The Global Advocate Career Podcast

Meet Sulma Arzu-Brown a proud Garifuna, Latina, Black, Immigrant, and short woman raised in Hunts Point the Bronx. Sulma is the self-published author of the award-winning book “Bad Hair Does Not Exist/ Pelo Malo No Existe” , "My Hair Comes With Me-Shifting the Paradigm of What Success Looks Like" and  “My Best Friend Likes Boys More Than Me.”  The books are not about hair or hairstyle, it's about the human experience that connects us all. Her experience as a checker of many boxes on many applications, her corporate experience, community advocacate, mother and wife led her to write award winning books that raises conversations about the explicit bias and implicit biases. Sulma is an Investor of the Boogie Down Grind Café,  serves as the Director of Operation for the  NYC Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and sits on the Steering Committee for the Council on Women and Girls for the office of NYS Governor Andrew M. Cuomo.

Join us in Episode #2 of "Real Talk, Real People, Real Topics", with hosts Monica Staco, M.Ed., M.A. and Michele Lee Clarke-Ceres, Career Coach as we discuss navigating the uncertainties in the current and post-COVID-19 world with seasoned executives based in the US and abroad.    This week’s guests: The Honorable Sean Ceres - Senior Accountant, National Health Service (NHS) in the United Kingdom and Parish Councillor, Carlos F. Gilyard, MBA, Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center and Dr. Julian Thompson, Assistant Professor, University of Illinois at Chicago.

In their debut episode, "Real Talk", hosts Monica Staco, M.Ed., M.A. and Michele Lee Clarke-Ceres, discuss harnessing leadership and navigating the uncertainties in the current and post-COVID-19 world with seasoned corporate executives - M.D. Jelks, Elliott Chaffer, and Taris Mullins. 

Meet Peter Yacobellis, Councilor-At-Large 2020 Candidate for Montclair, New Jersey! Peter Yacobellis has dedicated his life to public service. He served as a search and rescue supply distributor at ground zero after 9/11, and as an official with the administrations of New York Governors David Paterson and Andrew Cuomo, helped pass marriage equality legislation, ran the New York rent stabilization office and directed the Hurricane Sandy Command Center. Peter studied business management and political science at Adelphi University and environmental sustainability at Columbia University, and is the former Chief of Staff for the brand and marketing team at American Express which oversaw the Shop Small and Small Business Saturday programs. Peter is currently the director of human resources and facilities for Amicus Therapeutics, which develops treatments for children living with extremely rare diseases. Peter has been at the forefront of his generation’s fight for LGBTQ rights, propelled by his 1998 discharge from US Air Force basic training under the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy. In 2009, he helped organize the march on Washington that led to the policy’s reversal.   Peter’s connection to Montclair dates to 2007, when he worked out of Garden State Equality’s headquarters at the Unitarian Universalist Church. He is a member of Bike & Walk Montclair and the Montclair Film Festival and has exhibited his artwork in town. Peter and his fiancé, Benjamin have been proud Montclair homeowners since 2017.

Meet Dr. George C. Fraser, Chairman and CEO of FraserNet, Inc., a company he founded 32 years ago to lead a global networking and economic development movement for people of African descent. Born in Brooklyn, NY, he was an orphan and foster child for 15 years. He has written 6 best-selling books, has been featured on 7 national magazine covers, received over 350 awards and citations, 3 Honorary Doctorate Degrees, a Chaplaincy and an Ambassadorship. He is also a *Certified Financial Education Instructor and has an Insurance license.  In 2016, President Obama awarded Dr. Fraser “The President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”  He’s been married to Nora Jean for 46 years and has 2 sons and 3 granddaughters. Listen to Dr. Fraser discuss the incredible wealth gap between Black and Whites and why Economics should be the Black Power Agenda in the 21st Century.  Dr. Fraser lays it out on the status of Black America today, clarify what the Golden Rule really means and why “the goal should to be to win and not to look like we’re winning.” Hear why Covid 19 is not a plague but an awakening and what it should mean for us. Don’t miss his Annual Power Networking Conference scheduled for July 8-11, 2020 in Texas. Mention “The Global Advocate Career Podcast” and obtain a significant discount.

