In this episode, Desiree B. Sharpe welcomes Harvard Business School professor and NextGen Coach Network founder Archie Jones Jr. for a conversation about "leadership capital" and how it fuels everything from opportunity to impact. Archie shares his 5C framework and explains how leaders can uncover their strengths, use their background as an advantage, communicate with clarity, and build the kind of relationships that accelerate growth. They also talk through what it looks like to rebuild confidence after a setback, find mentors who truly invest in you, and why board seats are most often earned through networks, not applications. Archie closes with a "bright idea" for aspiring entrepreneurs that is a paradigm shift! This episode is for founders, people leaders, and ambitious professionals who want a grounded framework for building confidence and making smarter long-term career moves.

Connect with Archie:

NxGen Coach Network

His book - The Treasure you Seek

In this Bright Bite episode, Desiree B. Sharpe opens the year with a candid reflection on change, resilience, and what it really looks like to lead through uncertainty. She shares lessons from a year marked by both loss and growth, including becoming a mother, closing a business, and launching a new fintech venture, all while rethinking rigid goal setting in favor of faith, flexibility, and mental health. Desiree also unpacks trends she's seeing among small business owners, from cautious optimism and smarter cash management to the rapid adoption of AI and subscription tools that can quietly erode margins. She closes with updates on the podcast's return to a bi-weekly format and a powerful reminder about the role generosity and human connection play in sustainable leadership. This episode is for founders, small business owners, and leaders who are navigating transition, uncertainty, and growth while trying to build something meaningful without burning out.

Email Desiree at desiree@zjventures.co

In this episode of Bright Ideas, Desiree B. Sharpe sits down with Mark Albert, founder and CEO of Media Advisory Experts, to explore what it really takes for leaders to use their voice with confidence and credibility. Drawing on his 25 years in broadcast journalism, Mark breaks down why the same experts dominate media conversations and how business owners and people leaders can position themselves as trusted authorities without big PR budgets. The conversation dives into overcoming self-doubt, recovering from mistakes, and reframing visibility as a responsibility, not a risk. Mark also shares practical guidance on pitching expertise to journalists, navigating high-stakes or sensitive topics, and leading with authenticity in a noisy, validation-driven world. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs and people leaders who want to amplify their influence, strengthen their leadership presence, and make their voice count.

Connect with Mark:

Website: https://www.mediaadvisoryexperts.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/markalbertreporter/

Ultimate Media Pitch Checklist: https://bit.ly/MMEchecklist

Media Mastery Experts LIVE! (Next one April 23-26, 2026): https://www.mediamasteryexperts.com/live

Media Mastery Experts Coaching Community: https://www.mediamasteryexperts.com/coaching

Media Mastery Experts Catalyst Program: https://www.mediamasteryexperts.com/catalyst

Crisis + Strategic Communications Coaching: https://www.mediaadvisoryexperts.com/strategic-consulting