Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford

062 | Rediscovering Yourself: Identity Beyond Motherhood with Dr. Phoebe Ajayi

You’re praised for the baby.But not asked about your body.You’re celebrated for becoming a mother.But rarely supported as you grieve the version of you that no one else seemed to notice disappeared.
This episode is for every Black woman who gave birth and then wondered where she went.
In this featured National Black Girl Month™ 2025 conversation, Dr. Phoebe Ajayi—a physician, maternal health advocate, and author of After Birth: Postpartum Recovery of the Body and Mind—joins us to name the invisible weight of postpartum identity loss. From her clinical roots in Nigeria to practicing medicine in the UK, Dr. Ajayi weaves personal story and global insight into a rare reflection on what happens after the delivery room.
She doesn’t just ask what care we deserve. She asks what care we’ve never been taught to expect.
She shares:
Pelvic floor dysfunction, identity shifts, and global disparities in postpartum care
Cultural traditions that hold us (like Nigeria’s omugwo) and Western systems that often don’t
How to protect your identity after birth—and why that work is still yours, even years later
Boundaries, grief, and the quiet work of nourishing yourself after motherhood begins
This isn’t about going back to who you were. It’s about meeting who you’ve become—with more language, more grace, and more support than you were ever offered before.
*This is a special National Black Girl Month™ feature by Dr. Phoebe Ajayi originally airing on www.youtube.com/@nationalblackgirlmonth 
Access the free toolkit at NationalBlackGirlMonth.comConnect with Dr. Ajayi at phoebeajayi.comConnect with Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown at www.instagram.com/dr.rikeshaConnect with Felicia Ford at www.threads.net/@friendscallmefeJoin Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.comMore about Dr. Ajayi:Dr Phoebe Ajayi is an NHS GP with experience across numerous specialities, here in the UK and her home country, Nigeria. She took a professional interest in postpartum rehabilitation and maternal health after a difficult first pregnancy and labour experience in 2017. Her desire is that all women are well supported during and after pregnancy. She achieves this by educating healthcare professionals and the public, influencing policy, and consulting with companies who have the same goal. For her work in this area, she received an award from the Royal College of General Practitioners. She is a published author; her book "After Birth: Postpartum Recovery of the Body and Mind" is available on Amazon and at all major book distributors. Outside of work, Phoebe enjoys crocheting, exercise and a good novel.

061 | Superwoman Syndrome: The Cost of Being Everything to Everyone w/ Dr. Venessa Perry

