theforcedpivot Podcast host Antoine Medley reflects on Season 3 and shares what to look forward to in Season 4 in 2025. Medley shared information on his new platform blackVOICESnow. The initiative provides a platform for emerging African American, minority, and underrepresented motivational speakers to share their stories and inspire local communit…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Carlos Mims, Sr. an upcoming speakers at the "blackVOICESnow Raleigh" event planned for November 23, 2024 in Knightdale, NC. blackVOICESnow is a Sankofa Innovations, LLC, initiative that provides a platform for emerging African American, minority, and underrepresented motivational speakers to share their stories and …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Milan Lee an upcoming speakers at the "blackVOICESnow Raleigh" event planned for November 23, 2024 in Knightdale, NC. blackVOICESnow is a Sankofa Innovations, LLC, initiative that provides a platform for emerging African American, minority, and underrepresented motivational speakers to share their stories and inspire…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Jeremy Sullivan and Sean Ingram, both speakers at the "blackVOICESnow Raleigh" event planned for November 23, 2024 in Knightdale, NC. blackVOICESnow is a Sankofa Innovations, LLC, initiative that provides a platform for emerging African American motivational speakers to share their stories and inspire local communiti…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Jeremy McKinney. Jeremy McKinney is the founder of McKinney Immigration Law firm in Greensboro, North Carolina and was the 76th President of the American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA), a bar association with 39 chapters around the world and almost 17,000 members. He is a North Carolina Board Certified Immigr…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Troy Martin. In 1993, Troy Martin saw Microsoft Windows for the first time, and this thing called a "mouse" changed his life forever. Martin is a native New Yorker and has resided in Atlanta, GA since 1992. He is a graduate of Devry University, an accomplished IT professional, a dedicated husband, a father of 5, and …

theforcedpivot welcomes JuJuan Mitchell and Cynthia Daniels-Williams. JuJuan Mitchell, diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2008, is a community leader and social justice advocate. In 2023, JuJuan co-founded the A Balance for MS Foundation with Cynthia Daniel-Williams, dedicated to guiding individuals through the emotional journey of MS with a focu…

theforcedpivot welcomes Michael Goodman. Senior Instructional Technology Coordinator, Michael Goodman provides technology coaching and support to the students, teachers, staff, parents, and administrators at Kenmore Middle School in Arlington, Virginia. He oversees the daily operations of the EdTech program in the school ensuring that staff have al…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Melissa Fanning. Melissa Fanning is a Training Coordinator, following in her father’s footsteps, who was an Instructor in the Navy, helping people grow. She has been with her employer for 25 years. Melissa graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science in Public Administration, and from Sain…

theforcedpivot welcomes Jaki Shelton Green. Jaki Shelton Green, the ninth Poet Laureate of North Carolina appointed in 2018, is the first African American and third woman to be appointed as the North Carolina Poet Laureate and reappointed in 2021 for a second term by Governor Roy Cooper. She is a 2019 Academy of American Poet Laureate Fellow, 2014 …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Brian K. Seymour, II. Brian Keith Seymour, II is the Principal and Founder of Prosperitage Wealth, a fee-only RIA dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by helping Black professionals make smart money decisions through unbiased financial advice. He holds multiple designations, is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™, a…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Dana Duckworth. Dana Duckworth is a nationally recognized public speaker, facilitator, and DEI advocate specializing in creating inclusive spaces. With a background spanning over 14 years in multifamily housing, in roles from property manager to supplier partner, Dana's transparency and commitment to cultivating spac…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Hon. David J. Whitted. David J. Whitted is a Judge in the Chesapeake, Virginia Circuit Court, elected by the Virginia General Assembly in 2024. A native of South Boston, VA, Judge Whitted was elected to the Chesapeake Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court bench in 2018. Before his appointment to the bench, J…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Mel Gower. Mel Gower is a seasoned IT leader and dynamic speaker with over 25 years of industry experience. Recognized for his leadership in customer and technical support, Mel has a proven track record of building high-performing global teams. His innovative leadership approach has consistently resulted in top-tier …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Lawrence Chambers. Lawrence Chambers is a dedicated public servant leader, who prides himself on transforming and elevating others so that the overall mission is accomplished, while each individual appreciates that they play a part in the success. He currently serves as the senior leader for an agency within the Fede…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Linsey Mills. Linsey Mills is a trailblazer who has been honored with prestigious accolades, including the US Small Business Administration Entrepreneur of the Year and the Linetta Gilbert Service Award. These recognitions are a testament to his unwavering dedication to business and philanthropy, and they underscore …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Deron Medley, BA, CSPO, CSM. Deron Medley is a native of Halifax, VA and he currently lives in Wake Forest, NC. He is a recent graduate of Walden University with a BS in Communications. Deron served 11 years in the US Navy and spent multiple years deployed around the world. While in the States he served as a US Navy …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Kionna Myles. Lieutenant Kionna Myles, a native of South Boston, Virginia, enlisted in the United States Navy in 2012 as a Hospital Corpsman. Her enlisted assignments were Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command Portsmouth, Portsmouth, VA; Alexander T. Augusta Military Medical Center, Fort Belvoir, VA; and Fleet…

