Hey, y'all. It's your girl, Shakyra Mabone,
Jada:Jada Vasser.
Anthony:And Anthony Brinson, and this is All Shade the Chocolate where we bring The
Jada:sweetest, the hottest.
Anthony:Black culture to MSU. Featuring our low key special guest. Hey, Destiny. How you doing? Hey.
Anthony:She's joined the people who really sit in and, listen to our episodes and shoot. If you got something to comment on, because we was talking earlier, I'm like, hey. Mess around bringing half the newsroom in for the podcast episode. But how y'all doing today, Jaden and Shikhar?
Jada:I'm sleeping. I ain't gonna hold you, man. I'm a little tired. Yeah. Your class is kinda whooping me.
Jada:I'm whooping me.
Anthony:Listen. I'll share the chocolate fam. I ain't gonna get to it, but we everybody go through stuff. Let's just lesson of the day, beef to be actually serious real quick. This ain't even what our episode about, but just when people go through things and maybe you don't see them or maybe you don't hear from them, sort of try to have that balance of, like, hey.
Anthony:I haven't heard from you in a minute, but, hey. Are you okay? And that's just as we was talking about, you guys Destiny, especially, that's kinda what we were talking about before we started recording. Mhmm. But to get, to segue into what our actual episode is about, you know, sometimes we tell people to do something, you know, sometime depending on your delivery or how to position you in.
Anthony:Sometimes they don't listen. It's all about leadership. It's all about how you talk to people and how to, know your person, know the people you're and your team you're working with. So if I'll give them a mic over to doctor Vassar, as I try to call her Yeah. With our phenomenal episode topic for the day.
Jada:Right. So, guys, we're talking about leadership. So I brought this topic up because I probably mentioned this on the podcast, like, maybe last year. So if you remember, you know, I'm a, resay it again. I attend this, yearly conference with my nana.
Jada:It's kinda like our little trip we do together because, you know, Robin West Smith, shout shout shout you out if you're listening, is a businesswoman, and she's all about her business. So she attends this women conference and every year, you know, every day, there's presenters and they get to present on a topic. You know? They talk about, things they went through in their life that made them who they are today, life lessons to give to other women or other people who may be going through what they struggle with. And one of the, presenters, her name is doctor Donna Lindsey.
Jada:She usually gives presentations on, like, self care and self love and how you can't help the next person if you don't help yourself first. So this past, in August when we went, she gave a presentation about leadership and how she leads in love. And I was like, I've never heard that before. You know, I've never really heard somebody say because usually, you know, leadership is, you know, hard. You gotta do the work.
Jada:You know, you gotta stay on top. You gotta meet your goals, meet all that. But she was like, you know, you don't really meet a lot of leaders who have that compassion, who have that love just for you, you know, just being you. So I wanted to bring it to y'all. You know, we could we are leaders.
Jada:Everybody's room is a leader. Hey. I look at y'all as
Shakyra:leaders. Perform.
Jada:Some way, shape, or form. In the state news, at class, in your own life. You know? We tend to, you know, have experiences where we had to lead somebody or give leadership, you know, things to somebody. And, you know, she has this workbook that I've been reading through, and I show auntie a little bit of it yesterday about heart driven leadership.
Jada:That's what she calls it. And what are the elements or what do you see as heart driven leadership? So, yeah, we can get into that.
Anthony:And real quick oh, you were about to say something, Shapiro. I wanna ask just in general based on whatever is the first memory that comes to mind when you had to lead someone or a group of people or just in a position of power, quote, unquote, how did you feel, and how did you really go about it, in your guys' perspective, if you could start?
Jada:Oh, the first time?
Anthony:Or just let's say, for example, when you were copy chief.
Jada:Oh, man. Yeah. Yeah. Copy chief, I had to be a leader in a lot of different ways because kinda on copy, you're, like, the expert at AP. Like, nobody knows it like you do.
Jada:So I had to do leadership in kinda different ways because, one, I had to teach people who were, like had higher positions than me. So, technically, they were my bosses, but they didn't know the stuff that I know, so I kinda had to lead them like, oh, this is weird. You we kinda flipped. Like, you usually give me, you know, the instructions and all. Yeah.
Jada:You do this, this, and this. But now I'm I can tell you, like, hey. You kinda messed up on that. You know, this book says we don't do that, so make sure you do that. And they're like, you know, understood.
Jada:I was like, that's different. I didn't know that's how a job worked. So that's probably, like, more of my prevalent experiences with leadership. And how I like to lead, I don't really okay. You gotta get your work done.
Jada:Alright? We can't slack around. You know? We gotta get, you know, the things we need to get done done. But a part of leadership I try to, like, I guess, be different is I really just try to see people as people first before workers because I kinda like to get people's story as to why you got here or how did you get here because I feel like that's the most interesting part.
Jada:And I feel like once we figure that out, we can do more work. But sometimes I feel like people jump so quick into the alright. It's the first day out here. Here's 3 packets. Once you do this training, come back to me.
Jada:You gotta watch a video. You know? The whole little minimal tedious stuff that doesn't really get people to their core of why they chose to work here. So when I was copy chief, I say this all the time. My desk, it was all brand new people besides 1 person.
Jada:1 person, you know, she was here for about a year, but she was still technically new because she went to a different desk then came back to copy. So it's like I was teaching all these new people what I knew how to do. And teaching somebody the AP style book is one of the hardest things I've ever done because it's not teachable. I I really need to know. Somebody with me and Jada
Anthony:got into book RB teaching it. I didn't wanna learn it, and she was trying to teach
Jada:it to me. Ew. It's not it's not. If you ever have seen the AP style book or have copy edited anything based on AP Oh, AP style book.
Anthony:Book. Mhmm. Because the book
Jada:is literally
Shakyra:designed it's literally like, okay.
Anthony:I'm telling you this. You can't do nothing else. Real quick, just
Jada:to always
Anthony:put the disclaimer that
Jada:I always forget to do in the beginning, but to just say it, for our own butts, the opinions and that
Anthony:the opinions and thoughts we share of this podcast are not of the state news. They are of of athlete Brenton, Jada Vassar, and Sha'Carri Raybone of the All Shades Chocolate podcast. Real quick because I just when you can't have said that, people get trash. And I'm scared. Yeah.
Anthony:So
Jada:Actually, my feelings do like and what he said, you know, listen to Anthony. But, yeah, it's not a teachable book. Okay? I don't like the book, and I that was the book I had to follow with every article I edited here and copied. A little bit.
Jada:But you get to, you know, the AP style book is really old. So a lot of their social terms, we couldn't say because they were literally offensive. Yeah. But the book is that year is that dated. Yeah.
Jada:So imagine having to lead based on a book, but I'm telling you, okay. Actually, don't listen to that. Or, actually, this one, we don't we don't use that.
Shakyra:Be like, okay. So what is it? But it's just like, you should know.
Jada:Right. Sorta kinda look at me like, so you don't know what you're talking about. And I say, actually, yes. I do. But But and I know if we said we will be canceled.