Why are Black women still expected to carry everything without complaint?
They keep telling Black women to be strong, to push through, to hold it all together. But what they never address is the damage that message leaves behind—mentally, physically, emotionally. The burnout, the silence, the pressure to succeed at the expense of our well-being.
If you've ever felt like you're doing everything right and still paying too high a price, you're not imagining it. You're navigating systems that were never designed with your safety in mind.
In this special National Black Girl Month™ episode, you're invited into a powerful conversation with Dr. Vanessa Perry, global thought leader, psychologist, and CEO of The Perry Group. Alongside Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown, we explore what Superwoman Syndrome actually costs Black women—and how to stop carrying what was never ours to begin with.
This episode answers the unspoken questions so many Black women ask themselves:
Why do I feel like success is wearing me down?
Is it possible to lead without losing myself?
How do I reclaim peace when the world expects performance?
Dr. Perry shares insights from over 25 years of research and executive advising in Fortune 500 companies, federal agencies, and high-level leadership spaces. Together, we discuss how to name the cycle, build supportive community, and create spaces—personally and professionally—where Black women no longer have to prove themselves to belong.
This isn’t just about workplace equity. It’s about redefining what thriving looks like on our own terms.
→ Learn more and access your free toolkit at nationalblackgirlmonth.com→ Join our virtual community: facebook.com/groups/nationalblackgirlmonth→ Connect with Dr. Venessa Perry: https://www.linkedin.com/in/venessam/→ Connect with Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown: www.instagram.com/dr.rikesha→ Connect with Felicia Ford: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.comAbout Dr. Venessa Perry:Dr. Venessa M. Perry is a trailblazing organizational psychologist, executive coach, author, and global thought leader, recognized for her dynamic impact in shaping inclusive, high-performing organizations. As the visionary Founder and CEO of Health Resources Solutions dba The Perry Group, she has led the firm for over 25 years, delivering transformational leadership and organizational development consulting with an unwavering commitment to equity. Her expertise has empowered C-suite executives at Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, and non-profits to drive meaningful, sustainable change for their organizations and communities. Dr. Venessa's groundbreaking research centers on the career mobility and well-being of Black and Brown women in the workplace, with a focus on gendered racism and the often-overlooked impact of peri(menopause) on leadership potential. Her forthcoming book, The Path to Inclusivity: How to Create Safety, Well-Being, and Belonging for Black Women in Financial Services, set to be released by Palgrave and Macmillan in early 2025, is already being hailed as a must-read for executives committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. A powerhouse speaker and contributor, Dr. Venessa is in high demand across national and international stages, where she has captivated audiences on topics such as leadership, equity, and women's health in the workplace. She has been featured on a variety of influential podcasts, including Intentional Conversations, Wills, Women and Wealth, What’s Possible, Embodied Justice, and The WhatNow Movement. In July 2024, she delivered a landmark presentation on peri(menopause) in the workplace at the Diversity Network Inclusion Festival in the UK, sparking global dialogue. Named one of the top leadership voices on LinkedIn and consistently recognized as one of Washington, DC’s top executive coaches from 2022 to 2024, Dr. Venessa’s thought leadership continues to shape the future of business and organizational health. She has been featured in Forbes, Medium, CanvaRebel, HuffPost, Cosmopolitan, and more, sharing her insights with diverse audiences around the world. Dr. Venessa is a respected member of the Forbes Coaches Council, Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, and the American Psychological Association. A proud Desert Storm veteran, she passionately advocates for veteran mental health, entrepreneurship, and homelessness solutions. With a PhD in Organizational Psychology, as well as master’s degrees in Public Health and Psychology, Dr. Venessa is a lifelong learner who believes in giving back. She actively serves her community through her involvement with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., the Diversity Council at the University of Michigan, and as the first Black President of George Washington University’s Alumni Association. A mentor and coach to countless emerging leaders, Dr. Venessa embodies the belief that "We are better when we are together." Her life's work is a testament to the power of collaboration, inclusion, and transformative leadership.
 

060 | Mothering Beyond Biology w/ Dr. Brooke Jones + Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown

This month, we’re centering the full spectrum of Black Motherhood—and this episode makes it clear: some of the most transformative mothering doesn’t begin with biology. It begins with presence.
As part of our special April series for National Black Girl Month™, Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown and I are joined by Dr. Brooke Jones—licensed psychologist, founder of Fresh Start for the Mind, and adoptive mother—for a conversation that redefines what it means to mother.
Together, we honor the caregivers whose stories often go untold: the aunties, godmothers, mentors, and grandmothers who shape futures, hold space, and quietly carry generations. Dr. Brooke shares her personal journey through infertility, adoption, and parenting, as well as the emotional labor she witnesses every day in her clinical practice.
This episode asks:
What does it mean to mother a child you didn’t birth?
How do we affirm women who are doing the sacred work of raising children and communities without recognition?
And what would it look like if we measured motherhood not by origin—but by impact?
If you’ve ever stood in the gap for someone else’s child… if you’ve ever mothered from the sidelines or behind the scenes… this conversation is for you.Listen now as we continue National Black Girl Month™ by honoring motherhood in every form it takes.Connect with Dr. Brooke Jones: www.freshstartmind.comGet Your National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit: www.nationalblackgirlmonth.com Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
More about Dr. Brooke JonesIn 2013, Dr. Jones branched out on her own to open Fresh Start for the Mind. She wanted a practice that incorporated the mind, body, and spirit. Her love for psychological evaluations became evident in the surrounding communities. As referrals grew, so did Fresh Start. Dr. Jones first hired an additional psychologist (to support the numerous evaluation referrals) and counselors (to support an additional need for children, adults, couples, and families in the community). Then, Dr. Jones built administrative support, along with more providers that also offered psychiatric treatment, nutrition services, counseling, and coaching. In 2016, the company relocated to Suwanee and opened two additional locations in Stockbridge and Canton. Fresh Start is now comprised of over 30 staff, offering psychological evaluations, psychiatric care / medication management, counseling and coaching, and nutrition support. The growth of Fresh Start has been a journey. Dr. Jones has seen the needs for mental health grow in Georgia since starting her career. She is most proud of the people who work within the company and the difference they make in lives every day! She credits her faith as the driver for every growth opportunity and every expansion thus far; she values family and divine connections for encouraging her growth while also keeping her grounded; and she honors her own passion and optimism for people and humanity. For more information regarding Dr. Jones and Fresh Start for the Mind, visit www.freshstartmind.com.#NationalBlackGirlMonth#BlackMotherhood#Mom#Adoption#FosterCare

