What if everything you believed about success was a lie? In this provocative episode, we dive into hustle culture, perfectionism, and the toxic myths driving burnout in modern leadership. Joined by innovation strategist Melissa Dinwiddie, we unpack how play, creativity, and imperfection are the real keys to progress—and why companies must evolve to survive. A must-listen for leaders, creatives, and anyone ready to redefine success on their own terms. In this episode, Melissa Dinwiddie joined us in conversation. Melissa helps leaders and teams turn the “impossible” into reality by unlocking their creative potential. A

Juilliard-trained dancer turned innovation strategist, she draws from a rich background as a professional artist, jazz singer-songwriter, and improv performer. Melissa works with companies like Google, Meta, and Salesforce to build cultures of bold experimentation, collaboration, and resilience. She’s the author of The Creative Sandbox Way™ and a sought-after keynote speaker known for interactive experiences that spark insight and action.

When she’s not helping others innovate, you’ll find her making art or jamming on bass and ukulele—sometimes at the same time.

• (00:00:00) - Cracking Open Hustle Culture
• (00:01:52) - Introducing Melissa Dinwiddie
• (00:07:38) - The Soup We Swim In: Culture and Capitalism
• (00:16:07) - Play as a Path to Innovation
• (00:23:18) - The Time Traveler Exercise
• (00:33:01) - Resistance and the Create the Impossible Framework
• (00:43:00) - Takeaways & Final Reflections

What happens when the weight of tradition meets the momentum of innovation? In this deeply personal and culturally nuanced episode, Stephanie and Shaniqua explore how legacy, heritage, and generational expectations shape everything—from family dynamics to business strategy. They unpack the emotional complexities of breaking generational cycles, the tension between control and change, and how innovation can be both disruptive and healing. From Blockbuster vs. Netflix to performative parenting and corporate email wars, this episode challenges you to rethink what’s worth preserving—and what’s holding you back.

HOST'S BIOS

STEPHANIE’S BIO:

Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

• (00:00:00) - Opening: That's How We've Always Done It
• (00:01:42) - Family, Generational Curses, and Breaking Patterns
• (00:05:27) - Defining Legacy, Heritage, and Innovation
• (00:10:10) - Personal Reflections: Childhood, Freedom, and Performance
• (00:16:50) - Heritage, Privilege, and Brand Symbolism
• (00:19:35) - Business Legacy vs. Innovation: Netflix and Blockbuster
• (00:25:45) - Takeaways: Legacy as Memory, Innovation as Imagination

Are we the authors of our identity—or is it written for us? - Part Deux

This was supposed to be a quick Culture Cues segment—but when the tests say you’re a “Creative Humanitarian” and a “Change Catalyst with Big Boss in Shadow,” how do you not unpack that?

In this bonus-love-letter-to-ourselves episode, Shaniqua and Stephanie reveal and reflect on their results from CliftonStrengths, Tilt 365, and The Corporate Persona Archetype (spoiler: one of us made that one).

It’s a self-awareness celebration featuring bold archetypes, shadow work, unexpected alignments, and a few "wow, that’s so us" moments.
Are you more impact or input? Explorer or guardian? Learner or entertainer? Let’s find out together.

Come for the test results, stay for the warm affirmations and contagious clarity.

• (00:00:00) - FITI Opening – Welcome to Our Self-Love Fest
• (00:01:30) - Corporate Persona Archetype – Entrepreneur, Creative, and Shadow Boss Energy
• (00:15:00) - CliftonStrengths – Strategic Minds & Joyful Connectors
• (00:25:00) - Tilt 365 – Fire-Spirited Catalysts, Guardians, and Explorers
• (00:33:00) - Reflections & Close – Sub-Personas, Soulful Balance, and FITI Farewell