The Forte' Effect

Project Management Without Tech? From Bessemer to Boardrooms | Katrina “KC” Dada, PMPWhat does project management really look like outside of tech?In this episode of The Forté Effect, Forté sits down with Katrina “KC” Dada, PMP — Senior Project Manager, engineer, wife, mother, and proud daughter of Bessemer, Alabama — for a conversation about leadership, reinvention, purpose, and building what’s next.KC shares her journey from chemical engineering to becoming what she calls “the people’s engineer,” why project management is really an act of service, and how leadership often begins long before the title.We explore:Project management beyond techPivoting careers into PMLeadership without a formal titleThe power of community and legacyWhy “leaning in” changes careersBalancing ambition, purpose, and familyWhat it means to build a real future in motionOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation:“I never saw myself as a career engineer — I always saw myself as the people’s engineer.”Whether you're navigating career transition, curious about project management, or building what’s next, this conversation is for you.The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity and the future of work meet.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeartRadio📺 Watch on YouTube @TheForteEffect#ProjectManagement #Leadership #CareerPivot #FutureOfWork #WomenInLeadership #PMP #Bessemer #TheForteEffect

Project Management Without Tech? From Bessemer to Boardrooms | Katrina “KC” Dada, PMPWhat does project management really look like outside of tech?In this episode of The Forté Effect, Forté sits down with Katrina “KC” Dada, PMP — Senior Project Manager, engineer, wife, mother, and proud daughter of Bessemer, Alabama — for a conversation about leadership, reinvention, purpose, and building what’s next.KC shares her journey from chemical engineering to becoming what she calls “the people’s engineer,” why project management is really an act of service, and how leadership often begins long before the title.We explore:Project management beyond techPivoting careers into PMLeadership without a formal titleThe power of community and legacyWhy “leaning in” changes careersBalancing ambition, purpose, and familyWhat it means to build a real future in motionOne of the most powerful moments in this conversation:“I never saw myself as a career engineer — I always saw myself as the people’s engineer.”Whether you're navigating career transition, curious about project management, or building what’s next, this conversation is for you.The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity and the future of work meet.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts & iHeartRadio📺 Watch on YouTube @TheForteEffect#ProjectManagement #Leadership #CareerPivot #FutureOfWork #WomenInLeadership #PMP #Bessemer #TheForteEffect

What happens when everything you’ve built in your career suddenly changes?In this episode of The Forté Effect, Forté sits down with Shquila (Quee) to explore leadership, unexpected transition, and rebuilding with purpose. After 25 years in banking and financial crimes, Shquila shares how she moved from corporate leadership into entrepreneurship with 6 Nineteen Freedom and into the classroom as a fifth-grade teacher.This conversation highlights:trusting the processowning your blueprintnavigating career changechoosing peace, alignment, and purpose “Feed your focus. Starve your distractions.”

“My health is non-negotiable.”At 63, Birmingham’s own Jerri Haslem — known as “The Peach of 63” — is still moving, still showing up, and still choosing discipline every single day.In this episode of The Forté Effect, host Instructor Forté sits down with Jerri for a powerful conversation on health, longevity, and purpose. From starting her running journey at 38 to completing over 60 half marathons, Jerri shares what it really means to stay consistent and keep moving — at every stage of life.Rooted in Birmingham and grounded in community, this conversation reflects the spirit of a city that continues to rise through resilience, discipline, and legacy.This is more than a conversation about fitness. It’s about how you show up for your life.Because if you’re still breathing… it’s not too late.🎙️ The Forté Effect — Where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet.🔗 Connect with Instructor Forté: https://linktr.ee/instructorforte✂️ Turn your content into viral clips with OpusClip:https://www.opus.pro/?via=reinventwithforte

“My health is non-negotiable.”At 63, Birmingham’s own Jerri Haslem — known as “The Peach of 63” — is still moving, still showing up, and still choosing discipline every single day.In this episode of The Forté Effect, host Instructor Forté sits down with Jerri for a powerful conversation on health, longevity, and purpose. From starting her running journey at 38 to completing over 60 half marathons, Jerri shares what it really means to stay consistent and keep moving — at every stage of life.Rooted in Birmingham and grounded in community, this conversation reflects the spirit of a city that continues to rise through resilience, discipline, and legacy.This is more than a conversation about fitness. It’s about how you show up for your life.Because if you’re still breathing… it’s not too late.🎙️ The Forté Effect — Where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet.🔗 Connect with Instructor Forté: https://linktr.ee/instructorforte✂️ Turn your content into viral clips with OpusClip:https://www.opus.pro/?via=reinventwithforte

Meet Xavier Rice — 17 years old, Aliceville High School junior, dual enrollment student, videographer known as CMZ, and future meteorologist.When Xavier was just 6 years old, an EF2 tornado touched down near his home in Aliceville, Alabama. That moment didn’t just scare him — it sparked a calling. Now, he’s training with the National Weather Service, building Small Town Big Dreams Productions, and preparing to protect the communities that raised him.Host Instructor Forté sits down with Xavier for a conversation about purpose, preparation, and what it means to dream big from a small town.This one will stay with you.

