Twins Talk it Up Podcast

Episode 41: Scaling Black-owned Tech Firms

Twins Talk it Up Episode 41: Scaling Black-owned Tech Firms
In this episode, we are honored to have the Board and Founding members of the Black Channel Channel Alliance (BCPA). The members include our very own co-host Danny Suk Brown as well as Frank Valdivieso, Nyasha Tunduwani, Lauren Anderson and Jasson Walker.
The BCPA was formed by a vision to address the need for more Black-owned businesses to have a voice and presence within the Tech space. They noted that less than 1% of Microsoft Partners in the United States are Black-owned. The Black Channel Partner Alliance (BCPA) is committed to help scale Black-owned firms through mentorship, coaching, training and exposure to a community of thriving technology organizations.
It's clear that these leaders are passionate about their mission. We learn about their entrepreneurial journey, the value of mentorship, partnerships and learn about some of the overall goals of the BCPA. Some of their goals include 100 partners with 800 new tech jobs, 1000 digital transformation projects and $100M generated additional revenue in the next 3 years. You will be inspired by their words of wisdom and by their vision for the BCPA.
Learn more about the BCPA by visiting https://bcpalliance.com/​ or send an email to outreach@bcpalliance.com.
To learn more about the Board members: Frank Valdivieso and Gryphon Consulting at https://www.gryphon-consulting.com/​
Nyasha Tunduwani and Real Impact Technology Consulting at https://rlimpact.com/​
Lauren Anderson and All-In Recruiting at https://www.all-inrecruiting.com/​
Jasson Walker and cFocus Software at https://cfocussoftware.com/​
Danny Suk Brown and AppMeetup at https://www.appmeetup.com/

Episode 40: Our Top 3

Twins Talk it Up Episode 40: Our Top 3
In this episode, we respond to those who have asked what our favorite Twins Talk it Up episodes have been so far. You can imagine how much of a challenge this was, as we have had nothing but incredible guests on the program. We begin with discussing our sentimental favorite episode; episode 15, entitled 'Wakanda Forever'. Chadwick Boseman was a fellow Howard University Bison and a generational talent. We admire how he led and lived with incredible courage.
We actually then do the impossible and followed the "Rule of 3" in choosing 3 of our favorite Twins Talk it Up episodes. Not only did we each choose 3 episodes, we also shared our Top 3 Podcast Shows; our Top 3 Books, and our Top 3 personal lessons we've learned or areas we are focusing on.
We would also love one day to have the incredible thought leaders we mention in this episode on our program.
Danny's Top 3 Twins Talk it Up include:
Episode 13: Twins & Sales Leaders with Mike & Steve Merrill
Episode 32: Your Money Matters with Jon Goodman
Episode 38: Cloud & Diversity with Tony Safoin
David's Top 3 Twins Talk it Up include:
Episode 22: Integrity in Business with C. Mack
Episode 24: Facial Communication with Dan Hill
Episode 35: Directing the Airways with Katlyn Lovelady
David's Top 3 Podcast Shows:
1. The Gary V Audio Experience
2. The Dean Graziosi Show
3. Bema Podcast with Marty Solomon
Danny's Top 3 Podcast Shows:
1. Huddle and Flow with Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche
2. The Secret to Success with Eric Thomas (ET)
3. Being Super with Supermanthony Bonus Podcast: Big Life Kids Podcast by Big Life Journal
Danny's Top 3 Books:
1. The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek
2. The 5 AM Club by Robin Sharma
3. Super Connector by Scott Gerber & Ryan Paugh
David's Top 3 Books:
1. A Promised Land by Barack Obama
2. Coach Em Way up: 5 lessons for leading the John Wooden Way by Jason Lavin and Lynn Guerin
3. Talking to Strangers by Malcolm Gladwell
Danny's Top 3 Leadership Lessons:
1. Be authentic
2. Lift your employees & others around you up
3. Get coaching
David's Top 3 Leadership Lessons:
1. Swallow the Frog, do the hardest thing first
2. Express gratitude aka gratitude journal
3. Highlight your strengths aka my niche on public speaking. Looking forward to our book coming out on public speaking. Talk it Up: A guide to successful public speaking

