Twins Talk it Up Podcast

Episode 121: Comfort Zones & 911 PC Help

Many entrepreneurs will spend their entire careers in a place where they never venture outside or beyond what they can see or believe that they are capable of achieving. Why is it important to leave your comfort zone and enter a growth zone? How can embracing new experiences and opportunities support your personal and business growth?We welcome Vlad Galant, Founder and President of 911 PC Help to the program to speak about how going beyond your comfort zone leads to success. Vlad shares some encouraging words for how you can get out of your comfort zones:Develop a ‘growth mindset’ of dedication & a persistence to ‘keep digging’.Find like-minded leaders, including peer groups like the Taylor Business Group (TBG).We explore his leadership journey and how he went from building a business in Lithuania to starting 911 PC Help in San Francisco, California. 911 PC Help offers up a lot more than emergency troubleshooting on demand. They also provide network security, Voice over IP, data protection, cybersecurity and Cloud Computing Services.Vlad stated that it was vital to educate and teach your customers about cybersecurity and the dangers of breaches, cyber threats and cyber crimes. Having the approach of a co-managed IT perspective lends to the best solutions and the best defense. Are there benefits to outsourcing your IT needs or should you keep them in-house? If you would like to contact Vlad and his team, you can reach them at 911pchelp.net or email them at info@911pcelp.net--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 120: Women of Color in Tech

Why do we need to continue to have conversations about allyship, sponsorship and mentorship? Why do we need to keep challenging the data behind the diversity of key leadership and C-Suite positions? We must because we are not where we need to be. More voices of color and women need to be in those influential roles. Joining us to speak to this is Susanne Tedrick, a Technical Trainer with Microsoft and author of the book entitled, Women of Color in Tech: A Blueprint for Inspiring and Mentoring the Next Generation of Technology Innovators.Susanne gives great advice about how women and women of color can get started with a career in tech:Identify your passion and interestsHave informational interviews with tech leadersEmbrace curiosityWe also touch on emerging technologies, the importance of being intentional with networking and why it is vital to work on your soft skills, including public speaking. In fact, she believes that you should look for stages of all sizes to speak.You will learn about her impact at CompTIA, passion as a trainer with Microsoft and how much of a fan she is of LinkedIn. LinkedIn ‘goes deeper than a resume. It's a living document of your career; to demonstrate your value'Become an advocate, embrace allyship and mentorship. To learn more about Susanne and to pick up her book, visit susannetedrick.com--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 119: Digital Marketing Best Practices

What are some digital marketing best practices you can focus on right now to grow your brand and your business? What trends should you be aware of and how can you integrate technology to reach your target audience? We are fortunate to have join the program, Petia A. Abdur-Razzaaq, a Digital Marketing Strategist and Principal of The Stylista Group. Petia is also a Google trained certified speaker.We ask Petia to touch on her best practices, and some of them include:Having a great Website to drive trafficEmail Marketing (highest return of investment)Video ContentConversational Marketing (including the use of chat-bots)Leverage Social MediaPetia stated that organizations must be able to tailor their digital strategy and engage with their target audience in order to sustain their loyalty. She also emphasized the importance of being able to know your numbers and to analyze the data collected if you want your business to grow and thrive.Don’t shy away from outsourcing this function or from bringing in outside marketing agencies to customize your marketing strategy. To learn more about Petia, visit thestylistagroup.com/--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 118: Executive Therapy

There are resources available for business owners, management and executives to support their mental wellness. We welcome our friend Mandy Morris to the program to share how an emphasis on this area can not only lead to a healthier leader, but also to a more profitable and productive organization. Mandy is a therapist, speaker, author, and mental health expert. She is also a co-founder of Mosaic Counseling Group.Do you have any limiting beliefs, struggle with imposter syndrome, or have been overcome with self-sabotaging behaviors? Mandy shares about her Success DNA program and how its 3 Phases can be broken down into segments: S - Subsurface Exploration (understanding your Operating System)U - Uncover TriggersC - Compounded Life ExperiencesC - Current ProblemsE - Engaging SolutionsS - Set up AccountabilityS - System, New DNA95% of our brain activity is subconscious. We may have unhealthy or limiting beliefs that require unlearning that which does not serve us. Success DNA is designed to discover and strengthen personal and organizational leadership psychology and principles to unlock potential and activate a new system into strategic systems of growth for the executive and their business. The purpose of the program is to EMDR or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing training is another effective tool, with a 90% effective success rate. Psychological safety and good organizational culture are vital for thriving organizations, with many identifying emotional intelligence or EQ as a key trait for healthy leadership. When discussing anger and anger management, Mandy stated that, 'it's not about right or wrong. It's not about winning or losing it. It's about relationships, and it has to be about relationships'. To learn more about Mandy and her work, visit therapistmandy.com--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 117: Transforming and Diversifying the Tech Community

