about the historical significance of the challenges African Americans face as well as the contribution of African Americans throughout history including those events which are rarely discussed or taught in public schools, such as African American roles in the Civil War. He hopes to shed more light on the strength of Black People throughout history.

Although his writing passion is focused a great deal on his own African American Culture Anthony Arnold has a deep love for all mankind that grew during his service to his country. Anthony Arnold has proudly retired from service in the US Air Force. He was awarded numerous medals during his career, including Air Force Achievement Medal1986, 1993, and 2001 and many more.

Through poetic expression, this book is the beginning of fulfilling his desire to share knowledge with the younger generation with more about their ancestors and culture; letting them know they are much more than what some in society have labeled them.

Unpacking Emotional Baggage in Business: Navigating Past Experiences for Present Success

In the fast-paced world of business, emotions often play a significant role in decisionmaking and interpersonal dynamics. Acknowledging and understanding one's emotional responses is crucial for effective leadership and successful business relationships. In a recent reflection on a business situation, I had a profound realization an "aha moment" that prompted me to reevaluate how I was reacting and whether my emotions were rooted in the present or past experiences.

The Aha Moment:

The trigger for this introspection was a feeling of devaluation during a business interaction. It wasn't a unique emotion; rather, it resurrected memories of past situations where I had felt unheard, unseen, and misunderstood. Recognizing this, I realized the importance of distinguishing between the emotions arising from the current scenario and those lingering from previous business dealings. This revelation led me to consider the impact of emotional baggage on my decision-making and overall well-being in the professional realm.

Emotional IQ and its Role:

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is widely acknowledged as a key factor in effective leadership and successful business relationships. However, it is equally essential to delve into the origins of our emotions. While EQ enables us to navigate the intricacies of interpersonal dynamics, it is imperative to discern whether our emotional responses are genuinely reflective of the current situation or if they are colored by past experiences.

Understanding Emotional Baggage:

Emotional baggage in business can be likened to carrying a heavy load from one venture to another. Unresolved issues, unmet expectations, and lingering resentments can shape our perceptions and reactions in new situations. The danger lies in allowing past experiences to overshadow the present, potentially hindering our ability to form positive connections and make sound decisions.

Business is Built on Relationships:

The foundation of any successful business is built on relationships. Whether it's networking, negotiations, or collaborations, the ability to navigate professional connections is paramount. However, the weight of unresolved emotional baggage can impede the development of these relationships, hindering progress and success.

A Practical Approach:

The next time you find yourself grappling with emotions in a business setting, consider taking a moment to pause and reflect. Ask yourself whether what you are feeling is a genuine response to the current situation or if it's rooted in past experiences. This self-awareness is the first step in unburdening yourself from unnecessary emotional baggage.

Tips for Navigating Emotional Baggage:

• Reflect on Past Experiences: Take the time to reflect on previous business interactions that have left a lasting impact on your emotions. Identify patterns and triggers that may be influencing your current feelings.

• Separate Past from Present: Practice mindfulness to separate the emotions attached to past experiences from the reality of the current situation. Acknowledge that not every business encounter is a repeat of past disappointments.

• Seek Professional Guidance: If emotional baggage proves challenging to overcome, consider seeking the guidance of a professional coach or therapist. They can provide valuable insights and tools to help you navigate and overcome lingering emotional challenges.

• Communicate Effectively: If appropriate, communicate your feelings with those involved in the current business situation. Honest and open communication can foster understanding and pave the way for healthier relationships.

In the dynamic world of business, emotions are inevitable, but their origins must be understood and addressed. Emotional intelligence is a valuable asset, but it becomes even more potent when coupled with self-awareness. By taking proactive steps to unpack and resolve emotional baggage from past business experiences, individuals can cultivate healthier relationships, make informed decisions, and pave the way for lasting success in the ever-evolving business landscape.

By Renata Rae

Trenton Bailey, Ph.D.

Trenton Bailey is a historian from Memphis,Tennessee,whocurrently resides in Atlanta, Georgia. An honors graduate of Morehouse College, he earned his PhD in humanities with a concentration in African American studies from ClarkAtlantaUniversity.Dr.Bailey hastaughtcoursesinworldhistory, African history, and African American history at Clark Atlanta University, Georgia State University, and Morehouse College.

He has done extensive research on the history of Morehouse College and has taught a course on the same. Dr. Bailey was the coordinator for the Morehouse Oral History Project and assistant coordinator for the Morehouse King Collection, and he continues to produce scholarships for Morehouse College.

