The ronin code
discussions about ‘the way’. Artists, CORPORATE ceo’s, creative ENTREPRENEURS, and all ronin in between.
the ronin code ep.8 - impact & influence
In this episode I sit down with the founder of Sandlot Southeast, Sandlot northwest, Suite Nation, non-profit Arena Social DC and community redevelopment leader Ian Callendar. As well as Rebecca Taber, founder & co-CEO of non-profit organization Merit America, to discuss what it takes to create lasting impact. We chat about the catalyst for them becoming leaders in the world of building systems that benefit others and what it takes to create space where it doesn’t yet exist. Ian Calendar has become known for his work repurposing dilapidated structures and spaces in the DC community. Often creating cultural hubs in their place that promote the arts and serve as places for marginalized voices and creatives to come together and be seen. Rebecca developed Merit America to bridge the gap she saw in how opportunities for professional advancement and career growth were often not spread as evenly as they should be. Her company has created a system through strategic partnerships in which individuals who may have been derailed from a more advantageous career path are given the tools and training to enter into a job market that drastically improves their quality of life and earning potential.
Learn more about Ian Calendar and his projects: IG (@ianeyecan)
Learn more about Merit America:
The Ronin Code Ep. 7 - Curating an experience with your brand/product
In the episode we explore the essence of what makes a brand stand out in even the most crowded market. I am joined by DPT Zachery Cohen, Founder of Cohen Health & Performance, as well as wine & spirits brand consultant turned co-founder of wine brand Michael Lavelle, Devin Kennedy @tiki.dev. We discuss what drives innovation in their industry and curating experiences that separate their businesses from the rest in the instant access, digital age.
The ronin code Ep.6 - Pivoting through uncertAinty
FEat. Co-owner of abigail nightclub, st.yves & kitsuEn ramen bar wayne johnson with co-owner/founder of someWhere dc, dominIck adams
Wayne Johnson @waynerunsdc and Dominick Adams @dominickadams discuss how they have had to navigate and pivot their businesses during these unprecedented times. These two share valuable insight into the mindset behind how they have managed to keep pushing through uncertain and unforeseen challenges that have already taken a toll on so many others.
The Ronin Code Ep.5 - AdJusting & InnovatIng In a crowded markEtplace : Ft. CEO of the knot woRlwide/Founder of Wedding Wire & Co-Founder of Vendoo
In this episode I discuss adapting & innovating while creating a unique presence in tech markets. Timothy Chi, founder of Wedding Wire & current CEO of The Knot Worldwide trades stories and tips for success with fashion insider & reseller turned Vendoo tech entrepreneur Josh @Get_Dizzy Dzime-Assison. These two creative tech entrepreneurs also share their values and experience in building successful companies in very competitive markets.
The Ronin Code Ep.4 (Part 2) - Nina Gloster & Miatrai Brown: Authenticity in diversity discussions.
Part 2 of my discussion with hollywood film and television writer Nina Gloster @writeher and Washington DC based corporate immigration attorney Miatrai Brown @elegant_esq as they share their experiences as black women in different arenas representing the authentic voices of those that are underrepresented as a whole.
The Ronin Code Ep.4 (Part 1) - Nina Gloster & Miatrai Brown: Authenticity in diversity discussions.
For episode 4 we are highlighting the importance of having authentic voices for diversity in any and all spaces. Too often the conversations that are important to the representation of marginalized voices in various spaces, are fundamentally flawed because they don’t include those voices in the rooms where imporatnat decisions are being made. Hollywood film and television writer Nina Gloster @writeher joins Washington DC based corporate immigration attorney Miatrai Brown @elegant_esq to share their experiences as black women in different arenas dealing with representing that voice.
The Ronin Code Ep.3 - The Black Experience ft. Yaddiya (Justin johnson), Lafayette barnes, marcus mason
We sit down to discuss the realities facing the African American community in America today. Touching on subjects such as the narrative as it currently exits, pertaining to the Black community and the challenges of finding productive means for achieving a better tomorrow. Community advocate and Moechella organizer Justin Johnson @Yaddiya , licensed psychotherapist and counselor Marcus Mason @minds_in_motion_therapy as well as Lafayette Barnes @lafayette4dc , Editor-in-Chief of The Washington Informer Bridge @WiBridge , sit down to share their perspective.
The Ronin Code Ep.2: UnkleScooty & Michelle Andrade - Adaptations in creative entrepreneurship
One of the definitions of ‘RONIN’ can be interpreted as ‘the wave man’... To “be like water” is a famous saying most dynamically explained by Bruce Lee... water can take any form and even change its state, but maintains its essence through it all. Water can crash, or it can flow. Kevin @unklescooty Hallums, the all around entrepreneur & brand influencer along with entrepreneur & creative strategist Michelle @vovo_ Andrade, join me to discuss adapting and adjusting in all conditions.
The Ronin Code Ep.1: Persistence and Purpose ft. DJ Malcom Xavier & Martin Amini
In the installment we talk with DJ Malcolm Xavier, Co-founder of WEG studios, WKYS 93.9 resident DJ and member of Joy Club, as well as Comedian and founder of Room 808 comedy & Jazz club as well as The Overachievers Comedy show, which boasts a bi-coastal presence, Martin Amini on the topic of Persistence & Purpose.