From personal branding to personality tests, corporate culture to cultural stereotypes, this episode explores how identity is shaped, masked, marketed, and reclaimed. Shaniqua and Stephanie unpack the tension between authenticity and acceptance at work and in society—challenging the labels we inherit, the roles we play, and the stories we’re told to believe about ourselves.

Topics include: identity at work, Myers-Briggs, astrology, stereotypes vs. archetypes, queer representation, and self-acceptance as quiet revolution.

Subscribe and share if you’ve ever asked, “Who am I, really?”

• (00:00:00) - Mirror, Mirror: FITI Opening + Identity Setup
• (00:03:00) - Who Are We at Work? Corporate Culture, Personality Tests & Professional Masks
• (00:20:00) - Beyond the Zodiac: Culture, Conditioning & Quiet Rebellion
• (00:30:00) - Archetypes vs. Stereotypes: Shedding Labels, Reclaiming Power
• (00:36:00) - Representation or Requirement? When Identity Becomes Exposure

In this bonus segment of Culture Cues, Shaniqua and Stephanie get personal about what they were taught growing up about change—and how those early messages still influence them today. From southern church pews to 80s anthems and recovery prayers, they explore the cultural cues that shaped their resistance, acceptance, and redefinition of transformation. Raw, reflective, and relatable—this is the story behind the story of change.

Who decides what’s important—and why? From MTV to meme culture, from fashion to intergenerational values, Shaniqua and Stephanie analyze how collective beliefs turn trends into movements. This episode unpacks how ideas gain traction (or disappear), and how culture, style, and storytelling shape industries, policies, and the future.

Subscribe now and share with your community! Let's have a deeper conversation about what truly drives change.

STEPHANIE’S BIO:

Stephanie Crain, aka Corporate Mystic, is a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized companies, Shaniqua's approach blends empathetic partnership with dynamic, data-informed solutions, ensuring businesses align their teams with their strategic vision for success and efficiency.

• (00:00:00) - Show Opening
• (00:00:50) - MTV Amplifying Subcultures
• (00:18:53) - Memes IYKYK Culture
• (00:40:18) - Predicting Future Trends
• (00:46:14) - FITI Takeaways
• (00:48:37) - Show Close

Language is more than communication—it’s a blueprint for change.

Subscribe now to stay in the loop of FITI Season 2.

Shaniqua and Stephanie explore how language influences identity, fuels innovation, and reinforces or resists power structures, from corporate jargon to code switching, and political rhetoric to emojis. We unpack how our words shape culture, policy, connection, and control. Elevating insights inspired by linguists, neuroscientists, and everyday experiences, this conversation reveals why language is one of the most potent tools for transformation.

• (00:00:00) - Show Opening
• (00:03:15) - Why Language Matters
• (00:21:27) - Personal Reflections & Societal Inquiry
• (00:52:22) - Closing/Takeaway
• (00:52:30) - Show Close

⚡ The FITI Vodcast is back with Season 2: The Architecture of Change!

Stephanie and Shaniqua kick off Season 2 by unpacking the psychology behind our fear of change—how uncertainty, loss, and identity shifts influence resistance or acceptance in society, culture, and business.

Check out the vodcast on YouTube: https://lnkd.in/gAeDUMVN

Tune in as we unpack:
• Why change feels threatening (and why that matters)
• The emotional and cultural drivers of resistance
• How fear can evolve into a catalyst for innovation

Follow or subscribe to stay in the loop as we explore how society, culture, and business shape the future—one conversation at a time.

Join co-hosts Shaniqua Brown and Stephanie Crain on this episode of From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) as they explore the rise of fractional professionals. Featuring business partners Ann Humes and Chris Keody, this engaging discussion uncovers the transformative impact of fractional executives on modern businesses. Together, they debunk myths, discuss how to redefine leadership roles and share actionable insights on reshaping business models for success. Meet the Guests

Chris Keody

An entrepreneur with nearly 15 years of experience transforming business challenges into success stories. Chris began his career by expanding a restaurant chain, opening seven locations in just two years. Since then, he’s led companies across industries like accounting, hospitality, and cannabis, helping businesses—from startups to $10M+—align strategy with execution. He is passionate about freeing leaders from the daily grind to achieve lasting success. Outside of work, Chris enjoys time with his family, cooking, and assembling LEGO creations.

Ann Humes

Ann helps business leaders and owners avert "master disasters." With experience spanning Fortune 50 companies like Microsoft and IBM to startups, she’s developed the Inflection Point Business and Pivotal Path Methodology. These tools empower leaders to leverage critical moments to drive exponential growth and success.

Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) on YouTube: / @fromilluminationtoinnovation

Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here: • From Illumination To Innovation

Key Discussion Points

• The rise of fractional professionals and how they fill critical leadership gaps.
• Delegation vs. transferring authority—why this distinction is vital.

In this episode, guest Rusty Brindle, a seasoned trades professional, shares his journey and insights into the world of skilled labor. Rusty Brindle is 53 years old, with 20 years in the trades, 15 years as an ASE Master Mechanic, and 12 years in law enforcement. In 2018, he started Terrarium Homes, a business built on values like quality over quantity, ethics, perseverance, and fostering long-term customer relationships. Rusty emphasizes the importance of knowing your customers, fair pricing, profitability, and even when to "fire" a customer if they're not the right fit.

Like this video? Subscribe and turn on notifications for From Illumination to Innovation (FITI) on YouTube: / @fromilluminationtoinnovation

Watch our other episodes of the 'FITI Vodcast' here: • From Illumination To Innovation

Key Discussion Points

• The growing appeal of skilled trades and the shift away from corporate careers
• Rusty's journey from law enforcement to skilled trades and lessons learned along the way
• Tips on building strong client relationships and creating a sustainable business

Why This Matters

As more professionals seek fulfilling and practical career paths, skilled trades offer a unique combination of independence, hands-on work, and purpose. Rusty's story serves as inspiration for those looking to escape the corporate grind and find meaning in their careers. This episode highlights the value of trade work, the rising demand for skilled labor, and practical advice on running a successful business.

Upcoming Episodes

The next FITI Vodcast episode airs on 11/28/24! Stay tuned for more illuminating conversations with Shaniqua Brown, Stephanie Crain, and fascinating guests.

Join the Conv...

In this Halloween episode, the third and final part of our Brand Shadow Series, Stephanie and Shaniqua bring you an unforgettable blend of spookiness, insights, and corporate horror in Shadow Stories. Gather around your screen and get ready for frightful tales like "Overtime Despair" and "The Steel Shroud"-stories that reveal the shadows lurking in everyday corporate life and the hidden horrors behind it all. Inspired by real-life events, these four unique stories explore the darkest sides of corporate life, consumerism, and technology.

From toxic work cultures to products that terrorize their own users, each tale sheds light on systems that drain our energy, creativity, and humanity. To make it even scarier, we collaborated with the "AI Monster" to craft these stories — think of it as Augmented Intelligence with a real human touch.

Here's What to Expect:

• Overtime Despair – A chilling look into the endless overwork and economic oppression cycle.
• The Haunted Convenience – A haunting reminder of the hidden human costs of convenience and tech reliance.
• The Steel Shroud – The terrifying story of a product gone rogue, showcasing the nightmare of unchecked innovation.
• The Phoenix Pocket – A tale of resilience and creativity as one engineer stands against corporate apathy.

Why This Matters:

Through these haunting stories, we spark a conversation about the real issues behind corporate culture, toxic systems, and the importance of ethical consumer choices. These tales will resonate whether you're dealing with workplace challenges or tech skepticism. Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Subscribe for More: Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to From Illumination To Innovation (FITI) on YouTube for more stories on leadership, workplace culture, and personal growth.

Don't miss our latest Brand Shadow Series episodes!

Shadow Stories Featured in This Episode:

• The Haunted Convenience by Shaniqua Brown
• The Steel Shroud by Stephanie Crain
• Overtime Despair by Shaniqua Brown
• The Phoenix Pocket by Stephanie Crain

️ Upcoming Episodes: Stay tuned! Our next FITI Vodcast episode airs on November 14th with a focus on the evolving world of employment, including the latest in trade work and fractional consulting trends.

Engage with Us: What's your scariest workplace experience? Have you felt trapped by corporate culture or consumer habits? Share your story below and join our FITI community as we explore the shadows of corporate life together.

STEPHANIE’S BIO:

Stephanie Crain is a Corporate Mystic, a visionary collaborator who empowers organizations and individuals to align their core values and unleash their authentic expression. With 25 years of experience in branding, culture, and creative strategy, Stephanie excels as an executive leader, fostering collaboration and talent elevation across diverse industries. As a Certified Master Jungian Coach specializing in Success Mindset, she guides executives, creators, and entrepreneurs to overcome obstacles and #vibratehigher by activating their true potential.

SHANIQUA’S BIO

Shaniqua Brown, Founder and Talent Strategist at Elevated TA brings over a decade of expertise in Talent Acquisition, with a distinguished background at industry leaders like Kforce and Google. Merging her academic prowess in Interdisciplinary Social Science with insights gained from a dynamic career as a professional dancer and NFL cheerleader, she infuses Elevated TA's mission with precision, agility, and an innovative spirit. Focused on revolutionizing talent acquisition strategies for mid-sized com...