Hey Friend,
We’re back. Sliding into your day with some real talk. In this episode, we’re diving deep into the question of - can we really be our authentic selves at work?
We get honest and real about the pressure to fit into old-school ideas of “professionalism”, and this episode is filled with our own stories and personal reflections. You’ll hear why authenticity isn’t about oversharing, but about aligning your actions with your values and showing up with integrity. We talk about the risks, the rewards, and how being true to yourself can actually help you—and your team—thrive.
So grab your coffee, and join us for some laughs, truth bombs, and a big virtual hug. 🤗
xo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"I felt like a ghost of myself, but as a fundraising professional, I thought that’s what you’re supposed to do." -Kishshana
"If you are not present to yourself, everything in your life is a performance." -Kishshana
"I am authentic. I lead with integrity. I am open, honest and direct." -Kishshana
"The more authentic I am, the younger I look. So. Peep that, y’all." -Kishshana
"Authenticity is showing up in a way that reflects your truth, not necessarily someone else’s expectations." -Maria
"You don’t have to bring your whole 4th grade self, but you DO get to be you." -Maria
"I realized there were other ways I could make a living that let me be more creative, let me feel more like myself, and that gave me a lot of confidence." -Maria
"Boundaries are invitations to how people get to be in community with you." -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
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Hey Dreamer,
If your head is full of big ideas but your projects are always stuck at 92%, this episode is for you!
Today, we are getting real about why visionaries like us struggle to finish what we start (hint: it’s not laziness!), and we share spicy, practical tips to help you turn dreams into done. From breaking big visions into bite-sized tasks, to using tools like ClickUp and the Notes app, to the magic of time-blocking and the power of rest, we’ve got you covered.
So grab your planner (or your phone), and let’s get those ideas out of your head and into the world. Your dreams deserve to shine!
xo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"People have dreams on dreams, on dreams, but making them real is a whole other story." - Kishshana
"Vision without execution is hallucination." - Maria
"Break it down, then break it down again." - Kishshana
"Your dream deserves a good, sturdy bridge, not a rickety rope." - Kishshana
"If it never finishes, it never flopped." - Maria
"Discipline is freedom. Structure isn’t stifling, it’s supportive." - Maria
"Lists made me feel better, but I wasn’t doing anything with the list." - Kishshana
"Don’t be afraid to ask for help or delegate parts of your vision." - Kishshana
"More can be the enemy of done." - Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
Today, we’re getting all the way real about something most folks would rather tiptoe around: grief.
We’re talking about what it means to lead a team when your heart is heavy and your world feels upside down. From survivor’s guilt to those “crying in the car” moments, we’re sharing our stories—the messy, the complicated, and yes, even the moments that made us laugh through the tears.
We get into how grief doesn’t care about your deadlines, your title, or your to-do list. It shows up in your body, your brain, and your work (hello, brain fog and late-night ice cream). We talk boundaries, vulnerability, and why sometimes B+ work is more than enough while your soul is healing.
Plus, we’re giving you permission to be human at work—messy, marvelous, grieving, and all. And if you’re leading while grieving, or loving someone who is, we’ve got your back.
So grab your favorite cozy drink, take a deep breath, and join us for a conversation that’s honest, heartfelt, and full of solidarity. You’re not alone, friend—and you never have to be.
With love (and a whole lot of grace),
Kishshana & Maria 💌
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Grief doesn’t care about your title, your deadlines or your deliverables, because when it hits, it hits." -Kishshana
"Leadership doesn’t pause just because grief walks in the room." -Kishshana
"I had to start leading with vulnerability, and I had to, like, speak truth to power, and I had to ask for the help I needed." -Kishshana
"You can’t leave that grief behind and go back to your job—that’s following you like a wet blankie." -Kishshana
"If you need help, get help, and help doesn’t have to be you’re going to go speak to a therapist, though, if you need that, you should." -Maria
"We are holding all the space today for the complicated, unspoken and often invisible experience of leading a team while your whole world is falling apart." -Maria
"There are days where I could barely string together an email, and here I was running a company." -Kishshana
"You don’t have to compartmentalize your pain to do good work. You can be in process and in power." -Kishshana
"Vulnerability invites empathy, and so when you lead with transparency and not trauma dumping, you give people permission to see you as a human." -Maria
"Grief is universal. Everyone experiences it at some level. In some way, it is part of our human life." -Maria
"Letting someone witness you be a human and still work through it anyway, can be an even more impactful lesson than sending someone to an online self-paced training." -Maria
"If you want a resilient team, create a culture that makes space for grief." -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on a big ol’ elephant in the room: entitlement.
We get real about how unchecked privilege and expectations can sneak into leadership, at work, and at home. From stories about raising (and recalibrating!) our own kids, to navigating the wild world of management, we’re sharing laughs, lessons, and a few “did that really happen?” moments.
