theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Bobby McNeil, Jr.

Bobby McNeil Jr. is a nationally recognized, award-winning Talent Acquisition Leader, author, and community advocate with over a decade of experience designing inclusive hiring strategies and creating career opportunities. Known for his ability to bridge corporate leadership and community advancement, Bobby has built a career at the intersection of professional excellence and cultural empowerment.

He is the former President of the award-winning Blacks In Technology Raleigh-Durham Chapter, where his leadership earned national recognition, including the 2023 IMPACT Award and 2024 Chapter of the Year. Currently, he serves as Vice President of Development for the National Black MBA Association’s Raleigh-Durham Triad Chapter, helping to build pipelines for leadership and economic growth across North Carolina.

In 2025, Bobby released his debut book, Cracking the Code, a candid career guide blending personal stories, insights, and actionable strategies. Nicknamed “The Career Book for the Culture,” it empowers job seekers to navigate today’s competitive job market with confidence and clarity. The same year, he delivered an impactful TEDx talk, Not Breaking In But Becoming that challenged conventional narratives around access and achievement, inspiring audiences to own their career journey with confidence and purpose.

Bobby’s thought leadership has been featured on platforms, national podcasts, and in media outlets including CNBC. A former NCAA Division II National Champion with the 2007 Barton College Bulldogs, he draws on lessons of resilience, teamwork, and leadership in all he does.

Bobby was recently named one of LinkedIn’s Power 50 Top Black Creators and serves on the Board of Advisors for the North Carolina Technology Association. Whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or community spaces, he leads with authenticity, vision, and a commitment to creating lasting impact.

Instagram @bobbymcneiljr

LinkedIn - Bobby McNeil

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theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Deberah Williams.

Deberah W. Williams is the dynamic Founder and CEO of A Fresh Start, LLC, a financial-wellness company she launched in 2006 with one clear mission: to transform lives through credit education, financial literacy, and generational wealth building. She is also the Co-Founder of Women Entrepreneurship Network United, Inc. (WENU), a multi-state network dedicated to empowering women in business through education, collaboration, and access to opportunities.

Originally from Chase City, VA, Deberah holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management from Norfolk State University and a Master’s in Business Administration (Healthcare Management concentration) from the University of Phoenix. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and has called the Atlanta area home for over 30 years.

With a professional background spanning roles as a loan officer, operations manager, and consultant, Deberah has worked alongside mortgage companies, financial advisors, attorneys, tax professionals, students, and real estate agents. This expertise allows her to understand and address the financial challenges families face at every stage of life.

Through A Fresh Start, LLC, Deberah has helped thousands of clients across all 50 states—and internationally—rebuild their credit, secure homeownership, eliminate debt, and establish practical budgeting systems. Beyond her entrepreneurial success, Deberah is deeply rooted in community service. She proudly serves on various boards across Atlanta, lending her voice and leadership to initiatives that advance education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy. Her impact and dedication have earned her recognition as a 2025 Entrepreneur of the Year nominee in the prestigious Rice Awards (Rising in Community Excellence Awards).

Deberah’s philosophy is simple yet powerful: “Knowledge is power—and with the right guidance, everyone can rewrite their financial story.”

🌍 Websites & Contact

🌐 www.afreshstartllc.com
🌐 www.thewenu.com
📧 Deberah_williams@afreshstartllc.com

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theforcedpivot Podcast welcomes Jasmin Spain.

Jasmin Spain holds a Bachelor’s degree from North Carolina Wesleyan College in Exercise Science and a Master’s degree from North Carolina State University in Counselor Education with a concentration in Student Personnel in Higher Education.

Jasmin has over two decades of experience in higher education, currently serving as the Assistant Vice President of Student Life at Pitt Community College. Jasmin also serves on the advisory boards for the North Carolina Community College System’s Minority Male Success Initiative, Student Conduct & Title IX, and First Generation. Jasmin has an Equity Coach certification as well.

Jasmin is also the Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of The M.A.I.N. Initiative LLC™, which stands for Males Addressing Issues & Needs, as well as the Founder & President of U Good, Bro?! Inc.™. Essentially, the purpose of both entities is to assist in the holistic cultivation of the male population, with a special emphasis on Black men and boys, with their psyche, social, and emotional health at the forefront. Jasmin serves as a consultant for Youth Mentoring Collaborative.

Jasmin is an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and is also a Campaign for Black Male Achievement American Express Leadership Fellow.

Spain lives by a quote delivered by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

"And when you discover what you will be in your life, set out to do it as if God Almighty called you at this particular moment in history to do it. Don't just set out to do a good job. Set out to do such a good job that the living, the dead or the unborn couldn't do it any better." - MLK

The M.A.I.N. Initiative LLC™| Founder & Chief Visionary Officer (CVO)
Mobile: 252-536-1926 | Email: m.a.i.n.initiative@gmail.com

U Good, Bro?! Inc.™ | Founder & President Email: ugoodbroinc@gmail.com
IG: @maininitiative | @ugoodbroinc
Twitter: @maininitiative
Facebook: Main Initiative
LinkedIn: Jasmin Spain
www.jasminspain.com

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Visit our website as well: http://www.theforcedpivot.com