I Have Something To Say - Podcast

29/08/2024

Put on your seatbelts. In the latest episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say, co-hosts Christopher Majocha and Sami Haiman-Marrero get real about the systemic neglect and misrepresentation faced by the Puerto Rican and Latino community in Florida. Joined by Florida State Representative Johanna López and Boricua Vota Founder Jimmy Torres-Vélez, they lay bare the urgent need for engagement and education to dismantle harmful misconceptions about Latino voters and amplify their electoral participation.

It’s high time to confront the truth: language barriers and a lack of cultural competency are not just hurdles—they're deliberate obstacles keeping the Latino vote marginalized and underrepresented. The conversation calls out the glaring insufficiency of investments in culturally relevant messaging and resources, which are crucial for genuine outreach.

Political representation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed. The Latino vote is not just influential—it’s transformative, and it's time for everyone to wake up to its power. As we dig deep into this episode, remember: "Very soon, you will not be able to win an election in this country without the Latino vote."

It's about time we fight back against ignorance and demand the recognition and respect we deserve. Tune in now and find out why the Latino vote is the game-changer we can no longer ignore.

16/08/2024

15/08/2024

Recent events have led many of us to experience a whirlwind of emotions, swinging between extreme joy and deep anguish. This episode of the “I Have SOMETHING to Say” Podcast focuses on the emotional whiplash caused by the exhilarating announcement of the Harris-Walz ticket for the U.S. general election and the profound grief following the tragic ex*****on of Sonya Massey in her home by a police officer. Our guest, Deloria Nelson-Streete, Founder & CEO of ACE Solutions, joins hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha to discuss these starkly contrasting events from her perspective as a Black woman.

Deloria shares insights on the emotional impact of these back-to-back events and the critical need to address racial trauma and ongoing work in our country. She reflects, "Navigating these feelings as a collective really is like emotional whiplash."

The episode unpacks how injustices and violations of trust, particularly when they occur within one's own home, deeply affect the community’s collective psyche. Deloria comments, "The idea of being violated in your own home, the place that is supposed to be your safe place, is something that you react to."

As a coach and facilitator dedicated to combating bias through training and mentorship, Deloria emphasizes her commitment to collective success and equity. "I celebrate [the Harris nomination], but then I serve, right? Because I have to remember the people behind me," she notes. She adds, "Our body's ability to desensitize certain things so we can keep going is helpful, but it's also injurious."

The conversation also highlights the importance of pausing and responding deliberately in challenging situations to prevent further tragedies. It underscores the need for empathy, awareness, and action to address systemic issues and create a more equitable society. Deloria stresses the role of those who can leverage their privilege—such as race, socioeconomic status, or access—to drive positive change. At the heart of fostering understanding and dismantling biases is education and a mindset shift towards inclusivity and fairness.

01/08/2024

It feels surreal to announce that this is the 200th episode of “I Have SOMETHING to Say”, especially as co-hosts Christopher Majocha, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, and Sami Haiman-Marrero reflect on the ups and downs of this journey that started in 2018. The initial planning happened on a business road trip, with a call to Chris to figure out what we needed from a technical standpoint to launch. They agree that "Sometimes the best ideas come when you just unplug and take a long drive."

But the growth and evolution of the show, and its impact, have been driven by the diverse range of guests as well as the topics and industries covered. The importance of providing a platform for people to speak up and share their perspectives during the past 5 years regarding the good, bad, and ugly we have experienced personally, professionally, and as a nation, cannot be overstated. We’ve been through A LOT…all of us…yes, including you.

In this episode, the co-hosts express their hopes for the future of the podcast and their commitment to continue creating valuable content by adding special “Issues2Impact” programs into the mix. They openly share some of the major changes they have experienced since starting the podcast and how it has influenced their perspectives. They discuss becoming parents, empty nesters, and business owners, and how these roles have shaped their outlook on life and work…their priorities and purpose.

And while they ask themselves "Who knows where this journey is going to take us?", they also highlight that their advocacy voices have grown stronger. This has been the biggest reward, and for this, they are grateful to each other, their guests and everyone who has tuned in to share space, collaborate, have honest conversations, and support this podcast. As Chris points out, "I think being able to commit to something like a podcast for as long as we have 200 episodes and to put ourselves out there…we could have never done this alone."

25/07/2024

Promises, promises, promises…we all get spammed daily by lead generation companies that 'guarantee’ they can help you get a gazillion hot leads that will land you hot new business. In this special “Issues2Impact” episode of our “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Christopher Majocha, and Sami Haiman-Marrero talk with John Nadeau, Founder/CEO of SpearPoint Digital LLC about the challenges of finding and attracting clients for his digital marketing business.

We explore the importance of networking, building a sales funnel, and effectively communicating the value of digital marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses. Our discussion also applies to small business owners dedicated to providing other types of professional services. The discussion includes how to use targeted content, such as reels and videos, to engage potential clients and drive conversions. Why? Two important reasons: 1. You must build awareness of your subject matter expertise, AND 2. You must build trust in your sales and marketing methods…otherwise, it’s just more spam.

Part of an effective approach involves casting a wide net and leveraging various strategies to reach potential leads with real potential. We highlight the value of personal connections and referrals from people who know and trust your work. We also stress the importance of measuring the effectiveness of different strategies and focusing on those that yield the greatest return on investment. Dr. Xaulanda emphasized these points, "There's no silver bullet. Fundamentally, people do business with people they know, like, and trust."

The conversation touches on the use of social media platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships and establish credibility, concluding with the following advice from Samí, “Always provide value and build trust before making a sales pitch”. The power of personal branding and the importance of establishing roles, values, and expectations in business relationships can never be underestimated, so our Issues2Impact sounding board provides John tips on how to use LinkedIn for networking and engagement to solicit warm recommendations, as well as the value of creating case studies and repurposing content.

When you clearly understand who your ideal client is and target them effectively, you can then start building sales funnel strategies to generate the leads and the cash flow you need to breathe and grow as a small business owner.

18/07/2024

Are you psychologically unsafe at work? Are the constant verbal jabs, innuendos, side-eye glances, and passive-aggressive comments making you sick to your stomach? In this special “Issues2Impact” episode of our “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds, Christopher Majocha, and Sami Haiman-Marrero talk with Dr. Juliette Nelson, Founder of JUNURI, about the concept of organizational trauma and its impact on individuals in the workplace.

For the root problem of crappy work environments, Dr. Nelson offers up the following: "Broken people are leading other broken people and causing more brokenness." She explains that organizational trauma is not limited to isolated events but can also be caused by toxic work environments riddled with persistent unhealthy dynamics, discrimination, and microaggressions that simply never go away…and frankly make you want to RUN AWAY!

Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and being able to be one's authentic self in the workplace...without compromising one’s job or aggravating one’s circumstances. She also highlights the need for understanding, grace, and empathy in addressing issues of privilege and marginalization to afford people an opportunity to grow through self-reflection. But sometimes change can’t come soon enough, which is why so many people opt to leave the workforce and start their own business.

The conversation explores the importance of self-advocacy and advocating for others in the workplace, stressing the need for setting boundaries. Chris, Dr. Xaulanda, and Dr. Neslon discuss the challenges of speaking up and the potential consequences (good and not so good), but also highlight the importance of seeking support and finding spaces where you can be yourself if you are not feeling psychologically safe.

Whatever the situation, whether you're an employee or entrepreneur, Dr. Nelson encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being. For people who decide to go the business ownership route, she recommends that they allow their traumatic work experiences to inform their values and how they build their organizational culture to make a positive impact by breaking the cycle of toxicity.

11/07/2024

What is the American way? In essence, it’s a system that’s working just fine…for some…not for all. In this episode of "I Have Something to Say," co-hosts Christopher Majocha and Sami Haiman-Marrero have an exceptional conversation with an exceptional guest, Toni Hunt, Founder and CEO of The American Way, about how to combat socioeconomic barriers to deliver equity. "What I'm saying is, I'm not going to disrupt our capitalist society. I'm not going to be a hypocrite, right? We all benefit from the capitalist society. What I'm saying is, is that certain groups of people shouldn't be the underbelly just because their skin tone is melanated and their hair texture is more coily,” she says.

Toni discusses the inspiration behind naming her company "The American Way" from her lens as an economist, and how it reflects their mission to propel equity through exposure and barrier elimination. We discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighting the need for genuine, impactful practices beyond mere performative actions. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Toni illustrates the critical gaps in current DEI efforts and offers actionable solutions to bridge them…so they are not canned. "Many DEI initiatives and programs are being shut down or questioned because a lot of times it's performative and it's not really delivering the impact that is expected when you bring into the fold that layer of equity,” Samí emphasizes.

Chris brings a personal perspective, shedding light on the importance of understanding privilege and the layers required to achieve true equity in organizations. "It doesn't have to be as scary as everybody thinks it is. If you are bringing in the right people, it's showing that you have the intention to change and to be better for your workforce and for your vendors and your clients and customers,” he adds.

