We don’t just get boxed in by others. We box ourselves in.

In this episode, Jade Simmons joins Sean Martin for a real conversation about race, labels, stereotypes, and the silent pressure to conform—especially for people of color.

Jade opens up about being judged for showing up “too Black” after growing up being told she was “too white.” Together, she and Sean break down how respectability politics, cultural expectations, and internalized bias continue to shape how we see ourselves—and how we limit ourselves.

They talk about:

• The pressure to shrink and fit into roles that weren’t made for us
• Racism, labels, and the mental cost of performing identity
• How race and appearance still define perception and access
• Why boldness is more than a look—it’s a tool for freedom
• Why you have to stop performing someone else’s version of you
• Navigating business, culture, and politics while staying authentic

This episode is about doing the work to unlearn who they told you to be—so you can finally become who you really are.

-----

Instagram: hhttps://www.instagram.com/officialjadesimmons/

https://jadesimmons.com/

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

-----

🔥 About the Guest – Jade Simmons

Jade Simmons is a transformational keynote speaker, concert pianist, CEO, author, and former presidential candidate. She’s also a trailblazer in pageantry—crowned Miss Illinois 1999 and named first runner-up at Miss America 2000, where she performed classical piano on a national stage and redefined what it meant to be a Black woman in pageantry.

A graduate of Northwestern University in piano performance and founder of Jade Media Global, Jade has created a category of her own with her signature “keynote concert adventures”—high-energy events that blend powerful storytelling, classical music, mindset shifts, and audience transformation. She’s been called “Classical Music’s Number One Maverick”, with performances at the White House, U.S. Supreme Court, and global corporate stages for brands like Dell, Pfizer, and NBC Universal.

In 2020, she ran as an independent candidate for President of the United States under Operation Restoration, bringing a fresh, nonpartisan voice to American politics focused on purpose, unity, and people over party.

Jade is also the author of Purpose the Remix and Audacious Prayers for World Changers, and she continues to speak on leadership, race, reinvention, boldness, personal branding, and unlocking potential through authentic expression.

Whether it’s breaking racial and cultural stereotypes in classical music, challenging conformity in corporate spaces, or using her voice to push for social and political change—Jade Simmons is a force for disruption, purpose, and liberation.

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

-----

Tags & Keywords:

Jade Simmons, Sean Martin, REAL Mentors Podcast, race and identity, breaking stereotypes, internalized racism, keynote speaker, bold leadership, personal development, conformity, labels and expectations, people of color, racial identity, stereotypes,...

From navigating the complexities of higher education to revolutionizing student engagement, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal is reshaping how we think about learning and investing in education.

In this episode, Dr. Carvalhal shares her inspiring journey from an immigrant child in Brooklyn to becoming a thought leader in higher education. As the founder of ANC Consulting, she is on a mission to transform the higher education landscape, focusing on student success, enrollment strategies, and bridging the gap between academic and business practices.

Dr. Carvalhal explores the real challenges institutions face today, such as dwindling enrollment numbers and the struggle to keep students engaged. She reveals the importance of treating education as an investment rather than just a transaction and provides insight into how universities can evolve to meet the needs of today’s digital-native students.

Additionally, she discusses the rising importance of entrepreneurship in education and the shifting expectations of students, who are no longer just looking for degrees but real, applicable skills that will lead to future success.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Dr. Carvalhal transitioned from a passionate educator to a consultant driving change in the industry
• The impact of treating education as a business and why students should see themselves as investors
• The biggest challenges facing higher education today and how to overcome them
• Why universities need to adapt to the needs of modern students or risk becoming irrelevant
• How the future of higher education will be shaped by AI and digital learning platforms
• The importance of family involvement in education and how it affects student success

This podcast is for you if:

• You’re interested in the future of higher education and student engagement
• You’re questioning whether college is still worth the investment
• You’re passionate about shifting traditional educational models for a more relevant, inclusive future

Dr. Carvalhal’s story proves that the future of education isn’t about adhering to old systems—it’s about innovating, adapting, and empowering students to become the leaders of tomorrow.

-----

🔗 Connect with Dr. Angelina Carvalhal

@ancconsulting1 on Instagram | LinkedIn | ANC Consulting - Website

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

-----

Keywords & Tags:

Higher education, student engagement, education investment, ANC Consulting, future of education, enrollment strategies, AI in education, entrepreneurship in education, REAL Mentors Podcast, Dr. Angelina Carvalhal, Sean Martin

#AngelinaCarvalhal #EducationReform #HigherEducation #EducationInvestment #REALMentorsPodcast #EntrepreneurshipInEducation #FutureOfLearning #StudentEngagement #AIinEducation #SeanMartin

From planning celebrity-packed events to launching innovative virtual experiences, Jeff Krauss is at the forefront of experiential marketing and event production.

In this episode, Jeff shares his journey from a party promoter to the founder of IE Group NYC, a leading event production company that works with top-tier celebrities and influencers. He dives into the challenges of building relationships in a high-stakes industry and how authenticity and humility have played a key role in his success.

Jeff also talks about the launch of FanRoom Live, a platform that offers fans unique virtual meet-and-greets with their favorite stars, and how he navigated the shift from live events to digital experiences during the pandemic. He gives a behind-the-scenes look at producing A-list events and the importance of staying grounded, regardless of the glamorous surroundings.

🎙️ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Jeff transitioned from party promoter to successful entrepreneur
• The key to building strong relationships in the entertainment industry
• How FanRoom Live was born and how it’s changing virtual fan experiences
• The struggles and rewards of producing high-profile events
• Why authenticity is more important than status symbols in business
• The impact of staying grounded in an industry focused on image

This podcast is for you if:

- You’re interested in the event production and experiential marketing world

- You want to learn how authenticity can help you succeed in a high-stakes industry

- You’re a fan of celebrities and curious about the behind-the-scenes of their events

Jeff’s story proves that true success doesn’t come from superficial status, but from creating genuine connections and staying true to who you are.

-----

🔗 Connect with Jeff Krauss!

Instagram: @iegroupnyc

🛜 IE Group Website | FanRoom Live | QuoteNotes

🔔 Follow us on Instagram!

🕶️ Podcast: @REALMentorsPodcast

🎙️ Host: @SeanMartinMotiv8 | @theseanmartin

-----

⭐️ About the REAL Mentors Podcast

The REAL Mentors Podcast is all about bringing authentic stories, inspiring messages, and valuable lessons straight to you. Our mission is simple: alter lives with real examples and provide actionable advice to empower the next generation of leaders, creators, and visionaries. If you’re looking for real-talk and real impact, this is the place for you.

-----

Keywords & Tags:

Event production, experiential marketing, IE Group NYC, FanRoom Live, celebrity events, authenticity, event planning, entrepreneurship, relationship-building, virtual fan experiences, REAL Mentors Podcast, Sean Martin

#JeffKrauss #EventProduction #AuthenticityInBusiness #FanRoomLive #EventPlanning #Entrepreneurship #REALMentorsPodcast #SeanMartin #Wrestling #WWE #BIGSHOW #UNDERTAKER #THEROCK #CMPUNK