theforcedpivot Podcast meets Patti Williams. Ms. Williams has held management and technical positions with IBM in Birmingham, AL, Atlanta, GA, Greensboro and Raleigh, NC. Ms. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from the Universityof Montevalloin Montevallo, AL and an Associate Degree in Nursing from Johnston Commu…

theforcedpivot welcomes Tobi Shannon. Tobi is a community-based strategist that works to redistribute wealth and defy unbalanced power structures across sectors and disciplines. Her impact is most amplified with her current work in corporate philanthropy, where she connects corporate employees to volunteerism and an inherent sense of altruism. Util…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Craig Jeffress. Craig has worked in the hospitality industry for over thirty-five years. Working on the culinary end, as well as guiding service in many dining rooms, has given him a keen eye for the details that matter most to those with discerning tastes. Throughout the 90's, while getting multiple degrees, Craig w…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes J.A. Faulkerson. J. A. Faulkerson is a Northern Virginia-based Creative Writer who has penned instant classics like Adinkrahene: Fear of a Black Planet (fiction), Real Men Raise CHAMPIONS: Unleashing Your Inner COACH (nonfiction), and Young Achiever Playbook: Planning To Achieve (nonfiction). In July 2015, Adinkrahen…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Jason Kelley. Garnering critical and commercial acclaim for his waggishly entertaining voice acting as Colt Vahn, the anti-hero in Arkane’s DEATHLOOP (2021), actor Jason Kelley erupted onto the 2021-22 gaming stage. Earning an impressive 8 nominations & 2 wins* in the Best Performer or Performer in a Leading Role cat…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Tyronne Drakeford. Drakeford is the current District Athletic Director for DD2 where he oversees the seven middle schools and three high schools’ athletics and athletic facilities. Mr. Drakeford has a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech and a Master of Science in Athletic Administration with a focus in Interschola…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Kim Battle. Kim Battle, Owner and Founder of Kandy Apples by K. They sell incredible and beautiful candy apples in order to enhance the typical candy apple experience. Kim grew up in Raleigh and graduated from North Carolina State University with a degree in Business Management with a concentration in Finance. After …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Barron Damon. Barron Damon is a Certified Philanthropic Coach through the International Coaching Federation (ICF) with over 20 years of experience working as a Non-Profit Executive. Barron is currently the Managing Partner of the Business of Life Coaching and Consulting (BOLCC) a service and education company. As a p…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Ron Brade. As Senior Vice President of Administration & Chief Operating Officer, Ron Brade supports the President of Xavier University in Louisiana, in strategic analysis and planning. He oversees the daily operations of the university, ensuring administrative units fulfill the mission of the university. This include…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Grammy-nominated R&B Artist Eric Roberson. As a GRAMMY Award-nominee, Singer, Songwriter, Producer, and Howard University alum, Eric Roberson continues to break boundaries as an independent artist in an industry dominated by major labels, manufactured sounds, and mainstream radio. Described as the original pioneer of…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Greg Hedgepeth. Greg Hedgepeth was born and raised in Halifax County, NC, and was a first-generation college student that attended East Carolina University in Greenville, NC. There he received his undergraduate degree in Economics with a minor in Business Administration. He later received his Masters in Management an…

theforcedpivot Podcast creator Antoine Medley shares his thoughts on loss and how one deals with the changes in their life after loss. Medley is joined briefly by special guest Licensed Clinical Social Worker Dekevias Atkinson, Sr. Music Credits: Interlude 2 (KillMyVibe) by Dj DCM

theforcedpivot Podcast chats with guest Brenton Logan on his life journies and how the pandemic affected him. Brenton Logan is a native of Richmond, VA. He received his undergraduate education from Shaw University where he studied sociology. Brenton serves as a board member of The Tulsa Initiative, Inc. a non-profit organization which utilizes ment…

theforcedpivot Podcasts sits down with Natalie Bullock Brown. Natalie Bullock Brown is an award-winning producer, an Assistant Teaching Professor in Interdisciplinary Studies at North Carolina State University, and a 2021 Rockwood Institute JustFilms Fellow. She is director/producer of a documentary work-in-progress that explores the impact of the …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Dwight Vick. Vick shares how life took him from Tidewater, VA to helping others. How from the gridiron to counseling. Dwight is a proud graduate of Virginia Tech. While at Virginia Tech, Dwight played for the legendary Coach Frank Beamer as an offensive lineman from 1994-1999. He helped lead the Virginia Tech Hokies …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Vonda Paige. Paige shares her ups, downs, and opportunities that allowed her to thrive. Paige has over 25 years of experience in non-profit management, marketing, social media, and public relations. She is an award-winning journalist and the founder of The First Black Woman, a digital media project recognizing the hi…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Melissa Jackson Holloway. Holloway shares how her pivots took her from Niagra Falls, NY to the largest HBCU in the United States where she serves as General Counsel. Holloway serves as General Counsel and Vice Chancellor of Legal Affairs, Risk, and Compliance for the North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State Un…

The theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes William T. Sutphin. Sutphin shares his story of pivots and how they took him from a small town in southern Virginia to film school in New York and then to Los Angeles, California. William Sutphin is a former 2008 DGA Winner for his thesis film "Uncle Killa", which he later licensed to HBO/Cinemax. He is a graduat…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Carnela Renee Hill. Hill shares her story of pivots and how she arrived at where she is today. She explains how she maneuvers this life to serve others and to live a life of faith and obedience to God. Carnela Renee Hill, successful interior designer, CEO, public speaker, author, and coach, has many gifts and talents…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes DeLeon Gray, PhD. Gray shares his story of life pivots and how he arrived at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. Gray is CEO of Black and Belonging (www.blackandbelonging.com) and an associate professor of educational psychology and equity at North Carolina State University, where he has developed three n…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Cece Jones-Davis. Jones-Davis shares her stories of how she allows God to force her to pivot and complete the work he would have her do. Jones-Davis works at the intersections of faith, art, and social justice as an award-winning faith leader, facilitator, public speaker, and impact strategist to point people to the …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Sulaiman Mausi. Mausi is a husband, father, entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist. He joins the show to share some of his ups and downs and how Covid-19 forced pivots in his work. The pivots ultimately made him a better father, husband, and businessman. Sulaiman Mausi, a 6th generation Entrepreneur, is the Founder…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Keith & Belinda Shannon. The Shannon's are a dynamic couple with successful careers. They successfully raised 3 dynamic children that have grabbed the world by the horns and made their own lives and careers a huge success. The couple has been married for 31 years and they have known each other since they were 18 year…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Athan Lindsay. Lindsay joins the show to share his stories and pivot of life that led him from Eastern Winston-Salem, North Carolina to where he is today. He shares how tough decisions must be made, even at a young age, that will oftentimes determine your outcome in life. Lindsay has an extensive career in the field …

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Darryl Lester. Darryl K. Lester is a cultural philanthropist, social change agent, and national service guru. He has been at the forefront of social innovation in the nation’s southern states for more than two decades. As the Founder and CEO of the North Carolina-based Institute for Building Communities by Design whi…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Moses T. Alexander Greene. Greene shares his "Pivot stories" spiritually, educationally, professionally, and personally. Greene is an author, director, producer, playwright, and so much more. Green is the director and founder of Li V Mahob Productions. His life's purpose is to use his passion for Black history and cu…

Episode 10!! Come spend a few moments with Antoine Medley (Host) as he reflects on the last few weeks in the world. The deaths from all the shootings in the US can't just roll by. There needs to be a change in the world! Continue to pray for all the loved ones that lost family. Send up overwhelming special prayers for the families in Uvalde, TX tha…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Mrs. Jemekka Richardson. Jemekka Richardson is a certified personal trainer, host of the Looking For My Fit Podcast, a wife of 19 years, and a mom of 3. Jemekka spent years repeating an unhealthy cycle that included fad diets, excessive exercising, and a toxic relationship with the scale. She struggled with putting h…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Kevan Cooper. Cooper shares his journey through the world of IT to his new role as CEO of his own streaming platform. Kevan Cooper, Skrachy Founder and CEO, is a Smart Home and Connected Devices industry veteran. He began his cloud-software career at AT&T where he led the development of one of AT&T’s first cloud-base…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Dion Chavis. Chavis joins us to share his life pivots and the effects of choices made professionally and personally. As a media professional, Mr. Chavis has become an essential voice that listeners and readers have come to recognize as their own. An accomplished radio professional, author, and trainer who uses his vo…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Jes Averhart. Over the last two decades, Averhart has worked with a portfolio of Fortune 500 companies, public sector organizations and high-performing individuals interested in increased personal growth and greater professional impact. Jes is a 4th generation entrepreneur, creator of 28 Days of Reinvention, and best…

theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Craig Stokes. Stokes is a proud graduate of North Carolina A&T State University (c/o ’04) and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (c/o '06). He holds a degree in Architectural Engineering and an MBA respectively. He is currently the Owner/Operator of a Chick-fil-A franchisee in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to op…