Episode 39: Power of Affirmations

Twins Talk it Up Episode 39: Power of Affirmations
In this episode, we speak with James and Becky Zheng. James and Becky are transformation coaches & entrepreneurs who help people live a life of design through education, mentorship, and ministry. James also runs The Morning MindSET Podcast where he shares practical wisdom on how to make proper mind shifts, empowering leaders to accomplish more impact and success in their lives. If you can win the morning, you can seize the day.
Special surprise to learn that Becky is also a twin. We ask them to define what affirmatinos are and how they have used these positive statements to shape their own mindset. This habit or daily ritual also led to James starting the Morning MindSET podcast where he provides daily short positive uplifting messages.
They talk about the conscious and the subconscious mind and how you can create new beliefs. Creating positive affirmations may be as simple as starting with "I am" statements. Statements such as I am beautiful, I am successful. The key is to connect these statements - these declarations on an emotional level and to say them consistently as if you are already there or that you have already accomplished your goals. The "last 4 letters of the word enthusiasm is iasm which can been seen as I Am Sold Myself."

Episode 38: Cloud & Diversity with Tony Safoian

Twins Talk it Up Episode 38: Cloud & Diversity with Tony Safoian
In this Episode, we speak with the President and CEO of SADA Systems, Tony Safoian. Sada Systems is a world leading technology consulting and cloud services firm. Tony is also the host of the Cloud N Clear podcast, where he shares his thoughts and insights on the cloud and how cloud services can best support organizations.
Tony shares about his partnership with Google and about experiences with building an incredible organization. He provides his thoughts on the advantages of using the cloud and cloud services. We also learn how Sada Systems has been able to navigate during the health pandemic with incredible success.
You will be inspired to hear Tony speak on the importance of diversity, gender and equity initiatives. He doesn't just talk the talk, he walks the walk as is evidenced by Sada bringing on the very best talent regardless of their background or where they are located. Research reflects how diversity drives innovation and growth. This focus to build a diverse and talented organizational culture has to be intentional and driven from the top down.
To learn more about Tony and Sada Systems, visit https://sada.com/

Episode 37: Storytelling in Content Marketing

Twins Talk it Up Episode 37: Storytelling in Content Marketing
In this episode, we speak with Ruthie Bowles of Defy The Status Quo. Defy the Status Quo is a woman, minority and veteran-owned authority marketing consulting firm. As the chief strategist, she focuses on helping organizations create and position their stories to become visible experts in their industries. Did I mention that Ruthie also is a podcaster?
Ruthie speaks on how storytelling is all about connection and that you should begin with the end goal in mind. Authenticity and trust must be foundational in discovering and developing an effective story. Storytelling can be the secret sauce for attracting the right audience. You won't be the right fit for everyone but you can be the best and right fit for the right audience.
Is there ever a time you need to rebrand and tell a different story? With a full rebrand, you create an entirely new identity for your business. Ruthie shares when a company should shift and rebrand with a new story. She speaks about conscious consumerism. This is where your target audience puts their loyalty and their money where their hearts are. Your story will keep them 'reading' and will keep them engaged.
You can learn more about Ruthie Bowles and her work at https://defythestatusquo.com/​

Episode 36: Build your Brand Right

Twins Talk it Up Episode 36: Build your Brand Right
In this episode, we meet with our good friend and fellow Howard University Bison Shala Graham. Shala is a brand strategist, speaker and writer. Shala shares about the importance of having a solid and effective brand. Your brand is your reputation. You have to be aware of your target audience and then manage that reputation while building upon your brand values. Your Brand is the foundation of your marketing.
Think about the most valued brands in the world and what makes them so effective. Brands like Google, Amazon and Apple are extremely successful as they know their audience and they stay true to the areas/niches that they specialize in. This allows them to be the right fit and the right solution. Do you know who your audience is and are you firm in your niche? You may not be the right solution for everybody; but for somebody, you are the perfect solution.
Shala poses the question of what makes your organization different. Volvo is extremely different than other manufacturers such as Subaru or Honda in the minds of potential buyers and yet they are all cars.
Branding changes should only happen when values change and when those you are trying to serve (your audience) change. Remember that it could take years and decades to build a brand - build a company's reputation and yet it can really take just one bad mistake or one instant to tarnish or destroy it. Authentic branding is about trust and your target audience needs to trust you and your organization.
Learn more about Shala Graham and her work at https://www.shalawgraham.com/

