Conversations Beyond the Brand

This conversation with Dr. Melanie Bowers offers a grounded and honest look at what leadership really feels like behind the scenes. We explore the everyday realities of organizational culture, the pressure leaders carry, and the moments when values are tested through real decisions. Dr. Melanie shares personal stories from her career that highlight authenticity, responsibility, and the importance of understanding what people experience at work.We also talk about leadership loneliness, clarity in hard moments, and the cost individuals often absorb when culture does not align with what is written on the wall. This episode closes with a fun lightning round that brings her personality to life.Listen in for a thoughtful and insightful conversation that invites all of us to reflect on how leadership shows up in real time.About the GuestDr. Melanie Bowers is an accomplished organizational development strategist with more than twenty years of experience helping global companies strengthen leadership, culture, and performance. She has served in executive roles supporting complex business environments and has spent many years teaching in an Executive MBA program. Her work focuses on human behavior in organizations, change readiness, and the connection between leadership actions and workplace culture. She is known for her thoughtful approach to decision-making, her insight into human capital, and her ability to help leaders navigate challenging moments with clarity and purpose.About the HostDr. Tashana Thompson is the creator and host of Conversations Beyond the Brand. She is a seasoned marketer, strategist, and storyteller with two decade of experience helping leaders and organizations show up authentically and with intention. Her work centers on relationship-driven marketing, leadership alignment, and meaningful conversations that help people understand the heart behind the brand. She brings warmth, curiosity, and deep expertise to every episode as she invites guests to share the stories behind their work.Connect and Learn MoreConnect with Dr. Melanie Bowers at Shepherd Consulting. Visit her website to learn more about her work in organizational design, leadership, and change readiness.https://shepherdconsultingod.com/ Connect with Tashana Thompson & Beyond Business Solutions to explore her work in branding, marketing, and relationship-driven strategy.🏢 Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/ 🎧 Subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Brand: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/ Thank you for watching. Make sure you subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Brand and enjoy more episodes for every insight and moment of truth shared in this conversation.This episode is for educational and inspirational purposes. Views expressed are those of the individuals and don't necessarily reflect those of Beyond Business Solutions.© Beyond Business Solutions

In this heartfelt episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Stephanie Smith, co-owner of New Light Financial Solutions, for an honest conversation about money, marriage, and the power of leading with your values. Stephanie shares how running a business with her husband has shaped her approach to financial stewardship, relational leadership, and building a legacy rooted in faith and clarity. Together, they discuss why your profit and loss statement is more than just numbers—it’s a values statement, revealing what matters most in your business and your life.From the early days of balancing growth and mission to navigating the challenges of partnership and setting healthy boundaries, Stephanie opens up about the realities of keeping faith, purpose, and strategy at the center of every financial decision. This episode is a deep dive into the rhythms and rituals that keep you grounded during seasons of pressure and change, and how clarity and communication are the secret sauce for building both a thriving business and a strong marriage.🔥 Key Topics Discussed: ✅ Why every business owner’s finances tell a story about their values ✅ How to navigate financial decisions that challenge your principles ✅ The realities of running a business with your spouse—boundaries, communication, and shared vision ✅ Moving from financial overwhelm to clarity and empowerment ✅ Practical steps for making your money match your mission ✅ The importance of sustainable habits, legacy, and faith in business ✅ How values-led financial leadership changes communities💡 Top Takeaways for Values-Driven Leaders:Stephanie’s journey is a masterclass in leading with heart, strategy, and integrity. She shows how aligning your business finances with your core values transforms not only your bottom line, but also your impact on your family and community. This conversation affirms that true success is about more than profit—it’s about staying rooted, building legacy, and choosing purpose in every dollar decision.🎙️ About Our Guest:Stephanie Smith is the co-owner of New Light Financial Solutions, a values-driven financial planning and consulting firm she leads alongside her husband. Stephanie’s approach combines precision with heart, empowering business owners to make financial decisions that align with their deepest values and long-term vision. Through New Light, she helps entrepreneurs and couples bridge the gap between their personal and business goals, demonstrating that financial clarity is about more than spreadsheets; it’s about living your purpose, building strong relationships, and leaving a legacy that matters.🌟 About the Host:Dr. Tashana Thompson is the CEO of Beyond Business Solutions, bringing 20+ years of branding and marketing expertise to purpose-driven leaders. Through "Conversations Beyond the Brand," she explores how leaders wear their values and build authentic brands that drive real impact.🔗 Connect & Learn More:📱 Follow Stephanie Smith on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stephanieporcellosmithhttps://newlightfs.com/ 🏢 Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/ 🎧 Subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Brand: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/ 💼 Work with Dr. Tashana Thompson: https://beyondsolutions.biz/contact/ This episode is for educational and inspirational purposes. Views expressed are those of the individuals and don't necessarily reflect those of Beyond Business Solutions.© Beyond Business Solutions | Dr. Tashana Thompson