Saint Aubyn is an artist who strives to entertain his audience with hopes that they leave each and every performance feeling fulfilled. Some of his accomplishments are performing with one of his mentors, Gregory Hines, in the Showtime movie Bojangles and sharing the stage with the incomparable Ms. Patti LaBelle and Sam Smith. He was involved in the Smokey Joe’s Cafè  20th anniversary tour, and had a featured role in the 2013 film, Admissions. He also played the role of Jimmy Early in the production of Dreamgirls at the Gallery Players Theater in Brooklyn, NY, in 2013. This resulted in his nomination for the 2013 Audelco “Outstanding Performance in a Musical” award and the 2013 New York Innovative Theatre “Outstanding Actor in a Featured Role” award. He was involved in the Broadway musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. More recently he’s playing the role of Dennis Edwards in the Broadway  Musical Ain’t To Proud The Life and times of The Temptations. For this role he has recently been awarded the prestige of being a Grammy nominee. Check out the YouTube interview: https://youtu.be/d5kU4u_aur4

Meet Sonia Alleyne an accomplished content, media and career strategist with an established track record generating effective messaging for broad, diverse audiences by crafting narratives and raising representation where it matters. Sonia is the former Press Secretary and Director of Public Information for the New York City Department of Finance. Prior to this, she was the editorial director at Black Enterprise, directing cross-platform editorial exclusives with top business talent.  She is widely recognized for her career and financial development contributions as TV correspondent on Black Enterprise Business Report and Our World with Black Enterprise. Sonia is the thought leader behind nationwide career development conferences and co-authored award-nominated professional development literature.  Sonia now gifts deserving career women with I Kick Ass At Work! an in-depth guide to career navigation, self-promotion and professional self-governance.

Meet Monica Staco an intuitive and compassionate coach who believes we are all capable of creating extraordinary lives. In her corporate career, she has been using her insights into human behavior and business success for over 15 years to help clients drive organizational strategy, maximize executive and cross-functional team performance, and influence leadership development. Her professional experience spans in a wide range of industries including financial services, retail, technology, automotive, family offices and consumer packaged goods. Monica’s leadership coaching career was born out of her own challenges and dedication to support her team in being effective leaders and contributors. For the past few years she has used a growth-oriented and evidence-based approach to coach people in building confidence, harnessing their abilities and strengthening their social and emotional intelligence skills. In 2016, she earned her master’s degree in Transformational Leadership and Coaching, in addition to her master’s degree in Counseling Psychology. She is dedicated to teaching and coaching people to recognize their potential. In her spare time, Monica visits her family in Haiti, trains for triathlons (2020 NYC Triathlon), meditates, and practices yoga. She is fluent in French and enjoys cultural experiences. See the video interview: https://youtu.be/MYLiDE5Ao7I

Meet Gloria Sinibaldi who has coached clients for over 20 years.  Her tenure with California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) in the San Francisco Bay Area introduced her to a wide range of job seekers including professionals, dislocated workers, youth and special populations.  She was instrumental in launching Fremont’s Success Center at the Family Resource Center where she trained groups of long-term unemployed job search skills.  As coordinator of PRONET, a job club of 250 professionals from Silicon Valley, she earned EDD’s Sustained Superior Accomplishment Award.  She’s published numerous job-related articles and “A Means to Survive”, a short story about the struggles of the unemployed during a recession.  She currently lives in California with her husband Ralph and Airedale Terrier, Lil’ Bro’. Check out the video interview: https://youtu.be/s6AdtXBthuY

