JAN/FEB 2026 RECAP
7 Figure Speaker Conference
Over the weekend, Dr. Maxine Cain invited me to the 7-Figure Speaker conference hosted by Jeremy Anderson, Eric Thomas, and Inky Johnson. I sat with thought leaders and professionals who are as passionate about speaking as I am.
Key takeaways I am carrying with me:
𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗵𝘆.
Clarity on your purpose drives everything. Without it, you are just talking.
𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲.
If you are speaking to everyone, you are reaching no one. Get specific about who you serve.
𝗦𝗼𝗹𝘃𝗲 𝗼𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝗺𝘀.
The speakers who build real businesses are not chasing stages. They are solving specific problems for specific people.
𝗕𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮 𝗺𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿, 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗮𝗸𝗲𝗿.
Eric Thomas said it best: "The mic reveals it, it does not create it." Become someone people want to listen to. Good is the enemy of great.
𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗱, 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁.
Inky Johnson reminded us that mastery is not an accident. It is built through intentional preparation.
𝗣𝗹𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗮 𝗯𝗲𝘁 𝗼𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂.
This one reinforced everything I have been building toward. No one else will bet on you until you bet on yourself first.
Grateful for the invitation and the reminder that growth happens when you put yourself in rooms that stretch you.
What room changed your trajectory this year?
hashtag#Leadershiphashtag#Speakinghashtag#Growthhashtag#BetOnYourself
Black Connect, Equinix's Employee Connection Network
Thank you, Equinix!
This Black History Month, I had the honor of speaking with Black Connect, Equinix's Employee Connection Network, for a wellness session titled "The Impact, Importance, and Inspiration of Mental Health."
As a kidney transplant recipient and survivor, I know what it means to fight for your health. I know what it feels like when your body is in a battle that most people cannot see. And I know the cost of not prioritizing yourself until it is almost too late.
My story is about physical health. But this conversation is bigger than that.
Health is not one-dimensional. It is physical. It is emotional. It is mental. And wellness drives all of it. If we are being honest, too many of us especially in the Black community have been taught to push through, stay strong, and put ourselves last.
That has to change.
Black History Month is a time to celebrate our legacy. But it is also an opportunity to invest in our future. Taking better care of ourselves is not a luxury. It is a responsibility. It is time to be BOLD!
A special thank you to executive sponsors Jonathan Lin (he/him) and Pamela Osborne for their bold and inclusive leadership, and to Black Connect co-leaders Israel Campbell (He/Him) and Wendell Davis for creating space for conversations like this. Not every organization prioritizes these discussions.
But they matter. They save lives.
To the Black Connect community: I am with you and supporting your individual health goals. TOGETHER, we WIN.
Prioritize your health. Advocate for yourself. No one else will do it for you.
hashtag#BlackHistoryMonth hashtag#MentalHealth hashtag#Wellness hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Equinix hashtag#KidneyStrong
AI in the Wild: Atlanta
AI is not the real success factor. Leadership is.Had an exciting conversation with Juanita Coley on AI in the Wild, a fireside chat where leaders come together to discuss what the future holds for AI and leadership.We talked about what actually drives AI success in organizations. And it is not the technology. It is the leaders who know how to manage people through change.My prediction: People management is about to move way up on the scorecard of what makes a great leader.The companies that win with AI will not be the ones with the best tools. They will be the ones with leaders who can bring their teams along, communicate clearly, and build trust during uncertainty.AI can automate tasks. It cannot lead people.Thank you Juanita Coley for creating a space where leaders can have real conversations about where this is all headed. Looking forward to what the future holds.hashtag#Leadership hashtag#AI hashtag#AIintheWild
44 & 3rd: L. Michelle Smith’s Book Event
I had the privilege of hosting and serving as emcee for The Call and Response book tour stop here in Atlanta.
The panel brought powerful insight and perspective.
D. Keith Pigues and Adrion Porter shared deeply on faith, purpose, speaking, and storytelling, while the phenomenal author L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPEC delivered a compelling discussion on the connection between the Black church and leadership. The conversation was thoughtful, energizing, and truly impactful.
We were also guided by the outstanding moderation of storied journalist Condace Pressley Pressley of WSB-TV, who led the dialogue with grace and presence.
Thank you to the Atlanta community for showing up and supporting this important conversation and book launch.
A special appreciation to 44th & 3rd Bookseller for hosting and for their incredible hospitality.
It was truly an honor to host this event with L. Michelle Smith, MS, ACC, CPEC
Events like this are reminders that leadership is not just built in boardrooms. It is shaped in community, in shared stories, and in purpose-driven conversations.
hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Storytelling hashtag#PurposeDrivenLeadership hashtag#CommunityLeadership hashtag#Atlanta
Georgia Titan 100
I've been named to the Georgia TITAN 100.The Titan 100 recognizes Georgia's Top 100 CEOs and C-level executives. Leaders who are driving growth, inspiring innovation, and creating lasting impact across industries and communities.Collectively, this year's honorees represent more than $91.7 billion in annual revenue and over 534,000 employees.I'm honored to be in that room.thank you to Terance Clement for the nomination. Looking forward to connecting with the other Titans at the awards ceremony in May at The Delta Flight Museum. The work continues.hashtag#Titan100 hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Georgia