059 | Black Moms and Community Building: Strength in Numbers w/ Jetaun Woodley

Hey, friend. Hello, Change Makers. In the words of Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown—Hey, Black girl.
We often say it takes a village, but let’s be clear—villages don’t build themselves. They’re shaped, sustained, and often revived by Black mothers who know what it means to care, connect, and carry more than their share.
Today’s guest, Jetaun Woodley, didn’t just recognize the gap—she built something from it. As a veteran communications strategist and Senior Director at Planned Parenthood, Jetaun has spent her career making sure messages that matter reach the right people. But it’s her work outside the boardroom that’s building legacy: creating H.U. Mommies, a thriving community of over 800 Hamptonian mothers who show up for one another, online and in real life.
In this episode, we’re unpacking how Black motherhood is often the foundation of community organizing, mutual care, and everyday advocacy. From navigating health care systems and education challenges to disaster relief and doula recommendations, these mothers are doing far more than sharing parenting tips—they're reshaping what support looks like.
Jetaun joins Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown and me for a conversation that’s both grounding and galvanizing. We talk about the power of peer support, the courage it takes to create a space when one doesn’t exist, and what it looks like to protect and evolve a community you’ve built—especially when the work is personal.
If you’ve ever questioned whether your care counts or whether creating something small could really matter, this conversation is your reminder: it already does.
Listen now and be sure to grab the National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit for more ways to connect at nationalblackgirlmonth.com.To our Hampton fam—we see you. And if you're a mama looking for your people, you just might find them in H.U. Mommies.
Connect with Jetaun Woodly on Instagram
Jetaun Woodly is an award winning public relations and brand communications strategist with 20 years of experience. She has an unwavering passion and focus on working with individuals and companies to translate business goals and objectives into strategic communications plans and deliverables. Jetaun started her career as a public relations coordinator for Novartis Pharmaceuticals’ philanthropy and community development division. She spent many years working in healthcare managing public relations for brands ranging from prescription drugs and FDA approvals, to eye care and over-the-counter products before moving to the nonprofit sector. Currently, Jetaun serves as Senior Director of Brand Strategy & Projects at Planned Parenthood Federation of America, a reproductive health care nonprofit organization. Prior to joining PPFA, Jetaun served as Director of Network Marketing & Communications for National Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem (CASA/GAL) Association for Children, a non-profit organization that supports and promotes court-appointed volunteer advocacy so every child who has experienced abuse or neglect can be safe, have a permanent home, and the opportunity to thrive. Following the birth of her son in 2015, Jetaun started HU Mommies Group - a support group for Hampton University alumnae. The goal of the group is to share advice, empower Black women, and provide a listening ear as Hamptonians embrace and embark on their motherhood journey. With more than 800 members, the group has planned a number of volunteer efforts across the country, vision board meetups, kid-friendly outings, tailgates at homecoming and a host of other activities. For example, when Hurricane Harvey hit Houston in 2017, Jetaun coordinated a group donation to local organizations that support mothers and children. In 2019, the group collectively donated to Hampton University’s marching band, and sent care packages to current students. In an effort to provide unique learning experiences for the children of alumnae during the nationwide shelter-in-place (COVID19), Jetaun created virtual learning classes on a variety of subjects. Jetaun was featured on Essence Magazine Online for her work with the group. In 2020, Jetaun was admitted into Hampton University’s Forty Under 40 Alumni Recognition Society. Jetaun served as a volunteer for the I Have a Dream Foundation - a mentor program in partnership with Ebenezer Baptist Church and St. Luke’s Church in the heart of Atlanta. She is currently a board member of Atlanta Birth Center, a birth center dedicated to empowering families and providing compassionate, individualized birth experiences. A native of New Jersey, Jetaun received a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Hampton University’s Scripps Howard School of Journalism and Communications in 2004. While at Hampton, Jetaun was involved in Student Union Board and served as historian for the National Council of Negro Women. She also holds a Masters in Communication & Leadership from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington. Jetaun resides in Metro Atlanta with her husband, Dr. Shaun Woodly (HU ’04), and their two children - Brayden and Brooklynn.

