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Ever wonder what teens are actually saying when they spout seemingly random phrases like "skibbity toilet" or greet each other with words like "mango"? This special episode features an enlightening conversation with my brilliant 14-year-old niece Carsyn that might forever change how you perceive Gen Z communication.

Recorded during our pre-Beyoncé concert excitement, our discussion takes an unexpected turn from Renaissance Tour merchandise tips to decoding what adults often dismiss as "brain rot" language. Carsyn brilliantly explains that what appears to be linguistic nonsense actually serves as a sophisticated tool for instant connection. These random phrases aren't about excluding adults or representing diminished language skills—they're innovative shortcuts to community building in a world where meaningful connection feels increasingly rare.

The most profound moment comes when Carsyn observes, "People are so used to being different that they don't even care about coming together." This wisdom from a high school freshman suggests something remarkable: perhaps today's teens are intuitively developing communication patterns that prioritize unity over division. While older generations might focus on precise language and careful self-expression, Gen Z understands that sometimes, the content matters less than the connection itself.

This episode will leave you with unexpected hope for our collective future. If Carsyn's generation values connection enough to invent entirely new ways of creating it, perhaps they truly will be the ones to "pull us all back together." Listen now and discover why those seemingly random phrases your teen uses might actually represent something beautiful about their approach to human connection.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

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Kindness is perhaps the most underrated leadership trait in business today. When was the last time you saw "kind leader" featured on someone's resume? Yet this powerful quality might be exactly what's missing from many leadership approaches.

This episode unpacks what true kindness in leadership actually means - having empathy, considering viewpoints in context, knowing when to hold back, and pivoting when situations require it. Far from being weakness, kindness represents a sophisticated leadership approach that balances human needs with organizational objectives. For women especially, demonstrating kindness often comes with unfair judgment, mistaken for weakness or a Pollyannish perspective.

Through a personal career example, I share how my kindness was once misinterpreted as lacking edge during an operating review. Instead of pushing a team beyond their capabilities or making unrealistic demands, I acknowledged reality, showed kindness to people and the situation, and developed alternative solutions to move forward. This approach required courage to stand before senior leadership and advocate for a measured, realistic approach.

The truth is, kind leadership doesn't mean being a pushover - as I like to say, "don't let the smooth taste fool you." Leaders who prioritize kindness aren't missing the strategic imperatives. They're approaching challenges with values intact, asking crucial questions: What's best here? What's needed? How can I show up effectively?

If you're battling misunderstandings because kindness is your operating mode, stand firm in your integrity. Your strength will prevail, situations will improve, and you'll advance your mission. Most importantly, when people look back years from now, they won't remember specific metrics or strategies—they'll remember how you made them feel. And that might be the most important leadership legacy of all. How will you demonstrate kindness in your leadership today?

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Finding yourself stuck between summer's freedom and fall's structure? You're not alone. August represents that peculiar transition period where we crave both relaxation and readiness, unstructured days and clear direction.

Getting unstuck starts with stillness. When was the last time you intentionally sat quiet enough to hear your own heartbeat? Not because an app prompted you, but because your soul needed that grounding? Whether it's wrapped in a cozy blanket, sitting among trees, or standing on a mountain peak—your personal environment for stillness matters. This isn't just self-care; it's self-connection, creating space where your inner wisdom can finally be heard above life's constant noise.

Once centered, you have three potential paths: do nothing (sometimes the wisest choice when environments are unstable), just start (building momentum through small consistent actions), or go big (leaping toward what your heart already knows needs to happen). The paralyzing factor isn't identifying these options but choosing between them. We become immobilized by "what-if" thinking and fear of wrong choices. The liberating truth? Just pick. If your choice doesn't serve you, pivot—you'll still be in a different place than where you started. Progress isn't always linear, but zigzagging still creates movement away from stagnation and toward possibility.

As you navigate this August transition, consider where you might feel stuck and what stillness might reveal about your path forward. Amazing things happen when we listen to our hearts and, most importantly, when we finally choose to pick a direction. Share this episode with someone who needs this message, and connect with me on Instagram @shontrapowell_provennotperfect, YouTube at Proven Not Perfect™️. Listen, Follow, Like, Share... let's build community and see great things together!