Meet Samantha Pitre Quillen who has coached clients at all levels from CEO to interns for the past 6 years. She has conducted workshops across the country on leadership skills, networking, and personal branding, managing inter- generational teams, and persevering despite your challenges. With over 15 years of Human Resources experience, in corporate, technology start-ups, and non-profit organizations, Samantha has come to understand that the foundation to success is opportunity and experience. She facilitates mastermind groups, personal coaching sessions, group seminars, and week long retreats and workshops through her company, Creating Miss Jones. Speaking and working with clients nationally; Samantha travels extensively, engaging audiences in the art of personal empowerment, professional development and living in balance.  Samantha graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Agnes Scott College, where she majored in International Relations and Women’s Studies. She lives in her hometown of Fort Greene, Brooklyn with her husband and beloved Shi-Tzu, Shakespeare.

Meet Nicole Yershon a maverick, inspiration and the original rough diamond. She is, at once a consultant, speaker, judge, mentor and connector. Operating on the front lines of innovation, Nicole brings organizations kicking and screaming  into the 21st Century. In that sense she properly defines disruption. Nicole enjoys operating at the complex and vital intersections between creativity, technology , marketing and the future. As the founder of Lab for Hire, Nicole builds on her 10 plus years experience running Ogilvy Labs  - a dedicated innovation unity of Ogilvy and Mather Group where she worked with such global brands such as Amex, IBM, BP, Crimestoppers, Selfridges, Unilever, BA and Wetherspoons. Listen to my interview with Nicole as we discuss her phenomenal book. You can reach Nicole at www.nicoleyershon.com

Meet Rachel Serwetz, CEO and Founder of Woken. Her early professional experience started at Goldman Sachs in Operations and at Bridgewater Associates in Human Resources. Thereafter, she completed her training as a coach at NYU and became a certified coach through the International Coach Federation. Afterwards, she worked in HR Research at Aon Hewitt and attained her Technology MBA at NYU Stern. Throughout her career, she has helped hundreds of professionals with career exploration and for the past 2 years she has been building her company, WOKEN, which is an online career exploration platform to coach professionals through the process of figuring out their ideal job and career path. Rachel is also a Professor of Entrepreneurship at Binghamton University and a Career Coach through the Flatiron School/WeWork.  You can reach Rachel at www.iamwoken.com

Meet Christlie Ganthier who began her career as a Human Resources professional in the retail sector while completing her Master’s degree at Georgetown University. After 5 years of generalist work in retail, Christlie made astronomical strides in improving Human Resources in the food and beverage industry. She created succession planning strategies, merit initiatives, and employee engagement to drive business performance. With 7-8 years of transactional HR work, she was given the opportunity to join Avis Budget Group as the HR Business Partner for the state of New York. Her work in multi-sectors, multi-unions, and multi-units render her to be the most sought out HR professional on the east coast. Christlie prides herself in being analytical, tactical, and strategic, therefore, your business can’t lose when working with Christlie G. Consulting Check out the video interview: https://youtu.be/dlfPrSDo16U You can reach Christlie via her website www.christliegconsulting.com.

Meet Michael Burks who has combined the many lessons he learned in life and in his career to create a coaching practice geared to helping individuals succeed in their lives and career. He studied coaching through Coach Training Institute (CTI) program and was certified through the International Coach Federation (ICF).  He holds an MBA and has taught business classes at the University of Phoenix. As a coach, he quickly learned some of the obstacles people faced in moving forward was fear of failure, shame if the next step didn’t go as plan and a lack of understanding what it meant to be vulnerable.  In order to help his clients, move through those obstacles, he became certified in the DARINGWAY process developed by Dr. Brene Brown. He spent decades in leadership roles at companies like DIRECTV and AT&T Wireless developing and helping people succeed in their careers, especially minorities and women. He spent several years volunteering as a facilitator in California State prisons for a program called Insight Garden. He enjoys international travel, dining out, photography and creating 3D digital art. He is married and has a 10-year-old miniature schnauzer. You can reach Michael at coachingculturally@gmail.com

