All Episodes
Episodes
Every conversation, every story, every unmuted moment.
Browse by topic
Aug 25, 2026 • 52 min
Ep 30: The Art of Reading the Room
Ruth Hubbard, Director of Product Strategy and Partnerships at Fiserv, joins Ehis to discuss what it really means to read the room. Drawing from her career across JPMorgan, the Gates Foundation, Google, and Fiserv, Ruth shares how preparation, observation, and emotional awareness can help you know when to speak, when to listen, and how to build trust. Connect with Ruth: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruthahubbard/ 0:00 — Intro 3:12 — Ruth's upbringing and family 12:37 — What reading the room really means 18:45 — Adapting without losing yourself 31:57 — Why everything is sales 37:26 — Learning from failure and rejection 42:32 — First intimidating room at JPMorgan 48:20 — Ruth's key takeaways Because the world needs your voice. Unmuted Moments is for immigrants, first-gen professionals, and anyone tired of hiding their voice. Real stories and practical strategies to grow your confidence, career, and voice. Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com
Aug 4, 2026 • 41 min
Ep 29: Building Career Insurance in the Age of AI
Jennifer Aikoroje, CPA, Finance Program Manager at Microsoft and host of @insideyourfinance podcast, joins Ehis to talk about building career insurance in the age of AI. Drawing from her personal journey, Jennifer shares her perspective on the Black Tax and why giving back to family belongs as a real line item in your budget, not a one-off decision every time someone calls. She breaks down which side hustles survive AI and which do not, and why the goal is not to fight AI, but to use it as a partner in building more options before you need them. Connect with Jennifer: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenaik/ Inside Your Finance: https://www.insideyourfinance.com/ YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@insideyourfinance 0:00 Introduction 2:20 Jennifer's Background and Relationship with Money 8:12 Immigrants, Risk, and Financial Priorities 14:17 Building Career Insurance in the Age of AI 28:01 Practical Steps to Build Career Insurance 33:14 What Is Financial Transformation? 36:40 AI Tools for Personal Finance 38:49 Best Advice and Closing Because the world needs your voice. Unmuted Moments is for immigrants, first-gen professionals, and anyone tired of hiding their voice. Real stories and practical strategies to grow your confidence, career, and voice. Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com
Jul 14, 2026 • 40 min
Ep 28: Building Community Alongside a Career
Lalu (Abebe) Beré, Senior Brand Manager at Plexus Corp. and a community leader in Wisconsin's Fox Cities area, shares what it takes to build community alongside a demanding career. Born to an Ethiopian father who came to the States in the 1970s and an Irish Catholic mother from Minnesota, Lalu reflects on the thread connecting her work across financial access, the arts, parenting, and advocacy: showing up with purpose, using her social capital to speak up, and becoming part of the fabric of a place, not just living in it. Connect with Lalu: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lalubere/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lalubere/ 00:00 Open and Intro 02:29 Growing up between two worlds 08:43 Ethiopia, language, and roots 16:16 Minnesota and using your voice 23:01 Parenting and community 30:11 The common thread, and the best advice Because the world needs your voice. Unmuted Moments is for immigrants, first-gen professionals, and anyone tired of hiding their voice. Real stories and practical strategies to grow your confidence, career, and voice. Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com
Jun 15, 2026 • 56 min
Ep 27: The People We Call Home
Yolanda Reshemah, host of The Places We Call Home podcast, shares her journey from St. Vincent and the Grenadines through England and France to the U.S., reflecting on what it really means to build a life across cultures. She unpacks why home was never just one place, and why belonging isn't a luxury but the support system that helps immigrants withstand the practical, emotional, and systemic barriers of rebuilding abroad. She also discusses maintaining your identity, resisting the pressure to mute your culture or accent, and building the kind of community that helps you find your people and thrive. 0:00 - What Home Really Means 11:17 - Growing Up in the Caribbean & Moving to England 24:30 - Why She Create The Places We Call Home Podcast 36:28 - Belonging Is Not a Luxury 49:59 - Practical Tips for Building Community Abroad Connect with Yolanda: Website: https://theplaceswecallhome.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/placeswecallhomepod Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com
May 5, 2026 • 57 min
Ep 26: Respect Shouldn't Cost Your Voice
Doyin Abitoye, a HR professional, career coach and author of Shush!: Simple, Relatable Ways to Silence Limiting Beliefs, shares her journey from Nigeria to Canada, including the seven-year process of rebuilding her voice after arriving as a senior HR leader and being told she didn't have Canadian experience. She reflects on the cultural conditioning that teaches many immigrants to confuse silence with respect, walks through the four tools at the heart of her book—reflection, reframing, affirmations, and action—and unpacks the line between mindset work and the real systemic barriers immigrants face. Connect with Doyin: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doyinabitoye/ Website: doyinabitoye.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/coachdee_abitoye/ Because the world needs your voice. Unmuted Moments is for immigrants, first-gen professionals, and anyone tired of hiding their voice. Real stories and practical strategies to grow your confidence, career, and voice. Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com