How committed is your organization to driving meaningful change on diversity, equity and inclusion? While many high-performing companies already have DEI programs, not all are experiencing or reaching their stated goals due to a lack of true commitment and focus within the communities they are trying to serve. We are fortunate to have Darrell Booker, a Corporate Affairs Specialist with Microsoft join us to speak about how his organization is helping to transform and diversify the community with their NTA Program. The Nonprofit Tech Acceleration (NTA) program's mission is to match nonprofits that serve Black and African American communities with technology and technological support to help further their mission.We ask Darrell about the impact being made with the NTA Program and learn how they help businesses implement technology solutions that will best solve their needs. He also touches on how their Concierge team helps the nonprofits implement, deploy and train on the use of Microsoft’s technologies. We also ask him to detail what is meant by technical debt.To learn more about Microsoft’s NTA program and the work that Darrell is doing, visit http://aka.ms/microsoftcommunities--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 116: Channel Partner Power Couple

We had an incredible time at the Taylor BigBIG Conference in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, and we were fortunate to have an amazing conversation with a power couple within the technology channel partner ecosystem. They are influential leaders who have found a way to have success professionally and personally. This is a special episode with our friends Jay McBain and Michelle Ragusa-McBain. Jay McBain is an accomplished speaker, author and serves as the Chief Analyst of Channels, Partnerships & Ecosystems for Canalys. Michelle is also a speaker and serves as Cisco’s Global Lead & Channel Evangelist for MSPs. She heads up the Provider Elevate Team to drive strategy and execution for community, programs, engagement and acceleration.Jay and Michelle compliment each other's strengths and support each other's individuality. They support each other’s goals as if they were their own. They strive for what they coin “work-life integration”, instead of ‘work-life balance. Jay also noted that with their relationship, it is a “1 + 1 = 3”. Additional takeaways from our conversation with them include:-Logistics and clarity of communication-Work hard and play hard, and their love of travel-What keeps them inspired-Marriage can excel regardless of where you are along the Introvert-Ambivert-Extrovert Spectrum-Organizational culture matters, support for women & diversityTo learn more about Jay and Michelle as well as where they will be speaking, find them on LinkedIn, visit jaymcbain.com/ and about.me/michelleragusa--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 115: Investing in your Passion with Angel Employment

You are likely familiar with or have heard of the term ‘angel investor’, but what about ‘angel employment’? Investing in the dreamer is the focus of angel employment and we are thrilled to have our good friend Gianna Rahmani join us to talk about this concept as well as her soon to be released book entitled, Day Hustle: Receive the Benefits of a Day Job While You Grow Your Side Hustle’. Gianna is a serial entrepreneur, speaker and now author. Gianna shares about a path toward financial freedom for those who either have a side hustle or an idea for a business. There may be hesitation and fear but she believes that her program will completely eliminate that fear. There are 3 Steps to becoming a Day Hustler and to benefit from angel employer:1. Read the Day Hustle book2. Day Hustle Explainer Video via YouTube3. Application followed by an EvaluationDon’t let the ‘golden handcuffs’ prevent you from pursuing your dream. Focus instead on having that ‘Honeymoon life’ – a life where you don't need a vacation from. We also ask what keeps her inspired and about some of her favorite words beginning with the letter F. Those ‘F words’ include family fun, faith, fitness, food, finances, freedom and fulfillment. She even shared that one of the podcast programs of choice is Twins Talk it Up.Learn more about Gianna and pre-order a copy of her book by visiting, dayhustlebook.com/You can also subscribe to hear blog at //fwordsaremyfavorite.com/--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 114: Do Partner Programs work?

