In this episode of The Coffee Chat, I sit down with entrepreneur and Khalab founder Khalil Martin to discuss:

☕ Building a 4,000 sq. ft. creative space from scratch

☕ Nearly shutting down after struggling to stay afloat

☕ The TikTok video that changed everything

☕ Using ChatGPT to build the first version of his platform

☕ Why most communities fail

☕ Entrepreneurship myths nobody talks about

☕ The future of real-world connection in an AI-driven world

If you're thinking about starting a business, building a community, or chasing an idea you've been sitting on, this episode is for you.

🎧 Listen now and let us know your biggest takeaway in the comments.

Find Khalil here:

Join the Khalab community: https://members.joinkahlab.com/waitlist?ref=09zvlkp&source=community&source_slug=kahlab-community

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joinkahlab

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

https://www.linkedin.com/company/joinkahlab/

LMost people think building community is easy.

Start a group chat. Host an event. Watch it grow.

But what happens when nobody shows up? What happens when your business is one bad month away from shutting down?

#CoffeeChatPodcast #Entrepreneurship #CommunityBuilding #StartupFounder #HoustonEntrepreneurs #AI #Collab

AI is changing the tech industry faster than most people realize.

In this episode of The Coffee Chat, Diondria Brown sits down with AWS Principal AI Engineer and founder of Emagetech, Kenna Ofoegbu, for a real conversation about breaking into tech, cloud engineering, AI careers, layoffs, six-figure salaries, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career in today’s market.

We discuss:

• The truth about breaking into tech in 2026

• AI’s impact on jobs and the future of work

• Cloud engineering career paths and salary potential

• Why networking and community matter more than ever

• The biggest mistakes people make trying to enter tech

• What aspiring tech professionals should focus on right now

If you’re thinking about transitioning into tech, leveling up your career, or trying to understand where AI is taking the industry, this episode is for you.

🎥 Subscribe to The Coffee Chat for more conversations around tech, entrepreneurship, leadership, and career growth.

#AI #TechCareers #CloudEngineering #AWS #CareerGrowth #ArtificialIntelligence #WomenInTech #Podcast

In this episode of The Coffee Chat, I sit down with Tamanisha, founder of HerGov Summit and HerGov Lounge, to talk about government contracting, business certifications, entrepreneurship, and building opportunities when traditional doors close.

Tamanisha shares her journey from being a single mom and returning citizen to becoming a GovCon strategist helping women entrepreneurs structure their businesses, get certified, bid on contracts, and scale.

We talk about:

• What government contracting actually is

• Minority-owned and woman-owned business certifications

• Why business structure matters before you bid

• Common pricing mistakes entrepreneurs make

• How contracts can help businesses scale

• What to expect at HerGov Summit in Houston

The HerGov Summit takes place May 22–23 at The Thompson Houston.

Don’t forget to like, comment, share, and subscribe. We’re on the road to 500 subscribers.

#MinorityOwnedBusiness

#BusinessCertification

#FederalContracts

#BusinessFunding

#GovContracting

#GovernmentContracts

#GovCon

#WomenInBusiness

If you feel like you’re doing everything right—applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn—but still not getting hired… this episode is for you.

The job market has changed—and most people are still using outdated strategies.

In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working today when it comes to landing opportunities, building real connections, and positioning yourself as someone companies want to hire.

🎯 WHAT YOU’LL LEARN:

• Why applying online isn’t working anymore
• The real way to break into tech in today’s market
• Networking vs skills (what actually matters more)
• How to position yourself as “in demand”
• Why being in the right rooms changes everything
• How to use LinkedIn for visibility and opportunity

👤 CONNECT WITH OUR GUEST:

Instagram: https://instagram.com/engineerdreamsofficial

Website: https://www.engineerdreams.com

Interview Prep Platform: https://www.joininterviewpro.com

LinkedIn: Connect on LinkedIn

☕ ABOUT THE COFFEE CHAT

Real conversations about career growth, tech, AI, and navigating your next move—with people who’ve actually done it.

🔥 CTA

If this episode helped you:

👍 Like

💬 Comment your biggest takeaway

🔔 Subscribe for more real career conversations

Are you applying to jobs, updating your resume, posting on LinkedIn… and still getting nowhere?

You’re not crazy—the job market has changed.

In this episode of The Coffee Chat, we break down what’s actually working right now when it comes to landing a role in tech (and beyond). If you’re tired of sending applications into a black hole, this conversation will shift how you approach your entire job search.

I sat down with Jared, a tech sales leader turned entrepreneur, to talk about the real strategies that are helping people get hired in today’s market—from leveraging relationships to getting in the right rooms and positioning yourself to be in demand.

We’re not talking basic advice. This is the stuff people aren’t telling you.

In this episode of The Coffee Chat Podcast, Diondria sits down with cybersecurity expert and Solutions Consultant Shanikqua Burks—an Army Intelligence veteran, CISSP-certified professional, and founder of Pre-Sales Advancement and Training Hood (PATH).

With over 18 years of experience in federal cybersecurity and enterprise technology, Shanikqua breaks down what it really takes to succeed in cyber and pre-sales—from translating complex security concepts for executives to building trust that actually closes deals.

This conversation is for the builders, the protectors, and anyone navigating the intersection of risk, technology, and business impact.

Whether you're trying to break into cybersecurity, pivot into pre-sales, or level up your career, this episode is a masterclass in strategy, mindset, and long-term growth.

🔗 Connect with Shanikqua

LinkedIn: Shanikqua Burks

Instagram / Threads: @SBsellsTech

P.A.T.H: https://www.buildwithpath.org/

🚀 Call to Action

If this episode helped you, share it with someone trying to break into tech, cybersecurity, or pre-sales.

Don’t forget to:

• Subscribe
• Leave a review
• Follow for more conversations

⏱️ Timestamps

00:00 – Intro

01:00 – Shanikqua’s journey into cybersecurity

03:00 – What federal cybersecurity looked like then vs now

07:00 – What Zero Trust actually means

11:30 – Simplifying cybersecurity for executives

13:00 – The challenge of selling in federal markets

14:00 – What a Solutions Consultant actually does

17:00 – What separates top SEs from average

20:00 – From $150K to $250K: what changes

22:00 – Discovery vs Demo (key moment)

29:00 – Building PATH and mentoring others

32:00 – Confidence and navigating imposter syndrome

34:00 – Mindset shifts for career growth

37:00 – When to pivot roles

38:00 – Building your personal brand

40:00 – Breaking into pre-sales and cyber

43:00 – Lightning round

45:00 – Final advice

In this conversation, Wale shares his journey from finance to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of determination, networking, and the power of pivoting careers. He discusses the role of IT audits within cybersecurity, the skills needed for success, and the significance of certifications. Wale also highlights the opportunities available in cybersecurity, even outside of traditional tech companies, and the importance of teaching and mentoring others in the field. The discussion concludes with insights into the future of cybersecurity and the structure of Wale's bootcamp designed to help aspiring professionals break into the industry.

This conversation explores the unique journey of Travell, a senior product manager at HackerRank, who transitioned from a background in English and Black Studies to a successful career in tech. The discussion highlights the importance of emotional intelligence, non-technical skills, and the realities of salary expectations in the tech industry. Treville shares insights on navigating career transitions, the significance of negotiation, and the value of personal growth in professional settings. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the significance of feeling valued in the workplace, the nuances of negotiating for appreciation and compensation, and the importance of a people-first approach in product management. They discuss essential skills for successful product managers, the value of personal projects over certifications, and the importance of understanding one's worth in salary negotiations. The conversation also touches on maintaining balance to avoid burnout and evolving executive presence and communication skills in a corporate environment.

After a real-life hiatus, I'm back and more focused than ever. In this solo episode, I get honest about why I stepped away (new job demands + demotivation), the shame of restarting, and how a pause gave me massive clarity and confidence.

This isn't just a comeback—it's a blueprint for anyone restarting goals, careers, or side hustles in 2026.

What’s changing:

• Turning the podcast into a real resource for ambitious leaders & entrepreneurs
• Practical tools, guides, networking strategies (especially Houston events)
• From pure execution (2025) → strategic systems + consistency (2026)

Key topics covered:

• Why restarting takes more courage than perfect consistency
• Normalizing falling off track (we ALL do it)
• Building visibility without burnout
• Networking that actually leads to mentors, intros & opportunitie

Why Your Pivot Is Your Superpower: Tatiana Mott on Owning Your Power & Building a Media Brand | Coffee Chat w/ Diondria Brown

What happens when a shy, 5’9” introvert gets told she’ll never make it in entertainment… and then turns every setback into rocket fuel?

Tatiana Mott (founder of Our Power Media) sits down with Diondria Brown and gets REAL about:

Leaving a New York TV producer career two weeks before the 2023 writer’s strike

Moving to Houston with zero family, one fake “friend,” and a hurricane knocking out power the day she decided to start her company

Turning heartbreak, betrayal, and rock-bottom moments into the foundation of a purpose-driven media brand

Why she primarily works with Black-owned and mission-aligned businesses

Teaching introverts and neurodivergent entrepreneurs how to speak confidently on camera and in rooms

The responsibility (and power) of storytelling in an era of AI deepfakes and propaganda

Exclusive: First public announcement of the Our Power Summit coming March 20-21, 2026!

If you’ve ever had to start over, protect your voice, or turn a forced pivot into your greatest glow-up — this episode will light you up.

☕ Timestamps (YouTube Chapters)

00:00 Welcome to Coffee Chat

00:29 Meet Tatiana Mott – Our Power Media

01:53 Writer’s strike forces the ultimate pivot

02:51 Duke math major → theater → TV producer → founder

04:26 How a shy introvert learned to light up rooms

07:29 Helping introverts become “Confidently Captivating”

12:36 The hardest pivot: Houston, betrayal & rock bottom

19:32 Giving yourself grace when everything falls apart

23:49 Marrying purpose with profit

29:34 The #1 mistake people make with storytelling

32:10 Protecting your voice after dimming your light

35:30 Why truth in media matters more than ever

38:28 The current state of Black creators in media

41:10 Exclusive: Our Power Summit 2026 announced!

41:56 Coffee Shot Rapid-Fire Round

🔥 Rapid-Fire Highlights

Introvert anthem: India.Arie – Private Party

Hype song: Dutty Wine

Biggest myth about introverts: “We don’t like to talk”

Current mantra: “Your vision is never too big”

#1 Leadership Mistake Costing You Your Dream Team (Fix It Fast) – Dr. KJ Haywood

What’s the difference between a boss and a leader?

One loses their best people. The other builds legacies.

In this raw, note-worthy episode of Coffee Chat Podcast, host De’Andrea Brown sits down with Dr. KJ Haywood — PhD in Ethics & Business, AI governance pioneer, and leadership disruptor — to unpack the #1 mistake new leaders make that sends teams running.

You’ll discover:

• How Dr. KJ went from “bossy kid” to burning out her team in her 30s
• The grunt work that landed her HR Director in 1 year — no certifications needed
• Why solitude is the secret to unshakable confidence
• The truth about imposter syndrome: it’s just fear wearing a title
• Why success is lonely — and how to thrive when unicorns don’t run in packs
• The daily choice that turns followers into leaders with purpose

If you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or rising leader tired of waiting for permission — this episode is your wake-up call.

Perfect for:

Aspiring managers | Entrepreneurs | Corporate climbers | Anyone ready to stop losing talent and start leading with impact

Listen now. Take notes. Level up. ☕

Host: Diondria Brown

Guest: Dr. KJ Haywood

Show: Coffee Chat Podcast

Tags: Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Advice, Women in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Self Development

Follow us:

Instagram: @thecoffeechatpod__

LinkedIn: Coffee Chat Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeChatPod

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:35 – “I came out the womb bossy”

04:32 – Grunt work = leadership gold

09:46 – Follower mode vs. leader mode

18:42 – Reinventing every 5 years

27:11 – Solitude = power

38:43 – Imposter syndrome is fear

48:40 – Advice to her 30-year-old self

54:34 – Why millennials & Gen Z are disruptors

Challenge:

This week, choose one small leadership action no one asked you to take. Tag us with your win.

New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a brew. ☕

#1 Leadership Mistake Costing You Your Dream Team (Fix It Fast) – Dr. KJ Haywood

What’s the difference between a boss and a leader?

One loses their best people. The other builds legacies.

In this raw, note-worthy episode of Coffee Chat Podcast, host De’Andrea Brown sits down with Dr. KJ Haywood — PhD in Ethics & Business, AI governance pioneer, and leadership disruptor — to unpack the #1 mistake new leaders make that sends teams running.

You’ll discover:

• How Dr. KJ went from “bossy kid” to burning out her team in her 30s
• The grunt work that landed her HR Director in 1 year — no certifications needed
• Why solitude is the secret to unshakable confidence
• The truth about imposter syndrome: it’s just fear wearing a title
• Why success is lonely — and how to thrive when unicorns don’t run in packs
• The daily choice that turns followers into leaders with purpose

If you’re a millennial, Gen Z, or rising leader tired of waiting for permission — this episode is your wake-up call.

Perfect for:

Aspiring managers | Entrepreneurs | Corporate climbers | Anyone ready to stop losing talent and start leading with impact

Listen now. Take notes. Level up. ☕

Host: Diondria Brown

Guest: Dr. KJ Haywood

Show: Coffee Chat Podcast

Tags: Leadership, Personal Growth, Career Advice, Women in Leadership, Emotional Intelligence, Self Development

Follow us:

Instagram: @thecoffeechatpod__

LinkedIn: Coffee Chat Podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CoffeeChatPod

Episode Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro

01:35 – “I came out the womb bossy”

04:32 – Grunt work = leadership gold

09:46 – Follower mode vs. leader mode

18:42 – Reinventing every 5 years

27:11 – Solitude = power

38:43 – Imposter syndrome is fear

48:40 – Advice to her 30-year-old self

54:34 – Why millennials & Gen Z are disruptors

Challenge:

This week, choose one small leadership action no one asked you to take. Tag us with your win.

New episodes every Wednesday. Subscribe so you never miss a brew. ☕

Join host Diondria Brown on *Coffee Chat* as she sits down with LaKisha Harris, a Vice President with nearly two decades of experience at a top U.S. bank. In this episode, Kisha shares powerful leadership lessons, career growth strategies, and practical tips for navigating the corporate world. Learn how to advocate for yourself, negotiate salaries, document your wins, and stand out for promotions. From overcoming public speaking challenges to handling tough decisions like layoffs, Kisha drops gems on communication, proactivity, and assertiveness. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with actionable advice for climbing the corporate ladder! Subscribe, share, and connect with Kisha on LinkedIn (link below). #CareerGrowth #LeadershipTips #CorporateSuccess #CoffeeChat

Discover Diondria's inspiring journey from layoff to landing her dream job as a Senior Solution Consultant after 367 days. Learn key strategies for job searching, LinkedIn networking, and making tough career decisions in this heartfelt Coffee Chat episode. Perfect for professionals seeking motivation and practical career advice.

This conversation explores the intersection of AI, employment, and entrepreneurship, particularly within the context of black professionals in technology and healthcare. The speakers discuss the impact of AI on job opportunities, the importance of mentorship and networking, and the innovations in healthcare technology that are shaping the future. They also share personal experiences of overcoming challenges, building confidence, and navigating the corporate landscape as black professionals.

In this conversation, the speakers delve into the importance of financial literacy, purpose, and the evolving landscape of investments influenced by technology and community. They share personal experiences, insights on navigating financial trends, and the significance of collaboration in entrepreneurship. The discussion emphasizes the need for a shift in mindset regarding money, viewing it as a tool for growth rather than a mere goal, and highlights the importance of education in breaking generational cycles of financial misunderstanding.