Dear BLK CEO  By  cover art

Dear BLK CEO

By: Karl Sona
  • Summary

  • “If you’re feeling handcuffed by the old perception of success and working hard to fit in at your corporate job in order to maintain a sense of security, and barely making 6 figures after tax with not much to show for your work, then you’re in the right place. Welcome to the Dear BLK CEO Podcast! It's the only show committed to helping you re-define yourself by your gift instead of your job title, so you can can create ownership and time freedom on your own terms. Listen in on conversations with successful black executives, entrepreneurs, and founders every week as we de-construct their best strategies for successfully breaking the handcuffs of a corporate job, and transitioning to running a business of their dreams. So get ready to ditch the pressure of trying to fit into a mold of what it means to be successful, and step into using your gift un-apologetically with your Host, Karl Sona”
    Karl Sona
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Episodes
  • Season Finale: Building Bridges Between the Corporate World and Minority-Owned Businesses
    Mar 25 2022

    It feels like yesterday that the idea for this podcast came to me. I was still in my corporate job and met with the decision of whether or not to go down the entrepreneurial route. Ultimately, I chose to go solo, and I haven’t looked back. In this season finale, I want to reflect on the journey so far and how minority-owned businesses can build and maintain a competitive edge in the market. I’ll also talk about the show's future and how we’ll be shifting gears to get more focussed on creating bridges to fuel growth.

    Let’s dive in and start thinking about the bridges we need to build between corporations and minority-owned businesses to drive more equity and better results for everyone.



    Key Highlights:

    • You can take those corporate skills into the marketplace as an entrepreneur.
    • What do you do when the corporate cycle fails you? You need to ask yourself if the money is worth your time and freedom.
    • This show will be refocused on helping minority entrepreneurs navigate the ins and outs of the corporate process.
    • Season two of the talk show will focus on connecting minority-owned businesses to corporations and vice versa to create growth opportunities.
    • There is a need to connect minority-owned businesses to corporations and vice versa to create opportunities for growth.

    Tweetable Quotes:

    "We cannot remain a competitive power if we do not engage and do business with one another.” - Karl Sona

    “We’re going to look to create a bridge between both [the corporate world and minority-owned businesses] so that we can really see more inclusive and more equitable decisions.” - Karl Sona

    Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!

    LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

    Let’s connect! You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

    You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

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    22 mins
  • How to Overcome Corporate Conditioning and Plan for Success (Solo Episode)
    Mar 22 2022

    Entrepreneurship is about moving; it's about taking that risk. Let’s continue with our topic about leaving the corporate job to get into the ownership space. It can be done when you understand there is a definite learning curve and that you need to plan for it. In this episode, I talk about breaking the corporate thought process so you can strategize your entrepreneurial journey without the mental barriers, all while bringing your learned skills along with you.

    To those who aspire to be successful, jump in, and let’s talk about how to overcome corporate conditioning.

    Key Highlights:

    • Corporate conditioning can be a challenge to overcome when starting a business
    • Transitioning from corporate to entrepreneurship can’t be done without good planning
    • Having cross-functional skill sets is essential for entrepreneurs to carry into business
    • Time blocking can help entrepreneurs stay organized and focused
    • It is important to stay positive and have a clear vision of why you’re starting a business

    Tweetable Quotes:

    “You are not expendable.” - Karl Sona

    “There's a definite learning curve. There's some planning at that point that you should definitely take into consideration that can definitely help your transition from corporate to entrepreneurship.” - Karl Sona

    "When you quit your corporate job, have you put together a business plan? This is something that I think all too often we skip because it's not sexy." - Karl Sona

    Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!

    LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

    Let’s connect! You can find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

    You don’t have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

    Show more Show less
    39 mins
  • 10 Questions Everyone Needs to Answer Before Becoming an Entrepreneur
    Mar 12 2022

    Are you burned out or just generally unhappy with your workplace? It's time to start finding some significance and meaning in your work! We're going to continue talking about leaving your corporate job and how to take the leap of faith in a way that will help you find success. In this episode, I break down 10 specific questions to ask yourself or to think about to determine whether or not you are ready to leave the job. Today is all about digging deep and answering the deeper questions we may have been avoiding.

    Dive in, and let's unpack the 10 questions everyone needs to answer before becoming an entrepreneur.

    Key Highlights:



    • You should only quit your job if you have a solid plan in place for what comes next.
    • Figure out your north star
    • Don't be afraid of the risks associated with leaving your job, but be realistic about the potential rewards.
    • Make sure you're taking care of yourself physically and mentally before making any major changes.
    • Consider all of your financial needs and obligations before making a decision.
    • Seek out guidance from professionals or those who have been through a similar situation before making major changes.
    • Leaving your job is not for everyone; some people can do their job and build their business.

    Tweetable Quotes:



    "What is 'north star' for you...? For me, my goal has always been to run my own company." - Karl Sona

    "Entrepreneurship, this idea of building a brand within an organization that allows you, the flexibility to do so is a very valuable way to feel and to connect with a level of significance and purpose." - Karl Sona

    "It's pretty difficult to leave a high, mid-six-figure paying job and expect to make that your first year in entrepreneurship... I think that the way to overcome the dark days is not to be afraid of them." - Karl Sona



    Sign Up for the Dear BLK CEO Executive Board Room Meeting!

    LEAVE A RATING AND REVIEW on Itunes and subscribe to get first access to every inspirational story shared on the show and share with friends and family.

    Let's connect! Find me on LinkedIn, Instagram, or check out my website http://karlsona.com/. And The Kas Company to find out more about my coaching program.

    You don't have to be anyone other than who you are to be a world-class CEO!

    Show more Show less
    23 mins

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