We talk about what happens when leaders expect unwavering loyalty without giving it back, how toxic environments get built on unspoken rules, and why humility and curiosity are the real superpowers every manager needs.
Plus, we’re inviting you—yes, you!—to do more than just extract labor from your team. Let’s develop leaders, foster growth, and build cultures where everyone can thrive.
So grab your favorite drink, get comfy, and join us for a conversation that’s honest, a little spicy, and full of heart. And don’t forget: next time, we’re tackling the “If I had to do it, why can’t you?” mindset. Bring your cousins, your coworkers, and your curiosity!
With love and leadership,
Kishshana & Maria 💜
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Let’s get real about how entitlement manifests and how to address it." -Kishshana
"When you want to have a thing, you have to actually learn to acquire and to maintain and to take care of that thing so that you can grow that thing." -Kishshana
"If you’re an entitled leader, first of all, your team knows and they can’t stand you." -Kishshana
"What if you just went into the room and said, Hey, we have a specific opportunity here in this moment in time." -Maria
"Humility is not making yourself small so that people don’t believe that you’re too big for your britches." -Kishshana
"If all you think being a manager is, is I gotta manage what they’re doing so I can get what I need from them, versus I’ve gotta manage the environment that would make it most conducive for them to develop their own leadership." -Maria
"Checking your entitlement isn’t a one time task." -Kishshana
"There are so many transferable applications to what we see in leadership, in the workplace." -Maria
"Entitlement is a lack, feature. It’s a lack, and it shows up in so many different places." -Maria
"Are you a curious manager? Are you a curious leader?" -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
In this episode, we’re talking all about that wild, wobbly feeling of being thrown into management without a life jacket—flailing, not sailing, and wondering when the lifeboat is coming!
We get real about the “supposed to’s” and “shoulds” that leave us treading water in a sea of shame, and why sometimes, the container (not just the swimmer!) needs fixing. From surprise promotions to juggling a million roles, we’re sharing our own splashy stories and reminding you: you’re not alone in the kiddie pool OR the open ocean.
So grab your goggles, take a deep breath, and join us for some laughs, a little wisdom, and a whole lot of heart. We’re here to help you float, not just flail.
xo,
Kishshana & Maria 💌
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"If you're saying a whole lot of should, you're probably feeling a whole lot of shame." - Maria
"I want this to be excellent, not only because I'm a part of it, but because I'm supporting you." - Maria
"I am like, what the heck am I gonna do about fill in the blank, right? But I'm not having this, like, hyperventilating." - Kishshana
"There should be a ritual in your life every day that honors your accomplishments, just in that day." - Maria
"Sometimes I think when you are looking out there, you're not seeing the daily work happening within yourself." - Maria
"I am just standing at this place where the work before me is about to be real tough, and I'm just sick of being a soldier in the army of the Lord, and would like to be on Ready Reserve." - Kishshana
"We have done a really good job of performing swimming. We have done a really good job of starting for the gram on the yacht." - Kishshana
"If you are a manager, and even if you're not a good manager, if you have a good team, it is harder to flail, because they don't want you flailing." - Kishshana
"You gotta start by acknowledging what you don't know and seeking resources to fill in those gaps." - Kishshana
"If you are flailing as a manager and you can't remember the last time you did something for yourself, with yourself and by yourself, then we are inviting you into an opportunity to nourish yourself." - Kishshana
"So breaking that cycle, it starts with admitting you're in it. This is what I need, is admitting that you're in a thing and then taking proactive steps to swim and not to sink." - Kishshana
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
Today, we’re diving headfirst into the wild, wonderful world of curiosity and lifelong learning. You know us—two self-proclaimed nerds who believe that asking “why?” is the first step to growing as a leader (and as a human!).
We’re sharing stories about what it means to admit you don’t know it all (spoiler: nobody does!), how to embrace the unknown, and why it’s okay to not have all the answers—whether you’re running a team, a household, or just trying to figure out what game you’re even playing! 🎲
We’ll talk about filling up your “toy box” with new skills, the importance of pausing to rest and reflect (yes, even you, busy bee! 🐝), and how to turn all that knowledge into real, juicy fruit for your team to enjoy. ✨
Plus, we’re keeping it real about the pressures of leadership, the need for boundaries, and why sometimes you just need to take a walk and let your brain marinate. And don’t worry—we’re serving up plenty of laughs, a few spicy sidebars, and a whole lot of encouragement to keep you learning, leading, and living well. 💖
So, pour yourself a cup of something good, get comfy, and join us as we remind you: stay curious, rest up, and remember—when you live well, you lead well! 🌱
xo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Acknowledging what you don’t know is one of the first baby bird steps you could take to growth." -Kishshana
"When you don’t acknowledge what you don’t know, you really trap yourself into some of the behavior that we love to hate." -Kishshana
"You can’t play if you don’t have more toys in your toy box." -Kishshana
"Learning also means resting before you activate on what you’ve learned." -Kishshana
"Before you have a plan, you got to have a vision. Before you have the vision, you need to understand what does success look like in this season of my life?" -Kishshana
"Stay curious, rest up, and remember—when you live well, you lead well!" -Kishshana
"Be open to new perspectives and try to seek out feedback." -Maria
"No one person knows everything, and you most certainly do not know what you don’t know." -Maria
"Sometimes we default to cognitive, because we’re a cognitive forward culture, even if that’s not our primary modality." -Maria
"If you have people on your team like this, find that out quickly, because they need space to mess up to learn." -Maria
"The challenge then becomes knowledge to wisdom, as applying your new knowledge effectively." -Maria
"If you don’t do the work of harvesting, which is this application we’re talking about, your fruit will rot." -Maria
"The goal that I’m offering is I want to know more than I knew the last time." -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
We’re sliding into your podcast feed with a big ol’ hug and a little tough love.
