The American expression "Don't poke the bear" serves as a warning against provoking someone powerful or instigating a situation that could lead to negative consequences. Referring to Puerto Rico disparagingly as a "floating island of garbage", has incited a strong and enduring reaction from the Puerto Rican community and its allies. This insult compounds the historical grievances of exploitation, disenfranchisement, and mistreatment that Puerto Rico has endured under colonial rule, intensifying the response. It highlights the broader need for respectful and informed discourse about Puerto Rico, its people, and their history.

In this episode of “I Have SOMETHING to Say”, Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero return after a busy summer tending to family, professional wins, and civic engagement. They were planning to start-up a new season of the podcast after the 2024 General Election, BUT thought it was critical to address the powerful force that is the Puerto Rican and Latino vote in American politics, reflective of a vibrant and growing demographic that values respect, family, and compassion. This voting bloc is diverse, encompassing a wide range of cultures, experiences, and perspectives, making it a significant factor in shaping local, state, and national elections. Their participation can sway election outcomes and direct attention to issues that matter deeply to their communities, such as education, healthcare, economic opportunities, and immigration reform.

Samí is a proud Puerto Rican businesswoman, and while she remains poised during most of the conversation if you are sensitive to a Latina unapologetically exercising her freedom of speech…SEE YA! Chris and Samí discuss the ongoing impact of 2017’s Hurricane María, the resilience of the Puerto Rican community, and the importance of political engagement and advocacy to address these long-standing issues. Engagement in the electoral process allows the Puerto Rican and Latino communities to amplify their voices and advocate for their rights and interests. This impacts policy and decision-making and encourages a more inclusive and representative political environment.

As the second largest Latino voting bloc after Mexican Americans, the Puerto Rican vote contributes to building a democracy that better reflects the diverse makeup of the nation, elevating the importance of participation and representation in creating equitable and just outcomes for all communities, including the fate and safety of undocumented families who are part of our Latino family. Since apparently, Puerto Ricans know so much about garbage…they are mobilizing to take out the trash on November 5.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity #Vote #PuertoRico #Latinos

Put on your seatbelts. In the latest episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say, co-hosts Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero get real about the systemic neglect and misrepresentation faced by the Puerto Rican and Latino community in Florida. Joined by Florida State Representative Johanna López and Boricua Vota Founder Jimmy Torres, they lay bare the urgent need for engagement and education to dismantle harmful misconceptions about Latino voters and amplify their electoral participation.

It’s high time to confront the truth: language barriers and a lack of cultural competency are not just hurdles—they're deliberate obstacles keeping the Latino vote marginalized and underrepresented. The conversation calls out the glaring insufficiency of investments in culturally relevant messaging and resources, which are crucial for genuine outreach.

Political representation isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity to ensure that our voices are heard and our needs addressed. The Latino vote is not just influential—it’s transformative, and it's time for everyone to wake up to its power. As we dig deep into this episode, remember: "Very soon, you will not be able to win an election in this country without the Latino vote."

It's about time we fight back against ignorance and demand the recognition and respect we deserve. Tune in now and find out why the Latino vote is the game-changer we can no longer ignore.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #BoricuaVota #LatinoVote #Vota #Vote

Recent events have led many of us to experience a whirlwind of emotions, swinging between extreme joy and deep anguish. This episode of the “I Have SOMETHING to Say” Podcast focuses on the emotional whiplash caused by the exhilarating announcement of the Harris-Walz ticket for the U.S. general election and the profound grief following the tragic execution of Sonya Massey in her home by a police officer. Our guest, Deloria Nelson-Streete, Founder & CEO of ACE Solutions, joins hosts Samí Haiman-Marrero and Chris Majocha to discuss these starkly contrasting events from her perspective as a Black woman.

Deloria shares insights on the emotional impact of these back-to-back events and the critical need to address racial trauma and ongoing work in our country. She reflects, "Navigating these feelings as a collective really is like emotional whiplash."

The episode unpacks how injustices and violations of trust, particularly when they occur within one's own home, deeply affect the community’s collective psyche. Deloria comments, "The idea of being violated in your own home, the place that is supposed to be your safe place, is something that you react to."

As a coach and facilitator dedicated to combating bias through training and mentorship, Deloria emphasizes her commitment to collective success and equity. "I celebrate [the Harris nomination], but then I serve, right? Because I have to remember the people behind me," she notes. She adds, "Our body's ability to desensitize certain things so we can keep going is helpful, but it's also injurious."

