Empowered Presence™ Podcast

ABOUT THE EPISODE

In this episode, Melanie and Rodney C. Burris unpack the layered challenges black women face in personal branding and beyond. They reflect on the enduring influence of Rodney's mother and the broader implications of legacy and belief for black women's success. With a nod to the "straight-faced test" and the power of self-worth, the dialogue turns towards the critical role of representation and empowerment in the marketplace. They candidly discuss survival mode's toll and the vital necessity of self-care in the journey towards growth.

Rodney C. Burris | Emotional Intelligence Trainer

ABOUT RODNEY C. BURRIS

From the tough neighborhoods of Baltimore and Jacksonville to becoming one of America's premier Emotional Intelligence Trainers, Rodney C. Burris' journey is one of resilience and triumph. Raised single-handedly by a resilient mother amidst challenges, Rodney's story is one of remarkable perseverance.

Undeterred by the hardships, Rodney successfully pursued his education, earning a bachelor's degree in Psychology from the prestigious Johns Hopkins University and a master's in Nonprofit Management from Capella University.

His incredible journey and dedication to overcoming adversity have fueled his passion to help others. He uses his expertise to support numerous organizations with their team-building initiatives, communication enhancement, data analysis, and program development. His engaging workshops and seminars have gained wide acclaim, not only across the United States, but globally.

Visit Rodney’s website: https://RodneyCBurris.com

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INSIDE THE EPISODE:

I had the privilege of engaging in a profound conversation with Rodney C. Burris, an emotional intelligence trainer whose insights into personal branding and the experiences of black women have left a lasting impression on me and, I hope, on our listeners as well.

Addressing the Unique Challenges Faced by Black Women

Our discussion began with a recognition of the systemic issues that black women confront in their personal and professional lives. It's crucial to acknowledge these challenges and to create platforms where their stories can be heard and valued. As a personal branding consultant, I've seen firsthand the transformative power of storytelling and the importance of visibility in overcoming these obstacles.

The Influence of Family Legacy on Brand Consistency

Rodney shared a touching story about the significance of his name, given to him by his mother and aunt, which set the foundation for his understanding of identity and personal branding. His mother's entrepreneurial spirit, despite the hurdles she faced, taught him the value of perseverance and the impact of legacy on brand consistency.

The Straight Faced Test and Self-Worth

Rodney introduced us to the "straight faced test," a method to gauge one's comfort with the price they set for their services. This resonated with me as it underscores the importance of self-belief and the courage to assert one's worth in the marketplace. His anecdote about a little girl's hesitation to ask for pizza was a simple yet powerful illustration of how self-belief influences our actions.

Representation and Empowerment in the Marketplace

We delved into the underrepresentation of black women as suppliers in the marketplace, despite their significant economic influence. As one of the largest spending blocks in America, it's imperative that black women feel empowered to show up and be seen. This extends to the political realm as well, where their voices as a voting bloc are equally important.

Overcoming Survival Mode and Embracing Self-Care

The conversation took a personal turn as Rodney reflected on his mother's sacrifices and the toll of survival mode. It's a narrative many can relate to—the internal struggle of caring for others at the expense of one's own well-being. This led us to discuss the importance of self-care and the inner work necessary for personal and professional growth.

The Empowered Presence™ program, designed for executive women of color, encapsulates this ethos. It's a testament to the transformative power of self-awareness, self-empowerment, and the recognition of one's unique value and voice.

Thank you for reading, and if you found this episode insightful, don't forget to Subscribe to the Empowered Presence™ podcast for more updates and resources on personal branding.

TIMESTAMPS:

Unique Challenges of Black Women (00:03:09)

Rodney acknowledges the unique burden and experiences of black women, emphasizing the need to recognize and support their journey.

Legacy of Rodney's Mother (00:05:38)

Rodney shares the impactful legacy of his mother, who instilled the importance of identity and brand consistency, and the significance of standing on one's own.

The Essence of Black Womanhood (00:09:16)

Rodney reflects on the resourcefulness and strength of black women, highlighting the warmth and resilience they bring to various aspects of life.

Empowerment and Voice of Black Women (00:15:33)

Rodney discusses the empowerment and voice of black women, emphasizing the need to teach and honor their preferences and choices in business and life.

Telling Our Own Stories (00:22:13)

Melanie and Rodney emphasize the importance of showing up authentically and confidently, reclaiming the narrative and building legacies for black women.

Belief and Personal Branding (00:23:21)

Rodney explains the impact of belief on personal branding, using a metaphor about a bed and how one's presence affects the items on it.

The Straight Faced Test (00:25:17)

Rodney discusses the importance of believing in the value of one's own services and how it affects pricing and brand perception.

Empowerment and Self-Identity (00:30:17)

Rodney and Melanie discuss the power of empowerment and self-identity in personal branding, and how it impacts professional success.

Representation and Identity (00:35:03)

Rodney praises Melanie's platform for providing representation and mirrors for black women, emphasizing the importance of seeing oneself reflected in media and society.

Underrepresentation in the Marketplace (00:40:37)

Melanie and Rodney discuss the underrepresentation of black women as suppliers in the marketplace and the need for more visibility and empowerment.

Survival Mode and Self-Care (00:44:52)

Rodney shares his mother's struggle with prioritizing others over herself, highlighting the internal truth of feeling responsible for others' well-being.

Recognizing the Importance of Self-care (00:46:37)

The speaker discusses the importance of recognizing one's own needs and the impact of self-care on overall well-being.

The Significance of Putting Yourself First (00:47:46)

The conversation moves into the importance of prioritizing self-care and the impact it has on personal and professional responsibilities.

The Symbolism of "eating first" for Black Women (00:49:30)

The discussion highlights the symbolic significance of "eating first" for black women and the impact on their roles in family and work environments.

Recognizing the Readiness of Others to Receive Advice (00:52:04)

The speakers emphasize the importance of recognizing when others are ready to receive advice and the value of patience in supporting personal growth.

The Impact of the Empowered Presence program (00:55:59)

A short clip discusses the impact of the Empowered Presence program on women of color, emphasizing the importance of embracing uniqueness and boosting self-confidence.

Encouraging women to embrace their uniqueness (00:57:10)

The conversation focuses on encouraging women to embrace their uniqueness and the significance of showing up and making an impact in their respective industries.

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