Advertise on podcast: Chatting with The Experts with Paula Okonneh

Dr. Lisa Santiago McNeil—publisher, strategist, coach, transformational leader, and founder of Empowerment Publishing and Multimedia— has helped guide over 200 books into the world, many becoming bestsellers and platforms for impact, income, and influence. Lisa shares her desire to reintroduce herself and refocus on women "after a certain age," discussing how women can shrink into the background and experience an identity crisis as they evolve through life stages. She emphasizes the need for "girls talk" at any age, the value of seasoned women's lived experience, and showing up as one's undiluted self even within a partnership. She connects inner healing, faith, and self-care—skin, hair, and heart—highlighting learning to depend on God, refilling from overflow, and embracing new seasons of purpose. Timestamps:   00:00 Welcome to the Show 00:35 Meet Dr Lisa Santiago 02:10 Reintroducing After Midlife 04:55 Why Girls Talk Matters 07:13 Teamwork and Sisterhood 09:07 Identity Crisis and Healing 11:07 Metamorphosis Mindset Shift 13:12 Beauty as Inner Work 17:52 Faith Leaning vs Depending 24:52 Refilling the Overflow 27:10 Connect and Closing   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr. Lisa Santiago McNeil, you can reach her via her website(https://www.epublishyou.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thereallisasantiago/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/thereallisasantiago), or via her LinkTree (https://linktr.ee/lisasantiagomcneill). Her YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_fqO_gJLEsLek_t8u1ZCQA   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Sheila Carmichael, a strategic advisor and Master Certified Coach, known as the "Blind Spot Strategist," discusses how leadership blind spots affect leadership presence. Carmichael describes common derailers for directors, VPs, and C-suite leaders: relying on the old competency playbook under stress, focusing on performance instead of influence, and waiting too long to speak up to avoid rocking the boat. She explains how promotions often shift scope, collaboration demands, and expectations without clear guidance, leaving leaders to "figure it out." Carmichael discusses how "nice-nasty" cultures and vague feedback widen perception gaps, and how external coaching can help through diagnostics, self-assessments, and 360 reviews (including stakeholder interviews at senior levels). She shares her signature reframing question, "What is that situation asking of you?"   Timestamps: 00:00 Show Welcome Mission 00:37 Meet Blind Spot Strategist 02:23 Top Leadership Blind Spots 05:04 Promotion Without Playbook 07:58 Why Sheila Does This 08:54 Nice Nasty Feedback 11:04 Neutral Outside Coach 16:51 How 360s Reveal Gaps 22:21 Internal vs External Coaching 25:32 Signature Question Neuroscience 29:33 Where To Find Sheila 30:24 Host Wrap Up QandA   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Sheila Carmichael, you can reach her via her website(https://www.sheilacarmichael.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/sheilarcarmichael/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/sheila.r.carmichael.2025), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/sheilacarmichael/).    For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Dr. Christina Hector is a board-certified physician specializing in non-surgical sports medicine and regenerative aesthetic medicine and founder of Nature's Puree, a physician-founded natural skincare line for the whole family. Dr. Hector shares how her medical school experience led her to avoid chemicals in hair and skincare products and begin creating her own natural formulations. She explains the benefits of plant-based skincare—vitamins and antioxidants that protect skin, the body's largest organ—and emphasizes reading ingredient labels, especially as skin thins with age and absorbs more products. She outlines a simple routine: gentle cleansing twice daily, moisturizing, and mineral-based sunscreen, with optional vitamin C and retinol, and suggests seeing an aesthetician for concerns like acne, rosacea, or hyperpigmentation. She also discusses tallow/lard soaps, her book The Natural Skincare Playbook, and where to find her online.   Timestamps: 01:19 Meet Dr Christina Hector 02:35 Her Natural Beauty Origin 05:21 Why Plant Based Skincare 08:40 Simple Daily Skin Routine 13:16 Plant vs Animal Based Oils 15:56 Natural Skincare Playbook 19:19 Where to Find Dr Hector 20:48 Wrap Up and Q&A   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Christina Hector, you can reach her via her website(http://www.naturespuree.com), via Instagram (http://www.instagram.com/naturespuree), via Facebook(http://www.facebook.com/naturespuree), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchectordo/).  