In this episode of the BBP, host Naketa Ren Thigpen chats with Ashley Stanford, a digital marketing consultant and freelance expert with over 15 years of experience. This episode explores Ashley's path from career burnout to achieving balance and fulfillment. She discusses using tools like Danielle Laporte's "The Desire Map" to identify core desired feelings and the importance of setting clear boundaries in personal and professional life. Ashley shares her wisdom on juggling multiple roles, including being EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and the VP and co-founder of Ice Cream Social, without losing oneself. The conversation is inspiring and practical, making it a must-listen for ambitious individuals seeking harmony.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Ambitious women's goals and responsibilities.

09:42 Embracing temporary sacrifices for future freedom.

11:35 Overcoming setbacks leads to significant achievements.

14:34 How boundaries enhance productivity and mental well-being.

18:24 Navigating life changes: parenting, avoiding burnout.

23:29 Prioritizing personal joy and self-care first.

More about Ashley Stanford

Meet Ashley Stanford, a digital marketing consultant with 15+ years of experience! She excels in creating strategic marketing plans and optimizing tactics, primarily in the events & entertainment sector, with additional expertise in healthcare and fintech. Ashley is the EVP of Client Strategy at TicketSocket and Vice President and Co-Founder of Ice Cream Social, a widget that enhances websites by driving word-of-mouth marketing and gathering valuable first-party data. Supported by Comcast NBCUniversal SportsTech since 2022, Ashley's extensive background in digital marketing roles equips her with unmatched skills in customer acquisition, email, search, and content marketing.

Follow Ashley Stanford:

Ice Cream Social Website: https://icecreamsocial.io/

TicketSocket Website: https://ticketsocket.com/

Ashley LinkedIn: ashcline

Personal Note from Naketa:

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Introducing Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) with Naketa Ren Thigpen—a transformative podcast for founders & leaders who believe that building a legacy is as much about WHO you build it with as HOW you build it.

Unlike our latest amazing podcast, The Lazy Overachiever Show, which challenges norms around self-care and growth strategies, Balance Boldly, dubbed the BBP, emphasizes the deep connections and intentional work-life balance and relationship management strategies that form the foundation for lasting impact. Amplifying the power of intimacy by demonstrating how success in the boardroom is deeply intertwined with the energy you cultivate in your personal life.

On this show (and) in Naketa's everyday life, she's sharing how prioritized mental health with non-negotiable boundaries and strong relationship health help to collapse time, while rippling joy across generations.

Your Review Matters!

Listen...

Welcome to the Balance Boldly podcast, where ambitious women and a few brave men find their stride. Join host Naketa Ren Thigpen with mogul-in-the-making Akinyi Ochieng! Co-founder of ORISUN, a clean beauty line, and board chair of SOS Sahel, Akinyi shares her journey of tackling global challenges and her insights on maintaining balance. From transforming one life at a time to managing resistance in large institutions, Akinyi's compelling story is a masterclass in impact. Tune in for actionable advice and inspiration to fuel your ambitions while staying grounded.

Time Stamps:

05:35 Your control over ambition empowers you.

07:45 Why personal growth requires comprehensive self-reflection and validation.

11:02 Can you navigate resistance to change while ensuring impactful work?

14:32 How to be adaptative in real-time.

18:43 Focusing on mutual value in each moment together.

More about [Akinyi Ochieng]

Akinyi Ochieng is a social entrepreneur, impact adviser, and co-founder of ORISUN, an upcoming clean beauty line featuring African botanicals. With a strong background in economic development, she has secured over $25 million in partnerships linking African ingredients to global markets, working with organizations like USAID and FAO. Akinyi chairs the USA board of SOS Sahel, tackling food security and climate issues in the Sahel region. Her insights on Africa's business and culture have appeared in Forbes, CNBC, BBC, and more. Currently, as Senior Associate Director at APCO Worldwide, she partners with corporations and nonprofits to drive social impact across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. Akinyi holds an MSc from the London School of Economics and a BA from Yale. She also graduated from the University of Cambridge's Strategic Philanthropy program. In 2019, she was recognized as one of the 100 Most Influential People of African Descent in media under 40.

Follow Akinyi Ochieng:

http://www.akinyiochieng.com/

https://linkedin.com/in/akinyiochieng

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and well-being without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-ApplePodcasts

Listen & Leave a review on Spotify:

In this episode of the Balance Boldly podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen welcomes Shilpa Alimchandani, the brilliant mind behind Mookti Consulting. Discussing creating human-centered workplaces and transformational change, Shilpa shares her insights emphasizing authenticity, managing internalized expectations, and aligning one’s career with personal values. She shares her background as the firstborn daughter of immigrants, and how her career pivoted from law to social science, driven by her interest in cultural and power dynamics. The conversation highlights the importance of bravery, vulnerability, and self-compassion, particularly for women of color in leadership. This episode offers profound reflections on workplace culture, leadership, and the importance of personal growth. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on embracing identity and fostering transformational change.

Time Stamps:

06:48 Embracing courage and boldness in your journey.

10:33 Why empathy is crucial for helping accomplished women thrive.

14:56 How disruptive survival skills can create overwhelming stress.

19:07 "Present your healed self."

20:19 Embracing vulnerability; why external help may be a "go."

25:25 Managing sacred spaces and avoiding absorbing others' pain.

26:31 Discussing workplace leadership challenges.

30:54 Shake up your routines and rediscover yourself today.

More about Shilpa Alimchandani

Shilpa Alimchandani is the Founder and Principal of Mookti Consulting, a practice that partners with clients to break free from oppressive systems and facilitate transformational change. In Sanskrit, Mookti means liberation. As a consultant and facilitator, Shilpa partners with mission-driven organizations to build human-centered workplaces. As a collective liberation coach, she helps women of color to lead with purpose and clarity without sacrificing their values or well-being. Shilpa is passionate about social justice, the arts, and aligning mind, body, and spirit to live healthier lives.

Follow Shilpa Alimchandani:

https://mookticonsulting.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/shilpaalimchandani/

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast:

In this enlightening episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast, Naketa Ren Thigpen chats with the fabulous Kosi Harris, a PR pro with over 15 years of experience. From her fashion PR beginnings to working with top brands, Kosi spills the tea on managing client expectations and building solid media relationships. She talks personal branding, networking, and navigating today’s media scene. Perfect for ambitious women and entrepreneurs, this episode is packed with real talk and tips you can actually use. Tune in for an inspiring and down-to-earth conversation you won't want to miss!

Time Stamps:

00:00 Rediscovered passion—the switch from fashion to hospitality.

05:40 The importance of transferable skills.

08:56 Why a scarcity mindset can get in the way of rebranding.

13:59 How service-based clients should prepare for media engagement.

18:09 The difference between paid and organic press.

21:03 Why you don't need a huge following to rebrand.

23:43 The importance of remaining authentic in the rebranding journey.

More about Kosi Harris

Kosi Harris is a seasoned public relations specialist with over 15 years of experience across non-profit, consumer products, and hospitality. She has represented notable clients like Leanne Mair, Every Library, Time Warner Center, and Reebok Watches. Kosi excels at amplifying brand voices and building strong media relationships, with her work featured in top publications including Essence, Harper’s Bazaar, USA Today, and The New York Times. She holds a Bachelor's in Advertising & Marketing Communication from The Fashion Institute of Technology and a Master's in New Media and Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University. Based in Brooklyn, NY, Kosi is passionate about technology and ran a PR workshop with the Female Founder Collective last fall, highlighting her expertise in navigating challenging times.

Follow Kosi Harris:

http://www.kosiharris.com/

Substack: PR Tips and Tea

Instagram: @kosharris

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-ApplePodcasts

Listen & Leave a review on Spotify:...

Delving into the power of intentional family forecasting, techniques to maintain a thriving marriage, and how to balance professional and personal lives, Naketa welcomes the dynamic Nicole Kalil, an expert in gender equity and the host of the "This is Woman's Work" podcast. Nicole shares her innovative concept of "family forecasting," a biannual ritual where she and her husband align their professional goals, finances, and family values. This practice, she explains, has been crucial in maintaining a strong marital connection and setting a positive example for their 10-year-old daughter. Nicole also discusses the importance of prioritizing tasks that truly matter, as well as the need to distinguish between simply being good at something and being passionately engaged. Tune in to discover actionable insights and inspiring stories to elevate your journey towards balanced living.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Eliminating gender roles in 2024.

03:44 How to align family goals, values, finances, and schedules.

09:55 Why choosing intentional selfishness is necessary for achieving balance in relationships.

11:33 Avoid comparing yourself to illusions; embrace life's complexities.

15:52 How to prioritize, avoid distractions, and commit fully to balance.

18:46 Discovering fulfillment through prioritizing personal passions.

More about Nicole Kalil

Nicole’s passion for eliminating gender expectations and redefining “Woman’s Work” is both what keeps her up at night, and what gets her up in the morning. Well, that, and an abundant amount of coffee. Host of the "This Is Woman's Work" podcast, author of the bestseller Validation isFor Parking, respected coach, and fugitive of the C-suite, her stalker-like obsession with confidence sets her apart from the constant stream of experts telling us to be confident. She shares HOW you build it and gives actionable tools you can implement immediately. Wife, mom, and business owner-in whatever free time she has, she enjoys reading and wine guzzling, is an avid cheese enthusiast, a hotel snob, and is an avid peloton rider.

Follow Nicole Kalil:

https://nicolekalil.com/

Instagram: nicolemkalil

This Is Woman's Work Podcast (wherever you listen to podcasts)

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!...

In this empowering episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast, Naketa chats with Marla Mervis-Hartman, the brain behind LOVE Your Body, Love Yourself. Marla, a coach, TEDx speaker, and Reiki Master, opens up about her journey from struggling with disordered eating to finding self-love and compassion. Hear how moving to Maui changed her life and get tips on tuning into your inner brilliance. Marla talks about her book, Ren Self, and shares practical advice on meditation and self-care. Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation about healing, growth, and loving yourself just a bit more.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Marla’s tips on accepting yourself fully.

03:22 How your body's value is linked to dieting and coping.

08:04 Why recognizing personal challenges is vital for change.

12:06 How to reflect, accept, and let go.

15:36 Practicing patience and self-control to improve relationships.

16:57 Embracing support for strength and resilience.

22:50 Fostering self-compassion and commitment for personal growth.

23:46 Why commitment is needed to achieve successful outcomes.

More about Marla Mervis-Hartmann

Marla Mervis-Hartmann, the creator of "Love Your Body, Love Yourself," guides women toward embracing self-acceptance. Her personal journey, marked by struggles with food, exercise, and body confidence, underwent a transformation fueled by self-compassion. Currently residing in Maui with her family, Marla works as a full-time professional coach, TEDx speaker, Author of BE-Friend Yourself, ED recovery center facilitator, and Reiki Master/Teacher

Follow Marla:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/loveyourbodyloveyourselfalways

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/marlamervis

TEDx Talk: https://youtu.be/nEVjlT9B6dU

Book: Be-Friend Yourself: Finding Freedom with Food and Peace with Your Body

More on the BBP:

The Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) Podcast, hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, is filled with work-life balance and relationship management strategies for founders and leaders who care WHO they build their legacy with just as much as HOW. Amplifying intimacy created from self-actualized wholeness from the bedroom to the boardroom is the unveiled secret to creating joy that ripples through generations.

On this show (and) in Naketa's everyday life, prioritized mental health and strong relationship health go hand in hand with collapsing time for lifelong success.

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace.https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-ApplePodcasts

Listen & Leave a review on Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-Spotify

If you’re ready for intentional rest and relaxation...

Join in on this episode of the Balance Boldly Podcast as Naketa Ren Thigpen sits down with the incredible Ebere Oyekwe, founder of Tekdlin and lead event coordinator of Architects. Ebere's journey from Nigeria to becoming an "accidental millionaire" in tech is nothing short of inspiring. They dive into work-life balance, setting boundaries, and the ups and downs of hiring a team. Plus, Ebere shares how her faith and resilience helped her create real impact. If you're looking for a dose of motivation and some great insights on thriving authentically, this convo is a must-listen!