058 | The Evolution of Motherhood w/ Dr. Rosemarie Allen + Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown

Special National Black Girl Month™ Series | Co-hosted by Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown
You may not remember her reading parenting books, but she knew how to raise a household and keep a family intact. Big Mama didn’t need a manual—she had instincts, routines, and an unshakable sense of responsibility. She didn’t just take care of you; she taught you what it meant to show up, even when nobody showed up for her. She built structure out of very little and carried generations with her hands, her prayers, and her presence.
But now, you're the one leading.And you're doing it with memories of how it used to be and a front-row seat to how much has changed. Or maybe, you're starting from what you know in your heart. 
In this first episode of our National Black Girl Month™ series, I’m joined by Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown and our guest, Dr. Rosemarie Allen—an education leader and national voice on racial equity and childhood development. This conversation is about mothering without a blueprint and making daily decisions in a world that doesn’t always feel safe for your child—or for you.
You’ll hear how Dr. Allen went from being suspended in kindergarten to shaping national education policy.You’ll hear what happened when she had to teach her son to go limp during a chokehold—so he could come home alive.
“Have I been whipping my baby for no reason?”A young mother asked that on a bus.Dr. Allen didn’t shame her. She stayed. She answered. She mothered her.That child is now older.
This conversation is parenting at the intersection of love and fear. Survival and pride. Freedom and danger. And it’s the kind of conversation that millennial Black mothers aren’t always given the space to have—but desperately need.It’s about the systems that mislabel brilliance as defiance.What happens when Black children are expelled from daycare before they can talk?Where can you talk about the pressure of sending your child into schools that once failed you?
“Historically, through slavery, we learned to beat our children into submission because they had to survive. But we’ve evolved from surviving to thriving. Our job now is to help our children thrive.” – Dr. Allen
Whether you’re raising toddlers or teenagers, or carrying the weight of mothering others through your work, this episode offers room to reflect, release, and reimagine.
Because what’s passed down shouldn’t just be pain.It should be power.
—
Visit drrosemarieallen.com for more on her work.Download the free National Black Girl Month™ Toolkit: bit.ly/nbgm2025Join the private community: facebook.com/groups/nationalblackgirlmonth
Dr. Rosemarie Allen - Dr. Rosemarie Allen is a distinguished leader and facilitator dedicated to fostering inclusive practices across all sectors of society. Currently serving as a Professor of Early Childhood at Metropolitan State University of Denver, Dr. Allen is also the Founder, President, and CEO of the Institute for Racial Equity and Excellence (IREE), supporting equity in educational, governmental, and corporate practices. With extensive experience, Dr. Allen has provided Keynote Addresses, training, facilitation, equity audits and other services for the United States Department of Education, 47 State Departments of Education, and the United States Customs and Border Protection, Public Broadcasting Service, TeachStone and various police departments, school districts, and other organizations, showcasing her commitment to creating equitable environments. An international expert, Dr. Allen is a respected keynote speaker, frequently presenting at global conferences. Her advocacy for justice and inclusive practices has significantly shaped policies in educational, governmental, and corporate settings. In addition to her teaching role, Dr. Allen serves as a faculty member for the Pyramid Model Consortium and as an Associate Professor of Research for The Children’s Equity Project (CEP) at Arizona State University. She also contributes as a consultant for the Positive Early Learning Experiences (PELE) Center at the University of Denver and guest faculty at Georgetown University. Her previous roles include directorship positions with the Colorado Department of Human Services, where she shaped early learning policies and programs. As the Equity and Culture expert for 9News KUSA, Dr. Allen hosts a weekly segment addressing race, culture, and child development. Her accolades include the prestigious T. Barry Brazelton Friends of Children Award, the MLK Peace Award, and the Rosa Parks Diversity Award, among others. Dr. Allen earned her B.A. from California State University, Long Beach, her Master’s in Education from Lesley University, and her Doctorate in Equity and Leadership in Education from the University of Colorado, Denver. Dr. Allen's unwavering commitment to education and equity continues to inspire change and drive progress towards a more inclusive future for all.

