Creating Your Unlimited Journey Michelle Glover

In this episode, Michelle talks to Milton Little, who strives to create something positive by improving the lives of children and families across Greater Atlanta. Milton emphasizes that the key to successful friend raising is recognizing each individual's capacity for meaningful contribution and empowering them to join your mission. He believes social issues are best addressed if we come together, leveraging our collective skills and experiences, as opposed solely relying on fundraising efforts.

Milton was the first African-American president and CEO of United Way of Greater Atlanta in July 2007. Before joining United Way, he has served as the Chief Operating Officer and interim President and CEO of the National Urban League. Prior to joining the League, he has had a career in corporate philanthropy at AT&T and Lucent Technologies and served as the President for Field Operations for MDRC.

He provides invaluable insights into how to excel as a trailblazer, leading the way for others to follow. Through his advice, minority executives can gain vital knowledge on overcoming challenges and conquering perceptions when becoming the first of their kind in senior leadership roles. To empower communities and better societal outcomes, we must explore how to utilize public policy strategies that support social justice initiatives. By enhancing economic opportunities for all citizens, we can build a more equitable society where everyone has the chance to thrive.

In this episode, Michelle talks to Stephanie Cantillo, who highlights key transferable skills that are helpful for those wanting to get into HR: communication, people skills, being open to learning new things, and being organized. Stephanie shares how she transitioned from the Performing Arts into Human Resources and speaks of her love for people, which has always been a grounding factor in her success. She also talks about the importance of networking and building relationships within your community. She explains why she decided to pivot into leadership development and how it has allowed her to use her skills and experience to support others in their professional journey.

Over the past seven years Stephanie served in a variety of volunteer leadership roles for SHRM-Atlanta including: EVP of Special Programs, New Member Orientation, and North Perimeter RDC Chair. She loves the SHRM-Atlanta community and and received the chapter’s Exemplary Volunteer Award in 2018, 2020, and 2021. Stephanie is a collaborative and solutions-focused HR leader with 16 years of experience in Hospitality, Education, and the Non-Profit sector.

With a strong background in Operational Excellence, she is recognized for her ability to streamline and improve processes while driving positive organizational change. In her most recent role as CHRO at Pace Academy, she provided leadership in developing and executing human resource strategy that supported a progressive K-12 independent school with approximately 300 full and part-time employees. She spent much of her time focusing on issues of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within her school communities. In early July, Stephanie started a new role as a consultant working with a firm that focuses on compensation and helping organizations with total rewards.

In this episode Michelle is joined by Dr. Shelton Goode. Dr. Goode talks about how being an expert in your field takes years of training, education, and experience. But once you've reached that level of expertise, it's important to learn how to share your knowledge with others.

Dr. Shelton Goode is the president and chief executive officer of Icarus Consulting. This veteran-owned consulting firm specializes in helping organizations create a culture that leverages diversity and inclusion for competitive advantage. Icarus Consulting accomplishes this by developing strategies that enable their clients to attract, develop, and retain highly skilled talent from an emerging diverse workforce and, at the same time, enhance the engagement,knowledge,and skill of current employees. Forbes has recognized Dr. Goode as one of the “Top 10 D&I Trailblazers” in the country.

Dr. Goode is a graduate of the prestigious Diversity Leadership Academy. He was certified as a senior diversity practitioner by the American Institute for Managing Diversity. He received his bachelor’s degree from Southwest Texas State University (now Texas State University) and his master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Troy University. He obtained his Doctorate in Public Administration from the University of Alabama. Dr. Shelton Goode lives and works in the Atlanta area.

In this episode of the podcast, Michelle is joined by Dr. Aisha Wright-Burke. Dr. Wright-Burke is a career coach and she shares her thoughts about Grow in Your Purpose. She begins by discussing the importance of having a clear career purpose. Without a purpose, it can be difficult to find fulfillment in work and to make the most of opportunities. However, she also emphasizes that career purpose is not static; it can grow and change over time as our interests and priorities evolve. Ultimately, the goal is to find a career that aligns with our values and brings us joy. By taking the time to reflect on our career purpose, we can set ourselves up for a lifetime of fulfillment and satisfaction.

