Corporate Strangers

What does it take to create experiences people actually remember?In this episode of Corporate Strangers, Shivawn sits down with Starr Mallory to talk about building a career at the intersection of sports, hospitality, and community. From creating memorable events to navigating male-dominated spaces, Starr shares the lessons she's learned about leadership, authenticity, boundaries, and the power of human connection.Together, they discuss career pivots, relationship building, the importance of rest, and why the best experiences start with intentionality.In this episode:• Building a career through curiosity and connection• Hospitality as more than a job title• Navigating spaces where you're often the only woman in the room• Creating community through events and experiences• The role of authenticity, consistency, and rest in growth• Practical advice for networking, sponsorships, and career developmentTimestamps00:00 Welcome to Corporate Strangers05:01 Starr's career journey15:35 Hospitality and human connection24:37 Building community through events31:34 Navigating barriers and authenticity36:08 Final thoughtsConnect beyond the PodcastInterested in joining our corporate strangers' dinners join us at seatedwithstrangers.comInterested in collaborating [email protected] and connect with Starr Mallory

Most women have been taught to work hard, stay humble, and wait to be recognized. But what happens when that mindset keeps you overlooked, underpaid, or stuck in careers that no longer fit who you’re becoming?In this episode of Corporate Strangers, Dr. Tega Edwin joins us for an honest conversation about the hidden barriers keeping women—especially Black women—from fully stepping into their value at work. From overqualification and self-doubt to salary negotiation and career pivots, this episode challenges the beliefs many women have been conditioned to carry in professional spaces.Dr. Tega, founder of Her Career Doctor, shares her own journey from healthcare data entry to helping women build careers aligned with both purpose and fulfillment. Together, we unpack why being “qualified” is not always enough, how humility can sometimes become self-sabotage, and why negotiation is a necessary skill not an optional one.We also discuss:• Why companies hesitate to hire overqualified candidates• The mindset shifts women need to make to confidently pursue higher-paying opportunities• The importance of identifying real skill gaps versus perceived inadequacy• What a practical 90-day career pivot can actually look like• Viewing work as part of your purpose not just survival Whether you’re considering a career change, feeling burned out in your current role, or simply ready to stop shrinking in professional spaces, this episode will meet you where you are.Pull up a chair — let’s collaborate across the table.

Discover the journey, insights, and practical advice from Apryl Roberts, a seasoned event producer with over 25 years of experience, including leadership roles at BET and the International Live Events Association. Whether you're aspiring to enter production or looking to elevate your current craft, her story highlights the importance of creating opportunities, mastering your skills, and staying resilient in a competitive industry.Main Topics:The difference between event planning and event productionBuilding a career from scratch in the live events industryOvercoming challenges as a woman and minority in production leadershipThe importance of mentorship and continuous learningHow to leverage social media without relying solely on aestheticsNavigating the pressures and behind-the-scenes work of high-profile event productionConnect beyond the PodcastInterested in joining our corporate strangers' dinners join us at seatedwithstrangers.comInterested in collaborating [email protected] and connect with Apryl Roberts Apryl Roberts Productions

Most women juggling a corporate career and creative passions feel like they’re operating on two separate planets. But what if those worlds could actually amplify each other? On this episode of Corporate Strangers, bestselling fantasy romance author Angela J. Ford shares how her corporate skills fueled her success as an indie author and how embracing dual identities can unlock your full potential. Angela, who writes vibrant worlds centered on Black heroines and interracial romance, reveals the powerful intersection of business and creativity. You’ll discover how her experience with large brands taught her to always be “on,” leveraging marketing insights that help her build a thriving author business. Plus, she highlights the importance of understanding the business side of creativity—from publishing to marketing—so you can sustain your passion long-term. If you’ve ever felt torn between your career and your craft or wondered how to make both thrive without sacrificing one, this episode is for you. Connect beyond the PodcastInterested in joining our corporate strangers' dinners join us at seatedwithstrangers.com Interested in collaborating [email protected] Angela J. Ford Connect

During this conversation, Stephanie BwaBwa shares her journey as an indie author, discussing her early influences, the challenges of self-publishing, and the importance of community support. She emphasizes the necessity of being a reader to become a good writer and outlines her writing process, which includes thorough plotting and revisions. Stephanie also provides insights into the business side of publishing, including the financial aspects of marketing and the importance of understanding the market. Finally, she encourages writers to embrace their authentic selves in their work, drawing from their unique backgrounds and experiences.Stephanie BwaBwa is a bestselling epic romantasy author who writes cinematic, immersive, character-driven stories that haunts and heals, where angels rise through darkness and corruption to find freedom, healing, hope, and love. She’s the author behind the Elledelle Universe—the original fantasy universe of angels, captivating readers worldwide. Connect with us: Shivawn MitchellStephanie BwaBwa - Bestselling Romantasy Author

During this episode we turn our attention to the multi-passionate woman who wants to kick off the New Year with intention and purpose and a little less chaos. Sonja Williams discusses the challenges and joys of being a multi-passionate woman. We explore what it is to be aligned with purpose, and the importance of dreaming big while managing life's pressures. Sonja shares her journey of finding balance and purpose, emphasizing the significance of aligning one's life with personal values and your God given design. ABOUT US: SWS | Connect, Share, Grow Together Sonja W: SonjaW | Live by Principle, Execute by Process, Win by Practice