057 | Black Women - Silent. Seen. Still Carrying It: The Weight We Never Dropped w/ Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown

Movements don’t start in meetings. They start with lived experiences—the kind we normalize, dismiss, or bury until someone dares to say it out loud.
In this foundational conversation, Felicia Ford and Dr. Rikesha Fry Brown return to the moment they knew this work—National Black Girl Month™—had to exist. Not just as a celebration, but as structure. As strategy. As response.
“Our tired didn’t start in 2022. Our tired had a history.”
“We’re not anomalies—we’re the fabric. And our stories don’t begin in boardrooms. They begin in kindergarten.”
Together, they trace the threads from Silent Dangers of Black Girls in Education to the present moment, where visibility alone is no longer enough. This episode names what we’ve been carrying—as daughters, as mothers, as leaders, as women who were never supposed to carry it all—and sets the tone for a month of truth-telling, healing, and collective power.
“If we don’t name the dangers, how do we ever dismantle them?”
“The danger is in being silent and being silenced.”
They speak to the weight of advocacy work. The grief in realizing school was built for someone else’s success. The guilt in having had good experiences while watching others be pushed out. And the sacred power of claiming space in systems designed to erase you.
This is the kind of conversation you feel before you understand it—and once you do, you can’t unsee it.
“You belong here. Even if you’ve been hurt by other Black women. Even if you’re mothering through grief. You still belong.”
“Everyone operates in the space of mothering at some point. And everyone has been mothered—whether well or not.”
Whether you’re leading change, recovering from the systems you’ve survived, or simply listening in, this is your invitation to sit down with us, right here, and remember what you’ve known all along.
Join us as we kick off National Black Girl Month™ 2025. 
Next Steps: Get Your National Black Girl Month Toolkit: https://nationalblackgirlmonth.com 
Join the National Black Girl Month™ Community: https://facebook.com/groups/nationalblackgirlmonth 
Access Silent Dangers of Black Girls in Education: https://silentdangers.com 
Shop National Black Girl Month™: https://silentdangers.com/shop 
#nationalblackgirlmonth#BlackWomen#BlackGirls#BlackMotherhood#Mom#Woman#Girl #SpreadtheSpark

056 | How to Lead: When the Title Came Without a Map w/ Dee Ntšala

What happens when performance, people, and purpose collide.
Today, we’re joined by Dee Ntšala, founder of Nova Conxulting, whose work sits at the intersection of neuroscience, wellness, DIEB principles, and leadership strategy. Dee equips high-performing executives, founders, and teams with the tools to lead.
Every time I’ve been asked to fix a performance issue, it was actually a leadership issue. That’s a people problem.” – Dee Ntšala
Too many organizations think they’re solving for low numbers when they’re really facing high dysfunction. Promotions happen without preparation. Culture is treated like a memo. And when the spreadsheets show a dip, the blame lands on people instead of the systems leading them.
But as Dee, reminds us in this episode:
“If you're a founder, if you're a corporate leader, please hear us out here. We get it. There is a cost impact to all of this work. But the benefit on the other end of it is so, so worth the invest.”
We're talking sustained transformation. Dee has worked with top-tier leaders across corporate, nonprofit, and academic spaces, and she breaks down what most leadership programs miss:
Why micromanagement often signals a deeper gap in trust and team readiness
How real leadership requires self-awareness before strategy
And what happens when companies ask for change but resist the process required to make it stick
“Corporate has an unhealthy relationship with time and results when it comes to human behavior. Humans aren’t machines. You can’t flip a switch and expect transformation.”
This episode is for high-level leaders and founders who want better—but are done chasing surface-level solutions. If you’re ready to stop wasting budget on temporary fixes and start reinforcing the kind of leadership culture that retains talent, drives performance, and creates real alignment—press play.
We also go beyond frameworks and into the lived realities of founders and leaders navigating burnout, mismatched team dynamics, and corporate cultures that reward production over progress. Dee’s refreshingly honest perspective will have you rethinking how you lead, why you lead, and what alignment looks like in real-time.
Next Steps: 
Get more leadership insights from Dee Ntšala's interview in Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves
Connect with Dee Ntšala - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deentsala/
Join Momentum Lab - https://lab.feliciafordandco.com  
Get Free Resources - www.feliciafordandco.com/resources 

