Coffee Chat Pod

In this episode of The Coffee Chat, I sit down with Tamanisha, founder of HerGov Summit and HerGov Lounge, to talk about government contracting, business certifications, entrepreneurship, and building opportunities when traditional doors close.Tamanisha shares her journey from being a single mom and returning citizen to becoming a GovCon strategist helping women entrepreneurs structure their businesses, get certified, bid on contracts, and scale.We talk about:• What government contracting actually is• Minority-owned and woman-owned business certifications• Why business structure matters before you bid• Common pricing mistakes entrepreneurs make• How contracts can help businesses scale• What to expect at HerGov Summit in HoustonThe HerGov Summit takes place May 22–23 at The Thompson Houston.Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. We’re on the road to 500 subscribers.#MinorityOwnedBusiness#BusinessCertification#FederalContracts#BusinessFunding#GovContracting#GovernmentContracts#GovCon#WomenInBusiness

If you feel like you’re doing everything right—applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn—but still not getting hired… this episode is for you.The job market has changed—and most people are still using outdated strategies.In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working today when it comes to landing opportunities, building real connections, and positioning yourself as someone companies want to hire.🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:Why applying online isn’t working anymoreThe real way to break into tech in today’s marketNetworking vs skills (what actually matters more)How to position yourself as “in demand”Why being in the right rooms changes everythingHow to use LinkedIn for visibility and opportunity👤 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:Instagram: https://instagram.com/engineerdreamsofficialWebsite: https://www.engineerdreams.comInterview Prep Platform: https://www.joininterviewpro.comLinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn☕ ABOUT THE COFFEE CHATReal conversations about career growth, tech, AI, and navigating your next move—with people who’ve actually done it.🔥 CTAIf this episode helped you:👍 Like💬 Comment your biggest takeaway🔔 Subscribe for more real career conversations

Are you applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn… and still getting nowhere?You’re not crazy—the job market has changed.In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working right now when it comes to landing a role in tech (and beyond). If you’re tired of sending applications into a black hole, this conversation will shift how you approach your entire job search.I sat down with Jared, a tech sales leader turned entrepreneur, to talk about the real strategies that are helping people get hired in today’s market—from leveraging relationships to getting in the right rooms and positioning yourself to be in demand.We’re not talking basic advice. This is the stuff people aren’t telling you.

In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Diondria sits down with cybersecurity expert and Solutions Consultant Shanikqua Burks—an Army Intelligence veteran, CISSP-certified professional, and founder of Pre-Sales Advancement and Training Hood (PATH).With over 18 years of experience in federal cybersecurity and enterprise technology, Shanikqua breaks down what it really takes to succeed in cyber and pre-sales—from translating complex security concepts for executives to building trust that actually closes deals.This conversation is for the builders, the protectors, and anyone navigating the intersection of risk, technology, and business impact.Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, pivot into pre-sales, or level up your career, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, mindset, and long-term growth.🔗 Connect with ShanikquaLinkedIn: Shanikqua Burks Instagram / Threads: @SBsellsTechP.A.T.H: https://www.buildwithpath.org/🚀 Call to ActionIf this episode helped you, share it with someone trying to break into tech, cybersecurity, or pre-sales.Don’t forget to:SubscribeLeave a reviewFollow for more conversations⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – Intro01:00 – Shanikqua’s journey into cybersecurity03:00 – What federal cybersecurity looked like then vs now07:00 – What Zero Trust actually means11:30 – Simplifying cybersecurity for executives13:00 – The challenge of selling in federal markets14:00 – What a Solutions Consultant actually does17:00 – What separates top SEs from average20:00 – From $150K to $250K: what changes22:00 – Discovery vs Demo (key moment)29:00 – Building PATH and mentoring others32:00 – Confidence and navigating imposter syndrome34:00 – Mindset shifts for career growth37:00 – When to pivot roles38:00 – Building your personal brand40:00 – Breaking into pre-sales and cyber43:00 – Lightning round45:00 – Final advice

In this conversation, Wale shares his journey from finance to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of determination, networking, and the power of pivoting careers. He discusses the role of IT audits within cybersecurity, the skills needed for success, and the significance of certifications. Wale also highlights the opportunities available in cybersecurity, even outside of traditional tech companies, and the importance of teaching and mentoring others in the field. The discussion concludes with insights into the future of cybersecurity and the structure of Wale's bootcamp designed to help aspiring professionals break into the industry.

