On this episode of The Powerful Brand Podcast, I am joined by another phenomenal person that I am truly inspired by — the wonderful Kim Alexis Newton.

Kim is a former Hallmark Cards Inc. corporate executive, quilt artist, board member, and also my fellow Vanderbilt Business School alumni!

During this episode, Kim and I chat about her 20-plus years experience working for Hallmark Cards – which was her dream job coming out of business school. And also why and how she decided to leave corporate after many years to pursue her dreams of creating magic and meaningful impact with her art.

During her time at Hallmark, Kim directly influenced global corporate strategy and led transformation across a $4B diversified portfolio of top brands.

However Kim has always left space for creation of her own art, a modern approach to quilting. Kim’s quilts have been called “unique and inspiring contemporary fiber art that tells a story and ignites the spirit.”

And in 2019 after leaving Hallmark, Kim sold her first piece to the one-and-only… Oprah Winfrey!

As the founder of Alexis Enterprises, LLC, Kim brings to life all of her passions: An art studio focused on her one-of-a-kind art quilts, The Intentional Pause™ Project, which is a product and experience platform helping women to embrace pausing as a powerful way forward to achieve their dreams, and her line of handcrafted specialty gift quilts positioned as extraordinary keepsakes for self or others.    

Kim was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay area, received her BA in Accounting from Fisk University and her MBA from Vanderbilt University.

She is a proud member of the Executive Leadership Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Jack and Jill of America, The Links, Inc., and the 2017 Class of Henry Crown Fellows within the Aspen Global Leadership Network at the Aspen Institute.

Her mentorship, community work and 20+ years of non-profit board experience are focused on issues that advance women, girls, and the arts.  

Kim lives in Kansas City with her husband, Nikki, and their daughter Piper.

• “Nonstop” by Drake
• “Bigger” by Beyonce

On this episode of The Powerful Brand Podcast, I have a great conversation with Michelle Wimes, a thought leader, social justice advocate, and speaker – who currently serves as the Chief Equity and Inclusion Officer at Children’s Mercy Kansas City.

During our chat, Michelle and I discuss her impressive personal and professional story – which includes many years successfully practicing law. And how she pivoted into utilizing her passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in a new role leading diversity efforts for multiple firms, up to her current role at Children’s Mercy.

Michelle is a nationally renowned presenter on professional development, diversity and inclusion issues in the workplace and has been widely recognized for her many professional accomplishments. In 2007, Michelle received The Daily Record’s Legal Leader of the Year Award.

In 2009, Kansas City’s Call newspaper recognized Michelle as one of the top 25 most influential African-American Kansas Citians, and in 2012 Michelle was awarded the Distinguished Arts and Science Alumni Award from UMKC and was featured in the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black Kansas City. 

In 2014, the Societas Docta, Inc. presented Michelle with the “Nefertiti” award for her demonstrated leadership in the Kansas City community. Michelle has also been featured in SAVOY magazine, MultiCultural Law magazine, and The Kansas City Business Journal.

• “My Shot” From the Cast of “Hamilton”
• “Electric Lady” by Janelle Monáe
• “Miss Independent” by Ne-Yo

On this episode of The Powerful Brand Podcast, I am joined by Claire Wasserman, who is the founder of Ladies Get Paid, a global community that champions the professional and financial advancement of women.

Claire and I spend time discussing her professional journey, and why she launched Ladies Get Paid. We also unpack her bestselling book Ladies Get Paid, which is also the namesake to the organization, and available wherever books are sold.

Claire is also the host of John Hancock’s podcast, Friends Who Talk About Money. Claire has traveled the country teaching thousands of women how to negotiate millions of dollars in raises, start businesses, and advocate for themselves in the workplace.

A highly-sought-after expert for Fortune 500 companies working to improve diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging, Claire was named one Marquis Who’s Who 75 Most Influential Financial Leaders of 2021, as well as Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Most Powerful Women.

Claire has spoken at places such as Harvard Business School, Facebook, NASA, and the United Nations, and has appeared on Good Morning America and in the New York Times, among others.

• “9 To 5″ by Dolly Parton