The Leadership Blend Live Podcast
Q & A: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the premise of the show?
The Leadership Blend live podcast is for the individual who wants to be informed. Designed to empower, it seeks to simplify major headlines and bring awareness. Myself and Simone Cherie tackle headlines that effect the every day individual and their families. Guest to the show, bring expertise in subject matter that is or has been discussed in some aspect. Our listeners, leave each broadcast with a deeper understanding of what is or on it's way down the governmental pipeline. Our guest includes: Chief Executive Officers, Politicians, Educators, and many others!
Demographic
The shows demographic is 25- 34 (primary) and ages 35- 44 (secondary). These age groups, are filled with fresh graduates & early career seekers. Typically, it consists of Millennial's and Generation Z, who seek to be informed, empowered and prepared. Show guest are given the opportunity to share their expertise and knowledge of important subject matter.
How & When can I watch?
The show airs every Monday at 12pm on Facebook Live on the Leadership Blend's Facebook page. Once aired, episodes are loaded on the Leadership Blend's Youtube page. The episodes are then loaded to 10 digital platforms. Those platforms are: iheart, Spotify, Apple Podcast, Spreaker, Tune In, Deezer, Podcast Addict, Castbox, Soundcloud, and Google Podcast!
Guest Bio's
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Jared Andre’ Sawyer Jr. is a young man of vision, ambition, and spirituality. A classic example of the anointing operating in Sawyer’s life, is when he was just 5, he was called by God in a dream into the gospel ministry; now having have preached for more than half of his life.
For 15 years, Rev. Sawyer has acclaimed an international ministry as a preacher, motivational speaker, and author. Jared’s support system has always been his family and being in rooted in the word of God. In 2008, Jared was featured in “The Child Preacher”, a European documentary produced by The British Broadcasting Company (BBC) and “Around The World In 80 Faiths”, an original British television series aired by the BBC for two seasons.
Rev. Sawyer is currently pursuing a Bachelors of Arts in Religion degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia. He is the 2013 recipient of the Trailblazer Leadership Award from Beulah Heights University. In November of 2012, he was graced to be the invocation speaker for the National Black MBA Association. Jared was also the keynote speaker at Howard University’s Paul Anthony Dillard Awards Program in Washington, D.C. Jared is the 2015 recipient of the NAACP’s Earl T. Shinhoster Youth Services Award and the Inaugural Recipient of The King Center’s Dream Forward Spiritual Faith Based Award.
Passionate about community empowerment, Jared is a national spokesperson for the American Heart Association and an advocate for civil and human rights as an active member of the NAACP. Along with speaking at venues such as The White House, he has appeared on TBN’s Praise The Lord, Fox News, ABC Nightline, Huffington Post and numerous other media, sending a message to the world that “age is nothing but a number”. Jared is the founder of You Power Purpose Inc., a nonprofit organization designed to help the next generation of leaders discover and drive their purpose equip them with moral values, and advance their social growth.
Rev. Sawyer has written 4 books, with his latest release, EMPOWER YOUR PURPOSE, available worldwide. 200,000 people follow on social media. He has been featured in several film and television projects, including Tyler Perry and The Best of Enemies, a feature film starring Taraji P. Henson.
Rev. Sawyer is now 22 years old and the best is indeed yet to come. His motto is “Praise Is What I Do” and millions of people around the world can attest that they know he was placed on this earth to do just that.
Jackie Robbins
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Jackie N. Robbins as visionary with a goal to nature African Americans in the Hospitality Industry; Founded the National African American Restaurant and Night Club Association in 2018. The association was developed to work towards educating and bringing awareness to African Americans in the Restaurant and Night Club industry to improve, by using the resources of the association to help the industry.
Jackie also serves as a Restaurant Consultant to many restaurants, affiliation with Boogalou Restaurant and Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia strategically works on the restaurant operations hiring, training, brand management, culinary selections, business insights and expansion of the business. Her strategically management and oversight has consistently delivered annualized sales growth of 17 percent and annual restaurant restaurant growth of 26 percent.
2017, was honor by Made Moguls Youth Program at their Black-Tie Community Award; she received the Margaret Jackson Award for overcoming adversity, inspiring, perseverance and operating in excellence.
In 2016, she was recognized with the Deluxe Power 100 Award which is presented annually to leaders and trailblazers who have clearly demonstrated being a leader in the community throughout his or her career as a successful entrepreneur. In 2014, Jackie was recognized by Hot 104.1 Phenomenal Woman Award that celebrate and spotlighted Phenomenal Women of Color in the St. Louis Community.
Jackie N. Robbins also the Co-Found, Owned and Operated the World-Famous Rib Shack, successful restaurant in the community which employing over 200 people and serving nearly 50,000 guests annually.
The Restaurant Coach/Consultant andPhilanthropist Activist in her Community always serve on the frontlines giving back to her community, given scholarships to students , sending kids that could not afford to go with their team on out state games, helping urban kids in her community go to Costa Rica for experimental projects, Partnering with Hashtag Lunch Bag To feed over 500 Families every month . Employing disadvantage youth and homeless.
After having two very successful Restaurant in the St Louis Metropolitan Community, Feeding the Celebrities, large Church Organization and being very active in the community, it still was not enough.
The business fell into hardship, due to caring for love one who needs a heart; no support or resources was available to help us; after doing so much in the Community. As we struggle to maintain business that was dependent on us. While watching other White owned Restaurants get support, started business over in new names and work together to increase their bottom-line numbers.
These experiences encourage Jackie to start Association to help support, Educate and bring awareness to African Americans in the Restaurant and Night Club Industry. Jackie “So many of us start Restaurants but don’t plan; and we close...so much time and money gets invested and without any support”.
African American Restaurant and Night Club industry we have our own culture, we can’t take the same mindset of survival as African Americans into our businesses. I watch brilliant African American men and women in the Restaurant and Night Club industry making millions operate in a survival mode without any support, and no systems. This industry does not have a track record for including African Americans and other minorities Restaurant and Night Clubs owners.
Alex Gaines, ESQ
Jared Sawyer Jr.
Alex Gaines, ESQ
Alex Gaines is the founder, CEO and managing partner of Alex Gaines Law, PC - the Legacy Firm, specializing in Estate Planning and probate law. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee in 2007 and her Juris Doctorate from the University of Georgia School of Law in 2010. She has practiced law for 10 years and is licensed in Georgia and in the United States Northern District of Georgia.
Alex founded Alex Gaines Law, PC, “the Legacy Firm” in 2015 and has had the privilege of helping hundreds of families and individuals protect what matters most to them. She focuses her practice on helping clients prepare plans for incapacity or death through holistic estate planning, as well as counseling entrepreneurs and business owners in managing their businesses, from formation to succession planning. She is committed to ensuring that her clients’ personal, family, and business goals are realized, risks and expenses are minimized, and peace of mind is attained.
Alex and her team use an innovative and relational approach, making the estate planning experience pleasant and enjoyable. They educate clients in a friendly and engaging way that helps to eliminate fear and uncertainty and make the process easy and efficient. Alex is also passionate about giving back to the community through education and outreach, regularly hosting free educational seminars about the importance of estate planning.
On a personal note, Alex is a wife and mom of 3 young children. She and her husband are members of Mount Paran Church in Atlanta. They enjoy traveling and sharing their passion for film photography. She loves Jesus Christ, spending time outdoors, DIY projects, being with family, and all things Tennessee Vols.
Laura Poindexter
Triana Arnold- James
Alex Gaines, ESQ
Meet Actress, Producer, Director and Multi-Award Winning Screenwriter Laura Poindexter. Laura’s first steps into the Entertainment Industry began as the Executive Producer & Founder of “The Literary Corner” Blog Talk Radio. Her interviews have included Chrisette Michele, Murphy Lee, Debra Antney (Love & Hip-Hop) actor Omar Gooding, Christian rap sensation “Bizzle'' and many others. TLC’s archive programs can still be heard on Blog Talk Radio, Apple Itunes, iHeart, and Blogtalkradio.
Relocating to Atlanta, GA. in 2016 to persue her childhood dream. What Laura has accomplished in such a short amount of time is undeniable. Her acting work can be found on Amazon Prime in “Telling Stories” as well as on Netflix in Killer Mike's “Trigger Warning” (SE1/EP4) In her first independent, feature film “MARVELOUS” she played the role of Aunt Lisa solidifying her as a serious actress. Currently awaiting the release of her second independent, feature film “ASPIRED” where she plays the strong supporting role of Momma Sheryl.
In 2020 Laura received two People Choice Nominations from the International Christian Film and Music Festival. One for screenwriter of the year and other for actress of the year. As a first time writer, she has been able to tell her story. Her screenplay “Choose This Day” loosely based on her life has won the Gold in the Independent International Film Awards-2018, Official Selection at the Hip-Hop Film Festival-2018, and earned the award for Best Experimental Screenplay at the Georgia Shorts Film Festival-2019. In 2020 this screenplay was also an Official Selection at the Drama Inc. screenplay competition-2020.
As the writer, co-star and project manager for “The Next Assignment” the reboot; concept by April Morrison. Laura has her hands full. This independent, action/drama web-series, filming in Atlanta, GA., employs Atlanta talent & crew. All contributors involved in this project are compensated, which is rare in independent film-making. Currently in pre-production and scheduled to begin filming summer 2020, this project hopes to change the way independent films are made. In the fall of 2020 Laura will be coming back as the lead role of Sonia Steele from the stage play “Where It All Goes Down” which will be turned into a comedic web-series.
Always known for keeping it real, Laura is a no-nonsense business professional with over twenty-three years in Administration Management. She has successfully transferred her skills and experience into the entertainment industry, merging it with a creative sensibility. With a knack for bringing people together, she creates strong teams and collaborates with purpose. Her work ethic is admirable, she calls it her Harlem Grind. Constantly in negotiations for unique industry opportunities, she stays focused on providing quality content for a wide demographic audience.
Stephen Dolinger
Triana Arnold- James
Triana Arnold- James
Steve joined the Partnership in 2002 as its third president. He served as the Superintendent of Schools for Fulton County for seven years prior to joining the Partnership. He served in the Fairfax County, VA school system for 26 years before accepting the Fulton position. He has an Ed.D. from Vanderbilt University, an M.Ed. from George Mason University, and B.B.A. from Wake Forest University. He has served on the Board of Directors for several organizations, currently including the Georgia Chamber of Commerce and the Georgia Leadership Institute for School Improvement. In addition, he has served on the Education and Health Advisory Council for the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and has been recognized in Georgia Trend magazine’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” list and the Atlanta Business Chronicle‘s “Education Who’s Who: A Guide to the Top 100 Leaders Educating the Future of Metro Atlanta.”
Triana Arnold- James
Triana Arnold- James
Triana Arnold- James
Mother, Wife of a Iraq War Veteran, Veteran (US Army - Active and Reserves), and Doctorate, at the heart of her ministry is the founder of The Susan Jolley Awareness Program, which brings awareness and education to all women on the impact and prevention of cervical cancer and those gynecological cancers that effects women. Triana believes that “often times women are so busy doing for others, that we put ourselves including our health, on the back burner.” Her motto is "when we know better, we do better" and launched the “Pencil Me In” Initiative for The Susan Jolley Awareness Program. In January 2016, Mrs. Arnold-James presented to the legislature and co-authors the resolution for Medicaid Expansion for the State of Georgia (HR1101).
These causes along with ERA Georgia, Ovarian cancer, Lupus, Bethematch.org, American Kidney Foundation, and Domestic Violence programs, Total Praise Ministries are near and dear to her heart which also assist in her life purpose. Further, the Pencil Me In Initiative is to encourage women to make themselves a priority and take the challenge. Triana is also the host of several shows, Lunchtime with Triana, Conversation with the Crown and The New Styles of the City, produced and owned by her production company Diva Entertainment, bringing the latest news and stories that affects the world. Mrs. Arnold James is also the newest member of the Global Humanitarian Delegates. June 2016, Triana was appointed as Mrs. Global Humanitarian for her work and representation for the United States of America on the global stage. She continues her work on the advancement of women rights, equal rights, making sure that every American has health insurance, food water supplies to those in need, evangelize to the masses, supplies and medical equipment impoverished communities across the seas. Triana Arnold-James, invites the public to join her efforts throughout the State of Georgia, the United States and the International Community as her journey in celebrating the diversity that makes America unique.
Santiago Marquez
Santiago Marquez
Santiago Marquez
Mr. Marquez was born in Cuba and came to the United States in 1971. He is a graduate of Georgia State University; alumnus of the Buckhead Business Leadership Class; alumnus of Leadership Atlanta, best class ever-2013; and a member of the Gwinnett Rotary, and in 2015 and 2016 he served on the Gwinnett Citizens Review Board. He also serves on multiple boards including the Aurora Theatre and Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.
Mr. Marquez joined GHCC in September 2008. His main functions included financial management, fundraising, membership development and partnership development. Mr. Marquez has been working in the non-profit sector since 1998, cutting his teeth with Consumer Credit Counseling Service, Inc., while attending graduate school at Georgia State University. After CCCS, Marquez served as the Director of Employment and Housing for the Latin American Association, starting the first housing department to focus on Hispanics in Atlanta. In 2004, Marquez joined Boys & Girls Clubs of America where he worked for four years as the Director of Latino Outreach. During this tenure his duties included implementing a Latino outreach strategy in multiple Boys & Girls Clubs across the country. The Latino outreach initiative focused on outreach to Latino youth and families, while helping Clubs increase the number of Latino staff and board members. Most recently, Mr. Marquez served as the Director of Development, NE region where his duties included fundraising and corporate relations in the northeast region of the United States.
In 2014, Mr. Marquez received an award from the National Diversity Council. He is currently a student at the University of Notre Dame, Mendoza School of Business. He is the proud husband of a beautiful wife and very proud father of two beautiful daughters.
Bob Rodgers
Santiago Marquez
Santiago Marquez
Bob Rodgers serves as Street Grace president and CEO, bringing more than 30 years of
corporate and nonprofit leadership and team development experience to this role.
Previously, Rodgers served as the fourth president of Richmont Graduate University,
which offers fully accredited graduate programs in Counseling, Ministry and Spiritual
Formation. As president, Rodgers led Richmont into an era of institutional and financial
growth, including championing the addition of a new accredited master’s degree
program, spearheading the fundraising efforts for the opening of a Atlanta campus and
launching two university-sponsored trauma centers in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Atlanta.
Formerly, the vice president of one of the largest restaurant chains in the Southeast,
Rodgers provided oversight and support for more than 22,000 employees in 21 states. In
addition, through his firm Quantum Search, he has conducted more than 24,000
interviews and led searches for key leadership positions at Chick-fil-A, Georgia Pacific,
Baptist Healthcare, Curtis1000 and other major corporate, healthcare and nonprofit
organizations worldwide.
Nationally recognized for his acumen in business, recruitment and team development,
Rodgers is a sought-after speaker and panelist. He has written for a variety of business
journals and other publications, and has been quoted by The Wall Street Journal and the
Atlanta Business Chronicle. Rodgers holds a Bachelor of Science degree in
Management and Marketing from Lee University and a master’s degree in Ministry from
Richmont Graduate University (2017).
Outside of his professional responsibilities, Rodgers has hosted “Thinking Out Loud,” a
weekly radio broadcast, and is the co-author of the devotional “God Is With Us” (2013).
He serves on numerous boards, is on the Business Advisory Council for Lee University,
and is the co-founder of the Freedom Coalition, a collaborative initiative addressing
human trafficking.
Gladys Agwai
Santiago Marquez
Gladys Agwai
Gladys Agwai, Founder and CEO of Ignite Within. After 30 years as a global corporate executive in the US, Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya, across multiple industries and functions, she leveraged her experiences to make this transformative transition as a business owner. Ignite Within provides inspirational and progressive growth programs for professionals and business owners with a focus on clarity of purpose and objectives with a plan. She is the author of IMPOSTER: Five Strategies to Become Your Authentic Self as well as an international speaker, coach, teacher, and strategist.
Byron Jamal
Byron Jamal
Gladys Agwai
Byron believes that love is the greatest power and gift we can possess. A suicide survivor and former pastor, Byron became the founder and CEO of The Call Path to fuse his expertise and unique perspective to empower everyday people and clients alike, including major corporations, public institutions, government agencies, and philanthropic organizations.
Byron received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Norfolk State University, an H.B.C.U., and earned a Master of Business Administration from Queens University in Charlotte, N.C. Before Queens University, Byron matriculated at Pittsburgh Theological
Seminary under his mentor, Rev. Dr. Ronald E. Peters, where he gained immense respect for using theology to serve urban communities effectively.
He became National Communications Chair for the National Urban League Young Professionals, supporting advocacy and aid efforts throughout
the country.