Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford

046 | The Rose Gold Standard: Mindset and Strategy of a Luxury Brand with Omar McGee

What separates good from iconic? For Omar McGee, founder of Rose Gold Reserve, it’s a fearless mindset and the ability to blend authenticity with ambition. “You can’t win if you’re scared to take the shot,” Omar reflects. “It’s not about arrogance; it’s about knowing you’ve done the work.”
In this episode of Impact Innovators, Omar shares how he built a luxury brand that’s not just celebrated but trusted by celebrities and tastemakers. But creating a masterpiece like Rose Gold Reserve—crafted through a three-year collaboration with master blender Christian Eiroa—requires more than vision. It demands mastery, a willingness to challenge the rules, and an uncompromising dedication to quality.
Join us as Omar, an HBCU alumni shares his journey from running a school that sent 500 students to college to carving out space in the exclusive world of luxury cigars. Discover how he overcame systemic roadblocks, scaled his brand without sacrificing exclusivity, and why he believes, “My audio matches my video. It’s authentic. It’s real.”
You’ll learn:
The secrets to building strategic partnerships that elevate your brand.
How to scale a business while preserving its core values.
Why mindset—not just skillset—determines success.
Listen in to uncover the mindset shifts, strategic moves, and actionable lessons that Omar McGee used to create a brand trusted by tastemakers and celebrated for its precision.
 
Next Steps: 
Get Strategic Edge: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves 
Connect with Omar: www.instagram.com/therosegoldreserve
Connect with Felicia: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/connect 
 
 

045 | SPEDucated and Focused: The Future of Special Education with Diana R. Williams

The education system is evolving, but are we truly meeting the needs of every child? When traditional methods fall short, how do leaders and educators step up to the challenge? And what about the unseen factors that make or break a student’s success?
In this episode, Diana R. Williams, a one of a kind leader in special education leadership who has built frameworks and strategies helping administrators and parents serve students better is here with us. From her experience co-founding a Brooklyn charter school to her innovative SPEDucated Leadership Framework, Diana shares how the collective effort to creating inclusive systems that serve the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally can lead to a huge difference in the day of a child.
You’ll learn:
The myths surrounding special education—and the reality parents and educators must understand.
How school leaders can build better systems and support their staff.
Why trauma-informed care is essential for meeting today’s challenges in education.
From Diana, "We have to extend grace—to children figuring out their bodies, to parents who are scared, to teachers trying their best, and to leaders who are burnt out."
This conversation is for anyone invested in creating a better future for our children. 
#parents #children #educators 
 
Next Steps: 
Read Diana's Story in Strategic Edge: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves
Work with Felicia Ford & Co.®: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/work-with-us/
Join the Movement: http://silentdangers.com/join-the-movement 
 

044 | The Stories We Tell, the Cultures We Build: The New Quo w/ Christina Blacken

Hey Change Maker,
Does this sound familiar? The meeting starts like it always does—polite exchanges, someone cracking a joke to loosen the tension. The agenda is clear, and the goals are ambitious. You should leave this room feeling energized, aligned, ready to move forward.
But halfway through, it’s obvious: something’s missing.
Ideas get lost in translation. Questions stay unasked. People agree, but you can’t help but notice the hesitation. You know the work your team is capable of—you’ve seen it—but these moments of disconnection feel like a weight, holding everything back.
And then, the patterns emerge.
It’s the unspoken dynamics. The hesitation to trust. The stories people tell themselves about their place in the room—about you, about the work, about each other. It’s nothing anyone says outright, but it shapes everything.
“Your brain is always trying to categorize: is this person, this moment, a reward or a threat? Those split-second assumptions? They shape trust, communication, and collaboration before you even realize it.”
This week on Impact Innovators, Christina Blacken reveals how these unseen dynamics affect everything you’re building. She’ll guide you through how to surface and rewrite the stories holding your team back—creating trust, connection, and a foundation for the year ahead.
You’ll learn:
How unconscious biases show up in team dynamics and how to shift them.
The power of story rituals and how they shape organizational culture.
Christina’s three-step framework—awareness, attunement, and action—for rewriting the narratives holding your team back.
Next Steps: 
Read Christina's story in Strategic Edge Magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves 
Align Your Numbers, Empower Your Team: https://bit.ly/yearendpowermoves 
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 

