In this conversation, Carol Hamilton and Danielle Marshall explore the complexities of organizational culture within nonprofits, emphasizing the importance of recognizing both overarching cultures and the subcultures that exist within organizations. They discuss the challenges of strategic planning, the role of external facilitators, and the necessity of including diverse voices in the planning process. The conversation also touches on the significance of co-creation, decision-making styles, and the need for creating safe spaces for dialogue, ultimately highlighting the importance of inclusivity and equity in nonprofit work.

BIO

Carol Hamilton, Principal, Grace Social Sector Consulting, LLC, and host of Nonprofit Mission: Impact helps organizations become more strategic and aligned for greater mission impact. She facilitates inclusive strategic planning, program evaluation design and organizational assessments for nonprofits and associations.

To get in touch with Carol, please visit:

• https://gracesocialsector.com/resources

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/carol-hamilton-0052b71/

Keywords

nonprofit, organizational culture, strategic planning, subcultures, facilitation, decision-making, co-creation, SWOT analysis, equity, identity

Takeaways

Organizations inherently have cultures, but not all are deliberate about them.

Subcultures within organizations can significantly impact dynamics and outcomes.

Strategic planning is often perceived as neutral, but it carries inherent biases.

Facilitators play a crucial role in guiding organizations through planning processes without imposing their own agendas.

Engaging both boards and staff in planning can lead to richer, more informed decisions.

Balancing vision with practicality is essential for effective strategic planning.

SWOT analysis can lead to demoralization; a more balanced approach is needed.

Co-creation fosters ownership and alignment within organizations.

Understanding decision-making styles is vital for effective collaboration.

Creating safe spaces for dialogue enhances trust and participation.

In this conversation, Latrice Prater shares her journey of being diagnosed with ADHD later in life, exploring the complexities of neurodivergence, particularly in women. She discusses the challenges of navigating multiple diagnoses, the impact of hormonal changes on mental health, and the societal norms that shape perceptions of ADHD. Latrice emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's identity in relation to ADHD, highlighting both the gifts and challenges that come with it. In this conversation, Latrice Prater shares her experiences and insights on navigating life and work with ADHD. She discusses the challenges of traditional work environments, the impact of rejection sensitivity, and the importance of compassionate communication. Latrice also highlights her book, 'The Chaos Queen,' which aims to empower women with ADHD by embracing their unique strengths. She emphasizes the significance of setting boundaries and understanding one's identity while also revealing her future plans to create resources specifically for ADHD entrepreneurs.

BIO

Latrice Prater is the founder and CEO of The Digital Solutions Team (DST), a clarity-driven strategic operations agency that helps overwhelmed, neurodivergent, and visionary women entrepreneurs build businesses that scale with ease. A Navy veteran, former educator, and certified Director of Operations, Latrice blends lived experience with sharp strategy and calm authority. Diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s, she understands the challenge of managing a brilliant brain and a fast-moving business. Through DST, she helps powerhouse founders reclaim their capacity with systems designed around how they actually think, lead, and grow. Since 2020, she’s guided dozens of women through backend rebuilds, visibility systems, and long-term operational partnerships rooted in clarity and sustainability. She’s also the author of Chaos Queen: Embracing the Mess & Creating Success with ADHD, a guide for neurodivergent entrepreneurs ready to ditch shame and build success on their own terms. Latrice lives in Texas with her husband and three children.

You can get in touch with Latrice at:

• @thevirtualpro

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/latrice-prater/

• https://www.facebook.com/latrice.prater.73

• The Chaos Queen: Embracing the Mess and Succeeding with ADHD and I host a free monthly ADHD CEO Roundtable https://a.co/d/9m5hD04

Keywords

Cultural Awareness, Neurodivergence, ADHD, Mental Health, Women Entrepreneurs, Identity, Emotional Regulation, Communication Strategies, Rejection Sensitivity, Business Solutions

Takeaways

Latrice Prater is the CEO of Digital Solutions Team, focusing on empowering female entrepreneurs.

ADHD is often associated with hyperactive boys, leading to misconceptions about adult women with ADHD.

Latrice was diagnosed with ADHD in her 30s after taking an online quiz.

Understanding ADHD helped Latrice craft her workday and give herself grace.