It’s an enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, practical advice, and a compelling call to action for building a more inclusive and equitable future. As the nuances of creating equitable pathways are explored, the economic benefits of inclusivity and the importance of mental health in this transformative journey are also highlighted. So, whether you're a leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply curious about the true American way, this episode is a must-listen.

27/06/2024

Running for office takes courage, resiliency, and a lot of preparation, especially for Latinas. In this episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say Podcast, Sami Haiman-Marrero talks to Maria Revelles, a community organizer and advocate with whom she’s collaborated, about what propelled her to finally run for Florida's State House of Representatives for District 47.

María shares her journey and passion for making a positive impact on her community no matter where she lives. From her early beginnings in Puerto Rico to her work in New York and her current efforts in Central Florida, María has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers, addressing housing fairness, and supporting the Puerto Rican community. Her work has also involved creating programs to preserve traditional art expressions and culture and to promote environmentally conscious values. It’s been her life’s work to be the voice for the voiceless, including Mother Earth.

María openly discusses her personal experience with cancer and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. “Many people are burdened by medical debt, " she points out while adding that representation in the Florida legislature is crucial to address the needs of underrepresented communities. "We decide many, many things in legislative session every year, but we don't decide that we want to do the humane thing and give healthcare to those who need it."

Her candidacy for office is driven by her desire to create change and fight for human dignity, affordable housing, good-paying jobs, strong public schools, and increased support for small businesses. “Our time in this world is limited, so if we can leave this piece of the universe better than how we found it, it's all going to be worth it. I think the journey through cancer, my cancer diagnosis, it's really one of the things that even pushed me further,” she states.

21/06/2024

Since the beginning of time, humans have yearned to build COMMUNITY. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, Priscilla Gausso, Founder of Latinas Rising Up In HR, and CEO of Manifesting Leadership Group, discusses with hosts Christopher Majocha and Sami Haiman-Marrero the importance of building genuine connections and creating community rather than just networking.

As the author of “Commünity” a fantastic little book/workbook available on Amazon, Priscilla shares her personal experiences of building community and the impact it has had on her life. She also highlights the need for self-reflection and being intentional about the people we surround ourselves with. This book should be required reading for everyone age 12+.

The conversation explores the importance of building a community and the different roles that people play within our community. Priscilla believes that community can be built with anyone as long as there is mutual understanding and a willingness to open up and communicate with the end goal of connecting more deeply with people. She emphasizes the value of finding common ground and aligning values with others as we go about doing our business.

Although open communication and honest conversations are sometimes hard to do, they are necessary to maintain strong relationships. Priscilla, Chris, and Samí share personal experiences and insights on how to manage expanding communities, ensuring that existing members don't feel displaced. They also discuss the power of letting others help you and the impact of community on personal growth and fulfillment. As a new mom, Priscilla discusses how now she’s leaning in on finding her mommy community and on accepting the support of people who care about her (both in her professional and personal communities) while she navigates balancing motherhood with business ownership.

Some key takeaways from this insightful conversation are:

- Different people play different roles in your community, such as the creative brainstormer, dreamer, challenger, thinker, motivator, decision maker, mentor, listener, connector, strategist, coach, advisor, and sponsor. Identify them and keep them close!

- It's important to have open and honest conversations with friends and family about your capacity and needs, especially during times of expansion, change or strife.

- Letting others help and being vulnerable enough to ask for help is a gift and strengthens relationships.

- Relationships and communities evolve over time, and it's important to revisit and adjust as needed. It’s OK to let go of a relationship that’s not working as it should.

- Being intentional about the quality of relationships in your community is more important than the quantity.

- Community is a lifeline that offers love, care, and support and helps combat loneliness.

Listen in for tips on how to build a community you can trust, rely on, and grow with. “Life-ing” is not meant to be done alone.

13/06/2024

INCOGNITO GUEST! Sometimes you’re in a pickle and simply need a sounding board. In this special “Issues2Impact” episode of “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Christopher Majocha, and Sami Haiman-Marrero talk with ‘Negative Nancy’ who is a business owner struggling with passion, direction, and the future of her business. It’s an emotional discussion about the practical aspects of entrepreneurship, the struggle to find joy and fulfillment in business activities, and the exploration of potential career pivots. We disguise the identity of our guest to afford her a safe space to share her feelings as she asks us, “Do I continue to pursue entrepreneurship or do I get a job?”

