📄 Episode Description In this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Ian Matthew Clayton, Vice President and Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. From immigrating to the U.S. at six years old to shaping talent strategies at top institutions, Ian’s journey is all about leading with purpose, owning your story, and building a career rooted in authenticity.

Ian shares insights on • Understanding yourself before launching your career • Why excellence matters more than doing everything • Turning culture and identity into career strengths • How coming out in the workplace changed everything for him • Using AI as a tool to sharpen, not replace, your voice • The importance of mentorship, boundaries, and being intentional

This episode is a must for young professionals navigating school, internships, and the early stages of career growth. Whether you’re figuring out what’s next or trying to grow without burning out, Ian’s story will give you clarity, encouragement, and strategy.

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, Samina Bari—biopharma leader, twin mom, and author of I Can, I Will & I Did—shares her incredible journey of defying cultural expectations, navigating personal trauma, and rising to the top of a male-dominated industry.

Samina opens up about what it really takes to build a life on your own terms: persistence, self-belief, and choosing to be fueled by love—not anger. From breaking barriers in leadership to transforming pain into purpose, her story is a blueprint for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances and create lasting impact.

This episode is a must-listen for young professionals ready to own their power, rewrite their narrative, and break limits—boldly and unapologetically.

Pick up a copy of Samina's book here: I Can, I Will, & I Did

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 – 5:30 | Introduction & Early Career Samina shares her background, growing up in a culturally traditional household, and the pivotal moments that sparked her drive.

5:30 – 15:00 | Breaking Cultural Expectations A deep dive into how she challenged family norms, found her voice, and pushed into spaces where she wasn’t always welcomed.

15:00 – 25:00 | Leadership & Resilience in Pharma Samina discusses her rise in the biopharma world, how she built credibility, and key lessons in leadership.

25:00 – 35:00 | Using Empathy & Power Effectively She explores the balance between empathy, negotiation, and standing her ground in high-stakes environments.

35:00 – 42:00 | The Power of Love & Healing Samina and the hosts reflect on her mindset shift—choosing to fuel her growth with love, not anger—and the ripple effects on her personal and professional life.

42:00 – 46:30 | Rapid Fire & Final Reflections Quick Q&A covering best/worst advice, her personal “why,” and closing words of encouragement for young professionals.

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Kishane Davis, a senior biotech leader and leadership coach, to explore his extraordinary career journey. 🌟

Kishane shares how he transitioned from a clinical occupational therapy background to a thriving career in pharmaceutical sales and leadership, fueled by resilience, mentorship, and a relentless drive to diversify his skill set. Raised in a Jamaican household where education, hard work, and entrepreneurship were core values, Kishane reflects on how those early lessons shaped his personal and professional growth.

Listeners will learn:

• The importance of embracing discomfort to unlock new opportunities

• Why building authentic relationships can change the trajectory of your career

• How mentorship and consistency helped him break into competitive industries

• Real-world strategies for navigating career transitions and standing out in today’s market

• How to create a personal brand rooted in confidence, integrity, and resilience

Kishane’s story is a masterclass in how young professionals of color can move from surviving to thriving, one bold step at a time. 🔥

🎧 Listen and subscribe:

• Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv

• Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194

• YouTube: youtube.com/@mvpoc9565

🌟 Learn more about MVP:

• Website: mvpoc.org

• Instagram: @mvpoc

• Facebook: facebook.com/mvpoc2020

• LinkedIn: Momentum and Value for People of Color (MVP)