Brand Gems

What you don’t know doesn’t have to block your path to success. In this episode we highlight the path of Pinky Cole, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author. She made a few pivots before launching the restaurant Slutty Vegan. She didn’t hesitate to execute on an idea that came to her one night.  Instead she leveraged her skills, perseverance and creativity to make Vegan food cool, tasty, and profitable. Tune in to hear how “figuring it out” led to her building a brand worth millions.   

The one thing that is absolutely certain in this world is change. No one could have predicted the pandemic and now the entire world is adjusting. This episode explores why the ability to pivot is essential. If you think about your work life in phases, then the idea of pivoting makes sense. We think everything will unfold in a linear path, but that isn’t always the case. Tune in to hear how the knowledge to pivot gives you power and recognize the different periods when you have already made pivots.  

Chip and Joanna Gaines took a simple belief and built it into an empire. Simple doesn’t mean easy, and no doubt Chip and Joanna have worked hard. What started as a local business has grown into a global brand worth millions.  This episode highlights that it is possible to have success and be aligned with your priorities. Tune in to hear how sometimes what you need to make an impact is right in front of you. [ EPISODE 13 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 13 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-13-transcript/

Robyn Rihanna Fenty was doing pretty well in the competitive music business but she decided to diversify. This episode highlights how the superstar leveraged her fame to build a portfolio of brands that helped elevate her to billionaire status. By creating products specifically for audiences that are often ignored, Rhianna proved to the world the riches that can be found in the niches. Tune in to her how inclusivity pays off in multiple ways. [ EPISODE 12 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 12 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-12-transcript/

LeBron James may be known as the world’s greatest basketball player but he is also a savvy businessman. This episode highlights the decisions LeBron James has made, and how they have helped him achieve billionaire status and positioned him to make a positive impact on his community. His decisions were often questioned and even seen as controversial, yet he did not waiver. Tune in for insights to guide your decisions and motivation to help you stay committed to your long game. [ EPISODE 11 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 11 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-11-transcript/ 

With the  new year comes big plans and dreams.  This episode recommends 3 areas of focus that will help you in general as you transition into the new year, a new quarter, or whenever you seek inspiration to begin a new phase. No matter if you are someone who reviews goals, daily, weekly, and monthly or someone who prefers to focus on annual goals, these Brand Gems are worth remembering all year. [ EPISODE 10 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 10 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-10-transcript/ 

In the last episode we discussed strategies to address the financial, emotional and physical aspects of layoffs.  In this episode we address the professional aspects. Although the tendency might be to “jump right in” and start job searching, there are a few other things that you should do as part of the process. This episode covers those key things. And even if you aren’t looking for a job, there are brand gems that can help you evaluate your satisfaction with your current role or career overall. [ EPISODE 9 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 9 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-9-transcript/ 

This is a special episode of Brand Gems about Surviving Layoffs. I’ve been through layoffs on a few occasions due to various reasons and I know how hard it can be. My experience and what I learned can be helpful and so this episode is dedicated to sharing those Brand Gems that will make things a bit easier, if you are going through it, fear that you might be impacted by layoffs, or know someone who has been impacted by layoffs. Layoffs can be a traumatic experience. If you have ever been through them, you know what I’m talking about. If you haven’t experienced them, you are likely terrified by the thought. Having a plan can provide a sense of control and calm as you go through this transitional period. Even if you are in a secure role, you, or someone you know is sure to benefit from these Brand Gems. [ EPISODE 8 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 8 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-8-transcript/ 

If you have an idea of where you are going, then it is possible to figure out how to get there. The key is to have a destination (goal) to guide your actions. Many successful people are able to achieve greatness because they are clear on where they want to end up, even if they aren’t sure how they’ll get there. This episode shares how Tristan Walker, who watched his mother work three jobs, initially set out to be rich. This goal guided his decisions. Listen to hear how his goal ultimately evolved into creating wealth and building a legacy through Walker & Co Brands which was acquired by P&G. Get inspiration to focus on your goal and ultimately your strong finish.[ EPISODE 7 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 7 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-7-transcript/ 

Every entrepreneur didn’t necessarily set out to be an entrepreneur.  Sometimes their product or service may have evolved from a personal need or desire. Where some sit back and complain about what is missing or not working, others are driven by the gap, and take action to close it, even if they don’t know exactly how to go about it.  This episode shares how actress Jessica Alba’s desire to make sure that her baby’s childhood would be healthier than her own led her to start The Honest Company. A problem or need that you have is likely one that others have as well. Tune in to hear how taking steps to fix a problem or address an issue you had resigned yourself to live with could potentially turn into the role of a lifetime.[ EPISODE 6 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 6 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-6-transcript/

As kids we start out being curious about everything. As we get older, this curiosity is tamed and we choose the known paths. When it comes to our career, we start narrowing our focus so that we can build our plan. If that plan doesn’t turn out how we imagined, we feel stuck. This episode shares how best-selling author Malcolm Gladwell’s curiosity led him down a path towards a career he couldn’t have dreamed up.  Tune in to hear why it is worth it to pay attention to your curiosity. [ EPISODE 5 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/brandgems/Episode 5 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-5-transcript/

Many of us view failure negatively and  “failing” can cause disappointment, sadness, and possibly depression. We hesitate to try new things or new ways of doing things because immediate success isn’t guaranteed. Spanx, the billion dollar shapewear brand, would still be just an idea if its founder Sara Blakely followed the traditional path of launching a new product for retail. This episode explores how Sara’s unique approach to launching her business was influenced by her willingness to take action, in spite of the possibility of failure. Tune in to hear how embracing failure will ultimately help you succeed. [ EPISODE 4 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/Episode 4 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-4-transcript/

We are living in a world where being your true self in all situations and environments is something that is rare. Instead of saying or doing what we really mean or feel, we may behave in a manner to fit in. This might make us uncomfortable but sometimes that is preferred to the “risk” of standing out by being authentic. This episode shows how authenticity is actually a competitive advantage. Tune in to hear how actress and influencer Tabitha Brown, in less than five years, has transformed her life, her business, and become a household name in part by being her “authentic,”  true self.[ EPISODE 3 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/Episode 3 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-3-transcript/   

Why do we embrace new “stuff” but fear new experiences? In business and in life, great things usually await once we venture into “new” territory. This week dives into the two sides of new and encourages you to embrace the feeling of vulnerability that comes with choosing new so that you can progress and prosper. [ EPISODE 2 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/ Episode 2 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-2-transcript/

This episode explains the why behind Brand Gems and introduces the host,  Andrea Wade. Hear how Andrea will leverage Brand Gems to showcase her love of marketing, pop-culture and business to provide insights, motivation and ideas that you can use in your professional and personal life. [ EPISODE 1 TRANSCRIPT IS NOW AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE ]Click here: https://diamondbrands.media/Episode 1 Transcript: https://diamondbrands.media/brand-gems-episode-1-transcript/

This is the trailer for Brand Gems, the podcast created and hosted by Andrea Wade.