Chess, Not Checkers

Being young in your career doesn’t mean you’re unqualified—it means you’re full of potential.In this episode of Chess, Not Checkers, I’m joined by Isabelle Guarino—COO, business builder, speaker, and host of the Young Boss Podcast. Named one of the Top 5 Disruptive Entrepreneurs Going Into 2023, Isabelle shares how she went from having no interest in business… to leading multiple companies and coaching the next generation of entrepreneurs.We dive into what it really takes to lead when you’re underestimated, how to deal with imposter syndrome, and why your youth is your power, not a limitation.Whether you’re just starting in your career or navigating leadership as a young professional, this conversation will challenge, inspire, and equip you to lead with boldness and authenticity.In this episode, we cover:How to lead with confidence in your 20s and 30sOwning your story in male-dominated or traditional industriesImposter syndrome and how to push through itThe power of personal branding and visibilityBalancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and mental clarityAbout Isabelle:Isabelle Guarino is the COO of the Impact Housing Group, a national speaker, 2x best-selling author, and host of the Young Boss Podcast. She’s built and led over seven companies, and she’s on a mission to help others Do Good & Do Well in business and in life.Tune in now and subscribe for more conversations that challenge the status quo and help you build a career that truly aligns with who you are.#YoungBoss #LeadershipPodcast #ImposterSyndrome #WomenInBusiness #Entrepreneurship #CareerGrowth #ChessNotCheckers #IsabelleGuarino

In this powerful conversation, Dr. Joseph Webster invites us into his journey—a story shaped by perseverance, discipline, and the unwavering sacrifice of his mother. Born to a woman who could not read or write, Dr. Webster shares how his mother’s home education system, grounded in love and relentless expectation, paved the road to his success and legacy.From his humble beginnings to becoming a physician, entrepreneur, and author, Dr. Webster drops wisdom on the value of time, the importance of community, and why true success isn’t about trophies—it’s about who’s sitting in your corner when the journey gets hard.If you’ve ever needed a reminder to get out of your own way, to stop waiting on the 'perfect' time, or to redefine what success looks like for you—this episode is your moment.🔑 Key Takeaways:A mother’s love can build a legacy.Discipline and community are the cornerstones of success.It’s never too late to choose your path.This conversation blessed me, and I pray it does the same for you.

What do you do when life doesn’t go the way you thought it would?In this powerful episode of Chess, Not Checkers, I sit down with Lana Manikowski, a certified life coach, podcast host, and author who turned the pain of infertility into purpose.Lana opens up about navigating life after infertility — but this conversation is bigger than that. We explore identity, success, self-worth, and how to create a life you love even when it looks nothing like what you pictured.Whether you’ve faced unexpected loss, struggled to find your place, or simply feel like you’re starting over, this episode is a powerful reminder:✨ You can still dream.✨ You can still grow.✨ You can still create something beautiful — just for you.🎧 Tune in and be inspired to build something meaningful — no matter what chapter you’re in.Connect with Lana:🌐 Website: www.lanamanikowski.com🎙 Podcast: So Now What?📱 Instagram: @lana.manikowskiConnect with Brittany Honor / Honor Development & Consulting:📩 Inquiries: [email protected]📱 Instagram: @honordevelopment🤝 Linkedin: Brittany Honor

What happens when the strong friend finally says, “I don’t have the capacity for this”?In this powerful episode of Chess, Not Checkers, Ebony Travis Tichenor opens up about burnout, boundaries, and learning to live with intention. As a mentor, caregiver, and mental health advocate, she shares the emotional truth of what it takes to prioritize your own wellbeing — without guilt.We talk about recognizing the warning signs of burnout, redefining self-care, and setting boundaries with love. Whether you’re the one holding everyone else together or simply looking for permission to rest, this conversation will meet you where you are.Key Topics:The myth of “doing it all”Setting boundaries and protecting your peaceHow to refill your own cup — dailyLiving out loud and letting go of guilt🎧 Tune in, take a breath, and give yourself permission to choose you.Connect with Ebony Travis Tichenor:🔹 LinkedIn: Ebony Travis Tichenor🔹 Instagram | Facebook | TikTok: @ebonytravisConnect with Honor Development & Consulting:🌐 www.honordevelopmentandconsulting.com📩 For coaching, speaking, or workshop inquiries: [email protected]📱 Follow on Instagram: @honordevelopment

What if the version of yourself you’ve been performing isn’t the one you were born to be?In this powerful and personal episode of Chess, Not Checkers, I’m joined by the radiant Coach Lorena Garfi—life coach, speaker, comedian, former model, and authenticity advocate—for a raw conversation on rediscovering who you are beneath the layers life has added.Lorena shares her journey from international modeling and stand-up comedy to an internal unraveling that led her to a different kind of success: peace. Together, we talk about the pressures to conform, the fear of being “too much,” and how hitting rock bottom sometimes opens the door to true alignment.You’ll learn:Why authenticity isn’t about being loud—it’s about being alignedHow your childhood conditioning might still be shaping your decisionsWhy creativity is a spiritual tool for healingAnd how to choose the way that gives you peace, even when it’s hardThis episode is your permission slip to drop the mask, ditch the performance, and show up fully—even if you’re still figuring it out.✨ Subscribe, follow, and leave a review if this conversation resonates with you.📲 Connect with Coach Lorena Garfi:Instagram: @lifecoach_lorenagarfiWebsite: thepowerofyoucoaching.com🚀 Follow Honor Development for more game-changing insights:Instagram: @honordevelopmentNeed support navigating your career journey? Visit: honordevelopmentandconsulting.com