This conversation explores the unique journey of Travell, a senior product manager at HackerRank, who transitioned from a background in English and Black Studies to a successful career in tech. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, non-technical skills, and the realities of salary expectations in the tech industry. Treville shares insights on navigating career transitions, the significance of negotiation, and the value of personal growth in professional settings. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of feeling valued in the workplace, the nuances of negotiating for appreciation and compensation, and the importance of a people-first approach in product management. They discuss essential skills for successful product managers, the value of personal projects over certifications, and the importance of understanding one's worth in salary negotiations. The conversation also touches on maintaining balance to avoid burnout and evolving executive presence and communication skills in a corporate environment.

After a real-life hiatus, I'm back and more focused than ever. In this solo episode, I get honest about why I stepped away (new job demands + demotivation), the shame of restarting, and how a pause gave me massive clarity and confidence.This isn't just a comeback—it's a blueprint for anyone restarting goals, careers, or side hustles in 2026.What’s changing:Turning the podcast into a real resource for ambitious leaders & entrepreneursPractical tools, guides, networking strategies (especially Houston events)From pure execution (2025) → strategic systems + consistency (2026)Key topics covered:Why restarting takes more courage than perfect consistencyNormalizing falling off track (we ALL do it)Building visibility without burnoutNetworking that actually leads to mentors, intros & opportunitie

Why Your Pivot Is Your Superpower: Tatiana Mott on Owning Your Power & Building a Media Brand | Coffee Chat w/ Diondria BrownWhat happens when a shy, 5’9” introvert gets told she’ll never make it in entertainment… and then turns every setback into rocket fuel?Tatiana Mott (founder of Our Power Media) sits down with Diondria Brown and gets REAL about:Leaving a New York TV producer career two weeks before the 2023 writer’s strikeMoving to Houston with zero family, one fake “friend,” and a hurricane knocking out power the day she decided to start her companyTurning heartbreak, betrayal, and rock-bottom moments into the foundation of a purpose-driven media brandWhy she primarily works with Black-owned and mission-aligned businessesTeaching introverts and neurodivergent entrepreneurs how to speak confidently on camera and in roomsThe responsibility (and power) of storytelling in an era of AI deepfakes and propagandaExclusive: First public announcement of the Our Power Summit coming March 20-21, 2026!If you’ve ever had to start over, protect your voice, or turn a forced pivot into your greatest glow-up — this episode will light you up.☕ Timestamps (YouTube Chapters)00:00 Welcome to Coffee Chat00:29 Meet Tatiana Mott – Our Power Media01:53 Writer’s strike forces the ultimate pivot02:51 Duke math major → theater → TV producer → founder04:26 How a shy introvert learned to light up rooms07:29 Helping introverts become “Confidently Captivating”12:36 The hardest pivot: Houston, betrayal & rock bottom19:32 Giving yourself grace when everything falls apart23:49 Marrying purpose with profit29:34 The #1 mistake people make with storytelling32:10 Protecting your voice after dimming your light35:30 Why truth in media matters more than ever38:28 The current state of Black creators in media41:10 Exclusive: Our Power Summit 2026 announced!41:56 Coffee Shot Rapid-Fire Round🔥 Rapid-Fire HighlightsIntrovert anthem: India.Arie – Private PartyHype song: Dutty WineBiggest myth about introverts: “We don’t like to talk”Current mantra: “Your vision is never too big”