Jada:So I have to make the executive decision to tell you to not follow this word or we will not be an establishment no more. So
Anthony:And we're laughing, but, like, seriously. Dead serious.
Jada:Right? So serious, y'all. But that's why I look copy because you can make decisions like that and be like, no. Please don't say that because they don't they're not gonna like us if we publish that. Don't say that.
Jada:So I guess that's where, like, my leadership kinda took a turn because we're copying. You know? It's so hard that people get discouraged and people wanna stop and they don't wanna keep going. They're like, well, actually, I may do something else. So I don't really wanna, you know, learn the book because it's so intimidating at first and it's hard to, you know, for me at least, to teach them something that was still intimidating to me, and I was supposed to be their leader.
Jada:So I really broke it down and I was like, look, we all feel the same way. We don't like the book. What I can help you out with is when I don't understand something and you might understand it, you tell me. And if there's something you don't understand that I do, I tell you. We can give and take to each other.
Jada:That's the only way we're gonna learn it best. And that really helped because I really I really feel like it took the intimidation of, like, their leader or their boss off of me, and it looked to me as like, okay. You're a resource, not like my boss. So we're like, okay. I only can bring you business stuff.
Jada:I only can, like, oh, I'm not gonna be here today or, you know, that's as far as our conversation go. We really could get into a lot of stuff, and it really connected us at the desk. Like, my copy desk last year, I still talked to them daily. They're still some of my, you know, my bestest friends, closest friends, and that's because I really wanted to leave my desk that way. I didn't want them to leave thinking of me as just a boss.
Jada:I want them to think of me as a person. So that's kinda where I think my leadership style kinda differs is because I don't take the traditional approach of talking about the work first. Like, we we gonna get into the work. You're here for a year or a semester. You're here for some time, so we're gonna get to the work.
Jada:But what we may not have enough time for is just meeting you 1 on 1. Like, what's your name? Where'd your name come from? Where are you from? Are you, you know, originally from?
Jada:It's, you know, the little stuff that people say they don't have time for, I have all the time for.
Anthony:And, Shakyra, if you could, give your thoughts and specifically with podcast editor, especially since, like, you were Yeah. You were the person I learned from and then so
Shakyra:I'm glad that you mentioned that because my leadership style is more based off, like, my own personal experiences. Like, I always like to mentor. I love mentorship. It's the best thing, you know, you can do as a person, my opinion. So, like like, basically, going back to high school, I used to, like, mentor, like, students that was, like, in a lower grade for me.
Shakyra:And I always, like, think okay. Because they just, you know, they just, like, asked about, you know, like, regular stuff. Like, okay. Well, how is this gonna be? How that's gonna be?
Shakyra:How's how this gonna be? And I just, like, you know, going into college, I just tell them, like, okay. Well, this is what I went through. You don't have to take my advice, but I feel like we should you should try this or you should try that. But, yeah, I really like helping people based off my own experience because I know, like, if especially, like, in this circumstance at the state news, like, if they has been in my position because even with Damonte, who was who's also a student's affairs reporter, like, last year and this year, I was also a student's affairs reporter.
Shakyra:And he used to come to me and ask me about, like, okay. Like, you know, how this is gonna work, how certain other things is gonna work, and I just tell them, like, you know, okay. This is how I did it. You know, you can do it like this. You can do it like that.
Shakyra:Mentorship is, like, really big. I really love mentorship. So when I was podcast editor, my leadership styles with that, like, yes, I will also guide people. But sometimes, you know, a lot of people get off track, and me being, like, the person who want everything to be, you know, done, I guess, the right way because I'm a little bit of a perfectionist. It's not gonna hold you up.
Shakyra:I would, like, basically try to tell them, like, hey. You know? Let's say we have a show scheduled for, like, 5:30 PM and things like that. People will come in late. You know?
Shakyra:I get it. You know? We college students, things happen, things like that. But at the same time, like, I, like, lead with, like, having an expectation that, you know, this is what you're here for as well. So it's just, like, I kinda have, like, that expectation of them to, like, you know, do things.
Shakyra:Also, you know, at some point, I never got, like, any, memos before, like, the day started that, you know, people was gonna be late or things like that. Not all the time, but, like, you know
Anthony:Yeah. Just how things happen.
Shakyra:Yeah. Which is, like, again, I get. But me, personally, I like I just like everything to be, like, not perfect, but, like, straight in line because that helps me as a worker, as a person because I'm very organized in things like that. So whenever people, like, get off track, you know, I try to, like, guide them, you know, to get back on track. But, you know, people, they have their own mindsets, which is, like, that's okay.
Shakyra:They are also entitled to. But sometimes, if you do wanna get things done, I'm talking more specifically about myself, I would just have to be, like, a little bit more assertive. You know? And some people, they took it the wrong way, which is, like, no. I didn't really mean to, like, be aggressive as people would say.
Shakyra:But, like, that's just the way how I got things done. Like, you have to speak up because if you don't speak up, we wouldn't get anything done. And it's just, like, that's not what I wanted the podcast, you know, sorry, the podcast network to be. Like, I wanted to be, like, very productive because I'm a very productive person myself. You know?
Shakyra:So I just got to feel like that I had to be assertive to, like, guide people. You know? Sometimes that's what people need too. You know? I just personally feel like that.
Shakyra:You know? Sometimes you kinda do have to put yourself out there, speak up. Because if you don't speak up in this world, people would not hear you out, and that's not how I want to go and move forward, like, just life in general, not just in, you know, in a workplace. So, yeah, I'm just a person who like to speak up. That's odd.
Anthony:And, I love how you answered it and specifically that last part. Little quick, mini rant in terms of how usually I try to structure things as an interviewer and even for a quick, sneak peek for the audience, I'd ask Shakyra, like, hey. Are you comfortable saying what she just said? Because one of the things I wanted to bring up, it's weird being, a black guy and sort of see how black women in leadership and just as workers are treated Yeah. Because it mind boggles me of, like, why do y'all why do they get treated like this?
Anthony:And I want one of the things I wanted to ask both of you and specifically Shakyra with your role before I took the same role is it's weird when black women sort of anytime black women are leaders in general, unfortunately, a lot of times, they're deemed as aggressive or mean or the mean black lady. So how do y'all sort of balance when y'all are in positions of leadership? And let's say things aren't going the best and you kinda gotta be the mean, quote, unquote, person, how do you balance leading with leading with love and then leading with authority, especially as a black woman?
Shakyra:With leading with love, you know, me, personally, if I keep seeing, like, the same patterns, like, okay. This person, it keeps showing up late or this person is, not being mindful of, like, the podcast room or something like that. You know, I just sit down and just try to have a conversation like, okay. Do I need to make something clear? Because maybe they're, like, confused or something.