His research interests include classic funk music history, African American ingenuity, and African civilizations. Dr. Bailey is a member of various organizations related to African American life and culture. He recently published his first book titled Do You Remember? Celebrating 50 years of Earth, Wind & Fire. Dr. Bailey’s next book is a biography of The Isley Brothers

How are you changing the world?

I am contributing to positive change by preserving historical knowledge and making it accessible to a global audience. Through my efforts in preserving history, I aim to ensure that valuable lessons from the past are not forgotten. Additionally, I am actively involved in educating young people, empowering them with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the present and shape the future. By combining the preservation of history and educational initiatives, I aspire to make a lasting impact on individuals and communities, fostering a deeper understanding of our shared heritage and inspiring positive societal transformations.

What is the main message you want to share with the world?

The core message I aim to convey to the world is the profound significance of African-American culture as America's most impactful export. By emphasizing this perspective, I seek to foster a broader understanding and appreciation for the rich contributions of African-American communities to the cultural tapestry of the United States. It's not only a celebration of diversity but an acknowledgment of the influential and transformative role that African-American culture has played in shaping various aspects of American society, from music and art to language and activism. Through this message, I aspire to promote unity, respect, and a deeper recognition of the invaluable cultural heritage that has shaped the nation.

What was an early experience where you learned that you had power?

An early experience that revealed my inherent power was winning the spelling bee twice during my elementary school years. This achievement instilled in me a profound realization that with dedicated effort and application, success was within my reach. The triumph in the spelling bee not only showcased my linguistic abilities but also served as a catalyst for self-confidence, teaching me the empowering lesson that perseverance and hard work could lead to tangible accomplishments.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

One aspect that might surprise many people is my firm belief in the existence of life on numerous other planets across the vast expanse of the universe. This conviction stems from a fascination with the possibilities of extraterrestrial life and the profound mysteries that the cosmos holds. While this belief may not be widely known about me, it reflects my openness to the wonders of the universe and the excitement I find in contemplating the potential diversity of life beyond our own planet.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you ever received?

The most impactful advice I've received is from my mother, who emphasized the importance of placing God first in all aspects of my life. This guidance has been a guiding principle, shaping my decisions and actions with a sense of faith and purpose. It serves as a constant reminder to prioritize spiritual values, integrity, and a deeper connection with a higher purpose in navigating life's journey.

Who is/was the most inspiring person in your life and why?

The most inspiring figure in my life is Jesus. His teachings and example have been a source of profound inspiration, providing me with strength and guidance in navigating life's challenges. The belief that I can overcome obstacles and achieve all things through the strength derived from my faith in him has been a transformative and empowering force, shaping my perspective and actions on a daily basis.

What’s next for you?

My current focus is dedicated to crafting the 70-year biography of the renowned singing group, The Isley Brothers. This ambitious project involves delving deep into their rich history, capturing the evolution of their musical journey, and highlighting the impact they've had on the music industry over seven decades.

In Do You Remember? Celebrating Fifty Years of Earth,

Wind & Fire, Trenton Bailey traces the humble beginning of Maurice White, his development as a musician, and his formation of Earth, Wind & Fire, a band that became a global phenomenon during the 1970s. By the early 1980s, the music industry was changing, and White had grown weary after working constantly for more than a decade. He decided to put the band on hiatus for more than three years. The band made a comeback in 1987, but White’s health crisis soon forced them to tour without him. During the twenty-first century, the band has received numerous accolades and lifetime achievement and hall of fame awards. The band remains relevant today, collaborating with younger artists and maintaining their classic sound.

Earth, Wind & Fire stood apart from other soul bands with their philosophical lyrics and extravagant visual art, much of which is studied in the book, including album covers, concerts, and music videos. The lyrics of hit songs are examined alongside an analysis of the band’s chart success. Earth, Wind & Fire has produced twenty-one studio albums and several compilation albums. Each album is analyzed for content and quality. Earth, Wind & Fire is also known for using ancient Egyptian symbols, and Bailey thoroughly details those symbols and Maurice White’s fascination with Egyptology. After enduring many personnel changes, Earth, Wind & Fire continues to perform around the world and captivate diverse audiences.

Introducing Business Cardology: The Decision-Making & Accountability Tool Designed for Business Success ~ Dr. Sue “Neesy”

Croft, ND., RN., FNPR, MBA/MHA, Master Business Cardologer

As a business owner, you're faced with countless decisions every day. From hiring employees to choosing marketing strategies, the choices you make can have a significant impact on the success of your company. But how do you know if you're making the right decisions? This is where Business Cardology comes in.

