This week I am joined by Self-care Surgeon Benita Williams. Benita is the founder of a boutique coaching and consulting company that aims to relieve women executives from burnout while restoring their purpose to pursue their business endeavors. This episode will explore promoting self-healing using a holistic restoration method to achieve mental clarity and prioritize one’s well being.

Benita Williams, The Self-Care Surgeon, is an International Bestselling Author and CEO of Benita Williams Enterprises LLC, a boutique coaching and consulting company where she helps women leaders who feel drained revive so that they can thrive in purpose. Through her signature programs and retreats, she empowers women executives and entrepreneurs to master strategic rest, leading to enhanced clarity, innovation, and sustainable growth. Coach Benita transforms how high-achieving leaders approach success by integrating holistic restoration with business excellence. Her proven methodology has helped countless leaders break free from burnout to lead with renewed purpose and vision, while scaling their businesses without sacrificing wellbeing.

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https://www.instagram.com/benitabwilliams/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/benita-williams-688393175/

In Episode 159 of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett engages with the dynamic Kelli Lester, an acclaimed change management consultant and founder of Onyx Rising. This insightful conversation dives deep into Kelli's transformative approach to diversity, equity, and inclusion, which she integrates with her extensive background in communications and HR. Listen as Kelli shares her personal journey of embracing constant change, from her childhood moves to her impactful career shifts that led her to advocate for financial wellness and inclusive leadership. The episode unveils Kelli’s strategies for fostering environments where innovative thinking and diverse leadership thrive. Join us to explore how inclusive practices can propel organizational and personal growth, setting a foundation for a future where everyone rises together

GUEST BIO:

Kelli Lester is Co-founder and Partner of Onyx Rising, a change management consulting firm specializing in individual, team, and organizational behavior transformation. Her “occupassion” lies in fostering environments where inclusive leadership thrives, leveraging over two decades of experience to drive meaningful progress. Kelli’s expertise includes leadership development and coaching, strategic consulting, organizational culture enhancement, change management, problem-solving, and employee engagement. She is adept at helping leaders cultivate cultures and environments that value alternative perspectives, foster equity in opportunities, and promote employee well-being. With over 20 years of experience in driving leadership-focused initiatives within consumer goods and multi-media industries, Kelli is a dynamic leader and market analysis expert who supports organizations in vision creation, strategy development, and execution. Throughout her career, she has worn many hats: Consultant, Entrepreneur, Coach, Leader, Facilitator, Change Agent, and Community Advocate, and Ambassador to various local and national groups. Kelli was named one of EBONY’s “30 Young Leaders of the Future” and has a proven record of implementing change that leads to long-term, sustainable impact. She continues to empower individuals and organizations to unlock their potential and create environments where everyone can excel.

Join us on this episode of The Jali Podcast as we delve into the transformative world of smart cities and digital integration with Lawrence Eta, a global expert in digital transformation and former Chief Technology Officer of Toronto. With over two decades of experience, Lawrence has been pivotal in advancing technological infrastructures to foster innovative, equitable, and inclusive urban environments. In this episode, he shares his unique journey from his early days in Nigeria to his influential roles across the globe, emphasizing his efforts in using technology to enhance public service and civic engagement. Dive deep into discussions on smart city innovations, digital equity, and the crucial role of leadership in navigating the complex landscape of urban technology. Don’t miss Lawrence's insights on balancing technical advancements with the critical human elements that ensure these technologies serve the community effectively.

In this episode of The Jali Podcast, host Melyssa Barrett sits down with Michael Paciello, a pioneer in digital accessibility and the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc. With over four decades of experience, Mike has played a transformative role in making the digital world more inclusive. From receiving recognition by President Bill Clinton for his work with the World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative to founding The Paciello Group and authoring the first book on web accessibility, Mike’s contributions have shaped the accessibility landscape.

Join us as we discuss his journey into accessibility, the challenges and opportunities in inclusive design, and how emerging technologies like AI are revolutionizing the field. Learn about his vision for a fully accessible digital world and how organizations can embed accessibility into their core practices. Whether you’re an advocate, a business leader, or simply curious about creating an equitable digital space, this episode will inspire and educate.

Tune in to learn how Michael Paciello is leading the way in digital accessibility and making a lasting impact on communities worldwide.