Have you ever wondered why some of the most successful technology firms have partner programs? What can your organization do to strengthen and provide more resources for your partners? We welcome Samuel Valme Jr, Global Director of Partner Programs & Experience with AvePoint to share his thoughts on partner programs and how software vendors can do a better job enabling communities of IT professionals to be more successful. You have to go beyond the ‘bells & whistles’ of why your technology or services are good. You have to go beyond the basic incentives of rebates and discounts. AvePoint supports their partners with in-depth training, co-marketing opportunities, as well as tools and resources including risk assessment reports, SOW templates and specialized certification programs. In addition to this, they have focused on strengthening organizational culture and their DEI partner community. Behind Sam’s leadership, the Black AvePoint Excellence (BAE) was formed, focusing on four main pillars: Recruitment & Retention, Professional Development, Community Outreach, and Networking. Their commitment extends to the International Association of Microsoft Channel Partners (IAMCP), Women in Technology and the Black Channel Partner Alliance (BCPA). When asked how other software vendors can imitate AvePoint in supporting their partners, Sam simply stated that they have to “make it a priority”. To learn more about Sam Valme and the incredible work they are doing with their partners, visit www.avepoint.com/partners--- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 113: Leaving a Legacy

In honor of our fellow Howard University alumni, Chadwick Boseman, we wanted to do a special episode on the concept of leaving a legacy. Through his humility, passion and love, Chadwick showed us how to continue in his legacy, and inspired us to consider the legacy we are building and leaving for the next generation. Leaders and business owners should not wait until they are about to retire or move on from this life to consider what their legacy will be; what they will be remembered for. Don’t build your life for short-term gains, but rather for long-lasting and generational impact. There have been both positive legacies and negative legacies. No matter where you are, you can leave an incredible legacy. We discuss five exercises or ways leaders can not only address where their legacy currently may be, but also how they can focus on building the legacy that they want. They include:1.Write your own eulogy2. Interview yourself from a 5, 10 or 20 year older self3. Write a Bucket List4. Write a letter or create a video for your children or loved ones5. Conduct a Cultural AssessmentBe intentional and impact your organization and your community. What’s your legacy going to be? --- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp

Episode 112: Your Leadership is Not your Cape

That unhealthy pressure to do it all and to be everything to everyone can be described as Superwoman Syndrome or Superman Complex, and this can lead to frustration and anxiety. Our friend Wendy Elover joins us to speak about how this irrational pursuit of perfection can become exhausting. Wendy is the Owner and Progress Partner at My Dreams in Motion Consulting, and she is the author of the book, My Cape is at the Cleaners: Choosing Happy Over Perfect. Are there unrealistic expectations you are trying to live up to? Wendy wants you to keep that cape at the cleaners. We ask her about the dreaded 4-letter word F-I-N-E. Being fine could mean that you don't want to go beyond your comfort zone. This is where you need to be intentional and choose not to settle. Be willing to be open and honest with yourself and welcome coaching.Wendy believes that fear can be ego driven. Your ‘Why’ must be stronger than the fear you have. Fear cannot be bigger than what you need to accomplish, than your purpose. She also encourages her clients to celebrate along their journey toward their goals. Achieving a goal is fantastic, but it is even more impactful when you “become a person who is capable of achieving that goal”.To learn more about Wendy and to get a copy of her book entitled My Cape is at the Cleaners: Choosing Happy Over Perfect, visit www.wendyelover.comWhile you are there, Wendy has a special offering for our listeners: 8 Simple Ways to Supercharge Your Daily Motivation. --- more ---If you are looking to learn the art of audience engagement while listening for methods to conquer speaking anxiety, deliver persuasive presentations, and close more deals, then this is the podcast for you.Twins Talk it Up is a podcast where identical twin brothers Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown discuss leadership communication strategies to support professionals who believe in the power of their own authentic voice. Together, we will explore tips and tools to increase both your influence and value. Along the way, let’s crush some goals, deliver winning sales pitches, and enjoy some laughs.Danny Suk Brown and David Suk Brown train on speaking and presentation skills. They also share from their keynote entitled, “Identically Opposite: the Pursuit of Identity”.Support and Follow us:YouTube: youtube.com/channel/UCL18KYXdzVdzEwMH8uwLf6gInstagram: @twinstalkitupInstagram: @dsbleadershipgroupTwitter: @dsbleadershipLinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/twins-talk-it-up/LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/dsbleadershipgroup/Facebook: facebook.com/TwinsTalkitUpFacebook: facebook.com/dsbleadership/Website: dsbleadershipgroup.com/TwinsTalkitUp