Business Cardology is the newest tool that combines the science behind the playing cards with astrology and numerology to provide insight and guidance for your business endeavors. By analyzing the energies at play in your business and the world around you, Business Cardology can help you make more informed decisions and hold yourself accountable for your actions.

The foundation of Business Cardology is AstroBusiness Cardology the science behind the playing cards. Each card is associated with a specific energy and business traits. When combined with astrology and numerology, Business Cardology will provide a comprehensive analysis of the energies at play in your business and potential outcomes of different decisions.

For example, if you're considering expanding your business into a new market, Business Cardology can analyze the daily energy of the playing cards associated with your business and the market you're considering, as well as your True Composite Business Birth Card, astrological and numerological influences. This can provide insight into the potential success of your expansion and help you make an informed decision. But Business Cardology isn't just about making decisions - it's also about holding yourself accountable for your actions. By regularly consulting with a Master Business Cardologer expert, you can track the progress of your business and ensure that you're on the right path towards success. You'll be able to identify potential obstacles and make course corrections as necessary, all while staying true to your business's unique energy and personality.

While AstroBusiness Cardology is a relatively new realm of card divination, it has already seen promising results in the business world. Successful business leaders throughout history have relied on divination methods to guide their decisions, and AstroBusiness Cardology is the next evolution of this practice.

If you're interested in learning more about Business Cardology and how it can help your business succeed, we invite you to connect with one of our experienced Master Business Cardologers. They will be able to guide you through the process and provide personalized insight and guidance for your unique business. Don't leave the success of your business to chance - try AstroBusiness Cardology today and see the difference it can make.

Encouragement for the Soul, is an Empowerment Speaker, Certified Professional Life Coach, Certified Parent Coach, and Mentor. With over 25 years of success in her field, Stacie is an expert in empowering individuals to embrace their purpose and turn their dreams into reality. She holds an associate degree in criminal justice from Tri-County Technical College, a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Southern Wesleyan University, and a Master of Science in Youth Development Leadership from Clemson University.

Stacie’s journey serves as a testament to the power of strength, endurance, and direction in achieving success. As a successful professional, she leads by example, demonstrating that the decisions we make today have a profound impact on our tomorrow. With her insightful guidance and unwavering dedication, Stacie inspires, others to unlock their potential and discover the path to personal fulfillment.

www.staciepspeaks.com

Our CEO Renata Brown

Renata Brown Award-winning CEO of Dream Spire TV and Dream Spire Publications. She is the publisher of four platforms: DreamSpire TV is an arts and entertainment platform and EM-Spire.com highlights entrepreneurs, DreamSpire Books for authors, and motivators. The publications have covered such events as The Stellar Awards, The Black Music Honors, and The NAACP Awards. The newest platform is unapologetically an ecosystem for Global Black Businesses, Black OUR Street, is a hub for small businesses and global networks. The OUR stands for Opportunity Unity and Resources, the cornerstone of what is needed for Black businesses to flourish.

She founded and executive produced the GANSPA Awards (Gifted Artists Neo Soul & Poetry Awards) 2013-2017. Renata is an accomplished songstress, poet, and speaker who began writing poetry at eight years old. “At the heart of me” she states, “I am a creative”. Renata is featured in several anthologies and has appeared on numerous Radio and Television talk shows. She self-published ‘Simply Life is a Poem’ in 2010. Nearly a decade later her second release ‘Things I Learned While Packing’ is getting 5-star reviews. In her own words, “Artistry is not a hobby for me. The arts are my passion and ministry. Helping others release their creativity is my mission.”

Renata holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management. She also received a certification in graphic design from Kennesaw State University of Georgia. Renata served as marketing and advertising director for the Hopewell Baptist Church Drama Guild.

How are you changing the world?

I provide platforms for small business owners, authors, and artists to be seen and heard. I do this through four outlets. DreamSpire TV which is our entertainment division. We have been credentialed media for such award shows as the Stellar Awards, Black Music Honors, and many more. We interviewed major figures in the entertainment industry. DreamSpire Book is a platform featuring over 200 books. We also have a streaming television show, Authors Tea TV. EM-Spire is our magazine for Entrepreneurs and Motivators. Our newest platform BlackOURStreet.com is unapologetically a space for Black Businesses Globally. We are growing an ecosystem for Black networks and businesses.

What is the main message you want to share with the world?

I want to inspire people to purpose, as entrepreneurs we can get caught up in chasing money or accolades and get sidetracked from what it is we are called to do. Yes, I wholeheartedly believe being an entrepreneur is a calling. Also, we can confuse passion projects with purpose missions. I have a friend who says, “Keep the main thing, the main thing”. There are going to be days when you must remember why you started. If you are not grounded in your purpose, it is easier to quit.

What was an early experience where you learned that you had power?

When I was 14 years old, I was recommended to recite a poem I had written on the radio in front of a congregation of hundreds of people. The pastor who was a Bishop and his assistant pastor called me into the office to recite the poem for them first. I was so nervous that the assistant pastor said maybe I was not ready. The bishop looked over at me and said “she will be just fine”, I got on stage and recited my poem well and received a standing ovation. That taught me to keep going even when fear is present.

What is something most people don’t know about you?

I have been singing since age four and writing poetry since age eight.

What’s the greatest piece of advice you ever received?

.In business, you need to position and leverage. When we first started interviewing celebrities I used to send out letters to publicists leveraging other people we had interviewed. So much so people wondered out loud how I was getting all these high-profile people to appear in the publication. I laugh now although at the time I did not find it funny when people thought I was placing people in the magazine without their permission.

Who is/was the most inspiring person in your life and why?

There are so many, and the list continues to grow. Mrs. Carress my fifth-grade teacher to special interest in me and a few others of my classmates after I scored college-level reading on standardized testing. She had my IQ tested and it was near genius. She allowed us to audit high school classes and visit the university. I will never forget her investment in me.

What’s next for you?

My plate overflows! I am working on two books, and doing more public speaking this year. The Spire Brands and Black OUR Street keep me busy. I’m also part of The Black Expo Olympic Literary Edition, an initiative for the Black Literary community. So much is going on! Follow me!

The Internal Leadership Model

Dismantling The Traditional Organizational Model

By Larry D. Davis CEO/Founder of The REMEDY Team

Once upon a time there lived a great leader famous for saving companies like Ferrari, Fiat and Chrysler motors. This leader is credited for taking a 2-billion-dollar company and transforming it into an 80billion-dollar empire. He once said that the greatest attribute that he brought to the job was knowing absolutely nothing about the motor industry. What he brought was his great intellect, a ferocious work ethic, and the ability to build teams. He knew the value of people in the building of a strong organization. In a 60 Minutes interview with Steve Kroft, this leader walked over to the window in his office and pointed to a tower at the Chrysler plant and said, “That is where the Chairman's office was, the top floor. I shut it down and turned it into a museum. My office is here with the engineers.”

This leader changed the management structure of his organization and found twenty-six young leaders within the company who would report directly to him. When asked if these young leaders were a part of a management fast track program. He said no, most of these young leaders were buried inside an incredible hierarchical organization structure that all pointed to the top. That place was the Chairman's office. .

By now many of you may have realized that I am talking about the late Sergio Marchionne. What Marchionne knew is something a lot of us have come to know today. The architectural structure of the traditional organizational model did not work for Chrysler and does not work for many companies today. When Marchionne says, “I shut it down” as he is pointing to the Chrysler tower and changing the organization structure of the company! We understand that he is talking about the actual Chrysler tower and his organizational structure, but the image that came to my mind was a little different. As Marchionne pointed to the Chrysler tower, I could not help but to envision that he was talking about the traditional pyramid shaped organizational chart that has been around for decades. We know that information must be allowed to flow freely throughout our organizations, because when it does it places our organizations in a constant state of random knowledge sharing. The traditional organization structure impedes this process.

I have had the honor of working in Corporate America and over the past two and a half decades I have had the privilege of serving the students, staff, and the communities of our education system. Let me clarify something, both public schools and businesses are by design

organizations. Let us look at the root word organ. An organ is a part of an organism that is typically self-contained and has a specific vital function, such as the heart or lungs, working together to make the entire body healthy and function. An organization is an organized body of people with a particular function in a business and or society working together to make the entire company healthy and functioning. An organization must exist and function as a living organism, with the potential to grow, mutate and change over time, and if not properly cared for unfortunately the organization will die.

Why do so many leaders fail in one organization yet thrive in another? Leaders are architects by nature, and often what new leaders desire to create will not work within the existing architectural organization structure. They fail because the organization hired the new leader to lead change, but often demand that structure of the organization remains the same. These leaders leave those organizations and find success with the next company. Why? Because the next organization not only wants change, they agree that they need change, but more importantly they recognize that what they currently have does not work. They accept the fact that things cannot remain the same.

The traditional organization model and this type of leadership are the reasons why some company’s, school districts, and sports franchises struggle to rise above mediocrity. These organizations fail to identify the talent that is buried deeply within their own organizational structure. In time this talent will leave because they do not feel valued. These organizations are constantly making changes in leadership, because they feel the issue is in its organization's model, not in its people.

Leaders, there must be a better model and if not, why haven’t we developed one? In looking at several companies and their various organizational charts, here’s what we found. Companies had taken the traditional organization chart and inverted it, turned it on its side, and some companies had even given the chart a bird’s eye perspective. So that their employees could gain a glimpse into the magnitude of the person at the top job. In the end each variation functioned the same way. Amazingly, we are willing to change our perspective on the traditional structure but unwilling to change the structure itself!

With all this information we decided that the time had come to reimagine the traditional organization chart. Let’s shut down the top of the tower like Marchionne and reposition the top tiers of the organization chart within the lower tiers of the chart. This model will be based on a constant flow of communication, new or vital information, and access throughout the organization. Everyone in the organization would commit to two beliefs, I will never be my best self by myself, and the words of African Philosopher Ubunto: I am because we are, and we are because I am! The purposeful result of all these things would be an organizational model where everyone was connected and valued? This is what we reimagined!

"We are delighted to join forces with Issa Rae, a visionary artist with a dynamic personality," exclaims Alia Kemet, Chief Marketing Officer at Shipt. "Much like our customers, Issa seamlessly transitions between multiple roles, underscoring her appreciation for a swift, convenient, and tailored shopping experience. We admire Issa's unwavering work ethic and her dedication to loved ones, and hope our customers can see themselves through her story. We look forward to sharing more meaningful work from this collaboration in the months ahead!"

As a part of their work together over the coming months, Rae has curated a list of her go-to summertime essentials available via Shipt to elevate both the big and small moments in customers’ lives throughout the season. Issa’s summertime essentials include:

• Favorite Day Cookies & Cream Ice Cream Sandwiches

• Apple AirPods Pro

• The Lip Bar Highlighting Blush

• Black Girl Sunscreen Broad Spectrum - SPF 30

• Moleskin Lined Composition Hardcover Journal

Customers can shop for Issa’s summertime essentials with ease at shipt.com/summeressentials.

Are you Really “Too Old”?

I Did you know that over 80% of career professionals obtain new roles by networking? Did you also know that one of the reasons why some people stay stuck settling for less than they deserve, and desire is because they associate networking with giving elevator pitches in a conference room eating stale, dry donuts and pretending to enjoy sugar-laden coffee with a plastic nametag around their neck. These types of stuffy events bore me to tears! I have next to no motivation to awake to the sound of an alarm clock to sit in a cold conference room engaging in small talk with a power point slide packet on the table in front of me where I'm expected to take notes like I'm back in a boring college classroom. I totally understand if this lights you up and I’m not asking you to be me. I’m just sharing my personal preference.

Sometimes adults will tell me that they would like to explore new perspectives or ways of seeing the world, but the people around them that they’ve known for years prefer to network as they always have. Sometimes they believe they’re too old to explore something new and build new relationships offering a wide variety of perspectives.

Ebonie Akinsete

What exactly makes someone “too old”? Some of the actors

and business owners, many of us spend our hard-earned money to support didn’t get started with their passions until they were older. I’m glad they didn’t decide to settle simply because society and self-limiting beliefs could deem them as being “too old”.

That's one of the reasons why I consistently create engaging networking events that range from paint/sips events and women’s retreats with LIVE Caribbean style music and food to virtual Zoom calls where we not only share our successes, but also our challenges and fun facts about yourself while sometimes laying in the comfort of our bed.

Over the next thirty days let’s decide to implement a collaborative meet-up activity with new people and discover something new about yourself and others that you wouldn’t have known had you chosen to give yourself reasons of why it’s a waste of time. Maybe you’ll surprise yourself. Worst case situation is that you decided you really don’t like people after all and prefer to be a hermit. Haha Life goes on regardless of whether you decide to engage your fellow human beings with kindness.

www.simplicityhealthstyle.com

To our Health & Happiness, Ebonie, @simplicityhealthstyle

About This Book

It is my earnest desire that “Things I Learned

While

Packing”' will help you navigate through your everyday experiences with a new perspective and insight into how life is just one moving journey. The paradigm is not in getting to the destination, but more about how we navigate the roads that lead us there.

“I just finished your book and I want to thank you for sharing your story. Today we get a lot of social media editing, people only show the good and what success seems to look like. What people are not revealing is all the setbacks, steps, heartaches, etc that they had to endure to get where they currently are so thank you for your honesty. I also loved that you had a call to action through the exercises because while we all may not have the same journey we all have had adversity. Great read and I will definitely recommend this book to others. “

True alignment comes from who you are – not where you might find yourself.

AVAILABLE ON AMAZON

WHERE NETWORKS GO TO NETWORK

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”