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

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Have you ever noticed that some colleagues who never seem to burn the midnight oil still progress faster in their careers? Or wondered why that person who knows everything isn't actually the one in charge? These puzzling workplace dynamics stem from unwritten rules and counterintuitive truths that can take years to discover.

When I entered the professional world, I was convinced that visible hustle—early mornings, late nights, working weekends—was the formula for success. I was working hard, carrying my laptop on family vacations, and making sure everyone knew it. Yet somehow, colleagues who maintained normal hours were advancing alongside me or even surpassing me. The revelation? Smart work beats hard work every time. The most successful professionals identify the few truly important priorities and excel in those areas, rather than trying to do everything.

Similarly, I discovered that leaders at the top don't succeed by knowing everything—they win through curiosity and discernment. They surround themselves with subject-matter experts and focus on asking powerful questions rather than having all the answers. And perhaps most importantly, I learned that your personal values serve as the ultimate career compass. When faced with difficult decisions or disappointing outcomes, aligning your choices with your core values provides clarity that no career handbook can offer.

Whether you're just starting your career journey or looking to course-correct midway, these seven hard-earned lessons provide a roadmap for navigating professional life with greater wisdom and purpose. Which of these principles could transform your approach to work? Take a moment to reflect on how you might implement one this week.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Leadership isn't about having all the answers—it's about building bridges that connect people, perspectives, and possibilities. Just ask Carol Dover, who has spent three decades as the President and CEO of Florida's Restaurant and Lodging Association, steering the state's economic engine through hurricanes, economic downturns, and political shifts.

In this candid conversation with Shontra Powell, Carol reveals how her winding career path—from waiting tables to becoming Florida's Fire Marshall to serving in the Governor's office—prepared her for leading one of Florida's most powerful industry associations. With refreshing honesty, she shares that many of the challenges she faced when first entering the hospitality world (immigration reform, workforce housing, and minimum wage debates) remain unresolved today, reflecting the cyclical nature of policy work.

"Never burn a bridge," Carol advises, explaining how this principle guided her through three decades of changing administrations and political landscapes. Her integrity-first approach to lobbying helped her achieve what many considered impossible: the repeal of Florida's burdensome drink tax, a victory that took years of patience and compromise to accomplish. For women navigating male-dominated spaces, she offers clear-eyed counsel about maintaining boundaries and professional respect.

The conversation takes an unexpected turn when Carol courageously shares a deeply personal story she's rarely told publicly. "Giving up is not an option," she explains, a philosophy that has carried her through countless professional challenges.

Whether you're building your career, leading a team, or seeking to make meaningful change in your industry, Carol's wisdom about patience, integrity, and the lost art of compromise offers a masterclass in sustainable leadership. Listen in as two accomplished professionals discuss what it truly takes to transform personal tragedy into purposeful action.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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What does it take to transform from a foster child and migrant farmworker's daughter into one of the most influential women in global aviation? Lillie Rentz never imagined herself breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, but when opportunity knocked unexpectedly, she answered with a resounding "yes."

In this captivating conversation, Lillie reveals how being in the right place at the right time led to her role directing the first privatized air cargo commercial airport in the United States. With raw honesty, she shares the pivotal moments that shaped her leadership journey—from losing her father at age seven to being separated from her sisters in foster care, and ultimately finding her voice in aviation boardrooms where few women had ventured before.

But this episode extends far beyond personal triumph. Lillie takes us into the revolutionary world of Advanced Air Mobility, where electric vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs) are poised to transform transportation as we know it. This isn't science fiction—it's happening now. By 2040, what's currently a billion-dollar industry will explode into a trillion-dollar economic powerhouse, creating "skyways in the sky" that could turn a three-hour commute into a twenty-minute flight.

The opportunities are boundless—from management positions to remote monitoring systems that resemble sophisticated gaming setups. For women contemplating career pivots or young professionals seeking emerging fields, Lillir offers profound wisdom: "Don't wait for permission. The world needs what only you can bring."

