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What happens when the career you thought you'd have suddenly disappears? For Dawn Kelly, getting laid off at 52 became the unexpected beginning of a completely different chapter. In this episode of Dreams In Drive, I sit down with Dawn Kelly, Co-Founder and CEO of The Nourish Spot Inc., a family-owned healthy food and beverage brand in Jamaica. But before building her entrepreneurial dream, Dawn spent years on a very different professional path. Then, at 52, she was laid off. Instead of allowing that moment to define what came next, Dawn decided to rethink what she wanted her life and career to look like—and ultimately built something she never could have predicted earlier in her career. We talk about what it feels like to start over later in life, the fear and uncertainty that can come with an unexpected career transition, and what it really takes to give yourself permission to pursue a dream that looks nothing like the one you originally imagined. In this conversation, Dawn shares: What being laid off at 52 taught her about identity and career Why starting over later in life can be both terrifying and freeing How she knew it was time to pursue something completely different The mindset shift that helped her move from uncertainty to possibility What building The Nourish Spot taught her about entrepreneurship and purpose Why your next chapter doesn't have to look anything like your last one The importance of trusting yourself when the original plan no longer makes sense What she would tell anyone who feels like they've missed their window to start again Your dream can change. Your timeline can change. And you can still build something meaningful. If you've ever experienced a layoff, career pivot, identity shift—or simply wondered whether you're allowed to want something different at this stage of your life—this conversation is for you. Listen to the episode and ask yourself: What happens when the dream changes? Because sometimes, losing the path you planned is what finally gives you the freedom to create a new one. Connect with Dawn Kelly Instagram: @prmaven17 Insragram: @thenourishspot Connect with Dreams In Drive Website: dreamsindrive.com Instagram: @dreamsindrive @rainshineluv Join the community: dreamsindrive.com/join

What if one of the most important career skills you could learn has nothing to do with your actual job? When Rana was a fresh-out-of-high-school intern at CBS in 2009, she was told that everyone should work in sales at some point in their career. Sixteen years later, she finally understands why. Sales teaches you how to communicate, understand people, handle rejection, advocate for yourself, and create belief. In this quick solo episode, Rana breaks down the 3 things she believes everyone should learn how to sell: Because whether you're building a career, a business, a creative project, or simply trying to figure out what's next, you're going to have to sell something. Learn what that is and why it's important that you start that journey now .  Connect with Rana/Dreams in Drive Personal Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Podcast Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Sign up for the weekly newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell

What if getting your money right is actually part of getting your dream right? Anthony O'Neal is back on Dreams In Drive for the third time to talk about financial freedom, money mindset, living paycheck to paycheck, building wealth, and what it really takes to create the life you want. Anthony, author of Stop Living Paycheck to Paycheck, explains why making more money doesn't automatically create financial freedom—and why creating financial margin can give you the room to pursue your bigger goals. Rana and Anthony also get into lifestyle inflation, comparison, understanding your "why," breaking financial patterns, and setting boundaries with people who don't believe in your vision. Plus, Anthony breaks down his EARNED framework for turning dreams into action and opens up about his own dream of becoming an HBCU dean and eventually an HBCU president. If you've ever felt like your finances are holding you back from the life you want, this conversation will challenge you to think differently about money, strategy, and what it means to truly put your dreams in DRIVE. In this episode: • Financial freedom and living paycheck to paycheck • Why making more money isn't always the solution • Creating financial margin • Money mindset and lifestyle inflation • Anthony's EARNED framework • Turning dreams into actionable goals • Setting boundaries around your vision • Building wealth for future generations • Pursuing your biggest dreams—even when you feel behind Your dream is the starting point. The strategy is what puts it in DRIVE. Connect with Anthony Instagram: @anthonyoneal Get his book: www.anthonyoneal.com/book  Resources + Links: Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes with the podcast host Follow @dreamsindrive on IG, Tiktok, and Facebook Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next!

Let's have an honest converastion about why so many women, especially moms/working moms feel like they are so unmotivated and tapped out along the #dreamdriving journey. The answer isn't that we don't want to be more "ambitious", the answer is that there may be something even simpler that explain it. I don't have the answers, but I want to just start telling the truth about what it means to know you want more, but just simply find your way out of the exhaustion.  Connect with Rana/Dreams in Drive Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Weekly Newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell

What can going viral teach you about pursuing your dreams? In this solo episode of Dreams In Drive, I share the unexpected lessons I learned after several of my Instagram videos took off. From embracing trends and telling better stories to understanding what truly resonates with people, this conversation is about paying attention to what works, staying authentic, and applying those insights to your own journey—whether you're building a brand, growing a business, or chasing your next big goal. Connect with Rana/Dreams in Drive Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Weekly Newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell

hat does it really take to build a business that goes viral—and lasts? This week on Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with Brandon Castaneda, Founder and CEO of EZ Bombs, to share the story behind one of the fastest-growing food brands in America. From hand-rolling products in his mom's kitchen to becoming one of TikTok Shop's top food brands and expanding into Walmart stores nationwide, Brandon shares the lessons behind the headlines. Together, they discuss innovation, persistence, navigating explosive growth, learning from failure, and why solving a real problem is the key to building a lasting business. If you've ever wondered whether your setbacks are actually preparing you for your breakthrough, this conversation is for you. In this episode you'll learn: • How EZ Bombs was born from a family recipe • The power of borrowing ideas from different industries • What it takes to scale after going viral • Why previous failures prepared Brandon for success • How to know when to pivot—and when to persevere 🎧 Tune in and get ready to take your dreams from park to drive. Connect with Brandon Castaneda Follow EZ Bombs on IG Learn more about EZ Bombs at ezbombs.com Shop EZbombss at Walmart.com  Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

Steve Patino didn't build Ales Grey overnight. After spending more than three decades in the footwear industry—working with global brands, designing for celebrities, learning manufacturing in China, and leading billion-dollar growth—he realized he wanted to build something bigger than a successful company. He wanted to build a legacy. In this episode, Steve shares how his childhood love of sneakers became his greatest superpower, why he quit his executive job while his wife was pregnant to launch Ales Grey, and how staying committed to a purpose-driven mission ultimately helped the brand land on Walmart.com. If you've ever wondered whether your passion could become your career, this conversation will inspire you to think bigger, trust your expertise, and build something only you can create. What You'll Learn Why your biggest passion may actually be your greatest competitive advantage How Steve predicted footwear trends decades before they became mainstream What he learned from helping scale billion-dollar brands The importance of finding your unique superpower How storytelling helped Ales Grey stand out What retailers like Walmart look for in emerging brands Why purpose is the key to sustaining long-term success How to build resilience through uncertainty The importance of mastering your craft before launching your own business Why "Don't be the best. Be the only." is Steve's guiding philosophy Connect with Steve Instagram: @sneakersteve @alesgrey Shop Ales Grey at Walmart  Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

What if your greatest business idea came from one of the hardest seasons of your life? This week on Dreams In Drive, host Rana Campbell sits down with Lisa Stelly, founder of Fancy Sprinkles, to talk about the unexpected journey from postpartum depression to building one of the most recognizable sprinkle brands in America. Lisa shares how cake decorating became a form of healing after the birth of her second daughter—and how one frustrating search for white star sprinkles uncovered an untapped opportunity that would eventually become Fancy Sprinkles. Over the last decade, she's transformed an overlooked baking category into a modern lifestyle brand known for beautiful products, bold branding, and unforgettable customer experiences. Today, Fancy Sprinkles can be found in Walmart stores across the country, bringing creativity and joy to families everywhere. In this episode, Lisa opens up about: Growing up in a small Louisiana town and developing an entrepreneurial mindset How postpartum depression unexpectedly led to her biggest business idea Identifying a market gap that everyone else overlooked Starting a company with limited resources and learning everything herself Building a direct-to-consumer brand before expanding into retail Why trusting your instincts is one of the greatest entrepreneurial advantages How Walmart helped make Fancy Sprinkles more accessible to families Balancing motherhood, creativity, and leadership Why authenticity—not trends—is the key to long-term business success Whether you're building a product brand, launching your first business, or simply looking for inspiration to trust your own ideas, Lisa's story is proof that your biggest breakthrough can come from your hardest season. In This Episode You'll Learn: ✔️ How to spot overlooked business opportunities ✔️ Why resilience matters more than having all the answers ✔️ What it takes to build a retail-ready consumer brand ✔️ How creativity can become a competitive advantage ✔️ Why your intuition deserves a seat at the business table Connect with Lisa Instagram: @lisastelly Instagram: @fancysprinkles TikTok: @fancysprinkles Shop Fancy Sprinkles at Walmart  Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

What happens when someone refuses to let their circumstances define them? In this deeply moving episode, Rana sits down with Denise Roman for one of the most powerful conversations ever shared on Dreams In Drive. Denise opens up about her journey growing up in the Bronx, becoming a mother at just 15 years old, navigating foster care, surviving multiple incarcerations, and ultimately finding the courage to rebuild her life on her own terms. From experiencing systemic failures firsthand to pursuing higher education through programs like the Bard Prison Initiative and setting her sights on political leadership, Denise shares how faith, resilience, and self-belief helped her transform pain into purpose. In this episode, Denise and Rana discuss: Growing up in a difficult and isolating home environment Becoming a teen mother while navigating foster care The realities and trauma of the foster care system Survival, incarceration, and rebuilding after prison Witnessing corruption and abuse within correctional facilities How education became a turning point for Denise's future Rebuilding her relationship with her daughter Overcoming shame, self-doubt, and societal labels Why Denise now wants to create policy change through politics The power of faith, confidence, and lived experience This episode is a reminder that your past does not disqualify you from your purpose. If you've ever felt like your circumstances were stacked against you, Denise's story will inspire you to keep dreaming bigger. FIND DENISE ON LINKEDIN: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-roman-8887a5276/ INSTAGRAM: Emperoroman_d  Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

She thought losing her corporate job would break her. Instead, it became the exact push she needed to build the career — and life — she actually wanted. For interior designer Angelica Deuel, getting laid off from corporate in 2024 became the unexpected turning point that changed everything. What could've felt like failure actually became the push she needed to finally go all in on the dream she'd been quietly building behind the scenes for years. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Angelica opens up about walking away from the security of corporate life, navigating uncertainty, and building a business rooted in purpose, creativity, and freedom. From fear and finances to identity and self-trust, this episode is for anyone questioning whether the "safe" path is still the right one. We talk about: Feeling unfulfilled in corporate despite career success The surprising relief she felt after getting laid off Why she believes the layoff was divine timing How she prepared for entrepreneurship before taking the leap Transitioning from media + marketing into interior design Building Hatch Interior Design Group from the ground up Overcoming comparison, fear, and uncertainty The mindset shift that helped her replace her corporate income Why she refuses to create a backup plan How losing her job helped her finally align with the life she truly wanted If you've been feeling stuck, burnt out, overlooked, or afraid to start over, this episode will remind you that sometimes the thing that disrupts your life is also the thing that redirects it. Your next chapter might be waiting on the other side of letting go. FIND ANGELICA ON: Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/angelicadeuel OR https://www.instagram.com/hatch.interiordesign/  Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

How do you stand out in rooms full of accomplished, talented, and ambitious people? In this solo episode, I'm sharing the story behind something that happenedat a fireside chat with Padma Lakshmi — and the powerful lesson I learned about visibility, confidence, and why so many of us shrink ourselves in the very rooms we prayed to be in. Before the event even started, I made a decision: I was going to participate. I prepared my question ahead of time, workshopped it with coworkers, and intentionally positioned myself in the room. What happened next validated strategies I use when it comes to networking, career growth, and standing out professionally. In this episode, we talk about: how to stand out in any room the power of preparation and intentionality overcoming fear and imposter syndrome at work why visibility matters for career growth how ambitious women unintentionally play small networking, confidence, and speaking up the opportunities that come from participation If you've ever struggled with confidence, visibility, or advocating for yourself in professional spaces, this episode is your reminder that sometimes standing out starts with one simple thing: raising your hand. Because the opportunities we want often begin the moment we stop shrinking ourselves. Listen If You Are: A Dream Driver ready to reflect, recharge, and refocus Feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure about your next step Looking for a practical yet soulful guide to set intentions for the new year Wanting to step into 2026 with clarity, confidence, and energy   Where to Find Rana Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rainshineluv Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/dreamsindrive Newsletter: http://www.dreamsindrive.com/join LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/ranacampbell

Why does "having it all" feel so much harder than it sounds? In this episode, Rukiya Ross breaks down the real challenges working moms face balancing career, ambition, and motherhood. In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with operations executive, podcast host, and mom of two Rukiya Ross for an honest conversation about what it really looks like to pursue ambition while navigating motherhood. As Head of Operations at inquirED and co-host of Moms Who Pause, Rukiya helps women rethink how they approach career growth, childcare, and building a life that actually works. In this conversation, she shares how becoming a mother reshaped her relationship with ambition, success, and self-worth—and why so many working moms struggle silently with the pressure to "do it all." Together, Rana and Rukiya unpack the emotional and logistical realities of balancing motherhood and career, from managing the mental load and childcare decisions to navigating guilt, boundaries, and burnout. If you're a working mom trying to pursue your goals without losing yourself in the process, this episode will remind you that ambition doesn't disappear after motherhood—it just requires a new strategy. In This Episode, We Discuss: Why motherhood changes your relationship with ambition The emotional reality of balancing career and family How to make confident childcare decisions without guilt The invisible mental load working moms carry Why so many ambitious women struggle after becoming mothers How to redefine success for your current season of life The importance of building systems that support your family and career Navigating burnout, boundaries, and identity after kids How intentional pauses can help women make better life decisions Why "having it all" may require redefining what "all" means Key Takeaway Motherhood doesn't make you less ambitious. It forces you to become more intentional about where your ambition goes. FIND RUKIYA ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rukiyaross Instagram: http://www.instagram/momswhopause 🛠️ Resources + Links Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

In this episode, Rana sits down with storyteller, speaker, and podcast host, Kadi Cisse, for a powerful conversation about identity, independence, grief, purpose, and becoming who you really are. Kadi shares her journey growing up as a first-generation American raised by West African immigrant parents, and how being the "independent child" shaped the way she approached life, relationships, and success. She opens up about loss, navigating life after losing her father, and how many of us who are seen as "strong" often learn how to survive before we ever learn how to feel. Together, Rana and Kadi talk about the identity crisis that many high-achieving people face when they realize their job title is not their purpose, why unprocessed emotions eventually show up in our lives, and how spirituality, self-awareness, and honesty with yourself are often the real keys to growth. Kadi also shares wisdom from her platform Ask Kadi: The Voice of Reason, where she uses humor, honesty, and real-life experience to help people navigate relationships, self-worth, and personal growth. This episode is about resilience, truth, self-discovery, and the journey of becoming who you were always meant to be. In this episode, we talk about: Growing up first-generation with immigrant parents Being the "independent child" Grief and losing parents Emotional vs logical coping Layoffs and career pivots Job titles vs purpose Identity and self-discovery Spirituality and self-awareness Relationships and self-worth Building the right circle Learning to take up space Becoming who you really are Key takeaway: You can build a successful life, a great career, and still reach a point where you have to ask yourself, "But who am I really, and what am I actually here to do?" FIND KADI ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xo.kadi_ Website: www.askkadi.com 🛠️ Resources + Links Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join

Ashley Rouse shares how surrender, letting go, and reinvention led to clarity and new beginnings after closing her company, Trade Street Jam Co. _____ After building a nationally recognized brand, Ashley Rouse returns to Dreams In Drive - eight years later - to share the raw truth about closing Trade Street Jam Co., embracing surrender, and stepping into new beginnings with her new creative agency Rouse Like House. A heartfelt, inspiring conversation for anyone navigating change, letting go, or finding clarity and purpose in life's next chapter. ______ In this deeply honest and full-circle conversation, Ashley Rouse (Episode 174 guest) returns eight years later to Dreams In Drive to reflect on the evolution from the woman who was scaling Trade Street Jam Co. at lightning speed to the woman she is today — one who chose surrender, healing, and alignment over external definitions of success. Ashley opens up about the circumstances surrounding and the grief of closing Trade Street Jam Co., the loss of identity that comes when your life's work ends, and the emotional and spiritual clarity that followed. She shares how motherhood and deep personal growth forced her to redefine what success, ambition, and purpose look like in this new season. Most importantly, she reframes surrender as a power move, a conscious decision to trust that releasing what no longer aligns creates space for new vision, new pathways, and a more authentic future. What We Discussed: Surrender & Purpose: Finding the courage to realize that a business is just a "tangible asset" and that her true purpose—helping other entrepreneurs—remains intact. The Realities of Running A Product-Based Business: Ashley breaks down why running a product-based CPG business is "no joke," discussing the capital intensive, inventory-heavy nature of the industry and the pressure of scaling, and seeking investors as a Black Woman The Power of Community: How sharing her "messy" journey on Instagram built a community that ultimately saved her during her transition. This conversation is for anyone who: Feels the pull toward a new beginning Is questioning a long-held dream Is learning to detach their worth from their work Is navigating a transition season You'll walk away with both the emotional language and the practical mindset shifts needed to: Recognize when it's time to move on Honor the chapter you're closing without shame Trust the unknown Rebuild from a place of clarity and self-alignment. FIND ASHLEY ROUSE ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleymarierouse Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouselikehouse Website: https://www.rouselikehouse.com 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive or pitch your story at http://www.dreamsindrive.com/pitch

From 100 Rejections to Real Purpose | Community, Career & Resilience In this episode of Dreams In Drive, Rana Campbell sits down with Brittney Oliver, founder of Lemons to Lemonade, for a powerful conversation about turning rejection into purpose and building meaningful community when the traditional path doesn't work. Before creating one of the most impactful platforms for professionals of color, Brittney faced over 100 job rejections while trying to break into New York City's PR industry. Despite being qualified and prepared, she repeatedly heard "no." Instead of letting rejection define her, she chose to build the community she wished existed. In this honest and inspiring conversation, Rana and Brittney discuss what it really takes to keep going when your journey doesn't look like everyone else's. You'll hear about: Navigating racism and cultural barriers in corporate spaces Turning rejection into redirection The difference between "community" as a buzzword and real connection Building impact without millions of followers Creating inclusive spaces in Nashville Navigating grief after losing a parent Why Plan B doesn't mean you failed Measuring success through purpose, relationships, and impact Brittney also shares how Lemons to Lemonade has helped thousands of professionals find opportunity, confidence, and belonging — and why your worth can't be measured by follower counts. If you've ever felt overlooked, underestimated, or unsure about your timeline, this episode is a reminder that your story isn't over. Sometimes, rejection is just the beginning of something greater. 🎧 Listen now and be reminded: you're not behind — you're being redirected. FIND BRITTNEY OLIVER ON: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lemons_2_lemonade/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bsoliver/ Website: https://www.l2lmixer.com/ 🛠️ Resources + Links: Subscribe to Dreams In Drive wherever you get your podcasts Follow @rainshineluv on Instagram for behind-the-scenes updates Follow @dreamsindrive Instagram Share this episode with a friend who's questioning what's next Sign up for our weekly newsletter www.dreamsindrive.com/join ❤️ Leave a Review Loving the show? Your reviews help Dreams In Drive reach more listeners. Leave one on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and tag Rana to share your thoughts! 📣 Join the Conversation Has your dream evolved? Are you navigating a pivot in real time? DM Rana on IG @dreamsindrive