#1 Leadership Mistake Costing You Your Dream Team (Fix It Fast) – Dr. KJ HaywoodWhat’s the difference between a boss and a leader?One loses their best people. The other builds legacies.In this raw, note-worthy episode of Coffee Chat Podcast, host De’Andrea Brown sits down with Dr. KJ Haywood — PhD in Ethics & Business, AI governance pioneer, and leadership disruptor — to unpack the #1 mistake new leaders make that sends teams running.You’ll discover:How Dr. KJ went from “bossy kid” to burning out her team in her 30sThe grunt work that landed her HR Director in 1 year — no certifications neededWhy solitude is the secret to unshakable confidenceThe truth about imposter syndrome: it’s just fear wearing a titleWhy success is lonely — and how to thrive when unicorns don’t run in packsThe daily choice that turns followers into leaders with purposeIf you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or rising leader tired of waiting for permission — this episode is your wake-up call.Perfect for:Aspiring managers | Entrepreneurs | Corporate climbers | Anyone ready to stop losing talent and start leading with impactListen now. Take notes. Level up. ☕Host: Diondria BrownGuest: Dr. KJ HaywoodShow: Coffee Chat PodcastTags: Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Advice, Women in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Self DevelopmentFollow us:Instagram: @thecoffeechatpod__LinkedIn: Coffee Chat PodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeChatPodEpisode Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:35 – “I came out the womb bossy”04:32 – Grunt work = leadership gold09:46 – Follower mode vs. leader mode18:42 – Reinventing every 5 years27:11 – Solitude = power38:43 – Imposter syndrome is fear48:40 – Advice to her 30-year-old self54:34 – Why millennials & Gen Z are disruptorsChallenge:This week, choose one small leadership action no one asked you to take. Tag us with your win.New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a brew. ☕

#1 Leadership Mistake Costing You Your Dream Team (Fix It Fast) – Dr. KJ HaywoodWhat’s the difference between a boss and a leader?One loses their best people. The other builds legacies.In this raw, note-worthy episode of Coffee Chat Podcast, host De’Andrea Brown sits down with Dr. KJ Haywood — PhD in Ethics & Business, AI governance pioneer, and leadership disruptor — to unpack the #1 mistake new leaders make that sends teams running.You’ll discover:How Dr. KJ went from “bossy kid” to burning out her team in her 30sThe grunt work that landed her HR Director in 1 year — no certifications neededWhy solitude is the secret to unshakable confidenceThe truth about imposter syndrome: it’s just fear wearing a titleWhy success is lonely — and how to thrive when unicorns don’t run in packsThe daily choice that turns followers into leaders with purposeIf you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or rising leader tired of waiting for permission — this episode is your wake-up call.Perfect for:Aspiring managers | Entrepreneurs | Corporate climbers | Anyone ready to stop losing talent and start leading with impactListen now. Take notes. Level up. ☕Host: Diondria BrownGuest: Dr. KJ HaywoodShow: Coffee Chat PodcastTags: Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Advice, Women in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Self DevelopmentFollow us:Instagram: @thecoffeechatpod__LinkedIn: Coffee Chat PodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeChatPodEpisode Timestamps:00:00 – Intro01:35 – “I came out the womb bossy”04:32 – Grunt work = leadership gold09:46 – Follower mode vs. leader mode18:42 – Reinventing every 5 years27:11 – Solitude = power38:43 – Imposter syndrome is fear48:40 – Advice to her 30-year-old self54:34 – Why millennials & Gen Z are disruptorsChallenge:This week, choose one small leadership action no one asked you to take. Tag us with your win.New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a brew. ☕

Join host Diondria Brown on *Coffee Chat* as she sits down with LaKisha Harris, a Vice President with nearly two decades of experience at a top U.S. bank. In this episode, Kisha shares powerful leadership lessons, career growth strategies, and practical tips for navigating the corporate world. Learn how to advocate for yourself, negotiate salaries, document your wins, and stand out for promotions. From overcoming public speaking challenges to handling tough decisions like layoffs, Kisha drops gems on communication, proactivity, and assertiveness. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice for climbing the corporate ladder! Subscribe, share, and connect with Kisha on LinkedIn (link below). #CareerGrowth #LeadershipTips #CorporateSuccess #CoffeeChat

Discover Diondria's inspiring journey from layoff to landing her dream job as a Senior Solution Consultant after 367 days. Learn key strategies for job searching, LinkedIn networking, and making tough career decisions in this heartfelt Coffee Chat episode. Perfect for professionals seeking motivation and practical career advice.

This conversation explores the intersection of AI, employment, and entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of black professionals in technology and healthcare. The speakers discuss the impact of AI on job opportunities, the importance of mentorship and networking, and the innovations in healthcare technology that are shaping the future. They also share personal experiences of overcoming challenges, building confidence, and navigating the corporate landscape as black professionals.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of financial literacy, purpose, and the evolving landscape of investments influenced by technology and community. They share personal experiences, insights on navigating financial trends, and the significance of collaboration in entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset regarding money, viewing it as a tool for growth rather than a mere goal, and highlights the importance of education in breaking generational cycles of financial misunderstanding.