Meet Xavier Rice — 17 years old, Aliceville High School junior, dual enrollment student, videographer known as CMZ, and future meteorologist.When Xavier was just 6 years old, an EF2 tornado touched down near his home in Aliceville, Alabama. That moment didn’t just scare him — it sparked a calling.Now, he’s training with the National Weather Service, building Small Town Big Dreams Productions, and preparing to protect the communities that raised him.Host Instructor Forté sits down with Xavier for a conversation about purpose, preparation, and what it means to dream big from a small town.This one will stay with you.

Loss does not pause responsibility.In this episode of The Forté Effect, Valerie Hughes shares what it means to lose both parents within 15 days — while continuing to show up as a mother, professional, and woman of faith.We talk about:• Why high-functioning women rarely ask for help• Why silence can be more powerful than the wrong words• How healing doesn’t look the same for everyone• What it means to rest without guilt• Why reinvention is not starting over — it’s moving forwardThis conversation is for the women who kept leading while privately grieving.You don’t collapse. You recalibrate.Welcome to The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet without pretending we’re not human while building what’s next.Follow The Forté Effect for bi-weekly conversations on leadership, reinvention, and building what’s next.

Reinvent your content: https://www.opus.pro/?via=reinventwithforteTurn one conversation into multiple clips using AI—this is how I create Reinvention Clips™ for The Forté Effect.Healing Forward: Grief, Rest & Reinvention Loss does not pause responsibility.In this episode of The Forté Effect, Valerie Hughes shares what it means to lose both parents within 15 days — while continuing to show up as a mother, professional, and woman of faith.We talk about:• Why high-functioning women rarely ask for help• Why silence can be more powerful than the wrong words• How healing doesn’t look the same for everyone• What it means to rest without guilt• Why reinvention is not starting over — it’s moving forwardThis conversation is for the women who kept leading while privately grieving.You don’t collapse. You recalibrate.Welcome to The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet without pretending we’re not human while building what’s next.

After nearly three decades with one company, Nichole L. faced an unexpected career disruption that forced her into a powerful season of reinvention.In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Forté and Nichole explore what it really looks like to navigate sudden job loss, rediscover creativity, and redefine identity beyond a job title.From motherhood and resilience to financial savvy and bold career pivots, this episode is for every woman learning how to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. Reinvention is not starting over — it’s simply moving forward.In this episode, we discuss:Navigating career change after 27.5 yearsIdentity beyond your job titleCreativity as a survival skillSupporting your children through transitionFinding purpose in uncertain seasonsWhy reinvention requires courage Follow The Forté Effect for more conversations where technology, creativity, and innovation meet the future of work._______00:00 Welcome to The Forte Effect + Meet Nichole01:30 Who Is Nichole Beyond the Job Title? (Identity & Values)02:17 Motherhood Lessons + Daughter in College03:52 What’s Stayed Constant: Kindness, Money Smarts, Creativity & Travel04:50 Favorite Destinations: Falling in Love with Paris05:53 Childhood Dreams: Modeling, Hollywood & Getting Out of a Small Town07:10 Wearing Many Hats: The Pressure on Women & the Need for Support08:40 27-Year Career Shake-Up: Layoffs, Pivots & New Interests12:06 Becoming Again: Detaching Identity from Work14:32 Storytelling & Content Creation: The Rush of Editing and Aesthetics17:18 Reinvention as a Mom: Teaching Resilience and Hustle19:20 Passing the Creative Torch: Daughter’s Interests & Modeling19:55 Raising a “Mini Me”: Dance, Creativity & Nursing Dreams21:07 Staying Grounded After Change: Faith, Community & Accountability22:47 Surprising Self-Discovery: Laziness, Drive & Rebuilding Structure24:53 A New Calling in Texas: Helping Family With a Newborn27:28 What a Postpartum Doula Does (and Why It Matters)29:45 Advice After Losing a Long-Term Career: Purpose, Support & Self-Care33:29 “A Different World”: Naming This Life Chapter34:55 Move Forward, Don’t Start Over + Closing Reflections

