The Meaningful Shift Podcast

What if you reframed things with work and approached it from a place of joy? How would that change what you prioritize? Let’s be honest… getting laid off is a real blow and the fear of that happening can get in the way of this joyful pursuit. But with so much out of our control, I would argue that even that type of setback can be reframed. Jenny shows us one way to do just that.Show Notes:In this episode, Simone interviews Jenny Sidorova, co-founder of Tipar Collective and host of Dots and Dreams. Jenny shares how a layoff and a 14+ month job search led her to step away from the noise, “sit in the space,” and lean into creative work. They discuss the emotional and financial realities that come with navigating a layoff, rejecting “fake rules,” and embracing the gray while building a values-led career.00:00 Welcome to The Meaningful Shift01:05 Meet Jenny Sidorova06:44 Silence Brings Clarity11:49 Support Systems and Gray Areas16:50 Breaking Fake Rules21:42 Mindset Resources and Recs27:45 Final Takeaways and Next StepsFollow Jenny and her work at Dots & Dreams | Substack | Podcast–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesThe Ride of a Lifetime: Lessons Learned from 15 Years as CEO of the Walt Disney Company by Robert IgerThe Bear TV SeriesLessons: Molly G’s SubstackThe Way of Nagomi: How to Find Peace & Harmony in Your Life by Ken MogiUnreasonable Hospitality: The Remarkable Power of Giving People More Than They Expect by Will Guidara This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Do you wonder why certain cities and small towns around the world give you a different feeling than your day to day at home? It turns out, our built environment has a lot to do with how we feel and surprise… we let the spreadsheet people get in the way again and ruin the vibe 😅Show Notes:In this episode, Simone interviews Nujuma Ibrahim, a Dubai-based director of built environment strategy and creator of the Beneath the Concrete podcast, about how modern success and city design have become overly efficiency-driven and often hostile to human flourishing. They discuss why change must involve more stakeholders and explore how Africa can develop differently by drawing on local context and ancestral building knowledge instead of copying Western models.00:00 Welcome to Meaningful Shift01:13 Meet Nujuma Ibrahim04:06 Reclaim Human Centered Design12:02 New York Community Lessons18:33 Africa Already Has Answers26:49 Redefining Success Personally33:37 Closing Reflections and Next StepsFollow Nujuma and her work | Substack | Instagram–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesIkigai: The Japanese secret to a long and happy life by Héctor García and Francesc MirallesThe Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery by Brianna WiestMel Robbins PodcastOn Purpose with Jay ShettyAspire with Emma GredeThe Diary of a CEO This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Show Notes:Simone returns with a solo episode of The Meaningful Shift, sharing reflections from being “in the trenches” of building Ackee House and realizing it has become the work of her life, shifting from a business idea to a sense of purpose and calling. She discusses themes from The Five Regrets of the Dying, focusing on the regret of not having the courage to live a life true to oneself, and connects this to modern overwhelm, saying no, resisting tribalism, and choosing lives aligned with values. Simone explains how her courage is strengthened by community and by grounding herself in a longer time horizon.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:19 In The Trenches02:30 The Five Regrets of the Dying03:59 Courage In Chaos06:44 Community Over Fear09:19 Three Courage Practices11:39 Conclusion: The Long Arc of Your LifeIf you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesThe Top Five Regrets of the Dying: A Life Transformed by the Dearly Departing by Bronnie Ware This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

This entire conversation is inspired by a quote I read a few months ago that said, “‘Motherhood is actually the far better metaphor for any kind of God worth worshiping.” I’ve been on a long journey to motherhood myself and with every hurdle I overcome, with every new reality I face watching how we treat women and mothers in this world… I become more and more radicalized. We have so much work to do to honor and support those who bring life into this world and I have so much respect for those who are doing so, despite the circumstances.Show Notes:In this episode, Simone interviews Austin-based portrait photographer and mother of two Imani Waterfield about how experiencing motherhood in America completely changed her perspective.From the challenges of navigating a role at a demanding startup during COVID while raising a toddler to enduring multiple miscarriages with little support—she ultimately chose divorce, experiencing both grief and liberation. In this conversation she shares the tools that supported her and how leaving helped her model healthier relationships for her children. Imani’s story is all about shifting the narrative about motherhood today from one that centers martyrdom to one that centers joy.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift02:02 Meet Imani Waterfield07:33 Trying To Make It Work13:24 Permission To Leave16:39 Parenting After Divorce22:50 From Martyrdom To Joy24:48 Books That Changed Her Life31:40 Closing Thanks And NextFollow Imani and her work | Website | Instagram–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesImani Waterfield PhotographyWhy Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? by Beverly Daniel TatumAll About Love: New Visions by bell hooksFair Play: A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do by Eve Rodsky This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