Meet Lucy Samuels Communication + Career Coach who is passionate about helping professionals share their career stories and articulate their unique value with clarity and confidence. With more than 10 years’ experience navigating her own corporate legal operations career, Lucy has developed a knack for breaking down the job search process into small, meaningful goals. Her coaching incorporates a rich mix of linguistics, business communication, and brain-friendly learning facilitation. In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Communication and a certificate in Business Spanish, Lucy holds certifications in language coaching, resume writing, and career coaching

Meet Tamiko L. Cuellar, a dynamite in a small package, fearless and inspiring are just few words audiences use to describe Tamiko Cuellar. A Jill-of-all-trades she is the Founder of Pursue Your Purpose LLC an International Business Strategist, professional speaker and author. Listen to Tamiko discuss her path from just using a fraction of her brilliance to owning all of it! A Jill-of-all-trades, she is a proven leader in the marketplace among entrepreneurs nationally and internationally.   A member of the Forbes Coaches Council,  Tamiko has inspired and equipped women in over 13 countries across 4 continents. Connect with her at www.PursueYourPurpose.com.

Join me in my first in series of Coffee Corner with a Career Coach where I interview coaches and ask them about the profession. Meet Michelle Paige, Former New York State First Lady and Founder/CEO of MRP Global Relations - an organization that offers professional coaching to women affected by the stress of being under the public eye.

Meet Len Adams who has a 40-year record of achievement in meeting the Talent Acquisition (Executive Search, Staffing and Consulting) needs of many prestigious corporations, software companies, banks, and financial services institutions – locally, nationally and internationally. A native New Yorker, Len frankly discusses growing up in the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan to how he started his family owned staffing business. and helped thousands of individuals find the right career path. Len shares his perspective on a myriad of topics such as the hiring landscape, A.I., job references, emerging technology, salary negotiations, confidentiality, social media and so much more.  Adams is an accomplished lecturer at the university and secondary school levels on various subjects relating to career planning, business ethics, recruiting and personnel consulting.  The New York Times,  American Banker, and the National Business Employment Weekly, often quote Adams as a noted authority on compensation levels in the financial services industry.

Meet Massmiliano Mattetti, Founder of Massimo Roma - based in Miami, Florida.  Born and raised in Rome, Italy - he is a former Diplomatic Military Attache for the Italian Navy and now an Italian Custom Clothier. Listen to Massimiliano share his views on what style really means, sustainable clothing and his love for Sweden. With over 5000 clients in 60 countries, get to know this polyglot and visionary behind the brand as well as hear him tackle some interesting "Wait What?" questions...

Join me as I interview the young and dynamic women behind Cornell University's Les Femmes de Substance during their 2020 Women's Retreat "Unapologetically Female: Bring Your Whole Self to Work", where I had the honor of being a Keynote Speaker. This phenomenal organization fosters a sense of community and leadership within the purposeful women of color population on Cornell's Campus. Gain insight into how the leaders of tomorrow start today.

Meet Sonja Kresojevic, a strategist, change agent and problem solver; who is passionate about transforming businesses and individuals by focusing on growth, innovation, cultural change and digital transformation. Sonja frankly discusses her journey from 60 hour + corporate work weeks to being in control of her own life. Listen to her holistic experiences in which she describes carrying out the necessary inner work such as letting go of the old inner narratives, being present and inspiring others. By spearheading socially global impactful initiatives such as The Seedtime Collective, Sonja believes that in exposing people to transformative experiences that nurture body, mind and soul -  in a supportive and authentic community, they will create an environment where people can learn to trust their inner-guidance, unlock unique learnings and work together to bring a much-needed change in their communities, organizations, and society at large. For more information The Seedtime Collective - go to www.seedtime.com

A mechanic of the human body, Emergency Room (ER) Doctor, mother and former bodybuilder;  Dr. Yarde reflects on how she became a doctor and what drives her.  Get a first-hand perspective on what it means to spend a minimum of 8-12 hour a day confronting life and death scenarios as well as the realities of being a Cuban-American female doctor. Ibis candidly discusses being bipolar, embracing her therapies and what it was like to start her career later in life.  Don’t miss this riveting interview!

Meet Felicia Twumasi (pronounced TOO-MASSI). Felicia is the CEO of Homefoodsghana.com and based in Accra, Ghana (Africa). Felicia discusses running her agro-based corporation and what it means to be strong woman in a male dominated society. She shares her experiences growing up in a convent, dealing with and overcoming ignorance at Harvard University, perspectives on her tribe – the Ashanti, African identity and    polygamy. Listen to her “Wait What?” answer on running into a cobra!

Meet C. Zawadi Morris, Founder and Publisher of the BK Reader.  Zawadi discusses the realities of being a trailblazer in running an online hyper news source, the global aspect of gentrification and its effect locally in Brooklyn.  A polyglot, she discusses her love of languages – particularly Spanish, Afrobeats, spirituality and what drives her. Get to know one of the few African-American female publishers in the United States!

Meet Adam Clayton Powell Jr. IV, born in Santurce, Puerto Rico and a former member of the New York City Council 1992-97 and New York State Assembly 2001-10. Adam discusses representing his former district of East Harlem (and other areas) as well as currently living in it.  He recounts what it is was like  disrupting the old political machine of that time and succeeding in spite of it.  Adam reflects on entering politics right at the cusp of the digital age, growing up with a famous father and gentrification. Listen to his frank opinions about current politics, being single, his venture into the private sector and more.  Please don't miss Adam's sincere "Wait, What." answers.

Meet Marvin Carrington, Master Stylist and CEO, MACSTYLE Inc. and get to know him intimately as he frankly discusses overcoming his personal and professional challenges such as drug addiction, entering rehab, being on welfare and bouncing back from several failed attempts at entrepreneurship and marriage.  He gets real with his thoughts about the hair business and reflects on what it means to run a successful enterprise.  Being true to the core, Marvin discusses why he always promotes positivity and directness while encouraging a healthy diet and lifestyle; whether he's on social media or personally interacting with clientele. Not one to give up at all, especially in love - listen to Marvin discuss his recent  (and final) walk down the aisle with his bald beauty Liz. A  true veteran of the battlefield and in the salon - with over 31 years of experience, Marvin has worked for Soft Sheen, Affirm, Mizani, Loreal and as an instructor for Joico Hair Color teaching innovative techniques to New York City salons. His work has been featured in prominent publications such as Essence, Ebony, Lucky, Honey, Redbook, Latina, Heart and Soul and as well as on ABC and NBC television. 

With over 1.5 Billion dollars in sales, the Rodan + Fields (R+F) brand is a force to be reckoned with. Meet Lea May (based in Arkansas) and Larson Berkey Campbell (based in Vermont),  Independent Consultants for R+F who discuss the mindset behind being successful entrepreneurs. Gain insight into what its like to be part of a lucrative multilevel marketing company and how it ended up being a suitable second career choice for Lea and Larson. They also discuss tactics on ensuring a proper work-life balance, the importance of being a mentor and recommended reading on how to stay positive and metaphysically motivated!

Listen in on Michele's hair appointment with her stylist Keron Cumberbatch.  Born and raised in Guyana, South America - Keron discusses his metaphysical views on Fort Greene's gentrification,  running a salon, gimmicks and trends in the hair business and his writings on the wall.  We also get to meet his two talented and experienced stylists, April and Cyndy. Listen to how they started out in their careers and where they are going. Don't miss Keron's "Wait What?" answer on styling dead people.

Urbane yet humorous, Paul shares several of his experiences such as being a former Managing Director for Goldman Sachs (where he supervised over 9000 individuals), how he foments change as a philanthropist and what social capital transfer means to him.  We also discuss artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, hacking, fintech, planetary travel, the Beastie Boys and more!!!!

