Hey there Risers & Thrivers, 

In this uplifting episode of "On the Up and Up," Janine had the pleasure of chatting with Alain Missala , the inspiring founder of Zula and Black Dads Germany. We delved into Alain's journey of creating a supportive community for Black fathers in Germany, driven by his own experiences and the lack of role models. Alain shared how his grandparents' values of love, resilience, and faith shaped his entrepreneurial path and fatherhood. We emphasized the importance of creating positive memories and fostering a supportive environment for the next generation. It was a heartwarming conversation filled with insights and inspiration.

This episode is filled with subtle lessons for both personal and professional applications. Happy Listening 🎧

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Acknowledgements

Intro/Outro & Interlude Music: Music by ⁠⁠oussama arichi⁠⁠ from ⁠⁠Pixabay⁠

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Timestamps

Alain's motivation for creating Black Dads Germany (00:01:29) Alain's journey with building Black Dads Germany and the challenges he faced as a black father in Germany.

Influence of role models and the lack thereof (00:02:42) The impact of role models, the absence of a father figure, and the role of resilience in Alain's experience.

Isolation within the black community (00:05:08) The isolation experienced by black fathers within the community and the challenges of defining black experiences in Germany.

Microaggressions and the need for community (00:07:11) The common experience of microaggressions and the importance of finding a supportive community for black fathers.

Navigating challenges and setting priorities (00:12:01) The importance of setting priorities as a father, dealing with challenges, and finding happiness in the journey of fatherhood.

The responsibility of being a role model (00:12:54) The significance of being a role model for children and the impact of personal experiences on parenting.

Vulnerability and deconstructing mindsets (00:17:58) The acceptance of vulnerability, deconstructing traditional mindsets, and the importance of spending quality time with children.

Forgiveness and self-discovery (00:19:03) Alain's personal journey of forgiveness, self-discovery, and separating himself from past pain.

Fatherhood and Entrepreneurial Journey (00:20:08) Discussion on the impact of fatherhood or the lack thereof on entrepreneurial journey, influenced by the Alain's grandfather.

Leadership and Love (00:21:23) Lessons on leadership and love learned from the Alain's grandfather, emphasizing the importance of love and resilience in projects.

Hustle and Resilience (00:23:14) Alain's grandmother's influence on hustle and resilience, shaping the speaker's approach to managing time and work ethic.

Role Models and Deficit Perception (00:27:42) Exploration of the impact of role models on Alain's life and the perception of deficit due to the absence of a father figure.

Importance of Father Figures (00:30:50) Discussion on the significance of father figures in children's lives, emphasizing the impact on leadership and overall well-being.

Creating Memories and Faith (00:34:46) Reflection on the importance of creating memories and the influence of faith and resilience in shaping Alain's mindset and experiences.

The Influence of Role Models (00:39:07) The importance of creating memories, faith, and the role of being a positive role model are discussed.