If you were seeking permission to make your own way in the world, I hope this episode is it! I think if we can all find a way to accept the imperfections that are inherently part of life and choose to experience this one little, precious life on our own terms… we’ll all be better off for it. I hope you too consider doing something bold like living in a warehouse conversion 😏 go for it!Show Notes:In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone talks with Bo Shepherd, Co-Founder and Head of Design at Woodward Throwbacks, a sustainable studio creating furniture and spaces from reclaimed materials in Detroit.Bo explains how biking Detroit, finding illegally dumped materials, and loving the city’s texture all shaped the anti-trend design approach that their clients come to them for… one that’s rooted in storytelling and individuality.They discuss entrepreneurship, burnout, and building balance through nature, affirmations, and trusting your intuition.00:00 Introduction To The Meaningful Shift01:24 Meet Bo And Woodward Throwbacks05:16 Embracing Imperfection08:11 Mystery On Mack Origins14:21 Salvage Community And Craft18:20 Finding Balance And Boss Energy27:03 Trusting Your Intuition34:44 Fear Means Growth35:44 Final Thanks and TakeawaysCheck out Woodward Throwbacks | Website | IG: Woodward Throwbacks | IG: Bo–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

Sometimes you have to follow your heart and do things that don’t have clear explanations... things that don’t “make sense” when you try to explain them to other people. When you learn to trust your gut, you just might realize you’re being pulled in the exact place you’re supposed to be. ✨✨Show Notes:Simone explains why she started The Meaningful Shift and how her answer has evolved beyond marketing for Ackee House. While the podcast initially served as a go-to-market strategy for audience building and branding, she now sees it as a creative practice that helped her reconnect with a lost part of herself after years in corporate life and business school. Through conversations about work, family, community, and getting unstuck, she explores a “homecoming” to self, collective mindset, and the emotional tools that creativity provides when spreadsheets and capitalism-centered measures fall short. Building Ackee House in Jamaica has pushed her to develop more heart-centered storytelling, embrace experimentation, and feel less alone by connecting with other creators and founders.00:00 Welcome and The Big Question02:47 Reclaiming Creativity05:36 Homecoming and The Meaningful Shift08:29 Feeling Like Yourself Again12:41 Wrap Up and Call to ActionIf you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesHomecoming: Overcome Fear and Trauma to Reclaim Your Whole, Authentic Self by Thema Bryant This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

You know that lyric, “I make Black history everyday, I don’t need a month!” This conversation is the embodiment of that. We have to treasure our stories, especially the everyday and the mundane… when we step away from the ongoing pressure of the profit motive, we can remember the power of our humanity. In a time when history is being intentionally erased, it’s up to us to preserve and remember.Show Notes:In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone connects with Martina, a Brooklyn-based creative entrepreneur, storyteller, and community builder. Martina discusses the need for everyone to recognize the importance of their own stories and how that belief is central to the fight for liberation. She shares her journey of founding You Had Me at Black, her inspiration from the Black Panther Party, and the transformations she experienced through creative incubator New Inc. The conversation centers around the importance of preserving Black stories, ethical storytelling, and building sustainable, community-centric media.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:08 Meet Martina: Creative Entrepreneur and Storyteller02:59 The Birth of ‘You Had Me At Black’12:21 Reconnecting with Purpose and Community23:55 Finding Community As An Adult25:31 The Impact of Oakland and the Black Panther Party29:56 The Power of Storytelling and Community43:07 Conclusion and Takeaways–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesYou Had Me At Black on SubstackWayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments: Intimate Histories of Riotous Black Girls, Troublesome Women, and Queer Radicals by Saidiya HartmanHomegoing by Yaa GyasiMeerkat Media This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

