Impact Innovators with Felicia Ford

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/

052 | Failure is Knowledge: How to Get Seen & Heard with Terryl Humphrey

Twelve hours in evacuation traffic. Uncertain of what would be waiting for him back home. And yet, Terryl Humphrey still showed up.
"Excuses are the tools of incompetence," Felicia says—a phrase that shaped how she approached this conversation. But what does it really take to keep moving forward when everything is stacked against you?
Terryl, a Marine Corps veteran turned media entrepreneur, shares how he built one of the most consistent podcast platforms, producing over 893 episodes and growing his brand from $0 to $100K in 90 days. But his journey started long before that—with a single video during the pandemic, a realization that visibility is everything, and a commitment to amplifying voices that deserve to be heard.
In this episode, he breaks down:
The reality of obscurity: Why so many businesses and entrepreneurs struggle to get seen, and how to make sure your message reaches the right people.
What most people get wrong about storytelling: Why just "sharing your story" isn’t enough—and how to connect with your people.
The moment that changed everything: From growing up in a single-parent home to training as a Marine to building a platform that reaches thousands—how each experience shaped his ability to create impact.
The mindset shift that makes visibility easier: The difference between waiting for an opportunity and creating one.
"You have to start with something. You have to plant the seed and let the foundation build before you see the growth."
If you've ever felt like your work isn't reaching the people who need it, this episode will challenge you to think differently. Press play to learn what it really takes to get seen and build momentum.
Next Steps: 
Connect with Terryl Humphrey: https://www.terrylhumphrey.com/
Get Strategic Edge Magazine: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/
Join Momentum Lab by Felicia Ford & Co.®: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe 
 
#marketing #podcast #visibility #mindset #momentum #failureisknowledge #dream

051 | Big Brands, Bigger Moves: The Brand Partnership Playbook with Kemuel C. Brown

Hey Change Maker,
We're on the heels of the 50th episode with another conversation centered around collaboration - but this time, in exploring if you're ready for someone to manage those brand partnerships for you. And as we learn today, you want to ensure your brand is structured enough to hold its own first. If you’ve ever wondered how to bring strategy and creativity together, you’ll love this conversation
In this episode of Impact Innovators, I’m joined by Kemuel C. Browne, founder of FYI Management Group, where you get to hear about the systems and sequencing that support healthy and thriving brand partnerships.
Because bringing in the right partners isn’t just about who you align with—it’s about whether your systems and processes are ready to support the weight of that alignment.
You'll learn:
Why partnerships work best when they’re interdependent—not dependent.
How the sequence of your decisions affects long-term sustainability.
The role of systems and structure in making sure partnerships amplify your brand instead of distracting from it.
Your business isn’t just growing—it’s evolving. And as you scale, the question isn’t just who can I bring in, but what do I need in place before I do?
If you’re thinking about scaling, outsourcing, or strengthening your brand’s foundation, this episode will help you put the right pieces in place—before making your next big move.
Next Steps: 
Connect with Kemuel and Fly Young Intellectual
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com
Get Strategic Edge: https://media.feliciafordandco.com 
 

050 | The Cost, The Conflict, and The Truth... Lucinda Cross, Dr. Rhonda Simmons, Lena West

Let's Celebrate, Change Maker!
 
We're 50 Episodes in and you're growing, connecting and thriving! For this special episode, we're bringing three separate conversations centering collaboration. Grab your notebook, pull up a chair, you're in for a good one!
Your vision is clear, your momentum is strong, and the impact you’re creating is undeniable. But even the most powerful leaders know—growth at the highest level doesn’t happen alone.
Collaboration isn’t just about working together. It’s about aligning with the right people, in the right rooms, at the right time—where influence is built, strategies are executed, and expansion is inevitable.
In this 50th episode of Impact Innovators, we’re bringing you three powerhouses who have mastered high-level collaboration, scaled their influence, and led through transformation:
Lucinda Cross – Leading movements, elevating visibility, and making bold leadership moves.
Dr. Rhonda Simmons – Navigating leadership, balance, and the courage to set boundaries that create success.
Lena West – Commanding the room, shifting power dynamics, and making sure strategy turns into results.
This conversation is about what it really takes to build with the right people—and how these leaders have done just that.
Next Steps: 
Connect with Lucinda Cross - www.lucindacross.com 
Connect with Dr. Rhonda Simmons - www.tsefi.org 
Connect with Lena West - https://ceorising.co  
Join Momentum Lab: https://lab.feliciafordandco.com
Get Strategic Edge: https://media.feliciafordandco.com 
Celebrate National Black Girl Month: www.nationalblackgirlmonth.com 
 