What if the strongest thing you could say is... “I need help”?In this powerful kickoff to our Mental Health Awareness Month series, I sit down with Dr. Martine Laventure—a licensed clinical social worker, educator, and advocate who turned her personal pain into purpose.We talk about the mental health struggles that often go unseen, the cultural stigmas that keep people silent, and why setting boundaries is one of the most powerful things you can do for your well-being.Dr. Martine shares her story of being a high-achieving daughter of immigrants, the power of her school social worker, and how one simple question—“How are you doing?”—helped change her life.Whether you're navigating trauma, carrying invisible stress, or just need permission to put yourself first, this episode is for you.🎧 In this episode, we cover:Growing up in silence and finding your voiceThe power of therapy and representationSetting boundaries without guiltWhy self-care is more than bubble baths—it’s self-respectTurning pain into purpose through advocacy🌟 Learn More & Stay Connected:🔗 Connect with Dr. Martine Laventure on IG: @laventurecsllc🔗 Visit her website: www.laventureconsulting.com🔗 Follow Honor Development on IG: @honordevelopment🔗 Need support navigating your career journey? Visit www.honordevelopmentandconsulting.com📌 If this episode resonated with you, subscribe, follow, and leave a review—and don’t forget to share it with someone who needs the reminder.

What if the secret to success isn’t just hustle—it’s stamina?In this episode of Chess, NOT Checkers, I’m joined by Kristin Green-Vogt, top 10 Century 21 agent in the world, certified divorce real estate expert, and the type of leader who’s redefining what it means to build a career your way.From navigating career pivots to raising daughters while running a high-performing business, Kristin opens up about what it really takes to succeed in real estate, motherhood, and life—all without losing yourself in the process.We talk about:Building a business with heart and hustleThe emotional side of real estate (and how to lead through it)Being young in your career and earning your seat at the tableWhat success looks like in different seasons—and how to define it for youThis conversation is filled with gems about identity, leadership, and what happens when you decide to stop playing the game and start changing it.—✨ Subscribe, follow, and leave a review if this episode resonated with you.📲 Connect with Kristin on IG: @kristinvogt_realtor🎙️ Follow @honordevelopment on IG for more game-changing conversations🌐 Want support navigating your own career journey? https://honordevelopmentandconsulting.com

In this conversation, Coach Mira shares her transformative journey from a corporate career to becoming a holistic health coach. She emphasizes the importance of self-discovery, continuous learning, and finding one's purpose through faith. The discussion highlights the significance of serving others, navigating life's seasons, and making hard decisions for personal growth. Coach Mira also delves into the mind-body connection, the impact of family on health, and practical steps for maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a busy world. Ultimately, the conversation encourages listeners to find their 'why' and embrace the journey of wellness.

In this conversation, Jay Jackson shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful CEO. He discusses the importance of resilience, self-belief, and preparation in overcoming adversity. Jay emphasizes the value of life insurance as an asset and the significance of community service. He also touches on the challenges of finding work-life balance and offers practical advice for personal growth and success.

In this conversation, Kayla shares her journey from growing up as a professional athlete's daughter to navigating the challenges of rejection and finding her purpose in storytelling. She discusses her experiences at ESPN, the importance of faith in overcoming obstacles, and her passion for amplifying voices through documentary filmmaking. Kayla highlights her latest project, 'Fatherless No More,' which focuses on the transformative stories of young men at Rikers Island, and emphasizes the significance of finding one's unique path and purpose in life.

In this conversation, Christina Anthony shares her journey from Corporate America to the successful entrepreneur and CEO of Affordably Lavish, a nonprofit focused on affordable housing. She discusses her experiences in corporate America, the lessons learned from her early ventures, and the importance of resilience and confidence in entrepreneurship. Christina emphasizes the significance of timing, community impact, and finding balance in life and work.

In this conversation, Al Honor shares his journey from being a baseball player to serving in the Air Force and eventually becoming a successful basketball coach. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, hard work, and sacrifice in achieving success. Al reflects on the life lessons learned through his experiences and the impact he aims to have on his players, highlighting the significance of education and personal growth. He concludes with advice on patience, trust in hard work, and the importance of treating others well.

🎙️ Episode Recap: Chess Not Checkers – Introduction Episode 🎙️ Official Launch 2.6.2024 Welcome to the very first episode of Chess Not Checkers! Hosted by Brittany Honor, this podcast is designed to help you shift from reactive moves to strategic plays in your life and career. In this introductory episode, Brittany shares the why behind the podcast and sets the stage for what's to come. She explains the powerful difference between playing chess—thinking ahead, anticipating challenges, and adapting—and playing checkers, which often means reacting to what's right in front of you. Brittany dives into her passion for helping individuals navigate their “Now What” moments—those pivotal times when ambition meets uncertainty—and provides a glimpse of the tools, strategies, and bold moves that will be unpacked in future episodes. Listeners can expect insightful conversations with guests who’ve mastered goal setting, mindset shifts, and courageous career pivots. These stories aren’t yours, but they might hold the key to unlocking your next big move. Get ready to feel empowered, inspired, and equipped to not just play the game, but *change* it. Because remember: It’s Chess, NOT Checkers. Tune in, lean in, and let’s make strategic moves together. ♟️✨