Seen and Heard with Carlisa – Season 2, Episode 1

Episode Title:

Episode Summary: In this powerful season premiere, Carlisa dives into the recent rollback of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives at Target and the broader implications for Black and Brown communities. She explores why this decision stings more than others, drawing parallels to personal experiences of exclusion and betrayal. With a critical lens, she discusses the gaslighting of marginalized communities, the performative nature of corporate DEI efforts, and the deeper systemic issues at play.

Carlisa also highlights the Black and Brown-owned brands impacted by this decision. She also brings in key research from a 2024 Yahoo Finance study, which found that over 76% of Chief Diversity Officers were White, while just under 4% were Black, underscoring the challenges of genuine corporate commitment to diversity.

Through her signature blend of personal storytelling and sharp analysis, Carlisa challenges listeners to think critically about where they spend their dollars, how corporations manipulate consumer trust, and what true accountability looks like.

Key Takeaways:

• Target’s rollback of DEI initiatives signals a deeper betrayal for Black and Brown communities who once felt seen and prioritized.

• The company leveraged Black-owned brands and designers to gain our trust and dollars, only to backtrack when it became inconvenient.

• Corporate DEI efforts are often performative, as evidenced by the 2024 Yahoo Finance study showing the overwhelming whiteness of DEI leadership.

• Consumers hold power in deciding where to spend their money and can choose to support Black-owned businesses directly.

• This moment serves as a reminder that true allyship requires consistency, not just convenience.

Listener Engagement: Carlisa invites listeners to reflect and share their thoughts:

• How do you feel about Target’s decision?

• What steps are you taking moving forward in your purchasing habits?

• Have you experienced similar betrayals in other spaces where you once felt included?

Join the conversation on Threads at @CarlisaNeal and let’s discuss.

Call to Action: If this episode resonated with you, be sure to share it with your community, leave a review, and subscribe for future episodes where we continue to have these real and necessary conversations.

Episode Description
In this deeply personal solo episode of Seen and Heard with Carlisa, I open up about the journey of surrender and what it means to let go of control, expectations, and the narrative we sometimes create about ourselves. Through sharing my struggles with motherhood, loss, and embracing the unknown, we explore what it looks like to release and let life unfold as it’s meant to.

Together, we’ll chat about my journey from struggle to surrender, the power of shedding old narratives, and the beauty of sharing our stories. If you’re navigating a season of letting go, finding your truth, or simply seeking to feel seen and heard, this episode is for you.

Why You Should Listen
If you've ever held on too tightly to an outcome or felt weighed down by expectations (yours or others’), tune in for an honest conversation about finding freedom and faith in surrender. This episode will speak to anyone who’s been through loss, who’s found themselves questioning their path, or who’s searching for a way to move forward with peace and purpose.

What You Will Learn

• How surrender can be a pathway to self-discovery and healing
• The importance of recognizing and honoring personal journeys, from loss to resilience
• Ways to let go of narratives that don’t serve us and embrace a life of faith and trust

Join the Conversation
Stay connected on Instagram and Threads: @CarlisaNeal and @SeenAndHeardWithCarlisaPodcast. For updates, inspiration, and exclusive content, visit CarlisaG.com. Remember, your story matters, your voice is powerful, and your life is boundless. Keep living freely and unapologetically.

In this powerful solo episode of Seen and Heard with Carlisa, we dive deep into the experience of being a woman with vision, the weight it can carry, and how to embrace your unique gift of discernment. Carlisa shares her personal journey of navigating relationships, setting boundaries, and learning to trust her intuition, all while offering real talk on how to handle situations when others may call you names or question your intentions.

Why You Should Listen: If you've ever been told you're "too much" for speaking the truth, or felt the burden of seeing people's struggles before they do, this episode is for you. Carlisa offers support and insights for women of vision who want to protect their peace while still showing up for others in a way that’s empowering.

What You Will Learn:

• How to navigate the gift of discernment without losing yourself
• The importance of setting boundaries and protecting your peace
• Shifting from telling people what to do to empowering them with questions
• The power of embracing the truth, even when it hurts
• How to let go of the "struggle bus" and reclaim your life

Stay connected with Carlisa on Instagram and Threads: @CarlisaNeal
Visit Carlisa's website for more episodes and exclusive content: www.carlisag.com

Don't forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear it!

