Momentum Now

Empowering Identity & Impacting Careers with Ian Matthew-Clayton | Momentum Now Podcast Ep 18

📄 Episode DescriptionIn this inspiring episode of Momentum Now, we sit down with Ian Matthew Clayton, Vice President and Chief Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Officer at Dana Farber Cancer Institute. From immigrating to the U.S. at six years old to shaping talent strategies at top institutions, Ian’s journey is all about leading with purpose, owning your story, and building a career rooted in authenticity.
Ian shares insights on• Understanding yourself before launching your career• Why excellence matters more than doing everything• Turning culture and identity into career strengths• How coming out in the workplace changed everything for him• Using AI as a tool to sharpen, not replace, your voice• The importance of mentorship, boundaries, and being intentional
This episode is a must for young professionals navigating school, internships, and the early stages of career growth. Whether you’re figuring out what’s next or trying to grow without burning out, Ian’s story will give you clarity, encouragement, and strategy.

I Can, I Will, & I Did: Samina Bari on Power, Healing & Defying Limits | Momentum Now Ep 17

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, Samina Bari—biopharma leader, twin mom, and author of I Can, I Will & I Did—shares her incredible journey of defying cultural expectations, navigating personal trauma, and rising to the top of a male-dominated industry.
Samina opens up about what it really takes to build a life on your own terms: persistence, self-belief, and choosing to be fueled by love—not anger. From breaking barriers in leadership to transforming pain into purpose, her story is a blueprint for anyone looking to rise above their circumstances and create lasting impact.
This episode is a must-listen for young professionals ready to own their power, rewrite their narrative, and break limits—boldly and unapologetically.
 
Pick up a copy of Samina's book here: I Can, I Will, & I Did
 
⏱️ TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – 5:30 | Introduction & Early CareerSamina shares her background, growing up in a culturally traditional household, and the pivotal moments that sparked her drive.
5:30 – 15:00 | Breaking Cultural ExpectationsA deep dive into how she challenged family norms, found her voice, and pushed into spaces where she wasn’t always welcomed.
15:00 – 25:00 | Leadership & Resilience in PharmaSamina discusses her rise in the biopharma world, how she built credibility, and key lessons in leadership.
25:00 – 35:00 | Using Empathy & Power EffectivelyShe explores the balance between empathy, negotiation, and standing her ground in high-stakes environments.
35:00 – 42:00 | The Power of Love & HealingSamina and the hosts reflect on her mindset shift—choosing to fuel her growth with love, not anger—and the ripple effects on her personal and professional life.
42:00 – 46:30 | Rapid Fire & Final ReflectionsQuick Q&A covering best/worst advice, her personal “why,” and closing words of encouragement for young professionals.
 

Resilience, Relationships, and Rising: Kishane Davis’ Blueprint for Career Success

In this powerful episode of Momentum Now, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with Kishane Davis, a senior biotech leader and leadership coach, to explore his extraordinary career journey. 🌟
Kishane shares how he transitioned from a clinical occupational therapy background to a thriving career in pharmaceutical sales and leadership, fueled by resilience, mentorship, and a relentless drive to diversify his skill set. Raised in a Jamaican household where education, hard work, and entrepreneurship were core values, Kishane reflects on how those early lessons shaped his personal and professional growth.
Listeners will learn:
The importance of embracing discomfort to unlock new opportunities
Why building authentic relationships can change the trajectory of your career
How mentorship and consistency helped him break into competitive industries
Real-world strategies for navigating career transitions and standing out in today’s market
How to create a personal brand rooted in confidence, integrity, and resilience
Kishane’s story is a masterclass in how young professionals of color can move from surviving to thriving, one bold step at a time. 🔥
🎧 Listen and subscribe:
Spotify: open.spotify.com/show/5qy1R6AnexTiZRyDWFlbCv
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/momentum-now/id1749694194
YouTube: youtube.com/@mvpoc9565
🌟 Learn more about MVP:
Website: mvpoc.org
Instagram: @mvpoc
Facebook: facebook.com/mvpoc2020
LinkedIn: Momentum and Value for People of Color (MVP)

Toxic Hustle, Real Healing: Dr. Juan Rios on Mental Health, Identity & Leading with Purpose

Our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, sit down with Dr. Juan Rios—a powerhouse in mental health, trauma-informed care, and inclusive leadership. As Chair of Social Work at Seton Hall University and founder of Rios & Associates, Dr. Rios brings not only a stacked list of credentials but a deeply personal story of resilience, purpose, and authenticity.
In this episode, Dr. Rios opens up about surviving foster care, living with survivor’s guilt, and the “toxic hustle” that fueled his early success. He unpacks how mindfulness, vulnerability, and finding your tribe are key to thriving in both your career and your personal healing.

Episode 14: Breaking Barriers with Wema Hoover on Leadership and DEI

In this episode of Momentum Now, Karen and Bob sit down with Wema Hoover, a global Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion leader and CEO of Be Limitless Consulting. Wema takes us through her journey, from organizational development to leading DEI efforts at Google, Pfizer, and beyond!

Episode 13: Redefining Leadership—The Third Way to Thrive with Mohan Sivaloganathan

This week on Momentum Now, we’re joined by Mohan Sivaloganathan, CEO of Harmonious Leadership and the “Batman of Social Impact.” Mohan’s career in social justice has taught him the importance of creating a balance between performance and personal wellbeing.
From his early days navigating corporate America to empowering young leaders to lead with authenticity, Mohan offers insights into how we can all adopt a “third way” of leadership—one that’s sustainable, innovative, and deeply personal.
Tune in as we explore how to break free from burnout culture, embrace curiosity, and elevate your career through meaningful connections and storytelling.

Episode 12: Navigating Early Roles with HR Expert Greg Griesemer

Today on Momentum Now, co-hosts Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane sit down with HR strategist and talent expert Greg Griesemer, founder of 1130 Works. Greg takes us through his unique career journey, starting from an unlikely first job that shaped his relationship-centered approach to HR. Along the way, he shares valuable insights into building a network that fuels career growth, finding purpose in hybrid and in-office roles, and identifying the right time to make your next career move.

Episode 11 | Nourishing Change: Maya Feller’s Mission for Food Justice & Health Equity

Today, our co-hosts, Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks, sit down with the incredible, Maya Feller, the founder and lead dietitian of Maya Feller Nutrition. Maya shares her inspiring journey from experimental theater to becoming a national nutrition expert, with features on major platforms like Good Morning America and The New York Times. Maya also dives into the importance of culturally relevant foods, anti-bias in nutrition, and her mission for food justice, offering practical tips for students and professionals balancing busy careers while maintaining their health and well-being.

Episode 10: Empowering the Next Generation Through Education with Andrea Walker

Today, our co-hosts, Karen McFarlane and Bob Brooks, speak with Andrea Walker, the Chief Operating Officer of Cooperman College Scholars. Andrea shares her journey through nonprofit leadership, the importance of providing students with financial freedom to pursue their education, and how to navigate career pivots with purpose.

Episode 9: Teaching with Purpose and Leading with Heart with Jeffrey Veale Jr.

Today, our co-hosts, Bob Brooks and Karen McFarlane, speak with Jeffrey Veale Jr., Managing Director of Alumni Programs and Leadership Experiences at Teach for America. Jeffrey shares his journey from rural North Carolina to teaching in Uganda and founding a charter school in Memphis. He reveals the personal and professional lessons he’s learned along the way, how navigating discomfort shaped his success, and the importance of representation in education, especially for young people of color.