The conversation also highlights the importance of pausing and responding deliberately in challenging situations to prevent further tragedies. It underscores the need for empathy, awareness, and action to address systemic issues and create a more equitable society. Deloria stresses the role of those who can leverage their privilege—such as race, socioeconomic status, or access—to drive positive change. At the heart of fostering understanding and dismantling biases is education and a mindset shift towards inclusivity and fairness.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity

It feels surreal to announce that this is the 200th episode of “I Have SOMETHING to Say”, especially as co-hosts Chris Majocha, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel and Samí Haiman-Marrero reflect on the ups and downs of this journey that started in 2018. The initial planning happened on a business road trip, with a call to Chris to figure out what we needed from a technical standpoint to launch. They agree in that, "Sometimes the best ideas come when you just unplug and take a long drive."

But the growth and evolution of the show, and its impact, have been driven by the diverse range of guests as well as the topics and industries covered. The importance of providing a platform for people to speak up and share their perspectives during the past 5 years regarding the good, bad, and ugly we have experienced personally, professionally, and as a nation, cannot be overstated. We’ve been through A LOT…all of us…yes, including you.

In this episode, the co-hosts express their hopes for the future of the podcast and their commitment to continue creating valuable content by adding special “Issues2Impact” programs into the mix. They openly share some of the major changes they have experienced since starting the podcast and how it has influenced their perspectives. They discuss becoming parents, empty nesters, and business owners, and how these roles have shaped their outlook on life and work…their priorities and purpose.

And while they ask themselves "Who knows where this journey is going to take us?", they also highlight that their advocacy voices have grown stronger. This has been the biggest reward, and for this, they are grateful to each other, their guests and everyone who has tuned in to share space, collaborate, have honest conversations, and support this podcast. As Chris points out, "I think being able to commit to something like a podcast for as long as we have 200 episodes and to put ourselves out there…we could have never done this alone."

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity

Promises, promises, promises…we all get spammed daily by lead generation companies that 'guarantee’ they can help you get a gazillion hot leads that will land you hot new business. In this special “Issues2Impact” episode of our “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Chris Majocha, and Samí Haiman-Marrero talk with John Nadeau, Founder/CEO of SpearPoint Digital about the challenges of finding and attracting clients for his digital marketing business.

We explore the importance of networking, building a sales funnel, and effectively communicating the value of digital marketing services to small and medium-sized businesses. Our discussion also applies to small business owners dedicated to providing other types of professional services. The discussion includes how to use targeted content, such as reels and videos, to engage potential clients and drive conversions. Why? Two important reasons: 1. You must build awareness of your subject matter expertise, AND 2. You must build trust in your sales and marketing methods…otherwise, it’s just more spam.

Part of an effective approach involves casting a wide net and leveraging various strategies to reach potential leads with real potential. We highlight the value of personal connections and referrals from people who know and trust your work. We also stress the importance of measuring the effectiveness of different strategies and focusing on those that yield the greatest return on investment. Dr. Xaulanda emphasized these points, "There's no silver bullet. Fundamentally, people do business with people they know, like, and trust."

The conversation touches on the use of social media platforms like LinkedIn to build relationships and establish credibility, concluding with the following advice from Samí, “Always provide value and build trust before making a sales pitch”. The power of personal branding and the importance of establishing roles, values, and expectations in business relationships can never be underestimated, so our Issues2Impact sounding board provides John tips on how to use LinkedIn for networking and engagement to solicit warm recommendations, as well as the value of creating case studies and repurposing content.

When you clearly understand who your ideal client is and target them effectively, you can then start building sales funnel strategies to generate the leads and the cash flow you need to breathe and grow as a small business owner.

#Issues2Impact #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #leadership #cashflow #leadgeneration

Are you psychologically unsafe at work? Are the constant verbal jabs, innuendos, side-eye glances, and passive-aggressive comments making you sick to your stomach? In this special “Issues2Impact” episode of our “I Have SOMETHING to Say” podcast, Dr. Xaulanda Simmonds-Emmanuel, Chris Majocha, and Samí Haiman-Marrero talk with Dr. Juliette Nelson, Founder of JUNURI, about the concept of organizational trauma and its impact on individuals in the workplace.

For the root problem of crappy work environments, Dr. Nelson offers up the following: "Broken people are leading other broken people and causing more brokenness." She explains that organizational trauma is not limited to isolated events but can also be caused by toxic work environments riddled with persistent unhealthy dynamics, discrimination, and microaggressions that simply never go away…and frankly make you want to RUN AWAY!