Dr. Wright-Burke joined ADP in November 2009. Currently, she leads the thought leadership, strategy and execution of talent planning, succession, and movement globally. Previously, as a valued and esteemed member of the field HR organization, she was instrumental on several HR strategic teams related to the learning trajectory of the global HR organization, deployment of ADP’s strengths-based approach, Career Growth & Development and a host of integrative initiatives to drive and influence engagement, talent movement and acceleration within key businesses. Prior to ADP, Dr. Wright-Burke held multiple roles nationally and internationally with Siemens, Inc., a global engineering, and technology company, where she spearheaded key talent and diversity initiatives. She has over 20 years' experience in field HR, talent acceleration, diversity, early career leadership programs, compensation, and talent acquisition.

In this episode, Michelle is joined by Kim Gosk, Vice President of Human Resources. Kim talks about the importance of understanding the difference between the work you can do and doing the work you love. She also discusses how to identify your energy drainers and energy lifters and shares tips on finding meaning and purpose in your work. This episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired to find your spark at work!
Kim Gosk is a passionate leader focused on developing and enabling organizations to reach their full potential in the marketplace via a clear strategy and talent to execute. Kim truly believes that the mind and body are connected.  A holistic approach to mind and body and nurturing them both will enable leaders to make the most significant impact on others.  Helping teams combine passion and purpose is where she thrives personally and professionally.  
Kim is a mother, wife, sister, and friend.  She has five children through her blended family and feels blessed every day to have all of them in her life.   Kim enjoys spending time with her family and traveling to explore and learn about new places and cultures.  Waking up and being grateful each day that we are here and making an impact by enabling others is what makes her heart sing.
Kim has 25 + years of industry experience supporting a variety of markets through various business and human resources positions.  Currently, Kim is the Vice President of Human Resources for Global Functions, Organizational Design, and Change Management for Otis Worldwide. Kim joined Otis in June of 2019 after spending almost 20 years with Siemens in various positions and business lines.  Kim prides herself in being a lifelong learner with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Public Affairs and multiple professional certifications over the years.  However, she would tell you that real learning comes from the everyday lessons in life, should you choose to be a student.
Episode Highlights
06:02 - One of the things that I find joy in doing at work is helping people find that spark, and figure out how to do the things that they naturally have.
12:21 - When you are so tired that you can`t have anything igniting, you`ll know that. But when you find it (your spark) and recognize it, write it down.
21:03 - I always knew when I went to bed at night, I went to bed grateful regardless of what day I had, and I knew that there was something much bigger than me. Faith is something important to me.
30:32 - Think about what it is that you want to get from that mentorship and, to your point, not always at the highest level or the senior level. Think about what it is that you want to get.
Episode Takeaways:
It is essential to find your spark and apply your natural gifts and talents to work.
 Understand the difference between work you can do vs. doing the work you love.  There are many tasks that you can do.  But the question is, do you love it?  Find what you love and do that. Learn your Energy Drainers vs. Energy Lifters.  Ignorance can be bliss.  What projects/processes can you look at with fresh eyes?  How can you incorporate a fresh perspective to your current work? Mentorship is not a one-way street.  When selecting a mentor, ask yourself- what you want to get from the relationship and what you want to give.Search for the good and the light, and you’ll find it.  
 
#bebrave
#beyou

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Life is a journey, and work is a part of that journey. It can be easy to get caught up in the day-to-day grind and forget about the larger picture. However, it's important to remember that work is only one aspect of life. There is so much more to experience, and the goal should be to find balance between work and the rest of your life. Trusting the purpose process means taking the time to connect with your true purpose and aligning your work with that purpose. It's not about working hard for the sake of working hard. Instead, it's about finding meaning in what you do and using your work as a means to achieve your larger goals. When you trust the purpose process, you open yourself up to a world of possibilities. Life becomes more than just a series of deadlines and obligations. Instead, it becomes an exciting adventure. So trust the process and let it take you where you're meant to go.

Dr. Howard Grant is the senior vice president of Governmental External Affairs, and Human Development for Atlanta Housing, he manages local partnerships and relationships with governmental and other local stakeholders around affordable Housing and Community Development. He served as the executive director of the Atlanta Board of Education. Also a scholar, practitioner in the field of Urban Policy, Governmental Affairs, Environmental Justice and Board Governments.