S2 EP10: Failure is an Option, Not an Identity

As James Clear said in his book Atomic Habits, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems”.  From sharing great ideas to helping others create their future, this season finale episode of Road to Reinvention shows how Sherrell has consistently shown up and organized her business in a way that allowed her to attain her current level of success.  Sherrell highlights that the goal is always to work smarter and not harder, and as no man is an island, it is also important to know how to show up confidently and have time management in doing your own business. Listen to her personal take that will guide you to creating your own empowered business and empire, and learn about the dynamic tools you can utilize to systemize your life! So tune in to this episode with Sherrell and learn how to start to organize in a way that allows you to achieve your goals, without sacrificing the need for rest, connection, or community today!    KEY POINTS: Do not be afraid to ask for help  Coaching is important in organizing your business, delegation is key  The importance of having a digital team How to protect your time and still be productive  Build a unique customer service experience  How to create a comfortable and functional space  Organization matters both in business, with yourself, and in the community Business operation is the identity that customers/client experiences in your brand QUOTABLES: “Sometimes when you're first starting, and hustling and trying to build things from the ground up, it is not what will sustain you as you grow.” - Sherrell Dorsey  “I think about how I'm showing up today and organizing within my business, I'm starting to spend more time investing in the things that I want to amplify.” - Sherrell Dorsey    RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is produced by EPYC Media Network (visit at https://www.epyc.co/)