After nearly three decades with one company, Nichole L. faced an unexpected career disruption that forced her into a powerful season of reinvention.In this candid and heartfelt conversation, Forté and Nichole explore what it really looks like to navigate sudden job loss, rediscover creativity, and redefine identity beyond a job title.From motherhood and resilience to financial savvy and bold career pivots, this episode is for every woman learning how to move forward when life doesn’t go as planned. Reinvention is not starting over — it’s simply moving forward.In this episode, we discuss:Navigating career change after 27.5 yearsIdentity beyond your job titleCreativity as a survival skillSupporting your children through transitionFinding purpose in uncertain seasonsWhy reinvention requires courage Follow The Forté Effect for more conversations where technology, creativity, and innovation meet the future of work.00:00 Welcome to The Forte Effect + Meet Nichole01:30 Who Is Nichole Beyond the Job Title? (Identity & Values)02:17 Motherhood Lessons + Daughter in College03:52 What’s Stayed Constant: Kindness, Money Smarts, Creativity & Travel04:50 Favorite Destinations: Falling in Love with Paris05:53 Childhood Dreams: Modeling, Hollywood & Getting Out of a Small Town07:10 Wearing Many Hats: The Pressure on Women & the Need for Support08:40 27-Year Career Shake-Up: Layoffs, Pivots & New Interests12:06 Becoming Again: Detaching Identity from Work14:32 Storytelling & Content Creation: The Rush of Editing and Aesthetics17:18 Reinvention as a Mom: Teaching Resilience and Hustle19:20 Passing the Creative Torch: Daughter’s Interests & Modeling19:55 Raising a “Mini Me”: Dance, Creativity & Nursing Dreams21:07 Staying Grounded After Change: Faith, Community & Accountability22:47 Surprising Self-Discovery: Laziness, Drive & Rebuilding Structure24:53 A New Calling in Texas: Helping Family With a Newborn27:28 What a Postpartum Doula Does (and Why It Matters)29:45 Advice After Losing a Long-Term Career: Purpose, Support & Self-Care33:29 “A Different World”: Naming This Life Chapter34:55 Move Forward, Don’t Start Over + Closing Reflections

In this powerful debut episode of The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet culture, leadership, and entrepreneurship — host Forté sits down with Southern Soul artist DeVonese and producer, DJ, and entrepreneur DJ Ike Durty to talk about faith, music, business, and building a movement from the ground up.From church stages at age four to launching Turner Entertainment Productions (TEP), DeVonese shares her journey of staying authentic in an industry that often pressures artists to conform. DJ Ike Durty shares how he transitioned from DJ to manager, producer, and business partner, helping create opportunities for independent artists across the Southern Soul music scene.Together, they discuss:• The realities of breaking into the music industry as independent artists• Building Turner Entertainment Productions to support emerging talent• Bringing major entertainment back to small hometown communities• The power of consistency, authenticity, and grassroots promotion• How technology is reshaping music, branding, and artist independence• Upcoming projects including new music, TEP Radio, and entertainment productionsThis episode is about more than music — it’s about legacy, partnership, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunity where it didn’t exist before. DeVonese delivers a special acappella moment you don’t want to miss.Connect with the Guests:Follow DeVonese & DJ Ike Durty on social media for music releases, tour dates, and entertainment updates.About The Forté Effect:The Forté Effect explores powerful life journeys through the intersection of technology, creativity, leadership, culture, and the future of work, highlighting voices who are building legacy, influence, and community impact#TheForteEffect #SouthernSoul #IndependentArtists #FutureOfWork #CreativeEntrepreneurship #PodcastLaunch #BlackCreators #MeetInstructorForte'

In this powerful debut episode of The Forté Effect — where technology, creativity, and the future of work meet culture, leadership, and entrepreneurship — host Forté sits down with Southern Soul artist DeVonese and producer, DJ, and entrepreneur DJ Ike Durty to talk about faith, music, business, and building a movement from the ground up.From church stages at age four to launching Turner Entertainment Productions (TEP), DeVonese shares her journey of staying authentic in an industry that often pressures artists to conform. DJ Ike Durty shares how he transitioned from DJ to manager, producer, and business partner, helping create opportunities for independent artists across the Southern Soul music scene.Together, they discuss:• The realities of breaking into the music industry as independent artists• Building Turner Entertainment Productions to support emerging talent• Bringing major entertainment back to small hometown communities• The power of consistency, authenticity, and grassroots promotion• How technology is reshaping music, branding, and artist independence• Upcoming projects including new music, TEP Radio, and entertainment productions.This episode is about more than music — it’s about legacy, partnership, entrepreneurship, and creating opportunity where it didn’t exist before. DeVonese delivers a special acappella moment you don’t want to miss.Connect with the Guests:Follow DeVonese & DJ Ike Durty on social media for music releases, tour dates, and entertainment updates.About The Forté Effect:The Forté Effect explores powerful life journeys through the intersection of technology, creativity, leadership, culture, and the future of work, highlighting voices who are building legacy, influence, and community impact.#TheForteEffect #SouthernSoul #IndependentArtists #FutureOfWork #CreativeEntrepreneurship #PodcastLaunch #BlackCreators #MeetInstructorForte'