Ep 105: Blazing Her Own Path From The Stripper Pole and Prison: An Interview with Dr. V Boykin

In this episode, Founder & CEO of Kadima Careers, Alan Stein, asks podcast interview questions he never thought he would ever ask anyone.  His guest, Dr. Vrnda ‘V’ Boykin, leans into vulnerability for one of the first times and shares how her former life as a single mom, stripper, and a convict taught her to overcome adversity and succeed on her own terms. She says: “Shame is a huge motivator. . .and nightmares are fuel.”

Dr. ‘V’ lives in integrity by owning her mistakes and eloquently shares how she chose education and executive coaching as the tools which would enable her to take a seat at the corporate workplace table and hopefully, help other women and BIPOC experience greater equity.

Tune into this enlightening interview and learn why Dr. ‘V’ says women second guess themselves, and what companies can creatively do to promote healthy work-life and work-family balances and DEI.

And if you are feeling down about how challenging the job market is now, remember that Dr. ‘V’ got jobs at Groupon and HubSpot after being incarcerated. You will get a job, too!

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

✅ Overcoming Shame: Dr. V Boykin highlights shame as a motivator, pushing her to overcome obstacles despite facing judgment and societal stigmas.

✅ Authenticity in the Workplace: Bringing one's full self to the workplace, authentically addressing challenges and biases, is crucial for success. This authenticity can help in selecting supportive managers and fostering a conducive work environment.

✅ Continuous Learning: Education is emphasized as a pathway to equity, with Dr. V Boykin's personal experience reflecting a significant pay increase after obtaining her degree.

✅ Manager Selection: Choosing the right manager is vital for career growth and fulfillment, often outweighing the importance of the job itself. The advice includes prioritizing companies with supportive management cultures.