Show Description:

In this week’s episode of Seen and Heard with Carlisa, Chandra M. shares her journey from journalism to marketing, using writing as a therapeutic outlet, and overcoming family trauma. Chandra discusses the significance of following her passion, navigating corporate spaces as a Black woman, and the power of authenticity in entrepreneurship. She also opens up about her relationship with money, the impact of family dynamics, and reclaiming her story through her published work.

Chandra's story is an inspiring reminder that resilience is not just about surviving difficulties but learning to evolve through them. Tune in to hear how she's changing her money story, embracing her truth, and redefining success on her terms.

Why you should listen:

• To hear firsthand insights from Chandra M., a marketing strategist and published author who’s transforming lives through transparency and storytelling.
• If you're navigating your own money story or seeking clarity in your personal growth journey, this episode is filled with practical advice and heartfelt experiences.
• Gain a fresh perspective on reclaiming your voice, overcoming self-sabotage, and thriving despite family trauma.

What you will learn:

• The therapeutic power of writing and how it can be used to process and heal trauma.
• Strategies for honoring your truth and embracing authenticity in your career and personal life.
• The importance of facing family dynamics and how they shape your personal growth.
• Practical steps for reshaping your money mindset and changing your financial story.
• The role of resilience and surrender in navigating life's challenges and unexpected turns.

Connect with Carlisa:

• Website: ⁠CarlisaG.com⁠
• Instagram & Threads: ⁠@CarlisaNeal⁠
• Podcast Instagram & Threads: ⁠@SeenAndHeardWithCarlisaPodcast⁠

Connect with Chandra:

• Website: hellochandra.co
• Instagram & Threads: @IamTheCreativeJuice

Listen now and join a community of Black women living boundless lives.

Show Description:

In this transformative episode of "Seen and Heard with Carlisa," we dive deep with LaDawn Townsend, a master of strategic storytelling for leaders. As someone who understands the complexities of anxiety and the importance of authenticity, LaDawn shares her insights on aligning with one's true identity to foster personal and professional growth. This discussion illuminates how shedding your metaphorical suit can lead to genuine self-expression and leadership that resonates deeply within corporate cultures.

Why You Should Listen:

Tune in to discover how authenticity isn't just a personal trait but a powerful leadership strategy. LaDawn Townsend lights the path for leaders to connect more deeply with their roles and the people they guide. This episode is a must-listen for anyone aiming to enhance their influence and effectiveness in any leadership capacity by embracing authenticity and strategic communication.

What You Will Learn:

• How to recognize and address anxiety in its subtle forms.
• The significance of true identity in personal resilience and leadership.
• Techniques for fostering clear and impactful communication.
• Strategies for building supportive systems and empowering relationships.
• The importance of authenticity in personal and professional settings.

Connect with Carlisa:

• Carlisa: Instagram and Threads - @carlisaneal

• Seen and Heard with Carlisa Podcast: Instagram - @seenandheardwithcarlisapodcast

• Website: CarlisaG.com

Connect with LaDawn:

• www.ladawntownsend.com
• https://www.linkedin.com/in/ladawntownsend/
• https://www.instagram.com/ladawntownsend/
• https://x.com/ladawntownsend
• https://www.facebook.com/ladawntownsendkeynotespeaker/
• https://www.youtube.com/@ladawntownsendshedthesuit

This episode is filled with invaluable insights for those ready to step into their power through authenticity and strategic leadership. Don’t miss out on this compelling conversation that’s bound to change the way you view leadership and personal development.

On this episode of "Seen and Heard with Carlisa," Carlisa has an engaging conversation with Ruby Brewer-Watkins, a passionate entrepreneur and creative force behind RBW Stationary and Events LLC. This episode dives into Ruby’s journey of balancing her health and business amidst a breast cancer diagnosis, highlighting her resilience and commitment to creativity as a therapeutic outlet. Listen as they explore the importance of building a supportive network, the therapeutic power of creativity, and the strategies for laying a strong foundation in both life and business.

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain Insights on Surrender and Resilience: Understand how Ruby navigates the challenges of running a business while battling breast cancer.

• Learn About the Power of Creativity: Discover how creativity serves as a vital outlet during tough times.

• Building Support Systems: Learn the significance of creating strong personal and professional networks for overcoming life’s hurdles.

What You Will Learn:

• Strategies for balancing health and entrepreneurial endeavors.

• The role of creativity in maintaining positivity and mental health.

• How to build and leverage a support system in both personal and professional contexts.

• The importance of being true to oneself and celebrating every life milestone.

  
  

  Connect with Carlisa and Hazel:

  • Carlisa Neal: Instagram and Threads - @carlisaneal

  • Seen and Heard with Carlisa Podcast: Instagram - @seenandheardwithcarlisapodcast

  • Website: CarlisaG.com

  Connect with Ruby:

  • Website: https://www.rubybrewerwatkins.com/
  • FB: https://www.facebook.com/rubybwatkins
  • IG: https://www.instagram.com/rubybwatkins/

• This episode offers a compelling look at overcoming adversity with grace and determination, making it a must-listen for anyone facing their own battles or interested in the intersection of health and entrepreneurship.
  

  
  

Episode Description: Join your host, Carlisa Neal, as she welcomes Hazel Walker, a licensed marriage and family therapist specializing in postpartum support and couples therapy. This episode delves into the nuanced experiences of motherhood, identity rediscovery, and the dynamic of couples navigating parenthood. Hazel shares invaluable insights from her professional and personal journeys, offering strategies for mental and emotional well-being, effective communication, and relationship enhancement.

Why You Should Listen:

• Gain insights into navigating postpartum challenges and relationship dynamics in parenthood.

• Learn practical tools for mental and emotional well-being that Hazel uses in her workshops.

• Discover Hazel’s team framework for improving communication and collaboration between partners.

What You Will Learn:

• Strategies for new parents on maintaining their relationship quality during the transformative postpartum period.

• Techniques for managing personal and mutual expectations within a family setting.

• The importance of identity rediscovery and self-care for mothers.

Connect with Carlisa:

• Carlisa Neal: Instagram and Threads - @carlisaneal

• Seen and Heard with Carlisa Podcast: Instagram - @seenandheardwithcarlisapodcast

• Website: CarlisaG.com

Connect with Hazel:

• Hazel Walker, LMFT: Instagram - @itsapparentlytime

• Website: www.itsapparentlytime.com

🎧 Tune in to be inspired, to learn, and to witness the power of open dialogue and shared wisdom. Every story shared is a step towards a more empowered and understanding community.

Show Description:

Join us on "Seen and Heard with Carlisa," where we delve deep into the inspiring journey of Toni Brown, a visionary who transitioned from a corporate career to founding her own branding agency, Sky Media Group. Discover how Toni leverages over 15 years of legal and creative expertise to empower Black women through strategic personal branding. In this episode, Toni shares the nuances of embracing one's true self and the transformative power of personal branding in business and life.

Why You Should Listen:

• Learn how to transition your corporate skills into a thriving entrepreneurial venture.

• Gain insights into overcoming the fear of showing your authentic self in your professional and personal life.

• Discover practical tips on personal branding and how it can elevate your presence in any industry.

• Be inspired by Toni's journey and her approach to empowering Black women to own their narratives and business strategies.

• Strategies for effective personal branding.

• How to navigate and embrace the shift from corporate roles to full-time entrepreneurship.

• The importance of authenticity in professional growth and branding.

What You'll Learn

• Strategies for effective personal branding.
• How to navigate and embrace the shift from corporate roles to full-time entrepreneurship.
• The importance of authenticity in professional growth and branding.

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Connect with Carlisa:

• Explore Carlisa's high-end photography and more empowering stories on her website: CarlisaG.com.

• Follow Carlisa on Instagram for updates and inspiration: carlisaneal and seenandheardwithcarlisapodcast.

Connect with Toni:

• Toni Brown: www.brandcoachtoni.com — Learn more about personal branding services.

• Skye Media Group: www.skyemediagroup.com — Discover services for nonprofits and women leaders.

• https://www.instagram.com/brandcoachtoni

• https://www.instagram.com/skyemediagroup

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mstonisbrown/

  
  

  This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to step into their power, redefine their professional image, and live authentically. Tune in, be inspired, and remember, your story matters, and your voice is powerful!