Today, we’re calling out the “winging it” approach—yes, we see you, improvisers! We’ve been there, done that, and got the T-shirt (and maybe a few confused team members along the way).
In this episode, we’re spilling the tea on why flying by the seat of your pants just isn’t a sustainable strategy. We’re talking about the phases of winging it, the risks (hello, team confusion!), and why your team can always tell when you’re making it up as you go. But don’t worry, we’re not here to judge—we’re here to help you build a solid management foundation, with a side of good vibes and a sprinkle of research-backed wisdom.
So grab your favorite drink, settle in, and get ready to laugh, learn, and maybe cringe a little as we share our stories and help you trade chaos for clarity. Because, friend, your team deserves a leader who’s got a plan.
xo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Improvisation just isn’t a sustainable strategy." -Kishshana
"Your team is confused when you wing it." -Kishshana
"Winging it, for some, comes from a fear of appearing incompetent or a lack of training." -Maria
"Winging it used to give me a rush." -Kishshana
"All my lack of preparedness did was make me feel worse about myself, even while you were like, wowing the stage." -Kishshana
"I would leave feeling relieved that I wasn’t found out." -Kishshana
"Winging it is not a strategy, it’s a coping mechanism." -Kishshana
"It’s not a solution, it’s a coping mechanism." -Maria
"Your job is to create the conditions by which your team will be successful." -Kishshana
"We want y’all to thrive and not survive. Okay. We want you to live well so you can lead well." -Kishshana
"What different outcome do we get when, instead of, 'I’ll just wing it,' you say, 'Okay, we need to work toward filling this gap'?" -Maria
"Feedback is similar to boundaries—an invitation to connection." -Maria
"If you’re doing it at work, the probability is high that you’re doing it at home." -Maria
"Could it be that you’re winging it because your actual expectations for success are just entirely too low for the person you actually are?" -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey hey friend,
Ever wonder why management feels so darn hard?
In this episode, we’re keeping it real about the true challenges of leadership. It’s not just about checking off tasks—it’s about people, emotions, and those ever-shifting expectations.
We’re talking about how today’s workplace is changing, self-advocacy is on the rise, and younger professionals are redefining what it means to succeed at work. 🙌🏾 Setting boundaries and clear expectations isn’t just a nice-to-have, it’s a must for surviving (and thriving!) as a manager.
Join us for honest stories, a few laughs, and some practical tips for navigating the wild world of management.
xoxo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
“Management isn’t just about tasks, it’s about people, emotions, and that E word—expectations." -Kishshana
"Your body responds to the actual and the perceived." -Maria
"If you keep saying, 'I’m not overwhelmed,' your cortisol is just jumping into a deep diving pool." -Kishshana
"Many of us were promoted without proper training, leading to a cycle of stress and uncertainty." -Maria
"The dark and dirty secret is that 70% of your team’s success is dependent on you as a manager." -Kishshana
"The better I manage myself, the easier it becomes for my manager to do their job." -Maria
"Start by setting clear boundaries and expectations with your team." -Kishshana
"A boundary is an invitation, not a fence." -Kishshana
"It’s hard to set boundaries with your team when you haven’t set clear boundaries with yourself." -Kishshana
"If you’re the type of manager who keeps information close to the chest, it’s always going to be hard for people to share personal challenges." -Maria
"You don’t go to work to manage children. We are presuming you manage a team of adults." -Maria
"With the right tools and mindset, it’s manageable." -Kishshana
"Your body responds to the actual and the perceived." -Maria
"Many of us were just promoted without proper training, leading to a cycle of stress and uncertainty." -Maria
"The better I manage myself, the easier it becomes for my manager to do their job." -Maria
"The self-preservation that we’re focusing on in the workplace is also part of a larger self-preservation given all that potential stimuli." -Maria
"We’ve gotta recognize that it’s okay to seek help and admit when we don’t have all the answers." -Maria
"The workplace is not set up to handle your humanness. It is not." -Maria
"Boundaries are your safety and protection, and then your expectations with your team—that’s got to be communicated." -Maria
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
✔️ Connect with Kishshana on LinkedIn: @kishshanapalmer
✔️ Connect with Maria on LinkedIn: @mariadautruche
Episode Resources:
Support the Show
Hey there,
Welcome back to Season 4 of the ManageMint Made Easy podcast, where we offer a fresh take on leadership.