In this impactful episode, Dr. Tashana Thompson welcomes Rashida Peterson of 1847 Philanthropic Group to discuss the realities of fundraising, equity, and community leadership. Rashida shares her journey from international trade to building a consulting firm that centers on underserved communities and champions sustainable, community-driven impact. The conversation explores the importance of infrastructure, authentic relationships, and the power of saying “just fund it or get out of the way.”What You'll Learn:Why most people “fall into” fundraising and what it takes to thriveThe role of equity and infrastructure in effective philanthropyHow community-based organizing drives real, lasting changeWhat it means to support clients “where they are,” not just with tools but with trustThe burnout and challenges of sustainable fundraising for small organizationsThe significance of storytelling and honoring lived experience in nonprofit workWhy diversifying funding streams is essential for organizational survivalPractical advice for funders and nonprofit leaders navigating tough conversationsKey Takeaways:Rashida’s story highlights that authentic, community-led philanthropy is rooted in equity, deep care, and relationships built on trust. Sustainable impact requires meeting organizations where they are and refusing to contort your mission for funders who aren’t aligned. Rashida’s “go on vibes” approach and commitment to supporting Black-led and grassroots organizations reveal how honoring wisdom, building strong networks, and investing in infrastructure can reshape the nonprofit landscape. The conversation makes clear that philanthropy is not about saviorism, but about putting resources in the hands of those closest to the work—and trusting them to lead.

In this powerful episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Nikki Ivey, LinkedIn Top Voice and sales culture revolutionary who went from SDR to CRO by championing relational selling over traditional sales tactics.From selling cars to transforming tech sales culture, Nikki shares her 20+ year journey of refusing to "tone it down" and how wearing your values authentically actually drives better sales results.🔥 Key Topics Discussed:✅ Why the sales profession should be an equalizer (but isn't)✅ The real cost of "shrinking yourself" in the workplace✅ How to build confidence when you're told to tone it down✅ Breaking the myth of sales as a pure meritocracy✅ Why relational selling creates more deals with less churn✅ The power of showing up as yourself (wigs, pink, and all!)✅ Creating psychological safety in sales organizations✅ Building communities that lift while you climb💡 Top Takeaways for Sales Leaders & Entrepreneurs: The 3-Step Framework to Being Yourself:- Identify and indict limiting stories- Determine your non-negotiables- Develop strategic authenticitySales Success Formula:- Lead with human connection over tactics- Research deeply at industry, company & personal levels- Create visceral reactions through understanding pain points- Show up consistently where your buyers are with insightsBuilding Your Brand:- You're an expert NOW - claim it- Lean into what makes you confident- Your "soft skills" are actually your superpower🎙️ About Our Guest:Nikki Ivey is a nationally recognized sales leader, dynamic coach, and speaker who has spent 20+ years transforming sales culture from the inside out. As a LinkedIn Top Voice, she champions the radical idea that sales humans beat sales hacks every time. Her approach? Relational selling that creates more deals with less churn while building inclusive, high-performing sales cultures.🌟 About the Host:Dr. Tashana Thompson is the CEO of Beyond Business Solutions, bringing 20+ years of branding and marketing expertise to purpose-driven leaders. Through "Conversations Beyond the Brand," she explores how leaders wear their values and build authentic brands that drive real impact.🔗 Connect & Learn More:📱 Follow Nikki Ivey on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/nikkiivey🏢 Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/🎧 Subscribe to Conversations Beyond the Brand: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/💼 Work with Dr. Tashana Thompson: https://beyondsolutions.biz/contact📌 Resources Mentioned:• Sales for the Culture Community• Book: "It's About Damn Time" by Arlen Hamilton• The 12% Program⏰ Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Nikki Ivey02:00 - From Car Sales to Tech: The Journey Begins07:00 - "That's Not Fair" - Origins of an Advocate10:00 - The Pressure to Tone It Down15:00 - Understanding Sales Culture's Impact20:00 - Your Hair Matches Your Mood: Being Authentically You25:00 - The Non-Negotiables Framework30:00 - What It Costs to Be Visible and Vocal35:00 - Building Communities While Climbing40:00 - Top Sales Tips for Women-Owned Businesses45:00 - Lightning Round & Final Thoughts