As this heartfelt and candid conversation progresses, our hosts provide insights, advice, and personal experiences to guide Negative Nancy through this journey of self-discovery and decision-making in the hopes of changing her mindset to that of a ‘Positive Paula’. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to entrepreneurship, business strategy, personal growth, and mental health. It addresses the challenges and opportunities of being an entrepreneur, the importance of defining a niche, creating packages, setting goals, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The discussion also touches on the healing process and the impact of childhood experiences on entrepreneurial journeys.

Key Takeaways

- Entrepreneurship involves emotional and practical challenges that require self-discovery and decision-making.

- Career pivots and consulting roles can offer opportunities to leverage soft skills and creative interventions in the corporate sector.

- Understanding one's value proposition and articulating it in corporate terms can help in selling one's strengths and passions.

- It's important to focus on activities that bring joy and fulfillment and to consider pivoting away from aspects of the business that do not align with personal goals and values.

- Defining a niche and creating packages can lead to more consistent income and attract the right clients.

- Setting audacious yet achievable goals in smaller increments can help maintain focus and track progress.

- Taking breaks, establishing healthy boundaries, and celebrating small victories are essential for mental well-being and sustained productivity in entrepreneurship.

- Childhood experiences and trauma can influence entrepreneurial behavior and mindset, requiring intentional healing and self-awareness.

Hold on to your seats as you hit PLAY. This one is packed with a hell of a lot of zest!

23/05/2024

It’s Small Business Month! So, how befitting that we launch the special “Issues2Impact” episodes of our “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast by talking with the Founder and CEO of Cansulta, Alex Kapelos-Peters, about the challenges faced by small businesses. Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Chris Majocha, and Samí Haiman-Marrero serve as a sounding board to Alex as she shares specifics about her 4-year-old business.

Cansulta’s specialty is vetting consultants who are subject matter experts in a whole host of disciplines, helping business owners gain access to much-needed high-quality professional services instead of hiring someone full-time. We all had a lofty goal of addressing of the Top 7 Hurdles that start-ups have to overcome to get their businesses running and MAKING MONEY. However, this one episode wound up solely focusing on tackling “The Financial Concerns of Small Businesses”, and a little bit regarding employee recruitment and retention.

The conversation kicked off with the importance of understanding cash flow, cost of living, and pricing to even attempt to run a small business, emphasizing the need for financial planning, forecasting, and finding the right team to navigate these challenges. In terms of employee recruitment and retention, we discussed the mindset shift required when you become an entrepreneur because it’s not the same thing managing someone else’s business and staff, to dealing with your own and building a team that understands this as well. These are two different animals.

The winning “Drop the Mic” soundbite was: "Every unproductive hour that I spend at your place, is an hour I'm not making money." For a small business, the difficulty of finding the right balance between pricing, quality, expenditures, and maintaining consistent cash flow is persistent if you are not born with a silver spoon in your mouth. Overall, our discussion provides valuable insights and tips regarding financial matters for start-ups and small business owners who are new to all this.

We stress the importance of networking, building relationships, and seeking advice from trusted advisors in the small business world. It is critical for small business owners to stay connected with others in the same boat and to seek guidance from those who are a few steps ahead. There is great value in attending intimate networking events and doing proper research to establish a clear vision and goals for your business before investing time, money, and resources into it.

Listen in on how we candidly tackle the following topics:

- Financial Challenges Faced by Small Businesses
- The Importance of Pricing and Financial Planning
- Quantifying Objectives and Financial Considerations
- Balancing Profitability and Impact in Business Ventures
- Seeking Advice from Trusted Advisors
- Staying Focused on Your Goals
- Understanding the Financial Health of Your Business
- The Value of Investing in Research and Development

Spoiler Alert: Alex Kapelos-Peters is coming back to complete an Issues2Impact Small Business 7-part series….yes, we’re going to tackle the remaining top issues entrepreneurs face on a daily basis. AND, we’re going to keep it REAL.

16/05/2024

Candice Simmons is no stranger to showing up in a big way for historically excluded communities. In this episode of "I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY”, hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha engage in a profound dialogue with Candice, who is a seasoned expert in the financial industry and a dedicated advocate for community empowerment. They dive deep into the themes of commitment to purpose, the power of advocacy, and the importance of investing in under-resourced communities.

About 7 years ago, Samí was working on jumpstarting a special project in a working-class community where 59% of the families lived under the poverty level. It’s when she met Candice for the first time. Only ten minutes into her presentation, Candice committed to helping. Why so quickly? She knew this neighborhood well – it was where she lived when she arrived in Central Florida with her family.

Candice shares her inspiring journey, from her robust background in banking to her transformative role in non-profit development and racial equity advancement. "Leadership is not just a title; it's an inherent quality everyone possesses, capable of initiating change," she shares.