Multiple diagnoses can complicate the understanding of mental health.

Hormonal changes can exacerbate ADHD symptoms, especially in women.

Self-awareness is crucial for managing ADHD and its effects on daily life.

Societal norms influence how ADHD is perceived and diagnosed in women.

ADHD can bring unique strengths, such as creativity and problem-solving abilities. Navigating work environments can be challenging for those with ADHD.

Rejection sensitivity is a common trait among individuals with ADHD.

Compassionate communication can improve workplace dynamics.

Setting boundaries is crucial for mental well-being.

ADHD can be seen as a superpower in creative problem-solving.

Understanding one's identity is key to acceptance and growth.

Community support is vital for neurodivergent individuals.

Emotional regulation is important for managing intense feelings.

Creating inclusive environments benefits everyone in the workplace.

Future resources for ADHD entrepreneurs are being developed.

In this conversation, Danielle Marshall engages with Marjorie Strachman Miller and Heidi Vanderwerff from Kennedy Counseling Collective to explore the importance of cultural awareness in therapy. They discuss the growth of their practice, the significance of creating a supportive team culture, and the role of curiosity in navigating identity and therapy. The conversation emphasizes the need for culturally responsive care, the importance of grounding practices for therapists, and the challenges clients face in finding the right therapist. They also touch on the complexities of accessing identity-affirming therapy and the importance of confidentiality in the therapeutic relationship.

BIO

Heidi Vanderwerff , Co-Owner of Kennedy Counseling Collective, brings a unique perspective to workplace culture and leadership, drawing from her background in counseling for maternal mental health, grief, and life transitions. She's dedicated to creating supportive and inclusive environments for her team and clients.

Heidi also actively builds community connections, representing her collective at local events and partnering with organizations like Uptown Main Street. She's proud to contribute to the vibrant Kennedy Street corridor in Washington, DC.

Marjorie Strachman Miller is a Co-Owner of Kennedy Counseling Collective, where she fosters a supportive and empowering environment for clinicians. With over two decades of clinical experience, Marjorie brings a systemic lens to therapy, specializing in trauma recovery, identity development, family dynamics, and play therapy. She is an early adopter of Internal Family Systems (IFS) and enjoys sharing this approach through training and collaborative learning. Marjorie also writes about the therapy process and the beautifully complex human experience on the Kennedy Counseling Collective blog. Outside of her professional life, she recharges through her own therapeutic work, spending time in nature, engaging in creative projects, and enjoying family life.

Get in touch with Heidi and Marjorie at:

www.kennedycounselingcollective.com

https://www.facebook.com/KennedyCounselingCollective

https://www.linkedin.com/in/heidi-vanderwerff-b602221b6/

Keywords

cultural awareness, therapy, mental health, identity, community, curiosity, therapist-client relationship, cultural responsiveness, team culture, mental health resources

Takeaways

Cultural awareness is essential in therapy.

Building a supportive team culture enhances client care.

Curiosity helps therapists connect with clients.

Therapy should be a safe space for identity exploration.

Grounding practices are important for therapists.

Clients may struggle to articulate their emotions.

Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective therapy.

Confidentiality is vital for client safety.

Sliding scale options can improve access to therapy.

Continued education for therapists is necessary for growth.

In this episode of Unpacked Culture Chronicles, host Danielle Marshall engages with clarity coach Raquel Sands to explore the evolving definitions of career and success in today's world. They discuss the impact of cultural backgrounds on career choices, the challenges faced by women of color in the workplace, and the importance of finding one's voice during job searches. Raquel shares her insights on generational perspectives regarding work, the significance of purpose in career decisions, and practical strategies for building a personal brand on platforms like LinkedIn. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentionality in career development and introduces Raquel's clarity coaching framework, which focuses on purpose, presence, and prosperity.

BIO

Miriam Raquel Sands is a clarity coach, podcast host, and the creator behind Inside the Shift. She helps mid-career professionals, independent workers, and solopreneurs find clarity and create their next step with confidence.