#Connection #Community #Collaboration #BlackWomen #PowerMoves #50

049 | Black Wealth, Bartered and Built with Nicole Murphy

Barter Black: How Nicole Murphy is Reshaping Business Growth Without Cash
Scaling a business is hard enough—doing it alone makes it even harder. Enter Nicole Murphy, founder of Barter Black, a platform designed to help Black entrepreneurs exchange services, build networks, and grow without financial strain.
In this episode, Nicole shares:
How the pandemic led to the creation of Barter Black
The game-changing role of customer discovery in refining her platform
Why "Stop trying to be the Chief Everything Officer" is the advice every founder needs
How bartering can help you preserve cash flow while getting what you need
Nicole’s insights are a wake-up call for solopreneurs trying to do it all alone. If you’re serious about scaling, building wealth, and creating a support system, this episode is a must-listen.
#growyourbusiness #barter 
Next Steps: See Nicole in Strategic Edge: media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe
Get Year End Power Moves: https://bit.ly/yearendpowermoves 
Get Your Free Resources: www.feliciafordandco.com/resources 
 
 

048 | Feminine Power Perfected: The Kept Wife Strategist with D'Ionna Washington

Black wealth doesn’t start with a paycheck—it starts with who you build with.
For too long, Black women have been expected to carry it all—lead, build, and make it work, no matter the cost. But what if wealth, legacy, and long-term stability weren’t about doing more but about expecting more?
In this episode, D’Ionna Washington, The Kept Wife Strategist, joins me for a conversation that goes beyond relationships into exploring power partnerships, financial security, and why stability is foundational.
We discuss:✔️ Why financial security in relationships creates infrastructure. ✔️ How provision in love translates into power partnerships in life.✔️ Why Black women shouldn’t have to build alone.
Wealth involves exploring who carries the weight and how we structure what lasts.
If you’ve ever been told to “be strong” instead of being supported, this conversation will challenge everything you thought you knew about love, leadership, and legacy.
Listen now.
#BlackWealth #PowerPartnerships #StrategicRelationships #LegacyBuilding
 
Next Steps: 
Connect with D'Ionna: www.destinationdionna.com
Read D'Ionna's Story: https://media.feliciafordandco.com/power-moves
Connect with Felicia: www.threads.net/@friendscallmefe
 

047 | Tech Equity, Served Bold with a Side of Grit with Desiah Barnett

Change Maker, this is a story that may leave you speechless. 
How Do You Open Doors That Were Never Built for You?
If you lead an organization, there’s a point where strategy alone isn’t enough—you need access. You need the right partners, funding, and a way to prove that your work isn’t just meaningful, but essential.
But what happens when traditional systems weren’t designed with you in mind? When the gatekeepers aren’t looking your way?
That’s where Desiah Barnett’s story forces a different conversation.
She didn’t wait for an invitation. From foster care to securing government contracts in 30 days, she built a tech education pipeline that’s creating real workforce opportunities for youth who are often overlooked.
💡 Inside this episode, we unpack:✔️ How she navigated the system to land city contracts and why your impact story is non-negotiable.✔️ Why mentorship is the real solution to breaking cycles of poverty—and how she structured it for scale.✔️ What it takes to introduce high-level stakeholders to your work and secure investment in your mission.✔️ How she formed a winning team and built an app for Visa—without corporate backing or deep industry connections.
This is a case study in making the system work for you.
If you're leading a nonprofit, running a social enterprise, or securing funding feels like an uphill battle, this is your episode to rethink what's possible. 
Next Steps: 
Ready to position your brand for serious funding and long-term sustainability? The strategies Desiah used to land government contracts and scale impact aren’t just for her—they’re for any leader ready to step into their next era.
Get Year-End Power Moves —designed to help change makers like you secure funding, expand partnerships, and move with strategy in any quarter. Download it now and start making the right moves.
 
 

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