Paciello is the Chief Accessibility Officer at AudioEye, Inc., a digital accessibility company. Prior to joining AudioEye, Mike founded WebABLE/WebABLE.TV, which delivers news about the disability and accessibility technology market. Mike authored the first book on web accessibility and usability, “Web Accessibility for People with Disabilities” and, in 1997, Mr. Paciello received recognition from President Bill Clinton for his work in the creation of World Wide Web Consortium’s (W3C) Web Accessibility Initiative (WAI). He has served as an advisor to the US Access Board and other federal agencies since 1992. Mike has served as an international leader, technologist, and authority in emerging technology, accessibility, usability, and electronic publishing. Mike is the former Founder of The Paciello Group (TPG), a world-renowned software accessibility consultancy acquired in 2017 by Vispero.

Joel Quintela, CEO of Quintela Group, a minority-owned business that's transforming the HR tech world. He has a Ph.D. in Business Psychology and a background in computer systems engineering. Joel is not your typical HR guru - he's the tech genius streamlining HR processes for Fortune 500 companies and tech giants.

For more than 25 years, Joel's been in the trenches of HR technology innovation, experiencing and propelling the evolution from clunky, complex systems to efficient solutions. With his background in psychology, he's got this one-of-a-kind way of understanding how people and technology interact in the workplace. Joel is not just about creating sophisticated algorithms. Joel's focused on using tech to help companies perfect their hiring game.

As a seasoned technologist, Vincent Broyles brings a wealth of experience in shaping strategic and technical direction across a wide range of industries. With a background in Industrial IoT, energy conservation, and sustainability, Vincent has spent his career developing and monetizing innovative technologies that drive both business and environmental success.

After serving in the U.S. Navy, Vincent transitioned into technical and leadership roles, excelling in areas such as satellite communications, cybersecurity platforms, and augmented reality applications. He has also worked on classified programs and held high-level security clearances. His leadership in global R&D at Websense (Raytheon) and IT engineering at Qualcomm was instrumental in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of advanced chipsets like Snapdragon.

In addition to his technical expertise, Vincent has a strong understanding of the business side of innovation, having held roles in venture capital fundraising, product management, and business development. His work with companies like NEJAVI and DCarbon Solutions has focused on cutting-edge digital solutions that marry sustainability with profitability. Vincent’s work at the intersection of technology, business, and environmental stewardship makes him a key leader at The Data Institute, advancing initiatives in digital infrastructure and carbon data innovation.

Born and raised in North Carolina during the Jim Crow era, Lester Patrick takes us through America’s history of segregation and restrictions imposed by the government for Black Americans.

Mr. Patrick is a retired federal employee with a combination of over 40 years of experience as a Senior Telecommunications Specialist, Information Technology Management Specialist, and Technical Security Officer working for three federal agencies; designing, planning, developing, testing, and implementing national communications systems. His educational achievements include an undergraduate degree from North Carolina A&T State University, Greensboro, North Carolina, and advanced degrees from Golden Gate University and Pepperdine University. He also holds professional certifications from CISCO Systems, and George Washington University, Washington, D.C. He has been actively involved in working in the community developing and implementing programs designed to improve the success of African American students, and also serving in capacities that support all students for over 20 years. Some of those activities have included the development of the Academic Review Committee in Lodi Unified School District. It recommended and implemented several major projects aimed at improving academic performance. Some of the projects included academic progress reporting, reduction in suspension and expulsion rates, improving parent /district relationships, and a mobile Urban Technology Vehicle. He served over 10 years as chairman and member of the Measures K and L School Bond Oversight Committees. Since 2006 he has directed a peer mentoring program for boys in junior high and high school, and serves as the co-chairman of the Superintendent’s Academic Advisory Committee. He also has served on other committees whose goals support children and families of San Joaquin County and California. He currently serves as a Board Director of Family Resources Center; a past member of the Delta College Measure L Bond Oversight Committee; a current Commissioner of The Housing Authority of San Joaquin County; and, member of the San Joaquin Hunger Task Force; and a current board member of the Pacific Southwest Regional Conference (PSWRC), of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Mr. Patrick is the recipient of the following community awards; Dr. Steve Jacobson Enough is Enough Award (University of the Pacific); Man of the Town Award (Black Chamber of Commerce); The Super Star Award (Lodi Unified School District); Medgar Evers Freedom Fighter Award for Educational Advocacy (Stockton NAACP); the Etta Mae Ford Golden Heart Award; (Dome of Hope Organization); and, certificates of Special Congressional Recognition from current and former congressional members. He is the author of two published books titled, Weak Start Unapologetic Present: An unlikely journey through Jim Crow the Information Age to God; and Inspirational Momemts; Open and Meaningful Conversations with God. In this book he shares multiple life experiences, with emphasis on Jim Crow practices and its impact, his life-long involvement in community work and advocacy, and his spiritual growth to God. Mr. Patrick has been married to Linda Patrick for 50 years. He has two adult children, Kenitra and Nigel Patrick, and two granddaughters, Kayla and Leilani.