Time Stamps:

00:00 How can you show love and support to your international colleagues?

04:23 How an immigrant to the United States became a successful tech advocate.

08:57 Reasons why presenting yourself in a certain way is important.

09:36 Encouraging words for future accidental millionaires out there.

14:27 Addressing challenges while upholding accountability and fostering connections.

16:25 Why being kind as a leader is important.

22:28 Exploring how connections and trust lead to success.

More about Ebere Oyekwe

Ebere Oyekwe, Founder of Tekdlin and Lead Event Coordinator of Konnect, helps beginner tech professionals get into tech roles and teaches tech and data skills online. She has 91.2K followers on Instagram and has placed 75% of her clients in their dream tech jobs.

Follow Ebere Oyekwe :

https://tekdlin.com/

Instagram: @nelotechie

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and wellbeing without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-ApplePodcasts

Listen & Leave a review on Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-Spotify

If you’re ready for intentional rest and relaxation strategies that support your mental health and increase productivity, WATCH our newest show, The Lazy Overachiever & JOIN the channel: YouTube @TLOshow

The Lazy Overachiever Show is your haven away from the hustle. Subscribe to the link above on your favorite podcast app to gain insights into...

In this episode of The Balance Boldly Podcast, host Naketa Ren Thigpen engages with Jaime Ellithorpe, founder of 540 Strategies. They delve into heart-centered entrepreneurship, the importance of fiscal responsibility, and the law of attraction in business. Jaime shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a business consultant, emphasizing the need for authentic energy and self-reflection. Naketa and Jaime also discuss the challenges of entrepreneurship, mindset shifts, and the power of joy in aligning passion and purpose. Tune in for insightful strategies on thriving in business and embracing personal growth.

Time Stamps:

00:00 Gratitude, business origin, and the turning point.

04:30 Embracing financial joy through self-permission and change.

08:26 Why the leading generation is vital for fiscal responsibility and growth.

11:47 Embrace your adaptability and maintain financial consistency.

13:31 Assess passion and fulfillment in your abilities.

17:40 Know your worth, don't undersell your work.

20:00 Encourage giving, and guard against financial exploitation.

23:59 Reflect on drawing in their manipulative energy.

29:11 Evaluating diverse team’s financial responsibility and leadership.

30:06 Embrace financial uncertainty and take calculated fiscal steps.

More about Jaime Ellithorpe

Jaime Ellithorpe founded 540 Strategies, a marketing consulting firm that equips entrepreneurs and business professionals with marketing strategies, lead gen and appointment setting systems, and self-empowerment tools to make growing a business effortless.

Follow Jaime Ellithorpe :

You can learn more about Jaime and 540Strategies by visiting her website,

https://jaimeellithorpe.com/

Ready for self-care mastery that activates alignment in your life, business, and relationships? Join us in our new mentorship, the Women’s Self-Care Guild- a sanctuary for ambitious women seeking peace. https://www.thigpro.com/mentorship

More on the BBP:

Balance Boldly for Ambitious Women in Business (and a few brave men) is a weekly podcast hosted by Naketa Ren Thigpen, the #1 Balance (and) Relationship Advisor in the world. The show offers work-life balance and relationship development strategies you can implement that help you navigate transitions in life while strengthening personal and professional relationships. Naketa and her incredibly potent guest focus on enhancing mental health and well-being without sacrificing boundaries, sustainable business growth practices, or relationship intimacy from the bedroom to the boardroom. The strategies shared in what feels like a mutual conversation with friends you trust will help you leave new multigenerational imprints and balance boldly.

Your Review Matters!

Listen & Leave a review on Apple Podcast: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-ApplePodcasts

Listen & Leave a review on Spotify: https://rebrand.ly/BalanceBoldly-Spotify

If you’re ready for intentional rest and relaxation strategies that support your mental health and increase productivity, WATCH our newest show, The Lazy Overachiever & JOIN the channel: YouTube