For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Jraya Nicole, a career advancement coach and corporate transition strategist, discusses how high-performing professionals can leverage corporate success to pursue entrepreneurship without starting over. Jraya introduces the idea of "success survivors"—people who have achieved external markers of success yet feel disconnected, guilty, and misaligned—and distinguishes burnout (a depletion problem) from misalignment (an identity problem) requiring redirection. She argues the main barriers are not confidence or capital but courage and infrastructure, and emphasizes translating "corporate currency" into entrepreneurial authority through a strategic, "beautiful exit" rather than a reckless leap.    Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Mission 00:28 Meet Jraya Nicole 02:05 Success Survivor Mindset 04:28 Courage Over Confidence 06:50 Corporate Currency Bridge 08:18 Burnout vs Misalignment 12:49 Calling and Growth Friction 18:47 Strategic Exit Timeline 20:54 Profitable Pathway Framework 23:53 Runways and Networks 26:20 Connect and Closing   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Jraya Nicole, you can reach her via her website(https://substack.com/@jrayanicole), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/jrayanicole/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/JrayaNicoleCareers), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/jrayanicole/). Check out her YT channel: https://www.youtube.com/@jrayanicole   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Dr. Farah Laurent, a trained nurse, nurse career coach, keynote speaker, and podcaster, talks about why nurses are moving into business and the many career options beyond bedside nursing. Farah shares her journey from Canada to New York City, including being discouraged from emergency nursing as a student, securing ER roles, working in the ER for 13 years, and later advancing into nursing education leadership (including roles as nurse educator, NYU clinical instructor, director of education, and associate dean). She explains that workplace politics, resistance to advocacy, and being laid off three times in five years pushed her toward entrepreneurship, which she defines as identifying market gaps and creating solutions. She describes building a nurse career coaching business to help nurses land specialty and six-figure roles, earning her doctorate while working full-time and raising young children, and becoming focused on business skills, personal branding, and visibility. Farah outlines business paths nurses pursue (coaching, consulting, education, speaking, private practices, telehealth, aesthetics/med spas, and IV hydration) and notes legal considerations in some models. She emphasizes business acumen, personal development, market research (including wait lists and being "oversubscribed," citing Daniel Priestley), and community through mentors and masterminds, recommending multiple mentors inside and outside nursing. Farah discusses self-publishing her 2023 book "Nurses Making Money Moves," launching the Nurses Making Money Moves Conference in under three months with attendees from 20 states, and announces the renamed Nurses Making Business Moves conference on March 6–7 in Tampa, Florida.     Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Chatting with the Experts  01:23 Farah's Origin Story: Proving She Belonged in the ER 03:57 From Canada to NYC: Growth, New Opportunities, Bigger Vision 04:40 What Nurse Entrepreneurship Really Means (and How Layoffs Sparked It) 07:57 Building the Brand: Doctorate, Business Skills & Transferable Nurse Strengths 11:19 Business Paths for Nurses: Coaching, Consulting, Private Practice & More 13:01 Market Research 101: Waitlists, Validation & Avoiding Costly Mistakes 18:37 Visibility & Trust: Personal Branding and the Nurses Making Business Moves Conference 20:13 Community & Mentorship: Finding the Right Support System 22:40 How to Connect + Final Announcements and Wrap-Up   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Farah Laurent, you can reach her via her website(https://www.nursefarah.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/nursefarahinc/), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/people/Farah-Laurent/pfbid0k5EurPMhhN88u6hZmmAdpkoS92uiWER7DmpqCnZ31xnbmrRHXPt2JYJ2VN7tpQSXl/), or via LinkedIn(http://linkedin.com/in/nursefarah). You can also book for her upcoming  conference: https://www.nursesmakingbusinessmoves.com/home You can get a copy of her book here: https://www.nursefarah.com/books   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Tempest Williams, president and CEO of the Tempest Financial Group, PLLC, and a financial professional and intergenerational planning strategist, emphasizes the critical importance of having conversations about financial planning across generations. She shares her personal experiences of family losses and how it highlighted the necessity of discussing money matters to avoid conflicts and ensure preparedness. Tempest explains how she guides families through comprehensive financial planning, focusing on emotional and motivational aspects, and collaborates with estate planning attorneys and other specialists to address all facets of financial security. The discussion also touches on the challenges of reverse mortgages, caregiving for aging parents, and the impact of lacking awareness in financial planning.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Chatting with the Experts 00:40 Introducing Tempest Williams and Her Mission 02:40 The Importance of Intergenerational Planning 02:57 Personal Stories and Lessons Learned 06:37 Navigating Financial Conversations and Planning 09:24 The Role of a Financial Planner 14:03 Challenges in Estate and Financial Planning 21:47 Caring for Aging Parents: A Personal Account 28:54 How to Connect with Tempest Williams 30:20 Closing Remarks and Invitation to Connect   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Tempest Williams, you can reach her via her website(http://thetempestfinancialgrouppllc.com), via her YouTube(https://youtube.com/@thetempestfinancialgrouppl8176), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thetempestfinancialgrouppllc?igsh=a3kxYm9ybmp2a3J6), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/TheTempestFinancialGroup), via TikTok(https://www.tiktok.com/@thetempestfg?_t=ZT-90aMgj3qXXR&_r=1) or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-tempest-financial-group-pllc/).   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé, a pharmacist, entrepreneur, wellness expert, and AI healthcare innovator, shares her inspiring journey from being a clinical pharmacist to founding NaturEllie and PharmaEllie, where she combines wellness, medication safety, and AI to improve healthcare outcomes in Africa and the diaspora. She discusses her transition motivated by a personal battle with cancer, her faith, and her vision to make a positive impact. Dr. Ondias-Kouamé delves into the role of AI in revolutionizing health services, especially in Gabon and Ivory Coast, and offers insights into how AI can enhance medication safety and wellness education across borders.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with the Experts 01:26 Meet Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé 02:05 Journey from Pharmacy to Entrepreneurship 03:30 The Birth of NaturEllie 05:32 Integrating AI in Healthcare 12:11 Scaling Health and Wellness Across Africa 14:56 Staying Focused and Disciplined in Business 15:19 Overcoming Challenges in African Business 16:02 Implementing Systems and Automation 16:30 The Importance of Patience and Perseverance 17:06 Navigating Business Operations in Africa 17:36 Building Trust and Securing Contracts 18:06 Revolutionizing Drug Safety with AI 22:18 NaturEllie: A Personal Journey 24:52 Combining Pharmacy and AI: The Birth of PharmaEllie 25:27 Faith-Based Business Coaching 27:12 Connecting with Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé 28:30 Conclusion and Audience Engagement   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr. Annouchka Ondias-Kouamé, you can reach her via her website(https://pharmaellie.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/dr.kanouche), via Facebook(https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559110141788) or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/annouchka-ondias-kouame-pharm-d-msc-b3696576/). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Precious Nyarambi, the founder and CEO of Vessels of Virtue, discusses the importance of using one's voice to shape identity and the power of maintaining balance. She shares her journey, her recent nominations and awards, and her efforts to empower women and youth through entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Precious also highlights her experience with the Cherie Blair Foundation and its impact on her work. The conversation delves into the ripple effect of empowering women, touching on personal anecdotes and success stories.    Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome and Introduction 01:37 Meet Precious Nyarambi 03:24 Your Voice Shapes Your Identity 05:44 The Power of Balance 06:55 Founding Vessels of Virtue 08:42 Cherie Blair Foundation Experience 13:46 Impact Stories and Testimonials 19:59 Connecting and Moving Forward   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Precious Nyarambi, you can reach her via her website(http://www.vesselsofvirtue.org.za), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/preciousnyarambi/), via Facebook(https://web.facebook.com/Preciousny/) or via LinkedIn(linkedin.com/in/precious-nyarambi-82310132). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Kuda Mupawose, a board-certified trichologist,  pharmacologist with over 25 years of experience in the hair care industry and founder of Feso Hair Care Brand, discusses the intricate relationship between hair and identity, particularly in the context of African and Caribbean women. She shares her journey from pharmacology to developing an organic hair care product derived from the plant Feso, explaining its benefits and the science behind it. Mupawose emphasises the critical role hair plays as a window to our internal health, linking hair health to broader physiological conditions such as hormonal imbalances and fibroids. The episode concludes with practical advice on approaching hair care and the importance of regular scalp health check-ups.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:45 Hair and Identity 02:50 Journey into the Hair Business 04:26 Creating Feso Hair Care 08:20 The Science Behind Hair Care 12:26 The Impact of Hair Products on Health 18:47 Connecting Hair to Overall Health 27:18 Conclusion and Contact Information   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Kuda Mupawose, you can reach her via her website(http://www.fesoafrica.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/fesohair/), via Facebook(https://web.facebook.com/kudamupawose/) or via LinkedIn(http://linkedin.com/in/leticiakuda). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Dr. Debora Kayembe, a Harvard Kennedy School fellow and the youngest ever to receive an honorary doctorate in the Democratic Republic of Congo, shares her inspiring journey from growing up in a challenging environment in DRC to becoming the first person of color to hold a leadership position at the University of Edinburgh in its 437-year history. She emphasizes the importance of education as a means to greatness and shares her profound insights on activism, courage, and the relentless pursuit of peace. Dr. Kayembe also discusses her work with the Royal Society of Edinburgh and the Young Academy of Scotland, highlighting the need for a deeper understanding of African heritage and the critical role of women in shaping a better world.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Mission 01:37 Introducing Dr. Debora Kayembe 03:45 Dr. Kayembe's Early Life and Education 07:18 Achievements and Activism 09:48 Challenges and Advocacy 14:31 Seeking Peace and Courage 23:22 Final Thoughts and Contact Information   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Debora Kayembe, you can reach her via her X(https://x.com/DKAYEMBE), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/debora.kayembe/), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-debora-kayembe-7701b6189/). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.

Naeemah Elias, a leadership coach, speaker, and TEDx storyteller, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD at the age of 49, shares her experiences of growing up in a neurodivergent family, raising her autistic son, and building a successful career while understanding her unique wiring. The conversation delves into how her diagnosis brought clarity and confidence, her journey of self-discovery influenced by her children, and the challenges and advantages of being neurodiverse. Naeemah also discusses her path to becoming a TEDx speaker and the importance of embracing one's mental health journey.   Timestamps: 00:00 Welcome to Chatting with the Experts 01:40 Introducing Naeemah Elias 02:46 Naeemah's Journey to Diagnosis 05:42 The Art of Masking and Adapting 13:19 Family Dynamics and Mental Health 19:20 Becoming a TEDx Speaker 26:46 Embracing Neurodivergence 30:23 Connect with Naeemah and Final Thoughts   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Naeemah Elias, you can reach her via her website(https://www.eliaspresence.com/speaker-page), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ladyelias/), or via LinkedIn(http://www.linkedin.com/in/naeemahelias). To watch her TEDx talk, check here (https://youtu.be/lnNXcA28J30?si=IkVeQLbsbbu-aU5_) and check out her YouTube channel: https://youtube.com/@eliaspresence?si=8jRlRofox3KQxfa1   For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Maureen Aryee, a seasoned business and HR executive, discusses how women can advance from mere representation to influential leadership roles while maintaining purpose and long-term impact. Maureen shares her diverse career journey from IT to HR leadership roles at top corporations like Johnson & Johnson. She emphasizes the importance of emotional capacity, the ethical integration of AI in decision-making, and the significance of purpose in sustaining success and leaving a legacy. The conversation offers insights into building resilience, continuous growth, and effective leadership in both established and startup environments.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with Experts 00:47 Meet Maureen Aryee: A Journey Through Leadership 05:52 The Importance of Emotional Capacity in Leadership 07:08 Navigating Organizational Changes and Emotional Intelligence 16:59 The Role of AI in Modern Leadership 23:59 Building a Lasting Legacy as a Leader 28:13 Conclusion and How to Connect   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Maureen Aryee, you can reach her via her Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/maureen_aryee/) or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/maureen-aryee-mba-70547613/). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Dr. Ukpong Nwankwo, a physician, transformational coach, and Amazon best-selling author, shares her journey of overcoming breast cancer and the importance of finding a unique eating style that aligns with one's body and lifestyle. She emphasizes the significance of epigenetic testing in identifying personalized nutrition plans and explains how stress management and overall lifestyle adjustments can enhance health and well-being. Through inspiring success stories, Dr. Nwankwo illustrates how individualized dietary and lifestyle changes can lead to lasting energy, confidence, and freedom.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with the Experts 00:57 Meet Dr. Ukpong Nwankwo 02:08 Discovering Your Unique Eating Style 02:34 The Journey to Health and Weight Loss 04:33 The Role of Epigenetic Testing 06:04 Achieving Flow and Reducing Stress 15:01 Good Food Freedom Explained 17:32 Success Stories and Testimonials 20:45 How to Connect with Dr. Nwankwo 22:37 Conclusion and Invitation to Connect   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Ukpong Nwankwo, you can reach her via her website (https://livehealthydoc.com/), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/ukpong_nwankwo/), via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/share/17c4yEE48q/?mibextid=wwXIfr), or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/ukpong-nwankwo-a188212a9/). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Mijiza Green, an accomplished entrepreneur and co-founder of the Opulent Lady Business Association, shares her journey from cosmetology to leading an organization that empowers women entrepreneurs globally. She discusses the importance of collaboration, resilience, and faith in building successful businesses. The conversation highlights the transition from traditional solo entrepreneurship to a more collaborative approach, emphasizing the potential for greater impact and growth when women work together. Mijiza also touches on the barriers faced in the entrepreneurial journey and how overcoming them can lead to innovation and lasting legacies.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with the Experts 01:03 Meet Mijiza Green: Visionary Leader and Entrepreneur 01:23 The New Era of Women Entrepreneurs 05:22 Overcoming Barriers and Breaking Glass Ceilings 08:06 Faith and Resilience in Entrepreneurship 12:23 Creating Legacies and Impacting Communities 16:32 How to Connect with Opulent Lady Business Association 17:56 Conclusion and Audience Q&A Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Mijiza Green, you can reach her via her website (http://www.Opulentladyba.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/theopulentladynetwork/?hl=en), via Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/TheOpulentLadyNetwork),  or via LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/in/opulent-lady-business-association-b48511313/). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.  

Dr. Nicole Bryan, a psychologist and leadership coach specializing in introverted women in leadership roles, explores the complex issue of work addiction, particularly how it disproportionately affects high-achieving introverted women. Dr. Bryan explains that work addiction is a real behavioral addiction, not just busyness, and outlines various symptoms such as compulsive working, mental preoccupation, and eroded personal relationships. The conversation covers why society rewards work addiction, making it harder to diagnose and address, and details how introverted women are especially vulnerable due to their reflective and identity-linked approach to work. She also touches on potential solutions and professional help avenues for those struggling with work addiction.   Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Chatting with the Experts 01:21 Meet Dr. Nicole Bryan 02:33 Understanding Work Addiction 05:16 Personal Experiences with Work Addiction 09:06 Why Introverted Women Are More Vulnerable 13:59 Warning Signs of Work Addiction 25:07 Seeking Help and Solutions 29:09 Connecting with Dr. Nicole Bryan 30:27 Closing Remarks and Audience Q&A   Get In Touch: If you're interested in connecting with Dr Nicole Bryan, you can reach her via her website (http://www.thechangedoc.com), via Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/thechangedoc),  or via LinkedIn(http://www.linkedin.com/in/thechangedoc). For those interested in sharing their own stories on "Chatting with the Experts," reach out to Paula Okonneh through her website at chattingwiththeexperts.com or connect via LinkedIn.