Shakyra:You know? Like, do we need to talk? Like, I'd have a conversation first, but then it just, like if it just keep repeating and things like that, that's when it's just like again, I feel like I have to speak up. I have to be assertive. So, you know, everything can flow more easier because that helps me as a person and as a boss, you know, as a worker to get my things done.
Shakyra:You know?
Jada:Yeah. I definitely agree. And I would even say, like, to you saying you said leading in authority, leading your love
Anthony:versus leading in authority.
Jada:I think you can lead in loving authority to where I definitely agree with you, Shakiya, where you say, at the end the day, you know, sometimes you gotta get like that because you're gonna meet some people who, you know, try to Slack and, you know, oh, I'll get it done later. Yeah.
Shakyra:I get it because we are college students and might be life in, but it's just me. I just have the expectation that you would come in and do your part. You know? Like, help me help you. Like And, you know yes.
Jada:And that's why I say it could be love and authority because I feel like a big difference in some leaders too is especially if you have, like, multiple jobs with different bosses, you could definitely tell the difference between some of them and which ones care more about the job and about you. So that's where I say, I think you can lead in loving authority because not only do you love the job, which is the authoritative part of it, you need, you know, the work to get done. I need to pay you, meaning you need to give me something to review so I can, you know, give you the pay that you deserve. But the love is I'm being so hard on you because I care about you. Mhmm.
Jada:You know? I'm trying to push you to your best position. If you will, tough love a little. You know?
Anthony:Yeah.
Jada:Because sometimes I feel like that does help elevate people just setting standard. Now I'd also believe there's 2 different ways to set a standard now. Especially for me and the way I like to go about things as a leader, you can tell when I don't really care about stuff, and you can tell when I'm trying to get this done, and I really don't care who I say anything about it. But then you can also kill when I do care and value your opinion, but it's still a standard that needs to be set.
Shakyra:And that's literally how I was trying to lead when I was, you know, a podcast editor. You know? Because I really love podcast, and I really wanna like, I listen. When I was podcast editor, I was literally in the midst of revamping everything, like, literally. So it was just, like, it was a process for everyone.
Shakyra:But it was just that, you know, like you just said, you love it and you care about it so much. You just wanna have that goal, that standard. You know? Yeah. That's that's what
Jada:pushes it. It's the love that I think pushes it so you can see it. You know? Because you can have the vision in your head how you want it to look, and I think the love is what makes sure that you're not gonna stop at nothing to get to that goal. Mhmm.
Jada:And, you know, and I think that really is what brings in, you know, your workers with you too because you share that goal and you'd be like, look. I know it may be hard right now. I may be getting on you a little bit, but the end result is gonna be so much better. Especially, like you said and, honestly, you made a good point earlier. I think the sad thing about society, at least right now, is they don't care to see the love and authority, or they don't care to see the love that some people have when they go about making, like, executive decisions in the work, especially if you're black and if you're a black woman because I don't know.
Jada:I just really think it's it's gonna take a lot to just get people's heads out of, you know, the one black woman that sits at the table and her voice is louder than everybody else's. Oh, she's trying to be that. Oh, you know, she's forcing herself to talk like that or, you know, which, you know, she's you know? Or that's how she acts where she's from. You know?
Jada:They talk that loud, that ghetto, that harsh. You know? But in actual reality, once you get under that volume because you're not gonna hear me if I talk quiet. You know? You're not gonna hear me if I come with a cute voice if I
Shakyra:You have to speak up for
Jada:this stuff.
Anthony:You know?
Jada:You're not even going because I tried it, and, you know, I got ignored. I got the, oh, I didn't even notice you were in the room. I didn't see you.
Shakyra:That part, man.
Jada:But I came and started yelling. And I was like, oh, you're shit. Yes.
Anthony:And to repeat the disclaimer just so you guys could correct me if I'm wrong. We're speaking in a general sense, like, not even just in state news or just this is a more general sense. And I repeat I repeat that because it's the literal truth, whether it be in the workforce or just life. And even the example you just gave of because sometimes, unfortunately, when we even try to talk to certain people about this, sometimes they'd be like, oh, it's over exaggerated. Oh, this certain thing of, like even Jada, like, oh, well, if we talk like this, even if it's in a literal life, we're being very serious of, like, a, hey.
Anthony:You were late to work or you were late you were a few minutes late for a podcast recording, and, due to this being late, things have been sort of backtracked, etcetera. And you'd be, oh, okay. Cool. And I'm speaking from experience, we're both speaking from experience, or we're all speaking from our experiences of, like, when we say it that way, you don't really hear it. But then if you'd be the, hey.
Anthony:I can't I can't record today because of, this. Or if you're late, then it becomes this. And then it turns into a you get the you get the rumblings of, oh, I don't like how they or they said this stuff, or you get a meeting with your boss of, like, hey. This person did say and then you get the sort of shock of, like, how do I balance leading in love and leading in authority? And to segue into that to, again, ask you guys because I wanna I'll eventually get into my own, like, experience of it, but especially since you 2 are people who I view in a literal and a, medical focal sense as leaders, I wanna ask when you're in when you're in positions of where your leadership is called into judgment, how do you deal with that on a personal level of, hey.
Anthony:How do am I a good enough leader, or what am I doing? And then how do you express that sort of care even though you're their boss per se? So first, how do y'all deal with that when your personal is your when your leadership is called into judgment?
Jada:I really feel like that goes back to what Shakira was saying. I think it's really all about sticking up for yourself, especially if you're black. Because a lot of times, I feel like you get the extra questioning or the extra the extra, are you sure you know what you're doing, or are you sure you wanna make that decision? Yeah. Like, well, I don't know.
Jada:Maybe if it was me, I wouldn't did that, but, you know, this is your role, so you can do what you want with it. And it's like, why are we gonna be all that? Like, why can't you just trust that I know what I'm talking about so we can move forward? Like, what
Anthony:do we do? We're very silly. We're doing very serious.
Jada:So damn serious. It's like it's just always feels like there's always gonna be the extra eyes. Like, okay. Make sure they actually know what they gonna do so, you know, it don't all crash and burn. Because if it do, it's right back on you saying, oh, well, you're the last person that did that.
Jada:Mhmm. So you're the reason that it happened. You know? So, honestly, when I feel like I get into situations or meetings and things like that where I feel like my leadership is in question or maybe there's a lack of understanding, I really just stick up for myself. I say, look.
Jada:You know? I've done this before. I'm currently doing this to other places. It has worked like this. I've seen these results.
Jada:Maybe if it's not the way you thought I was gonna do it, have the trust in me that it's still gonna get done. You know? Because that also really comes down to who your boss is and how your boss looks at you. So I really think that can play a huge part, especially if someone's leading over you and then you have to lead over somebody else. Mhmm.
Jada:Because sometimes I feel like leadership style, especially if they're, like, negative or really, really harsh, can rub off on you. And you're like, wait a minute. I don't wanna turn out like that. You know? I'm getting treated this way, but I don't wanna treat the people under me like that because I know I don't deserve it, and they really don't deserve it because they don't even know what's going on when I have a talk with you.
Jada:So I really think it's all about staying true to you and seeing what works. Because if you see the results, then there's nothing nobody else can tell you because you know it's gonna work. It's obviously working. It's just that's when we get into whole systematic oppression and, you know, these historical things that are put in place to oppress these different groups of people, specifically black people, when you try to get higher up, you know, in these places, and it feels like you have to jump over the extra roadblocks that somebody else has to. But it's really about, you know, staying true to who you are because once you lose that, you lost everything.
Jada:Mhmm. And that's, like, one of the most important things you want can't lose. And 2, if you keep it, you're gonna go so much farther than where you think you're trying to go. You know what I'm saying? Because somebody's gonna appreciate it somewhere.
Jada:You just kinda gotta fight a little bit, and I don't see nothing wrong with a fight. You know, me, especially where I'm in my positions that I make it or wanna get into, you're gonna have to fight a little bit. You're gonna have to fight with somebody to make sure they understand you. And I'm not gonna hold you. Before all of this, I was the well, you know, we could take it slow or we could try and see what happens.
Jada:You know? I always wanted to give people the benefit of the doubt, but the doubt is running out. And, you know, my benefit isn't yeah. There's not been benefits. Benefits I can give.
Jada:As long as so many I have to give, and I really gave them all out. So, you know, I'm gonna take your word as it is, and we're just gonna toss a little bit about it, and I'm a get my way. Because now you're saying I'm not backing down and you're not scaring me. Right. That's also the thing.
Jada:I think being a leader, you have to make sure people understand your determination and that you're not gonna make me choose something you like just because you think I'm afraid of you or you think, you know, I'm not used to this. I'm not used to the backs and forths. I am. Mhmm. I'm gonna show you.
Jada:So, you
Shakyra:know Well, me, personally, like, yes, it's very important to stick up for yourself as a black woman or just a black person in general. Mhmm. But me, personally, I like feedback a lot. I love collaboration. So if my leadership get questioned, well, again, like what Jada said, I mean, I know what I'm doing.
Shakyra:So it's just like, you know, I I think I know. I got it, you know, type stuff.
Anthony:Grain of salt type of thing. Like, take it with a grain of salt.
Shakyra:Yeah. Basically. Yeah. But, I will also, like, try to hear other people out, especially if it's someone over me, you know, because sometimes I know how I get, you know. I know myself as a person.
Shakyra:So it's just, like, I'm open to, like, feedback and just be, like, okay. Well, let me sit down and actually think about, like, what how can I change, you know, things, circumstances such as, like, my delivery, the way I talk to people and stuff like that? So that's just me personally because, you know, getting feedback and actually applying it to your, you know, leadership can make you grow as a person too, in my opinion. Mhmm. So yeah.
Anthony:And to sort of, finally give my, thoughts in terms of this whole conversation in terms of going back to leadership styles, I'm if especially if you know me in, my personal life, I'm a very, very sweet person. I'm a very nice person, and that translates into my leader. You're lying.
Jada:Lie. Not that nice, dude.
Anthony:I play so much, y'all. And when I for reference from when I first got the podcast, what was the title when we first when the first transition? It was coordinator, was it? Coordinator. Yeah.
Anthony:And when I first was podcast coordinator, before that moment, I wasn't in a position of leading people in the sense of a job set. So it was my first position of power,
Jada:quote unquote.
Shakyra:Scary, wasn't it?
Anthony:And not only was it scary, I didn't really know how to lead in that way because I've been told, like, oh, you're a good leader or you're this on, like, a personal level.
Jada:Right.
Anthony:But in a job sense, it was my first, like, okay. Now, like, show me who you are. Like, now show you if you're actually a good leader, now this is your, time. And just from the perspective of even the first type of, leadership role, it it was hard to even learn my leadership style to see if it did align with how I am as a person. And then since it did, when everything I feel at least with my leading style of leading with love, when everything's going beautiful, everything's going well, especially with the type of person I am if and with the position of podcast editor, sort of my job depends on my host.
Anthony:Like, I need you guys to show up on time and record. I need you guys to be here. I need you guys to, like, have a topic and have all these things. So since my since sort of, like, my paycheck depended on everyone else, even though I had my own role of, like, editing. With that, my leadership style was more like, you guys know what you're doing.
Anthony:I am your boss, quote, unquote, but I'd rather not even look at it like that.
Shakyra:It's like you had the expectations. Right?
Anthony:Yeah. Right. And so then what would then happen is when things would even if it was on my end or on the, workers' end when things weren't going well, then that's where I've I've sort of sort of sort of saw the flaw in my leadership style and why I even before we recorded, I mentioned it to Jada Shakyra of since I was so nice, I would feel, and then you could even ask these 2 out. They would tell me, sometimes people would either take advantage or not. It wouldn't really click, for lack of better words, of, like, I gave the example of, like, hey.
Anthony:You were a few minutes late and blah blah blah. When I would give it the diplomatic way or the more nicer way, I'd be like I'd sometimes, it would work. Sometimes, oh, my bad. My fault. Like, if it was us, for example, us 3, and I'd be like, hey.
Anthony:Can we record a little bit on time? Because last time we you know, how we get, and even in this episode, y'all see how we record. Yeah. And for them, it'd be like, you know what? Cool.
Anthony:We get it. And then when it was, more other people in other areas, it would get not even just a bad response, it'll just get that, like, hey, like a pushback. Like, well, I was late because of this, my fault, but I'm late because of this. And it'll Yeah. It'll put me in the weird position of I would even ask these 2 and especially Shakyra of, like, how did you handle this when you're working?
Anthony:And what's also it sort of sucked for me as a boss, quote, unquote, is a lot of people I was working with were my friends. Yeah. So it would it would be easy when, like, especially how we see it, if I could be like, yo, we we was late for our time. We need to be on our stuff. Yeah.
Anthony:And then we like, it clicks. But, a, obviously, I can't talk to another person that way if we are that close.
Shakyra:Right.
Anthony:But especially if it's more like if it's a different type of relationship, it's hard to sort of tell your friend what to do. And especially because they know your back, like, time, my little. Like, what you talking about? And sometimes it's just a person. Like, they're just not really gonna certain leadership styles don't click with everybody else.
Anthony:Yeah. Right. Yeah. And it sort of put me it was weird. And, again, just to, restress this disclaimer, not just at the state news, in a more general sense, even outside of this position when I've interacted with, work in the work field or with, somebody who I was over in that, exact in that, time frame, since I'd be the type of leadership style like, I'm fully I'm almost 90% leading in love.
Anthony:Like, I try not to be the sort of dictarian or sort of authoritarian, all the words type of leadership because when I'd get in positions of, especially as podcast editor, when I'd hear the examples or one time, obviously, not to put no one on blast, but I had a a short meeting with, with one of the bosses with one of my bosses of the state news, and it was a completely different conversation. And they had just mentioned, like, yeah. This person one time felt you said something a bit rude to them or at this one time. And it hurt I almost wanted to cry because I'm like, I try to be so, so nice, and then when I try to get that one time of, like and I knew what they were talking about with them even having to specify. I'm like, dang.
Anthony:When I try to lead in love or when I try to be super, super nice and then something doesn't really get done, and then I have to be a boss. So I have to be like, hey. We need this episode, or, hey. We need this published on this certain day. Then it gets that sort of, sort of backlash, and it was weird to sort of work through that.
Anthony:And I guess from to ask specifically Shakyra another question as a former podcast editor to when I was podcast editor. Now shout out Taylor. Phenomenal job as the current podcast editor. Based on the type of leadership you saw from being that position, from you having that position once and then seeing it how I was overall, not even just as, like, a feed my ego type of thing, but how was I as a leader from the perspective of leading? Like, not obviously okay.
Anthony:I knew I do a job.
Shakyra:Kind of a weird question because, like, why like, what do you mean?
Anthony:To specify more of like, you had the position, and then I have the position. Or put it let's ask it like this. Based on where you saw the pod because you mentioned that, when you first took the position, you kinda sort of had to revive it or build it up or Yeah. Sort of get it back on track. From where you see the podcast network now and where you or where you see it now, how you see it back then, how do you how do you feel the leaders you being talking about yourself, how the leaders led it to where they are, how do you feel the Podcast Network is currently, and then how do you feel based on the leadership styles of the various 3 of us?
Shakyra:Oh, I almost definitely see a difference.
Anthony:You
Shakyra:know? Like, I personally feel like you was, like, more, you know, chill, laid back, and you would just, like, let everything flow. Like me, again, like I said, I like everything to be structured because I am a structured person. I am an organized person. And being a podcast editor, that literally takes time management.
Shakyra:Time management. So, again, you have to it's structured. And I just personally feel like because I was so structured, that led, you know, to the podcast what it is known now, you know, with the additional how, you know, you guys bring y'all, you know, you know, a little flavor to the mix and things like that. But, yeah, you know, I just feel like it's good. It was great back then because, literally, I helped it be on the strong feet.
Shakyra:And even, like, before I became podcast editor, I was basically going based off, another person who was also previously podcast editor. But I won't say, like, they gave up because, unfortunately, like, they just wasn't, you know, provided with the tools. You know, I wasn't really provided with the tools either, so that's another thing. I literally had to, like, not, you know, like, basically dig everything up myself, which is, like, you know, that's a little pat on the back and things like that. But I would say since I helped, you know, like, build a strong structure with you guys, like, adding in to your own, you know, like, leadership and things like that, making it stronger, I would say, like, you know, it flows, like, smoothly and all, if that makes sense.
Anthony:And my bad if this makes the final cut. My that's how I was that's the that's what I was trying to get. So my
Shakyra:bad. Honor. Oh, wait. Yeah.
Anthony:Or I'm just if Oh. Just to clarify, if it makes it to the final cut
Shakyra:I'm sorry.
Anthony:If it doesn't, you that'd be your decision. But, just for the audience, if it do make 5 cut, that's what I was trying to ask Yeah. When I was trying to ask my question. And I appreciate your answer. And that's the sort of answer I was trying to get to because now when we finally get to our leadership book that obviously, I wish you guys could see the book, but Jada has, brought it to ourselves.
Anthony:When we get into read it.
Shakyra:What's the name of the title?
Jada:I got you. Leading in Love, Workbook, Heart Driven Leadership. Oh. Oh.
Anthony:And then y'all hear the page flip book? Okay. But when we get into this book, the reason why I've sort of tried to structure at least that last question to this point is when we're out in other settings of outside the state news and we get into congresses and we see these type of books, if, Jada, if you wouldn't mind, is sort of giving the audience a sort of overview of the book, of what it is, what it says, and then we can get into the actual questions that it asks because it's phenomenal.
Jada:I well, the introduction. You know? I think this first paragraph kinda, like, sums up what the book really is about. So this basically introduction. I might read a little funny, but y'all y'all y'all gonna bear with me.
Jada:I'll bear with me. Alright. Leading in Love centers around leading with compassion, empathy, and understanding. Leaders who lead in love prioritize building solid relationships with their team members, showing care and appreciation for their well-being, and creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. Leaders can inspire loyalty, trust, and a sense of belonging among their team members by leading with love, ultimately fostering a positive and productive work culture.
Jada:So that's basically kinda what the book is about. It's, I got the workbook because I like to do a lot of self reflection, and I got I I like to do a lot of work thinking, okay. How can I improve? Because I never wanna think that I got the best at anything. I always feel like there's little things I can do differently or there's always something I can learn more about.
Shakyra:Like, this is what I said. You know, it's great it's great to get feedback because Yeah. It will literally help you grow, not only as a leader, but as just a person in general.
Jada:Yeah. It is me kind of with you. I appreciate criticism. I'm not the type of person that I don't think I take it too negative. I really like to just sit and think.
Jada:You know, I didn't think about it that way. Let's see how I can, you know, incorporate that in a way I like to do it and see how, you know, it can fit everybody. So that's kinda what the reflection questions are. There's, different chapters that focus on different topics. So oh, there you go.
Jada:Yep. Yep. So then, you know, you can, read the chapter and then look at, some of the different questions. So, like, this first chapter, basically, it's kinda like the introduction to it. So I guess it's kinda just getting to know you as a leader.
Jada:So the first question is like, what does trust in the process mean to you in the context of leadership? So it's really like a reflection thing. Like, okay. If you think about trust in the process, it's okay. It's gonna work out in the end.
Jada:It may not look like it is now, but I'm trusting it's gonna get to the result that I want to. And I
Shakyra:was gonna say, like and that's how I feel like that's the type of leader Anthony is. Like, he's a test process person. Like Oh, yeah. He literally he's
Jada:so chill.
Shakyra:Like, he let everything flow. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah.
Anthony:Especially if because I, again, like, I've told Destiny, I'm very hard on myself. So when I was asking that one question, it was very jumbled. But the reason why I was asking Oh, I see. Specifically that question I got it. Of the whole trusting in process because of, like, you just said.
Anthony:And when you pointed to me, I smiled because I'm like, that is where I was trying to get to. So sorry
Jada:if it was jumbled. But yes. Fine.
Anthony:And if I were to ask you guys just that same question, and like we mentioned in one of our episodes, we each have new positions. So with our positions, how have you guys have felt about the idea of trusting the process, of knowing a new position, really, working with, shout out Chris and our, Wes and Kim working through these things? How do y'all trust the process? How is it for y'all? Honestly
Shakyra:oh, no. Go ahead. Go ahead. I was just gonna say,
Anthony:honestly, you just have to be confident, and I pretty set I'm pretty sure I said
Shakyra:this in multiple episodes by now. Y'all know me. You just gotta be confident. Mhmm. You gotta be confident on what you're doing.
Shakyra:Like, especially if this your passion, like, just to remind you guys, I am the video producer here. And and what I wanna do, I wanna, you know, be a, entertainment correspondent. So I wanna be on a rare carpet talking to celebrities and things like that. So, basically, go into broadcasting, maybe anchoring, you know, all that good stuff. So it's just, like, it's literally my passion to talk and be charismatic and things like that, you know.
Shakyra:So I just and it's just, like, me personally too. I also love to learn, like Mhmm. Listen. Learning a new process of anything, like, whether it's work or personal, it's so fun. Because it's just like, I know me.
Shakyra:I know I'm a be sucky at first. I know I'm gonna make so much mistakes, but it's just like that's the fun part, learning about it. And, you know, once you just, like, be comfortable with making the mistakes and learning it, it really is fun. It's fun, and it's just, like, everything just flows, like, beautifully after that. You know?
Shakyra:Mhmm.
Jada:Yeah. With this new position I got you, I ain't gonna hold you. Trust in the process a little bit is kinda hard for me because I'm never I've not I'm not used to not having to make everything on my own, but having so much just left to me. Like, I will say a difference between being DEI manager and then Copychief is when I got put into Copychief, I knew there were set regulations of stuff I need to follow. I knew there were certain things I needed to look for.
Jada:Okay. I needed to check-in with my copy editors to make sure they're adhering to the AP style book and the state news style book. I knew what both of those things were. I could reference both of them if I needed to. I had my documents that I needed to fulfill the position, so I walked in it with more confidence because I said, okay.
Jada:I already got everything I need. DI manager? I'm kinda making all that up for me, and I really have to trust the process not only with myself, but also everybody else and, you know, trusting that everybody has the same goal in mind. And it's kinda hard because I'm not used to walking in without my tools. I'm kinda making my own tools for the next person.
Shakyra:Yeah. So similar.
Jada:Yeah. And it's it's kinda weird. I like it, though. I'm not gonna lie. I like the challenge, and I like the difference.
Jada:It is fun. You know? I guess I'm just getting more used to trusting myself with it because nothing's hap there's nothing set in stone for this position. I'm making everything. I'm rewriting things.
Jada:I'm making it for the next person, but there's nothing for me to look at. I'm making it myself. So I gotta have to trust the process with me to be like, okay. That makes sense. I know what I'm talking about.
Jada:Like, you know, this will help somebody. Somebody will look at this and be like, yeah. That's really well written. I just gotta get out of my own head. It's like, do they really like that?
Jada:Like, why don't they really listen to me? They will. It's just, you know, new environment, new thing. I'm doing a whole new process. But I love it, though.
Jada:This is my passion. I wanna always talk about diversity and equity and inclusion and belonging because I think it's super important. So I love that I get to do it. It's just, because I think it's super important. So I love that I get to do it.
Jada:It's just navigating the waters of making this known that, you know, bringing it here and, you know, making it a thing that'll last, hopefully, forever. As long as the state news is here, this position will be here.
Anthony:And a sort of I'll, I appreciate your answer. And to sort of give the people who are our leaders a sort of shout out and the reason why I love we got in this conversation because it's a process. Even on the other end of the parts we don't see of again, shout out Chris, the general manager, who we're always it seems like, especially with me and him and then us 3 and him, you would think if you would walk by, we butting heads with him, but it's really we're always trying to talk like, okay. What's what's this moving part? What's this moving part?
Jada:Oh, we
Anthony:didn't even know that this was even and we mentioned and I love that guy because it feels like a culmination of everything that, we've been talking about. When we try to, talk to Chris, he'd let us know, like, hey. Duh, I'm working on it. And we'll let him know, like, hey. We're working on it.
Anthony:He asks us questions. We teach him. They've taught us. We teach, we teach them, like I said. And it's sort of in my opinion, at least, it helps the process a bit smoother because you get that communication that everybody's trying.
Anthony:And what I love about this newsroom and, the leaders that we have in this newsroom is at least they'll come to us and be like, hey. I don't really know what to do. Can you help us? And then when we go to them, be like, hey. You this is our new position.
Anthony:We really don't know what to do. What can y'all do? And we sort of make that balance of work, life balance of, okay, just ask me ask me a question if you need to. Let's talk about it. Let's see where we can go.
Anthony:And with that process, at least to me to even answer my own question, as you guys if you may remember from the other episode, I'm now the documentary specialist. And Yeah. Right hand of god, I've never made a documentary. Like, to be honest, to be very honest, I don't even know how to work a camera. That's what
Jada:I was saying.
Anthony:So, like But that's what I was saying.
Shakyra:Like, once you get comfortable with, like, learning and making the mistakes as you go, it's so fun. You know? Like, it's super fun.
Anthony:And to be with, luckily, the people of this podcast, Jada, listen. We could talk about Jay's resume, and it'd be a whole podcast episode. She has a background in documentary. As Shakira mentioned, she's a video producer, and it allows me to sort of especially being in a position where, like, most of what will be needed for a documentary specialist, I don't know how to do. It allows me to look at people like Jada and Shakira and to learn and be like, oh, this is how you work a camera.
Anthony:This is how you first of all, documentary cameras, they're way completely different cameras than another thing.
Jada:Are you?
Anthony:And it's allowed me to sort of pick up on those things and especially this the previous job I had of podcast editor and even as a podcast host now, it all of it stemmed from trusting the process. If we go all the way back, as I mentioned and alluded to, as I joked, like, I didn't wanna learn AP style books. Still haven't learned AP style book. But in the middle of that conversation, when I first was talking to Jada Shakyra, they're like, you know what? Fine.
Anthony:Forget the pike forget the AP style book. Come be podcast editor for the state news. And asked. We've talked about it many times on the show. I'm like, maybe.
Anthony:Yeah. And then once they pushed me, once I was able to learn from them and trust the process, then as we see now, luckily, I'm still here. They haven't kicked me off the show yet because have we ever I don't think we've actually ever mentioned have we have we ever did
Jada:an origin story for our podcast?
Anthony:Like, I Yeah. Yeah. I think we did. Which, hopefully, if we did, like, like, I make that joke. Like, this initially started off as their idea, and they trusted me, and I trusted them, and it allowed the workflow to really get going.
Anthony:And now it call it culminates all the way here to where now we're in our various positions, and we're talking about this book. So I wanna ask, based on the type of experience we've now gotten, what would you guys say are your preferred leading styles as looking at a leader? Like, how would you guys want to be led based on everything we've talked about?
Jada:You know, you're asking really good questions, man. I, you know, if I if I had to answer that question, I'm honestly would say that I'm still searching for other leadership styles
Anthony:Mhmm.
Jada:Because I kinda feel like my idea of a leader or what I hope to be as a leader as I get into multiple positions and, you know, working in DEI and, you know, making sure that it doesn't die because it's kinda dying, which is why I wanna get into that field so bad Mhmm. Is, you know, I kinda wanna be in a combination of a lot of stuff so that people can never say I'm just one way, if that makes sense. Like, I wanna learn how to reach as many people as possible, and I know you can't reach everybody the same way
Anthony:Mhmm.
Jada:Which is why I kinda combined to your answer about leading in authority because it's not just love where it's like, oh, you know, we're not ever gonna talk about the work or we're not ever gonna get work done, but it's not just authority where it's like, okay. Do you even care about me as a human being?
Anthony:Mhmm.
Jada:I feel like combining the 2 together and it's really something I learned with this position because, you know, I get trusted to do a lot of things on my own, so that kinda has that kinda has me to trust my own authority and trust my own decision making with a lot of things saying, no. I don't really like how we do that. Maybe we could try it this way or, you know, when students come to me and they seek, you know, advocacy and they seek for someone to be their support system and stick up for them, that's the love part. You know? I got that in the bag.
Jada:I got you. You know? I'm a be that right hand man you need because if you can't say it to yourself, I can say it for you. So I think and I also think that's where authority comes in because I need to speak a certain way. I need to speak with, you know, advocacy for this person because they can't do it for themselves.
Jada:And they trusted me enough to tell them, I need you to talk to this person for me. Like, I literally cannot do it myself, and I don't see me going forward here if I can't do that. So I think that's where I kinda combine the 2 a lot because I have to balance making sure I'm hearing them as a person because they have true feelings. But, also when I step in a room, it's not, hey, guys. So, you know, if we all just get along, it'll be no.
Jada:It's alright, y'all. Somebody doesn't feel right. Something's not going well. What can we do together to make this change? Because these are real feelings people are having, and we can't live in la la land like everybody like each other because that's just not reality.
Jada:Newsflash. Mhmm. You know what I'm saying? It's not reality. And not even like each other.
Jada:You know? The underrepresentation is a real thing, and I will always want to make sure that I am representing people that don't see them in other areas, especially for here. Like, I wanna be that not the token black person, but, like, kind of the token black person. That's more a funny way of saying it, but just if you look at the state news, you see me, and you're like, oh, there I go. I'm right there.
Jada:You know? Because when I came in here, I didn't have that. But when that person became editor in chief, I did have it, and I was somebody overall. She was that person for me, and we talked about it a lot because I love the way she ran this newsroom, and I love the way she put herself as a leader. And I embodied what I wanted to be through her, but through Jada's way.
Anthony:It's so hard not to cut you off right now. You're saying every if y'all were to see my reaction because those are almost the exact words of if I were to answer my own question, honestly, and she gonna feel like I'm gas in her, but Jada is a phenomenal leader just in general. And since I know Jada always be like like, oh, like, y'all gotta talk about me. If I were to answer my own question, it's hard to answer it unless I give an example of who's done it. And Jada would be an example, but the example I was gonna give is Samaya overall.
Anthony:Mhmm. Because how she led this newsroom, and, again, to keep giving the disclaimer, our editor in chief after Morgan and our creditor editor in chief Liz, great leaders. Like, actual just genuine in my opinion, great leaders. They're doing a thing. Samaya overall, when she ran this new loser room I'm saying her last name right just to make sure.
Jada:I said it
Anthony:like 3 times. And, with the sort of it's it was insane to see because she led in a such, authority, but it was so, like, caring. And I love and, again, I'm not saying it's just a gas that y'all can ask as, as I talk off the mic. I love black women in leadership because I feel people like Samaya, people like Shakyra, people like Jada. It's you guys have the perfect balance, in my opinion, of, like, when things need to get done, I'm gonna tell you you messing up, but, like, I love you, though.
Anthony:But, like, it is like, y'all it's it, it's so dope.
Shakyra:I'm so glad you mentioned that because I think we was talking about, like, off the mic that that's just basically hardwired into our, you know, like, way of living because as black women, we are nurturing, you know. We all it's so it's, like, naturally instilled in into us to, like, just guide people. You know? Yeah. So I just wanted I'm glad that you, like, bring it up because I had to, like, point that out.
Jada:Yeah. And, I definitely agree with that, especially with just, like, the kinda like what I was saying. I feel like it's really important to shout out those black leaders in your life specifically because you only would understand what I'm saying if you come from a minority or if you've ever walked into a place and 99% of the people don't look like you. When you finally find the person that does, it's like you kinda get a sigh of relief. Like, oh, you get it.
Jada:Like, I could try to talk to somebody else about, like, yeah. Come on, sister. Come on. Come on, sister. You know, like, you understand.
Jada:And I really looked up to Samaya, 1, because she was she's one of my closest friends, but 2, as a leader because she gave me that representation, and she gave a community that representation. So it was more important it was so much more important that she held, and she knew that, which is why she did it. And she did it with such grace because she said, look. You know? We're not used to that.
Jada:We're not used to seeing us up there like that. So if she gonna do it, she gonna do it right. And she did it very well, if you're listening to Lamar. You did it top notch. But the important the the lasting effect we're still talking about it, and that was 2 years ago.
Jada:So the effect she had and that's how important it is to us because when we're black. But imagine hearing when she was EIC, people praising her, what she did for the state news. You know, people were tapped in, tuned in, and that's really where, you know, I get my inspiration from what I wanna do because these are some of the ideas she had because she also found these things important. Naturally, you will if you're a minority, but with the way, you know, the world is going and how unfortunate it is and how even dangerous it is out here for us living life these in this day and age, I wanna stress it so much more because now it's much more than I don't get the opportunity as you. My life is kinda on the line here.
Jada:Like, not even kinda. It's really on the line. On the line. So it's so much more education that has to be had, and there's so much more, you know, conversations that need to be had because you gotta understand who you're dealing with to understand to even tell those stories. You know?
Jada:If you can understand it with us, then you can tell our people's stories because now you know where we're coming from. Mhmm. So that's kind of the way I wanna lead and, you know, just educate. I wanna be an educator, but not like it. I'm not gonna be no teacher.
Jada:That's it. No. I can't do that. But, like, I'm I'm educating in a sense of, you know Yeah. That way, I wanna teach people the real stuff, not like sticking to the book.
Jada:Because I feel like that stuff, you're never gonna go nowhere. I wanna teach you, like, the
Anthony:yeah.
Jada:I want you to get this. Break the box. Yeah. You know? Let's break it and let's really get into what we need to get into, and it's gonna be uncomfortable.
Jada:You look and be like, why are you talking to me about this? Mhmm. But once I'm done, you're gonna understand why it's so important. Right. Especially as a journalist, like, we really need to get into it, like, for real.
Jada:And
Anthony:I feel genuinely, unless you guys don't have anything else said, that was a beautiful way to end the podcast because and I'm a tell them this again when we soon as we hit stop. I love this has been one of my favorite episodes personally really in
Jada:a while. Season?
Anthony:Because, just with how I'm I'm a get into it when we get off the mic because there we go. I'm a ramble. But, before we do our outro again, do you guys have any other thing to mention, before I sort of segue to, like, our end?
Shakyra:In addition, I was gonna say this when we were just, like, talking about, like, being more lenient towards, like like, in a podcast in an instance, like, being more lenient when people, you know, doesn't show up. I would also have to say, like, I also had to learn and have to realize that it's okay to be patient with people because patient goes a long way and I just personally feel like patience is a part of, like, leading in love as well. So that's just me. You know? I just have to learn to be patient and yeah.
Shakyra:Yeah. That's actually a good point
Jada:you mentioned because you're just gonna meet you know, some people just take more time. Yeah. Some people just need more time, and not even just pace to other people. Patient with yourself. Sometimes you need more time.
Jada:You know? Sometimes you need more time to just get into what you need to get into to be that leader to know that you can give you a 100%. Because sometimes you're not even, you know, you're rushing yourself. I gotta get it done. I gotta get it done.
Jada:You know, they're gonna be so upset. And it's like, whatever you get done, they're gonna talk about it anyway because they're like, bro, what is this? This is not the 1st person. 1st and foremost at all times because you're gonna get what you want out of it. So, yes, patience.
Jada:That's a good one. Yeah. I'm patient. Yeah.
Anthony:And I'm glad, and, ironically, that makes that makes me think of one more question. But I love that you answered it in that way because it's a fun it's a great point because we've all talked about it. Whether it's be, like, people talking to us or how we talk to people, patience matters. Because at the end of the day, we're all we all have one goal is at least it with how we lead is to make you feel good as a person and to understand that we love you as a person, and we love what we're trying to create, and that's why we're we may come off more, perfectionist or caring or, like like you said, like, why are you talking to me like this? It's or about this.
Anthony:It's because we want and I've talked about it on this podcast. I've talked about it. I try to when I'm in a by an organization like this, I always think of family. I'm like, okay. How can this move as a family, or how can we get this done as a family?
Anthony:Not just as a team and not just especially just as employees. How can we get this done as a family? So the final question I'll ask, and I'll sort of answer it and give it to you guys to sort of end, just what do you out of everything we've talked about and we've sort of, touched on it a few times, what do you feel is a good leader? To me, if I were to answer that question, it would be someone who's very compassionate, but who's also knows how to get a a goal done. Because at the end of the day, even if I like, how I use myself as an example, if I'm very nice, but when people aren't, if things aren't getting done, I'm a be a nice fired employee.
Anthony:Okay. Because
Shakyra:At the end of
Anthony:the day
Shakyra:We have work to do.
Anthony:And even with my own words of family and, like, care caring about this type of things, we are still at a job. Yeah. And we do and especially our job, we're kinda like, if we don't do our job, the world kinda does it really. And that's a big way to think about it. But as journalists, if we don't tell people stories, how are they gonna be heard?
Shakyra:Exactly.
Anthony:And whether that's writing a story, podcast, if if we don't do it, who is? Right. And as I answer it with Dash, Shakira, and Jada, if you could give you guys own opinion, what is a good leader to you guys?
Shakyra:Yeah. I agree. Like, at the end
Anthony:of the
Shakyra:day, you still gotta do your work. But at the same time, me, personally, a good leader is someone who's willing to work with you, you know? That's why I said, like, I love collaboration. So it's just, like basically, that's why I said, like, help me help you, you know? Mhmm.
Shakyra:Like, give me feedback. Give me the feedback, you know? I wanna hear what could I do be to be better for you, you know, because everybody is different too. You know? Everybody have different learning styles as well or, like, they just approach, you know, their workload differently, you know?
Shakyra:So you just have to sit down and observe. That's another thing too. Like, you really have to sit down and observe people too, just to get to know them better so you can just help them and yeah.
Jada:Yeah. I really like all those answers. If I had to add on to something, I definitely say my, like, perfect or picture perfect leader will also be someone who's self aware
Anthony:Yeah.
Jada:And not just aware of, like, what they're doing, aware of themselves, and can take accountability when they make a mistake, but they keep it real with you that they made a mistake. Like, I don't really like the sugar coated leader. I want them blunt, so I couldn't be that way even if I try.
Anthony:I couldn't get that way even if I you're messing up. Alright?
Jada:I couldn't do that if I try. But I also don't want nobody to sugarcoat me. Because when I get into I would like to say I'm a very you know, when I get into that working space, I like things to be real with me. Like, if something's messing up, let me know because how are we gonna fix it if you're not letting me know? And as far as a leader, especially, like you said, collaboration, that's all that matters when you work with a team and you're leading these groups of people.
Jada:They have to work together. Nothing's gonna get done if we don't work together. Make the dream work. Does. And if you're not keeping it real with them and you're not aware of yourself or how you may lack as a leader, how are we gonna work together to make this product?
Jada:Because now it'll it'll fall back on you. But I think keeping that self awareness, the thing, and understanding that you're also a person too and that give and take, it really can make, you know, the collaboration and the dream a reality. So I would definitely say someone who also not only self aware of them, self aware of who they hired and their staff and making sure they're pitching in where somebody may be slacking
Anthony:Mhmm.
Jada:And picking up notes of their people. And that's really building that connection. Like, when you can sense maybe someone's not having the best day, so their workload kinda got cut in half or, you know, maybe someone hasn't been present. Why haven't they been present so much? They're usually, you know, right on time.
Jada:Give me what did they need to give me. What happened? You know? Self awareness and awareness in that to pick up those signs to keep production moving forward. So really just connecting all that together and yeah.
Jada:Mhmm. And with that being said, again,
Shakyra:I,
Anthony:I always try to give these 2 credit, not only just phenomenal leaders, but phenomenal podcast host. Yeah. And just
Shakyra:You're a good podcast host. You
Jada:know what I mean?
Shakyra:Goal is critical. What's on your mind, y'all?
Jada:You're a great podcast host, Anthony. You know, you're really encouraging. And, you know, you build people up. You you do it too, bro. Add yourself in the
Shakyra:mix. Podcast,
Jada:man. You know, what's on your mind? I've been on there about twice. You know? I haven't been on your ass, but We gonna get her on there.
Jada:Hit them up. You you be in there too, Anthony. Don't always add yourself in that mix, man. It's you 2. We all all shades.
Jada:It's not just us. It's you 2.
Anthony:And I'm glad they do that because, just I'll keep it short, but, very personal. The type of people that they are and just especially with how my my September I had a a heck of a September. Sorry, Tyler. A heck of a heck of a September to, go through. So for them for it to be in a, just thank y'all.
Anthony:Y'all got me Louie. Y'all got me Louie's emotional now, but just with, the type of leaders they are and the type of, environment they've built, I wouldn't and this podcast literally wouldn't be here without the type of leaders and the type of work they've put in. So make sure y'all always tune in to our next episode. Always tune in to the things they produce because I wouldn't be here without them, and then this podcast wouldn't be here without the type of leaders these 2 specifically are. So with that being said, this has been Allstate of Chocolate where we've brought
Jada:The sweetest. The hottest.
Anthony:Black culture at MSU.
Jada:And remember to stay sweet. Bye.