Dr. Nelson emphasizes the importance of psychological safety and being able to be one's authentic self in the workplace...without compromising one’s job or aggravating one’s circumstances. She also highlights the need for understanding, grace, and empathy in addressing issues of privilege and marginalization to afford people an opportunity to grow through self-reflection. But sometimes change can’t come soon enough, which is why so many people opt to leave the workforce and start their own business.

The conversation explores the importance of self-advocacy and advocating for others in the workplace, stressing the need for setting boundaries. Chris, Dr. Xaulanda, and Dr. Neslon discuss the challenges of speaking up and the potential consequences (good and not so good), but also highlight the importance of seeking support and finding spaces where you can be yourself if you are not feeling psychologically safe.

Whatever the situation, whether you're an employee or entrepreneur, Dr. Nelson encourages individuals to prioritize their mental health and well-being. For people who decide to go the business ownership route, she recommends that they allow their traumatic work experiences to inform their values and how they build their organizational culture to make a positive impact by breaking the cycle of toxicity.

#Issues2Impact #Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #leadership

What is the American way? In essence, it’s a system that’s working just fine…for some…not for all. In this episode of "I Have Something to Say," co-hosts Chris Majocha and Samí Haiman-Marrero have an exceptional conversation with an exceptional guest, Toni Hunt, Founder and CEO of The American Way, about how to combat socioeconomic barriers to deliver equity. "What I'm saying is, I'm not going to disrupt our capitalist society. I'm not going to be a hypocrite, right? We all benefit from the capitalist society. What I'm saying is, is that certain groups of people shouldn't be the underbelly just because their skin tone is melanated and their hair texture is more coily,” she says.

Toni discusses the inspiration behind naming her company "The American Way" from her lens as an economist, and how it reflects their mission to propel equity through exposure and barrier elimination. We discuss the challenges and misconceptions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, highlighting the need for genuine, impactful practices beyond mere performative actions. Through engaging anecdotes and real-world examples, Toni illustrates the critical gaps in current DEI efforts and offers actionable solutions to bridge them…so they are not canned. "Many DEI initiatives and programs are being shut down or questioned because a lot of times it's performative and it's not really delivering the impact that is expected when you bring into the fold that layer of equity,” Samí emphasizes.

Chris brings a personal perspective, shedding light on the importance of understanding privilege and the layers required to achieve true equity in organizations. "It doesn't have to be as scary as everybody thinks it is. If you are bringing in the right people, it's showing that you have the intention to change and to be better for your workforce and for your vendors and your clients and customers,” he adds.

It’s an enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, practical advice, and a compelling call to action for building a more inclusive and equitable future. As the nuances of creating equitable pathways are explored, the economic benefits of inclusivity and the importance of mental health in this transformative journey are also highlighted. So, whether you're a leader, an aspiring changemaker, or simply curious about the true American way, this episode is a must-listen.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity

Running for office takes courage, resiliency, and a lot of preparation, especially for Latinas. In this episode of I Have SOMETHING to Say Podcast, Samí Haiman-Marrero talks to María Revelles, a community organizer and advocate with whom she’s collaborated, about what propelled her to finally run for Florida State’s House of Representatives for District 47.

María shares her journey and passion for making a positive impact on her community no matter where she lives. From her early beginnings in Puerto Rico to her work in New York and her current efforts in Central Florida, María has been dedicated to fighting for the rights of workers, addressing housing fairness, and supporting the Puerto Rican community. Her work has also involved creating programs to preserve traditional art expressions and culture and to promote environmentally conscious values. It’s been her life’s work to be the voice for the voiceless, including Mother Earth.

María openly discusses her personal experience with cancer and the challenges of navigating the healthcare system. “Many people are burdened by medical debt, " she points out while adding that representation in the Florida legislature is crucial to address the needs of underrepresented communities. "We decide many, many things in legislative session every year, but we don't decide that we want to do the humane thing and give healthcare to those who need it."

Her candidacy for office is driven by her desire to create change and fight for human dignity, affordable housing, good-paying jobs, strong public schools, and increased support for small businesses. “Our time in this world is limited, so if we can leave this piece of the universe better than how we found it, it's all going to be worth it. I think the journey through cancer, my cancer diagnosis, it's really one of the things that even pushed me further,” she states.

#Urbander #UdoU #IHAVESOMETHINGTOSAY #podcast #mindset #Leadership #Humanity