Facebook boasts over 2.32 Billion active users on the planet. Meet the talented Robert Rush, one of Facebook's rising stars. Robert keeps it real and discusses growing up in the Bronx, graduating Cum Laude from Harvard and working at Facebook.  Robert shares his personal views on privacy, artificial intelligence (AI), achieving harmony and balance, his incredible sneaker collection and more!

Michele interviews Michelle Barge who discusses her plethora of professional experience which ranges from corporate public relations, law, the travel industry, mindfulness, yoga and more.  A Global Spiritualist in her own right, she speaks with integrity and provides insight into the real tenants of working remotely, thoughts on social media use, and how to be ones authentic self.  Listen to her tips on how to handle coming across a snake!

The Nursing industry in the US is thriving; there are about 3.8 million nurses in the US and counting! Meet Yusimi Sobrino-Bonilla, a seasoned and learned Nurse Practitioner based out of the Valley Health System in the State of New Jersey.  Yusimi discusses her Cuban heritage, childhood in Washington Heights, how she stayed focused on her goals, what bedside manner is really all about and how she handles her work-life balance. Listen to her deep experiences with patient deaths, her thoughts about Dr. Google and more.

Michele visits the dapper Brian Cooke at the swanky Soho Grand Hotel located in Soho, downtown Manhattan, NYC. Brian discusses his day to day responsibilities, its demands and gives insight into various aspects of having a career in the hospitality sector. Don’t miss Brian’s fantastic “Wait, What?” answers.

Meet Paul Brill who has composed for numerous award-winning films, specials and films for Netflix, HBO, Showtime, AMC, A&E, MTV, CNN, History Channel, National Geographic, The Sundance Channel and ESPN, NPR program themes, and many others. He has received 3 EMMY AWARD nominations and won the first-ever Best Music Award from the International Documentary Association for his score for the film, “Better this World.” and was recently nominated for a Golden Reel Award for his work on the hit Netflix docu-series, “Bobby Kennedy for President.” Paul recently made his Off-Broadway debut, composing the score for Gabriel Jason Dean’s “Terminus,” which featured stage legend Deirdre O’Connell and premiered to great acclaim at The New York Theatre Workshop, and his music was performed and featured by Phoenix Chamber Music Society in the Spring of 2018. Listen to Paul provide his frank perspective on the music business, what it takes to break into it, and his opinion about my taste in music!!!  

Ms. Jelena Pia-Comella, is a former diplomat of the Principality of Andorra and currently Senior Advisor to Global Action Against Mass Atrocities (GAAMAC). Jelena discusses her fascinating background, career trajectory in international global affairs and incredibly important work with survivors of mass atrocities from around the world, particularly in Africa. 

Paul discusses how he has been running a successful franchise business (where naked windows in Upstate New York get dressed) for the past 15 years, shares his personal perspective on family life .... and what a blind would be called if it was named after me!

Eli explains his craft, what its like being one of Ryan Gosselin's former professors, his experiences working for such a highly acclaimed late night show, and his thoughts on a specific "edible" world leader.

Meet Maceo Bishop, a world renowned film cinematographer.  Maceo provides an insightful perspective into his extensive film career,  parenting, meditation practice and....his fabulous, shiny hair.

Meet Debra Biagini, a native New Yorker now living in Rome, Italy.  Debra shares her perspective on living abroad, twerking, and how taking that DNA test changed her life. 

Meet Russell Francis, CEO and Head of Crossfit Jersey City. Russell left the UK and corporate America to pursue his entrepreneurial passions. Listen to how he did it!

Meet Nicole Wilkins-Bergman, former Chief of Protocol at the United States Mission to the United Nations - US Department of State now based at Princeton University.  Hear Nicole give us her global perspective on diplomacy, protocol and ....sushi.

Meet Melissa Hatter who is the Vice President for Customer Success at Emissary, former Executive Vice President at WorldNow and all around powerhouse!