Analiza: Welcome to the Women of Color Rise Podcast. I'm Analiza Quiroz Wolf, proud Filipina American, mom of two, and former CEO of a nonprofit and Captain in the US Air Force. I'm on a mission to support having more diverse leaders at the table. We'll be talking with successful CEOs and C suite women leaders of color and learning about their leadership journeys. If you're a woman or woman of color, who wants a seat at the table, you're in the right place. Now let's get into today's show.

I'm thrilled to be talking today with Kianti Brown Whitney. She's currently the Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Relay. Relay is a Graduate School of Education. And the mission of Relay is to educate leaders and teachers. In fact, over 15,000 of them across the country. Prior to joining Relay, she worked in many different organizations, including a charter management organization of financial institutions and multiple advertising agencies. Her passion is to bring forward the stories of marginalized groups, especially people of color, and it's a showcase how new narratives can move us forward. Very relevant, I think, to our conversation today. She's a graduate of UC University of California, San Diego, which is where I'm from, and she got her MBA from Rice University in marketing. I'm so excited to have you here, Kianti. Thanks for joining.

Kianti: Thank you for having me. So good to be here. Analiza.

Analiza: Let’s talk about your identity, and specifically how you view yourself with the race or any of these influences. Because going into education, I find it's usually not accidental, there's usually a passion piece. Could you talk about that?

Kianti: Yeah, absolutely. So I identify as a Black woman, a very proud Black woman, and I legit stumbled into education, I don't think I really realized how fortunate I was, I do know it'd be it was a big focus for my family, particularly my father. We grew up, I grew up, they call it South LA. Now South Central when I was growing up, and my dad refused to put any of us, there are four of us, any of us into the public school system, which that's a different story for a different time, but he just felt like we will be held back that we wouldn't be living in our potential. And so they made a great deal of sacrifice to make sure that we went to private school. So I went to private school from preschool, all the way up through high school. So I didn't realize I don't think how fortunate I was to have that access.

And then going on to UCSD, as you know, that is a very white institution, then I started to realize, oh, there's some gaps here. Oh, there's some things I just didn't learn not even just academically, but socially that I had to kind of figure out. And so I think that's what kind of helped me find my way to education when I felt like I wasn't being fulfilled in financial services, surprise, surprise, right. Like, I had a couple of friends that worked in education. And I was like, wait, I can do marketing here. Because that's all I ever wanted to do was marketing, storytelling and advertising. So when I realized there was an opportunity for me to do it in a way that would you know, impact other people, people that looked like me, people that didn't necessarily have the opportunity to get access to the education, like I jumped at the opportunity,

Analiza: The parallel there as well, having been in corporate worlds, and then realizing that our passion isn't there, and how can we use our passion, where it's something we care about? And you and I both here education? So let's talk Kianti because there were these myths that you just did one to one here that, you know, there are these lines and careers, and that we think that we're going to follow one straight path. And I'm curious for you looking back, and having now had this really nice, varied in quite, you know, great role now, is there anything that you realize was a myth? But did it realize that it was a myth? Until, you know, these past years anything that comes up for you, especially as women of color that you really didn't earlier?

Kianti: Oh, my gosh, so many things. I think one of the things that I think are perpetuated even within our own community is you take what you're given, right? And so that can be very damaging, especially as women of color go into the workforce, right? Because, you know, they give you a number. Let's just talk about negotiating salary, for example, right? Like, of course, I will give you a starting number. Everybody knows, well, maybe not everybody knows, right. what I now know is the number they start with is certainly not the cap, right? Like there's a lot of room for negotiation there. But I wasn't necessarily taught that, right? It was something that I learned over time. And thank God right.

I went to undergrad. I talked earlier with a lot of white people who knew that. So I was clued in. So when I got my first job I knew to ask for more money. And what's interesting is I was told no. So I think they offer that I can't even remember this thing. I'll be dating myself, that was like, in the year 2000. But they offered me a certain number, and just not even thinking about it, right? I like, No, I deserve 10% more. And they were like, oh, no, no, no, this is the number you're working in advertising. Nobody gets paid more money than this. And me this is where being young and smug comes in, it comes into my favorite because I was like, oh, I'll just find something else. Don't worry about it. You know, it's like, well, this is my number I'm not moving. And guess what? They match my number. And so that kind of gave me, you know, the confidence to keep doing that. And I've been able to successfully do that without my career. Now, do I always hit the number that I want? Absolutely. But I always ask for, I've learned over time to ask for more than I actually want to get and then usually meet somewhere in the middle. But yeah, it's definitely a huge myth.

Analiza: So tell me Kianti because it's quite moving, that you learn this skill that early in your career? Yeah. Because the reality is, I did not learn that or even know that, until way later. And if you look at the research on it, it says that you women and women of color, especially when we don't negotiate, because there's already a gap, just a systemic gap of wage inequality, gender, and race. And then on top of that, we're not even negotiating. So that widens as we get more senior. And it's fascinating, because the research says that that can be over a lifetime of wages, half a million dollars, or even a million dollars for the resources. So it's insane. I'm so glad you learned that early.

And I want to come back because I didn't have the white friends and we didn't actually talk about money. I mean, it's not something we talked about writing chatter, how much do you make, like, how did you negotiate? Let me see your letter that feels uncomfortable. So can you talk about not the tactics, but more the mental piece? Or even Do you remember back in college? How do you learn about negotiation? Was it a book, a dorm room conversation, anything just to help us with the mantelpiece and how you were introduced to it so that you could actually execute throughout your career?

Kianti: Yeah, absolutely. I do think it was a dorm room conversation. And I don't even think it was the conversation I was a part of. So I was a resident advisor. I was an RA when I was an undergraduate. And part of that meant you had to work at this activity center, you know, a couple nights a week or whatever. So I was there. And I overheard two white guys talking about Well, I was offered this much. But I challenged and paid and asked for this much. And the other guy was like, oh, real. I mean, they're bragging, right? Like, it's like, oh, really, I was offered 50,000? I don't ask for 60. And I got it. Because I had no idea.

Because again, to your point, I think it's just faux pas in general for a lot of families, particularly families of color to talk about money. And I think that's because it's the source of shame, right? Like, it just is what it is. And so I didn't grow up talking about it all. But when I heard this conversation, I was like, you can ask for more like I had no idea. And so I think when I was going for my first role that was me practicing. And I'm like these two dudes, which by the way, I had classes with these guys mediocre at best. So I'm like, if they can get more money than me, I'm bright. You know, I'm smart, I'm intelligent. I'm a quick study on all these things. And there's no reason I can't. And the other thing that kind of gave me some confidence I will never forget is this first roll I was telling you about right? Like I go through the interview process. You know how it is to meet with one person.

And if they like you, they move you on to the neck. Right? So I kind of picked up on that. I got an offer that day. So that told me something. I'm like, Oh, they want me so they can say, you know, this is advertising. Nobody works here. But in my mind, I'm like, what they were offering to me that day. I must be kind of special. Right? So again, that's the like, I always talk about the smugness of youth but that is like, you know, something that actually worked in my favor, because that was forever implanted in me. And I knew from then on, I guess at this point, looking back, I was discovering my worth. And knew, you know, I'm gonna ask for what I'm worth. I wouldn't have used those words back then. But like looking back, that's exactly it.

Analiza:

Kianti I'm picturing you as an RA and you're looking at these mediocre white, probably taller than you you know, probably not the tallest. And I'm hearing you over here. This conversation. You're just like what they can do. Why not me? I mean, I have to say that has actually provided me a source of inspiration or just like what you can do to go for big jobs because honestly I look around at the talent I was like really you? what if you like you for sure because like I can run circles around you. So I also want to talk about the idea of specialness because you are Special, we aren't special. And we often don't remember that. And we forget and we forget we bury it. So to have those two, these two way dudes, and then you realize dammit, I am special I worth everything, right. And I love that because it's a way of making sure that each time you have these conversations, you are standing up for yourself. So I love it. Can you talk about Kianti? Any pieces of advice or just even tactics? Here's how I go out of negotiation. Yeah, here, for example, it's a salary negotiation, I do these three steps. Are there any things that you continue to repeat?

Kianti: I don't know if I can boil it down to steps. But I will certainly try. I think one of the first things I do is, you know, obviously, thank God now, right? When you look at roles, they put the compensation on the job description. So I'm like, Thank God companies for doing that. So that way, neither of us are wasting time. So that's helpful.

But before that became available, I would just start researching, like, what is this role making? What about in this industry? So I researched that, and then I figured out, it was a little bit of a values assessment that I've just done in recent years. Frankly, which figure to me, it's determining what's most important to me, right? Because it's not all about money. And I realized that comes with great privilege to even be able to say that, like I'm making a certain amount of money now that it's like, Yes, I obviously want to make more obviously want to keep making more money. But I know that's not the only thing, it's flexibility. It's like, time off all these things. So I think about those things that I want.

And then I almost removed myself from the situation because there's a part of my job, I have to negotiate, I have to negotiate deals for, you know, placement on certain media outlets, or negotiate, you know, rates, all kinds of things for work, and it just kind of comes naturally for me. And so when I'm thinking about negotiating for myself, I almost think of myself as a product, right? So it's almost like, Okay, well, what is the bare minimum, I would expect, and what is the maximum and I'm going for it, and then I just keep kind of going in and at that. And that actually took a lot of practice, because removing yourself from something and like, advocating for yourself is really hard.

And I would say particularly for women, but once I kind of learned to separate myself. And again, going back to what I said earlier, recognizing my worth, it made things a lot easier. I guess the three steps are like research, identify what your values are, what you want, and then just gun gun for it, like don't let up. And then the other thing I want to just highlight because this is something I've been able to do in my career, which again, I guess, I know is a huge privilege, is that when I do have, particularly women of color come through, I kind of tell them on the side. Don't take less than right, like so even though I might give them okay, I'm offering you $50,000 When they come back and they ask for 55 I'm like you can ask for 60. And I know that is frowned upon. But at the end of the day, like how else are they going to learn? Right? And then when they came in, I explained to them. This is why I always ask for more. And I specially drive that point home with women, in particular women of color.

Analiza: Oh my gosh, you were a blessing. I wish I had that seat. Because often, it is fascinating because I've been in the hiring managers' seats. People of color, you give them the offer. They're like, Thank you. Yes, much, right. Oh my gosh, this is a dream for me. And I'm like, Well, you're welcome. white dude. Yeah, that's not gonna work. Here's what I need. And it's usually like twice I just like some astronomical amount. And you're like, I can't do that. But I can do this. So like, fine. You're welcome. You know. Thank you, I guess for me, so I just so appreciate that. You're transparent, and you're helping people. Because we don't get these lessons. Our parents do not. Yeah, they're just like, be grateful. Come on Kianti You're like doing something you care about? Cold? I'm like, is it because I can't read? Hey, bank, here's some passion.

Kianti: Right? And I can have both right? Like I think we're often told to choose, it's like I can be paid equitably. And do something I love. I deserve that. And I think we're often told to choose and we don't have to.

Analiza: We do not have to choose, we can get paid and be passionate. Absolutely. So let's talk about more myths. And I'm curious if there's another mythical Kianti that has really been one that you have either. In this case, you seem to have not really struggled in negotiation, anything that you really dominated that's helped you with your career that you can share?

Kianti: Yeah, this is a little bit interesting me saying this one, just given what I do. I've worked in marketing my entire career. But I will say marketing myself has been very difficult. And I think that a lot of things underlie that. I think as women were taught, be humble, don't brag on yourself. Right? Like, again, kind of going back to what I was saying about negotiating like, take what's given to you, don't ask for them. Right, right. And so that has definitely come out, there have been a lot of things that I wanted to kind of try in my career like test out, and I just haven't gone for it for fear of being too big, right? Especially, you can tell we know each other, you know, I'm not shy, right? So I tend to talk a lot, I have a big personality, like, it's, there's a lot, right. And so being told, from the time I was a kid, really, like, tone it down. You’re too much, basically dim your light, right? So then when it's time for me to like, pitch myself and actually show my whole self, that part of those voices come into my head, and I'm like, just chill out, you know, back off a little bit. Everybody doesn't need to know that much about you. So it has been very challenging. And I will say, it's only been within the last year or two, that I've started to challenge those thoughts and be like, Ah, we're gonna talk, you're putting your full self out there. You're gonna talk about all of your accomplishments like this is not a time to be humble. Who said that, right? Like who said humbles good. Like, I don't know, I'm just really still pushing myself on that. So that has been extremely challenging for me. But a good challenge, right? Like, I'm enjoying for the most part, kind of pushing against those ideas and those spots to come into mindfulness.

Analiza: What you're mentioning about sharing the full self, and it's hard. It's so mental, because it's not like I'm, you're on a cliff, right? I'm like, push you off jump from the cliff. But it feels that way. And I want to talk about this sharing the full self. Because if I were to ask you, Kianti to share a hard time, your time you struggled, you might cry, right? It's hard, right? And you and I will share it. Like I've been telling this really hard story is so traumatic. Let's share, we'll share the hard things. It's not easy to share. But if I asked, it was chaotic. Tell me about a time when you were just a badass. You just rocked it. You were the best. You're like Dr. Dominating a su. It's a whole other level. And that, I mean, even just talking about it, I could feel myself like, Oh, can I just tell you another hard story? Because I want to talk about it. Because why is it so damn hard? I mean, it's easier to share trauma than it is to brag about something that you actually did. Right? Why is it so hard to share the high highs like your resume. Excellent. Can you talk about why that's so darn hard?

Kianti: Yeah. I mean, I have a couple of thoughts. But I will say, you know, steeping this conversation in my identity, as a black woman, has been, you know, reinforced that you're not to outshine anyone, right? Because then that makes things so much easier. Because at the end of the day, I still work and will probably work again, in white institutions, right. And so if I'm to highlight my excellence, that can intimidate my bosses who are likely white, right, and white women who could then make my job harder. So if I'm just humble, and just let them shine, and maybe give them you know, the fuel or the wind beneath their wings, right, then I'm deemed more valuable, and not intimidating, and therefore I can sort of keep my position or whatever the case may be like, that's been coming to me a lot more lately. And it's still true, right? We both know, that's still very true. I think, as I get older, and you know, evolve and grow, I'm less afraid of the alternative, right? So I know my worth, if that happens, if you're so intimidated by me that you beat me out the door, like I have full confidence that I will toot my own horn based on my skills and my talents and my experience, I'll get something else. And maybe that means I'm not working for an institution anymore. Maybe that means I'm working for myself. But I'm not willing to dim my light out of fear of intimidating or hurting someone else's feelings. I'm just not willing to do that. And so that's kind of been what's been the biggest shift in my life.

Analiza: Yeah, I think that not sharing dims our light is real, and sharing too much. And feeling the pain of that is also real. Oh, and perhaps then that we're not in the right place. We're not in the right home, we're not in the right workplace that actually appreciates our light and that we are a special light. And if it's not the place for us, then it's okay, we're gonna leave. And I love that recognition because we don't have to suffer. There are other places for us to shine who appreciate us shining. So can you talk to Kianti about a specific example from the past to where maybe you struggled with sharing your light and then you really got out there in terms of especially bragging because I want to get to bragging I want to talk about like, what makes us amazing and yes, vulnerability but like really moving to The bragging edge. Could you talk about a moment like that where you really got out there? And like, Hey, I have lots of to offer here.

Kianti: Yeah, absolutely. I remember, you know, not too long ago, frankly, being in a board meeting, and just talking about the things that my team had accomplished, despite a really small budget, despite not having a ton of resources, just going in and being like, listen, despite all those things, like, here's the strategy that I put in place, here's what we executed on. And here's what we got as a result of these things. Right. And what was so interesting to me, it was like, you know, obviously, I was nervous to do it again, because it was like the bragging thing, you know, you don't want to come off that way, especially like in a room full of white men, quite frankly, right? It's like, oh, I don't want to do this. But I did it anyway. And it's interesting, because you can kind of see the room even shift a little bit, because it's like, oh, oh, I didn't think about all the obstacles and challenges that you had to overcome in order to get to this place in order to get to these accomplishments, right. So it kind of, I don't know, framed the conversation in a way that it's like, oh, I don't know, it was weird in the sense that it almost felt like oh, you do know what you're doing? Right. So it was like, it was bittersweet, right? Because on one hand, it's like, yeah, of course, I know what I'm doing. But it's like, on the other side, how did you not know that? I didn't just, you know, it's harder for me to get this job. And, like, of course, I know what I'm doing. So it's like that bittersweet thing. But it felt really good, at least for me to go in and be like, I don't know if I can curse on here. But like, Yes, I am that bitch. I am her. Right. And like, just stepping into that and letting it be known. It felt good.

Analiza: It's great to own your worth. And yes, the public is uncomfortable, especially as an Asian person, you come up there, and you're like, let me lead. And they're like, whoa. You do know that I had almost five years in the military, right? Almost a 20 plus year career elsewhere. So please, like I can lead. This is not that hard.

Kianti: It's not by chance. I can do this. Yeah.

Analiza: Basically, I was like, This is not like, it's just 50 people like, why are you so nervous? For me? I've done this in front of 1000s of people. It's fine. Right? It's bittersweet. You're just like, really your bar is that low? And at the same time, we're like, yeah, and I did that. And it was really not that hard. Right. So I love that you mentioned that because it's such a poignant example. And that you really declared victory. Yes, there are a lot of challenges. And we were incredibly successful. That piece is interesting. Because when you did that, at this moment, I'm curious because you're celebrating the team. And so talk about because you're not like, look at this, I did it? Or maybe you did. But can we talk about that? Because there is a balancing act. So how did you balance? Like owning it, but also sharing it?

Kianti: Yeah, I think that part's important is particularly as a leader, right? And so yes, I led the strat, like I put the strategy in place. Yes, these are mostly my ideas, but it was also a team effort. But you know, to extend the bragging, right, I lead this team, this team is following my lead. This team, for the most part, has learned what they have learned and been able to execute on what they do, because of me. And again, I know even saying it out loud. I was like, oh, that sounds kind of cringy. But it's just true, right? Like, we've worked together, obviously, these are smart, talented, you know, thoughtful, intelligent people. But at the same time, under my leadership, they've been able to set it right. And they've been able to deliver on some really important things. So yeah, it is to your right, to your point, it's the balance. It's, you know, understanding that it was a group effort, I couldn't have done it by myself. 100%. But also, it was me. I did that,

Analiza: you know, what you remind me of is that my first boss, Kianti, was the same. I talked about him a lot. And he would talk about our work, and we were 22. And he would say, Look at what Analiza did. And it was always celebrating us in front of the generals. And it was baffling, I think, for people so senior to be around such humility, because it was never like, Oh, I did this because often people did, they would take credit for the work that was done behind the scenes. And what I realize now is that every time he did one, he got our loyalty, right? We're just like, oh, my gosh, I learned everything from this guy. And he's credited to us. And so we loved him. I still love him today.

And then the second part is, they knew a lot that he drove that that is the talent that he has because he's that good. Got us ready to deliver credibly complex presentations in front of the top people in the Air Force. So that was always a reflection of him. So it's always Yeah, it's the way in which we lead. It's never about ourselves. And yet, it does shine. It is shining. We shine on others. We shot ourselves. So yeah, I love it. So can I do it? Let's talk about more.

Because I know this is something we both struggle with in terms of just putting ourselves out there. The full selves, right. And so, talk about your work today. I know you're launching a podcast. Yeah. So it's been a little bit of time in the making. Talk about let's start with, what did it take for you to take the plunge? Yeah, because one thing about plants, right Kianti, let's build a plan, a project plan, we can type it up Excel status, you can color coded, it'll be sweet. But to go from that to actually pressing the trigger and saying go, and I'm actually gonna launch it out in the world. As someone who's been doing it is all that easy. So can you talk about yourself and your journey? Watching this podcast? What has been the biggest mind shift to get you actually to get on the field and court with it?

Kianti: Yeah, of course, I'd love to talk about that. And I also have to thank you, because you are a huge motivating force behind it. I don't even think you realize how much from the conversation we had a few months ago, just challenging me on my shit. That helped. And also very kind to say, it's been a little bit of time in the making. It's been years. So I do. And just finally, recently, I've gotten the courage to go ahead with it. You know, I think it was a couple of things. I think, number one, I got tired of my own excuses, right? I got tired of my own bullshit. To be frank, I was done with my life. Right. Like, I know, I have a lot of good things to say, I know that there are stories that I have within me that will resonate with so many people. But for whatever reason, I never really understood that. The idea around people being afraid of success, right? Like, they're not really afraid of failure, they're afraid of success, I get it now. 1,000%. It was like,

Oh, what is this gonna write like, and I don't think I realized I was doing that. But that's 100% what I was doing. And I would say, you know, sounds super cliche, but something happened between like, in being 2022. And coming in 2023, that I was just like, I'm living, right, like, I have been surviving for a very long time, I am worth more than just survival, it is time to live. And I'm going to try these things. And if they don't work, that's fine, I'll find something else. And so that bore black girls bonding, which is what it's called. So it's all about black girls being seen and heard and telling their stories without being typecast without being seen as a monolith. We all have different, rich, exciting stories to tell. And this gives us a platform to talk about those things. So I'm super excited about launching this.

Analiza: I'm credibly excited for you Kianti, because we do need more stories as much as all the quantitative research that's out there. I know UCSD is incredibly deep with research. Oh my gosh, yes. It is about stories and they're as powerful as gathering around the campfire, to connect us humans to know that we're not alone. It's so powerful, especially times like this where we feel isolated. I'm very excited for you. Thank you. I want to go back to this idea of fear of success. Because it's one that we might have heard of, then maybe we've contemplated before. We definitely heard the idea of failure. Can you talk more about that? What comes up for you? No, it's not actually fear of failure. It's fear of success. And how did you know that? For you? Hmm.

Kianti: You know, I think a lot of things kind of came into play. I had a life that I planned when I was like eight years old, right? And so funny, because obviously, my rational mind itself knows that it's ridiculous to hold on to the dreams of an eight year old, I have like such limited like exposure to things. But still, in the back of my mind, I was like, my life is supposed to play out this way. And it hasn't like almost none of the things that I wanted it eight have come to pass, right? Surprise, surprise, but like, my life, obviously, is so much richer and better and brighter, and all those good things. And I think that's what it was, I think it was recognizing that success does not look just one way, right? Like there are plenty of paths, and then also recognizing the pivot.

So I think part of my fear of success, met grieving, what I thought was success before and coming up with this whole other idea. And to be clear, right? Like one of the things is children, right? Like, I just thought I was going to be able to have, like, I assumed it I live my life as if that were the case, like, you know, on and on and on. And my husband and I tried for years, and it didn't happen. And so in order for me, I had to release, right like that dream, and come up with a whole new one, and determine my own metrics for success with that. And that was scary, because it's like, but this is what I want. I want that right? So it was like the fear of actually loving this new like, I didn't want to let go of the old life that I have for myself. So that's what it kind of meant for me. It's a little it complicated and layered, which I'm sure it is for a lot of people, but like, really gravitating and holding on and reaching for success in this new way meant I had to let go of a lifelong dream or lifelong goals that I met for myself, and I just wasn't ready to do it. And it wasn't until this year that I was like, I'm doing it, I'm going for it, right. Like, in my new mantra has been, I'm living the life I got, I'm living the life I got, I can't live this life that I thought I was supposed to have or wanting to have and all that good. Like that's not living that's surviving. Now it's time to step into what I have, which is a lot, right. I read something recently, a grateful heart attracts many miracles. And I've seen that play out every day, because I'm so grateful for the things that I do have. And I'm now ready to let go of the old to grab a hold of the new,

Analiza: There is a piece of having to empty the barrel to receive new that we have to name because often we're just like, move on. Look at the chart pros and cons. Obviously, moving on is the right thing to do. And you're like, Yeah, that makes sense. But it also means that we have to let go of something that was basically our heart. Yeah, to have children to have it in this way. A certain kind of person. It's hard. It's identity. Leaving and grief might be grief for people who left us, but also that includes ourselves. That's right, reading the person we thought we would be calm. That's right. And the only in that grieving process and the letting go, do we allow ourselves to open up to possibility of something. So it makes sense to me that took time because as much you look forward, you're like, oh, but still I'm held back. So it's quite difficult but freeing and I want to you know, hopefully that you're celebrating the letting go.

Kianti: I feel lighter, right. I'm not carrying that burden. Oh, my God that I strapped to my back at your school. Like that's not even fair for me to have done this.

Analiza: Real. Yeah. So, Kianti , I want to move to lightning round question, Are you ready?

Kianti: I'm ready.

Analiza: Okay. Chocolate or vanilla?

Kianti: Vanilla.

Analiza: Cooking or takeout?

Kianti: Cooking.

Analiza: Climb a mountain or jump from a plane?

Kianti: Oh, gosh. Climbing a mountain. A plane yould seem awful.

Analiza: Have you ever worn socks with sandals?

Kianti: I have. I grew up in the 90s. Of course I did.

Analiza: How would you rate your karaoke skills on a scale of one to 10 10 being Mariah Carey?

Kianti: Oh, four.

Analiza: What's the recent book you read?

Kianti: The yellow wife.

Analiza: What's a favorite way to practice self care?

Kianti: I get facials once a month. It's my thing.

Analiza: What's a good professional development you've done?

Kianti: I just recently took a course on storytelling with the color comms community and it was great.

Analiza: What's your definition of a Boss Mama?

Kianti: Just someone unapologetically themselves.

Analiza: What advice would you give your younger self?

Kianti: You're not too big. Your light is not too strong to shine. Shine.

Analiza: Like that could be a song. Where can we find you? LinkedIn?

Kianti: Yes, I'm on LinkedIn. Kianti Brown Whitney You can find me on Instagram @kiantib and check out Black Girls Bonding in April, so yeah.

Analiza: Awesome. And then any final ask recommendation or parting thoughts to share?

Kianti: That's all I got.

Analiza: Kianti it's been a pleasure. I'm thrilled about your podcast.

Kianti: Oh, thank you for being such a fierce supporter. I appreciate you.

Analiza: Thank you so much for carving out time today to hear today's podcast. Three things before you go. First, if you found it helpful, please leave a five star review. Second, please share with someone else. You can share the link and posts on Facebook and say check it out. Lastly, I want to thank you for being a listener and you can go to get a free self care bonus called juice your joy at analizawolf.com/freebonus. Thank you so much.