Episode 35: Directing the Airways

Twins Talk it Up Episode 35: Directing the Airways
In this episode of Twins Talk it Up, we speak with Katlyn Lovelady. Katlyn is an air traffic controller and also serves in the Air National Guard.
Communication skills are vital in the air space. Clarity of speech between Ground Control, the Tower and Aircraft is vital to ensure safety for both crew and the passengers they serve. Regarding intentional listening, Katlyn shared some incredible insight about being able to listen to the silence - that what is not being said can be just as important as what is being said. Having a calm and confident tone also is crucial to the overall success of the mission.
As a leader, never let your ego get in the way of the goal. Lives are at stake. While others may only see 'their part', you as the leader must keep your focus on the big picture and communicate the plan. "They want to the plan to succeed as much as you do". Give everyone an opportunity to excel in their role and surprise you.
Here are the 3 leadership lessons Katlyn said that she has learned through being an air traffic controller:
1. Say what you mean and mean what you say.
2. If you wouldn't want what you said "played back", then don't say it.
3. Tell the team your plan.
Love Katlyn's confidence and the pride she has with being one of the few women in this role. You can do "hard things."
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Episode 34: Skale up Your Performance

Twins Talk it Up Episode 34: Skale up Your Performance
In this episode, we speak with Jake Dunlap, CEO of Skaled Consulting. Skaled Consulting helps sales and marketing professionals as well as organizations scale more efficiently by using technology & consulting. We are grateful that Jake was able to join us despite the challenges due to a loss of power that the majority of the State of Texas was experiencing.
Jake shares his thoughts about how the organizations that are thriving are those who pivot quickly to optimize & customize their sales processes and product set. He states that "the companies that are winning, do not hold onto the past. They are focused on what the buyer is doing and on what can I do to sale and get in front of them." The landscape has now changed and sales professionals need to become more proficient in the virtual space and grow in their soft skills such as public speaking and storytelling.
In responding to the question of 'virtual fatigue', Jake shared that "every call you have is somebody's first experience with you and your company". You have to first be excited about your position and your product and then you have to be passionate about the buyers you serve.
We speak about leveraging platforms and tools that best serve professionals and their organizations; and how vital it is to interact and stay connected with other leaders, prospects and clients. Jake was gracious enough to offer provide a link for a free 60-day trial of Sales Navigator.
Learn more about Jake Dunlap and Skaled Consulting at https://skaled.com/
LinkedIn Navigator trial for our listeners: http://bit.ly/Jake60SalesNav​

Episode 33: Workplace Fusion

Twins Talk it Up Episode 33: Workplace Fusion
In this episode of Twins Talk it Up, we are joined by our good friend and fellow coach and speaker Gerald Leonard. In addition to being a speaker, Gerald is also a professional bassist, corporate trainer, author and the owner of Principles of Execution.
He has successfully integrated his love for music into his books and consulting practice. He blends the art and appreciation of music into his training, specifically around project management & organizational culture. Next time you listen to your favorite song or genre of music, think of the final product and how balanced the various sounds are. With the same expectation, a successful organization blends and balances 'voices' or 'instruments' to increase productivity and create harmony.
We appreciate Gerald's insight into his daily meditation, discipline of goal writing and the practice of visualization. What a great point he made of our how our brain can be affected by these principles - the reticular activating system (RAS) - to shape and promote the thinking and life you want.
Find out more about Gerald Leonard and his books (Culture is the Bass& Workplace Jazz)by visiting geraldjleonard.com or https://workplace-jazz.com/
Don't forget to subscribe and give the podcast a 5-Star Rating and sponsor this program.

Episode 32: Your Money Matters

Twins Talk it Up Episode 32: Your Money Matters
In this episode of Twins Talk it Up, we spend some time with our good friend Jon Goodman. Jon is the Managing Principle of JCG Advisory Partners, an investment advisory & wealth management firm located in Bozeman, Montana. We cover everything from Rocky Mountain Oysters to principles of personal Investing. We even throw in some conversation about basketball and Coach K of Duke.
Jon asked the question of what if "people tithed to themselves"? Imagine the impact if more people invested in themselves with education and healthy financial habits. One of the resources Jon shared with us is his MillionaireMe app. MillionaireME was designed to provide a platform where investors can with a support system become after-tax millionaires in retirement. Jon's tip during this health pandemic: "don't touch your face, don't touch your mouth and don't touch your money".
It's never too late or too early to invest. Jon shares his thoughts on Robinhood, Cryptocurrency and even the GameStop frenzy. Appreciate his analogy of surfing and encountering waves you've never seen nor surfed before. Cannot replace education, experience or time. There is value in working with a financial expert and the more research you can do before you get involved with any type of trading or investing is to your benefit.
Invest in yourself and invest in your future because your money matters. Learn more about Jon and the MillionaireMe app by visiting https://www.joncgoodman.com/​ and https://www.mymillionaireme.com/
Don't forget to subscribe and give the podcast a 5-Star Rating and sponsor this program.