In our second episode in our series “Women Leaders in Entertainment,” I talk with Nadja Webb Cogsville, Viacom’s Deputy General Counsel. Nadja is now directly responsible for legal affairs for seven Viacom cable channels and the music strategy group. Whether she’s overseeing a new partnership in her L.A. office or negotiating a deal with Nick Cannon in Miami, Nadja has never forgotten her humble roots in the Bronx. We talk about sponsorship and confidence, and examine the myth of work/life balance. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Viacom’s business and legal affairs fellowship and rant about the Starbucks arrests.

What does it take to succeed in one of the most competitive industries and at the highest levels? This week we launch our series Women Leaders in Media and Entertainment and have a wisdom-filled conversation with Jessica Herrera-Flanigan, the EVP for Government and Corporate Affairs at Univision. Jess talks about what it takes to succeed on Capitol Hill, as a top lobbyist, and as a C-suite executive in the hyper-competitive media and entertainment industries. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about affinity groups at universities and companies.

In Part 2 of our series – Network Like A Protégé – it’s all about taking our relationship building to the next level. Running, golf, tennis, and cycling can be powerful tools to stay healthy AND build a powerful network. It’s why 90% of Fortune 500 CEOs play golf and why companies like Disney are organizing running events all across the country. I talk about practical tips like when to play and when to discuss business, and why these events are windows into the psyche of your next employer or next investor. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Howard University.

Relationships matter. Networking for some people, however, sounds about as appealing as a root canal. In today’s global, hyperconnected economy, networking should be more than a necessary evil; it must become a long term, professional habit. On this week’s Protégé Podcast, I discuss seven simple things you can do to network effectively and authentically. These are techniques which I’ve used in my career, and which I’ve seen used effectively in the careers of successful entrepreneurs, executives and professionals.

On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I give props to the millions of students who are part of the #MarchforOurLives movement.

No matter where you are, you can change the world. I had the distinct honor to meet four talented and committed nonprofit leaders during my trip to South Africa. They are Le’Kedra Robertson and Eshanda Fennell, two American women who replanted themselves in Johannesburg as part of their faith journey; Mirriam “Nuska” Zwane, a South African IT entrepreneur who now leads a social service organization; and Sello Hatang, the head of the Nelson Mandela Foundation. Each of these servant leaders is contributing their skills and energies to serve the least of their fellow South Africans.

It’s time to get your LinkedIN profile together! More and more recruiting agencies are using LinkedIN as a source for candidates, so it’s imperative that your profile get set up with the right amount of information. In this episode of Protégé Podcast, I discuss what kind of photo to use, how your professional experience should be listed, and how to use the optional sections like Accomplishments and Recommendations. I also show you an often overlooked setting which can help attract recruiters to your profile, and I make the case for upgrading to LinkedIN Career Premium. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about Freddie Mac’s innovative internship program for autistic college students.

This week on Protégé Podcast, it’s our third episode in our series “The Transformers,” which features conversations with inspirational professionals who are helping to transform the lives of children. This week our guest is Rob Lake, one of the few African-American educators who’s served as a headmaster of a comprehensive independent school. Rob shares his vision about what schools can and should do to prepare children for the 21st century workforce, and how parents can do their part at home. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I rave about the inspiration, beauty, and lessons from the movie Black Panther.

This week on Protégé Podcast we continue our series “The Transformers,” which features amazing professionals who are using their talents to transform the lives of children. Our Guest Mentor this week is Ursula Rochon, the founder of The Color Gallery, a nonprofit art studio which works to decrease community violence and school related crime by providing a creative means of expression for urban youth. Hear how this single mother left her six-figure salary and stepped on faith to follow her career purpose. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I talk about anthropological privilege and why companies need Chief Culture Officers.

This week on Protégé Podcast​ we launch “The Transformers,” a series focused on uniquely inspirational leaders who are transforming the lives of children. This week we hear from Dr. Maurice Sholas, Senior Medical Director at Children’s Hospital and Clinics of Minnesota. Dr. Sholas, a graduate of Southern University, Harvard Medical School, and Harvard Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, talks about his trailblazing career as a pediatric rehabilitation physician. On the Rant/Rave/Review segment, I break down the career insights from Shonda Rhimes’ book, “Year of Yes.”

In the second episode in our Protégé Podcast series on navigating corporate culture, I talk with Karen Gray, the head of human resources North America at Christie’s, the prestigious art auction house. Karen and I discuss how your intellectual curiosity and your ability to get out of your comfort zone can help you navigate through corporate culture. As part of the Rant, Rave, and Review segment, I emphasize why diversity on corporate boards matters.