Are you a high-achieving woman of faith struggling to show up authentically in your leadership? In this transformative conversation, I sit down with Courtney Robinson—leadership branding strategist, image expert, and founder of the Bold Faith Leadership Lab—to explore how Christian women can stop shrinking in spaces they're called to lead and start showing up fully aligned with who God created them to be.Courtney shares her powerful testimony of surviving brain surgery and multiple strokes, and how these experiences transformed her approach to identity, image, and faith-based leadership. This conversation is a must-watch for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, small business owners, and ministry leaders seeking to build personal brands rooted in purpose and presence.🎯 WHO THIS IS FOR:✓ Christian women in leadership positions✓ Women entrepreneurs and small business owners✓ Nonprofit leaders and executive directors✓ Ministry leaders and women in pastoral roles✓ Anyone seeking personal branding guidance aligned with faith✓ High-achieving women navigating identity transformation⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Introduction: Meet Courtney Robinson02:23 - From Personal Styling to Faith-Based Leadership Branding05:36 - Courtney's Early Journey with Image & Corporate Leadership09:03 - The Power of Showing Up: How Image Impacts Influence12:38 - Health Crisis: Brain Tumor Diagnosis & Surgery Journey18:00 - Surviving Multiple Strokes & God's Faithfulness22:00 - How Testimony Transforms Your Leadership Purpose24:00 - Identity vs. Insecurity: Leading from Who God Says You Are28:17 - Introducing the Bold Faith Leadership Lab for Christian Women30:10 - The BOLD Identity Method: Purpose, Poise, Passion, Presence33:15 - Who Should Join the Bold Faith Leadership Lab36:50 - Faith & Business: Showing Up Unapologetically as a Christian40:35 - The Fear of Fearing Man vs. Fearing God42:00 - Bold Decisions: Niching Down & Following God's Call44:00 - Proverbs 31 Woman as a Leadership Blueprint46:00 - From Hiding to Holy Confidence: Overcoming Insecurity49:00 - Letting Go to Embrace Your Current Season52:00 - Health, Self-Care & Not Dropping Dead for Everyone Else55:00 - Poise and Promises: Weekly Devotional for Women Leaders57:00 - Lightning Round: Favorite Wardrobe Piece, Scripture & Values💡 KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Why faith is the strategy for leadership, not separate from it- How to identify when you need identity work vs. image work- The four pillars of bold leadership: Purpose, Poise, Passion, Presence- Why high-achieving women need spaces where they don't have to perform- How to stop code-switching and show up fully as yourself- The danger of making idols out of things that don't serve your purpose- Why observing the Sabbath actually increases your productivity- How to activate what's already inside you rather than transform into someone new🔗 CONNECT WITH COURTNEY ROBINSON:Bold Faith Leadership Lab: https://linktr.ee/imagebycourtneyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldidentityleadershipSubscribe to "Poise and Promises" Devotional: https://tr.ee/S_DOxgADby🔗 CONNECT WITH DR. TASHANA THOMPSON:Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/Book a Branding & Marketing Strategy Session: https://beyondsolutions.as.me/schedule/d3ef0938Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/growwithbbsinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tashanathomas