Candice’s commitment to purpose illustrates the significant impact of leadership that prioritizes people and community over personal gains, stressing that it’s critical to help create strong ecosystems that are self-sustaining. She also explains that when investing in under-resourced communities, it’s important to understand that it takes time to see results and exercise grace. From her viewpoint, true dedication involves a deep commitment to the communities you serve, emphasizing long-term engagement over short-term gains.

Moreso, Candice goes on to underscore that leaders must consider community benefit as the primary measure of success, moving away from self-centered metrics. "We must remove ourselves from the center. We can't approach our work with ego; we must focus on what the community needs," she states.

Some key takeaways from this powerful conversation:

- The health of a community depends on the strength of its supporting ecosystem, promoting independence and sustainable growth.

- Understanding your core motivations and how they drive your actions and impacts.

- Everyone has the potential to effect change and lead within their own capacities.

- We should prioritize the well-being and advancement of communities over personal achievements.

- Leaders who commit to purpose need to find time to celebrate even the small wins and to rest to recharge.

Tune in to gain invaluable insights into how leadership, commitment, and community focus can create lasting change and foster a culture where everyone thrives.

04/04/2024

The status “Educated & Broke” is about to change for women in Central Florida thanks to the determination and perseverance of Arlene Blake , Founder and Executive Director of Women on the Rise. In this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY, hosts Sami Haiman-Marrero and Christopher Majocha discuss with Arlene the transformative program her organization has designed and implemented to solve the problem of highly educated women dissatisfied in their careers or unable to advance socioeconomically because they don’t have the proper support and guidance.

Through Women on the Rise’s “Educated & Broke” program, women are equipped with invaluable resources to articulate their worth, navigate salary negotiations, chart their career trajectories, secure mentors, manage finances, invest wisely, and kickstart side hustles. Notably, the program also extends a helping hand to single mothers by providing free childcare during workshops. Some of these highly educated women are on public assistance to complement their salaries and receive financial guidance to navigate the “benefits cliff” where an increase in salary doesn’t necessarily offset losing the public assistance they need to meet the needs of their families. Arlene shares, "By us having these types of workshops and working with women, we've been able to see women completely renegotiate their salary, adding upwards of $30,000 to what they were making before."

The ripple effect of empowerment spurred by Educated & Broke transcends individual participants, inspiring a cascade of confidence and self-advocacy among women. It also creates a pipeline of mentors that support other women in their workplaces and neighborhoods.

Bolstered by grants and strategic partnerships, Women on the Rise is committed to expanding its reach and providing robust support to women in Central Florida. But they need all the help they can get. For more on the Educated and Broke program and to support Arlene’s mission, please visit: https://www.wotrinc.org/educated-broke

29/03/2024

Small business owners who don’t have the support of a daddy or mommy who can show them the ropes sometimes don’t realize all the possible issues that can come up when employing people as a means to scale. Aside from dealing with the day-to-day drama that ensues when humans work together, many HR issues arise because we don’t know all of the established regulations to properly run a business under the law – and keeping track of when they change the rules, too!

Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero welcome Mandi Waters, a dedicated Account Manager at Merritt Business Solutions to this episode of I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY to share some of the most common HR-related considerations to keep in mind when navigating the layered world of human resources. While she clarifies that she’s by no means an HR expert, her role as a concierge service or broker for all HR outsourcing needs makes her an invaluable asset to small businesses.

As Mandi shares her passion for assisting businesses with everything from employee administration to 401K management, she emphasizes the critical importance of compliance in the realm of HR. Despite the broad scope of human resources, Mandi's focus on ensuring compliance resonates deeply with business owners who understand the stakes involved. She basically helps small businesses protect themselves.

What makes Mandi's perspective unique is her unconventional journey to HR. With a background as a Production Electrician in the Entertainment Industry spanning 18 years, Mandi made the courageous leap into entrepreneurship 12 years ago. However, a painful lesson learned from a stop order issued by the Department of Labor due to a compliance oversight shook her business to its core. It cost her $35K. Mandi's firsthand experience fuels her determination to empower business owners with the knowledge they need to avoid similar pitfalls.

Throughout the episode, we explore key topics with Mandi such as the complexities of the new white-collar gig economy, managing 1099s, when to transition to W2s, handling interviews and expectations of the new generation, and building HR foundational assets that safeguard businesses against unforeseen challenges.

Join us for an enlightening discussion with Mandi Waters as she shares her wealth of knowledge and practical insights aimed at helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. As Mandi aptly puts it, "You're fine until you're not!"