055 | Style, Strength and Shattering Ceilings with Shahidah Rahman

How do you navigate expectations and perceptions while showing up with confidence?What does it mean to align your presence with your purpose?And why does image matter beyond just fashion?
For many, the pressure to present themselves flawlessly in boardrooms, on stages, or even in everyday life is an unspoken challenge. It’s not just about style—it’s about identity, perception, and the impact of first impressions. But what if curating a powerful presence wasn’t something you had to figure out alone?
Enter Shahidah Rahman, a professional model, image consultant, and confidence coach who is shifting the narrative around personal style, professional presence, and the power of showing up fully as yourself. In this episode, she shares how her work helps women cultivate confidence—not just in what they wear, but in how they carry themselves, communicate, and navigate their careers. Shahidah’s journey from the runway to coaching women in executive roles offers real insight into why image isn’t just about fashion—it’s a tool for positioning, leadership, and influence.
Inside this conversation, you learn:✔️ The unspoken rules of professional presence and how they impact Black women in leadership✔️ Why image consulting goes beyond clothing and into communication, self-perception, and strategic positioning✔️ How societal shifts, generational changes, and media portrayals influence how Black women are perceived—and how they can reclaim that narrative
Shahidah makes it clear—confidence isn’t just about looking good, it’s about knowing how to move with intention. Whether you’re stepping into a new leadership role, navigating professional spaces, or simply refining how you show up in the world, this episode offers strategies that make the process easier.
 
Next Steps:
Join the National Black Girl Month™ Movement - www.silentdangers.com/-join-the-movement 
Connect with Shahidah Rahman - www.iasimageconsulting.com
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com 
Get Strategic Edge Magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com 
 

054 | Art, Connection, and Community: Could Be Pretty Cool® w/ Kacie Luaders

The idea of the starving artist shouldn’t be a rite of passage. There are ways for independent creators to build sustainable careers—but they need the right access, support, and infrastructure.
Insert Kacie Luaders. 
Kacie Luaders, founder of Could Be Pretty Cool and host of You Heard Me Right, is working to change the way indie artists and creatives navigate their careers. From her background in theater and sound design to being named one of Podcast Magazine’s 40 Under 40, Kacie has spent years advocating for independent artists and ensuring their work is seen. 
Kacie shares, "I definitely went through the starving artist phase—the roommates, the mattress on the floor, breaking a ramen brick in half for lunch and dinner. But it's not necessary. I want to be an advocate for indie creators and creative entrepreneurs so they don’t have to go through that."
In this episode, Kacie shares:
The artists and creatives she works with. "We prioritize indie creators who are out here doing the work—whether they have a big social presence or not. Some have brick-and-mortar print shops, others perform in the back of coffee shops, but they’re working artists. That’s what matters."
Why visibility and access are essential for creative sustainability. "Being able to tell these stories means I can bring them to people who can actually make decisions. That might be funders, policymakers, or organizations looking to support smaller arts communities."
How podcasting and creative media are shifting. "Podcasting used to be either huge corporate networks or completely DIY. I want to see a space where creators putting out consistent, high-quality work can actually get resources without needing a million downloads."
Kacie shares what she did to build a sustainable career as an independent creator and how Could Be Pretty Cool® is creating a creative economy that values authenticity, inclusivity, and sustainability. Whether you’re an artist looking for funding, a podcaster working outside the big networks, or a creative entrepreneur carving your own lane, this conversation breaks down the systems, strategies, and connections moving your work forward. 
Next Steps: 
Connect with Kacie:  https://couldbeprettycool.com/
Get Strategic Edge Magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com
 

053 | Protecting the Vision: Attorney Casey Hand-Smith on Contracts, Creatives and Control

Entrepreneurs create valuable content, but too many don’t realize they’re leaving it unprotected—until someone else profits from their work. Contracts, trademarks, and copyrights aren’t just legal formalities; they determine who truly owns what you build.
In this episode, Casey Handysmith, founder of C. Hardy Law, explains:
The hidden risks in handshake deals and informal agreements. Business owners assume an email confirmation or a simple invoice is enough, but without the right legal protections, you may be giving away more rights than you think.
Why trademarks and copyrights aren’t interchangeable. If you think securing a domain name or registering an LLC means your brand is protected, think again. Casey breaks down the difference, what each protects, and when you need both.
How contracts protect against "overly inspired" competitors. Someone taking “inspiration” from your content isn’t flattery—it’s a legal issue. Learn what clauses to include in contracts to prevent others from repackaging your work as their own.
Your ideas, content, and business model are valuable. Understanding how to legally secure them isn’t optional—it’s essential.
Next Steps: 
Connect with Casey Handy-Smith: www.contractcasey.com 
Connect with Felicia: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/connect
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com 
Get Strategic Edge: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves/