Best Janessacoxirvin Podcasts (2024)

1
Overcoming Adversity: Michael Oher’s Life and Mission 17:02

1y ago17:02

17:02

The rumors are true: Super Bowl Champion and subject of the Oscar-winning film "The Blind Side," Michael Oher, wore the same white t-shirt to school every day of his 8th-grade year. Today, Michael's childhood spent overcoming the effects of extreme poverty and homelessness keeps his purpose clear. As Founder of The Oher Foundation, Michael's missio…

1
Why Impact Investing is a Critical Win-Win 38:36

1y ago38:36

38:36

Why are market failures an optimal use of capitalism to inspire innovation? Priya Parrish, partner and CIO of Impact Engine, a women-owned venture capital and private equity firm, joins James and Maci to discuss the importance of impact investing and the significance of the rewards society gains when solving for critical needs. Carlos Orantes, CEO …

1
Gregory Robinson’s Mastery of the Balance Between Science and Art 29:43

1y ago29:43

29:43

Sometimes it is rocket science. In 2018, decades into his 33-year career at NASA, Gregory Robinson was asked to lead the James Webb Space Telescope Program to get it over the goal line. Gregory's rise from sharecropper parents in Virginia to segregated schooling in the 1960s to becoming the Webb Space Telescope's program director and the 2022 Time …

1
A National Champion for Women Entrepreneurs 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

Natalie Madeira Cofield is a Fortune 500 Small Business Advisor, an award-winning entrepreneur, a women’s empowerment advocate, a philanthropist, and a national changemaker. In 2021, Natalie was appointed Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women’s Business Ownership, making history as the highest-ranking Black woman in the Biden-Harris Admin…

1
Waikinya Clanton’s Mississippi: The Land of Opportunity 34:22

1+ y ago34:22

34:22

“What are you really moving and shaking if you can’t move and shake for your own home?” Waikinya Clanton, Executive Director of Mississippi’s Southern Poverty Law Center, poses this as she discusses her move away from a national rise in politics in DC to her choice to return home to Mississippi and put her skillset to use there. Waikinya’s inspirin…

1
School is in Session with Professor Kezia Williams 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

Kezia Williams is an author, entrepreneur, and the CEO of The Black upStart—an organization that has trained nearly 500 Black entrepreneurs to become job creators and asset owners. How can we establish patterns of profit generation and wealth acquisition? Kezia’s culturally relevant Black wealth blueprint teaches how to break counterproductive fina…

1
Changing the Trajectory: Best of 2022 30:41

1+ y ago30:41

30:41

Today we're featuring our best of 2022 highlight reel! Listen for passionate takeaways and calls to action from the legendary "Olivia Pope of Silicon Valley," Jotaka Eaddy, and acclaimed CNN anchor Zain Asher. Brandon Andrews—entrepreneur and leader of a nationwide casting tour for Shark Tank—shares invaluable knowledge. And prepare for a Master (P…

1
Actively Black Is Not Just an Apparel Brand, It’s a Movement 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

“There’s nothing passive about it,” says trailblazing entrepreneur Lanny Smith of his premium athleisure brand, Actively Black. Since its inception in 2020, this mission-based brand has operated with the clear intention of reinvesting back into the Black community by advocating for social justice, health, and wellness from within. With the Obamas, …

1
Creating a Digital Empire for Good 19:19

1+ y ago19:19

19:19

Media mogul Anu Bhardwaj is reaching millions of women in emerging markets with her new app, Sheqonomi. Will digital wallets put 2 billion women on the board? Sheqonomi centers women in emerging markets as a platform designed for women globally to listen, learn and earn. A fierce founder and a global influencer, Anu is ensuring that women worldwide…

1
The Lower East Side Girls Club of NY: A "Dream Incubator” 30:55

2y ago30:55

30:55

“Who runs the world? Girls!” Beyonce knows it, and so does the Lower East Side Girls Club. Today James and Maci speak with co-executive director Ebonie Simpson about her disruptive non-profit connecting young women of color in New York City to bright futures. How? Through free, year-round, innovative programming and mentoring. The LESGC’s 40,000-sq…

1
In Our Communities: Activating a Local Shark Tank Effect 35:49

2y ago35:49

35:49

How can we create a Shark Tank effect within our local communities? Entrepreneur, investor, and leader of a nationwide casting tour for ABC's Shark Tank, Brandon Andrews, joins us with concrete answers. Brandon inspires people of color to believe in their ability to start and grow a business, have the capital and resources necessary to take their i…

1
Uniting to Support the Quest to Amplify Diverse Voices 36:27

2y ago36:27

36:27

How do we democratize who can support BIPOC plays and creatives? Venture capitalist and founder of Wocstar Fund and the Wocstar Foundation, Gayle Jennings O’Byrne, joins acclaimed producer and CEO of SimonSays Entertainment, Ron Simons, to discuss key answers. Learn how the Wocstar Foundation empowers everyday people to participate in and support t…

1
Percy Miller: A Master (P) Class in Legacy 24:29

2y ago24:29

24:29

This week on Changing the Trajectory we're sharing a conversation between our colleague, Adam Sansiveri, and the legendary Percy "Master P" Miller. Listen in as Percy Miller shares his incredible journey from the inception of No Limit Records, his rise to the top of the hip-hop scene in the '90s, playing for the NBA, and his current focus: promotin…

1
Zain Asher’s Lessons from a Quiet Hero 36:30

2y ago36:30

36:30

Popular CNN Anchor Zain Asher pays tribute to her mother’s incredible strength and determination to raise four successful children in the shadow of tragedy. From cutting the power cord of the TV to installing a payphone in the house, this Nigerian mother went to great lengths to ensure a better life for her children. Learn how it all paid off. Note…

1
Brewing Success: Sashee Chandran 30:58

2y ago30:58

30:58

How did a bath bomb profoundly inspire Sashee Chandran? As founder and CEO of Tea Drops, Sashee's organic, bagless, dissolvable, loose-leaf tea company has disrupted an age-old industry with its creativity, quality, and convenience. Listen as Sashee talks candidly about her experience of turning her passion into profit, starting and funding a ventu…

1
How Arlan Hamilton Is Changing the Ecosystem One "Yes" at a Time 24:42

2+ y ago24:42

24:42

Arlan Hamilton is unapologetic and known for forging her own path. In 2015, puzzling over the fact that 90% of venture deals go to white men, Arlan built Backstage Capital from the ground up. Her drive was simple: to create opportunities for those, like her, with real entrepreneurial ambitions, who are underrepresented. To date, Backstage Capital h…

1
Good Trouble with Jotaka Eaddy 41:00

2+ y ago41:00

41:00

Advocate. Connector. CEO. Talk show host. These words all describe Jotaka Eaddy, whose accomplishments include helping abolish the juvenile death penalty in America and a career with the NAACP before her bold and successful move into the tech industry. This Black History Month, we celebrate Jotaka and the many lessons she has to offer. For how Jota…

1
James Seth Thompson: Life and Doctrine in Concert 27:07

2+ y ago27:07

27:07

James Seth Thompson leverages his platform to help advance communities of color. Today, we’ll hear the whys behind this truth. Tune in as Maci Philitas, Changing the Trajectory’s new co-host, flips the script inviting James to dish about his passions, the evolution of the podcast, and what fuels James’s drive to have an impact in under-resourced co…

1
Changing the Trajectory: Best of 2021 31:45

2+ y ago31:45

31:45

As 2021 comes to a close, we are sharing our best of—a roundup of inspiring conversations and practical advice from the great minds we’ve featured this year. Thought-provoking segments with activist and survivor of police brutality Leon Ford, angel investor Lorine Pendelton, and Tanya Van Court, founder and CEO of Goalsetter, among others, include …

1
Black Star Fund’s Kwame Anku and His Revolutionary Vision 37:51

2+ y ago37:51

37:51

How do we protect and multiply the transformative strides occurring in Black wealth creation today? Kwame Anku has a clear vision. Today, the CEO and Chairman of the Black Star Fund—a $12 million early-stage innovation fund—joins James and his new co-host Maci Philitas for a robust discussion. Get in-depth analysis on vision, execution, and manifes…

1
Impact for Influence: Jrue and Lauren Holiday 30:29

2+ y ago30:29

30:29

He's an NBA All-Star; she's a two-time Olympic gold medalist and World Cup champion. But for Jrue and Lauren Holiday, their commitment to excellence transcends sports. Last year, they boldly pledged the remainder of Jrue's 2019-20 salary and created the JLH Impact Fund to support Black-owned businesses and Black-led nonprofits in communities closes…

1
How Guava Will Level the Playing Field 27:29

3y ago27:29

27:29

Did you know that 90% of Black small businesses are sole proprietors or only have one or two employees? Today, James speaks with Kelly Ifill, founder and CEO of Guava, a full-service digital bank working to become Black Americans' financial institution of choice. Guava works to serve Black small business owners and provide resources for their enter…

