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I’m Not Sure. But, It’s Okay.

I’m Not Sure. But, It’s Okay.

By LaToniya Jones

Join us for 100 personal stories about navigating life while embracing uncertainty. Our focus is on Living Better, Learning Daily, and Leading Boldly.

LaToniya A. Jones (Toni) is in conversation with people --across multiple generations -- who intrigue and inspire her with their self-awareness, epiphanies, transparency, relatable strategies, and resources.

Follow, ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️Rate, and Share -- I'm Not Sure. But, It's Okay. -- with a Friend.

Contact us with your feedback, resources, and brand partnership opportunities.
www.NotSureOkay.live
toni@notsureokay.live
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Currently playing episode

Better Rest. Culturally Safe Spaces. Expert Receipts. | Tokiwa T. Smith (36)

I’m Not Sure. But, It’s Okay.Mar 08, 2022

00:00
01:26:13
Who Am I Not To...?: Her Body, Mindset and Business | Adrienne Taylor-Wells (50)
Aug 24, 202243:35
Shifting Her Mind, Body, and Soul into a Higher Gear in Life | B. Valaise Smith (51)
Aug 12, 202247:17
We Can Go Through Hard Things In Faith - While Quietly, Softly, Inspiring Others| Denitra Gregory
Jul 03, 202249:48
Taking Over When You Are Left Holding the Pain of Growth | Carlos Johnson (53)
Jun 24, 202240:29
So Much Better Now: Shedding My Past Trauma and Drama | Tenita Johnson (52)
Jun 15, 202201:08:09
Love + Marriage: Dating App, Family, Therapy | Terrell and Richarne Fuqua (49)

Love + Marriage: Dating App, Family, Therapy | Terrell and Richarne Fuqua (49)

It takes a lot for both men and women to "trust themselves to love again" -- after divorce, with children, and in making a decision to be laser focused on their career. Terrell and Richarne found each other on a dating app and proceeded with caution as they leaned into their new kind of bond, commitment, and a love like no other.


Episode Highlights:

1. Each one's take on / purpose for joining the app 

2. Boundaries; decision to clear the table; being honest; allowing each other to "show their real selves"

3. Knowing and supporting each other's love languages [prepare to hear a few tunes]

4. Prioritizing mental health and physical well-being [Richarne is a professional licensed therapist/counselor; Terrell is showing us what he is working with too]

5. How they keep things fun (with each other and family)

6. Quieting the noise -- to do life their way

7. Honoring their co-parenting relationships --  no matter the noise, chatter, and naysayers


🔗 Connect with Terrell and Richarne: 

Terrell: https://www.instagram.com/the_tshirt_king/

Richarne: https://www.instagram.com/drshawnthelpc/


May 22, 202201:27:58
Focus on Greater Opportunities in Every Situation | Linda Griffin (48)

Focus on Greater Opportunities in Every Situation | Linda Griffin (48)

Have you ever considered bypassing a great opportunity because of the team dynamics or leadership? What about pivoting as you determine the best work-life balance in every season? Linda Griffin shares how she navigated these scenarios to both lead boldly and live better -- from high school to career to entrepreneurship.


Episode Highlights:

1. Setting daily intentions and routines, while giving yourself grace to adjust when needed

2. What Linda's mentor shared that shifted her perspective toward focusing on Greater Opportunities in every situation

3. Self-awareness, passion, commitment, and impact in this season of life. 

4. Transitioning from a Career in STEM / Tech / Leadership to Entrepreneurship

5. How research and support to get "heads in beds" for the Bed and Breakfast / hospitality industry led to speaking at conferences, for professional associations, and a self-publishing business for thought-leaders

6. Our LinkedIn meeting, math and science backgrounds, love of mysteries, travel, and so much more


🔗 Connect with Linda Griffin: 

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/lindagriffin

Instagram: @90dayauthor

Twitter: twiter.com/lindagriffin

Website: https://www.expertauthor411.com/work-with-linda/


May 22, 202258:45
Love + Marriage: From Cabaret through COVID | Ed and Deana Williams (13)
May 21, 202257:06
Self-Awareness: Living a Soft and Intentional Life | Jeannette Roberes (47)

Self-Awareness: Living a Soft and Intentional Life | Jeannette Roberes (47)

Story 47/100: Jeannette Roberes shares how she is using her intersecting identities as a black woman, mother and professional to affect change (in work, business, and her community) that helps others live better.  

Have you considered how your identity affects change in your family and different seasons of life? 

Have you ever wondered if your seemingly natural talents are inherited -- a part of your DNA?   


Episode Highlights: 

1) Reflection, Mindsets, Manifesting, and Productivity

2) The impact of Epigentics and DNA

3) Allyship and Advocating: speech therapy, dyslexia, tech, autism at work

4) Simple ways we can make digital tools usable for all; accessibility

🔗 Connect with Jeannette Roberes on Linkedin

Website: https://www.bearlyarticulating.com/

May 11, 202254:11
Rock That! An Affirmation and Declaration for Actively Loving People | Shawn Lee (46)

Rock That! An Affirmation and Declaration for Actively Loving People | Shawn Lee (46)

Story 46/100: Shawn Lee (Founder, Humanitarian, Photographer, Visual Storyteller) shares how one person’s investment in his early photography career led to his journey and joy of investing in others with each "Rock That! Money" self-affirmation and declaration he speaks.

Shawn is on a mission to make society better by building out personal and professional community spaces of belonging, empowerment, and even considering how he can influence policies.


Episode Highlights:  

1. How the "Rock That!" declaration and affirmation (to self and others) came to be

2. What the 2022 Humanitarian of the Year Recipient Award really means

3. Reminders to be humble, act with grace and mercy, make the world better than you found it

4. Why we should all -- Keep going through the roadblocks. Leave it all on the stage!!!


🔗 Connect with Shawn Lee

Shawn Lee Studio Photography: https://www.shawnleestudios.com

The Rock That Photography Conference and Trade Show: https://www.rockthatconference.com

@ShawnLeeStudios on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter

May 09, 202247:20
Invisible Illness Challenges: Redesigning Life, Business, Boundaries | Simone 'G' Giangiordano (45)

Invisible Illness Challenges: Redesigning Life, Business, Boundaries | Simone 'G' Giangiordano (45)

Story 45/100: Simone 'G' Giangiordano is evolving through this way of being and sharing strategies and considerations to help you navigate similar experiences or support those near and dear to you -- as they define what works best for them.

Redesigning your lifestyle and way of being while living with an invisible illness is an ongoing journey.

Life and business "as usual" is not an option.

Family, friends and those in your community may never understand. But, self-awareness and boundaries that allow you to Be, Serve, and Receive -- are essential.

Episode Highlights:

1. Stigma around invisible illness

2. Self-compassion

3. Thriving through her Cycle of Setbacks experienced in business

4. Setting boundaries according to your body

5. The beauty of late starts

6. Emotional agility, impact of food, reflection

7. How to adjust presentations and business models to serve well and be well


🔗 Connect with Simone 'G' Giangiordano  

Website: www.SimoneG.NET  

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simonegbalanceup/  

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SimoneGBalance

Facebook - Live Life Well: https://www.facebook.com/SimoneG.Live

LinkedIn Personal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simonegiangiordano/

If you want, visit BalanceUPYourDreamTeam.com for download

May 06, 202201:08:32
Preserving Moments, Just in Case | Antonio McCladdie El (44)
Apr 30, 202201:05:17
Using TikTok + Gaming to Move Past Uncertainty, Help College Students Feel a Sense of Belonging, and to Find Her People with VaNessa P. Thompson

Using TikTok + Gaming to Move Past Uncertainty, Help College Students Feel a Sense of Belonging, and to Find Her People with VaNessa P. Thompson

Story 39/100: VaNessa P. Thompson has always been an early adopter of technology and social media.
Listen to how using her affinities for gaming and technology to help college students feel a sense of belonging helped her get out of her own head, manage her time better (she works where she is earning her PhD), and expand professional relationships.
Expanding our reach in virtual environments require purpose, strategy and patience.

Episode Highlights:
1. Three ways to teach with TikTok (and decrease the number of emails)
2. Habits of a Reformed Perfectionist (with therapy, Peloton)
3. Beauty of being present + Cultivating platonic relationships
4. Game / Play Tips for Families w/tweens and teens + Tech she would bring back from her teen years

🔗 Connect with VaNessa P. Thompson on LinkedIn, Twitter, IG or TikTok
Apr 28, 202201:07:33
Brewing His Passion While Building a Community with Shamone Beasley (43)

Brewing His Passion While Building a Community with Shamone Beasley (43)