Discover the proven framework for successful rebranding with brand strategist Shannel Wheeler, author of "The Brand Restart."In this episode, Shannel shares her 20+ years of design expertise and reveals why most rebrands fail. Learn about The Brand Pie Framework - six essential elements that must align for successful brand transformation: core values, company culture, brand personality, messaging, customer experience, and visual identity.Perfect for women entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and small business owners ready to realign their brand for growth.KEY TAKEAWAYS:- Brand is about perception and telling your truth- Action beats procrastination in business transformation- Strategic partnerships amplify impact when values align- Your business only grows as fast as you do personallyGUEST: Shannel Wheeler is a brand strategist, designer, and author helping companies navigate successful rebrands. She's also co-creator of the Quantum Leap Experience for professional women.RESOURCES:Get "The Brand Restart": https://thebrandrestart.com/More episodes: https://beyondsolutions.biz/podcast/HOST: Dr. Tashana Thompson, CMO & CEO of Beyond Business Solutions

How do we raise young women who are confident, faith-driven, and prepared to lead?In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson talks with Lisa Smith, founder and executive director of Elite Women of Excellence (EWOE). For over  23 years, EWOE has mentored teenage girls through faith, mentorship, and community, helping them grow into strong leaders of character, confidence, and excellence.Whether you lead a women-led nonprofit, small business, or youth-focused program, this conversation offers practical lessons on how faith, values, and intentional mentorship can transform lives and communities.✨ What you’ll learn in this episode:How women-led nonprofits can grow with faith at the centerLessons from 23 years of mentoring young women into leadersWhy confidence, character, and community are key to youth developmentHow to partner with parents to strengthen the next generationPractical strategies for nonprofit sustainability and impact🔗 Ready to grow your nonprofit or small business with branding and marketing support? 👉 Book a discovery call with Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/discovery⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 03:15 – The vision behind Elite Women of Excellence 10:40 – Mentorship, faith, and character development 18:25 – Partnering with parents to raise leaders 28:00 – Nonprofit challenges, struggles, and resilience 36:50 – Building confidence and self-worth in young women 44:30 – Key lessons from 23 years of nonprofit leadership

In this episode of Conversations Beyond the Brand, Dr. Tashana Thompson sits down with Trina Hill to explore how faith, family, and legacy shape leadership and entrepreneurship.From her grandmother’s influence to lessons of resilience, caregiving, and community, Trina shares a powerful perspective on what it means to bring your whole self into the marketplace. This conversation is a reminder that business success is more than strategy—it’s about values, faith, and relationships that last.✨ What you’ll take away from this episode:Why you don’t have to set faith aside to lead in businessHow family legacy and everyday entrepreneurship inspire leadershipThe role of caregiving and resilience in shaping women entrepreneursLessons on perseverance, prayer, and community supportLiving out your calling in business and beyond🔗 Ready to align your business with your values? 👉 Book a discovery call with Beyond Business Solutions: https://beyondsolutions.biz/discovery⏱ Timestamps: 00:00 – Welcome & introduction 02:10 – Faith as the foundation of leadership 08:30 – Family legacy and everyday entrepreneurship 15:45 – Caregiving and resilience in business 24:20 – Lessons from grandmother and community 33:40 – Living your values in the marketplace 42:00 – Final reflections