043 | New Year, New Strength: Perfectly Imperfect with Fred Cadoshia

Change Maker,
For you, navigating a world that demands conformity while striving to inspire others can feel like an uphill battle. When your work revolves around lifting others and leading with heart, how do you stay strong amidst storms of self-doubt, external pressures, and societal expectations?
Fred Cadoshia, CEO of Perfectly Imperfect, welcomes the storms with stepping stones. In this episode, Fred shares the raw truth of his journey, from witnessing bullying as a child to creating a global movement that empowers people to embrace their imperfections and reclaim their worth. Through powerful stories and candid reflections, Fred offers a roadmap for turning adversity into action and creating a life—and brand—that serves with purpose.
This conversation is a call to action for you to lock in on your personal growth and self-awareness as you continue to serve. 
Next Steps: 
Read Fred's Story in the Golden Hour Edition at https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves
Get Year End Power Moves at bit.ly/yearendpowermoves 
Connect with Fred at www.facebook.com/fredcadoshia 
 
 
 

042 | Layers of Power: Jade Parks-Dixon on Natural Glam + Disrupting Beauty Standards

Hey Change Maker,
Do you ever feel like you’re navigating a path that wasn’t designed for you? Whether it’s imposter syndrome, outside noise, or the weight of societal expectations, finding your place as a creative or entrepreneur can feel overwhelming.
In Episode 42 with Jade Parks-Dixon, we’re exploring what it takes to turn doubt into confidence and passion into purpose. Jade, the founder of Jade Paint, shares her journey from Pasadena to Fort Worth and how she’s building a business rooted in service, inclusivity, and empowering others to feel confident in their own skin.
This episode addresses breaking beauty standards for Black women, breaking molds, embracing your calling, and using creativity to drive change in your community and beyond.
You’ll hear:
How Jade navigated imposter syndrome and found her voice in the beauty industry.
The importance of natural glam and its role in redefining beauty standards.
Practical tips from her eBook to help you grow your own service-based business.
This episode is your reminder that your uniqueness is your power—and it’s time to embrace it fully.
Next Steps:Download Jade’s eBook: www.jadepaints.com 
Read Jade's Story in Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits: bit.ly/goldenhourwaitlist
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe

041 | Rooted in Knowledge: Black Farming + Healing the Land with Thelonius Cook

What if the fight for healing our communities and ensuring access to fresh, nourishing food could begin with supporting the soil beneath our feet? Black farmers like Thelonious Cook are leading this movement, not only restoring land through regenerative practices but also reconnecting people to the cultural and communal power of food. This episode explores how farming is about more than crops—it’s about equity, sustainability, and reclaiming identity.
Join me as I talk with Thelonious, the founder of Mighty Thunder Cloud Edible Forest in Virginia, who shares his journey of stewarding a seven-acre family farm. We dive into how he employs indigenous and regenerative practices to replenish the land, build biodiversity, and foster healthier ecosystems. As a leader in the Mid-Atlantic Black Farmers Caucus, Thelonious also explains how collaboration among farmers is revitalizing food systems, empowering communities, and inspiring new generations to reconnect with the land.
From the challenges of small-scale farming to creating accessible weekly farm boxes and supporting local markets, this conversation reveals the transformative impact of knowing where your food comes from. Whether you’re inspired to visit a farmers’ market, connect with your local growers, or reimagine the role of food in community healing, this episode is your call to action.
Tune in now to learn how Thelonious’ vision can inspire you to support Black farmers, embrace regenerative practices, and advocate for food sovereignty in your community.
Connect with Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest: http://thundercloud.farm/
Read about Thelonius in the Golden Hour Edition of Strategic Edge: Power Moves for Businesses + Nonprofits: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 
 

