In this empowering episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Cori Fonville Foster, a celebrated business implementation strategist and owner of IROC Marketable Business Solutions. With an inspiring journey from overcoming personal health challenges to becoming a successful entrepreneur, Cori shares her expertise in transforming vision into action for coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs.

Throughout the conversation, Cori and Kimi explore the practical steps and underlying mindset shifts needed to move from dreaming to doing in business and life. Listeners gain actionable strategies for getting unstuck, designing effective systems, and mapping out business flows that support sustainable growth. Cori introduces her signature approach, Movement, Momentum, and Mastery, highlighting how recognizing your stage in the entrepreneurial journey can unlock clarity and progress. From time audits to boundary setting, Cori offers real-world advice for avoiding burnout, harnessing accountability, and mastering implementation. The episode reminds us that building a profitable, purpose-driven business is a process and that grace, honesty, and focused action are the tools that turn plans into profit.

1. Cori’s path to entrepreneurship after a major life pivot
2. Addressing mindset as the foundational first step in any business journey
3. Breaking big goals into clear systems and step-by-step flows
4. The Movement, Momentum, and Mastery framework for ongoing business growth
5. Recognizing when it is time to seek help from an implementation strategist
6. Practicing time audits and setting boundaries to prevent entrepreneurial burnout

Cori Fonville Foster is a Business Implementation Strategist and Founder of IROC Marketable Business Solutions, a Black woman-owned agency dedicated to helping coaches, consultants, and service-based entrepreneurs turn plans into profit. With expertise in marketing, operations, and systems, Cori has guided hundreds of entrepreneurs through streamlined launches, sustainable workflows, and cohesive offers. Through her signature strategy-plus-execution framework and programs like Movement, Momentum, Mastery, she empowers business owners to scale with clarity, avoid burnout, and build thriving, chaos-free enterprises.

Website: https://www.irocmarketablebusinesssolutions.com

Email: irocmbs@gmail.com

Website: https://earlyaccountability.com

LinkedIn: Kimi Walker

Facebook: Kimi Walker

Instagram: Kimi Walker

YouTube: Kimi Walker

In this inspiring episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Summer, Certified Somatic Leadership Coach and co-founder of SMART Wellness, to discuss what it truly means to thrive as a high-achieving, gifted professional. Drawing from her unique journey as a Black, queer woman in the cybersecurity industry and her expertise in somatic leadership, Summer shares how her experiences of being “othered” shaped her vision for wellness and authentic leadership.

Together, Kimi and Summer delve into the critical topics of nervous system repair, authentic leadership, and the role of community in wellness. Summer offers practical strategies for moving beyond “going through the motions,” emphasizing the importance of understanding your values, setting manageable goals, and building supportive communities. Listeners will leave with not only new tools, but also a motivating reminder that true transformation happens in small, intentional steps, and honoring yourself is the foundation for all sustainable success.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

1. Shifting from “masking” and survival to authentic, aligned leadership
2. The SMART Wellness framework (Sleep, Movement, Awareness, Recognition of identity, Tailored inputs)
3. Practical somatic strategies for nervous system repair and emotional clarity
4. How to begin transformative change and stay consistent without overwhelm
5. Overcoming guilt and self-betrayal while redefining success on your own terms
6. The power of accountability and community in making wellness a lifestyle

About Summer Esquerre

Summer Esquerre is the co-founder of SMART Wellness, an organization helping gifted and high-achieving Black professionals repair their nervous systems, reclaim emotional clarity, and stop merely surviving success. An ICF PCC-certified somatic leadership coach and former corporate executive with over 20 years of experience, Summer combines science, culture, and nervous system strategy to guide clients toward authentic transformation. Having learned firsthand how to stop over-functioning and start honoring her own needs, she is passionate about helping others move beyond performance and embrace true well-being.

Connect with Summer Esquerre

1. Website: https://smartwellnessglobal.com/home
2. Email: sesquerre@smartwellnessglobal.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

1. Visit: earlyaccountability.com
2. LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
3. Facebook: Kimi Walker
4. Instagram: Kimi Walker
5. YouTube:

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Rob Wheeler, a military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and founder of the coaching brand Battle Fitted. Rob opens up about his journey through trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and the loss of his business, sharing how those struggles became the foundation for helping others reclaim their lives through fitness, mindset, and discipline.

Together, Kimi and Rob dive into topics like overcoming adversity, building resilience, and the practical power of daily gratitude. Rob candidly reflects on how he turned his pain into progress, explaining why consistency—not fleeting motivation—is the real key to lasting wellness. Listeners are treated to inspiring stories from Rob’s own path and from his work with men and fellow first responders, as well as simple strategies for creating healthy habits, emotional regulation, and leading with vulnerability. The episode is a reminder that no matter our battles or setbacks, each day presents another chance to choose growth, seek support, and move forward with renewed purpose.

Topics Covered in This Episode

1. Turning trauma and adversity into a source of strength and purpose
2. The core pillars of wellness: fitness, mindset, and discipline
3. The underestimated power of gratitude for improving mental well-being
4. Why consistency outshines motivation in building lasting habits
5. Addressing the “silent battles” faced by veterans, first responders, and men
6. Creating a family legacy of wellness and modeling healthy behaviors for children

About Robert Wheeler

Rob Wheeler is a veteran, former law enforcement officer, and the creator of BattleFitted, a coaching brand that helps people reclaim their lives through fitness, mental resilience, and discipline. A survivor of trauma and PTSD, he uses movement and mindset to fight mental health challenges and empower others to do the same. As the host of the Battle Harder Podcast, Rob shares stories of warriors from all walks of life who have turned struggle into strength. Guided by his motto, “Turn Pain Into Progress,” his mission is to provide real talk, real tools, and a blueprint for resilience

Connect with Robert Wheeler

1. Website: https://www.battlefittedbrand.com/
2. Email: ibattleharder@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

1. Visit: earlyaccountability.com
2. LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
3. Facebook: Kimi Walker
4. Instagram:

In this powerful episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Laura Bratton, speaker, coach, author, and resilience advocate. Laura shares her remarkable journey of navigating life after losing her vision as a teenager due to a rare retinal eye disease. With candor and compassion, Laura discusses the emotional and practical challenges that came with her transition to blindness—highlighting the critical roles of family, friends, and community support in her healing and adaptation process.

The conversation dives deep into the themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and navigating change with courage and gratitude. Laura opens up about becoming the first blind student to receive a Master’s of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary, tackling both internal and external obstacles along the way. She breaks down her trademarked approach of “Experiencing Grit and Gratitude” and offers listeners tangible strategies for facing setbacks, validating emotions, and moving forward moment by moment. Whether you’re grappling with change or helping others through life’s storms, this episode is a testament to the strength we find when we accept both the grit and the grace within ourselves. As Laura reminds us, “You are enough—right now, as you are.”

Topics Covered in This Episode

1. Laura’s personal journey through vision loss and her path to resilience
2. The transformative power of supportive relationships during major life transitions
3. Advocating for yourself and adapting to new environments, like graduate school
4. The true definition of grit and gratitude in facing adversity
5. Practical steps to ground yourself during setbacks or major changes
6. Rethinking resilience: validating emotions and taking small steps forward

About Laura Bratton

Laura Bratton was diagnosed with an eye disease at the age of nine and, over the next decade, faced the difficult transition to life without sight. Despite these challenges, she graduated with a BA in psychology from Arizona State University and went on to become the first blind student to earn a Master of Divinity from Princeton Theological Seminary. Laura is the author of Harnessing Courage and the founder of Ubi Global, where she provides speaking and coaching to empower people to overcome obstacles with grit and gratitude

Connect with Laura Bratton

1. Website: https://www.laurabratton.com/
2. Email: laura@laurabratton.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

1. Visit: earlyaccountability.com
2. LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
3. Facebook: Kimi Walker
4. Instagram:

In this moving episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Jamal Powell, Christian rap artist turned author and motivational speaker. Jamal shares his deeply personal story chronicled in his book A Marriage Broken by Covid, taking listeners through the heartbreak and resilience his family experienced when the pandemic turned his world upside down. As Jamal recounts the separation and reconciliation in his marriage, the terrifying battle his wife faced with Covid-19, and the sudden demands of new fatherhood—all experienced amidst uncertainty and grief—he also traces how faith, persistence, and reframing hardship as opportunity became his most powerful tools.

Listeners will be inspired by Jamal’s “diamond mindset,” his commitment to turning pain into purpose, and how visibility and storytelling can foster healing. Jamal opens up about the practical and spiritual disciplines that helped him endure prolonged adversity and transform brokenness into renewed strength and deeper gratitude. This episode is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of social support, and never giving up, no matter how bleak life may seem—a radiant reminder that diamonds truly are forged under pressure.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• Turning loss and hardship into lessons of resilience and hope
• The transformative power of faith during times of crisis
• Embracing the “diamond mindset” to emerge stronger from adversity
• The role of accountability, visibility, and community in personal growth
• Practical spiritual and mindset disciplines for enduring tough times
• The importance of sharing your story to inspire and help others

About Jo’mel Williams Powell

Jo’mel Williams Powell is a Detroit-based author, speaker, and former gospel rap artist whose story is as powerful as it is redemptive. When his pregnant wife contracted COVID-19 in 2021, Jo’mel was suddenly thrust into single fatherhood as she remained in long-term care. Out of this life-altering hardship, he discovered what he calls the “Diamond Mindset”—a belief that life’s pressure can reveal hidden strength, purpose, and spiritual clarity. Today, Jo’mel shares his story to help others transform pain into power. He is the author of A Marriage Broken by COVID Produced Diamonds for You and speaks to audiences about resilience, faith, and healing through adversity.

Connect with Jo’mel Williams Powell

• Linktree (book, socials, and more): https://linktr.ee/AMarraigeBrokenCovid
• Instagram: @jomelwilliams
• Facebook: facebook.com/share/1A4EySpqzg
• TikTok: @diamondsforyou85
• Email: JomelWilliams85@gmail.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: 

In this inspiring episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Mitchell Osmond, high-performance coach and founder of Dad Nation, a transformative movement and podcast empowering career-driven men to reclaim their home, health, and happiness. Mitchell opens up about his powerful personal journey—growing up in a dysfunctional family, grappling with self-sabotage, and facing financial, marital, and health crises, only to transform his life and now uplift thousands of men through his mission-based community and coaching practice.

Throughout the conversation, Kimi and Mitchell dive into the challenges that high-performing individuals face when trying to balance professional ambition with personal relationships and self-care. Mitchell shares the practical frameworks he uses, including the Life Report Card, boundary setting, and his “four Cs” of leadership: community, clarity, consistency, and confidence. Whether discussing how to define success on your own terms, strategies for creating lasting habits, or the importance of modeling legacy for your family, Mitchell offers actionable wisdom and a reminder that true impact starts at home—and that intentionality, accountability, and grace are the keys to lasting change.

Topics Covered in This Episode

1. Reclaiming home, health, and happiness through intentional accountability
2. The “Life Report Card” and redefining balance across life’s seasons
3. How to set clear boundaries and prioritize what truly matters
4. The four pillars of leadership: community, clarity, consistency, and confidence
5. Building legacy by modeling behaviors and breaking generational cycles
6. Systems, time-blocking, and the Eisenhower Matrix for focus and impact

About Mitchell Osmond

Mitchell Osmond is a leadership consultant, executive coach, and host of the Dad Nation Podcast, which reaches over 34,000 monthly listeners. With more than 15 years of senior leadership experience, Mitchell is passionate about helping high-performing individuals thrive not just in their careers, but also in their homes and personal lives. Through coaching, speaking engagements, and his digital presence, Mitchell empowers men to lead with purpose, balance success across all areas of life, and build lasting legacies. His mission is clear—help leaders win at work without losing at home.

Connect with Mitchell Osmond

1. Instagram: @dadnationco
2. Email: mitchell@dadnationco.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

1. Visit: earlyaccountability.com
2. LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
3. Facebook:

In this energizing episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Dr. Ryan Gottfredson, a leadership development coach, author, researcher, and consultant, who specializes in helping leaders and organizations unlock their greatest potential through the power of mindset. Dr. Gottfredson shares his personal journey from a transformative high school sports psychology class to becoming a professor at California State University, Fullerton, and an internationally recognized consultant and author of three influential books, including Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, and his newest release, Becoming Better: The Groundbreaking Science of Personal Transformation.

Together, Kimi and Ryan dig deep into what it truly means to lead—not just in action, but in being. They unravel the crucial distinction between the “doing” and “being” sides of self-development and how traditional focus on skills and tactics often overlooks the inner operating system that shapes leadership, growth, and personal transformation. Dr. Gottfredson introduces practical strategies for vertical development, the role of self-awareness, and actionable techniques for cultivating foundational mindsets. Their conversation is packed with powerful analogies, real-world examples, and motivational reminders that elevating your impact always starts from within. Listeners will leave with a renewed understanding that sustainable progress and accountability are rooted in intentional self-elevation, not just checking off to-dos.

Topics Covered in This Episode

• The difference between “doing” and “being” in leadership and personal growth
• How vertical development upgrades your inner operating system for lasting transformation
• Mindset shifts foundational to consistent, resilient leadership
• Self-awareness as the critical early step toward meaningful change
• Practical tools to regulate reactivity and increase intentionality (e.g., meditation, journaling)
• Distinguishing between self-serving and service-oriented leadership for maximizing team impact

About Ryan Gottfredson

Dr. Ryan Gottfredson is a pioneering leadership development expert, best-selling author, and mindset researcher. As a professor at California State University–Fullerton, Ryan blends academic insight with practical strategies to help leaders elevate their thinking and performance. He is the author of acclaimed books including Success Mindsets, The Elevated Leader, and Becoming Better, all of which focus on the power of vertical development and mindset transformation. Through his consulting work, Ryan partners with organizations to create more self-aware, adaptable, and effective leaders by rewiring the way they think.

Connect with Ryan Gottfredson

• Website: https://ryangottfredson.com
• Email: ryan@ryangottfredson.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi...

In this inspiring episode of the Early Accountability Podcast, host Kimi Walker welcomes Wilk Wilkinson, host of the "Derate the Hate" podcast and Director of Media Systems and Operations at Braver Angels. Together, they delve into Wilk’s powerful journey from overcoming childhood bullying to becoming a champion for depolarization, personal accountability, and emotional resilience. Wilk shares how early experiences formed his perspective on taking charge of one’s reactions, detailing his transformation from holding onto hurt to finding peace through self-accountability and gratitude.

Listeners will gain actionable insights and heartfelt strategies for turning adversity into growth. Wilk discusses the foundational values of his work: bettering the world one attitude at a time, learning from mistakes, and embracing gratitude as a way to shift mindset. He illustrates how to apply these concepts, from handling daily frustrations to navigating major life setbacks, and encourages everyone to recognize the freedom found in choosing one’s response. This episode is filled with motivational takeaways, reminding us that while we cannot always control what happens to us, we can absolutely control how we react—and that shift can be truly life-changing.

Topics Covered in This Episode:

• Turning adversity and bullying into personal growth and accountability
• The mission and evolution of Derate the Hate podcast
• Tools for emotional regulation and choosing your response to challenges
• The role of gratitude in reshaping mindset and daily habits
• How to measure personal growth without traditional metrics
• Vulnerability, visibility, and the impact of sharing your story for collective change

About Wilk Wilkinson

Wilk Wilkinson is a devoted husband, father, Christian conservative, and the host of the Derate The Hate podcast. Raised in rural towns across the upper Midwest, Wilk’s early years were shaped by hardship, bullying, and a relentless drive to create a better future. Starting work at just 10 years old, he learned valuable lessons about perseverance, empathy, and self-reliance. Today, Wilk uses his platform to promote civility, gratitude, and personal accountability, offering insights rooted in real-life experience. Through his podcast and leadership role with Braver Angels, Wilk helps others navigate differences with compassion and build bridges across divides.

Connect with Wilk Wilkinson

• Website: https://deratethehate.com
• Email: wilk@wilksworld.com

Connect with Kimi Walker:

• Visit: earlyaccountability.com
• LinkedIn: Kimi Walker
• Facebook: Kimi Walker
• Instagram: Kimi Walker
• YouTube: Kimi Walker