Every Conversation Counts
A gem from Ed Ross, the founder of Core AI.
*This episode is sponsored by NC IDEA.
Hey honeys and hustlers,
Ed Ross, the founder of Core AI, is our most recent guest on the Honey & Hustle podcast. I first met Ed in person at a presentation he hosted at Provident 1898 here in Durham. I had so many great takeaways from his presentation on how to create and construct better speeches that I couldn’t wait for the opportunity to speak with him again. In addition to being an excellent presenter, he’s also the founder of a tech company seeking to help managers become better mentors and succeed in their roles. We all know how pivotal (and detrimental) managers can be in our overall success and growth in a job or role.
You can watch or listen to the new episode below.
You can also check it out on Apple Podcasts.
In today's fast-paced and highly competitive business world, entrepreneurs and small business owners need to understand the power of effective communication. Whether it is presenting in front of a large audience or engaging in a one-on-one conversation, every interaction holds significance. We discussed the importance of developing a memorable presentation using storytelling, as stories are more memorable than data or metrics. A presentation could also be a YouTube video, an article, a job interview – you name it, his words of wisdom still apply.
“They remember the things that we say, and if we can get them to remember what we say, they're more likely to act on those things.” - Ed Ross
The past four years have brought significant changes and challenges to the workplace. The COVID-19 pandemic, political and social unrest, and economic uncertainty have all impacted employees' expectations and needs. Managers must be able to navigate these changes and effectively communicate with their teams to ensure productivity and well-being. Unfortunately, many managers are not adequately prepared or supported in their roles. Often, high-performing employees are promoted to managerial positions without receiving proper training or guidance on how to lead and manage people. This lack of preparation can lead to overwhelmed and overtasked managers who struggle to meet the needs of their teams.
As Ed told me the story of his experience with his sponsor, I could tell he was speaking from a place of peace and gratitude. Being a great leader means creating psychological safety for your team members. This means ensuring that employees feel comfortable being their authentic selves at work and that their goals and needs align with the goals and needs of the business. When employees can't show up as their authentic selves, it puts the identified goals of the business at risk.
Leaders also need to be willing to do things that may make them uncomfortable. This includes considering and implementing policies and practices that promote a healthy work culture. This is where Core AI comes in. Core AI is a conversational analytics platform that helps managers become better leaders by analyzing their conversations and providing insights. Instead of overwhelming managers with additional learning materials, Core AI focuses on analyzing the conversations they are already having and offering feedback and suggestions for improvement.
Find out how Core AI can help you lead your team better at: https://getcoreai.com
"Too often when raising money as a Black founder, people like to talk about what we deserve." - Ed Ross
5 Key Takeaways from this Episode:
Time is not a direct correlation to experience, expertise, proficiency, or competence.
Authentic leadership involves showing up as your true self and leading in the areas that suit you best.
Effective presentations involve engaging the audience and making them feel like part of the conversation.
Every conversation counts, whether it's a one-on-one interaction or a presentation in front of a large audience.
Tough conversations are necessary for growth and success, and managers should strive to create a supportive and inclusive work environment.
It’s an honor to share Ed’s vast experience with you — may it help you along your creative and entrepreneurship journey (or as you prepare for your next keynote speech or leadership role).
This episode is supported by NC IDEA, an independent, private foundation whose vision is to help North Carolinians achieve their entrepreneurial ambition to start and grow high-potential companies. If you’re in North Carolina and would like to be considered for the $10K Micro Grant or $50K Seed Grant, check out their website for information on qualifications and how to apply. Applications are due on February 26th (aka next week). Good luck!
In Readworthy News
Beyoncé becomes the first Black woman with a No. 1 country song
In honor of Black History Month, Beyonce has set a new record for the culture – she became the first Black woman with a number 1 country song on Billboard with one of her latest singles “Texas Hold ‘Em.” This is one of the songs she teased during her Super Bowl ad with Verizon, and the song has sparked a new line dance revolution (coming to a ho-down near you). Why is this newsworthy for creators and entrepreneurs? Besides taking advantage of any opportunity to celebrate Beyonce of the United States, I think music artists are often the testing ground for personal branding tactics and strategies.
Personal branding is a term and, quite frankly, a necessity for creators and entrepreneurs building brands in the digital age. One of the keys to a successful personal brand, many will argue, is identifying a niche and becoming an authority in that space. Multihyphenate and multi-passionate people often feel boxed in by this requirement. If we’ve learned anything from our fearless leader this month, it’s that personal brands allow us to show our range. Your style, interests, and skills will grow and evolve over time. Sure, there may be people who don’t want to play your song on the radio, but your gift will make room for you and your audience and core community will follow suit.
If money and fear were not taken into account: what’s one new project, skill, or industry you’d like to venture into this year? Reply to this email or let me know in the comments!
Quote of the week
“You have never lost something that was supposed to be for you.” - LeArielle Simone on Twitter (this video is the affirmation I needed this week)
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