You can reach Raquel at:

www MiriamRaquelsands.com

@miriamraquelsands

For Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/miriamraquelsands/

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@miriamraquelsands

Resources from this episode:

My free career clarity checklist on Substack: https://raquelsands.substack.com/p/career-clarity-checklist

My 90-minute Strategy sessions: https://raquelsands.substack.com/p/work-with-me

Keywords

cultural differences, career clarity, workplace dynamics, women of color, job searching, generational perspectives, purpose in work, personal branding, LinkedIn, intentionality

Takeaways

Cultural differences shape our understanding of career.

Career is no longer a linear path; it’s multifaceted.

Women of color face unique challenges in the workplace.

Finding your voice is crucial in job searching.

Generational perspectives influence career choices.

Purpose plays a significant role in career satisfaction.

Intentionality is key in career development.

Building a personal brand is essential in today's job market.

LinkedIn can be a powerful tool for job seekers.

Clarity coaching can help individuals navigate their career paths.

In this conversation, Danielle Marshall interviews Tyryn Goodson-Seck, an artist and art advisor, about his journey into the world of art, the importance of vulnerability, and the political nature of art. Tyryn shares his experiences in Baltimore's art community, the role of creativity in personal growth, and how art serves as a powerful medium for communication across different perspectives. The discussion also touches on the challenges artists face in sharing their work and the influence of societal factors on artistic expression. In this conversation, Tyryn Goodson-Seck shares his journey of building community connections, redefining the artist's identity, and navigating the challenges of creativity. He emphasizes the importance of engagement, vulnerability, and the role of AI as a tool in the artistic process. Tyryn also discusses the impact of parenthood on his perspective and the significance of promoting joy and authenticity in the black community.

BIO: Tyryn Goodson-Seck is an interdisciplinary artist, curator, and art advisor dedicated to fostering dynamic connections across the arts ecosystem. Drawing on years of creative practice, Tyryn collaborates with nonprofit leaders to design impactful programs that amplify underrepresented voices and cultivate inclusive spaces. As a patron of the arts and community advocate, he champions accessibility, education, and cultural equity through exhibitions, workshops, and advisory services. His curatorial projects span emerging and established artists, emphasizing diversity and social engagement. In his role as art advisor, Tyryn guides institutions, foundations, and private collectors in aligning collections and initiatives with community-driven values. Passionate about intersectionality and public participation, he thrives on building partnerships that celebrate collective creativity and drive meaningful dialogue. Through strategic collaborations and philanthropic support, Tyryn continually seeks to inspire transformative experiences that unite artists, organizations, and audiences. He is committed to nurturing emerging talent and elevating art’s role in community resilience.

To get in touch with Tyryn, visit:

• www.linkedin.com/in/tyryn-goodson-seck
• https://www.instagram.com/tyrynthecurator/

🎙️ Share Your Voice Got thoughts on this episode? A story, question, or idea to add to the conversation? Leave us a voice message—you might be featured in a future episode!

🗣️ https://www.speakpipe.com/UnpackedCultureChronicles

Keywords

art, creativity, vulnerability, community, political art, cultural perspectives, personal growth, communication, Baltimore, community, art, engagement, identity, creativity, AI, parenting, vulnerability, connection, culture

Takeaways

Tyron Goodson-Seck emphasizes the importance of community in art.

Art can be a powerful tool for communication and understanding.

Vulnerability is essential for authentic artistic expression.

The journey of an artist often involves overcoming fears of judgment.

Art is inherently political, reflecting societal issues and perspectives.

Creativity can flourish in diverse environments and cultures.

Personal growth often comes from trying new things and embracing failure.

Art can evoke different emotional responses based on individual experiences.

The art world is influenced by economic and social factors.

Engaging with art can help build connections and community. Building community connections can transform one's perspective.

Engagement with neighbors fosters a sense of belonging.

Art is influenced by community and cultural experiences.

The label of 'artist' can be limiting and misunderstood.

Art requires technical skill and dedication, not just talent.

AI should be viewed as a tool, not a replacement for artists.

Mistakes are essential for growth and learning in art.

Parenthood brings new perspectives on creativity and community.

Promoting joy and authenticity is vital in the black community.

In this episode of Unpacked: Culture Chronicles, Danielle Marshall sits down with Robin Flemming to explore the deep connections between culture, identity, and branding. Robin shares how her lived experiences and diverse identities shape her work, offering a candid perspective on what it means to show up authentically in professional spaces. Together, they discuss the tension between authenticity and performance, the influence of women in branding, and the responsibility of honoring people’s stories, especially in sensitive contexts like re-entry after incarceration. This conversation highlights the role of storytelling in shaping perceptions, the importance of aligning brand narratives with personal truths, and the ongoing work of building trust through representation.

BIO

Robin Flemming is a heart-centered creative and the Founder of The Reflective Edge, a full-service branding agency based in Washington, D.C. As an internationally published photographer and brand strategist, she helps women-led businesses bring their brand stories to life through impactful visuals, strategy, and storytelling. With a background in federal service and a passion for social impact, Robin bridges authenticity with excellence—empowering high-achieving entrepreneurs to show up boldly and truthfully in their brand presence. She’s also a founding member of The Vision Board Media Collective and one of the force behind the “Reclaim and Rebuild” initiative.

You can get in contact with Robin at:

www.linkedin.com/in/robin-kenyetta, the.reflective.edge on IG, https://www.thereflectiveedge.com/

Keywords

cultural differences, branding, authenticity, storytelling, identity, women in business, performance, hiring practices, vulnerability, re-entry

​​Takeaways

Cultural awareness is essential in branding.

Authenticity should be prioritized over performance.

Branding must reflect the truth of the individual.

Identity plays a crucial role in brand storytelling.

Hiring should focus on mission alignment, not just cultural fit.

Women bring unique perspectives to branding.

Vulnerability can enhance brand connections.

Understanding one's 'why' is critical for business success.

Storytelling can break down stereotypes and foster understanding.

Incarceration affects diverse communities, not just one demographic.

In this episode, Danielle Marshall and Vanessa Correa explore the complexities of cultural awareness, the true meaning of success, and the importance of self-discovery. They discuss the challenges of navigating career transitions, the dynamics of work culture, and the significance of community engagement and activism. Vanessa shares her personal journey and insights on how to define success beyond material gains, emphasizing the need for inner peace and fulfillment. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding one's community and the role of individuals in fostering a supportive environment.

Bio

Vanessa is a leader in the finance sector with 20 years of marketing and communications experience. She is a proud Nuyorican with too many plants and a coffee obsession.

You can get in touch with Vanessa at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/correavanessav

@phillynessa

Takeaways

Success is not defined by material wealth but by inner peace.

Self-discovery requires slowing down and self-reflection.

People often hold onto mistakes due to fear of change.

Community engagement is essential for personal and collective growth.

Navigating career transitions requires understanding one's values and desires.

Work culture should prioritize humanity over competition.

Finding fulfillment involves knowing oneself and one's needs.

Activism starts at the community level and requires personal responsibility.

Equity in the workplace is crucial for a healthy environment.

Change is inevitable; adapting to it is essential for growth.

In this special bonus episode, Danielle Martshall is pulling back the curtain and sharing something close to her heart, how curiosity became one of her most powerful tools for navigating tension, difference, and uncertainty. Whether you’re leading a team, engaging in hard conversations, or simply trying to stay human in a divided world, this is for you.

She introduces The Curiosity Playbook (get your free copy) not as a set of rules, but as a mindset shift. One that invites wonder over judgment, and presence over performance. Through personal stories and real moments from her coaching practice, she explores what it actually takes to stay open when everything in us wants to shut down.

Get in touch with Danielle at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danimarshall/

Download The Curiosity Playbook: https://www.culture-principles.com/resources/the-curiosity-playbook/

TEDx: Beyond Assumptions: How Curiosity Can Heal Divides https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JFP8D4Ymlu0

Keywords

curiosity, cultural awareness, hard conversations, equity, communication, leadership, understanding, connection, coaching, dialogue

Takeaways

Curiosity is essential for bridging cultural differences.

Hard conversations are common and require effective communication.

Asking questions can lead to deeper understanding.

Avoiding difficult discussions erodes trust.

Curiosity can shift the tone of a conversation.

Understanding underlying motivations is key to resolving conflicts.

Curiosity helps reveal shared values among differing perspectives.

Practicing curiosity can enhance organizational culture.

Simple questions can lead to significant insights.

Curiosity fosters collaboration and connection.