The only constant in life is change. Although talent is everywhere, one must be able to adapt to the necessary changes from the status quo, just the same as how education and skill sets need to accelerate. From being a venture capitalist to an entrepreneur, Chandler Malone joins Sherrell in this episode as he explains how to embrace reinvention through both getting comfortable and intimidating. With a mixture of both formulas, there’s still that ‘exciting part’ to dealing with periods of immense uncertainty.  Tune in on this podcast and discover how to unlock your yourself or team’s potential n general — specifically in the technology sector.    KEY POINTS: How the customer relationship management software tool collects database for a talent pool  Opportunity to take the fundamentals that cutting-edge tech companies in talent acquisition Ensuring that every person that gets into a program has a job opportunity  How to create a self-perpetuating feedback cycle  Focusing on a specific skill set is advantageous for employability  Education is constantly transforming Keeping morale is important, and adapting amidst the tough times  Be comfortable with change  Be the type of leader that builds a team with clarity and space to be their best  Allow having a depth of understanding with people  Re-thinking how education and learning are taking a different approach    QUOTABLES: “Bootup is trying to solve the labor market gap for skilled worker shortages, while also providing economic opportunity for folks who are looking to make more income.” - Chandler Malone    “If you're going to be in the technology field and sector, there's going to be this constant need to reinvent, re-educate, etc. And so it doesn't really matter which pathway you came through — that’s going to be a constant.“ GUEST INFORMATION Chandler Malone  Website | https://www.joinbootup.com/  IG | @chanoouttathere  RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey    Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, we are joined by Jessica Santana, CEO of America On Tech (AOT) - a nonprofit organization on a mission to decrease the racial and economic wealth gap by creating career pathways into technology for underestimated young people.  Jessica and Sherrell discuss the need to end the scarcity mindset, and how America On Tech is now thriving from the pivots they’ve made since its rebranding in 2019. With any project or work that you do, Jessica highlights the importance of investing in yourself and being aligned with your values as you embark on life’s journey.  So, tune in on this podcast as Jessica unravels her life story and shares her mission of alleviating racial and economic wealth gaps. Learn more about how passion for education and technology now creates a social impact on young individuals with Jessica!    KEY POINTS: Creating a social impact with education and technology Leaving your hometown can bring more exposure and opportunities  How to survive and thrive in various environments  Give yourself permission to experience the world Rest is resistance, self-care, and taking care of your community The importance of prioritizing yourself in the process How to not operate with a scarcity mindset  Be in support of projects that are in alignment with your values People will expect decisions from you that do not reflect who you truly are    QUOTABLES “First step to that reinvention was getting access to higher education. You really don't know that you grow up poor until you have something else that you can compare it to.” - Jessica Santana    “Reinvention was still a return to yourself. And it was still a return to like your core values to all of who you are, even all of who you're not.” - Sherrell Dorsey  GUEST INFORMATION  Jessica Santana  Website | https://www.jessicasantana.com/  IG | @jessworldwide  LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessworldwide/    RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Sometimes, reinventing yourself can simply be staying grounded in your city without the need to escape. Award-winning journalist Matt Haggman joins this episode, who is currently the Executive President of Opportunity Miami at The Beacon Council, a public-private partnership that is the official economic organization for metropolitan Miami. He leads the Opportunity Miami initiative which focuses on entrepreneurship and innovation, talent and inclusion, and sustainability and resilience. As Matt is considered a pioneer in Miami who spearheads an entrepreneurial movement, he explains that Miami is remarkable on its own that can create a wide array of opportunities in the community despite it being a small city. There is also a sense of building a great community in Miami through engagements in local businesses and with leaders and innovators that help the overall economic ecosystem. Understand more of Miami’s economic future by tuning in to this episode with Matt and Sherrell!    KEY POINTS: Understanding how Opportunity Miami works Discovering the sense of taking ownership of one’s journey in life  Immersing into a journalistic standpoint experience help in creating an impact How entrepreneurship can transform communities and people in Miami  The importance of finding a place with an open mind, rewarding grit and initiative, and taking pride in the hustle  How reinvention serves as an opportunity to look at challenges as new opportunities  Diversity is a unique differentiator and builds an ecosystem for the whole community Importance of having the credentials of upskilling to create a center of equity Searching for a sense of meaning in finding one’s purpose    QUOTABLES: “Keep going. I guess it's cliche to say, but the journey continues. It really does. And I know for me, as I sit here — there are going to be more chapters.” - Matt Haggman    “What I found is actually a place of real substance. This is a place where people come to and are reinventing their own lives or starting over. If there's any place that knows about the hustle, that knows about sort of getting through tough periods in life, knows about transitions — It's Miami.”  - Matt Haggman    GUEST INFORMATION  Matt Haggman  IG | @matthaggman LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthaggman/    RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Change is the only constant in the world.  In this episode, Sherrell’s special guest, Rebecca Beliard, highlights how leaving your comfort zone can bring you true inner peace. As someone who transitioned from working in a big law firm to now working with Amazon Music, Rebecca demonstrates that it is okay to take that giant leap and embrace change, as daunting as it may seem. Beating the odds, this episode showcases how choosing change will always be the better option. With the sole focus on entertainment and music, tune in to this episode and discover how you can reinvent yourself by creating your own rhythm to move through life.    KEY POINTS: Struggling and pushing through will only work if you embrace change.  Have the validation within yourself - not from your job, title, or salary You can be successful in anything you want to pursue  Finding the courage to explore and take on new opportunities  How to step into a new version of yourself while creating your own safety space Embracing positivity and thriving on your own terms  Celebrate where you were, where you’re going, and where you are now    QUOTABLES: “Finding your tribe is like one of the most important things that you can do for yourself. We don't have to do it by ourselves.” - Sherrell Dorsey    “The most important part is to dream big and never limit myself — and having the courage to give yourself the shot. You have to take the shot.” - Rebecca Beliard   “I think so much about how for so many of us when we think of reinvention, it's almost like we want to do away with what we've already accomplished. And yet, that reminder of I was so capable, I was so capable of all of this. Of course, I'm going to be capable of this next version” - Sherrell Dorsey    GUEST INFORMATION    Rebecca Belliard    IG | @rebeccabeliard    LinkedIn | https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebeccabeliard/    RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In a world that is so hyper-focused on achievements and accolades, it is no wonder we allow our failures to define who we are, and even our entire identities. It’s time to break free from the hold that failure has over us.  In this episode, Sherrell talks about the firm grip that failure has on us, and how to shift our perspective on failure into something we should embrace, and not fear. She also shares how failure can bring you freedom if you allow it to, and the steps you can take to start letting go of past mistakes and past versions of yourself in order to step into the new you.  So, tune in as Sherell discusses how to approach mistakes better next time, especially since failure is only an option, not an identity!    KEY POINTS: Reinvention is about letting go of the past versions of yourself Do not ascribe an identity to your failures Take advantage of every aligned opportunity Reflect and revert into creation mode Write out who you are, who you love, and how you show up for yourself and others  QUOTABLES: “Sometimes things must die to bring you relief and peace, and move you out of your comfort zone and onto something better.”   “If you're grappling with how failure has stripped you of who you are, take a second to just pause. RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