I’ve been seeing little pockets of this idea of “friction maxxing” online as a goal for people in 2026 to find more happiness. I find it hilarious that TikTok has made everything a trend with a brand but I will say, this one actually feels like a good thing. Brandy and I talk a little bit about this but I think realizing that in order for us to build our world together, we need to get comfortable with friction again is a very good takeaway :) ENJOY!Show Notes:In this episode we meet Brandy Cerne, the creator of O Portalzinho in Paraty, Brazil. Brandy shares her journey from a career in marketing to embracing entrepreneurship, fueled by a love for travel and community. The discussion highlights the importance of human connection and social health as well as her unexpected path to realizing her hospitality dream.Simone and Brandy also delve into ways to live meaningfully within the constraints of a self-interested society, inspired by mutual support.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:19 Meet Brandy Cerne: From Startup Marketer to Bed and Breakfast Owner02:47 The Pousada Vision: From Idea to Reality07:20 Navigating Layoffs and Freelancing11:37 Creating a Connection-Led Space24:34 The Joy of Connecting with Others28:55 Embracing Uncertainty and Personal Growth39:05 Final Thoughts and Gratitude–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesFeel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan JeffersEmbracing Uncertainty by Susan JeffersYou Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen SinceroFor StartersHow I Built This with Guy Raz This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

You know how they say if you can’t get a seat at the table, build your own table? This conversation is the best example of that… just start where you are! Show Notes:In this episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone dives deep into the transformative journey of Nirupa Konijeti, the founder of Bazaar, a highly sought-after supper club in NYC. Nirupa shares her story of overcoming dissatisfaction in her tech job to pursue a fulfilling endeavor that blends her passion for food and community. From her roots in Hyderabad, India to her thriving life in Brooklyn, Nirupa discusses the importance of curiosity, intentional living, and embracing one’s heritage to create spaces that foster genuine human connections. This episode reveals how Nirupa’s venture into hosting intimate dinners not only filled a market gap but also helped her reclaim her identity and creativity. Along the way, Simone and Nirupa explore the impact of parental expectations, immigrant experiences, and the power of social media in building supportive communities.00:00 Introduction to The Meaningful Shift01:09 Introducing Nirupa Konijeti10:55 Cultural and Personal Identity18:28 Launching Bazaar Supper Club24:42 The Power of Play, Future Aspirations, and Creative Freedom36:01 Family Support and Personal Growth40:00 Closing Thoughts–If you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesUsal ProjectCallisto Farms This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com

So many of the most incredible opportunities I’ve had in my life have come from me pushing past fear. It’s a human emotion, that never goes away… so know that and realize there’s SO much potential goodness on the other side. 🫶🏽✨You cannot use someone else’s fire. You can only use your own. And in order to do that, you must first be willing to believe that you have it. -Audre LordeShow Notes:In this solo episode of The Meaningful Shift, Simone reflects on the fears she’s encountered throughout the process of building Ackee House, a retreat space in Jamaica. She talks about overcoming the fear of judgment while fundraising, inspired by personal conversations with family and other new entrepreneurs like Brandy Cerne of O Portalzinho, who also navigates similar waters in the hospitality space. Simone explores deep-rooted fears and emphasizes the importance of courage, self-belief, and collective mindset in pursuing dreams. She shares practical insights and resources, advocating for self-trust and resilience amidst uncertainties and encouraging listeners to step into their power to help contribute to a better world.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:12 Introducing Ackee House: The Journey Begins02:12 Facing Fear: A Personal Reflection06:06 Inspiration from Others: Stories of Courage07:43 Practical Advice: Tools and Resources10:11 Building Resilience: Overcoming Challenges13:38 Conclusion: Embracing Your PowerIf you have a comment, question, or any recommended guests hit me on Substack or DM me on Instagram, I would love to chat :)The Meaningful Shift NewsletterInstagramMusic by Auxjack from Epidemic SoundSpecial thanks to Hiwote Getaneh and the Emerging Voices Podcast Accelerator. Interested in starting your own podcast? Book a call with Hiwote.ResourcesHow I Built This with Guy RazO PortalzinhoFeel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan JeffersOnly the Paranoid Survive by Andrew S. Grove This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit themeaningfulshift.substack.com