1
Just Say No to Isolation: The Evolution of The Gentlemen’s Factory 26:32

3y ago26:32

26:32

After a career in city government, Jeff Lindor wanted to use his skills to better serve his community. Resisting a soul-crushing rise through the ranks in isolation, he started The Gentlemen's Factory—a global community of Black and Brown professionals and entrepreneurs invested in each other's success. Learn about The Gentlemen's Factory's thrivin…

1
Getting Your Affairs in Order 32:30

3y ago32:30

32:30

"Where there's a will, there's a way." Well, not always. But, "If you fail to plan, you plan to fail” are words James and his guests today uphold. Tiffany McKenzie, Partner at Harrison & Held LLP, discusses why estate planning is a vital function of passing on generational wealth for minority groups and rectifying the racial wealth gap. She and Ber…

1
A Focus on Community Capital 32:03

3y ago32:03

32:03

Why is Atlanta, long known as a mecca for upward mobile African-Americans, number two in America in income inequality? And as home to the second-largest number of Black-owned businesses in the country, why are their employees often not counted in census data? Today on our show, Latresa McLawhorn Ryan of the Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative shares…

1
Nothing Is Stronger Than a Community Investing in Itself 37:22

3y ago37:22

37:22

At the intersection of HBCUs and venture capital lies HBCUvc—a nonprofit dedicated to bringing more Black and Brown investors into the venture capital ecosystem. Jaisa Minor, Head of Partnerships at HBCUvc, joins James in conversation today with HBCUvc benefactors Brantly Fulton, Lab Fund recipient and CEO of Lamar IoT, and Trea’jure Dahl, Spelman …

1
Empowering Economic Justice Through Financial Literacy 39:52

3y ago39:52

39:52

When Tanya Van Court’s 8-year-old daughter asked for a new bike and enough money to start an investment account for her 9th birthday, Tanya knew: “If I can get every child in Bed-Stuy and every child across America who looks like you to say that, I can change the world." James’s guests today work with passion and intention to solve for the wealth d…

1
Creating a Network Effect 32:53

3+ y ago32:53

32:53

Angel investor Lorine Pendleton once heard a quote that so shocked her, it changed the course of her career: "Only 1% of VC dollars go to African American founders." Today Lorine is Lead Partner in Rising America, a VC fund dedicated to investing in companies with underrepresented founders. Renee King cofounded Fund Black Founders after an entrepre…

1
This is Our Time: The Impact and Influence of HBCUs 44:59

3+ y ago44:59

44:59

What do Stacy Abrams, Kamala Harris, and Raphael Warnock have in common besides a penchant for politics? They are all graduates of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)! In honor of Black History Month, James and his guests Adrienne Lance Lucas, Ronald Mason, Waymond Jackson, and Rodney Trapp focus on HBCUs' importance as hubs of lea…

1
Legacy Through Tragedy with Leon Ford 43:23

3+ y ago43:23

43:23

What is a power broker for change? Leon Ford will teach you. During a traffic stop in 2012, Leon was racially profiled and shot five times by Pittsburgh police, resulting in losing his ability to walk. James speaks with Leon and AB Financial Advisor Richard Murray about perseverance, community building, and Leon's journey to financial literacy on t…

1
The Best of Changing the Trajectory 25:41

3+ y ago25:41

25:41

Fresh perspectives. Important discussions. Insightful conversations with inspiring thought-leaders and change agents. 2020 has been memorable in more ways than one. Today James shares some of his favorite moments from Changing the Trajectory’s inaugural year, featuring highlights from conversations that educate, inspire, and empower thought and act…

1
Karen Hunter and Social Impact: "All Hands on Deck" 36:39

3+ y ago36:39

36:39

What do economic and community development, healthcare, and education all have in common? Hint: for under-resourced communities, the answer isn't equity. Want to help bridge the gaps but don't know how? Today, James speaks with trailblazer Karen Hunter—host of Sirius XM's "The Karen Hunter Show"—and Eric Glass, Senior Portfolio Manager of Muni-Impa…

1
Black in Corporate America: When Ambition and Talent is Still Not Enough 30:57

3+ y ago30:57

30:57

What are the realities of being Black in corporate America? Statistics show that structural racism persists, and Black professionals systematically experience bias, barriers to advancement, and a glaring lack of visibility in the workplace. James Seth Thompson, in conversation with Lanaya Irvin, President of the global think tank Coqual, and David …

1
Building Family Legacy Through Entrepreneurship 38:09

4y ago38:09

38:09

Creating a profitable brand is a way to leave a legacy for our families and build generational wealth for our children's children. Vanessa Braxton, CEO and Founder of Black Momma Vodka and Tea, is the first female African-American distiller and operator of a multi-million-dollar nationally distributed vodka brand. In conversation with James Seth Th…

1
All Money Is Power 29:09

4y ago29:09

29:09

African Americans are 48 million strong in the United States. But what does the data reveal about Black consumer impact on U.S. economics and culture? Crisis manager Drew McCaskill gets us up to speed, empowering African Americans to understand just how powerful and influential they are. For a crash course into conscious consumerism and the three e…

1
Black Influence in Entertainment: Malik Vitthal on Working in Service to Your Community 31:20

4y ago31:20

31:20

Get ready for some audio whiplash! James Seth Thompson and acclaimed filmmaker, Malik Vitthal, director of the newly released film, “Body Cam,” engage in a refreshingly candid discussion that ends nowhere near where it begins. Listen as Malik shares his dedication to driving meaningful messages through film and working in service to his community. …

1
Bridging the Divide between Economic Opportunity and Economic Outcomes 26:20

4y ago26:20

26:20

A wide and persistent racial wealth gap exists in America. But knowing this hard truth is not enough. How can we work towards financial inclusion for Black Americans and bridge the divide between economic opportunity and economic outcomes? James Seth Thompson and guests Aria Florant and Shelley Stewart from McKinsey & Company hone in on ways to clo…

1
Black Lives, Black Health, Black Livelihoods, Black Wealth 37:18

4y ago37:18

37:18

With the advent of Covid-19, a severe health and wealth crisis is at play for black Americans. James Seth Thompson speaks with McKinsey & Company’s Aria Florant and Shelley Stewart as they break down their extensive Covid-19 research and make the case for investing in black lives and black livelihoods now more than ever. How can we use this moment …

1
Keeping Your Money Close While Lending a Hand During a Crisis 16:16

4y ago16:16

16:16

Historically marginalized black and brown communities and individuals have been those hardest hit by the Covid-19 crisis. During these unprecedented times, there is a need to mobilize now for those in our lives and communities who are most vulnerable. Do you want to help but aren’t sure where to begin? Join James Seth Thompson and colleague Tara Th…

1
I Look Like an Investor: Redefining the face of Investing, Influence and Impact 36:29

4+ y ago36:29

36:29

During this unsettling time of the Covid-19 crisis, an entrepreneur community is one we must preserve to make America work. Through efforts like ‘I Look Like an Investor,’ black female investors are throwing their names in the ring and making their value and potential known—all while lifting each other up and creating opportunities for black women …

1
Get Your PHD and Bridge the Wealth Gap with Shawn D. Rochester 31:19

4+ y ago31:19

31:19

How can African-Americans increase wealth accumulation and fill the gap of 6 million jobs, 1.4 million businesses missing in the black community and trillions of dollars of net wealth? Shawn D. Rochester, author of The Black Tax, is back in conversation with James Seth Thompson to offer solutions. Thompson and Rochester address a necessary paradigm…

1
A History of Anti-Black Bias in America and the Financial Impact of the Black Tax with Shawn D. Rochester 27:19

4+ y ago27:19

27:19

James Seth Thompson talks with guest Shawn D. Rochester, author of The Black Tax: The Cost of Being Black in America, about the financial cost of the history of discrimination against Black people in America from emancipation to present day. Thompson and Rochester discuss how over forty million African-Americans own just 2% of America’s wealth and …

1
Courageous Conversations Part 2 25:11

4+ y ago25:11

25:11

We continue our conversation with Audra Bohannon, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry in Boston, and Janessa Cox-Irvin, Global Head of Diversity & Inclusion at AB. In Part 2 we dive deeper into the ‘why’ behind our work. | Note to All Readers: The information contained here reflects the views of AllianceBernstein L.P. or its affiliates and sources …

1
Courageous Conversations Part 1 25:33

4+ y ago25:33

25:33

We all play a vital role in how we build diverse and inclusive workspaces, marketplaces and communities. A diverse and inclusive mindset is a central element to how we should approach everything we do. But how does a focus and an appreciation of cultures and values help drive meaningful and intentional acts of change and pursuit? In this initial tw…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Janessacoxirvin Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide