In this soul-stirring episode of the Soul Story® Show, host Brooke-Sidney Harbour sits down with Derek Lewis—author of Survive and Advance—for a powerful conversation on resilience, purpose, and faith. From growing up in a broken home in Washington, D.C., to leading at the highest levels of corporate America, Derek’s story is a testimony of transformation.

Together, they explore how childhood dreams can become blueprints, why legacy matters, and what it truly means to “live without compromise.” Derek opens up about his battle with cancer, how faith and family shaped him, and how he's now stepping fully into his next chapter as a go-giver, mentor, and entrepreneur.

🔥 Topics Covered

• Why he wrote Survive and Advance (and what almost stopped him)

• The truth about growing up in chaos and choosing a different path

• Family secrets, generational healing, and rewriting the story

• The 3 B’s: Bet on yourself. Believe in yourself. Be yourself.

• How he manifested his childhood dreams through discipline and faith

• Living without compromise in a world that pressures conformity

• How his marriage to Sherene was built on shared vision and trust

• What sports taught him about leadership, parenting, and legacy

• Golf as a spiritual and strategic practice

• Derek’s perspective on DEI rollbacks and why equity is still worth fighting for

• Writing as legacy: why everyone should document their story

💬 Memorable Quotes

“Many Black families are connected by secrets and complexity… We are part of a hidden system of people who were never permitted to claim each other, to be families, and to act as one.” – Derek Lewis

“You can’t deliver for your family, company, or culture if you’re not the best version of yourself.” “I’ve shifted from go-getter to go-giver.”

“The triangle is simple: consumer, culture, and community. You can't grow without honoring all three.”

“Survival isn’t the end of the story—it’s the beginning of the breakthrough.”

📚 Grab the Book

Survive and Advance: Lessons on Living a Life Without Compromise by Derek Lewis

📖 https://amzn.to/3HrlS5D

📲 Connect with Derek

Instagram: @realdereklewis

Website: https://realdereklewis.com

✍️ Ready to Write Your Book?

If today’s conversation stirred something in you, and you’re ready to finally write the story that’s been living inside you—I’d love to help.

➡️ Visit: https://brookesidneybooks.com

➡️ Apply for a Book Chat: https://bit.ly/BJHbookchats

🎧 Listen & Subscribe 💫 Real conversations. Soulful stories. Your next chapter starts here. Subscribe on YouTube and never miss a moment that could change your life.

In the premiere episode of the Soul Story® Show, host Brooke-Sidney welcomes Shelah Marie —author of Unruly, founder of Curvy, Curly, Conscious, and a leading voice in self-love and radical authenticity.

This conversation dives deep into themes of healing, identity, and empowerment. Shelah shares her journey of embracing her full self, discussing the importance of "main character energy," the practice of "Serious Daydreaming," and the courage it takes to live unapologetically.

Key Takeaways:

• Embracing one's full identity without apology
• The transformative power of self-love and acceptance
• Practices for reclaiming personal power and authenticity
• What it means to manifest in a "crooked room" as a Black woman

💬 Notable Quote:

“If self-love is the destination, self-acceptance is the vehicle.” – Shelah Marie

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=latiLSKent8

🔗 Connect with Shelah Marie:

• Website: shelahmarie.com
• Instagram: @theshelahmarie
• Buy her book: https://amzn.to/43wvhjR

🔗 Connect with Brooke-Sidney:

• Website: brookesidneybooks.com

• Instagram: @thebrookesidney

• Buy her book, the Mama Love Planner™: https://amzn.to/4jnzCfc

🎧 Subscribe to the Soul Story® Show: YouTube.com/@soulstoryshow
Stay tuned for more inspiring conversations by subscribing to your favorite podcast platform.