Meet the clients The Black Canon

Ali Wheeler and Alima Trapp, from the Black Canon organization, delves into their mission to preserve historic black art and the driving force behind their project. They discuss the valuable artifacts in their collection and the impact of their work. The conversation also explores their experience with the growth initiative, mentorship, and the intersection of advertising and their passion for preserving black art. The conversation covers the importance of mentorship, community, and representation in the creative industry. It also emphasizes the significance of preserving and sharing cultural history through art and exhibitions.TakeawaysPreserving historic black artThe impact of mentorship and the growth initiative MentorshipCommunity and RepresentationChapters00:00 The Black Canon: Preserving Historic Black Art06:07 The Name 'Black Canon'34:54 The Power of Mentorship and Community in the Creative Industry35:20 The Significance of Representation and Community Circles in the Industry36:32 Creating Safe Spaces and Community for Underrepresented Talent38:09 Preserving Cultural History and Impactful Art Exhibitions48:26 Partnership with the Growth Initiative and Key Considerations

The podcast episode features a discussion with Ravi and Carlos, discipline directors for the growth initiative. They share insights into their roles, responsibilities, and the importance of programs like the Growth Initiative in the advertising industry. The conversation also delves into the motivation to come back, the collaborative nature of the program, and the overlooked aspects for early careers in the industry. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing professionalism and authenticity, the mistakes young professionals make, networking tips, reconnecting with contacts, and the key lessons for emerging talent.TakeawaysImportance of mentorship and guidance in the advertising industryThe collaborative and team-oriented nature of the Growth Initiative program Balancing professionalism and authenticityImportance of networking and building relationshipsChapters00:00 Introduction and Season Overview01:13 Role and Responsibilities in the Growth Program03:01 Guiding Creative Fellows Through the Process08:48 Inspiration and Motivation to Come Back14:04 Importance of Programs Like This in Advertising21:14 Overlooked Aspects for Early Careers24:53 Navigating Professionalism and Authenticity25:13 Challenges for Young Professionals30:27 Networking and Building Relationships36:22 Reconnecting and Maintaining Connections42:29 Key Lessons for Emerging Talent

The episode kicks off with the introduction of the new season and the featured mentors, Gavril and Heather Olson. The mentors share their inspiring journey into mentoring and the impact of the Growth Initiative program. They discuss the importance of mentorship and the misconceptions surrounding networking, emphasizing the value of organic connections and the role of professors in building professional networks.Chapters00:00 Season Two Kickoff10:14 Importance of Mentorship16:36 Networking Misconceptions26:04 The Role of Cover Letters34:46 Advice for Breaking into Advertising/Marketing

In this episode of Grown Talks, we sit down with GIFs from the Growth Initiative program to hear about their journey so far.The GIFs introduce themselves, share their hopes and dreams, and reflect on what it felt like to be accepted into the program. They talk about their expectations versus the reality of Growth, what they’ve learned, and how the experience has helped them better understand the advertising industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Grown Talks05:33 Icebreaker: Introducing Yourself10:50 Reflecting on Growth Initiative Acceptance19:27 Expectations vs. Reality of Growth Initiative25:37 Expectations and Career Growth41:22 Industry Intimidation and Learning47:27 Navigating the Industry54:18 Understanding the Process59:45 Reflection and Gratitude

The podcast episode features a discussion about the white paper 'We Rise Anyway: Pushing Inclusion When the System Pulls Back' published by 100 Roses from Concrete. The conversation addresses the impact of DEI rollbacks, mental health strain, career mobility, and the call to action for industry leaders and peers to drive real change through structural protection and sustained investment.TakeawaysDEI rollbacks impact workplace culture and create mental health strainReal change requires structural protection and sustained investmentChapters00:00 Introduction and White Paper Overview09:24 Creating Real Change and Progress

This episode is a pause.Instead of bringing in a guest, we’re turning the mic inward to reflect on the year behind us and the growth that came with it.We talk about the conversations that challenged us, the guests who held up mirrors, and what it really took to show up consistently and honestly. No highlight reels. Just real reflections on growth, responsibility, and community.This recap is about what stretched us, what stayed with us, and what we’re carrying forward into the next season of GrownTalks.Whether you’ve been listening all year or you’re just finding us, this episode is an invitation to slow down, reflect, and grow with intention.

In this conversation, Shanita Perdomo shares her inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming the founder and executive director of Yes Miss Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering young women. She discusses the importance of community support, the challenges faced in starting her organization, and the valuable lessons learned from the Growth Initiative program. Yes M.I.S.S IncWebsite: https://www.yesmissinc.org/IG: https://www.instagram.com/yesmissinc/Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/yes-m-i-s-s-inc/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yesmissinc/100 Roses from ConcreteWebsite: https://www.100rosesfromconcrete.com/IG: https://www.instagram.com/100rosesfromconcrete/?hl=en

SummaryIn this conversation, new Growth alumni Kevin Hutchinson and Tasha Bwalya reflect on their experiences in the program, discussing their motivations for joining, the challenges they faced, and the skills they developed. They reflected on the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability in the creative industry. The alumni share their aspirations for future careers, the advice they would give to new participants, and how Growth aligns with their values of making a positive impact. They shared their thoughts on networking and the importance of building connections in their professional journeys.

In this episode of Grown Talks, Keni Thacker interviews Kumi Croom, managing director at Duncan Channon. They discuss the realities of the advertising industry, including the importance of resilience, networking, and teamwork. Kumi shares her journey in advertising, the misconceptions surrounding the industry, and the significance of mentorship. The conversation highlights the challenges faced in the field and the value of building authentic connections.TakeawaysStay resilient and curious in your career.The advertising industry can be a grind.Authenticity in storytelling is crucial.Networking is essential for career growth.The industry is smaller than you think.Reputation matters in a close-knit industry.Be mindful of your social media presence.Team dynamics can make or break your experience.Mentorship is about sharing knowledge and experiences.Family provides comfort and joy amidst work pressures.

Hey grown folks In this 2 part episode, we sit down with Keni Thacker. Founder of 100 Roses From Concrete and creator of The Growth Initiative. He shares his mission to shake up the advertising industry. From mentoring young Black and Brown creatives to building spaces that celebrate authenticity and community, Keni’s work is all about creating real, lasting change.We get into his journey, the challenges he’s faced, and what fuels his passion for equity in the creative world. We touch on The Growth Initiative and a sneak peek into the selection process and why investing in young talent is so personal to him. If you’re into stories about purpose, perseverance, and impact this one’s for you.Tap in and get inspired.