Buckle up for a no-filter, full-of-flavor journey through what REALLY makes management feel like you're navigating a workplace wilderness.
We're two Island girls from New York who've been in these leadership streets for decades, and we're here to break the cycle of managers just surviving. This isn't your Pinterest-perfect leadership fantasy - this is the raw, spicy, honest tea about managing teams without losing your mind.
In this kickoff episode, we're laying out our podcast mission: to give you the tools, perspective, and support you need when you're feeling sandwiched between impossible expectations and zero resources. Whether you're a brand new manager or a seasoned pro who still feels like you're winging it, we've got you.
Expect real stories, zero BS, and a whole lot of moments that'll make you feel seen, heard, and ready to lead with confidence.
Your management lifeline is here. Are you in?
Fiercely and lovingly,
Kishshana & Maria 🔥💪🏾
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Management is not some toxic positivity, Pinterest board. Okay, that's not what this thing is." - Kishshana Palmer
"You are a whole person working on your job." - Kishshana Palmer
"Survival feels like the name of the game and the strategy understood. And also, let's push it." - Maria Dautruche
"Your vibe is not enough to lead a team." - Kishshana Palmer
"When you manage well, your life gets easier, your relationships get better, and your stress levels come all the way down." - Maria Dautruche
"If you are out there secretly carrying a portable blood pressure cuff in your travel bag that you need to use every day just to make sure you don't stroke out, maybe your body is telling you it's time to sit down." - Kishshana Palmer
"You're the first you to ever chart the course you're on. Even if that roadmap has existed for generations, you're the first you to do it." - Maria Dautruche
"We want you to stop norming on dysfunction." - Kishshana Palmer
"You are not a problem to be solved." - Kishshana Palmer
Let’s go deeper 👇🏾
🎧 Subscribe to Never Miss an Episode
🎙️ Meet Your Hosts:
Listen up, burnout warriors! Today, we're breaking down the toxic relationship between your to-do list and your community connections.
Welcome to part 6 of the special wellness series, Community Wellness, where we're building our five-star wellness plan, and here's the most important truth: Being busy does NOT mean you're building meaningful relationships.
I'm about to spill ALL the community tea, from my days of being a total friendship martyr to learning how to make connections feel sexier than your morning coffee. I'm pulling back the curtain on my own community journey, and we'll talk about: why your self-worth isn't measured by your follower count, how to create connections that actually feed your soul, and how to break free from the "too busy" excuse.
We're busting myths left and right:
If you're ready to trade your lonely scrolling for genuine connections, this episode is your wake-up call. We're ditching the comparison trap and building a community that lifts you up, not weighs you down.
Grab your coffee, lace up, and let's get real about community wellness!
xo,
Kishshana & Maria
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes:
"Your community is the secret sauce that keeps you grounded, sane, and, yes, even happy."
"No one on their deathbed has ever said, 'Oh God, I wish I spent more time at the office.”
"Your people are your wellness, your circle is your strength.”
"Is your social media feed a community, or is it a comparison trap?"
"Asking for support isn't a weakness, it's a superpower."
"Not every relationship is good for you, your community should lift you up and not weigh you down."
"I was treating people who really belong on my front lawn with the same level of care as people who sit at my kitchen table."
"Intentionality matters more than the grand gesture."
"There are so many of us that are lonely right now because we have decided we don't need people."
"It's not about how many things you check off your to-do list. It's about who you spend your time with, and how much love and laughter and connection you invite into your life."
About our Sponsor:
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go-to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper ⤵
Listen up, my friends. Today, we're breaking down the toxic relationship between busyness and your bank account.
Welcome to Episode 5 of our limited series in partnership with DonorPerfect where we’re creating our very own five-star wellness plans, and here's the most important truth: Being busy does NOT mean you're making bank.
I'm about to spill all my financial tea, from my days of being a total money martyr to learning how to make savings feel sexier than your morning latte. I'm pulling back the curtain on my own money journey, and we'll talk about: why your self-worth isn't measured by your paycheck, how to create a spending plan that actually feels empowering, and how to break free from money guilt and comparison.
We're busting myths left and right:
Bonus - I'm throwing down a money mindfulness challenge that'll have you tracking every single penny for a week. Are you brave enough to join me?
Remember, financial wellness isn't about having a fat bank account - it's about creating a healthy relationship with money that supports your happiness and overall well-being.
So grab your favorite fancy pen, and let's get financially fabulous together.
xo,
Kishshana
P.S. Comparison is a thief to my pocketbook, and I'm not letting it steal from you either. Let's do this!
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Being busy does not mean you're making bank." -Kishshana
"Working yourself to the bone does not guarantee wealth." -Kishshana
"Real wealth comes from working smarter, not harder." -Kishshana
"Money is a tool. I was using money like a hatchet when I really need to be using it as a precision scalpel." -Kishshana
"Comparison is a thief to my pocketbook." -Kishshana
"Remember, being busy doesn't equal financial success." -Kishshana
"Every dollar should have a purpose." -Kishshana
"Feeling financially fabulous doesn't mean breaking the bank." -Kishshana
"I had to separate my self-esteem from my financial status." -Kishshana
"You are worth more than your bank account. You are worth more than your paycheck." -Kishshana
"When your money ain't right, your mind's not right." -Kishshana
"Financial wellness isn't about having a fat bank account, it's about creating a healthy relationship with money that supports your happiness and overall well-being." -Kishshana
About our Sponsor: DonorPerfect 💙
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper
So here's the real tea, friends: Sometimes our busyness is just trauma wearing a fancy productivity costume. We're filling our calendars to avoid dealing with the messy stuff underneath. But you (yes, you) deserve peace. You deserve to breathe. You deserve to put yourself first.
Welcome to Episode 4 of our limited series in partnership with DonorPerfect where we’re creating our very own five-star wellness plans and here's the most important truth: You are allowed to rest.
I see you, sitting at your desk, eating lunch while answering emails, pretending that "I'm fine" smile actually works. Spoiler alert: it doesn't. We're running on coffee fumes and broken dreams, and it's time to stop. So tune in, get reconnected with yourself, and let’s reclaim our peace, joy, and sanity in a world that's constantly demanding more.
Your mental health is non-negotiable. Period.
xo,
Kishshana
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Sometimes busyness is just trauma, playing dress up." -Kishshana
"Your inbox does not define your worth." -Kishshana
"No is a complete sentence. Every time you say yes to something ridiculous, you're saying no to your peace, your time, and honestly, your sanity." -Kishshana
"Your mental wellness and your mental well-being, my friends, it is non-negotiable. And if you're not prioritizing you, then who will?" -Kishshana
"We bury ourselves in our work so that we don't have to deal with what's really going on beneath the surface." -Kishshana
"If it doesn't spark joy or pay my bills, I'm letting it go." -Kishshana
"You deserve the peace that comes out on the other side. You deserve it." -Kishshana
About our Sponsor: DonorPerfect 💙
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper ⤵
Picture this, friends: You're scrolling through life on autopilot, your LinkedIn title feels like your entire identity, and you can't remember the last time you did something just for JOY. Sound familiar? This episode is for you, friend. It’s time to trade that stress ball for a crystal ball, soul searchers!
Welcome to Episode 3 of our limited series in partnership with DonorPerfect where we’re creating our very own five-star wellness plans. It’s time to find purpose beyond the daily grind and connect with something bigger than ourselves.
In this episode I break down my take on REAL spiritual wellness - it's not about hoarding crystals, it's about finding purpose and reconnecting with your inner Beyoncé. Tune in to hear how to create meaningful rituals and turn everyday moments into soul-nourishing experiences.
A Bonus? Tune in for a cheeky challenge that'll have you exploring your spiritual side with curiosity and zero judgment. Whether you're a wellness newbie or a self-care skeptic, this episode is your ticket to finding peace, one deep breath at a time. 💚
xo,
Kishshana
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
“Your purpose isn't your job title.”
“I didn't realize how much my identity was connected to my job, until I got laid off for the first time."
"Spiritual wellness is about finding purpose beyond the daily grind... connecting with something bigger than yourself."
"Everywhere you go, there you are. I don't believe in work-life balance. I believe in work-life synergy and integration."
"These practices did not replace my faith. They expanded it."
"You don't know what works for you until you try it a few times."
"Sometimes peace is just one deep breath away."
"Is it awards, or is it feeling at peace when you close your laptop?"
"Your couch can be as spiritual as any retreat in Bali."
About our Sponsor: DonorPerfect 💙
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper
Okay, listen up, y'all. Today, we're talking about this body of ours - that thing we've been ignoring while we answer just one more email. (I know we’re all guilty!)
Welcome to Episode 2 of our limited series in partnership with DonorPerfect where we’re creating our very own five-star wellness plans, no more glorifying the hustle, just pure joy and balance.
Today friends, we're pulling back the curtain on the small, manageable ways to prioritize your physical wellness and well-being without turning your life upside down.
Now, let's get into the nitty-gritty of physical wellness and well-being. Whether you love the gym or you're someone who's mastered the art of avoiding exercise altogether, this episode is for you. As your friendly guide, I'm here to cover everything from sneaky micro workouts to the way your living space impacts your well-being. Yes, friends, your actual environment affects the way you live.
The most important thing is finding what works for you in this season of life, and by the end of this episode you’ll feel ready to set manageable goals that meet this moment for you. It’s all about progress over perfection, y'all.
Let's get to it. Send this to a friend who needs to hear this too, because wellness is better when we do it together. Take care of that amazing, hard-working body of yours. Yes, yours, even if it currently hates you for all those skipped squats and extra cocktails. We got this!
xo,
Kishshana
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Your body, yep, this vessel is still there, and it is sick of you and your foolishness, so it's silently plotting revenge for all of those skipped gym sessions and sleepless nights." -Kishshana
"Physical wellness and well-being isn't all about fitness. And even though I'm going to talk a little bit about it, it doesn't mean hours at the gym or pricey personal trainers." -Kishshana
"The quality of your living space can impact not just your physical health, my friends, but also your mental health.” -Kishshana
"Your space should feel like a sanctuary and not another source of chaos." -Kishshana
"Sleep is how your body heals and how it recharges. Skipping on it doesn't make you more productive. It just makes you like a ticking time bomb for burnout." -Kishshana
"When you are thinking about the physical wellness and well-being in your five star wellness plan, I want you to really think about what does it take for me to be well, for my physical body to be well, my vessel, for my environment to be well." -Kishshana
"Progress over perfection, y'all. Small, consistent steps will get you further than an all-or-nothing approach." -Kishshana
"It's about consistency. It's about progress over perfection, and it's about sneaking some health into your day in a way that works for you." -Kishshana
About our Sponsor: DonorPerfect 💙
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper
Hey hey friends, welcome back to the podcast! It's been way too long since I've had the chance to chat with y'all, but I'm so excited to kick off this brand new special series in partnership with DonorPerfect. Over the course of the next 5 episodes, I’ll be sharing my personal journey and advice to help you create your very own five-star wellness plan, no more glorifying the hustle, just pure joy and balance.
In this first episode, I'm gonna be real with you - we're diving headfirst into the busy trap. You know, that hamster wheel of doom where we treat being busy like it's some kind of badge of honor? Yeah, that one. 🤦♀️.
I'm gonna break down why we get so caught up in this cycle and how it's actually robbing us of joy, creativity, and connection. Spoiler alert: busy doesn't equal productivity, my friends.
But don't worry, I'm not just gonna leave you hanging. It's time to ditch the busy and start thriving, y'all. So buckle up. By the end of this episode, you're gonna be ready to ghost your to-do list and swap burnout for balance.
Let's do this!
xo,
Kishshana
Tune in to hear:
Episode Overview
Powerful Quotes
"Busy doesn't equal productivity. That was a hard one for me." -Kishshana
"Somewhere along the way, we started treating busy like it was a badge of honor." -Kishshana
"Busy robs us of joy and of creativity and connection, and I've been there like way too many times." -Kishshana
"Hustle culture is a scam.” -Kishshana
"Real success comes when we prioritize what truly matters. But are you ready for that kind of freedom, prioritizing what truly matters like? Do you even know what really matters to you?" -Kishshana
"Rest isn't just self care. It's actually a superpower." -Kishshana
"The busy trap isn't a life sentence, it's a choice. And you have the power to choose differently." -Kishshana
"Hustle. Hustle is temporary, but joy that's forever.” -Kishshana
“Ditch the busy and start living." -Kishshana
About our Sponsor: DonorPerfect 🩵
This series is powered by DonorPerfect fundraising software, the trusted partner that empowers nonprofits to do more good with less stress. From donor management to online giving, reporting to planning, DonorPerfect has everything you need to streamline operations and grow your community of supporters.
Are you ready to define your leadership vision, refine your goals, and unlock your potential? (Um.. yes!) You can download their Nonprofit Leadership Workbook for Women for free today. It's your go to guide for navigating challenges and amplifying your voice.
Ready to Stop the Busy Cycle? Let’s go deeper
We’re not playing nice in this one, friend! This episode features the creatively talented Rochelle Sodipo, Creative Director at Roseredd. In it, we discuss the widespread practice of faux vulnerability, the art of intellectualizing, and how you can start bringing out your own authentically vulnerable creativity.
Meet Rochelle Sodipo:
Rochelle is best known for Brand Identity and Brand Strategy. She is the founder and Creative Director of Roseredd, Etc.®, a brand support agency focused on branding and design.
As a consultant and coach, Rochelle partners with executives, entrepreneurs, artists, and influencers to build and cultivate individual and organizational brands across their stages of growth, from start-up to scale. She supports clients that range in size from small businesses to multi-million dollar organizations.
A fine artist and educator by training, Rochelle pairs her passion for the aesthetics of art with her expertise in scaffolding and pedagogy to work with clients to understand and refine a brand vision that reflects their core values. Her signature service, “Soul Level Branding,” leverages the Roseredd, Etc.®️ framework to go beyond design by defining, highlighting, and amplifying the personality and value proposition of a brand before curating a complementary visual identity.
Rochelle self-identifies as a creative leader. As a designer, she prides herself on using standard tools in non-traditional ways and finding clear connections between what others may see as disparate ideas to create a cohesive vision.
Outside of running day-to-day operations for Roseredd, Etc.®, Rochelle teaches tools and tactics to support solo-entrepreneurs and other students in understanding how to effectively mix brand theory and creative artistry to drive impact while retaining the heart of a brand.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Rochelle
Facebook: @rosereddetc
Instagram: @rosereddetc
LinkedIn: @rochellesodipo
Episode Resources:
Support the Show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/managemintmadeeasy)
We are featuring the wonderfully regal Liz Miranda, State Representative 5th Suffolk District, MA House of Representatives. In it, Miranda shares her journey about being an immigrant in the United States, how the killing of her brother shaped her career, and the importance of being an effective political leader in underrepresented communities.
Meet Liz Miranda:
Liz is best known for leading the police reform bill in Massachusetts to passage and her Social Moniker is Betti!
Since elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2020, Elizabeth "Liz" Miranda has served as State Representative for the 5th Suffolk District of Roxbury and Dorchester.
Representative Miranda currently serves as the Vice Chair of the Committee on Human Resources and Employee Engagement, and serves on the Joint Committee(s) on Community Development and Small Businesses, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Veterans and Federal Affairs.
In her first term, Representative Miranda has filed and passed legislation to reimagine public safety, improve racial disparities in maternal health, promote environmental justice within disproportionately impacted communities, and ensure a just recovery for micro-to-small businesses most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, she was the first legislator in the Commonwealth to establish a district-led community care program which connected 3,000 vulnerable residents with support and resources.
As a result of Rep. Miranda’s Covid Vaccine Equity Bill, Governor Baker implemented nearly all of the core tenants of the legislation- reimagining health to include socioeconomic determinants.
As the daughter of Cabo Verdean immigrants, Representative Miranda has been a tireless advocate for immigrant rights, while leading the fight for an equitable recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to serving in the Massachusetts Legislature, Representative Miranda was a non-profit executive, entrepreneur, and community organizer, which began as a teen living in the Dudley triangle.
In 2017, Representative Miranda lost her 28-year-old brother, Michael Miranda, to gun violence. After her decades long advocacy for gun violence prevention, losing her brother was a catalyst in her entrance to electoral politics. Her lived experience and commitment to community propels her fight for immigrant rights, criminal legal system reform, improved black maternal health outcomes, and economic justice.
Her professional roles have included serving as the Executive Director for the Hawthorne Youth and Community Center and Director of Youth Opportunity Development at Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative (DSNI). Rep. Miranda’s career has aimed to build resident-led leadership and advocacy for youth development, violence prevention, and economic justice.
Representative Miranda is a Wellesley College alumna and proud graduate of Boston Public Schools, graduating from the John D O'Bryant School of Mathematics and Science. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Boston Alumnae Chapter, and the Wellesley Club of Boston.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Liz:
Email: liz@lizmiranda.com
Website: https://lizmiranda.com
Instagram: @replizmiranda
Episode Resources:
Support the Show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/managemintmadeeasy)
This episode features the brilliant Lenita Dunlap, Principal at Not Just Fundraising, as she discusses what it means to cut through the chaos. Lenita tells us what led her to provide trauma-informed care, the world of nonprofits, and her mission to provide access to mental health and equitable education for marginalized communities.
Meet Lenita Dunlap:
Known as The Chaos Whisperer, Lenita loves working through crisis situations and helping individuals and organizations experience freedom. She has such a heart for the third sector and believes we can truly change the world with proper resources and support. Lenita’s an advocate for change and will help leaders achieve their goals.
For the past 20 years, Lenita has dedicated her life to service and advocacy for access to mental health and equitable education for marginalized communities through working in educational and nonprofit organizations that uplift and empower young people and their families. As a consultant and thought partner, she specializes in guiding teams through crisis situations and introducing their missions to various stakeholders. As a Community Development and Mental Health expert, Lenita combines research, policy, and expertise to empower, motivate, and rally teams through facilitation and leadership development.
Lenita’s commitment to mental health access was birthed from advocating for her family's mental health journey. She witnessed firsthand the difficulty in finding proper support, as well as the lack of affordability, diversity, and cultural competency needed to create safe psychological spaces for healing. Leveraging this experience led her to revamp a failing after-school program to a creative and innovative after-school program based on research centered around the effects of trauma on refugee children. Instead of focusing solely on academics, she introduced trauma-informed care to the refugee serving space within after-school work that later received international recognition and accolades. In this previous leadership role, Lenita grew the organization's annual budget by 300% within five years, led a rebranding campaign, expanded program reach, garnered international attention, and earned certification for all sites.
Lenita was a featured speaker at the 2019 Australia and New Zealand Refugee Trauma Recovery in Resettlement Conference in Brisbane, Australia, and the North American Refugee Health Conference in Toronto, Canada. Both platforms provided an opportunity to share her unique perspective. Her presentation highlights included addressing mental health during after-school programming, diving deeper into the effects of trauma on the brain in the context of refugees, and observing different models of implementation for various therapies. She has also co-led and facilitated presentations for the local and global chapters for the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Within these platforms, she taught participants how to diversify their board and staff, pivot and twirl during challenging times, and shared with nonprofit leaders the need to SLOW DOWN, BREATHE AND CELEBRATE.
Currently, VP of Operations at Abide Women’s Health and as a PhD student in Public Administration and Policy at the University of Texas at Arlington researching burnout, refugee resettlement, equity, and, leadership, Lenita understands the trials and triumphs of nonprofit leaders not only practically but theoretically. She holds two masters: one in Education and the other Public Administration. Lenita also earned certificates in nonprofit management and marketing from the Center for Nonprofit Management.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Lenita:
Instagram: @lenitariley
LinkedIn: @lenitarileydunlap
Website: https://notjustfundraising.com
Episode Resources:
Support the Show (https://buymeacoffee.com/managemintmadeeasy)
The talented principal and CEO at The Board Pro, Christal Cherry shares with us the struggles she faced in her dating life, the challenges she faced when she decided to adopt at 45, and how her little boy has not only made her a better person but has taught her to be a better leader.
Meet Christal Cherry:
Christal’s Social Moniker is I'm a Bold Bitch! and she’s best known for being direct, loyal, and vocal!
“She pushed through her fear and did it anyway!”
Christal M. Cherry is a nationally recognized nonprofit executive and professionally trained fundraiser. With over 20 years in the nonprofit sector, she has supported higher education institutions, human services organizations, and faith-based missions. Christal also served as a Senior Consultant at the GA Center for Nonprofits and is currently the CEO of The Board Pro, a consulting firm designed to transform leaders through board service.
As The Board Pro, Christal’s works with nonprofit boards to coach, train, and counsel them to be effective governing and fundraising arms for their organizations. She also assists with finding qualified and diverse talent to add to boards, onboarding, culture assessments, and diversity, equity, and inclusion training.
Christal earned a MA in Counseling from Hampton University, a BA in Liberal Arts from Hofstra University, and professional development certifications in nonprofit leadership, social media fundraising, and nonprofit management.
She currently serves on the board of the Greater Atlanta chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals and the Villages of Carver YMCA. She is a regular trainer and facilitator with CANDID, Qgiv, Network for Good, Bloomerang, Kindful, and the Mississippi Alliance of Nonprofits and Philanthropy where she facilitates webinars and teaches courses in fundraising, board development, and equity and inclusion. Christal has been a guest on multiple podcasts and enjoy serving as a requested expert on board matters. She is contributing author in Collecting Courage, a documenting of racism and survival by fourteen accomplished Black fundraisers working across the United States and Canada. Her first children’s book: Mac and Cheez: Being Different is Okay will be released on Amazon on November 21, 2021. Christal also enjoys her membership in the African American Development Officers Network, Toastmasters, and F3, Fabulous Female Fundraisers which she founded.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Christal:
Facebook: @theboardpro
LinkedIn: @Christal M Cherry
The Board Pro: https://www.theboardpro.com
Episode Resources:
Support the Show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/managemintmadeeasy)
We are featuring award-winning speaker Aiko Bethea, the Founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting. In the episode, Aiko addresses the hard questions. How are you showing up for your team as a conscious leader? While creating a diverse team is great, Aiko discusses why creating a culture that amplifies and encourages diversity is even better.
Meet Aiko Bethea:
Known as the Seeker of Justice, Aiko is a leader, builder, and connector. She successfully navigated leadership roles in government, philanthropic, nonprofit, and private sectors. In each sector, she created and served in inaugural roles to meet growing organizational needs.
Aiko is an award-winning and highly sought-after equity consultant, executive coach, and speaker. She is the founder of RARE Coaching & Consulting, a consulting practice focused on coaching leaders and organizations to remove barriers to inclusion. Her practice integrates operations, leadership coaching, and education strategies that yield measurable outcomes.
Aiko is Sr. Director of the Daring Way™ and Dare to Lead™ communities of Brené Brown Education and Research Group. She oversees development and implementation of the overall strategy for the communities, as well as the specific diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging strategy and oversite of the global 1000+ member facilitator community.
Episode Highlights:
Connect with Aiko:
Instagram: @rare_coach
LinkedIn: @AikoBethea
Episode Resources:
Support the Show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/managemintmadeeasy)