Apr 2, 2026 • 43 min
Ep 25: Building a Personal Brand with a LinkedIn Coach
Racheal Bamigbade, a LinkedIn coach and personal brand strategist, shares how she built her career through LinkedIn after graduating first class in Agricultural Economics from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. Racheal walks through her practical approach to building a strong LinkedIn presence, from optimizing your profile to positioning your experience in a way that attracts the right opportunities. Connect with Racheal: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachealawe/ Because the world needs your voice. Unmuted Moments is for immigrants, first-gen professionals, and anyone tired of hiding their voice. Real stories and practical strategies to grow your confidence, career, and voice. Subscribe so you never miss an episode: https://www.youtube.com/@UC7uTUtgaAtL1riVj9pYkmKA Listen on all platforms: � Website: https://unmutedmomentspodcast.com #UnmutedMoments #ImmigrantProfessionals #FindYourVoice #linkedin , #personalbranding #nigeria #linkedincoach #contentstrategy #RachealBamigbade
Feb 25, 2026 • 47 min
Ep 24: Let’s Circle Black: Thriving in a Post-DEI Era
Dabney Weathersby shares her journey navigating the corporate world as a Black, first-generation professional. She reflects on the inspiration behind her platform, Let’s Circle Black, created to foster community, connection, and support for Black professionals at a time when formal DEI programs are shrinking. Dabney also speaks candidly about the power of vulnerability and the importance of using our voices to advocate for ourselves and others in changing environments. Learn more about Dabney: LinkedIn:www.linkedin.com/in/dabneyjweathersby/ Let’s Circle Black: www.letscircleblack.substack.com/
Feb 12, 2026 • 40 min
Ep 23: Black Voices Shaping AI & Public Policy
René Peters Jr., a Product Manager at NVIDIA, discusses the influence of Black leaders on his career and the importance of using his voice to shape conversations around technology and public policy. He reflects on his upbringing in Cincinnati and New Orleans, his journey into public speaking, and how community and mentorship helped him grow into leadership roles within tech. René shares why making complex topics like artificial intelligence accessible to everyday communities matters now more than ever. He explores the responsibility of technologists in civic engagement, the growing intersection of AI and policy, and why diverse voices must be present in shaping how technology impacts society. He also offers insights on the future of AI and the importance of thinking independently in a rapidly changing world. Website referenced: https://theresanaiforthat.com/ Learn more about René Peters Jr.: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rjpjr/ 00:00 Intro 02:39 Black History & Legacy 06:47 Growing Up in Cincinnati & New Orleans 13:29 Early Public Speaking & Modeling 17:59 Making AI Accessible 20:04 What is AI? 24:14 Getting Involved in Tech Policy 31:04 Common AI Misconceptions 33:26 AI Bias & Facial Recognition 37:34 What's Next & UN Speaking 39:00 Best Advice: Think for Yourself
Feb 4, 2026 • 47 min
Ep 22: Celebrating the Superpower of Women Across Borders
Sahar Jamal, Founder and CEO of Maziwa Breastfeeding, unpacks why motherhood and womanhood should be celebrated—not tolerated. She shares her journey across countries, from her Tanzanian and Indian roots to growing up in Canada, living in the UK and the U.S., and ultimately founding a company in Kenya. We talk about migration, identity, social entrepreneurship, and the powerful ways women contribute across borders and generations. Learn more about Sahar: Website: www.maziwabreastfeeding.com LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/saharjamal
Jan 21, 2026 • 38 min
Ep 21: Navigating Layoffs and Thriving as an Immigrant
Paul Adeyeye, an award-winning author and host of the Thriving Immigrant Podcast, shares his journey from Nigeria to Canada, including the experience of navigating and overcoming layoffs in a new country. He provides insights on what it means to be a thriving immigrant, emphasizing the importance of adaptability, genuine love for humanity, curiosity, and maintaining a proactive mindset. Paul stories and advice, offer a roadmap for immigrants striving to thrive in their new environments. Learn more about Paul: Website: https://pauladeyeye.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-adeyeye/ Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@deyeyepaul 00:00 Intro 01:03 Growing Up in Nigeria: Lessons and Challenges 07:17 First Impressions and Cultural Shocks in Canada 09:20 Navigating the Job Market: First Job Experience 15:28 Dealing with Job Loss and Career Transitions 18:45 The Unexpected Book Journey 21:09 Defining a Thriving Immigrant 25:04 Key Traits for Immigrant Success 28:51 Embracing Curiosity and Vulnerability 35:00 Living Fully and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome 37:20 Final Thoughts and Encouragement Tune in to learn: How to stay resilient during layoffs Strategies to rebuild your career and confidence Ways to turn setbacks into stepping stones Personal stories of immigrants finding success against the odds � Join the conversation: What’s one thing that helped you bounce back from a setback? Share your story in the comments below! Would you like me to make it shorter and SEO-optimized (for YouTube’s algorithm), or keep it longer and story-driven like this version?
Dec 10, 2025 • 74 min
Ep 20: The Abundant Immigrant: Practical Financial Advice for Immigrant Professionals
Jane Mepham, CFP®, breaks down why some immigrants still feel financially insecure even with $1 million in the bank and how mindset, not money, is often the real barrier. She explains why money should be treated as a tool rather than the goal, and how culturally aware financial planning can empower immigrants to build stability and long-term wealth. Jane is the founder of Elgon Financial Advisors where she helps immigrants and foreign nationals build wealth while navigating the complexities of U.S. financial systems. Learn more about Jane: Company Website: https://elgonfa.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janemepham/ Check out her podcast (the International Money Cafe): https://www.theimcafe.com/podcast Join us as we discuss: Smart budgeting and money management tips How to build credit and financial stability abroad Investing strategies tailored for immigrant professionals Overcoming financial challenges and cultural barriers
Nov 11, 2025 • 40 min
Ep 19: What is Personal Culture?
Storyteller and strategist Leeah Marie Derenoncourt joins Ehis to unpack the concept of personal culture: the idea that we each have the power to design the ecosystem of our own lives. Drawing from her experiences growing up across five countries, Leeah shares how she learned to validate her story, embrace intentionality, and choose what to keep, change, or create for herself. This episode explores identity, ownership, and the freedom that comes from realizing you get to decide who you are and who you become. Learn more about Leeah: Personal Website: https://leeahmarie.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leeahderenoncourt/ Check out her podcast Expressions: https://open.spotify.com/show/6g5WmDC8k4z5nxj1A95YeZ?si=f64afe536cbc4e83
Oct 22, 2025 • 36 min
Ep 18: The Cost of Politeness: Don’t Set Yourself on Fire to Keep Others Warm
For many immigrants and first-gen professionals, politeness is taught as a virtue, a sign of respect, humility, and grace. But those same lessons can also come with a cost. In this episode, Ama Annoh, shares how she navigated these cultural expectations and how she learned to speak up without guilt, own her story, and build platforms where others can do the same. Learn more about Unfading Beauties (Her not-for-profit org): Learn more about Ama: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ama-annoh/ IG: https://www.instagram.com/amalove23/?hl=en Legacy N' Lifestyle Podcast: @LegacyNLifestyle
Sep 30, 2025 • 51 min
Ep 17: The American Dream: One Generation Later
From feeling like an outsider in small-town Connecticut to representing the United States on the world stage, Sourav Bhowmick shares the pivotal moments that shaped his journey from immigrant son to presidential appointee. We explore his path from private sector success to public service, including his role as Chief of Staff for the Inflation Reduction Act implementation at the U.S. Treasury under Janet Yellen, and what the American Dream means today. He reflects on overcoming imposter syndrome, the significance of community, and the responsibility that comes with achieving personal success. 00:00 A Full Circle Moment 05:12 Navigating Social Challenges 08:53 Early Career Lessons and Finding a Voice in Professional Settings 12:37 Transition to Public Service 23:52 Leading the Inflation Reduction Act Implementation 29:34 A Full Circle Moment in India 33:30 Balancing High-Stakes Work and Parenthood 36:40 Reflections on the American Dream 41:01 Advice for New Americans and Civic Engagement 48:36 The Importance of Context in Advice
Sep 16, 2025 • 40 min
Ep 16: Finding Your Voice in an AI World
From growing up in Ghana to building yShade, an AI company in the U.S., Emmanuel Acheampong shares a candid look at what it means to navigate bias in tech and entrepreneurship while holding on to your voice. We talk about the tension between cultural humility and the confidence required to lead, how communicating with authority changes the way people receive your ideas, and the reality of being underestimated until you overdeliver. This is a conversation about resilience, identity, and why in a world increasingly shaped by AI, your voice and how you use it matters more than ever. Follow Emmanuel:LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmanuel-acheampong/ Website: https://yshade.ai/