Whether you're fascinated by cutting-edge technology, searching for career inspiration, or simply love stories of unexpected success, this conversation will leave you looking skyward with newfound possibility. After all, as Lillie reminds us, the sky is not the limit—it's just the beginning.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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What happens when you refuse to fit into someone else's box? For Bo Shepherd, the answer was nothing short of transformation. As just the third African-American female interior designer at General Motors, Bo found herself constantly battling expectations about everything from her natural hair to her tattoos. Despite achieving what many would consider career success, something was missing – the freedom to be authentically herself.

When Bo and her partner began exploring Detroit by bicycle, they discovered neighborhoods filled with illegally dumped materials – cabinets, doors, and lumber discarded during renovations. Drawing on construction skills learned from her West Indian father, Bo began salvaging these materials to create furniture for their apartment. This creative outlet quickly evolved into Woodward Throwbacks, a brand dedicated to transforming reclaimed materials into stunning furniture and home décor that caught the attention of retail giants like Nordstrom and Target.

The journey from corporate designer to entrepreneur wasn't sugar-coated. Bo candidly shares the reality behind the glossy success story – from living in their workshop for a year to make ends meet, to the anxiety-filled nights wondering if they'd made the right choice. "I've had night sweats, I've had bursting out of my bed shaking with anxiety," she reveals, pushing back against glamorized portrayals of entrepreneurship. Yet through these struggles, Bo's commitment to authenticity has proven sustainable, expanding beyond furniture into interior design and real estate development. Her recently published book, "Throwbacks Home Interiors," showcases fifteen Detroit homes embodying authentic design across different styles.

What makes Bo's story so compelling is its universal message: success comes not from following prescribed paths but from having the courage to trust your instincts. As she explains, "If you are really passionate and you believe in what you're doing, people will see it." For anyone feeling constrained by expectations or seeking the courage to pursue their authentic path, Bo Shepard's journey offers both inspiration and practical wisdom. Connect with Bo's designs and philosophy by exploring Woodward Throwbacks online or picking up her book to discover how authentic spaces truly transform lives.

Check out Woodward Throwbacks as well on their YouTube Channel where you can catch them "in action". As well, pick up a copy of their book to be inspired to new levels at: Amazon.

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

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Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

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Reimagining coastal protection through revolutionary technology that preserves both our cities and oceans. Meet Anya Freeman, the visionary founder behind Kind Designs, who's transforming traditional seawalls into living marine habitats through cutting-edge 3D printing.

The urgency is clear: traditional concrete seawalls are destroying marine ecosystems at an alarming rate—50,000 miles of habitats will be lost by 2040. Meanwhile, coastal communities face increasingly severe flooding and prohibitive costs for protection. Anya's solution? The world's fastest concrete 3D printer creating biomimetic seawalls that serve dual purposes: safeguarding shorelines while fostering thriving underwater ecosystems.

What makes this story particularly compelling is Anya's unlikely journey. A Ukrainian immigrant and former lawyer with no background in science, construction, or oceanography, she built a diverse team largely through Craigslist—proving that innovation often comes from unexpected places. Her leadership philosophy prioritizes grit and hands-on skills over traditional credentials, resulting in a tight-knit team unified by their mission to transform coastal infrastructure.

The impact extends beyond environmental benefits. With 30% of the global population living directly on water, Kind Designs is making coastal protection more affordable and accessible. Their second-generation seawalls eliminate rebar entirely, further increasing cost efficiency, while extending lifespan from 30-40 years to over 100 years.

Discover how this groundbreaking approach to climate resilience is attracting major investment and changing how we think about infrastructure's relationship with nature. Also, I believe this thinking has the ability to inspire more breakthrough solutions and to be a catalyst for game-changing ideas in manufacturing, in total.

Follow Anya's mission to protect our coastlines while nurturing the ocean ecosystems we depend on.

www.kinddesigns.com

Instagram: @KindDesignsOfficial

Drive, Ambition, Doing, Leading, Creating... all good until we forget about our own self-care. This Village of All-Stars pays it forward with transparency about misses and celebration in winning. We cover many topics and keep it 100. We are Proven Not Perfect™️
https://www.provennotperfect.com

Follow me on Instagram at: shontrapowell_provennotperfect

Follow me on Facebook at: Proven Not Perfect™️

Watch and listen on YouTube: Proven Not Perfect™️

Join the community for ideas and events at www.provennotperfect.com.

I'd love to hear what you think!