Story 43/100: Shamone Beasley found his true passion after experiencing burnout during his sales career in the food and beverage industry.   We chatted about how a conversation around potential investments in African made products led to a fulfilling business, organically grown community via social, and more time for everything that's important to him. Episode Highlights:   1. Finding passion vs Something to sell   2. Coffee in Africa --> Premium product    3. Putting the brand first   4. God as his first + everything   5. Losses vs. Wins   6. Beatitudes (proud man of faith)   7. Self Care    🔗 Connect with Shamone Beasley | Instagram/Facebook: @thebeanbrotherscoffee | www.thebeanbrotherscoffees.com
Apr 24, 202201:08:02
The Quest to Speak to be Understood with Nicoya Ingram (42)
Apr 22, 202201:03:42
She is Transforming How Other Black Women Build Their Wealth Portfolios and Create Legacy with Deborah Owens (41)
Apr 03, 202250:45
A Golden Lifestyle: Mothering Differently While Influencing Her Own Brand of Luxury with Shalika D. Sanders (40)
Mar 31, 202201:01:22
The Best Coaches are Coachable Too with Dorethia Kelly (38)

The Best Coaches are Coachable Too with Dorethia Kelly (38)

Story 38/100: Dorethia Kelly reminds us that we must continue to be coachable and relevant -- as we coach others with our lived experiences, in business ventures, navigating careers, building community platforms, personal finances, parenting, and becoming the best versions of ourselves. Dorethia Kelly, MBA is a Financial Expert, Entrepreneur, Author, and Coach 💰 Founder & CEO #MoneyChat 💰Founder & CEO Work • Space • Spark™ 🔗 Dorethia Kelly, MBA   💰 For finance and business coaching dorethiakelly.com 💰Meet her subscription box career growth team and community WorkSpaceSpark.com Rate our Show. Learn more about our project at www.NotSureOkay.live
Mar 23, 202201:13:03
Time to Embrace Our Shades of Gray: In Life and Leadership with Dr. Monica F. Cox

Time to Embrace Our Shades of Gray: In Life and Leadership with Dr. Monica F. Cox

Story 37/100: Monica F. Cox, Ph.D., is a disruptor, trailblazer, change agent, and leader who believes in living an authentic life even if it makes people uncomfortable.

Listen to discover why living in the gray area is not so bad. This gray space (middle area) is where we produce the best versions of our selves and work.

#NotSureOkay Episode Highlights:
1) Sharing pieces of her experience led to a Leadership Mentoring Community on Twitter.

2) Navigating Workplace Trauma.

3) Her invitations and recognition from President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama; Wisdom from Rep. John C. Lewis.

4) Uncertainty and Beauty of Operating in Gray Spaces.

5) Mindset: Personal Values, Alignment, and Boundaries.

🔗 Dr. Monica at her website (https://www.drmonicacox.com/about ) and @DrMonicaCox on social channels.
Mar 18, 202201:04:60
Better Rest. Culturally Safe Spaces. Expert Receipts. | Tokiwa T. Smith (36)
Mar 08, 202201:26:13
Black Women Are Redefining History By Releasing the Historical Expectations of Family, Church, and Systems | Dr. Orletta Caldwell
Feb 26, 202201:40:32
Changing the Energy of Her Space and Our Climate | Audra D. Carson (34)
Dec 08, 202101:43:56
Intentional, Focused + Creating New Realities | Geoffrey Ingram (33)
Nov 13, 202101:01:45
Even More Amazing: From Recession and Depression to Healthy Autonomy | Crystal L. Gunn (32)
Oct 08, 202156:48
Two Young Widows: Rediscovering Self + Helping Others | Tonia Wilson, LaCharmine Jefferson (31)
Aug 31, 202155:35
Positive Thoughts + Legacy Building: Mental Health, Career, Family Journey | Chris Scott (30)
Aug 23, 202155:13
Making an Impact: Butterflies, Business, Black Doll Museum | Sandra Epps (29)
Aug 16, 202141:36
Pivoting in Life and Business: With God + Like-minded Community | Bobby Burton (28)
Aug 15, 202101:12:41
Living Better: Habits of Gratitude and Giving | Curtis Smith (27)
Aug 02, 202159:24
Flowing Like Water | Kelly Brittain (26)

Flowing Like Water | Kelly Brittain (26)

Story 26/100 introduces the analogy of Flowing Like Water. Kelly Brittain (PhD, RN, Mom) — my Cass Tech High School classmate reflects on the habit she developed over the past 10 years to be fully present, embrace change, and live more purposefully. We chatted about music (her Fav Ladies), faith, family, career trajectories, and soul stirring experiences. So many wisdom bombs related to acknowledging and prioritizing SELF in order to serve, learn, live better — during life’s highest and lowest points. Connect with Kelly Email: kbrittain5@yahoo.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-brittain-phd-rn-56093634 Follow Kelly’s endeavors with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation. She’s expanding her mission of well-being from her heart —> home —> community.
Jul 30, 202101:28:11
Embrace Your True Value | Lauren McElrath (25)
May 29, 202144:58
Doing Well, By Doing Good | Tylene Henry (24)
May 29, 202101:20:01
How Life’s Storms Led to More Love: People, Home, and Self | Kalyn Fahie (23)
May 27, 202101:06:44
From Seeing to Seizing Opportunities: Listening, Building, Learning | Karen Burton (22)
May 20, 202101:07:28
Living for Today: Leading an All-Women Law Firm and Clients To Do the Same | Shakeena Melbourne (21)
May 17, 202159:52
A Father’s #GirlDad Love Story and Adoption Lessons | David Lingholm (20)
May 07, 202101:03:00
Tap Into Your Why: Get Started | Felisha Hatcher (19)
May 03, 202101:01:27
Bonus: Courage to Speak Publicly, After the Strokes (Toni x Rosemarie)

Bonus: Courage to Speak Publicly, After the Strokes (Toni x Rosemarie)

Toni’s transparent moment about speaking on public platforms + this podcast after having 2 mini-strokes. This bonus episode is an excerpt /outtake from my recording featuring Rosemarie. Make sure to check out Rosemarie’s feature episode: Her Life Agency.
May 02, 202102:57
Bonus: STEAM Soapbox with Toni x Martin

Bonus: STEAM Soapbox with Toni x Martin

Toni and Martin chat briefly about their love for STEAM and ways to collaborate on future initiatives. This is an outtake from our earlier chat. Check out Martin’s featured episode “Composing Positive Transitions”.
May 01, 202118:58
Crossing Borders and Barriers: Show up as yourself. | Munienge (Mony) Mbodila (18)
Apr 29, 202101:12:21
Consistent Acts of Love: Healing through abuse and cancer to thrive in more love.| Andrea Knott (17)
Apr 26, 202101:00:06
Investing in Yourself: Beyond Divorce, Rejection, and Delay | Kendra Dixson (16)
Apr 17, 202144:32
Community Gardening and Natural Products to Live Better | Tamara Toole (15)

Community Gardening and Natural Products to Live Better | Tamara Toole (15)

Story 15/100: Tamara’s commitment to self, family and her community is literally “growing” + “making” - to live better. #NotSureOkay Highlights: 🌱How growing in patio containers has evolved into community gardening on multiple lots of an Eastside Detroit community. 👨🏾‍🌾Detroit Black Farmers Grant 🕯Ways their handmade natural candles for home transitioned to an expanding business that supplements their children’s college expenses. 🤝Using all of the resources available (education, entrepreneurship, family and friends) to make your dreams a reality. Connect with Tamara: 🍒🥬Julia’s Apron Garden & 🧘🏿🧘🏽‍♂️Savvy Natural Products on Facebook and Instagram
Apr 15, 202127:59
Keep Stretching and Learning for Life | Christine Dewey (14)
Apr 09, 202151:00
Her Life Agency | Rosemarie “One Single Rose” Wilson (12)
Aug 29, 202001:07:54
Composing Positive Transitions | Martin Lindsey (11)

Composing Positive Transitions | Martin Lindsey (11)

Story 11/100: Composing positive transitions can help sustain relationships and build a thriving business. Martin shared how his “creativity based lifestyle manifests at the intersection of engineering, digital media, animation, music and social media”. You will also hear a few tips on the importance of family inclusivity when navigating social and school-to-career pipelines. Connect with Martin: Founder & Creative Director Phunky Pixel Media www.phunkypixel.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/martinlindsey/ https://calendly.com/animatedmarty
Aug 23, 202046:24
Developing Acceptance, Asserting Expectations, and Preserving Integrity |Sabin Prentis Duncan (10)
Aug 17, 202001:41:41
A Planning, Praying and Parenting Method | Sylvia Hubbard (9)
Aug 16, 202001:15:46
On Purpose + Unlearning Who We Think We Are | Brinda Devine (8)
Aug 15, 202001:13:03
Confidence to Pitch Nationally and Change Money Mindsets | Tasha Danielle (7)

Confidence to Pitch Nationally and Change Money Mindsets | Tasha Danielle (7)

Story 7/100: Tasha’s candid conversations with her grandmother during childhood led to paying off $80k in debt before age 30. She continues to leverage those chats and her skills as a CPA to change the mindsets of peers, youth and educators. Stars aligned at just the right time for Tasha to pitch with PineSol + Essence —- and compete for $100k to grow her Financial Garden platform.

Connect with Tasha (Facebook, IG and hello@financialgarden.com) about planting seeds in the Financial Garden community.

Get an autographed copy of Tasha’s book, Amina’s Bracelets: A Kidpreneur’s Journey for youth in your family/community.
Aug 11, 202001:10:16