In this episode, Sherrell is joined by a special guest Rwenshaun Miller, Psychotherapist and Founder of Eustress Inc. As a survivor himself, Rwenshaun tackles the stigmas behind the mental health challenges that many of us face, and sheds light on the steps needed to integrate wellness into your lifestyle. Sherrell and Rwenshaun also discuss the importance of building a support system within your circle and the power of setting boundaries. Whether you are facing the same struggles or are looking to provide support to someone who is, join in on this important conversation as Sherrell and Rwenshaun explore different ways to provide a safe space for those looking to heal and reinvent themselves. KEY POINTS: When did you stop living?  How to deal with your crisis mode  How mental health is put at stake by societal pressures and certain expectations  Importance of knowing what truly brings you joy, happiness, and peace The power of finding your own tribe  Be afraid of taking action, but do it anyway  The wake-up call to take personal wellness seriously, the need to learn one’s self QUOTABLES: “Reinventing myself started honestly with me because it wasn't more so having to pivot and the lens of a career or anything like that —  it was more of me truly learning who is outside of other expectations; outside of other people; what they wanted me to do.”  - Rwenshaun Miller   “You have to do your due diligence to make sure that you don't end up back to where you don't want to be.”  - Rwenshaun Miller GUEST INFORMATION   Rwenshaun Miller    https://www.rwenshaun.com/    IG | @rwenshaun   Purchase the Injured Reserve book here: https://www.rwenshaun.com/injuredreserve    RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

“This is what I want at this moment. And this is what I want moving forward.” In this episode, Sherell is joined by Felecia Hatcher as she reiterates the importance of knowing what you truly want to embark on in life.  Felecia Hatcher, Author of Genius Jam and CEO of Black Ambition Prize, shares the importance of living in the moment, regardless of the stage in life you’re in. Felecia also shares valuable insights on unlearning as a way to reinvent yourself, on how opportunities present themselves to you, and simply answering the question of, “What do I want?” So tune in to this episode and reflect on how you could cultivate your authentic self as you build personal and professional relationships.  And remember: to stay in alignment, you must go through several inventions of yourself and iterations of yourself.  KEY POINTS: “What do I want?” A simple yet hard question. People will let you do things because they think that you can deal with the burden Unlearning helps reinvent our way of thinking  How to be intentional in the reinvention process and maintain professional relationships Opportunities will present themselves as you move forward Hold into the armor of fortitude and know when it is time for completion Commitment to work, maintaining passion, having a sense of obligation Create things as much as possible and step into the environment you want QUOTABLES: “Asking for help is a strength, it is not a sign of weakness.”  - Felecia Hatcher  “We all want to operate in our zone or zone of genius. But we end up becoming generalists and multitaskers, especially as women because things have to get done.” - Felecia Hatcher  “I want to help as many young people in our people as possible, like understand how transformational technology can actually be in our community.” -  Felecia Hatcher  GUEST INFORMATION   Felecia Hatcher    https://www.feleciahatcher.com/    IG | @feleciahatcher    Purchase the Genius Jam book here RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)

Behind the glitz and the glamour of entrepreneurship, there are times when you have to work through your own dark night of the soul. Sherrell is no stranger to this, and in this episode, she shares the cost of staying comfortable, which ultimately brought deep emptiness and dissatisfaction to herself.    This episode focuses on the importance of having a home to return to – where you can cry, binge-watch your favorite shows without judgment, let your friends drop by, or have an intimate relationship with your higher power.   Through moments of surrender, Sherrell had to reinvent herself to become a kinder, more empathetic CEO. So tune in to this episode and reflect on how you can also come home to yourself.    KEY POINTS: Everything will work out for you - serve and lead from a place of love Stay vigilant, learning, and growing Remain committed to excellence The importance of being kind to yourself  Let go of the need to have linear assurance Give yourself time and grace to come home to yourself  QUOTABLES: “Some of the emptiness reminds us how much we're craving home. Home not necessarily as a physical place — but a home within ourselves that represents safety and freedom.”   “The miracles and the transformation that continues for us all are a reflection of our level of growth and willingness to surrender to the processes that make us nervous.”   RESOURCES: Like what you’re hearing? Leave a review and share this podcast!   Website | sherrelldorsey.com IG | instagram.com/sherrell_dorsey Twitter | twitter.com/Sherrell_Dorsey  Get your own copy of Upper Hand: The Future of Work for the Rest of Us at  sherrelldorsey.com/upperhand Find the latest news & updates on Black founders and innovators from The Plug newsletter tpinsights.com Road to Reinvention is edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)