040 | The Skin We're In: Christina Watson on Wellness, Connection and Skin Care

Hormonal shifts, cancer treatments, and life's evolving seasons don’t just affect our bodies—they transform our skin, confidence, and connection to self. But how do we care for our skin in ways that honor both the challenges we face and the lives we’re building?
In this episode, Christina Watson, oncology nurse turned esthetician and founder of LaZooz Skincare, shares her powerful journey of blending compassion and expertise to redefine skincare for those navigating menopause, cancer, and beyond. With over 20 years of nursing experience, Christina reveals how the right skincare routine can heal more than the surface and why this work is deeply personal.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
How hormonal shifts like menopause impact skin and why intentional care matters.
The intersection of oncology and esthetics: creating products safe for everyone.
How Christina’s nursing experience and care for people shaped her approach to skin wellness and care.
This episode shares the nuances of skin health, self-care, and the courage it takes to embrace change. Whether you're seeking solutions for yourself or looking to support someone else, this conversation offers clarity, connection, and expertise.
Next Steps:
Connect with Christina at LaZooz Skincare: www.lazoozskincare.com 
Get Power Moves: media.felicuafordandco.com/powermoves 
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe

039 | The Anatomy of Connection: Leading Through Trauma and Change w/ Lenora Johnson

Grief, anxiety, and unspoken transitions often sit quietly in the background, shaping how we live, work, and connect. These forces don’t only impact individuals—they ripple through teams, communities, and the systems we rely on every day. What does it take to recognize and address these hidden dynamics in a way that fosters true connection and change?
In this episode, Lenora Johnson brings nearly two decades of experience to unpack how human-centered care intersects with systemic challenges. From her perspective as a licensed clinical social worker, she explores what it means to notice the quiet moments that carry the greatest weight, and how those moments influence everything from personal growth to organizational well-being.
Here’s what you’ll hear:
Why small, often-overlooked experiences can have profound impacts on mental health.
The role of care and connection in building supportive environments.
Practical steps for addressing the unspoken challenges that affect individuals and systems alike.
This episode goes beyond leadership to examine how we navigate change, foster care, and build spaces that honor the complexities of the human experience.
Next Steps: 
Read Lenora's Story: media.feliciafordandco.com/powermoves
Get Resources: www.feliciafordandco.com/resources  
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 
 

038 | unDEfeated: When Purpose Has No Borders with Desange Kuenihira

The weight of constant struggles can feel suffocating. So many of us are constantly up against systems designed to keep us down. But what if the challenges you face could become the very reason you create change—both for yourself and others?
Desange Kuenihira is proof that even the toughest circumstances can ignite a movement. Her journey from a young girl in Uganda who was once labeled "meaningless" to the founder of Undefeated shows the power of resilience. Now, through Undefeated, she is helping single mothers and young people transform their futures by providing them with tools to break free from poverty and build sustainable livelihoods.
In this episode, Desange shares:
The pivotal moment that led her to challenge societal expectations.
How Undefeated goes beyond business training to shift mindsets.
Why her innovative partnerships are expanding the definition of "giving back."
Desange’s story isn’t just one of survival—it’s about creating possibilities where none existed. Tune in to hear how her mission is shaping the next generation of changemakers, and how you can be part of this movement.
Next Steps:
Read Desange's story: https://bit.ly/goldenhour2024 
Join us Fireside: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/events 
Connect with Felicia: https://threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 

037 | Why Your Collaborations Fail - And What to Do Instead

Hey Change Maker,
What if the right partnerships could take your vision further? Too often, leaders pour time and energy into collaborations that go nowhere—misaligned efforts that drain resources and stall progress.
In Episode 37, the final installation of Design 2025: Lead | Build | Thrive, we’re breaking down what it really takes to make collaboration work. This episode shares what works, what doesn’t, and how to make it work for you.
You’ll hear:
The critical questions to ask before saying “yes” to any partnership.
How to structure collaborations that create momentum and avoid burnout.
Real examples of relationships that transformed missions—and the lessons behind them.
📅 Don’t miss the Fireside Chat next Thursday, December 5, 2024 at 2 PM EST, where we’ll take these insights further, answer your questions, and tackle the unique challenges you’re facing. Register now.
This episode is your guide to building partnerships that amplify your impact—with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Next Steps:Register for the FREE Fireside Chat: media.feliciafordandco.com/events
Don’t Miss Golden Hour: bit.ly/goldenhourwaitlist
Connect with Felicia on Threads: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe